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Perdition Games #4
Frozen Statues
A gripping psychological thriller with shocking twists
In the bitter cold of a Canadian winter, seven university freshmen vanish without a trace. Soon afterwards, police discover a ghastly crime scene—the victim is frozen solid and his eyes are missing, replaced with black stones. A week later, they find a second frozen statue at an identical crime scene.
Toronto PI Samantha McNamara suspects a copycat is mimicking Incubus, the serial killer who brutally murdered her sister three years earlier. And when Incubus writes to her from a maximum-security prison, Sam is certain that the psychopath holds the key to saving the remaining students.
But as the hunt for the young men intensifies, Sam is unwittingly lured into a lethal trap, intricately planned to destroy her. Haunted by the signature white lily that Incubus tattooed on all of his victims, Sam grows obsessed with uncovering the meaning behind the flower. Her partner and fiancé, former police Inspector Reece Hash, watches helplessly as Sam rushes headlong into destruction. With time running out for his fiancée and the abducted students, Reece must unravel a psychopath’s twisted game. And do it before the serial killer poses his next work of art.
Five young men wait in terror. Which will be the next frozen statue?
In the bitter cold of a Canadian winter, seven university freshmen vanish without a trace. Soon afterwards, police discover a ghastly crime scene—the victim is frozen solid and his eyes are missing, replaced with black stones. A week later, they find a second frozen statue at an identical crime scene.
Toronto PI Samantha McNamara suspects a copycat is mimicking Incubus, the serial killer who brutally murdered her sister three years earlier. And when Incubus writes to her from a maximum-security prison, Sam is certain that the psychopath holds the key to saving the remaining students.
But as the hunt for the young men intensifies, Sam is unwittingly lured into a lethal trap, intricately planned to destroy her. Haunted by the signature white lily that Incubus tattooed on all of his victims, Sam grows obsessed with uncovering the meaning behind the flower. Her partner and fiancé, former police Inspector Reece Hash, watches helplessly as Sam rushes headlong into destruction. With time running out for his fiancée and the abducted students, Reece must unravel a psychopath’s twisted game. And do it before the serial killer poses his next work of art.
Five young men wait in terror. Which will be the next frozen statue?
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
771 people are currently reading
1171 people want to read
About the author
L.E. Fraser
5 books110 followersL.E. Fraser completed her post-secondary education in Toronto and moved to London, Ontario with her husband, two sons, and three pugs. Raised on military bases, her introduction to unique people and experiences fed a lifelong desire to write. She combines her passion for psychology and criminology in her Perdition Games novels, where the monsters you can’t recognize are more frightening than the ones you can.
Each novel has a unique plotline and features returning protagonists Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and ex-OPP Inspector Reece Hash.
Visit her at www.perditiongames.com and catch her on social media.
Each novel has a unique plotline and features returning protagonists Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and ex-OPP Inspector Reece Hash.
Visit her at www.perditiongames.com and catch her on social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 13, 2017
I have two hidden series gems that I feel like I own all to myself. I got in on the ground floor on both when the authors each asked me to read her debut. One, I initially rejected, and then changed my mind as the author was so gracious. That was H.N. Wake, writer of the outstanding Mac Ambrose series. That series consists of 3 novels and a novella so far and is simply brilliant. My other secret love is the Perdition Games books by L. E. (Lori) Fraser. Frozen Statues is book 4 of this preeminent set of novels. With both series, the stories and the writing just get better and better. Why they have not caught on with the reading community is unclear to me; perhaps because the authors are both indies and suffer from lack of publicity. Trust me when I tell you these two authors both deserve a healthy readership.
Frozen Statues is an exceptional piece of work. Our protagonist is the beautifully well-drawn Canadian PI Samantha (Sam) McNamara. In the first installment of the series, we learn of Sam’s sister’s death by the hands of a serial killer dubbed Incubus. In Frozen Statues we finally learn the details of that arc, which is skillfully woven in through flashbacks with events of present day. Incubus, though put away for life without parole, remains a thorn in Sam’s head to such an extent that he is actually able to influence her actions with the end goal being her self-destruction. This book has a wonderfully complex plot. Twists and surprises occur throughout the entire narrative (including an “oh-by-the-way” shocker in the epilogue) as the reader tries to put the various threads together. The plot is dark and involves multiple ritualistic murders. On top of that we are presented with disturbing psychological overlay. Sam and her love/work partner Reece are both under tremendous stress for different reasons, and their partnerships, both personal and professional, are under great duress. Just a note—this is not romantic suspense; this is full-fledged thriller. The last quarter of the book contains unrelenting suspense and thrills. The last two chapters and epilogue are cathartic. The last two sentences are chilling.
Other excellent features include the stellar supporting cast. I look forward to seeing some of these characters, particularly Eli and Danny, in future books. There is a touching arc involving Sam’s beloved dog, Brandy, that all animal lovers will find very moving. And a shoutout to Ms. Fraser’s cover artist who has scored a winner once again. The cover of book 3, Red Rover, is one of the three best covers I have ever seen, and the Frozen Statues one is a beauty as well. Last, but not least, props to Ms. Fraser for her research (particularly the psychological), which is clearly apparent in this novel.
