Portobello Book Blog

When the author of Flowers for the Dead asked if I would like to read and review her book I said as long as it’s not too gruesome! I like crime and psychological thrillers but I don’t do gruesome. Well, it is true that the ritual which serial killer Adam performs after he’s killed his victims did make me shudder, but this book is really gripping and the dark aspects didn’t put me off. Flowers for the Dead tells the story of Adam who, as I mentioned, is a serial killer and his obsession with Laura. Will she be his next victim?

I really enjoyed the way this story unfolded. As the story goes on, we learn of Adam’s life from when he was a young boy and as he grows up. Each chapter also has scenes set in the present where we follow his current obsession with Laura. Laura has lost her entire family in a tragic accident and, not surprisingly, is struggling to cope. She is very vulnerable, just the type of woman Adam seeks out. Adam was a very lonely though sensitive young boy, fascinated by fairy tales and is looking for his ‘happy ever after’. I wondered how this troubled boy became the obsessive damaged young man of the present and a psychotic serial killer. As I read, the author begins to reveal how this happened. He has had a difficult childhood with only his grandmother really understanding him and showing him love.

The author creates a real sense of unease throughout the book and I felt genuinely worried for Laura. It was shocking and quite scary just how much information stalkers can find out online from the simplest of searches. People often reveal much more than they realise on social media and Adam was even able to find out the layout of Laura’s home from when it was previously for sale. Perfect for a stalker and the way Adam uses his knowledge means that when Laura goes to the police, she isn’t taken seriously until detective Mike gets involved. In the last few chapters, I could hardly put the book down! Would Mike figure everything out in time to save Laura?

This is an excellent, page-turner of a psychological thriller and that bit different in that you do feel a degree of sympathy for killer. I was completely enthralled by the storyline and couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was scary but believable, tense and gripping. A very cleverly constructed and well plotted story. I look forward to reading more by this author.

My grateful thanks to the author for giving me a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review. Flowers for the Dead was published on 21st September 2015 and you can order a copy here: Flowers for the Dead.

Book description

ADAM WILL DO ANYTHING TO MAKE YOU HAPPY. EVEN IF IT KILLS YOU.
Adam Bourne is a serial killer who thinks he is a saviour. When he murders young women and cuts off their lips, he believes he has done it to make them happy.  How did he become warped from the sensitive four-year-old who adored his gran and the fairy tales she read to him? What turned him into a monster who stalks his victims? And what is he trying to say with the bouquets he sends?  When he meets Laura Weir, Adam weaves a fairy tale romance around them. A tale she has no idea she is part of. As he hatches his twisted plan for their fairy tale ending, can anyone stop him before he creates the ultimate sacrifice to love?