Book Review – #UpCloseAndFatal by @fergusmcneill

Huge thanks to Fergus McNeill for sending me a copy of his latest book, Up Close And Fatal. I loved his last novel, Ashes Of America, so didn’t hesitate at the chance to read his new one. Before I give you my thoughts, here’s the blurb.

 

The Blurb

On the road. With a serial killer.

It begins with a list of names – past and future victims. When struggling reporter Tom Pritchard receives it in the mail, he’s scared, though he knows this could be the story he needs to save his career.

Especially if he can help the police to catch the killer.

But this isn’t a typical murderer. This is someone patient and ruthless, someone who’s been planning for years. Soon, the tables are turned and Tom finds himself trapped on a terrifying road trip across the US, racing from victim to victim. His only hope of saving his family is to understand the killer but, to do that, he’ll need to be close. And although he doesn’t know it yet, that’s exactly where the killer wants him to be. 

My Review

 

I’m wondering where to start with this review. First off, Fergus McNeill must have done a lot of research for this story. The serial killer takes Tom on a journey, both literally and metaphorically, and we, as readers, go with them. They cross states, change cars and number plates, stay in motels. Like Tom, I was impressed by the meticulous planning done by the serial killer. It made me wonder how Fergus McNeill knows all this!

There are murders in the book. Some we see ‘up close and fatal’ along with Tom; others happen in the background. McNeill hasn’t shied away from this and it is somewhat disturbing. But it should be, as Tom discovers. He’s in the impossible situation of his son’s life being threatened if he tries to stop the killer in any way. It’s a trope that’s used often but I’ve never seen it used like this before. Tom’s moral dilemma comes across clearly.

It’s a long book but utterly compelling. I didn’t rush it though. Just as Tom’s journey took time, I took time to read and really absorb the story. It reminded me a bit of Epiphany Jones by Michael Grothaus, in that there’s an epic journey to discover the truth and the killer. In this case, the killer is with Tom all along.

Other than one tiny suspicion about something, I couldn’t work out how it would all end. It’s not the easiest book to read in terms of some of the content, but it’s one hell of a read. In fact, I’d go as far as to say… it’s extraordinary. (If you’ve been following my blog for the last few years, then you’ll know what that means.)

The other amazing thing about this book is that it’s self-published. As such, you’ll need to go to a certain retailer to buy it and you can do so here. 

 

About the Author

As well as writing crime novels, Fergus McNeill has been creating computer games since the early eighties, writing his first interactive fiction titles while still at school. Over the years he has designed, directed and illustrated all sorts of games, spoken at the Cannes Film Festival, and failed to excel at any sport whatsoever. He wishes he could cook.

Fergus lives in Hampshire with his wife and their enormous cat. He is the author of the Detective Harland series (EYE CONTACT, KNIFE EDGE and CUT OUT, plus the short novella BROKEN FALL) and the historical thriller ASHES OF AMERICA.

You can read his blog at http://www.fergusmcneill.co.uk, like his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/fergusmcneillauthor or follow him on Twitter @fergusmcneill