Wow, this is a page turner!
The story begins with a house fire in which Jess Ambrose’s husband is killed – an arson attack which the police blame on Jess, causing her to go on the run from hospital. Disgraced detective Nate Griffin believes that Jess is innocent and tries to help her. Together, Jess and Griffin spot a horrific link between some gruesome and brutal murders. It seems that someone is copying famous serial killer murders from the past…and they aren’t about to stop their reign of terror.
It sounds strange to say I loved this book because it is so shocking – but I absolutely found it compelling and totally immersive. I literally could not put it down and read it in one sitting – on reflection, not the best idea as it contains some very disturbing rapes and murders. This is not one for the faint-hearted or with certain triggers, especially around gendered violence. However, I felt like the pages were turning themselves as I held my breath!
For fans of true crime, there is a lot of familiar ground here as (along with Jess and Griffin) you begin to spot the connections between the crimes in the book and the real life brutalities. The body count in the novel is extremely high and this keeps the pace going at full tilt throughout – added to by the fact that Jess is on the run and the police are not far behind.
Alongside the Jess strand of the story is a much more traditional police procedural element with investigations being led by DCI Cara Elliott and DS Noah Deakin. This was much more comfortable ground for me and the reason I wanted to read this book – it’s my genre of choice. I loved the depth of characterisation in Cara in particular as she struggled with her family commitments and her need to bring a savage killer to justice. Her relationships with Deakin and maverick Griffin are also well managed.
I actually cannot believe that this is a debut novel as the confidence with which the story strands are managed is incredible. It’s also clearly meticulously researched, both in regards to the real life murders and the police procedures – although the police are a bit lax in the way that Jess gets so close to the investigation! There are maybe a few implausible moments, but the pace and the twists mean that it is impossible to dwell on them for long and they never detract from the story.
I’d recommend this highly to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced and terrifying thriller. It is incredibly gruesome and disturbing so read with caution if you are of a nervous disposition – you may well never sleep again! It is, however, also genuinely surprising and (especially the ending) totally shocking for so many reasons.
Thanks to NetGalley for my chance to read this book ahead of the April publication date. Opinions, as always, are entirely my own.
If you’d like to pre-order a copy of this (published April), please use my affiliate link below – thanks for supporting my blog with any purchases.
Header photo by SHTTEFAN on Unsplash
When I read “copying famous serial killer murders” I was like ooooh so yes I’m one of those true crime fans. Sounds like a really great thriller!
This certainly sounds intense!! Thanks for putting this on my radar!
Amazing review Kate, this book sounds right up my alley so I’ll have to give it a go!