The Echo Man – Major Crimes Series #1

Author: Sam Holland
Genre: Crime Thriller
400 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books, 2022

Synopsis
Sam Holland’s chilling debut draws inspiration from infamous serial killer cases, culminating in the ultimate, heart-pounding copycat tale.

Detectives Cara Elliott and Noah Deakin are on the case of a series of seemingly unconnected murders, each different in method, but each shocking and brutal. As the body count increases, they can’t ignore the details that echo famous cases of the past—Manson, Kemper, Dahmer, and more. As Elliott and Deakin get closer to unmasking the killer, the murders are moving closer to home.

Meanwhile, Jessica Ambrose is on the run. She’s been implicated as the arsonist who killed her neglectful husband and injured her young daughter. With the help of disgraced and suspended detective Nate Griffin, Jess discovers a shocking link between her case and that of the ultimate copycat killer working on his horrifying masterpiece.

My review
The Echo Man by Sam Holland is the first installment in the Major Crimes series. A vicious serial killer recreating infamous crime scenes from the works of notorious murderers like Manson, Dahmer, and Kemper instantly grabbed my attention! Dark, twisted, and utterly gripping, this is a standout debut from Holland.

Holland crafted compelling characters, particularly suspended detective Nate Griffin. He’s determined, obsessed, unconventional, sharp, and edgy—a troubled, complex figure who drew me deeper into the story and held my attention. On the other hand, the storyline involving Jessica Ambrose felt somewhat underdeveloped. While her role in the plot is important, the rapid development of her intimate relationship with Griffin felt forced and unrealistic. The emotional connection between the two characters, though central to their arcs, lacked the gradual buildup that would have made it more believable. This rushed dynamic detracted from an otherwise gripping and well-constructed plot, leaving me less invested in her character and their relationship.

The chapters are short and the pacing is steady, making The Echo Man an engaging read from start to finish. Holland is a talented storyteller, and she effortlessly revealed the twists and turns of the plot without overwhelming the narrative with unnecessary detail or dragging out the suspense. At just under 400 pages, the novel strikes the perfect balance between length and depth, making it an ideal choice for a single afternoon of uninterrupted reading.

The Echo Man is a compelling and entertaining serial killer thriller that delivers all the gritty, grisly elements you expect from the genre. From the very beginning, I was quickly drawn into the dark and twisted storyline, captivated by the high stakes and the chilling details of the crimes. Holland masterfully weaves together a plot full of tension and suspense, with each chapter heightening the sense of danger and urgency as the killer’s gruesome methods are revealed. This debut novel hints at a promising future for Holland in crime fiction and I look forward to reading the next installment.

My recommendation: read it!