Published by Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press Genres: Crime, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, suspense
Format: ARC, eBook
The Lovelorn killer is back- just as evil as ever. His M.O. is to stalk, ritually bind and strangle women. For some reason, he disappeared and has been gone for twenty years – leading detectives to question if he was arrested on another offense, passed away, or was still out there biding his time. Now that he is back, Detective Annalisa Vega has caught his attention. Annalisa is one of the newest members of the squad, where her ex-husband Nick works, and they soon become partners investigating the Lovelorn Killer’s recent murder. Not only was Annalisa’s father one of the detectives working the Lovelorn Killer’s case twenty years ago, but Annalisa lost a close family friend and neighbor, Katie Duffy to him twenty years ago. The woman was like a second mother to Annalisa and the mother of her boyfriend, Colin.
Lovelorn is a clever, diabolical and sadistic killer who always seems to be a step ahead of the police. He enjoys toying with law enforcement and writes letters to his victims. He has even left nooses in the homes of members of the Gravediggers – an online group of amateur sleuths who investigate cold cases. Most of their activity takes place online but a core group of then get together in person to discuss cases of interest. Grace Harper, a member of the group, has her theories about the Lovelorn killer and quickly becomes one of his latest victims.
Annalisa is a likeable character who, while investigating this case, must juggle working with her ex-husband, Nick, while becoming reacquainted with Colin after he returns to town when she informs him that his mother’s killer may be back in action. Being introduced to her family members provides a fuller picture of Annalisa’s life, motivation and allows readers to view her as a fully-fledged character.
The story goes back and forth between Annalisa and Nick’s investigation and Grace’s notes. This was a nice touch and provides more information about all involved and theories about the killer. As the killer begins to taunt and stalk, Annalisa, the tension mounts. I enjoy police procedurals and trying to figure out the identity of the killer. We are given a clue and then I knew exactly who the killer was. I kept wondering when Annalisa would figure it out!
What a terrific start to a gripping new series!!! This was a very well-done police procedural with engaging characters. It started slowly and kept picking up momentum until the heart pounding conclusion. We are left with a little snippet in the end, which has me excited to read the next in the series!
Gripping. riveting and oh so good!!!!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.