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The Alphabet Killer
A killer is on the loose, and one detective’s life will never be the same.
Southbridge Homicide Detective Jim Haddick had always been a gifted officer with an impeccable service record, relying on his instincts to solve the cases others couldn’t. His personal life often paid the price for his professional dedication, something of which his ex-wife was constantly willing to remind him. Failing at his responsibilities as a parent, and struggling to maintain a relationship with his son, Jim vowed to be a better father, inviting his son Ben to stay with him for the summer. But when a serial killer terrorizes the city of Southbridge, Detective Haddick finds himself pushing Ben away as he is drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Slipping further into his duties as a police officer and skidding uncontrollably down a dark path, Jim becomes consumed with stopping the killer at all costs. As the slayings become more frequent and more severe with each new victim, Jim tries desperately to decipher the clues being left by the killer at each of the crime scenes, hoping to put an end to the sadistic reign of terror. When the clues begin to lead him to investigate members of his own department, trust turns to doubt, and doubt to suspicion as dark secrets are uncovered at every turn.
Who can you trust when everyone is a suspect? And how do you catch a killer who knows every move you’re going to make before you do?
Southbridge Homicide Detective Jim Haddick had always been a gifted officer with an impeccable service record, relying on his instincts to solve the cases others couldn’t. His personal life often paid the price for his professional dedication, something of which his ex-wife was constantly willing to remind him. Failing at his responsibilities as a parent, and struggling to maintain a relationship with his son, Jim vowed to be a better father, inviting his son Ben to stay with him for the summer. But when a serial killer terrorizes the city of Southbridge, Detective Haddick finds himself pushing Ben away as he is drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Slipping further into his duties as a police officer and skidding uncontrollably down a dark path, Jim becomes consumed with stopping the killer at all costs. As the slayings become more frequent and more severe with each new victim, Jim tries desperately to decipher the clues being left by the killer at each of the crime scenes, hoping to put an end to the sadistic reign of terror. When the clues begin to lead him to investigate members of his own department, trust turns to doubt, and doubt to suspicion as dark secrets are uncovered at every turn.
Who can you trust when everyone is a suspect? And how do you catch a killer who knows every move you’re going to make before you do?
- GenresThriller
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2023
42 people are currently reading
882 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 13, 2023
This author mentioned his book in a Psychological Thriller Facebook group. I wanted to support him and give this a go. It is really a good book with a few good twists. The Alphabet Killer is exactly as it states. A serial killer is killing people using their first names and also the method of killing. For example, the first one is Amber killed by an asthma attack. The detective, Jim, is a bit brash but still a likable character. He is determined to find the killer while also watching after his teenage son Ben. But, as typical of detectives, family always takes a back seat when it comes to work. And Jim has his hands full. This was an easy read due to the author’s style. While the deaths are gruesome, the writing makes it somehow easier to digest. Parts of it are still dark which is the parts I disliked about the storyline. However, it is definitely worthy of a read and makes you want to check out his other books! So, it would be great if you would support this author and read this book!
December 28, 2023
Still have whiplash from the ending. So good!
April 6, 2025
While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea if you're squeamish, it’s definitely worth a read for fans of clever mysteries with a side of quirk. If you've ever wondered what happens when a killer’s obsession goes alphabetical, this book answers that question with flair. I am looking forward to the next book.
January 11, 2025
Wow! I love this book! Jeff VanOudenhove - Author The Alphabet Killer Reminds me of Every Dead Thing: A Charlie Parker Thriller Kindle Edition by John Connolly (Author) I finished this book and just couldn’t believe what I just read. Will be reading more of Jeff’s books.
May 19, 2023
The main character Detective Jim Haddick is well developed with a heap of stuff to juggle while facing off against his first serial killer. The methods and clues tying the murders together were also very original and intriguing. This book is perfect for fans of dark murder mysteries with fantastic twists you won't see coming.
