In this hot weather, some shop keepers put out bowls of water for any passing dog that might be passing, and this kindness always makes me smile. So imagine my surprise when I was offered a drink of water while browsing the bookshelves at my local charity shop. It was very welcome too!

The woman in charge had one of those containers with a tap and a supply of paper cups. Such a thoughtful gesture in this unbearably hot weather.

It is noticeably cooler today, so I might be able to think better, something I found impossible yesterday. Finishing PayBack, my WIP was hard enough, but coming up with a rivetting blurb has proved to be beyond my capabilities this week. I have written dozens of them, only to throw most of them into the bin.

I thought about running a poll or whatever you call it, to see what our readers thought, but having not done one of these before, I decided to print the top runners on this post.

Blurb Version One:

A CITY ON EDGE. A DETECTIVE ON SHAKY GROUND

A serial killer roams the streets of Brighton. When the case lands on Detective David Mallory’s desk, his own personal demon may prevent him from bringing this vicious monster to justice.

As the body count rises, Mallory finds himself sinking under the weight of a heavy secret – one that could jeopardise his job and his reputation.

AN ENGLISH TEACHER WHO CANNOT CATCH A BREAK

Will Taylor’s life is falling apart. Suspected of the sadistic murder of his beautiful wife, he is fired from his post at the University. With so many circumstances stacked against him, how can he prove his innocence?

BOTH MEN HIDE TERRIBLE SECRETS

When their complicated lives become entangled, will David Mallory summon the strength and courage to stop the killer?

And can Will Taylor prove his innocence, reconcile the past and make a new life for himself?

Blurb Version Two:

As a sadistic murderer preys on the women of Brighton, Detective David Mallory hovers on the edge of the life he wants but haunting childhood memories prevent him from moving forward. Until he can reconcile his past and come to terms with who he is truly meant to be, his fight for justice for the slain women will prove more and more difficult.

With an entire city counting on him to stop this madman, can he summon the strength and courage to stop the killer in his tracks and live in his truth?

Blurb Version Three:

A city on edge. A detective on shaky ground.

A serial killer roams the streets of Brighton, hunting for his next victim.

When the case lands on Detective David Mallory’s desk, his personal demon may prevent him from bringing this vicious monster to justice.

As the body count rises, Mallory finds himself sinking under the weight of a heavy secret – one that could jeopardize his job and his reputation.

With the pressure building, can the troubled detective reconcile his issues and solve the case before more women die?

So, what do you think of these blurbs?

Please give me your honest opinion.

Tell me what you think, as my brain has given up and I cannot hope to start launching PayBack without a decent description!