This series reminds me a lot of the Dublin Murder Squad series both in tone and subject matter, although one is told through the perspective of the police while this one is through the eyes of a therapist. I like the idea of a therapist but it does lead to some odd circumstances and suspension of disbelief. There is no reason why would a therapist search for a missing person and track a serial killer but the story still kept my interest. There were also a lot of red herrings which I think made the book a little longer than it needed to be. All in all, it was an interesting mystery story and I will continue to read this series. ( )

Waiting for Wednesday by Nicci French is the third book in their Frieda Klein series and although Frieda is no longer officially working with DCI Karlsson, she finds herself connected to his latest case when the body of a homemaker and mother is found beaten to death in her own home. The victim’s three children are having a difficult time when their mother’s secrets are slowly being revealed. Frieda finds herself in the position of being both advocate and caregiver for these youngsters.

As in all Frieda Klein stories, there are various story lines, including the on-going stalking of Frieda by Dean Reeve and the hunt for a serial killer. The plot lines are interwoven into a richly detailed and satisfying thriller that examines not only the “who” but also the “why” behind the crimes. Frieda, with her stubborn ways and obsessive traits, is a fascinating character to read about and I am looking forward to continuing on with this series. ( )

I finished this novel two days after I got it. As some of you might know by now I read really fast, but my reviews sometimes take a while longer to get posted, that being said it’s usually because I like to let the story first sink in before I make a proper evaluation of the book. With Waiting for Wednesday by Nicci French my deliberations took a little longer seeing as I came to the conclusion that the Frieda Klein series is bumping off some of my favourite crime series’ from the list. Quick paced, intriguing and well-written, Waiting for Wednesday is the third book in this series, following up Tuesday is Gone and Blue Monday. What makes these books so endearing though is how swiftly the storyline pulls you into the world of Frieda Klein.

I was initially sceptical about Nicci French’s endurance in the genre, not because anything’s wrong with the books, on contraire, the storyline, characters and writing is really gripping, but because Nicci French is up against authors like Patricia Cornwell, J.D. Robb, and numerous other established crime authors. Now, I know in the rest of the world the name, Nicci French, might be well-known, but in South Africa and with the Frieda Klein series, I had my first taste of what they have to offer as did many other readers. That being said, I’m happy to announce that I may have been very wrong in that regard. Nicci French definitely shows that there is a lot more to come from them and that Frieda Klein is going to keep readers entertained for a long time. With unique twists and turns that keeps you wanting more long after you’ve finished the book, I can announce with a smile on my face that I can’t wait for the next book.

Waiting for Wednesday can be read as a standalone book, but it’s best to read the previous two to get a bit more background. Granted in this book new readers will be able to catch up, but for a more enriched reading experience, I’ll suggest to read the books in order.

So, the verdict is that I loved it. It’s as simple as that. Waiting for Wednesday is a good read and by golly, unless you don’t want to have some of your favourite crime writers knocked off of your metaphorical list, you better get your hands on the Frieda Klein series.

(Review originally posted on www.killeraphrodite.com ) ( )

From Amazon:

Nicci French’s Blue Monday and Tuesday’s Gone introduced the brilliant yet reclusive psychotherapist Frieda Klein to widespread critical acclaim, but Waiting for Wednesday promises to be her most haunting case yet.

Ruth Lennox, housewife and mother of three, is found dead in a pool of her own blood. Detective Chief Inspector Karlsson can’t piece together a motive and calls in Frieda, hoping her talents will offer a new angle on the case.

When it emerges that the mother was hiding a scandalous secret, her family closes ranks. Frieda herself is distracted, still reeling from an attempt on her life, and struggling with her own rare feelings of vulnerability. Then a patient’s chance remark sends Frieda down a dangerous path that seems to lead to a serial killer who’s long escaped detection. Is Frieda getting closer to unraveling either case? Or is she just the victim of her own paranoid, fragile mind? Because, as Frieda knows, every step closer to a killer is one more step into a darkness from which there may be no return . . .

Flawlessly executed, Waiting for Wednesday is a penetrating, twisted novel of murder and neurosis with a jaw-dropping climax that will linger in readers’ minds long after they have turned the last page.

Why I wanted to read it: Third in the Frieda Klein series.

I’m really surprised that I haven’t devoured this series one after another because they are just that good. This entry brings Frieda closer to some of the people in her life, dangles her love interest Sandy tantalizingly in front of our eyes, and confirms her persistent and stubborn determination to pursue things she thinks needs pursuing at the risk of her professional career and her life.

This book is an intricate puzzle. There are no missing pieces and no extraneous pieces. Things that don’t seem related might be, other things that may portend things fizzle away. We’re left guessing about a potential serial killer until a chance encounter ties two threads together. We learn more about how responsible Frieda feels for people. We learn about her strength of character in getting what she wants at the risk of a friendship.

All in all a very good book. ( )

This is the 3rd Frieda Klein novel. She no longer works for the Police as a psychotherapist.
She is recovering from her injuries after the last Police investigation she worked on.
Unwittingly she gets involved when her nieces friends Mother gets murdered, the Police investigate she looks after the children for a little bit.
She also teams up with an ex journalist and they uncover a Serial killer who has been killing young women.
OK book this but to many characters ( )