I've always thought of this superb series as one of the most underrated in the genre and so far Brack has backed that up with every gripping instalment, with A Second Death marking the fifth adventure newly promoted Captain Josef Slonsky takes us, lucky readers, on. For the avoidance of doubt, each instalment can easily be read independently of one another without issue. The potent and highly engaging mix of compelling plot, black humour, delightful writing and not forgetting the inimitable, tenacious Slonsky — who has become one of my favourite protagonists of late — all make this a special and thoroughly enjoyable set of books.

I didn't realise quite how much I had missed this unique series but was rapidly reminded just how much of a sophisticated and rare gem it is. Once more we are introduced to the beautiful, atmospheric Prague metropolis as Slonsky embarks on his toughest case yet. On banks of the River Vittava, the body of a young girl washes up. She has been brutally murdered and shows disturbing signs of long-term sexual abuse. Czech police are not only shocked to the core but are baffled by the fact that she has no identification and that no youngster has been reported missing. Can his team, with him at the helm, identify and collar this predator and take him off the streets before another girl becomes the prey?

Throughout the story, there are plenty of twists and turns, peaks and troughs and the pacing is pretty spot on too. Humour has always helped to achieve a balance between the light and dark in these novels but it is particularly necessary with the brutal, sickening crime involving children here. I urge anyone interested in well-crafted, multifaceted crime fiction to give this book and/or series a go. Another highly entertaining and immersive police procedural, and whilst I didn't love it quite as much as its predecessors it's still executed to a very high standard. Roll on the next one! Many thanks to Sapere Books for an ARC.