A distinct improvement on the last book in the series, and I reckon that's because Gretchen Lowell isn't in it. That sounds counter-intuitive in itself, as she's clearly the most interesting and charismatic character of the lot, but her mere presence causes the IQ of everyone around her to drop to room temperature. Aside from lovely sensible Henry, of course - and it's no coincidence that when he's out of action for most of the book, the remainder of the characters have to rely on their own damn common sense for a minute and actually begin behaving like their actions have consequences. (It's much less easy to be a thoughtless, selfish twit when you have to clean up after yourself.) Hopefully now that the deeply unlikeable Archie has managed to knock off one serial killer without metaphorically disemboweling himself with guilt, he'll stop prevaricating when it comes to the rest. Still hate him, though, and I'm honestly hoping that come the end of the series he dies.

On the other hand, I will never not love an octopus.