What do you think?
Rate this book
Finding Elizabeth
A detective and a criminal psychiatrist hunt for a missing maid who may be a murderer in this pulse-pounding historical thriller.
In early twentieth-century England, a respectable factory owner fails to show up on a payday, and under pressure from the restless workers, the foreman visits the boss's house to find out why. What lies within the lovely home is a chilling and bizarre crime scene. Sitting at a dining room table, as if enjoying their evening meal, are the decomposing bodies of an entire family--each one murdered and posed like mannequins.
The only person missing from the disturbing scene is the family maid, Elizabeth.
Detective Richard Crombie is assigned the case, but after weeks of work and no results, he reluctantly requests the help of criminal psychiatrist Doctor Killam, who once worked with Scotland Yard. While the detective and the doctor investigate the murders and hunt for the missing maid, it becomes apparent that they are up against a terrifying psychopath who has a thirst for death and no intention of stopping . . .
In early twentieth-century England, a respectable factory owner fails to show up on a payday, and under pressure from the restless workers, the foreman visits the boss's house to find out why. What lies within the lovely home is a chilling and bizarre crime scene. Sitting at a dining room table, as if enjoying their evening meal, are the decomposing bodies of an entire family--each one murdered and posed like mannequins.
The only person missing from the disturbing scene is the family maid, Elizabeth.
Detective Richard Crombie is assigned the case, but after weeks of work and no results, he reluctantly requests the help of criminal psychiatrist Doctor Killam, who once worked with Scotland Yard. While the detective and the doctor investigate the murders and hunt for the missing maid, it becomes apparent that they are up against a terrifying psychopath who has a thirst for death and no intention of stopping . . .
- GenresPsychological Thriller
Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2020
27 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 14, 2023
in addition to macabre
creepy crime scenes, this
story brings an aura of the
last century classic novels,
although a bit too wordy. ;)
creepy crime scenes, this
story brings an aura of the
last century classic novels,
although a bit too wordy. ;)
December 8, 2020
Detective Richard Crombie is called in to investigate a gruesome murder. An entire family has been brutally slain and their bodies arranged around the dining room table. At first glance, you would think they were mannequins.
The only person missing from the disturbing scene is the family maid, Elizabeth. Is she another victim ... or the killer?
After weeks of finding nothing to help solve this case, he requests the help of a criminal psychiatrist. What they discover is a killer beyond anything they've ever come across ...
As the two of them continue the investigation, another family is found much like the original family. And they won't be the last.
What I found most interesting in this book is the hunt for a terrifying psychopath who has no regrets and has no plans on controlling her thirst for violence and pain and murder. The suspense mounts as no one seems to be able to locate her ... I also like the backstory ... of how she became what she is today.
It's written almost as one would write a true crime. The narrator is just that ... like being read a bedtime story. It is suspenseful, it's a bit on the graphic side with all the violence. There are twists and turns and not everyone escapes from her vengeance. The ending was abrupt .. and maybe with a cliff hanger to be taken up in another book in the future.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 15, 2020
FINDING ELIZABETH is a psychological thriller by author Debra Meller.
When an officer is called to a house, he discovers a brutal crime scene. Sitting at a dining room table, as if enjoying their evening meal, he finds the decomposing bodies of an entire family. The victims had been staged perfectly, each one murdered and placed around the table like mannequins, as though they were about to have dinner around the dining room table.
But there was one person missing from this disturbing scene…the family maid, Elizabeth.
Detective Richard Crombie is assigned the case but after weeks of pressure and no results he reluctantly requests the help of criminal psychiatrist, Doctor Killam.
Nothing at the house appeared to have been stolen.
he neighbors explained that Elizabeth now seventeen or eighteen, had lost her parents years earlier. The police were concerned for her safety.
All the victims, all poisoned, had died within a few days of one another.
No one had seen any perpetrators enter the household.
But who did kill the family? Is Elizabeth a victim or the killer?
