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The Alphabet Murders
'A smart, dark, breakneck-speed, just-one-more-chapter serial-killer thriller.' Will Carver
FOR THIS KILLER, IT'S A GAME OF A B C
When the body of a man is found brutally murdered in a wildlife park and tattooed with a letter A, criminal profilers Jan Grall and Rabea Wyler are thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Later, two more mutilated bodies are found, again with tattoos on their skin - B and C - and it becomes clear that Grall and Wyler are dealing with a brutal serial killer. One who won't stop until his set is complete.
When Grall's hotel room is marked with a Z and his girlfriend kidnapped, the race is on to find out who the killer is.
Before it's too late . . .
A tense and chilling serial killer thriller for readers of Helen H Durrant and Angela Marsons.
FOR THIS KILLER, IT'S A GAME OF A B C
When the body of a man is found brutally murdered in a wildlife park and tattooed with a letter A, criminal profilers Jan Grall and Rabea Wyler are thrown into a deadly game of cat and mouse.
Later, two more mutilated bodies are found, again with tattoos on their skin - B and C - and it becomes clear that Grall and Wyler are dealing with a brutal serial killer. One who won't stop until his set is complete.
When Grall's hotel room is marked with a Z and his girlfriend kidnapped, the race is on to find out who the killer is.
Before it's too late . . .
A tense and chilling serial killer thriller for readers of Helen H Durrant and Angela Marsons.
400 pages, paperback
First published August 22, 2019
2 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 14, 2019
I’m always looking for a new crime fiction read to dive into, and The Alphabet Murders seemed like the perfect read for me. It had such potential, and I was ready to be wowed. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this one.
I was never pulled into The Alphabet Murders in the way I had hoped to be. I did not care for the characters and the story failed to surprise me. In fact, I worked most things out quite early in the book and was reading only to confirm my beliefs.
There was the chance for this one to wow me – not only did the crime have the potential to shock, the focus on profiling should have made it a gripping read – but such was not the case. I’m sure there are many this will appeal to, but for me I was never hooked in the way I had hoped to be.
I think this may have been a case where I expected too much.
I was never pulled into The Alphabet Murders in the way I had hoped to be. I did not care for the characters and the story failed to surprise me. In fact, I worked most things out quite early in the book and was reading only to confirm my beliefs.
There was the chance for this one to wow me – not only did the crime have the potential to shock, the focus on profiling should have made it a gripping read – but such was not the case. I’m sure there are many this will appeal to, but for me I was never hooked in the way I had hoped to be.
I think this may have been a case where I expected too much.
August 26, 2019
I did enjoy this ‘scandi style’ serial killer murder mystery. At the heart of a good range of characters sit criminal behaviourists Jan Grall and Rabea Wyler. Both have deep backstories and secrets they hide from each other, but this story concentrates predominantly on Jan Grall.
Although the author is German, I have referred to this as ‘scandi style’ because the nature of the crimes is as dark and gruesome as you’d expect from scandi-noir. This serial killer is bent on a course of action that sees murder victims dropping like flies, with a letter of the alphabet tattooed on their skin, starting with A – though it’s really not very long into the book before our killer has got to G.
For Jan Grall, being called to the Westerwald area brings with it conflicting thoughts. This is his old stomping ground; the area where he grew up and where he still has some family. Its years since he has been back and there are some people he can’t help but think about as he comes home.
He already knows the Senior Chief Superintendent of Major Crimes in Koblenz who has suggested calling in the profilers. Anita Ichagawa is a modern policewoman. In control, whip smart and ready for anything, she and Jan know each other from a long time ago. Her Chief Superintendent, Stuter, does not take easily to being under the command of a woman. Neither is he a big fan of profilers, so Grall and Wyler have their work cut out with him.
The story is told in the third person, mainly from Jan’s perspective though we do hear from other characters and from one victim, a young woman named Tugba who is determined that she will not go down without a fight.
Well plotted and very suspenseful, this tense and dark serial killer mystery hits the ground running with a murder in a wildlife park and doesn’t let up, leaving the profilers reeling in the wake of so many murders coming one after another.
Set in the frozen mid-winter, The Alphabet Murders uses the chilling setting to great effect, showing the twisted mind of a torturer determined to spell out his gruesome message on the skin of a victim, leaving Jan and Rabea unable to get a handle on what is happening, so fast are events happening. Jan can’t help but feel that the answer must lie within his grasp, if only he can think clearly enough to find it.
In reading this novel, I felt that the author had laid solid groundwork for more books with these characters and I’d certainly be up for reading more. I would, however, like to see a better version. While I really enjoyed this story, I didn’t feel like the writing flowed sufficiently well to keep the immersion in the story as deep as it could have been. Some of the prose could have used a little ironing out and that would have helped transform the book from enjoyable into something more.
