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Ziba MacKenzie #3
Snakes and Ladders
Psycho meets The Silence of the Lambs
One killer on the loose. Another setting the rules. A profiler caught in the middle.
A serial killer is terrorising London, removing a body part from each victim and leaving in its place a single pink rose.
Dr Vernon Sange, a multiple murderer awaiting extradition, seems to know the culprit’s identity—but he’ll only talk to profiler Ziba MacKenzie, the woman responsible for putting him away. Though there’s something he wants in return from her. And time is running out.
With one killer whispering in her ear and another running rings around the police, Ziba must play a game in which only her opponent knows the rules, and the forfeit is death.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2019
233 people are currently reading
1137 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Selman
15 books366 followersAfter graduating from Oxford University, Victoria Selman studied Creative Writing at the City Lit and wrote for the Ham & High and Daily Express newspapers.
In 2013 she won the Full Stop Short Story Prize and her first novel, Blood for Blood, was shortlisted for the 2017 Debut Dagger Award.
Victoria lives in London with her husband and two sons.
In 2013 she won the Full Stop Short Story Prize and her first novel, Blood for Blood, was shortlisted for the 2017 Debut Dagger Award.
Victoria lives in London with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
December 17, 2019
This is the third book in the Ziba MacKenzie series. Ziba is a profiler with a special forces background, she carries a lot of sadness with her as her husband was killed a few years before the events in this story. This novel has an intriguing start. Ziba is lecturing at the FBI in Quantico whilst in London a murderer labelled the Pink Rose Killer (PRK) is stalking London for victims. Pulling the strings like a master puppeteer is Dr Vernon Sange, a cold blooded serial killer of at least 12 people and currently serving life imprisonment in HMP Wakefield, the largest high security prison in the UK. He is awaiting extradition to the USA for execution for crimes committed there. There is a connection between Sange and the PRK as Sange seems to know far more than he should which he dangles in riddles. Ziba is bright back from Quantico to help Scotland Yard detectives profile the PRK. This is a very twisty, dark story with gruesome murders which has the feel of Criminal Minds with Ziba being JJ or Emily Prentiss and I did feel as if I had stepped into an episode! The story is told by Ziba and the killer which works well.
The characters in the book are good. I like Ziba although in this one although she drops the ball rather too often as she wrestles with her feelings for journalist Jack Wolfe. He is a really good character too and you so root for these two to make a go of things so Ziba can move on from Duncan. You learn more about Ziba and her background in this one which I enjoyed. I like the interactions and game playing between Ziba and Sange who is a former university don and so is highly intelligent and the master of manipulation. They lock horns and try to outplay each other but it has to be said that Ziba is frequently on the back foot. Sange is the snake in this story and Ziba is climbing the ladders. DI Nigel Fingerling is just as odious as he was in previous books although some of his instincts are correct.
Part of the story has ancient Roman connections and has links to Ancient Greek literature which I think is a really good element and quite original and this is what links Sange to the PLK. My only negatives are that some scenes feel a bit manufactured and a tad unrealistic and there are some ‘Silence of the Lambs’ moments especially at the end.
Overall, a good, dark psychological thriller with a dash of humour and an abundance of twists and turns that fans of the genre appreciate.
The characters in the book are good. I like Ziba although in this one although she drops the ball rather too often as she wrestles with her feelings for journalist Jack Wolfe. He is a really good character too and you so root for these two to make a go of things so Ziba can move on from Duncan. You learn more about Ziba and her background in this one which I enjoyed. I like the interactions and game playing between Ziba and Sange who is a former university don and so is highly intelligent and the master of manipulation. They lock horns and try to outplay each other but it has to be said that Ziba is frequently on the back foot. Sange is the snake in this story and Ziba is climbing the ladders. DI Nigel Fingerling is just as odious as he was in previous books although some of his instincts are correct.
Part of the story has ancient Roman connections and has links to Ancient Greek literature which I think is a really good element and quite original and this is what links Sange to the PLK. My only negatives are that some scenes feel a bit manufactured and a tad unrealistic and there are some ‘Silence of the Lambs’ moments especially at the end.
Overall, a good, dark psychological thriller with a dash of humour and an abundance of twists and turns that fans of the genre appreciate.
February 5, 2020
I absolutely love and adore this series by Victoria Selman. Snakes and Ladders is the third book revolving around Ziba MacKenzie, former special ops now a profiler for the Met. She's also known as the Serial Killer Hunter because finding serial killers is what she does best - primarily because she is fearless. One such killer is now terrorizing London, cutting off body parts and leaving a rose in their place. It appears to be a copy-cat killing or perhaps someone killing on behalf of the original murderer, Dr. Vernon Sange. It is necessary to talk with Sange to see if he is, in fact, conducting these killings from afar, but the only person he will talk with is Ziba. As the murders continue, the horrifying reality sets in that the killer is stalking Ziba as hard as she is stalking them.
Every book that Selman has written has been dark, gritty and frighteningly realistic. They are, in fact, everything one could ask for in a crime fiction thriller. Selman's writing is on point, tough and, at times, quite harsh. That is what makes these books so fascinating. Nothing at all is "sugar-coated." Her characters, not just Ziba who is one tough cookie, are very well written and developed. Once I've finished with one of Selman's books, I feel as though I'm missing friends. Not that there is anything friendly about Ziba. She has her guard up due to past emotional trauma and that guard protects her from a lot - especially in this book! While this is the third installment in the series, and I do highly recommend reading them all in order, Snakes and Ladders can be easily read as a stand-alone. The background on the characters is thoroughly laid out for readers who are just joining in the game. ALL the stars and more for Snakes and Ladders.
Every book that Selman has written has been dark, gritty and frighteningly realistic. They are, in fact, everything one could ask for in a crime fiction thriller. Selman's writing is on point, tough and, at times, quite harsh. That is what makes these books so fascinating. Nothing at all is "sugar-coated." Her characters, not just Ziba who is one tough cookie, are very well written and developed. Once I've finished with one of Selman's books, I feel as though I'm missing friends. Not that there is anything friendly about Ziba. She has her guard up due to past emotional trauma and that guard protects her from a lot - especially in this book! While this is the third installment in the series, and I do highly recommend reading them all in order, Snakes and Ladders can be easily read as a stand-alone. The background on the characters is thoroughly laid out for readers who are just joining in the game. ALL the stars and more for Snakes and Ladders.
December 15, 2019
Finished reading: December 13th 2019
"Caring makes you human. It's the one thing that differentiates us from the monsters we hunt."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
November 21, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of
Snakes and Ladders.
I didn't know this was the third book in the series yet held up as a standalone.
I love serial killer mysteries, more so if the protagonist is female so I was excited when my request was approved.
Ziba Mackenzie is a highly respected profiler responsible for catching the notoriously charming serial killer Dr. Vernon Sange.
When a series of ritualistic murders brings Ziba into the investigation, she is tasked to speak to Dr. Sange, who seems to have unforeseen knowledge of the murders before they occur and will only speak to the woman who caught him.
Is he working with an accomplice on the outside? Is he orchestrating the murders?
As Ziba struggles with the loss of her husband from two years ago, and trying not to fall under the charming spell of Dr. Sange, she will have to harness her wits and skills to suss out a killer terrorizing a community and eluding law enforcement.
I liked Ziba, but I didn't love her. I wanted to like her more. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like her more.
She was smart, competent, capable, but she spent far too much time making snarky comments in her head about an annoying superior. At first, it was funny; then it became redundant.
I also didn't like all the time she spent vacillating between her feelings for Wolfie and Sange's diabolical manipulation of her emotions.
Yes, he's diabolical, and she's human, so he has the upper hand, but I felt it was too easy the way he undermined her during their interviews, controlled her, got the better of her.
She's a forensics profiler; she should know better, be on her guard at how he plans to outwit and manipulate her.
Ziba kept saying she was poor at playing defense or offense, I forget which, but that was such a silly statement to make. You are a psychologist. Your mind should be prepared to talk to sociopaths and psychopaths.
I also feel the novel could have used a tighter edit, cut about 50 pages, to heighten tension and increase suspense, of which there wasn't much.
The writing was good, and there was decent character development on Ziba. I felt I understood her even though I didn't read the first two books.