While the Detective and the Doctor investigate the murders and hunt for the missing maid, it becomes apparent that they are up against a terrifying psychopath with no intention of stopping…
And what follows are more murders killed in the same fashion.
This is a very well written crime psychological thriller, with engaging characters and a possible cliff hanging disturbing ending. I always love to read about what goes on in the mind of a psychopath. I can only hope that this author plans to continue this novel into a series.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
When an officer is called to a house, he discovers a brutal crime scene. Sitting at a dining room table, as if enjoying their evening meal, he finds the decomposing bodies of an entire family. The victims had been staged perfectly, each one murdered and placed around the table like mannequins, as though they were about to have dinner around the dining room table.
But there was one person missing from this disturbing scene…the family maid, Elizabeth.
Detective Richard Crombie is assigned the case but after weeks of pressure and no results he reluctantly requests the help of criminal psychiatrist, Doctor Killam.
Nothing at the house appeared to have been stolen.
he neighbors explained that Elizabeth now seventeen or eighteen, had lost her parents years earlier. The police were concerned for her safety.
All the victims, all poisoned, had died within a few days of one another.
No one had seen any perpetrators enter the household.
But who did kill the family? Is Elizabeth a victim or the killer?
While the Detective and the Doctor investigate the murders and hunt for the missing maid, it becomes apparent that they are up against a terrifying psychopath with no intention of stopping…
And what follows are more murders killed in the same fashion.
This is a very well written crime psychological thriller, with engaging characters and a possible cliff hanging disturbing ending. I always love to read about what goes on in the mind of a psychopath. I can only hope that this author plans to continue this novel into a series.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
December 5, 2020
Finding Elizabeth is the latest thriller from Ms Mellor and is an original combination of psychological thriller and historical crime novel. Eric Hamilton, a successful businessman and owner of a lucrative garment factory in East Riding, Yorkshire, moves into a house in Carlton Lane, Briarwood, left to him by his late mother and in time marries and moves in his often temperamental, stroppy wife Kathleen. Used to getting her own way and Eric simply placating her, by December 1911 she begins to make drastic changes to their living conditions by moving in her mother, Edna Larsen, and younger sister, Leah. Naturally, this makes their marriage even more tumultuous but she doesn't stop there. She later decides to move her grandmother Ivy Small in too causing yet more ructions. The last straw was when she hired a live-in maid a few weeks later in March 1912 without Eric either knowing or approving it. This left every room in their spacious house occupied and the space dedicated to Eric's belongings diminished with each passing day.
Until one day, in late April, the neighbours realise that they haven't seen hide nor hair of Kathleen for days, which was very unusual. Where is Kathleen? Has the marriage finally broken down or is it something altogether more sinister? Wow, well I certainly wasn't expecting that. This was far more intense, atmospheric and nail-biting than I thought it would be. Debra Meller is a new author to me but she has created such a tense page-turner that I was blown away. The 1920’s setting was perfectly portrayed and the plot was so chilling and disturbing that I had nightmares for a couple of nights after finishing, so the story certainly stays with you. With an engaging and memorable cast of characters and some shocking twists and reveals, I loved every second of this. The book opens with a bang while setting the scene superbly and continues to get more captivating as it progresses. Sinister, dark but deeply compulsive, this is a riveting read I highly recommend.
Until one day, in late April, the neighbours realise that they haven't seen hide nor hair of Kathleen for days, which was very unusual. Where is Kathleen? Has the marriage finally broken down or is it something altogether more sinister? Wow, well I certainly wasn't expecting that. This was far more intense, atmospheric and nail-biting than I thought it would be. Debra Meller is a new author to me but she has created such a tense page-turner that I was blown away. The 1920’s setting was perfectly portrayed and the plot was so chilling and disturbing that I had nightmares for a couple of nights after finishing, so the story certainly stays with you. With an engaging and memorable cast of characters and some shocking twists and reveals, I loved every second of this. The book opens with a bang while setting the scene superbly and continues to get more captivating as it progresses. Sinister, dark but deeply compulsive, this is a riveting read I highly recommend.
