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Jack Nightingale #4
Nightshade
In Jack Nightingale's world - where reality and the occult collide - sometimes the only way to fight evil is with evil.
A farmer walks into a school and shoots eight children dead before turning the gun on himself. It's a harrowing but straightforward case - until police search the man's farm and unearth evidence of dark Satanic practices. When the perpetrator's brother approaches Nightingale, adamant that his brother was set up, it's clear that something even more sinister lurks at the heart of the case.
And there are dark forces elsewhere. A young girl miraculously returns to life, claiming she's spoken to those from beyond the grave. Those in contact with her are dying hideous deaths . . . forcing Jack Nightingale to make the hardest decision he's ever faced.
A farmer walks into a school and shoots eight children dead before turning the gun on himself. It's a harrowing but straightforward case - until police search the man's farm and unearth evidence of dark Satanic practices. When the perpetrator's brother approaches Nightingale, adamant that his brother was set up, it's clear that something even more sinister lurks at the heart of the case.
And there are dark forces elsewhere. A young girl miraculously returns to life, claiming she's spoken to those from beyond the grave. Those in contact with her are dying hideous deaths . . . forcing Jack Nightingale to make the hardest decision he's ever faced.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published April 25, 2013
90 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Leather
245 books1,528 followersStephen Leather was a journalist for more than ten years on newspapers such as The Times, the Daily Mail and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. His bestsellers have been translated into more than ten languages. He has also written for television shows such as London's Burning, The Knock and the BBC's Murder in Mind series. For much of 2011 his self-published eBooks - including The Bestseller, The Basement, Once Bitten and Dreamer's Cat - dominated the UK eBook bestseller lists and sold more than half a million copies. The Basement topped the Kindle charts in the UK and the US, and in total he has sold more than two million eBooks. His bestselling book The Chinaman was filmed as The Foreigner, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan and grossing more than $100 million.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 2, 2023
A high creep factor…
March 16, 2017
Good but confused
I love this story, the characters and the plot, the whole supernatural thing...devils, demons, angels and souls for sale but the timeline now has me utterly confuddled. Is this more or less back to the timing of the first book after the way the previous book ended? What about the biological father and inheritance? What about the sister? Surely even after the twist in the last book these things would still have come up....? As I said...confuddled! But still hooked so on to the next!
I love this story, the characters and the plot, the whole supernatural thing...devils, demons, angels and souls for sale but the timeline now has me utterly confuddled. Is this more or less back to the timing of the first book after the way the previous book ended? What about the biological father and inheritance? What about the sister? Surely even after the twist in the last book these things would still have come up....? As I said...confuddled! But still hooked so on to the next!
August 10, 2019
What a fantastic read, as I expect from the genius that is Stephen Leather
Jack Nightingale leads a very extraordinary life
Don't want to give too much away for those that are not familiar with this series, but Jack was adopted as a baby and only found out when his real father died. His real father was a satanist and had sold his soul to 'a' devil.His soul was to be taken by this devil at a certain age
The four books tell of Jack's shock at this discovery and how he then deals with all the many different situations he finds himself in
I seriously cannot recommend this series of books enough
Jack Nightingale leads a very extraordinary life
Don't want to give too much away for those that are not familiar with this series, but Jack was adopted as a baby and only found out when his real father died. His real father was a satanist and had sold his soul to 'a' devil.His soul was to be taken by this devil at a certain age
The four books tell of Jack's shock at this discovery and how he then deals with all the many different situations he finds himself in
I seriously cannot recommend this series of books enough
March 31, 2014
Excellent! Always keeps you thinking and on the edge of your seat. A real page turner always wanting to find out whats to happen next or where S. leather is taking the scene..
A little repetitive but keeps the reader focuses on whats happening and what Nightingle needs to accomplish.
Well written, great characters.
Its best to read the books before to have a brief understanding of the characters - nice twists and turns - Overall great outcome!
The nightingale collection is a must! Well done
A little repetitive but keeps the reader focuses on whats happening and what Nightingle needs to accomplish.
Well written, great characters.
