Truly, Darkly, Deeply by Victoria Selman

A different perspective on the serial killer story, this time from the viewpoint of a twelve year old girl who desperately wants her mother's boyfriend to be her father. Therefore, the focus is on the domestic situation rather than the murderer or his victims. An American mother and daughter move to North London from Massachusetts to start a new life. Here they meet a charismatic man who moves in with them at the same time a serial killer begins stalking and murdering women across the city.
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At the beginning it is already established that the killer has been caught, tried and imprisoned. The question throughout is whether he is guilty or not, plus the child who thinks it's her fault somehow. The story is written in the first person in two time frames: as a child and as an adult, twenty years later. Sometimes this is a bit confusing as to what time period the story is in as there are no date indicators despite some references to music, technology and fashion. It is quite a slow start as it expresses life and living with the grandparents with their views and expressions. However, the relationship between the killer, his girlfriend and the narrator is interesting despite some 'clues' not really showing as significant. 

The strength of this book is that the question of the murderer's guilt is fought against by the child who is very fond of him. He is unusual in that he isn't a loner or socially awkward, as most serial killers are portrayed. Handsome and charming, he is reminiscent of Ted Bundy in that respect. The ending has a couple of revelations - one that I expected, one that I didn't and one that was a tad confusing that didn't quite come off. Having said that, it is an enjoyable read.

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Published by Quercus on 7 July 2022.
​Advance review copy supplied by the publisher.

Capital Chronicles: London Through Time ​