Nine stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Bryndza, and Raven Street Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Returning for another Kate Marshall cold case thriller, I was once more impressed with the writing of Robert Bryndza. In a story that takes the reader back three decades, Bryndza provides all the elements for a great piece and provides some chilling personal development regarding the protagonist. A quick read, but also thoroughly enjoyable!
It was just before Christmas 1988 that Janey Macklin disappeared without a trace. She was last seen in the sketchy part of London, but when no body was ever found. While there was an arrest and conviction, the courts eventually overturned the result and the accused whet free. With no other leads, the case went cold.
Three decades later, Kate Marshall and her investigative partner, Tristan Harper, are called on to help reopen the investigation. A literary group is eager to launch a review and potentially turn it into a podcast or tell-all book. They utilises Kate and Tristan to explore old leads and turn over anything they might discover. Some wonder if Janey could have been an early victim of the Nine Elms Cannibal, a killer with whom Kate is unfortunately well versed.
While Kate and Tristan agree to the contract, it will open up old wounds and many issues for Kate. Still, she is determined to get it the bottom of things and help bring some closure for Janey's family. While the man once convicted of her murder says that he dropped her off inside a pub, others are sure they saw Janey outside in the cold. This same pub was a known hangout of the man, Peter Conway, who would become the Nine Elms Cannibal. His enjoyment of young girls and sadistic means of self-pleasure do not go unnoticed by Kate, who wonders if there is more to the story.
Exploring all angles, Kate and Tristan come up with a potential theory that could solve the case, but also jeopardise the contract they recently signed. If it means discovering the truth, it may be worth it. A chilling story with a few surprises, Robert Bryndza keeps the reader highly entertained.
I have long enjoyed the work of Robert Bryndza and his various thriller series. There is something about them that is both impactful and easy to read. The narrative flows well ask keeps the reader hooked as they try to discover all that is going on, never letting things wane. Strong characters and their backstories provide wonderful sub-plots that add depth to an already strong series.
The plot is strong and provides the reader with a few key surprises, peppered throughout this strong narrative. Using both past and present, as well as Kate's own experiences, help enrich an already strong story, leaving the reader hooked as they race to discover the truth. Add in a few red herrings and the story has it all! I am eager to see what Bryndza has next and how he will breathe life into all that is Kate Marshall, while hinting that there may be an Erika Foster crossover eventually!
Kudos, Mr. Bryndza, for another chilling read.
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