Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Gone to Ground, by Brandilyn Collins

Overview (from NetGalley): Amaryllis, Mississippi: In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago-a sixth murder.

Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is-someone they love. None is aware of the others' suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down. But each woman suspects a different man.

Review:  Really, really good. The story is told from three different points of views, from three different, terrified ladies who each has a different suspect for the same horrible crimes committed in the span of three years within the small community of Amaryllis. And each women suspects someone who is very close to her. Like these three ladies, you will be certain from the beginning about the identity of the killer, and you will constantly change your mind, and go back to start, and then think it over and realize that no, the killer is this other guy, but then, wait a second, no, no, no, it's the third guy, and you will second guess yourself every step of the way. Which makes for a really good reading experience; entertaining and exciting.
The lead characters' voices are very well written and defined. The story is nicely told, with enough action, mystery and anticipation. It's not perfect, though. You will know, just know in the nick of time who the murderer really is; you will guess it, and you will instantly know why this person did it, but it doesn't take away from the experience. And I think the novel should have ended before it did. The last chapter was unnecessary; just adding one or two paragraphs once everything was resolved would have been enough.
But it still is a very good mystery with great twists and turns. Keep in mind that, yes, there is a serial killer on the loose, but this story is not gruesome or horrifying. The crimes are not too detailed, so it's not unpleasant or offensive.
4 1/2 stars out of 5

*I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

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