What do you think?
Rate this book
The Art of Murder
How do you catch a killer who thinks murder is art?
Michael Fisher sees himself as an artist rather than a killer and poses his victims to resemble famous paintings.
Detective Nick Kelly is called to attend the latest crime scene and finds himself at the centre of a media storm. But while the rest of the police department feels under pressure, Nick relishes the attention.
Karen Kelly, Nick’s soon to be ex-wife, watches in horror as this brutal game of cat and mouse plays out. But Karen has secrets of her own.
And when another body is found, Nick is disturbed to discover he knows the victim and things start to get a little too close to home.
Michael Fisher sees himself as an artist rather than a killer and poses his victims to resemble famous paintings.
Detective Nick Kelly is called to attend the latest crime scene and finds himself at the centre of a media storm. But while the rest of the police department feels under pressure, Nick relishes the attention.
Karen Kelly, Nick’s soon to be ex-wife, watches in horror as this brutal game of cat and mouse plays out. But Karen has secrets of her own.
And when another body is found, Nick is disturbed to discover he knows the victim and things start to get a little too close to home.
- GenresThriller
ebook
First published July 22, 2019
12 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Muddiman
8 books101 followersRebecca was born and raised in Redcar . She has lived and worked in Holland and London, and travelled across America on a Greyhound bus in 2002. She won a Northern Writers' Award in 2010 and the Northern Crime Competition in 2012. When not writing she spends her time watching Game of Thrones and dealing with her two unruly dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 29, 2019
THE ART OF MURDER is a psychological thriller by bestselling author Rebecca Muddiman, author of No Place Like Home.
Michael Fisher sees himself as an artist rather than a killer. As a failed artist, he tries to prove to everyone, including his disappointed father, that he is able to create living art. But this involves killing people to create his art. He poses his victims to resemble famous paintings.
NYPD Detective Nick Kelly is called to attend the latest crime scene to investigate the recent killing of a prominent surgeon, Christopher Lawrence, and finds himself in the middle of a media storm. Nick loves the media attention. The victim’s ex-wife had found her ex. Chrisopher was gay and Michel had slept with him.
Karen Kelly, Nick’s soon to be ex-wife, watches in horror as this brutal game of cat and mouse plays out. But Karen has secrets of her own.
There had been four murders in a few months that took place in the victims’ homes.
Are all these murders linked?
But then when one of the victims is someone Nick knows his brain goes into overdrive. Karen has met a new man, Mark. Could he be the killer?
I can’t say that I liked any of the characters, but it didn’t stop me from reading on. The story is told by the above three characters in alternating chapters. Little slow at the beginning but picks up with a twist at the end.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books and Rebecca Muddiman for my digital copy.
Michael Fisher sees himself as an artist rather than a killer. As a failed artist, he tries to prove to everyone, including his disappointed father, that he is able to create living art. But this involves killing people to create his art. He poses his victims to resemble famous paintings.
NYPD Detective Nick Kelly is called to attend the latest crime scene to investigate the recent killing of a prominent surgeon, Christopher Lawrence, and finds himself in the middle of a media storm. Nick loves the media attention. The victim’s ex-wife had found her ex. Chrisopher was gay and Michel had slept with him.
Karen Kelly, Nick’s soon to be ex-wife, watches in horror as this brutal game of cat and mouse plays out. But Karen has secrets of her own.
There had been four murders in a few months that took place in the victims’ homes.
Are all these murders linked?
But then when one of the victims is someone Nick knows his brain goes into overdrive. Karen has met a new man, Mark. Could he be the killer?
I can’t say that I liked any of the characters, but it didn’t stop me from reading on. The story is told by the above three characters in alternating chapters. Little slow at the beginning but picks up with a twist at the end.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books and Rebecca Muddiman for my digital copy.
July 18, 2019
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Rebecca Muddiman for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review
I started this book with high hopes, having read another book with a very similar premise (same title) approx. 5 years ago, which I loved.
Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the main characters, often the same scene, but different point of view. This works well and the chapters are short, which helps to keep the pace up. One of the problems I have with this book is none of the characters are actually likeable, even the victims. The ending was so predictable and so… drawn out.
I really wanted to like this book, and I think I am in the minority, but I have rated this book as a 2.5 rounded down to 2. At several points I could of easily DNF’d.
