Book Review / A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson

 

A newlywed librarian begins to suspect the man she married might be a murderer—in this spectacularly twisty and deviously clever novel by Peter Swanson, New York Times bestselling author of The Kind Worth Killing and Eight Perfect Murders.

Martha Ratliff conceded long ago that she’d likely spend her life alone. She was fine with it, happy with her solo existence, stimulated by her job as an archival librarian, constantly surrounded by thought-provoking ideas and the books she loved. But then she met Alan, a charming and sweet-natured divorcee with a job that took him on the road for half the year. When he asked her to marry him, she said yes, even though he still felt a little bit like a stranger.

A year in and the marriage was good, except for that strange blood streak on the back of one of his shirts he’d worn to a conference in Denver. Her curiosity turning to suspicion, Martha investigates the cities Alan visited over the past year and uncovers a disturbing pattern—five unsolved cases of murdered women.

Is she married to a serial killer? Or could it merely be a coincidence? Unsure what to think, Martha contacts an old friend from graduate school for advice. Lily Kintner once helped Martha out of a jam with an abusive boyfriend and may have some insight. Intrigued, Lily offers to meet Alan to find out what kind of man he really is . . . but what Lily uncovers is more perplexing and wicked than they ever could have expected.

Published:  11th June 2024

Publisher:  Harper

Goodreads : Click Here - opens in new window

Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 3, Henry Kimball/Lily Kintner

Source:  Bought

MY REVIEW

 

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this novel, but I'll try!  Firstly, and more importantly, I have to mention that yes this is book 3 in a series but no you don't have to read the stories before it to read this one and make it make sense.  Yes, I would recommend reading the first two books as you would get a better experience all round, but you don't have to if you don't want to. 

This story took me down so many twists and turns I really wasn't sure where it was going to end up, and I really enjoyed the ride.  This story really tested me in my belief of how I feel about characters and whether my instincts are actually right.  

This is such a fun and unnerving thriller that kept me guessing until nearly the end!  Would highly recommend...