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Sweetpea #2
In Bloom
The darkly comic crime sequel to Sweetpea, following girl-next-door serial killer Rhiannon as she’s now caught between the urge to kill and her unborn baby stopping her.
If only they knew the real truth. It should be my face on those front pages. My headlines. I did those things, not him. I just want to stand on that doorstep and scream it: IT WAS ME. ME. ME. ME. ME!
Rhiannon Lewis has successfully fooled the world and framed her cheating fiancé Craig for the depraved and bloody killing spree she committed. She should be ecstatic that she’s free.
Except for one small problem. She’s pregnant with her ex-lover’s child. The ex-lover she only recently chopped up and buried in her in-laws' garden. And as much as Rhiannon wants to continue making her way through her kill lists, a small voice inside is trying to make her stop.
But can a killer’s urges ever really be curbed?
If only they knew the real truth. It should be my face on those front pages. My headlines. I did those things, not him. I just want to stand on that doorstep and scream it: IT WAS ME. ME. ME. ME. ME!
Rhiannon Lewis has successfully fooled the world and framed her cheating fiancé Craig for the depraved and bloody killing spree she committed. She should be ecstatic that she’s free.
Except for one small problem. She’s pregnant with her ex-lover’s child. The ex-lover she only recently chopped up and buried in her in-laws' garden. And as much as Rhiannon wants to continue making her way through her kill lists, a small voice inside is trying to make her stop.
But can a killer’s urges ever really be curbed?
420 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2018
539 people are currently reading
4167 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Skuse
17 books847 followersC.J. SKUSE is the author of the Young Adult novels PRETTY BAD THINGS, ROCKOHOLIC and DEAD ROMANTIC (Chicken House), MONSTER and THE DEVIANTS (Mira Ink). She was born in 1980 in Weston-super-Mare, England. She has First Class degrees in Creative Writing and Writing for Children and, aside from writing novels lectures in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. C.J. is currently working on adult novel SWEETPEA for HQ/HarperCollins (out April 2017).
C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. She hates carnivals, hard-boiled eggs and coughing. The movies Titanic, My Best Friend's Wedding and Ruby Sparks were all probably based on her ideas; she just didn't get to write them down in time. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
You can find C.J. Skuse on Facebook or on Twitter www.twitter.com/CeejaytheAuthor.
C.J. loves Masterchef, Gummy Bears and murder sites. She hates carnivals, hard-boiled eggs and coughing. The movies Titanic, My Best Friend's Wedding and Ruby Sparks were all probably based on her ideas; she just didn't get to write them down in time. Before she dies, she would like to go to Japan, try clay-pigeon shooting and have Ryan Gosling present her with the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
You can find C.J. Skuse on Facebook or on Twitter www.twitter.com/CeejaytheAuthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews
September 4, 2018
C.J. Skuse is back with the sequel to her twist serial killer novel with more first-person narrative in a world where murder seems to be the easiest way to deal with scumbags. After her successful run of killing a number of sexual offenders, Rhiannon Lewis has been able to push the crimes off on her fiancé, Craig, who was recently picked-up by the authorities. Rhiannon’s drama does not end there, for a workplace tryst left her pregnant and required that she dispose of the baby daddy in short order, though has decided to do so on the sly. Now, with the news breaking that she’s been living alongside a serial killer, Rhiannon is not working, but has moved into her presumptive in-laws’ home, who are led to believe that this baby is their grandchild. Plotting her pregnancy through a first-person narrative, Rhiannon has immersed herself into the life of an expectant mother, though she cannot shake the urge to kill, particularly those who are on the prowl to harm others. Enter the wee one in her belly, which acts as a sort of conscience to steer Rhiannon on the right path. As the urges continue to grow and the authorities start poking around ahead of Craig’s trial, Rhiannon must use her willpower to stay clean and prepare to be the best mother possible. Still, one little murder couldn’t hurt anyone, right? A wonderfully sarcastic and dark story that is sure to entertain the reader throughout. Recommended for those who like a little British humour alongside the insights of a serial killer.
A friend recommended the debut novel in this series, which I found to be decent and definitely a quick read. Returning to see how the pregnancy might add to the flavour of the plot and narrative, I was quite impressed with what Skuse created, so much so that I pushed through the piece in short order. Rhiannon ‘Sweetpea’ Lewis is quite the character, particularly with impending motherhood looming over her. Not only does the reader get to see a little more of her insight into ridding the world of sexual offenders, but also the struggle to regulate her urges in order to prepare for a baby. Rhiannon’s banter, with baby and moms-to-be alike, is a mix of humour and downright struggles to find a balance, which permits the reader to see much of her inner angst. The to and fro with the wee one is quite amusing and does provide an interesting subplot throughout the piece. A handful of others cross paths with Rhiannon, creating an interesting dynamic as she seeks to show little sign of panic or concern, while things are almost out of control below the surface. The story takes some interesting plot twists and provides the reader with some interesting perspectives, from trips with her pregnancy group to life living with in-laws and even some luring of paedophiles through internet websites. The reader can see, through a first-person narrative, what makes Rhiannon tick, which includes some of her ‘list of things I hate’ that appear to open specific chapters. Of note, Skuse has chosen to plot the pregnancy with gestation dates rather than the traditional chapter numbers, allowing the reader to see the ongoing progression of things, with helps also to explain Rhiannon’s struggles as her pregnancy progresses. Fast-paced and told with blunt honesty, the book is one that complements the first novel quite well, though surely could be read as a standalone.
Kudos, Madam Skuse, for a wonderful piece. I am eager to see where to take things from here, should you decide to build on the series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
A friend recommended the debut novel in this series, which I found to be decent and definitely a quick read. Returning to see how the pregnancy might add to the flavour of the plot and narrative, I was quite impressed with what Skuse created, so much so that I pushed through the piece in short order. Rhiannon ‘Sweetpea’ Lewis is quite the character, particularly with impending motherhood looming over her. Not only does the reader get to see a little more of her insight into ridding the world of sexual offenders, but also the struggle to regulate her urges in order to prepare for a baby. Rhiannon’s banter, with baby and moms-to-be alike, is a mix of humour and downright struggles to find a balance, which permits the reader to see much of her inner angst. The to and fro with the wee one is quite amusing and does provide an interesting subplot throughout the piece. A handful of others cross paths with Rhiannon, creating an interesting dynamic as she seeks to show little sign of panic or concern, while things are almost out of control below the surface. The story takes some interesting plot twists and provides the reader with some interesting perspectives, from trips with her pregnancy group to life living with in-laws and even some luring of paedophiles through internet websites. The reader can see, through a first-person narrative, what makes Rhiannon tick, which includes some of her ‘list of things I hate’ that appear to open specific chapters. Of note, Skuse has chosen to plot the pregnancy with gestation dates rather than the traditional chapter numbers, allowing the reader to see the ongoing progression of things, with helps also to explain Rhiannon’s struggles as her pregnancy progresses. Fast-paced and told with blunt honesty, the book is one that complements the first novel quite well, though surely could be read as a standalone.
