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Jessica Daniel #2
Vigilante
Dead bodies are piling up for Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel. Usually when a serial killer is on the loose, the pressure would be building to find the perpetrator, but in this case the victims are all hardened criminals themselves. The media can’t believe their luck with an apparent vigilante on the streets, while Jessica’s new boss seems grateful someone else is doing their job for them. But things aren’t so straightforward when forensics matches blood from the apparent killer to a man already behind bars.
327 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
395 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Wilkinson
70 books1,070 followersRecent and upcoming UK releases:
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
June 13, 2017
I am really liking this series. Full of twists and turns, the fast paced plot creates suspense throughout which keeps you glued on the book. It definitely is a pageturner. I read this with my buddy and I told her I thought I was finished reading it for the night but read two more chapters and then I was going to quit it. The second chapter was so good that I ended up finishing it at the last 30 percent. I felt so bad but I lost control. It was so good and I had to find out if I was right guessing the killer. My buddy had all the clues written down and if she did not have all of the clues I would of never of guessed the killer. Wilkinson threw me off and I thought I was wrong at first but found out that I was correct. Even though I guessed it, I do not think that it is predictable. I only guessed the killer because of those clues. I loved this mystery.
The development of the main characters continue with Jess becoming quite likeable. Far from being a stereotypical female detective who always gets it right, Jess has her faults, flaws and she is more endearing as a result. I really like the other characters. I liked Adam and was upset when one character got killed off.
Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel of the Greater Manchester Police force and her boss Detective Inspector Cole find themselves pursuing a killer who is behind bars from the DNA found at the scene. How could this be? The killer seems to be after criminals but why?
I loved the ending of this book. I really had a hard time putting it down with all the twists and turns. I am really looking forward to reading the next one and it looks like there are now a total of 12 books in this series.
I recommend this series.
Thank You to Netgalley, Bookouture and Kerry Wilkinson for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The development of the main characters continue with Jess becoming quite likeable. Far from being a stereotypical female detective who always gets it right, Jess has her faults, flaws and she is more endearing as a result. I really like the other characters. I liked Adam and was upset when one character got killed off.
Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel of the Greater Manchester Police force and her boss Detective Inspector Cole find themselves pursuing a killer who is behind bars from the DNA found at the scene. How could this be? The killer seems to be after criminals but why?
I loved the ending of this book. I really had a hard time putting it down with all the twists and turns. I am really looking forward to reading the next one and it looks like there are now a total of 12 books in this series.
I recommend this series.
Thank You to Netgalley, Bookouture and Kerry Wilkinson for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
June 10, 2017
4.5 stars
Wow, I’ve found myself another wonderful go-to author! This is the fourth Kerry Wilkinson book I’ve read in the last couple of months, and I am thrilled to have discovered him and his works. I wonder what took me so long to find him?
In this, the second installment of the Jessica Daniel series, we are dealing with a serial killer who appears to be picking victims who are, shall we say, members of society not known for their altruism and community service. Hence the moniker Vigilante. Though I enjoyed book one of the series, this one is definitely a step up. Mr. Wilkinson has crafted a very clever story that will keep readers guessing to the very end. I have to say my fingers were dizzy from pointing in so many directions. I finally got to the stage where I was confident how this was going to all work out. In fact I was so confident, I told my book buddy I was going to keep my thoughts to myself in order not to spoil it for her. Look who has egg on her face now! I was dead wrong. And I love it that way! Nice work, Mr. Wilkinson.
The story is fast paced and well written. The POV is a refreshing 3rd person narrative with a few intriguing peeks inside the Vigilante’s head. There is minimal time shift. We get suspense, some interpersonal relationships (no way can I call this romance), and comic relief.
The author has also stepped up his character development in this installment. Jessica is evolving and it’s really fun to see that. I would like to know more about her past—I think that info would enlighten us about certain aspects of her personality. In this story, Jessica comes across as extremely driven, almost to a fault. She is often brash and “in your face.” She can be unkind, very unkind, but we see the reasons for that. She also has a heart of gold buried in there, especially towards very good people who are being victimized through no fault of their own. Mr. Wilkinson also introduces new members to the team. If he continues with this in future books, I think it will go far in helping keep things fresh. I do see lots of potential in this author and hope his writing continues to grow as the series progresses.
There are a couple of instances where the believability factor is raised in this novel, but I elected to just roll with it, and those events did not tarnish the story for me.
If I had to compare Kerry Wilkinson to someone, I would pick Mel Sherratt, another favorite of mine. Both can clearly can write in different genres and do it well. Like Ms. Sherratt’s, Mr. Wilkinson’s crime fiction/thrillers are gritty, though not terribly gory. Mr. Wilkinson also puts a lot of emphasis on his characters’ lives, which is again similar to Ms. Sherratt’s MO.
I highly recommend Kerry Wilkinson’s Jessica Daniel series based on the first two books that I have read. I advise they be read in order to fully appreciate the ongoing character development, though the plots are standalones. This is a series I definitely plan to read all the way through.
Wow, I’ve found myself another wonderful go-to author! This is the fourth Kerry Wilkinson book I’ve read in the last couple of months, and I am thrilled to have discovered him and his works. I wonder what took me so long to find him?
In this, the second installment of the Jessica Daniel series, we are dealing with a serial killer who appears to be picking victims who are, shall we say, members of society not known for their altruism and community service. Hence the moniker Vigilante. Though I enjoyed book one of the series, this one is definitely a step up. Mr. Wilkinson has crafted a very clever story that will keep readers guessing to the very end. I have to say my fingers were dizzy from pointing in so many directions. I finally got to the stage where I was confident how this was going to all work out. In fact I was so confident, I told my book buddy I was going to keep my thoughts to myself in order not to spoil it for her. Look who has egg on her face now! I was dead wrong. And I love it that way! Nice work, Mr. Wilkinson.
The story is fast paced and well written. The POV is a refreshing 3rd person narrative with a few intriguing peeks inside the Vigilante’s head. There is minimal time shift. We get suspense, some interpersonal relationships (no way can I call this romance), and comic relief.
The author has also stepped up his character development in this installment. Jessica is evolving and it’s really fun to see that. I would like to know more about her past—I think that info would enlighten us about certain aspects of her personality. In this story, Jessica comes across as extremely driven, almost to a fault. She is often brash and “in your face.” She can be unkind, very unkind, but we see the reasons for that. She also has a heart of gold buried in there, especially towards very good people who are being victimized through no fault of their own. Mr. Wilkinson also introduces new members to the team. If he continues with this in future books, I think it will go far in helping keep things fresh. I do see lots of potential in this author and hope his writing continues to grow as the series progresses.
There are a couple of instances where the believability factor is raised in this novel, but I elected to just roll with it, and those events did not tarnish the story for me.
If I had to compare Kerry Wilkinson to someone, I would pick Mel Sherratt, another favorite of mine. Both can clearly can write in different genres and do it well. Like Ms. Sherratt’s, Mr. Wilkinson’s crime fiction/thrillers are gritty, though not terribly gory. Mr. Wilkinson also puts a lot of emphasis on his characters’ lives, which is again similar to Ms. Sherratt’s MO.
I highly recommend Kerry Wilkinson’s Jessica Daniel series based on the first two books that I have read. I advise they be read in order to fully appreciate the ongoing character development, though the plots are standalones. This is a series I definitely plan to read all the way through.
June 16, 2022
In the second book of the Jessica Daniels crime thriller series, detective Jessica Daniels is assigned a case that has the department stumped. The murder victims are all criminals themselves, so they suspect someone acting as a vigilante. However DNA testing at the scene reveals the killer to be someone who is currently in prison—and therefore could not possibly have committed the killings. This one had so many characters that I honestly had to back up several times and reread in places in order to keep everyone straight. However, it’s a very enjoyable series and I loved the way twists and turns kept me stumped on who the killer might be all the way up until the end. Will definitely be reading more.
September 3, 2019
“Scum killing scum” is not a priority today.
But Jessica wants to see justice being done!
And so she does.
After book 1 which I loved, I found this one has really bumped up my belief that Kerry Wilkinson has a pure and natural talent.
I loved the differing POV in this.
Kept me glued to one spot I can tell you!
Onto book 3
But Jessica wants to see justice being done!
And so she does.
After book 1 which I loved, I found this one has really bumped up my belief that Kerry Wilkinson has a pure and natural talent.
I loved the differing POV in this.
Kept me glued to one spot I can tell you!
Onto book 3
April 2, 2017
Wilkinson starts off his second book in the series with an interesting premise. A thug is murdered and the blood under his nails belongs to someone already in prison. Then two more thugs are killed. The DCI doesn't really care. “Scum killing scum isn't a priority today”. But Jessica is trying to see justice done, if only for the families.
I loved watching the development of DS Daniels as she tackles her second big murder investigation. And the author continues to build an interesting cast of characters, not just Daniels, but also Rowlands and Jones.
Twice now, Wilkinson has pulled the wool over my eyes as to the who in the whodunit.
I'm really enjoying this series. Nothing earth shattering, but good solid mysteries.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved watching the development of DS Daniels as she tackles her second big murder investigation. And the author continues to build an interesting cast of characters, not just Daniels, but also Rowlands and Jones.
Twice now, Wilkinson has pulled the wool over my eyes as to the who in the whodunit.
I'm really enjoying this series. Nothing earth shattering, but good solid mysteries.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2015
Why all the fighting when we can think?!
It may be an unpopular opinion but now a days a large percentage of detective mysteries cum thrillers tends to emphasise on making the problem somehow personal to the protagonist of the story. Either their past comes back to haunt them or the killer somehow is related to him/her or for some reasons the killer targets our protagonist. The plus point about these type of novels is that they are catchy and can create gripping situations to keep us on the edge; the result- best sellers. But the negativity lies in the familiar taste and repetitiveness. If one reads a certain amount of detective thrillers then this set-up becomes repetitive too fast. That is exactly why Vigilante feels like a fresh breeze!
A serial killer is killing other criminals but looks like he is doing it from behind the bars!
And that's it! There is nothing more to talk about the premise. Just a pure cop thriller with a good mystery. No overly complicated personal problems, no past and present tying up together and there is nothing personal about the killer. There is a serial killer and DS Jessica has to catch him before the body count keeps increasing. Does it sound purely delicious or not?!?
The writing is smooth and soothing but still creates a hidden chill without using any explosive chase or cinematic action! There are many lady detectives in crime thriller field today but DS Jessica instantly stood out of the crowd as soon as I got to know her. She is energetic, goofy, young and so grounded and relate-able that she feels like one of the friends of ours. That is how I like it! What to say more? The focus of the mystery switches back and forth from one suspect to another which creates a nice guessing game for readers too. For me, that is very important in a mystery thriller. If it can keep me guessing till the last, I relate to it much more. Because it feels great to be a part of the search instead of just watching it from distance.
Although this is the first book by Mr Kerry Wilkinson for me, I am hundred percent sure that it won't be the last. I suggest any mystery lover to read this and enjoy the forgotten taste of old school mystery novels.
It may be an unpopular opinion but now a days a large percentage of detective mysteries cum thrillers tends to emphasise on making the problem somehow personal to the protagonist of the story. Either their past comes back to haunt them or the killer somehow is related to him/her or for some reasons the killer targets our protagonist. The plus point about these type of novels is that they are catchy and can create gripping situations to keep us on the edge; the result- best sellers. But the negativity lies in the familiar taste and repetitiveness. If one reads a certain amount of detective thrillers then this set-up becomes repetitive too fast. That is exactly why Vigilante feels like a fresh breeze!
A serial killer is killing other criminals but looks like he is doing it from behind the bars!
And that's it! There is nothing more to talk about the premise. Just a pure cop thriller with a good mystery. No overly complicated personal problems, no past and present tying up together and there is nothing personal about the killer. There is a serial killer and DS Jessica has to catch him before the body count keeps increasing. Does it sound purely delicious or not?!?
The writing is smooth and soothing but still creates a hidden chill without using any explosive chase or cinematic action! There are many lady detectives in crime thriller field today but DS Jessica instantly stood out of the crowd as soon as I got to know her. She is energetic, goofy, young and so grounded and relate-able that she feels like one of the friends of ours. That is how I like it! What to say more? The focus of the mystery switches back and forth from one suspect to another which creates a nice guessing game for readers too. For me, that is very important in a mystery thriller. If it can keep me guessing till the last, I relate to it much more. Because it feels great to be a part of the search instead of just watching it from distance.
