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Up Close And Fatal
On the road. With a serial killer.
It begins with a list of names – past and future victims. When struggling reporter Tom Pritchard receives it in the mail, he’s scared, though he knows this could be the story he needs to save his career.
Especially if he can help the police to catch the killer.
But this isn’t a typical murderer. This is someone patient and ruthless, someone who’s been planning for years. Soon, the tables are turned and Tom finds himself trapped on a terrifying road trip across the US, racing from victim to victim. His only hope of saving his family is to understand the killer but, to do that, he’ll need to be close . And although he doesn’t know it yet, that’s exactly where the killer wants him to be.
"Fast paced with great characters... I was hooked from the first page to the last."
Steph Broadribb best-selling author of DEATH IN THE SUNSHINE
"Clever and compulsive, a wild ride of a read about the road trip from hell. Loved every minute!”
Emma Haughton best-selling author of THE DARK
"Fantastic premise, wonderful characters, and that ending…”
Susi Holliday best-selling author of VIOLET
“A dark journey of a novel which I would highly recommend... this ticked all my boxes.”
KateBubsBooks
It begins with a list of names – past and future victims. When struggling reporter Tom Pritchard receives it in the mail, he’s scared, though he knows this could be the story he needs to save his career.
Especially if he can help the police to catch the killer.
But this isn’t a typical murderer. This is someone patient and ruthless, someone who’s been planning for years. Soon, the tables are turned and Tom finds himself trapped on a terrifying road trip across the US, racing from victim to victim. His only hope of saving his family is to understand the killer but, to do that, he’ll need to be close . And although he doesn’t know it yet, that’s exactly where the killer wants him to be.
"Fast paced with great characters... I was hooked from the first page to the last."
Steph Broadribb best-selling author of DEATH IN THE SUNSHINE
"Clever and compulsive, a wild ride of a read about the road trip from hell. Loved every minute!”
Emma Haughton best-selling author of THE DARK
"Fantastic premise, wonderful characters, and that ending…”
Susi Holliday best-selling author of VIOLET
“A dark journey of a novel which I would highly recommend... this ticked all my boxes.”
KateBubsBooks
- GenresThriller
420 pages, Paperback
Published April 7, 2022
209 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Fergus McNeill
34 books28 followersFergus McNeill has been creating computer games since the early eighties, when he started writing interactive fiction titles. Over the following years he became well-known in the industry, both for his own content, and his adaptations of other authors’ material, including working with Terry Pratchett to create the first Discworld game.
Moving from interactive fiction to interactive movie adaptations, Fergus set up and managed the development studio for SCi (now Eidos) where he co-wrote and directed voiceover scripts for a number of games including the award-winning Kingdom O’ Magic.
Now CEO at an iPhone game development studio, Fergus lives in Hampshire. He is 43, married, with a teenage son. Eye Contact is his debut novel, and the first of a three-book series.
Moving from interactive fiction to interactive movie adaptations, Fergus set up and managed the development studio for SCi (now Eidos) where he co-wrote and directed voiceover scripts for a number of games including the award-winning Kingdom O’ Magic.
Now CEO at an iPhone game development studio, Fergus lives in Hampshire. He is 43, married, with a teenage son. Eye Contact is his debut novel, and the first of a three-book series.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 22, 2022
Fergus McNeill once again proves his versatility as a writer in Up Close and Fatal, tinkering extremely effectively indeed with the traditional tropes of the ‘serial killer thriller’. Instead of the potential victim finding themselves locked up in some creepy ass basement in a rural homestead, British journalist Tom Pritchard, embarks, under duress, on a macabre road trip in the company of a killer…
This had a brilliant central premise of teaming up a writer with a killer, putting me in mind of Silence Of The Lambs where a troubled individual has to strike up an uneasy rapport with a killer, endeavouring to work out how they tick, and what their main motivations are. As Tom is put in the unenviable position of being commissioned to truthfully depict the life and times of J, the multiple killer he is being held hostage to, we are wonderfully immersed in this battle of morality- Tom as a law abiding citizen, and J as a killer with a seemingly clear-sighted reason for his own murderous aims. Consequently, I found myself wavering between the two, as J exhibits at times moments of solicitous concern for Tom that arouse in the reader empathetic feelings which are difficult to rationalise when you know what crimes have been committed by J, previous to the two being so closely bound together. As Tom observes, “I know that he’s a brutal murderer- yet I still find it difficult to reconcile that with the man himself; articulate, courteous…even considerate”. This pull on the reader’s sensibilities works very effectively throughout, and as the story reaches its denouement, I found myself in two minds at how the situation resolves itself, having had a degree of sympathy aroused for the killer.
