Podcasts and true crime seem to be all the rage these days. And I don’t get it. No, I mean, I intellectually understand the appeal of it on, but viscerally those things do nothing for me. Fictional crime on the other paw, yes, please. Even fictional crime involving podcasts, which is most definitely a thing, since this is the second such book I’ve read in just the last two weeks.
This one was definitely the superior of the two, though. Superior, in fact, to a great many other thrillers I’ve read recently. This book grabbed me from the get go and did not let go. Which is, presumably, the appeal of a good podcast, too.
The basic plot revolves around Elle, the podcaster extraordinaire, who utilizes the platform to do investigative journalism/mystery solving, specializing in crimes never solved and oftentimes forgotten by many, though never the victims’ families. Because podcasts and true crime are so popular and because Elle is great at what she does, her show is trending and her fans are many. And so for her latest season she decides to go after the mysterious and terrifying TCK, The Countdown Killer, who terrorized Minnesota 20 years ago and then got dead, allegedly. At any rate, the killings were over, the countdown ended…or maybe just hit a prolonged snooze. The thing is, though, Elle is convinced TCK is still alive and a string of recent deaths and kidnappings is making that theory increasingly plausible. The police may not be on board and Elle might be going into this entirely too emotionally involved, her own childhood trauma colorizing her perspective, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t onto something. It’ll be a great story, if she lives long enough to tell it.
So…just how dangerous it is to not let the sleeping serial killers eternal lie? Short answer…very. For longer answer…read the book. Seriously, do. It’s so freaking good. I’m a fan of dark psychological fiction and I read tons of these thrillers and it is so infrequently I stumble upon one so strikingly well done. This book is smart, dynamic, it lets you tag along on Elle’s journey and solve the mystery at her or your own pace, it doesn’t cheat its readers, the clues are laid out as they are discovered, plus you slowly get to know both Elle and the killer (when the time is right), find out what made them as they are. Elle remains a single narrator throughout and makes for a terrific compelling protagonist on her obsessive, sleep deprived quest. The wintery Minnesota provides a very apt canvas, after all what’s more striking than read blood on white snow. And yes, I did read it on a now unusual (thanks, global warming) snow day. I liked the story, the characters, the mystery. I really liked the writing, it realized the story with cinematic vividness.
And I loved what the book had to say about the modern day serial killer obsession. Because we do, in so many ways, feed into their twisted psychosis by never shutting up about it. Not the things that solve crimes and actually make a difference, but the books and the movies about the crimes already solved, from attempts to understand their aberrant psychology to pure entertainment for entertainment’s sake. Most of the time these killers crave attention and we continue to give it to them, loads of it. Does the world need Zac Efron as Ted Bundy? It’s entertaining, sure, but isn’t all of that just feeding (posthumously or otherwise) the outsized egos of maniacs? Are they not best left forgotten or at least not Efroned? Might it be enough to just have your serial killers fictional, enjoying some well prepared livers? Should the abyss be stared at quite so intently? Are we so moral, good and conscientious that a contrast needs to be provided? Anyway…some food for thought there.
Back to it…the book…very impressive, especially for a debut. In fact, as much as I abhor serials and adore standalones, I’d definitely check out the next season of Elle’s podcast, should the author decide to do a sequel. Finally, a properly thrilling thriller. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

Tense, thrilling, and chilling story of a whip-smart podcaster determined to uncover a serial killer. Atmospheric and at times terrifying, this thriller has themes ripped from the headlines and a breathtaking pace. Anyone who loves true crime podcasts will love the chapters from the podcast’s perspective. The main character Elle is smart, gutsy and compassionate and you are rooting for her in this race against time, For fans of I’LL BE GONE IN THE DARK.

Wowzas, this was an awesome book. I read a ton of thriller/mysteries and listen to lots of true crime podcasts so it is difficult to impress me in the psychological thriller aspect....but this one did! It was written as part podcast and part story which I didn't think I was going to enioy. However, the format grew on my very quickly and I found the interviews in the podcast an excellent way to add more details to the crimes. It was also a super unique way to talk about the past rather than the typical back and forth narrative.
Loved the main character, she was fiesty and interesting and I am definitely hoping we see more of her. In this story she is chasing a decade old case called the Countdown Killer who is known for his particular numerical patterns in his killings. Super creepy.
I highly highly recommend this book if you love a good psychological thriller. I devoured it in 2 days and it left me feeling just the perfect amount of creeped out like a good Criminal Minds episode.
Don't miss out on this one!! Thanks Netgalley for the advanced copy!

GIRL, 11 by @asuiterclarke is a must-read for any true crime fan. Track down a killer alongside a super savvy podcast host with plenty of twists and turns along the way. I’LL BE GONE IN THE DARK meets SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. 5 out of 5 Elizas.

Thankyou to NetGalley, the publishers and the author, Amy Suiter Clarke, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Girl, 11 in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I thought the storyline was well written. The central character is a bit of an enigma until her backstory slowly unfolds. It was a good read.
Worth a read for fans of the genre.

The premise of this book had me hooked, and I was so excited to receive it....and I was not disappointed. Girl, 11 is about a podcaster with a past that slowly unfolds, chasing new clues on a decade old serial killer. Is he dead? In jail? Reformed? We soon learn he is alive and well, and ready to continue where he left off years ago.

A book with a podcast format is always going to intrigue me because SADIE did it so well and I am chasing that high again.

Girl 11 is SADIE and MIND HUNTER formed into one. I loved the darkness of the crimes and how the author did sigh away from details and I got the grittiness feeling of the investigation which reminded me of SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.

So many references that true crime fans will cheer silently in their heads and so many twists and turns you are dizzy on every page but the ending is magical.

After a few books that have disappointed me I am happy to give four stars to Girl 11