This book is the first in a series by TME Walsh that centres on DCI Claire Winters. The book begins with the brutal murder of a priest and dives into the investigation alongside the story of who is committing these crimes and why. It is a story that features a strong female detective and her determination to solve the case. This book isn’t a case of waiting to find out the culprit and the motive as it is explained throughout via flashbacks which add another layer to the book. You see two sides to a story; one based on the past and one the future. As other bodies turn up with the same MO it looks as though it is by the same killer and DCI Winters works alongside her team to solve this case.
Alongside the main storyline we get to have a little insight into DCI Winters personal life and her relationship with her father. They remain not speaking to each other most of the book however DCI Winters receives a text from her father asking to get in contact. This is left as this and isn’t revisited in this book which adds another dimension and reason to read the second book, in order to find a resolution of sorts.
To begin with I found this book a little un-engaging for me. I had read quite a few chapters and felt as though it took me longer to read than what I usually do and that I wasn’t all that eager to read on. I felt as though if I wasn’t determined to finish the book like I was I would have given up. Saying this, I am glad that I did continue to read as the twists and turns that begin to unfold in the later chapters make up for a slower beginning. I believe that it could have been a little faster pace in the beginning however there was a sort of balance to it. The latter chapters are engaging and exciting with new discoveries within the investigation being made and the pieces of the puzzle coming together. I would recommend that anyone who reads this and feel the same as I do to stick at it and give it a chance as the ending is something that makes you want to continue on. The book ends with a resolution of sorts and that does effect if I wanted to read on to the next. I think the reason I will read the second book in the series is to see how the characters develop after the brutality and effect of the first one.
Overall, I would say this book features a complex storyline however well written so feels almost effortless to read. I would say that if you feel as though it is a slow start, give it a chance and you will love it. I would also recommend this book as it is an intriguing story many twists and turns. It is a unique story which features a strong, female detective as the lead character and I am excited to read the second in the series.
Many thanks, Caitlin x
(PS please comment on your opinion of this book or any similar)
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