In 1985, the Beacon Hill Butcher claimed his final victims before being killed by Edward Shank, a respected socialite. Decades later, Edward’s grandson, Matt, discovers a hidden room in his grandfather's basement containing grisly trophies that suggest the serial killer was never truly stopped. As Matt investigates his family’s violent history, he navigates a complex relationship with Sam, a woman whose mother was murdered by the Butcher. The narrative shifts between the present day and the 1980s, revealing how the killer manipulated his community while hiding in plain sight as a pillar of the establishment.
This thriller serves readers attracted to psychological studies of inherited trauma and domestic deception. Those who study the mechanics of psychopathy find a detailed portrayal of how a predator maintains a public facade while committing atrocities. Readers finish the book with a dark perspective on the reliability of family legacies and the hidden costs of keeping secrets. It appeals to those who prefer graphic descriptions of forensic evidence and the structural tension created by a dual-timeline mystery centered on identity and betrayal.
Practical, outward-looking, growth-minded, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2014
- Language
- EN
