Review - The Laughing Policeman by Elizabeth J. Brown

Synopsis -

The law failed him. The demon won’t.

Charlie Haynes is an ageing ex-detective, working unsolved cases. Obsessed with cleanliness and order, Charlie is a loner who trades on his experience of grisly crimes, and struggles to maintain a relationship with his adult daughter.

When three teenagers are murdered in a public cemetery, the ritualistic killings show similarities to one of Charlie’s old investigations: a savage serial killer who targeted the members of a notorious Traveller family, the Boswells.

Charlie is called in to speak to the one surviving witness, whose terrifying testimony confirms his fear: the Caravan Cannibal is back, roused by the reappearance of an ancient dagger that has haunted Charlie throughout his career.

As Charlie realises he has a personal connection to the killer, he must confront his own demons to protect the last remaining Boswells, Ciara, and her young daughter, Addy, and free an innocent from the grip of an insatiable evil.

Review -

As far as debut novels go, this has to be one of the most entertaining that I have ever had the pleasure to read. A demon, a serial killer, and a host of great characters. What more could you ask for?

This to me, almost felt like two different stories melded together into one. The first part of the book sets things up brilliantly for the second half, which takes place three decades in the future.

As mentioned above, the character development here is fantastic, as is the storytelling and pacing of this book. I will definitely be getting my hands on the sequel ASAP, as I really want more of Charlie and Diane.

You can grab a copy HERE.

5 stars out of 5