Truly, Darkly, Deeply by Victoria Selman

★★★★★

◆ Suspense
◆ Murder mystery

🛑 CW/TW: murder, substance abuse, self harm

Truly, Darkly, Deeply focuses on Sophie, her mum Amelia-Rose and her mums partner Matty. The book is told from the perspective of Child Sophie and Adult Sophie, with twenty years passing between the POVs.

After a string of murders spanning across many years, evidence and a phone tip eventually leads to Matty being convicted as the killer.

Sophie struggles to come to terms with this and wonders if Matty is the actual killer. 20 years pass before Sophie gets a call to say Matty is dying of cancer and wants to speak to her.

As the book progresses I had so many theories that were wrong! I was happily surprised by the plot twists and equally surprised (understatement) by information during Adult Sophie's POV about her mother.

I found the writing style of this book was suited to how I like to read so I found this book very pleasing and would recommend it.

This was a roller-coaster and a half!


Book received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A dark twisted tale as a woman tries to escape from the trauma of her past of her serial killer step dad and yet he is demanding to see her from prison. As she finally faces up to the truth of her childhood it ends up being even scarier than she could ever imagine.

Truly Darkly Deeply by Victoria Selman
Publisher: QUERCUS
Published Date; 7 July 2022
Book - 352 pages

I was looking forward to this book. Great reviews! From page one, I never had that excited & gripped feeling that makes you dive into a book. The characters, mother and daughter, didn't connect with me and as for Matty, he is pure evil! Why on earth would Sophie go to see him at his request? I think not! The writing is dark and chilling, jumping between past and present and I think that's where my interested let me down. I did not have the urge to continue, but continue I did but the satisfaction, for me, was not there. This novel will enthralled lots of people, I'm just no one of them in the present moment.

I give a 3 star rating


I WANT TO THANK NETGALLEY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF READING AN ADVANCED COPY OF THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

Wow ! This is an original and hugely gripping take on a serial killer thriller, focusing on those close to a convicted serial killer before and after his conviction. 12 year old Sophie and her mother Amelia Rose move from the U.S to London where Amelia Rose meets the charismatic Matty Melgren. When a serial killer begins targeting women with a resemblance to Amelia Rose, Sophie and her mother have to question how well they know him. I found this to be a compulsive read which explores the psychology of a serial killer and the impact on those close to him. It has an original plot and structure and kept me guessing all the way through. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

What a read!
Dark and chilling. The destruction of a serial killer leaves behind hurt and anger and ruined relationships.
Twenty years later Sophie might now get the answers she needs.
But then again she might not........

When Sophie receives a letter from Battlemouth Prison it sends shivers down her spine. She knows who it is from. It is from Matty Melgren who has been in incarcerated in prison for the last twenty years for being the ‘shadow’ a serial killer who was guilty of killing women in North London. But he always claimed he was innocent.
Twenty years previously, Sophie and her mother Amelia -Rose moved from Massachusetts where she met charismatic Matthew-Melgren and he played a big part in their lives. He was more a father to Sophie, always going above and beyond for her. Better than her own father who abandoned her when she was eight.
So, when the letter arrives, she at first doesn’t want to see him as she is still getting over what happened all of them years ago. But Matty is dying and want to talk to her. So maybe she can get the truth of what happened and the closure she needs to move on.
Thank you, Quercus, for a copy of Truly, Darkly, deeply by Victoria Selman. This is the first book from the author I have read and to be honest, I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. But I found this to be a dark, intriguing tale. That I couldn’t put down. With a great storyline and I thought the author did a good job getting into the serial killer mind. But also, it just questions, how well do we really know someone? 4 stars from me.

A book that sucks you in immediately and keeps you guessing until the very end, at which point you’ll likely realise that you got it wrong, which is always a bonus!

There are thousands of books about serial killers but this gives us the unusual viewpoint of some of the rarely considered victims of crime: those close to the suspect/perpetrator.

Most readers will feel that they know the answers to questions posed within the narrative from quite an early stage but the author manages to keep the reader engaged anyway as the story unfolds. Clever, fresh and well-paced with some unexpected twists.

With thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

While I absolutely loved the beginning and thought the book had the perfect atmosphere, sadly the pull it had on me lessened as the book went on. I wish some of the repetitiveness had been edited out, as by the start of the second half I kept hoping for more. But all in all I think the book was well written and I will definitely try other books by this author.

"In particular, how was he able to guarantee our safety with such confidence? The obvious answer haunts me. And why it didn't occur to me then."
Truly, Darkly, Deeply had me enthralled from the first chapter. This is book is heavily based on the notorious serial killer Ted Bundy, with influences from Jack the Ripper as well. If you like serial killer documentaries and movies, I highly recommend this tale to you.
Selman has written this book in such a unique way. You are reading past, present, and future at the same time, but there are still twists and revelations that have you turning to the last page. The tension builds really well throughout the story, there is always something new just over the crest of the next chapter. A new fact to come to light, a new character to mistrust, a new body to be found. If you think you know where the story is going - trust me you don't!
The paragraph structure was a little off-putting at first as this book is written in prose rather than traditional storytelling. However, I believe it added to the growing sense of dread, and the mental state of all the characters. There is a definite trigger warning for mental illness, and although explicit descriptions are minimal, the gruesome nature of these crimes is heavily implied.

To be posted on: 18/06/2022
Blog name: sylverbooks on Instagram

Complex, dark, disturbing and creepy, unlike any book I’ve read before. Told from the perspective of Sophie as a child, the book is built around the plot of a serial killer on the loose in London. It follows Sophie as she grapples with the prospect of if Matty, a father figure in her life, is actually guilty after been sent to prison for the crimes. It’s a very well written book, engaging and ultimately has you asking the question is Matty really guilty? The book keeps the reader guessing right until the end, with an unexpected twist (which I didn’t see coming) thrown in more good measure.

Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a dark thriller.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus books for the advanced copy for an honest review in return.

A creepy, dark and compelling serial killer story told by Sophie, who moved to London with her mother as a young girl where they meet Matty Melgren. Matty is now serving a life sentence for a series of murders of mostly young women who resemble Sophie’s mum, Amelia. Sophie is still coming to terms with her childhood where she loved this man like a father. This book was so hard to put down, I was tempted to stay up late last night to finish it! I didn’t expect the ending, I thought I’d guessed where it was going, still after reading it there after definite hints throughout. An excellent thriller read.

Did I like the book?
What a dark dark dark read! Current of doubts, abuse, manipulation, guilt, and a cloud of death above the pages that give them an extra weight. What’s not to love?

Did I enjoy reading it?
Very much. I highlighted many many parts and I’d love to share them all because Victoria Selman has a knack for creating vivid pictures and putting your nightmares into words. You know, those things you think about but can’t really express? The gnawing feeling in your stomach that won’t go away? Well, Victoria has the words.

What did I feel?
There is so often more than one individual involved in a crime. There’s a victim, their family and friends, neighbors and coworkers, a different degrees. The big bad guy, or sometimes the regular guy you always thought would never hurt a fly. What about the ones in the criminal’s life? Their mother, their spouse, their boyfriend, their kids? I must admit I don’t give them much attention. Usually, in true crime shows, you get a picture of the offender’s background to explain or understand how they ended up doing what they do, but we never stay long enough to study the effects of their actions on their loved ones.

Sophie and her mom Amelia-Rose thought the world of Matty. He saved them. So how could they believe it when it was announced Matty was a serial killer targeting women bearing a startling resemblance to Amelia-Rose? How would you react? It didn’t help that Matty claimed he was innocent. Were they signs they missed? Could they have prevented the deaths of those women? Was Matty faking it all? But he LOVED them… didn’t he? Oh, the doubts creeping in from every corner, to be punched by those strong feelings of love both women nurtured for so long. I loved diving into Sophie and Amelia-Rose’s past. The author captured the guilt of the innocent, the burden of a life with more questions than answers, and the difficult weight of reconciling your feelings and memories with the real nature of a person. Oh the depths Victoria Selman takes to to…

The big fat question was hanging over my head too as I read. Was Matty really guilty? What did he want, after all this time? The more I read about him through Sophie’s head, the more I felt for her. I made up my mind about Matty pretty easily, and yet, like a cat, I was too curious to leave it at that. I HAD to know more. Once and for all. Hindsight is a great thing but nothing can prepare you for the biggest revelations and their aftermath.

My only niggle is with the ending. I won’t elaborate because 1) I am mean haha, 2) it’ll ruin it for you! I’ll just say I closed the Kindle and thought “No, I don’t see it.” Maybe I was so focused on Sophie and her version of things that there was no room left for the final bang.

How would I describe it?
Truly beautifully written, Darkly delicious to read, Deeply disturbing!

A cleverly written story of a mother and daughter who move to Massachusetts from London to begin a new life. When Matty Melgren comes into their life both Sophie and her mother are enchanted by him. He is the father figure that Sophie never had and her mother, Amelia-Rose is happier than she has been in a long time.
Matty is caring, attentive and almost to good to be true. However, someone is killing young women and they seem to all bear a resemblance to Amelia-Rose.
This book was hard to put down, thrilling and twisted. A dark insight into the mind of a serial killer. A totally gripping story from the first to last page.

Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for my free e-copy

This is a tense , page turning thriller which I read in two sittings, I couldn't put it down.