I started this book with high hopes, having read another book with a very similar premise (same title) approx. 5 years ago, which I loved.
Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the main characters, often the same scene, but different point of view. This works well and the chapters are short, which helps to keep the pace up. One of the problems I have with this book is none of the characters are actually likeable, even the victims. The ending was so predictable and so… drawn out.
I really wanted to like this book, and I think I am in the minority, but I have rated this book as a 2.5 rounded down to 2. At several points I could of easily DNF’d.
July 29, 2019
The Art of Murder is the second thriller I have read by Ms Muddiman, and I must say it compares favourably to No Place Like Home. The story follows NYPD detective Nick Kelly as he investigates a series of gruesome murders committed by a vengeful art student. Hellbent on proving his talent and worth he creates a set of disturbing artworks using dead bodies of those he cruelly and callously bumped off.
I've read or watched something with almost the exact same storyline but can't recall exactly what right now. It's a well written and thoroughly enjoyable read which captured my attention a little later than usual as it begins in quite a pedestrian fashion. However, it soon gathers momentum and starts moving swiftly with some excellent twists along the way. I thought the way the plot was structured was perfect; short, snappy chapters give you a serious case of just one more chapter syndrome.
The different perspectives (chapters dedicated to each of the main characters) allow you to get into the psyche of each person thus making the story fully rounded. The characters are highly unlikeable, so if you need someone to get behind and support this may not be the book for you. There certainly are any endearing characters to enjoy. A highly entertaining way to spend a few hours in the afternoon. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
I've read or watched something with almost the exact same storyline but can't recall exactly what right now. It's a well written and thoroughly enjoyable read which captured my attention a little later than usual as it begins in quite a pedestrian fashion. However, it soon gathers momentum and starts moving swiftly with some excellent twists along the way. I thought the way the plot was structured was perfect; short, snappy chapters give you a serious case of just one more chapter syndrome.
The different perspectives (chapters dedicated to each of the main characters) allow you to get into the psyche of each person thus making the story fully rounded. The characters are highly unlikeable, so if you need someone to get behind and support this may not be the book for you. There certainly are any endearing characters to enjoy. A highly entertaining way to spend a few hours in the afternoon. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
July 29, 2019
3.5 stars
This was a new author to me, so I had no expectations other than a good read. The story premise is a good one, if not unique.
A man sees himself as an artist and wants his 15 minutes of fame. He researches and stalks his victims, then arranges their bodies to look like famous paintings.
Detective Nick Kelly is called upon to investigate the murder of the latest victim. Kelly is a very good detective, but he's also a media hound. He loves seeing his name in the news and he's not exactly a team player. His team don't really like him nor respect him.
His personal life is a shambles. Married, but soon getting a divorce, he and his wife are still living together in the same perfect apartment that they own. Neither one are willing to give up the living space. As one could imagine ... the sparks fly high and hot.
Another killing, only this time the victim is personally known to Kelly. But it's when the killer turns his eyes on Kelly's wife that things start to spin out of control.
As characters go, the Kelly's have no redeeming qualities and are quite unlikable. They each have secrets, almost like they are trying to one-up the other. The book started out really interesting, then it fizzled. It was a long slow slide into a predictable finale.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This was a new author to me, so I had no expectations other than a good read. The story premise is a good one, if not unique.
A man sees himself as an artist and wants his 15 minutes of fame. He researches and stalks his victims, then arranges their bodies to look like famous paintings.
Detective Nick Kelly is called upon to investigate the murder of the latest victim. Kelly is a very good detective, but he's also a media hound. He loves seeing his name in the news and he's not exactly a team player. His team don't really like him nor respect him.
His personal life is a shambles. Married, but soon getting a divorce, he and his wife are still living together in the same perfect apartment that they own. Neither one are willing to give up the living space. As one could imagine ... the sparks fly high and hot.
Another killing, only this time the victim is personally known to Kelly. But it's when the killer turns his eyes on Kelly's wife that things start to spin out of control.
As characters go, the Kelly's have no redeeming qualities and are quite unlikable. They each have secrets, almost like they are trying to one-up the other. The book started out really interesting, then it fizzled. It was a long slow slide into a predictable finale.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 31, 2019
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE ART OF MURDER by Rebecca Muddiman is a suspense/thriller by a new to me author. Each chapter alternates between the perspectives of the three main characters.
