Eight stars
Having quite enjoyed the previous work by Daniel Cole, I reached for this series debut to see if it matched up. Cole weaves a strong tale and keeps the action high, as a serial killer stalks a community. The only hope within the police is a detective who has a close connection to murder herself, though she is using it all as a means to get to the heart of the matter. As the bodies stack up, someone will have to catch this killer or there is no guarantee that anything will end peacefully. Cole adds intensity to this book that paves the way for a great series.
Detective Scarlett Delaney is new to the police force when she is thrust into the middle of an odd and mystifying murder investigation. The offspring of a serial killer herself, Detective Delaney has something that many do not have, an eye for the crime and a connection to someone who might offer her some insights. Three victims have been killed, left with an odd scratch on their bodies. The killer is deemed the Jackdaw, but has yet to manifest and allow anyone to create a sensible profile.
With various shiny baubles taken from the victims, Detective Delaney will have to work to build something out of nothing. When she encounters a criminal by the name of Henry Devlin, Detective Delaney realises that this could be her out. Devlin also has issue with the Jackdaw, which fuels the connection. Working together, Detective Delaney and Devlin form an odd alliance, geared towards capturing the Jackdaw before more bodies appear.
Working a number of leads, Devlin entices Detective Delaney to dig deeper as they try to get to the core of the matter. It will take a great deal of effort and intense accusations to find a killer, though it might be worth it for the two of them. Daniel Cole offers up a sensational introduction to this series and keeps the reader guessing throughout.
Daniel Cole has a knack for adding graphic content to keep the stories going. He did so in the past and does once more here, shaping a killer an intense game of cat and mouse. A strong narrative base helps provide the needed foundation and leaves the reader begging for more. Development adds momentum and soon the reader is fully invested.
Character development is key to getting the reader to connect with the story. Detective Scarlett Delaney does a great job at luring the reader into this piece and keeping them wondering as things progress. With strong views and great crime skills, Detective Delaney helps push the story along. Other characters do well too, prodding just what is needed to keep things sharp and on edge. I am eager to see how some of these characters develop throughout the series, as this is sure to be something of great intensity.
Plot twists develop from the opening pages and keep the reader on edge. Cole is able to craft the story to his liking and does not stand down at any point. This provides a strong core set of values and leaving the reader wanting more. In a series that is sure to be based on mysterious developments, Cole has the reader begging for more and develops various ways to surprise them. I am eager to see what is to come and hoe Daniel Cole will lure the reader once more.
Kudos, Mr. Cole, for a great opening novel to this series.
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