Lazybones    by Mark Billingham Order:  USA  Can William Morrow, 2004 (2003) Hardcover, Paperback      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth In Lazybones, third in a series, Detective Inspector Tom Thorne is investigating the rapes and murders of rapists who have served their time in jail for their crimes. The investigation points to many possible perpetrators but does not easily narrow down to one. The action is fast-paced, the writing tight, the plot plausible, and the characters finely tuned - right down to a detective who is expecting the birth of his first child with great trepidation. Thorne's character is a likable one. He's hard-working, conscientious, and anxious about the flatness of his personal life, while almost afraid to step out of the box. His concern and love for his ailing father not only endorses what he feels is his responsibility to a parent, but shows a tender side that is endearing. The mounds of legwork as well as paperwork that must be done to solve a case are monumental. Billingham plows through them all and still manages to keep his story flowing. The reader is taken step by step through the investigatory process, while the tension mounts with each page. Short italic paragraphs give the reader brief glimpses into the killer's brain - and make one want to share this unexpected knowledge with Thorne. An added bonus for Anglophiles is that the action takes place in and around North London - always a plus for me. I recommend Lazybones to you as an exciting read. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews