Welcome to 1989. This is the second novel in Val McDermid’s series featuring journalist Allie Burns.  I liked the first one (https://www.jackreidy.com/blog/2021/10/04/1979-by-val-mcdermid/) and now it is 10 years later and there have been quite a few changes in 10 years.

But before I get into that, let me thank Netgalley for the chance to read this before publication. I read the first in the series and liked it so I was glad of this chance.

In 1979 Allie began her career in journalism and had an early success with a Glasgow paper which led to a career in investigative journalism.  I don’t think it necessary to have read that book to enjoy this one but it is nice to know more of the back story on many of the characters.

When she had the chance to join an investigative team in Manchester, she jumped at the chance.  Unfortunately, the newspaper was soon bought by Ace Lockhart who thought investigative journalism was a waste of money and the newspaper should concentrate on sensational news that made more money.  The most of team she joined was let go and Allie become the main reporter for the northern UK.

But she does manage to work some investigation into the job.  While looking into trials of an AIDS medication that were terminated in Scotland and moved to East Germany, she gets involved in a complicated series of event.

Val McDermid weaves many events of the late 1980s into a great story.