Echoes Of A Killer: Some Echoes Scream

by Alistair B. Hayward

A touch reveals his secrets. But her first glimpse is of his next victim.

Margot Burnett’s psychic gift is a curse that has left her isolated. She sees the innermost lives of her clients through touch—a secret she guards closely in her serene Santa Monica salon. Her controlled world shatters when a handsome, charming man sits in her chair for a trim.

One touch unleashes a psychic maelstrom.

She doesn’t just see his secrets. She sees his trophies. She sees the "Hollywood Butcher's" soundproofed theatre, the bolted-down steel table, the cages, and the tools of deconstruction. She sees the ghosts of his victims. And she hears his chilling, ever-present mantra: "I am God."

More terrifying, Margot sees the woman he is actively stalking—Ashley Taylor, his next project. When her fear-induced silence leads to Ashley’s inevitable disappearance, Margot’s guilt is crushing. She’s the only one who knows the killer's face.

Her only ally is Detective Milly Flynn, the sharp, pragmatic cop she’s falling for. But telling Milly the impossible truth could destroy their fragile romance and brand Margot as a lunatic… or an accomplice.

When the killer returns to her salon, bolder and more depraved than before, Margot knows her silence is a death sentence for his next target. Forced to embrace the terrifying power she’s always hidden, she is drawn into a desperate hunt for a monster who hides in plain sight—a hunt that will lead her from the city’s sunlit streets to the absolute darkness of his lair.

Echoes Of A Killer is a dark, gripping, dual-POV psychological thriller. Perfect for fans of Mindhunter and The Silence of the Lambs who love the creeping supernatural dread of Tana French and the dark, female-led relationships of Gillian Flynn's Sharp Objects.

343 pages, ebook

Expected publication July 11, 2026

About the author

Alistair B. Hayward is the author of gripping, disturbing serial killer thrillers, including the controversial 'The Games We Play' and the new psychological supernatural mystery, 'Echoes of a Killer', which will be released in 2026.

With a penchant for high-functioning psychopaths and visceral storytelling, Alistair weaves narratives where ordinary settings harbor extraordinary darkness. His writing is fueled by a love for 80s slasher films and a fascination with the psychology of violence. In Echoes of a Killer, he introduces a unique twist to the genre: a protagonist whose salon chair becomes the most dangerous seat in Los Angeles.

Alistair lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Despite the darkness of his books, he insists he is quite nice in real life.

Reviews

[Elle (IG: simply.elle18) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a unique psychological thriller with grit and intensity, this is it. Not your usual serial killer thriller, but one with a supernatural element, Echoes of a Killer is a visceral and uncomfortable read at times. This book really takes the reader into the minds of both protagonists, with a minimum of dialogue. I thought it to be a very compelling story that had me intrigued from the first page, with well developed and believable characters.

Thanks for the ARC, Alistair. I really enjoyed this one!

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

If you’re looking for an uncomfortable read that you won’t be able to stop reading, even if everything in you tells you so, this is it!

I read this author before, and whilst I found some signs of their writing, I found the serial killer trope written with a fresh supernatural element that I really enjoyed. Whilst there is a clear plot, this for me was more a character driven novel, with the insights into the main protagonists and their nuances very well depicted.

I loved Margot and Milly, their connection coming across so genuine. I was so satisfied by the ending! I don’t think I would have forgiven the author otherwise. The psychic element was really clever and I loved the parallelism with the serial killer choice of trophy.
As for the ‘Hollywood Butcher’, I definitely felt uncomfortable, given the very vivid description of his horrific acts, but mostly of the whys and the meticulous deconstruction of the human brain he was aiming for.

I loved the nod to the Silence of the Lambs toward the end. I definitely felt the tension!

The only thing that I would note, is that sometimes I felt some of the scenes felt a bit repetitive, as well as some of the expressions, which lost my engagement at times. As always, this is my opinion, and didn’t take anything from my high enjoyment of the book.

Want a serial killer story with a psychic twist? Make this one your next read. But check your triggers first.

Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Amira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book's not your typical psychological thriller, not your usual serial killer novel as it had supernatural twist to it, still an uncomfortable read but with added element to it.

There were vivid and detailed descriptions of the horrible acts which may be a bit too much but it just amazed me how the mind of a killer works and how the compulsions in his head dictated everything. And, it was also an interesting concept to explore the gift (or curse) of touch to see everything as a psychic ability, as it added more "unbelievable" feel in a usually reality-based fiction.

Overall, it was scary and gripping storyline, just a tad bit repetitive at times, but all's well. If you enjoy this kind of thriller, don't miss out on this one! Recommended! ✨️

[Tory Kekailoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one book I could convince you to add to your tbr this year, please let it be Echoes of a Killer. Alistair continues to exceed my expectations, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read this as an arc. This book will probably be one of my top reads of the year, and it’s only January..

I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Margot felt incredibly relatable to me and my own personal experiences, and the plot was so unique and intriguing that I had such a hard time putting it down. Everything played out like a movie in my head. The suspense, the gore, the dread, all of it was done so well to me.

I knew Alistair was an author I’d love after reading The Games We Play. Echoes of a Killer captured that same energy and vibe that pulled me in the first time. I highly, highly recommend.

[Wlad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fiquei interessada mais pela ideia de um casal lésbico "combater" um serial killer, mas não é isso que rola. A escrita é muito densa, tem páginas e páginas de descrição, além de serem repetitivas. As cenas de violência são bem gráficas e achei meio desnecessário. Também me incomodou que a leitora passa mais tempo lendo o ponto de vista do vilão do que da protagonista.
Terminei porque recebi ARC

[Book My Imagination · Rating 4 out of 5]

✂️Margot has a gift. When she touches someone, she sees their thoughts & lives.
Growing up, her gift was not seen as good, yet all Margot wants is a place to help people. Hairdressing gives her a way to help that is not intrusive. However, as soon as she touches their hair, she sees everything.

