If I Never See You Again, by Niamh O'Connor

Jo Birmingham's life is far from easy. She has recently split up from her long-term husband, has two kids to look after including a two-year old, works long hours for the Dublin police, and is in charge of a murder investigation that others would love to have. Oh, and did I mention that her ex-husband is also her boss and now living with his secretary? If it all sounds too much, just wait till you read the book. A serial killer is on the loose, and Birmingham needs to quickly find out the link between all the victims.

If I Never See You Again is a good read. Birmingham's character is interesting and real. We spend time getting to know her at the beginning of the book and the novel is the better for it. The story has got a real feel. People have real lives and you don't close the book thinking, "Yeah, right!", even if I find the serial killer's motives a bit flimsy. I thought the ending was also a bit too easy too, but the build-up is good. If I Never See You Again is not scary like other crime novels can be and there is no gratuitous gore. It focusses more on catching the killer and on the relationships between the characters. I enjoyed reading it. Three stars.

I was given "If I Never See You Again" by Transworld Publishers as part of The Great Transworld Crime Caper, in which I am currently taking part.