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Carver and Lake #2
The Cutting Room
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First published June 18, 2019
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June 23, 2019
ᴅɪsᴛᴜʀʙɪɴɢ. ᴅᴇʀᴀɴɢᴇᴅ. ᴅᴇʟɪᴄɪᴏᴜsʟʏ ᴅᴀʀᴋ.
Ashley Dyer has twisted together One deranged, disturbing, and deliciously dark tale! Would you follow a serial killer on Instagram? This book picks up shortly where the first book leaves off (from what I can gather). I did not read the first book and I still thoroughly devoured this book. However I think it would’ve been nice to have read the first book because both Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are suffering from repercussions from their previous case. There is a sadistic serial killer on the loose, preying on the men of Liverpool. Not only does he kill, but he publicly displays the body parts and calls it art. A narcissistic psychopath who thrives on attention. Attention that is easy to get in the age of social media. The serial killer really whipped the public into a frenzy creating a mob mentality where ever his artwork was displayed. Made you wonder could this really happen? Would people follow a sadistic killer on Instagram?
This was such a well done crime thriller! I loved all the investigative and forensic details. I particularly liked all the time that Lake and Carver spent with the medical examiner. The characters were all so well developed, so real. I particularly was fascinated by Carver and the auras he would see as a side effect of his head injury. Oras that allowed him to read peoples moods and emotions, that really helped him in his role as a detective. We also got a glimpse into Ruth Lake’s past and private life. Glimpses that I am sure will be expanded on in future books. I also got to spend some time in the mind of this serial killer. This book was told from multiple perspectives including that of this sadistic deranged killer. If you’re like me and like spending some time with crazy you will love how off the chains this character was! I’ve really been trying to avoid starting any new crime series, but I am certainly glad I gave this one a shot! Going to try to read the first book before the next one comes out. What a wild and crazy ride that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of!🎧🎧🎧 Peter Noble masterfully narrated this dark tale. I thought he had the perfect English accent to draw me into this atmospheric story. When you read a book set in England there is nothing better than having it read to you by someone with an accent, it really gives you a true sense of the story.
*** many thanks to William Morrow and Harper Audio for my copy of this book ***
Ashley Dyer has twisted together One deranged, disturbing, and deliciously dark tale! Would you follow a serial killer on Instagram? This book picks up shortly where the first book leaves off (from what I can gather). I did not read the first book and I still thoroughly devoured this book. However I think it would’ve been nice to have read the first book because both Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are suffering from repercussions from their previous case. There is a sadistic serial killer on the loose, preying on the men of Liverpool. Not only does he kill, but he publicly displays the body parts and calls it art. A narcissistic psychopath who thrives on attention. Attention that is easy to get in the age of social media. The serial killer really whipped the public into a frenzy creating a mob mentality where ever his artwork was displayed. Made you wonder could this really happen? Would people follow a sadistic killer on Instagram?
This was such a well done crime thriller! I loved all the investigative and forensic details. I particularly liked all the time that Lake and Carver spent with the medical examiner. The characters were all so well developed, so real. I particularly was fascinated by Carver and the auras he would see as a side effect of his head injury. Oras that allowed him to read peoples moods and emotions, that really helped him in his role as a detective. We also got a glimpse into Ruth Lake’s past and private life. Glimpses that I am sure will be expanded on in future books. I also got to spend some time in the mind of this serial killer. This book was told from multiple perspectives including that of this sadistic deranged killer. If you’re like me and like spending some time with crazy you will love how off the chains this character was! I’ve really been trying to avoid starting any new crime series, but I am certainly glad I gave this one a shot! Going to try to read the first book before the next one comes out. What a wild and crazy ride that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of!🎧🎧🎧 Peter Noble masterfully narrated this dark tale. I thought he had the perfect English accent to draw me into this atmospheric story. When you read a book set in England there is nothing better than having it read to you by someone with an accent, it really gives you a true sense of the story.
*** many thanks to William Morrow and Harper Audio for my copy of this book ***
June 22, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
His smile somehow managed to convey both apology and mischief.
She was four foot ten and almost the same in circumference, she walked with a roll.
Drew Scanlon was what Carver, a London incomer, now recognized as a through-and-through Scouse scally. The type that could boast five generations of forebears who were also Scouse scallies, Liverpool born-and-dragged-up going back over a century. To qualify as a true scally, it was necessary to forswear aspiration as poncey and soft. Education was for snobs, steady jobs for knobheads. The trick was to never aspire to anything, do the minimum, and have enough street savvy to stay out of reach of the law.
My Review:
A cunning serial killer, who was likened to the mythological Ferryman, had Liverpool churning, and his clever use of social media had his popularity soaring and his followers swarming each fresh crime scene for his artistic yet gruesome exhibits featuring the mutilated organs of his victims or graphics/videos of their demise. This was a complex and compelling thriller and I couldn’t seem to gain traction on the mystery, as it was slippery, confounding, multi-textured, and complicated by unreliable and deceitful characters with closets full of their own dark secrets.
The writing was intricately detailed with unusual descriptions and shrewd observations that occasionally included unexpected hits of wry humor. The storylines were layer upon layer of baffling clues with the struggling police officers personal issues and agendas swirling and tainting the mix. The tension mounted and never let up, even upon reaching the last page, which completed this story but left a few loose personal threads to keep us primed to continue with the next installment, which I for one will certainly be watching for.
My Brit Vocabulary List expanded with the additions of Scouse – Liverpool dialect; stab vest – body armor in the US we would call them Kevlar or bulletproof vest; warrant card – Police ID; and scally – rascal or miscreant, usually jobless, uneducated, and prone to crime.
His smile somehow managed to convey both apology and mischief.
She was four foot ten and almost the same in circumference, she walked with a roll.
Drew Scanlon was what Carver, a London incomer, now recognized as a through-and-through Scouse scally. The type that could boast five generations of forebears who were also Scouse scallies, Liverpool born-and-dragged-up going back over a century. To qualify as a true scally, it was necessary to forswear aspiration as poncey and soft. Education was for snobs, steady jobs for knobheads. The trick was to never aspire to anything, do the minimum, and have enough street savvy to stay out of reach of the law.
My Review:
A cunning serial killer, who was likened to the mythological Ferryman, had Liverpool churning, and his clever use of social media had his popularity soaring and his followers swarming each fresh crime scene for his artistic yet gruesome exhibits featuring the mutilated organs of his victims or graphics/videos of their demise. This was a complex and compelling thriller and I couldn’t seem to gain traction on the mystery, as it was slippery, confounding, multi-textured, and complicated by unreliable and deceitful characters with closets full of their own dark secrets.
