The Tattoo Thief (Sullivan and Mullins, #1)

by Alison Belsham

A policeman on his first murder case
A tattoo artist with a deadly secret
And a twisted serial killer sharpening his blades to kill again...

When Brighton tattoo artist Marni Mullins discovers a flayed body, newly-promoted DI Francis Sullivan needs her help. There's a serial killer at large, slicing tattoos from his victims' bodies while they're still alive. Marni knows the tattooing world like the back of her hand, but has her own reasons to distrust the police. So when she identifies the killer's next target, will she tell Sullivan or go after the Tattoo Thief alone?

If you're after a gripping, nail-biting plot full of surprises, this is the crime novel for you. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, A.J. Finn, and Andrew Paterson.

• ISBN10: 140917512X
• ISBN13: 9781409175124
• Publish Date: 3 May 2018
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 5 March 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
• Imprint: Trapeze
• Format: Paperback (UK Trade)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[zooloo1983]

What an intro to the book! Someone having their tattoo cut off their body! Shocking! How could someone do that especially if it was an awesome tattoo! Sorry just a bit protective. lol. I love tattoos and I have two, three really but it was covered up by an awesome one and planning my next one. Anyway I digress!

The story is told from four different perspectives, Marni, the woman who found the unfortunate soul in a dumpster. Francis, the new promoted DI on his first case. Rory, the officer passed up for promotion, so only a little bit bitter and finally the unknown voice of the killer, planning their next victims. This killer was one sadistic collector of tattoos! (It has not put me off getting another one though!)

I did feel for Francis, as he is newly promoted, it felt everyone was out to get him, Rory in particular. Trying to trip him up and not trust his judgement, not really a team effort. Being the first case too, there is a lot of pressure to solve this case.

I adored Marni, flaws and all, and I was intrigued by her and her story. She is such a strong but complex character and a likeable one at that. Her interaction with Francis was fab, and how their banter and their relationship grew as we moved forward in the book.

Do not make the same mistake I did, and start reading this book when you are eating lunch! Big mistake!

This is set in Brighton and only having been there once it felt like I have been there many times with the descriptive writing used.

This is a debut book, but I feel like I have reading Alison’s books for years. Her writing is gritty, dark, disturbing, but inviting. She invites you into her world and I was a sucker for every word on the page.

And I just LOVE the cover!

(Sorry for such just a brain dump of ramblings here, but this book is awesome!)