Published by Trapeze on March 19, 2019
Genres: Thriller
Pages: 384
Goodreads
A policeman on his first murder caseA tattoo artist with a deadly secretAnd a twisted serial killer sharpening his blades to kill again...
When Brighton tattoo artist Marni Mullins discovers a flayed body, newly-promoted DI Francis Sullivan needs her help. There's a serial killer at large, slicing tattoos from his victims' bodies while they're still alive. Marni knows the tattooing world like the back of her hand, but has her own reasons to distrust the police. So when she identifies the killer's next target, will she tell Sullivan or go after the Tattoo Thief alone?
What an intro to the book! Someone having their tattoo cut off their body! Shocking! How could someone do that especially if it was an awesome tattoo! Sorry, just a bit protective. lol. I love tattoos and I have two, three really but it was covered up by an awesome one and planning my next one. Anyway
The story is told from four different perspectives, Marni, the woman who found the unfortunate soul in a dumpster. Francis, the new promoted DI on his first case. Rory, the officer passed up for promotion, so only a little bit bitter and finally the unknown voice of the killer, planning their next victims. This killer was one sadistic collector of tattoos! (It has not put me off getting another one though!)
I did feel for Francis, as he is newly promoted, it felt everyone was out to get him, Rory in particular. Trying to trip him up and not trust his judgement, not really a team effort. Being the first case too, there is a lot of pressure to solve this case.
I adored Marni, flaws and all, and I was intrigued by her and her story. She is such a strong but complex character and a likeable one at that. Her interaction with Francis was fab, and how their banter and their relationship grew as we moved forward in the book.
Do not make the same mistake I did, and start reading this book when you are eating lunch! Big mistake!
This is set in Brighton and only having been there once it felt like I have been there many times with the descriptive writing used.
This is a debut book, but I feel like I have been
And I just LOVE the cover!
(Sorry for such just a brain dump of ramblings here, but this book is awesome!)
*Thank you so much to Tracy Fenton at TBC, Trapeze Books and the author Alison Belsham for a copy of this book in return for my honest and unbiased review*
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Alison says
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review the book! Alison xx
Zoe says
Thank you so much for having me 🙂 xx