Kudos, Madam Skuse, for a wonderful piece. I am eager to see where to take things from here, should you decide to build on the series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
November 9, 2018
When I listened to this audiobook I didn't realise that it was a series and this the second issue.
If you like gory murders then this is the book for you because there is a serial killer on the loose and it ain't pretty. There is more cutting up than my local butchers shop on a busy day in fact the first body was hacked and dispatched in the first few minutes. This is a serial killer with a difference though as her unborn baby talks to her with a voice of reason.
I so wished I had listened to the first book because I believe I would have enjoyed the second book so much more.
If you like gory murders then this is the book for you because there is a serial killer on the loose and it ain't pretty. There is more cutting up than my local butchers shop on a busy day in fact the first body was hacked and dispatched in the first few minutes. This is a serial killer with a difference though as her unborn baby talks to her with a voice of reason.
I so wished I had listened to the first book because I believe I would have enjoyed the second book so much more.
August 10, 2018
I’m so happy to be bringing you a review for the second book in the Sweetpea series, In Bloom! As many as you saw, a couple of weeks ago I posted my big fat 5-star review for Sweetpea and was so excited to dig in to In Bloom… and I wasn’t disappointed!
Rhiannon is the best character I’ve met in a long, long time and she was just as funny, rude and psycho in this novel as she was the first. I’m so glad. She is also pregnant! She even takes a bit of an emotional turn in this book, recognising her role as a mother and the effects it will have on her child, and making her best efforts to help a friend out of trouble.
With the story in this book, it didn’t excite me as much as the first book did, but I think that’s only down to the fact this is the second book in such a unique series. Sweetpea stood out from the crowd in the book world for being so funny, offensive, and dark. And while In Bloom is very much the same, it’s suddenly less unique because of the first book. That’s not to say this doesn’t have a good storyline. We’re following the life of deranged Rhiannon… I mean of course the storyline is good! But, it wasn’t as fast paced and intense as the first novel. There is of course the violence and darkness that appears in Sweetpea but not nearly as much.
However, the ending of this one I found far more satisfying and sinister than the last book. I’m hoping, with all my fingers and toes crossed, that the ending has left an opening for book #3.
One thing I did love about this story was the links it pulled in from Sweetpea. You definitely couldn’t go into In Bloom without having read book #1. Firstly, there are spoilers for the entire first book, and secondly, there are loads of little inside jokes and mentions that would go straight over your head. So, if you want to read this, you need to read Sweetpea first – it’s not a standalone!
I felt like Skuse focused far more on developing the characters in this book and we got to see a little more into Rhiannon’s mind and mental state. We also got to know some secondary characters really well too, I’m worried we won’t get to see them again (if there is a book #3)… and just when I got a bit attached to them!
Overall, I loved this book! It’s a 5 star review still, but I probably preferred Sweetpea that little bit more. However, I keep finding my mind coming back to the end of this book – if we don’t get a book #3 I’ll be thinking about where Rhiannon’s story is going forever!
Thank you SO much to HQ for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!
Rhiannon is the best character I’ve met in a long, long time and she was just as funny, rude and psycho in this novel as she was the first. I’m so glad. She is also pregnant! She even takes a bit of an emotional turn in this book, recognising her role as a mother and the effects it will have on her child, and making her best efforts to help a friend out of trouble.
With the story in this book, it didn’t excite me as much as the first book did, but I think that’s only down to the fact this is the second book in such a unique series. Sweetpea stood out from the crowd in the book world for being so funny, offensive, and dark. And while In Bloom is very much the same, it’s suddenly less unique because of the first book. That’s not to say this doesn’t have a good storyline. We’re following the life of deranged Rhiannon… I mean of course the storyline is good! But, it wasn’t as fast paced and intense as the first novel. There is of course the violence and darkness that appears in Sweetpea but not nearly as much.
However, the ending of this one I found far more satisfying and sinister than the last book. I’m hoping, with all my fingers and toes crossed, that the ending has left an opening for book #3.
One thing I did love about this story was the links it pulled in from Sweetpea. You definitely couldn’t go into In Bloom without having read book #1. Firstly, there are spoilers for the entire first book, and secondly, there are loads of little inside jokes and mentions that would go straight over your head. So, if you want to read this, you need to read Sweetpea first – it’s not a standalone!
I felt like Skuse focused far more on developing the characters in this book and we got to see a little more into Rhiannon’s mind and mental state. We also got to know some secondary characters really well too, I’m worried we won’t get to see them again (if there is a book #3)… and just when I got a bit attached to them!
Overall, I loved this book! It’s a 5 star review still, but I probably preferred Sweetpea that little bit more. However, I keep finding my mind coming back to the end of this book – if we don’t get a book #3 I’ll be thinking about where Rhiannon’s story is going forever!
Thank you SO much to HQ for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review!
January 22, 2019
For as much as I loved Sweetpea, the sequel In Bloom just fell kind of flat for me. I just kept WAITING for something to happen. By page 200, still nothing... But the last 100 pages were good enough for me to hope for another sequel.
Obviously Rhiannon has no moral compass, but it bugged me how she kept taking advantage of Elaine and Jim. Who cares about the murder spree? I'm worried about their feelings! lol
Keeping my fingers crossed for another one.
Obviously Rhiannon has no moral compass, but it bugged me how she kept taking advantage of Elaine and Jim. Who cares about the murder spree? I'm worried about their feelings! lol
Keeping my fingers crossed for another one.
February 27, 2021
"Rhiannon Lewis Diaries Part two"
Rhiannon is a likable anti-hero; a psychopath that goes on with her true calling of killing, but killing child abusers and pedophiles, like a vigilante with an urge to kill, which does not mean she is citizen of the year, but you kind of like her, I mean she's cleaning up the streets of very bad people whom the system let free. And she gets help, from a woman who she unintentionally saved in the first book. This woman turns out to be a lawyer who has been a rape victim and has been fighting the system to try to put in jail all these awful people and there goes Rhiannon who has the guts to do what the legal system cannot. It's interesting to see how the line between who is the villain and the hero getting all blurry.
