So 2019 is in full swing, and of course that means the book club continues! Not ones to shy away from the crime books these days, Vanille and I decided to go all in with the January book. We chose Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh! This book has been on my radar for quite a few weeks, perhaps due to my sudden love of crime podcasts, but I was really intrigued by the jury aspect of the book and seeing things from the point of view of the serial killer. Vanille and I decided to chat over Pizza at Rudy’s Pizza and discuss the book after a much needed catch up of course.
The premise of this book is almost two stories in one. We have a mysterious serial killer who is committing crimes throughout this book, in order to achieve his ‘goal’. We have no idea what this goal is, or his motivation behind it, but we can be sure, that we will find out as the book goes on. Aside from the main story of the serial killer, we are also introduced to attorney Eddie Flynn, as he works on a murder case, with a movie star as the accused.
The book flits between the point of view of Eddie and of our serial killer Kane. I like that as we learn more about each of the characters, we are also following the story and what links the two together. Kane feels as though he is invincible, intelligent and unmatched. Eddie feels as though life has kicked him in the teeth lately and a little down on his luck. However, as the trial progresses and ultimately the narrative of the book, we see Eddie begin to regain his confidence and I definitely found myself rooting for him throughout this book. I found this book incredibly exciting, fast paced and I really felt like I was on the edge of my seat. At times I found myself wanting to read it at my desk instead of doing my work!
I didn’t find this book predictable at all, though Vanille was quite the clever cookie and definitely figured out a few things that I did not see coming. I love that this book really surprised me, which is something I don’t often find in the books I read. Usually you can guess how the story will end, or at least some aspects of it, but for this book I really could not see what was going to happen next! I also loved that the writing style really seemed to capture the feeling of the fast pace that certain aspects of the trial and investigation needed. We were left in suspense, as well as holding on to every to help us piece together the story. I don’t want to say to much, or I risk spoiling the book, but there is definitely more than one twist in this book and I honestly had my hand over my mouth as I read on to the end. This book has a way of pulling at your emotions as well as letting you put your own investigator hat on to try and get to the truth along with Eddie.
If you can’t tell by now, I loved this book. Of course there are a few aspects of it that I didn’t enjoy, when dealing with a serial killer of course there are deaths involved, and some were a little gruesome to take. I also found some aspects slightly far-fetched in a way, but then again, in this age we are living in, nothing really should shock us. Aside from these two aspects, I am pretty much obsessed with this book, so much so I could honestly read it again right now in order to see the clues I missed the first time.
Book rating – 9/10
Recommend – Yes
Read again – Yes!
Love