The writing was intricately detailed with unusual descriptions and shrewd observations that occasionally included unexpected hits of wry humor. The storylines were layer upon layer of baffling clues with the struggling police officers personal issues and agendas swirling and tainting the mix. The tension mounted and never let up, even upon reaching the last page, which completed this story but left a few loose personal threads to keep us primed to continue with the next installment, which I for one will certainly be watching for.
My Brit Vocabulary List expanded with the additions of Scouse – Liverpool dialect; stab vest – body armor in the US we would call them Kevlar or bulletproof vest; warrant card – Police ID; and scally – rascal or miscreant, usually jobless, uneducated, and prone to crime.
Read
May 24, 2020
September 12, 2021
Solid second outing staring our favorite hot-mess-of-a-detective Ruth Lake. This yarn's got a psycho killer on the loose, a family member who might turn into a lead subject and working relationships filled with mistrust, tension and anger... In other words: Quite The Fun Read!!
3 1/2 Suspect Filled Stars
3 1/2 Suspect Filled Stars
August 13, 2019
Summary from Goodreads:
"While Britain is obsessed with the newest hit true-crime television show, Fact, or Fable? detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are tormented by a fiendish flesh-and-blood killer on the loose.
Lured to a “crime scene” by a mysterious digital invitation, Ruth Lake is horrified by what she finds: a bizarre and gruesome tableau surrounded by a crowd of gawkers. The deadly work is the latest “art installation” designed by a diabolical criminal dubbed the Ferryman. Not only is this criminal cold-blooded; he’s a narcissistic exhibitionist desperate for an audience. He’s also clever at promoting his deadly handiwork. Exploiting England’s current true-crime craze, he uses social media to titillate and terrorize the public.
Ruth is joined in the investigation by her partner Greg Carver, who is slowly regaining his strength after a run-in with another sadistic criminal. But Greg can’t seem to shake the bewildering effects of the head wound that nearly ended him. Are the strange auras blurring his vision an annoying side effect of his injury, or could they be something more . . . a tool to help him see a person’s true nature?"
My Thoughts:
I'm starting to feel like 2019 is becoming the year of sequels for me. I've been reading some absolutely stellar books that are all second books in their respective series - and I can add this one to the list without hesitation! Last year, I read and loved the first book which is titled Splinter in the Blood. It was dark and thrilling which is exactly the type of book that I enjoy reading most. I've been anticipating this book every since finishing that first one. I've got to say that this book was just as good (if not slightly better) than its' predecessor. Let's start this off though by saying that it's probably for the best if you read these books in order. Do you have to read that first book? No, but if you don't a lot of what happened in that first book will be spoiled for you to a certain extent. I just think you will enjoy these books more if you read them both but you certainly don't have to. That being said, this book starts off with a bang. Carver and Ruth are both still dealing with the aftermath of what happened in that previous book but in different ways. All of that has to be pushed aside though as they are drawn into another dangerous and high profile case. The best part of this book for me was how easily the author was able to keep me guessing. I feel like I was going back and forth suspecting different individuals but I wasn't even close. The storyline was just as dark and fast-paced as it was in the first book. I found myself reading for as long as possible because I just couldn't stop reading. In fact, I broke my late night reading rule that I have during the week just so that I could finish this one. Ha! I'm very, very intrigued by a separate storyline that the author brought into this book. I expect that we will learn more about it in the next book but I fully admit that it's going to be a very long wait until then!
Overall, I enjoyed this one immensely and am now officially a huge fan of this series! I was a huge fan after the first book but I feel like with two winners in a row this author has jumped on to my must read list. It's going to be so hard to wait for book three in this series, but I'm sure it will be worth the wait after loving these first two so much! What more can you ask for with a book that has you on edge while reading guessing the entire time? It was a marvelous reading experience and now I need more books and series to follow just like this! I would recommend this book to fans of suspense, thrillers, and mysteries alike. Be warned that both of these books edge on the darker side but it's so worth it! I'll just be over here impatiently pining for the next book whenever it is due to release. Highly recommended!
Bottom Line: A series and author to take note of - do yourself a favor and start with Splinter in the Blood to get the full reading experience!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Honest thoughts are my own.
"While Britain is obsessed with the newest hit true-crime television show, Fact, or Fable? detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are tormented by a fiendish flesh-and-blood killer on the loose.
Lured to a “crime scene” by a mysterious digital invitation, Ruth Lake is horrified by what she finds: a bizarre and gruesome tableau surrounded by a crowd of gawkers. The deadly work is the latest “art installation” designed by a diabolical criminal dubbed the Ferryman. Not only is this criminal cold-blooded; he’s a narcissistic exhibitionist desperate for an audience. He’s also clever at promoting his deadly handiwork. Exploiting England’s current true-crime craze, he uses social media to titillate and terrorize the public.
Ruth is joined in the investigation by her partner Greg Carver, who is slowly regaining his strength after a run-in with another sadistic criminal. But Greg can’t seem to shake the bewildering effects of the head wound that nearly ended him. Are the strange auras blurring his vision an annoying side effect of his injury, or could they be something more . . . a tool to help him see a person’s true nature?"
My Thoughts:
I'm starting to feel like 2019 is becoming the year of sequels for me. I've been reading some absolutely stellar books that are all second books in their respective series - and I can add this one to the list without hesitation! Last year, I read and loved the first book which is titled Splinter in the Blood. It was dark and thrilling which is exactly the type of book that I enjoy reading most. I've been anticipating this book every since finishing that first one. I've got to say that this book was just as good (if not slightly better) than its' predecessor. Let's start this off though by saying that it's probably for the best if you read these books in order. Do you have to read that first book? No, but if you don't a lot of what happened in that first book will be spoiled for you to a certain extent. I just think you will enjoy these books more if you read them both but you certainly don't have to. That being said, this book starts off with a bang. Carver and Ruth are both still dealing with the aftermath of what happened in that previous book but in different ways. All of that has to be pushed aside though as they are drawn into another dangerous and high profile case. The best part of this book for me was how easily the author was able to keep me guessing. I feel like I was going back and forth suspecting different individuals but I wasn't even close. The storyline was just as dark and fast-paced as it was in the first book. I found myself reading for as long as possible because I just couldn't stop reading. In fact, I broke my late night reading rule that I have during the week just so that I could finish this one. Ha! I'm very, very intrigued by a separate storyline that the author brought into this book. I expect that we will learn more about it in the next book but I fully admit that it's going to be a very long wait until then!
Overall, I enjoyed this one immensely and am now officially a huge fan of this series! I was a huge fan after the first book but I feel like with two winners in a row this author has jumped on to my must read list. It's going to be so hard to wait for book three in this series, but I'm sure it will be worth the wait after loving these first two so much! What more can you ask for with a book that has you on edge while reading guessing the entire time? It was a marvelous reading experience and now I need more books and series to follow just like this! I would recommend this book to fans of suspense, thrillers, and mysteries alike. Be warned that both of these books edge on the darker side but it's so worth it! I'll just be over here impatiently pining for the next book whenever it is due to release. Highly recommended!
