Congratulations to Rebecca Kelly on her excellent debut thriller, Monstrous Souls.
I’m surprised that this is a debut as Kelly is pitch-perfect in the genre, and this book will sit very comfortably alongside the big name thriller writers. In tone, perhaps there is something of Ann Cleeves (only snappier) and Anne Perry (only more subtly realistic). The writing, pacing, and characters are definitely up there with the best in the business. While the underlying plot of syndicated child abuse is not new, the added twist of the amnesiac survivor, as well as the classy writing, marks this book out from others.
I would love to see this on screen. It has all the ingredients for gripping drama.
Heidi Bevan barely survived when she was left for dead alongside her murdered friend Nina, and her injuries both physical and emotional have prevented her from remembering details for over 15 years. Although the case is now quite cool if not entirely cold, the perpetrators are alert to Heidi’s re-emergence as a potential witness and ever watchful. The danger of recovered memories becomes a lethal threat.
The strength of the secondary characters and the careful revealing of information are sure to keep the reader engaged. I really liked the clear way that the structure of the story was marked into chapters, so that it was always clear who as narrating and when.
I would happily have read an epilogue after the neat ending, but must say that all my questions were answered. I was just greedy for one more chapter.
I grew to really admire Nina, and I very much liked the investigating officer Denise. I’d be happy to read any other investigations she undertakes.
More please!
My thanks to Agora Books for my pre-release review copy. I was completely hooked and loved this book!
The blurb:
What if you knew the truth but couldn’t remember?
Over a decade ago, Heidi was the victim of a brutal attack that left her hospitalised, her younger sister missing, and her best friend dead. But Heidi doesn’t remember any of that. She’s lived her life since then with little memory of her friends and family and no recollection of the crime.
Now, it’s all starting to come back.
As Heidi begins retracing the events that lead to the assault, she is forced to confront the pain and guilt she’s long kept buried. But Heidi isn’t the only one digging up the past, and the closer she gets to remembering the truth, the more danger she’s in.
When the truth is worse than fiction, is the past worth reliving?
An addictive thriller about a case gone cold and the dangers lurking on our doorsteps, Monstrous Souls will have you gripped to the very end.
Monstrous Souls will be released on June 25th, but pre-orders are available.