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kcfromaustcrime's review against another edition
4.0
Miller Hatcher made her debut as a character in NOTHING BAD HAPPENS HERE. In my review of that book I noted that she was "a flawed character, frequently almost pathetic, but there's enough in her back story, and the way her problems presented to make her understandable, if not completely sympathetic, and as a result absolutely real". In this second novel, THE MURDER CLUB, she's more stable, together, and focused, and taking some responsibility for her life and her mistakes. And still absolutely real. So real, that the fear she feels over the death of women who live alone, and her anger about those deaths, being compounded by the killer obviously knowing where she lives (he's delivering letters to explain his actions direct to her door), is palpable. And understandable.
This author has a particular expertise in character creation. She's not afraid to make some people tricky, complicated and very flawed at times. As with the earlier novel Hatcher is an investigative journalist, known for her work on other crime stories, with a good friend in the police force, Kahu Parata, who is again part of the investigation into the inexplicable killing of women in a small town setting. Everyone knows the victims, and more soberingly, everyone must know the killer. Meanwhile Cassie Hughes is a troubled young woman, whose own mother was murdered years ago. She's vowed to find that killer, identified by a possible name only, and Miller has agreed to use her role as a journalist on the local paper to bring the cold case some much needed attention and focus.
All the while there's an odd bloke in town, son of a local "identity" family, whose own sister was murdered many years ago, leaving him obsessed with True Crime in a most peculiar manner.
Whilst it absolutely never hurts to read a series in order (and NOTHING BAD HAPPENS HERE is very readable), there is backstory to Hatcher in this one, plenty of hark backs to the past, and enough of the ongoing fallout to give readers a pretty good feeling for who she is, and what she's dealing with. The past and present relationships are well catered for, the tensions in the small town, and in the newsroom described perfectly, and there are more than enough potential suspects, weird goings on, and nasty types lurking around to keep you thinking you've nailed the perpetrator, but then again maybe not, for most of the novel.
The letters from the killer to Hatcher aren't too "in the mind of the serial killer" in styling, and this is very much a novel about the damage done in childhood and the outward ordinariness of evil. The ultimate resolution of who the "Scarf Killer" is and why is heartbreaking on one level and horrible on another.
This is one of those series that fans of good, character based, crime fiction should take note of.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/murder-club-nikki-crutchley
This author has a particular expertise in character creation. She's not afraid to make some people tricky, complicated and very flawed at times. As with the earlier novel Hatcher is an investigative journalist, known for her work on other crime stories, with a good friend in the police force, Kahu Parata, who is again part of the investigation into the inexplicable killing of women in a small town setting. Everyone knows the victims, and more soberingly, everyone must know the killer. Meanwhile Cassie Hughes is a troubled young woman, whose own mother was murdered years ago. She's vowed to find that killer, identified by a possible name only, and Miller has agreed to use her role as a journalist on the local paper to bring the cold case some much needed attention and focus.
All the while there's an odd bloke in town, son of a local "identity" family, whose own sister was murdered many years ago, leaving him obsessed with True Crime in a most peculiar manner.
Whilst it absolutely never hurts to read a series in order (and NOTHING BAD HAPPENS HERE is very readable), there is backstory to Hatcher in this one, plenty of hark backs to the past, and enough of the ongoing fallout to give readers a pretty good feeling for who she is, and what she's dealing with. The past and present relationships are well catered for, the tensions in the small town, and in the newsroom described perfectly, and there are more than enough potential suspects, weird goings on, and nasty types lurking around to keep you thinking you've nailed the perpetrator, but then again maybe not, for most of the novel.
The letters from the killer to Hatcher aren't too "in the mind of the serial killer" in styling, and this is very much a novel about the damage done in childhood and the outward ordinariness of evil. The ultimate resolution of who the "Scarf Killer" is and why is heartbreaking on one level and horrible on another.
