I have long been a fan of David Jackson and I am delighted that this, stand alone, novel did not disappoint. I particularly like the Nathan Cody series, but enjoy his writing so much that I was delighted to receive a review copy of his latest work and was happy to give his new book a try.
Thomas Brogan is a murderer and he is on the run from the police. Fleeing from the scene of his latest crime, he takes refuge in an abandoned house and discovers that the attic gives him access to the next three houses. In one lives an elderly lady, called Elsie, the next has a middle aged couple and then there is a young couple, with the beautiful Colette, who catches the eye of Thomas Brogan.
Although Brogan is, most definitely, a bad guy, Jackson writes his character wonderfully. You begin to understand who he is and why he is the way he is, as well as getting to know the residents as he spies upon them. Gradually, he makes his way into their homes, their cupboards, bathrooms and lives. Amusing himself, he begins to flirt with danger and with his desire to hurt and harm those he comes into contact with.
I really loved this crime novel. It is well written, with dark humour and great characters. Without doubt, my favourite was the elderly Elsie, whose carer is nonplussed by the odd events happening in the house whenever she returns. Jackson takes an average road, full of ordinary people, and shows us their secrets and the fact that no individual is really ‘average’ or without interest. Brilliantly written, and a must for crime fans. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.