** I received a free copy of this book from the publishers (Sphere) in return for an honest review. You can follow them on twitter @SphereBooks **
I have found this book review harder to write than normal. There is so much I'd like to be able to say, yet by saying it, I'll make the whole prospect of you going out and buying it redundant. So rather than top this review with the dreaded "spoilers" word, I'm just not going to say it!
What I will say is there are a
couple of major points about this book that make it different to other
thrillers/crime novels, for me at least. These are the things I can't tell you....i.e. the ending! Therefore
you’re just going to have to take my word for it, this book is different. I found it to be exceptionally well wrapped
up, and the conclusion isn’t what you expect it to be.
Whilst I
wouldn’t agree that is “the most terrifying crime novel I have ever read” (as
broadcast on its front cover), I would say it had the right balance of suspense
and storyline to hold my attention for its entirety.
I found the
extracts from a lecture given about the relationship between the victim and perpetrator,
which appear at the beginning of some chapters, added to the whole sense of the
book.
I should note
there is a fair amount of sexual violence in this book – I certainly wouldn’t
say it is a book the whole family will love, but if you’re into your crime
novels and thrillers – this one, in my opinion, is worth a look.