Author: LJ Ross
Performed by Hugh Dancy
Released: December 2019 by Whole Story Audiobooks
Category: Crime Fiction, Mystery, Psychological, Audiobook, Review
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Recently returned from his last case in Ireland, elite forensic psychologist and criminal profiler Dr Alexander Gregory receives a call from the French police that he can’t ignore. It’s Paris fashion week and some of the world’s most beautiful women are turning up dead, their faces slashed in a series of frenzied attacks while the world’s press looks on.
Eva Bisset’s life was a world away from the glitz and glamour of those involved in the world of fashion. Eva’s father had run a successful restaurant, and since his death her husband had taken over. Eva was never sure what kind of mood he would be in and if she would be sporting more bruises.
Dr Alexander Gregory is in Paris with his mentor Professor William Douglas, giving a speech about criminal profiling at the request of La Police Judiciaire, during what happened to be fashion week. A killer is targeting the models, and after the attempted murder of one of them he is called in by The Brigade Criminelle, an elite squad dealing with the most serious offences. Alex is tasked with working with the traumatised victim as her psychologist. Camille hasn’t spoken since she was attacked, which means the police are unable to get a handle on her attacker or understand the motive. Alex is asked to try and gain Camille’s trust and see if he can break through her silence.
Gregory’s lips twisted into a reluctant smile. He couldn’t deny his interest had been piqued by the case, as well as his compassion. For any person to be rendered mute by such severe trauma was a cause of great sadness, and he yearned to help her—not merely so she could confirm her identity to the police and help to find the person responsible, but before any temporary damage became permanent and she was consigned to a life of silence.
Alex is still dealing with events from the previous book through the nightmares he suffers. Although there’s a barrier around his emotions, he is opening himself up a little more and showing his vulnerability. It’s not a natural inclination however, he is still challenged by internal struggles and his self control is still very much in evidence. It was good to get to know more of the man as well as the professional.
This series differs in that the storyline isn’t just written as a straight forward police procedural, but also through Alex’s perspective—so we are privy to the profiler/pyscologist insights into the impact on the victim and the lasting effects of trauma. The story also encompasses relevant issues concerning women in the working environment where men are in positions of power. Judging by revelations over the last few years and beyond, it’s an entirely plausible scenario.
Hugh Dancy’s narration was excellent again. I love the characterisation he gives to Alex, and although I enjoyed it, I didn’t find the story quite as engaging as Imposter.
Book links ~ Amazon UK | Amazon US
https://soundcloud.com/audiolibrary-a/hysteria-by-lj-ross-audiobook-excerpt
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In interesting topic for a book, Cathy. Thanks for this review.
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It is from a bit of a different perpective, Robbie.
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