Book review by Corey
Swallowtail
Swallowtail follows Detective Samantha Star in Quincy, Massachusetts, after the murder of a teenage girl brings back memories of her own abduction twenty years earlier. Sam survived, but her best friend did not, and she has never fully remembered what happened that night. When the new case starts echoing the past, she is forced to question whether the same killer has returned and whether her daughter could be next.
The book mixes a serial-killer mystery with trauma, Greek mythology, surrealist art, and a very personal investigation into Sam’s own past. The strongest part is how the case and her memories slowly start connecting, so the mystery feels emotional instead of just procedural. It has a dark atmosphere without relying on nonstop violence, and the Quincy setting gives the story a grounded small-town feel.
The Goods
- Strong serial-killer mystery
- Good use of Greek mythology
- Sam is a believable lead
- The past and present connect well
- Great small-town atmosphere
The Bads
- The pacing can be slow early on
- Some clues feel a little convenient
- A few side characters need more depth
- The mythology angle may feel heavy to some readers
- Parts of the ending stretch believability
My Recommendation
This is a strong choice for readers who like serial-killer mysteries, damaged detectives, and crime stories where the present case is tied closely to an old trauma. The Greek mythology and art elements give the murders a different feel, while Sam’s missing memories make the investigation much more personal. If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers with a grounded setting, a strong female lead, and a mystery that slowly reaches back into the past, Swallowtail is definitely worth reading.
