Published: 3rd November 2014
Publisher: Valknut Press
Format: ebook
Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction
★ ★ ★ ★ – 4 Stars
There’s a serial killer at large. His victims just happen to resemble Kaitlyn—dark haired, pale skin and athletic build. Kaitlyn goes undercover, attending a prestigious high school to try to lure the killer into a trap and save the lives of other potential victims. Will she be able to catch the killer before his body count rises? Or will she become the next victim?
Note: I was provided with a copy of this book for review
I love this series. I think Crane has taken a brilliant idea and made it into a clever and engaging story that is fun while being technical and enthralling. Following Kaitlyn adjust in the real world is always a joy as Crane highlights many difficulties and complexities human nature has that we never consciously realise.
The story Crane has written is one that adds a great reality into Kaitlyn’s life and it shows that sometimes not everyone can be saved and things can take time to heal. The aftermath of the previous book flows over into this one as two storylines flow side by side. There is a traitor in the team that almost jeopardised the previous mission and while there is a pressing need to find out who is leaking sensitive information to the other side, Kaitlyn is eager to stop the serial killer that has been abducting and killing young girls in the area. I liked the duel line as it demonstrates that things aren’t always tied up neatly at the end of a book. The aftermath and consequences remain and these can lead to additional problems as Crane demonstrates.
Being the third book in the series the focus solely on Kaitlyn and her abilities is lessening. It is still there, but after a strong introduction in previous books the movement is on how her abilities are being used and what missions she is undertaking. There is also a greater focus on the team environment. Kaitlyn works with Lucas and others in tracking down the killer and it is great to see the diverse relationships Kaitlyn has with various members of her team. Her confusion over certain feelings and actions remain which bring humour and fun into the story, and it is great to see how she interprets and interacts with people, her passion and loyalty bringing out the best in her and others.
Being part machine Crane doesn’t neglect the fact that no matter how hard Kaitlyn tries to fit in there are still issues and concerns, and Crane manages to display Kaitlyn’s attempts and misunderstandings brilliantly as you see how her mind works and how she is trying to process the information she is given and social behaviours she must follow, things people never normally have to think about are suddenly broken down into conscious decisions.
Just like the previous book, Crane shows us the perspective of others, not just Kaitlyn, meaning there is a wonderful contrast between the narrative voices as we enter the mind of the serial killer Kaitlyn is trying to stop as well as Kaitlyn herself. I really liked this duel approach because Crane doesn’t try and influence the reader by intentionally making the killer appear obviously crazy, instead we see his thought processes and actions, we follow his line of thinking and make our own minds up without Crane swaying us one way or another. Of course with Kaitlyn’s point of view there is her judgement on the situation, but by getting into the mind of the killer brings an added fascination to the story, one where there is an understandable, yet mad, logic to his actions.
The narrative is filled with suspense and Crane builds up the tension and intrigue well. With both sides being depicted there is a definite feeling of the two coming to a head and you watch as there are near misses and close calls on both sides that only make it more exciting and make you wonder how and if the man dubbed the Dollhouse Killer will be caught.
Once again Crane has created a story that is fascinating to read that is a wonderful example of the imagination. Crane writes with an intensity that gets you hooked and keeps you reading meaning not every scene needs to be filled with action, drama, or suspense and yet Crane manages to keep you interested and involved, unable to remove yourself from the gripping and wonderful story she has created.
Purchase Fatal Abduction via the following
Amazon
iTunes
Barnes and Noble