Verdict: The atmosphere is fraught and laden with tension and excitement, adding layer on layer to a well thought through debut novel.
Although the author is German, I have referred to this as ‘scandi style’ because the nature of the crimes is as dark and gruesome as you’d expect from scandi-noir. This serial killer is bent on a course of action that sees murder victims dropping like flies, with a letter of the alphabet tattooed on their skin, starting with A – though it’s really not very long into the book before our killer has got to G.
For Jan Grall, being called to the Westerwald area brings with it conflicting thoughts. This is his old stomping ground; the area where he grew up and where he still has some family. Its years since he has been back and there are some people he can’t help but think about as he comes home.
He already knows the Senior Chief Superintendent of Major Crimes in Koblenz who has suggested calling in the profilers. Anita Ichagawa is a modern policewoman. In control, whip smart and ready for anything, she and Jan know each other from a long time ago. Her Chief Superintendent, Stuter, does not take easily to being under the command of a woman. Neither is he a big fan of profilers, so Grall and Wyler have their work cut out with him.
The story is told in the third person, mainly from Jan’s perspective though we do hear from other characters and from one victim, a young woman named Tugba who is determined that she will not go down without a fight.
Well plotted and very suspenseful, this tense and dark serial killer mystery hits the ground running with a murder in a wildlife park and doesn’t let up, leaving the profilers reeling in the wake of so many murders coming one after another.
Set in the frozen mid-winter, The Alphabet Murders uses the chilling setting to great effect, showing the twisted mind of a torturer determined to spell out his gruesome message on the skin of a victim, leaving Jan and Rabea unable to get a handle on what is happening, so fast are events happening. Jan can’t help but feel that the answer must lie within his grasp, if only he can think clearly enough to find it.
In reading this novel, I felt that the author had laid solid groundwork for more books with these characters and I’d certainly be up for reading more. I would, however, like to see a better version. While I really enjoyed this story, I didn’t feel like the writing flowed sufficiently well to keep the immersion in the story as deep as it could have been. Some of the prose could have used a little ironing out and that would have helped transform the book from enjoyable into something more.
Verdict: The atmosphere is fraught and laden with tension and excitement, adding layer on layer to a well thought through debut novel.
February 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, was easy to read. I was hoping there were more books by the same author, but seems to be the only one so far. I will definitely look forward to any future novels from this writer
September 2, 2019
This novel has so many elements to it you cannot fail to be be gripped until the very last page. Although it is set in Germany, it reads like a scandi-noir novel - dark, disturbing and to the point but with great character story arcs.
The main plot of the novel revolves around a series of murders nicknames the alphabet killings. Grall and Wyler are profilers called in to assist with the case as the murders are extremely gruesome and seem to have no real links. Grall and Wyler work together to survey the crime scenes, follow leads and analyse every shred of evidence. Each chapter is short which helps the plot keep it's pace and as a reader gives the false impression that you can read one more chapter and be done - you cannot! Once started this is a very difficult novel to put down.
Mainly told through the eyes of Grall with some intervening chapters from Wyler and the occasional one from a current victim being held, each chapter is insightful and helps to develop a more panoramic view of what is happening. It's through these small insights that we the reader can begin to put together a picture of what the killer's motive and plans may be. The most terrifying of these chapters are definitely the ones with the victim being held and tortured. each time they appeared they left me reading as fast as I could to get back to her again.
As well as the main plot the character development is superb. Initially, Grall seems a little detached and unemotional but as I saw more of the narrative through his eyes, my opinion of his changed. Both Grall and Wyler have backgrounds that are hinted at in the beginning and then delved into a little more throughout the book. For Grall this case is especially difficult as him brings him back to his childhood town where something scarring happened - it's through this that his vulnerabilities are shown.
I loved that this novel focused on the 'profiling' aspect more than the procedural stuff as I find the psychology of serial killers fascinating. (I love Criminal Minds). This is a great book for anyone who likes their thrillers dark and their characters an integral part of the story.
The main plot of the novel revolves around a series of murders nicknames the alphabet killings. Grall and Wyler are profilers called in to assist with the case as the murders are extremely gruesome and seem to have no real links. Grall and Wyler work together to survey the crime scenes, follow leads and analyse every shred of evidence. Each chapter is short which helps the plot keep it's pace and as a reader gives the false impression that you can read one more chapter and be done - you cannot! Once started this is a very difficult novel to put down.
Mainly told through the eyes of Grall with some intervening chapters from Wyler and the occasional one from a current victim being held, each chapter is insightful and helps to develop a more panoramic view of what is happening. It's through these small insights that we the reader can begin to put together a picture of what the killer's motive and plans may be. The most terrifying of these chapters are definitely the ones with the victim being held and tortured. each time they appeared they left me reading as fast as I could to get back to her again.