Bottom Line: A series and author to take note of - do yourself a favor and start with Splinter in the Blood to get the full reading experience!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher. Honest thoughts are my own.
July 1, 2019
Detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are back on the case! This time around the duo is faced with a serial killer fixated on turning his victim’s body parts into macabre works of art, which he then features on Instagram. When a local television celebrity falls victim to this killer, dubbed the Ferryman, all eyes are on the case and not everyone is against what he is producing.
The Ferryman quickly gains a massive following, as he uses social media to stir interest and terror in the public. Lake and Carver must work against the clock to find out not only the motive behind the Ferryman’s killings, but also predict when and where he will strike next. The pair is back on another breakneck hunt for a killer gifted in the art of elusivity.
Ashley Dyer is back with THE CUTTING ROOM, the second installment to her fascinating Carver and Lake series. These books focus on detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver as they work through cases that not only put their investigating skills to the test, but also challenge them individually. In book one, SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD, Greg Carver had his personal life thrown into turmoil by the killer the pair was hunting. This time around Ruth Lake has a personal stake in the killer’s game. I love how these personal connections to the killer and the case raise the bar for connecting to our main characters. Whenever the reader can feel emotional in regards to a character, they become more solidly invested in the book. This is exactly what Dyer banks on and succeeds with utilizing to draw the reader in Carver and Lake’s world.
I absolutely fangirled over how Dyer came up with a mesmerizing and unique serial killer in SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD. She’s back at it again with the Ferryman! This killer is narcissistic, meticulous, and downright cringeworthy with the creations he makes. I loved that the method behind the Ferryman’s madness included him striving for Instagram followers. Sometimes when authors choose to throw in social media it can be cheesy or feel out of place, but Dyer avoids those issues. The fact that she then takes the Ferryman’s social media presence and incorporates it further into the case’s progression.
I highly recommend reading these books in order, as THE CUTTING ROOM draws on events that happened in SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD. You could certainly read this book as a standalone, but I do think some pieces would be less impactful and leave the reader with more questions than answers if read out of order. The series is still just forming, so why not start with book one!
Disclosure: Thank you to William Morrow and TLC Book Tours for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The Ferryman quickly gains a massive following, as he uses social media to stir interest and terror in the public. Lake and Carver must work against the clock to find out not only the motive behind the Ferryman’s killings, but also predict when and where he will strike next. The pair is back on another breakneck hunt for a killer gifted in the art of elusivity.
Ashley Dyer is back with THE CUTTING ROOM, the second installment to her fascinating Carver and Lake series. These books focus on detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver as they work through cases that not only put their investigating skills to the test, but also challenge them individually. In book one, SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD, Greg Carver had his personal life thrown into turmoil by the killer the pair was hunting. This time around Ruth Lake has a personal stake in the killer’s game. I love how these personal connections to the killer and the case raise the bar for connecting to our main characters. Whenever the reader can feel emotional in regards to a character, they become more solidly invested in the book. This is exactly what Dyer banks on and succeeds with utilizing to draw the reader in Carver and Lake’s world.
I absolutely fangirled over how Dyer came up with a mesmerizing and unique serial killer in SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD. She’s back at it again with the Ferryman! This killer is narcissistic, meticulous, and downright cringeworthy with the creations he makes. I loved that the method behind the Ferryman’s madness included him striving for Instagram followers. Sometimes when authors choose to throw in social media it can be cheesy or feel out of place, but Dyer avoids those issues. The fact that she then takes the Ferryman’s social media presence and incorporates it further into the case’s progression.
I highly recommend reading these books in order, as THE CUTTING ROOM draws on events that happened in SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD. You could certainly read this book as a standalone, but I do think some pieces would be less impactful and leave the reader with more questions than answers if read out of order. The series is still just forming, so why not start with book one!
Disclosure: Thank you to William Morrow and TLC Book Tours for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
May 31, 2019
This was sent to me as part of the Goodreads "First Reads" program. I typically don't like to read mystery/thriller books set in Englad and I think it might have to do with the fact that my Mom used to make me watch "Eastenders" as a kid, but its kind of weird, cause I don't mind watching movies set there, but I'm glad I gave this one a whirl.
Detectives Carver and Lake are in their second book together, the first one being "Splinter in the Blood", which I definitely plan to read now. In this chapter of their series, they are in the pursuit of a very dangerous artist, who has been putting their very disturbing "art" on public display. As this artist progresses, their displays become more graphic, which means Carver and Lake must put an end to it all.
Carver and Lake both have their flaws and have issues that they both need to deal with personally which coincides with their pursuit of a killer. They need to find a way to overcome the issues otherwise they could potentially lose the game that is being played.
In the end, I thought the writer(s) did a great job with the character development of the lead characters as well as the progression of the story line. It was intriguing and well thought out that I wasn't able to put it all together until it was revealed.
I would recommend this book/series and I plan to continue with it as more books come out.
Detectives Carver and Lake are in their second book together, the first one being "Splinter in the Blood", which I definitely plan to read now. In this chapter of their series, they are in the pursuit of a very dangerous artist, who has been putting their very disturbing "art" on public display. As this artist progresses, their displays become more graphic, which means Carver and Lake must put an end to it all.
Carver and Lake both have their flaws and have issues that they both need to deal with personally which coincides with their pursuit of a killer. They need to find a way to overcome the issues otherwise they could potentially lose the game that is being played.
In the end, I thought the writer(s) did a great job with the character development of the lead characters as well as the progression of the story line. It was intriguing and well thought out that I wasn't able to put it all together until it was revealed.
I would recommend this book/series and I plan to continue with it as more books come out.
June 19, 2019
I always admire when two authors can work together as a team to produce a well written book. And this is the case when Margaret Murphy and Helen Pepper get together as Ashley Dyer to produce fascinating murder mysteries.
And this is what you will discover when you read " The Cutting Room " . A sadistic,serial killer is loose in Liverpool. He has gained the nickname ' The Ferryman ' . The police often just find human parts at the murder scenes .....maybe a few parts of a human brain or a heart . And all position into a artistic? pose . DCI Greg Carver and his DI Ruth Lake are about to take on one of the most difficult cases.
One of the most interesting sides of this book is that there are two minor stories at work besides the main one. But Carver is recovering slowly from a near fatal experience in his last case and Lake is still dealing from issues that arose when she was finishing college. Ashley Dyer has woven a fascinating story but the main story of the hunt for the 'sicko' will hook you from the beginning.
