*Beware this review contains some spoilers*
This is a well paced thriller set in the US, the main action taking place in the Florida Keys. In the background is JFK and the looming missile crisis which means that the last thing anyone needs is a serial killer who seems to be able to slip the net at will.
The viewpoint comes from a variety of angles. Stella is the main character that centres the plot, a bright young thing with an interest in psychopaths due to her own difficult background. She flies out to start her doctorate but is taken to a BBQ at the beach with JFK and his handsome brother. Over the BBQ Stella’s expertise come to light and she is deployed to the keys to help the FBI unmask the killer.
Initially she meets resistance, she is female, young and has no credentials, however after a heated first meeting with the lead agent she establishes her knowledge and begins to be accepted. Despite her initial profile being successful in identifying the main characteristics of the killer he manages to escape. Being local he knows the area well and is able to assume a new identity but soon enough the net is closing in forcing him to escalate his end game. This he does and although the end felt a little rushed it is a satisfying conclusion. The characters are well drawn and I could imagine the two main investigators Stella and Lee combining their efforts in future investigations.
The only slight negative I felt was the relationship between Stella and Lee, this seemed a little obvious and cliche, however it does not spoil the plot and does give the characters a definite reason to want to see one another again and care what happens to the other.
I give this 4/5, a good read, especially on the beach!
