Wow, this was intense and brutal along with being well written and fascinating! Both main characters within the book are dealing with major obsession issues, and very much living in the past with their actions. For Em, she is stuck hero worshipping her dead grandmother, who is actually highly flawed, and focused on who may have killed her. For the serial killer, he is a horrific monster who is hung up on his mother and despite being seen as a creepy pervert thinks women think he is amazing. He is also obsessed with anything to do with his mother which makes for some twisted interactions and counts of sexual abuse against those who can’t protect themselves. There are so many moments where it is frustrating that neither Emmerson or the police stop several unnecessary deaths by their lack of action. While reading I kept thinking something about the cases seemed vaguely familiar but it was only at the end of the book that the author revealed that while fiction it was based on a true crime. In looking up some of the details there are a number of similarities including some of the final stages of the book. It is hard knowing after reading this, which parts are fiction and which are more well researched. Seeing inside the mind of the serial killer in the way the author presented, and what led to his assault and killing for “the thrill of it” was horrific at so many levels and yet handled well by the author. I struggled to like any of the characters in this other than possibly Tristian; and yet it was still well done. Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for letting me read an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Inspired by the real-life brutal slayings of six women on Sydney North Shore between 1989 to 1990 by English-born John Wayne Glover, also known as the Granny Killer.

A breathtakingly fast-paced and gripping story of mystery and crime. I did find it really chilling and it did creep me out but it was a great read and enjoyed it.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.