ellapope's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
meljon's review against another edition
4.0
Good thriller that kept me interested until the end. Recommended for those who like gritty detectives matched against an elusive serial killer.
sarah1994x's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
illusie's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure if I should give this book 2 or 3 stars... The book is written well. But the gruesomeness is what spoils it for me.
andrew61's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first novel by this writer that I have tried and it followed his being highly recommended by a crime writing podcast to which I listen and it was a cracking read which maintained the the tension throughout.
The main detective is DC Mark Nelson who is starting his first day in the police squad run by John Mercer. Mercer is one of those police officers who is ahead of the field and has solved many difficult and troubling murder cases however the prologue shows us a scene two years before where he has a nervous breakdown giving the eulogy at a murdered colleagues funeral. Mercer has just returned to work as Mark joins the team but the investigation is centred on crimes similar to those that lead to Mercer's breakdown and the click is ticking .
I liked the novel which was well plotted and the characterisation was good. the villain was suitably scary and at points seemed untouchable. I had one reservation towards the end but it didn't trouble me enough to doubt the overall resolution and this is a writer I will definitely reading again.
The main detective is DC Mark Nelson who is starting his first day in the police squad run by John Mercer. Mercer is one of those police officers who is ahead of the field and has solved many difficult and troubling murder cases however the prologue shows us a scene two years before where he has a nervous breakdown giving the eulogy at a murdered colleagues funeral. Mercer has just returned to work as Mark joins the team but the investigation is centred on crimes similar to those that lead to Mercer's breakdown and the click is ticking .
I liked the novel which was well plotted and the characterisation was good. the villain was suitably scary and at points seemed untouchable. I had one reservation towards the end but it didn't trouble me enough to doubt the overall resolution and this is a writer I will definitely reading again.
lisa_butler79's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
The 50/50 killer - Steve Mosby
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Try and imagine how you would react if a man breaks into your home and holds you and your loved one hostage. You are both then torturedvin horrific ways for hours while he also break your spirit by revealing your hidden secrets or your relationship. When he has you broken, he then gives one of you the choice: Should I kill you or your loved one. Only one of you can survive.
What would you choose? Would you still love your partner enough to save them or would you save yourself?
This book started off really well and the premise of the story was intriguing. It's dark, it's creepy and brutal.
The only downside was the story didn't have me gripped as much as I wanted and that was probably because the story was filled with unnecessary repetition. So in parts I was bored. The characters were also not developed enough for me to care or worry about them either.The ending seemed a bit rushed and left with an unsatisfactory conclusion. However, the twist was unexpected but all the action ended in the last few pages and so much more could have happened in between. I think I needed more torture.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Try and imagine how you would react if a man breaks into your home and holds you and your loved one hostage. You are both then torturedvin horrific ways for hours while he also break your spirit by revealing your hidden secrets or your relationship. When he has you broken, he then gives one of you the choice: Should I kill you or your loved one. Only one of you can survive.
What would you choose? Would you still love your partner enough to save them or would you save yourself?
This book started off really well and the premise of the story was intriguing. It's dark, it's creepy and brutal.
The only downside was the story didn't have me gripped as much as I wanted and that was probably because the story was filled with unnecessary repetition. So in parts I was bored. The characters were also not developed enough for me to care or worry about them either.The ending seemed a bit rushed and left with an unsatisfactory conclusion. However, the twist was unexpected but all the action ended in the last few pages and so much more could have happened in between. I think I needed more torture.
imzadirose's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the beginning of this book but as it went along it started to lose my interest on many parts. It ended up being all twisted and weird so that was good but by then, the characters had really been on my nerves. I loved Mark, one of the main characters, he was great. John was good and tortured and that was understandable. But those around John were just unkind and unlikable. Even his wife got on my last nerve. Hello, you married a cop. If you couldn't handle it, you shouldn't have married one.
I dunno. I guess I loved the story except some weird components, loved Mark, disliked everyone else. It was good, not great.
I dunno. I guess I loved the story except some weird components, loved Mark, disliked everyone else. It was good, not great.
paisleypikachu's review against another edition
5.0
OMG I LOVED THIS
IT FELT LIKE ALEX NORTH
THAT IS ALL I WANT FROM THRILLERS
I AM SO HAPPY
IT FELT LIKE ALEX NORTH
THAT IS ALL I WANT FROM THRILLERS
I AM SO HAPPY
klwpvfc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5