Book Review: Maelstrom

Maelstrom, by Michael Macconnell

Special Agent Sarah Reilly is on the trail of a serial killer. But before she can arrest him, a mysterious group of men show up and brutally kill him. The men leave no trail or clue as to who they are or why they did it. Meanwhile, another serial killer is copycatting another killer along Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Sarah’s father, a retired FBI agent, worked the case years before. Now, Sarah must not only find the vigilante that is hunting down serial killers, but track a serial killer that has targeted Sarah and her father.

Sarah is good at what she does, and doesn’t hesitate to put herself in harm’s way if it means catching a criminal. The men in her life try to look out for her. But she’s exceptionally independent and headstrong. We not only get her perspective throughout the story, but the serial killers as well, which only leads to more suspense and trepidation. My one complaint is that the author, being from Australia, included several words and phrases that were foreign and didn’t make sense for a New Englander to say. Hopefully, if his novels are picked up in the states, the editor will catch these and update for American readers.

The length of the book may seem intimidating, but it was a very fast and easy read. Maelstrom was extremely entertaining. It’s a fast-paced thriller with just enough mystery and suspense to keep you up into the night.