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The Runner
A gripping dark thriller by P.R. Black. Perfect for fans of Kerri Beevis and Lisa Jewell. You can't escape him. He abducts lone joggers and forces them to run for their lives. When he catches them, he pulls out his blade... Now he's locked away and will be in prison for years. They call him a psychopath, a murderer, the 'Woodcutter Killer'. But what if you just found out you're supposed to call him father? Reviews for P.R. 'A slow-burning thriller that builds to a devastating dénouement.' Mail on Sunday
'It's edge-of-the-seat stuff... A cracker.' Bookbag
'Copious amounts of suspense' Novel Kicks
'It's edge-of-the-seat stuff... A cracker.' Bookbag
'Copious amounts of suspense' Novel Kicks
448 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2021
72 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
P.R. Black
8 books35 followersP.R. Black lives in Yorkshire, although he will always belong to Glasgow.
He is the author of the DI Lomond thrillers, starting at Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine back in 2019. The first full-length novel, To Pay The Ferryman, is available now.
The second in the series, Jack-in-the-Box, will be published on February 2026.
Pat is also the author of six psychological thrillers, including the bestsellers The Beach House and The Runner.
He is the author of the DI Lomond thrillers, starting at Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine back in 2019. The first full-length novel, To Pay The Ferryman, is available now.
The second in the series, Jack-in-the-Box, will be published on February 2026.
Pat is also the author of six psychological thrillers, including the bestsellers The Beach House and The Runner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 16, 2021
Twenty-five year old Freya Bain gets a shock at the will reading of her recently deceased mother when the solicitor hands her a letter from her mother in which her father is finally identified. She gets even more of a shock when she learns he is in prison for murder. Gareth Solomon was convicted of the brutal murder and dismemberment of June Caton-Bell about 25 years ago but many believe he is guilty of many more killings, that he is in fact the feared Woodcutter who killed at least 5 people back in the 90s. He has always maintained he did not kill Caton-Bell.
Freya visits her father regardless and gives him the benefit of the doubt. You know how it goes from here - she talks to the people involved in the original investigation and joins forces with an online true crime blogger/armchair sleuth called Glenn Allender. Soon they are tracking down the bodies of the remaining original victims of the Woodcutter. No, they are not that brilliant. They are following clues provided for Freya, presumably from the Woodcutter himself. In addition, new bodies are turning up with the same MO as the original killings. Does this mean that Freya’s dad is not the Woodcutter? Or is it a copycat? Either way, it’s a dangerous game as there is no doubt that this killer will eventually come for Freya.
The book was certainly gripping and a little gruesome at times. Both Freya and Glenn who were the main protagonists seemed a bit ambiguous at times. Glenn was a computer geek who was a bit cowardly at times, brave at others, got annoyed with Freya, got upset when she got annoyed with him. Freya herself was a contradictory persona and I couldn’t quite get a handle on her. The pace of the story was good and didn’t lag although the plot was a little predictable at times. It is not too hard to work out who the bad guy is as there are not that many characters to choose from. It is a good quick read that doesn’t tax the brain too much. My thanks go to Netgalley for providing a free copy and I am providing this review voluntarily.
Freya visits her father regardless and gives him the benefit of the doubt. You know how it goes from here - she talks to the people involved in the original investigation and joins forces with an online true crime blogger/armchair sleuth called Glenn Allender. Soon they are tracking down the bodies of the remaining original victims of the Woodcutter. No, they are not that brilliant. They are following clues provided for Freya, presumably from the Woodcutter himself. In addition, new bodies are turning up with the same MO as the original killings. Does this mean that Freya’s dad is not the Woodcutter? Or is it a copycat? Either way, it’s a dangerous game as there is no doubt that this killer will eventually come for Freya.
The book was certainly gripping and a little gruesome at times. Both Freya and Glenn who were the main protagonists seemed a bit ambiguous at times. Glenn was a computer geek who was a bit cowardly at times, brave at others, got annoyed with Freya, got upset when she got annoyed with him. Freya herself was a contradictory persona and I couldn’t quite get a handle on her. The pace of the story was good and didn’t lag although the plot was a little predictable at times. It is not too hard to work out who the bad guy is as there are not that many characters to choose from. It is a good quick read that doesn’t tax the brain too much. My thanks go to Netgalley for providing a free copy and I am providing this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2021
Pat Black is back and this his 4th book is as much as a surprise as his previous 3 were, you never quite know what to expect from this author, always excellent but always different, this for me is my favourite, I loved the writing style and short bursts of description, enjoyed the story and frantic start, investigative middle and action packed, twister thrill of its ending
Imagine finding out via your Mum’s will who your Dad is…..after waiting more than 20 years….imagine the reaction to finding out he is ‘The WoodCutter’ a notorious evil serial killer, imagine being compelled to visit him and then imagine wondering if there has been a miscarriage of justice
Dark, moody, edgy, atmospheric and at times shocking but with an injection of humour this is a really fascinating book looking at relationships, some toxic and introduces a feisty main character who cares little for anyones thoughts about her but intends to find out the truth about her Dad, will she live to regret it?, I will let you find that out.
Loved it
10/10
5 Stars
Imagine finding out via your Mum’s will who your Dad is…..after waiting more than 20 years….imagine the reaction to finding out he is ‘The WoodCutter’ a notorious evil serial killer, imagine being compelled to visit him and then imagine wondering if there has been a miscarriage of justice
Dark, moody, edgy, atmospheric and at times shocking but with an injection of humour this is a really fascinating book looking at relationships, some toxic and introduces a feisty main character who cares little for anyones thoughts about her but intends to find out the truth about her Dad, will she live to regret it?, I will let you find that out.
Loved it
10/10
5 Stars
September 6, 2022
This was a surprisingly really good book. I went in with absolutely no knowledge as to what to expect and was blown away by the fact that I had no idea what was going to happen. Sometimes it was predictable but over all I was on the edge of my seat at times reading this.
July 15, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
Glenn ate crisps the way a squirrel might; his hands moved so fast you had to slow the film down a little to see them, and his jaws clashed in rapid-fire.
Another man was with them, with a high, receding hairline, glasses and a tweed jacket. He had a pinkish hue to his face, as if he’d recently shed his skin. Freya could only categorise his appearance as that of a teacher who frightened you.
She let herself in, turned on every light, screamed aloud before she hurled open each and every cupboard, poked underneath the bed with a broom handle and was particularly vicious with every pair of curtains before she was satisfied that she was absolutely, positively alone.
My Review:
This one was quite a bit outside of my comfort zone for creepiness and the crimes depicted were cringe-worthy, gruesome, and disquieting, I worry about having those images in my head. P.R. Black is one twisted mamma jamma and his neighbors should be cautious and quietly tiptoe past as with the snap of the fingers he could easily plot clever vengeance on anyone who disturbs his contemplations, knocks over his bins, or allows their dog to piddle on his plants.
The writing was strikingly descriptive and pulled strong and haunting visuals that often left me shuddering, but I am a bit of a wimp. I will seek out lighter fare for my next read in order to catch my breath and flush out residual tension and adrenaline. The storylines were busy and itchy, and relentlessly poked and prodded my curiosity while also causing my stomach to churn. I often found my teeth clenched and shoulders in my ears yet I was intrigued and much liked the Woodcutter’s victims, I was hopelessly ensnared. Mr. Black has mad skills.
Glenn ate crisps the way a squirrel might; his hands moved so fast you had to slow the film down a little to see them, and his jaws clashed in rapid-fire.
Another man was with them, with a high, receding hairline, glasses and a tweed jacket. He had a pinkish hue to his face, as if he’d recently shed his skin. Freya could only categorise his appearance as that of a teacher who frightened you.
She let herself in, turned on every light, screamed aloud before she hurled open each and every cupboard, poked underneath the bed with a broom handle and was particularly vicious with every pair of curtains before she was satisfied that she was absolutely, positively alone.
My Review:
This one was quite a bit outside of my comfort zone for creepiness and the crimes depicted were cringe-worthy, gruesome, and disquieting, I worry about having those images in my head. P.R. Black is one twisted mamma jamma and his neighbors should be cautious and quietly tiptoe past as with the snap of the fingers he could easily plot clever vengeance on anyone who disturbs his contemplations, knocks over his bins, or allows their dog to piddle on his plants.
The writing was strikingly descriptive and pulled strong and haunting visuals that often left me shuddering, but I am a bit of a wimp. I will seek out lighter fare for my next read in order to catch my breath and flush out residual tension and adrenaline. The storylines were busy and itchy, and relentlessly poked and prodded my curiosity while also causing my stomach to churn. I often found my teeth clenched and shoulders in my ears yet I was intrigued and much liked the Woodcutter’s victims, I was hopelessly ensnared. Mr. Black has mad skills.
May 9, 2021
Freya is a great character, I really liked her. She never knew her father but, after her mum dies, the solicitor gives her a letter from her mum that tells her all about him. Unfortunately, he turns out to be in prison for murder. Freya visits him and believes that he’s innocent. Is she right?
This had me hooked and I’d recommend this brilliant thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
This had me hooked and I’d recommend this brilliant thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
June 18, 2021
The story has a good beginning with Freya going in search of a serial killer and clear her father’s name. Along the way the book slows down with all the characters running around cluelessly. Towards the conclusion the pace picks up but the suspense is predictable from the beginning. 3.5 stars
July 11, 2021
This is a slow paced psychological thriller, with multiple characters and a killer that will hunt you to your dreams. Are you ready to run?
I’ll admit that I struggled a little with this book, not because it was not twisted or interesting but because I didn’t feel connected with the main character, Freya Bain. She seemed too soluble for my taste. Let me be honest, if my mum ever told me that my father was a serial killer, I would never go to prison to meet him, even less believe him to be innocent. Maybe I am too cautious or not trustworthy enough, but I struggled to believe that the man that was in prison for being “Woodcutter Killer” was innocent, too many red flags to trust any worth that came out from his mouth… But this is what the author wants, they show you how a sweet young woman wanting to find her missing father believes anything that a presumed killer is saying, even believing his innocence.
The book is well plotted and has different characters that will make the story complete; the blogger addicted to the case, the crazy writer who wants the exclusive book, the amazing lawyer that believes in his client innocence and of course, the retired police officer that is ready to do anything to keep the “killer” in jail. And then we have Freya, she is so innocent in her father’s hands that is ready to believe anything he says, even following the mysterious clues that someone is leaving for her. That’s why you start to believe that the man in prison is the killer, how is it possible that the missing victims are appearing? Who is contacting Freya?
The book puts you in a complicated position, what to believe, the innocence or the guiltiness of Gareth Solomon?
You’ll have to decide… for now, just read “The Runner”!
I’ll admit that I struggled a little with this book, not because it was not twisted or interesting but because I didn’t feel connected with the main character, Freya Bain. She seemed too soluble for my taste. Let me be honest, if my mum ever told me that my father was a serial killer, I would never go to prison to meet him, even less believe him to be innocent. Maybe I am too cautious or not trustworthy enough, but I struggled to believe that the man that was in prison for being “Woodcutter Killer” was innocent, too many red flags to trust any worth that came out from his mouth… But this is what the author wants, they show you how a sweet young woman wanting to find her missing father believes anything that a presumed killer is saying, even believing his innocence.
The book is well plotted and has different characters that will make the story complete; the blogger addicted to the case, the crazy writer who wants the exclusive book, the amazing lawyer that believes in his client innocence and of course, the retired police officer that is ready to do anything to keep the “killer” in jail. And then we have Freya, she is so innocent in her father’s hands that is ready to believe anything he says, even following the mysterious clues that someone is leaving for her. That’s why you start to believe that the man in prison is the killer, how is it possible that the missing victims are appearing? Who is contacting Freya?
The book puts you in a complicated position, what to believe, the innocence or the guiltiness of Gareth Solomon?
You’ll have to decide… for now, just read “The Runner”!
July 22, 2021
“You can’t escape him”
If I tell you that I felt furious and annoyed almost the entire time whilst reading this book, then you may think that contradicts my next statement: I loved it! It’s only a very skilled author who can elicit such a strong emotional response and still keep me glued to the pages despite my better judgement!
The action saw me hitting the ground running with little chance to draw breath and prepare myself. The pace of the storyline was intense, fast and furious, never letting up until that very final twist, which I have to say, I never saw coming. The ending was probably about what I had expected and never quite closed the door with that final definitive ‘click’ on events. My personal fourth criteria for what makes a good thriller, is that as the main protagonist, you can’t be dead and I think that Freya might have only just made this by the skin of her teeth and some very fast thinking on her feet, which is more than just about everyone else managed!
Early on in the story, the governor of the prison tells an apprehensive Freya, that her visit to meet her father isn’t going to be like The Silence Of The Lambs, although that is exactly what their various meetings and interactions did put me in mind of. I found myself comparing the gullibility and naivety of Freya to that of Clarice Starling, with Gareth Solomon AKA ‘The Woodcutter’, portraying a rather less sophisticatedly moulded, but nonetheless psychopathically scheming, Hannibal Lecter. Pure coincidence, or was that the tiny seed planted in my mind by some skilful writing and left there to germinate?
I was more than open to cutting Freya a bit of slack, as until the recent death of her mother, she never even knew the identity of her father until just a few weeks prior to their first meeting. I was then totally amazed that she came away from her first prison visit, already convinced he is not guilty of the one and only murder he has been convicted of and she is out to help prove his innocence, despite the fact she remains open to the suggestion that so many of the other murders almost definitely bear the hallmark of his handiwork, although the bodies have never been found and the evidence against him is circumstantial at best.
That Gareth’s murder conviction is open to challenge, can be of no doubt, as the amount of police corruption and press interference and harassment, are up to their usual high, real life standards! (present company excepted of course, Pat) However, all that said, I personally struggle on a daily basis to assimilate the role of a defence lawyer, who, convinced beyond all doubt of a client’s guilt, will still defend them to the hilt and fight for their innocence and release, on a mere technicality. Definitely not a job I could do and I might even struggle with calling it a profession, hence my instant dislike of Gareth’s lawyer, Cheryl Levison, although I am convinced that she quite liked the idea of the two of them getting together on his release, as there seemed something almost feral in her demeanour, despite her sophisticated appearance!
This gripping, disturbing, multi-layered storyline was almost claustrophobically rich in atmosphere and full of dread and menace. Pat knew just how and when to ratchet up the tension another notch, as if my already jangling nerves needed anything else to worry about, or any more bodies to uncover. The story may not have been perfectly fluid and the ‘joins’ seamless, however the desperate intensity and complete confidence of the crisp, no nonsense writing style, combined with the total authority about the direction in which he was leading me, as the reader, more than made up for any minor discrepancies and left me emotionally drained and on the edge of my seat, as the body count rose exponentially and in the most gruesome of fashions.
The disparate cast of characters created by the author, really had me wanting to turn my back on them all and walk away at times, so dislikeable and disagreeable were they. I stood no chance of, nor I have to admit had, any inclination to relate and engage with, or invest in them. The more closely they were developed and defined, the worse they seemed to get. Pat ably used some strong descriptive, narrative and dialogue, with which to highlight their complete lack of moral strength and fortitude, and to be perfectly honest, I was rather pleased that most of them ended up dead and definitely by foul means, rather than fair! The only people who exuded any possibility of hope and redemption, were Freya herself and Glenn, her online investigative whizz, co-conspirator and possible new personal partner. Even they were often totally cringeworthy though, with Glenn constantly exuding an air of pained despair and defeat and Freya, who has convinced herself that her father’s compulsive need for death and destruction, has somehow manifested itself in her and possible future generations.
I really wanted to award this one the full 5 stars, which it definitely deserved for the stress, tension and fear factors. However there was just something which held me back to 4 stars and unable to fully commit, although I can’t quite put my finger on what it was! But don’t take my word for it – you really need to read this one for yourself – but not alone – and with the lights on!
To find out more about the author and to read some of those memorable extracts from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
If I tell you that I felt furious and annoyed almost the entire time whilst reading this book, then you may think that contradicts my next statement: I loved it! It’s only a very skilled author who can elicit such a strong emotional response and still keep me glued to the pages despite my better judgement!
The action saw me hitting the ground running with little chance to draw breath and prepare myself. The pace of the storyline was intense, fast and furious, never letting up until that very final twist, which I have to say, I never saw coming. The ending was probably about what I had expected and never quite closed the door with that final definitive ‘click’ on events. My personal fourth criteria for what makes a good thriller, is that as the main protagonist, you can’t be dead and I think that Freya might have only just made this by the skin of her teeth and some very fast thinking on her feet, which is more than just about everyone else managed!
Early on in the story, the governor of the prison tells an apprehensive Freya, that her visit to meet her father isn’t going to be like The Silence Of The Lambs, although that is exactly what their various meetings and interactions did put me in mind of. I found myself comparing the gullibility and naivety of Freya to that of Clarice Starling, with Gareth Solomon AKA ‘The Woodcutter’, portraying a rather less sophisticatedly moulded, but nonetheless psychopathically scheming, Hannibal Lecter. Pure coincidence, or was that the tiny seed planted in my mind by some skilful writing and left there to germinate?
I was more than open to cutting Freya a bit of slack, as until the recent death of her mother, she never even knew the identity of her father until just a few weeks prior to their first meeting. I was then totally amazed that she came away from her first prison visit, already convinced he is not guilty of the one and only murder he has been convicted of and she is out to help prove his innocence, despite the fact she remains open to the suggestion that so many of the other murders almost definitely bear the hallmark of his handiwork, although the bodies have never been found and the evidence against him is circumstantial at best.
That Gareth’s murder conviction is open to challenge, can be of no doubt, as the amount of police corruption and press interference and harassment, are up to their usual high, real life standards! (present company excepted of course, Pat) However, all that said, I personally struggle on a daily basis to assimilate the role of a defence lawyer, who, convinced beyond all doubt of a client’s guilt, will still defend them to the hilt and fight for their innocence and release, on a mere technicality. Definitely not a job I could do and I might even struggle with calling it a profession, hence my instant dislike of Gareth’s lawyer, Cheryl Levison, although I am convinced that she quite liked the idea of the two of them getting together on his release, as there seemed something almost feral in her demeanour, despite her sophisticated appearance!
This gripping, disturbing, multi-layered storyline was almost claustrophobically rich in atmosphere and full of dread and menace. Pat knew just how and when to ratchet up the tension another notch, as if my already jangling nerves needed anything else to worry about, or any more bodies to uncover. The story may not have been perfectly fluid and the ‘joins’ seamless, however the desperate intensity and complete confidence of the crisp, no nonsense writing style, combined with the total authority about the direction in which he was leading me, as the reader, more than made up for any minor discrepancies and left me emotionally drained and on the edge of my seat, as the body count rose exponentially and in the most gruesome of fashions.
The disparate cast of characters created by the author, really had me wanting to turn my back on them all and walk away at times, so dislikeable and disagreeable were they. I stood no chance of, nor I have to admit had, any inclination to relate and engage with, or invest in them. The more closely they were developed and defined, the worse they seemed to get. Pat ably used some strong descriptive, narrative and dialogue, with which to highlight their complete lack of moral strength and fortitude, and to be perfectly honest, I was rather pleased that most of them ended up dead and definitely by foul means, rather than fair! The only people who exuded any possibility of hope and redemption, were Freya herself and Glenn, her online investigative whizz, co-conspirator and possible new personal partner. Even they were often totally cringeworthy though, with Glenn constantly exuding an air of pained despair and defeat and Freya, who has convinced herself that her father’s compulsive need for death and destruction, has somehow manifested itself in her and possible future generations.
I really wanted to award this one the full 5 stars, which it definitely deserved for the stress, tension and fear factors. However there was just something which held me back to 4 stars and unable to fully commit, although I can’t quite put my finger on what it was! But don’t take my word for it – you really need to read this one for yourself – but not alone – and with the lights on!
To find out more about the author and to read some of those memorable extracts from the book, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
May 26, 2024
"The Runner" by P.R. Black is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer known as the 'Woodcutter Killer'. The plot centers around the horrifying premise of a man who abducts joggers, forcing them to run for their lives before he ultimately ends their terror with a blade.
The story takes a dramatic turn when the protagonist discovers a shocking truth: the infamous killer is his father. This revelation not only intensifies the psychological tension but also adds a profound emotional layer to the narrative.
With 352 pages of suspenseful storytelling, the novel has captivated readers, earning a 4.05 rating from 424 ratings and 30 reviews on Goodreads. It falls squarely within the genres of Psychological Thriller and Thriller, promising an intense and unnerving reading experience.
First published on July 8, 2021, "The Runner" is available in Kindle Edition, offering a chilling exploration of fear, family, and the dark recesses of the human mind.
The story takes a dramatic turn when the protagonist discovers a shocking truth: the infamous killer is his father. This revelation not only intensifies the psychological tension but also adds a profound emotional layer to the narrative.
With 352 pages of suspenseful storytelling, the novel has captivated readers, earning a 4.05 rating from 424 ratings and 30 reviews on Goodreads. It falls squarely within the genres of Psychological Thriller and Thriller, promising an intense and unnerving reading experience.
First published on July 8, 2021, "The Runner" is available in Kindle Edition, offering a chilling exploration of fear, family, and the dark recesses of the human mind.
July 9, 2021
The Runner is the fourth standalone book by P R Black and is a fast-paced thriller. A serial killer who kidnaps his victims and literally makes them run for their lives, is in jail convicted of only a single murder. A young woman’s mother dies and part of her inheritance is to finally learn the truth of who is her father. Freya Bain sets out to discover who her father really is but more evil is unleashed. More bodies are discovered and the truth of the perpetrator of these bloody murders gets even more confusing. The high-level mounting tension and the wonderful characters make for a terrific, scary, not-to-be-read at night adventure. Spoiler alert: the conclusion is not for the faint of heart. An absolute stunner of a page turner with a four-star rating. With thanks to Aria & Aries and the author for an uncorrected proof copy for review purposes.
July 12, 2021
Freya Bain gets a huge shock at the will reading of her recently deceased mother as she learns her previously unknown father is in prison….for Murder
He had been convicted of a murder and dismemberment of ax woman 25 years ago…could he really be the serial killer, The woodcutter?
So, Freya visits him, he says he’s innocent and he’s convinced her so she begins to investigate the past crimes herself with a crime blogger, Glenn.
Following clues they begin searching for bodies, but then new murders are committed in the same way the woodcutter had…
Is this a copycat or is the real woodcutter back? Does this mean Freya’s dad really is innocent?
This is a quick read that is gripping from the start. Well written with well developed characters and a clever plot. It’s dark, gruesome and thoroughly entertaining.
He had been convicted of a murder and dismemberment of ax woman 25 years ago…could he really be the serial killer, The woodcutter?
So, Freya visits him, he says he’s innocent and he’s convinced her so she begins to investigate the past crimes herself with a crime blogger, Glenn.
Following clues they begin searching for bodies, but then new murders are committed in the same way the woodcutter had…
Is this a copycat or is the real woodcutter back? Does this mean Freya’s dad really is innocent?
This is a quick read that is gripping from the start. Well written with well developed characters and a clever plot. It’s dark, gruesome and thoroughly entertaining.
December 1, 2021
Freya’s mother has just died and revealed who Freya’s father is - a serial killer. If that was me I’d be pissed off with my mother and father. What I wouldn’t be doing is rushing off to the jail to meet my killer dad and almost immediately thinking he isn’t guilty of the one murder he was found guilty of.
Freya decides to investigate her father’s case with blogger Glenn.
Freya, as the main protagonist, wasn’t very likeable but is gullible. I just can’t fathom why she is going about taking risks for a murderer who barely remembers her mother.
The body count goes up throughout the book as she and Glenn follow some bizarre clues.
Slowish at the start but speeds up in the second half. Lots of twists and turns before you discover what exactly is going on and whether her father is guilty or not.
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a fair review.
Freya decides to investigate her father’s case with blogger Glenn.
Freya, as the main protagonist, wasn’t very likeable but is gullible. I just can’t fathom why she is going about taking risks for a murderer who barely remembers her mother.
The body count goes up throughout the book as she and Glenn follow some bizarre clues.
Slowish at the start but speeds up in the second half. Lots of twists and turns before you discover what exactly is going on and whether her father is guilty or not.
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a fair review.
June 21, 2021
This is so so good!
Pace is maintained throughout, and gets more and more intriguing as it progresses.
Freya gets a double shock when her mother dies and then in a letter reveals that her father is actually a known notorious serial killer. Eager to get answers and find out if this is true, she goes on a mission to seek out the truth.
I think at one stage I had guessed every single character as "The Woodcutter" it was completely un-guessable to me.
Great storyline, great characters. Freya is a great female lead and really drives this.
And of course, the cherry on top was the final showdown! Thrilling to find out who made the cut - pun intended.
Ambitious, creepy, daring.
Pace is maintained throughout, and gets more and more intriguing as it progresses.
Freya gets a double shock when her mother dies and then in a letter reveals that her father is actually a known notorious serial killer. Eager to get answers and find out if this is true, she goes on a mission to seek out the truth.
I think at one stage I had guessed every single character as "The Woodcutter" it was completely un-guessable to me.
Great storyline, great characters. Freya is a great female lead and really drives this.
And of course, the cherry on top was the final showdown! Thrilling to find out who made the cut - pun intended.
Ambitious, creepy, daring.
July 8, 2021
This is powerful psychological suspense with authentic characters and a compelling investigation that is addictive reading. Freya finds out her previously unknown father is in prison and possibly a notorious killer. She is determined to discover the truth. What follows is a true-crime investigation with two unlikely detectives and some grisly discoveries. Some of the descriptions are graphic but are integral to the twisty plot and impactful ending.
I received a copy of this book from 'Head of Zeus'-Aries Fiction in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from 'Head of Zeus'-Aries Fiction in return for an honest review.
November 4, 2022
Fantastic
This story was absolutely amazing. However, the swearing was totally unnecessary in my opinion. Why oh why do authors think readers need this. The storyline held its own therefore no need to use bad language hence three stars. I was totally captivated by it and felt every drama that unfolded with the different characters. It was sometimes horrific at injuries too. A good worthwhile read. Thank you but I won’t be reading more due to already stated.
This story was absolutely amazing. However, the swearing was totally unnecessary in my opinion. Why oh why do authors think readers need this. The storyline held its own therefore no need to use bad language hence three stars. I was totally captivated by it and felt every drama that unfolded with the different characters. It was sometimes horrific at injuries too. A good worthwhile read. Thank you but I won’t be reading more due to already stated.
January 11, 2023
This is a very gory, gruesome read, with lots of bloodshed.
In places it dragged on with details I felt the reader didn’t need, I was also at times a little confused by who was who.
A little unbelievable that a young woman would repeatedly put her life at risk and that of her friend, whilst trying to flush out the true Woodcutter.
In places it dragged on with details I felt the reader didn’t need, I was also at times a little confused by who was who.
A little unbelievable that a young woman would repeatedly put her life at risk and that of her friend, whilst trying to flush out the true Woodcutter.
August 5, 2021
Pretty good, lots of twists and turns. I changed my vote on who the villain was about 20 times. A pretty good gory but not too gory thriller. It somewhat dragged in places and I feel like could have been cut down a little bit, but still worth a read.
August 13, 2021
This is the first book I've read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. It grabbed my attention from the start. I thought I had guessed the outcome but I was completely wrong.. A fast paced read with a clever plot.
January 18, 2023
The runner
This book is thought provoking, insightful and downright scary. The plot slowly unwound keeping the reader guessing, hoping but thankfully meant the bad guys got what they deserved. Reality and compassion bound it together. Worth a read.
This book is thought provoking, insightful and downright scary. The plot slowly unwound keeping the reader guessing, hoping but thankfully meant the bad guys got what they deserved. Reality and compassion bound it together. Worth a read.
February 25, 2023
Often readers say they didn't know the twist till the end, in this case it was 100% true. Got a bit messy towards the end but had me completely flummoxed. Not sure the plot could be realistic (at least, I hope not!) but kept me reading into the small hours. An author to add to my list for sure.
July 1, 2021
Fast paced thriller will have you sitting on the edge of your seat! With an amazing but unexpected ending!
May 21, 2022
Clever
Good plotting and characters. Kept me guessing. A bit too bloodstained for me though. Good descriptions of place and people.
Good plotting and characters. Kept me guessing. A bit too bloodstained for me though. Good descriptions of place and people.
August 20, 2022
I hate giving up on books and the opening to this one is gripping. I gave up at 25% because the plot resembled a fairy tale if you ignored the blood. Unbelievably stupid.
September 15, 2022
Patience
I just couldn’t wait to get to the next page.Kept me buzzing all the way through .This was my best read for a long time, loved it!
I just couldn’t wait to get to the next page.Kept me buzzing all the way through .This was my best read for a long time, loved it!
September 29, 2022
A scary read
The book has lots of twists and turns. It’s blood thirsty but you feel compelled to read on.
It was difficult to put down!
The book has lots of twists and turns. It’s blood thirsty but you feel compelled to read on.
It was difficult to put down!
November 25, 2022
Wow!
Lost a whole afternoon racing to the end! Well paced. Well written! Excellent insight into how to grip a reader.
Lost a whole afternoon racing to the end! Well paced. Well written! Excellent insight into how to grip a reader.
March 1, 2023
If you like gory!
Found it a bit compelling but can't say I found the whole scenario very believable. A bit of schlock horror
Found it a bit compelling but can't say I found the whole scenario very believable. A bit of schlock horror
May 2, 2023
The woodcutter
A basic thriller with a few twists.
readable and keeps your attention.
As with most stories parts are a bit far fetched, but in general a good read.
A basic thriller with a few twists.
readable and keeps your attention.
As with most stories parts are a bit far fetched, but in general a good read.
June 4, 2023
Easy read..no real surprises
October 15, 2023
Okay but Freya is a dumbfuck.
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