Overall, I enjoyed The Art of Death which is an inventive take on the serial killer genre. I have read 2 previous books, about artists and serial killers one was terrible, the other brilliant like this one. Each of them did have their own angle on the basic premise.
This is mainly told from newly promoted DI Grace Archer’s point of view, which is interspersed with sections on the victims’ lives in the lead up to their deaths and some chapters told from the killer’s POV, these help to ensure the tension never waivers. It is very worrying how easily the killer lures his victims in, through social media and dating apps. Just off to check my privacy settings. The victims’ stories are a little repetitive but illustrate how easy it is to take advantage of lonely people.
I really liked the investigation, which seems to me to be well run and as organised as it could be, when constantly having to react to unknown. DI Archer’s team is a mixed bunch that works well. She is extremely likeable, intuitive and relatable, with an interesting back story. DS Harry Quinn also has an interesting back story. The other DI – Hicks is one of those detectives that thinks he is a lot better than he is. The DCI Clare Pierce, who is not very welcoming to DI Archer at first but thaws out a little and there is hint of some history. Then there is Klara Clarke, they are an unusual character with many technical and analytical talents!
Overall a great inventive story with a good plot that is well written. There are elements of suspense and multiple twists and turns. I did identify the killer fairy early on, but there were enough twists and misdirection’s to make me doubt my decision. I hope this is the beginning of a series, as there is much to praise in this crime novel, and I want to read more about the characters in future.
A thrilling and satisfying read, many thanks to David Fennell
This is mainly told from newly promoted DI Grace Archer’s point of view, which is interspersed with sections on the victims’ lives in the lead up to their deaths and some chapters told from the killer’s POV, these help to ensure the tension never waivers. It is very worrying how easily the killer lures his victims in, through social media and dating apps. Just off to check my privacy settings. The victims’ stories are a little repetitive but illustrate how easy it is to take advantage of lonely people.
I really liked the investigation, which seems to me to be well run and as organised as it could be, when constantly having to react to unknown. DI Archer’s team is a mixed bunch that works well. She is extremely likeable, intuitive and relatable, with an interesting back story. DS Harry Quinn also has an interesting back story. The other DI – Hicks is one of those detectives that thinks he is a lot better than he is. The DCI Clare Pierce, who is not very welcoming to DI Archer at first but thaws out a little and there is hint of some history. Then there is Klara Clarke, they are an unusual character with many technical and analytical talents!
Overall a great inventive story with a good plot that is well written. There are elements of suspense and multiple twists and turns. I did identify the killer fairy early on, but there were enough twists and misdirection’s to make me doubt my decision. I hope this is the beginning of a series, as there is much to praise in this crime novel, and I want to read more about the characters in future.
A thrilling and satisfying read, many thanks to David Fennell