River of Souls by Kate Rhodes - BLOG TOUR

I am delighted to be today's stop on the BLOG TOUR for Kate Rhodes' River of Souls, which was published on 18 June 2015 by Mulholland Books.

River of Souls
By Kate Rhodes
Published by Mulholland Books (18 June 2015)
ISBN: 978-1444785562

Publisher's description
Jude Shelley, daughter of a prominent cabinet minister, had her whole life ahead of her until she was attacked and left to drown in the Thames. Miraculously, she survived. A year later, her family ask psychologist Alice Quentin to re-examine the case.

But then an elderly priest is attacked in Battersea, his body washed up at Westminster Pier. An ancient glass bead is tied to his wrist.

The river has always demanded sacrifices, and now it seems a killer believes it's calling out for more.

Alice is certain that Jude and her family are hiding something, but unless she can persuade them to share what they know, more victims will drown...

My verdict
Yet again Kate Rhodes has written an excellent atmospheric crime thriller. I loved her last Alice Quentin book - The Winter Foundlings - and couldn't wait to read this one too. Although River of Souls is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone, as it includes enough background information about the characters so that you don't get lost but no spoilers about previous books.

River of Souls incorporates a chilling plot filled with suspense, tragedy, grief and family secrets. The crimes are savage ones, involving horrific mutilations, and psychologist Alice Quentin is called in to assist the investigation. I love that this series is set in London, around the Thames in this case, as I could relate to many of the settings and landmarks. The underlying historical theme was fascinating too.

All of the characters are very 'real'. Alice Quentin, in particular, is a brilliant and very likeable protagonist. She's a tough and independent psychologist, but also warm and devoted to helping people as part of her job. Although she has family issues to deal with (her mother's physical health and brother's mental health), she doesn't let these impinge on her working life.

This is a well-researched page-turner, a real 'can't put it down' book - and I suggest you read it to find out how brilliant it is!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher through Bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review.

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