Girl, 11

Elle Castillo, a true-crime podcaster, is obsessed with The Countdown Killer and is determined to bring him to justice. When the kidnappings start up again, she must confront her responsibility and stop the deadly countdown before he can claim his next victim.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Pushkin Press

Elle Castillo, a true-crime podcaster, has been captivated by the enigmatic figure known as The Countdown Killer for decades. Twenty years ago, he embarked on a chilling spree, abducting and brutally murdering three young girls, each a year younger than the previous one. Despite the authorities' belief that he is long gone, Elle is determined to prove that he is still alive and bring him to justice. As the kidnappings resume, Elle faces the daunting task of confronting her role in forcing the killer out of hiding. She must stop the deadly countdown and convince both the authorities and her podcast audience of the danger lurking before the Countdown Killer can claim his next victim.

Elle's obsession with The Countdown Killer began when she stumbled upon a series of unsolved murders that took place in her hometown. The victims, all young girls, had been abducted and killed in a seemingly random pattern, each a year younger than the last. Intrigued by the mystery, Elle began conducting her own research, pouring over police files, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence.

As she delved deeper into the case, Elle discovered that The Countdown Killer had a peculiar obsession with numbers and patterns. He would select his victims based on specific numerical criteria, such as their birthdays or addresses. He would also meticulously plan his murders, taking weeks or even months to prepare for each attack.

Despite the authorities' belief that The Countdown Killer was dead, Elle refused to accept this conclusion. She knew that he was still out there, lurking in the shadows, waiting for his next opportunity to strike. She dedicated herself to tracking him down, no matter the cost.

Years passed, and Elle's investigation led her to a small town in the middle of nowhere. There, she discovered a clue that would finally bring The Countdown Killer to justice. It was a letter, written by the killer himself, that contained a cryptic message about his next target.

Elle knew that she had to act fast. She assembled a team of experts, including forensic investigators, psychologists, and journalists, to help her unravel the mystery. Together, they worked tirelessly, piecing together the clues and following the killer's trail.

Finally, after months of tireless work, they caught up with The Countdown Killer. He was a middle-aged man, living a quiet life in a small cabin deep in the woods. Elle confronted him, demanding answers about his motives and his victims.

The Countdown Killer was unrepentant. He claimed that he was driven by a desire for power and control and that he enjoyed torturing and killing his victims. He refused to reveal the whereabouts of his remaining victims, insisting that they were already dead.

Elle was devastated by the killer's confession. She knew that she had failed to save his victims, but she refused to give up. She continued to push for justice, using her podcast to raise awareness about the dangers of serial killers and to advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect the public.

In the end, The Countdown Killer was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Elle felt a sense of closure, knowing that she had played a small part in bringing him to justice. She continued to work tirelessly to prevent other serial killers from harming innocent people, using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for change.

Elle Castillo's story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of never giving up on the fight for justice. Her obsession with The Countdown Killer drove her to pursue a dangerous and complex investigation, and her determination to bring him to justice ultimately saved lives. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of impossible odds, one person can make a difference and that the pursuit of truth and justice is always worth the effort.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782276913