Tuesday 18 June 2013

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:


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?

43 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lisa will be excited to see your review! I still have to read her first book.
Pippa looks like a troublemaker. One that you can't say no to.
Good to hear from you, Nick!

JeffO said...

Nice review. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this one.

J.L. Campbell said...

Hey, Nick,

Lisa's books sound really good. I'd definitely like to try these as I like fast-paced reads, when I'm not reading romance. :)

Happy to help in any way I can with your announcement/s when you're ready.

Heather R. Holden said...

Great review! Although I don't read much crime fiction, I can't help but be intrigued by this book.

Also, no worries about being AWOL. We all have to go on hiatus at some point, for one reason or another! And aww, Pippa is such a cutie. Congrats on the new addition to your family!

dolorah said...

Awesome review. I'll put it on my TBR list. Thanks Nick.

......dhole

Lisa Regan said...

AWWWW!!!!! You are the best! Thank you so much. I'm so happy--and relieved--that you enjoyed them both, especially Aberration because I was very nervous about it. Thank you for the amazing review. I really appreciate it.

Pippa is adorable!

And when you're ready, I'm more than happy to spread the word about your big announcement! :)

Unknown said...

Good to have you back, Nick. Pippa looks like a bundle of fun and energy.

Thanks for the book review. I love adding books to my TBR pile.

Gwen Gardner said...

Oh the description gives me shivers. Thanks for the awesome review. I offer editing and formatting, too. Of course I'd be glad to give you a shout-out. Feel free to check out my site at http://indieservices.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Great review... books sounds good:) Will have to check it out.

Christine Rains said...

Awesome review! I'll have to add it to my TBR list. And glad to see you still around. Pippa is adorable!

Guilie Castillo said...

Nick, thanks so much for the earlier visit to my blog, and congratulations on adopting Pippa! So glad this rescue found a good home with you all, and I'm sure she'll give you years and years of joy. Nothing like a dog to make a home complete :)

Rachna Chhabria said...

Lisa's book sounds good. I will add it to my TBR pile.

Mark said...

Intense book:) Must require lots of research to put it together, which is no small task.

Tonja Drecker said...

Great review! I've been hearing so much about this one - only good things ;)
Happy Anniversary!!!

Carol Kilgore said...

Pippa is adorable! I have Lisa's first book on my Kindle, and I'm looking forward to reading it. I'm sooooo behind.

Unknown said...

Adorable puppy!

Glad to see you back! :)

Julie Flanders said...

I'd be happy to help spread the word about your new venture. And Pippa is simply adorable, I wish I could reach through the screen and cuddle her myself. :)

I read Aberration last weekend and couldn't agree more with your review. Lisa is fantastic.

Suzanne Furness said...

Your new addition to the family is very cute. Looking forward to hearing more about your new venture, sounds exciting.

Ella said...

Pippa is sooo cute!

oooh, this book sounds so good`

Count me in Nick-I will help
:D

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a great read. I like these types of stories.

Cute dog.

Elise Fallson said...

Hey Nick, just stopping in to say 'Hi.' Hope things are good in your corner of the world. Aberration sounds like a great read and your new puppy is sooo cute! (:

cleemckenzie said...

Great review, Nick. Sorry about the job issue, but it sounds like you're taking some steps to remedy that. Congrats on your new family member.

Tara Tyler said...

stellar review! i hope they make a movie out of one of her books!
and what a cutie pie pup!

Nicole said...

Your review definitely makes it sound like a great mix of creepy suspenseful action! Love the pic of Pippa.

nutschell said...

wow! sounds like a great story. I do enjoy a good thriller every now and then.
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Romance Book Haven said...

Great review. Sounds like an awesome read.

Nas

Mark Koopmans said...

Sir Nick:)

It is so kind of you to scootch over and let my join your Knights of the Cosmic Table :)

Pearl said...

Sounds like a very interesting book!

And Pippa looks like a pip! :-)

Pearl

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Pippa looks so cute. I received my copy of Aberration last Thursday so I'm glad to read a positive review. Best of luck with your upcoming editing service Nick and thanks for stopping by my blog today and your great words about Shannon's cover.

Unknown said...

Sounds interesting, will have to check that book out.

Aww, cute pup!

Unknown said...

Awww... Pippa is cute. I'm usually lazy with reviewing-- yours seems pretty balanced. Will look out for this book.

S.P. Bowers said...

Thanks for the review. It sounds like a very suspenseful book.

Misha Gerrick said...

Aberration sounds amazing.

Pippa's so pretty.

Best of luck with your new business. :-)

Unknown said...

I haven't read a crime thriller in AGES (though I do really enjoy watching crime drama TV shows), but this one sounds fantastic! And Pippa looks really cute ;)

David P. King said...

Sounds like a cool book with an atmosphere I'd enjoy. Thanks for the review, Nick! :)

Chancelet said...

First review I've seen of her book. Great review. I believe I have it in line to be read.

Cute dog. Glad you're making your way back to the blogging scene more regularly. Writer’s Mark

Anonymous said...

Pippa looks ADORABLE!

The novel aberration sounds gripping though rather gruesome too.

Talli Roland said...

Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the review!

Michelle Wallace said...

I have Lisa's first book on my Kindle, waiting to be read. Aberration sounds good!
Writer In Transit

Unknown said...

LOVE the cover!!! Looks amazing. :)

Carrie Butler said...

Yes! I absolutely adore Lisa's writing. :)

kjmckendry said...

Sounds like a great book!
I've been AWOL as well for awhile! Good to see you again. I'd love to help spread the word about your editing services! :)

Unknown said...

I enjoyed reading your post and I like your take on the issue. Thanks. csbe