View source for Kill Me Once by Jon Osborne

{{infobox1
|title=Kill Me Once
|author=Jon Osborne
|reviewer=Louise Laurie
|genre=Crime
|summary=A sadistic, but clever serial killer is on the loose.  As the murder count increases, the pressure mounts for FBI Special Agent Dana Whitestone to come up with the answers and catch him - and fast.
|rating=4
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=416
|publisher=Arrow
|date=January 2011
|isbn=978-0099550921
|cover=009955092X
|aznuk=009955092X
|aznus=009955092X
}}

The title and the book cover plus the wording ''Introducing a new breed of serial killer'' leave the reader in no doubt as to the type of book it is.  A lot of innocent blood is going to be spilled throughout these pages.  And, in the case of many individuals with evil at their core, we get to visit the childhood of one of the main characters, Nathan Stiedowe.  I wasn't at all surprised to read that he was 'different' from the other little boys  at school.  He often got nasty nicknames thrown at him from his peers.  But did he care?  Add to all of that, his parents were bible-bashers but their fervent love of God didn't seem to extend to their son.  Why?  Nathan decided from a very early age that, in order to survive, he'd better develop a pretty thick skin - and fast.
 
Fast track to the adult Nathan and he's now universally known as ''The Cleveland Slasher.''  Clearly he's gone off the rails somewhere.  And by degrees Osborne back-pedals to give readers the whole sorry story - but makes sure he leaves out the odd (very important) detail or two.  Nathan, with his troubled history finds himself very much on his own and decides, hell, he rather likes it that way.  Or does he?  Is he simply putting on a brave face?  We find out that he's a perfectionist and that means that if he's going to be bothered to say, murder an innocent person, then he wants to do a good job.  He's very proud of his 'achievements' to date and like so many serial killers, wants to share his glory with others.  The police and the FBI will do for starters.  And he singles out Dana Whitestone for a specific reason.  All will become crystal clear as the story develops.  And so begins an elaborate game of cat and mouse.  But who's the cat and who's the mouse?  You may be surprised.
 
And when I discovered the age of Nathan (a throwaway remark by Osborne which I loved) I was taken aback.  I was way out and for a writer to surprise you, well, it shows the level of writing, I think.  Nathan is one scary individual.  Right from the start of the book he rants and raves, swears all over the place and thinks most other human beings are pathetic in their sad, little lives.  I could certainly feel his rage.  And this almighty rage of his drives him to slaughter, murder in the most horrific ways.  Elderly women, dogs, cute children - he's not fussy.  But there does seem to be some sort of pattern emerging.  And if you're queasy at all ...
 
Agent Whitestone also has her demons.  She operates very well at work but when at home behind the closed door of her apartment, well, it's a different story.  We get to learn about her past, her parents etc, bit by bit.  The build-up to the conclusion is intense, with the odd red herring thrown in for added interest.  I must admit that around half way through the book I did guess what Osborne tells us right at the end, but it didn't spoil the story one iota.  Compelling main characters make for an engaging read.  Recommended.

I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.
 
If this book appeals then try [[Acts of Violence by Ryan David Jahn]].

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