Detective Nick Kelly is on an NYPD team working the case of an unknown serial killer who poses his victims to replicate famous paintings. As the number of victims increases, the pressure is on from the media for more information. Nick’s superior does not want the public to know how the victims have been displayed, but Nick enjoys the spotlight and wants to release more information.
Karen Kelly is cohabitating unharmoniously with Nick as they wait for the court to decide which one of them gets their NYC apartment in their divorce. Karen owns an independent bookstore which is struggling financially and is generally unhappy with her life at this point in time. She meets a nice man on her birthday while she is out on her own, but she had such poor taste in picking Nick, she does not know if she can trust this charming new man.
Michael Fisher wanted to be a famous artist. His father belittled him and he dropped out of art school. Now he works on his personal masterpieces to replicate famous master paintings to prove his talent to his father and the world. The backdrops are painted, but the main figure is not. If you are squandering your true talent, Michael will make a painting to feature you.
I felt this book was predictable for about the first third of the story, but then the author does manage to insert a few curve balls that increase the suspense and pace. I enjoyed the serial killer in this book more than Nick and Karen. Nick is a narcissist in every sense of the word. Karen was a whiny wimp until the very end and I find it surprising that she even came through then, which somewhat limited the believability for me. This was a group of characters that I did not like, but the plot does have a few unique twists that carried me through to the end.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for allowing me to read this eARC in advance of release.
THE ART OF MURDER by Rebecca Muddiman is a suspense/thriller by a new to me author. Each chapter alternates between the perspectives of the three main characters.
Detective Nick Kelly is on an NYPD team working the case of an unknown serial killer who poses his victims to replicate famous paintings. As the number of victims increases, the pressure is on from the media for more information. Nick’s superior does not want the public to know how the victims have been displayed, but Nick enjoys the spotlight and wants to release more information.
Karen Kelly is cohabitating unharmoniously with Nick as they wait for the court to decide which one of them gets their NYC apartment in their divorce. Karen owns an independent bookstore which is struggling financially and is generally unhappy with her life at this point in time. She meets a nice man on her birthday while she is out on her own, but she had such poor taste in picking Nick, she does not know if she can trust this charming new man.
Michael Fisher wanted to be a famous artist. His father belittled him and he dropped out of art school. Now he works on his personal masterpieces to replicate famous master paintings to prove his talent to his father and the world. The backdrops are painted, but the main figure is not. If you are squandering your true talent, Michael will make a painting to feature you.
I felt this book was predictable for about the first third of the story, but then the author does manage to insert a few curve balls that increase the suspense and pace. I enjoyed the serial killer in this book more than Nick and Karen. Nick is a narcissist in every sense of the word. Karen was a whiny wimp until the very end and I find it surprising that she even came through then, which somewhat limited the believability for me. This was a group of characters that I did not like, but the plot does have a few unique twists that carried me through to the end.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for allowing me to read this eARC in advance of release.
January 16, 2025
4 stars .
Well twisted, well written.
There were a few moments when I thought the storyline could've turned a different way, but overall, it was very entertaining.
Well twisted, well written.
There were a few moments when I thought the storyline could've turned a different way, but overall, it was very entertaining.
July 24, 2019
This was a great read and one you don't want to put down.
A failed art student decides that he's going to prove all his critics, teachers etc wrong and create art by bringing it to life, so to speak.
The police take a while to realise that the murders are linked, and know they are taunting the murderer by not acknowledging his murders are art.
Another newish take on a popular genre, and it works really well.
The twist near the end is fantastic as well.
A failed art student decides that he's going to prove all his critics, teachers etc wrong and create art by bringing it to life, so to speak.
The police take a while to realise that the murders are linked, and know they are taunting the murderer by not acknowledging his murders are art.
Another newish take on a popular genre, and it works really well.
The twist near the end is fantastic as well.
August 11, 2019
Omg I love this book. This book has a basic plot line. However, you follow three characters one of which is the killer. And it's a story of cat and mouse. Who will win. Only down side there was times that things were repeated in each POV chapter and sometimes it was not needed. Sometimes it was. But other than that a great read.
