BOOK REVIEW #THE UNSEEN SISTER #ANDY MASEN #CRIME #POLICE PROCEDURE #THOMAS AND MERCER PUBLISHERS #MURDER

 MY THOUGHTS AND BOOK REVIEW

In The Unseen Sister, the second installment in Andy Maslen’s gripping Detective Kat Ballantyne series, readers are thrust into a whirlwind of suspense and intrigue that masterfully intertwines personal turmoil with professional challenge.

Detective Sergeant Kat Ballantyne is still grappling with recent revelations that have upended her personal life when she’s called to a case that demands her full attention. The body of a woman is discovered is found in suspicious circumstances at Bowman's three sisters trio of Standing stones, another soul gone from Middlehampton before their time and what initially seems like an accident soon reveals deeper, more sinister implications when the body is found among a scatter of gym equipment.  The woman dead is Jo Harris, a personal trainer and fitness coach. The death looked a lot like a sure cause of anaphylaxis. Looked like the woman was burnt in the post mortem in a sadistic manner, and Kat is drawn into a dark and complex investigation. 

Maslen does an exceptional job of blending character development with a taut, suspenseful narrative. Kat Ballantyne is a compelling protagonist, and her struggles with her own personal demons add layers of depth to the story. Her resilience and dedication shine through as she navigates the maze of her own issues while pursuing justice for the victims.

The plot is tightly woven, with Maslen skillfully building tension through unexpected twists and turns. I an Morris becomes the main suspect who is Jo's Husband. But then the discovery of a second victim, killed under eerily similar circumstances, heightens the urgency of Kat’s quest for answers. As she delves into the lives of the victims and the possible connections between them, the reader is kept guessing until the very end.

Maslen’s portrayal of the investigation process is both authentic and riveting. The clues and red herrings are presented in a way that keeps the reader engaged without feeling manipulated. The depiction of the small-town setting and its enigmatic history adds an atmospheric quality that enhances the mystery.

One of the novel’s strengths is its exploration of themes such as trauma, resilience, and the search for truth. Kat's personal challenges are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, making her a relatable and empathetic character. The emotional weight of her struggles is palpable, and it enriches the overall story.

The Unseen Sister stands out as a strong entry in the crime thriller genre, combining a well-crafted plot with rich character development. Maslen has created a compelling sequel that not only advances Kat Ballantyne’s story but also delivers a thrilling and satisfying mystery. Fans of the genre will find much to appreciate in this gripping and immersive read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for an advance copy for my honest review.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

For DS Kat Ballantyne, finding the murderer might mean looking closer to home.

DS Kat Ballantyne is still reeling from a revelation that turned life as she knew it upside down. But when a dog walker discovers the body of a woman among the standing stones known locally as the Three Sisters, there’s no time to focus on her own troubles. Kat is drawn back to work to investigate.

At first, the death appears to be an accident. But then Kat discovers an infinity symbol branded onto the dead woman’s abdomen. She’s convinced there’s a vicious killer at large. Still juggling her turbulent private life with her professional duty, she begins to dig into the victim’s past. There, she uncovers shocking secrets and several potential suspects.

When a second woman is found killed in similar circumstances, Kat needs answers fast. Does she have a serial killer on her hands? Or is the perpetrator motivated by something more personal? What connects the victims? And can she catch the killer before anyone else turns up dead?

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas & Mercer (May 16, 2024)

Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 16, 2024

Language ‏ : ‎ English