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Release date: September 20, 2016

Publisher: Penguin UK

Genre: Psychological Thriller 

Goodreads blurb: 

Famous killers have fan clubs.

Hamish Wolfe is no different. Locked up for the rest of his life for the abduction and murder of three young women, he gets countless adoring letters every day. He’s handsome, charismatic and very persuasive. His admirers are convinced he’s innocent, and that he’s the man of their dreams.

Who would join such a club?

Maggie Rose is different. Reclusive and enigmatic; a successful lawyer and bestselling true-crime writer, she only takes on cases that she can win.

Hamish wants her as his lawyer, he wants her to change his fate. She thinks she’s immune to the charms of a man like this. But maybe not this time . . . 

Would you? 

Review: 

This was my first Sharon Bolton novel and I can honestly say that I’m completely blown away by how brilliant this book was! I’ve had several blogger friends rave about how good it was, but it was even better and more captivating than I could have ever imagined. I now feel the need to completely ignore my TBR schedule and read every single thing that Bolton has ever wrote.

The format of this book was mostly standard, but I loved the bits where there were letters, correspondence, articles and blog posts interspersed. I love epistolary books and the hint here only added to the excellence of an already fantastic book. There are three main characters; Hamish Wolfe a convicted serial killer, Maggie Rose a lawyer who has managed to get several prisoners released after taking on their cases, and Pete the detective who helped lock Hamish up.

Maggie is rather a interesting woman. She is private, reclusive but very sharp and clever. When Hamish tries to persuade her to take him on as a client she is reticent. He is magnetic, charming, but also cunning and manipulative. Pete is the most likable of the bunch as he just seems like an ordinary guy who has been through some tough times as of late. All of these characters are so rich and full of depth, with several layers to their personalities. 

I’ve always found it fascinating that there really are women who begin relationships with convicted killers while they are in jail. You always wonder what leads them to think, gee I think I’ll write a letter to Ted Bundy today and tell him what a fan I am. Seems so bizarre to get involved with such dangerous people.I liked that this book explored that topic and gave some insight into what these women may be thinking, it’s oddly intriguing.

Daisy in Chains is one of those books that really keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time you’re reading it. Or devouring it, as was the case with me. It is a constant guessing game where you’re wondering who to trust and I had the slightly uncomfortable but rather enjoyable feeling of being manipulated myself. The biggest question was is Hanish guilty or innocent? It’s a total head game. I can’t say much more without revealing Bolton’s clever plot details, but the twist was a killer! I read the final few chapters at a manic pace and was left completely breathless and stunned by the ending. Absolutely brilliant.

Overall rating: 5/5

Huge thank you to Penguin UK for my review copy!