December 8, 2020
May 1912. In Briarwood, Yorkshire, lives Eric Hamilton and his odious wife Kathleen. Despite his protests she has insisted on moving into their home her grandmother, mother and sister. With no room left to spare she has then set about hiring a maid, Elizabeth, a lovely girl according to the neighbours. Police are called to the house by Eric’s factory foreman when he fails to show up for work and they make a gruesome discovery. The whole family are dead, left in a grotesque staged tableau of domestic life. The only person not present is the maid who has not been seen for several days and fears grow for her safety. In charge of the investigation is DI Richard Crombie who quickly learns that the entire family has been poisoned and that it would have taken much time and planning. He immediately wonders if it was the work of two assailants but with no witnesses, suspects or apparent motive, Crombie is stumped. When the medical examiner suggests he seeks help from Doctor Bertram Killam, a colleague who has aided Scotland Yard in a previous murder hunt, Crombie thinks it an excellent suggestion and convinces his superiors to call him in. Bertram, as he prefers to be known, examines the crime scene and tells Crombie they are seeking a true psychopath and need to find Elizabeth without delay. Despite a few clues the case grows cold and it looks like someone has got away with murder. However Bertram stumbles upon an article in a journal detailing a similar and shocking double murder a few years ago and suddenly it starts to look like they are on the trail of the killer at last. It also turns out to be a very clever killer who leads the police a merry dance and evades capture only to strike again in Lancashire. Crombie's offer of help is rejected and he retires a few months earlier than planned. Meanwhile the Scotland Yard men called to assist in Lancashire return home to catch a killer of their own, someone slaying prostitutes. They think they have a good suspect until something very strange happens to him. Then it all goes quiet until the following July. Manchester detectives come calling on the retired and rather bored Crombie and beg for his help. As soon as he enters their crime scene he has an all too familiar feeling he has seen this before. Bertram is a very interesting and forward thinking character who certainly opens the eyes of police officers when he discusses some of his past cases. A professor of criminal psychology, he expounds the theory of nature versus nurture. Some commit their crimes because they are born evil and some do it purely due to the circumstances in which they have been raised. Some are criminally insane and some know exactly what they are doing. The most dangerous ones are those that clearly enjoy killing and have no desire to stop. It looks like their killer falls into this last category, and a dangerous plan is hatched by Crombie to catch a terrifying psychopath who is threatening to spin out of control.
This is definitely a book of three parts, but unusually it is the first part which is fast and full of action, whereas the second is far slower and more cerebral for much of it and felt to me a little drawn out at times. A lot of tension builds as the big question of guilty or not looms large. The last part of the story is where everything changes and the plot turns on its head, as sickening discoveries are made and the truth starts to reveal itself. Don’t bother trying to work it out as there are lots of surprises in store for the reader, simply sit back and enjoy the tale as it reaches its very chilling conclusion. 4.5*
This is definitely a book of three parts, but unusually it is the first part which is fast and full of action, whereas the second is far slower and more cerebral for much of it and felt to me a little drawn out at times. A lot of tension builds as the big question of guilty or not looms large. The last part of the story is where everything changes and the plot turns on its head, as sickening discoveries are made and the truth starts to reveal itself. Don’t bother trying to work it out as there are lots of surprises in store for the reader, simply sit back and enjoy the tale as it reaches its very chilling conclusion. 4.5*
January 7, 2021
WOW
My 1st Debra Mellor book and it won't be my last. What a book it is. It had me enthralled from the first page.
So descriptive you feel as though, you are there
Great story and even better characters. Debra, your perception into an unbalanced mind and soul is most certainly breath taking.
My 1st Debra Mellor book and it won't be my last. What a book it is. It had me enthralled from the first page.
So descriptive you feel as though, you are there
Great story and even better characters. Debra, your perception into an unbalanced mind and soul is most certainly breath taking.
