A change of circumstance A Simon Serrailler case

DCS Simon Serrailler returns in a story that's part murder mystery, part police procedural, and part slice-of-life examination of human foibles. Serrailler is called to the scene of a young man's death from a drug overdose. But that's just the beginning. As he tries to determine the victim's identity and how he came to be in a vacant flat above a Chinese herbalist's shop, Serrailler realizes the death is just the tip of the iceberg. The drug problem, which seemed limited to big cities, has spread across Britain, even to small towns and villages. Kids as young as nine are being recruited by drug dealers to act as couriers in exchange for the latest model phone or a shiny new bike. At the same time as Serrailler is dealing with these issues, his sister, Cat, is juggling a hectic job in private medicine, his nephew has broken up with his girlfriend and is having a career crisis, and Simon himself is struggling to balance his personal life with the job. There's lots going on here, but as usual, Hill weaves many disparate themes into one riveting, deeply affecting story awash in suspense and social commentary. Top-notch!

The death of a young man from a heroin overdose drives British author Hill's choppy 11th novel featuring Det. Chief Supt. Simon Serrailler of the Lafferton, England, police (after 2020's The Benefit of Hindsight). Serrailler's search for the identity of the victim draws him into a sordid world where lonely children are groomed and used as drug mules. Harrowing scenes focus on the home lives of an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old, both girls. Meanwhile, Cat Deerbon, Serrailler's physician daughter, becomes overly involved in the lives of her patients. Cat is also worried about her son's romantic relationship, the health of her little dog, and the painful leg injury of her husband, a chief constable. Serrailler does his own fair share of pondering whether he's ready to allow a woman to share his life. This is essentially a soap opera with a bit of cop action and social observation, such as that drugs are no longer just a big-city problem. Series fans will enjoy catching up with Serrailler and company, but this isn't the place to start for newcomers. Agent: Vivien Green, Sheil Land Assoc. (U.K.). (Mar.)