Faces of Evil: Unmasking the World’s Most Horrific Serial Killers by Dominic Utton [Audiobook]

 🎙🎙🎙 Narrated by Tom Alexander 🎙🎙🎙

Description from Goodreads:

"Uncover the chilling true stories behind some of history's most monstrous murderers.

Ian Brady and Myra Hindley Ted Bundy, Harold Shipman – these notorious names represent the worst of humanity, men and women who are driven by an urge to kill, and kill again. They are monsters lurking among us, often living outwardly respectable lives while indulging their horrific desires under cover of darkness, or anonymity.

Serial killers continue to hold a gruesome fascination, their crimes and compulsions seemingly incomprehensible to civilized society. Some have become household names, the subject of hit Netflix documentaries and BBC dramas ... others remain a hidden horror in the shadows.

Organised thematically according to each killer's twisted passion, Faces of Evil chronicles the crimes of twenty of the most infamous – and less well-known – serial killers of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, unpicking their means, motives and methods ... and attempting to understand what drove their horrific lust for murder."

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I am a true crime fan and have been fascinated by serial killers since I was a teenager ... strange I know but there you go 😊 

This audiobook gives a captivating look at some of history's most notorious serial killers. The author weaves together the stories of these individuals, delving into their backgrounds, motives, and crimes.

It's fast paced and engrossing and although it doesn't provide a detailed examination of each murder and trial, it does provide an overview of various cases which makes it an easy (although not in terms of the content) listen as it delves into the darker aspects of human nature and therefore due to the graphic nature of the subject matter, it may not be suitable for everyone.

Even for those familiar with many of the serial killers included, this book did introduce me to some I had never heard of and also provided details I had not been aware of.

The narrator was excellent and, I think, perfect for this book.  It's a hard listen at times so it must have been a difficult one to narrate so kudos to Tom Alexander ... you did a great job.

Overall, I would recommend this to those of you who are interested in serial killers and true crime enthusiasts and many thanks to the author, Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of this thought-provoking book.

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The Village Killer (DI Barton #7) by Ross Greenwood

 

Description from the Publisher:

"After three years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton wonders if he’s still got what it takes.

An opportunity arises to return to Major Crimes, so he jumps at it, after all he’s been around the block a few times. When he and his team are called in to investigate an attempted murder which seems to be linked to the case of a missing child, Barton is immediately thrust back into the life of a detective – early mornings, late nights and endless pressure to get to the truth.

Then a man dies.

Something deadly is going on behind the high walls and imposing gates of the mansions in the sleepy village of Castor. The locals are keeping each other’s secrets and if Barton doesn’t find out why soon, the bodies will start mounting up.

The Village Killer knows who’s next, and the clock is ticking…"

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I haven't read anything by Ross Greenwood before but now, after reading this, I am kicking myself.  Where have I been living over the years for this series to have passed me by?

I try not to pick up books mid-series but I did like the sound of this so thought I'd give it a go and I wasn't disappointed ... yes, I have missed out on loads of backstory and character development however, I don't think it affected my enjoyment of this book one little bit.

This is a really gripping story and I was hooked from the very first chapter.  The characters are excellent and I warmed to DI Barton, and his wife, very quickly - I loved their banter ... it felt natural and not forced.  The plot is intriguing, the story told from different points of view (although not confusingly so) and the pace is perfect.

Overall, a really, really, good police-procedural that I won't hesitate to recommend and many thanks must go to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this excellent book.

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The Crow Girl by Erik Axl Sund

Description from the Goodreads:

" It starts with just one body – the hands bound, the skin covered in marks.

Detective Superintendent Jeanette Kihlberg is determined to find out who is responsible, despite opposition from her superiors. When two more bodies are found, it becomes clear that she is hunting a serial killer.

With her career on the line, she turns to psychotherapist Sofia Zetterlund. Together, they uncover a chain of shocking events that began decades ago – but will it lead them to the murderer before someone else dies?"

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This is another book I have had on my to-be-read pile for too many years than I should have however, I think I should have left it there because this one just wasn't for me.

For a start, it's sooooooo long and whilst this isn't always an issue, it is when, in my opinion, it doesn't need to be.   It starts off really well but then dissolves into a convoluted and unrealistic mess. While the initial murder mystery is intriguing, the subsequent plot twists and character developments are implausible and frustrating.

Now, this is just me ... there are loads of really positive reviews of this book so don't take my word for it and give it a try ... you never know, you might love it!

Thanks to the authors, Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this book and I'm sorry it just wasn't my cup of tea.

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Angel of Death: The James Ryker Series Book 12 by Rob Sinclair

Description from the Publisher:

"Ismail Karaman is one of the deadliest terrorists in recent history. So why is he free to float around the Persian Gulf on his luxury yacht?

Ex intelligence agent James Ryker thinks he knows why, and the answer lies at the corrupt heart of the SIS. Ryker isn’t one to let the bad guys get away with murder, but Karaman has many enemies, and one in particular will make all their lives much more complicated…

They call her the Angel of Death – a former agent whose last encounter with Karaman cost her everything, and left her in a Lebanese prison cell. Now she’s free, and with nothing else to lose, she’s determined to get her revenge… whatever it takes.

Ryker and the Angel may have the same target, but that doesn’t mean they’re on the same side. Who will reach Karaman first? And who will still be standing when the bodies pile up?"

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I have read a few of Rob Sinclair's books which I have thoroughly enjoyed but this is the first in this series however, despite this being book 12, I think it works well as a standalone and I certainly got to grip with the characters pretty quickly although realise there is an awful lot I have missed.

With fantastic characters, an excellent plot, loads of action, suspense and thrills and all written at a great, fast pace, this is a really good action/adventure/spy/thriller so will appeal to many.  There are violent scenes but only what you would expect for this type of book and nothing that is over the top ... well I didn't think so.  

Excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed and many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this, another excellent book from Rob Sinclair.

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Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton

Description from Publisher:

"WE WERE INSEPARABLE. UNTIL THE DAY SHE KILLED MY SONS...

What's the worst thing your best friend could do to you?

Admittedly, it wasn't murder. A moment's carelessness, a tragic accident - and your two children are dead.

Living in a small island community, you can't escape the woman who destroyed your life. Each chance encounter is an agonizing reminder of what you've lost - your family, your future, your sanity.

How long before revenge becomes irresistible?

With no reason to go on living, why shouldn't you turn your darkest thoughts into deeds?

So now, what's the worst thing you can do to your best friend?"

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I have had this on my to-be-read pile for years and I'm kicking myself as this is a gripping and unsettling thriller that explores themes of grief, guilt, and revenge.

Set against the stark and unforgiving landscape of the Falkland Islands, the story centres around Rachel, a woman haunted by the accidental deaths of her best friend's two young sons. Three years later, her friend, Catrin, is consumed by grief and seeking revenge. Meanwhile, there are a series of mysterious disappearances in the remote community.

With excellent characters and oodles of tension, this is a book full of atmosphere and anticipation and whilst it's not fast-paced, it is a book that's worth a read and many thanks to the author, Random House UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Little Black Lies.

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