June 8, 2024
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The progress of the case were „told“ (narrated) rather than implied thru dialogues, descriptions, or by showing POV of any characters. It made me feel like i was reading a „once upon a time“-kind of story. It also makes many thrilling scenes suddenly become unterrifying because of the sudden narrative/conclusions that following some horrific events (everytime the letter came e.g.), nothing had happened.
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The psychopath is more like a brat kid than a narcissist. The childhood friend who suffers with psychological issues is far more interesting by showing her the sudden rages and memory loss. The psychopath was so over glamorized and the psychologist was always shocked and didn’t know what to do when the psychopath making fun of him. How did he become one of the main characters…
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why did he keep insisting that the murders can’t be done by one person. And his POV was always shown in the story so it’s frustrating. And why didn’t they try to find any of the psychopath’s friends from childhood first to find any clues?
The progress of the case were „told“ (narrated) rather than implied thru dialogues, descriptions, or by showing POV of any characters. It made me feel like i was reading a „once upon a time“-kind of story. It also makes many thrilling scenes suddenly become unterrifying because of the sudden narrative/conclusions that following some horrific events (everytime the letter came e.g.), nothing had happened.
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The psychopath is more like a brat kid than a narcissist. The childhood friend who suffers with psychological issues is far more interesting by showing her the sudden rages and memory loss. The psychopath was so over glamorized and the psychologist was always shocked and didn’t know what to do when the psychopath making fun of him. How did he become one of the main characters…
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why did he keep insisting that the murders can’t be done by one person. And his POV was always shown in the story so it’s frustrating. And why didn’t they try to find any of the psychopath’s friends from childhood first to find any clues?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2022
“Finding Elizabeth” by Debra Meller.
I would give this 6 stars, were it possible. This brilliant book takes you right inside, making you experience everything happening to its characters. The characters are as true as people you meet in life. The writing style is captivating and straightforward. In fact, so well-written is the book, that I thought it was about an actual event.Had to go check on the net whether it’s a true story, but apparently it’s fiction.
A psychopath who kills for the fun of it, and further enjoys her staging of the bodies. She dresses them, stitches smiles on them, props their eyes open, and is proud of her creativity. No remorse, qll pride.
The police alone cannot handle this woman, and they bring in criminal psychiatrists to help them once she is finally caught. Her conversations with one of the psychiatrists are stunning in their depravity.
Highly recommend this captivating book.
5 Stars.
I would give this 6 stars, were it possible. This brilliant book takes you right inside, making you experience everything happening to its characters. The characters are as true as people you meet in life. The writing style is captivating and straightforward. In fact, so well-written is the book, that I thought it was about an actual event.Had to go check on the net whether it’s a true story, but apparently it’s fiction.
A psychopath who kills for the fun of it, and further enjoys her staging of the bodies. She dresses them, stitches smiles on them, props their eyes open, and is proud of her creativity. No remorse, qll pride.
The police alone cannot handle this woman, and they bring in criminal psychiatrists to help them once she is finally caught. Her conversations with one of the psychiatrists are stunning in their depravity.
Highly recommend this captivating book.
5 Stars.
December 11, 2020
I enjoyed this suspenseful thriller by this author. This is not my first by her but it is one of my favorites. This is a well developed story that has characters that bring life to the story. The characters are connectable, engaging and made the story entertaining. This is a story about a family that is murdered and posed at the dinner table. The only problem is that, the maid is missing. Where is she? This is a great story that kept me turning pages and the twists and turns kept me guessing. I highly recommend this book.
April 4, 2021
No Resolution
Psychological thriller s are not usually my cup of tea. Their only redemption is that in the end the perpetrator is found and locked up and the world is safe again. The fact that this does not happen in Finding Elizabeth was very upsetting for me and I really wish I had never read it, or at least abandoned it halfway through as I was tempted to do. Ugh!
Psychological thriller s are not usually my cup of tea. Their only redemption is that in the end the perpetrator is found and locked up and the world is safe again. The fact that this does not happen in Finding Elizabeth was very upsetting for me and I really wish I had never read it, or at least abandoned it halfway through as I was tempted to do. Ugh!
