Old school crumpled detective Vera returns for its eighth series. DCI Vera Stanhope is called into action when a charred body is found in an abattoir incinerator. The abattoir owner insists that the body is not a staff member and the death has nothing to do with his company. Maybe the haulage company who delivered the carcasses might have some involvement.
The case takes a serious turn when the body is identified of a policeman, 38 years in the force who was on the eve of his retirement.
The story had a labyrinth plot with unreliable suspects, a lot of them with something to hide. The abattoir owner who once received a suspended sentence some years ago, people at the haulage firm appear to be involved in money laundering. There are also issues regarding the victim. Was he too honest or too crooked?
It was enjoyable but rather hokey at the same time. I really found it hard to believe that a policeman would serve 38 years on the force and still be bitter that he has to go. The police officers I have known take their pension as soon as they could unless they are of an extremely high rank.
I also expect better technical advice for a crime series. Barristers turn up to represent their client's in court not attend at the police station. Solicitors do the legwork at the police station and if you have a complain about them, you do not go to the Bar Council.
