Reality TV meets murder mystery. That’s what Vincent Ralph has created in this tale of mystery and suspense.

In a contemporary English school/home setting, Jessica Simmons decides to apply for a social media program, the Eye, which is to be broadcast live on YouTube. However, her purpose is not for instant fame and fortune, but to track down her mother’s murderer – a man who has become a serial killer since her death 10 years ago, when Jessica was 7.

Much of what happened to her mother was hidden from her by her protective father. Even how he explained her murder was lightly sugar-coated as he explained that the killer was like a magpie, gathering pretty things – hence his label, Magpie Man.

In short, sharp chapters, we learn how Jessica plans to ‘out’ her mother’s killer, as long as she can get enough audience exposure and stay on the Eye. And those short, sharp chapters edge you quickly along…

We see her life, filmed live once a week, then captured into critical vignettes, for viewing by an avid audience. Her desperate acts sometimes seem crazy (just like the heroes in horror movies investigating dark and dank locations), and you will ponder the plausibility of some things that occur; but this is a page-turner, so just let it happen.

There are awkward situations for Jessica and her friends, and twists and turns to confuse your choice of the killer’s identity. Will he be identified before he kills again? Who can she trust? And what will come of the brash challenges Jessica makes to her mother’s murdered? Is he watching?

Recommended 14+

# In this day and age, would it be realistic to bait a killer on social media?

## Do you think your parents would allow you to broadcast your life in this way anyway?

###  Available as ebook and audiobook also.