January 9, 2023
Audio version of this book 📚- an ok listen but the main characters were so unlike able it ruined it a bit for me
July 29, 2019
The story starts with Detective Nick Kelly of the New York police department attending a particularly gruesome crime scene. A man has been murdered, stabbed and then dissected so that his body becomes part of the gory staging of the replica of an old painting. And even worse it is the latest in a series of killings where the detectives have no suspects or apparent motives. At the same time we hear from the killer's side of things. Michael Fisher is a frustrated artist who believes his talent went unrecognised and now seeks to rectify that in a most spectacular way that will have the world talking about him. Besides hearing from Nick and Michael, the book also alternates with chapters from the point of view of Karen, Nick's wife who is divorcing him after she discovered his adulterous behaviour. Looking to regain a life of her own, she makes his home life pretty uncomfortable while an ambitious colleague does the same to him at work. Nick slowly starts to see a pattern linking the victims but to his horror realises that he himself could be linked to one of them and is forced to dodge the media limelight that he craves so much. Can he keep below the radar and yet still bring down a killer? The book is based on a rather tried and trusted plot of deranged killer displaying bodies to reflect something in his own warped mind, good but nothing particularly new or surprising. It was well written and flowed nicely, making it easy to read and follow. Knowing who the killer was from the start made it more about who would actually "win" at the end, and I'm not sure if it was intentional on the part of the author but I didn't care for Nick, Karen or Michael (or indeed any of the victims either) which did mean I could just sit back and enjoy the story without worrying what happened to any of them. Enjoyable, if a little predictable. 3.5*
September 16, 2019
I like this author's books a great deal and this one is no different, although for some reason she's set it in the USA and therefore (rightfully so) has gone all Americanised with her spellings as well. I've left her a note on Twitter to ask about her Gardner and Freeman series as I really like those but her last book (which I've somehow overlooked) was also not part of it, either. I do hope they'll be resurrected soon.
With this story she has given us Nick Kelly, who is the most unpleasant copper I've ever encountered in a book !! So well done to her on this. He is a proper attention-seeker of the highest order as well. I liked how she separated the chapters up seeing things from differing points of view. That kept it very interesting.
With this being an art-based book I'm now on Google Images so I can look up all the works referred to herein. I have never seen or heard of Van Gogh's Skull of a Skeleton With Burning Cigarette but I must admit, I do like it a great deal !!
The only errors I spotted, and neither were errors I usually see or remark upon, were missing the hyphen or space from pick up in the context it was used and this line, "That he'd be selling his story wherever was buying" where I'd have used whoever instead.
I was also a little baffled that at one point a picture of Karen was mentioned as being the seventh photo but, according to my maths, it should've been thirteenth ? I got a kick out of the ending in this one, too. Now I need to go back and get hold of the one that got away, 'No Place Like Home' and wait for her to reply to my Tweet !!
With this story she has given us Nick Kelly, who is the most unpleasant copper I've ever encountered in a book !! So well done to her on this. He is a proper attention-seeker of the highest order as well. I liked how she separated the chapters up seeing things from differing points of view. That kept it very interesting.
With this being an art-based book I'm now on Google Images so I can look up all the works referred to herein. I have never seen or heard of Van Gogh's Skull of a Skeleton With Burning Cigarette but I must admit, I do like it a great deal !!
The only errors I spotted, and neither were errors I usually see or remark upon, were missing the hyphen or space from pick up in the context it was used and this line, "That he'd be selling his story wherever was buying" where I'd have used whoever instead.
I was also a little baffled that at one point a picture of Karen was mentioned as being the seventh photo but, according to my maths, it should've been thirteenth ? I got a kick out of the ending in this one, too. Now I need to go back and get hold of the one that got away, 'No Place Like Home' and wait for her to reply to my Tweet !!
August 20, 2019
The Art of Murder is beautifully written from three points of view. The killer, Michael Fisher whose perception of himself is one of a great artist who recreates old masters depicting mutilated corpses, with a finely painted backdrop which he places behind his victim. His victims are merely props, and he doesn't see himself as the gratuitous killer that he really is.
Nick Kelly, the detective is a character that we are not meant to like. He has treated his soon-to-be-ex-wife badly and is still sharing the marital home, pending a judgment in court to resolve an ownership dispute. Nick isn't a cohesive team-player either, tending to be maverick when he is on a case to retain all of the glory for himself.
