Perfect Crime – DI Callanach Series Book #5

Author: Helen Fields
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction
404 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 2019

Synopsis
Perfect Crime by Helen Fields is the 5th book in the DI Callanach series, continuing the thrilling investigations of DI Luc Callanach and DCI Ava Turner in Edinburgh, Scotland. Stephen Berry is about to jump off a bridge until a suicide prevention counsellor stops him. A week later, Stephen is dead. Found at the bottom of a cliff, Callanach and Turner are drafted in to investigate whether he jumped or whether he was pushed…

As they dig deeper, more would-be suicides roll in: a woman found dead in a bath; a man violently electrocuted. But these are carefully curated deaths – nothing like the impulsive suicide attempts they’ve been made out to be.

Little do Callanach and Turner know how close their perpetrator is as, across Edinburgh, a violent and psychopathic killer gains more confidence with every life he takes…

Perfect Crime is a tense and atmospheric thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and dark and gritty setting, it is a worthy addition to the DI Callanach series and will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

My review
As Perfect Crime by Helen Fields unfolds, it delivers another gripping installment in the DI Callanach series, weaving together a compelling narrative filled with suspense, emotion, and intricate twists. The plot of Perfect Crime is captivating from the start, drawing readers into a dark and twisted world of murder and suspense.

Fields skillfully crafts a complex web of clues, red herrings, and unexpected revelations that kept the me guessing until the very end. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that propels the story forward, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The central mystery is both chilling and compelling, and I found myself fully immersed in the investigation alongside Callanach, Turner, and the rest of the team. The pacing is excellent, with tension building steadily throughout and culminating in a heart-pounding ending that left me breathless.

Callanach continues to be a deeply layered and compelling protagonist, grappling with his own personal demons and his complex relationship with Turner is explored with nuance and depth. I became invested in Callanach and Turner’s relationship in Perfect Remains and continue to find them believable and relatable.

Fields’ writing is sharp, and the dialogue is realistic and engaging, which helps to drive the plot forward and make this a very easy read. I also find her writing style perfectly suited to the dark and gritty tone of the story.

Perfect Crime is a masterfully crafted thriller that continues to keep me engaged in this series. Fields has a knack for creating intricate plots and is skilled at building tension and suspense, weaving together multiple storylines, and creating complex, realistic characters.

My recommendation: read it!