I have been a fan of this series for some time and each book absorbs me into the seedy underbelly of London in a new way. Being from the States, I am oblivious to a great many British intricacies, but that has never stopped me from becoming invested in the story and, most especially, the characters.

Lethal White takes its time setting up the primary plot in ways I find both refreshing and different than expected in this fourth novel. I found myself more invested in the early lead-in from a bit of a cliffhanger ending in Career of Evil and didn't really want to leave it to start the A-plot of this book.

My excitement to read about Robin and Strike's everyday tribulations makes even what some might call slower moments every bit as interesting as the sleuthing that a good detective novel is known for. All the subterfuge, clue gathering, and big reveals are here as well, and they are well paced, well thought out, and expertly executed, but to me, they seem to take a backseat to the personal drama chewing up our character's lives away from the job. It's almost as if tracking murderers is a vacation from the stress and headaches they deal with off the clock.

That and the continuing swell of chemistry and tension between our leads draw me forward. For that reason, I have already ordered Book 5, and I suspect it will arrive today.