If you are looking for new go-to authors in the thriller genre, I strongly recommend you pick up a novel by Ms. Fraser (or Ms. Wake—first book is A Spy Came Home). The books of both series can be read as standalones, but do yourself a favor and fully take in the experiences by reading both series in order. First book of The Perdition Games is Perdition Games: Simon Says. Finally, I just want to emphasize my love for Ms. Fraser’s writings by saying I plan to reread Simon Says very soon. And I never reread books. Ever.
Frozen Statues is an exceptional piece of work. Our protagonist is the beautifully well-drawn Canadian PI Samantha (Sam) McNamara. In the first installment of the series, we learn of Sam’s sister’s death by the hands of a serial killer dubbed Incubus. In Frozen Statues we finally learn the details of that arc, which is skillfully woven in through flashbacks with events of present day. Incubus, though put away for life without parole, remains a thorn in Sam’s head to such an extent that he is actually able to influence her actions with the end goal being her self-destruction. This book has a wonderfully complex plot. Twists and surprises occur throughout the entire narrative (including an “oh-by-the-way” shocker in the epilogue) as the reader tries to put the various threads together. The plot is dark and involves multiple ritualistic murders. On top of that we are presented with disturbing psychological overlay. Sam and her love/work partner Reece are both under tremendous stress for different reasons, and their partnerships, both personal and professional, are under great duress. Just a note—this is not romantic suspense; this is full-fledged thriller. The last quarter of the book contains unrelenting suspense and thrills. The last two chapters and epilogue are cathartic. The last two sentences are chilling.
Other excellent features include the stellar supporting cast. I look forward to seeing some of these characters, particularly Eli and Danny, in future books. There is a touching arc involving Sam’s beloved dog, Brandy, that all animal lovers will find very moving. And a shoutout to Ms. Fraser’s cover artist who has scored a winner once again. The cover of book 3, Red Rover, is one of the three best covers I have ever seen, and the Frozen Statues one is a beauty as well. Last, but not least, props to Ms. Fraser for her research (particularly the psychological), which is clearly apparent in this novel.
If you are looking for new go-to authors in the thriller genre, I strongly recommend you pick up a novel by Ms. Fraser (or Ms. Wake—first book is A Spy Came Home). The books of both series can be read as standalones, but do yourself a favor and fully take in the experiences by reading both series in order. First book of The Perdition Games is Perdition Games: Simon Says. Finally, I just want to emphasize my love for Ms. Fraser’s writings by saying I plan to reread Simon Says very soon. And I never reread books. Ever.
February 19, 2019
That was intense! I really can't go past Christine's review for this. I fully endorse everything she said.
Sam McNamara and her fiancé Reece Hash are back in a really creepy and spine tingling instalment. First they are approached to find Ben, the son of good friends of Reece. He is but one of several university freshmen who have recently disappeared. These young men then reappear one by one as frozen statues, strangely posed, with their eyes removed and replaced by black stones.
There is a lot of misdirection going on as much of what is happening is being driven by Sam's nemesis, Incubus, from prison. He has engineered a complex plot to lure Sam back into his orbit in order to destroy her. And she walks right into it. This is a taut thriller, dark and lethal. A wedge is being driven between Sam and Reece and Sam makes some basic errors as she fights to find Ben before he is killed. But she is also haunted by aspects of her sister's death at the hands of Incubus which makes her vulnerable to his manipulations, A very clever and chilling thriller. This series should, however, be read in order.
Sam McNamara and her fiancé Reece Hash are back in a really creepy and spine tingling instalment. First they are approached to find Ben, the son of good friends of Reece. He is but one of several university freshmen who have recently disappeared. These young men then reappear one by one as frozen statues, strangely posed, with their eyes removed and replaced by black stones.
There is a lot of misdirection going on as much of what is happening is being driven by Sam's nemesis, Incubus, from prison. He has engineered a complex plot to lure Sam back into his orbit in order to destroy her. And she walks right into it. This is a taut thriller, dark and lethal. A wedge is being driven between Sam and Reece and Sam makes some basic errors as she fights to find Ben before he is killed. But she is also haunted by aspects of her sister's death at the hands of Incubus which makes her vulnerable to his manipulations, A very clever and chilling thriller. This series should, however, be read in order.
July 26, 2017
I received a free download of this book from Story Cartel. Thank you!
Having read the first books of this series and enjoyed them, I was looking forward to reading this book. The author did not disappoint. I found myself enthralled as I followed the ups and downs of Sam and Reece, both in their personal and professional lives.
The book does well a stand-alone, because of the flashbacks that describe the events leading to Joyce's death. But it was also nice, as a reader of the series, to be able to gain some insight as well.
I like the new characters of Danny and Eli, especially Eli. By sheer coincidence, I just finished a book that had an autistic character, and I was quite pleased to find myself reading another story where an autistic character was portrayed in a positive, successful light. I hope that the author will feature Danny and Eli in future novels.
I would recommend this book to others and I will continue to read more from this author.
