The Killing Habit

Shirley J.                            Adult Fiction                                 Serial Killers,  animal killings/mutilations

 The Killing Habit by Mark Billingham  432 Pages

Another series - but- a mighty good one.   This story is based on a true cruel mass pet mutilation spree that is still unsolved to this day in the U.K.   It is heartbreaking reading the descriptions of what is done to the poor animals and how the murderer did it.   Though fictional, the information given must have been researched and taken from the records - it is graphic and animal lovers will find it hard to take.   However, the story other than that goes on to show how the profilers surmise the murderer going from killing animals to people and women in particular then they have to come up with motive, and where the women link together to form an opportunity.   The book is entertaining in the banter and rapport that DI Thorne and DI Tanner have as they work out the details and figure out the mindset and next location, possible victims and so on of this fascinating case  The twists, turns and surprise ending is certainly worth the read.   Excellent British crime story.   I like the characters so much I will likely have to check out the rest of the series.   I recommend this one for adults, it is pretty graphic for kids, even teens who have pets at home especially.