02 March 2023

A huge thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for suggesting this book. What a debut! This book is creepy, dark and moving at the same time. You will find yourself loving and hating Roach as you flip these pages. Be warned, this book is going to be hard to put down.

Alice Slater tells a dark story while managing to keep it light. You do not feel as if you are consumed in darkness as you flip these pages. She creates characters you will sympathise with while you jump between liking and disliking them. I found myself quickly engrossed and battled to put this book down – despite reading this one during a very hectic time in my life.

Roach is obsessed with death and serial killers, she spends all her free time reading books about serial killers and listening to true crime podcasts. She dislikes the ‘normies’ around her and has long ago given up on trying to fit in. Until she meets Laura Bunting – a new bookseller that joins the bookstore where Roach works. Roach instantly feels drawn to Laura, they have a connection – even if Laura does not realise it. Roach is obsessed with Laura, but when she discovers that Laura’s mother has been murdered by a serial killer. There is no way Roach can stay away from Laura. Determined to get as close to Laura as possible, even when Laura insists on keeping as much distance between them. Roach is persistent and forces her way into Laura’s life with disastrous consciences.

I enjoyed this strange character; Roach is the most unusual woman you could imagine. The author did a fabulous job bringing this strange woman to life. I found myself rooting for Roach despite everything she did wrong. Laura was simply nasty, long before Roach crossed any lines.

While Laura was the vulnerable character, the woman who lost her mom to a serial killer – I did not like her at all. She was nasty to Roach long before Roach crossed any line, and I disliked the way she refused to stay away from a colleague who was in a serious relationship. She drinks too much and she sees herself as better than everyone else. I understand that she must have suffered after the loss of her mother, but that does not excuse the way she treats people. This woman is just horrible.

I found this book to be a different, original read. It was unique and entertaining. I could not read it fast enough. I am happy to add this one to my loved list for 2023.

If you are looking for a unique thriller with lots of talk about serial killers and murder, while at the same time does not cover much bloodshed, a book that is creepy, dark and highly entertaining then you will not want to miss this one.