This was a blind-date book, and at first, I thought, "Ugh. Not another serial killer novel." But this one is a bit different, both in its style and its content. There is a frame narrative, where the killer is reading the book written by one of his victims who escaped. I also liked that the killer is not an evil genius with elaborate rituals and kill sites, and who is not always three steps ahead of the police. ( )

3.5* ( )

I loved the format on this book- half a “real book” about the search for a serial killer, and half the POV of the killer.

It was like reading Michelle McNamara’s book and being in the head of the Golden State Killer as he reads it.

The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that I don’t feel like this book pushed hard enough. I don’t think it elaborated on the killer’s parts enough. I don’t feel like there were enough details on the investigation. I’m usually always saying books need to be edited down by 50 pages, but I think this one could’ve easily been 100 pages longer and better. ( )

While well written its too dark for my tastes though I imagine King fans would love it. I had hoped it would be similar to the Whisper Man which I enjoyed. The redeeming element is its a unique approach having the story of murders being read in book form by the murderer years after the fact. As a reader that prefers uplifting stories with unique characters and unusual plots rather than crime or horror, it's understandable fans of this genre enjoyed it. ( )

Going with a rounded up 4.5

This is my first Catherine Ryan Howard novel but it won't be the last.

I was honestly surprised by how quickly I became engrossed in this book. The premise, the lone survivor of a serial killer's attack on her family wrote a book about her experience while the never-caught killer reads it, seemed very original to me.

I was taken in by both story lines and was happy to be in either place, which doesn't always happen with split POV books. Although, the POV of the survivor is completely contained within the killer's reading of the book and it worked really well.

The writing style of the author and the plot was great. I definitely recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good murder/thriller book. I listened to the audiobook and thought the two narrators (one for the survivor and one for the killer) did a wonderful job. That's always a bonus!

Big thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of this really well done book. ( )