I liked the parts when she reminisced about her childhood and her father, and how she wished she and her mother had a stronger, tighter bond.
I would recommend Snakes and Ladders to anyone interested in a serial killer mystery, but it didn't draw me in like I hoped it would.
I didn't know this was the third book in the series yet held up as a standalone.
I love serial killer mysteries, more so if the protagonist is female so I was excited when my request was approved.
Ziba Mackenzie is a highly respected profiler responsible for catching the notoriously charming serial killer Dr. Vernon Sange.
When a series of ritualistic murders brings Ziba into the investigation, she is tasked to speak to Dr. Sange, who seems to have unforeseen knowledge of the murders before they occur and will only speak to the woman who caught him.
Is he working with an accomplice on the outside? Is he orchestrating the murders?
As Ziba struggles with the loss of her husband from two years ago, and trying not to fall under the charming spell of Dr. Sange, she will have to harness her wits and skills to suss out a killer terrorizing a community and eluding law enforcement.
I liked Ziba, but I didn't love her. I wanted to like her more. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't like her more.
She was smart, competent, capable, but she spent far too much time making snarky comments in her head about an annoying superior. At first, it was funny; then it became redundant.
I also didn't like all the time she spent vacillating between her feelings for Wolfie and Sange's diabolical manipulation of her emotions.
Yes, he's diabolical, and she's human, so he has the upper hand, but I felt it was too easy the way he undermined her during their interviews, controlled her, got the better of her.
She's a forensics profiler; she should know better, be on her guard at how he plans to outwit and manipulate her.
Ziba kept saying she was poor at playing defense or offense, I forget which, but that was such a silly statement to make. You are a psychologist. Your mind should be prepared to talk to sociopaths and psychopaths.
I also feel the novel could have used a tighter edit, cut about 50 pages, to heighten tension and increase suspense, of which there wasn't much.
The writing was good, and there was decent character development on Ziba. I felt I understood her even though I didn't read the first two books.
I liked the parts when she reminisced about her childhood and her father, and how she wished she and her mother had a stronger, tighter bond.
I would recommend Snakes and Ladders to anyone interested in a serial killer mystery, but it didn't draw me in like I hoped it would.
December 17, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and Amazon for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Snakes and Ladders is the third book featuring ex special forces turned profiler Ziba Mckenzie.
Ziba was giving a series of lectures at the FBI Academy in Quantico. During the lecture DC Barnwell from Scotland Yard interrupted the talk to bring her back to London.
Serial killer and Oxford Don Dr Vernon Sange was due to be extradited back to the US for execution. However he wanted to talk to Ziba because he knew the identity of The Pink Rose Killer (PRK).
Barnwell also explained that her dead husband's friend Jack Wolfe and a random PC had been sent letters by the PRK.
During the prison visit Sange played mind games with Ziba and got her to admit her true feelings for Jack. He then explained the brutal injury the next PRK victim will suffer. Despite her training Ziba becomes affected by Branwell`s games, can she help catch the killer before he strikes again.
I knew I would be in for a treat from the first page. The story was fast paced with short snappy pages which lured me into reading just one more chapter. I thought Ziba was an interesting character, intelligent but tough enough to join the special forces. I enjoyed reading about Ziba`s difficult relationship with her mother, I hope after their heart to heart they might reconcile.
Dr Vernon Sange chilled me to the bone. Attractive and charming on the surface until you are alone with him.
By the end of the book I was left reeling after one twist in the tale, swiftly by another.
Victoria Selman is now one of my go to authors, I can't wait for book four.
Snakes and Ladders is the third book featuring ex special forces turned profiler Ziba Mckenzie.
Ziba was giving a series of lectures at the FBI Academy in Quantico. During the lecture DC Barnwell from Scotland Yard interrupted the talk to bring her back to London.
Serial killer and Oxford Don Dr Vernon Sange was due to be extradited back to the US for execution. However he wanted to talk to Ziba because he knew the identity of The Pink Rose Killer (PRK).
Barnwell also explained that her dead husband's friend Jack Wolfe and a random PC had been sent letters by the PRK.
During the prison visit Sange played mind games with Ziba and got her to admit her true feelings for Jack. He then explained the brutal injury the next PRK victim will suffer. Despite her training Ziba becomes affected by Branwell`s games, can she help catch the killer before he strikes again.
I knew I would be in for a treat from the first page. The story was fast paced with short snappy pages which lured me into reading just one more chapter. I thought Ziba was an interesting character, intelligent but tough enough to join the special forces. I enjoyed reading about Ziba`s difficult relationship with her mother, I hope after their heart to heart they might reconcile.
Dr Vernon Sange chilled me to the bone. Attractive and charming on the surface until you are alone with him.
By the end of the book I was left reeling after one twist in the tale, swiftly by another.
Victoria Selman is now one of my go to authors, I can't wait for book four.
December 20, 2019
Clear the floor, Victoria Selman is here. That was the first thought that came to me when I read the first few chapters of this book. The control that the author had on the words in this book was exemplary.
Murders of women were happening in town and the cops needed teh freelancing profilrler Ziba to catch this murderer. This was book 3 in the series. I felt the characters would have been better understood if I had read the first 2 books. Nevertheless, this story too intrigued. Ziba was the one who had put a Dr. Vernon Sange in prison for murder. He was back trying to bargain with her. He would provide the name of the present murderer for certain personal details of her life. The cat and mouse games began.
I loved the premise. Ziba was a terrific main character strong yet with hints of vulnerability. My niggles came in the midsection where I felt the plot meandered. Ziba's entry into the mind of the killer could have been better. This book needed graphic description of the murders to bring out the darkness of the letters left by the killer. It just fell shy. Which can be both good and bad depending on the reader.
But make no mistake, the story was pure fun. The games both the characters played had me egging them on. The clues had the right amount of intrigue. A good villain allows the hero to reach his heights. I liked how the path to the murders were shown to me. Ending too felt a tad contrived.
Overall, a fun book. I did find the writing addictive and Ziba intriguing.
Murders of women were happening in town and the cops needed teh freelancing profilrler Ziba to catch this murderer. This was book 3 in the series. I felt the characters would have been better understood if I had read the first 2 books. Nevertheless, this story too intrigued. Ziba was the one who had put a Dr. Vernon Sange in prison for murder. He was back trying to bargain with her. He would provide the name of the present murderer for certain personal details of her life. The cat and mouse games began.
I loved the premise. Ziba was a terrific main character strong yet with hints of vulnerability. My niggles came in the midsection where I felt the plot meandered. Ziba's entry into the mind of the killer could have been better. This book needed graphic description of the murders to bring out the darkness of the letters left by the killer. It just fell shy. Which can be both good and bad depending on the reader.
But make no mistake, the story was pure fun. The games both the characters played had me egging them on. The clues had the right amount of intrigue. A good villain allows the hero to reach his heights. I liked how the path to the murders were shown to me. Ending too felt a tad contrived.
Overall, a fun book. I did find the writing addictive and Ziba intriguing.
December 2, 2019
I find Victoria's books quite addictive. They are menacingly simple stories with lots of interesting twists and turns throughout the books.
I can't decide if I like her as a character or not. I do feel that she needs to have someone in her life, but on the other hand, does she? She's furriatingly brilliant and portrayed well.
Definitely looking forward to reading the next one. I don't feel satisfied with the outcome and find that I am wanting more.
I can't decide if I like her as a character or not. I do feel that she needs to have someone in her life, but on the other hand, does she? She's furriatingly brilliant and portrayed well.
Definitely looking forward to reading the next one. I don't feel satisfied with the outcome and find that I am wanting more.
December 5, 2019
Hi and welcome to my review of Snakes and Ladders! This is the third novel in the Ziba MacKenzie series, but I assure you it can be read as a standalone and I know that because I did. For reasons I can’t even begin to understand, I completely missed the first two books and to add insult to injury, I hadn’t even heard of Victoria Selman (gasp!). Then Snakes and Ladders started popping up all over my Twitter timeline and I stumbled across it on NetGalley. When I spotted that tagline (Psycho meets The Silence of the Lambs) I didn’t bother looking up the book nor the author, I just requested it and it was only when I was approved and went to add it on Goodreads that I noticed it was part of a series. Regulars here will know I like to read books in the right order but I didn’t think I’d have the time to squeeze in two more books before this one so I decided to give it a whirl and see what happened (living on the edge ?). I’m happy to report I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, I connected with Ziba immediately, despite having missed her first outings, and there’s enough background information to just step into the series without a hitch.