The characterisation is strong, and most importantly, plausible throughout, as McNeill’s depiction of J as a previously perfectly ‘normal’ citizen, is thrown into turmoil with the counterbalance of rationality and irrationality in his character, evident throughout the book. J says of himself, “I may be a killer, but at least I’m honest about what I am”. As well as the moments of concern for Tom previously alluded to, he is in possession of a dry wit which is the like the sun coming out on a grey day, and relieves some of the tension of the central plot. Finding themselves in one particular less salubrious location, J dryly observes that they should leave, “This is a rough neighbourhood and there are dangerous people around.” being one example of the moments of sardonic levity in the story.
One of the things I was struck by most, was how vivid and real McNeill makes the various locations that Tom and his killer companion J traverse in the course of the book. As they pass through a succession of states, the author homes in on particular features of the landscape, the climate and so on, so each location is incredibly recognisable to the reader at every turn. This not only adds to the credibility of the book, but as they journey on, adds to the underlying tension of the book as he captures the vast expanses of land and the feelings of isolation and helplessness they instil in Tom.
As much as I hate alluding to plot twists, there are a couple of absolute winners in this one, and as you read past them, you will be looking back and thinking, jeez they were good, and will leave you pondering the close of the book in particular for a good while after. I found this immensely satisfying, and taken overall with the characterisation, plot and superb depiction of the road trip landscape, Up Close and Fatal, proved a compelling and exciting thriller, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Recommended.
This had a brilliant central premise of teaming up a writer with a killer, putting me in mind of Silence Of The Lambs where a troubled individual has to strike up an uneasy rapport with a killer, endeavouring to work out how they tick, and what their main motivations are. As Tom is put in the unenviable position of being commissioned to truthfully depict the life and times of J, the multiple killer he is being held hostage to, we are wonderfully immersed in this battle of morality- Tom as a law abiding citizen, and J as a killer with a seemingly clear-sighted reason for his own murderous aims. Consequently, I found myself wavering between the two, as J exhibits at times moments of solicitous concern for Tom that arouse in the reader empathetic feelings which are difficult to rationalise when you know what crimes have been committed by J, previous to the two being so closely bound together. As Tom observes, “I know that he’s a brutal murderer- yet I still find it difficult to reconcile that with the man himself; articulate, courteous…even considerate”. This pull on the reader’s sensibilities works very effectively throughout, and as the story reaches its denouement, I found myself in two minds at how the situation resolves itself, having had a degree of sympathy aroused for the killer.
The characterisation is strong, and most importantly, plausible throughout, as McNeill’s depiction of J as a previously perfectly ‘normal’ citizen, is thrown into turmoil with the counterbalance of rationality and irrationality in his character, evident throughout the book. J says of himself, “I may be a killer, but at least I’m honest about what I am”. As well as the moments of concern for Tom previously alluded to, he is in possession of a dry wit which is the like the sun coming out on a grey day, and relieves some of the tension of the central plot. Finding themselves in one particular less salubrious location, J dryly observes that they should leave, “This is a rough neighbourhood and there are dangerous people around.” being one example of the moments of sardonic levity in the story.
One of the things I was struck by most, was how vivid and real McNeill makes the various locations that Tom and his killer companion J traverse in the course of the book. As they pass through a succession of states, the author homes in on particular features of the landscape, the climate and so on, so each location is incredibly recognisable to the reader at every turn. This not only adds to the credibility of the book, but as they journey on, adds to the underlying tension of the book as he captures the vast expanses of land and the feelings of isolation and helplessness they instil in Tom.
As much as I hate alluding to plot twists, there are a couple of absolute winners in this one, and as you read past them, you will be looking back and thinking, jeez they were good, and will leave you pondering the close of the book in particular for a good while after. I found this immensely satisfying, and taken overall with the characterisation, plot and superb depiction of the road trip landscape, Up Close and Fatal, proved a compelling and exciting thriller, that I thoroughly enjoyed. Recommended.
