Review: Blindsighted

Medical examiner Sara Linton finds a young college professor dead in the local diner, horribly raped and viciously murdered. A second victim is later found crucified and police chief Jeffrey Tolliver, Sara's ex-husband, realises that he has got a serial killer on his hands.

'Blindsighted' is Slaughter's first novel and has been heavily hyped by authors and readers alike. One of the main points of the novel on which it would be wise to dwell is the large amount of graphic, visual violence against women through a series of rapes and murders. Some people have lambasted Slaughter, killing the violence gratuitous and much too explicit. However, in my opinion, this is not the case. The violence is necessary for the story and many other authors have written stuff that is more violent. True, it is shocking, but this is Slaughter's aim and underlines the sheer evil of her killer.

The novel has a fast pace and Slaughter does not leave a lot of time for thinking. She has created some very interesting characters and the relationship between Tolliver and Linton works especially well. She also succeeds in creating the idea that these characters are human and will be changed by the events in 'Blindsighted', in readiness for the sequel, 'Kisscut', which I will be reading without any qualms at all.

The motive for the killer is intriguing and Slaughter does not give any real clues as to his identity until the very end of the novel, throwing in a few more surprises along the way. Overall, 'Blindsighted' is a taut, exciting and enjoyable thriller, which is even more surprising since this is the author's first work. It is one that I recommend, but with the proviso that it is a gory book. Only one question remains for me - Century chose to market it in England by linking it to Patricia Cornwell. Why on earth did they do that? Slaughter beats Cornwell's mark by a mile.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Book Review: Blindsighted