I liked it but not as much as the first one because the main problem has to do with the length. It starts strong and the ending is good, but the middle though, the middle drags on with filling chapters that are not so interesting or engaging to read. It starts exactly where the previous ended, so the first few chapters are fast and the tension is high, but then it falls into "book coma" in the middle, and I was hooked again in the plot in the last 70 pages. My copy is 420 pages long, I'd say 350 pages would have been fine. If you liked the first one, this is a good wrap-up, it leaves a door open for a possible third book.
Rhiannon is a likable anti-hero; a psychopath that goes on with her true calling of killing, but killing child abusers and pedophiles, like a vigilante with an urge to kill, which does not mean she is citizen of the year, but you kind of like her, I mean she's cleaning up the streets of very bad people whom the system let free. And she gets help, from a woman who she unintentionally saved in the first book. This woman turns out to be a lawyer who has been a rape victim and has been fighting the system to try to put in jail all these awful people and there goes Rhiannon who has the guts to do what the legal system cannot. It's interesting to see how the line between who is the villain and the hero getting all blurry.
I liked it but not as much as the first one because the main problem has to do with the length. It starts strong and the ending is good, but the middle though, the middle drags on with filling chapters that are not so interesting or engaging to read. It starts exactly where the previous ended, so the first few chapters are fast and the tension is high, but then it falls into "book coma" in the middle, and I was hooked again in the plot in the last 70 pages. My copy is 420 pages long, I'd say 350 pages would have been fine. If you liked the first one, this is a good wrap-up, it leaves a door open for a possible third book.
February 6, 2021
Rhiannon is back and murderous as ever. There's just one little problem getting in the way...
I really enjoy this series, which seems to combine really gory thriller elements and tongue in cheek humour. Rhiannon, our resident serial killer, isn't a 'nice' person and never pretends to be something she's not. She knows she's a psychopath, and she's pretty proud of it. Within In Bloom, we see her struggle with her new impending roles and circumstances following that rather dramatic ending in Sweetpea, however the old Rhiannon is never far away. And those murderous urges still need fulfilling. To 'hear' Rhiannon's thoughts always keeps her connected to the reader and although you may not like her, but you will grow to love her. With an increasingly flesh out backstory and her firstt real friend, you can see Rhiannon really trying to give 'normality' a go. Unfortunately she's just a bit too enraptured by killing.
The plot itself is a rollercoaster. Fast paced and well written, as the net tightens around her and secrets are exposed, it's a race against time for Rhiannon to escape her decisions. I was on the edge of my seat as I realised I wanted Rhiannon to carry on killing. I didn't want her to get caught. I was actually rooting for the 'bad guy', and the premise felt utterly unique. Everything culminates into a thrilling conclusion, and another cliffhanger too.
With enemies at her back, and a betrayal Rhiannon can't forgive I cannot wait to see what she does next.
I really enjoy this series, which seems to combine really gory thriller elements and tongue in cheek humour. Rhiannon, our resident serial killer, isn't a 'nice' person and never pretends to be something she's not. She knows she's a psychopath, and she's pretty proud of it. Within In Bloom, we see her struggle with her new impending roles and circumstances following that rather dramatic ending in Sweetpea, however the old Rhiannon is never far away. And those murderous urges still need fulfilling. To 'hear' Rhiannon's thoughts always keeps her connected to the reader and although you may not like her, but you will grow to love her. With an increasingly flesh out backstory and her firstt real friend, you can see Rhiannon really trying to give 'normality' a go. Unfortunately she's just a bit too enraptured by killing.
The plot itself is a rollercoaster. Fast paced and well written, as the net tightens around her and secrets are exposed, it's a race against time for Rhiannon to escape her decisions. I was on the edge of my seat as I realised I wanted Rhiannon to carry on killing. I didn't want her to get caught. I was actually rooting for the 'bad guy', and the premise felt utterly unique. Everything culminates into a thrilling conclusion, and another cliffhanger too.
With enemies at her back, and a betrayal Rhiannon can't forgive I cannot wait to see what she does next.
August 10, 2018
'In Bloom' is the sequel to C. J. Skuse's first crime novel 'Sweetpea' and is part of the series of the same name. I don't feel this works as a standalone novel as it relies heavily on the happenings from the first book. As a result, I recommend reading 'Sweetpea' before embarking on this one. This book starts immediately where the last one concluded.
In 'Sweetpea' we met serial killer and girl-next-door, Rhiannon, who was ultimately bored with her unsatisfying life. Little does anyone know but she has a kill list featuring everyone from the Lidl checkout worker who mishandles her apples to the driver who continually cuts her off on her way to work. What this confirms is that Rhiannon is barely sane and is highly unpredictable, not exactly the best combination in someone with a penchant for violence. This time around things are a little different for Rhiannon and she is torn between wanting to commit further murders and striving to make sure that when her unborn baby arrives she grows into the role of perfect mother. Having successfully framed her fiance for her brutal killing spree, she is now living with her prospective in-laws and is planning exactly how to dispose of her lovers body. One police officer appears to be suspiciously interested in her but so far she has managed to get away with it. Can Rhiannon continue to escape justice for her crimes? Is she still able to kill despite being heavily pregnant? Can she find a way to suppress her craving to kill?
I really love that Skuse has built a niche for herself and the contrasts between the dark/black humour and the vicious killings works very well. A lot of the story is tongue-in-cheek and the characterisation is incredible - Rhiannon is a complex character who certainly appears to have lost touch with reality a long time ago. If you are willing to consider taking the risk of murdering someone for how they handle your shopping you really have lost the plot, not that you should consider killing anyone! Despite her somewhat unhinged personality she does have a habit of saying exactly what she thinks and I feel many people will be able to relate to her in some of the highly amusing things she comes out with. One of the aspects I loved most was Rhiannon's first-person narrationwhich works particularly well here as it gives the reader access to her thoughts, so even when she isn't voicing her opinion you know what is going through her head at any given time. It isn't too often you come across female serial killers so kudos to Skuse for creating such a fabulous character and an intensely gripping series.
All in all, a fantastic read that is engaging and very, very funny! Fast-paced and executed well, with intriguing characters. It's even better than the series opener. I look forward to Skuse's future books and pray we have more adventures with Rhiannon to come!
Many thanks to HQ for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
In 'Sweetpea' we met serial killer and girl-next-door, Rhiannon, who was ultimately bored with her unsatisfying life. Little does anyone know but she has a kill list featuring everyone from the Lidl checkout worker who mishandles her apples to the driver who continually cuts her off on her way to work. What this confirms is that Rhiannon is barely sane and is highly unpredictable, not exactly the best combination in someone with a penchant for violence. This time around things are a little different for Rhiannon and she is torn between wanting to commit further murders and striving to make sure that when her unborn baby arrives she grows into the role of perfect mother. Having successfully framed her fiance for her brutal killing spree, she is now living with her prospective in-laws and is planning exactly how to dispose of her lovers body. One police officer appears to be suspiciously interested in her but so far she has managed to get away with it. Can Rhiannon continue to escape justice for her crimes? Is she still able to kill despite being heavily pregnant? Can she find a way to suppress her craving to kill?