July 14, 2023
An Equalizer Anti-Hero…
What makes this vengeance tale different from the countless murder novels, television shows, and movies? The unique relationship, the proposition a killer makes to a journalist, a journalist who has covered homicides with an objectivity and understanding that has impressed the murderer enough to invite him on his final steps of vengeance as he completes his kill list.
Okay, that is too much to unpack, but the relationship between these two men works. Both are so human, raw, and perceptive. And as they journey, they do develop an understanding. Initially, the journalist just seeks the story, the headline-maker, bestseller booster. However, he would never have continued on the journey had the murderer not arranged to hold his son in the line of fire. Desperate as he is curious, this journalist learns as much about humanity, even parenthood, from this murderer who allows the journalist to write the final words to the story.
What makes this vengeance tale different from the countless murder novels, television shows, and movies? The unique relationship, the proposition a killer makes to a journalist, a journalist who has covered homicides with an objectivity and understanding that has impressed the murderer enough to invite him on his final steps of vengeance as he completes his kill list.
Okay, that is too much to unpack, but the relationship between these two men works. Both are so human, raw, and perceptive. And as they journey, they do develop an understanding. Initially, the journalist just seeks the story, the headline-maker, bestseller booster. However, he would never have continued on the journey had the murderer not arranged to hold his son in the line of fire. Desperate as he is curious, this journalist learns as much about humanity, even parenthood, from this murderer who allows the journalist to write the final words to the story.
June 14, 2022
Wow, what an absolute mind bender of a journey Fergus took us on. This was so good and I really didn't want it to end.
The concept was absolutely bloody brilliant, warped and extremely twisted, making for an absolute unputdownable, page turner of a read.
Cleverly written and told in third person alongside excerpts from Tom's journal.
The characters of both J and Tom were well fleshed out and flawed, which only served to make their roller-coaster road trip across the US bizarre and highly entertaining.
And just when you think it's all over along comes the mind blower of a twist at the end, I definitely didn't see that one coming!
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The concept was absolutely bloody brilliant, warped and extremely twisted, making for an absolute unputdownable, page turner of a read.
Cleverly written and told in third person alongside excerpts from Tom's journal.
The characters of both J and Tom were well fleshed out and flawed, which only served to make their roller-coaster road trip across the US bizarre and highly entertaining.
And just when you think it's all over along comes the mind blower of a twist at the end, I definitely didn't see that one coming!
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 11, 2023
- definitely a slow start, while the kidnappings and murders should have been exciting and big plot points, they were written like they were unimportant
- I wish there had been more about Tom being a missing person and getting bits and pieces of that mixed in with J’s story
- the ending through me for a loop, the fact that Tom just let J and his daughter go free and continue to kill people, Tom should have killed them both
- Hannah actually being his daughter and not a random runaway was also wild and I didn’t see that coming. But it does make sense in the end as to why they added a random to the group and didn’t kill her right away
- I wish there had been more about Tom being a missing person and getting bits and pieces of that mixed in with J’s story
- the ending through me for a loop, the fact that Tom just let J and his daughter go free and continue to kill people, Tom should have killed them both
- Hannah actually being his daughter and not a random runaway was also wild and I didn’t see that coming. But it does make sense in the end as to why they added a random to the group and didn’t kill her right away
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2022
I thought this was going to be a totally different type of book than it was. I actually became bored reading it. The same thing over and over. I figured the ending at least had to be good but it wasn't. I found both Tom and Hannah to be very unlikable. Just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2022
🚘 “Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way.”
Emma Chase
🚘 Do you like reading books about road trips? What about an unusual trip? A fully funded road trip with a killer? Not interested? But Tom has no other option because his son’s life is at stake. He is abducted by a killer aka J who wants Tom to write his story. Tom’s only hope of saving his son is to understand the killer and his motive behind murdering people. But J claims that none of the victim is innocent. Will Tom be able to survive till the end of the trip? Get ready for a road trip you will never forget.
🚘 TBH I loved the concept of this book and it was brilliantly executed but then it did get boring at times. This was my first book by the author and the characters of Tom and J were well developed. And I loved seeing the chemistry that developed between them till the end of their journey.