Ziba MacKenzie is a freelance profiler. At the beginning of the book, she’s giving a lecture in Quantico to FBI agents in training when she’s called away to London: Scotland Yard needs her help with the Pink Rose Killer, a serial killer whose MO is to remove a body part from his victim and leave a pink rose at the scene. Funnily enough, the PRK is not the main serial killer in Snakes and Ladders: the star serial killer is Vernon – The Butcher – Sange, who was apprehended a while ago thanks to Ziba, and who has contacted the police saying he has intel on the PRK but he’ll only tell Ziba.
Now, Ziba is a great protagonist. She’s smart, she’s both strong and vulnerable, she has the kind of humour that I love, rather dark and very sarcastic, and she’s always at odds with the DCI with whom she has to work the case and I loved her little retorts, even if she keeps them to herself. But my favourite character, without a doubt, was Dr Sange, a cunning man, far more charming than Hannibal Lecter ever was, messing with Ziba’s head the way Lecter did with Clarice, and then some. Move over Hannibal Lecter, move over Anson Bishop, there’s a new serial killer in town! (For the record: I’m not a serial killer groupie, I only like the fictional kind!)
By now I think I must have read an entire library of crime and psychological thrillers and quite a large subsection of serial killer thrillers at that, so I think it’s fair to say I’ve become a little jaded and the things that used to work for me don’t always cut it anymore. Snakes and Ladders made me a very happy reader because it felt unique by focusing on the behavioural science behind the attempts to apprehend a serial killer, to pre-empt him, to predict his next move, while also zooming in on the behavioural analysis of convicted killers, and why that is important. I’ve read other books featuring a profiler, but none that go this far into the actual science. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a text book in any way, but I felt like I was learning a lot while simultaneously being entertained. I find the whole profiling thing absolutely fascinating so I paid extra attention (part of me wonders whether I should have read Psychology in uni instead of Translation Studies) but even if you don’t care about behavioural analysis that much, I’m sure you can enjoy this novel too.
This is an intriguing, suspenseful read, and although I figured out who the PRK was from the start and it turned out I was right not to trust one of the other characters either, it doesn’t even matter, not even a little bit, because to me Snakes and Ladders is not a whodunnit, it’s not about revealing the who, it’s about revealing the why, it’s less about the destination and more about the journey to find out the truth and you’d better believe it’s left me hungry ravenous for more! If you’re not into open endings, don’t worry, the PRK case is neatly wrapped up, but let’s just say another character has kicked the door to the next Ziba instalment wide open, and ending the way it does, I literally CANNOT WAIT for the next Ziba MacKenzie!
Recommended, and if Mindhunter is your favourite Netflix show then this is a must read!
Ziba MacKenzie is a freelance profiler. At the beginning of the book, she’s giving a lecture in Quantico to FBI agents in training when she’s called away to London: Scotland Yard needs her help with the Pink Rose Killer, a serial killer whose MO is to remove a body part from his victim and leave a pink rose at the scene. Funnily enough, the PRK is not the main serial killer in Snakes and Ladders: the star serial killer is Vernon – The Butcher – Sange, who was apprehended a while ago thanks to Ziba, and who has contacted the police saying he has intel on the PRK but he’ll only tell Ziba.
Now, Ziba is a great protagonist. She’s smart, she’s both strong and vulnerable, she has the kind of humour that I love, rather dark and very sarcastic, and she’s always at odds with the DCI with whom she has to work the case and I loved her little retorts, even if she keeps them to herself. But my favourite character, without a doubt, was Dr Sange, a cunning man, far more charming than Hannibal Lecter ever was, messing with Ziba’s head the way Lecter did with Clarice, and then some. Move over Hannibal Lecter, move over Anson Bishop, there’s a new serial killer in town! (For the record: I’m not a serial killer groupie, I only like the fictional kind!)
By now I think I must have read an entire library of crime and psychological thrillers and quite a large subsection of serial killer thrillers at that, so I think it’s fair to say I’ve become a little jaded and the things that used to work for me don’t always cut it anymore. Snakes and Ladders made me a very happy reader because it felt unique by focusing on the behavioural science behind the attempts to apprehend a serial killer, to pre-empt him, to predict his next move, while also zooming in on the behavioural analysis of convicted killers, and why that is important. I’ve read other books featuring a profiler, but none that go this far into the actual science. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a text book in any way, but I felt like I was learning a lot while simultaneously being entertained. I find the whole profiling thing absolutely fascinating so I paid extra attention (part of me wonders whether I should have read Psychology in uni instead of Translation Studies) but even if you don’t care about behavioural analysis that much, I’m sure you can enjoy this novel too.
This is an intriguing, suspenseful read, and although I figured out who the PRK was from the start and it turned out I was right not to trust one of the other characters either, it doesn’t even matter, not even a little bit, because to me Snakes and Ladders is not a whodunnit, it’s not about revealing the who, it’s about revealing the why, it’s less about the destination and more about the journey to find out the truth and you’d better believe it’s left me hungry ravenous for more! If you’re not into open endings, don’t worry, the PRK case is neatly wrapped up, but let’s just say another character has kicked the door to the next Ziba instalment wide open, and ending the way it does, I literally CANNOT WAIT for the next Ziba MacKenzie!
Recommended, and if Mindhunter is your favourite Netflix show then this is a must read!
February 19, 2020
When I read the tagline
"Psycho meets Silence of the Lambs"
I knew I just HAD to read this book! And wow...what can I say? It simply is...WOW!
SNAKES AND LADDERS is the third in the Ziba MacKenzie series, although I didn't know it at the time, but it reads well as a standalone. It was THAT good. There is enough background given throughout to ensure you don't miss out on anything. But be warned...once you start, you won't be able to stop and from there on in you then have a burning desire to get your hands on the other two books in the series and devour them in much the same way.
Ziba MacKenzie, who lost her husband Duncan in a shooting two years ago, is a profiler who specialises in serial killers on secondment to the FBI teaching at Quantico when she is called back to London to assist on a murder case. But not just any murder case. Someone is killing young homeless girls, mutilating their bodies and leaving behind various seemingly random items along with a single pink rose, earning him the moniker of the Pink Rose Killer. And word has reached Scotland Yard that there is to be another murder in two days' time.
While Scotland Yard has any number of profilers on their books able to assist police in their investigation, only Ziba can help. From his prison cell hundreds of miles from London, Vernon Sange (formerly Dr) holds the key to this latest mystery and he will help police on one condition - that he will only speak to Ziba.
Vernon Sange is a psychopath. But a very clever psychopath. Like Ziba, he profiles people, charms them, befriends them and even seduces them...to lure them into his trap. In his former life he was a successful university Don at Oxford, a doctor of philosophy, a lecturer, a teacher, a master, a murderer. It was Ziba's profile that lead police to him and an anonymous tip that sealed his fate during his trial. Now in his prison cell he is awaiting extradition to the US where he faces the death penalty.
Sange claims to know the identity of the PRK, and when and where the murders will take place. Ziba does not want to meet with Sange but knows, at this stage, police are out of options. And being so close to the next murder, if Sange knows anything and will only talk to her then she must see him and extricate any information she can from him. But that is easier said that done. Sange is a master. Ziba knows that as soon as he walks in Sange will be watching her. Looking for any reaction, even a flicker, that he can use to manipulate her. But Ziba resolves to give nothing away; she refuses to be played by him. But can she stop her subconscious from reacting? And can she outsmart Sange and get what she needs, never to return again?
But one thing is for sure...you can't outsmart a psychopath!
Faced with a deadly countdown, Ziba must get the answers needed to help catch the killer before he kills again. But for all his talk in her visit with him, does Sange actually ever tell her anything of use? At first, Ziba isn't so sure. But then she begins to piece some aspects together while others remain a mystery...earning her yet another long drive to the prison to see Sange once again.
While these visits are paramount to the investigation, Ziba dreads them...because Sange appears to read her effortlessly and he always wants something in return. His game is he will give her something if she gives him something first. But can she elude his mind games and figure out the clues on her own? And save the man she secretly loves?
