THE SIXTH WICKED CHILD BY J.D. BARKER

This is the last in the 4MK trilogy and I am oh so sad to be saying goodbye to the brilliant cast of characters, especially Porter but mainly Ansom Bishop.
I tried to read this slowly, not wanting it to end, knowing that the author leaves clues scattered around that are so easily missed, but once I started I couldn't stop. A number of nights I had to keep reading into the wee hours and I didn't sleep well after reading this book.
The good news is, I can go back and re-read them all, this time with a different perspective because I know that unpredictable, amazing ending that I could never have guessed. I can try and find all the hidden clues and basically, I'm not ready to say goodbye so I'm not going to.
You must start these books in order, start with The Fourth Monkey and end with The Sixth Wicked Child. I won't talk about the brilliant plot with all its incredible twists and turns, I'm afraid I might give something away. Start this knowing nothing, you'll be blown away. The author's writing is special too, this is not just a plot-driven book, it has deep, believable characters and beautiful writing.
I will add that sprinkled throughout the books are excerpts from Bishops diary's and these, I believe, are a touch of genius. They add an extra depth to an already outstanding novel.
These books are complex, scary, thrilling and totally absorbing. A must-read, I can't stress that enough.
And I cried at the end and not just because I'd finished the book.

A serial killer who burns people alive! He leaves no clues for the police and draws Washinton Poe into the investigation by carving his name on a victims chest.
I loved Poe who has a dark side and a great sense of humour with an instinct to fight for injustice. This is how he befriends the enigmatic genius that is Tilly Bradshaw. Tilly is on the autistic spectrum, making her childlike innocence an easy target for bullies, but she also has a gritty determination. You can't help but love her.
The murders are full of grisly detail but when the motive for them becomes clear, it is also very emotional and moving.
A great cast of characters, well written and a great plot that keeps you guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

I haven't read Adrian Mckinty before, but after enjoying this so much I'm going to read his Sean Duffy series next and I can't wait.
This was a great concept well executed. Normal people are manipulated and drawn into a dark, criminal world which is frightening and violent and they never really get to leave because someone knows what they do and where they are. For parents everywhere it is utterly compelling. Just how far would you go to protect your child. Pay a ransom when the child is kidnapped? - Yes, but then kidnap someone else's child and keep them hidden until that family has completed their part of the chain? Could you? Really?
I loved all the characters, especially Rachael and Pete, loaded with problems and flaws that just added to the suspense and conflict. Then the villans, OMG terrifyingly good.
I could not put this book down, it will make a brilliant film that I will also go and see. Would definitely recommend.