Sacrifice

by: S. J. Bolton

Published by: St. Martin's Minotaur (May 27 release)

Reviewed by Andrea Sisco

Tora Hamilton is an obstetrician and recently moved to her husband’s birthplace in the remote Shetland Islands. It’s early May and raining when Tora climbs aboard a mini-digger to bury her horse, Jamie. After an hour of digging, the bucket catches on something. Tora checks it out and discovers a large object, wrapped in fabric. The discovery turns out to be the body of a woman.

Upon further examination it is learned that the woman’s heart had been cut out of her, there were symbols carved in her body (symbols seen around the island), and she had recently given birth.

Tora becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to the woman but is dissuaded by just about everyone. Her investigation leads her to an ancient Shetland legend. The results of her investigation could be dangerous for Tora. Someone may want Tora gone, for good.

The atmosphere of Sacrifice is delicious. You’ll feel that you’ve ”˜dropped’ into the Shetland Islands for a visit. The fast-paced plot with its mix of police and medical procedure, the folklore, and the interesting characters make for a gripping story. I can only hope that this character and local will be a series.

Armchair Interviews says: A must read.

Author’s Web site: http://www.SJBolton.com