The Echo Man by Sam Holland
General Fiction (Adult)
HarperCollins
14 Apr 2022
3/5
Netgalley
Yeah
Across England, a string of murders is taking place. Each is different in method, but each is horrifying and brutal.
But the killer is just getting started…
Jess Ambrose is plunged into the investigation when her house is set ablaze. With her husband dead and the police pointing at her, she runs. Her only hope is disgraced detective Nate Griffin, who is convinced Jess is innocent.
And he’s going to shock the world…
Soon, Jess and Griffin discover the unthinkable; this murderer is copying the world’s most notorious serial killers. And now, imitation isn’t enough. The killer dubbed The Echo Man is ready to create his own masterpiece, and it will be more terrifying than anything that has come before…
“The Echo Man” by Sam Holland is an extraordinary debut that left an indelible mark on my literary soul. Let me share my personal and positive impressions of this gripping novel:
From the very first page, I was ensnared by the chilling atmosphere Holland masterfully weaves. The air crackles with tension, and the shadows hold secrets that claw at your curiosity. Detectives Cara Elliott and Noah Deakin are not just characters; they’re companions on a heart-pounding journey.
The premise—a series of seemingly unrelated murders, each echoing infamous serial killers—sent shivers down my spine. Holland’s meticulous research shines through as she draws inspiration from real-life cases like Jeffrey Dahmer and Charles Manson. But here’s the brilliance: each murder has a unique twist, a different methodology that keeps you guessing.
Cara and Noah are more than investigators; they’re flawed, determined souls. Their pursuit of the truth is relentless, and as the body count rises, so does the weight of their responsibility. The killer’s proximity to their lives adds urgency—a race against time and memory.
And then there’s Jessica Ambrose. Her desperation leaps off the pages. Accused of arson, haunted by her past, she’s a character you root for. Her connection to the ultimate copycat killer is a revelation—one that ties the threads of this intricate tapestry.
Holland’s prose is a symphony of suspense. Each chapter crescendos, revealing layers of darkness. The pacing is impeccable, urging you to read “just one more chapter” until dawn breaks. The twists? Oh, they’re there—subtle, unexpected, and utterly satisfying.
“The Echo Man” isn’t just a thriller; it’s a descent into the human psyche. It explores obsession, legacy, and the echoes of history. As I turned the final page, I felt both exhilarated and haunted—a testament to Holland’s storytelling prowess.