ARC Review: Little Boy Blue (A Helen Grace Thriller) by MJ Arlidge

Release Date: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Berkely Publishing Group
Format: Kindle
Pages: 400 pages
Genre: Mystery/thriller
Buy: Kindle | Paperback | Hardcover

Synopsis: 

In the darkest corners of the city, there is a thriving nightlife where people can let loose and cross the lines of work and play, of pleasure and pain. But now that sanctuary has been breached. A killer has struck and a man is dead.

In a world where disguises and discretion are the norm, one admission could unravel a life. No one wants to come forward to say what they saw or what they know—including the woman heading the investigation: Detective Helen Grace.

Helen knew the victim. And the victim knew her—better than anyone else. And when the murderer strikes again, Helen must decide how many more lines she’s willing to cross to bring in a devious and elusive serial killer...

Review:

This series is definitely growing on me.  I am intrigued by Helen, her past and her extracurricular activities.  This installment finds Helen once again investigating murders that seem to have ties to her and her past.  This time the murderer is a little more cunning and the motive and outcome are not apparent until almost the very end.  As this series goes on Arlidge is really finding her rhythm with these characters.

I was slightly disappointed with Charlie in this installment.  She didn't seem as strong in this one, very uncertain in not only her work but in her relationship with Helen. I'm hoping that this changes in the next book.  She is usually such a strong character and I found her very weak in this one.

As usual Helen's nemesis, reporter Emilia has her sites set on taking Helen down. With the help on someone on the inside she may just do it this time.

Faced paced, well written thriller.

Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.