Never Look Back by Clare Donoghue, a Mysterious Review.

Review: Clare Donoghue introduces Detective Inspector Mike Lockyer of the Murder and Serious Crimes Squad in South East London in Never Look Back.

Two women have been murdered in close proximity to each other suggesting a single culprit. Yet no one saw or heard anything. Now a third woman is found, one bearing a striking resemblance to Lockyer's daughter Megan. And an earring from one of the victims is found in the room of Lockyer's autistic brother Bobby, who is in an assisted living facility. Is someone playing a sadistic game with Lockyer?

Meanwhile, Lockyer's partner, Detective Sergeant Jane Bennett, is dealing with a woman, who has complained about a stalker, someone constantly calling her and hanging up and leaving notes on her doorstep. Though it seems unlikely, Lockyer senses there is a connection between the murders and the stalker. But what it might be he simply doesn't know.

Never Look Back is a thrilling, suspenseful police procedural. The cold snowy nights helped make the action scenes even more chilling and gripping. The characters are well-drawn and fully realized. If the first of a series, it is a strong start. If not, it is a solid crime novel that is well worth seeking out.

Special thanks to guest reviewer Betty of The Betz Review for contributing her review of Never Look Back.

Acknowledgment: Minotaur Books provided a copy of Never Look Back for this review.

Never Look Back

A Novel of Suspense by Clare Donoghue