Review: "... Leaving a trail of blood-red blossoms in her wake ..."
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 3, 2014
Lyla Kyle murders people; author Jordanna East tortures her readers with cliff hangers. Finally, the follow-up to Blood in the Past is published, and every bit as amazing, if not better than the prequel.From the first line:"Blood is red, but she always wore purple ..." we are once again immersed in Lyla's world. And in this world, we travel to the depths of Lyla's unquenchable hunger for vengeance.In Blood in the Paint, Lyla's games begin, and the way she chooses, lures, thinks of, mocks, and despises her prey ... fascinating. Disturbingly fascinating.It is apparent that the author is not only well-versed in the psychological aspects of a serial killer, but she has taken the time to study the lingo and profession of those in the field of law enforcement. This adds so many layers, makes the scenes so believable, gives the book the realistic element that can at times become lost in blood, gore, and sex -- this novel delves deeper.Much longer than the prequel, (a novella), murder by murder, it is spine-chilling to feel so close to the scenes and reasoning behind the killings -- in detail. It is also quite interesting to switch back to the minds of the officers. Going back and forth from sympathy for a killer, as we know from the first book why she does what she does; but we are deeply involved in the personal life of Officer Brighthouse, and we are reacquainted with Jillian.It can be hit and miss with murder mysteries and thrillers, as I do not like being able to predict the endings of books I read. (Or movies I watch.) This thriller has many unexpected, edge-of-your-seat moments, as main characters, supporting characters, victims, do not always do exactly what's expected. I suppose acquaintances, security guards and hiding places are not always as trustworthy as a serial killer would like for them to be.Coming face to face with the past, internalizing these tense scenes where movements, things as simple as the way someone swallows -- all dissected -- leaving us on the edge of a cliff all over, again. This was my favorite thing about BITP: the intense moments where I found myself completely losing track of time, feeling as if I wanted to laugh at myself for grimacing, as the quick-paced twists and turns were absolutely crazy.... Namely, a certain elevator scene, which I will not spoil and give away.There are softer moments, in quite contrast to the cold, harshness of the killings. The author's way with words is like a lull in the dark. The glimpses of warmth shown in Lyla were a bit of a shocker. All of these things are cohesive, seamless. So seamless, that I cannot wait to read the next piece of this brilliantly constructed puzzle."... She shuffled forward, continuously planting her hands on the wall for balance, and leaving a trail of blood-red blossoms in her wake ..."