The book is about a serial killer, told from Sophie the main characters point of view and flicks between the past and her memories and the present .

It follows the relationship between her and her mum and Matty - her mums partner and the man currently in prison for the murders

I liked that the book was based primarily in North London as I live near to there and recognised lots of places mentioned.

I also liked how it looked at the signs and characteristics of serial killers - things like their voice changing when talking about crimes, reading and watching obsessively about the crimes and certain obsessions and fetishes

There were also references to real life serial killers like the Zodiac (writing letters and taunting the police) and Ted Bundy - charming, good looking and needs help.

Just like the characters, through out the book I always had some doubt as to whether they had the right person. I really understood the feeling of doubt and hope as well as guilt and love through the writing and book.

I will be recommending this book and looking out for other reads by this author

Told from main character Sophie's perspective both in the present day and when she was a child and a serial killer was active, we learn how the murders affected the family. Behaviour changed, suspicions were rife, secrets kept.

In the present day, Sophie's step-dad Matty is in prison having been found guilty of the murders, and he wants to see her. Still unsure whether Matty was convicted unfairly, she decides to visit. But will she get the answers she's been looking for?

This book started off brilliantly for me, however around the 30% mark it started to fall a little flat and slow down. It had started with excellent writing, short and snappy chapters and a fast pace, but I felt the pace begin to falter. It did begin to feel a bit repetitive with Sophie asking herself the same questions over and over again, reminiscing about her childhood, her bond with Matty and whether there were clues she hadn't seen.

The ending, for me, was a bit underwhelming and I was left with many unanswered questions. I enjoyed the writing style from this author, and thought the family perspective of someone convicted of a crime was original. But unfortunately the storyline fell a little flat for me.

This book is not for the faint hearted.

Dark.

Disturbing at times.

I felt utterly compelled to read it.

Unique in its delivery. There was a great back and forth between past and present, at times they appeared to blur together. Meeting in the middle I guess you could say.

There was no way that I was going to work out what direction this story was going to take.

The ending was unpredictable. I applaud anyone who manages to work it out.

A crime story like no other.

Will the victims get true justice? And for me it bought into question just who the victims of these horrific crimes really were. The net spreads wider than you'd probably imagine.

Truly, Darkly Deeply is a tale of crime, but also a tale of family and how far you might go to protect the ones you love.

This book started slowly compared to my usual reads, but I stuck with it and soon found myself engrossed in learning about the complex relationships between the characters. I highly recommend that anyone else who finds the beginning slow continues reading. I soon found I couldn't put my kindle down until I'd finished the book.

What a thrilling, thought provoking book, it’s well written, descriptive and I read it over one weekend. I love true crime and this had me gripped from the start, it has a dark style and the whole is he or isn’t he keeps you guessing.
A first book from Victoria Selman for me but I will definitely look for more. Many thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy

4.5 stars rounded up.
I am fascinated by true crime and this was a great functionalization of it.
I truly enjoyed the ride - I was as taken by the topic as by the speculations and 'coming to terms' with the 'resolution' (I am trying to be as vague as possible in order not to add any spoilers to this review).
The writing was great, enthralling, and I was truly taken by the story and devoured this book in two sittings, forgetting most of the chores needed to be done over the weekend. That says something! :)

This was the first book I have read from Victoria Selman, but needless to say, I will be reading and purchasing (supporting!) more of her work, very excited about that!

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 4.50 ⭐

My thoughts
Let me just say that this has been one of the best thriller/crime books I've read in a long time! The way Victoria Selman makes you invested in the story is incredible. It's written in interesting narrative - we get an older Sophie that brings us with her on a trip inside her memories to re-live everything with her.
And you may think - since you know how the story ends why would one like the book? Well.. You don't exactly know everything - you know the start (kind of) and the end (kind of) but the amount of things that are happening in the middle - you'd most likely didn't expect. Matty is a perfect case of manipulating people and keeping secrets even from the closes people to him.
What I loved the most about this book is probably the little extras and interviews in-between chapters where we can see how the world was seeing Matty and the murders too, which is not a popular accent in books but it definetly give the "real" feeling to it.
The last few chapters where Sophie goes to prison to visit Matty left me in shock, it was a real rollercoaster and I didn't expect it at all! That's why I liked this book so much.
We get to see few real life aspects in this book: mental health and how important it is not only for victims and their families but also the families of those who committed the crime which in my opinion is usually not taken into consideration when it comes to real life. I'm really glad that Victoria Selman added to her book the parts of serial killers having fans - we're living in the times that even Ted Bundy has his fans and it's sickening.

Overall I enjoyed this book a lot and I'd love to buy a physical copy once it will be out to read it again! Also I'd love to see it as a TV show or a movie - when I was reading the book I was seeing the scenes in my head and how good it all could come out!