Readers of 'The Graffiti Killer' should not begin with the expectation of a conventional serial killer thriller. David Milnes has instead produced a mental portrait of obsession and an unsettling take on societal collapse, via a bitter art lover who narrates the mutation of his hatred of modern culture into violence against those he believes represent it.

This book is not for everyone. It conveys morbid ideas through a playfully unreliable but disturbing voice, and will disappoint those hoping for a brisk plot. What I enjoyed most about this story, however, is what makes it distinct: the risk it takes unfolding its narrative as a psychological study. For me, this pays off.

While limited in its niche appeal, if grey areas, dark humour, and social satire push you off the fence, I would strongly recommend landing on this.