The Girl In Kellers Way

Megan Goldin

Penguin

Michael Joseph

ISBN: 9780143785446

Description:

When a body is found buried near the desolate forest road of Kellers Way, Detective Melanie Carter must identify the victim if she is to have any chance of finding the killer. That’s no easy task with fragmentary evidence from a crime committed years earlier and a conspiracy of silence from anyone who might have information.

The one person who may be able to help is Julie West. In a troubled marriage, Julie often jogs along Kellers Way to clear her mind and escape the confines of her suffocating suburban life. Until one day, something happens there that shakes Julie to the core, making her question everything she ever believed about her life, her marriage and even her sanity . . .

My View:

“Most murders are committed by someone known to the victim. More often than not, it’s an immediate relative. A husband. Or a wife.” (back cover)

What a fantastic debut novel! I love domestic noir, and this is a great example of the genre.  As I read I solved the mysteries of this narrative in my head only to have nagging doubts bubble to the surface the more pages I turned.  I did not like the character – Matt – what a well written egocentric, calculating individual he is. Julie is not so likeable either – but her actions are understandable, though her neediness is cloying. Julie’s version of events is unreliable – a great plot device.   Who is the baddie here?

What character did I enjoy and want to see more of – Detective Melanie Carter.   I do hope this is the start of a series?  I do want to see more of this empathetic, diligent, intelligent woman in the future. This is a great read with a very uncomfortable ending – you will keep thinking about this book long after the last page has been turned.