April 11, 2025
The author is in a book group I'm in, promoting his books, and though they all sounded good, I chose this one to try. Geez, where to start with this one? I usually finish a book within a couple of days; this took me months. The plot itself was great and had so much potential and originality, but the male main character ruined the whole thing for me. It's pretty easy to figure out who the killer is early on, but the story was interesting enough that it didn't matter; you wanted to see how it played out. Detective Haddick, however, was a terrible character. He behaved like every cliché, jaded, stereotypical detective in every movie and series from the 1930s to the 1970s. Seriously, one character says to him, "You're brash and arrogant, and you fly off the cuff. You like to do things your own way, skirting procedures and never looking back at the repercussions of your imprudent decisions..." 😒🙄. He's very rude, misogynistic, and condescending. Hmm, what else? Oh, he had three interactions with the FBI Special Agent, two of which were arguing, before she randomly showed up at his door and they slept together. It was also OK for her to say "fuck" when she was saying it to stand in solidarity with him, but considered crass and inappropriate when the said by the fat, ugly female coroner with whom he had no interst in bedding. There's a lot of yelling and pissing contests between officers. I could keep going, but I honestly just don't have the energy. I'm chalking this up to a bad character, not bad writing and will try another one of his books. Also, there's a sequel 😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2025
4.25 stars. This was a fun read! The word puzzle nerd in me enjoyed the word play involved. Decent mystery and development of characters. I did (eventually) predict who the bad guy was, but book was still exciting and did not predict the final plot development. Would read more from this author.
January 5, 2024
I heard rave reviews about this book and waited a long time to finally purchase it and read it. I do not see what all the hype was about & I am kind of sorry I bought it. It started very slow. I expected more action right out of the gate. It was page 55 before it got to the point of what the murders even meant. It was page 64 before Southbridge was mentioned, and little was mentioned about that. Where is Southbridge? No state, not even a hint of location was given. Is this in the US? UK? I had no idea.
It was hard to get a feel for the characters. There was no age, no physical description of Homicide Detective Jim Haddick ever given & he was a very prominent figure in the whole book. There were a few times he just up & left his job & in reality I doubt that is ever really allowed when a mass murder is on the loose & you are in charge of catching them. Not realistic at all. The SAIC he gets involved with, hardly a bit of physical description given either. Brief description of the son, Ben was given so I could envision him. I like to be able to picture people & places in my head as I read. I had a very hard time doing that with this book.
I read usually between 80 to 100 books a year & I have to admit I have never seen a storyline with these types of killings in it. I was impressed by that, as well as the ending. I had no idea who the murderer was. And the ending did leave it open where more books on the characters left could be written.
I do see some talent & I will read another one of his books to see if I can really get into it.
It was hard to get a feel for the characters. There was no age, no physical description of Homicide Detective Jim Haddick ever given & he was a very prominent figure in the whole book. There were a few times he just up & left his job & in reality I doubt that is ever really allowed when a mass murder is on the loose & you are in charge of catching them. Not realistic at all. The SAIC he gets involved with, hardly a bit of physical description given either. Brief description of the son, Ben was given so I could envision him. I like to be able to picture people & places in my head as I read. I had a very hard time doing that with this book.
I read usually between 80 to 100 books a year & I have to admit I have never seen a storyline with these types of killings in it. I was impressed by that, as well as the ending. I had no idea who the murderer was. And the ending did leave it open where more books on the characters left could be written.
I do see some talent & I will read another one of his books to see if I can really get into it.
May 12, 2025
I don't understand all the glowing reviews. I feel like I read a different book.
A summary of my thoughts:
- Pacing is slow and content is repetitive
- No sense of place (Where the hell is this set? Did I miss that detail?) and no sense of characters’ appearances. I couldn't visualize anything of anyone.
- The only memorable characteristic is the fake Jamaican accent given to a crime boss… and it's not memorable in a good way. I mean, why? Do men of Jamaican heritage get more respect in the crime world in whatever city this is set? No, of course not. That's stupid. So again, why?
