Helpful Score: 1
Mike McCabe is a homicide detective and single father investigating the work of a brutal serial killer in Portland, Maine. The killer targets attractive young women, holds them hostage for a week, then murders them by removing their hearts while they are alive. When another young woman is found missing who fits the killer's profile, McCabe must race to discover the identity of the killer, while simultaneously dealing with small town politics, a female partner who may want to be more than partners at work, and an ex-wife who wants back in his daughter's life after three years.
The Cutting is an impressive thriller by debut author James Hayman. Though a bit predictable, Hayman's fine storytelling and interesting characters make this "a cut" (sorry, couldn't resist) above the rest.
The Cutting is an impressive thriller by debut author James Hayman. Though a bit predictable, Hayman's fine storytelling and interesting characters make this "a cut" (sorry, couldn't resist) above the rest.
Helpful Score: 1
4.0 out of 5 stars A satisfying thriller!, May 21, 2011
By
Denise Crawford
I really enjoyed this fast-paced mystery thriller and immediately sought out the next book - The Chill of Night (Det. Michael Mccabe Mysteries) - in what I hope will be a long series featuring Detective Sergeant Michael McCabe and his partner, Maggie Savage.
A young teen-aged girl is found dead and mutilated in a scrap-metal yard. Her heart has been cut out in a manner that could pass for surgical precision. Earlier that morning, a jogger -- another blonde and beautiful athlete -- was abducted by what McCabe fears is a serial killer targeting this type of victim. The suspense builds as he and Maggie race to try to find this kidnapped woman before she too succumbs to the mutilation. They discover a string of similar crimes stretching from Portland, Maine to Florida. Who is behind these murders and what are they doing with the hearts they steal?
Another thing I really liked, besides the well-developed plot, were the two main characters. I want to get to know them and read more about them. Mike McCabe is a single father raising a 13 year old girl with an ex-wife who has returned for a visitation after several years of absence from their lives. Maggie is a bit mysterious and might have some secrets. The partners work well together and there seems to be a bit of chemistry as well.
If you like a good thriller, ignore the fact that you may or may not find some of the book predictable, and open the cover!
By
Denise Crawford
I really enjoyed this fast-paced mystery thriller and immediately sought out the next book - The Chill of Night (Det. Michael Mccabe Mysteries) - in what I hope will be a long series featuring Detective Sergeant Michael McCabe and his partner, Maggie Savage.
A young teen-aged girl is found dead and mutilated in a scrap-metal yard. Her heart has been cut out in a manner that could pass for surgical precision. Earlier that morning, a jogger -- another blonde and beautiful athlete -- was abducted by what McCabe fears is a serial killer targeting this type of victim. The suspense builds as he and Maggie race to try to find this kidnapped woman before she too succumbs to the mutilation. They discover a string of similar crimes stretching from Portland, Maine to Florida. Who is behind these murders and what are they doing with the hearts they steal?
Another thing I really liked, besides the well-developed plot, were the two main characters. I want to get to know them and read more about them. Mike McCabe is a single father raising a 13 year old girl with an ex-wife who has returned for a visitation after several years of absence from their lives. Maggie is a bit mysterious and might have some secrets. The partners work well together and there seems to be a bit of chemistry as well.
If you like a good thriller, ignore the fact that you may or may not find some of the book predictable, and open the cover!
Helpful Score: 1
The setting is Portland, Maine. This book delivers a roller coaster of thrills. A serial killer is on the loose and the suspects are many. Very fast read.
James Hayman writes like a veteran although this is his first mystery. He is comparable to James Patterson, Jonathan Kellerman and Ridley Pearson. I can hardly wait until his next book is out!!
James Hayman writes like a veteran although this is his first mystery. He is comparable to James Patterson, Jonathan Kellerman and Ridley Pearson. I can hardly wait until his next book is out!!
If you like an author who make you feel like he's trying to trip on James Patterson's shoelaces, well then this is the author for you. For me, it's just more of the same and it definitely gave me a "Kiss the Girls" feel and I've been there, done that.
This author is certainly trying to cater to the mainstream, so his lack of originality may be popular for those who like the typical serial killer mystery that involves women getting hacked up.
I couldn't finish this one because I was sure this book was going to set a record for the number of cliches used and I had lost count before getting disgusted and giving up.
This author is certainly trying to cater to the mainstream, so his lack of originality may be popular for those who like the typical serial killer mystery that involves women getting hacked up.
I couldn't finish this one because I was sure this book was going to set a record for the number of cliches used and I had lost count before getting disgusted and giving up.
It is great to find a new author and I think Hayman has provided the missing link between Robin Cook's doctor characters and Kellerman's (J) psychiatrist detective sidekick - does that make sense Great fun read too! Recommended for train trips, plane flights and staving off boredom in general.
Warning: Needs strong stomach in places!!! The Cutting
Warning: Needs strong stomach in places!!! The Cutting
This book is very good if you like loads of action..colorful characters..an interesting premise..(illegal heart transplants). I resented having to put it down to fix supper..and passed on my usual dose of college football..This is a debut novel..I hope there are more James Hayman books out there!
