The Binding Room By Nadine Matheson Book Review

Reviewed by Lindsay Burton

The story follows Detective Anjelica Henley as she investigates a series of ritualistic murders in this heart-pounding thriller about race, power, and corrupt institutions.

When another body is found, also tied down, Henley realises there’s someone out there torturing innocent people and leaving them for dead. But why? There’s nothing that connects the victims. They didn’t know each other. Their paths never crossed. But someone has targeted them, and it’s up to Henley and the SCU to stop them before they find another binding room…

The Serial Crimes Unit are called in to investigate when a popular preacher is found stabbed to death in his own church. As DI Henley assesses the crime scene, she discovers a hidden door that conceals a room set up for torture – and bound to the bed in the middle of the room is the body of a man, their second victim. Henley realises there’s someone out there torturing innocent people and leaving them for dead. But why? It appears that some dark religious ritual has been performed on the second victim and he is barely alive. As Henley tries to unravel both crimes, she is faced with a revolving list of suspects and a spotlight that is mercilessly focused on her. But then the case takes another turn when yet another body is discovered. Then there is the confusing matter of the victims not being connected in any shape, way or form. They didn’t know each other. Their paths never crossed. But this twisted soul has felt the need to target them, and it’s up to Henley and the SCU to stop them before they find another binding room…If they do not act fast and determine the identity of the murderer, the next victim could very well be her!

Using her background knowledge as a criminal-attorney, Nadine Matheson expertly explores matters of race, class and impartiality through this action-packed story that will hold you captive until the last chilling page. Nadine Matheson’s debut crime fiction novel, The Jigsaw Man, was very well received and even though I haven’t read it yet, after reading The Binding Room, I have added it to my Christmas list as many people have recommended it as it would apparently provide you with a much richer reading experience. Being my first Matheson read, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but luckily, I can say this book totally delivers…and I just hope there are more books coming! The book is long yes, but it is a totally all-consuming read. Once you are in the middle of the book, you become so invested in what is going on that you don’t notice the length of the book at all.

Rather dark and disturbing, this latest instalment had me questioning how all the different fragments of the tale were going to join together but they do and when they do, you will not be able to put this book down. Reading a book like this is absolutely not for the faint of heart, because it encompasses quite a few grisly scenes. A game of cat and mouse ensues as the team tries to catch a killer before someone else dies, and it really kept me on the edge of my seat.

Reading this book has again confirmed to me that I would enjoy reading the first by Nadine Matheson (The Jigsaw Man) as the characters are still dealing with the aftermath of what they endured during the first book. It makes a series what it is when it more or less flows a little from one to the next. It is very much a standalone book so reading the first book isn’t required but, when you read the series in order, you get the full understanding of the characters when they literally develop in front of your eyes. Since Henley and Ramouter are also dealing with personal issues, it makes their characters seem more realistic and relatable.

From start to finish, I was totally sucked into the story and when the pieces started coming together, I could hardly put it down. When one stops and considers what information the reader is provided with, nothing here is extra – everything is used. This author has completely blown my mind with her creative skills in plotting a fantastic storyline such as the one in The Binding Room.

Rating: We rate this book as 5/5 and it comes highly recommended. It would make an ideal Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys heart-pounding thrillers this year, the perfect stocking filler!

RRP and Buy Link: This book retails at £11.99 and can be purchased from Amazon here.