Meanwhile in her private life, Ziba continues to grieve the loss of her husband two years ago. Although she misses Duncan, her friendship with his best friend journalist Jack Wolfe has grown into something more although she would never put Jack's life on the line by saying so. But somehow Sange knows even if Jack doesn't. And now Jack is in danger.
How does Sange know how she feels about Jack Wolfe? And why is Jack the only journalist the PRK writes to? While it is clearly Jack he sends these letters to, who is "O.D." to whom he addresses within them? And the code at the end of each letter...what do they mean? Is Sange involved more than they know?
So many questions throughout will have your head spinning that you won't want to put it down! As the truth begins to emerge piece by piece, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. Everything is smoke and mirrors. Mind games at its best!
SNAKES AND LADDERS is a well-crafted, well-plotted, brilliantly told murder mystery thriller that had me turning pages long into the night! I loved the short snappy chapters that kept the pace moving at a break-neck speed throughout.
I absolutely loved the dry wit peppered throughout the story. Ziba's thoughts on Fingerling as he sneered his comments at her had me chuckling on more than one occasion. Her passing thoughts on the weather even. If it didn't thrill, it made me laugh. Everything I love in a book.
Every character in the story is well developed and each has their part to play. None of them are insignificant or surplus to the tale. Victoria Selman has weaved each them into her web seamlessly leaving nothing to chance. Even one of the most likable characters with whom Ziba connected to wasn't by chance. And when that final plot twist came at the end, it was both shocking and brilliant!
While I haven't read the first two in the series, unaware at the time of requesting that this was a third installment, SNAKES AND LADDERS is everything I love in a thriller - fast paced, twisty, compelling, intriguing, witty and utterly unputdownable.
While it's always best to start a series from the beginning, I don't think it's essential to enjoy SNAKES AND LADDERS, as it flows seamlessly throughout with enough background given to know what is going on. I know I enjoyed it immensely without reading the first two...but let it be known, I have now added the first two to my collection and look forward to sneaking them into my reading list sometime soon. I suspect this is going to be one of my favourite series. Criminal Minds meets Psycho meets Silence of the Lambs .
That brilliant ending has me longing for the fourth installment now with that twist of a cliffhanger that leaves us wondering where the story goes from here...and that dawn of realisation that hit Ziba as she heard the news...I wasn't surprised, but she most definitely was. In the end, that final piece suddenly made sense to me and left me wanting more. Hands down brilliant!
Bring on book #4!!
I would like to thank #VictoriaSelman, #NetGalley and #AmazonPublishingUK for an ARC of #SnakesAndLadders in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
SNAKES AND LADDERS is the third in the Ziba MacKenzie series, although I didn't know it at the time, but it reads well as a standalone. It was THAT good. There is enough background given throughout to ensure you don't miss out on anything. But be warned...once you start, you won't be able to stop and from there on in you then have a burning desire to get your hands on the other two books in the series and devour them in much the same way.
Ziba MacKenzie, who lost her husband Duncan in a shooting two years ago, is a profiler who specialises in serial killers on secondment to the FBI teaching at Quantico when she is called back to London to assist on a murder case. But not just any murder case. Someone is killing young homeless girls, mutilating their bodies and leaving behind various seemingly random items along with a single pink rose, earning him the moniker of the Pink Rose Killer. And word has reached Scotland Yard that there is to be another murder in two days' time.
While Scotland Yard has any number of profilers on their books able to assist police in their investigation, only Ziba can help. From his prison cell hundreds of miles from London, Vernon Sange (formerly Dr) holds the key to this latest mystery and he will help police on one condition - that he will only speak to Ziba.
Vernon Sange is a psychopath. But a very clever psychopath. Like Ziba, he profiles people, charms them, befriends them and even seduces them...to lure them into his trap. In his former life he was a successful university Don at Oxford, a doctor of philosophy, a lecturer, a teacher, a master, a murderer. It was Ziba's profile that lead police to him and an anonymous tip that sealed his fate during his trial. Now in his prison cell he is awaiting extradition to the US where he faces the death penalty.
Sange claims to know the identity of the PRK, and when and where the murders will take place. Ziba does not want to meet with Sange but knows, at this stage, police are out of options. And being so close to the next murder, if Sange knows anything and will only talk to her then she must see him and extricate any information she can from him. But that is easier said that done. Sange is a master. Ziba knows that as soon as he walks in Sange will be watching her. Looking for any reaction, even a flicker, that he can use to manipulate her. But Ziba resolves to give nothing away; she refuses to be played by him. But can she stop her subconscious from reacting? And can she outsmart Sange and get what she needs, never to return again?
But one thing is for sure...you can't outsmart a psychopath!
Faced with a deadly countdown, Ziba must get the answers needed to help catch the killer before he kills again. But for all his talk in her visit with him, does Sange actually ever tell her anything of use? At first, Ziba isn't so sure. But then she begins to piece some aspects together while others remain a mystery...earning her yet another long drive to the prison to see Sange once again.
While these visits are paramount to the investigation, Ziba dreads them...because Sange appears to read her effortlessly and he always wants something in return. His game is he will give her something if she gives him something first. But can she elude his mind games and figure out the clues on her own? And save the man she secretly loves?
Meanwhile in her private life, Ziba continues to grieve the loss of her husband two years ago. Although she misses Duncan, her friendship with his best friend journalist Jack Wolfe has grown into something more although she would never put Jack's life on the line by saying so. But somehow Sange knows even if Jack doesn't. And now Jack is in danger.
How does Sange know how she feels about Jack Wolfe? And why is Jack the only journalist the PRK writes to? While it is clearly Jack he sends these letters to, who is "O.D." to whom he addresses within them? And the code at the end of each letter...what do they mean? Is Sange involved more than they know?
So many questions throughout will have your head spinning that you won't want to put it down! As the truth begins to emerge piece by piece, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems. Everything is smoke and mirrors. Mind games at its best!
SNAKES AND LADDERS is a well-crafted, well-plotted, brilliantly told murder mystery thriller that had me turning pages long into the night! I loved the short snappy chapters that kept the pace moving at a break-neck speed throughout.
I absolutely loved the dry wit peppered throughout the story. Ziba's thoughts on Fingerling as he sneered his comments at her had me chuckling on more than one occasion. Her passing thoughts on the weather even. If it didn't thrill, it made me laugh. Everything I love in a book.
Every character in the story is well developed and each has their part to play. None of them are insignificant or surplus to the tale. Victoria Selman has weaved each them into her web seamlessly leaving nothing to chance. Even one of the most likable characters with whom Ziba connected to wasn't by chance. And when that final plot twist came at the end, it was both shocking and brilliant!
While I haven't read the first two in the series, unaware at the time of requesting that this was a third installment, SNAKES AND LADDERS is everything I love in a thriller - fast paced, twisty, compelling, intriguing, witty and utterly unputdownable.
While it's always best to start a series from the beginning, I don't think it's essential to enjoy SNAKES AND LADDERS, as it flows seamlessly throughout with enough background given to know what is going on. I know I enjoyed it immensely without reading the first two...but let it be known, I have now added the first two to my collection and look forward to sneaking them into my reading list sometime soon. I suspect this is going to be one of my favourite series. Criminal Minds meets Psycho meets Silence of the Lambs .
That brilliant ending has me longing for the fourth installment now with that twist of a cliffhanger that leaves us wondering where the story goes from here...and that dawn of realisation that hit Ziba as she heard the news...I wasn't surprised, but she most definitely was. In the end, that final piece suddenly made sense to me and left me wanting more. Hands down brilliant!
Bring on book #4!!
I would like to thank #VictoriaSelman, #NetGalley and #AmazonPublishingUK for an ARC of #SnakesAndLadders in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 7, 2019
This is a great psychological thriller that has a hint of Silence of the lambs running through it.
Ziba Mackenzie is a profiler who is asked to help with a murder case in the UK.
She’s contacted to help as they need to speak to Sange who is in prison, but he will only speak to her.
She was responsible for his capture and now as another killer is on the loose, he claims to know his identity.
Ziba goes to see him and doesn’t get a great deal from him, other than something else to worry about.
The PRK (Pink Rose Killer) is removing body parts from his victim and leaving behind a rose petal in its place but Ziba and the Police need to know why.
