ARC Book Review: Don't Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell

I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book in any way.

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 318

Challenges: Around the World Challenge; Women's Challenge

Summary

You don't know him. But he knows you.

Soon he would be able to touch her, to feel the warmth of her blood. And when the time came, nothing would stop him.

As D.C. Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in the quiet town of Haven, she is shocked at what seems like a personal message from beyond the grave. When more bodies are found, Jennifer is convinced the killings are somehow linked. What she discovers is more chilling than she could possibly imagine. The murder mirror those of the notorious Grim Reaper - from over twenty years ago. A killer her mother helped convict. Jennifer can no longer ignore the personal connection. Is there a copycat killer at work? Was the wrong man convicted? Or is there something more sinister at play? With her mother's terrifying legacy spiralling out of control, Jennifer must look into her own dark past in a fight not only to stop a killer - but to save herself and those she loves.

My Thoughts...

Wow! This book left me just speechless. It had been a while since I read a paranormal thriller that actually managed to give me goosebumps... But this one DID IT! Before starting, I was a little bit concerned that the paranormal element would make the whole story feel ridiculous and unrealistic, but I worried for nothing. The author did an amazing job at weaving in the paranormal elements without making the whole thing sound absurd and laughable. Oh no, there was very little laughing in this one! I was surprised by how quickly I managed to get drawn in the story, and I found myself in that lovely state of suspension of disbelief and being totally hooked by the story, while never even realising that I was. Don't Turn Around was the type of book that made me say: "So what if I said I would only read one chapter, two hours ago?!". And that's exactly what I want in a thriller.

I loved the way the mystery was constructed. I always felt like I had just figured it out, and then BAM! something would happen to make me totally reconsider my decisions. And it went on like this until the end of the book, when I was absolutely sure I had it all figured out... Until I found out I had gotten it all wrong! But oh, I was so delightfully wrong! All the twists and turns really made me enjoy the ride, and I really liked the pace the book kept. There was never a dull moment, not a scene where I thought: "Well, we could really have done without this". The only reason I'm not giving this book a full score is because I wasn't overly keen on how some of the characters were constructed, and there were a few points where I was slightly confused by what was going on. This happened particularly in the first scenes going back in time to tell Frank's story, but I got over it pretty soon.

Overall, this was a very good read, mixing a good mystery with mostly likable characters. It will be a perfect choice if you're in the mood for a really creepy thriller with some paranormal elements. I will definitely check out any other books by this author, especially any future Jennifer Knight stories.

Rating: 4/5

Don't Turn Around releases today, 24 April 2015!