As well as the main plot the character development is superb. Initially, Grall seems a little detached and unemotional but as I saw more of the narrative through his eyes, my opinion of his changed. Both Grall and Wyler have backgrounds that are hinted at in the beginning and then delved into a little more throughout the book. For Grall this case is especially difficult as him brings him back to his childhood town where something scarring happened - it's through this that his vulnerabilities are shown.
I loved that this novel focused on the 'profiling' aspect more than the procedural stuff as I find the psychology of serial killers fascinating. (I love Criminal Minds). This is a great book for anyone who likes their thrillers dark and their characters an integral part of the story.
August 23, 2019
This is a very personal case for the criminal profiler Jan Grall, he has to return to his home after a long absence to investigate a serial killer who tattoos letters to his victims. Who could be the Alphabet killer?
I was glued to this story since the beginning, Jan seems a cold man but cares for the people he loves and possibly is the best profiler to look into this case! But we can’t forgive his partner Rabea Wyler, a young brave woman that respects Jan but has her own opinions too!
I would like to think that this will not be the only case we will read of Jan Grall, I started to care for him, he seemed cold and uncaring in the beginning but there are so many touching moments and situations that I think he hides it from everyone to being able to stay calm on the pressure moments.
The case is interesting and with a few surprising twists, I don’t think the readers will discover them before it’s too late! But this is the good thing of a good book, that it will surprise you, am I right?
The story is told between the investigation of the case (with the profilers and the detectives) and the thoughts of one of the victims of the killer, who is still alive and hopes that will be rescued before it’s too late.
This is a good thriller, suspenseful and gripping! Ready to discover The Alphabet Murders?
I was glued to this story since the beginning, Jan seems a cold man but cares for the people he loves and possibly is the best profiler to look into this case! But we can’t forgive his partner Rabea Wyler, a young brave woman that respects Jan but has her own opinions too!
I would like to think that this will not be the only case we will read of Jan Grall, I started to care for him, he seemed cold and uncaring in the beginning but there are so many touching moments and situations that I think he hides it from everyone to being able to stay calm on the pressure moments.
The case is interesting and with a few surprising twists, I don’t think the readers will discover them before it’s too late! But this is the good thing of a good book, that it will surprise you, am I right?
The story is told between the investigation of the case (with the profilers and the detectives) and the thoughts of one of the victims of the killer, who is still alive and hopes that will be rescued before it’s too late.
This is a good thriller, suspenseful and gripping! Ready to discover The Alphabet Murders?
August 20, 2019
This starts with someone being tortured with a tattoo gun….and then the story really begins with the finding of two bodies, both gruesome deaths and they have been tattooed …one with an A, the other a B…..then a 3rd is found …disembowelled and tattooed with a C…..
All the murders have been committed in such a short time …clearly planned, but what and who links them all?
Jan Grall and his assistant, Rabea Wyler begin their investigation, as profilers can they discover the killer’s identity and stop any more deaths?
With believable, likeable characters that have their own personal issues and with a twisty, gruesome plot this is a dark, gripping and utterly compelling thriller. It’s hard to believe this is Lars Schütz debut, I will certainly be looking out for more by this author.
Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers 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
All the murders have been committed in such a short time …clearly planned, but what and who links them all?
Jan Grall and his assistant, Rabea Wyler begin their investigation, as profilers can they discover the killer’s identity and stop any more deaths?
With believable, likeable characters that have their own personal issues and with a twisty, gruesome plot this is a dark, gripping and utterly compelling thriller. It’s hard to believe this is Lars Schütz debut, I will certainly be looking out for more by this author.
Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers 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
August 22, 2019
I do love serial killers in crime novels. Their minds are so twisted and you never know where the story is going to go. Also, I am a big fan of Criminal Minds and I do enjoy behavioural analysis procedure. In what I hope is the first of many cases, we meet Jan Grall, renowned profiler, and his colleague Rabea Wyler. They are called in the Westerwald area where there is a serial killer who leaves a letter of the alphabet tattooed on his victims together with quotes from famous literary works. For Jan the case is almost personal because he grew up in the area and coming back there means facing the ghosts from his past.
I found the setting claustrophobic and chilling and it perfectly fits with the suspenseful plot and some of the disturbing scenes. The chapters switch from character to character, including one of the serial killer’s victim, Tugba. Her point of view was the one I found more emotionally taut and thought-provoking: a young woman knowing she is about to die and doing everything she can to survive, including scratching her skin to erase the tattoo.
The author created a cast of complex and vividly-drawn characters. Jan and Rabea make a good pair of profilers and they both have a dark secret from their past that still haunts them. These are left a bit unresolved and I hope it means that will get to see more of these characters. They are called to investigate the Alphabet Murders by the local police. Anita Ichagawa is Senior Chief Superintendent, smart, strong-minded, and really good at her job. Stutter is Chief Superintendent, he likes to control and he doesn’t easily accept Anita’s place of command. He also doesn’t believe much in profiling and doesn’t make Jan’s job easy.
