Introduction
Hello, Bookworm Buddies. I had an amazing opportunity to read the ARC copy of “The Crying Killer” by Jess Lourey. And I would say I loved the book and did not see the plot twist coming. Also, I would like to thank Grace from BookSparks and NetGalley for giving me this amazing opportunity to read the book.
I don’t know where to start with this book, but it kept me hooked till the last page. At the starting the author’s note about the serial killers and their effect on the victims gave me chills even before starting the book. I am glad the author mentioned the case that the book is inspired by, as I didn’t know about the case.
So, Let’s start the book review!
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About The Crying Killer by Jess Lourey
Content/Trigger Warnings: Murder, Severe Trauma, Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Stalking.
A woman’s secret. A small town with a dark past. A serial killer bent on revenge. Lies kill in a shocking true crime–inspired thriller by the Edgar-nominated author of The Quarry Girls.
Tuesday Hendrickson has spent eight years running from memories of that night. Her sister’s screams. Blood on the walls. And Arsen Bauer, a monster known as the Crying Killer, shot down in a barrage of bullets as he fled. Case closed.
Intending to build a safe new identity out of the ashes, Tuesday changed her last name and moved away. She’s now a private investigator who guards herself and her daughter, Julia, like their lives depend on it. And maybe they do. Because unless she’s imagining things, Tuesday has seen Arsen on the streets of Saint Paul. She’d know her sister’s killer anywhere.
When bodies begin surfacing bearing the Crying Killer’s brutal and unmistakable signature, Tuesday is certain he’s coming for them. Except no one believes that but her. As her paranoia intensifies, she is left with a terrible choice: unearth the shocking secret she buried with her sister, or become the Crying Killer’s next victim.
My Review
I will be reviewing this book using the CAWPILE rating system. To know more about the CAWPILE rating system, check out this page.
Characters: (10/10)
All the characters of the book were complicated and quite good. Complicated means their stories were complex, and we can see why they were the way they were by understanding them. I would say it is a character-driven story for me. Also, it is inspired by a true crime story, and it was my first time reading it; mind you, it was quite chilling. It focuses mainly on the victims of the serial killer and not on the serial killer itself.
It puts into perspective how a victim/survivors life changes completely after these incidents. And we, as a society, just forget them and glorify the serial killer or are interested in the serial killer’s story only. While the survivors’ lives after the incident are all about doubting everyone, constantly living in fear, and never returning to normal.
Was that the way of parents everywhere? Holding back life’s storm clouds so their children could walk in the sunlight?
Atmosphere: (10/10)
It’s terrible and scary to imagine a small town buried in snow with not a single person out there. I could not imagine living there, and just reading made me shiver. This gave me the chills because I’m Indian and there isn’t snow where I live, so I probably won’t walk out alone if this happens.
Writing: (10/10)
Writing was quite good. Just the mention of one character that was he, who later turned to she, was confusing to me for some time after I got what it meant. Overall, the writing was good.
Plot: (10/10)
The plot was very good, and the plot twist literally blew my mind 🤯. And I don’t want to reveal much, but it’s a story about a girl who lives with her daughter after escaping a deadly murder that killed her sister, and now, after 8 years, there are signs in the town that are making her doubt that her sister’s killer is back and is probably coming for her. So she now has to save her daughter and herself from the killer.
Intrigue: (9/10)
The start was a bit slow for me, but by the mid-section it was very intriguing till the end. I didn’t lose interest for one second.
Logic: (10/10)
I liked this book so much that I do not want to change anything. It was well written.
Enjoyment: (10/10)
I enjoyed this book, and now I am definitely checking out more books inspired by the true crime stories. So, do recommend some in the comments! 🫰🏻
Final Rating: 69/70 (9.9)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Conclusion
In conclusion, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my bookish friends who love true crime-inspired stories. And I am excited that I unlocked a new genre that I like and would now check out more books in this genre.
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Let’s Chat!
Have you read the other books by the author? What are your thoughts about them? Do let me know in the comments! Do you like true crime-inspired books? If yes, suggest some in the comments!