I really love that Skuse has built a niche for herself and the contrasts between the dark/black humour and the vicious killings works very well. A lot of the story is tongue-in-cheek and the characterisation is incredible - Rhiannon is a complex character who certainly appears to have lost touch with reality a long time ago. If you are willing to consider taking the risk of murdering someone for how they handle your shopping you really have lost the plot, not that you should consider killing anyone! Despite her somewhat unhinged personality she does have a habit of saying exactly what she thinks and I feel many people will be able to relate to her in some of the highly amusing things she comes out with. One of the aspects I loved most was Rhiannon's first-person narrationwhich works particularly well here as it gives the reader access to her thoughts, so even when she isn't voicing her opinion you know what is going through her head at any given time. It isn't too often you come across female serial killers so kudos to Skuse for creating such a fabulous character and an intensely gripping series.
All in all, a fantastic read that is engaging and very, very funny! Fast-paced and executed well, with intriguing characters. It's even better than the series opener. I look forward to Skuse's future books and pray we have more adventures with Rhiannon to come!
Many thanks to HQ for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 31, 2018
I freaking loved Sweetpea. I thought it was OUTRAGEOUS and CRUDE and INAPPROPRIATE and TASTELESS, but honestly, reading (devouring) In Bloom in a day made me realise that Sweetpea was like Mother Teresa on Valium compared to this brilliant sequel.
Rhiannon is back, but this time she’s not alone! She’s pregnant and she’s a walking, talking hormonal, baby brained psycho with a craving to kill.
Told again through a diary with the fabulous kill lists, Rhiannon is living at her fiancés parents house, whilst he is in prison facing multiple murder charges.
If you are easily offended, squeamish, prudish or have a strong sense of morality then I strongly suggest you avoid these books.
If you have a sick, twisted, disturbing and questionable sense of humour, pick up Sweetpea and then read the fabulous follow up. I laughed, cringed, snorted and practically inhaled this book in a day. This is going into my Top Ten books of 2018 and then I am off to find some suitable medical treatment for the author who really is one messed up and dark bunny.
Rhiannon is back, but this time she’s not alone! She’s pregnant and she’s a walking, talking hormonal, baby brained psycho with a craving to kill.
Told again through a diary with the fabulous kill lists, Rhiannon is living at her fiancés parents house, whilst he is in prison facing multiple murder charges.
If you are easily offended, squeamish, prudish or have a strong sense of morality then I strongly suggest you avoid these books.
If you have a sick, twisted, disturbing and questionable sense of humour, pick up Sweetpea and then read the fabulous follow up. I laughed, cringed, snorted and practically inhaled this book in a day. This is going into my Top Ten books of 2018 and then I am off to find some suitable medical treatment for the author who really is one messed up and dark bunny.
July 16, 2018
Sweetpea
introduced an unforgettable antiheroine in the shape of Rhiannon: put-upon editorial assistant, long-suffering girlfriend, Sylvanian Families collector, and secret serial killer. Now, having framed her cheating ex-fiancé for her latest killing spree, Rhiannon’s free to continue working through her kill lists. But she’s also pregnant... and hearing the voice of her unborn child telling her to stop. Can she, and will she, curb her murderous urges for the baby’s sake?
Sweetpea was a scream, but I approached this sequel with concerns that it might over-egg the pudding with Rhiannon’s expletive-laden witticisms. And at first, it did seem rather uneven. The first half feels a bit disorganised somehow (perhaps it was just that my review copy was in need of a final edit?) and it also relies a little too heavily on the reader remembering a lot of stuff from the first book. But at some point everything started snapping into place and I fell in love with Rhiannon all over again. I loved her ending, and Marnie’s too. In Bloom didn’t quite have me in hysterics but there are definitely some laugh-out-loud moments, and some seriously relatable additions to the kill lists too.
This wouldn’t work as a standalone novel – don’t bother reading it if you haven’t read Sweetpea first – but it’s an entertaining continuation of Rhiannon’s story, and Skuse again manages to make a mass murderer weirdly relatable. The ending leaves room for the series to continue, and if it does I’ll be back for more.
I received an advance review copy of In Bloom from the publisher through NetGalley.
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Sweetpea was a scream, but I approached this sequel with concerns that it might over-egg the pudding with Rhiannon’s expletive-laden witticisms. And at first, it did seem rather uneven. The first half feels a bit disorganised somehow (perhaps it was just that my review copy was in need of a final edit?) and it also relies a little too heavily on the reader remembering a lot of stuff from the first book. But at some point everything started snapping into place and I fell in love with Rhiannon all over again. I loved her ending, and Marnie’s too. In Bloom didn’t quite have me in hysterics but there are definitely some laugh-out-loud moments, and some seriously relatable additions to the kill lists too.
This wouldn’t work as a standalone novel – don’t bother reading it if you haven’t read Sweetpea first – but it’s an entertaining continuation of Rhiannon’s story, and Skuse again manages to make a mass murderer weirdly relatable. The ending leaves room for the series to continue, and if it does I’ll be back for more.
I received an advance review copy of In Bloom from the publisher through NetGalley.
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January 24, 2019
IN BLOOM
By, C.J Skuse
My rating: * * * *
This novel is the sequel to my favourite novel of 2018, Sweetpea. I absolutely fell head over heels in love with that novel and so I couldn’t wait to read the sequel. I sometimes find that sequels don’t quite live up to the high standards set by the first novel, and this was the case here too. I think the shock factor that I felt when reading Sweetpea had, to some extent, lost its effect by this second installment. This novel is still dark, crude, shocking and sometimes funny, but the addition of Rhiannon’s pregnancy sort of diminished the “hard core” nature of the read and of Rhiannon’s character. In this book, Rhiannon spends her time trying to be good, and whenever she thinks about doing anything crazy, dark or bad, the “foetus” (aka, Rhiannon’s conscience) reprimands her and she manages to pull herself together...well for most of the book anyway. I did find some parts of this book a little slow, and a little too focused on the pregnancy. But the good news is that the pace picked up from about half way, and I enjoyed this one enough to award 4 stars, and to hold thumbs for another sequel. The ending definitely lends itself to that…and yes, there are things I need to know dammit!
By, C.J Skuse
My rating: * * * *
This novel is the sequel to my favourite novel of 2018, Sweetpea. I absolutely fell head over heels in love with that novel and so I couldn’t wait to read the sequel. I sometimes find that sequels don’t quite live up to the high standards set by the first novel, and this was the case here too. I think the shock factor that I felt when reading Sweetpea had, to some extent, lost its effect by this second installment. This novel is still dark, crude, shocking and sometimes funny, but the addition of Rhiannon’s pregnancy sort of diminished the “hard core” nature of the read and of Rhiannon’s character. In this book, Rhiannon spends her time trying to be good, and whenever she thinks about doing anything crazy, dark or bad, the “foetus” (aka, Rhiannon’s conscience) reprimands her and she manages to pull herself together...well for most of the book anyway. I did find some parts of this book a little slow, and a little too focused on the pregnancy. But the good news is that the pace picked up from about half way, and I enjoyed this one enough to award 4 stars, and to hold thumbs for another sequel. The ending definitely lends itself to that…and yes, there are things I need to know dammit!
August 18, 2018
Oh Rhiannon I love you!! This books was just as funny and disturbing as Sweet Pea which did make me laugh. I didn't want it to be over when it was but all good things. I hope it isnt the last we hear from her.!
July 11, 2024
Good read, looking forward to reading the next one!
March 26, 2019
Ahhhh!! THIS BOOK THOUGH
This is the sequel to one of my favourite thrillers I've ever read and boy did it not disappoint.
This series follows Rhiannon a serial killer. Think Bridget Jones meets American Psycho.
Just like the first book it is incredibly dark, sadistic and gross in places. Not for the faint hearted but the humour, oh my the humor is wonderful.
Rhiannon makes these kill lists of people or things who annoy her and I found myself agreeing to a few of the items in the list. I don't know if I should be worried.
The writing style is so compulsively addictive. I whizz through these books like there's no tomorrow
If you have a strong stomach and are not easily offended, I know you will love this series!
This is the sequel to one of my favourite thrillers I've ever read and boy did it not disappoint.
This series follows Rhiannon a serial killer. Think Bridget Jones meets American Psycho.
Just like the first book it is incredibly dark, sadistic and gross in places. Not for the faint hearted but the humour, oh my the humor is wonderful.
Rhiannon makes these kill lists of people or things who annoy her and I found myself agreeing to a few of the items in the list. I don't know if I should be worried.
The writing style is so compulsively addictive. I whizz through these books like there's no tomorrow
If you have a strong stomach and are not easily offended, I know you will love this series!
June 20, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
Can anything follow the sheer, utter brilliance of Sweetpea? I am so pleased to say that the sequel, once again following serial killer Rhiannon, is in my opinion even better!
It's another dark, crazy and laugh-out-loud-funny story which I didnt want to put down Rhiannon is as brilliant as ever, with razor sharp observations and utter disdain for certain aspects of human relationships and nature and just everyday life. Her 'kill lists' are always entertaining and the fact that she is now 'with child' takes nothing away from the level of dark humour; in fact I'm amazed to say that it's even more crude, even more shocking and even more twisted than Sweetpea was. I love the different take on the serial killer genre, turning various conventions on its head with one bolshy character.
The plot is incredibly engaging and the pace is perfect; if you haven't read Sweetpea then I say enjoy that first, then jump into In Bloom. I devoured it in (almost) one sitting. Highly recommended!
Thank you to HarperCollins UK for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
Can anything follow the sheer, utter brilliance of Sweetpea? I am so pleased to say that the sequel, once again following serial killer Rhiannon, is in my opinion even better!
It's another dark, crazy and laugh-out-loud-funny story which I didnt want to put down Rhiannon is as brilliant as ever, with razor sharp observations and utter disdain for certain aspects of human relationships and nature and just everyday life. Her 'kill lists' are always entertaining and the fact that she is now 'with child' takes nothing away from the level of dark humour; in fact I'm amazed to say that it's even more crude, even more shocking and even more twisted than Sweetpea was. I love the different take on the serial killer genre, turning various conventions on its head with one bolshy character.
The plot is incredibly engaging and the pace is perfect; if you haven't read Sweetpea then I say enjoy that first, then jump into In Bloom. I devoured it in (almost) one sitting. Highly recommended!
Thank you to HarperCollins UK for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
May 22, 2018
So so so so good. Beautifully done, murderously funny and engaging as heck. Full review near to publication.
December 3, 2018
So cleaver
October 23, 2018
In Bloom is the second book to feature Rhiannon. Would highly recommend you read Sweetpea, the first book, before reading this one. There is a lot of background that I feel readers would feel like they are missing out on if they don't read them in order.
It was great to catch back up with Rhiannon again. I'm sure we can all see a bit of ourselves in her, though luckily for the police, the rest of us can restrain ourselves from breaking the law and killing people, even though some of them do deserve it. Being pregnant you would think Rhiannon would maybe turn over a new leaf but then where would the fun be in that? To a certain extent, the unborn baby is a bit like a guardian angel and Rhiannon's sense of reason. She constantly questions what Rhiannon is about to do and makes her think more about the consequences. I loved the parts to do with Rhiannon talking to her unborn baby. It was quite tender, emotional as well as at times, funny.
Rhiannon is every bit as selfish as she was in the first book. At times we do see her mellow and think about other people. It was great to see but then on the other hand it also broke my heart. I've got to admit I'm not completely sold on the ending of this book. I think the author has kept true to the character and deep down I know it was the right one but my conscience still struggled with it.
In Bloom is every bit as dark and twisted as the first book. It is a highly entertaining read and I loved being inside the mind of a serial killer. It probably won't be everyone's cup of tea but I for one thought it was a great read and follow on from Sweetpea. Not sure if this is the last we have seen of Rhiannon but I hope not.
It was great to catch back up with Rhiannon again. I'm sure we can all see a bit of ourselves in her, though luckily for the police, the rest of us can restrain ourselves from breaking the law and killing people, even though some of them do deserve it. Being pregnant you would think Rhiannon would maybe turn over a new leaf but then where would the fun be in that? To a certain extent, the unborn baby is a bit like a guardian angel and Rhiannon's sense of reason. She constantly questions what Rhiannon is about to do and makes her think more about the consequences. I loved the parts to do with Rhiannon talking to her unborn baby. It was quite tender, emotional as well as at times, funny.
Rhiannon is every bit as selfish as she was in the first book. At times we do see her mellow and think about other people. It was great to see but then on the other hand it also broke my heart. I've got to admit I'm not completely sold on the ending of this book. I think the author has kept true to the character and deep down I know it was the right one but my conscience still struggled with it.
In Bloom is every bit as dark and twisted as the first book. It is a highly entertaining read and I loved being inside the mind of a serial killer. It probably won't be everyone's cup of tea but I for one thought it was a great read and follow on from Sweetpea. Not sure if this is the last we have seen of Rhiannon but I hope not.