Although this is the first book by Mr Kerry Wilkinson for me, I am hundred percent sure that it won't be the last. I suggest any mystery lover to read this and enjoy the forgotten taste of old school mystery novels.
July 9, 2017
2nd book in this series.....& I loved it! I love Jessica as a detective. She's competent but still is human & will make mistakes but that just makes her more "real". Love the side characters, also. I can't wait to read more from this series:)
February 10, 2017
Full review on www.novelgossip.com
This is the second book in a series and I rather liked the first one, if you missed it you can find my review of The Killer Inside here. While this one was an overall enjoyable read, I’m afraid there was a bit of a sophomore slump here and I can’t say I liked Vigilante as much as the first book.
The premise was promising, I was interested in the idea of a killer who was already locked up. How is that even possible?! It’s up to Jessica Daniel to unravel the mystery. I was happy to revisit her character as I was a fan of hers after being introduced to her in the first book. She’s the same old gutsy and ambitious girl who I loved and she has her work cut out for her again. This case is full of dead ends and improbable scenarios, but all physical evidence points to Dennis McKenna being the killer. But how can he possibly be guilty when he’s currently serving a life sentence behind bars?
I think my biggest problem here was that once things started to fall into place and Jess was able to fit puzzle pieces together the explanation was really far fetched. It wasn’t even a few moments where the reader has to suspend disbelief, (I actually have no problem doing that) it kept reminding me of outlandish soap opera storylines where things are explained by someone coming back from the dead or something similar. No, that’s not exactly what happened here, but it’s not too far off, but as usual I don’t want to give away major plot points.
The saving grace for me was Jess. I really like her as a lead character and I can’t help myself from rooting for her even when she’s behaving badly. It’s her compassionate side that really wins me over, she truly cares about her victims families and they are the driving force behind her desire to bring killers to justice. Despite my disappointment with this one, I’m still looking forward to reading more of this series. It’s a massive hit in the UK so I’m confident that it only gets better.
This is the second book in a series and I rather liked the first one, if you missed it you can find my review of The Killer Inside here. While this one was an overall enjoyable read, I’m afraid there was a bit of a sophomore slump here and I can’t say I liked Vigilante as much as the first book.
The premise was promising, I was interested in the idea of a killer who was already locked up. How is that even possible?! It’s up to Jessica Daniel to unravel the mystery. I was happy to revisit her character as I was a fan of hers after being introduced to her in the first book. She’s the same old gutsy and ambitious girl who I loved and she has her work cut out for her again. This case is full of dead ends and improbable scenarios, but all physical evidence points to Dennis McKenna being the killer. But how can he possibly be guilty when he’s currently serving a life sentence behind bars?
I think my biggest problem here was that once things started to fall into place and Jess was able to fit puzzle pieces together the explanation was really far fetched. It wasn’t even a few moments where the reader has to suspend disbelief, (I actually have no problem doing that) it kept reminding me of outlandish soap opera storylines where things are explained by someone coming back from the dead or something similar. No, that’s not exactly what happened here, but it’s not too far off, but as usual I don’t want to give away major plot points.
The saving grace for me was Jess. I really like her as a lead character and I can’t help myself from rooting for her even when she’s behaving badly. It’s her compassionate side that really wins me over, she truly cares about her victims families and they are the driving force behind her desire to bring killers to justice. Despite my disappointment with this one, I’m still looking forward to reading more of this series. It’s a massive hit in the UK so I’m confident that it only gets better.
June 13, 2017
I enjoyed Vigilante more than the first book. I took a few short breaks but actually read it in one sitting, even though I was up until the early hours in the morning! I see that some reviews have mentioned disliking some of the details that went into events that had nothing to do with police work, like when the characters attended a Pub quiz. I must respectfully disagree. I am pleased moments like that are included. It makes the characters more human, more than just their jobs. It makes it easier for me to identify with them and therefore care what happens to them. I loved seeing them (in my mind) acting like normal people and kicking back and having fun.
Detective Jessica Daniel is back on the job after what ended up being a brutal, life changing case. (This takes place in the first book. You can read this one as a standalone, but if you'd like to read the first and haven't, you should do that first so the ending isn't spoiled.) Young men have come under attack, and they all seem to have one thing in common: they were criminals. They've been brutally murdered but not robbed, leaving the police to think perhaps they were killed because they simply stepped on someone's toes. Everything gets turned upside down when DNA is found on the scenes... DNA of a man currently incarcerated for life at a maximum security prison. Is he somehow escaping some nights and getting back in, most likely with help? Or is the DNA being carefully planted by another actor to play games with the police? Jessica's boss really doesn't seem overly concerned about the victims, as they've all had victims of their own before they died. Jessica still believes they deserve justice, especially after meeting the parents that mourn their children.
I'm giving this one a 4/5 because of how much I enjoyed it. While the ending was pretty insane, it was clever and I didn't completely see it coming. I really enjoy Jessica, even though at some moments I want to shake her. She's human, and sometimes we are hurtful or go off the rails a bit. She's not perfect, and that makes her all the more fascinating to me.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
Detective Jessica Daniel is back on the job after what ended up being a brutal, life changing case. (This takes place in the first book. You can read this one as a standalone, but if you'd like to read the first and haven't, you should do that first so the ending isn't spoiled.) Young men have come under attack, and they all seem to have one thing in common: they were criminals. They've been brutally murdered but not robbed, leaving the police to think perhaps they were killed because they simply stepped on someone's toes. Everything gets turned upside down when DNA is found on the scenes... DNA of a man currently incarcerated for life at a maximum security prison. Is he somehow escaping some nights and getting back in, most likely with help? Or is the DNA being carefully planted by another actor to play games with the police? Jessica's boss really doesn't seem overly concerned about the victims, as they've all had victims of their own before they died. Jessica still believes they deserve justice, especially after meeting the parents that mourn their children.
I'm giving this one a 4/5 because of how much I enjoyed it. While the ending was pretty insane, it was clever and I didn't completely see it coming. I really enjoy Jessica, even though at some moments I want to shake her. She's human, and sometimes we are hurtful or go off the rails a bit. She's not perfect, and that makes her all the more fascinating to me.
I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
September 26, 2016
DS Jessica Daniel is investigating the deaths of boys and all the evidence left behind points to a man already in prison. Even though these victims were all criminals DS Daniel still feels they deserve justice for their deaths. The rest of the force and the media all feel they got what they deserve. As she attempts to solve these crimes she finds herself going against what everyone else believes is what they deserved leaving her not sure who she can trust. Great read. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
September 20, 2016
DS Daniel certainly has her hands full. Someone is attacking and stabbing teenage boys ..boys who are very well known by the law enforcers. Jessica's boss has no sense of sorrow over these deaths, but it is Jessica that has to talk to the grieving families.
Jessica understands the 'why' ... but the real puzzle is the forensic evidence left at the scene of the crimes. Blood DNA, hair follicles, even a partial fingerprint all point to one man .... only this man is in prison and has been for quite a while.
Somebody somewhere is lying ... but who? What links all the victims? Jessica faces her toughest case yet .... especially as she doesn't trust those that work closely with her.
Well-written, full of twists and turns. I found the story line to be quite riveting as I was trying to follow all the forensic clues. This is second in this series, although it does well as a stand alone. I was pleased to have read the first book in the series ... in VIGILANTE, the reader gets a lot more personal story of Jessica .. what makes her who she is.
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes police procedural, or a fondness for forensics.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Jessica understands the 'why' ... but the real puzzle is the forensic evidence left at the scene of the crimes. Blood DNA, hair follicles, even a partial fingerprint all point to one man .... only this man is in prison and has been for quite a while.
Somebody somewhere is lying ... but who? What links all the victims? Jessica faces her toughest case yet .... especially as she doesn't trust those that work closely with her.
Well-written, full of twists and turns. I found the story line to be quite riveting as I was trying to follow all the forensic clues. This is second in this series, although it does well as a stand alone. I was pleased to have read the first book in the series ... in VIGILANTE, the reader gets a lot more personal story of Jessica .. what makes her who she is.
I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes police procedural, or a fondness for forensics.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
August 5, 2017
I enjoyed it
March 10, 2014
An easy read but the solution is preposterous.
February 3, 2020
Vigilante is a good followup to the first book in the series. I really like Jessica Daniel. She is a good character, even with her flaws. I like how determined she is to solve her cases.
In this book, DNA evidence makes it appear that a man incarcerated in prison is committing murders. This is a tough case to solve, and it will take everything Jessica has to see it though.
I'm really enjoying this series so far, and look forward to reading more Jessica Daniel books.
In this book, DNA evidence makes it appear that a man incarcerated in prison is committing murders. This is a tough case to solve, and it will take everything Jessica has to see it though.
I'm really enjoying this series so far, and look forward to reading more Jessica Daniel books.
June 26, 2020
Even though this is part of a series, this does stand alone with only a few passing mentions of previous events. It was good story with perhaps too much detail in places. But, the main thing that let it down for me was how predictable it was. I had my suspicions only a few chapters in and it was confirmed as I carried on reading. The 'big' reveal was obvious and not surprising at all to me. A few red herrings would have kept me on my toes. If you're an armchair detective, there's a strong probability you'll figure it out quickly too.
September 25, 2016
I read and loved The Killer Inside - the first Jessica Daniel book. I was waiting to read this, the next in the series and wow! I absolutely LOVED this wonderful book! Full of twists, pacy and tense, this was a thrilling, unputdownable read. I was turning the pages frantically and at the same time I did not want it to end. Love Jessica - what a wonderful, strong character she is! Can't wait for the next in this amazing series!
January 9, 2018
A second police procedural for DS Jess Daniel as three local criminals are murdered, but the forensic evidence is complex and does not produce a viable suspect. Our lead character Jessica is quite ill-disciplined and seems to run on emotion, even to the extent that she is not always portrayed sympathetically.
March 26, 2022
Review to follow - loved this 2nd in the series read for #marchmysterymadness
March 17, 2018
*Source* NetGalley
*Genre* Mystery, Police Procedural
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
"When the body of a man is discovered with multiple stab wounds, Detective Jessica Daniel thinks it could be another drug-related murder. But then two more victims are found with similar markings. Each of the men were hardened criminals but is that the only link? As Jessica is drawn into her most difficult case yet, dead bodies continue to pile up and the media go to town with headlines of a ‘Vigilante’ on the streets.
Then forensics match blood from the killer to a man already behind bars: Donald McKenna. Serving life in prison, Donald is a dangerous individual with the perfect alibi. But Jessica is sure he’s lying - and that he’s not the only one. Can she catch a ruthless killer before he takes his next victim? And as Jessica inches nearer to the truth, can she protect those closest to her?"
Vigilante, by author Kerry Wilkinson, is the second installment in the authors Detective Jessica Daniel thriller series. This book picks up about a year after the ending of The Killer Inside. Jessica is physically and mentally injured having lost contact with her best friend Caroline after stopping a murderer in his tracks. Now, Jessica and her boss Detective Inspector Cole of the Greater Manchester Police force find themselves pursuing a killer who is behind bars from the DNA found at the scene. How could this be? The killer seems to be after criminals but why? This is a twisted story that will definitely keep you guessing right to the very end.
December is the time of year that I clean up past requests from Edelweiss & NetGalley so that publishers don't think I am in this just for free books. In this books case, I wasn't as impressed as I was with Meg Gardiner's Unsub, or Dean Koontz The Whispering Room. There wasn't all that much action involved in the story, plus a character I really liked wasn't given much of a chance for development before being killing off. The mystery of the killer was kept quiet until the end which was a good thing. I was wrong on my guess as to who the killer was. There is also the additional character addition in Adam Compton who works for the Crime Lab as well as Garry Ashford, a reporter who Jessica uses to gain more information.
Wilkinson does something a bit different this time out. He's able to humanize Jessica and not make her out to be a robot without any feelings. She's working on almost zero sleep, she doesn't confide in anyone, and she makes mistakes just like other people do.
