Here is a novel as richly imagined as the jacket. A multi layered fight for the truth, set in a cold (on may levels) environment. A chilling, gripping read with a   vanishing point disappearing into the darkness.

Lhasa detective Shan Lia has a  past, one that won’t stand in the way of investigating the death of a child, a boy found with his neck broken, but that’s not all: it transpires that  there have been other deaths, similar to this.

But Lia’s superiors don’t want panic marching across the bleak countryside whipping up alarm, and demands for justice, perhaps criticism of the force.  But Lia   won’t let them stop her. So then the threats begin giving Lia no choice but to turn her back on bringing the killer to justice. Until another boy is murdered. Then another.

Casting aside caution, Lia pursues the killer. but there are spies in the monasteries of Tibet and others unknown  trying to thwart her hunt for justice, On she goes, but what price will she pay?

This is a thought provoking novel, well written, as CJ Carver’s novels are. Not only is it gripping, evocative, but alarming. Through the eyes of a Chinese police officer the book poses the question of what might happen after the death of the Dalai Lama. A must have read. You won’t regret it.

The Snow Thief by CJ Carver pb £7.00 and in eBook.