A Wash of Black (Di Erika Piper, #1)

by Chris McDonald

[zooloo1983]

This is a debut book and just wow! What a strong start to Chris’ writing career! I was lucky enough to do a tiny bit of beta reading for Chris with what seems a long time ago but it was only August/September and along with Danielle and Sarah, we have seen this awesome journey he’s having. However, don’t think I will be biased in my review and to be honest, I am not sure I can find the right words either!!!!
Here we meet DI Erika Piper, first day back in the job and she’s gone and caught a doozy of a case! A famous actress murdered in an ice rink the same as the film she starred in! Be warned some scenes might not be to everyone’s taste, me, on the other hand, I think I am pretty much desensitised so I found it more fascinating to read..don’t worry I am not going on any killing spree!! However, the recreation of the murders hit a little bit close to home at some points for Erika and all I will say is I never want to go to the premiere of a film again!
What I loved about Erika is she is such a well-rounded and likeable character. She has feelings, she cries and can be quite emotional but she’s determined and she is trying to overcome her past and nail the person who is killing people. Her past is uncovered slowly, teasing it out to the reader and although not all the details are fully disclosed you learn enough to know what happens and man it’s harsh! However, she does not one to let it hinder her working the case, where it has done in her personal life. She is tenacious and leaves no stone unturned. She follows the clues and it was only because of something she said whilst watching Netflix that had me screaming at her about one crime scene!!
Her partnership with Liam is one to enjoy. They know how to work with each other and act like an old married couple. So at ease and no tension, no acts of bravado they work as a unit. Solving the clues together but working in their own ways. I love this duo so much, they have each other back, they would die for each other and you can feel that through the pages. Although, I do hope it does NOT come to that at any point!!
I can see this series going from strength to strength with McDonald’s confidence growing with the series. His writing flows and he knows that by writing short chapters he will keep you hooked with just one more chapter!! I don’t feel any part of the book was unnecessary everything has its place and adds to the story, not detracts from it. The reveal is clever and hand on heart I didn’t see coming until Erika had her ‘Eureka’ moment. and boy when she did, it just all hit the fan! I do love a book that can do that to me. The research that has gone into this book is amazing and it shines through, from the terminology and even the smallest things like a walkthrough of a scene or the possessiveness of a forensic team.
I am looking forward to seeing what Erika gets embroiled into next time…hopefully nothing too gruesome like this case!! But from what I hear it that might just be the case……