Review: Perfect Remains by Helen Fields

DI Callanach may have been born in Scotland, but his heart lies in France, where he lived from the age of four. Following a stint in Interpol, Callanach transfers to the country of his birth, to work in the Edinburgh Police. While Callanach deals with being an outsider to the force, his appointment also comes amid a gruesome murder of a local lawyer, in which the only evidence is her charred corpse, a bloody scarf, some teeth, and a baseball bat.

Soon, more women are abducted, and more bodies are found. The victims appear to be unconnected, with the exception that they are well-reputed in their respective careers. Callanach needs to find the killer before other women disappear, but without an idea of where to start, and with hindrances from his own team, this is easier said than done.

I never miss a chance to get my hands on a murder mystery, and so I was especially excited by this one – if you like your plots polished and your crime crafty, you’ll fall in love with this book. Perfect Remains by Helen Fields is a real treat. Not giving up any of its secrets and plot twists until the end, the suspense does not disappoint. Fields’ array of unique characters is brilliant - an unusual male protagonist torn between cultures and geographies, and haunted by his own demons, firmly stands his ground amid strong, independent women – proving that Fields lacks neither imagination. Perfect Remains is a great read for anyone looking for an adventure, and uninterrupted time with a book you’ll refuse to part with. The worst thing about Perfect Remains is that it features a chapter from the next book in the series – a teaser through and through, because once you’ve read it, you have to endure an agonising wait before getting your next fix. Sneaky, Helen Fields, sneaky! (I like it).

Get a copy and prepare yourself – stylish horror and splendid detective work await. Like me, you’ll be left wanting more.  

Perfect Remains by Helen Fields is published by avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, and is available in South Africa from Jonathan Ball Publishers.