Dead Embers

This is the third book in Matt Brolly's DCI Michael Lambert series and my main problem is that I've run out of stars. Dead Eyed was a solid 4-star introduction to the series. Dead Lucky I devoured in one sitting and awarded 5 stars. Dead Embers has been the best one yet, but I'm stuck with 5 stars.
The first chapter grabbed me straight away and I wanted to get back to this as soon as possible when I was forced to put it down. The plot is complex, well crafted and clever. It involves arson, kidnapping, murder, explosions, corruption, and a whole lot of other stuff. I'm being intentionally vague here because there are several surprises along the way and it would be easy to include spoilers. I could not have guessed how the story developed. show more Very imaginative and intriguing.
You could get away with reading this as a standalone, but reading the series in order is preferable as there is a cast of recurring characters and their history and relationships are so well developed, it would be a shame to miss out on that.
We're into book 3 and I'm still not sure what to make of Lambert's superior, Chief Superintendent Glenn Tillman. The man is an enigma. I truly love DCI Michael Lambert although I couldn't actually say quite what it is that makes him so likable. He's certainly not the chattiest person ever and some of his actions are questionable, but he is so dedicated and struggling with his past, you can't help but feel for him.
Matt Brolly keeps the balance just right between delving into Lambert's private life and his investigative work and the crime thriller aspects. There were a couple of times when I felt Lambert's intuition or maybe his deduction skills were just a tad too convenient to be truly believable. However, the story was so fast-paced and gripping, I was far too involved to let it bother me too much. The ending left me with a huge grin on my face although that may not have been 100% appropriate.
More, please!
I received an ARC via NetGalley show less

I'm not really sucked into this series so far, but it keeps my interest and I am entertained, so I'm fine with it.

Well worked plot with plenty of red herrings before the villians are identified.