I have read a lot of mysteries over the years , many from famous authors and I think that Ashley Dyer is heading for that group !! Think of it....how you track down a serial 'artiste ' ?? Also keep your eyes out for a surprise ending !
And this is what you will discover when you read " The Cutting Room " . A sadistic,serial killer is loose in Liverpool. He has gained the nickname ' The Ferryman ' . The police often just find human parts at the murder scenes .....maybe a few parts of a human brain or a heart . And all position into a artistic? pose . DCI Greg Carver and his DI Ruth Lake are about to take on one of the most difficult cases.
One of the most interesting sides of this book is that there are two minor stories at work besides the main one. But Carver is recovering slowly from a near fatal experience in his last case and Lake is still dealing from issues that arose when she was finishing college. Ashley Dyer has woven a fascinating story but the main story of the hunt for the 'sicko' will hook you from the beginning.
I have read a lot of mysteries over the years , many from famous authors and I think that Ashley Dyer is heading for that group !! Think of it....how you track down a serial 'artiste ' ?? Also keep your eyes out for a surprise ending !
June 19, 2019
Great police procedural, couldn’t put it down! A murderer is killing men in Liverpool and using their death and body parts as public displays of art. Lots of action with a solid cast of detectives who all seem to have personal issues of their own. Read this (the second book of the series) first and had to immediately find the first book (Splinter in the Blood) and start reading it right away.
June 25, 2019
When Ashley Dyer --- the pseudonym for the UK writing duo of Margaret Murphy and Helen Pepper --- released their first book together in 2018, SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD, they delivered a fresh take on the standard serial killer novel. In fact, it was as expertly crafted and chilling as Thomas Harris at his finest during his run with the Hannibal Lecter series. It appeared on my Top 10 list from last year, making my expectations for the follow-up sky high.
The two protagonists from SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD are back in THE CUTTING ROOM. Detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are now putting their guile and success in catching the worst of the worst killers to the test with a new adversary nicknamed the Ferryman, who is brought to light during the TV show “Fact, or Fable?” The host, Professor Mick Tennent, has no clue that his presentation of the Ferryman on live TV will make him a target and an inevitable victim of the killer. It is Tennent's disappearance and subsequent confirmed murder that makes the Ferryman the priority for Carver and his team.
Carver is still taking things slowly as he was nearly killed by the murderer from SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD. The odd thing is that, even though he is still weakened physically, the near-death experience left him with an odd trait --- the ability to read people’s emotions in colors. It doesn't seem like much, but knowing what a subject is thinking is a major asset with the many interrogations involved in the Ferryman case. He relies heavily on Lake to shoulder the burden of handling the groundwork, and she always seems to be one step behind this crafty killer. Their team shares notes with the SCD1, or Serious Crime Directorate One, but it doesn't really lead to anything worthwhile. This is a case that is going to require a good amount of legwork and following up on the right leads.
Meanwhile, the Ferryman seems to be relishing the attention and has several followers/worshippers who enjoy his rather public displays of art that involve the morbid use of human subjects. One of his top followers is referred to as “Kharon,” which is very close to “Charon,” the name given to the fabled Ferryman who guides souls across the River Styx in the underworld.
Throughout the novel, Dyer includes some chapters purely from the Ferryman's point of view, and his mind is definitely a chilling place to inhabit. At one point, he admits in his private thoughts that art is a lie, and the beauty of that lie brings us close to the real truth. Ironically, this is important information that the police wish they had earlier. When Kharon, whose real name is Karl Obrazki, is killed in brutal fashion, the cops are flustered. They never saw it coming and failed to protect someone who promptly went from suspect to victim.
During this case, which gets more and more twisty, we also see Lake distracted by the emergence of her estranged brother, Adam Black. The two have not really spoken since the death of their parents --- a complex situation that they each have drastically different takes on that have formed the roadblock between them. Black is also an artist and, much to Lake's dismay and avoidance, is soon under the air of suspicion as well. One element that I found humorous was the reference to a song by the fictional band Graveyard Train, “The Ferryman.” It made me think that the author could have selected the real song “Don't Pay The Ferryman” by Chris de Burgh, which directly references the legendary Charon.
The beauty of THE CUTTING ROOM is Dyer’s easy writing style. Typically, when you have two established writers collaborating on a literary work, you can clearly see the line of demarcation that separates the pair. This is completely undetectable here, and the result is another highly effective crime novel filled with extremely complex, real characters who keep the pace at high-stepping speed from start to finish. Jump on in with Lake and Carver, and make sure you have several hours blocked out in your schedule. You're going to need them once you're absorbed inside this well-constructed thriller.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
The two protagonists from SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD are back in THE CUTTING ROOM. Detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are now putting their guile and success in catching the worst of the worst killers to the test with a new adversary nicknamed the Ferryman, who is brought to light during the TV show “Fact, or Fable?” The host, Professor Mick Tennent, has no clue that his presentation of the Ferryman on live TV will make him a target and an inevitable victim of the killer. It is Tennent's disappearance and subsequent confirmed murder that makes the Ferryman the priority for Carver and his team.
Carver is still taking things slowly as he was nearly killed by the murderer from SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD. The odd thing is that, even though he is still weakened physically, the near-death experience left him with an odd trait --- the ability to read people’s emotions in colors. It doesn't seem like much, but knowing what a subject is thinking is a major asset with the many interrogations involved in the Ferryman case. He relies heavily on Lake to shoulder the burden of handling the groundwork, and she always seems to be one step behind this crafty killer. Their team shares notes with the SCD1, or Serious Crime Directorate One, but it doesn't really lead to anything worthwhile. This is a case that is going to require a good amount of legwork and following up on the right leads.
Meanwhile, the Ferryman seems to be relishing the attention and has several followers/worshippers who enjoy his rather public displays of art that involve the morbid use of human subjects. One of his top followers is referred to as “Kharon,” which is very close to “Charon,” the name given to the fabled Ferryman who guides souls across the River Styx in the underworld.
Throughout the novel, Dyer includes some chapters purely from the Ferryman's point of view, and his mind is definitely a chilling place to inhabit. At one point, he admits in his private thoughts that art is a lie, and the beauty of that lie brings us close to the real truth. Ironically, this is important information that the police wish they had earlier. When Kharon, whose real name is Karl Obrazki, is killed in brutal fashion, the cops are flustered. They never saw it coming and failed to protect someone who promptly went from suspect to victim.
During this case, which gets more and more twisty, we also see Lake distracted by the emergence of her estranged brother, Adam Black. The two have not really spoken since the death of their parents --- a complex situation that they each have drastically different takes on that have formed the roadblock between them. Black is also an artist and, much to Lake's dismay and avoidance, is soon under the air of suspicion as well. One element that I found humorous was the reference to a song by the fictional band Graveyard Train, “The Ferryman.” It made me think that the author could have selected the real song “Don't Pay The Ferryman” by Chris de Burgh, which directly references the legendary Charon.
