The Exhibitionist
The discovery of a body, mutilated and morphed into a mermaid triggers a series of gruesome murders in North Yorkshire. Each victim is dismembered, symbolising a mythical being from the past. CID form a team, intent on apprehending the savage killer.
Journalist, Mason Vipond is assigned to the story and becomes infatuated with the serial killer. His investigations lead to a series of flawed distractions as a number of suspects are considered.
DS Patrick Keenan, also obsessed with discovering the identity of the killer; due to criminal activity and a questionable past is imprisoned. On release, his obsession continues and aided by former colleague, DC Vicky Bunting, he pursues a suspect to Cambodia.
A gruesome tale of a manhunt embracing the countries of Greece and Cambodia. Not for the faint-hearted!
Available at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Exhibitionist-Anthony-Hulse-ebook/dp/B0CT3XC4SV
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exhibitionist-Anthony-Hulse-ebook/dp/B0CT3XC4SV
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Reviews
*****
A surprisngly entertaining story!
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2024
I enjoyed reading Anthony's suspenseful and creative story. The characters were unique and interesting people that I could relate to well. I found the killer's motives to be frightening and deranged. It made me wonder how many other normal looking people may actually be crazy too. I was engrossed as the killer plotted his next diabolical crime. I may be an odd person, because I found the description of the crimes to be rather entertaining and I had a big laugh at the horrible scene. I was surprised by the ending and found it very satisfying. I am looking forward to reading more stories by this talented author.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2024
This book grips your attention from the very beginning. A schoolteacher’s children confess to their mother that they have found the body of a mermaid. This story literally takes the reader worldwide, searching for a brutal killer. The victims are creatively murdered in one shocking way after another. If you enjoy (behind the scenes and headlines) details of how murder investigations are conducted, then this book is for you. The author creates credible, imperfect characters devoted to searching for the killer. You can’t help but root for them to succeed.
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Kindle Customer
Beautiful Cambodia, and a fantastic story.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2025
This is a
gripping psychological thriller with atmospheric elements of travel and culture
which add a fascinating layer to the police/journalistic procedural. Hulse
weaves a chilling serial killer investigation into evocative explorations of
Yorkshire England and Southeast Asia.
The story builds on a series of macabre murders in Yorkshire, with tension
mounting as journalists and the authorities delve into the twisted mind of a
serial killer obsessed with ancient mythical creatures. The detectives are led at
every turn by the journalists, and the police are unable to solve the murders
which adds another unusual element to the book. We expect the police to be
all-powerful heroes. While the crime narrative is intense, what sets this novel
apart is the colourful depictions of Cambodia and its cultural treasures. From
the temples of Angkor Wat to the bustling energy of local tours, we’re taken to
the heart of the country and its rich history. There’s even a link to follow
taking you to visuals of the setting, I liked that. The descriptions are
beautiful and I love the travel depictions.
These sections of the book add an unexpected layer to the story and give a
beautiful contrast to the undercurrents of the central plot. The exploration of
cultural landmarks and local life provides calm amid the suspense and gruesome
storyline. For readers who love thrillers with travel and atmosphere, this book
is a wonderful journey through psychotic obsession and the allure of distant
places. I really enjoyed this book.
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*****
S A Griffiths
Delightfully Dark Psychological Thriller
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2024
Told from multiple points of view including the serial murderer, this is a rather dark and macabre read. People are being killed and made to look like mythical creatures where their corpses are paraded around for all the public to see. On the case is a corrupt Detective Sergeant and an equally immoral journalist. Via the police force’s ineptness and the journalist’s distrust of the police to work with them we see how the serial murderer is able to run rings around them all and may just be able to get away from justice but as we know karma always finds a way. Or does it? It will keep you guessing until the very end. This book is not for the screamish or faint of heart. If you like your psychological detective thrillers very dark and bloody then this is definitely for you. The writing is very descriptive and imaginative and kept me invested throughout.
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Mrs Helen Buckfield
Gruesomely Good!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 10, 2024
This latest tale by Anthony Hulse contains all the devious plot twists and interesting characters I’ve come to expect from him. A serial killer with a most unusual modus operandi is on the loose, the macabre manner in which he displays his victims’ post-mortem giving the story an inventive edge. The reason he creates such exhibits is well thought out, demonstrating how the murderer’s psychopathy is based on a demented, flawed logic taken to the extreme. The fascinating motive for these grisly crimes gives this well-crafted, police procedural a touch of originality. It is told from multiple viewpoints, mainly the police investigators and reporters involved in the case, building the tension to nerve-wracking levels all the way up to the unexpected conclusion. I read it very quickly as I couldn’t put the book down, and look forward to another delve into this author’s substantial oeuvre.
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