Published by One More Chapter on May 31, 2022
Format: eARC, Audiobook
Source: Scribd, Net Galley
Pages: 350
Goodreads
When Mary receives a blank diary as a present, she thinks nothing of it. Until she opens the diary, and sees it’s not blank after all…
1st January MURDER LISA,OXFORD
1st February MURDER JANE, BIRMINGHAM,
1st March MURDER DAVID, CARDIFF
1st April MURDER MARY, CHELTENHAMIs this some kind of sick joke? But…it’s the end of January now. And a woman named Lisa was murdered in Oxford on 1st January.
Does that mean there really is a killer out there, planning to commit a new murder on the first of each month?
And is the Mary due to be killed on 1st April her?
The clock is ticking for Mary to uncover the truth, before she becomes the next victim on the killer’s list…
Character List spoiler fee
*Mary Ellis, an only child, burns due to a house fire. She has chocolate brown eyes and a mid-Atlantic accent. Famous crime writer father
*Pete Chong, roommate of Mary’s. Boyfriend to Megan. Met at Columbia University when Mary studied Journalism. Handsome. He’s an accountant. 2 years older than Mary.
*Megan Walker, girlfriend of Pete. Very beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed creamy alabaster skin.
*Edward Cooper, creepy, space invader, works with Mary, single, mid-40s. started last October, runner
*Satish – new, started just after Edward, mid–30, runner
*Elenor – a fabulous, tiny Welsh ball of energy, makeup artist aka Ellie, has a wheelchair
*Lucinda – BFF of Mary, a Zoologist, lives in Africa
Birmingham Police
DCI Priya Thompson – dark hair, long black hair, big dark eyes, shadows
DI Jason Butcher – short wiry man, with a neat red beard, strokes his beard when thinking
DC Frankie Tanner – white blonde pixie cut
Oxford Police
DCI Linda Lake – Lead Investigator in Lisa’s murder, ash blonde hair, short, striking green eyes
Cardiff Police
DCI Bryn Lewis – stereotype of Welsh rugby player
Detective Rhys Williams
Sergeant Harry Hughes
Cheltenham Police
DCI Stephanie “Steph” Warden
DI Mike Stanley – Steph’s number 2
Family Liasion Officer – DC Jess Gordan – a quiet serious a little dull, late 20 petite, strawberry blonde hair high cheekbones
Well, this book is an absolute delight and a blinding twisty ride! I saw one twisty bit coming my way, but still when it was “discovered” and revealed wow, was not expecting that at all! And the epilogue, despite the happiness, what an ominous feeling still!
I have never hated my birthday as much as I did in this book, and I was on edge for Mary. I really hoped I wouldn’t witness a blood bath on my happy day. The countdown from January to April made everything so intense. I had no idea who, what or why! It made for a rollercoaster of emotions!
I am not going to talk about the plot, because the only way to read this is to go in blind. You need to know that there are 4 dates and 4 potential murders. Along the way you question EVERYBODY and the funny thing is, I didn’t question the ones I should have been questioning. Then when someone pointed the finger at someone, I was literally screaming Noooo it can’t be! I have been through the wringer that is for sure!
What I also loved, not only is the book from Mary’s view and the turmoil of whether it’s the Mary in the diary. It was the position of the police, how we saw the different areas interact and work together to try and stop anyone else from being hurt. I loved the characters in the teams and it didn’t get confusing at all.
I have not read a book by Ms Kabler before and that is a mistake I need to rectify. Her books are deliciously deceptive and will make your head spin. I love the story, original and fresh. My only complaint…Well, I can’t even tell you, but it is so minor. I was fascinated by Mary and her story and everything she had to tell me!
Just read it!
Until the next time xxx
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Simon says
This sounds like fun…
Carla says
Oh, this sounds like a good one. Very good review with just enough to tweak my interest.