I Know Everything by Matthew Farrell

​A complex, twisted story, cleverly written, well paced and an enthralling read.

The book opens with a psychiatry session where the patient discusses his violent fantasy. Horrific and disturbing, we don't know if this is true or in the patient's mind. That sets the theme for the whole story: what is real and what is in the imagination.

When the psychiatrist's wife dies in a road incident the police are called in to investigate and the leading police officer becomes the other central character. So the story has two perspectives, one logical and straightforward, the other, not so much.

The psychological aspects are fascinating. There is sympathy and warmth for the psychiatrist as he tries to deal with his horrific past and the current mourning for his wife, and this is expressed eloquently. This is not a goody versus baddie type of book.

​ This is an intelligent, structured story that demonstrates horror without gore or sensationalism. I was riveted from start to finish. Excellent read.

Published by Thomas and Mercer on 6 August 2019. Advanced review copy supplied by the publisher.