Comparing books does not necessarily bring too much to any of the books involved in the comparison. As in the case of people, it is better to consider each and every one of them as an individual, original work created by very individual writers. However, there may be a classification of books which may meet your personal criteria. Some are good written, with a complex narrative brought to life by outstanding equally complex characters. Some aren´t.
The Killing Kind by Dublin-based Irish writer Jane Casey is probably one of the best thrillers I´ve read in the last months. One of a kind of a book, actually. At the first sight, it has quite an easy to grasp story. Ingrid Lewis is a barrister who defended successfully John Webster, accused of stalking women. But once he is out of jail, strange things are about to happen. Very bloody strange things.
What I particularly appreciated about this book is the moral/ethical and nevertheless human entanglement of the characters, particularly when it comes to make a choice between their human feelings and their professional credo. A barrister should guarantee equal representation to everyone, including proved criminals. But what can you do when it is almost sure that you can be his next victim? Therefore, Ingrid Lewis is not only a well defined literary character, but raises very human questions that usually a well written thriller shares. What is a crime but an ultimative human decision ignoring moral and everyday ethic values most societies are based upon? A good writer of this genre may suggest to the reader some different angle and perspectives on a very dramatic topic.
The Killing Kind is realistic and original, as it outlines complex everyday episodes in their human relevance. Thus, following the story is like being faced with a door into the dilemma and choices of a barrister who is dealing with a very dangerous - and killing - kind of situation. In real life, there are no black and white situations and the ambiguity of the circumstances described in the book resonate with the way in which often life enfolds.
The book has very tensed and emotional moments that determine the reader to stay with the book until it is over. Altough completely thrilled and emotionally drained by the story, I am very happy to have been offered the chance of discovering a new author. The Killing Kind is her first standalone novel, but I am sure that the series are at least equally suspenseful and interesting as this one.
Rating: 5 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the blog tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
Thanks for the blog tour support x
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