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 June 2021
Publisher: Pushkin Press

Elle Castillo, a true-crime podcaster, has been captivated by the enigmatic figure of 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 killer's existence before he 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 similar manner, 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 pattern. He would select a victim, usually a young girl, and abduct her from her home or school. He would then take her to a remote location, where he would subject her to unimaginable horrors. Elle could only imagine the pain and suffering that the victims had endured.

Despite the passage of time, Elle remained determined to find The Countdown Killer. She spent countless hours poring over old case files, conducting new interviews, and analyzing every piece of evidence she could get her hands on. She even reached out to other true-crime podcasters and investigators, hoping to collaborate and share information.

One day, as Elle was reviewing old police files, she stumbled upon a breakthrough. She discovered a piece of evidence that had been overlooked by previous investigators. It was a photograph of a man who had been seen near the scene of one of the murders. The man had a distinctive scar on his face, and Elle knew that he was the key to unlocking the mystery.

Elle contacted the authorities and shared her findings with them. They were initially skeptical, but after further investigation, they agreed to collaborate with Elle on the case. Together, they began to build a case against The Countdown Killer.

As they dug deeper, they discovered that The Countdown Killer had a history of violence and had been arrested several times for other crimes. However, he had always managed to evade capture.

Finally, after months of tireless work, they had enough evidence to arrest The Countdown Killer. He was taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of murder.

Elle was overjoyed by the news, but she knew that the work was not yet over. She needed to convince the authorities and her podcast audience of the killer's guilt and ensure that he was brought to justice.

Elle began to prepare for the trial, conducting interviews with witnesses and experts and analyzing the evidence presented by the prosecution. She also reached out to other true-crime podcasters and investigators, hoping to gain their support and increase the visibility of the case.

The trial was a media sensation, with reporters and photographers swarming the courtroom. Elle was interviewed by countless media outlets, and her podcast became one of the most popular true-crime podcasts in the world.

As the trial progressed, Elle became increasingly emotional. She could not believe that the man who had caused so much pain and suffering was finally facing justice. She knew that the victims' families would be relieved, and she felt a sense of pride in her role in bringing the killer to justice.

In the end, The Countdown Killer was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Elle was hailed as a hero, and her podcast became a symbol of hope for victims of violent crimes.

Looking back on the case, Elle knew that it had been a long and difficult journey. She had faced countless obstacles and setbacks, but she had never given up. She had been driven by her passion for justice and her desire to bring the killer to account.

As she reflected on the case, Elle realized that the lessons she had learned were not just about the case itself, but about the power of perseverance and determination. She had learned that even in the face of adversity, it was possible to make a difference and bring about change.

Elle continued to work in the field of true-crime journalism, using her platform to raise awareness about violent crimes and advocate for victims' rights. She knew that there was still much work to be done, but she was determined to continue fighting for justice and making a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Elle Castillo's obsession with The Countdown Killer had led her to a life-changing journey. She had faced countless obstacles and setbacks, but she had never given up. Through her determination and perseverance, she had brought about justice and made a positive impact on the world. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and determination, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to make a difference.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782276890