June 9, 2023
This is the second book featuring likeable psychopath Rhiannon Lewis, aka Sweetpea, which follows on very closely from the first novel's cliffhanger ending. Indeed, you would need to read the first book before reading this one to make complete sense of the story. So, if you haven't read the first one ('Sweetpea'), do not read on!
This was another great read - I just love the character (reminds me a bit of Villanelle in 'Killing Eve' - she's a murderer but you can't help loving her somehow!) and am pleased to see that there is a third book. Fortunately, this one is not left on as much of a cliffhanger but there was clearly scope for a third book which I understand has recently been published ('Dead Head') - 9/10.
This was another great read - I just love the character (reminds me a bit of Villanelle in 'Killing Eve' - she's a murderer but you can't help loving her somehow!) and am pleased to see that there is a third book. Fortunately, this one is not left on as much of a cliffhanger but there was clearly scope for a third book which I understand has recently been published ('Dead Head') - 9/10.
April 4, 2019
Rhiannon’s fiancé Craig is in jail for the murders she committed, and her ex-lover AJ is dead. Everything is perfect, except for the fact that Rhiannon is pregnant with AJ’s baby, and the baby doesn’t approve of her killing. Forced to move in with Craig’s parents, will Rhiannon manage to curb her killer instincts, or will she give into her urges?
I read Sweetpea a couple of years ago and enjoyed it, and In Bloom keeps a lot of the aspects that worked in the first book. I like the chapters that start with ‘kill lists’, we’ve all had those days when we hate everyone who does X.
Sadly that was one of the few things in this book that I enjoyed. I don’t often see female serial killers in media so I was looking forward to this, but I was left disappointed. It took me almost a week to read this, because I just couldn’t get into it.
This book didn’t really have a plot, and didn’t feel like it was going anywhere. I didn’t feel anything when the book ended, and I couldn’t bring myself to care anymore. I just wanted to be finished, rather than reading because I was enjoying it.
My rating: 2 stars, and I wouldn’t read anymore if the series continued.
I read Sweetpea a couple of years ago and enjoyed it, and In Bloom keeps a lot of the aspects that worked in the first book. I like the chapters that start with ‘kill lists’, we’ve all had those days when we hate everyone who does X.
Sadly that was one of the few things in this book that I enjoyed. I don’t often see female serial killers in media so I was looking forward to this, but I was left disappointed. It took me almost a week to read this, because I just couldn’t get into it.
This book didn’t really have a plot, and didn’t feel like it was going anywhere. I didn’t feel anything when the book ended, and I couldn’t bring myself to care anymore. I just wanted to be finished, rather than reading because I was enjoying it.
My rating: 2 stars, and I wouldn’t read anymore if the series continued.
January 26, 2025
there’s a lot happening but at the same time nothings really happening …
November 8, 2024
3.9 can't quite give it four as I felt it dragged in places and could have overall been a shorter book. Still obsessed with Rhiannon and will be reading three shortly.
November 19, 2018
Another funny instalment of Sweetpea, I did like the talking fetus and the subsequent conversations. Didn't make me laugh out loud quite as much as the first book but it was still amusing with plenty of dark humour and I did like the ending.
June 10, 2018
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 384
Publisher - HQ Stories
Source - Review copy (ARC)
Blurb from Goodreads
The darkly comic crime sequel to Sweetpea, following girl-next-door serial killer Rhiannon as she’s now caught between the urge to kill and her unborn baby stopping her.
If only they knew the real truth. It should be my face on those front pages. My headlines. I did those things, not him. I just want to stand on that doorstep and scream it: IT WAS ME. ME. ME. ME. ME!
Rhiannon Lewis has successfully fooled the world and framed her cheating fiancé Craig for the depraved and bloody killing spree she committed. She should be ecstatic that she’s free.
Except for one small problem. She’s pregnant with her ex-lover’s child. The ex-lover she only recently chopped up and buried in her in-laws' garden. And as much as Rhiannon wants to continue making her way through her kill lists, a small voice inside is trying to make her stop.
But can a killer’s urges ever really be curbed?
My Review
Firstly let me say this is the second book in a series, I absolutely advise reading the first, Sweetpea, available to buy now. This book picks up where Sweetpea leaves off, Rhiannon is pregnant, her boyfriend is in jail awaiting trial for several gruesome murders, murders Rhiannon committed herself. Trying to come to terms with pending motherhood, the changes in her body, her bossy fetus and of course her constant need to kill,Rhiannon has her hands full.
If you haven't read Skuse, and I am not sure of her other works but these books are absolutely not for the easily offended. Rhiannon is a brutal killer wih no morals, she has a gob on her that could make a sailor blush, she is self absorbed, horny, crude, sarcastic, hilarious (in a very non pc way), dangerous and one of the most psychotic female serial killers created!
Each chapter (well almost every chapter), like the previous book opens with a list of people she would like to kill that day, if circumstances permitted. She is trying to deal with her changing body, roller coaster emotions, blood thirsty ways oh and the police who are investigating her partner which means questions questions questions.
The book started off a bit of a different pace for me and I wasn't sure if I was going to like this as much as the first, sequels often have the hard job of keeping up with the previous offering. Needless worry, in fact this is one of the very few times I rated the sequel higher than the original which is no mean feat and hats off to the author. Once the book gets going it ensnares you and I found it hard to put the book down, some of it like a car crash you just can't look away. She is a terrible person, a brutal murderer but you find yourself rooting for her, a vigilante who doesn't like animals being hurt so she will always get points off me for that!
Her relationship with a specific character I really liked but it also had me a bit beside myself, by exposing herself to friendships she increases the risk of exposure. At one point it reminded me of, or rather, it echoed Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling's weird relationship but in a good way, absolutely not a criticism. This book is an absolute mind trip, Rhiannon is a unique killer I think and I have read hundred of books with murderers but this is my first pregnant killer who goes on a bit of a journey herself to "mend" her ways but will she be successful? How easy is it to quit your murderous ways, how do you change your future when your past just won't go away and most importantly can she keep it together when all eyes are on her? Packed with bad language, murderous behaviour, sex, lies, kill lists, an outrageous book with a main character holy water and a priest would struggle to bring from the dark side, I loved it! 5/5 for me this time, I will be checking out the rest of Skuse's work and wait impatiently for the next book!
Pages - 384
Publisher - HQ Stories
Source - Review copy (ARC)
Blurb from Goodreads
The darkly comic crime sequel to Sweetpea, following girl-next-door serial killer Rhiannon as she’s now caught between the urge to kill and her unborn baby stopping her.
If only they knew the real truth. It should be my face on those front pages. My headlines. I did those things, not him. I just want to stand on that doorstep and scream it: IT WAS ME. ME. ME. ME. ME!
