The Art of Murder

Set in a small-town, The Art of Murder is the latest book by Canadian author Maggie Giles. It's a story full of secrets and complicated friendships that will appeal to readers who love intense and twisty stories and lots and lots of murder. 

From the first pages, readers are taken on one helluva wild ride as we dive into the complicated mind of a serial killer. This is a sinister and engaging story that's filled with toxic relationships and complicated characters who make questionable choices. They are not always likeable, but they will keep you turning the pages!

And despite knowing the identity of the murderer, I found this to be a very compelling and addictive read. We get the unique perspective of a serial killer who is out for vengeance as we witness Alexa's spiral into darkness and begin to understand her motives. I surprised myself by how (almost) sympathetic I was feeling towards her!

Dark and twisty and unputdownable, this thriller asks the question "How far would you go for your best friend?" It hits stores June 10th so get your preorders in now!

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for the advanced copy of this book which was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Author: Maggie Giles

Genre: Suspense, Canadian

Type and Source: Trade Paperback from author

Publisher: Rising Action Publishing Collective

First Published: June 10, 2025

Read: May 25-27, 2026

Book Description from GoodReads: In the tranquil town of Cedar Plains, where safety and community are sacred, Courtney Faith’s ideal life is upended by a body found on a local farm, shattering her peaceful existence. Her friend, Alexa Huston, intimately familiar with chaos, gets entangled in an accidental murder that escalates her spiraling life into deeper darkness. Alexa wrestles with a disturbing question: Is murder justifiable if it targets the deserving?

As bodies accumulate, the local police scramble for answers. Torn between loyalty and justice, Courtney discovers evidence linking Alexa to the crimes. Their friendship frays as Courtney grapples with a dire choice: expose Alexa and risk her own darkest secret, or protect a friend and possibly destroy everything she cherishes.

In Cedar Plains, some truths are too perilous to unearth. Caught in a deadly dance of secrets and lies, Courtney must decide whether to confront the monster behind a familiar face or let their secrets stay hidden, buried within the town’s heart. Their darkest deeds are cloaked in silence, and no one truly knows anything.