by Richard Montanari (Sphere)
Dark and horribly compelling, The Doll Maker has a plot guaranteed to resonate with all those readers who enjoy a macabre tale – the sort of tale that makes you think twice about turning the lights off when the eyelids finally droop over the page.
It won’t be much of a spoiler to say that early on, a killer – who likes to use a blow torch to finish off his live victims – is a worthy victim himself. This is a thriller with peripheral warped characters who well deserve untimely ends.
But it is the sinister, disturbing and sartorially fastidious Mr Marseille and his “dearest love” and kindred spirit, Anabelle, (their formal invitation to a tea dance is a must to avoid), who will seduce with their warped ways.
And their ways are many, not the least their theatrical penchant for posing their hapless prey on a newly painted park bench.
Detectives Jessica Balzano and Kevin Byrne have the task of catching the psychopathic duo who are ramping up set crime scenes and bodies with some speed.
A crime spree, 10 years before, where a young child was murdered and other children went missing, is giving Byrne extra impetus.
Haunted by what happened, Byrne feels an oddly personal connection to the former crime and alleged perpetrator. He is determined to resolve all the loose ends finally.
“Master of suspense” is a well-used phrase, but Richard Montanari is deserving of the accolade.
His characters are always well drawn and compelling and, plotwise, he has a disquieting way of picking up on the seemingly ordinary and giving it a macabre twist.
Then again, antique dolls, a few of which play roles herein, have always given me the creeps.