Once the story moves past media appearances and Chris’s initial dismissal of the case, Wood, a longtime attorney, keeps the pace brisk, only faltering in some info dumps about the psychology and modus operandi of serial killers. As Chris begins to know more about the killer through disturbing conversations on the encrypted-messaging app Signal, he suspects that the killer must be a woman Shakespeare enthusiast who is wealthy, intelligent, and tech savvy. But as a colleague points out, Carla fits all those criteria, too, besides being Chris’ love interest and intellectual sparring partner.
Chris remains a compelling protagonist, and Wood deftly handles the uneasy relationship between feds and the media. The story, laced with references to Shakespeare’s plays, takes surprising detours, from the small Kansas town that is the home of 20th century American literature’s most famous murder to an engaging sojourn to Italy. Seasoned procedural fans may pick up on red herrings that could have used more development, but Wood’s brisk dialogue, vivid detail, and deep familiarity with the world of criminal defense keep the pages turning. Stories of profilers and killers may be familiar, but Wood brings welcome authority to the material, while exploring ethical questions about the defense of people who commit unspeakable crimes and sometimes go free on the basis of technicalities.
Takeaway: Arresting thriller pitting a profiler against a Bard-loving killer.
Comparable Titles: Tami Hoag’sAshes to Ashes, Simon Toyne’s Laughton Rees series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
