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Echoes Of A Killer: Some Echoes Scream
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.
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
Published January 1, 2026
3 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Alistair B. Hayward
3 books20 followersAlistair 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.
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 30, 2026
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.
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.
February 3, 2026
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.
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.
January 30, 2026
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.
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January 30, 2026
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
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).
January 18, 2026
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
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
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2026
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!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews