#MINIREVIEW: Rules for perfect murders by Peter Swanson #250WordsOrLess #NetGalley #Gifted #ProvidedForReview #RulesforPerfectMurders

I have been meaning to review Rules for perfect murders by Peter Swanson for ages now. ABSOLUTELY AGES. I read it, I loved it and then I wasn’t in the mood to write the review – does that happen to anyone else? #BadBookBlogger

Book Blurb:

Eight classic murders. One killer thriller fan…

The gripping new thriller from the master of psychological suspense.

A series of unsolved murders with one thing in common: each of the deaths bears an eerie resemblance to the crimes depicted in classic mystery novels.

The deaths lead FBI Agent Gwen Mulvey to mystery bookshop Old Devils. Owner Malcolm Kershaw had once posted online an article titled ‘My Eight Favourite Murders,’ and there seems to be a deadly link between the deaths and his list – which includes Agatha Christie’s The ABC Murders, Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train and Donna Tartt’s The Secret History.

Can the killer be stopped before all eight of these perfect murders have been re-enacted?

What an interesting idea for a thriller! A murder mystery based on other murder mysteries in famous books – how has this not been done before?!?!

As I would expect from Peter Swanson it was all well written, well-paced and the characters were all flawed, dark and brooding. For me, it was a quick read and I flew through the pages, but the story did not feel rushed.  It was all very well done.  Did I guess the plot twists? Some of them. But not quite all of them and even if I had I doubt it would have made reading it any less fun. I will take a solid, well plotted ending any day over a shock final twist. 

What really stood out for me in Rules for perfect murders was Peter Swanson’s genuine love of the mystery/thriller genre – he is an incredible author but also a clear fan. But be prepared and warned the book does contain spoilers for all the books mentioned – If they are still sitting on your TBR pile maybe pick them up first. From my notes I believe that the story revolves around –The A.B.C Murders, The Drowner, Strangers on a Train, Red House Mystery, Malice Aforethought, Double Indemnity, Deathtrap and The Secret History. A great selection right – although I have only read a couple.

I absolutely love literary references in my fiction, who doesn’t?!?!

I would happily recommend Rules for perfect murders to anyone and everyone – a great read from beginning to end. GREAT.

Very mini review (10 words) –

A perfect twisty read for fans of the mystery genre.

Rules for perfect murders by Peter Swanson was published on the 5th of March 2020 – I received a copy of the book for review from the publisher, via NetGalley – Thank you!

Have you read it? Are you a fan of Peter Swanson?