Kim Deister
This book, originally published in 1998, is the author’s debut. It’s one part psychological thriller, one part mystery, and one part police procedural, although what truly brings it together are the relationships/dynamics between the characters. The character writing is excellent, creating true-to-life people in a vivid way. The horror of the crimes committed is brutal, but germaine to the story and done so well. There were moments when chills went down my spine, when I was viscerally uncomfortable. That is something I appreciate, being drawn into a story so completely. There were just enough clues and moments of foreshadowing to make the “whodunit” part interesting for the reader, to keep the reader guessing. It was dark, scary, and incredibly engrossing!