April 26, 2021
I love the characters in this book and especially the conversations between Elizabeth and the prison psychiatrist. Very well written and I do hope that the author will write a sequel! A solid 5 stars!
May 31, 2021
Just finished this Captivating Thriller! I was on the edge of my Seat from Start to Finish. Excellent Story And written with such detail, the Characters truly came to life. Cannot wait for a hopeful sequel??
A Must Read!! Two Thumbs Up from Me.
A Must Read!! Two Thumbs Up from Me.
September 8, 2023
This had so much potential and would make a great movie or limited TV series. However the writing was very factual, it sounded more like a podcast of true crime. There wasn't much character development.
June 3, 2021
Absolutely riveting. I couldn't put it down.
I really hope that Debra Meller is planning on a sequel.
Three thumbs up!
I really hope that Debra Meller is planning on a sequel.
Three thumbs up!
November 29, 2020
Firstly I’d say this book, although listed as a psychological thriller, it read more of a mystery or suspense for me. It had a hint of historical fiction to it also with it being set between 1912-1914. I just didn’t feel like I was given that psychological element as I felt it was told as a narration of the story because of the disconnect from the authors voice. I feel it is too distant for a psychological thriller being in third person past. I found this really hard to feel any empathy for the characters. Normally I love the antagonist in a thriller but I couldn’t get that ‘love to loath’ feeling with Elizabeth.
I do however feel the language used was well written in relation to the timeline. Being set in 1912 the descriptive words used were well placed
The storyline and character development I did feel slightly disconnected to the characters to begin with and felt it needed a thickening to the storyline. Some important elements were glided over. I’m not sure if an increase in dialogue would help there as I found the first half of the book to be a ‘storytelling’ almost a narration than a first person storyline. This is third person distant so felt that let the book down a little as I like to get into the psychopath’s mind. For me that’s what makes the genre a psychological thriller
I did enjoy the storyline but found it quite dull at the start. With description being tame compared to other psychological thrillers I’ve read this didn’t quite meet the standard of thrillers I’m used to.
I did however have an easygoing mystery to the story which is what kept me intrigued enough to finish it and the last quarter really did pick up and this kept me interested enough to finish as I felt a need to find out what happened to Elizabeth.
Overall, this is an easy light read. Due to the tame description to what I’m used to, this book just wasn’t a dark enough thriller to give it a higher rating but I do think others who don’t prefer that dark, twisted description in novels will find this a much better read than I did which is why I awarded a three star rating. It’s not an awful story, it just wasn’t quite for me.
I do however feel the language used was well written in relation to the timeline. Being set in 1912 the descriptive words used were well placed
The storyline and character development I did feel slightly disconnected to the characters to begin with and felt it needed a thickening to the storyline. Some important elements were glided over. I’m not sure if an increase in dialogue would help there as I found the first half of the book to be a ‘storytelling’ almost a narration than a first person storyline. This is third person distant so felt that let the book down a little as I like to get into the psychopath’s mind. For me that’s what makes the genre a psychological thriller
I did enjoy the storyline but found it quite dull at the start. With description being tame compared to other psychological thrillers I’ve read this didn’t quite meet the standard of thrillers I’m used to.
I did however have an easygoing mystery to the story which is what kept me intrigued enough to finish it and the last quarter really did pick up and this kept me interested enough to finish as I felt a need to find out what happened to Elizabeth.
Overall, this is an easy light read. Due to the tame description to what I’m used to, this book just wasn’t a dark enough thriller to give it a higher rating but I do think others who don’t prefer that dark, twisted description in novels will find this a much better read than I did which is why I awarded a three star rating. It’s not an awful story, it just wasn’t quite for me.
November 30, 2020
Imagine mixing Sherlock Holmes with a really creepy and sadistic killer - I’m talking someone that would make your blood run old. That’s really what you have here. A classic detective and psychologist pairing who are chasing a cold, calculating killer who is beyond damaged, she is something almost otherworldly. Anyway, the thrill is in the chase and uncovering how the mind of the killer works and how she became what she is today.
It’s a very fascinating tale that involves a lot of heartache and tragedy and is not for the faint of heart. Reading some of the crime scene descriptions was pretty gruesome, the way the victims are, um, found. (You’ll find out soon enough). There’s also lots of twists and turns as the investigation goes on, but I can’t really say too much about that without giving things away. Let’s just say that a to happens and you can’t sleep on any laurels in this one.
The characters are really fascinating and well-drawn. As the book goes on, you get to know them better and see beneath the outward nature that they project in the beginning- there’s definitely that tough, no-nonsense vibe from everyone in the beginning, but as things go on, we see more emotion and more humanity. That also includes the killer, at least in that we see more of what makes her tick.
If you’re a fan of classic thrillers and detective stories, you’ll really enjoy this book. It’s a twisty thriller that really gets going from the beginning and doesn’t let up until the end.
It’s a very fascinating tale that involves a lot of heartache and tragedy and is not for the faint of heart. Reading some of the crime scene descriptions was pretty gruesome, the way the victims are, um, found. (You’ll find out soon enough). There’s also lots of twists and turns as the investigation goes on, but I can’t really say too much about that without giving things away. Let’s just say that a to happens and you can’t sleep on any laurels in this one.
The characters are really fascinating and well-drawn. As the book goes on, you get to know them better and see beneath the outward nature that they project in the beginning- there’s definitely that tough, no-nonsense vibe from everyone in the beginning, but as things go on, we see more emotion and more humanity. That also includes the killer, at least in that we see more of what makes her tick.
If you’re a fan of classic thrillers and detective stories, you’ll really enjoy this book. It’s a twisty thriller that really gets going from the beginning and doesn’t let up until the end.
November 28, 2020
After reading the blurb and seeing the book cover (yes I do judge a book by its cover 😂) I was very interested in this book. Unfortunately, the book cover does not represent this story at all and I’m not sure why it was chosen.
Sadly, it just didn’t hit the mark.
I do think the MO of the perpetrator was well thought of, and I did like the “darkness” of that but I just couldn’t get a feel for how it was written.
The writing style just didn’t suit my preference at all and I felt that it was been dictated to me rather than drawing me into the story and making me feel more for the characters. I also felt like parts of it were rushed to a point where it felt like we were just getting snippets of information as to what was happening and at times it felt a bit disjointed as it jumped between what was going on.
Towards the end, I did feel the pace pick up slightly and I was really intrigued as to how this story was going to come to an end, and I did at that point feel drawn into the story.
Sadly, it just didn’t hit the mark.
I do think the MO of the perpetrator was well thought of, and I did like the “darkness” of that but I just couldn’t get a feel for how it was written.
The writing style just didn’t suit my preference at all and I felt that it was been dictated to me rather than drawing me into the story and making me feel more for the characters. I also felt like parts of it were rushed to a point where it felt like we were just getting snippets of information as to what was happening and at times it felt a bit disjointed as it jumped between what was going on.
Towards the end, I did feel the pace pick up slightly and I was really intrigued as to how this story was going to come to an end, and I did at that point feel drawn into the story.
December 6, 2020
Initially I found the style of writing as its not what most of are used to mainly due to it being written like a report however it does bring reality to the story as it's set 100 years ago. The Hamilton family are found not only murdered but all staged around the dining table in various poses. The maid is missing but try as they might the D.I. and his team fail to find her or any else who might be responsible. All goes quiet for a while and then a similar case pops up and the search begins again. The story gives a good insight into the early days of analyzing people especially those who may have 'split personalities' or other psychoses. The second half of the book tells the reader a bit more about the main characters and hooks you in. If you are looking for a slightly different read but still gruesome, then this may be the book for you!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to review.
December 7, 2020
"Who is the real Elizabeth Riley"?
For me in the beginning, the way in which the first part book is written almost spoilt it for me, and it took me a while to get into: I admit that I almost gave up.
BUT saying that, boy!
I am so glad that I continued reading it because is has what I look for in a good psychological storyline.
It was sinister and grisly and it became a totally gripping read that I was unable to put it down until I had finished it.
Elizabeth Riley is one of those characters that you don’t even “love to hate”, but she is intriguing, intelligent and cruel beyond words. I think there is so much more to her that we don’t discover in the book.
Because of this, I would really love to see a sequel. I also think the two main characters, Elizabeth Riley and Dr Bertram Killam, definitely have unfinished business.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking to reading more.
For me in the beginning, the way in which the first part book is written almost spoilt it for me, and it took me a while to get into: I admit that I almost gave up.
BUT saying that, boy!
I am so glad that I continued reading it because is has what I look for in a good psychological storyline.
It was sinister and grisly and it became a totally gripping read that I was unable to put it down until I had finished it.
Elizabeth Riley is one of those characters that you don’t even “love to hate”, but she is intriguing, intelligent and cruel beyond words. I think there is so much more to her that we don’t discover in the book.
Because of this, I would really love to see a sequel. I also think the two main characters, Elizabeth Riley and Dr Bertram Killam, definitely have unfinished business.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking to reading more.
December 1, 2020
Where do I start? As I began reading this book I found it hard to get into as it is written as though reading a report or a newspaper article but I soon overcame that as the book progressed.
In brief, an horrific crime scene is found with a whole family placed around a table having a meal, the food rotting and their bodies decomposing. Their maid, Elizabeth is missing, and soon becomes the chief suspect. As more bodies are found, also bizarrely placed, the hunt for Elizabeth intensifies and a criminal psychiatrist is called in by the police...
This is a very well written, and thought out book, with a chilling ending. Reading this I couldn’t help but think Conan Doyle and if you like books in that genre you will love this. Recommended and a 4* read for me.
In brief, an horrific crime scene is found with a whole family placed around a table having a meal, the food rotting and their bodies decomposing. Their maid, Elizabeth is missing, and soon becomes the chief suspect. As more bodies are found, also bizarrely placed, the hunt for Elizabeth intensifies and a criminal psychiatrist is called in by the police...
This is a very well written, and thought out book, with a chilling ending. Reading this I couldn’t help but think Conan Doyle and if you like books in that genre you will love this. Recommended and a 4* read for me.
December 7, 2020
I was really looking forward to this book. The cover really drew me in and the blurb sounded right up my street.
Whilst I liked the idea for the story, unfortunately the book as a whole wasn't what I expected. The storyline was good and I did find myself wanting to know how it all turned out. However, it often felt very rushed, so at times, it was hard to keep engrossed in the story. Whilst we do get to know the characters, I felt like I needed more to feel a connection to them. Some of their stories were sad but I felt it lacked the emotions that would usually make me feel sympathetic towards them.
Overall, the story was good so I would still say it is an interesting read, but sadly the writing style just wasn't for me.
Whilst I liked the idea for the story, unfortunately the book as a whole wasn't what I expected. The storyline was good and I did find myself wanting to know how it all turned out. However, it often felt very rushed, so at times, it was hard to keep engrossed in the story. Whilst we do get to know the characters, I felt like I needed more to feel a connection to them. Some of their stories were sad but I felt it lacked the emotions that would usually make me feel sympathetic towards them.
Overall, the story was good so I would still say it is an interesting read, but sadly the writing style just wasn't for me.
November 26, 2020
When husband and wife, Eric & Kathleen Hamilton, Edna & Leah Larson & Ivy Small are all found murdered with their bodies staged in the home they share, D.I. Richard Crombie is sent to investigate.
Doctor Bertram Killam, psychiatrist is called in to help the police and assist with the case.
Elizabeth Riley had killed her own parents in 1912 and also staged their bodies. Why does Elizabeth do this to the bodies? Does she have an accomplice? Where is Elizabeth Riley?
This is a fascinating story that held my attention throughout. The detail in the story is intricate and sublime. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Doctor Bertram Killam, psychiatrist is called in to help the police and assist with the case.
Elizabeth Riley had killed her own parents in 1912 and also staged their bodies. Why does Elizabeth do this to the bodies? Does she have an accomplice? Where is Elizabeth Riley?
This is a fascinating story that held my attention throughout. The detail in the story is intricate and sublime. I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 14, 2020
I enjoyed this book! This was a very different book. I felt that what I liked most about this book is that it was very different then other thrillers that I have read. This book is really a psychological thriller since the murderer seem to have psychological tendencies to commit the murders and then stage them. Why would someone do this how could they do this? Even psychologists have trouble figuring her out. I will say that this book is not for everyone and it is different then other psychological thrillers. However, I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this book to those who like psychological stuff and like to try and figure out what is going through someone's mind.
December 14, 2020
This book was good. It did almost read like a factual account of events happening. It did keep me gripped however and I was pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to read. The only reason I wasn’t able to give it a higher rating was due to it being a little underwhelming in its “thriller” status.
It was a really good story, and I did enjoy reading it. I just felt the characters could do with a little more depth so that I could connect with them more.
I haven’t read anything by this author before but would happily do so again in the future.
It was a really good story, and I did enjoy reading it. I just felt the characters could do with a little more depth so that I could connect with them more.
I haven’t read anything by this author before but would happily do so again in the future.
December 6, 2020
I really struggled to enjoy this book. I didn't feel endeared to the characters and there was no build up or good characterisation which helped to highlight who they are. I had some hopes that this would improve as the book went on particularly as there was quite a graphic murder scene early on in the book, but the writing style and voice felt very flat.
I really liked the cover of this book, the title is intriguing and the blurb hooked me in. I do feel that the genre and the description don't really match up to the book contents though.
I really liked the cover of this book, the title is intriguing and the blurb hooked me in. I do feel that the genre and the description don't really match up to the book contents though.
December 7, 2020
I felt that this book took a while to get going, but once it did, I couldn't put it down.
The way the bodies were all staged left me intrigued, and I couldn't wait to read on to see what the killer would do next.
I liked Bertram as a character, and felt a personal interest in his situation - always hoping for the best for him.
Elizabeth's sense of humour was rather tongue-in-cheek, and her attitude added an element of light-heartedness to the story.
All in all, this was great read, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
The way the bodies were all staged left me intrigued, and I couldn't wait to read on to see what the killer would do next.
I liked Bertram as a character, and felt a personal interest in his situation - always hoping for the best for him.
Elizabeth's sense of humour was rather tongue-in-cheek, and her attitude added an element of light-heartedness to the story.
All in all, this was great read, which I thoroughly enjoyed!
December 8, 2020
This was a little off the beaten track from my usual kind of read, it was a good read but I have to say left me with very mixed emotions, enjoyment at some parts and annoying frustration at other parts. The storyline was generally a really good idea and well written but I don’t feel it was finished off, maybe a sequel will follow. A cold calculating psychopath who is clocking up a fair old body count and setting murder scenes with almost an artistic flair.
December 12, 2020
I like the way the setup of the book was in the style of a report because it helped set the atmosphere for the time period it was set in. The collaboration between the detective and the criminal psychiatrist is a relationship that bears fruit for the case and the story itself held me in its' grip the whole way through. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book thanks to the publisher.
December 5, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and it won’t be the last.
I really enjoyed the story, it gripped me from the beginning, held my attention throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. A tense and chilling read.
A must read for thriller fans.
I really enjoyed the story, it gripped me from the beginning, held my attention throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. A tense and chilling read.
A must read for thriller fans.
December 7, 2020
There are some 'staged' murders over the years that have the mark of the same killer. But who is it? Can anyone figure out who this monster is and why the victims are staged the way they are? One police officer quits his job because he couldn't find the killer. A very strange case indeed. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Bloodhound Books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews