304 pages | Paperback

Swanson rips us from one startling plot twist to the next A true tour de force. Lisa Gardner

From the talented author ofBefore She Knew Him,a chilling tale of psychological suspense and homage to the thriller genre: a bookseller is investigated by the FBI after a clever killer starts using his list of fictions most ingenious murders.

Years ago, bookseller and mystery aficionado Malcolm Kershaw compiled a list of the genres most unsolvable murders, those that are almost impossible to crackwhich he titled Eight Perfect Murderschosen from among the best of the best including Agatha

ChristiesA. B. C. Murders, Patricia HighsmithsStrangers on a Train, Ira LevinsDeath Trap, A. A. MilnesRed House Mystery, Anthony Berkeley CoxsMalice Aforethought, James M. CainsDouble Indemnity, John D. MacdonaldsThe Drowner, and Donna TarttsA Secret History.

But no one is more surprised than Mal, now the owner of the Old Devils Bookstore in Boston, when an FBI agent comes knocking on his door one snowy day in February. Shes looking for information about a series of unsolved murders that look eerily similar to the killings on Mals old list. And the FBI agent isnt the only one interested in this bookseller who spends almost every night at home reading. The killer is out there, watching his every movea diabolical threat who knows way too much about Mals personal history, especially the secrets hes never told anyone, even his recently deceased wife.

To protect himself, Mal begins looking into possible suspects . . . and sees a killer in everyone around him. But Mal doesnt count on the investigation leaving a trail of death in its wake. Suddenly, a series of shocking twists leaves more victims deadand the noose around Mals neck grows so tight he might never escape.