THE ALPHABET MURDERS is addictive and haunting, it is an accomplished and superb debut and I really look forward to reading more from this author and about these characters!!!
I found the setting claustrophobic and chilling and it perfectly fits with the suspenseful plot and some of the disturbing scenes. The chapters switch from character to character, including one of the serial killer’s victim, Tugba. Her point of view was the one I found more emotionally taut and thought-provoking: a young woman knowing she is about to die and doing everything she can to survive, including scratching her skin to erase the tattoo.
The author created a cast of complex and vividly-drawn characters. Jan and Rabea make a good pair of profilers and they both have a dark secret from their past that still haunts them. These are left a bit unresolved and I hope it means that will get to see more of these characters. They are called to investigate the Alphabet Murders by the local police. Anita Ichagawa is Senior Chief Superintendent, smart, strong-minded, and really good at her job. Stutter is Chief Superintendent, he likes to control and he doesn’t easily accept Anita’s place of command. He also doesn’t believe much in profiling and doesn’t make Jan’s job easy.
THE ALPHABET MURDERS is addictive and haunting, it is an accomplished and superb debut and I really look forward to reading more from this author and about these characters!!!
September 8, 2019
The Alphabet Murders is exactly what it says it is when we meet Jan and Rabea on the hunt for the killer who is playing a deadly gruesome game.
We follow a story that alternates between Jan and Rabea and one of the victims. in this rather complex and disturbing story. I have to admit that I am not normally a fan of books that have been translated into English. Trying to get my head round some of the characters names and locations.But that wasn’t the case with this book.
The author brings us a dark and twisty read that will have you hooked from start to finish, with plenty of squeamish moments. This is a well thought out story that will keep you guessing until the end. The whole time I was reading it I couldn’t help but think that this would make an excellent film.
This is a brilliant debut novel which I highly recommend.
We follow a story that alternates between Jan and Rabea and one of the victims. in this rather complex and disturbing story. I have to admit that I am not normally a fan of books that have been translated into English. Trying to get my head round some of the characters names and locations.But that wasn’t the case with this book.
The author brings us a dark and twisty read that will have you hooked from start to finish, with plenty of squeamish moments. This is a well thought out story that will keep you guessing until the end. The whole time I was reading it I couldn’t help but think that this would make an excellent film.
This is a brilliant debut novel which I highly recommend.
October 28, 2021
This book had me hooked from the start!! I could’ve finished it in a few days if it wasn’t for school ://
Im in love with the plot, the characters and everything else in this book so I totally recommend it!
Im in love with the plot, the characters and everything else in this book so I totally recommend it!
June 23, 2022
Amazing, so thrilling and I love the way it’s written, always leaves you guessing and it’s never obvious what’s going to happen
January 30, 2025
Really good read.
August 26, 2019
Set in a dark German winter , this story has a very European style and feel.
Criminal behaviorist Jan Grall, returns to his hometown and place of personal trauma , Westerwald, along with colleague Rabea Wyler to help with an investigation into gruesome murders , the victims are turning up tattooed with the letters A, B, C....
As the murders pile up in quick succession, this killer really does plough through the alphabet in a chilling and grisly manner, Jan and Rabea have to fight some very personal demons to assist the police chief in his investigations.
The chapters move between Jan and one of the serial killers victims. It’s quite disturbing and moving reading the victims tale.
Jan and Rabea are very interesting intense characters , both carrying dark secrets, I think there is more to come from this new brooding pair.
The author creates both a well written and paced, dark, atmospheric, almost claustrophobic, Euro chiller thriller set in the dark cold winter , this is a great bit of Murder Suspense to chill you to the bone on these Hot summer days!
Recommended
4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Criminal behaviorist Jan Grall, returns to his hometown and place of personal trauma , Westerwald, along with colleague Rabea Wyler to help with an investigation into gruesome murders , the victims are turning up tattooed with the letters A, B, C....
As the murders pile up in quick succession, this killer really does plough through the alphabet in a chilling and grisly manner, Jan and Rabea have to fight some very personal demons to assist the police chief in his investigations.
The chapters move between Jan and one of the serial killers victims. It’s quite disturbing and moving reading the victims tale.
Jan and Rabea are very interesting intense characters , both carrying dark secrets, I think there is more to come from this new brooding pair.
The author creates both a well written and paced, dark, atmospheric, almost claustrophobic, Euro chiller thriller set in the dark cold winter , this is a great bit of Murder Suspense to chill you to the bone on these Hot summer days!
Recommended
4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
April 28, 2023
Very well written, finished in 3 days and kept me reading the whole way through without getting bored. It's fast paced and the characters have depth that made me like them and want to know more about them. Would define recommend if you like thriller!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews