Synopsis

Looks to die for.

A serial killer’s dark obsession with the preservation of beauty sees him return to stalk the streets of Penzance in the summer of 2019. It’s 23 years since his first victims went missing, setting DI Brandon Hammett on the hunt for the Sleeping Beauty Killer. A beautiful woman is being held captive in an unknown location. Although not physically injured, she is manacled to a chair in a darkened, sinister dining room. Her captor is polite but menacing. Her female companions silent spectators.

When a glass box is found in Prussia Cove, containing a conch and the ear of a missing beauty, a murder investigation is launched. Is the Sleeping Beauty Killer back? Or is this a copycat killing? What’s clear is an evasive, clever killer is at large, presenting DI Brandon Hammett with a deadly race against time. 

Review

*contains potential spoilers*

I read this book in one sitting, freaking myself out because it got under my skin and made my heart race.

It’s a great book. And yet I was still disappointed.

The concept of victim preservation is nothing new, but (unlike another I read last year) Fairest Creatures succeeds in being engaging, gripping and downright creepy.

The idea of a serial killer obsessed with beauty is scary but also sad. The author manages to create empathy with Creature through his narrative, which is alongside several other characters. By understanding his background and beliefs we feel closer to him.

We know what will happen to Julia… but will she survive? We know the killer has her, but who is he?

My frustration with this book is that the killer was far too obvious. From the moment we meet them, alarm bells are ringing, but sadly the author does nothing to throw us off. Other possibilities just aren’t believable especially considering how Creature acts when he’s with Julia.

Don’t get me wrong. You should still read the book. The writing style is excellent and it really does grip you from the start. The mixed up timeline works well and helps to bring the reader into the story.

Disappointment aside, there are some interesting side plots and the ending – albeit far fetched – is different from the usual thrillers to which we are so used.

I received an advance copy from Random Things Tours. Opinions my own.

For creative book and theatre reviews, please visit our Instagram page.