The Devotion of Suspect X is an unusual detective novel. By the end of the first chapter readers witness the murder that is at the centre of this novel. We know the identity and motivations of the perpetrator. What follows is a compulsive game of cat-and-mouse between ‘detective Galileo’ and Suspect X. At times this […]
MoreIn spite of its promising beginning The Chestnut Man implements far too many cliches for my liking (a few of which are listed on CrimeReads). This book centres on a series of gruesome killings in Copenhagen. On each crime scene the killer leaves behind a chestnut doll. Although the writing is detached it does pay […]
MoreAt first I was intrigued by the prologue featuring young Garda Cormac Reilly who—after answering a call out—is faced with his first dead body and two neglected children. The rest of the book, which is set years later and follows a newly transferred to Galway Reilly, was markedly less engaging. Maybe readers who haven’t read […]
MoreThis was an unexpectedly silly thriller. While the story’s premise was compelling enough, the characters and various plot-lines are tawdry rehashes of other novels in this genre… The plot seems to focus on uninteresting encounters and two unrelated ‘mysteries’, one around Evie Cormac’s identity and past, and the other one is the case forensic psychologist […]
MoreThe Divinities: A Crane and Drake Novel is the promising start to the ‘Crane ad Drake’ series. This events recounted by the narrative take place over the course of a few days which adds a sense of urgency and suspense to the storyline. We follow two somewhat disgraced figures, the recently demoted Detective Sergeant Calil […]
MoreClose to Home by Cara Hunter ★★★✰✰ 3.5 stars Close to Home might seem like yet another missing-child crime novel but Hunter manages to make give a fresh take to this scenario.The narrative switches from 1st pov to 3rd, and includes tweets and newspaper articles. We can follow the crime through a wide range of individuals […]
MoreAs Long as We Both Shall Live by JoAnn Chaney ★★✰✰✰ 2 of 5 stars So here’s the thing: if you want to kill your wife, don’t. Don’t kill her, don0t touch her. Ditch the bitch if you have to, get on with your life. Or make it work. But kill her? Nope. As Long as […]
MoreAn absorbing investigation lead by a determined and engaging protagonist. DC Maeve Kerrigan is tasked with questioning the relatives and friends of the latest victim of a serial killer known as The Burning Man…expect that Rebecca Haworth’s murder may be the work of a copy-cat…A fast-paced plot-line that switches between Maeve and Louise, Rebecca’s best […]
MoreA brilliantly executed novel that depicts the complex and passionate relationship between a close group of friends. In many ways, it reminded me of The Secret History.Gripping and full of suspense, The Likeness is so much more than your usual crime novel. French pays incredible attention when portraying her characters and their relationships with one […]
MoreWhat I am telling you, before you begin my story, is this – two things: I crave the truth. And I lie. An incredibly intense and absorbing read. In the Woods is so much more than a ‘crime’ novel. French creates incredibly vivid characters. She also has a knack for dialogue: that is to say […]
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