Peter Swanson Archives

Book review: A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson

July 4, 20242 min read

A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson is the third in a (loosely linked) series. I hadn’t realised that and – as I’ve read eight of Swanson’s usually-twisted books – I only discovered belatedly I’d read the previous book in the series (The Kind Worth Saving) though not remembered the series’s namesakes in any detail.

Despite knowing of his proclivity for twisty-ness I was thrown a little in the early stages of this book as Swanson puts us in the heads of several characters he then wantonly kills off. It was a little disconcerting as I’d identified with them, not realising they weren’t going to be our main narrators.

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Book review: The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

December 13, 20232 min read

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson is a cleverly delivered story of events taking place 30 years ‘earlier’ and their repercussions. It opens in the present with a woman – alone on Christmas day – pottering around her house going through old boxes, when she comes across an old diary. She flicks through to a section she knows well wondering (though) if she’s prepared to go back and revisit that ‘murderous year’.

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Book review: The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson

January 27, 20232 min read

I’ve read a number of books by Peter Swanson however missed The Kind Worth Killing, which became the first in this series. It didn’t really matter but I’d probably recommend reading it first as I was missing a bit of context here and though this offers some spoilers, I’m keen to go back and read it because I very much liked Lily, who belatedly joins in the adventures here.

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Book review: Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson

March 28, 20212 min read

Every Vow You Break is the fifth book I’ve read by US author Peter Swanson and ever since his debut, The Girl with a Clock for a Heart, he’s offered readers something a little different. A little off-centre.

His latest is no different. In fact he’s written it in a way that the introduction misleads readers completely. I wasn’t quite sure who I should be trusting or believing. In some ways, he offers us an anti-hero who ends up being a bad guy. Like Clark Kent becoming The Joker. Or something.

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Book review: Rules for Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

April 10, 20203 min read

Peter Swanson’s latest release Rules for Perfect Murders (also released elsewhere as Eight Perfect Murders) is a very clever novel. I notice Anthony Horowitz has offered up a recommendation quote for the cover, which makes sense as it’s reminiscent of his (more traditional crime fiction) work as well.

I guess, by its nature the book is (in fact) a homage to crime fiction – particularly that by some of the greats. It’s twisty and very intelligently written. Indeed it’s very different. It could have been amazing but (though still a good read) I felt it fell slightly short of its potential.

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Book review: Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson

November 30, 20192 min read

I only requested this book for review recently, though it was released earlier this year. I’ve read two books by Peter Swanson and still remember the beguiling title of his debut… The Girl With a Clock for a Heart.

His novels are satisfyingly twisty with complex characters, usually with frailties and there’s often moral or ethical challenge at the heart of the book. His latest is no different.

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Book review: Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson

January 25, 20172 min read

I’d seen this book on a few blogs before my copy arrived and had an unfortunate case of book envy. It’s exactly the sort of novel I adore and I was starting to worry it was out overseas but not here.

Thankfully, fate, luck and the gods were all on my side as the book arrived and – despite some other commitments – I was able to polish it off in a couple of days.

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Book Review: The Girl With A Clock For A Heart

January 31, 20143 min read

In his freshman year of college George Foss fell in love with The Girl with a Clock for a Heart. And now, 20 years after she disappeared from his life (and after many false alarms), he spots her in a Boston bar.

George knows Liana’s appearance in an obscure local tavern can’t be a coincidence. He realises she’s trouble but at the same time knows he’s powerless to refuse any request.

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