When I picked up Jonathan Santlofer’s book Anatomy of Fear, I could immediately see that it is different from your average thriller.  As you open it your eye is drawn to the drawings that the author has interspersed throughout the story.  As I read the book I realized that these drawings were integral to my understanding of the plot, as the book’s main character Nate Rodriguez is a police sketch artist and his drawing ability becomes the key to solving a serial murder case.  He is called into the case because the killer leaves a drawing he has done of the victim pinned to their bodies.  Details of these drawings offer clues to the killer’s identity, but Nate’s uncanny ability to recreate a killer’s face from just the scantiest of clues is what really moves the investigation along.  The thrill of following along as he tries to catch the killer before more harm is done is blended with a gradual revelation about Nate’s own back story and a mystery surrounding the death of his father.  I got thoroughly hooked into this story almost immediately, and the ending left me wanting for more so I certainly hope that a sequel appears soon.  Anyone who enjoys thrillers and/or who likes graphic novels or novels with a strong visual element should definately pick this one up. 

To get a preview of this book, visit this website from the publisher where you can even view a video trailer in which Nate tells you about his story as he sketchs at his drawing table.  To find out more about Jonathan Santlofer check out his website for more about him, his other books, and his plans for a sequel to this one—hooray!