It’s been quite a while since I discovered a new-to-me crime series I love as much as Dot Hutchison’s Collector Trilogy. Comprised of THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN, THE ROSES OF MAY, and THE SUMMER CHILDREN, the Collector Trilogy delivers character-driven, often quite gruesome, totally addictive suspense—and perhaps best of all, each book within the trilogy retains a style and tone unique unto itself. THE SUMMER CHILDREN rounds out this trilogy in top form—Hutchison more than lived up to my expectations with her slam-dunk of a series finale. This is a far cry from your standard serial killer thriller, but fans of the genre will find much to love in Hutchison’s binge-worthy and emotional THE SUMMER CHILDREN. A disturbing plot, a strong female lead, page-turning writing… THE SUMMER CHILDREN is a knockout.
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Author Q&A: Robert Bryndza, The Girl in the Ice
I’m delighted to welcome internationally-bestselling author Robert Bryndza to Crime by the Book today to discuss THE GIRL IN THE ICE, the first book in his Erika Foster series - which releases in the US tomorrow, April 24th! Fans of serial killer thrillers and police procedurals will find much to love in Bryndza’s page-turning series launch—this is one of those crime novels that feels like perfect comfort reading. From its compelling female lead to its breezy pacing and addictive tension, Bryndza’s police procedural struck exactly the right chord for me. Pick this one up for a weekend binge-read - you'll find Bryndza's world instantly-accessible, his characters compelling and endearing, and his story's central mystery wholly engrossing.
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Book Review: THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN by Dot Hutchison
THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN grabs readers by the throat and doesn’t let go—from its first page to its cinematic finale, this stunning launch to Hutchison’s Collector Trilogy will thrill and disturb even the most seasoned crime reader. Fans of serial killer thrillers will be hooked on the story’s disturbed villain; fans of police procedurals will love the author’s measured, masterful plotting. Come for this book’s stunning cover, stay for the brutal, inventive crimes at its core; with the final installment in this trilogy releasing in May 2018, now is the perfect time to enter Hutchison’s dark and twisted world.
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Book Review: PERFECT REMAINS by Helen Fields (DI Callanach Series)
What’s a crime reader to do when visiting a new country for the first time? Find a crime book set there, of course! On my first-ever trip to Scotland this fall, I picked up a copy of PERFECT REMAINS by Helen Fields - a Scottish crime novel which came highly recommended to me by friends and a Waterstones bookseller alike! PERFECT REMAINS has all the gore and shock value that readers expect from a serial killer thriller, coupled with its uniquely-Scottish backdrop and roots. If you’re in the market for a visceral and relatively gory crime novel with a side of police procedural, PERFECT REMAINS will be right up your alley. While this book didn’t upend some of my recent favorite serial killer thrillers (THE FOURTH MONKEY by J.D. Barker and HIDE AND SEEK by M.J. Arlidge, to name a couple), I thoroughly enjoyed this chilling story.
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If You Like That, Read This: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS Edition
There’s nothing like a good serial killer thriller. Whether you’re a fan of Thomas Harris’ book or the infamous movie adaptation, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS is arguably the classic serial killer story. Now, I love a good re-read (or re-watch!) as much as the next person, but when you’re ready for a new serial killer thriller, below are some of my favorite recommendations. Read on for my recommended reads for fans of THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS!
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