This is the third book in this series and I haven’t read the previous two and didn’t feel I was missing anything.
I’d you like creepy thrillers then this is the book for you.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Ziba Mackenzie is a profiler who is asked to help with a murder case in the UK.
She’s contacted to help as they need to speak to Sange who is in prison, but he will only speak to her.
She was responsible for his capture and now as another killer is on the loose, he claims to know his identity.
Ziba goes to see him and doesn’t get a great deal from him, other than something else to worry about.
The PRK (Pink Rose Killer) is removing body parts from his victim and leaving behind a rose petal in its place but Ziba and the Police need to know why.
This is the third book in this series and I haven’t read the previous two and didn’t feel I was missing anything.
I’d you like creepy thrillers then this is the book for you.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
April 29, 2022
2.5* --> 3*
As someone who reads a lot of crime fiction, I think I’m getting to that point where I’m being far too picky about the books I pick up.
Case in point, Snakes and Ladders. This is the third instalment in the Ziba MacKenzie series, a fact I was completely unaware of at the time of requesting a review copy. For the most part, I think I got away with that as the author offers up quite a bit of information from the previous books to come to grips with Ziba’s character overall. And yet, not enough for me to get a good feel for her, to even warm to her or root for her. I didn’t particularly like her, even though I couldn’t quite put my finger on the why.
Dubbed as “Psycho meets The Silence of the Lambs”, the bar of expectations was raised to a level I don’t think this book ever achieved. Not by a long shot. For that the serial killers (yes, there are two) weren’t nearly terrifying enough. Or at all. Sure one of them manages to get into Ziba’s head but really, kind of been there, done that and the mind games failed to enthral me.
It’s obvious Ziba is distracted. It’s mentioned enough times too. She’s making it incredibly easy for Sange to manipulate her. Quite frankly, she should probably have removed herself from this investigation but okay, it’s fiction. Still, for some big renowned profiler, I thought she was often incredibly naive and stupid. It seems to me that there are things happening right under her nose that she doesn’t pick up on at all and it really started to annoy me. Also annoying, Ziba’s constant inner snark about a colleague.
It’s not all bad. There’s a nice pace to the story, the writing is good. I thought I knew quite early on who the active serial killer was but turns out I was wrong. I don’t know if there’s another addition to the series but there’s definitely enough there to do so. Some loose threads that need tying up. I’m sure the readers who were with this series from the start will enjoy this one a whole lot more than I did. From ratings I’ve seen I’m definitely in the minority with my opinion. But like I said at the start, I’m very picky and I personally think there are far more better crime fiction series out there. Entertaining, yes. But for me not really compelling, not suspenseful enough and definitely missing the thrill.
As someone who reads a lot of crime fiction, I think I’m getting to that point where I’m being far too picky about the books I pick up.
Case in point, Snakes and Ladders. This is the third instalment in the Ziba MacKenzie series, a fact I was completely unaware of at the time of requesting a review copy. For the most part, I think I got away with that as the author offers up quite a bit of information from the previous books to come to grips with Ziba’s character overall. And yet, not enough for me to get a good feel for her, to even warm to her or root for her. I didn’t particularly like her, even though I couldn’t quite put my finger on the why.
Dubbed as “Psycho meets The Silence of the Lambs”, the bar of expectations was raised to a level I don’t think this book ever achieved. Not by a long shot. For that the serial killers (yes, there are two) weren’t nearly terrifying enough. Or at all. Sure one of them manages to get into Ziba’s head but really, kind of been there, done that and the mind games failed to enthral me.
It’s obvious Ziba is distracted. It’s mentioned enough times too. She’s making it incredibly easy for Sange to manipulate her. Quite frankly, she should probably have removed herself from this investigation but okay, it’s fiction. Still, for some big renowned profiler, I thought she was often incredibly naive and stupid. It seems to me that there are things happening right under her nose that she doesn’t pick up on at all and it really started to annoy me. Also annoying, Ziba’s constant inner snark about a colleague.
It’s not all bad. There’s a nice pace to the story, the writing is good. I thought I knew quite early on who the active serial killer was but turns out I was wrong. I don’t know if there’s another addition to the series but there’s definitely enough there to do so. Some loose threads that need tying up. I’m sure the readers who were with this series from the start will enjoy this one a whole lot more than I did. From ratings I’ve seen I’m definitely in the minority with my opinion. But like I said at the start, I’m very picky and I personally think there are far more better crime fiction series out there. Entertaining, yes. But for me not really compelling, not suspenseful enough and definitely missing the thrill.
October 18, 2019
I do love a good serial killer book, and Snakes and Ladders fits the bill. It’s the third in Victoria Selman’s Ziba MacKenzie series, following on from Blood for Blood (nominated for the 2017 Crime Writer’s Award Debut Dagger) and Nothing to Lose, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Ziba MacKenzie is an ace profiler with the FBI, called back to London to deal with imprisoned serial killer Dr Vernon Sange, who says he knows the identity of the PRK, a new murderer on the loose. Shades of Silence of the Lambs at work here then, but this is very much its own story, and a gripping one at that!
Ziba and the team are faced with a deadly countdown until the Pink Rose Killer strikes again. Can she elude Sange’s mind games and figure out the clues?
Loved it – raced through this book in no time. The action comes thick and fast, and I thought I was *so* clever and had figured things out early on, only to find out that Selman had been playing me much like Dr Sange plays Ziba throughout the book! Tricksy authors…
I’ve not read the first two books in the series, but on the strength of Snakes and Ladders, I will definitely be adding them to my reading list.
If you like a good psychological thriller, with strong characters and a great plot that’ll keep you guessing, then I can highly recommend this book.
Ziba MacKenzie is an ace profiler with the FBI, called back to London to deal with imprisoned serial killer Dr Vernon Sange, who says he knows the identity of the PRK, a new murderer on the loose. Shades of Silence of the Lambs at work here then, but this is very much its own story, and a gripping one at that!
Ziba and the team are faced with a deadly countdown until the Pink Rose Killer strikes again. Can she elude Sange’s mind games and figure out the clues?
Loved it – raced through this book in no time. The action comes thick and fast, and I thought I was *so* clever and had figured things out early on, only to find out that Selman had been playing me much like Dr Sange plays Ziba throughout the book! Tricksy authors…
I’ve not read the first two books in the series, but on the strength of Snakes and Ladders, I will definitely be adding them to my reading list.
If you like a good psychological thriller, with strong characters and a great plot that’ll keep you guessing, then I can highly recommend this book.
November 23, 2019
The third in the Ziba Mackenzie thriller series. I haven’t read the first two books but it can be read as a stand alone, although the ending is left on something of a cliffhanger. A serial killer known as the PRK (Pink Rose Killer) is having a killing spree in London. Meanwhile another notorious mass murderer incarcerated in HM Wakefield Prison seems to know the killer’s real identity and is predicting what they’re going to do next.
I read this story via the Pigeonhole app where the book is split into ten daily staves and I looked forward to receiving each instalment. I’m not a fan of serial killer thrillers but I was quite gripped by this one. It’s fast paced with some great characters. There is a puzzle to solve and coded clues to decipher which I enjoyed. It’s a cat and mouse game with a race against time sort of tale which kept me turning the pages. There’s not much more I can say without giving the plot away, so overall a it’s a good thriller which will appeal to fans of Thomas Harris and Robert Bloch.
I read this story via the Pigeonhole app where the book is split into ten daily staves and I looked forward to receiving each instalment. I’m not a fan of serial killer thrillers but I was quite gripped by this one. It’s fast paced with some great characters. There is a puzzle to solve and coded clues to decipher which I enjoyed. It’s a cat and mouse game with a race against time sort of tale which kept me turning the pages. There’s not much more I can say without giving the plot away, so overall a it’s a good thriller which will appeal to fans of Thomas Harris and Robert Bloch.
April 5, 2020
Wow…Snakes and Ladders was the dog’s testicles for sure! Billed as psycho meets Silence of the lambs, never was I going to refuse a match up like that! Although this book is one that you should go completely blind into. It was very Silence of the lambs, but it far exceeded my expectations. Do you want a book that will give you blunt force trauma by its sheer brilliant narrative and its impending threat that just constantly lurks around every corner. If you only read one crime series this year, make it this one!