Karen, the soon-to-be-ex-wife, is where the reader's sympathies will lie. She is living in the same apartment as a man she cannot trust, and meets Mark in a bar, but can she trust him?
It ticked all the right boxes for me for what I want in a psychological thriller, and I will certainly be reading more from the pen of Rebecca Muddiman.
Nick Kelly, the detective is a character that we are not meant to like. He has treated his soon-to-be-ex-wife badly and is still sharing the marital home, pending a judgment in court to resolve an ownership dispute. Nick isn't a cohesive team-player either, tending to be maverick when he is on a case to retain all of the glory for himself.
Karen, the soon-to-be-ex-wife, is where the reader's sympathies will lie. She is living in the same apartment as a man she cannot trust, and meets Mark in a bar, but can she trust him?
It ticked all the right boxes for me for what I want in a psychological thriller, and I will certainly be reading more from the pen of Rebecca Muddiman.
July 29, 2019
The lengths someone will go to to become a recognised artist!
Michael Fisher is a failed artist who puts heart and soul into his work.... They’re just not his!
Michael has a project with the end goal of finally becoming the renowned artist he always knew he could be.
Nick Kelly is a man with a mission.
A policeman with over 15 years of experience who will do whatever it takes to be “top cop” and doesn’t care about anyone else he wants his own recognition.
Karen Kelly failed author, bookstore owner and soon to be ex wife of Nick.
She has lost her way on life and still having to share an apartment with Nick is unbearable her only escape is her bookshop where she works with her friend Jamie.
This is my first book by this author but definitely one to add to my favourite list. and she had me hooked from page one.
Completely absorbing, gripping all the way through the book.
Michael Fisher is a failed artist who puts heart and soul into his work.... They’re just not his!
Michael has a project with the end goal of finally becoming the renowned artist he always knew he could be.
Nick Kelly is a man with a mission.
A policeman with over 15 years of experience who will do whatever it takes to be “top cop” and doesn’t care about anyone else he wants his own recognition.
Karen Kelly failed author, bookstore owner and soon to be ex wife of Nick.
She has lost her way on life and still having to share an apartment with Nick is unbearable her only escape is her bookshop where she works with her friend Jamie.
This is my first book by this author but definitely one to add to my favourite list. and she had me hooked from page one.
Completely absorbing, gripping all the way through the book.
July 18, 2019
Michael is an artist and he likes to create living art, well actually dead art. The trouble is he’s killing the people to make his art. He has a list of great works he wants to emulate to prove that he is not a waste of space to his father.
Nick is the detective who is investigating him. He loves the media attention and can’t resist giving quotes to the media.
Karen is Nick’s estranged wife. They are still sharing the apartment as neither will leave and are leaving it to the courts to decide who leaves. She meets a man when she decides to go out to celebrate her birthday on her own.
I can’t say that I liked any of the characters in this book. However, that didn’t detract from the story and I had to keep reading to find out what happened.
Nick is the detective who is investigating him. He loves the media attention and can’t resist giving quotes to the media.
Karen is Nick’s estranged wife. They are still sharing the apartment as neither will leave and are leaving it to the courts to decide who leaves. She meets a man when she decides to go out to celebrate her birthday on her own.
I can’t say that I liked any of the characters in this book. However, that didn’t detract from the story and I had to keep reading to find out what happened.
July 16, 2019
Once again I am grateful to Bloodhound Books for introducing me to another fine crime writer. The Art Of Murder is a very enjoyable read and, although the basic premise of the book has been used before, Rebecca Muddiman presents the idea of crime scenes imitating works of art in an original way. The lead cop is a fascinating character whose personal involvement in the crimes is an interesting idea. Well-written, fast-paced and enthralling, this is a very good novel and I shall investigate more of the author's works.
July 18, 2019
The novel is told via the three main characters on rotation and where you could easily get misled, this is not the case. Moreover you just want to keep turning onto the next chapter. Some say the outcome is predictable... possibly yes however the way in which it is done is not so! Overall narcissism at its best/worst - whichever way you choose to view it. Good read and I would recommend the book.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
July 17, 2019
What a book !!!!
It had me gripped from page 1, and I read it in 1 sitting. The plot intertwines along the way extremely well, with some unexpected twists and the right amount of shocks.
And depending on your knowledge of art, you will discover some art you may not have heard of.......a win win.
