So It Began is the first book in the Delaney thriller series by Owen Mullen. Originally released in 2017, this reformat and re-release is 246 pages and is available in ebook format. (Other editions available in other formats). It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately; it makes finding phrases or passages so much easier when reading. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
This is a serial killer thriller. The murders involve children, specifically children entered in pageants and shows. Although the author thankfully refrains from descriptions which are shocking or titillating, I found the subject matter relentlessly difficult to read and sad. The climax and denouement are well written, and admittedly go a way toward relieving the distressing plotline. The secondary plot threads are very well written and provide a great deal of backstory and development for titular protagonist Delaney. The main plots are resolved in this book and there's nothing left dangling at the end. (Cliffhangers annoy me).
The setting is New Orleans and although I've only briefly visited the city, I felt that the author did a good job with the setting and atmosphere. There weren't any errors which jumped out at me. The dialogue flows well and all in all it's an engaging and exciting read. The language is somewhat rough (as is, obviously, the subject matter).
Four stars. It would be a good fit for fans of modern police serial killer thrillers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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