Rhiannon Lewis has successfully fooled the world and framed her cheating fiancé Craig for the depraved and bloody killing spree she committed. She should be ecstatic that she’s free.
Except for one small problem. She’s pregnant with her ex-lover’s child. The ex-lover she only recently chopped up and buried in her in-laws' garden. And as much as Rhiannon wants to continue making her way through her kill lists, a small voice inside is trying to make her stop.
But can a killer’s urges ever really be curbed?
My Review
Firstly let me say this is the second book in a series, I absolutely advise reading the first, Sweetpea, available to buy now. This book picks up where Sweetpea leaves off, Rhiannon is pregnant, her boyfriend is in jail awaiting trial for several gruesome murders, murders Rhiannon committed herself. Trying to come to terms with pending motherhood, the changes in her body, her bossy fetus and of course her constant need to kill,Rhiannon has her hands full.
If you haven't read Skuse, and I am not sure of her other works but these books are absolutely not for the easily offended. Rhiannon is a brutal killer wih no morals, she has a gob on her that could make a sailor blush, she is self absorbed, horny, crude, sarcastic, hilarious (in a very non pc way), dangerous and one of the most psychotic female serial killers created!
Each chapter (well almost every chapter), like the previous book opens with a list of people she would like to kill that day, if circumstances permitted. She is trying to deal with her changing body, roller coaster emotions, blood thirsty ways oh and the police who are investigating her partner which means questions questions questions.
The book started off a bit of a different pace for me and I wasn't sure if I was going to like this as much as the first, sequels often have the hard job of keeping up with the previous offering. Needless worry, in fact this is one of the very few times I rated the sequel higher than the original which is no mean feat and hats off to the author. Once the book gets going it ensnares you and I found it hard to put the book down, some of it like a car crash you just can't look away. She is a terrible person, a brutal murderer but you find yourself rooting for her, a vigilante who doesn't like animals being hurt so she will always get points off me for that!
Her relationship with a specific character I really liked but it also had me a bit beside myself, by exposing herself to friendships she increases the risk of exposure. At one point it reminded me of, or rather, it echoed Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling's weird relationship but in a good way, absolutely not a criticism. This book is an absolute mind trip, Rhiannon is a unique killer I think and I have read hundred of books with murderers but this is my first pregnant killer who goes on a bit of a journey herself to "mend" her ways but will she be successful? How easy is it to quit your murderous ways, how do you change your future when your past just won't go away and most importantly can she keep it together when all eyes are on her? Packed with bad language, murderous behaviour, sex, lies, kill lists, an outrageous book with a main character holy water and a priest would struggle to bring from the dark side, I loved it! 5/5 for me this time, I will be checking out the rest of Skuse's work and wait impatiently for the next book!
August 4, 2018
Life is never dull with Rhiannon as the narrator of the story!
I really enjoyed SweetPea but I think I liked this one even more.
At the end of SweetPea we knew Rhiannon was pregnant and in this book the baby continues to speak to her. One thing is clear though - it doesn’t like her killing people!
Rhiannon moves in with Jim and Elaine, Craig’s parents, and feels a bit restricted so soon hatches a plan to give her more space. Neither of them have a clue about what she’s done and are desparate to get their son out of prison.
Rhiannon meets some new ‘friends’ and soon tells them some home truths so obviously is not welcome there anymore.
She does meet one woman though who she genuinely likes and it’s interesting how the friendship develops.
Whilst Rhiannon will never change, it was quite an emotional ending. However, I have a funny feeling we’ve not heard the last of this character quite yet.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I really enjoyed SweetPea but I think I liked this one even more.
At the end of SweetPea we knew Rhiannon was pregnant and in this book the baby continues to speak to her. One thing is clear though - it doesn’t like her killing people!
Rhiannon moves in with Jim and Elaine, Craig’s parents, and feels a bit restricted so soon hatches a plan to give her more space. Neither of them have a clue about what she’s done and are desparate to get their son out of prison.
Rhiannon meets some new ‘friends’ and soon tells them some home truths so obviously is not welcome there anymore.
She does meet one woman though who she genuinely likes and it’s interesting how the friendship develops.
Whilst Rhiannon will never change, it was quite an emotional ending. However, I have a funny feeling we’ve not heard the last of this character quite yet.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 14, 2021
Rhiannon is back, pregnant, with her lover chopped up in the car and her fiancé in jail. She should be happy, just one problem - her baby is talking to her from the womb. And that baby is not happy about Rhiannon killing - when a choice has to be made, will Rhiannon choose motherhood .... or murder?
This book is just as good as the first, which I am so pleased to say. Rhiannon is so brutal and funny, an impossible character to hate. I've put myself on a book buying ban while I read the books I have.... but I think I might have to just temporarily unban myself to buy the third in the series, I just HAVE to know what Rhiannon does next. These books have me hooked, they are so fantastic. I can see these becoming one of my new favourite book series!
This book is just as good as the first, which I am so pleased to say. Rhiannon is so brutal and funny, an impossible character to hate. I've put myself on a book buying ban while I read the books I have.... but I think I might have to just temporarily unban myself to buy the third in the series, I just HAVE to know what Rhiannon does next. These books have me hooked, they are so fantastic. I can see these becoming one of my new favourite book series!
January 31, 2021
She did it again! I’m not going to do much of a review for this one because it would spoil Sweetpea (book 1). I wasn’t expecting to cry with this one but I did a couple times 💔 I absolutely love this character, the author, CJ Skuse, and the narrator, Georgia Maguire, who delivers another perfect performance. Part of the magic of these books for me is combo of the deadpan delivery w/ the outrageous content. You will never find another book you can compare these to. Completely original & wickedly funny 😈 Every other book character can go home because no one beats Rhiannon Lewis 🙌🏼
October 26, 2024
I feel like it’s pretty rare for a sequel to be as good as the first book, but this one totally delivered! I don’t usually love it when pregnancy is such a huge part of a story, but Rhiannon’s character is so darkly hilarious that it didn’t bother me at all - in fact, I really enjoyed the exchanges between her and her unborn baby.
The ending reached a perfect crescendo and I’m beyond excited to read the next in the series 👏🏼
The ending reached a perfect crescendo and I’m beyond excited to read the next in the series 👏🏼
May 28, 2021
I love this series! It’s dark twisted dry humour is very entertaining. Rhiannon may be a serial killer, but at least she’s killing the bad guys! I listened to this one on audible and the narrator was great with different accents and voices for each character. I felt sad with the ending to this one, don’t want to write a spoiler, but really looking forward to book 3!
