Book reviews by D.G. Kaye

Sunday Book Review – Warning Signs – #Thriller – Carol Balawyder

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The Sunday Book Review today is for Carol Balawyder’s new release – Warning Signs. A psychological thriller that kept me gripped all the way with intrigue, and happy to add – without gore. I recently had Carol over for interview HERE at my blog where she shared her expertise in a criminology background which spurred her to write this book.

 

 

 

Blurb:

Eugene’s research into his criminal mind is not about the why, but how to prevent his horrific crimes. Angie, a young woman starving for passion sees Eugene as her saviour from a lonely life of caring for her heroin addicted mother. How far is she willing to go in order to save her relationship with Eugene and his promise for a future together?
Detective Van Ray is out on a vindictive mission as he attempts to solve the murders of young girls in Youth Protection.
Their lives collide in a mixture of mistrust, obsession and ignoring the warning signs. A psychological thriller about human frailty and loneliness.

 

My 5 Star Review

I’m a fan of this author’s women’s fiction and because of her expertise in a background of criminology, I was eager to read her first psychological thriller, and it did not disappoint.

Detective Darren Van Ray is upset that’s he’s been taken off the big necktie serial killer’s case for arresting the wrong man and allowing the killer to continue his spree. But thanks to his good friendship with lead detective, Alice Virioli, he keeps abreast of the case that he’s put so much time into and finds he can’t distance himself from the case.

Angie suffers a low self-esteem and lives with her drug-addicted mother. Eugene is the serial killer who is murdering young girls newly released from a Youth Center Group, using the logic that those girl’s lives are pretty much ended for disaster with a life of debauchery, so he thinks he is sparing them a miserable life. At the same time, he is doing research about the psychology of killers to try and learn why he has these urges to kill. He gets closer to Detective Van Ray by offering him his take from research on serial killers, thinking if he befriends him he’ll take the scent of himself. But the detective smells a rat. And once again the detective finds he can’t steer away from this case.

Insecure Angie meets Eugene (a.k.a. Niko – his real name) and they fall in love. Angie finally feeling worthy of herself and Niko wanting someone all for himself – until later in the book when Angie discovers who Eugene really is! As the case continues, we learn more about Eugene and where his killing instinct comes from. Things heat up when Detective Van Ray becomes curiously interested in Angie and her connection to Eugene after Eugene is mysteriously killed but a photo of Angie is found in his apartment.

This book gives us an interesting look into a serial killer’s mind, expertly written through this author’s background studies in police and criminology studies. It was an interesting read, and happy to say that as one who doesn’t appreciate reading blood and gore, the book is focused on the psychological aspect of the hunt and the kill more than focusing on the gory remains. An excellent thriller!

 

Copyright
© D.G. Kaye and DGKayewriter.com, 2014 – 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to D.G. Kaye

 

45 thoughts on “Sunday Book Review – Warning Signs – #Thriller – Carol Balawyder”

  1. I really do like the psychology of this book, Debby. I have bought it and will get to it when my current batch of committed reads are finished.

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      1. Thank you, Robbie for buying my book. I hope that you will enjoy it. Thanks so much, Debby, for your insightful review. I am so sorry to respond a bit late but I am now in India and where I am staying have very limited internet access but as soon as I can I will reblochon your post.

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  2. Again we are similar as I hate reading anything about blood, violence or anything too gory. This book sounds right up my street! Thanks Debby for yet another great recommendation. x

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    1. Lol, I have to laugh Stevie. I know we always enjoy each other’s recommends. Yes, I’m always interested in the psychological aspect of the why, this book gets into it good, without having to focus on the gore of the murders. 🙂 xx

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      1. Thanks for your comment, Stevie. It’s comforting to know that there is a readership for the kind of crime novels I’m interested in writing. Once again, thank you Debby for you kind words about my book. Xxx

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  4. Sounds a wonderful story and read Debby and so pleased its not got gore in it too.. I used to enjoy a few thrillers in my time, but have found I have less stomach for the details these days lol… Many thanks for sharing Carol’s book…
    Much love your way Debby have a lovely relaxing Sunday and a good week ahead my friend.. ❤

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    1. Thanks so much Sue. Of course you feel the same way about gore and such, goes without saying! Thanks for the love and wishes Sister, all the same to you for a good week ahead! ❤ xoxo

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      1. Gore seems to be the operative word in the comments so far.of course, I don’t like gore either nor violence for violence sake. I find myself questioning which way to go with my writing and my interest in criminology. I tend to bend towards domestic crimes or the femme fatale, which I find amusing. Thanks, sue for your comments. Xxx

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  6. I think most of us have a desire to understand why things happen. Getting inside the mind of a serial killer may be pushing the envelope, but I find it intriguing enough to look into it. Add me to the list of people who like a suspenseful book without graphic violence.

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  12. Glad I found this. A fan of Carol’s blog and writing I’m sorry to have missed this somehow.
    Thanks Debby – sold to the gentleman on the Welsh West Coast 🙂

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    2. Sorry, I’m so late in responding. Was away and then when I came back there were so many little details to take care of.
      Thank you, Annika, for buying my book and I do hope that you will enjoy it. 🙂

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