This is one of those series that fans of good, character based, crime fiction should take note of.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/murder-club-nikki-crutchley
coffeedogsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
My Thoughts
This is book two in the Miller Hatcher series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I suggest reading book one first as there are several references throughout and you get a better understanding for Miller and her character. That being said this was a good paced thriller with a flawed but likable character. We can tell Miller has been through a lot, wither her move to Lentford being a final straw in her career. Miller and Cassie are both strong women, which is refreshing since this isn’t always the case with female lead characters. The identity of the scarf killer will not be as easy to determine as you think, several times I was wrong in my guess. I enjoyed this book and will go back and read book one “Nothing Bad Happens Here”, so that I can better understand Miller and her struggles.
I give this 4/5 and thank Rachel’s Random Resources and Nikki Crutchley for the review copy of this book.
This is book two in the Miller Hatcher series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I suggest reading book one first as there are several references throughout and you get a better understanding for Miller and her character. That being said this was a good paced thriller with a flawed but likable character. We can tell Miller has been through a lot, wither her move to Lentford being a final straw in her career. Miller and Cassie are both strong women, which is refreshing since this isn’t always the case with female lead characters. The identity of the scarf killer will not be as easy to determine as you think, several times I was wrong in my guess. I enjoyed this book and will go back and read book one “Nothing Bad Happens Here”, so that I can better understand Miller and her struggles.
I give this 4/5 and thank Rachel’s Random Resources and Nikki Crutchley for the review copy of this book.
tessa_talks_books's review against another edition
3.0
The Murder Club is a tightly woven mystery plot infused by intriguingly flawed characters and many mind-blowing twists and turns.
What I Liked
The main character, Miller Hatcher, is a character that I enjoyed getting to know. Her name alone is intriguing to me. It is not a feminine or even a typical unisex name. It caused me a great deal of pondering and sometimes even confusion – and I enjoyed that bit of a shake-up. She is also just the kind of female character that I like – smart, determined, and generally a strong female lead.
I enjoyed the pace of the second half of the story very much. The first half read a bit slow for me, and I determined that I was getting bogged down by a bit of overwriting. But, once I got to the second half of the story, I felt much more in my reading comfort zone with lots of fun twists and turns and a pace that kept the pages turning at breakneck speed.
I also enjoyed the setting. The story is set in New Zealand, which I don’t often see in the books I read. I enjoy experiencing a new area of the globe through books, especially ones that I would love to one day visit (but I’m not sure how probable a visit truly is).
To Read or Not to Read
If you are looking for a mystery with a strong female lead and a pace that picks up as the story goes along, The Murder Club fits the bill.
What I Liked
The main character, Miller Hatcher, is a character that I enjoyed getting to know. Her name alone is intriguing to me. It is not a feminine or even a typical unisex name. It caused me a great deal of pondering and sometimes even confusion – and I enjoyed that bit of a shake-up. She is also just the kind of female character that I like – smart, determined, and generally a strong female lead.
I enjoyed the pace of the second half of the story very much. The first half read a bit slow for me, and I determined that I was getting bogged down by a bit of overwriting. But, once I got to the second half of the story, I felt much more in my reading comfort zone with lots of fun twists and turns and a pace that kept the pages turning at breakneck speed.
I also enjoyed the setting. The story is set in New Zealand, which I don’t often see in the books I read. I enjoy experiencing a new area of the globe through books, especially ones that I would love to one day visit (but I’m not sure how probable a visit truly is).
To Read or Not to Read
If you are looking for a mystery with a strong female lead and a pace that picks up as the story goes along, The Murder Club fits the bill.
peacockbookreviews's review against another edition
4.0
'The Scarf Killer', who is desperate for publicity and Miller's recognition makes his mark on the town of Lentford when a woman is found strangled.
The story revolves around Miller Hatcher, a journalist; Cassie Hughes who is wanting to bring her mother's murderer to justice, and Logan Dodds whose sister was murdered and who has made a career of trying to solve real crimes, he created 'The True Crime Enthusiasts Club'. Miller, Cassie and Logan come together to bring to justice 'The Scarf Killer.
