Friday, 14 March 2025

The Crime Writer by Diane Jeffrey

Dear friends. I'm back with an intriguing thriller today. A renowned crime writer comes under suspicion when the body of a woman is found on Exmoor in this twisty novel from Diane Jeffrey. Join me on the book blog tour for The Crime Writer.

Publisher's Description

2019. Leona Walsh, a 34-year-old wife and mother vanishes on a bitterly cold afternoon while out jogging on the edge of Exmoor. It’s a mystery which captures public interest and ignites wild speculation. The police have a prime suspect: Leona’s husband, Matthew, a renowned crime writer. He can plot the perfect crime. But is he capable of committing the perfect murder?

Despite extensive searches, the police find no trace of Leona and her disappearance remains shrouded in mystery. As public interest dwindles, Matthew returns to raising their two daughters, aware the cloud of suspicion is never far away.

2024. Some human bones are discovered in a garden. Could they be Leona’s remains? And if so, is there enough evidence to find out what really happened five years ago?

Journalist Gabriela Conti covered the news story back in 2019. The police may have stopped watching Matthew, but Gabriella hasn’t forgotten him. And she is determined this case will define her career… even if that means getting close to a murderer.

My Thoughts

Hugely engaging and gripping book - I couldn't wait for my daily reading slot. The characters are skilfully drawn. Matt the crime writer, whose wife had gone missing in mysterious circumstances, was not a very trustworthy character. We knew he had secrets. But was he capable of murder?

Diane Jeffrey releases clues very gradually, leaving us desperate, rather than impatient, for more. The pace and tone changed towards the end and it was as if normality was gradually returning after a maelstrom of agony and deception. Fantastic but devastating twist. Loved it and will seek out more books from this author.