Holly Wakefield has a routine life - splitting her time between teaching students at King's College about forensic psychology and treating patients at Wetherington Hospital. Her knowledge about forensic psychology, especially in regards to serial killers, makes her a walking encyclopedia of twisted minds - and that knowledge will soon be put to the test. When she receives a phone call from Detective Inspector Bishop, she is confused at first, until he reminds her that she volunteered to be on the crime scene call out list if they ever needed a forensic psychologist. When she arrives at the crime scene she isn't sure what to expect, in five years she has never been called upon before - but the gruesome crime scene is a shock even to Holly.
As she starts working on the case it is clear that her experience and knowledge of serial killers is an advantage, as she is quickly able to build a profile of the killer. It's not perfect, she can't give them a name or a face, but she is able to provide enough information for the Police to begin their search. When the murder is linked to another case, DI Bishop and Holly have to face the fact that they have their own serial killer. Balancing her work as a teacher, profiler and forensic psychologist is not easy - especially with an important date looming on the horizon for one of her favourite patients at Wetherington.
The longer Holly works on the case the more connections she see's, but not everyone agrees with her - and because forensic psychology is an art as much as a science it is not easy to convince everyone about her conclusions. They don't know it, but DI Bishop and Holly are in a race against time to stop another murder - one that will bring Holly's past into the present. Everyone has secrets, but the secrets Holly keeps are darker than most.
When darkness calls is the first book in the Holly Wakefiled thriller series. It is a perfect balance between Police procedural and forensic psychology - told from the point of view of the psychologist rather than the Police. It is a fresh take, bringing all the drama and forensic detail you expect from a crime thriller, but it brings a more human perspective and approach - especially as this is Holly's first case working with the Police. The book is well written and has a good pace, and there are little breadcrumbs throughout that hint at what is to come - a chance to test your observational skills and see if you can reach the right conclusion before the end.
There is great character development, over the course of this first book in the series we get to meet Holly and Bishop - and we get to start peeling back the layers of who they are. Holly is particularly interesting as a character because of her knowledge of serial killers and the macabre - and Bishop is interesting because of his background and limitations (no spoilers here). I look forward to reading the next book in the series - though I may have to pace myself as book four in the series isn't due to be released until next year!
If you like this book then try:
- When I was ten by Fiona Cummins
- Sticks and stones by Katherine Firkin
- The puppet show by M.W. Craven
- The edge of normal by Carla Norton
- Every last fear by Alex Finlay
- Eeny meeny by M.J. Arlidge
- The liar's daughter by Claire Allan
- Good me bad me by Ali Land
- The coast to coast murders by James Patterson and J.D.Barker
Reviewed by Brilla
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