I genuinely enjoyed this book, and it would be unfair to suggest otherwise. The short, sharp chapters kept the pacing tight, and I loved the constant twists, turns, and moments of blood-soaked horror. There are so many trigger warnings that it’s hard to list them all!

For a debut novel, it’s impressively well-written, and I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between certain characters—especially Griffin and Jess. One of the most fascinating aspects of the story was Jess’s genetic condition, which prevents her from feeling pain. Initially, it seems like a gift, but the novel does a brilliant job of exploring how this is far more of a curse than a blessing.

That said, there were a few plot holes that niggled at me, and I just can’t let them go. We’re led to believe that
 

the entire investigative team is completely overworked—exhausted, running on fumes, skipping showers, barely going home, and racking up ridiculous amounts of overtime. Yet, somehow, we’re also supposed to accept that the killer(s) repeatedly managed to vanish for long stretches, undetected, to commit these elaborate crimes. The level of planning, preparation, and prolonged torture involved—not to mention the meticulous clean-up afterward—would have required serious time and effort. How is that even plausible? And why aren’t any of the other detectives questioning this?!

Another issue that stuck with me is the plausibility of one key character’s background. Is it truly possible for someone to commit a double murder, be institutionalised in a mental health facility, and still go on to become a police officer? Even if they were able to change their name and obscure their past, I’d like to believe that stricter safeguards would be in place to prevent this. Although, I could be wrong?

 

Overall, despite these frustrations, I really did enjoy the book, and I’m excited to see where the series goes next. Holland clearly has a talent for gripping storytelling, and I have a feeling even better things are on the horizon!