A well-written murder mystery, an enjoyable read. The characters are convincing, and the plot keeps you guessing right to the end. A recommended read it would make a marvellous one-off TV episode fit for a Sunday evening slot. Thank you to TBC and the author for this pre-publication copy to review.
The story revolves around Miller Hatcher, a journalist; Cassie Hughes who is wanting to bring her mother's murderer to justice, and Logan Dodds whose sister was murdered and who has made a career of trying to solve real crimes, he created 'The True Crime Enthusiasts Club'. Miller, Cassie and Logan come together to bring to justice 'The Scarf Killer.
A well-written murder mystery, an enjoyable read. The characters are convincing, and the plot keeps you guessing right to the end. A recommended read it would make a marvellous one-off TV episode fit for a Sunday evening slot. Thank you to TBC and the author for this pre-publication copy to review.
poetryrose's review against another edition
4.0
Creepy! And I like creepy. Small town murders with plenty of twists inside a tightly woven mystery. Intriguing, flawed characters and great scene-setting. Always satisfying to find the crook in the end, though I admit, I didn't guess this one beforehand. Well done!
karlou's review against another edition
5.0
This is the third book I've read by Nikki Crutchley and is a sequel of sorts to her first, Nothing Bad Happens Here which was originally written as a standalone but such was the response to the main character, Miller Hatcher, she's been brought back for another mystery.
I was immediately impressed by the decision to move Miller away from the scene of the previous novel. Although the events in Castle Bay still hang over her, she wasn't from the town and so it feels right that she wouldn't have remained there. The Murder Club can easily be read as a standalone but it's well worth reading the thoroughly enjoyable Nothing Bad Happens Here to have an even better understanding of Miller's story. It soon becomes evident that her journalistic career hasn't progressed as it seemed it would and following an incident which isn't revealed until later in the book, she has been forced to move to another small town and to take a job working on a local newspaper. It's obviously not what she hoped for and while her editor gives her some leeway to write the sort of stories she is interested in, the response from some of the townsfolk to her articles isn't always favourable.
The murder of a young woman could be the big story she needs but when the killer writes to her, explaining he wants everyone to know him, her involvement suddenly becomes far more chilling. This first murder is described through the eyes of the killer and his actions make it clear that he has planned it methodically. It's also obvious that he will kill again and as the body count rises, Miller dreads receiving the next letter. The sense of fear in the town becomes almost palpable, along with the anger which inevitably develops when people begin to question whether the police are doing enough to catch the murderer.
The identity of the killer is obviously a big part of the plot and in a small town, the list of suspects means it's impossible not to play detective. However, whether or not the reader guesses who did it really doesn't matter because what Nikki Crutchley does so well here is to explore the impact of murders beyond the investigation. The effect on the victims' families is important, of course but the ripples of crime extend beyond just those immediately involved. As with any small community, the grief and anxiety is accompanied by a natural inclination to share suspicions, and to gossip about potential suspects and the victims themselves. It's uncomfortably familiar to see how trial by public opinion means people are quick to determine guilt, even if the evidence isn't there.
Miller's personal involvement exerts a real toll on her but her instinct for a story troubles her too; on the one hand she finds Logan Dodds' obsession with murder and his planned True Crime Tours disturbing but her job means she writes about these crimes and about those who perpetrate them. Is she merely fulfilling her responsibility to the public, who have a right to know the truth, or does writing about murderers give them the notoriety they crave? And what of the victims? As the killer points out later in the novel, their lives - and deaths - are inextricably linked to him. They've become public figures because of him. Yet their stories are important of course and I applaud Nikki Crutchley for her powerful reminder of how such a sudden loss casts a long shadow on those left behind. Cassie's mother went missing when she was still a child and her remains weren't discovered until many years later. When we first meet Cassie she is about to be released from The Oaks Treatment Centre and it's soon obvious that her understandable desire for justice has driven her into a dark place. Perhaps the most striking point about The Murder Club is how people need to feel their lives - and the lives of their loved ones - matter.
