A Talent for Murder

A Novel

De: Peter Swanson

Narrado por: Sophie Amoss, Stephen Graybill, Saskia Maarleveld, Graham Halstead, Kathleen Early, Keith Szarabajka

A newlywed librarian begins to suspect the man she married might be a murderer—in this spectacularly twisty and deviously clever novel by Peter Swanson, New York Times bestselling author of The Kind Worth Killing and Eight Perfect Murders.

Martha Ratliff conceded long ago that she’d likely spend her life alone. She was fine with it, happy with her solo existence, stimulated by her work as a librarian in Maine. But then she met Alan, a charming and sweet-natured salesman whose job took him on the road for half the year. When he asked her to marry him, she said yes, even though he still felt a little bit like a stranger.

A year in and the marriage was good, except for that strange blood streak on the back of one of his shirts he’d worn to a conference in Denver. Her curiosity turning to suspicion, Martha investigates the cities Alan visited over the past year and uncovers a disturbing pattern—five unsolved cases of murdered women.

Is she married to a serial killer? Or could it merely be a coincidence? Unsure what to think, Martha contacts an old friend from graduate school for advice. Lily Kintner once helped Martha out of a jam with an abusive boyfriend and may have some insight. Intrigued, Lily offers to meet Alan to find out what kind of man he really is . . .but what Lily uncovers is more perplexing and wicked than they ever could have expected.

©2024 Peter Swanson (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

Love love LOVE this book!!

It was nice catching up with an "old friend" Lily! She is a brilliantly written complex character who is stand-offish but relatable. This book is good to read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading the the first two Henry Kimball/Lily Kintner books. Peter Swanson always knocks it out of the park for me!

Cat and Mouse

Third in the series, but you don't need to read the other books - I believe you could read this alone. In this one, Lily gets a call from an old friend who thinks her husband is a serial killer. Lily follows him and finds out who's been killing women at conferences, and what her friend's husband has been up to. Really good mystery/thriller, and good narration.

Creepy

Creepy serial killer story that was better than I had expected. A few parts of the story seemed a little far fetched but overall I enjoyed it.

Engrossing story

The narrators were excellent. The story is creative -- hated for it to end. The characters were believable and interesting.

Peter Swanson has done it again!

I didn’t realize going in that this story would feature Lily and Henry, too, but it was a delightful surprise. I daresay Peter is a little bit in love with his character Lily himself 💕

I didn’t love the decision about the list at the end because that felt pretty dismissive toward victims’ families in service of ego. But overall the story was awesome!

It was good but nothing like WOW factor

Good for an easy long plane ride mystery book. Wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for something to top your latest favorite novel. I’m still glad I listened to it though

SO Good!

One of the best books I've read in the last year or so. Pacing - perfect. Twists - some good ones. Heroine - intriguing. Just wow, loved this book.

Peter Swanson Can’t Lose

Never disappointed by this master of mystery. Move over Angela Lansbury. Lolz.
I’m no mystery freak but Swanson never fails to stump.

Loved!

I burned through this one. Interesting characters and a story I haven’t heard before. Worth the credit!

Good story, wonderful narrators

Sociopaths aren’t my favorites as main characters…but it’s a compelling story. Especially liked Lily…would love to see her in another book!