When a high-profile murder lands literally at her feet, Detective Emilia Hart sees a chance to expand her caseload beyond the endless succession of domestic violence matters she is forced to investigate. But this is no simple investigation.
Another body turns up, then another. All men, all shot, with a similar MO. It’s not until a manifesto taking credit for the crimes is published by a group calling themselves Daughters of Eve that Hart confirms a link between the victims: all of them had been perpetrators themselves. All had abused women or children. Few had been charged with those crimes – and none convicted.
As panic sets in and chaos rules the streets, the police draw ever closer to the Daughters of Eve, but the serial killer continues to elude them. Again, Hart sees something that everyone else has missed. And what that is, she cannot believe.
Daughters of Eve is a stunning debut from Nina D. Campbell that will take you to the edge and dare you to look down. Expertly conceived and tautly written, this is the kind of thriller that turns the common ‘dead girl’ narrative on its head – this is a multi-layered, feminist revenge thriller.
Emilia Hart is a fantastic protagonist, frustrated and saddened by having to work on endless cases of men’s violence against women. When she becomes involved in investigating a slew of murders, all men who committed crimes they were never convicted of, she will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of the case. Her tenacity at work is contrasted with her home life, where she lovingly cares for two foster daughters who endured rough upbringings. With her relationships put to the test and dragged into the murder investigation, Campbell paints a brilliant portrait of Hart’s everyday struggles.
Set in the heart of Sydney, this is a cracking local thriller, with recognisable names and places. The subject matter is confronting, covering themes of domestic violence and sexual assault. While the Daughters of Eve vigilante group is fictional, many of the crimes mentioned are all too common. This revenge thriller is not only a timely read but is powerful, gripping and is sure to start many conversations. Campbell has written an impressive debut thriller that sets itself apart from many in the genre. If you are after a brilliant female protagonist, a pacey mystery and women taking their revenge, then you can’t go past Daughters of Eve.
An amazing book. Great story line, fast-moving and a brilliantly developed lead character; Emelia has her personal flaws but I miss her so much now that I’ve finished the book. Emelia is reminiscent of Tara Moss’ female leads in that she seems so real. I cannot wait for Nina to publish a follow-up book.
Halfway through and I cannot continue. Full of snark and misandry. The concept is good, highlighting the abuse of women and children is admirable. Painting all men as wicked, stupid or ignorant doesn’t illicit my sympathy or empathy. Our protagonist is full of her own worthiness. Some of the descriptions of her male colleagues is derogatory. If a modern male author described female characters the same way, he’d be cancelled. Oh and let’s hate on religion while we’re at it. Specifically Christianity, because you know, it’s an acceptable target. You cannot lift up your cause and purpose by disparaging others. Your message is lost in your nastiness.