Having read the first books of this series and enjoyed them, I was looking forward to reading this book. The author did not disappoint. I found myself enthralled as I followed the ups and downs of Sam and Reece, both in their personal and professional lives.
The book does well a stand-alone, because of the flashbacks that describe the events leading to Joyce's death. But it was also nice, as a reader of the series, to be able to gain some insight as well.
I like the new characters of Danny and Eli, especially Eli. By sheer coincidence, I just finished a book that had an autistic character, and I was quite pleased to find myself reading another story where an autistic character was portrayed in a positive, successful light. I hope that the author will feature Danny and Eli in future novels.
I would recommend this book to others and I will continue to read more from this author.
March 3, 2018
4 stars
I am hooked on this series. I like the main characters and the secondary characters. More physical, mental and emotional trauma for Reece and Sam. Some new characters are introduced. I hope we see them in the next one. Lots of action and suspense. If you don't like serial killers and/or gory details, this series is not for you.
I am hooked on this series. I like the main characters and the secondary characters. More physical, mental and emotional trauma for Reece and Sam. Some new characters are introduced. I hope we see them in the next one. Lots of action and suspense. If you don't like serial killers and/or gory details, this series is not for you.
November 22, 2023
In this, the 4th book in the series, two private investigators tangle with their own tortured pasts while hunting a serial killer. Toronto investigator, Samantha McNamara and Reece Hash are engaged. Reece has decided to finish law school, which has left him feeling overextended and short-tempered. When they decide to hire help for their firm, only one candidate shows up, a young man named Elijah Watson. Sam immediately distrusts him...he has stiff movements and stilted speech, and old but odd cigarette burns on his wrist. Nevertheless, I thought the reason for hiring, him since she distrusted him to start with was a bit off. Seems it was based solely on Eli's ability to fix Reece’s malfunctioning computer, so...believe it or not... they hire him. Though Sam and Reece continue to not really mesh emotionally, she preoccupies herself with a new case of ritualistic murder in which a University of Toronto freshman’s corpse was posed naked like a statue and his eyes were replaced with black stones. This coincides with another disappearance of another college student, Bart Walsh, who is the brother of Margaret, the firm’s intern. Margaret says that Bart’s new girlfriend, Angelina “Angel” Stuart, is a rude, manipulative wild child with a questionable past. Making matters worse is the serial killer...Incubus, whom Sam helped catch and place in the Millhaven Institute, has been writing her flattering letters to play games with her head and bring friction to Sam and Reece’s already strained relationship. In her latest outing with the two private eyes, Fraser pays homage to Thomas Harris’ Hannibal Lecter by making Incubus learned, slimy, and dangerous even behind bars. She fuels the plot with increasingly sadistic secrets, one of which props up the tension between Sam and Reece (“ignoring her was his new modus operandi, along with his grumpy demeanor and argumentative attitude. Careful details about the murders, like the staging of victims during foul weather to ruin forensic evidence, are impressively geeky. And Fraser doesn’t let fans down during grisly flashbacks, as a warehouse fire leaves Incubus with “strands of charred hair” drooping “across one wide blue eye that stares sightless from bubbling flesh.” Okay...I know this is book #4 and I should, maybe have started with #1...but I just didn't get this entire scenario. The rating in no way reflects the authors writing ability, but it very much reflects my understanding of these characters.
January 7, 2019
I liked this book. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am not often in this genre but find myself creeping in a little now and then more recently and I think it might be for me after all. I’m usually more horror but this would work for horror fans too in my opinion.
There was no hanging around, it gets going quickly. From the time I finished reading the Prologue I was hooked. I liked the characters and found Angel and Eli particularly interesting, they were my favourites by far. I found it hard to put this book down and when I wasn’t reading it I thought about it often, mostly about the prologue bit to be honest, I really wanted to know what happened to everyone and I couldn’t quite get my head around how it would turn out in the end - some nice twists along the way.
I would say that this book has a definite whiff of Silence of the Lambs about it. Not necessarily a bad thing but it seemed quite obvious to me.
It’s worth noting that there are some rather gruesome details in this book so be warned. I guess books about murderers would be a little on the gruesome side by their very nature?
One frustrating aspect of the book is that there would be fewer problems if the 2 main characters just spoke to each other. And for someone who hates lying, honest Reece sure does lie a lot! But all necessary for the plot I suppose.
Overall a really gripping read, some great plot turns and I was eager to keep reading and find out the ending, although I was slightly put off by the last chapter the Epilogue made up for that! A very solid 4*/5 from me.
There was no hanging around, it gets going quickly. From the time I finished reading the Prologue I was hooked. I liked the characters and found Angel and Eli particularly interesting, they were my favourites by far. I found it hard to put this book down and when I wasn’t reading it I thought about it often, mostly about the prologue bit to be honest, I really wanted to know what happened to everyone and I couldn’t quite get my head around how it would turn out in the end - some nice twists along the way.
I would say that this book has a definite whiff of Silence of the Lambs about it. Not necessarily a bad thing but it seemed quite obvious to me.
It’s worth noting that there are some rather gruesome details in this book so be warned. I guess books about murderers would be a little on the gruesome side by their very nature?
