The Death Pictures : Simon Hall

A dying artist creates a series of ten paintings - The Death Pictures - which contain a mysterious riddle, leading the way to a unique and highly valuable prize. Thousands attempt to solve it. But before the answer can be revealed, the painter is murdered.

A serial rapist is working through a series of attacks. He isn't shy to make clear his hatred of women, and taunting of the police. He leaves his calling card, a witch's hat at the houses he breaks into, each numbered from a pack of six.

The detectives face baffling questions. Why kill the artist when he would die naturally in just a few weeks time? What to make of the attempted break in at his house just before his death? Could it be connected with the rapes, all of which have been carried out in the area around his home?

The media interest in the cases is intense, and Detective Chief Inspector Adam Breen again turns to his friend, TV Crime reporter Dan Groves to help him handle it. Dan does - at the price of some great scoops, and an involvement in the case that eventually leads him to effectively talk to the rapist, using the stories he broadcasts to lure him into a trap, and finally, discover the extraordinary solution to the riddle.

This is the 2nd book in Simon Hall's hugely popular Dan Groves Investigates series. 

“Intriguing and intelligent with vividly drawn characters and a deviously clever plot. If you only have time to read one crime novel make it this one…”

“The best read I've had for a long time…”

“An unique and insightful perspective on crime-writing which is refreshing and extremely entertaining…”

“The right mix of funny and tense!...”

“The Death Pictures draws you in from its first compelling words and sweeps you along to its breathtaking climax…”

“One of those books that keeps you hooked until all the questions have been resolved, and it's very satisfying when you get there. The solution to the riddle is as simple as it is clever, and you'll never forget it !”

“A brilliant read, with a gripping plot…”

“A well-written, well paced detective story with the additional appeal of a riddle to solve…”

“A gripping and exciting read from the start- the type that keeps you up until all hours of the night because you're desperate to find out what happens next!”