Novel Deelights

Author : Jane Casey
Title : The Killing Kind
Pages : 420
Publisher : Harper Collins
Publication date : May 27, 2021

| ABOUT THE BOOK |

He tells you you’re special…
As a barrister, Ingrid Lewis is used to dealing with tricky clients, but no one has ever come close to John Webster. After Ingrid defended Webster against a stalking charge, he then turned on her – following her, ruining her relationship, even destroying her home.

He tells you he wants to protect you…
Now, Ingrid believes she has finally escaped his clutches. But when one of her colleagues is run down on a busy London road, Ingrid is sure she was the intended victim. And then Webster shows up at her door…

But can you believe him?
Webster claims Ingrid is in danger – and that only he can protect her. Stalker or saviour? Murderer or protector? The clock is ticking for Ingrid to decide. Because the killer is ready to strike again.

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| MY THOUGHTS |

Jane Casey is a recent addition to my author list. Last year, I flew through her Maeve Kerrigan series and both the series and the author instantly became firm favourites. By the way, if you’re into audiobooks, I wholeheartedly recommend them as the narrator is absolutely brilliant! Anyway, The Killing Kind is a stand-alone though so if you’re unfamiliar with this author’s work, this is a good place to start.

Ingrid Lewis is a barrister with a serious stalker problem in the name of John Webster, a former client. John has been following her, ruined her relationship and basically made her life a living hell. Since John was sent to jail convicted of fraud, Ingrid had a little respite. But that quiet time comes to an end when John is released and Ingrid’s colleague is run down on a busy London road. Ingrid is convinced she was the intended victim since her colleague had borrowed her umbrella and surely the fact that John is out and about isn’t a coincidence? But John claims he’s here because Ingrid is in danger and he is the only one who can protect her.

When I first started reading, I must confess my first thoughts went somewhat along the lines of “oh, ugh, no, not another stalker story!” Because really, been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. But Jane Casey actually manages to put quite the spin on things and my misgivings were soon set aside. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to have a stalker and I hope I never have to find out. Through Ingrid the reader gets a good feel for it though. Never feeling safe, not even inside your own home; seeing danger on every street corner; scanning crowds and people’s faces; constantly on the look-out for that one person that is out to get you for some reason, never knowing who to trust … how much of that sense of danger is real and how much is sheer paranoia? How utterly helpless do victims feel when it turns out they can’t get any help anywhere? Unless someone gets hurt and it’s too late.

Despite Jane Casey’s numerous efforts in throwing red herrings in my way, I quite quickly had a good idea of what was going on and I never wavered from my theory. There are niggles though. Especially where some of Ingrid’s actions and decisions are concerned. For a smart barrister, she does some pretty dumb things. But in hindsight, I am completely willing to overlook it all because The Killing Kind never failed to entertain me and I flew through the chapters.

The Killing Kind is a cleverly plotted, compelling, fast-paced and addictive page-turner with plenty of delightful twists. Some of Jane Casey’s wit makes an appearance, though not as prevalent as in the Kerrigan series. Also, because of Ingrid’s job as a barrister there are glimpses inside the courtroom and I will always love that. Although I will never understand the British legal system with their solicitors and barristers and QC’s and whatnot. 🤯

Even though I sometimes wanted to grab Ingrid by the collar and shake her something fierce, I thoroughly enjoyed this stand-alone but I’ll have another Maeve Kerrigan book now, please and thank you.

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20 Books of Summer : 2/20