Novel, 1943

Part charming, part disarming and quite chilling character study of a serial killer, whose modus operandi seems to be brute strength and the desire to be caught and brought to justice. The charm of the book is largely driven through the domestic feel and a London in the throes of the Second World War, and while the boarding houses and social clubs should perhaps feel seedy, they’re quite endearing. All this, and the narrative’s matter-of-fact run through of the plot points and incidents which become more and more unhinged and lurid, make for a terrific read. The pace is controlled, but picks up to a fairly unique, interesting and perverse ending. A real intrigue.