Book Review - The Smoke in the Photograph by Kit Tinsley

There are a few indie authors who I keep an eye out for new releases from and Kit Tinsley is one of them. He writes horror stories based in his home county of Lincolnshire and based on his stories I'm not sure why anyone would want to live there!

This latest release blends two familiar tales - that of a serial killer and a haunted house and the two entwine as the story progresses. While both threads are equally well crafted I preferred the haunting thread, simply because it enjoys a bit more of a build up and also because I enjoy a good ghost story.

For the serial killer it provides the meat of the story and I'll confess that I was a little disappointed as I thought I had it all figured out. It turned out that while I did work out most of it there was a surprise revelation at the end. I enjoy a story that surprises me, especially one where the indications were there, so as well as a strong ghost story this book works well as a thriller.

As with his previous books the writing is strong, and I did recognise an improvement in the author's talent. The plot felt tighter and more nuanced than his previous work. There is some real horror here, which is well paced with the story's progression. As with his previous books I'd recommend this to any fans of the genre.

Click on image to buy from Amazon

A SUPERNATURAL THRILLER FROM THE AUTHOR OF ‘BENEATH’ AND ‘THE WILDS’

Julia Draper, an artist recovering from a nervous breakdown, moves into a new home with her surgeon husband. The house was once the scene of a brutal murder. Is there a presence in the house trying to make contact with Julia? Or is she once more on the edge of losing her mind

D.C.I. Sam Fluting is a desperate man. For years he has been trying to catch the, seemingly unstoppable, serial killer dubbed ‘The Lincoln Ripper’. With each new murder the media, the public and his superiors lose more faith in Sam’s ability to finish the job.

As the killer taunts Sam at every step, the presence in the Draper’s home offers Julia warnings for her own safety. As Julia and Sam’s stories become more entwined the stage is set for a terrifying, and violent showdown.


Click here to buy The Smoke in the Photograph from Amazon (and it's a decent horror read)