November 7, 2018
I am so sad that I need to wait till 2020 for the third book. Rhiannon is without a doubt one of the greatest anti-hero's I have come across. Couldn't recommend this series enough.
September 12, 2024
‘In Bloom‘ is the sequel to one of my favourite Women Who Kill books, ‘Sweetpea‘. I know sequels can be challenging, especially sequels to books as original as 'Sweetoea' so I wasn't sure what to expect of 'In Bloom' but I wanted to spend more time seeing the world through Rhiannon Lewis' angry, psychopathic eyes. I'll confess that I was looking forward to watching her deliver more violence and pain to the misogynistic men she constantly encounters.
C. J. Kuse's Sweetpea novels are often described as 'darkly comic'. I don't see them that way. Rhiannon isn't joking. She isn't amused. Her violence isn't ironic. She's damaged and enraged and violence is her bliss. I don't see anything comic in that. Sadly, I almost see it as an entirely rational response to Rhiannan's circumstances.
One of the things I liked most about 'In Bloom' was that Rhiannon's pregnancy triggers a period of introspection in which she seeks a deeper, surer understanding of her true nature. I liked that, for most of the book, Rhiannon hears the voice of her yet-to-be-born child and has conversations with it. In these conversations, the baby acts partly as the voice of Rhiannon's new responsibilities to protect her child and partly as a sort of conscience attempting to get her to be more cautious in her actions and consider what she really wants from life. I can see that this dialogue might be seen as 'darkly comic' but to me, it seemed like an entirely plausible way for Rhiannon to consider the course she wants her life to take.
I was a little lost at the start of 'In Bloom' because it continues straight on from the final scene of 'Sweetpea' which left me scrambling to remember details that had faded over the past two years. My confusion didn't last for long, Rhiannon soon set herself up with a safe but temporary safe space to weather her pregnancy in, staying with the parents of her lover, who she killed and who is not the father of her child. She's aware enough of how predatory this is to refrain from killing either of her hosts, no matter how often they feature on her daily Kill List.
'In Bloom' wasn't as much of a thriller as 'Sweetpea' where I was often on the edge of my seat wondering how/if Rhiannon would avoid detection. There are thriller elements here, especially at the beginning and the end of the book. In some ways, this book is less violent, at least in terms of frequency, but the violence is spectacular and, from Rhiannon's point of view, entirely necessary.
The middle portion of the book, during which Rhiannon is heavily pregnant, is taken up with her struggle to keep her unborn child happy and safe by NOT killing anyone, no matter how much they deserve it, unless she absolutely has to. She just about manages to restrain herself from killing but she can't prevent herself from stalking paedophiles and predators by catfishing them on social media. The predators that Rhiannon stalked were easy to believe in and deeply disturbing. Once again Rhiannon's response seemed, almost, rational. Except that her struggle with restraint and her ever-growing need for release, showed Rhiannon an inescapable truth about her own nature: she kills because she NEEDS the release it brings. It's her nature to kill. She's good at it and she relishes it. Yes, she kills bad people but, if there were no bad people she'd have to kill anyway. Someone would always find their way on to her daily Kill List.
The last third of the book was intense. As Rhiannon struggles to reconcile what she knows about her nature with what will be required of her in her impending role as a mother and tries to deflect her relentless pursuit by an implacable homicide detective, she can feel her need to kill growing with each day. I was back on the edge of my seat wondering how/if Rhiannon would get through all this. It's a tribute to how well the book is written (or a sign of my own incipient psychopathy) that I found myself hoping that Rhiannon would get away with everything.
The ending was strong and believable. It also made me hungry for the third book in the series, 'Deadhead'.
I recommend the audiobook version of 'In Bloom', narrated by Georgia McGuire.
C. J. Kuse's Sweetpea novels are often described as 'darkly comic'. I don't see them that way. Rhiannon isn't joking. She isn't amused. Her violence isn't ironic. She's damaged and enraged and violence is her bliss. I don't see anything comic in that. Sadly, I almost see it as an entirely rational response to Rhiannan's circumstances.
One of the things I liked most about 'In Bloom' was that Rhiannon's pregnancy triggers a period of introspection in which she seeks a deeper, surer understanding of her true nature. I liked that, for most of the book, Rhiannon hears the voice of her yet-to-be-born child and has conversations with it. In these conversations, the baby acts partly as the voice of Rhiannon's new responsibilities to protect her child and partly as a sort of conscience attempting to get her to be more cautious in her actions and consider what she really wants from life. I can see that this dialogue might be seen as 'darkly comic' but to me, it seemed like an entirely plausible way for Rhiannon to consider the course she wants her life to take.
I was a little lost at the start of 'In Bloom' because it continues straight on from the final scene of 'Sweetpea' which left me scrambling to remember details that had faded over the past two years. My confusion didn't last for long, Rhiannon soon set herself up with a safe but temporary safe space to weather her pregnancy in, staying with the parents of her lover, who she killed and who is not the father of her child. She's aware enough of how predatory this is to refrain from killing either of her hosts, no matter how often they feature on her daily Kill List.
'In Bloom' wasn't as much of a thriller as 'Sweetpea' where I was often on the edge of my seat wondering how/if Rhiannon would avoid detection. There are thriller elements here, especially at the beginning and the end of the book. In some ways, this book is less violent, at least in terms of frequency, but the violence is spectacular and, from Rhiannon's point of view, entirely necessary.
The middle portion of the book, during which Rhiannon is heavily pregnant, is taken up with her struggle to keep her unborn child happy and safe by NOT killing anyone, no matter how much they deserve it, unless she absolutely has to. She just about manages to restrain herself from killing but she can't prevent herself from stalking paedophiles and predators by catfishing them on social media. The predators that Rhiannon stalked were easy to believe in and deeply disturbing. Once again Rhiannon's response seemed, almost, rational. Except that her struggle with restraint and her ever-growing need for release, showed Rhiannon an inescapable truth about her own nature: she kills because she NEEDS the release it brings. It's her nature to kill. She's good at it and she relishes it. Yes, she kills bad people but, if there were no bad people she'd have to kill anyway. Someone would always find their way on to her daily Kill List.
The last third of the book was intense. As Rhiannon struggles to reconcile what she knows about her nature with what will be required of her in her impending role as a mother and tries to deflect her relentless pursuit by an implacable homicide detective, she can feel her need to kill growing with each day. I was back on the edge of my seat wondering how/if Rhiannon would get through all this. It's a tribute to how well the book is written (or a sign of my own incipient psychopathy) that I found myself hoping that Rhiannon would get away with everything.
The ending was strong and believable. It also made me hungry for the third book in the series, 'Deadhead'.
I recommend the audiobook version of 'In Bloom', narrated by Georgia McGuire.
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