Its best to read the books before to have a brief understanding of the characters - nice twists and turns - Overall great outcome!
The nightingale collection is a must! Well done
September 26, 2013
As with all of the Jack Nightingale books, I loved this one. I think the stories are original and different from the norm. I love the supernatural themes and the way that good always wins out!Pure escapism.
May 24, 2013
Another brilliant piece of work from Mr Leather.
July 5, 2013
My favourite of this series so far, an amazing book!
July 17, 2013
Love love love Stephen leather :) x
August 7, 2013
Best one so far,
June 20, 2013
Hurray! Jack Nightingale is back and just as good as he ever was. I rather love this series of books - if you are new to Jack's world you need to start with "NightFall" currently (20th June 2013) a very good price on Amazon for the Kindle!
In this adventure we find Jack living in a very different scenario after the events of "Nightmare" and investigating a school shooting on behalf of the brother of the man who carried it out. Of course this being Jack's version of our world, all is not as it seems and soon he finds himself embroiled in a child abuse ring, satanic rituals and all sorts of horrendously nightmarish things. Meanwhile, elsewhere, a child has been kidnapped and the outcome of that case rocks Jack's world and offers him a choice that no-one would want to make.
Witty writing and a flowing story means that despite the subject matter, this is a terrific story and a fine addition to Jack's ongoing drama. Favourite characters, including MY favourite Prosperine, return and whichever way Jack turns it usually gives him a headache. I love that he is a very moral man even though he has been known to do some rather immoral things over the course of the series - those grey area's boy do they give you pause for thought! Of course this is fantasy, so magic and mystery abound and you can have some fun with it. Equally Mr Leather has managed to make quite a social comment on Child Abuse and pedophilia and that is not easy to pull off within a fantasy novel - so Kudos. Yes, some of it is uncomfortable reading but it is not gratuitous here and only used to move the story along. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ok admittedly NOT my favourite of them all, that would be so far the previous book, Nightmare, mainly because of the terrific twist in that particular tale, but this one had loads going for it. And boy, I can't wait to find out what Jack gets up to next.
In this adventure we find Jack living in a very different scenario after the events of "Nightmare" and investigating a school shooting on behalf of the brother of the man who carried it out. Of course this being Jack's version of our world, all is not as it seems and soon he finds himself embroiled in a child abuse ring, satanic rituals and all sorts of horrendously nightmarish things. Meanwhile, elsewhere, a child has been kidnapped and the outcome of that case rocks Jack's world and offers him a choice that no-one would want to make.
Witty writing and a flowing story means that despite the subject matter, this is a terrific story and a fine addition to Jack's ongoing drama. Favourite characters, including MY favourite Prosperine, return and whichever way Jack turns it usually gives him a headache. I love that he is a very moral man even though he has been known to do some rather immoral things over the course of the series - those grey area's boy do they give you pause for thought! Of course this is fantasy, so magic and mystery abound and you can have some fun with it. Equally Mr Leather has managed to make quite a social comment on Child Abuse and pedophilia and that is not easy to pull off within a fantasy novel - so Kudos. Yes, some of it is uncomfortable reading but it is not gratuitous here and only used to move the story along. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ok admittedly NOT my favourite of them all, that would be so far the previous book, Nightmare, mainly because of the terrific twist in that particular tale, but this one had loads going for it. And boy, I can't wait to find out what Jack gets up to next.
May 4, 2013
This is the fourth in the Jack Nightingale series of book. This time Jack is investigating the murder of 8 children in a school, for the shooters brother. Alongside of this is the kidnap of a nine year old girl. She was rescued and brought back from deaths door by paramedics. Now anyone who has had any contact with her is dying a truly horrific death. Jack's investigations will take him into the realms of the supernatural and the occult. The further he digs, the more people he is upsetting and soon he finds his life in danger. Can Jack solve both mysteries before anyone else dies?