Highly recommended......
It had me gripped from page 1, and I read it in 1 sitting. The plot intertwines along the way extremely well, with some unexpected twists and the right amount of shocks.
And depending on your knowledge of art, you will discover some art you may not have heard of.......a win win.
Highly recommended......
July 18, 2019
Enjoyable read.
I found it a little slow to begin with but it began to pick up pace and became a real page turner, I found myself thinking about the storyline in work so that's always a good sign, some good twists!
I found it a little slow to begin with but it began to pick up pace and became a real page turner, I found myself thinking about the storyline in work so that's always a good sign, some good twists!
July 22, 2019
Thank you to Bloodhound books for this ARC. I did not like any of the characters but that only added to the story. You do not have to like the characters to enjoy the book and I did. Fast paced and I read it in two days. Looking forward to reading more books by Rebecca Muddiman.
August 10, 2025
Ever since reading No place like home by this author, the rest of her backlist has been sitting on my TBR shelf just waiting for their moment. The Art of Murder follows NYPD detective Nick Kelly who is investigating a series of gruesome murders committed by a vengeful art student. Hellbent on proving his talent and worth he creates a set of disturbing artworks using dead bodies of those he cruelly and viciously murdered. This was a very well written, captivating thriller read. Short snappy chapters had me caught up in the momentum of the story and ready to read it through the night. I enjoyed that it was told from multiple POV's and I loved the darkness of the characters and the twists along the way. #rebeccamuddiman #bloodhoundbooks #goodreads #thriller #getlitsy #fable #thestorygraph #tea_sipping_bookworm #bookqueen #bookstagram
September 17, 2022
This is a very unusual psychological thriller. It focuses upon a serial killer who murders his victims to them use them in recreations of famous artwork. The story focuses upon three points of view, the serial killer, the detective trying to solve the crimes and his wife. Whilst the book was tense, dark and emotional, it was also a different yet enjoyable read where the story flowed and was tied up well at the end.
March 6, 2022
A thrilling book with lots of complex interweving stories between the 3 main characters. Several heart in mouth moments where you wonder what's going to happen next.
November 16, 2023
This was almost a DNF but the ending saved it. I didn't like most of the characters except the serial killer! Just not my cup of tea
August 2, 2019
I have a little confession to make. Although I have Rebecca’s other books on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read one of them………until now that is. Judging by how much I enjoyed ‘The Art Of Murder’, her other books that are currently on that mountain, will not be on that mountain for long. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Art Of Murder’ but more about that in a bit.
The main baddie in this book is called Michael and he considers himself to be something of an artist. He kills people but after he has killed somebody, he arranges the body in a certain way to replicate a painting by one of the great artists. As the baddie, he sends a shiver down my spine and he really does give me the heebee jeebies. He really is a cold, calculating, evil killer. The ease with which he chooses his victims, stalks them and then kills them is truly chilling. He has no conscience and he certainly doesn’t show any remorse. The main goodie in this book is a detective called Nick. He isn’t exactly whiter than white and he doesn’t keep his trousers on. He is married but he has cheated on his wife on more than one occasion. Again, Nick doesn’t seem to think about others or about how his actions impact on others. Nick seems fond of attention and this series of murders is certainly going to ensure that he gets the attention that he seems to crave. I can’t say that I warmed to Nick at all. Michael and Nick become involved in a game where each tries to outwit the other. Who will be victorious? Well I am not going to tell you so you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh. My. Flipping. Word, ‘The Art Of Murder’ has to be one of the best books I have read so far this year. It certainly starts with a memorable first line ‘exposing the brain was surprisingly hard work’ and I can safely say that I won’t forget that line in a hurry. I made the mistake of starting to read this book whilst I was eating my tea. Let’s just say my appetite disappeared for a short while. I soon became addicted to reading this book. The synopsis grabbed my attention and that killer first line just sealed the deal as it were. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would still be sat reading the book over half a dozen chapters later. I was so taken with the story and so interested in finding out how the story panned out that I didn’t want to put the book down. It was as if I feared missing out on some vital clue or bit of gossip. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded steadily grew and grew. I seemed to race through the latter part of the book.
‘The Art Of Murder’ is superbly written. Rebecca certainly knows how to grab your attention and keep that interest throughout the book, by keeping the characters interesting, the storylines original and by having more twists and turns in the story than you would find on a Snakes & Ladders board. Rebecca has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She writes in such a way that she makes you feel as though you are part of the story yourself. That’s how I felt anyway. The different chapters are written from the point of view of the main characters. The chapters interlink really well and the story flows seamlessly as a result. For me, the story is perfectly paced. It starts with a boom and a bang, hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout.
Reading ‘The Art Of Murder’ was much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would know what to do with. There were also times when I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was waiting for me over the page.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling book written by a fellow North Easterner. I would recommend this book to others but maybe it’s not a book to be reading when you are eating. I can’t wait to read what Rebecca comes up with next. Here’s hoping that we don’t have to wait too long. Whilst I wait I will definitely be reading Rebecca’s other books just as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
The main baddie in this book is called Michael and he considers himself to be something of an artist. He kills people but after he has killed somebody, he arranges the body in a certain way to replicate a painting by one of the great artists. As the baddie, he sends a shiver down my spine and he really does give me the heebee jeebies. He really is a cold, calculating, evil killer. The ease with which he chooses his victims, stalks them and then kills them is truly chilling. He has no conscience and he certainly doesn’t show any remorse. The main goodie in this book is a detective called Nick. He isn’t exactly whiter than white and he doesn’t keep his trousers on. He is married but he has cheated on his wife on more than one occasion. Again, Nick doesn’t seem to think about others or about how his actions impact on others. Nick seems fond of attention and this series of murders is certainly going to ensure that he gets the attention that he seems to crave. I can’t say that I warmed to Nick at all. Michael and Nick become involved in a game where each tries to outwit the other. Who will be victorious? Well I am not going to tell you so you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh. My. Flipping. Word, ‘The Art Of Murder’ has to be one of the best books I have read so far this year. It certainly starts with a memorable first line ‘exposing the brain was surprisingly hard work’ and I can safely say that I won’t forget that line in a hurry. I made the mistake of starting to read this book whilst I was eating my tea. Let’s just say my appetite disappeared for a short while. I soon became addicted to reading this book. The synopsis grabbed my attention and that killer first line just sealed the deal as it were. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would still be sat reading the book over half a dozen chapters later. I was so taken with the story and so interested in finding out how the story panned out that I didn’t want to put the book down. It was as if I feared missing out on some vital clue or bit of gossip. The pages turned over increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out how the story concluded steadily grew and grew. I seemed to race through the latter part of the book.
‘The Art Of Murder’ is superbly written. Rebecca certainly knows how to grab your attention and keep that interest throughout the book, by keeping the characters interesting, the storylines original and by having more twists and turns in the story than you would find on a Snakes & Ladders board. Rebecca has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She writes in such a way that she makes you feel as though you are part of the story yourself. That’s how I felt anyway. The different chapters are written from the point of view of the main characters. The chapters interlink really well and the story flows seamlessly as a result. For me, the story is perfectly paced. It starts with a boom and a bang, hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout.
Reading ‘The Art Of Murder’ was much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would know what to do with. There were also times when I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was waiting for me over the page.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed this thrilling book written by a fellow North Easterner. I would recommend this book to others but maybe it’s not a book to be reading when you are eating. I can’t wait to read what Rebecca comes up with next. Here’s hoping that we don’t have to wait too long. Whilst I wait I will definitely be reading Rebecca’s other books just as soon as I can. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
March 1, 2020
A bit predictable
I very quickly could see the plot. Not all of the twists but most were obvious early on. Still enjoyed it though as an easy read
I very quickly could see the plot. Not all of the twists but most were obvious early on. Still enjoyed it though as an easy read
July 29, 2019
It’s the first time I have read this author and I got into this book straight away. I quite enjoyed this story and it flowed well, just feel it was a bit rushed at the end. Lots of detailed description, leads you to feel part of the story.
Detective Nick Kelly receives a call to attend a crime scene where a murder has taken place. The body has been posed in front of a backing picture and it turns out to be a picture done by a famous painter. Dan had googled it to find out before Nick had arrived. Was there a connection between this and the other murders?
Meanwhile Karen and Nick are finding it hard living in the same flat together while they are getting a divorce. Neither can afford separate accommodation so are awaiting the outcome of the court’s decision to see who has to move out. Nick still hasn’t told his parents the truth and so far Karen has played along but now she has had enough. Nick has to pick up the pieces with his distraught parents while still trying to find a serial killer.
