Pop Goes the Weasel - A Review

POP GOES THE WEASEL by M.J. Arlidge

In this, the second in the series, DI Helen Grace has a gruesome case on her hands – someone is targeting the customers of hookers, not just killing them but dissecting them, cutting out their hearts and sending it to their families.  The effect on the families is obvious, terror, disbelief and shame when it all goes public.  While she is hunting the killer every step is scrutinized and criticized by her new commander who, for her own personal agenda, has it in for DI Grace.

Once again Mr. Arlidge takes his readers on a twisting and heart-stopping thrill ride, while giving the readers another personal mystery about Helen to try and solve. 

I enjoy reading crime thrillers and cannot help but make comparisons between books in the genre.  When I read “Eeeny Meeny”, the first book in this series, there were certain aspects about the book that seemed familiar; the female lead, the female sidekick, the intriguing back story and the relentless reporter.  While I was reading a hard copy of “Pop Goes the Weasel” at home I was listening to the audio version of “Apprentice in Death” while driving in the car.  I finally put my finger on the familiarity, this series by M.J. Arldige seems like ‘in Death’s” evil twin.  I am not suggesting anything untoward … police thrillers are by their nature comparable in their settings … I’m just saying that if you enjoy the J.D. Robb series you will probably enjoy this series as well – minus the near-future time line and billionaire love interest.

I’ll definitely be picking up the third in this series.  They are quick reads that check all the crime thriller boxes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from Wikipedia)

Matthew Arlidge was born in London in 1974, the youngest of four siblings. He grew up in Hampstead, North London, attending University College School from 7–18 years of age. In between school and university, he travelled extensively, teaching in a school in southern India, as well as visiting Singapore and Australia. On his return to the U.K., he studied for an English Literature degree at St Johns College, Cambridge. During this period he met his future wife, won the Douglas Chivers prize for outstanding Shakespeare scholarship and mastered the specialist skill of punting. He subsequently spent a year studying Film and Television Production at Bristol University.

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