Quick Take: A young London police officer works with a task force to catch a Jack-the-Ripper copycat killer—and hide her past from the team.
Makes Me Want To: Turn on all the lights while reading it
My Thoughts: Every few years there is a book or movie that truly scares me. When I was studying abroad in England, it was the John Cusack movie Identity. Oh. My. God. It’s a good yarn, as my mother would say, and it was frightening. Walking back to our college, my friends and I linked arms and loudly reassured ourselves that everything was fine. We took a very wide turn around the corner we had to navigate, and upon reaching my dorm, I wouldn’t enter rooms without first turning on all the lights and opening the door completely so that there couldn’t be anyone hiding behind it. I walked at an angle so that my back was to the wall. It’s intense.
Now You See Me had a similar effect. I stopped reading in the middle of a chapter (something I dislike) because I knew it was not good bedtime reading and I needed to stop. I still turned on all the lights in my house. I finished it the next day, during daylight hours.
Lacey Flint is a young police detective in London. One night after interviewing a witness, a woman literally dies in Lacey’s arms. Because of this intimate connection to the case, Lacey’s is brought in to the task-force formed to solve the murder, which is quickly recognized as a Jack-the-Ripper copycat killing. As a child, Lacey had a fascination with Jack the Ripper, so she’s a bit of a Ripper-ologist. This knowledge also earns her a place on the task force, but, as the dust jacket reads, “the details of the case start reminding her more and more of a part of her past she’d rather keep hidden.”
It’s difficult to say more about the plot without revealing or hinting at something. Suffice it to say, this is a good plot. I think that’s why my mother liked it. She recommended the book but cautioned, “I cannot warn you enough about the violence.” If The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was too graphic for you, you’ll want to skip the passages when the killer is with the victims. Fortunately, these are presented as stand alone chapters, so it’s easy to skim.
However, this isn’t gratuitous, graphic violence. There is a purpose, and some very important themes and issues touched upon in this crime thriller. It haunted me for the rest of the day as I mulled over the revelations and resolutions.
Exercise caution with the violence, but if you like twisty crime thrillers, or a wicked scare, I highly recommend this novel. It’s perfect for the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril challenge.
Peril the Second complete! You can also see my review of The Lantern, the other book I read for the challenge.
I read SJ Bolton’s Awakening a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it – an excellent blend of good storytelling, a strong plot, and complex characters. This one sounds even better for me, with the Ripper historical tie-in. Thanks for the review!
[…] Success! I read and reviewed The Lantern and Now You See Me. I did read Clockwork Angel in 2011, though not for the challenge. Advertisement […]
[…] The violence wasn’t as tough to handle as I expected. I certainly have no desire to see Cato’s death, and Rue’s hurt, but for the most part I was able to separate and skim the violent passages. They are also not as gory as the Kate Daniels books, or Now You See Me. […]