Synopsis:~
The Killer …
Chicago has a new resident; a heartless killer on a decade-long crime spree. When a successful young woman is found dead in her fashionable town home, a red flag goes up in Washington, D.C. The FBI knows an elusive “organized killer” is at work again. The problem is the Feds have only one tenuous lead to assist local police in the manhunt … a most unlikely place the killer likes to find his victims.
The Detective …
Conner, turning thirty, single, light as a feather but tougher than nails—growing up in a cop’s home and taking every hand-to-hand combat course that the Chicago Police Department offers does that—and the coach of her niece’s 7-year-old soccer team, the Snowflakes, becomes a lead detective in her first major homicide case. She’s a good girl—loves her mom, goes to church, only yells when she’s really mad—who just can’t stop fighting with her partner, police department brass, and most of all, her TV news anchor sister, Klarissa, who can turn a single bite of chicken into a 30-minute ordeal of starting, stopping, and starting again. Her mom, sisters, and various suitors all think she’s wonderful—except for her anger and bonding issues.
The Climax …
From the opening chase scene that leads to a back alley where a Punk with a knife awaits, to the climactic scene where Kristen goes one-on-one with a man who is killing innocent women in her town and now has her in his sights, Cuts Like a Knife, the debut novel from Mark Gilroy, is loaded with action, humor, and wry introspection through the voice of its irrepressible lead character.
My take:~
M. K. (Mark) Gilroy’s debut novel, Cuts Like A Knife, is a unique and engaging read, surprisingly humourous for a fast paced thriller which includes a brash female detective and a vicious serial killer. Initially, the first person present tense was distracting but I soon adjusted to the prose and became invested in Kristen’s journey. Mark does a solid job with Kristen’s voice, self deprecating with a sharp edge, reflecting the necessary nature of a homicide detective. Gritty and terse, the action and suspense builds well, dovetailing nicely with Kristen’s relationship issues with her devoted mother, her disapproving sisters and the men who dare to seek her out. Mark’s dry wit is fabulous, easing the tension from the intense scenes as the killer’s handiwork is discovered. Cuts Like A Knife is a refreshing addition to the sparse pickings in the CBA for those who enjoy this genre. I’m intrigued as to where Mark takes Kristen in this series, as he continues to hone his craft.
With thanks to Worthy Publishing and Wynn~Wynn Media for my review copy via NetGalley
Relz Reviewz Extras
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Buy Mark’s book at Amazon or Koorong
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April 7, 2012 at 2:28 pm
I'm looking forward to this one…thanks for sharing your thoughts. =)