Book Review: Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson

Book: 62/150

Rating: 4/5

Summary: Years ago, bookseller and mystery aficionado Malcolm Kershaw compiled a list of the genre’s most unsolvable murders, those that are almost impossible to crack—which he titled “Eight Perfect Murders”—chosen from among the best of the best including Agatha Christie’sA. B. C. Murders, Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train, Ira Levin’sDeath Trap, A. A. Milne'sRed House Mystery, Anthony Berkeley Cox'sMalice Aforethought, James M. Cain'sDouble Indemnity, John D. Macdonald's The Drowner, and Donna Tartt's A Secret History.

But no one is more surprised than Mal, now the owner of the Old Devils Bookshop in Boston, when an FBI agent comes knocking on his door one snowy day in February. She’s looking for information about a series of unsolved murders that look eerily similar to the killings on Mal’s old list. And the FBI agent isn’t the only one interested in this bookseller who spends almost every night at home reading. The killer is out there, watching his every move—a diabolical threat who knows way too much about Mal’s personal history, especially the secrets he’s never told anyone, even his recently deceased wife.

To protect himself, Mal begins looking into possible suspects—and sees a killer in everyone around him. But Mal doesn’t count on the investigation leaving a trail of death in its wake. Suddenly, a series of shocking twists leaves more victims dead—and the noose around Mal’s neck grows so tight he might never escape.

Thoughts: I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It was a quick and twisty mystery that clocks in at under 300 pages (it doesn't drag on at all) and makes for a great weekend read. I loved all the references to classic mystery novels, and the fact that the main character works at a bookstore (who doesn't love a bookstore setting!?).

I saw some of the minor twists along the way but didn't see the big reveal at the end coming. It's been a while since I've read a fun mystery/thriller; I'd definitely recommend this one!