The Lucky Ones
"There is something very bewitching about Mark Edwards' novels."
Synopsis:
It was the happiest day of her life. Little did she know it was also her last.
When a woman's body is found in the grounds of a ruined priory, Detective Imogen Evans realises she is dealing with a serial killer - a killer whose victims appear to die in a state of bliss, eyes open, smiles forever frozen on their faces.
A few miles away, single dad Ben Hofland believes his fortunes are changing at last. Forced to move back to the sleepy village where he grew up following the breakdown of his marriage, Ben finally finds work. What's more, the bullies who have been terrorising his son, Ollie, disappear. For the first time in months, Ben feels lucky.
But he is unaware that someone is watching him and Ollie. Someone who wants nothing but happiness for Ben. Happiness ... and death.
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Review:
There is something very bewitching about Mark Edwards' novels. Within the first chapter you're sucked in and can concentrate on very little else until you've read that final page. Last year, it was 'The Devil's Work', this time, 'The Lucky Ones' has been occupying my mind over the past few days. Throughout the novel we follow the story of Ben Hofland and his son who are adapting to life in a Shropshire village from London. Ben is not happy. However, things are beginning to look up. Ben is a very likeable and relatable character. This is where Edwards' power lies, in creating believable character we can champion. Detective Imogen Evans, leading the investigation into the killer isn't without charm. She could so easily have been two-dimensional and a mere story arch, but Mark Edwards gives all of his players a rich history the reader can get involved in. Edwards is a superior psychological thriller writer. He knows how to entertain his audience and throw us red herrings to keep us hooked. The structure of 'The Lucky Ones' is spot on. As for the plot, it's highly original and ingenious - a killer making people happy before they die. It's chilling and frightening, yet utterly gripping. With novels as brilliant as this, we readers are indeed the lucky ones.