- The main character is a a horrible human. He's a neglectful, inattentive father, an egomaniac, abrupt and rude to his superiors... I could go on. I don't have one positive thing to say about him. He wasn't even a good detective.
- The MC's "child" is 18 years old, yet the MC and his ex-wife talk about and treat him as if he's 10. It's absurd.
- I figured out the who pretty early on. I was hoping to be wrong. I wasn't. The reveal was ridiculous.
I buddy read this book with two friends. Neither of them liked this book either, so at least I know it's not just me being grumpy.
Of course, you might agree with the glowing reviews. Please ignore my crankiness.
Moving on...
A summary of my thoughts:
- Pacing is slow and content is repetitive
- No sense of place (Where the hell is this set? Did I miss that detail?) and no sense of characters’ appearances. I couldn't visualize anything of anyone.
- The only memorable characteristic is the fake Jamaican accent given to a crime boss… and it's not memorable in a good way. I mean, why? Do men of Jamaican heritage get more respect in the crime world in whatever city this is set? No, of course not. That's stupid. So again, why?
- The main character is a a horrible human. He's a neglectful, inattentive father, an egomaniac, abrupt and rude to his superiors... I could go on. I don't have one positive thing to say about him. He wasn't even a good detective.
- The MC's "child" is 18 years old, yet the MC and his ex-wife talk about and treat him as if he's 10. It's absurd.
- I figured out the who pretty early on. I was hoping to be wrong. I wasn't. The reveal was ridiculous.
I buddy read this book with two friends. Neither of them liked this book either, so at least I know it's not just me being grumpy.
Of course, you might agree with the glowing reviews. Please ignore my crankiness.
Moving on...
April 6, 2023
Homicide detective Jim Haddick has seen a lot during his years on the force. But, the body of this woman was particularly gruesome, along with the letter D carved into her leg. Then another body turns up with an E carved on her back. There is also a note clenched in the dead womans’ hand. At that moment the killings have become personal for Jim with the killer taunting him to figure out who the killer is.
A cat and mouse game starts and Jim is desperate to figure it out. A card is found from The Letter Group. What is this group and who is in it?
As clues and bodies keep piling up, Jim has a startling revelation…..could it be someone on the force?
When another dead body turns up in the detective’s neighborhood, only a couple of streets over, his biggest concern is to make sure his son, Ben, is protected. If the killer is that close, he surely knows he has a son. Though Jim wants to quit and leave the case, he knows he has a job to do and he is going to do it!!
I absolutely loved this book!!! It is my first read by this author. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know who the killer was!!! Great storyline and plot. Highly recommend!!
A cat and mouse game starts and Jim is desperate to figure it out. A card is found from The Letter Group. What is this group and who is in it?
As clues and bodies keep piling up, Jim has a startling revelation…..could it be someone on the force?
When another dead body turns up in the detective’s neighborhood, only a couple of streets over, his biggest concern is to make sure his son, Ben, is protected. If the killer is that close, he surely knows he has a son. Though Jim wants to quit and leave the case, he knows he has a job to do and he is going to do it!!
I absolutely loved this book!!! It is my first read by this author. I couldn’t put it down because I had to know who the killer was!!! Great storyline and plot. Highly recommend!!
November 11, 2025
THE ALPHABET KILLER
The Killer, the letters all wrapped up so sweetly!
The malice and secrets weaving into terror as bodies multiply with the A B C D COME AND FIND ME!
The letters all written dripping in blood 🩸 spoken for in despair, depression, and peer pressure demanding ATTENTION
A MAN intent on finding this killer that defies every moral and value, as cut after cut is made…… A man, an officer seeking answers…..
As A killer seeks to be heard, to be noticed! Slices of flesh taking slices of emotions from families….
Questions building as the bodies lie with vacant eyes as Sordid truths come between
The FBI following in the wake of death and despair…
This book keeps you on the EDGE! Fast chapters and twisting turns….your soul burns…..demanding more.
5 ⭐️ and this book leads to an open door of the second book!
I bet you did NoT Feel or grip the end my friends!
The ALPhABET KILLER Keeps you on your toes begging for more…
As family falls apart and the deception starts……to begin…,,
Highly recommended for the Killer only grins
The Killer, the letters all wrapped up so sweetly!
The malice and secrets weaving into terror as bodies multiply with the A B C D COME AND FIND ME!
The letters all written dripping in blood 🩸 spoken for in despair, depression, and peer pressure demanding ATTENTION
A MAN intent on finding this killer that defies every moral and value, as cut after cut is made…… A man, an officer seeking answers…..
As A killer seeks to be heard, to be noticed! Slices of flesh taking slices of emotions from families….
Questions building as the bodies lie with vacant eyes as Sordid truths come between
The FBI following in the wake of death and despair…
This book keeps you on the EDGE! Fast chapters and twisting turns….your soul burns…..demanding more.
5 ⭐️ and this book leads to an open door of the second book!
I bet you did NoT Feel or grip the end my friends!
The ALPhABET KILLER Keeps you on your toes begging for more…
As family falls apart and the deception starts……to begin…,,
Highly recommended for the Killer only grins
October 30, 2024
Oh my goodness - Jeff VanOudenhove - Author you have officially broken me! I loved Just Listen, but this blew my mind. You have outdone yourself, kind sir.
The Alphabet Ki11er is freaking anaaazing and all the readers out there - I highly recommend you add it to the top of your TBR.
It is fast paced from the outset and it doesn’t let up. But Jeff manages to create depth to the characters without impacting on the non-stop thrill of the story. Something which is difficult to accomplish. Jeff not only accomplishes it - he nails it! I was so invested in all the characters. I felt like I knew them personally. I loved them all (well, most), but at the same time I suspected so many of them. I was torn, conflicted, and so very worried because I’d developed an attachment to them.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages, yet I also wanted to slow down because I was enjoying it so much and didn’t want to leave their world. A masterfully crafted story that is 100% a 5 star read. Jeff is brilliant!
The Alphabet Ki11er is freaking anaaazing and all the readers out there - I highly recommend you add it to the top of your TBR.
It is fast paced from the outset and it doesn’t let up. But Jeff manages to create depth to the characters without impacting on the non-stop thrill of the story. Something which is difficult to accomplish. Jeff not only accomplishes it - he nails it! I was so invested in all the characters. I felt like I knew them personally. I loved them all (well, most), but at the same time I suspected so many of them. I was torn, conflicted, and so very worried because I’d developed an attachment to them.
I couldn’t stop turning the pages, yet I also wanted to slow down because I was enjoying it so much and didn’t want to leave their world. A masterfully crafted story that is 100% a 5 star read. Jeff is brilliant!
December 20, 2025
Finished ✅ The Alphabet Killer 😱
The alphabet killer follows Detective James Haddick, a divorced father whose quiet life  is up ended when a sadistic series of murders drags him into a twisted cat and mouse game. As the FBI move in, Haddock relies on his own hard-edge methods and instincts to chase a killer who taunts investigators and medical examiners with cryptic challenges, and who shockingly wants Haddock to be the lead investigator to catch them personally, before they move to the next letter in the alphabet. Tense, unflinching, and expertly paced, Jeff’s novel builds with intensity from the beginning , all the way through to an unforgettable conclusion that lingers long after the final page.
Jeff’s storytelling is very close to mine, which is why I felt automatically connected to the characters.
An excellent book by an amazing author.
Definitely 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The alphabet killer follows Detective James Haddick, a divorced father whose quiet life  is up ended when a sadistic series of murders drags him into a twisted cat and mouse game. As the FBI move in, Haddock relies on his own hard-edge methods and instincts to chase a killer who taunts investigators and medical examiners with cryptic challenges, and who shockingly wants Haddock to be the lead investigator to catch them personally, before they move to the next letter in the alphabet. Tense, unflinching, and expertly paced, Jeff’s novel builds with intensity from the beginning , all the way through to an unforgettable conclusion that lingers long after the final page.
