Meet eighty year old Edward Shank, former chief of police,
highly respected pillar of the community.... and serial killer.
During his police career Shank famously cornered and shot
dead a serial killer but unbeknown to anyone it was Shank himself who was the killer
known as The Butcher.
Long retired and about to move into an old folks home Shank
decides to let his Grandson in on the secret and although his body might not be
what it used to be the old man is helpless to prevent the urges which are
beginning to return on a frequent basis.
Jennifer Hillier’s first stand-alone thriller delivers an
anti-hero unlike any other. Edward “The Chief” Shank is a thoroughly despicable
but totally captivating character who completely dominates the book. The
supporting cast of grandson Matthew, his girlfriend Sam and detective Sanchez
add important elements but when The Chief appears it feels the same as when an
acting legend with great screen presence appears in a movie.
In fact, The Butcher is prime movie adaptation material and
my ideal choice for the part would be Clint Eastwood. Until that happens make
sure you catch this absorbing and unique serial killer story.
