BelEdit Book Reviews
There’s so much to enjoy in The Six Murders of Daphne St Clair: it takes several crime fiction tropes and gives them a few unexpected twists. There’s a serial killer — only it’s a woman, she’s 90, and right from the start she contacts the police to confess her murders. There’s an ‘investigator’ — only it’s a podcaster and she has been hired by Daphne.
Character building through narrative structure
One of the most compelling aspects of The Six Murders of Daphne St Clair is its structure. (I’m a sucker for a well-structured narrative!)
Having admitted that she murdered a fellow-resident of the care home where she lives, Daphne is ready to reveal everything about several other murders… but only to Ruth Robinson, a broke and depressed aspiring true crime podcaster. This sets the stage for a narrative that is a well-paced, suspenseful and dynamic combination of podcast episodes, interviews and personal reflections from the characters. It’s a multi-layered, engaging approach, that gradually reveals both the crimes themselves and the characters involved.
Thanks to this structure, The Six Murders of Daphne St Clair is not just an exciting crime read. It allows for a gradual, in-depth exploration of Daphne’s character.
Daphne St Clair is a complex and interesting character, at once a cold-blooded killer and a sympathetic figure who has endured hardships and injustices. As the narrative progresses, we learn more and more about why Daphne has killed people, challenging our perceptions of right and wrong, truth and deception. She does not present herself as a victim, but her life story is quietly heartbreaking. She has known all sorts of abuse and oppression and her murders… well let’s just say that while you might not condone them, you can see what got her there.
Her life story is a testament to her resilience, but it’s also a stark reminder of the lengths to which people will go to survive and thrive. Daphne’s confessions raise questions about morality and justice. Is she a feminist icon taking revenge on bad men, or is she simply a ruthless criminal? The novel does not serve up any easy answers, and this ambiguity is one of its greatest strengths.
Ruth Robinson, on the other hand, is relatable and easy to like. It’s easy to empathise with her struggles with depression and financial instability. A lot is hanging on her podcast, which she hopes will pull her out of financial difficulties and professional obscurity, and you’ll find yourself rooting for her success. However, she’s not without her flaws, and her own secrets and deceptions add layers of complexity to her character.
The dynamic between Daphne and Ruth is cleverly presented. Neither woman is entirely honest with the other, both are unreliable narrators, and the tension between them keeps you on your toes.
True crime and voyeurism via podcast
The novel also explores the phenomenon of true crime and its impact on society. As the podcast becomes a news sensation, the public’s fascination with Daphne’s story raises questions about the ethics of true crime storytelling. Is it exploitative, or does it serve a greater purpose? If you’re a fan of true crime podcasts, it might well leave you feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
Finally, the novel is written in taut, elegant and accessible prose that make it a deceptively easy read, belying the dark themes. And its sharp dialogue is authentic and often funny.
In conclusion, I have to admit that in some ways I’m not really sure why I liked this so much. Was it the elegant cover? The female serial killer? The 90-year-old protagonist? The modern twist on narrative structure, largely through podcast episodes? The abuse-survival theme? None of these elements is unique or original, but they come together in a unique way in The Six Murders of Daphne St Clair. If you appreciate a well-crafted story, I highly recommend it.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
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