Victoria Selman translates such equivocal storytelling onto the page with such ease. She gives the reader a snapshot of her powerful imagination. Snakes and Ladders is essentially a power to be reckoned with. She pushes us to our emotional limits, squeezes us to accept humanities flaws and highlights society’s cracks.
Snakes and Ladders will hook you immediately. The setting, the storytelling and the characterisation will do a blinder on you! I do love a good crime fiction novel but very few have been able to suck me into the storyline quite like this. Add in the intensity of two serial killers and the flawed character of a highly successful criminal profiler and it eagerly ticks all the boxes for a hugely addictive crime novel. All it takes is one taste of the story buried underneath and you will be gone.
Snakes and Ladders is one of those books that are so incredibly difficult to review. The story is so intelligent and compelling, but I don’t want to give anything away that may spoil the story. Ziba Mackenzie is an extremely strong protagonist. I think ultimately this is the reason I loved the story so much. The flowed around her, she strengthened it, but she had her flaws and for that, she was relatable – we can all see parts of ourselves within her character. Her personality felt like an echo resonating out with the pages. Her role within the investigation was as a freelance criminal profiler. I enjoyed this angle and it made an intriguing change from the usual detective or police viewpoint. She delved into the investigation with vigour and I was intrigued about the personal connection she seemed to have with one of the serial killers, Vernon Sange. He’s still behind bars but somehow, he’s still able to pull the shots. He’s intimidating and creepily intelligent. He’s for sure a dead ringer for Hannibal Lector. He gave me chills!
Our other serial killer, The Pink Rose Killer is the focus of this investigation, but it is no less devastating. How does Vernon Sange know so much about him? Are they in contact? Will he give a name? can they stop him before he claims his next victim? We get insight into the killers past with flashback chapters and it really nails home just how much the past can have a firm grip on our present and future.
Snakes and Ladders has cemented Victoria Selman as an exciting crime writer to watch. Twist follows twist at such a breakneck speed. Cancel all your plans. Turn your phone off, lock the doors and get comfy…you won’t be going anywhere until the final page is closed.
Victoria Selman translates such equivocal storytelling onto the page with such ease. She gives the reader a snapshot of her powerful imagination. Snakes and Ladders is essentially a power to be reckoned with. She pushes us to our emotional limits, squeezes us to accept humanities flaws and highlights society’s cracks.
Snakes and Ladders will hook you immediately. The setting, the storytelling and the characterisation will do a blinder on you! I do love a good crime fiction novel but very few have been able to suck me into the storyline quite like this. Add in the intensity of two serial killers and the flawed character of a highly successful criminal profiler and it eagerly ticks all the boxes for a hugely addictive crime novel. All it takes is one taste of the story buried underneath and you will be gone.
Snakes and Ladders is one of those books that are so incredibly difficult to review. The story is so intelligent and compelling, but I don’t want to give anything away that may spoil the story. Ziba Mackenzie is an extremely strong protagonist. I think ultimately this is the reason I loved the story so much. The flowed around her, she strengthened it, but she had her flaws and for that, she was relatable – we can all see parts of ourselves within her character. Her personality felt like an echo resonating out with the pages. Her role within the investigation was as a freelance criminal profiler. I enjoyed this angle and it made an intriguing change from the usual detective or police viewpoint. She delved into the investigation with vigour and I was intrigued about the personal connection she seemed to have with one of the serial killers, Vernon Sange. He’s still behind bars but somehow, he’s still able to pull the shots. He’s intimidating and creepily intelligent. He’s for sure a dead ringer for Hannibal Lector. He gave me chills!
Our other serial killer, The Pink Rose Killer is the focus of this investigation, but it is no less devastating. How does Vernon Sange know so much about him? Are they in contact? Will he give a name? can they stop him before he claims his next victim? We get insight into the killers past with flashback chapters and it really nails home just how much the past can have a firm grip on our present and future.
Snakes and Ladders has cemented Victoria Selman as an exciting crime writer to watch. Twist follows twist at such a breakneck speed. Cancel all your plans. Turn your phone off, lock the doors and get comfy…you won’t be going anywhere until the final page is closed.
May 6, 2021
I was completely unaware when I first started this book that it is a part of a series until about the 20% mark. That being said, I still really enjoyed this. The author did a really good job recapping some things that happened in previous books so I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.
This honestly ticked all the boxes for me when it comes to a murder mystery:
Clever plot twists
Deranged murderer
Cryptic codes
Genius villain
A story arc happening with the lead detective 🕵️♀️
I was intrigued with this book from start to finish and the short chapters made it even more engaging and made it seem more fast paced.
I loved Dr. Vernon Sange, he is the perfect evil mastermind who simultaneously admire and wanna punch in the face.
I need to read the other books ASAP because I need more Ziba and Sange in my life.
~Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
This honestly ticked all the boxes for me when it comes to a murder mystery:
Clever plot twists
Deranged murderer
Cryptic codes
Genius villain
A story arc happening with the lead detective 🕵️♀️
I was intrigued with this book from start to finish and the short chapters made it even more engaging and made it seem more fast paced.
I loved Dr. Vernon Sange, he is the perfect evil mastermind who simultaneously admire and wanna punch in the face.
I need to read the other books ASAP because I need more Ziba and Sange in my life.
~Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own
January 14, 2024
she keeps talking about her dead husband???? sorry but i dont care i’m here for MURDER
July 17, 2021
The third in the series by Victoria Selman featuring Ziba MacKenzie a profiler with Scotland Yard. I have read the previous two and really enjoyed them. This offering was also very good but not I feel, up to the standards of the previous two. Ziba's character is strong, forthright and intelligent and I thought in this book she came across as much weaker. She seemed to rush in with0ut thought and sometimes made basic mistakes - working a high profile serial murder case involving mutilated young women, Ziba heads off with a mobile phone with barely any battery and no way of charging it. Her frequent meetings with a convicted serial killer and his manipulation of her was lifted straight from Silence to the Lambs and felt like lazy writing. At times it felt like there were just too many suspects and strands and it made for confusing read at times.
All that being said I did enjoy it and look forward to the next book about this character.
All that being said I did enjoy it and look forward to the next book about this character.
December 18, 2019
Snakes and Ladders is the third in the police procedural series featuring former Special Forces Agent turned Offender Profiler, Ziba MacKenzie. Having missed the first book in the series - Blood for Blood - I did get to read the second one - Nothing To Lose - so I was happy to jump straight in and read this. The author, Victoria Selman provides enough background to allow the reader to feel comfortable with the characters and setting without any issues, making Snakes and Ladders a good choice to read as an individual story. Set in London, protagonist Ziba makes a rather flawed, impulsive and abrasive Profiler however, I would have gladly had her on my team.
Ziba is giving a talk to FBI trainees in Quantico, Virginia when the talk is abruptly interrupted. Ziba's presence is required in the UK where police need her help to find the so called 'Pink Rose Killer', who has been killing and mutilating young women. She is disturbed to learn that the reason for her recall is that one Dr Vernon Sange, a man she helped to put behind bars for the murder of at least a dozen people, claims to know the identity of the killer, and will speak only to her. Thus begins a tense game of cat and mouse and Ziba knows that in order to get the information she needs, she will have to succumb to his mind games.
This novel was a fantastic, electrifying and solid police procedural and as before, I really warmed to Ziba from the outset. Without doubt, she is a very strong lead and this well-balanced crime-thriller had me glued to the pages, so much so that I didn't want to put it down, desperate as I was to know the outcome of the story.
The plot was very cleverly written, and the story was gripping and suspenseful. With distinct threads running through the story, I could have been overwhelmed by the number of characters in the book, but each individual had a defined role in the story. As Ziba embarked on an exciting and exhilarating mission to solve the cases, the tension was being ratcheted up a notch as Victoria Selman hit me with some captivating misdirection and planted a few red herrings. The writing flowed effortlessly with a swift pace to it as Snakes and Ladders delved into the power of evil, heavily dosed with gruesomeness, menace, cunning and brutality.
