The Quiet Kill is yet another outstanding thriller from Robert Bryndza, and it's everything I've come to expect from an author who has never once let me down. I've been reading his books since his very first novel, and each release reminds me why he's one of my favourite authors. His writing is flawless, his plots are meticulously crafted, and every story is immersive from the very first page. Detective Jamie Day arrives in London in 1987 eager to prove himself with the Met Police, but his first day takes a dark turn when he discovers a dismembered body. As more young men are murdered across the city, Jamie and his team must hunt a serial killer before another victim is claimed. One of the aspects I found particularly compelling was the dual POV narrative. Alongside Jamie's investigation, we get glimpses into the killer's mind, which added an extra layer of tension and intrigue to the story. Whether it was observing his disturbing sense of control and calm when dealing with victims or witnessing the more frantic and chaotic moments, it provided a fascinating and unsettling insight into his thought processes. This contrast between the detective and the killer made the story even more gripping. One of Robert's greatest strengths has always been his characters. They feel authentic, complex, and emotionally engaging. I found myself completely invested in their journeys, desperately hoping they would succeed while worrying about what might happen to them next. As always, Robert Bryndza delivers a perfectly paced, intelligent thriller that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The story is carefully thought out, the suspense never lets up, and every piece fits together seamlessly. If you've enjoyed his previous books, you'll love this one, and if you're discovering his work for the first time, you're in for a real treat. An easy five stars from me. I already can't wait to see what Robert writes next.

Originally a standalone police procedural thriller but the author has confirmed that this is now the first in a new series. Excellent news. It is 1987 and DC Jamie Day is driving from his home in Suffolk to start a new job with London metropolitan police. His first day on the job and he is the first to attend at Leyton Train Station in East London where a dismembered body has been found. As always a fast paced and well written story. Briefly, with the investigation ongoing the body of another young man turns up in a similar circumstances and it becomes clear that a serial rapist and killer is at large. With detective work limited by lack of technology, as we know it in the 2020’s, it needs good old fashioned shoe leather and insight for Jamie and his fellow detectives to try and solve what is a baffling case. I love that the years of my late 20’s are now considered historical! How did I ever live without a mobile phone! This is a period when AIDS is treated like the black plague and anyone living with it discriminated against, homophobia is rife and misogyny commonplace. There are scenes of a graphic and violent nature that could make difficult reading for some but they are not gratuitous. A very good police procedural and I’m liking the main character a lot. Great read.

Horrifying and graphic serial murder mystery - this one's not for the faint hearted. It takes place in 1987 and Jamie Day 25 (a new character for Bryndza) is on the way to his new job as DC in the Met murder squad. On his move from Lowestoft to London he receives a pager message to go to a murder scene first thing - before he's even arrived! It's a wonderful placement in London of 1987 (I read in the author's note that he was only 8 at the time and can truly state he's made an accurate description of the time and place; very evocative). Bryndza has also captured a lot of the prejudices towards gay men, people with AIDS and mistaken assumptions. Also attitudes within the police are shown to have improved since the 60s and 70, but the sexism is still there (accurate). If I was to make any observation it would be that some of them are a bit too advanced in their PC thinking for the actual time! There's a serial killer out there. It's Jamie's first case with the murder squad - can he prove himself? Can't wait for the follow-up - there HAS to be one