The storyline is set in the build-up to Christmas and the juxtaposition between the usual festive preparations and the way in which a small town confronts murder in their midst is fascinating, with the atmospheric sense of place as excellent as I've come to expect from this writer. This is a intriguing mystery but it's also a compelling exploration of human behaviour. Tense, gripping and thought-provoking, The Murder Club is an excellent addition to the flourishing Kiwi crime fiction scene.
I was immediately impressed by the decision to move Miller away from the scene of the previous novel. Although the events in Castle Bay still hang over her, she wasn't from the town and so it feels right that she wouldn't have remained there. The Murder Club can easily be read as a standalone but it's well worth reading the thoroughly enjoyable Nothing Bad Happens Here to have an even better understanding of Miller's story. It soon becomes evident that her journalistic career hasn't progressed as it seemed it would and following an incident which isn't revealed until later in the book, she has been forced to move to another small town and to take a job working on a local newspaper. It's obviously not what she hoped for and while her editor gives her some leeway to write the sort of stories she is interested in, the response from some of the townsfolk to her articles isn't always favourable.
The murder of a young woman could be the big story she needs but when the killer writes to her, explaining he wants everyone to know him, her involvement suddenly becomes far more chilling. This first murder is described through the eyes of the killer and his actions make it clear that he has planned it methodically. It's also obvious that he will kill again and as the body count rises, Miller dreads receiving the next letter. The sense of fear in the town becomes almost palpable, along with the anger which inevitably develops when people begin to question whether the police are doing enough to catch the murderer.
The identity of the killer is obviously a big part of the plot and in a small town, the list of suspects means it's impossible not to play detective. However, whether or not the reader guesses who did it really doesn't matter because what Nikki Crutchley does so well here is to explore the impact of murders beyond the investigation. The effect on the victims' families is important, of course but the ripples of crime extend beyond just those immediately involved. As with any small community, the grief and anxiety is accompanied by a natural inclination to share suspicions, and to gossip about potential suspects and the victims themselves. It's uncomfortably familiar to see how trial by public opinion means people are quick to determine guilt, even if the evidence isn't there.
Miller's personal involvement exerts a real toll on her but her instinct for a story troubles her too; on the one hand she finds Logan Dodds' obsession with murder and his planned True Crime Tours disturbing but her job means she writes about these crimes and about those who perpetrate them. Is she merely fulfilling her responsibility to the public, who have a right to know the truth, or does writing about murderers give them the notoriety they crave? And what of the victims? As the killer points out later in the novel, their lives - and deaths - are inextricably linked to him. They've become public figures because of him. Yet their stories are important of course and I applaud Nikki Crutchley for her powerful reminder of how such a sudden loss casts a long shadow on those left behind. Cassie's mother went missing when she was still a child and her remains weren't discovered until many years later. When we first meet Cassie she is about to be released from The Oaks Treatment Centre and it's soon obvious that her understandable desire for justice has driven her into a dark place. Perhaps the most striking point about The Murder Club is how people need to feel their lives - and the lives of their loved ones - matter.
The storyline is set in the build-up to Christmas and the juxtaposition between the usual festive preparations and the way in which a small town confronts murder in their midst is fascinating, with the atmospheric sense of place as excellent as I've come to expect from this writer. This is a intriguing mystery but it's also a compelling exploration of human behaviour. Tense, gripping and thought-provoking, The Murder Club is an excellent addition to the flourishing Kiwi crime fiction scene.
natcam's review against another edition
4.0
How refreshing to read a book set in New Zealand! And it’s a real page turner too.
Miller is a journalist who returns to her home in rural New Zealand after some trouble (refer to book one) and takes up a post writing for the Leader paper. Enter the Scarf Killer who wants Miller to tell his story so sends her regular letters. A gripping, suspenseful book with great characters that will keep you guessing until the end.
Miller is a journalist who returns to her home in rural New Zealand after some trouble (refer to book one) and takes up a post writing for the Leader paper. Enter the Scarf Killer who wants Miller to tell his story so sends her regular letters. A gripping, suspenseful book with great characters that will keep you guessing until the end.
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