The Killing Sense by Sam Blake review

About The Book

Book: The Killing Sense
Author: Sam Blake
Standalone or Series: Standalone
Publisher: Corvus
Publication Date (UK): 2nd January 2025

My Review

Last month, I attended The Book Party, where they had a glorious table full of ARCs to choose from. I picked The Killing Sense.

Kate, a single mum who has escaped an abusive marriage, rarely puts herself first. So when she wins a Facebook competition for an all-expenses-paid trip to Paris to attend a perfume-making course, her sister insists she go. The only problem? Kate doesn’t remember entering the competition. But everything checks out — there’s even a Eurostar ticket in her name — so off she goes.

Upon arriving in Paris, Kate realises her ex is also there. Even more troubling, a serial killer is on the loose, targeting red-haired women. Women like Kate.

Though this book is on the longer side, I absolutely flew through it. The characters are introduced gradually and fleshed out well. I did figure out most of what was happening, but the story gives you just enough clues to make that satisfying and there are a few twists on the details. The Parisian setting adds both charm and tension — the details about the city’s tourist spots and art of perfume-making will make you feel like you’re right there.

I loved the epilogue; it was a really nice touch. The relationships and friendships in the book are wonderfully portrayed. When The Killing Sense releases next year, you’ll uncover a cast of likeable characters you’ll be rooting for from start to finish.

Thanks to Corvus for providing proofs to The Book Party. The next Book Party will be held in Bristol in July and you can find out more and book tickets over here.