Title: Green Hill
Author: Jonathan Paxton
Publisher: XlibrisUK
ISBN: 9781669890195
Pages: 242
Genre: Fiction / Mystery
Reviewed by: Susan Brown

Read Book Review

Something’s afoot in the town of Whetlow, England. Not only are certain residents
behaving oddly, but a series of grisly murders puts the town on high alert. Into this
malevolent environment comes Detective Inspector Frank Taylor, a seasoned officer
who’s tasked with getting to the source of the evil which has the town in its grip.

This is no easy task. Taylor is forced to match wits with what appears to be a vicious
psychopath, as evidenced by the gruesomeness of the murders. His team is challenged
from the outset, at a loss to explain or uncover the killer’s motivation. But with diligent
and tenacious investigative tactics, plus the help of higher level police authorities, he
brings the case to a successful conclusion for all concerned.

This is one of those mysteries that is both repulsive and, at the same time, riveting. Yes,
the murders are ghastly, and people’s behaviors are disgusting, but the narrative keeps
the reader invested with some well-written twists and turns. There’s nothing worse than
jumping into a mystery only to figure it all out in the first half of the book – Green Hill is
not one of those thrillers!
For those who like a little mysticism, there’s also a supernatural component to the story.
Is the antagonist really controlling townspeople, or is it just his fearsomeness that’s
creating fright and panic? Is this killer acting on his own volition or is he being
manipulated through some sort of psychic control? The author does a good job keeping
us wondering where the lines between illusion and delusion, truth and fantasy are.

There are parts of the book that are not easy to read. The graphic details of the
murders, as well as the aberrant behaviors of some of the characters are disturbing.
But, for those who are put off by this type of writing, focus on context rather than
content; it becomes a much more manageable read. Stay alert to the fact that you’re
trying to figure out the mystery … It’s a good one. If you get to the end and are still
confused, there’s an epilogue that offers some final plot explanations.

As an avid mystery reader, this book captured my attention. I read it in one sitting, so it’s
a page turner. It’s clear the author has some experience with the world of criminal
investigations which adds a level of authenticity to the story. If you enjoy a good
psychological thriller with a good dose of blood and gore, spend an afternoon in the
Green Hill world created by author Jonathan Paxton.