Published: 2022
Author: Alex Sigmore
Genres: Adult Mystery, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural
Audience: Grades 10–12, Adult
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: His Perfect Crime
Content Warnings: Murder, graphic violence, adultery, deceit, and themes of mourning.
Publisher’s Summary
Deep in the Appalachian Mountains, a strange box is unearthed, containing a discovery that rocks the small town of Stillwater to its core. Inside is the body of a woman with her eyes sewn shut, crammed into a space half the size of a casket. No one knows who she is, and no one has reported her missing.
FBI Special Agent Emily Slate is barely hanging on. After losing her husband three months ago and botching a major case, this investigation in northern Virginia is her last chance at redemption. As Emily unravels the layers of the savage murder, she realizes this victim wasn’t the first. But a more sinister secret lurks at the root of these crimes—one that puts Emily herself in the crosshairs. This could be Emily’s finest moment, or her last.
Full Review
His Perfect Crime is a classic crime mystery complete with all the elements that make the genre work: missing information, police secrets, hidden files, and a surprising reveal at the end. One of the most compelling aspects of the story is the protagonist, Emily Slate. As a female FBI agent, she takes the brunt of gender stereotypes, often finding that the men around her don’t trust her abilities. Seeing her “win” in the end despite these hurdles is incredibly satisfying.
The author does an excellent job of building a broader narrative by weaving a secondary mystery into the main plot. Emily is a grieving widow, and the murderer she is chasing lets slip that he knows something about her husband’s death—a death that was supposed to have been from natural causes. It’s a classic hook that immediately makes you want to pick up the sequel to find out what is really going on. If you enjoy procedurals with strong female leads and are willing to follow a series to get all the answers, Alex Sigmore is an author to watch.
⚖️ The “Strong Female Lead” in Crime Fiction
Emily Slate follows a tradition of resilient female investigators who must prove themselves in male-dominated environments.
- Professional Adversity: Emily faces skepticism from peers, which is a common theme in procedurals (similar to characters like Clarice Starling or Kay Scarpetta).
- The “Grieving Investigator”: Her personal trauma (the loss of her husband) adds a layer of vulnerability that makes her “botched” past case more understandable to the reader.
- The Cliffhanger: The revelation about her husband’s death changes the series from a standard “mystery-of-the-week” to a deeply personal “revenge/conspiracy” arc.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
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ELA (The Mystery Genre): Use this book to teach the “Rules of Fair Play” in mystery writing.
Activity Idea: Identify the “Red Herrings” in the Stillwater case. Did the author provide enough clues for the reader to solve the identity of the Jane Doe before Emily did?
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Psychology (Grief and Performance): Explore how Emily’s mourning affects her work.
Activity Idea: Discuss the concept of “Burnout” and “Trauma-Informed Care.” How does Emily’s grief serve as both a weakness (making her “barely hang on”) and a strength (giving her a unique empathy for the victims)?
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Forensic Science (Identification): Discuss the real-world methods used to identify remains found in remote areas.
Activity Idea: Research the NAMUS (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System). How do real FBI agents use this database to solve cases like the one in Stillwater?
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Sociology (Gender in the Workplace): > Activity Idea: Discuss the stereotypes Emily faces. Have students find data on the percentage of female special agents in the FBI today compared to 30 years ago. How has representation changed?
