I’ve been hearing incredible things about this unique serial killer thriller, so I was very excited when we added this to the #CJSReads2017 list 🙂
UNSUB by Meg Gardiner
Give me anything that has to do with a serial killer – real or fictional!
My Thoughts: 5/5 stars!
Serial killers – real or fictional – have always been something I love to read about. I loved THE ZODIAC by Robert Graysmith, so when I saw that Meg Gardiner’s UNSUB was based on the Zodiac killer, I knew I needed to read it. A serial killer sending cryptic messages, they were never caught, and then bodies start showing up again 20 years later? Sign me up!
Detective Mack Hendrix is on the case to find the serial killer known as The Prophet. There have been 11 killings, all the victims seem to have no connection except for the Mercury symbol carved into their skin. Throughout the 1990’s, The Prophet terrorized the Bay Area, and nearly drove Mack crazy.
Twenty years later, his daughter Caitlin is now a Narcotics Detective. Two bodies turn up with the same symbol etched into the victims’ bodies. Is The Prophet back? Caitlin quickly realizes that she is now a target for the serial killer. Having to decipher each cryptic and twisted message, Caitlin is determined to find the killer and redeem her family name. Despite her father’s warnings, her search borders obsession. Is this the same killer that terrorized her family and her childhood, or is this simply the work of a copycat?
First off, I love the messages to decipher. That was something from the Zodiac that was the most fascinating and creepy. This book moved quickly and Gardiner created some great characters to keep your interest. The Prophet is a twisted, sadistic serial killer and this is definitely not for the faint of heart. I’ve seen comparisons to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMES and SE7EN, and those are completely accurate. Gardiner does a fantastic job at building the tension as you progress through this novel. There isn’t a lot of up and down or crazy twists, but a steady build that will keep the reader in suspense.
Overall, if you like serial killer thrillers, then you need to stop what you’re doing and get this book. If you want something with genuine and real characters, then you’ll love Caitlin Hendrix as she tries to track down this killer. The writing flows and the plot keeps a great pace – you’ll need to clear out some of your schedule if you’re planning on starting this!
Check back later for the collective #CJSReads thoughts 🙂
–Jess
Jessicamap Reviews 