One frustrating aspect of the book is that there would be fewer problems if the 2 main characters just spoke to each other. And for someone who hates lying, honest Reece sure does lie a lot! But all necessary for the plot I suppose.
Overall a really gripping read, some great plot turns and I was eager to keep reading and find out the ending, although I was slightly put off by the last chapter the Epilogue made up for that! A very solid 4*/5 from me.
September 3, 2017
-I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Frozen Statutes, Perdition Games, by L.E. Fraser, is a psychological thriller about being stalked by remorse, with the sins of a terrifying past slowly but surely devouring you until there’s nothing left to feast on.
Sam McNamara is a private investigator who is haunted by former memories of her older sister’s death. When a body is found with black stones for eyes, she receives letters from a serial killer named Incubus, who observes how similar his style of killings were to this new killer’s. Age old grudges resurface, and with her fears slowly closing in on her, Sam is locked in a war between her sanity and paranoia. With time running out and the body count growing higher, Sam must use her wits to try and outsmart the killer, before she herself is killed.
I loved Sam. She was written in a way that balanced out her guilt with her hope for the future. Although there were times she allowed her arrogance to take over, in the end she does care about her loved ones, so much so she torments herself with Joyce’s death just to keep remembering her. But because of that, she is also isolated, trapped in her thoughts and emotions while endeavoring to move on with her life. Reece, on the other hand, was a bit of an enigma. While it’s clear that Reece is devoted to Sam, when he realized that he had a connection to this new serial killer, it was as if he shut down. It was like all his dirty little secrets were exposed for Sam to see, so he tried to ignore it, as though they’d go away if he paid no attention to it. It’s partly the reason why their relationship struggled as it did. Still, even though they had their many insecurities, they’ve pulled themselves together to make sure the other was okay. The couple was well developed and realistic. They paralleled with several other relationships in the book, such as Eli and Danny, and even Bart and Angel.
These relationships, however, contrasts with the serial killer and her father themselves. She was willing to carry out horrific murders and conduct psychological warfare, all in her father’s name. I felt she died because she loved her father too much; that tainted, twisted love that allowed her to take the lives of so many, was what made her throw her life away. Her father, of course, was hollow; instead, he was fixated on Sam, who wanted nothing to do with him. Still, I can’t try to understand them. Unlike other characters in the book, they danced with Death himself, and led him down a bloody path of mayhem.
One last thing that haunted me was the lily on the Incubus’s victims. Throughout the book, there were people who lied to themselves, trying to pretend that everything was well. It was like they were dreaming of sweet nothingness. It was ironic, because the serial killer’s name, Incubus, was also the name of a demon who would come to disturb sleeping women. This killer disturbs his victims the same way, leaving them a small lily, as if to wish them a blissful, eternal slumber after the nightmarish ordeal he put them through. An interesting tidbit of the lily is that it represents the soul leaving after death, and thus has restored its innocence. It was troubling to me, considering that Sam’s older sister was one of the victims.
Thus, I would give this book a rating of a 4.8 out of 5 stars. The characters and relationship parallels were extraordinary, as was Fraser’s creative way of intertwining dreams with nightmares. The lily was used in a way that added to the book’s macabre charm. Because of this, I would recommend this book to fans of Lara’s Journal by A. Gavazzoni.
Frozen Statutes, Perdition Games, by L.E. Fraser, is a psychological thriller about being stalked by remorse, with the sins of a terrifying past slowly but surely devouring you until there’s nothing left to feast on.
Sam McNamara is a private investigator who is haunted by former memories of her older sister’s death. When a body is found with black stones for eyes, she receives letters from a serial killer named Incubus, who observes how similar his style of killings were to this new killer’s. Age old grudges resurface, and with her fears slowly closing in on her, Sam is locked in a war between her sanity and paranoia. With time running out and the body count growing higher, Sam must use her wits to try and outsmart the killer, before she herself is killed.
I loved Sam. She was written in a way that balanced out her guilt with her hope for the future. Although there were times she allowed her arrogance to take over, in the end she does care about her loved ones, so much so she torments herself with Joyce’s death just to keep remembering her. But because of that, she is also isolated, trapped in her thoughts and emotions while endeavoring to move on with her life. Reece, on the other hand, was a bit of an enigma. While it’s clear that Reece is devoted to Sam, when he realized that he had a connection to this new serial killer, it was as if he shut down. It was like all his dirty little secrets were exposed for Sam to see, so he tried to ignore it, as though they’d go away if he paid no attention to it. It’s partly the reason why their relationship struggled as it did. Still, even though they had their many insecurities, they’ve pulled themselves together to make sure the other was okay. The couple was well developed and realistic. They paralleled with several other relationships in the book, such as Eli and Danny, and even Bart and Angel.
These relationships, however, contrasts with the serial killer and her father themselves. She was willing to carry out horrific murders and conduct psychological warfare, all in her father’s name. I felt she died because she loved her father too much; that tainted, twisted love that allowed her to take the lives of so many, was what made her throw her life away. Her father, of course, was hollow; instead, he was fixated on Sam, who wanted nothing to do with him. Still, I can’t try to understand them. Unlike other characters in the book, they danced with Death himself, and led him down a bloody path of mayhem.
One last thing that haunted me was the lily on the Incubus’s victims. Throughout the book, there were people who lied to themselves, trying to pretend that everything was well. It was like they were dreaming of sweet nothingness. It was ironic, because the serial killer’s name, Incubus, was also the name of a demon who would come to disturb sleeping women. This killer disturbs his victims the same way, leaving them a small lily, as if to wish them a blissful, eternal slumber after the nightmarish ordeal he put them through. An interesting tidbit of the lily is that it represents the soul leaving after death, and thus has restored its innocence. It was troubling to me, considering that Sam’s older sister was one of the victims.
Thus, I would give this book a rating of a 4.8 out of 5 stars. The characters and relationship parallels were extraordinary, as was Fraser’s creative way of intertwining dreams with nightmares. The lily was used in a way that added to the book’s macabre charm. Because of this, I would recommend this book to fans of Lara’s Journal by A. Gavazzoni.
May 21, 2018
This is two parallel stories. The past three years ago tells the story of the Incubus Killer who killed Sam’s sister and is now reaching out to Sam as a new serial killer stalks young men, but is targeting people Reece, Sam’s partner in the PI firm, know. Then there’s the mysterious new intern Eli, the woman following Sam, the various kidnapped boys and Angel and the missing Albanian daughter. All woven into a suspense and psychological criminal drama. This is high-tech, conspiracy-laden, pure evil fighting against vulnerable but strong Sam and everyone she holds dear. The various unhappy backgrounds of the female characters is a bit much, but everything else held my attention. The pure evil of this books Hannibal Lector known as the Incubus Killer aka Richard Lutz is bone chilling, and I never figured out who his real accomplice was...that surprised me. This book is non-stop action, with twists and turns, though a few of the answers were a bit weak. Overall, if you like a Criminal Minds Meets Silence of the Lambs premise, you will enjoy this. One question totally left unanswered, how did the fire that marred Incubus’s face and Sam’s hands start. I thought she set it, but it was clear later that was not the case.
July 16, 2020
I didn't realize this was book #4 in a series until I started reading the acknowledgements! Oh well. You really don't NEED to read the other books because it doesn't seem like you really miss much. Everyone is explained well enough so I didn't feel lost at all.
This book was way better than I was expecting. I wasn't even finished with it and recommended it to some people and now I'm recommending it to whoever hasn't read it.
Pick. It. Up.
It's fast paced and if I didn't have a 10 month old to take care of, this would have been read in less than a day. Haha.
This book was way better than I was expecting. I wasn't even finished with it and recommended it to some people and now I'm recommending it to whoever hasn't read it.
Pick. It. Up.
It's fast paced and if I didn't have a 10 month old to take care of, this would have been read in less than a day. Haha.
July 17, 2017
This is a very well written story. You follow the story line by seeing it from each characters viewpoint. A nice combination of thrilling and scary events and discoveries in this book. I loved it. If you want adventure and suspense this is the book for you get it today.
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December 25, 2018
Stops you cold in the first chapter
Stops you cold in the first chapter and just keeps hitting you. Intense to the point where I would have to walk away from it for couple of days. I'm a fan!
Stops you cold in the first chapter and just keeps hitting you. Intense to the point where I would have to walk away from it for couple of days. I'm a fan!
September 2, 2017
I received this book as a giveaway. Once I started reading I had trouble putting this book down. It sucks you in and keeps you guessing. This is the first book I have read by L.E. Fraser and I will definitely be reading more.
August 9, 2017
Reserved.
September 10, 2017
"Without death, there will be no justice;" however, doesn't justice itself come with a price tag? After all nothing in life is free; all actions have consequences.
Frozen Statues centers around Sam McNamara who's sister was brutally murder by Incubus. A series of copycat murders stuns Toronto; college men are being kidnapped; killed; frozen and posed as statues. Sam begins to receive letters from Incubus leading her into a dark journey and ending with a fight for her own life!
An amazing read 5 stars! I am now a new fan of L.E. Fraser and look forward to reading her other books! However, I just have to ask, why are dogs in books always named Brandy?
Frozen Statues centers around Sam McNamara who's sister was brutally murder by Incubus. A series of copycat murders stuns Toronto; college men are being kidnapped; killed; frozen and posed as statues. Sam begins to receive letters from Incubus leading her into a dark journey and ending with a fight for her own life!
An amazing read 5 stars! I am now a new fan of L.E. Fraser and look forward to reading her other books! However, I just have to ask, why are dogs in books always named Brandy?
May 25, 2018
It is quite clear from the outset that this book is part of a series and that we are already some way in. However, knowledge of the previous novels in the series is not necessary to enjoy this tale - in fact I may have found myself enjoying it rather more because of that. I don't know if the Incubus murders have already been covered in the series so making large portions of this book completely irrelevant to the plot but if they aren't then this is a genuinely good stand alone tale.
We do have some of the familiar devices beloved of the genre but the reasons for Sam's damaged state is a good one and the psychological ramifications of her sisters murder are well thought out and followed through on to the page. There is a really good sense of a devolving mental state and her descent in to obsession, if not madness, over those events that fuel the plot in this story. The relationship between her and Reece seems so perfect and then she begins to erode at that with her paranoia and personal foibles.
The tale takes some nice twists and turns and you genuinely find yourself trying to pre-guess the outcome. The liberal red herrings work well and throw us off the scent as enthusiastically as they do the investigators. This is no mean feat and it was a real joy to find myself scratching my head at times trying to figure out exactly what was going on and get to the right perpetrator before they did.
The handling of the Asperger's character, Eli, was sensitively done and the description of his interactions were pretty much spot on, as where his coping mechanisms. Bolster this with the enigmatic Danny and you can see them becoming integral parts of future plots.
I think part of what elevated this for me was the genuine creativity of the murders and the wonderful twists to get to the denouement. However, this paled in to insignificance at Sam's heartbreak when her dog dies. It was wonderful to see a pet acknowledged as part of the family and the grief that hits when they do die shown so baldly on the page.
A thoroughly enjoyable book that gets the old grey matter ticking over.
We do have some of the familiar devices beloved of the genre but the reasons for Sam's damaged state is a good one and the psychological ramifications of her sisters murder are well thought out and followed through on to the page. There is a really good sense of a devolving mental state and her descent in to obsession, if not madness, over those events that fuel the plot in this story. The relationship between her and Reece seems so perfect and then she begins to erode at that with her paranoia and personal foibles.
The tale takes some nice twists and turns and you genuinely find yourself trying to pre-guess the outcome. The liberal red herrings work well and throw us off the scent as enthusiastically as they do the investigators. This is no mean feat and it was a real joy to find myself scratching my head at times trying to figure out exactly what was going on and get to the right perpetrator before they did.
The handling of the Asperger's character, Eli, was sensitively done and the description of his interactions were pretty much spot on, as where his coping mechanisms. Bolster this with the enigmatic Danny and you can see them becoming integral parts of future plots.
I think part of what elevated this for me was the genuine creativity of the murders and the wonderful twists to get to the denouement. However, this paled in to insignificance at Sam's heartbreak when her dog dies. It was wonderful to see a pet acknowledged as part of the family and the grief that hits when they do die shown so baldly on the page.
A thoroughly enjoyable book that gets the old grey matter ticking over.
June 19, 2018
Seven Canadian university freshmen disappear without a trace, but when police later discover two frozen corpses, carefully posed and their eyes replaced by black stones, PI Samantha McNamara knows in her heart that this is a copycat killer restaging murders by the deadly serial killer, Incubus, a man she helped put away for life when she was a member of the police force.
Determined to prove her theory right, she takes it to the police, but is told by her old boss to stay out of it. Never good at taking orders, and convinced that she’s right, she accepts an invitation from Incubus to visit him in prison. That visit sends her on a hunt, not just to find the Frozen Statue Killer and save the lives of the remaining students, but to exorcise her own demons from the fact that one of Incubus’s last victims was her older sister, Joyce. She knows that, somehow, Incubus holds the key to the current case, and she’s determined to track it to the end.
Frozen Statues: Perdition Games by L.E. Fraser is a chilling thriller that takes the reader deep inside the tormented minds of psychopaths who kill for pleasure and the thrill of the chase. A compelling read it dhows the circles within circles of mental illness, sometimes merely socially inconvenient, but often, deadly. Not an easy book to read in one sitting, not only because it is long and complicated, but also because you’ll need to get away from it from time to time to remind yourself that, after all, it’s only fiction. But, is it. Studies have shown that the number of psychopaths and sociopaths in any population is far greater than we think, and even in a ‘polite’ society like Canada, darkness lurks around every corner.
Determined to prove her theory right, she takes it to the police, but is told by her old boss to stay out of it. Never good at taking orders, and convinced that she’s right, she accepts an invitation from Incubus to visit him in prison. That visit sends her on a hunt, not just to find the Frozen Statue Killer and save the lives of the remaining students, but to exorcise her own demons from the fact that one of Incubus’s last victims was her older sister, Joyce. She knows that, somehow, Incubus holds the key to the current case, and she’s determined to track it to the end.
Frozen Statues: Perdition Games by L.E. Fraser is a chilling thriller that takes the reader deep inside the tormented minds of psychopaths who kill for pleasure and the thrill of the chase. A compelling read it dhows the circles within circles of mental illness, sometimes merely socially inconvenient, but often, deadly. Not an easy book to read in one sitting, not only because it is long and complicated, but also because you’ll need to get away from it from time to time to remind yourself that, after all, it’s only fiction. But, is it. Studies have shown that the number of psychopaths and sociopaths in any population is far greater than we think, and even in a ‘polite’ society like Canada, darkness lurks around every corner.
June 21, 2018
Sam is an ex-Toronto cop who has gone into business as a PI and is studying psychology in her spare time. She lives with her boyfriend and fellow PI, Reece, another ex-cop who is now studying to become a lawyer. Sam has issues arising from her personal and professional history. It is these that make this story so interesting.
