The Playing Card Killer by Russell James
Flame Tree Press (February 2019)
288 pages; $20.62 hardcover; $12.38 paperback; $6.99 e-book
Reviewed by Frank Michaels Errington
Wow. First read of a brand new author for me and I absolutely loved it. There truly is no greater thrill than finding a new writer whose work keeps you guessing from start to finish. Okay, I can think of one or two greater thrills, but you get the point.
Brian is off his meds and having the most disturbing nightmares. He’s seeing the murders being committed by a serial killer who’s been dubbed the Playing Card Killer by the press. His girlfriend, Daniela, is less than happy he’s gone med-free; as a matter of fact, she’s done unless he reconsiders his decision.
For a while, the reader is lead to believe Brian is actually the killer, and that’s what the police believe when he shows up with what he’s seen in his dreams.
That’s enough. To tell you more would spoil all the surprises. Buy this book now and add it to your TBR pile. You can thank me later. And you will.
The story itself was rather simple, but the execution in writing took the tale to a higher level. A masterfully crafted, horrifically powerful story. Expect the unexpected in this deliciously twisted tale.
The Playing Card Killer is fast-paced and brilliantly plotted. And then there are my five favorite words in the entire book…
“It was time for revenge.“
I wholeheartedly recommend this near-perfect thriller.
