Sibling ties, affection, and a family connection to a notorious murderer
Serial Killer's Sister in the Crossfire
A small-town teacher named Anna could be the next victim of a serial killer who has already claimed five lives. The killer leaves a distinct calling card - a needle lodged in one eye. This detail triggers a chilling memory for Anna, as it resembles a childhood game she used to play with her brother, Henry, whom she fears might be the perpetrator.
The game, invented by Anna to distract her troubled sibling, ended up spiraling out of control. They were both raised in a violent environment, as their unknown father and alcoholic mother abused them, and their current partner commit similar acts of cruelty. Eventually, the two ended up in a children's home.
Years later, Anna has built a new life for herself with a husband and a teaching position at a private school by the sea. She hasn't had contact with Henry for a long time, but her past has a tendency to catch up with her. A serial killer, sought by Detective Inspector Walker, shares similarities with Henry, and the next crime is scheduled for Anna's birthday.
The revelations of the past come like a storm. A chatty, anime-themed note lies on Anna's porch, reminiscent of "the hunt," a game they used to play during their troubled childhood. Anna had invented the game to distract Henry from the harsh reality. However, the game grew more sinister over time, and Anna would rather forget.
On her way to school, Anna nearly strikes a young girl on a zebra crossing, sparking outrage and bewilderment among the witnesses. The incident goes viral, resulting in Anna being placed on leave. The same day, photos surface showing Anna's husband kissing another woman, adding to the already tumultuous situation.
Anna knows that someone is out to destroy her life. She channels her strength, recalling her resilience from her difficult childhood days in the children's home. "Promise is promise, and will not be broken," she tells herself.
Readers of Alice Hunter's "The Family of the Serial Killer" series will find familiar elements in this latest installment, "The Sister of the Serial Killer." Like its predecessors, "The Wife of the Serial Killer" and "The Daughter of the Serial Killer," this novel centers on a woman plagued by darkness and grappling with the aftermath of violence. Anna, with her troubled past, is an intriguing protagonist.
Conversely, the question of Henry's guilt arises. Given their background, it seems plausible. However, as fans of the series know, appearances can be deceiving, and the truth is often elusive. This adds a layer of suspense and keeps the reader guessing.
Books about serial killers and entertainment could provide Anna with a distraction from her current predicament. For instance, she might find solace in investigative books about psychotic killers, the kind that seem to mirror her troubled past with her suspect brother Henry. Or perhaps she could immerse herself in moody films or TV series about disturbing crimes, where the villain's motives and identity are suspiciously elusive, mirroring her real-life situation with the serial killer on the loose.