Jeff’s storytelling is very close to mine, which is why I felt automatically connected to the characters.
An excellent book by an amazing author.
Definitely 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 19, 2024
I usually read books in a day or so. This took me five days to get through.
All the male characters just kept yelling at each other, it felt like an old timey cop show, with big mustaches, thick coke bottle eye glasses, and cigarettes hanging out of their mouths.
The scandal with the MMC and his ex wife and current boss was dumb. The “love” story aspect was dumb.
MMC was a horrible husband and father, and very unlikable. He was manipulative and selfish. He claimed to care so much about the city and cleaning it up, yet let the fake Jamaican gangster of the city do his thing. That whole fake Jamaican accent was dumb to read and honestly not worth the details the author went into.
Totally mind numbing and boring. 🥱
Won’t be continuing. The “shock and awe” at the end was awful.
All the male characters just kept yelling at each other, it felt like an old timey cop show, with big mustaches, thick coke bottle eye glasses, and cigarettes hanging out of their mouths.
The scandal with the MMC and his ex wife and current boss was dumb. The “love” story aspect was dumb.
MMC was a horrible husband and father, and very unlikable. He was manipulative and selfish. He claimed to care so much about the city and cleaning it up, yet let the fake Jamaican gangster of the city do his thing. That whole fake Jamaican accent was dumb to read and honestly not worth the details the author went into.
Totally mind numbing and boring. 🥱
Won’t be continuing. The “shock and awe” at the end was awful.
April 28, 2023
This was a very entertaining and fast read. I'm giving it 4.5 stars. I took off a little only because I thought the killer was too predictable, I never guess the killer in these types of books but thus one I did. However it could be that I've read so many cat and mouse detective books that I'm just getting better at guessing. This book does get you hooked right away and I loved the way the author wrote his characters. The ending left it able to go to a sequel but without giving anything away, that would be very different from this book because of how it ended. I'm looking forward to reading mire of this authors books.
October 14, 2024
This book was well written In my opinion. It definitely read like an episode of Law And Order! It is heavily saturated with the detective side of things as it’s from the lead detective POV. Although I was able to guess “who done it” it didn’t take away from the story, and there was a slight twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting. It did feel a little drawn out at times but I think that added to the immersive detective experience by really inviting the reader into the precinct and into the investigation. It was a little redundant at times, but it did make sense for what it was. Over all I really enjoyed this read, and will probably at some point read the second book.
December 2, 2025
What an intense ride! I couldn’t put this book down. The pacing is sharp, the tension constant, and it truly feels like the killer is always one step ahead. Everyone is a suspect, and the layers of suspicion and doubt kept me second-guessing every character. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was completely wrong—and I loved that. VanOudenhove delivers a gripping thriller that keeps your mind racing and your heart pounding right up until the end. If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat mysteries filled with twists and misdirection, this is a must-read.
July 20, 2025
If you're into the excitement of serial killers, this is definitely the novel for you !
5 star read . I couldn't put this one down .
Jim is such a great detective character.
I thought I had it figured out a few times . Wrong on every thought.
Jaw dropping ending .
I'm am so glad I already have book 2 The Letter Man on hand cause I had to dive right in .
Well done Mr Jeff VanOudenhove. Fantastic work sir!
5 star read . I couldn't put this one down .
Jim is such a great detective character.
I thought I had it figured out a few times . Wrong on every thought.
Jaw dropping ending .
I'm am so glad I already have book 2 The Letter Man on hand cause I had to dive right in .
Well done Mr Jeff VanOudenhove. Fantastic work sir!
May 9, 2023
My god!!!!! Jeff literally ripped my heart out with the novel! It was so good, so many ups and downs. I personally have a sailors mouth so reading Detective Haddick behavior and personality just fit with me. I look forward to reading EVERY book by Jeff now. This first one of his has set the bar high for the rest of his novels!