🚘 No offence but this was my second book in a row where I didn’t feel any hatred towards the murderer. I am not saying that his actions were justified but then the society didn’t left him with any other option either. And that ending twist, I never saw it coming. It couldn’t have been better.
🚘 Do check this book if you love reading crime thrillers. Thanks to author for the ebook in exchange of an honest review.
Emma Chase
🚘 Do you like reading books about road trips? What about an unusual trip? A fully funded road trip with a killer? Not interested? But Tom has no other option because his son’s life is at stake. He is abducted by a killer aka J who wants Tom to write his story. Tom’s only hope of saving his son is to understand the killer and his motive behind murdering people. But J claims that none of the victim is innocent. Will Tom be able to survive till the end of the trip? Get ready for a road trip you will never forget.
🚘 TBH I loved the concept of this book and it was brilliantly executed but then it did get boring at times. This was my first book by the author and the characters of Tom and J were well developed. And I loved seeing the chemistry that developed between them till the end of their journey.
🚘 No offence but this was my second book in a row where I didn’t feel any hatred towards the murderer. I am not saying that his actions were justified but then the society didn’t left him with any other option either. And that ending twist, I never saw it coming. It couldn’t have been better.
🚘 Do check this book if you love reading crime thrillers. Thanks to author for the ebook in exchange of an honest review.
April 14, 2023
I’ve read everything by this writer and it’s great to see him securely back in the crime/psychological thriller milieu again. This really motors along and drags you kicking into its boot and takes you with it. McNeill writes well enough, but it’s always the ideas that elevate his work; like the killer who chooses victims based on whether they happen to look at him in ‘Eye Contact’, the killer in ‘Up Close And Fatal’ fascinates because he’s strangely believable, and we can see the world from his eyes. This time though, it’s actually possible to sympathise with him too. The other great thing here is How McNeill gets around the Britishness of his voice by having his protagonist be an Englishman in the States. The road movie feel is captured by some great description too, again somehow made stronger by McNeill’s spotting things an American writer might take for granted. Very enjoyable, and very filmable too, for my money.
September 9, 2023
It wasn't the thriller I had expected, but it held my attention non the less. I read this cover to cover in about 4 hours. It is a book that starts out fast and keeps moving but the direction that it moves in is not one that I had expected. You spend a lot of the book questioning morality and what lines you would cross under certain circumstances. Throughout the book I changed my mind several times regarding the morality of various characters. There were two twists at the end which I always enjoy although I'm not sure how I feel about the end resolution.
June 20, 2022
It’s not everyday you get to ride along with a murderer!
This was a page turner with a great twist at the end, I highly recommend a read if you love crime novels.
The characters of J and Tom were well written and their whole relationship was very believable.
There was never a dull moment in this book!
This was a page turner with a great twist at the end, I highly recommend a read if you love crime novels.
The characters of J and Tom were well written and their whole relationship was very believable.
There was never a dull moment in this book!
July 27, 2023
This is an unusual take on a serial killer. It is definitely going to hold your interest and throw you some surprises.
It does start off slowly, but that doesn’t last long. Keep reading. I had never read anything by this author. I plan to add him to my “favorite” list.
Be careful reading reviews. Don't let them spoil the surprises—just trust the synopsis and the stars.
It does start off slowly, but that doesn’t last long. Keep reading. I had never read anything by this author. I plan to add him to my “favorite” list.
Be careful reading reviews. Don't let them spoil the surprises—just trust the synopsis and the stars.
August 10, 2023
Lies will destroy
Tom is a successful journalist when he receives a paper with 10 spaces and 4 names. He looks up the names and finds they are all dead. Then the killer contacts him offering a scoop about the killings.
It gets very intense from this point on. You think you know what is happening until you don’t.
Tom is a successful journalist when he receives a paper with 10 spaces and 4 names. He looks up the names and finds they are all dead. Then the killer contacts him offering a scoop about the killings.
It gets very intense from this point on. You think you know what is happening until you don’t.
November 7, 2023
Definitely a page turner !
Tom is struggling to adjust to life as a divorced dad who rarely gets to see his only child Zak. Then his life is turned upside down and he is on a terrifying journey with a stranger. The was a very well written story with twists and turns galore. I will likely read more from this author.
