Review: Tuesday's Gone

Summary: Internationally bestselling authors Nicci Gerard and Sean French, writing as Nicci French, have sold more than eight million copies of their books worldwide. But nothing they’ve written written before has grabbed the attention of reviewers and readers like Blue Monday and its iconic heroine, Frieda Klein. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called it a “superb psychological thriller . . . with brooding atmosphere, sustained suspense, a last-minute plot twist, and memorable cast of characters.”

In Tuesday’s Gone, a London social worker makes a routine home visit only to discover her client, Michelle Doyce, serving afternoon tea to a naked, decomposing corpse. With no clues as to the dead man’s identity, Chief Inspector Karlsson again calls upon Frieda for help. She discovers that the body belongs to Robert Poole, con man extraordinaire. But Frieda can’t shake the feeling that the past isn’t done with her yet. Did someone kill Poole to embroil her in the investigation? And if so, is Frieda herself the next victim?

A masterpiece of paranoia, Tuesday’s Gone draws readers inexorably into a fractured and faithless world as it brilliantly confirms Frieda Klein as a quintessential heroine for our times. -- Pamela Dorman Books

I can't believe it's been over two years since I read the psychological thriller BLUE MONDAY by Nicci French -- you can read my review here. I guess a clue should have been that the third book in the series, WAITING FOR WEDNESDAY, is now out. I feel like a major slacker because, despite really enjoying BLUE MONDAY, I missed read the sequel TUESDAY'S GONE. I figured that the time is right to catch up on this fantastic series starring Frieda Klein.

TUESDAY'S GONE picks up right where BLUE MONDAY left off. When a social worker is conducting a home visit for her client Michelle Doyce, she discovers her serving tea to a naked (and get this!) a decaying corpse. Chief Inspector Karlsson has absolutely no idea who the dead man is; and as a result, he looks to Frieda for help. Somehow, Frieda learns that the man is Robert Poole, a man who has conned almost everyone he meets.

As Frieda investigates the man's death, she can't help but feel as if there is more to the murder than what it initially seems. She even begins to wonder if someone from her past is trying to send her a message through Poole's brutal murder.

TUESDAY'S GONE was another suspenseful psychological novel, and I can now confirm what I already suspected -- I am a big fan of these books and Frieda Klein as the heroine. I love the authors' (Nicci French is a pseudonym for a husband and wife writing team) unique writing style and am excited by the amount of twists and surprises. These two novels definitely have a different feel to them than most other books, and I think that's a credit to the authors. They have created a very special character in Frieda who is both intelligent and complex, and while I'm not entirely sure what to make of her, I'm definitely intrigued by almost everything she does.

What I really appreciated about TUESDAY'S GONE is the balance between a murder mystery and a Frieda's past. This novel was so smart on so many levels. I loved following Karlsson and Frieda as they investigated the murder -- and it was a good one with surprises around every corner as well as a few dead ends! However, I also really liked the scenes surrounding the very complicated character of Frieda. She is such a unique character -- full of baggage and secrets, and I was so impressed with how she put everything together. And by that, I mean the current murder and some events from the prior novel.

I don't know if I'd say that you have to read the books in this series in order, but I highly suggest it. I do feel as if the authors did a good job of providing the back story; however, the second book definitely contained a lot of spoilers. And since BLUE MONDAY was full of so many amazing surprises and many of those twists are revisited in TUESDAY'S GONE, I highly recommend reading it first! But beware -- once you start this series, you'll be hooked. I can't wait to read WAITING FOR WEDNESDAY.

TUESDAY'S GONE was a terrific followup to the critically acclaimed BLUE MONDAY. I am so intrigued by this series and its characters! Recommended to fans of psychological thrillers and mysteries!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.