This is a great idea for a twist on the series killer stalker story – this time the series killer has access to a time machine.
Full of interesting characters and very natural dialogue, it is easy to identify with each person, even the psychotic (and mysteriously motivated) killer. Visiting different eras in time and seeing how Chicago has changed (or is in the process of changing) was really cool.
I’m still not sure I could understand “the rules” of the time travel device, and for me at least I think that is important. Other books involving time travel are quite clear as it helps set the expectations of the reader and we can understand why something happens or doesn’t happen. The rules in this book are mentioned briefly in passing but I’d have liked more.
Also I thought the book sort of abruptly ended – I had expected there to be a lot more to the culmination of so many crossing time lines. The way things ended seemed like a lost opportunity. Stalker becomes the prey, for example. Suddenly the victim has a chance to go back in time and make some changes – what would they be? It is a deep reservoir of possibilities, but it felt like the author chose the simplest one.
But I enjoyed the book, and will be on the lookout for future books that do time travel well.
Next I am reading The Happy Isles of Oceania by Paul Theroux.
