Pop Goes the Weasel – Helen Grace Series #2

Author: M.J. Arlidge
Genre: Thriller, Crime Fiction
426 pages
Publisher: Penguin Random House, 2014

Synopsis
Pop Goes the Weasel by M.J. Arlidge is the 2nd novel in the DI Helen Grace series. The body of a middle-aged man is discovered in Southampton’s red-light district – horrifically mutilated, with his heart removed.

Hours later – and barely cold – the heart arrives with his wife and children by courier.

A pattern emerges when another male victim is found dead and eviscerated, his heart delivered soon afterwards.

The media call it Jack the Ripper in reverse; revenge against the men who lead sordid double lives visiting prostitutes. For Grace, only one thing is certain: there’s a vicious serial-killer at large who must be halted at all costs . . .

My review
Pop Goes the Weasel by M.J. Arlidge is the 2nd book in the Helen Grace series and I enjoyed this book better than the first one, Eeny Meeny. It is a captivating read that held me spellbound with its gripping narrative. The vivid and often grisly details drew me in, making it impossible to put the book down. The character development is rich and nuanced, adding depth to the story, while the constant twists and turns kept me guessing until the final pages. I found myself even more engrossed than with the first book in the series, thoroughly enjoying every moment of this unputdownable thriller.

Arlidge is a skillful storyteller and excels at developing Grace’s enigmatic and deeply flawed character. Most importantly, he has a knack for creating intricate plots filled with twists and turns and is skilled at building tension and suspense, using short, punchy chapters to maintain a quick pace that propels the story forward.

Pop Goes the Weasel is an utterly captivating thriller that has me completely enthralled with the series. Arlidge’s writing is not just vivid and imaginative but also masterfully creates an atmosphere steeped in angst and dread. His characters are complex and incredibly well-developed, adding layers of depth to an already gripping narrative. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series, The Doll’s House.

My recommendation: read it!