FAIREST CREATURES
By Karen Taylor
Thank you to the author and to 'Random Things Tours' for sending me a proof copy to read and review. I'm sharing my review today as part of the book tour.
Blurb
A serial killer’s dark obsession with the preservation of
beauty sees him return to stalk the streets of Penzance
in the summer of 2019. It’s 23 years since his first
victims went missing, setting DI Brandon Hammett on
the hunt for the Sleeping Beauty Killer.
A beautiful woman is being held captive in an unknown
location. Although not physically injured, she is
manacled to a chair in a darkened, sinister dining room.
Her captor is polite but menacing. Her female
companions, silent spectators.
When a glass box is found in Prussia Cove, containing a
conch and the ear of a missing beauty, a murder
investigation is launched. Is the Sleeping Beauty Killer
back? Or is this a copycat killing?
What’s clear is an evasive, clever killer is at large,
presenting DI Brandon Hammett with his biggest
challenge to-date.
Review
After reading the blurb for this one I had a good feeling, crime fiction is something I read a lot of and usually enjoy. I will say though that I don't feel like the cover quite suits the story, as beautiful as it is, as a bookseller I know how important covers are (though we like to say 'don't judge a book by it's cover, so many shoppers do!) I feel like some of the potential male audience will look past the book due to its cover not realising that the story within would actually appeal to them.
The chapters in this book are dated, not named or numbered and they switch perspective giving the name of the character in which the chapter will be focused around. e.g.
'Brandon' June 23, 2019'
I found it an interesting way to break up the story, it worked pretty well the chopping and changing of the character at the forefront, at times giving you a glimpse into the mind of a dangerous and disturbing killer and at others following the DI who races against time. The chapters are mostly short and snappy with some longer and more in depth the variation worked well. It does mean though that the book will suit readers who either have a good memory and can remember where they left the book or who can read it in longer chunks to keep on track.
I wouldn't say it is fast paced initially, but it isn't slow either it tracks along at a comfortable speed. I enjoyed the plot and I was drawn in and hooked early which is always a good thing. As you get towards the closing chapters the speed certainty picks up and there is absolutely no chance you'll want to put the book down. I will admit reading into the early hours because I just had to find out how it would end.
The twists and turns are brilliant, keeping you on your toes. I really enjoyed the ending too, very clever way to wrap things up. I did guess a few of the twists but that is only because I read & watch so much crime / thriller.
I absolutely loved this book and will recommend to fellow crime, thriller, murder & mystery fans.
Rating 4 stars.
You can purchase this book here
Thanks again to the author and to 'Random Things Tours' for sending me this proof copy.
