Review - Now You See Me by S. J. Bolton

Book Summary from Amazon

One night after interviewing a reluctant witness at a London apartment complex, Lacey Flint, a young detective constable, stumbles onto a woman brutally stabbed just moments before in the building’s darkened parking lot. Within twenty-four hours a reporter receives an anonymous letter that points out alarming similarities between the murder and Jack the Ripper’s first murder—a letter that calls out Lacey by name. If it’s real, and they have a killer bent on re-creating London’s bloody past, history shows they have just five days until the next attempt.

No one believes the connections are anything more than a sadistic killer’s game, not even Lacey, whom the killer seems to be taunting specifically. However, as they investigate the details of the case start reminding her more and more of a part of her past she’d rather keep hidden. And the only way to do that is to catch the killer herself.

Published - June 2011

My Review - 4 

This is my first S. J. Bolton and definitely won't be my last, she has a masterful imagination which gives her the edge of being a successful unique author in the Thriller genre.  Now You See Me reminded me of so many favourite books and authors - Bone Collector would be the most similar including an amazing psychological thriller spin.

DI Lacey Flint becomes directly involved as a woman stumbles into her bloody and dies in her hands within seconds.  She is unable to officially be a part of the investigation as she is now involved, possibly even an accomplice.  Then the letter comes in calling Lacey by name. The why, when, where investigation starts and the similarity to the Jack the Ripper murders.  I enjoyed the history of Jack the Ripper which made me want to read about it but I do think it was a bit overboard.  The murders were set in London and with perfect distinction, S. J. Bolton helped the reader to picture and have a great feel for London while continuing the dark mystery.

What was amazing was at half way, they caught the murderer, or so they thought, the book was brilliant but now it became interesting and highly entertaining, edge of your seat, blow your mind brilliance.  S. J. Bolton was now showing her talent, love the imagination and story line she takes you on.

Lacey Flints obsession with Jack the Ripper help her to share knowledge with the investigators. With every murder, lots of bloodshed they feel closer to figuring it out but also become obsessed which is all part of the game, they completely fell for it. 'An early fascination with serial killers,' I replied... I'd been intrigued by violent crime and its perpetrators for as long as I could remember...  'Sadistic, psychopathic predators specifically.'  There was one Detective that had Lacey has the murderer or accomplice, she did have a dark secret but was she withholding critical information, it did seem like the case was all about her.

There was a lot going on in this book, I enjoyed it for the most part and it helped with numerous twists but I just didn't like Lacey, she did not fit the expected Police Officer mold.  This was dealt with though but can't say I bought it, if she was older yes, but she is young and system should have been better than it was.

The ending, oh my, brilliant, even though you have some figured it, this is a Thriller you will never be able to have it all right as S. J. Bolton will take you on a mind blowing journey.  A great book hangover at the end as it was intricate, complicated and will have you reading into the night.

Can you recommend what book to read for Jack the Ripper crimes please?