This is a good read, along the lines of Columbo where you know the killer but the police have to work out the who and the why. I read this in one day and found it hard to put down as I wanted to keep reading it. It was an interesting story line, something different and I will be looking at reading some of the author’s other books too.
Detective Nick Kelly receives a call to attend a crime scene where a murder has taken place. The body has been posed in front of a backing picture and it turns out to be a picture done by a famous painter. Dan had googled it to find out before Nick had arrived. Was there a connection between this and the other murders?
Meanwhile Karen and Nick are finding it hard living in the same flat together while they are getting a divorce. Neither can afford separate accommodation so are awaiting the outcome of the court’s decision to see who has to move out. Nick still hasn’t told his parents the truth and so far Karen has played along but now she has had enough. Nick has to pick up the pieces with his distraught parents while still trying to find a serial killer.
This is a good read, along the lines of Columbo where you know the killer but the police have to work out the who and the why. I read this in one day and found it hard to put down as I wanted to keep reading it. It was an interesting story line, something different and I will be looking at reading some of the author’s other books too.
July 30, 2019
Detective Nick Kelly loves being the centre of attention, his personal life is a mess, his marriage has broken down due to his constant cheating, not that he wants anyone to know it’s his fault !
Karen, his wife, is angry, lonely and worried she’ll lose her home when they divorce. So one evening, when Nick’s parents want to take her out for her birthday, she has had enough of playing to Nick’s tune and goes out alone to a bar…here she meets Michael, he’s seem’s kind but she doesn’t want an awkward situation, so she leaves by the back door….what she doesn’t know is that Michael has her in mind for his final project….
Michael is a serial killer, who murders women and then leaves them in poses to represent famous works of art……he just wants his art to be acknowledged and appreciated !!!
This is an utterly compelling thriller, all the characters are devoid of any redeeming features but the writing is so good you just have to keep reading to find out how this is going to end…..Will Michael finish his work, Will Nick’s narcissism get the better of him finally? Will Karen survive?….Twisty brilliance from start to finish.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Karen, his wife, is angry, lonely and worried she’ll lose her home when they divorce. So one evening, when Nick’s parents want to take her out for her birthday, she has had enough of playing to Nick’s tune and goes out alone to a bar…here she meets Michael, he’s seem’s kind but she doesn’t want an awkward situation, so she leaves by the back door….what she doesn’t know is that Michael has her in mind for his final project….
Michael is a serial killer, who murders women and then leaves them in poses to represent famous works of art……he just wants his art to be acknowledged and appreciated !!!
This is an utterly compelling thriller, all the characters are devoid of any redeeming features but the writing is so good you just have to keep reading to find out how this is going to end…..Will Michael finish his work, Will Nick’s narcissism get the better of him finally? Will Karen survive?….Twisty brilliance from start to finish.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
February 3, 2020
You’re drawn in to their world from page 1 and by the end you will have a sense that justice has been well and truly served. I’d go on more but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.
July 25, 2019
Michael Fisher is an artist but not everyone gets to see his compositions - only the police when the bodies are discovered. Nick Kelly is an NYPD detective leading the search for the murderer and going through an acrimonious divorce. Karen Kelly is Nick’s soon to be ex wife, either will move out of their apartment so they’re stuck with each other. Nick’s love of the limelight is causing issue at work and when one of the victims is someone he knows he starts to panic. Karen has met a new man, Mark, but is he all he claims to be? Could the killer be closer to Nick and Karen than they think?
A really enjoyable read although it was hard to like Nick!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Rebecca Muddiman for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
A really enjoyable read although it was hard to like Nick!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and Rebecca Muddiman for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
July 29, 2019
I loved this book! It is my first book by this author, I can't wait to see what she has next for us. It is a creative, engaging, sitting on the edge of your seat story. It is a page turner that had me reading until the last page. The characters are supportive of each other, well developed and made the story feel real. This is about a murder, suspense and in a way revenge. You have a murderer who makes art out of his murders and than you have the detective and his wife who get entangled by this murderer. Just when I thought I knew, bam! something else happened. I didn't regret picking up this book and neither will you. This is a must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews