by Peter Swanson
Narrator: Graham Halstead
Genres: Psychological Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
From the hugely talented author of Before She Knew Him comes a chilling tale of psychological suspense and an homage to the thriller genre tailor-made for fans: the story of a bookseller who finds himself at the center of an FBI investigation because a very clever killer has started using his list of fiction’s most ingenious murders.
Years ago, bookseller and mystery aficionado Malcolm Kershaw compiled a list of the genre’s most unsolvable murders, those that are almost impossible to crack—which he titled “Eight Perfect Murders”—chosen from among the best of the best including Agatha Christie’s A. B. C. Murders, Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train, and Ira Levin’s Death Trap.
But no one is more surprised than Mal, now the owner of the Old Devils Bookshop in Boston, when an FBI agent comes knocking on his door one snowy day in February. She’s looking for information about a series of unsolved murders that look eerily similar to the killings on Mal’s old list. And the FBI agent isn’t the only one interested in this bookseller who spends almost every night at home reading. There is killer is out there, watching his every move—a diabolical threat who knows way too much about Mal’s personal history, especially the secrets he’s never told anyone, even his recently deceased wife.
To protect himself, Mal begins looking into possible suspects . . . and sees a killer in everyone around him. But Mal doesn’t count on the investigation leaving a trail of death in its wake. Suddenly, a series of shocking twists leaves more victims dead—and the noose around Mal’s neck grows so tight he might never escape.
I was immediately intrigued by the synopsis of Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson and grabbed the audiobook narrated by Graham Halstead. A book store owners blog post, appears to be the manifesto for a serial killer.
I love bookstore settings, murder-mysteries, and twisted serial killers. In Eight Perfect Murders, Swanson delivers it all. The premise is simple, an FBI Agent questions Malcolm Kershaw, the proprietor of Old Devils Bookshop in Boston about a series of murders. It turns out she believes someone is killing people in the manner of the books Mal compiled in a blog post featuring eight perfect murders. Creepy right?
The Old Devils Bookshop sells used, and rare books in the murder-mystery and thriller genres. Mal himself is a collector of murder-mysteries. I loved the setting from the old books to the bookstore cat.
The investigation involves the books on Mal’s lis. It was eerie and fascinating discusses popular and classic murder-mysteries. It was interesting to see which I read, and I may have added one or two to my list!
Twisted and well paced, I was quickly pulled into the narrative. This was my first soiree with author Peter Swanson, but it won’t be my last. Like Ruth Ware, his story quickly pulled me in and set me on edge as we investigated the clues and learn about our peculiar protagonist.
Graham Halstead was perfect as the narrator for this thriller. He captured Mal, the atmospheric moments and gave voice to secondary characters.
Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson was a well paced, clever murder mystery surrounding a used book store. #audiobook #thriller Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Carla Johnson-Hicks
I loved the narration, but rated this book only 3.5. I did not read many of the books mentioned so was a bit lost at times, but overall, it was a good story and a great premise. Loved your review Kimberly.
shooting
I really really want to read this one!! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Debbie S Haupt
Oh yes it sounds delightfully creepy thanks Kim
Lorna
I’m starting to get back into mysteries for the past year or so. This one sounds really good and a 5 star for narration sounds good too.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Oh wow, I’ve been seeing this book around everywhere but didn’t realize this was set in a bookstore. I also like your comparison to Ruth Ware. Adding to my TBR now!
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
This author is on my TBR. This sounds intriguing and definitely creepy!
shooting
I still need to read something by Peter Swanson, but this is high up on my list. It definitely combines a lot of things I love, and it sounds awesome.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Mary Kirkland
Sounds like this one was really good. Glad to hear it.
Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous)
This sounds like it would be an interesting read. I’m not one for thrillers or mysteries, but I love that it ties in with a bookstore’s books. I will have to check this one out.
Ethan
I finished this one last night and really enjoyed it too. If you enjoyed this one, I’d definitely recommend you read Before She Knew Him!
Kimberly
Thanks for the recommendation Ethan!
Jenea’s Book Obsession
I like the sounds of this so much!
sherry fundin
i have been reading swanson’s books for a long time…and i do love my serial killer reading. lol
sherry @ fundinmental
Anne - Books of My Heart
I enjoyed this one too!
Ailyn Koay
that would probably make me read the 8 books! sounds tempting
Nadene
I have been eyeing this book. I am happy to know it was good
Cindy
Set in my hometown and my favorite genre! Thanks for this great review and this is on my list.