Overall, a brilliant, dark, psychological, nail-chomping and highly recommended crime-thriller, complete with a dash of humour.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion. Thank you also to Pigeonhole and Victoria Selman for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
Ziba is giving a talk to FBI trainees in Quantico, Virginia when the talk is abruptly interrupted. Ziba's presence is required in the UK where police need her help to find the so called 'Pink Rose Killer', who has been killing and mutilating young women. She is disturbed to learn that the reason for her recall is that one Dr Vernon Sange, a man she helped to put behind bars for the murder of at least a dozen people, claims to know the identity of the killer, and will speak only to her. Thus begins a tense game of cat and mouse and Ziba knows that in order to get the information she needs, she will have to succumb to his mind games.
This novel was a fantastic, electrifying and solid police procedural and as before, I really warmed to Ziba from the outset. Without doubt, she is a very strong lead and this well-balanced crime-thriller had me glued to the pages, so much so that I didn't want to put it down, desperate as I was to know the outcome of the story.
The plot was very cleverly written, and the story was gripping and suspenseful. With distinct threads running through the story, I could have been overwhelmed by the number of characters in the book, but each individual had a defined role in the story. As Ziba embarked on an exciting and exhilarating mission to solve the cases, the tension was being ratcheted up a notch as Victoria Selman hit me with some captivating misdirection and planted a few red herrings. The writing flowed effortlessly with a swift pace to it as Snakes and Ladders delved into the power of evil, heavily dosed with gruesomeness, menace, cunning and brutality.
Overall, a brilliant, dark, psychological, nail-chomping and highly recommended crime-thriller, complete with a dash of humour.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion. Thank you also to Pigeonhole and Victoria Selman for giving me the opportunity to read this book!
December 29, 2019
Snakes and Ladders is the third installment in Victoria Selman’s murder mystery series featuring Ziba MacKenzie, former British Special Forces officer, now “freelance offender profiler and serial killer expert,” as one character describes her in the book. (See my previous reviews here and here.)
It is four stories rolled into one: First, Ziba’s collaboration with New Scotland Yard as they hunt for the Pink Rose Killer, so called because PRK places a pink rose next to victims’ bodies. Second, PRK’s backstory, told in flashback sequences, which explain the motive behind the murders, at least partially. Third, Ziba’s interactions with Dr. Victor Sange, the Butcher of Balliol, a hyper-intelligent Oxford don with a penchant for murder, who claims to know PRK’s identity and who likes to cultivate disciples, even from prison. Sange is serving time for murder in England but awaiting extradition to the U.S. for capital crimes committed there. And, finally, Ziba’s evolving relationship with Jack Wolfe, the only journalist to whom PRK corresponds, but whose relationship with Ziba keeps putting him in personal and professional danger.
All told, this was a well-crafted murder mystery that kept me turning pages, my number-one requirement in books of this sort. At first reading, I didn’t see any plot holes and didn’t experience any moments where my willing suspension of disbelief was challenged. However, one character, introduced at the start of the story, struck me as a bit “off,” and toward the end of the story, even Ziba took notice. I’m sure that “offness” will play a role in Selman’s next book, since that character announced a last-page plot twist that I didn’t see coming at all.
I look forward to the fourth installment in this series, which is quickly becoming one of my favorites as old warhorses like Jack Reacher and Walt Longmire are losing my interest. Highly recommended!
Book Review
Victoria Selman, Snakes and Ladders (Seattle: Thomas & Mercer, 2019).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
It is four stories rolled into one: First, Ziba’s collaboration with New Scotland Yard as they hunt for the Pink Rose Killer, so called because PRK places a pink rose next to victims’ bodies. Second, PRK’s backstory, told in flashback sequences, which explain the motive behind the murders, at least partially. Third, Ziba’s interactions with Dr. Victor Sange, the Butcher of Balliol, a hyper-intelligent Oxford don with a penchant for murder, who claims to know PRK’s identity and who likes to cultivate disciples, even from prison. Sange is serving time for murder in England but awaiting extradition to the U.S. for capital crimes committed there. And, finally, Ziba’s evolving relationship with Jack Wolfe, the only journalist to whom PRK corresponds, but whose relationship with Ziba keeps putting him in personal and professional danger.
All told, this was a well-crafted murder mystery that kept me turning pages, my number-one requirement in books of this sort. At first reading, I didn’t see any plot holes and didn’t experience any moments where my willing suspension of disbelief was challenged. However, one character, introduced at the start of the story, struck me as a bit “off,” and toward the end of the story, even Ziba took notice. I’m sure that “offness” will play a role in Selman’s next book, since that character announced a last-page plot twist that I didn’t see coming at all.
I look forward to the fourth installment in this series, which is quickly becoming one of my favorites as old warhorses like Jack Reacher and Walt Longmire are losing my interest. Highly recommended!
Book Review
Victoria Selman, Snakes and Ladders (Seattle: Thomas & Mercer, 2019).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click “Helpful” on my Amazon review page.
November 21, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller. It got me up twice in the middle of the night to read on which is usually a sure sign a reader is hooked!
I hadn't read the two books in the series prior to this offering and although I will now want to read the other books, it did not prevent me from enjoying the efforts of Ziba MacKenzie as a standalone story.
Yet again this female protagonist is a tough woman, a profiler working for Scotland Yard who has lost her husband to a shooting and now is wary about getting too close to Jack Wolf, a newspaper journalist. But as a profiler she doesn't work quite the same way as the Police do and it is fascinating how she pieces together information about the Pink Rose Killer using behavioural analysis.
The plot was sinister, chilling but not too gruesome. Initially I thought this book would be too scary to read, but it really isn't!
There are so many characters whose motives seem suspicious and as a consequence the reader is left desperately trying to guess who the perpetrator is and what further mind games Dr Vernon Sange, a notorious serial killer currently residing in a high security prison, is going to play next.
Some of the 'clues' in terms of the literary references went a bit over my head and I am not sure I would have ever suddenly made the leap Ziba did into knowing who the killer was and their connection to Sange, but nevertheless this is a thriller I thoroughly enjoyed.
With no neat ending I am hoping there will be a fourth book in this series!
I hadn't read the two books in the series prior to this offering and although I will now want to read the other books, it did not prevent me from enjoying the efforts of Ziba MacKenzie as a standalone story.
Yet again this female protagonist is a tough woman, a profiler working for Scotland Yard who has lost her husband to a shooting and now is wary about getting too close to Jack Wolf, a newspaper journalist. But as a profiler she doesn't work quite the same way as the Police do and it is fascinating how she pieces together information about the Pink Rose Killer using behavioural analysis.
The plot was sinister, chilling but not too gruesome. Initially I thought this book would be too scary to read, but it really isn't!
There are so many characters whose motives seem suspicious and as a consequence the reader is left desperately trying to guess who the perpetrator is and what further mind games Dr Vernon Sange, a notorious serial killer currently residing in a high security prison, is going to play next.
Some of the 'clues' in terms of the literary references went a bit over my head and I am not sure I would have ever suddenly made the leap Ziba did into knowing who the killer was and their connection to Sange, but nevertheless this is a thriller I thoroughly enjoyed.
With no neat ending I am hoping there will be a fourth book in this series!
November 28, 2019
Summary: I really enjoy the Ziba MacKenzie series. The writing is engaging and succinct, the stories move at a swift pace, there are more than a few surprising twists, and she explores the main character enough to get to know and understand her a little better each time. Recommended for mystery/crime readers!
Ziba MacKenzie: The main character is intelligent, strong-willed, introspective, and confident. She also has a tendency to be impetuous, insecure, emotionally closed off, and judgmental. All of these things, strengths and flaws, are what make her relatable and interesting. Hearing her reasoning and thoughts as she moves through the case and her own life, give us insight into the why's behind her actions, even when we might be saying "no, don't do that!" I appreciated and enjoyed understanding the internal conflicts Ziba goes through.
Story: The author writes the type of mystery/suspense thriller I enjoy. The plot moves quickly, takes several turns, leads us down a few different dead end paths, and allows us to get to know the characters along the way. Selman describes the crimes and scenes thoroughly without spending pages upon pages on every detail.
Series: I recommend starting with the first in the series, Blood on Blood, but I don't think it's a requirement to enjoy Snakes and Ladders (#3). Selman does a fine job giving us enough information to understand what's going on. Having said that, it will have more impact if you've read the first two in the series.
Ziba MacKenzie: The main character is intelligent, strong-willed, introspective, and confident. She also has a tendency to be impetuous, insecure, emotionally closed off, and judgmental. All of these things, strengths and flaws, are what make her relatable and interesting. Hearing her reasoning and thoughts as she moves through the case and her own life, give us insight into the why's behind her actions, even when we might be saying "no, don't do that!" I appreciated and enjoyed understanding the internal conflicts Ziba goes through.
Story: The author writes the type of mystery/suspense thriller I enjoy. The plot moves quickly, takes several turns, leads us down a few different dead end paths, and allows us to get to know the characters along the way. Selman describes the crimes and scenes thoroughly without spending pages upon pages on every detail.
Series: I recommend starting with the first in the series, Blood on Blood, but I don't think it's a requirement to enjoy Snakes and Ladders (#3). Selman does a fine job giving us enough information to understand what's going on. Having said that, it will have more impact if you've read the first two in the series.
November 3, 2019
So far, I've been very impressed with Ziba MacKenzie's stories and number 3 does not disappoint. Ziba faces a real baddie in the tradition of the best charming but super-scary serial killers. Ziba put Vernon Sange behind bars, but she now needs him to catch a new killer whose only calling card is a rose petal. The murders are creepy and, as much as Ziba tries, the police are nowhere near catching the killer. There's also personal drama as her relationship with her late husband's best friend gets more complicated and he starts becoming a liability. The ways that Sange manipulates and gets involved in Ziba's life are pretty creative. I loved all the twists and turns except for the final one. No spoilers but I had discarded that particular suspicion because it was so, so obvious that it could not be real, could it? If an accountant in Idaho figured it out immediately, one of the best profilers in the Yard's history would clearly have seen it coming, right? I didn't find this part believable. Anyway, the rest of the novel was so good, that I will try to forget such an oversight and chalk it up to Ziba's being distracted.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Amazon Publishing UK!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Amazon Publishing UK!
November 19, 2019
I enjoyed this book, the short chapters mean that it is punchy and rattles along at a quick pace, which matched the urgency with which Ziba and her team have to find the killer. It is the third book in the Ziba MacKenzie series, but it can be read as a stand-alone, I haven’t read the first two and it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of this one. Ziba is a well drawn, well rounded character and generally I liked her, although I preferred the character of the love interest Jack. I expect the will they, won’t they, nature of their relationship to continue in future books and I hope they do eventually get it together, hopeless romantic that I am!
The plot is reminiscent of the Silence of the Lambs, but set on British soil. At times it was a bit too close to Harris’ book for me, but it was different enough to keep me reading. I liked that the book focused on a profiler as opposed to a police officer, but I would have perhaps preferred a little more insight into her profiling. I did find it really interesting that Sange was American, perhaps we don’t like to think that the UK can produce serial killers of his ilk!
Overall I enjoyed the book and will now read the first two in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy!
The plot is reminiscent of the Silence of the Lambs, but set on British soil. At times it was a bit too close to Harris’ book for me, but it was different enough to keep me reading. I liked that the book focused on a profiler as opposed to a police officer, but I would have perhaps preferred a little more insight into her profiling. I did find it really interesting that Sange was American, perhaps we don’t like to think that the UK can produce serial killers of his ilk!
Overall I enjoyed the book and will now read the first two in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley for my copy!
November 22, 2019
I read this book on #pigeonholeHQ and was absolutely gripped with eat as each stave was released. This is one of the most gripping reads I have had all year, just when you think you know who it is, someone else comes into your sight, found myself switching from one character to another. But wow what fantastic characters. I love Ziba have purchased the first two books which come before this one. However, this can be read as a stand-alone novel. Who is the PRK? Why are parts of the dead bodies being removed? What does it have to do with Pygmalion? Dr Vernon Sange is creepy a serial killer already in prison is it possible he is somehow involved in the murders? Ziba has to find the killer before he strikes again. I have given this story 5 stars but I would have given it more if I could have. If you like a story with serial killers, with great characters. You will love this guaranteed. I was hooked from page one until the end and cannot wait for book number 4. This author certainly knows how to raise the tension. Never mind sitting in the edge of your seat I nearly fell off mine.
November 21, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this. A bit Silence of the Lambs meets Dan Brown and I particularly like the codes and clues aspect. Dr Sange is an interesting character as you don't expect a serial killer to be so handsome and charismatic (unless it's Keanu Reeves in The Watcher - though maybe not charismatic). I'm not sure Ziba would be my first choice of profiler -she's a bit off the mark at times. Difficult to review this without giving anything away. Suffice to say I don't totally agree that serial killers are made nor born. I think it's a combination of nature and a lot of nurture. Plenty of people have terrible childhoods but they don't turn into murderous psychopaths. A great read especially with the author and my fellow pigeons on The Pigeonhole - loved throwing ideas around. Looking forward to book #4.
Just one comment. Please either call him Jack or Wolfie not both! It's so distracting.
Just one comment. Please either call him Jack or Wolfie not both! It's so distracting.
January 1, 2020
Thank for Netgalley for sharing this book for a honest review.
This is my first mystery thriller book read in 2020. I was rather impressed for these reasons.
1.) Even though I did not read the prior books in the series, I can tell that the author continues the story or plot from the 1st book. It was as if I was reading a continuous plot to be continued.
2.) The author creates a suspense from beginning to end of the book.
3.) I felt curious throughout the book as hints of the killer was subtlety dropped.
4) The title of the book was appropriate in terms of who Venon Sange was. There were mentions of snake and medusa throughout the book!
5) The chapters are short but do not contain unnecessary fluff!
This book is a must read.
This is my first mystery thriller book read in 2020. I was rather impressed for these reasons.
1.) Even though I did not read the prior books in the series, I can tell that the author continues the story or plot from the 1st book. It was as if I was reading a continuous plot to be continued.
2.) The author creates a suspense from beginning to end of the book.
3.) I felt curious throughout the book as hints of the killer was subtlety dropped.
4) The title of the book was appropriate in terms of who Venon Sange was. There were mentions of snake and medusa throughout the book!
5) The chapters are short but do not contain unnecessary fluff!
This book is a must read.
November 22, 2019
Well what a great book! Ziba managed to make me laugh out loud as well as irritate me at times which shows how superbly written her character was and I’m already impatient for the next book in this series (there has to be one surely 🤞🏻). Loved the detail in the writing even though at times it was gruesome, and the twists and turns made this a proper page turner keeping my interest right up to the very end. This is book 3 in the series but worked as a stand alone, although I enjoyed it so much I’m off now to read books 1 and 2. If you like a good paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns this won’t disappoint.
November 22, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. I hadn’t read any of Victoria’s previous books but it was easy to read as a stand alone. As soon as I finished I downloaded her previous two books as I didn’t want to miss out on Ziba MacKenzie’s other adventures. This was an exciting read full of red herrings, leaving the reader puzzled until the end. The serial killer in the book is close to real serial killers, and I think that real crime enthusiasts will enjoy picking through his foibles. I thought the character of Ziba was well rounded and likeable, even though she has no idea how to keep her phone charged! Fabulous!
November 18, 2019
Silence of the lambs was and is one of my favorite movies of all time! I was super intrigued to read this since it was compared to a classic; however, it fell short for me. The story was a little boring for me. There was too much thinking dialogue with Ziba and herself. There wasn't enough action to keep me going. I liked the story and the puzzles that needed to be solved, but in the end it just left me hanging. This is a serial killer investigation type of story. There was nothing suspenseful that made me keep turning the pages.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy.
November 21, 2019
I would like to thank Pigeonhole and the author for allowing me to read along.
I would like to make it as clear as possible that this book is the THIRD in a series. I had no idea when I started reading along with this until it became pretty obvious. The author insists that this can be read as a stand-alone. I think that it can but I would have enjoyed it so much more if I had read the other books in the series. There was so much that had obviously happened in previous books with several of the characters and I felt that I needed to know a bit more.
I would like to make it as clear as possible that this book is the THIRD in a series. I had no idea when I started reading along with this until it became pretty obvious. The author insists that this can be read as a stand-alone. I think that it can but I would have enjoyed it so much more if I had read the other books in the series. There was so much that had obviously happened in previous books with several of the characters and I felt that I needed to know a bit more.
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