Book Review: Love Me Not by M J Arlidge. Helen Grace is back and Arlidge has mixed things up with this though provoking novel.

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This is the seventh in the Helen Grace series and after Helen's traumatic experiences in number six  Hide and Seek) it's not surprising she feels vulnerable. Love Me Not has a different feel from Arlidge's previous books an I think that reflects his empathy with his main character.

Hayling Island

Love Me Not is a psychological thriller with a difference.  It starts out with a random shooting in the middle of nowhere and ends in an equally high octane manner. Helen and her team, in a fast paced race against time that is reminiscent of Simon Kernick's adrenalin-laced novels, must track and apprehend the person responsible for a spree of shootings around Southampton.  
Through a combination of Helen Grace and the killer's eyes we are taken on a tour around Southampton into the countryside and as far as Hayling Island.  The book opens with a vivid description of an autumnal Southampton, which makes the horror that is to follow all the more dramatic.

The action occurs over the course of a single day and makes for a breathtaking read as the stakes get higher and the body count grows.  What I liked most about Love Me Not was the way that we really get to know the psychology behind the killing spree.  As always, Helen selflessly puts herself in the front line although this time with an added vulnerability from her previous experiences which is poignant.  
Arlidge's cast of characters are strong and well formed and it was with real delight that we are reacquainted with pugnacious journalist Emilia Garanita who also has some adjustments to make.  
A great read!