The Puppet Master by Sam Holland

 

When an agoraphobic jumps in front of a train everyone assumes suicide. DCI Cara Elliot isn’t so sure. Why would an agoraphobic leave their home to end their life? Two more suspicious deaths in quick succession have the team wondering if they have a serial killer on their hands.

The Puppet Master by Sam Holland is book 3 in the Major Crimes series. Anyone who has read the previous books, The Echo Man and The Twenty will know that the author pulls no punches regarding serial killers. This time around the killing is far more insidious with someone seemingly persuading people to end their lives. Some of the descriptions are graphic so we still have the same dark and disturbing tone we expect from the author.

You don't need to have read the previous two books in the series to enjoy The Puppet Master, however, events that took place in the preceding books are mentioned. By reading the previous books you will have a greater understanding of the team dynamics and what motivates the actions of some of the members.

It is when three suicides take place in a short space of time that Cara realises that something is wrong. Her team is depleted following the events of the previous two books. She also needs someone she can trust, who thinks outside the box, and who understands what it is to reach rock bottom. Hence, Cara persuades her brother Nate Griffin to return to policing.

There are no obvious links between the victims so the team is expanded again by introducing a tech expert, someone who can search the internet looking for connections. However, no matter how deep they dig nothing seems to connect the individuals. While they investigate the killer claims more victims.

Fans of the series will be well aware that no one is safe in a Sam Holland book, even those trying to track down the killer. With a murderer intent on killing those struggling with their mental health more than one of the team could be in danger of becoming prey.

Unexplained deaths, fallible characters and an unrelenting pace keep you turning the pages. The conclusion will have you holding your breath. As for the epilogue, I just wonder what is lined up for the next book in the series.

The Puppet Master by Sam Holland will be published on 9^th May 2024 in paperback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy.

Author Details

Sam Holland is the award-winning author of the Major Crimes series, following detectives as they investigate murders committed by brutal serial killers in the south of England. Her debut, The Echo Man, shocked and enthralled readers and reviewers alike with its sinister depiction of a serial killer copying notorious real-life murderers of the past.

Her books have been published in 11 countries worldwide, including the US, Germany and the Netherlands, where she became the first author to win the Bronze Bat for her debut and the Silver Bat for best thriller in consecutive years at the Nederlands Thrillerfestival.