Murder Theory by Andrew Mayne

Sure, he works the occasional job for the DOJ and runs his private lab, but Dr. Theo Cray is just trying to get his life back to normal after using his many skills to solve two serial killer cases. A peaceful dinner with his girlfriend turns very serious after an FBI agent interrupts to ask Cray to consult on a new case. Bodies have shown up at an existing crime scene, and after some investigation a suspect is found, a man who has quickly deteriorated to a point where normal stressors have turned him into a killer. Are there others out there like him? Is there a puppet master who is creating these killers? And how?

This book builds so well on Cray’s previous two cases. They are frequently called upon as references in his search to find this new killer. I loved Mayne’s descriptions of the scientific methods used to expose clues and find new leads. Each reveal was permitted by a realistic deduction by Theo’s genius. I honestly would have no clue if the science works or not, but the way the criminal profiling and computer analysis is written is flawless.

Mayne’s short chapters move the plot forward very quickly, yet he drops some fun historical and scientific tidbits throughout. My only complaint is that the ending may have been tied up a little too quickly.

Building on the previous two novels, Murder Theory is the best of the genius profiler and computational biologist, Theo Cray.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Releases on Feb 5th.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the author for an advanced copy for review.