The Girl with a Clock for a Heart was an excellent debut last year by US writer Peter Swanson. It’s always 
good to read standalone crime fiction that combines a thrillerish plot with good characterisation. So I was looking forward to Swanson’s followup book, The Kind Worth Killing. With this second novel, however, Swanson has excelled himself and it was a surprising and unusual read.
Ted Severson, delayed at Heathrow airport, confides to a complete stranger that his wife is having an affair. Lily asks him whether he has thought of killing his unfaithful spouse and together they arrange to meet again to discuss possible plots. Miranda, Ted’s wife, is an artist who may have married him for his wealth. However, she has a few dark secrets of her own which threaten to scupper Ted and Lily’s plans.
The first third of the book is classic thriller territory and we follow the machinations of Ted and Lily in alternate chapters. Swanson is particularly good at giving us the background to the characters so that their varying degrees of willingness to embrace murder is explained. However, there are some unexpected twists and the plot opens out to other characters’ points of view and it is the second half of the book where the real narrative deviousness takes place.
None of the characters are completely sympathetic but nor do they feel wholly bad. Without giving too much of the plot away, it does become something of a bloodfest which is actually very satisfying. The Kind Worth Killing has a great story at its heart and the deceptively simple narrative hides some excellent plot planning.
Thanks to Faber for my review copy. The book was also a hit with Crimepieces monthly reviewer, Rachel Hall. Her Goodreads review is here.
Sounds intriguing. Another author for me to look out for. Thanks for the heads-up.
My pleasure. Swanson is an excellent writer.
I’ve been eyeing this one up – it’s like a modern-day revamp of Strangers On A Train, from what I’ve read. I didn’t get to The Girl With A Clock For A Heart (yet!) but this definitely appeals! Great review Sarah, as always.
There is a Strangers on a Train feel to it, Linda but also a nice twist on the tale.
Thanks, Sarah, for the fine review. I’m not usually one for a bloodbath in a crime novel. Still, this one sounds like it’s got a really interesting premise. And I can see how that sort of plotting would build the tension. May have to check this one out…
I would! A really gripping read.
Yep, I’ll be reading this one. Am reading lots of good things about it all over the place.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Kay. I’d highly recommend this one.
This sounds excellent and not one I’d heard about until I read your review. Thanks for the heads up!
I’d highly recommend Swanson’s writing, Cleo.
I know I really shouldn’t have, but I had a look on NetGalley and it’s on there if you fancy it Cleo.
Haha I’ve already requested it and have a back-up plan 😉
Yes I must confess to clicking too…fingers crossed! I think I’ll be looking for The Girl With A Clock For A Heart at some point in the future, too!
Oh, I’m reading this now, and enjoying it! Will come back to read your review when I’m done!
Great, Laurie. Look forward to hearing what you think.
By the way am in Massachusetts in 2 weeks time. I’m staying at Wellspring House. Do you know it?
No, but I looked it up and it sounds wonderful! It’s out in western Mass. and I’m at the other (more crowded and congested!) side of the state. I hope you enjoy your stay!
This sounds great, just the kind of book I like. Just went straight over to request it….
Wonderful! I think you’ll love it, Moira.
NetGalley will have a flood of requests for this after your review Sarah!
Hope so 🙂
Bit of an homage to Highsmith?
Well, that’s how it starts….
I don’t know about this one, but I will certainly keep it in mind for the future. Thanks for reviewing it.
I think you’ll enjoy it 😉
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Look forward to reading this soon. I read The Girl with a Clock for a Heart and really enjoyed it. I reviewed here:
http://everythingnoir.com/2015/02/08/review-the-girl-with-the-clock-for-a-heart-by-peter-swanson/
I look forward to reading more from Swanson in the future.
Hi – thanks for stopping by and commenting. I think this is better than Swanson’s first book. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. I’ll check out your site now.
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