As promised for my September 21st post, today, I’m reviewing The Button Collector, a psychological thriller by M.M. Cochran.
Title: The Button Collector
Series: N/A
Author: M.M. Cochran
Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
Blurb: When Chicago journalist Jessica Knight is linked to a string of odd murders happening across the country, her life takes a turn for the worse.
She is left wondering why her relatives are the ones dropping like flies under the signature mark of a serial killer . . . why she can’t stop thinking about Michael Bradley, the appealing detective assigned to protect her . . . and most of all, why, despite being the Button Collector’s prime target, she’s still alive at all. One thing she knows for certain: the killer is always watching. As the line between truth and deception begins to blur, Jessica crumbles under the dense web of lies she’s trying to keep straight–especially once the police start questioning more than just her sanity. With pressure mounting, Jessica must navigate being under the watchful eye of the police–and the killer–while risking it all in a dangerous game to make up for the mistakes of her past.
Her days are numbered…one way or the other.
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I liked the blurb, and I enjoy unravelling mysteries, so when this came up to read and review, I was in. Keep in mind this is my first time reading a psychological thriller. And also my first time reviewing one. So bear with me since my genre of choice is romance and mysteries.
As stated in the blurb, someone is murdering Jessica’s family members one by one. Next up—Jessica. I’m a bit mixed whether I liked her or not, probably because I didn’t feel as if I really knew her, even after reading the novel. She’s a closely-guarded woman who lets in no outsiders, or insiders. Her parents died in a car crash when she was young, so all Jessica has since then is Jessica. This is crucial to note because that single moment in time put her on the path she is now—existing but not living. That’s how I felt when I read her story. She doesn’t seem to have goals or dreams, not even a hobby I can think of, or friends. She is buried in work and a no-strings love affair that allows her to seek some kind of comfort, but allows her much distance, which is all she knows.
As for the serial killer part, usually, I can pick out who it is since I love me a good mystery. But this one surprised me, and I loved who the author chose. Well done. Very well done. Right up until the end, I had no clue. So imagine my delight when I realized who is the bad egg.
As for the cat and mouse of thrillers, the author did a great job halfway through the novel, but I found at the start, it could have used a little bit more suspense. Even a phone call with a hang-up. Still, this did not detract from the story because the author brought in great supporting characters such as Jessica’s boss, the police detective Bradley who is working Jessica’s case, a horrible boss for Bradley, and a kick-ass female detective who I adored the shit out of.
All in all, I enjoyed this read. It’s not big on character arcs (although I’m not sure if psychological thrillers are supposed to have character arcs). But I must say I liked how it turned out, right up until the very end. I thought to myself, “Yeah, this is a very appropriate ending for everyone in the book.”
The writing is excellent. The mood of the novel is steeped in grey and adds another layer to the suspense and mystery of it all. Very dark. Well done. Jessica’s thoughts do get long-winded at times, but again, it doesn’t detract from the story.
If you are like me and are new to psychological thrillers (remember, this is not a romance), I recommend you give the book a read. I must say I found a new genre to dig into besides cozy mysteries and romance. Do yourself a favour and get a copy.
Maggie Blackbird 