A Review of Aberration by Lisa Regan

Back around January, I was approached by the lovely Lisa Regan to read an ARC of her second novel, Aberration, which has now been released. I hadn't yet read her debut, Finding Claire Fletcher, but having read so many amazing things about it I jumped at the chance, and I thank her profusely for the opportunity. I quickly devoured Finding Claire Fletcher, and when Aberration arrived, I tore through it in two days (a record, if you know how slow I normally am!) I highly recommend picking up both these books, Lisa writes thrilling crime fiction with a unique twist.

Blurb:

When a series of sadistic murders bearing the same signature arise in different parts of the country, FBI analyst Kassidy Bishop is assigned to the “For You” killer’s task force—whose investigation leads right back to her. 

The homicides are both calculated and savage, occurring in different states, but bearing the same signature: the words “for you” scribbled at each crime scene. The case chills Kassidy, bringing back memories of her own encounter with a violent criminal five years earlier.

The stakes rise when the task force links the killer’s signature to Kassidy. As more and more bodies turn up, Kassidy must delve into her past and the mysterious death of her twin sister, which holds the key to uncovering the killer’s identity.

My Review:

This second outing from crime writer Lisa Regan cements her status as one of the most promising talents in the field. If you've read her first novel, Finding Claire Fletcher, that delicious sense of creeping menace is still present, along with a greater depth and complexity.

A serial killer is taking out his victims in a variety of perverted ways and leaving the words "For You" at each scene. We know from the start whodunnit (as we witness the murders from the POV of the perpetrator, and the matter-of-fact description here is quite disarming). The question is why, and for who? Regan dripfeeds backstory about the killer, and the investigating agent, Kassidy Bishop, judiciously, making you want to discover more and more.

Without giving too much away, there are certain conditions affecting both Kassidy and the killer that make things even more intriguing (and the killer doubly scary!)

I was also impressed by the meticulous research that was in evidence, regarding the FBI, and the behaviour of stalkers and psychopaths. It reads like a novel by a seasoned thriller writer. And if you want twists, you surely won't be disappointed - in fact, I want to reread the whole book in the light of what we find out by the end.

The pacing is excellent - well measured, and not frantic and headlong. Again, this is effective in the way it helps build the tension and danger.

Superb! I eagerly await further works from Lisa Regan.

Purchase Links:

Amazon (paperback)
Barnes & Noble (paperback)
Amazon (ebook)
Barnes & Noble (ebook)

Author Links:

Website

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Goodreads

I know I've still been very AWOL with blogging, please bear with me as I try to get back into it! My good wife has had the use of my laptop to run her business lately while hers was sick, but it's all patched up now and back with us. When I've had my laptop, I've been trying to get some freelance work in editing and writing since my job dried up. I'll be making a big announcement about this soon, and I'd love if you could help. I'll be sending out emails soon, but feel free to mention below if you'd like to help spread the word! Basically, the idea is to offer affordable editing and proofreading services primarily to indie authors. Now I just need to figure out how to set up a website...

Oh, and we've also had this new addition to the family... the gorgeous Pippa. Though really, she's no trouble at all!

This is an old pic - she was bigger than that when we got her, but it's so cute I had to share it!

What have you been up to lately?