Review: Little Boy Blue (A Helen Grace Thriller) by M.J. Arlidge

In the darkness of a nightclub, people are able to let go of society's norms, to relinquish to their vices, to breach the separation of pleasure and pain.  Normally, clubs like this provide an anonymity that grants a sense of security, allowing them to succumb to their most carnal desires. That is all shattered when a man is found murdered.

Detective Helen Grace heads the investigation.  She's stunned when the identity of the deceased is revealed, a man whose services she once partook in.  Due to the nature of the situation, no one is willing to step forward with information on the victim or the potential killer, including Helen herself. This was a part of her life she kept hidden from others; a vice that allowed her to deal with the death and devastation she must face on a daily basis.

Yet when another person is found dead, it's evident that a serial killer is on the loose.  A killer with knowledge of Helen's...predilections.  When the second victim is also known to Helen, she knows these killings are personal.  Someone is intent to bring Helen's secrets to life, someone dark and twisted enough to perform these brutal killings.  More terrifying is that they are intent on bringing Helen's secrets to live, not only threatening her career but her very life.

M.J. Arlidge’s Helen Grace thrillers are some of the very best examples of crime fiction out there.  This is the fifth in this truly addictive, incredibly dark yet captivating series. Each title has built up and developed each of the many characters.  The reader knows of Helen’s secrets, but is the world ready?

Helen Grace is honestly one of my favorite fictional characters. She’s strong-willed, hard-headed, and has been forced to deal with the most horrific of events in her life. To add to this, she is in a constant battle with a local news reporter, bound to taint her name and career. Yet none of this prevents her from bringing killers to justice.

I hesitate to reveal more, as this is one of those titles you must devour and experience yourself. Though the page count is hefty, I flew through the chapters.  I sat down to read it, certain that only minutes had passed. In actuality it was hours and I was wholly transfixed.  Arlidge excels at pacing, at developing the storyline. Chapters start out long, full of dialogue and character interaction. As the conflict arises, the chapters shorten, spiraling the reader through a wholly heart-pounding experience.

It is quite evident that this story is not over; I’m quite anxious to get my hands on the next book.  If you have not sampled this series I do encourage you to do so. You won’t regret it.  Highly, highly recommended.