Product Description

There are many ways to die. But some are more terrifying than others...A walk in the woods takes a sinister turn for police chief Jeffrey Tolliver and medical examiner Sara Linton when they stumble across the body of a young girl. Secreted in the ground, all the initial evidence indicates that she has, quite literally, been scared to death. But as Sara begins an autopsy, something even more horrifying comes to light. Something which shocks even Sara. Detective Lena Adams, talented but increasingly troubled, is called in from vacation to help with the investigation - and the trail soon leads to the neighbouring county, an isolated community, and a terrible secret...'Karin Slaughter's fifth novel, confirms her at the summit of the school of writers specialising in forensic medicine and terror...Slaughter's characters talk in believable dialogue. She's excellent at portraying the undertones and claustrophobia of communities where everyone knows everyone else's business, and even better at creating an atmosphere of lurking evil.' - "The Times". 'Don't read this alone. Don't read this after dark. But do read it' - "Mirror". 'This gripping debut novel is likely to have Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs glancing nervously in their rear-view mirrors' - "Irish Independent". 'A great read - crime fiction at its finest' - Michael Connelly. 'With "Blind Sighted", Karin Slaughter left a great many thriller writers looking anxiously over their shoulders. With "Kiss Cut", she leaves most of them behind.' - John Connolly.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1483 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 544 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
When so many top-selling names in the crime genre have been showing signs of exhaustion lately, it's always refreshing to pick up a new Karin Slaughter and find that her writing is as laser-sharp as ever. Faithless may feature the author’s familiar protagonists (police chief Jeffrey Tolliver and medical examiner Sara Linton) but Slaughter consistently finds new challenges for her characters, along with new facets of their ever-fluid relationship.

Those weaned on the grisly delights of such Slaughter outings as Blindsighted and Kisscut will know what to expect. And if the novel starts a tad implausibly (Tolliver and Linton, walking in the woods, come across the corpse of a young woman--what are the odds against that?), we're more than prepared to forgive Slaughter this device, when the ever-tightening grip of the narrative takes hold. The duo looks at the evidence, and concludes that the young girl has been literally frightened to death. But during the course of an autopsy, Sara makes a startling discovery--one that gives even the unshockable pathologist pause. She and Tolliver find that there is a trail of evidence leading to a secluded community in the next county, and decide to call in talented detective Lena Adams to aid them. But as the trio draw nearer to the heart of a grim mystery, a destabilising element threatens to undercut their work: Lena’s increasing instability.

While there is nothing particularly groundbreaking in this latest outing for Slaughter, all the customary skills are firmly in place. A particular achievement (as so often with this author) is the faultless pacing of the narrative: the slow, steady accruing of detail has the reader on the point of impatience, when a brilliantly orchestrated set piece will be delivered. Perhaps Karin Slaughter's run of luck will come to an end at some point--but not with this book. --Barry Forshaw

Review
"* 'Karin Slaughter's fifth novel, confirms her at the summit of the school of writers specialising in forensic medicine and terror... Slaughter's characters talk in believable dialogue. She's excellent at portraying the undertones and claustrophobia of communities where everyone knows everyone else's business, and even better at creating an atmosphere of lurking evil' - The Times * 'Don't read this alone. Don't read this after dark. But do read it' - Mirror * 'Brilliantly chilling' - Heat * 'This gripping debut novel - is likely to have Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs glancing nervously in their rearview mirrors' - Irish Independent * 'A great read - crime fiction at its finest' - Michael Connelly"

Michael Connelly
'Crime fiction at its finest'

Customer Reviews

Faithless
I enjoy reading Karin Slaughter and wait impatiently for her books. This book is not quite as good as the first 3, which had me up all night to finish them. Still a good read, but I have to concede some characters seem to have lost their way. Not recommended as the first book you should read from Ms Slaughter try Kisscut, Indelible or A faint Cold Fear first (preferably in order). Will still wait impatiently for the next one though, the gal knows how to write!

The best yet
This is an absolutely brilliant book - edge of the seat stuff.
The Grant County series has just got better and better with each book - however.....because so many loose ends relating to the characters seem to have been sewn up and a stand alone book is next from Slaughter, I fear this may be the end of these particular characters. I am certain, however, that her next book or series will be just as good - she is such a marvellous writer.

Couldn't ask for more
A terrific novel. An edge of your seat thrill ride that is chock full of suspense and mystery. This is a must read for crime genre fans. Aso check out David Demello's The Killing Game.