This is the second Jack Nightingale book I have read and it is safe to say I am hooked! The balance between mystery and supernatural is just right and keeps the reader interested. The pace is fast and although it is quite a long book, the story never flags and kept me page turning until the end. There were two distinct story lines at first but both converged towards the end and everything began to make sense. Jack was again excellent as the slightly battered Private Investigator, who travels the length and breadth of the UK to try and solve the mysteries. I recommend this to readers who have read others in the series but also if you are new. This works well as a standalone or as part of the series.
This is the second Jack Nightingale book I have read and it is safe to say I am hooked! The balance between mystery and supernatural is just right and keeps the reader interested. The pace is fast and although it is quite a long book, the story never flags and kept me page turning until the end. There were two distinct story lines at first but both converged towards the end and everything began to make sense. Jack was again excellent as the slightly battered Private Investigator, who travels the length and breadth of the UK to try and solve the mysteries. I recommend this to readers who have read others in the series but also if you are new. This works well as a standalone or as part of the series.
March 2, 2018
I wasn't expecting a direct sequel to the third book in this series, Nightmare, as there seemed to be a definite closure to the main story arc that took place over the past three books. But, there was a major shift at the end that one would think effects everything in Jack's world going forward, a significant change that would at least have some sort of repercussions in the fourth book. Alas, no. Only the barest thread of an impact on the story's plot. I mean, what about ___________?! And ____________?! So, let's call Nightshade a reboot of sorts.
With that being said, as a stand-alone, the book had a similar feel to the previous entries in the series, I.e. Jack Nightingale's quips and almost lackadaisical approach to all things satanic and supernatural not to mention his seemingly disregard for his own soul. In other words, I liked it. Nightshade didn't seem to move as quickly as the others up to this point, but it was still entertaining and held my attention for the majority of the story. And thankfully, THANKFULLY, Chalmers doesn't appear on a single page to annoy and make me feel like peeling my own skin off. Bonus!
With that being said, as a stand-alone, the book had a similar feel to the previous entries in the series, I.e. Jack Nightingale's quips and almost lackadaisical approach to all things satanic and supernatural not to mention his seemingly disregard for his own soul. In other words, I liked it. Nightshade didn't seem to move as quickly as the others up to this point, but it was still entertaining and held my attention for the majority of the story. And thankfully, THANKFULLY, Chalmers doesn't appear on a single page to annoy and make me feel like peeling my own skin off. Bonus!
June 16, 2013
I really was hoping the previous book would be the last in the series; it seemed to wrap everything up satisfactorily. Well, that wasn't to be. And since this series isn't that bad, I can't leave it unfinished. As it turns out, this was actually one of the more readable books, better than the first two. There was still a bit of annoying repetition present, but it wasn't to the level that I wanted to hit my head against the wall until it stopped. I got kind of annoyed by how often smoking was discussed, but it wasn't a huge deal. The plot sometimes bounced around more than I would like, but that also wasn't a deal breaker.
I liked that most of the plot of this book was self-contained, with only a few threads going back to the previous books or connecting to future books. (And with the way this ended, I'm expecting there to be more.) So, this ended up being number 100 for the year, and I'm kind of disappointed in that this book wasn't bad, but it was nothing memorable or particularly good.
I liked that most of the plot of this book was self-contained, with only a few threads going back to the previous books or connecting to future books. (And with the way this ended, I'm expecting there to be more.) So, this ended up being number 100 for the year, and I'm kind of disappointed in that this book wasn't bad, but it was nothing memorable or particularly good.
January 22, 2014
This is the 4th book in the Jack Nightingale supernatural thriller books,
It starts with near the end of the book but than you go back to a few weeks before on the next chapter
A farmer walks into a school and kills the teacher and than walk in to each classroom and picks a child and kills 8 of them. than he kills him self
The farmer brother wants to know why he did it and why was there evidence of dark Satanic practices in the barn. plus Jack find out that there was abuse in the area and people try to kill him
While Jack is looking into it a young 9 years old is kidnapped and she is found a life and talks about people that have come from the other side of the grave.
People that get near her and talk to her start dying hideous deaths.
Jack than has to make the hardest decision he's ever faced.
