Title: Lifeless
Author: Mark Billingham
First published January 1, 2005
480 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780751536164 (ISBN10: 0751536164)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
DI Tom Thorne returns in Mark Billingham’s gripping crime thriller, Lifeless. With London’s homeless community being targeted by a killer, Thorne takes on an undercover operation to investigate.
As he delves deeper, Thorne discovers that this is no ordinary murderer – this is someone with a clear agenda and a list of specific victims in mind. With time running out and the body count rising, Thorne must race against the clock to catch the killer before they strike again.
Full of suspense and twists, Lifeless will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
About the Author
Hey there, I’m Will Peterson, and I’d love to share some interesting facts about the talented author Mark Billingham. He grew up in Birmingham, and although he started his career as an actor, he later transitioned into writing for TV and performing stand-up comedy.
In 2001, he published his first crime novel, which was a huge success. Mark currently lives in North London with his lovely wife and two adorable children.
Editoral Review
Lifeless is a riveting crime novel written by Mark Billingham. The book, first published on January 1, 2005, delves into the gritty world of murder investigations and showcases the author’s skillful storytelling abilities.
Billingham is a renowned British novelist, screenwriter, and stand-up comedian who has penned numerous crime fiction novels. Lifeless is a classic example of a police procedural novel that grips the reader from the very first page.
The book revolves around the character of DI Tom Thorne, who is called in to investigate a series of seemingly unrelated murders across London. As Thorne delves deeper into the case, he realizes that the murders may be connected, and that he may be dealing with a serial killer.
The novel is set against the backdrop of modern-day London, and Billingham’s attention to detail brings the vibrant city to life. The author’s writing style is crisp and engaging, and the pacing of the novel is perfect.
The plot is intricately crafted and keeps the reader guessing till the very end. One of the strengths of the novel is the character development.
The character of DI Tom Thorne is complex and multi-dimensional, and Billingham does an excellent job of fleshing out his personality. The secondary characters are equally well-rounded, and their motivations and actions are believable.
Billingham’s writing also touches on social issues that are still relevant today, despite the book’s publication date. Lifeless explores the themes of loneliness, grief, and mental health, and how these issues can drive people to commit heinous crimes.
The book is not without its flaws, however. The climax of the novel feels rushed and somewhat predictable.
Additionally, the killer’s motivations are not explored in enough detail, leaving the reader wanting more. Overall, Lifeless is a must-read for fans of the crime fiction genre.
It’s a well-crafted, entertaining, and thought-provoking read that will leave the reader thoroughly satisfied. I give this book a rating of four out of five stars.
