Fiona Barton’s first two novels... were international bestsellers. The British novelist’s third offering, The Suspect, deserves equal success. It's an expertly written look at a painful subject ... Barton’s characterizations are exceptional .. By the end of The Suspect, police think they’ve identified the killer of the teens and he’s about to go on trial. Readers may question his guilt but, for this reader, this ambiguity only makes Barton’s novel more fascinating.
... Fiona Barton continues to charm ... Barton’s classic use of short chapters and multiple narratives keep the reader on edge, helping to move the story along at a brisk pace. Her ability to sustain the tension while not overwhelming the reader is to be applauded. And, as with her earlier works, Barton’s skill in weaving both unexpected yet believable twists and turns right up to the final page is commendable.
Ms. Barton is the queen of the slow burn mystery and this book is no exception. The plot doesn’t twist and turn so much as it meanders down a slightly curvy road ... Compelling and addictive, The Suspect slowly sucks the reader in. I think the slow start and the leisurely pace of the beginning might be a turnoff for those looking for an instant thrill, but if you are willing to put in the work, the payoff, in the end, is worth it. The book certainly left me thinking about it long after I put it down.
