This book is more convoluted than a writhing snake...

The gimmick of the book is the fact that the main detective has the ability to put himself in the killer's shoes, and sort of empathizing with him. I think I've never came across something remotely similar.

Apart from its convoluted nature (inline with today's Crime Fiction standards), I've kind of liked it, but with some reservations. The author, new to me, took some well-trodden ground, and wrought havoc with my expectations.

The plotting is excellent, the narrative convoluted and sparky at times . He weaved his cast with the hand of an artisan and created a set of convincing protagonists. There’s a rich density to the layering of points-of-view, but the most unsettling feature of the book is the author's use of first-person-narration amongst various third-persons’ (victims, police, suspects), making the overall effect quite effective.

The pervasive use of the "I" pronoun in the book, without identifying the source of the voice made me start doubting my initial assumptions about the culprit.

The bad part for me was the palpable artificiality. I felt I was being lead in one direction, and then, all of a sudden, another red herring, to plant the seeds of doubt. This happened several times, putting me out of the story in consequence.
" ( )

Very clever, complex plot as DI Sean Corrigan tracks a serial killer, not for the squeamish but interesting characters and authentic London locations. ( )

It’s close to brilliant, and a compelling read. Mr. Delaney is a former London murder detective, and his experience shows in myriad ways, giving this read a serious edge over most mystery/detective fiction. There’s no flinching when it comes to the things cops may or may not do. The protagonist, Sean Corrigan, is a complex character. His abusive background can be a bit uneasy for those of us who had one of those, but it’s not terribly bad, nothing on the serious trigger front, at least for me. The antagonist is brilliantly baffling, and the book has one of the best double storyline twists I’ve read in a very long time. If you like a very good mystery/detective fiction book peopled with highly interesting characters, don’t miss this one. Mr. Delaney has the second Corrigan book out this July, and I’ll definitely be buying. ( )

"Cold Killing" is book #1 in the Sean Corrigan series. He's a London DCI investigating some seemingly unconnected murders, each of which is very different from the others and none of the crime scenes offer up any significant forensic evidence. The writing reminds me ofthe excellent Mark Billingham Tom Thorne series and I suspect fans will enjoy Delaney's series as well. The protagonists are very different - Sean is married with two little ones, and he is appreciated for his successes. He has been advised that management is watching him closely (as someone with advancement possibilities and that he will likely be loaned out to other departments for exposure and testing. The killer in this first story is very creepy, very reminiscent of Billingham's #1, Sleepyhead. Corrigan is more interested in justice than truth and is not above planting evidence. Recommended. Looking forward to #2. ( )

I have trigger issues with violent books which are not set in the "fantastic" such as zombie books or paranormal books and always am worried an author will use gratuitous violence and not rely on his or her talent to show me the story and the emotions the violence without triggering my PTSD. It is a fine line between showing and telling what is happening to the victim and have it not cross the boundaries of realism. Very few stories can draw me into the middle making me a guest along the way without me having issues with the triggers and I can still feel the fright, the fear and Lane Delaney has done just this.

DI Sean Corrigan is our leading man and he takes his job very seriously. He is the head of the murder squad is not just a calling but a way to keep his own darkness at bay.

"What better way for a failed disciple of true evil to hide than among the cops?"

"He didn't tell Donnelly about the animalistic odor he'd smelled leaking through Hellier's skin. A musky smell, almost chokingly strong. The same odor he'd smelled on others in the past. Other killers. "But why is he so pissed off at the world?"'

People may not know how he does it but most do not question his ability to not only get inside the head of a killer but get his man or woman each time. This time, the killer is stumping him and he just cannot seem to nail him. The killer does not leave any evidence, as if he is a cop himself with a scary forensic knowledge base. If you have ever seen Wire in the Blood on BBC you will really enjoy this.

I started reading this book and two hours later I looked at how far into it I was; breathing a sigh of relief when I saw I still had 380 pages to go! It was like a mad dash to catch this killer! Long detailed chapters from Sean's point of view switching to his suspects point of view whom it is obvious is the killer. How can this be a mystery? Oh my .. those short sweet and deadly chapters from a killers point of view.. his internal dialogue is disturbing and makes you hold your breath hoping this victim will escape. These short chapters not only took my breath away but made me confused and wondering if Sean really had the killer. So similar but there was something off.. oh my I cannot go on about that because I do not want to confuse or giveaway anything. This book really is one of those I could just put up a review of "wow...holy cow... just go buy it... OMG... gobsmacked... hell.. omg..." yes, one of those!

"I usually distract myself by picking a passenger at random and imagining what it would be like to cut their eyes out and then slit their throat. The stench of all these potential subjects is very stimulating to my imagination."

Finding out this was his first book means I now have more to look forward too, and believe me he is right on that list. I think I may have a huge group of books that will be among my favorite reads and many are mysteries and crime dramas. But this book is one of the best procedural thrillers I have read in a very long time. Having to write from so many different points of view and maintain a different voice is difficult for seasoned writers, Delaney has pulled this off without a hitch. It is so smooth to the point of making the confusion part of your reading experience.

Luke Delaney has found his calling following his career as a police detective. All of his experience shines through making this not just another crime drama author. His outstanding writing abilities easily lead him to the top and I am going to love watching him sour. I highly recommend this and if you have triggers? Just don't read it at night! Seriously I did not have one issue reading this which shows just how good he is!

Serial Killing Tip #5:
"I exercise a lot. Secretly"

So I bet you can guess just how many stars I am giving it huh? You are right! So how do you think serial killers happen? Man made or born that way?
Nature vs. Nurture.
I realize an argument can be made for both, but try giving me a good reason for either? (pssssssssst this is also a way to get points to win this book!)