What could have been a five-star read turned out to be a four-star one. I took away one star because of three problems. First, there was a major flaw in the story line, and I'm surprised that Hillier (and her editor) failed to notice it. See, if a person possesses knowledge concerning a homicide and refuses to help in the investigation, isn't that against the law? I'm no John Grisham; the American criminal law is a huge brainer to me. I am, however, certain that withholding information that can help in a murder investigation is plainly unlawful. Surely the detectives can file a subpoena or something. What the hell. Negotiating with a criminal is simply ludicrous. 
 Second problem: the twist at the last few stages was disappointingly predictable. I had my suspicions and it only made me groan when they were confirmed. I had seen it before I even got halfway through the book. I know it's wrong to compare a book to another book, but as Freak is a sequel to Creep, I think it is just to say that the raisin at the end of Freak's hotdog (an Icelandic expression which means the surprise at the end of the story) doesn't hold a candle to Creep's. It lacked the surprise element I had experienced in its predecessor. 
 Third problem: Freak is maddeningly short! Hillier ended the book too quickly as if she got tired to properly wrap things up. If she intended this because she's planning to write a third book, I don't care. It is, quite simply, unethical--a hack's work. And what really drives me up the wall is the fact that I'll read a thrid book if it materializes. Marketing strategies are aggravating especially when they're effective. Freak is no exception. 
 I have to give Freak four stars, however, because it is entertaining, and that's what really matters to me. It has the right amount of gore and suspense. I didn't find the murders repulsive; they were instead hair-raising. In my experience with murder mysteries, what Hillier did with her murder victims was shockingly unique. It stunned me and glued me until the end. It made me formulate theories. It set my mind on work. Flawed may it be, I still think Freak is hugely thrilling. Four stars!