Sam Holland ~ The Echo Man

Synopsis

Detectives Cara Elliott and Noah Deakin are on the case of a series of seemingly unconnected murders, each different in method, but each shocking and brutal. As the body count increases, they can't ignore the details that echo famous cases of the past—Manson, Kemper, Dahmer, and more. As Elliott and Deakin get closer to unmasking the killer, the murders are moving closer to home.

Meanwhile, Jessica Ambrose is on the run. She's been implicated as the arsonist who killed her neglectful husband and injured her young daughter. With the help of disgraced and suspended detective Nate Griffin, Jess discovers a shocking link between her case and that of the ultimate copycat killer working on his horrifying masterpiece. 

Review

I read a lot of thrillers and they're starting to blend into one gory mess of bodies and bravado. Once I've finished, I move on and instantly forget what's happened. As readers, we often become desensitised to what we're reading about and it doesn't have the emotional shock or impact that it should.

And then I read The Echo Man.

This murderer is something else: a copycat killer of the most infamous serial killers of the last few decades. As a concept, it's fantastic. As a story, it was gripping. The bodies pile up, the police are clueless and the killer is closing in. This is a twisted, brutal, sickening book.

I loved it.

The attention to detail is excellent; while this does raise questions about the author's own interests, it does stir up a variety of emotions, as well as nausea. It really is horrific and extremely dark. There are a fair few twists and some very upsetting moments - I strongly advise those of a faint heart to proceed with caution!

The story is pacey, but does provide background information on our characters - a rarity in some thrillers. This means we can empathise with the victims, but also the detectives. Despite what we learn, it's difficult not to relate to Jess and Griffin, even though on the surface they're not likeable people.

It is a little extravagant in its plot, but it's so well-written and engrossing, that this is a minor point - after all, The Echo Man is a work of fiction and suspending belief is part of the reading process.

In trying to work it out, we are given enough clues to make us suspect a few people, but - although I did correctly identify the killer - the final twist may throw you. The author also leaves the story slightly open-ended, leaving us with a pounding heart and a strong sense of foreboding.
















Rating: 5 out of 5.

I received an advance copy of the book from Harper Fiction, as part of Insta Book Tours. Opinions my own.