Title: The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson
An Inspector Anjelica Henley Thriller Book One
Publisher: Hanover Square Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 4103 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
A serial killer and his copycat are locked in a violent game of cat and mouse. Can DI Anjelica Henley stop them before it’s too late?
On the day she returns to active duty with the Serial Crimes Unit, Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley is called to a crime scene. Dismembered body parts from two victims have been found by the river.
The modus operandi bears a striking resemblance to Peter Olivier, the notorious Jigsaw Killer, who has spent the past two years behind bars. When he learns that someone is co-opting his grisly signature—the arrangement of victims’ limbs in puzzle-piece shapes—he decides to take matters into his own hands.
As the body count rises, DI Anjelica Henley is faced with an unspeakable new threat. Can she apprehend the copycat killer before Olivier finds a way to get to him first? Or will she herself become the next victim?
Drawing on her experience as a criminal attorney, debut novelist Nadine Matheson delivers the page-turning crime novel of the year. Taut, vivid and addictively sinister, The Jigsaw Man will leave you breathless until the very last page.
Review:
The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson is a chilling mystery.
Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley’s first case back in the field involves the grisly discovery of two dismembered bodies. She is less than thrilled to be assigned to work with Trainee Detective Constable Salim Ramouter. The killings are eerily similar to a case she worked a few years ago. Peter Olivier is serving a life sentence for the conviction of the earlier murders. Anjelica suspects the copycat killer might be in contact with Olivier since the certain aspects of the current murders so closely resemble his murders. With Salim in tow, Anjelica journeys to HMP Belmarsh prison to question Olivier. Will the convicted murderer provide any details that will assist them in their investigation?
Anjelica’s first confrontation with Olivier did not end well and she is still struggling with the aftereffects of their first encounter. But she is determined to not let the past interfere with the present investigation so she powers through her unease. Anjelica has many years of experience but she and Salim quickly hit a few roadblocks after another person is killed in the same manner. They continue to hope Olivier will provide them with information that will help track down the killer before he strikes again.
Anjelica is trying to balance her career with motherhood and marriage. Her husband Rob is understandably concerned for her safety, but he makes unreasonable demands. Anjelica is frustrated when he takes matters into his own hands and becomes even more intractable. Will these concerns about her marriage distract her from her investigation?
Much to Anjelica’s dismay, Olivier manages to stay a few steps of her and Ramouter as they try to find a connection between him and the copycat. They discover a visitor of his who might provide answers but he stubbornly remains silent. Anjelica and Salim also wonder if the copycat has murdered before. Once they finally understand the link between the current murders and Olivier, will they identify him before it is too late?
The Jigsaw Man is a riveting mystery with a captivating storyline. Anjelica is a bit rough around the edges, but this does not detract from her appeal. Salim might be new to the police force, but he has keen instincts. He and Anjelica prove to be a formidable team as they hunt for the copycat killer. With the tension ratcheting higher with each chapter, Nadine Matheson brings this unsettling mystery to an edge of the seat conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this enthralling mystery to fans of the genre.