You still have Marcus Fairchild, T bone, Perry and Robbie his mate in the book
the book is full of twist and turns another book that you cant put down
It starts with near the end of the book but than you go back to a few weeks before on the next chapter
A farmer walks into a school and kills the teacher and than walk in to each classroom and picks a child and kills 8 of them. than he kills him self
The farmer brother wants to know why he did it and why was there evidence of dark Satanic practices in the barn. plus Jack find out that there was abuse in the area and people try to kill him
While Jack is looking into it a young 9 years old is kidnapped and she is found a life and talks about people that have come from the other side of the grave.
People that get near her and talk to her start dying hideous deaths.
Jack than has to make the hardest decision he's ever faced.
You still have Marcus Fairchild, T bone, Perry and Robbie his mate in the book
the book is full of twist and turns another book that you cant put down
February 14, 2025
Jack Nightingale faces two challenges in this story.
The first is a request to investigate what seems a straight forward murder/suicide. The murderers brothers asks Jack to find out why his brother did what he did.
Jack investigates and finds several anomalies which leads to the exposure of a major paedophile ring.
The second case is even more difficult. A 9 year old girl is kidnapped and abused. She is killed by the couple just as the police move in to rescue her. However, when the paramedics arrive she is alive. Her body has been taken over by a shade. Everyone she comes in to contact with commits murder and suicide. Jack has the task of killing the shade. This is problematic but he does the evil deed.
On the good side he decided Marcus must die, but Proserpino is his protector so jack cannot kill him . Jack arranges for his 'friend' to kill him on his behalf.
The first is a request to investigate what seems a straight forward murder/suicide. The murderers brothers asks Jack to find out why his brother did what he did.
Jack investigates and finds several anomalies which leads to the exposure of a major paedophile ring.
The second case is even more difficult. A 9 year old girl is kidnapped and abused. She is killed by the couple just as the police move in to rescue her. However, when the paramedics arrive she is alive. Her body has been taken over by a shade. Everyone she comes in to contact with commits murder and suicide. Jack has the task of killing the shade. This is problematic but he does the evil deed.
On the good side he decided Marcus must die, but Proserpino is his protector so jack cannot kill him . Jack arranges for his 'friend' to kill him on his behalf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2015
I felt extremely let down by aspects of this...the subject matter was distasteful and the extra descriptions were not necessary as it is such an appalling crime that doesn't need visuals thank you very much. The two storylines I thought were totally unnecessary and Stephen Leather seemed to be uncertain of where he wanted his story to go...initially I had thought that there would be a connection between the two crimes,but it all became rather tiresome and I think sticking to one thread would have made for a more rounded story. I am irritated by his constant need for repetition and this comes across as undisciplined and amateurish. I enjoy the character of Jack Nightingale, and there has obviously been a lot of research into occult practices, but he really needs to do a lot of work on his writing structure,narrative and plot development.
January 23, 2021
This book was lying around. I read it. I wished I hadn't.
Great if your into this sort of thing. It's not a pleasant read. Terrible things happening to children. How this has such a high rating is truly beyond me.
A trashy novel with no depth and with so much repetition. The characters were weak. I didn't warm to any of them; Nightingale certainly likes to smoke doesn't he? The plot was quite dreadful with separate lines totally irrelevant to each other and adding nothing to the overall story. I found it contrived and lacking in any subtlety.
I only really finished it to find out what happens, and at the end I was more relieved to have reached it than anything else.
Thankfully it's one of those books you can skim read to get through without feeling guilty.
Great if your into this sort of thing. It's not a pleasant read. Terrible things happening to children. How this has such a high rating is truly beyond me.
A trashy novel with no depth and with so much repetition. The characters were weak. I didn't warm to any of them; Nightingale certainly likes to smoke doesn't he? The plot was quite dreadful with separate lines totally irrelevant to each other and adding nothing to the overall story. I found it contrived and lacking in any subtlety.
I only really finished it to find out what happens, and at the end I was more relieved to have reached it than anything else.
Thankfully it's one of those books you can skim read to get through without feeling guilty.