✂️Meanwhile a killer is hunting. The "Hollywood Butcher" has killed again. He is a seething, vile mess of hatred, and with every kill he knows he is punishing those that he deems unworthy.

✂️ The day he shows up for a haircut, he is handsome, well dressed, charming. But Margot senses something. When she touches his hair, her mind is overwhelmed by visions. She sees his soundproofed dungeon, the tools, the table, the cages and the ghosts of his victims.
And she sees his next victim.

💬Lordeeee! This is an uncomfortable read at times. This killer is something else.
His theatre of horror and death is vividly described, as are his thought processes.
His belief that he is not only a God, but The God is terrifying.
Not only do you get the tension, the thrill, the imagery, you also get that hair raising creepiness that makes a thriller read worth it.

💬 Through Margot, you get the other side. What would you do if you knew someone was about to be hunted, tortured & killed? You tell someone, right? Not so easy for Margot. What could she say? Who will believe her?

💬 As the reader, you get a front row seat into 2 minds. Seeing and feeling everything they are going through, and it is a unique experience.
The author gives you a glimpse into a serial killers mind, and a glimpse in the mind of someone who can change his course but can't express this in a believable way.
It's so intriguing.
And it is scary in places.
I certainly had a few moments where I had to take a breather.
My only gripe is that some areas felt repetitive, mainly through Margot's chapters.
It did not affect the overall thrill of the read though.
Thank you Alistair for sending this one. It's a truly horrifying read.

[SpiderMam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of a Killer by Alistair B. Hayward

From the very first page of Echoes of a Killer, I was drawn into the world of Margot, the main character whose kindness and empathy shine brightly amidst the darkness surrounding her. Hayward artfully crafts Margot's character, portraying her psychic abilities as both a gift and a burden. This duality adds depth to her personality, and it’s fascinating to see how she navigates life while wrestling with the ramifications of her powers.

Margot's relationships are central to the narrative, and Hayward explores them with nuance. The evolution of her love interest is both beautiful and fraught with challenges, leading to an emotional payoff that left me profoundly moved. It’s a testament to the author’s skill that he can elicit such strong feelings from readers through character arcs that feel both relatable and surprising.

On the flip side, the male antagonist in the story, a deeply twisted serial killer, is crafted with chilling precision. Hayward provides just the right level of detail about his heinous acts without overwhelming the reader. This balance keeps the narrative engaging, allowing us to understand the complexity of his character without delving too deeply into the graphic.

What truly stood out to me was Hayward's ability to delve into Margot’s psyche. He portrays her feminine spirit with authenticity and grace, a rarity that many male authors struggle to capture. His insight into her emotional landscape enriches the narrative, making it all the more compelling.

Rated five stars, Echoes of a Killer is a gripping blend of true crime vibes and psychological depth, featuring complex characters whose journeys resonate long after the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an intense psychological thriller intertwined with elements of empathy and human connection. Don’t miss out on this captivating read!

[Jenni Killin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a gripping thriller, I literally read the last 150 pages in one sitting! This one will have you holding your breath, waiting to see what would happen next. The way that Margot's psychic ability is explored is really unique, and I enjoyed that it's "realistically unrealistic". The characterization of The Hollywood Butcher is intense, as you read through his perspective, he is the epitome of a depraved psychopath, addicted to the feeling of power and comparing himself to being God. There is also a sapphic romance between Margot and Miller, which I felt was super realistic in the way that both women have to come to terms with Margot's ability - how would you react if the woman you were seeing admitted to reading your thoughts just by touching you? The whole story is so captivating, and the climax is so intense, I was sitting upright in bed zooming through the pages. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to dive into a serial killer thriller, craves something a lil bloodier and gruesome, or wants an excuse to stay up reading until 2am (like I am, oops).

[Alex Davenport · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were to read one thriller book this year or any year it should be this one
The Hollywood Butcher is wreaking havoc in LA, his victims are stalked and targeted for their loneliness. Their deaths aren’t easy, they are depraved, they suffer horribly. All was well in Butchers world until he needed a haircut!
Margot opens a tranquil hair salon. She has a gift where when she touches someone she sees ‘echoes’ of people’s lives, and what they are thinking. All was well in Margot’s life until the Butcher needs a trim.
His echoes are DARK. His echoes are LOUD. His echoes show his victims and intended victims.
Margot needs help to bring this Butcher down. But how can she do that when all she has is Echoes ???

An absolute fantastic story

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Echoes of a Killer had me on edge from the first page! Margot’s psychic gift makes her both powerful and painfully vulnerable, and I loved how the author ratchets up the tension every time she touches someone. The way she sees the “Hollywood Butcher’s” lair and his next victim had my heart racing, it’s chilling, vivid, and impossible to look away from.
The chemistry and trust-building between Margot and Detective Milly added a human, emotional core to the dark suspense. The dual perspectives made the hunt feel immediate and relentless, pulling me deeper into the story with each chapter.
This is a masterful mix of psychological thriller and supernatural edge, dark, twisted, and utterly gripping. I couldn’t put it down!

[Clinton]

Hayward appears to explore not just the actions of a killer, but the echoes those actions leave behind on victims, communities, and even the mind of the perpetrator. The title itself suggests a narrative where silence is deceptive, and the truth doesn’t just whisper it screams. This gives the story a strong psychological edge, hinting at themes of trauma, memory, and possibly obsession.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute nail biter! I absolutely loved the concept, very original. While some scenes were rather graphic, they were well written with the right amount of tension and suspense. While reading, I was actually thinking this would make an amazing movie!