Published by Penguin Group - Dutton Format: ARC, eBook
aitlin Hendrix has been a narcotics detective for six months when the Prophet, a serial killer who terrorized the Bay area in the 1990’s and whom her father failed to apprehend, begins to kill again. Her father, Mark, hunted the Prophet, who completed ritualistic killers, gave cryptic messages, and mind games, until his life began to fall apart. The killer etched the sign of mercury on all his victim’s skin. Why? How are his victims connected? Are they connected?
Almost twenty years later, two bodies are found bearing the Prophet’s sign for Mercury. He is back! Why now? Where has he been all this time? What is his end game? The stakes are high as more bodies are found and Caitlin finds herself getting deeper and deeper in the investigations as the Prophet appears to be getting under her skin. Caitlin is determined to stop the Prophet even if it means putting herself in danger. Anyone notice how she jumped from Narcotics to homicide to homicide lead detective in a blink of an eye?
This book is a mesmerizing look at evil. It is a page turner filled with psychological suspense, danger, mystery, and a vicious killer who manages to always be a step ahead of the police. If you enjoy smart police procedural(s), books with psychological suspense, a little gore, likable characters, a mesmerizing killer and great writing this book is for you. This book is enjoyable from beginning to end – there were no dull parts, nothing lagged, nothing felt rushed. This book evoked a feeling of dread and anxiety. Would Caitlin find the killer? Will she be too late? OH man!!! The Suspense!!! I loved every second of it. I love books that have me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next. Meg Gardiner brought the thrills to this one!
This was my first book by Meg Gardiner and it will not be my last! I’m hooked!!!
This book was inspired by the real-life zodiac killings where the killer was never brought to justice. In some counties in Northern California the case remains open.
Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.