What looks like a simple plot gradually becomes more and more complex as we learn more about Sam. Like the Gordian Knot the plot eventually resolves through an act of violence.
This is a great read, one that I enjoyed. The plot is well thought through. The characters are about as an amazing collection as you will find in any work of fiction. I loved these aspects of the book. What was missing for me, and my reason for not giving five stars, was any sense of time and place. The book is set in and around Toronto but there was nothing in it that screamed Toronto, or even Canada, at me. Likewise, there are descriptions of snow on Sam's car in the early chapters but nothing that gave me the feeling of moving in to, or out of, the depths of winter as the story progressed.
These are relatively minor failings of context that did not prevent me from enjoying the book. Ms Fraser tells a good tale that will keep you hooked to what is a very gory story.gave me the feeling of moving out of the depths of winter as the story progressed.These are minor failings that did not prevent me from enjoying the book. Ms Fraser tells a good tale that will keep you hooked in what is very definitely a gory story.
What looks like a simple plot gradually becomes more and more complex as we learn more about Sam. Like the Gordian Knot the plot eventually resolves through an act of violence.
This is a great read, one that I enjoyed. The plot is well thought through. The characters are about as an amazing collection as you will find in any work of fiction. I loved these aspects of the book. What was missing for me, and my reason for not giving five stars, was any sense of time and place. The book is set in and around Toronto but there was nothing in it that screamed Toronto, or even Canada, at me. Likewise, there are descriptions of snow on Sam's car in the early chapters but nothing that gave me the feeling of moving in to, or out of, the depths of winter as the story progressed.
These are relatively minor failings of context that did not prevent me from enjoying the book. Ms Fraser tells a good tale that will keep you hooked to what is a very gory story.gave me the feeling of moving out of the depths of winter as the story progressed.These are minor failings that did not prevent me from enjoying the book. Ms Fraser tells a good tale that will keep you hooked in what is very definitely a gory story.
April 27, 2018
Definitely a good book
Gripping storyline and a page turner. I do have enjoyed the book of the Frozen Statues, and admit that I have been a bit confused at the beginning, but it disappeared with the next pages after I understood the line there.
The characters are good and the speech are great, same for the monologues. I didn't warmed up to Sam, to stubborn for my taste, at some points she really annoyed me.
The story has good twist and turns that your own brain cells start working lol
I felt really sorry for Angel, her upbringing has been terrible, I had tears in my eyes. After they found out that Jerry has a daughter it was predictable.
But I like the writing style, very detailed information, that you can feel the emotions of the characters.
There are some great characters as the storyline progresses, even Sam's dog, it was so sad that she died.
I love the End that there were able to fix there relationship, with a surprise for Sam, I cried happy and sad tears for all the lost and new once.
I never found out why Sam actually left the police force and started as a PI with Reece.
If you like thrilling crime stories you have to read this one. What is the second called in this series?
Gripping storyline and a page turner. I do have enjoyed the book of the Frozen Statues, and admit that I have been a bit confused at the beginning, but it disappeared with the next pages after I understood the line there.
The characters are good and the speech are great, same for the monologues. I didn't warmed up to Sam, to stubborn for my taste, at some points she really annoyed me.
The story has good twist and turns that your own brain cells start working lol
I felt really sorry for Angel, her upbringing has been terrible, I had tears in my eyes. After they found out that Jerry has a daughter it was predictable.
But I like the writing style, very detailed information, that you can feel the emotions of the characters.
There are some great characters as the storyline progresses, even Sam's dog, it was so sad that she died.
I love the End that there were able to fix there relationship, with a surprise for Sam, I cried happy and sad tears for all the lost and new once.
I never found out why Sam actually left the police force and started as a PI with Reece.
If you like thrilling crime stories you have to read this one. What is the second called in this series?
September 17, 2017
Excellent Series-Frozen Statues
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this four story book set. Again, this is about Sam McNamara and Reece Hash. They are asked to look for a missing son of one of their friends. Incubus, the serial killer rears his ugly head, and puts into motion a series of events that could lead them in possible death. I got the feeling this could lead to a sequel. I gave this book 5 stars for the exciting writhing, excellent editing, fantastic proofreading, but most of all because all 4 of the books I read kept me up till all hours reading! I would recommend this series to anyone that loves well thought out books.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this four story book set. Again, this is about Sam McNamara and Reece Hash. They are asked to look for a missing son of one of their friends. Incubus, the serial killer rears his ugly head, and puts into motion a series of events that could lead them in possible death. I got the feeling this could lead to a sequel. I gave this book 5 stars for the exciting writhing, excellent editing, fantastic proofreading, but most of all because all 4 of the books I read kept me up till all hours reading! I would recommend this series to anyone that loves well thought out books.
June 19, 2018
Evilness
I’m sorry to give you a 3 star rating. The story was very good. I enjoyed it very much, but it was just so evil. Especially what they did to those poor women. If mankind had never started killing in the first place we wouldn’t have stories like these to read. But man has always allowed the devil to warp their minds into thinking that doing evil is better than doing good. I love it in these stories when the good guys win, because in real life the devil is going to have to pay for his evil deeds when he is thrown in the lake of fire by Jesus Christ.
