A review by kaetorns
Smaller and Smaller Circles by F.H. Batacan

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Easily one of the best crime thriller books I have read. This novel follows Father Jerome Lucero and Gus Saenz as they uncover an unusual serial killing case happening in the Philippines, particularly in Payatas. Given the norms and culture of Filipinos, serial killings had low probability of taking place. From this stems the continuous hindrances coming from institutionalized corrupt practices in the government, the police, and the Church. More than that, it gives necessary perspectives on power and class, highlighting unfair dynamics brought about by wealth and the authority fostered with it. Ultimately, the social injustice that became inherent in the Filipino society fosters in and between the cracks of highly maintained mask fronted by the State, leaking and flooding the lives of the poor and the marginalized.