The life Dr. Dylan Reinhart saves may be his own.
Dr. Dylan Reinhart wrote the book on criminal behaviour. Literally – he’s a renowned, bestselling expert on the subject. When a copy of his book turns up at a gruesome murder scene–along with a threatening message from the killer–it looks like someone has been taking notes.
Elizabeth Needham, the headstrong and brilliant NYPD Detective in charge of the case, recruits Dylan to help investigate another souvenir left at the scene–a playing card.
I put this one off for a while as I always struggle with a new series or new characters from an author I like. James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club series were the books that got me hooked on this genre and I was so worried this wouldn’t live up to them. I was mistaken not to have picked this one up earlier.
A fast paced hunt for a serial killer leaving calling cards behind for his next victim, this book has relatable characters, interesting red herrings and charming wit.
I had expected the story to be told by the afore mentioned ‘headstrong detective’ and was disappointed when I found that arrogant Dylan Reinhart was narrating; his egotism gave me feelings of a smug Robert Langdon. I warmed to him more than I expected to but I think this was probably due to his personal story. The struggle for a baby is an emotional addition to any story and I was moved by this subplot.
The story was fast paced and exciting, seeing the characters moving between numerous crime scenes as “The Dealer”, as he is dubbed by the tabloids, ramps up his killing spree. When Dylan suspects the cards aren’t a signature but a deadly hint pointing toward the next victim, the additional task of working out who the next victim might be, intensifies the pace and thrill of the action.
The relationships and pressures that arose between detectives and the mayor’s office was a believable political story line and provided another layer to the plot. New York City descends into panic, the cops are at a loss for where to go with their investigation, Reinhart is their best chance of finding the killer and still they have to deal with politics and managing the media. This level of realism really drew me in and made the characters and their actions much more believable.
This wasn’t my favourite James Patterson book but it was definitely worth a read. I was intrigued and will definitely give the second book a go. I might even try the TV series.
Only If I Can Bring A Book 