Title:	Snakes and Ladders
	Author:	Victoria Selman
	Published:	December 17, 2019, Thomas & Mercer
	No. of Pages:	383
	Cover Price:	$15.95 Paperback, $3.99 Kindle

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Snakes and Ladders is the third installment in the Ziba MacKenzie series by Victoria Selman. Vernon Sange, a serial killer refuses to talk to anyone but Ziba, and she feels she must go see him in prison, since there are murders being committed that he seems to know about, and may be controlling from inside the prison. Fans of the Ziba MacKenzie series know that Ziba has her own psychological struggles and must work through them as well as do her job and get to the bottom of these new murders. Apparently a new serial killer, most likely acquainted with Sange, is murdering and taking a body part from each of the bodies.

Selman is obviously well-versed on the subject of serial killing, and it makes the story believable because the actions of Sange and other suspects seem to fit with readers’ expectations. The novel starts out with plenty of suspense, and the suspense builds throughout. Ziba is likeable and relatable since she is not a super hero and has personal flaws. Selman’s characters are well-developed which adds to the enjoyment, and she weaves a story that is unique and puzzling. The dénouement is surprising and unexpected, and the scenarios seem real. Since the story takes place in London, and the characters are English there is a certain charm, which adds to the appeal of this and other Ziba MacKenzie novels.

All told, this is a great series and will keep the interest of readers.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.