Cat and Mouse

Author: MJ Arlidge
Genre: Crime/Police Procedural Thriller
512 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK, 2024

Synopsis
When you think you’re safe,
When you think you’re all alone,
That’s when he’ll come for you…

A silent killer stalks the city, targeting those home alone at night – killing without pity or remorse.

As panic spreads, Detective Inspector Helen Grace leads the investigation, but is herself a hunted woman, her every step dogged by a ruthless killer bent on revenge.

As she tracks the murderer, Grace begins to suspect there is a truly shocking home truth that connects these brutal crimes. But what she will find is something more twisted than she could ever suspect…

Check the windows, lock the doors – this is a twisted page-turner that will prey on your darkest fears, in the way only M.J. Arlidge can.

My review
Cat and Mouse by MJ Arlidge is the 11th novel in the Helen Grace series. Dark, brutal, and packed with tension, Arlidge has delivered another well-written and thrilling police procedural. Helen Grace remains one of the most compelling investigators in crime fiction, and I was eager to dive into this installment. Having followed this series for years, it’s always a pleasure to reconnect with some of my favorite characters in the genre. Each book feels like a treat, and this reliably entertaining series never disappoints. Arlidge’s talent for crafting gritty, addictive crime novels set in a contemporary world with mostly believable characters shines yet again. I’m a huge fan!

In this story, a ruthless axe killer stalks the streets of Southampton, leaving the police baffled by the lack of a clear motive or connection between the victims. As Grace struggles to uncover a link between the crimes, she faces mounting pressure from her boss. Even her reliable sidekick, Charlie, seems distracted and off her game. Meanwhile, Grace is being targeted by a killer from her previous case, and her vindictive ex, DS Joseph Hudson, is determined to destroy her career. Adding to the chaos, local reporter Emily Garanita lurks nearby, eager to capitalize on any misstep that could turn Grace’s downfall into front-page news.

The pacing in this book is, as always, outstanding, with short, high-impact chapters that often end on cliffhangers, pulling me into the irresistible urge to read “just one more chapter.” Even though it’s been a while since I read the previous novel, it’s easy to remember why this series is so addictive. The balance of detail is perfect, providing just enough to create a vivid sense of place and character without ever slowing the momentum. Every scene is thoughtfully crafted and used to its fullest effect, which is especially important in this installment as it not only tackles a seemingly unsolvable series of crimes but also casts a dark shadow over Grace herself.

Cat and Mouse is a fantastic addition to the Helen Grace series. With pulse-pounding action, a killer driven by dark and twisted motives, and a storyline filled with tension and suspense, this thriller is impossible to put down. It’s another classic Helen Grace novel and I look forward to reading the latest in the series, Forget Me Not. Highly recommended!

My recommendation: definitely worth the read, especially for fans of the series!