Dark Objects by Simon Toyne

Today is my stop on the blog tour for the sinister Dark Objects by Simon Toyne. Big thanks to Tracy Fenton, on behalf of Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for the invitation and to the publisher for my review copy.

 

The Blurb

‘Count to three,’ her mother told her, the last words she would ever speak. A wealthy woman is found brutally murdered in the locked fortress of her London mansion. Surrounding her are four mysterious objects, including a book on forensics by Dr Laughton Rees. Pressured by the lead detective to help with the investigation, Laughton begins to realise that the objects left by the body are not just about the victim, they’re also about her. Her childhood was destroyed by one killer. Now she must catch another before her daughter’s is destroyed too.

‘Simon Toyne, already one of the UK’s top thriller writers, really has outdone himself with Dark Objects. It’s intelligent, insanely paced and brimming with fresh ideas – I doubt I’ll read a better book this year’ M.W. Craven

‘A stunning novel! Dark Objects will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. And what a masterful voice Toyne brings to his fiction!’ Jeffrey Deaver

 

My Review

This was my first Simon Toyne book so I didn't know what to expect. But the blurb had enticed me in. Happily, I wasn't disappointed, it was a blast - couldn't turn the pages fast enough!

Laughton Rees is an expert in criminology and forensics. She only deals with old cases. She has known trauma in her life and is still dealing with its effects every day. DCI Tannahill Khan is heading up the inquiry into the violent murder of a woman who seems to have no past. Her body has been laid out almost ritualistically with objects around her, including a book by Laughton Rees. DCI Khan controversially asks her to consult on the case. She agrees, but she has no idea of what is to come...

Laughton Rees is a really interesting character (with a fabulous name!) shaped by her traumatic path. It was easy to sympathise with her and I found myself worrying for her as the story progressed and things got harder for her. The author  has described her anxieties and rituals very well. I also loved her fractious relationship with her daughter, it felt very real to me. I haven't had a teenage girl but I was one once - a very long time ago! - and I know it was no picnic for my parents. But I also loved Gracie's concern for her mum, how she's had to modify her behaviour so her mum doesn't get anxious - it's a lot for a young girl to take on. Anyway, both characters are beautifully written. I also have to mention Brian Slade - another character so well described, I wanted to punch him in the face! 😂 Made my skin crawl a bit.

I really enjoyed this book. Found myself picking it up every spare few minutes as I was eager to find out what happened next. It's really fast paced, and easy to read. It's written in the present tense which gives it that sense of urgency. And there is always something happening. We see it from three different points of view and it was really interesting reading how the different characters responded to things. The crime scenes described are graphic and disturbing but fit perfectly with the storyline. And what a storyline it is! Full of surprises. 

Dark Objects is a tale of obsession, murder, trauma, confronting the past and maybe a little bit of healing. It's intelligent, twisted, tense and fast moving with some really interesting, diverse characters. I loved it. 

The Author

Simon Toyne is the bestselling author of the Sanctus trilogy: Sanctus, The Key and The Tower. He wrote Sanctus after quitting his job as a TV executive to focus on writing. It was the biggest selling debut thriller of 2011 in the UK and an international bestseller. His books have been translated into 27 languages and published in over 50 countries. Simon lives with his family in Brighton and the South of France. @simontoyne