Harassment and assault take their toll on a British army base in Germany as the Special Investigation Branch's Max Rydal (Czech Mate, 2007, etc.) struggles for control. Easter approaches. Sergeant Major Tom Black's three daughters rehearse their parts in the school play while his wife Nora rushes to finish sewing the dresses for a spring bridal party. Major Charles Clarkson, the unit's surgeon, readies his family for their trip to Portugal. But all's far from well with decorated helicopter pilot Sam Collier and his beautiful wife Margot. Anonymous letters threaten Sam, then someone tries to run Margot off the road. Two nights after Margot reports the harassment to the SIB, Max almost runs over Sam lying on the road, beaten unconscious. When he awakens, Sam stonewalls both Tom and Max, claiming he can't remember the attack, until Clarkson finally sends the two Redcaps away for badgering his patient. Clarkson's days darken when a teenager accuses him of inappropriate touching. Soon the base is in an uproar as vigilante parents scream for Clarkson's head; unexpected grudges arise among pilots and enlisted men; and Margot's father, General Phipps, sends a stern warning to close the case soon. Rydal's fourth adventure serves up a tastier blend of family drama and military sleuthing than you'd likely find in the Mess. With all that infighting and backstabbing, it's a wonder the troops have any time left for the enemy. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Max Rydal of the British Army's Special Investigation Branch is back in another exciting military mystery. Army helicopter pilot Sam Collier and his wife, Margot, are the ideal couple handsome, wealthy, and deeply in love. Although Margot's father, a senior military man, has ensured Sam's quick rise through the ranks, Sam has also gained street cred among his colleagues and a medal from the queen for carrying out a daring rescue of the wounded in Basra. So it's a shock to Max when Margot turns up at SIB headquarters, asking him to find out who's behind a hate campaign against her husband. Max immediately suspects the culprits are men from Collier's battalion who resent Sam's golden-boy image, but he finds no evidence. Only after Max realizes that there is more to the beautiful couple than what first appears is he able to unravel the disturbing truth. Solid writing, authentic details of military life, plenty of action, and a sensible, everyman hero make this an enjoyable new entry in an always-reliable series.--Melton, Emily Copyright 2008 Booklist