December 2, 2024
I was really looking forward to another adventure with Jack Nightingale. Some of the characters and situations seemed out of sync with the chronological story line. The editing is not as thorough as the previous books because I have noticed a lot of typos. Half way through I stopped reading the book because of the heinous crimes against children and the dwelling upon the crimes was too much. I put it on the back burner but I have tried a couple of times to start again but I just can't seem to do it. I have loved the previous 3 books but this one I do not like. I might continue with the series but for now need a break.
August 23, 2021
I had some issues with this book. I love the sub-genre of cop/detectives with supernatural elements, which is why I started this series in the first place. The plot is interesting and the supernatural elements are cool. There is a bit too much repetition for me. Too many conversations featuring the phrase "you're going to think I'm crazy" where the main character has to defend his belief/knowledge of the supernatural to a muggle. It happens over and over again. Also, I hope the author received some compensation for the ubiquitous Corona product placement. Every time you turn around Jack is drinking another Corona or explaining why he likes it.
June 8, 2013
I thought the series was over with book 3, so I was amazingly surprised to see this pop up on my kindle. I can't get enough go Jack Nightingale! I love the way the books are written and the characters seem so real. The world is real, though the supernatural is lurking in the back. I like that he books cover the occult in a way that is not too dark. Well written, fast paced page turner...if there were a hundred of these I'd read them all! Many of Stephen's other books are worth a read as well, but The Jack Nightingale books are my faves!
January 24, 2015
A bit disappointed with this one to be honest. I really enjoyed the first two and I was glad that he reset the story and that jack hadn't died but I was disappointed with the way his and Jenny's relationship is now on the back burner, and that she doesn't know the truth about what he has been doing. It's a great shame as I think this was a good part of the first part of the books as I felt that he didn't really have anyone to talk to in this, and it was a shame that Robbie had to die again as well, I think that would have been a good relationship to keep.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2014
Once again Stephen Leather manages to mix the real with the occult in such a believable way. This book grabs hold of you from the first page and doesn't turn loose for the duration. I have read the entire Jack Nightingale series and loved them all, but this one is the best. Terrifying, spooky, tense. I'm hooked!!! I know Stephen has finished writing #5 - Lastnight. Hurry up, publishers, and get it to the readers.
May 3, 2013
I love Stephen Leather's work , especially the Jack Nightingale supernatural series, and this is the 4th and latest. I think it helps if you've read the others prior to reading this but regardless , it's a gripping thriller.
The subject matter is very topical , with the story focusing on a paedophile ring and celebrity involvement , with a supernatural twist. I'm hoping there will be another outing for Jack Nightingale.
The subject matter is very topical , with the story focusing on a paedophile ring and celebrity involvement , with a supernatural twist. I'm hoping there will be another outing for Jack Nightingale.
November 26, 2013
Where as the Spyder Shepherd novels/stories are becoming pedestrian and rather 'old-hat' the Nightingale series continues to grow and grow in excellence and this novel doesn't disappoint and from the very fist page the tension builds quickly and Leather's ability to make the unbelievable believable really shines through in this tale of child abuse and possible satanic machinations.
An excellent read that I highly recommend.
An excellent read that I highly recommend.
January 24, 2015
Again Mr Leather did not disappoint with the fourth instalment of the Jack Nightingale series. The topics are always so relevant and real you feel as though you are in the book,the supernatural elements make it all the more exciting. I truly hope someone picks up this series and makes it into a tv series,would be amazing viewing as it is reading. I read the book I two days, says it all really.
May 19, 2013
I love the Jack Nightingale series, and this latest one didn't disappoint. Every chapter was tense and followed two separate stories right up till the end, if you enjoy reading something a bit supernatural this is a great series!
May 1, 2013
Brilliant continuation of the life of Jack Nightingale. Enjoyed it from beginning to end....Looking forward to #5 ;o)
April 26, 2013
Brilliant read, probably the best in the series, very topical and Stephen Leather's writing style makes for an exciting and easy read.
August 20, 2013
Love love this guy !!!! If you are in for something a little different with suspense , then this series is for you ..... Yep I'm a happy little reader
August 4, 2013
My holiday book, a great read! The best one yet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews