There’s something especially chilling about a murder in a small town where everyone knows everyone, doors are left unlocked, and the idea of “one of our own” turning predator feels almost unthinkable. In Imposter, LJ Ross leans into that fear beautifully, crafting a tense, atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final page.

Set in the isolated hills of western Ireland, the novel wastes no time building a sense of anxiety. The landscape itself feels duplicitous, remote, and quietly watchful. As suspicion pulsates through the tight-knit community, the real fear isn’t just the violence, but the slow wear of trust. If the killer is one of them, then no one is safe.

At the heart of the story is Dr. Alexander Gregory, a psychologist and former criminal profiler, distresses after the collapse of a high-profile criminal profiling unit. He wants reclusiveness. Meditation. He wants a chance to unravel his thoughts, past failures and regrets. Instead, he’s pulled back into darkness because when tragedy strikes, his ability for understanding violent minds becomes impossible to ignore.

From the first chapter, there’s an undercurrent of unease that never really lets up. What makes Imposter so compelling is the depth and psychological tension that simmers beneath the surface. It’s not just the search for the killer but the analysis of identity, trauma and putting yourself in their shoes to get the truth. As secrets are revealed, you start questioning everyone's motives. Gregory’s internal struggle adds substance to every clue and confirmation because for him, it’s personal. His intellect and introspection help weigh the story between understanding human obscurity and catching a killer.

The progression of the plot has a steady pace that is deliberate and an unravelling simmer that when revelations come light, they inspire a page turn. If you love crime fiction that blends procedural elements with psychological suspense, Imposter brings an engaging read.

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