Business is booming at Cormoran Strike’s detective agency. Well, it was until his secretary Robin opened a package addressed to her and in it found a woman’s leg. Naturally, the press splashed it all over the news, and Strike has become about as popular as the plague. To make matters worse, he’s not exactly a favorite among London’s Metropolitan Police, after having outwitted them in two high-profile cases. He does have one friend inside, though --- Detective Inspector Wardle --- although their relationship could best be described as on the cool side of lukewarm.

When asked if he has anyone in mind as the sender of the leg, Strike surprises DI Wardle with a relatively lengthy list in answer to his inquiry. “You know four men who’d send you a severed leg? Four?” The policeman hadn’t expected to get even one lead, let alone multiple ones. Now he has a wealth of suspects to look into.

"CAREER OF EVIL starts with a bang (or rather a nasty package) and rushes forward with loads of action and tension at every turn..."

So off the police go to chase down those leads. But Strike notices they seem to be heading in the one direction that he considers the weakest. In fact, he’s sorry he even brought up the man’s name. He’s become convinced that there’s no connection between that guy and the gruesome package. Worrying about Robin’s safety --- not to mention the down-tick in cases --- Strike suggests they do a little investigating on their own. Robin has very specific instructions on where to go and when to be there, like no after-dark outings and always stay in populated areas. Also, keep in touch. Mobile phones are a detective’s best friend. But nothing is perfect, and it’s easy to get distracted, so tension hums along at a fever pitch.

As they are busy looking for him, the killer out to ruin Strike has an insatiable hunger for cutting and a burning desire for vengeance. He goes on with his scheming and hunting. The streets of London haven’t seen a panic like this since Jack the Ripper. And Cormoran Strike’s name is inexplicably associated with it.

The stresses on Robin prove almost too much, for besides the dangers at work, she’s dealing with the final preparations for her looming wedding. The date, only a couple of months away, seems to be bearing down on her like a freight train. And her fiancé Matthew isn’t helping matters, for he’s no fan of Strike. One can hardly blame him, as Robin works long hours for little pay, and now she’s been the recipient of a bloody body part. Matthew’s attitude doesn’t improve when things take a turn for the worse at work. Robin, though, becomes more determined than ever to help Strike flush out the slasher before he kills again, whether he wants the help or not.

CAREER OF EVIL starts with a bang (or rather a nasty package) and rushes forward with loads of action and tension at every turn: Strike and the Metropolitan Police are at odds, Strike and his girlfriend are in a rough patch, Strike and Robin seem to be arguing more, and, worst of all, Robin is growing frustrated with Matthew. However, the evil lurking around every corner in England’s capital city is guaranteed to keep readers on their toes, wrapped tight to protect body parts from the madman, peeking between their fingers to catch every wicked word. But even more than that, the ending will have readers screaming for the next Strike case.