For me, there are two things that indicate a good book. The first is one-more-chapter syndrome, which is, of course, the burning need to read one more chapter - despite it making you late for absolutely everything else you have going on in your life. The second is how quickly you read the book. So the fact that I read Beth Murray’s Mirror Image in a weekend - a weekend that was full of family visits, EP launches, and other bits and pieces that kept me busy - and the fact that I stayed awake much later than my usual bed time (two nights in a row, no less) just to squeeze in a couple more chapters, should speak volumes about this book. The novel itself offers the tale of a female serial killer with a supernatural twist, which seems to be a fairly popular approach these days. Throughout the plot, we track the process, progress, and downfall of a young serial killer called Sarah who, she believes/claims, can see people’s dark sides by looking at their reflections in mirrors. It is this revelation that leads to her first kill, however, over the course of the novel it eventually becomes apparent that Sarah herself is making a transition from murderous vigilante to cold-blooded killer, culminating in her own reflection revealing the startling truth to her character. With this soul-seeing element ticking the first supernatural box, the second strand in this area appears in Sarah’s relationship with the investigating officer, Jack Daniels. Side note: I really wanted more to be made out of this chap’s name, because I certainly raised an eyebrow the first time that I read it. Throughout the novel it becomes apparent that there is some strange cosmic link between the two characters, which has almost allowed them to track each other throughout the hunt for Sarah. While the characters weren’t necessarily aware of this link, it certainly became an interesting element of the narrative, particularly as readers were allowed to see things that the characters themselves weren’t. The plot itself was intriguing to me. This killer who kills killers idea seems to be almost trendy at the minute, with many novels adopting this sort of frame work in recent years, however the supernatural element to the text does add something extra. Additionally, in endowing the killer with this alleged power, the narrative heavily justifies the first murders by explaining that it was ‘evil’ people that were being disposed of here. However, as the plot progressed, it soon became apparent that the killer was choosing her victims based on her own morals, rather than any visions she may or may not have had regarding the state of their souls. The dual-narrative that saw half of our time spent with Sarah and half spent with Jack allowed this development to be quite explicit, given that Jack was talking the reader through much of this. Admittedly, this felt a little disruptive to begin with, however once I’d become accustomed to the narrative style, it actually began to feel like Jack was communicating with me as a reader, rather than simply spoon-feeding me information. Ultimately, it served to create an interesting reader-character relationship, which left me feeling quite invested in both the killer and the cop that was hunting her. The one big surprise for me was the ending - don’t worry, I won’t ruin it for you! Nevertheless, it was so far from what I was expecting that I might even go as far to say that it was my favourite aspect of the plot. Creating an unexpected resolve to the story, and the strange relationship that exists between Jack and Sarah, Murray has successfully achieved a cyclical ending that genuinely leaves the text on an ‘Oh no…’ sort of feeling - which is, of course, what we are all looking for from this style of novel. Overall this is a compact, impressive, and well-developed little novel that strikes a lovely balance between two main characters, who are simultaneously worlds apart and right next to each other - sometimes literally - which ultimately creates a striking relationship; a relationship that, might I add, the reader themselves is eventually drawn in to. A promising offering from Beth Murray, I’m optimistic that there will be more novels of this ilk appearing from her in the not-too-distant future. ~ Charlotte Barnes, http://www.madhatterreviews.co.uk

Brilliant book, read it within 2 days, can't wait for more! ~ LA, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-Beth-Murray/dp/1782794824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410798118&sr=8-1&keywords=beth+murray+mirror+image

When the film Se7en came out, it established new ground by giving time to explain the motivation of the killer. Beth Murray’s novel follows this idea. Both killer and detective have their place on centre stage in a whirlwind of suspense and horror. The descriptions of the murders are graphic and disturbing! The story rushes at breakneck speed as the lives of killer and detective interlink, which leads to a savage twist at the end that you won’t see coming. ~ Isengrin, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-Beth-Murray/dp/1782794824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410798118&sr=8-1&keywords=beth+murray+mirror+image

This is one of those stories you leap straight into, hard for me to place the genre but a great mix of psychological thriller and horror. Wonderful twist to the story and fascinaing characters that both repulse and allure you. A truly different and excellent read. ~ Denise Butcher , http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-Beth-Murray/dp/1782794824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410798118&sr=8-1&keywords=beth+murray+mirror+image

Just wow. Got this book Tuesday and could not put it down. My mum has now started it and she is completely hooked!! Looks like I will need to buy another copy as I think I won't get this one back. Cannot wait for the next book :) ~ Stuart P, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-Beth-Murray/dp/1782794824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410798118&sr=8-1&keywords=beth+murray+mirror+image

Wow!!! what a tense and gripping book with a suprising twist!! Read it within a week and absolutely loved it :-) Feel a little gutted that I've finished it. Can't wait for more of Beth Murrays books to be published!! Well recommend to buy it :-) x ~ Sharon, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-Beth-Murray/dp/1782794824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410798118&sr=8-1&keywords=beth+murray+mirror+image

I absolutely love this novel, not put it down since I started to read this, really worth a read if you enjoy mystery books Can't wait for the next novel ~ Michelle Reeves, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-Beth-Murray/dp/1782794824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410798118&sr=8-1&keywords=beth+murray+mirror+image

Brilliant story line, keeps you captivated, great reading can't wait for the next. ~ Karen Grayson, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-Beth-Murray/dp/1782794824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410798118&sr=8-1&keywords=beth+murray+mirror+image

excellent book. lets you into the mind of both killer and detective. A Must read. ~ Michael Didock, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirror-Image-Beth-Murray/dp/1782794824/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410798118&sr=8-1&keywords=beth+murray+mirror+image

Warning! This book is not for the fainthearted. Prepare to be dislodged from your comfort zone when you enter the world of Sarah Caroline Fletcher, a female, alcoholic, serial killer who, by the tender age of 21, has already notched up an inch-deep investigation file. Her methods of murder become increasingly more complex as the story progresses; the graphic description of her actions looming large in the mind’s eye. It seems that no-one can permeate the shell of this sociopath. Inexplicably drawn to other murderers and rapists, she justifies her killings as for ‘the greater good of mankind.’ However, the dark delusions she experiences reflect another angle to the story. Whilst closely reading her private journal, looking to piece together the full extent of the human carnage, the investigating officer finds himself drawn into her world of hate and horror. The reader can only watch hopelessly, as their lives fatally entwine. DC Daniels’ life becomes engulfed in the madness of Sarah’s world; his obsessive search threatening to destroy the fabric of his life, and of those closest to him. Read from a place of safety! ~ Helen Noble, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22344628-mirror-image