Something To Hide by Elizabeth George

 

An English policewoman has been killed.  She worked in a unit that fought the crime of female genital mutilation or FGM which had become an issue with the large number of immigrants from cultures that still practiced it on their daughters.  Her secret, which very few knew until her death, was that she herself had been a victim of this practice.

There are plenty of suspects.  The policewoman had just managed to close down a clinic where FGM was performed.  She was having an affair with her boss so both he and his wife had motives.  Her ex-husband was still in love with her and wanted her back although she was resisting his advances.  Her sister was in an affair with her ex-husband, willing to soothe his wounded feelings.  

Then there is a Nigerian family through whose eyes we see the reasons why FGM has remained an issue and how it tears apart families.  There is a young girl, Simi, whose parents both are planning to have the operation performed on her.  Simi's big brother, Tani, is determined that this will never happen to his little sister and is willing to stand up to his parents to make sure that doesn't happen.

All the main characters are in this novel.  DCI Lynley heads up a team investigating the murders with Barbara Havers and Winston Nkata assisting.  Deborah and Simon, Lynley's best friends,  hide the young girl in their home and Deborah is working with a group that shelters the young girls slated for this operation.  

This is the twenty-first book in this series.  Fans of George will enjoy this one with its intensive research into this issue and the twists and turns that emerge as the story unfolds.  Some may question whether focusing on an issue unique to specific cultures is wise, but George has chosen to do so and to highlight all sides of the problem.  This book is recommended for mystery fans.