Thursday, January 2, 2020

Review: Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

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Synopsis: Years ago, bookseller and mystery aficionado Malcolm Kershaw compiled a list of the genre’s most unsolvable murders, those that are almost impossible to crack—which he titled “Eight Perfect Murders”.

But no one is more surprised than Mal, now the owner of the Old Devils Bookstore in Boston, when an FBI agent comes knocking on his door one snowy day in February. She’s looking for information about a series of unsolved murders that look eerily similar to the killings on Mal’s old list. And the FBI agent isn’t the only one interested in this bookseller who spends almost every night at home reading. There is killer is out there, watching his every move—a diabolical threat who knows way too much about Mal’s personal history, especially the secrets he’s never told anyone, even his recently deceased wife.

To protect himself, Mal begins looking into possible suspects . . . and sees a killer in everyone around him. But Mal doesn’t count on the investigation leaving a trail of death in its wake. Suddenly, a series of shocking twists leaves more victims dead—and the noose around Mal’s neck grows so tight he might never escape.


This is a must read for all crime aficionados.

Firstly, you will find yourselves making a mental list to re-read all of the books mentioned; secondly, you will find a plot with many twists and turns, as if lifted straight from the pages of said books; and finally, you will find yourself googling to see if "... only the names have been changed, etc etc" is really applicable (as per the author's opening note).

I have not read Swanson before .. most certainly will now. This one's a keeper!

This was also published as Rules for Perfect Murders.

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