THOMAS Lynley, now the star of a successful TV series, is set a daunting new mystery along with his loyal, fiery colleague Barbara Havers. Four youths have been kidnapped, tortured and murdered in London, but their dumped bodies are not identified or link

THOMAS Lynley, now the star of a successful TV series, is set a daunting new mystery along with his loyal, fiery colleague Barbara Havers.

Four youths have been kidnapped, tortured and murdered in London, but their dumped bodies are not identified or linked until the last one is found.

Suddenly Scotland Yard realises there's a serial killer at work and as three of the victims are black or mixed race, the obnoxious Assistant Commissioner fears allegations of institutionalised racism.

The focus is on the Colossus outreach centre as a link between the youths.

Is it really helping youngsters find some sort of purpose in life or is it a cover for sinister and even murderous activities?

George, a writer who has made some unlikely characters thoroughly believable and thoroughly likeable, is in excellent form here.