A review by kaylo88
A Killing in Paradise by Elliot F. Sweeney

challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

*Thanks to the author, publishers and Netgalley for an ALC of this audiobook in return for an honest review*

3.5 stars 🌟


This is the second book and I haven't read the first. The author manages to provide enough background information such that the book stands alone, which is always a plus in my opinion. 

One of the things that really struck me about this book was the way it explores social injustices between different groups of people. The author does an excellent job of looking at the reasons behind why women might turn to sex work, and the societal factors that contribute to this. It's a complex issue that is often overlooked, so it was refreshing to see it tackled here.

Another thing that stood out to me was the way the main character was written. While many authors feel the need to rely on constant swearing to create a "complex" character, this book proves that this isn't always necessary. The main character is nuanced and multi-faceted, and the author manages to convey this without resorting to foul language.

That being said, there were some aspects of this book that felt a bit cliché. The ex-police, divorced, complicated love life, and use of sex workers all felt like tropes that have been overdone in the genre. However, even with these flaws, the book was still an enjoyable read. 

Overall, I found myself invested in the story and curious to see how it would all end. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys crime fiction.