02 March 2022

I am starting a busy March with a review of The Gypsy Killer by Amanda Dandy. I am not sure what I expected when I picked up this book, but I found myself quickly intrigued. This is a book that covers some pretty harsh topics and leaves you with a happy ending that is almost too good to be true. There are a few messages in this story and as you reach the final page you will be reminded not to judge a book by its cover. This story is about family, loss and obsession.

There are a lot of characters in this book and the author tells the story from various people’s perspectives. At first, I was not sure what everyone’s part in the story was. Initially, you meet characters that seem to disappear as the next chapter takes a turn and introduces new characters. Do not fret, the author pulls everyone together beautifully and before too long it feels as if you have made a village full of new friends. I loved how after the first few chapters I found myself feeling bonded with some of these characters.

Escaping an abusive father, Jess and her brother join a gypsy family. Jess loved LJ the moment she set eyes on him in the market. While the head of the family – Byron – is disappointed that LJ did not choose a Roma girl, he quickly learns to love Jess as well.

Jess and Michael must learn the ways of their new family and part of that is accepting the struggles the Roma Gypsies face every day. They are now part of an ethnic minority group that is not welcomed by locals. The Gypsies are misunderstood and disliked, making life a constant struggle.

When LJ is accused of theft and sent to jail for six months, this family faces loss and heartache which will change LJ’s life forever. Determined to make a difference, Michael decides to leave the family and study law. When LJ is released from prison is finds himself facing a struggle to survive. Can LJ embrace a new future and can this unusual family find a way back together?

This is a moving story full of messages. The author highlights the dangers of judging people at face value, the results of a small town’s gossip mill and the importance of second chances. I loved how she showed that people can change and that friendships can bloom in the most unlikely places. And of course, how forgiveness can lead to happiness.

Fred Humphries was without a doubt my favourite character in this book. This almost eighty-two-year-old man stole my heart. Meeting this man, he is portrayed as weak, a coward yet his mission to correct his mistake shows a determined, mischievous old man I would love to meet.  I enjoyed his creativity and simple good heart.

The author managed to create a village full of unique individuals that leaves you feeling as if you have a window looking into this community.

This was a brilliant read, I found myself intrigued and fascinated by the lives of these people as I raced from page to page. I loved this book and highly recommend this title.

You can expect a moving family story with the added suspense of a serial killer on the loose without getting stuck in yet another police procedural. By the time you reach the final page, you will find that you have made some new friends and be left sad that you need to leave them behind. This is a fabulous read you will not regret adding to your TBR.