You Fit the Pattern by Jane Haseldine is the fourth book in the “Julia Gooden” suspense series. Publisher: Kensington Books, coming March 26, 2019.
In this gritty, riveting new novel, Detroit reporter Julia Gooden tracks down a serial killer—only to realize she has become his obsession . . .
Crime writer Julia Gooden has just completed the most important story of her life—a book about her beloved brother’s childhood abduction and how she found his killer after thirty years. But that hasn’t taken her focus off her day job—especially with what looks to be a serial killer terrorizing the city. Female runners are being snatched off jogging trails, then slaughtered in abandoned churches.
As Julia begins investigating, with help from Detective Raymond Navarro, she realizes just how personal this case has become. The murders, planned and executed with uncanny precision, are of women who share traits with Julia. Now he’s contacting her directly, insisting things will get much worse unless Julia makes him famous through her writing.
But no matter how skillfully she plays along, her opponent’s ultimate goal is clear. And only by unraveling the threads that link a killer’s twisted mind to her own dark past can Julia prevent herself from becoming his final victim . . .
This is a wickedly enjoyable fast-paced and action-packed drama that had me completely immersed in all that was happening. Someone is killing female joggers and it’s a race against time to find the killer as Julia is the end game.
The author knows how tell a story with visually descriptive narrative that sets the stage for an intensifying and suspenseful tale that had me devouring every scene as I could not put it down. The mystery was expertly executed keeping a keen eye on clues that hinted at the person responsible. I had my suspicions and when I thought I had a handle on who it was, that strategically placed twist just blew it up for me and I was rewarded with a finale worth waiting for.
Everyone who mattered played a pivotal role that lead to the apprehension of the killer and with great aplomb the action mirrored how well this story was being told. This is by far the best in the series and one of my favorite reads this year. With exciting changes happening in Jane’s life, I can’t wait to see what is in store for her, Navarro, her boys and the gang.
**********
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.