The beauty of THE CUTTING ROOM is Dyer’s easy writing style. Typically, when you have two established writers collaborating on a literary work, you can clearly see the line of demarcation that separates the pair. This is completely undetectable here, and the result is another highly effective crime novel filled with extremely complex, real characters who keep the pace at high-stepping speed from start to finish. Jump on in with Lake and Carver, and make sure you have several hours blocked out in your schedule. You're going to need them once you're absorbed inside this well-constructed thriller.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
July 25, 2019
My full review here:
The book opens up with a serial killer at loose targeting and killing young men of Liverpool as the missing persons list pile up everyday. Detective Inspector Ruth Lake is brilliant and a fast thinker for her job who tries to best to cover for her now-suffering boss Detective Chief Inspector Greg Carver whose insomnia and depression does not let him do his job 100 percent. As the story picks up right where Ashley’s previous book ended and I haven’t read it yet, I am not aware of what caused Greg’s current state of mind. Apart from that, the book is quite standalone.
There are chapters where the killer talks to us and this was surprising to me. In usual thrillers like these, it’s not until the climax when the villain is finally revealed and the reasons explained. Even though the identity of the killer is still unknown, the narcissistic sadistic nature of the killer is slowly narrated through his own chapters in his own voice. Unlike other killers, he doesn’t show the entire bodies of his victims. He prides himself and creates meticulous ‘art pieces’ out of human body parts and uses the help of social media (Twitter, Instagram) to acquire followers who’d help him anonymously to serve his purpose. He then stages an exhibition of his ‘art show’ and that’s how the police finds out everytime about his killings!
Oh he calls himself ‘Ferryman’. Did I mention that?!
This was really a cracker for me and way more than what I had expected out of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the intricate details of the investigation as well as knowing the killer’s twisted mind. It was such a thrilling experience. Ruth Lake is instantly likeable for her fierce decisions and sharp mind while solving the crime. She also runs a good precinct when her boss needs her.
I loved the contributions from the author duo as they present their readers with as much inside information as possible. it’s totally enjoyable and intriguing to know the latest procedurals involved in high profile cases in big cities. Ashley Dyer is definitely a name you want to add to the list of Crime Thriller Authors who you can blindly choose to read. Because they do not disappoint. And hey, look out for a surreal jaw dropping surprise at the end!!
The book opens up with a serial killer at loose targeting and killing young men of Liverpool as the missing persons list pile up everyday. Detective Inspector Ruth Lake is brilliant and a fast thinker for her job who tries to best to cover for her now-suffering boss Detective Chief Inspector Greg Carver whose insomnia and depression does not let him do his job 100 percent. As the story picks up right where Ashley’s previous book ended and I haven’t read it yet, I am not aware of what caused Greg’s current state of mind. Apart from that, the book is quite standalone.
There are chapters where the killer talks to us and this was surprising to me. In usual thrillers like these, it’s not until the climax when the villain is finally revealed and the reasons explained. Even though the identity of the killer is still unknown, the narcissistic sadistic nature of the killer is slowly narrated through his own chapters in his own voice. Unlike other killers, he doesn’t show the entire bodies of his victims. He prides himself and creates meticulous ‘art pieces’ out of human body parts and uses the help of social media (Twitter, Instagram) to acquire followers who’d help him anonymously to serve his purpose. He then stages an exhibition of his ‘art show’ and that’s how the police finds out everytime about his killings!
Oh he calls himself ‘Ferryman’. Did I mention that?!
This was really a cracker for me and way more than what I had expected out of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the intricate details of the investigation as well as knowing the killer’s twisted mind. It was such a thrilling experience. Ruth Lake is instantly likeable for her fierce decisions and sharp mind while solving the crime. She also runs a good precinct when her boss needs her.
I loved the contributions from the author duo as they present their readers with as much inside information as possible. it’s totally enjoyable and intriguing to know the latest procedurals involved in high profile cases in big cities. Ashley Dyer is definitely a name you want to add to the list of Crime Thriller Authors who you can blindly choose to read. Because they do not disappoint. And hey, look out for a surreal jaw dropping surprise at the end!!
June 18, 2019
This time last year, I was telling anyone who would listen about Splinter In The Blood; book one of the Lake and Carver series. What I praised most was Dyer’s ability to create an original serial killer thriller. Although The Cutting Room is a more traditional serial killer thriller, the endearing characters, a truly horrifying crime, and the forensic details makes The Cutting Room a stand out in the crowded serial killer thriller genre.
In Liverpool England young men are disappearing without a trace. When the bodies of the young men surface, they are featured in “art” pieces, created by a sadistic killer. This killer craves attention and is using social media to draw supporters. The killer’s followers are creating chaos at crime scenes and taunting police while they are investigating. With mounting pressure from their superior officers and the press, Detective Sargent Ruth Lake and Detective Chief Inspector Greg Carver work against a ticking clock to catch a killer who seems to be ten steps ahead of them.
The Cutting Room picks up a few months after the events in Splinter In The Blood. Ruth and Greg are still recovering mentally and physically from their injuries. Greg’s head injury is making his recovery more difficult, as the damage seems to be long term. Due to Greg’s injury he is now able to read auras. This ability comes in handy but he is still getting use to this new ability and it is sometimes distracting. Greg’s ability does not enable him to see when someone is lying, but as a seasoned police officer, I am sure he does not need to read someone’s aura to know if someone is lying. However Greg’s new ability allows him to read moods and emotions. He now knows when his team needs to be motived or when a witness requires more aggression. Making him an even better detective and boss.
After reading Splinter In The Blood, I was really hoping to learn more about Ruth Lake. My wish was granted. In The Cutting Room we learn about Ruth’s family and a bit of her life as a crime scene investigator. Ruth Lake, even from the pages of a book, illuminates complexity. Each new piece of information adds another layer to her story. While The Cutting Room answers a few questions about Ruth, new questions have emerged.
In The Cutting Room we get to experience Ruth and Greg in investigative mode. In Splinter In The Blood, the killer was already identified when the book began. Ruth and Greg are dedicated and relentless investigators. Ruth uses her instincts and CSI knowledge to crack suspects during an interrogation, while Greg is able sift through loads of information to get to the next lead.
The Cutting Room is loaded with forensic detail. In other books, I sometimes find these details hard to follow and a bit boring. However in The Cutting Room, these details are laid out in a way which was comprehensive and intriguing. I was surprised when I found myself enjoying the parts of the book when Ruth and or Greg met with the medical examiner more than the central mystery. The intense focus on forensics made The Cutting Room not only thrilling but informative as well.
I suggest readers start with book one of the series, Splinter In The Blood. Not only because you will have more background on Ruth and Greg but because it was a fantastic book. I am hoping that each summer I will be praising an installment of the Lake and Carver series.
*Thanks to William Morrow for my free review copy of The Cutting Room*
Murder and Moore Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
In Liverpool England young men are disappearing without a trace. When the bodies of the young men surface, they are featured in “art” pieces, created by a sadistic killer. This killer craves attention and is using social media to draw supporters. The killer’s followers are creating chaos at crime scenes and taunting police while they are investigating. With mounting pressure from their superior officers and the press, Detective Sargent Ruth Lake and Detective Chief Inspector Greg Carver work against a ticking clock to catch a killer who seems to be ten steps ahead of them.
The Cutting Room picks up a few months after the events in Splinter In The Blood. Ruth and Greg are still recovering mentally and physically from their injuries. Greg’s head injury is making his recovery more difficult, as the damage seems to be long term. Due to Greg’s injury he is now able to read auras. This ability comes in handy but he is still getting use to this new ability and it is sometimes distracting. Greg’s ability does not enable him to see when someone is lying, but as a seasoned police officer, I am sure he does not need to read someone’s aura to know if someone is lying. However Greg’s new ability allows him to read moods and emotions. He now knows when his team needs to be motived or when a witness requires more aggression. Making him an even better detective and boss.
After reading Splinter In The Blood, I was really hoping to learn more about Ruth Lake. My wish was granted. In The Cutting Room we learn about Ruth’s family and a bit of her life as a crime scene investigator. Ruth Lake, even from the pages of a book, illuminates complexity. Each new piece of information adds another layer to her story. While The Cutting Room answers a few questions about Ruth, new questions have emerged.
In The Cutting Room we get to experience Ruth and Greg in investigative mode. In Splinter In The Blood, the killer was already identified when the book began. Ruth and Greg are dedicated and relentless investigators. Ruth uses her instincts and CSI knowledge to crack suspects during an interrogation, while Greg is able sift through loads of information to get to the next lead.
The Cutting Room is loaded with forensic detail. In other books, I sometimes find these details hard to follow and a bit boring. However in The Cutting Room, these details are laid out in a way which was comprehensive and intriguing. I was surprised when I found myself enjoying the parts of the book when Ruth and or Greg met with the medical examiner more than the central mystery. The intense focus on forensics made The Cutting Room not only thrilling but informative as well.
I suggest readers start with book one of the series, Splinter In The Blood. Not only because you will have more background on Ruth and Greg but because it was a fantastic book. I am hoping that each summer I will be praising an installment of the Lake and Carver series.
*Thanks to William Morrow for my free review copy of The Cutting Room*
Murder and Moore Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
June 19, 2019
The Cutting Room by Ashley Dyer is a very highly recommended police procedural/thriller with Detectives Lake and Carver on the search for a serial killer.
Detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are searching for a serial killer in Liverpool, England, where men are disappearing. When they arrived at the first crime scene, they are shocked to see sections of human brains encased in plexiglass and set up as an art installation on display for everyone to see. The gruesome crime scene becomes even more surreal when a crowd of people show up at the scene, to see, photograph, and film the "art" and the investigators. The serial killer is dubbed the Ferryman and is gaining a wide following across social media. The brain sections belonged to three of the missing men. It becomes clear that the Ferryman is a narcissistic exhibitionist psychopath who craves an audience and accolades for his ghastly exhibitions. He alerts both the detectives and his groupies via social media whenever he sets up a new installation.
Both Ruth and Carver are still recovering from their last run-in with a killer, but focus on finding this latest fiend. Ruth never forgets a face and she closely examines photos of all the people who show up at the crime scenes. After his head injury, Carver sees auras and experiences synesthesia which allows him to read people's emotions. The two work to overcome or hide any personal issues while searching for the killer, and this looks like it might be too personal to Ruth.
Chapters follow the point-of-view of Ruth and Carver, with brief passages from the killer presented between. Both Ruth and Carver are interesting, complicated, intelligent, well-developed characters. Following their investigation and the actions of the killer is absorbing and engaging. The tension is palatable as the duo work together looking for the killer, while still keeping some personal information to themselves.
This is an excellent police procedural/ thriller that is completely engrossing. The quality of the writing is outstanding. Dyer (a pen name of former CWA chair Margaret Murphy and forensic expert Helen Pepper writing together) creates a complex plot, an intricate investigation, and well developed characters. There are twists and false leads. The forensics details are fascinating. The killer's focus on social media followers is a timely, subtle social commentary. This is the second book in the Carver and Lake series; the first is Splinter in the Blood.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers. http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/0...
Detectives Ruth Lake and Greg Carver are searching for a serial killer in Liverpool, England, where men are disappearing. When they arrived at the first crime scene, they are shocked to see sections of human brains encased in plexiglass and set up as an art installation on display for everyone to see. The gruesome crime scene becomes even more surreal when a crowd of people show up at the scene, to see, photograph, and film the "art" and the investigators. The serial killer is dubbed the Ferryman and is gaining a wide following across social media. The brain sections belonged to three of the missing men. It becomes clear that the Ferryman is a narcissistic exhibitionist psychopath who craves an audience and accolades for his ghastly exhibitions. He alerts both the detectives and his groupies via social media whenever he sets up a new installation.
Both Ruth and Carver are still recovering from their last run-in with a killer, but focus on finding this latest fiend. Ruth never forgets a face and she closely examines photos of all the people who show up at the crime scenes. After his head injury, Carver sees auras and experiences synesthesia which allows him to read people's emotions. The two work to overcome or hide any personal issues while searching for the killer, and this looks like it might be too personal to Ruth.
Chapters follow the point-of-view of Ruth and Carver, with brief passages from the killer presented between. Both Ruth and Carver are interesting, complicated, intelligent, well-developed characters. Following their investigation and the actions of the killer is absorbing and engaging. The tension is palatable as the duo work together looking for the killer, while still keeping some personal information to themselves.
This is an excellent police procedural/ thriller that is completely engrossing. The quality of the writing is outstanding. Dyer (a pen name of former CWA chair Margaret Murphy and forensic expert Helen Pepper writing together) creates a complex plot, an intricate investigation, and well developed characters. There are twists and false leads. The forensics details are fascinating. The killer's focus on social media followers is a timely, subtle social commentary. This is the second book in the Carver and Lake series; the first is Splinter in the Blood.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers. http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/0...
