The Kill List | Nadine Matheson
REVIEWED BY LINDA HILL
After serving twenty-five years for a series of murders on a kill list that he always denied committing, Andrew Streeter’s conviction has been overturned because evidence provided by DCI Harry Rhimes may have been corrupt. Rhimes’s protege and friend DI Anjelica Henley can’t believe her former boss was anything but straight. Now the killings have begun again, with the same features, and it’s a race against time to catch the real killer.
The Kill List: book review & synopsis
Before beginning this review, I must say that The Kill List may be too visceral and graphic for some readers. It’s gritty and not a little gruesome at times, but, even though it’s not the kind of police procedural thriller I usually read, I thought it was fabulous.
It’s one of those stories that draws in the reader and holds them fast because of the fast pace, the intrigue and the quality of the writing. I thought the direct speech was particularly effective as it’s so natural it feels more like eavesdropping than reading, making the reader part of the action.
Occasional language may be strong, but the plot is even stronger. It’s such a well constructed story that it really feels as if the reader is living the investigation in real time with the police.
There’s an episodic structure that means The Kill List would make a fantastic television series. This narrative approach mirrors perfectly the way real police investigations happen, with teamwork and evidence being impacted by external factors and occasional misdirection or luck.
Pacy and gripping, the story explores intriguing themes
The impact of police life on individuals is presented with clarity, and the dynamics of personal and professional relationships are wonderfully depicted. Whilst these characters have appeared in other stories, there is no need to have read those books because Nadine Matheson gives all the pertinent details with aplomb. That said, I’m now desperate to read the other books, too.
The most intriguing theme for me was that of culpability. Through this investigation, there’s a sensitive and challenging consideration of blame and responsibility. Corruption and ineptitude, misplaced loyalty and misguided opinions, self preservation and ambition are all shown to be factors that impact right and truth. As a result, The Kill List is intriguing and thought provoking, every bit as much as it is unnerving and exciting to read.
The Kill List is one of those “can’t put it down” thrillers that leaves the reader wanting more from DI Henley and her team. I can’t wait for the next book!
The Kill List by Nadine Matheson is out now (HQ, PB, £9.99) and available from Amazon.
Read more fiction reviews by Linda Hill including A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft, Foster’s Mill by Val Wood, All I Want For Christmas by Karen Swan, City of Silk by Glennis Virgo, Things We Lose In Waves by Lucy Ayrton, Beautiful People by Amanda Jennings and A Merry Little Christmas by Cathy Bramley.
