- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 1576 KB
- Print Length: 233 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07XYFLBVD
Synopsis
After an elite criminal profiling unit is shut down amidst a storm of scandal and mismanagement, only one person emerges unscathed. Forensic psychologist Doctor Alexander Gregory has a reputation for being able to step inside the darkest minds to uncover whatever secrets lie hidden there and, soon enough, he finds himself drawn into the murky world of murder investigation.
In the beautiful hills of County Mayo, Ireland, a killer is on the loose. Panic has a stranglehold on its rural community and the Garda are running out of time. Gregory has sworn to follow a quiet life but, when the call comes, can he refuse to help their desperate search for justice?
Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Irish landscape.
Review
Crime fiction readers will know L J Ross as the best selling author of the fabulous DCI Ryan Mysteries set in the North East of England. Now she is having a break from those books to launch a new series about forensic psychologist Dr Alexander Gregory. Imposter is the first book and sees Gregory pulled into a case of murder in the quiet town of Ballyfinny, Ireland. The murder is staged, the victim a school teacher and young mother but residents from the town can’t believe that one of their own could commit such a despicable act. The small town mentality and secrets kept behind closed doors open questions to just how well do you really know those around you.
There is always a sense of anticipation when the author of a successful series introduces a new book, the start of a series, featuring a new character; will it be as good, will I like it. The answer to these questions is a huge big yes from me. Imposter is more of a thriller, with the lead character being a psychologist and looking inside the criminals mind. Dr Alexander Gregory is a bit of an enigma himself in this book, he is a very private person, avoids romantic relationships instead going for short affairs, and is incredibly committed to his work at Southmoor hospital as a forensic psychologist. Through the book we are drip fed pieces of information about him and his past that starts to explain his choice of profession. I am really looking forward to the devlopment of his character in future books, and to learning more about the man behind the forensic psychologist.
LJ Ross is skilled at capturing the atmosphere and sense of place in her books and bringing them to life. Ballyfinny is in the beautiful County Mayo, a rural town with rolling hills and a lake, a place where everyone knows everyone else. Generations of families stay living there; the Mayor Maggie Byrne’s two sons are both in the Guarda and looking into the murder, and her brother runs the local hotel. Small town mentality with it’s claustrophobia adds to the darkness and thrills of this book, the killer is one of their own, someone they know, someone they drink with and go to church with. The suspense builds as suspicion causes residents to question who could do this, and secrets come out into the open.
Imposter is a fast paced, gripping and compelling read. The combination of the enigma of Dr Alexander Gregory, with his air of mystery, and the horrific ritualistic murder of a young mother make this a suspenseful and captivating read. Dark, tense and with an unpredicted conclusion, this is a book that once you pick up you wont be able to put down. Another brilliant book from LJ Ross and I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