July 11, 2019
Thanks to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review
Last year I couldn’t stop recommending Dyer’s debut SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD. Talk about a creepy, gruesome, and unique serial killer we found in the Thorn Killer. Now, Dyer has brought back Carver and Lake to face their newest case with The Ferryman.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love when authors tie social media into these crime fiction novels. The topic of social media and an online presence is so relevant and relatable in today’s world. Who hasn’t been obsessed with watching their follower numbers grow at one point or another? I’ll admit, it’s always fun to hit that next milestone number. Well, The Ferryman brings this obsession to a whole new level. I mean, who doesn’t love a narcissistic killer?
Sharing his gruesome works of “art” online to his captivated followers draws in the attention of Carver and Lake. Both still dealing with issues that occurred with the Thorn Killer from book one (definitely recommend picking that one up before starting book two). While this one did move a little slower than SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD, I felt it was a solid follow up and a good continuation in the series. I know it’s common in crime series to have books two or three feel like a filler or a set up for greater things in the following book, but this one did not disappoint.
What I’ve enjoyed in both books is how unique the killers are. The Thorn Killer in book one was unlike any I had really seen before and The Ferryman takes a completely different turn. If you’re looking for a new serial killer crime fiction series, then I highly recommend getting to know Carver and Lake!
Last year I couldn’t stop recommending Dyer’s debut SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD. Talk about a creepy, gruesome, and unique serial killer we found in the Thorn Killer. Now, Dyer has brought back Carver and Lake to face their newest case with The Ferryman.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love when authors tie social media into these crime fiction novels. The topic of social media and an online presence is so relevant and relatable in today’s world. Who hasn’t been obsessed with watching their follower numbers grow at one point or another? I’ll admit, it’s always fun to hit that next milestone number. Well, The Ferryman brings this obsession to a whole new level. I mean, who doesn’t love a narcissistic killer?
Sharing his gruesome works of “art” online to his captivated followers draws in the attention of Carver and Lake. Both still dealing with issues that occurred with the Thorn Killer from book one (definitely recommend picking that one up before starting book two). While this one did move a little slower than SPLINTER IN THE BLOOD, I felt it was a solid follow up and a good continuation in the series. I know it’s common in crime series to have books two or three feel like a filler or a set up for greater things in the following book, but this one did not disappoint.
What I’ve enjoyed in both books is how unique the killers are. The Thorn Killer in book one was unlike any I had really seen before and The Ferryman takes a completely different turn. If you’re looking for a new serial killer crime fiction series, then I highly recommend getting to know Carver and Lake!
July 26, 2019
This is a great series! Reading Splinter In The Blood first is a must, then this book follows & doesn’t disappoint!!!👍
July 23, 2019
A very good follow-up to the first book in the series. Looking forward to book number three as there is obviously going to be another book based on how this one ended.
April 19, 2019
Book started a little slow for me, wish I had read the first book first, but really picked up and couldn’t put down at the end! A killer is on the lose using body parts of people to create art, then streams it online.
July 1, 2019
This book was deliciously chilling and fantastic! Dark, suspenseful, utterly engrossing. Ruth Lake is a force to be reckoned with and a female powerhouse. This book ends with you begging for the next installment in this series.
August 2, 2019
A strong sequel to Splinter in the Blood!
I really liked how this book went more into the relationship of Ruth and her brother Adam, although I did worry about it at parts and think Ruth was losing some of her "edge."
The serial killer in this story and his 'killing as art' was more intriguing than the previous book's villain, but I figured out who the killer and was a bit let down by it.
The writer duo Ashley Dyer seems only to be improving with each book, so I can't wait to see what they turn up next. I also hope it's blurbed by someone other than the trickster known as AJ Finn because honestly, I'm turned off when I see his name on a book shouting it's praise.
I really liked how this book went more into the relationship of Ruth and her brother Adam, although I did worry about it at parts and think Ruth was losing some of her "edge."
The serial killer in this story and his 'killing as art' was more intriguing than the previous book's villain, but I figured out who the killer and was a bit let down by it.
The writer duo Ashley Dyer seems only to be improving with each book, so I can't wait to see what they turn up next. I also hope it's blurbed by someone other than the trickster known as AJ Finn because honestly, I'm turned off when I see his name on a book shouting it's praise.
June 24, 2022
I need another book!! Did it wrap up the main storyline of the Ferryman? Yes. Did it wrap up what happened to Ruth & Adam’s parents? NO. I NEED ANSWERS. I honestly love these characters and could read a dozen or more of these books with Ruth, Carver, Hughes, and Ivy. Although I feel like we got closure on the Ferryman, I do still have questions about how Parr played into it. Did I miss something? Is he actually not the complete shit bag I thought he was? Just curious. This book was dark, disturbing, and unique. Such an interesting idea to have to murders displayed as “exhibits”. Social media is also very present in this murder mystery which I appreciate because it adds another layer of authenticity to the story. So so good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2019
What a devious, creepy and deranged killer - yikes!!
One thing that made me pause was the constant use of "Ruth Lake" instead of just Ruth or Lake (like all the male characters). She's one of the main protagonists - the reader doesn't need the constant reminder of her first and last name. It felt clunky to read. Besides that quibble, a good follow-up to Splinter In the Blood.
One thing that made me pause was the constant use of "Ruth Lake" instead of just Ruth or Lake (like all the male characters). She's one of the main protagonists - the reader doesn't need the constant reminder of her first and last name. It felt clunky to read. Besides that quibble, a good follow-up to Splinter In the Blood.
November 27, 2019
It took a bit to get into this story but it ended strong. I do wish I had read the first book as the two main characters are still struggling with some injuries that happened before this book. It is gory and gruesome at times and it definitely paints a bleak picture of humanity with social media. Well written and gripping.
January 6, 2020
Enjoy this series and the characters and storyline. Especially getting more of their backstories.
August 16, 2022
Between 3.5 and 4 stars - 2nd in the series - If you like psycho , crazy killers then this book is for you - looks like there are only 2 in this series , hopefully another one will come out.
November 28, 2022
This book was pretty good. I'm not a big fan of police thrillers, but this had a few plot twists that kept me engaged and wanting to find out more. I probably should have read the first book, I think that might have helped me understand the two main characters better. But I would recommend this book if you enjoy a good thriller. There are some gory parts (actual maggots stuffed into a brain gory.)
June 14, 2019
Another great book in the series. I love how much the characters stuck to who they are and how they work in this book. I liked how they were not the main focus of the story, even though how they work and what they do was. It felt like a natural process to follow them along this journey.
The serial killer again was inventive and different. It had questionable morals, and he/she made others question them too. The whole art is art, no matter what kind of medium the artist chooses to use was very intriguing. Especially when mixed with social media and using spectators as part of the art exhibit.
I liked the red herrings mixed in, and the not so obvious perpetrator.
Can't wait to read where this series continues to go.
