I think this is the fourth novel by Jo Fenton that I have read and I have enjoyed each one, but in Paparazzi, this author really comes into her own. It is an exceptional novel that tells a complex story dealing with murder, fame, stalking and PTSD.
The Blurb
It’s thirty years since Becky White joined the police. Now, six months after leaving the force, she is suffering from PTSD, when an old friend turns up with a tempting offer.
Following the creation of The White Knight Detective Agency, their first client is a press photographer – a member of the Paparazzi – a young woman with a mysterious and troublesome stalker.
But as the case develops, Becky and Joanna find themselves embroiled in murder. When they are unable to prevent further deaths, their investigation takes them down an unexpected path.
But can they trust their instinct? And will they identify the killer in time to save a child’s life?
Paparazzi, the second instalment in the bestselling Becky White Thriller series. takes you on a journey into the deceptive world of superstars – and those who follow them!
The Review
I had read the first in the author’s Becky White series but, although this was the second book, and I enjoyed the first, Paparazzi works perfectly well as a stand-alone novel. The story is set in and around Manchester, England.
It follows the protagonist Becky White, who has recently left the police force, as she sets up a detective agency with an old university friend, Joanna, they name the business The White Knight Agency. Their first client is a female photographer who is terrified of an unknown stalker. Not only does she have demons to overcome, but so do Becky and Joanna.
The story follows the establishment of the agency and the enthusiasm of its founders to solve their client’s problem. However, before they can do that, they are caught up in the murder of family members of a local rock star and it is clear that Joanna’s past is linked to that of Becky’s husband. Unresolved issues must be dealt with to secure the future of Becky’s own family and Becky must find a way to come to terms with her fears.
This is a beautifully crafted novel that held my interest throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am sure that the issues raised in the book would make for most interesting discussions in a book group. I heartily recommend Paparazzi and look forward to the next book in the series.
The Author
Jo Fenton grew up in Hertfordshire, UK. She devoured books from an early age, particularly enjoying adventure books, school stories and fantasy. She wanted to be a scientist from aged six after being given a wonderful book titled “Science Can Be Fun”. At eleven, she discovered Agatha Christie and Georgette Heyer, and now has an eclectic and much loved book collection cluttering her home office.
Jo combines an exciting career in Clinical Research with an equally exciting but very different career as a writer of psychological thrillers.
When not working, she runs (very slowly), and chats to lots of people. She lives in Manchester with her husband, two sons, a Corgi and a tankful of tropical fish. She is an active and enthusiastic member of two writing groups and a reading group.
Val Penny