Publisher: H Q Digital
Date of Publication: 4th June 2018
Date of Review: 4th August 2018
Synopsis
It’s bad when the girls go missing. It’s worse when the girls are found.
Six months ago, Charlotte almost lost everything. Now, she’s determined to keep her daughter, Elle, safe. So when local girls close to Elle in age and appearance begin to go missing, it’s her worst nightmare.
Charlotte’s fears are confirmed when a frantic search becomes a shocking murder investigation. The girls’ bodies have been found – half-buried, and with traces of mud and wildflowers under their fingernails.
As Charlotte’s obsession with keeping her daughter close pushes her marriage to the brink, local DI Madeleine Wood embarks on a gruelling search for the killer. And, as they dig deeper into the lives of the people they call friends and neighbours, they uncover secrets more terrible than they ever imagined…
Pretty Little Things is the nail-bitingly terrifying new serial killer thriller from TME Walsh – the perfect read for fans of Close to Home, Behind Her Eyes and The Child.
My Review
When I first started reading this e-book I wondered whether it would be a bit too dark for me. Narrated in first-person from the perspective of the antagonist, the prologue is full of blood and gore and in all honesty I was in two minds whether to continue. However, I always read a book to the 30% mark, to make sure I’m not missing out on a potentially good read. So how did this turn out? Read on to find out.
In a word, well a few actually. OMG yes. As a new writer myself I have learnt so much from the way this story has been delivered through a well-structured plot. I’m mega disappointed that it’s only available as an e-book. If I had a hard-copy of this I would be making highlighted notes all over the shop. There are lots of seemingly coincidental happenings with lies and red herrings scattered throughout.
The main story is narrated in first-person from the perspective of Charlotte, the protagonist. There is also some first-person narration from the antagonist’s point of view, which as you can imagine is a dark one. But as the plot thickens, and even more-so as the story reaches its climax, this voice is essential to the final twist.
With a cast full of weird and creepy characters, and with Charlotte not knowing whether she can trust her best friend or her husband, there is plenty of guessing as to who is the serial killer. When it seemed to be one of the people I thought it was – yes there are plenty to choose from – there were almost sparks flying from the pages in my attempt to find out whether I was right. But then it looked as if somebody else might be the killer. I have to say I would have been disappointed if it was this person. But it wasn’t – phew.
But OMG the final twist will shock you to the core. I can honestly say with all the potential creepy characters I never guessed this. For me, this was a bit much. But this is on the darker side of a psychological thriller so for anybody who likes a darker thriller this is a particularly clever twist.
This book has been awarded 5 out of 5 stars.
I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t put it down.
I recommend you stop what you’re doing and go and buy this book now!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an Advance Review Copy of this book.
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