Tom is struggling to adjust to life as a divorced dad who rarely gets to see his only child Zak. Then his life is turned upside down and he is on a terrifying journey with a stranger. The was a very well written story with twists and turns galore. I will likely read more from this author.
August 3, 2025
Tom receives an email from a criminal offering the biggest story--one that will make his career as a writer successful. He is kidnapped and told of a list of individuals that will be killed and that the life of his five year old son depends on his cooperation. He doesn't know why or who but witnesses too much horror. Interesting plot, good characters. I rate this a 4.8.
June 19, 2022
take a trip with a killer
A journalist is offered the chance to write a killer’s story, but the little control he thought he had is quickly taken away from him. Now Tom has to write a story and hope he doesn’t become the next victim. It’s a road trip like no other
A journalist is offered the chance to write a killer’s story, but the little control he thought he had is quickly taken away from him. Now Tom has to write a story and hope he doesn’t become the next victim. It’s a road trip like no other
August 25, 2023
An enjoyable read made less enjoyable by the choice of name for the character 'J ' . In print, that character too often was read as 'I' and had to be reread to clarify. A small point but easily avoided.
The story was otherwise a well thought out, entertaining storyline.
The story was otherwise a well thought out, entertaining storyline.
October 8, 2023
First time reading Fergus McNeill and was really impressed. When I read the teaser, I was thinking the story would be hard to do. But Mr. McNeill really pulled it off, great characters, story just flowed and was a rather enjoyable read. This would actually make a good movie. Recommend highly.
November 1, 2023
brilliant
Can't say much without giving away the depth of insight into one of societies current scourges . Almost put it down at the begining but glad I pushed through. Would recommend as a required reading along with the other classics.
Can't say much without giving away the depth of insight into one of societies current scourges . Almost put it down at the begining but glad I pushed through. Would recommend as a required reading along with the other classics.
October 15, 2024
Fresh New Book
I've never read anything like this book. Talk about twisting turns!!!! This book was unbelievable. I loved being on the edge of my seat for DAYS!! WOW! GET IT. READ IT!!!
I've never read anything like this book. Talk about twisting turns!!!! This book was unbelievable. I loved being on the edge of my seat for DAYS!! WOW! GET IT. READ IT!!!
July 16, 2023
Great
This was a great read. Kept you on the edge! I loved the twist at the end. Have to say, didn’t see it coming!
This was a great read. Kept you on the edge! I loved the twist at the end. Have to say, didn’t see it coming!
July 21, 2023
Awesome!
This is a real page turner. I could hardly put it down. It has a unique story line all the way through
This is a real page turner. I could hardly put it down. It has a unique story line all the way through
August 15, 2023
An actual good read but the resolution had a few kinks. Maybe an epilogue re J would have helped. An enjoyable and different plot anyway so I will supply my own aftermath.
November 6, 2023
wow
I loved the book and was sucked in immediately. I thought it was over and then BAM it’s not. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns till the end. Thank you.
I loved the book and was sucked in immediately. I thought it was over and then BAM it’s not. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns till the end. Thank you.
July 17, 2024
Quite bad. Wanted to like it, there wasn’t a great deal of suspense. Some characters were easy to full of faults yet still liked reading about them. Plot twist didn’t make sense. Eh
March 12, 2024
This book started off slowly and I thought I was going to be bored but that definitely changed after a few chapters. I really liked getting to know J. It was interesting seeing how a serial killer behaves when he’s not killing people. He’s just a regular guy having a beer and watching tv!
I was SO SURE that he didn’t mark down who his last kill was going to be because it was going to be himself. It made sense because he was killing people who made the world worse and he therefore had to end with suicide because he himself was a killer. I was wrong. I was a little disappointed that he didn’t hate himself for being a killer.
I was also a little disappointed that he didn’t kill Kaitlyn.
I was SO SURE that he didn’t mark down who his last kill was going to be because it was going to be himself. It made sense because he was killing people who made the world worse and he therefore had to end with suicide because he himself was a killer. I was wrong. I was a little disappointed that he didn’t hate himself for being a killer.
I was also a little disappointed that he didn’t kill Kaitlyn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews