Investigative reporter Maxine Revere has a theory: that the five New York City murders for which Adam Bachman is being tried are just part of his killing spree. In probing the disappearance of a retired couple who vanished the prior summer, Max uncovers striking similarities to Bachman's MO and develops a theory that Bachman wasn't working alone.
Max wins a coveted pre-trial interview with the killer, whose disarming composure in the face of her questions is combined with uncomfortable knowledge of Max's own past. She leaves the room convinced, but unable to prove, that Bachman knows exactly what happened to the missing couple. The D.A. wants nothing to jeopardize his case against Bachman and refuses to consider Max's theory. With no physical evidence, Max has to rely on her own wits and investigative prowess to dig deep into Bachman's past. The picture that Max puts together is far darker and more deadly than she ever imagined.
As Max gets closer to the truth, she doesn't realize that she's walking down a road that has been paved just for her. That every step she takes brings her one step closer to a brilliant, methodical sociopath who has been waiting for her to make just one small mistake.
And when she does, he'll be there waitin
Compulsion is the next intense mystery in the Max Revere series. Allison Brennan is continuing to develop Max and her intriguing character. We learn more of her traumatic background, especially her early years with her mother. I particularly like the way Brennan creates the world of controlled chaos that is a big part of Max’s investigative-reporter life.
The men in Max’s life play a big role in this book. We experience Maxine’s ex’s crazy need to control everything. We see more of David, the bodyguard and assistant, in action, and Nick, her current love interest with his cool, calm, confident behavior. It sets up an interesting dilemma of who works and who doesn’t for the reader and Max. These three men join forces to help Max prove her theories about Adam Bachman, vicious murderer, and a connection to another unsolved crime. It is the perfect way to see which relationships are viable and why.
I really enjoyed this book. It’s got great suspense, good twists, an immature apprentice who makes dumb mistakes, and revelations about all the recuring characters. It all blends nicely to make a great addition to the series. There are still questions about the romance arc, but I like where Brennan is taking the characters. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
4 STARS
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