Sunday Duvet Reading - My Killer By Katie Williams
Dive under the covers with me this weekend and find out what I've been reading this week.
I’m looking forward to the following week as I prep for my upcoming trip to Paris. In just a few days time I’ll be walking alongside the River Seine and hanging out with Mickey and friends. Although there’s lots going on I’m still finding the time to read in between, albeit a little bit slower than usual. This week we’re diving under the covers to talk about one of my favourite reads of this year - My Murder by Katie Williams. so grab a cup of tea and get cosy as I share my thoughts on this incredible novel.
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My Murder by Katie Williams
What if the murder you had to solve was your own?
Lou is a happily married mother of an adorable toddler. She's also the victim of a local serial killer. Recently brought back to life and returned to her grieving family by a government project, she is grateful for this second chance. But as the new Lou re-adapts to her old routines, and as she bonds with other female victims, she realises that disturbing questions remain about what exactly preceded her death and how much she can really trust those around her.
Now it's not enough to care for her child, love her husband, and work the job she's always enjoyed- she must also figure out the circumstances of her death. Darkly comic, tautly paced, and full of surprises, My Murder is a devour-in-one-sitting, clever twist on the classic thriller.
My Thoughts
Katie Williams’s My Murder is a brilliantly original, thought-provoking dive into a genre that often feels crowded with familiar tropes - yet Williams’s witty and creative writing style manages to make her novel stand out proudly in the vast expanse of crime fiction.
This psychological thriller, with a dash of speculative fiction, delivers an emotional and cerebral experience, that is both gripping and unsettling. At the novel's core is a woman investigating her own murder after being resurrected via cloning. This creates a haunting exploration of identity, morality, and the increasingly blurred lines between life and death.
In a near-future world, where the government has developed the technology to resurrect people, Lou, our protagonist is one of several women brought back after a salacious serial killer goes on a rampage.
The narrative begins with Lou trying to pick up the pieces of her old life - she's back with her husband and young daughter, working through the trauma of her death, and reintegrating into her old social circles. However, her attempts to return to “normal” are complicated by a gnawing sense that something isn’t quite right - not just about her death, but intrinsically about herself.
Lou begins to investigate her own murder and the circumstances surrounding it. As she digs deeper, she uncovers unsettling truths about the people around her, and, ultimately, herself. The novel’s mystery unfolds at a tantalising pace, blending the suspense of a whodunit with deep philosophical questions about what it means to live again, and whether the person you were before death is the same person after.
One of the standout elements of My Murder is its exploration of identity. Williams poses the question: can we ever truly be the same person after a traumatic event, even if we are physically resurrected? Lou’s journey is not only about finding her killer but also about confronting her own sense of self, which has been fundamentally altered by trauma and death. The concept of second chances is explored in an unusual way - rather than a triumphant return to life, Lou’s experience feels more like an unsettling rebirth. Forcing her to question who she was, who she is now, and what that means for her relationships.
The cloning technology in the book also raises intriguing ethical questions. Should we bring people back from the dead - simply because we can? What are the emotional and psychological tolls on those resurrected and their loved ones? Williams doesn’t shy away from these difficult questions, allowing them to simmer beneath the surface of the murder mystery, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.
In addition to its philosophical depth, My Murder also serves as a sharp critique of societal expectations around women’s roles. Lou’s murder isn’t just a personal tragedy; it reflects a broader commentary on violence against women and the way their identities are often shaped by external forces - whether through societal norms or relationships. The book subtly but powerfully examines these pressures, using Lou’s resurrection as a metaphor for the ways women are expected to constantly remake and adapt themselves to fit into society’s ever-shifting demands.
Lou is a fully realised, complex character, whose emotional journey forms the heart of the novel. Williams does an excellent job of depicting the disorientation, frustration, and curiosity that drive Lou as she navigates her new reality. Her relationships, particularly with her husband and daughter, are portrayed with emotional authenticity, adding depth to her character’s struggles and growth.
The supporting characters, fellow cloned women, Lou’s family, and the authorities behind the cloning program are equally well-crafted - each adding to the story’s tension and thematic depth. The dynamic between Lou and the other resurrected women is especially intriguing, as it offers different perspectives on the psychological toll of life after death, and how each woman copes with her new reality.
The antagonist in the story is somewhat ambiguous, although we learn early on who the killer is. As the story unfolds the lines blur, adding to the novel’s psychological complexity, forcing the reader to grapple with the idea that the greatest threats to our sense of self may not be external forces, but rather the unresolved questions within us.
Katie Williams’ prose is sharp, engaging, and often poetic, without ever losing the tension that keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end. Her world-building is subtle yet effective, immersing us in a near-future setting that feels eerily plausible. The speculative elements are not overwhelming; instead, they serve as a backdrop to the deeply human emotions and ethical dilemmas that drive the story. Williams balances the speculative and the personal masterfully, creating a narrative that is both intimate and unsettlingly universal.
The pacing of the novel is deliberate - sometimes slow, but always with a purpose. As Lou’s investigation unfolds, the tension gradually builds, leading to a series of revelations that are both satisfying and haunting. This is a novel that invites you to think deeply, not just about the mystery at hand, but about the larger questions it raises about life, death, and what it means to truly live.
My Murder is an atmospheric, thought-provoking thriller that lingers long after the final page. It challenges readers to think beyond the usual whodunit structure, offering a rich exploration of identity, trauma, and societal expectations. Katie Williams has crafted a novel that feels both refreshingly original and deeply relevant, blending speculative fiction with psychological depth in a way that is as unsettling as it is captivating.
For readers looking for a murder mystery that offers more than just thrills, My Murder delivers on every level. It’s a story that asks us to confront not just the mysteries of death, but the even more profound - mysteries of life itself.
I highly recommend this novel for fans of speculative fiction, psychological thrillers, and anyone interested in a novel that dives deep into the human experience. A solid 4 out of 5 stars from me.
Fancy reading My Murder By Katie Williams purchase the book here
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