When the local constable reports a man with a gun at a local abandoned video store that had been under suspicion by
the antiterrorist unit, Pascoe and Dalziel go to investigate. As they approach the store, they are caught in a
violent bomb blast. Andy Dalziel is seriously injured, but Pascoe, though injured, is saved by Dalziel’s bulk.
Dalziel (The Fat Man) lies in a comatose state, hovering between life and death with a stream of out-of-body
excursions. Pascoe is determined to discover the source of the bomb and inserts himself into the team of
anti-terrorism specialists who are looking into the accident. The terrorist link to a branch of the historic
Knights Templar, who take the law into their own hands, murdering men they believe to be terrorists. Some of the
villains seem to be connected with the Yorkshire Constabulary.
Familiarity with the previous Dalziel / Pascoe adventures adds to the understanding of the story. The dialogue
is clever and witty. The character descriptions are excellent. The characters both good and bad are thoroughly
engaging.
You must read the book to determine the fate of Andy Dalziel. I refuse to spoil the book for you.
This is a highly literate thriller written in Hill's usual erudite style. He has a great command of the English
language. I must confess that when I read a Hill novel, I keep a dictionary nearby. I always learn a few new words.
Reginald Hill is both enjoyment and education.