A Yorkshire Crime Thriller with Atmosphere and Bite
A Deadly Likeness by Lesley McEvoy is a sharp, tense Yorkshire thriller that hooks you from page one. It’s wonderfully atmospheric with moody landscapes and a sense that danger can lurk in the most familiar places. A Deadly Likeness is book three of five in the Murder in Yorkshire series. However, it stands confidently on its own. I hadn’t read the first two, and not once did I feel lost or left behind.
A Compelling Lead: Dr. Jo McCready
At the heart of the story is Dr. Jo McCready, a forensic psychologist and profiler who’s called in to help the police track down a copycat serial killer. But McEvoy doesn’t settle for a straightforward procedural setup. She adds a wonderfully unsettling twist. The original killer, Jacob Malecki, is still very much alive, locked away in a maximum‑security prison. And he’s affronted that someone is poorly imitating his crimes. And he demands that Jo (who helped put him behind bars when she was a student) work with him to catch the killer.
The dynamic crackles with tension. Jo’s reluctance is palpable, and the psychological push‑and‑pull between them gives the novel a sharp, unsettling edge.
First‑Person Narration That Brings You Closer to the Story
One thing that really stood out for me is the narrative style. A Deadly Likeness is told entirely in the first person. And it’s the first time I’ve read a crime thriller that sticks so closely to one character’s perspective. You’re right there with Jo, feeling her instincts, her doubts, her fear, and her determination. This intimacy heightens every twist and turn.
Fast‑Paced, Tense, and Full of Drama
And twist it does. This is a fast-paced story. It’s tense with great characters and sucks you right into the drama. McEvoy adds layers upon layers of suspense with skill, building towards a brilliant climax that had me devouring the pages.
Perfect for Fans of Psychological and Procedural Crime Fiction
If you enjoy crime fiction that blends psychological depth with procedural detail, this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list. It sits comfortably alongside titles like:
- The Whisper Man by Alex North
- The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett
- The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker
These are all books that balance atmosphere, character, and tension with real finesse.
Final Thoughts: A Standout Thriller with a Memorable Lead
A Deadly Likeness by Lesley McEvoy is a smart, engaging thriller that leaves you wanting more. And luckily, there are two earlier books and two later ones to whet your appetite.