Ah, the crazed mind. This second entry in an outstanding series (after The Broken Token) begins with a murder of vengeance. We learn this from the killer's perspective, as the newly released criminal returns to 1732 Leeds to wreak havoc on those who sent him to prison. Constable Nottingham, as strong and good as ever, is grieving over the recent death of his older daughter. But when the murderer starts delivering little books bound with the flesh of his victims, the constable snaps into high alert. A small but devoted police staff and an unusually varied group of informants prove that Nottingham can play hardball, too. VERDICT With its accessible language and likable supporting characters, this stunning historical will just as easily appeal to contemporary thriller fans. Nickson is developing an unusual series that is strong on creepy: Chelsea Cain goes 18th century, anyone?

Set in 1732, Nickson's superb follow-up to 2010's The Broken Token finds Richard Nottingham, constable of the city of Leeds, fearful that he will lose more loved ones after his older daughter falls ill and dies. An especially hard winter is making things tough for the entire community. Then a savage murder—that of wool merchant Samuel Graves, whose throat was cut and the skin flayed from his back—tests Nottingham and his men to their utmost. While the motive for the mutilation murder of the respectable Graves isn't obvious, the constable soon learns the grisly reason for the trophy taking. Other victims will follow, he realizes, if he doesn't manage to stop the butcher first. Nickson, who does an excellent job depicting an honest, damaged policeman trying to seek justice at a time when influence trumps truth, may yet join the front rank of historical mystery writers. (Nov.)