I’m sorry to give you a 3 star rating. The story was very good. I enjoyed it very much, but it was just so evil. Especially what they did to those poor women. If mankind had never started killing in the first place we wouldn’t have stories like these to read. But man has always allowed the devil to warp their minds into thinking that doing evil is better than doing good. I love it in these stories when the good guys win, because in real life the devil is going to have to pay for his evil deeds when he is thrown in the lake of fire by Jesus Christ.
November 16, 2018
This book was a nightmare to read with all the gore details of the killings from three years ago when Incubus was killing and when the present killer Frozen Statues . I did finish it to the end because I had to find out who the killer was . The characters were exceptional in bringing across the terror and suspense that they were feeling . I don't know if I can read another book by this author due to the descriptive details of the killings . Sometimes less is better in that aspect .
March 29, 2018
It's a Thriller
Expertly written. I loved this. I hated to put it down to eat or sleep. There were times where I thought it was moving a bit slow, I was wrong. I had thought about skipping over a few pages, but didn't and couldn't. If I had I would have missed something. I don't usually read this type of book anymore but am glad I did. Memorable characters within. Due to the subject, I would recommend mature readers.
Expertly written. I loved this. I hated to put it down to eat or sleep. There were times where I thought it was moving a bit slow, I was wrong. I had thought about skipping over a few pages, but didn't and couldn't. If I had I would have missed something. I don't usually read this type of book anymore but am glad I did. Memorable characters within. Due to the subject, I would recommend mature readers.
May 9, 2018
I CAN'T WAIT for the next book!
I just finished the series & started googling to find out if there's any info when the next book is coming out! I really enjoyed this series and I'm a little sad that I've read all the books because now I'm ready to read the next book and it's not out yet. So I will wait impatiently for it to be released. L.E Fraser is an amazingly talented writer and I really enjoyed reading this series!
I just finished the series & started googling to find out if there's any info when the next book is coming out! I really enjoyed this series and I'm a little sad that I've read all the books because now I'm ready to read the next book and it's not out yet. So I will wait impatiently for it to be released. L.E Fraser is an amazingly talented writer and I really enjoyed reading this series!
July 30, 2018
Great 👍
I really like how all the characters seemed real. The main characters had good and bad in them that made them human. No one can be perfect and that is what I liked.
The plot was good, with nice twists and turns. I do however have to minus a star for the confusing flashbacks.
At the end of the book, I liked that it made me rethink about my family relationships and be more forgiving.
I would recommend this book.
I really like how all the characters seemed real. The main characters had good and bad in them that made them human. No one can be perfect and that is what I liked.
The plot was good, with nice twists and turns. I do however have to minus a star for the confusing flashbacks.
At the end of the book, I liked that it made me rethink about my family relationships and be more forgiving.
I would recommend this book.
January 27, 2021
This was my favourite of the series so far. Some of my issues with the previous books had been resolved somewhat and I found it very interesting to finally hear about the incubus case, which turned out to be every bit as gruesome as we had been promised. I did find the recurring theme of everyone keeping secrets from each other causing about half the story lines to occur a little overdone by now so hope that won't continue. Overall though I thought this one was a really good read.
March 21, 2018
WOW
This is the first novel i have read by L.E. Fraser. I loved every second of the book. It was very well written. I loved how each of the characters have their own individual story but everything ties together in a beautiful bow. If you love fast past thrillers with alot of twist and turns with a little bit of romance, this is a great novel to read.
This is the first novel i have read by L.E. Fraser. I loved every second of the book. It was very well written. I loved how each of the characters have their own individual story but everything ties together in a beautiful bow. If you love fast past thrillers with alot of twist and turns with a little bit of romance, this is a great novel to read.
April 21, 2018
Frozen Statues was fantastic! I enjoyed the characters, the story and it kept me guessing! I would recomend highly to anyone who enjoys a good read!
Fantastic! This was the first time I have read a book by L.E. Fraser and will continue to do so. I loved the characters and story. It kept me interested and guessing throughout. I would highly recommend!
Fantastic! This was the first time I have read a book by L.E. Fraser and will continue to do so. I loved the characters and story. It kept me interested and guessing throughout. I would highly recommend!
April 23, 2018
Good
It would have helped if the acknowledgement was at the start of the book instead of the end, as it helped clarify the book. I did find it confusing in part as it would dip back three years earlier with frequency then current the next much to my grievance. I found I was more interested in the past than the present. Overall chilling read.
It would have helped if the acknowledgement was at the start of the book instead of the end, as it helped clarify the book. I did find it confusing in part as it would dip back three years earlier with frequency then current the next much to my grievance. I found I was more interested in the past than the present. Overall chilling read.
November 5, 2017
Suspenseful thriller
I am enjoying this author immensely. The characters are believable with many flaws which them that much more relatable. Lots of twists and turns in the plot so it is not completely predictable.
I am enjoying this author immensely. The characters are believable with many flaws which them that much more relatable. Lots of twists and turns in the plot so it is not completely predictable.
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