The serial killer again was inventive and different. It had questionable morals, and he/she made others question them too. The whole art is art, no matter what kind of medium the artist chooses to use was very intriguing. Especially when mixed with social media and using spectators as part of the art exhibit.
I liked the red herrings mixed in, and the not so obvious perpetrator.
Can't wait to read where this series continues to go.
July 2, 2019
Let's see if this book can hold my interest.
Short intro in the 2 mc's then they are lured to the remains of the next victim of a serial killer.
With the setting being in UK, and for once not London, instead Liverpool, this might just be my kind of book.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Up-to-date internet social media-use, with facebook, twitter, tumblr, instagram, live-streaming, VPN, email and short-messages (SMS and chat). Very well done, without embellishing or any mistakes I could spot. Also without hacking, sadly, but as that is often wrong or over-the-top, achieving too much, the fact that it is not used makes it more real for me.
In other books the police (or the investigating people) have a go-to-Hacker (often male) who is like a magician, making things happen that (without explanation) are very expensive, very hard to do in a short time frame or simply impossible.
The POV was mainly from three different persons, the female detective (DS Ruth Lake, which for me is the main character), the male detective (DCI Greg Carver) and the Killer. This was one of the things which did not sit too well with me, but the chapters where short, and the story connecting Art, Performances, Streaming, Graffiti, Exhibition, Tattoos and even crowd-manipulation, was well written, and delved into ethics, asking "what is allowed in Art" and "what is Art" without giving a certain answer - you have to think about the book, probably even after you have finished it.
As I am an interested observer who likes Giger, I know some of the images which are in that style described in The Cutting Room - see the linked book Biomechanics.
Page-turner, with short-chapters, so you can try to take a break after finishing another chapter - if you really want to...
The personal problems of Lake & Carver played a certain role in this book, very well integrated into the story, but a bit much, will be interesting to see how this will grow or develop in the next book (there will be a next book, I hope?!). Will try to get the first book in the series cheap, or borrow it, if possible (just checked, it is not that expensive, might buy it after reading something different).
Highly recommended UK Serial Killer case with excellent Internet integration in the story.
Short intro in the 2 mc's then they are lured to the remains of the next victim of a serial killer.
With the setting being in UK, and for once not London, instead Liverpool, this might just be my kind of book.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5. Up-to-date internet social media-use, with facebook, twitter, tumblr, instagram, live-streaming, VPN, email and short-messages (SMS and chat). Very well done, without embellishing or any mistakes I could spot. Also without hacking, sadly, but as that is often wrong or over-the-top, achieving too much, the fact that it is not used makes it more real for me.
In other books the police (or the investigating people) have a go-to-Hacker (often male) who is like a magician, making things happen that (without explanation) are very expensive, very hard to do in a short time frame or simply impossible.
The POV was mainly from three different persons, the female detective (DS Ruth Lake, which for me is the main character), the male detective (DCI Greg Carver) and the Killer. This was one of the things which did not sit too well with me, but the chapters where short, and the story connecting Art, Performances, Streaming, Graffiti, Exhibition, Tattoos and even crowd-manipulation, was well written, and delved into ethics, asking "what is allowed in Art" and "what is Art" without giving a certain answer - you have to think about the book, probably even after you have finished it.
As I am an interested observer who likes Giger, I know some of the images which are in that style described in The Cutting Room - see the linked book Biomechanics.
Page-turner, with short-chapters, so you can try to take a break after finishing another chapter - if you really want to...
The personal problems of Lake & Carver played a certain role in this book, very well integrated into the story, but a bit much, will be interesting to see how this will grow or develop in the next book (there will be a next book, I hope?!). Will try to get the first book in the series cheap, or borrow it, if possible (just checked, it is not that expensive, might buy it after reading something different).
Highly recommended UK Serial Killer case with excellent Internet integration in the story.
July 4, 2019
"Ashley Dyer" is the pseudonym used by author Margaret Murphy and professional forensic consultant Helen Pepper. This novel is the second in their Carver and Lake series.
"The Cutting Room" is a very in-the-moment crime thriller that uses social media as the perfect framework for the pathological attention-seeking all narcissists thrive on. The story is generally well-written with good character development and pacing. The identity of the antagonist is skillfully camouflaged and not revealed until the climax. The reader won't get the feeling of being duped or led down too many blind alleys, as is the case with more clumsily-constructed books.
The story begins with supervisory investigator Carver, but because of the prior backstory established in the first novel "Splinter In The Blood", the action sequences necessarily focus on investigator Lake. Lake has her own personal secrets which provide the basis for much of the current story. Because of constant references to the previous book, the reader feels a lot could be missing if one hasn't read these books in order.
The final chapter also left this reader guessing. I won't call it plot weakness but most likely my own slow uptake on exactly what the authors were implying about the guilt of investigator Lake in past events referred to in the story. Perhaps it's a lead-in to a third book. Overall "The Cutting room" is entertaining, although I'd advise reading "Splinter In The Blood" first.
"The Cutting Room" is a very in-the-moment crime thriller that uses social media as the perfect framework for the pathological attention-seeking all narcissists thrive on. The story is generally well-written with good character development and pacing. The identity of the antagonist is skillfully camouflaged and not revealed until the climax. The reader won't get the feeling of being duped or led down too many blind alleys, as is the case with more clumsily-constructed books.
The story begins with supervisory investigator Carver, but because of the prior backstory established in the first novel "Splinter In The Blood", the action sequences necessarily focus on investigator Lake. Lake has her own personal secrets which provide the basis for much of the current story. Because of constant references to the previous book, the reader feels a lot could be missing if one hasn't read these books in order.
The final chapter also left this reader guessing. I won't call it plot weakness but most likely my own slow uptake on exactly what the authors were implying about the guilt of investigator Lake in past events referred to in the story. Perhaps it's a lead-in to a third book. Overall "The Cutting room" is entertaining, although I'd advise reading "Splinter In The Blood" first.
May 6, 2019
I received an ARC of The Cutting Room in exchange for an honest review. ".... there's a kind of poetry in their dismemberment." When a psychopath decides to use death and dismemberment as medium for art, social media becomes the forum of choice. A morbid fascination cultivates a following of Ferryman fans. Investigators Carver and Lake struggle with their own personal baggage as they try to wade through the chaos the Ferryman has wrought, all in the name of art. Although it would have been helpful for me to have read the previous book in the series, Splinter in the Blood, the author still did a great job of captivating me from the very first pages. I have definitely become a Dyer fan and suggest you give The Cutting Room a try!
March 21, 2019
I read this book in one day. It was very interesting and exciting. I loved the unusual plot. I love the characters and how they relate to each other. I love how the story was full of twists and turns and so many surprises. I will be reading more from this author. I was glad to have read it.
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