51ZNfOcoZFS._SY346_

Book Synopsis: “I saw it. He smothered her, pressing his hands on her face. The police don’t believe me, they say it’s impossible – but I know what I saw.
Xander Shute – once a wealthy banker, now living on the streets – shelters for the night in an empty Mayfair flat. When he hears the occupants returning home, he scrambles to hide. Trapped in his hiding place, he hears the couple argue, and he soon finds himself witnessing a vicious murder.
But who was the dead woman, who the police later tell him can’t have been there? And why is the man Xander saw her with evading justice?
As Xander searches for answers, his memory of the crime comes under scrutiny, forcing him to confront his long-buried past and the stories he’s told about himself.
How much he is willing to risk to understand the brutal truth?”

My Review

I loved Imran Mahmood debut, You Don’t Know Me, when I listened to the audiobook a few years ago, so was very excited to read this his second book.

This was a good mystery, with fantastic writing. I liked that the main character Xander was a homeless man, it made the story really interesting, especially when he was faced with different situations throughout the book that I wouldn’t have to deliberate over.

It was a slow burner of a book, which I don’t always enjoy, but it worked because Xander’s memories were all over the place. His mental health was not good at all, which really wasn’t a surprise considering his circumstances. He’d say he couldn’t remember events, but then his memories would return slowly, building up the picture of what of had happened.

I guessed what was going on quite early in the book, so when the big reveals came I wasn’t really surprised, and maybe was just a little disappointed. I did enjoy the built up though, with the twists and turns and dodgy characters that made me question my suspicions throughout the book.

I part listened, part read this book, but wasn’t keen on the narrator, Matt Addis. I can’t fault his narration, just something didn’t work for me! :/

I recommend this if you enjoy slow burn thrillers with an unusual main character, and I’m looking forward to reading the author’s new book All I Said Was True.

Book 8/20