Author: Michael Geczi
Series: Stand Alone
Category: Thriller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"'So we shit-can everything we know, dump all existing notions and theories, and start over from square one. Treat this baby for what it is: a brand-new case, the murder of Keith-fucking-Victor.'" - Greg Nichols
Within the first couple of chapters, I could tell that there was so much more going on in this twist-filled story than it seemed. Pieces of the puzzle came together, some easier than others, and it took until the very last page to see the clear picture.
Chrissy Weeks, the victim who lived, is a complex character, as are her motives. Due to her narcissistic tendencies, readers are forced to question her version of events right alongside the police who attempt to unravel the bigger picture of a serial killer's latest almost victim. She had been a big fish in a little pond her whole life but didn't realize it until she was up against the bright minds of law enforcement.
"'I am always calm and centered. I don't have to work on it. Like I said many times, I spend most of my time thinking about getting away. And playing him, manipulating him - and seeing it develop - kept me focused.'" - Weeks
While running a high-profile investigation, several of the investigators are also dealing with their own challenges in their personal lives.
Detective Mollie Granger and her girlfriend Gwen had a lot against them, their backgrounds, politics, professions, and even the color of their skin. They struggle to understand the other's perspective and despite loving each other, they each wonder if that is enough in the face of so much adversity. Still, their devotion to each other in times of crisis proves that their relationship is as strong as they believe it can be.
The best thriller books keep your heart racing, your mind turning, and leave you with a slack jaw expression as you finish the last page. My biggest grievance with this book is also a high point of Killer Dead, Victim Alive - a cliffhanger indicating the story may be far from over.
Tropes and Themes: Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Crime, Police, FBI
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
The serial killer is dead; the expected seventh victim is alive, and the Santa Monica detectives and the FBI agents are shaking their heads.
“Who-done-it” meets “why-done-it.”
A twisty mystery, spiked with psychological and cultural implications, all playing out in sun-drenched Santa Monica. Police Detectives Mollie Granger and Greg Nichols respond to a call near the world-famous pier. A dead male, shot in the forehead at close range, is posed in the sand. He’s Keith Victor, a serial killer who’s murdered six persons and kidnapped a possible seventh, Chrissy Weeks.
Meanwhile, six miles away, Weeks walks into a police station, says, “I think you've been looking for me,” and claims Victor dropped her off outside an hour earlier. Quite the trick, given the coroner says Victor’s been dead for thirty-six hours. Weeks, a narcissist with a complex backstory, views most people as chess pieces to be played. And she’s playing at mega speed, even though her never-ending lies and moves – some of which backfire – quickly turn her into a suspect from a victim.
The case comes at a difficult time for Granger, a middle-class white cop having relationship problems with Gwen Seward, a wealthy African-American civil rights attorney. They’ve drifted apart since the George Floyd murder shined a bright light on their differences and challenges. They’ve even tabled plans for marriage and kids.
Granger focuses on Weeks even as she and Seward attempt to repair their relationship. In the process, the detective learns that families, love, truth, and understanding overcome personal and professional challenges and bring unexpected second chances.
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