The Roses of May by Dot Hutchinson is the second book in her The Collector series, diving deeper into the psychological horror and unsettling suspense that made the first installment such a haunting experience. This audiobook presents a dark, mysterious narrative with plenty of tension, though it doesn’t quite reach the level of gripping intensity that I was hoping for.

From the very start, Hutchinson pulls us back into the twisted world of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit as they investigate a disturbing case. The pacing is medium and methodical, which gives the plot room to develop slowly but surely. While this allows for a deep dive into the characters’ psyches and the intricacies of the investigation, it also means the book occasionally drags in places, lacking the breakneck speed you might expect from a thriller.

One of the strengths of The Roses of May is its atmosphere. It’s undeniably dark and filled with an eerie tension that permeates every scene. The psychological depth of the characters is impressive, and the book explores some very complex, often disturbing themes. However, the slower pacing can sometimes make the tension feel more stretched than immediate, and there were moments when I wished the action would pick up a little quicker to match the level of suspense the story builds towards.

The audiobook experience itself is solid, with a narrators who do a good job capturing the tone of the story—subtle yet gripping, with just the right amount of tension in their delivery. I listened to the first book in the series and the narration of this one felt easier to follow and less distracting than the first.

Overall, The Roses of May is a compelling, if slightly uneven, entry in the The Collector series. It’s a book that delivers on atmosphere, psychological depth, and mystery but may not fully satisfy those looking for a quicker-paced thriller. If you enjoy dark, twisted stories with intricate character studies and don't mind a medium pace, this one is worth checking out—but be prepared for a slow burn.