Abel’s Revenge by Ross Greenwood

• Paperback: 295 pages
• Publisher: Independently published (27 Feb. 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1977043550
• ISBN-13: 978-1977043559
• Product Dimensions: 13.3 x 1.9 x 20.3 cm

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

This is a story about a city. As with all others, it’s a place of violence. There are murderers, and they live among us.
This is also a tale about a couple — sometimes friends, occasionally lovers, but always partners. Dan and Olivia are fighting modern battles; the ones parents have over a lack of money, time or peace.
An escalating serial killer terrifies the streets and homes. The body count rises as their relationship crumbles. Society reveals its dark side, and no one is safe. Dan and Olivia experience this first-hand as danger closes in.
Will Abel’s reign of terror ever end?
Who will live, and who will die?

 

Review

Abel’s Revenge is the new standalone psychological thriller by Ross Greenwood.  The plot has two parallel plot lines; Abel’s story and his crimes and the story of Dan and Olivia, a normal couple facing life’s mundane problems.  Ross Greenwood keeps the chapters short and punchy alternating between the two narratives.  The short chapters are written from the view of Olivia and Dan, and then the victims of Abel’s crimes.  I found it an interesting and brilliant technique to set the crimes against the against the problems of everyday life; that life goes on even when a serial killer is on the loose.

From the start we know that Abel is the killer, he explains the ‘sickness’ he has had since childhood and how it still continues to effect him now. He is not your normal murderer who hides and craves anonymity to avoid capture; Abel tells his victims his name, sends or leaves notes at crime scenes threatening further crimes.  He wants notoriety and recognition for his crimes.  Many of his crimes are against those that have done wrong themselves, who are on the wrong side of the law.  Abel is righting wrongs, and ending the life of those he sees to deserve it.

In contrast to Abel’s story is that of Dan and Olivia.  Many readers will identify with their lives; both working, Dan in a job he hates, two young children, no time for themselves and the arguments this causes.  They are aware of Abel’s crimes, which do instil a sense of fear when out and about, but life has to go on even after a close encounter.  Ross Greenwood brilliantly brings his characters to life, he has an understanding of the human psyche and writes with empathy.  There are also moments of humour in this book, especially with Dan and Olivia and their neighbour Mike, which breaks up the tension of the book.

Abel’s Revenge is a disturbing psychological thriller that sets horrific crimes against the the mundane that is everyday life.  It is very dark and chilling in places, but there is also love, heartbreak and humour.  This is a cleverly thought out novel and I have to say I was stunned, in a good way, by the time I finished the book; a compelling read.