Eight Perfect Murders is a mystery/crime readers delight. Peter Swanson has created a thriller that takes off and does not let go.
How do you get away with murder? Make it look impossible.
A year ago Malcolm Kershaw compiled a list of fiction's most unsolvable murders, chosen from the best of the best - impossible crimes in which the killer ingeniously 'got away with it'. He was just filling blog content for his small Boston bookstore Old Devils, and didn't think too much of it. So, it's a shock when Agent Gwen Mulvey of the FBI knocks on the closed door of his shop one winter night with enquiries about some unsolved cases. As an avid reader she sees him the perfect expert to help with the thinking behind the crimes. As they look at the list (such as Agatha Christie The ABC Murders, James M. Cain Double Indemnity, Ira Levin Deathtrap...) they begin to see a pattern for some recent murders. When Malcolm is soon contacted with an anonymous email it becomes clear - someone is using his list to knock people off, one title after another.
Things ramp up when people Malcolm actually knew turn up as victims (Mulvey even brings him to the crime scenes), and the FBI itself questions him about Agent Mulvey. She has kept everything off the record - is she even an agent? Malcolm continues to follow the lead of the anonymous emailer, logging on to the Dark Web where they can chat privately. Why are they targeting Malcolm and his list? He begins to question everyone, investigating all leads - although, the killer could very well be Malcolm himself!
For Malcolm is not as innocent as he let us believe - years ago he did actually help a friend with a problem, and was helped in return - Patricia Highsmith Strangers on a Train style.
This was a fun ride, with a double pleasure when Swanson liberally drops names of mystery and crime authors we love (from classics like Dorothy Sayers and John Dickson Carr, to Mickey Spillane, John D. MacDonald and Ed McCain, to Louise Penny, Stephen King, Donna Tartt and Ann Cleeves) and films like Point Blank! and Body Heat. With a healthy dose of pulp culture, this is a real treat for readers.
However: the basis are the plots of his eight chosen novels, and he spills all the beans about the endings. We are so used to 'spoilers' these days, just beware he will tell you who-done-it in all of them. It's extra enjoyable though if you have already read these novels.
As with many thrillers, you have to throw logic right out the window - I doubt an everyday person would cruise the Dark Web for murderers - but just go with it. In the end Swanson cleverly explains it all - even leaving threads dangling for you to puzzle over afterwards.
My other reviews of Peter Swanson:
Every Vow You Break
2020 / Tradeback / 270 pages
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