The Altar Girls by Patricia Gibney

*** Review ***

In Patricia Gibney’s latest addition to the Lottie Parker series, The Altar Girls, we find Detective Lottie Parker facing her most harrowing case yet. As if her life weren’t complicated enough, she’s dealing with her mother’s deteriorating health, her partner’s family crisis, and the gruesome discovery of a young girl’s body at a cathedral. The chilling story begins with the image of a little girl, looking like an angel, lying lifeless in the snow, a rosary clutched in her frozen fingers. The sight sends shivers down your spine and sets the tone for a gripping thriller.

Gibney masterfully weaves this tale through multiple perspectives, each presented in short, snappy chapters, ensuring a fast-paced and riveting narrative. She introduces a plethora of suspects, all with plausible motives, keeping readers guessing throughout the story. Every character appears somewhat unhinged, making it challenging to pinpoint the true perpetrator. This book, amidst a sea of lackluster crime novels, serves as a powerful reminder of how a well-written police procedural should captivate its readers.

Although The Altar Girls is the 13th book in the Lottie Parker series, it has the remarkable quality of standing on its own. New readers will not feel lost, and longtime fans will continue to be enamored by the complexity of the characters and the evolving dynamics within the team.

The central mystery revolves around the connection between two young girls, Willow and Naomi, both of whom served as altar girls at the cathedral. As Lottie investigates, she faces numerous challenges, not least of which is her team’s internal strife. Boyd, her dependable partner, is preoccupied with the disappearance of his son, who has been abducted by his ex-wife. Meanwhile, Lottie’s mother’s dementia worsens, placing additional strain on her and her family. The juxtaposition of the detectives’ personal lives with the intense investigation creates a rich, multifaceted narrative that is both heart-wrenching and compelling.

The story unfolds with a rapid succession of events, each chapter propelling the reader deeper into the mystery. As a reader, you’re left constantly shifting your suspicions from one character to the next. The book’s strength lies in its relentless ability to keep you guessing, maintaining an unrelenting grip on your attention. Gibney has successfully combined the right blend of police procedural and personal drama, making The Altar Girls a standout addition to the series.

While the book excels in many aspects, it is not without its minor flaws. Some readers might find the story overly convoluted, with an abundance of twists and turns that occasionally verge on the unrealistic. It’s possible to feel that the story stretches credibility with too many characters becoming involved in abductions and assaults. However, these minor hiccups do little to undermine the overall quality of the narrative.

One of the book’s most striking elements is its exploration of the disturbing world of religious institutions. The concept of altar girls brings with it a chilling reminder of recent scandals involving priests and their dark secrets. Gibney skillfully uses this backdrop to create a gripping and emotionally charged atmosphere, tapping into the reader’s visceral reactions and fears. The question of whether a priest is involved in the crimes lingers throughout the book, adding a layer of tension and moral ambiguity.

As Lottie and her team race against time to unravel the mystery, the complexity of the case unfolds, engaging and enthralling the reader. Gibney’s ability to maintain suspense while simultaneously delving into her characters’ personal lives is commendable. The Altar Girls encapsulates everything that makes this genre so appealing—a spine-tingling mystery, a flawed but relatable protagonist, and a well-developed supporting cast.

In conclusion, The Altar Girls is a commendable addition to Patricia Gibney’s Lottie Parker series. It seamlessly balances intricate investigations with the challenges of the detectives’ personal lives, creating a story that is both emotionally resonant and relentlessly thrilling. While it may have a few minor hiccups in its complexity, it remains a captivating and unputdownable read. Gibney continues to deliver, and fans of the series eagerly anticipate her next installment. The Altar Girls is a testament to her mastery of the crime thriller genre and her ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats.