Imposter (Alexander Gregory Thrillers) by L.J. Ross

ABOUT THE BOOK

There’s a killer inside all of us…

After an elite criminal profiling unit is shut down amidst a storm of scandal and mismanagement, only one person emerges unscathed. Forensic psychologist Doctor Alexander Gregory has a reputation for being able to step inside the darkest minds to uncover whatever secrets lie hidden there and, soon enough, he finds himself drawn into the murky world of murder investigation.

In the beautiful hills of County Mayo, Ireland, a killer is on the loose. Panic has a stranglehold on its rural community and the Garda are running out of time. Gregory has sworn to follow a quiet life but, when the call comes, can he refuse to help their desperate search for justice?

Murder and mystery are peppered with dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the spectacular Irish landscape.

MY REVIEW

“Killers are not born. They’re made.”

I indulge in British thrillers from time to time and was excited to read my first L.J. Ross mystery, which didn’t disappoint. Who can say no to an excellent mystery packed with intriguing characters and a jaw-dropping ending?

The story opens with a gut-wrenching scene where a mother’s lifeless body is discovered by her young daughter. The small Irish town of Ballyfinny becomes the backdrop for a chilling tale, where a predator lurks in the shadows and tension hangs heavy in the air. Enter Dr. Alexander Gregory, a senior psychologist from Southmoor High Security Psychiatric Hospital in London, who steps in to profile the killer. 

The townsfolk aren’t exactly welcoming to an outsider, especially not to an Englishman telling them how to handle a crime that hits too close to home. As Alex delves into the investigation, he’s constantly aware he’s walking on eggshells, especially given that the mayor is the mother of two local police officers. However, Alex is very professional, respectful, and patient as he gathers the clues and meets with potential witnesses and suspects. 

What is also intriguing is that, during the investigation, Alex is haunted by nightmares of a psych patient who took the unthinkable step of murdering her own children, raising the question of what ties her past to the increasing violence in Ballyfinny? The killer’s fixation on mothers is a chilling portrayal that builds, where everything culminates in a mad dash through a bad storm to prevent another heart-wrenching loss. 

Alex is a puzzle. He’s a lonely figure with a few carefully chosen friends and no romantic relationships, and he strides through life knowing he never quite belongs anywhere. His vulnerability strikes a chord because he’s not just stepping into the minds of others, but he’s hiding from his own issues. The glimpse into his past shocked this reader.

The locals, including Maggie, the town mayor, and her sons Niall and Connor, add a personal touch with their intriguing backstory and closeness to one another. A closeness that the killer is apparently missing.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing while tapping into the emotions of the characters, good and bad, this book definitely deserves a spot on your reading list. 

Thank you to Ms. Ross for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Alexander Gregory Thriller Series

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

LJ Ross is an international bestselling author, best known for creating atmospheric mystery and thriller novels.

Louise was born in Northumberland, England. She studied undergraduate and postgraduate Law at King’s College, University of London and then abroad in Paris and Florence. She spent much of her working life in London, where she was a lawyer for a number of years until taking the decision to change career and pursue her dream to write. Now, she writes full-time and lives with her family Northumberland, where she enjoys reading all manner of books, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Louise is a keen philanthropist, and is pleased to have supported numerous non-profit programmes in addition to founding several of her own, including the Lindisfarne Reading Challenge and the Lindisfarne Prize for Debut Crime Fiction.

Follow Louise on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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