ladyro54's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
megsginell's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
andshe_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Funny Story... [ not this one.. the one I'm about to tell you ]
So I goes and gets approved to read Sam's 2nd book, The Twenty & I think fab I can read it with @clm.readsx & @kiki.reads.stuff.. happily reading away, and I'm like, WTF confused? Is this not a standalone.. and hang on, didn't I read The Echo Man already..
So I goes and gets approved to read Sam's 2nd book, The Twenty & I think fab I can read it with @clm.readsx & @kiki.reads.stuff.. happily reading away, and I'm like, WTF confused? Is this not a standalone.. and hang on, didn't I read The Echo Man already..
ninapolastri's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
anjadevries's review against another edition
5.0
Potential spoilers‼️
I think this was one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read.
I obviously knew going into this it was a thriller based on real life serial killers but yeah I was not prepared. For a debut novel it was amazing. The writing, pace, attention to detail, complexity and just the overall plot had me hooked from the very beginning and even with all the horror I struggled to put it down. The characters were also so well thought out and I actually loved every single one.. which left me feeling very conflicted & shocked (in a good way) in the end!
The twists and turns left me feeling like I had whiplash, but also in a good way. It wasn’t overly complex where you couldn’t keep up or got confused, but just complex enough that it really had you thinking and wondering who is it?! Just when you think you’ve worked it out another shocking twist is added and you’re left stunned at the outcome. I was CONVINCED I worked out who the killer was and thought Sam Holland did it so well but then with the next twist of the killers identity, I couldn’t believe it THEN the final twist just blew my mind and it was so so clever. Can we also talk about that ending?! I haven’t read a cliff hanger ending like that in a LONG time and I was left in pure shock at the end of the book. Like I need to know what happened next?! It can’t surely be left like that?
This was honestly one of the best thriller/horror books I have read in a very very long time and I will be running to pick up Sam Hollands next book “The twenty” and any other books they release! Also such a good choice for spooky season, I would highly recommend!
I think this was one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read.
I obviously knew going into this it was a thriller based on real life serial killers but yeah I was not prepared. For a debut novel it was amazing. The writing, pace, attention to detail, complexity and just the overall plot had me hooked from the very beginning and even with all the horror I struggled to put it down. The characters were also so well thought out and I actually loved every single one.. which left me feeling very conflicted & shocked (in a good way) in the end!
The twists and turns left me feeling like I had whiplash, but also in a good way. It wasn’t overly complex where you couldn’t keep up or got confused, but just complex enough that it really had you thinking and wondering who is it?! Just when you think you’ve worked it out another shocking twist is added and you’re left stunned at the outcome. I was CONVINCED I worked out who the killer was and thought Sam Holland did it so well but then with the next twist of the killers identity, I couldn’t believe it THEN the final twist just blew my mind and it was so so clever. Can we also talk about that ending?! I haven’t read a cliff hanger ending like that in a LONG time and I was left in pure shock at the end of the book. Like I need to know what happened next?! It can’t surely be left like that?
This was honestly one of the best thriller/horror books I have read in a very very long time and I will be running to pick up Sam Hollands next book “The twenty” and any other books they release! Also such a good choice for spooky season, I would highly recommend!
aundreaspencer's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars… most of this book was wildly unbelievable, and yet I found myself immediately hooked and really loving it. Until the reveal and the ending. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other, even when some of their actions drove me crazy. This booked ticked many boxes for what I love in a thriller: maniacal serial killer? Check. Off the charts violence and gore? Check. British police procedural with a stressed/conflicted female DCI/SIO? Check. Ultimately I am a little disappointed with the anti-climatic reveal, and the unanswered questions. Will there be a sequel? Will I read it?
thesingingbook's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
pandasbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
The Echo Man | Sam Holland
Pub Date: 05/04/22
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime
The Echo Man is an outstanding debut from author, Sam Holland. In fact, it was so well written, I’d have thought this author had been penning crime thrillers for decades. Definitely an author to watch!
I picked this one up solely on the premise; a copycat killer mimicking historical serial killers. What’s not to like about that? But this one far exceeded my expectations. The Echo Man is an emotional roller coaster of twists, turns, gory crimes and deeply flawed and multidimensional characters.
At first, I didn’t really connect to any of the characters and was a little confused who was who, but as I got to know them more, I found myself absolutely in love with all of them. In fact, I’d kill (pun intended) for more. Crossing my fingers for a sequel. The main characters are siblings and both Police detectives which is a unique and interesting plot device. Push through the first few chapters, you won’t be disappointed.
Let’s talk twists for a second. Just when you think you know what’s coming, wham, you get struck out of left field. And then it happens again! Sometimes a twist can feel unbelievable or done for shock value, but this one pulls it off in a realistic, believable and still shocking way.
The copy cat crimes were great and would appeal to fans of crime fiction in general. I liked trying to guess which killer they were imitating and seeing if I could figure it out before the characters. The crimes themselves were a little gory but nothing too crazy. The forensic details are very well done and you can tell the author has done a lot of research. It feels very realistic and detailed which adds to the feel and tone of the book.
Trigger warning for trauma, self-harm and addiction.
I’d recommend this one to fans of crime thrillers and those who enjoy richly drawn characters with complex backstories and mental health. The author portrays the impacts of trauma and PTSD very well.
Pub Date: 05/04/22
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime
The Echo Man is an outstanding debut from author, Sam Holland. In fact, it was so well written, I’d have thought this author had been penning crime thrillers for decades. Definitely an author to watch!
I picked this one up solely on the premise; a copycat killer mimicking historical serial killers. What’s not to like about that? But this one far exceeded my expectations. The Echo Man is an emotional roller coaster of twists, turns, gory crimes and deeply flawed and multidimensional characters.
At first, I didn’t really connect to any of the characters and was a little confused who was who, but as I got to know them more, I found myself absolutely in love with all of them. In fact, I’d kill (pun intended) for more. Crossing my fingers for a sequel. The main characters are siblings and both Police detectives which is a unique and interesting plot device. Push through the first few chapters, you won’t be disappointed.
Let’s talk twists for a second. Just when you think you know what’s coming, wham, you get struck out of left field. And then it happens again! Sometimes a twist can feel unbelievable or done for shock value, but this one pulls it off in a realistic, believable and still shocking way.
The copy cat crimes were great and would appeal to fans of crime fiction in general. I liked trying to guess which killer they were imitating and seeing if I could figure it out before the characters. The crimes themselves were a little gory but nothing too crazy. The forensic details are very well done and you can tell the author has done a lot of research. It feels very realistic and detailed which adds to the feel and tone of the book.
Trigger warning for trauma, self-harm and addiction.
I’d recommend this one to fans of crime thrillers and those who enjoy richly drawn characters with complex backstories and mental health. The author portrays the impacts of trauma and PTSD very well.