A review by hooksandbooksuk
The Beautiful Dead by Belinda Bauer

5.0

The story follows Eve, a 29 year old living back at home to care for her sick father whilst trying to balance her competitive career as television crime reporter in an age when sensationalism sells and everybody has a camera phone. Eve is covering a spate of gruesome murders when she catches the attention of the serial killer behind the crimes. The killer's obsession with death is rivalled only by his obsession with Eve herself. The killer, a privileged recluse who believes himself an artist, intends to use Eve to broadcast his "art" and make her his muse. With the pressures of caring for her deteriorating dad and pleasing her tosser of boss it's a role all too easy to fall into...

'The victims bought him time.
His art would bring him immortality'

This book was gripping and suspenseful with a likeable heroine. It's not a big twisty thriller but it more than makes up for it with thrilling drama. The portrayal of Eve's father's Alzheimer's was particularly poignant, at times heartbreaking and touching with a few humorous moments thrown in too. The Beautiful Dead has an ensemble of believable and interesting characters. Overall dark, immersive and morbid crime thriller with a touch of romance; executed brilliantly by Bauer.