July 16, 2023
Really enjoyed this! Vivid details, interesting chase. Characters were a smidge stereotypical for my personal taste but I watch too many crime shows and read too much so that might be me being critical. The alphabet approach was fun to read and a good cat/mouse. Not sure yet how I feel about the end - I think I liked it and would definitely read this author again.
July 20, 2023
Saw the author mention this on a group I’m on and it sounded good so figured I’d give it a try. For the most part I really enjoyed it, just a couple of things didn’t really work for me. But they were pretty minor in the grand scheme of things and the book was definitely worth a read. Will be checking out others by the author.
December 8, 2023
Slow throughout some parts but a very good story!
Quite a few parts that had me not being able to step away.
Loved the twist ending, I had my suspicions how it was going to go… my only question is who was the OTHER shooter at the end?
The agents said they caught him leaving the building… yet there’s no mention of him after Ben goes to jail.
It’s definitely a book I would recommend!
Quite a few parts that had me not being able to step away.
Loved the twist ending, I had my suspicions how it was going to go… my only question is who was the OTHER shooter at the end?
The agents said they caught him leaving the building… yet there’s no mention of him after Ben goes to jail.
It’s definitely a book I would recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
I am shocked at how this book ended! This was my first book by this author and it locked me in from the beginning. I couldn’t read it fast enough and fought to stay awake reading at night to see what happened next. I laughed at Detective Haddicks smugness and I also cried at some happenings along the way. Great read and I will definitely be reading more from this guy!
April 1, 2025
GO BUY THIS BOOK, YOU GUYS!!
SHOCKED!!! 🤯😲 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my jaw is on the floor with this huge twist!! The author keeps you guessing throughout the entire book on who the killer is. Just when you think you know who it is, 👋 BAM!! IN YOUR FACE, not who you thought! I am following up with book 2 next, The Letter Man! I know it will be just as good or even better 🤩🤩🤩🤩 Go get this book!!
SHOCKED!!! 🤯😲 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ my jaw is on the floor with this huge twist!! The author keeps you guessing throughout the entire book on who the killer is. Just when you think you know who it is, 👋 BAM!! IN YOUR FACE, not who you thought! I am following up with book 2 next, The Letter Man! I know it will be just as good or even better 🤩🤩🤩🤩 Go get this book!!
September 12, 2023
What a twist!!!
If you like criminal minds, look no further. This book had me locked in from the very beginning and I’m so impressed. What a ride! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
If you like criminal minds, look no further. This book had me locked in from the very beginning and I’m so impressed. What a ride! I can’t wait to read more from this author.
October 9, 2023
Fast paced gruesome fun
A fast paced, twisty turny thriller. I really enjoyed, loved the gruesome deaths and the story. I tried to guess the killer but was wrong. Would definitely recommend
A fast paced, twisty turny thriller. I really enjoyed, loved the gruesome deaths and the story. I tried to guess the killer but was wrong. Would definitely recommend
December 7, 2023
Great story!
This was an interesting case of whodunit. I was constantly trying to guess who the killer might be. The ending left me with so many emotions! A sequel would be really great, too. Overall this was a very enjoyable book!
This was an interesting case of whodunit. I was constantly trying to guess who the killer might be. The ending left me with so many emotions! A sequel would be really great, too. Overall this was a very enjoyable book!
February 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!! It has several twist and shock factors! I was trying to guess the killer and next kill method the entire time! And the ending.... wow!! I seriously hope there will be another book for continuation! Bring on the 2.0! 😅
May 10, 2024
Actual rating 4.25. I loved the voice this book was told in. It reminded me of those old Noir PI shows. It was very well written, though I guessed how it would end I didn’t see the twist that came after. That twist brought it from the initial 3.5 I was thinking to the 4.25 that I landed on.
August 27, 2024
Well damn!!! This one will keep you guessing!! A good story that keeps you interested. I had my predictions from early on but I kept redirecting. My only complaint is IS THAT REALLY HOW IT ENDS?? There needs to be a book 2!!!
ETA: The Letter Man is the next book!!
ETA: The Letter Man is the next book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews