The book made me want to know more about this woman coroner who was prepared to put her career on the line by investigating a death when the powers of the British Government had united against her.
What had happened to her husband and why was her relationship with her son so troubled?
However, putting aside those questions, the book is a cracker.
The woman, as portrayed by author Hall, is driven to uncover the smallest part of the truth in an effort to complete a larger picture.
The small type makes it seem longer than the 351 printed pages, but every page maintains an unrelenting pace of inquiry.
Even the obligatory love scene happens at such a pace that it was nearly missed, such was the enthusiasm with which I embraced the complex plot.
Although the reason for the horrific plane crash seemed obvious from the first few chapters, do not be lulled into any false sense of security as the plot takes many twists and turns before revealing the true nature of the crash.
Given the rise, and sometimes fall, of airline companies around the world, the book is topical.
Technology features throughout, making it even more relevant to 2012.
• Dene Mackenzie is business editor of the Otago Daily Times.