*Genre* Mystery, Police Procedural
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
"When the body of a man is discovered with multiple stab wounds, Detective Jessica Daniel thinks it could be another drug-related murder. But then two more victims are found with similar markings. Each of the men were hardened criminals but is that the only link? As Jessica is drawn into her most difficult case yet, dead bodies continue to pile up and the media go to town with headlines of a ‘Vigilante’ on the streets.
Then forensics match blood from the killer to a man already behind bars: Donald McKenna. Serving life in prison, Donald is a dangerous individual with the perfect alibi. But Jessica is sure he’s lying - and that he’s not the only one. Can she catch a ruthless killer before he takes his next victim? And as Jessica inches nearer to the truth, can she protect those closest to her?"
Vigilante, by author Kerry Wilkinson, is the second installment in the authors Detective Jessica Daniel thriller series. This book picks up about a year after the ending of The Killer Inside. Jessica is physically and mentally injured having lost contact with her best friend Caroline after stopping a murderer in his tracks. Now, Jessica and her boss Detective Inspector Cole of the Greater Manchester Police force find themselves pursuing a killer who is behind bars from the DNA found at the scene. How could this be? The killer seems to be after criminals but why? This is a twisted story that will definitely keep you guessing right to the very end.
December is the time of year that I clean up past requests from Edelweiss & NetGalley so that publishers don't think I am in this just for free books. In this books case, I wasn't as impressed as I was with Meg Gardiner's Unsub, or Dean Koontz The Whispering Room. There wasn't all that much action involved in the story, plus a character I really liked wasn't given much of a chance for development before being killing off. The mystery of the killer was kept quiet until the end which was a good thing. I was wrong on my guess as to who the killer was. There is also the additional character addition in Adam Compton who works for the Crime Lab as well as Garry Ashford, a reporter who Jessica uses to gain more information.
Wilkinson does something a bit different this time out. He's able to humanize Jessica and not make her out to be a robot without any feelings. She's working on almost zero sleep, she doesn't confide in anyone, and she makes mistakes just like other people do.
July 13, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley, the very talented author Kerry Wilkinson, and the publisher for my ARC copy for a fair and honest review.
I have to say that Kerry Wilkinson is an author that does not disappoint! I have read two of her books so far and with both have been kept guessing until the bitter end! That's is something that does not happen very often.
His characters are relatable and I find that with each book I like the key players more and more. Let's start with with DI Jessica Daniel. She is a go getter that has climbed the ranks of the Manchester Police but still has a flawed and human side to her. She doesn't get close to anyone and when she does something always seems to happen to change that. And what's not to like about her band of merry men.. DI Cole, DC Rowlands, DI Reynolds and DC Jones.
In this novel the killer is taking action against drug dealers, thugs and other miscreants. They feel justified in their killing because they are trying to improve the lives of the citizens of Manchester by getting rid of the worst of the worse. DI Jessica Daniel's is lead on a wild goose chase while trying to catch the killer. The biggest challenge she has to face is that the DNA they had retrieved from multiple crime scenes is a match to a man that is already serving a life sentence in a maximum security facility. This makes for some great twists and turns throughout the novel!
I am not going to spoil the ending of this fantastic novel. If you like twists and turns and great characters, Kerry Wilkinson will not disappoint!
I have to say that Kerry Wilkinson is an author that does not disappoint! I have read two of her books so far and with both have been kept guessing until the bitter end! That's is something that does not happen very often.
His characters are relatable and I find that with each book I like the key players more and more. Let's start with with DI Jessica Daniel. She is a go getter that has climbed the ranks of the Manchester Police but still has a flawed and human side to her. She doesn't get close to anyone and when she does something always seems to happen to change that. And what's not to like about her band of merry men.. DI Cole, DC Rowlands, DI Reynolds and DC Jones.
In this novel the killer is taking action against drug dealers, thugs and other miscreants. They feel justified in their killing because they are trying to improve the lives of the citizens of Manchester by getting rid of the worst of the worse. DI Jessica Daniel's is lead on a wild goose chase while trying to catch the killer. The biggest challenge she has to face is that the DNA they had retrieved from multiple crime scenes is a match to a man that is already serving a life sentence in a maximum security facility. This makes for some great twists and turns throughout the novel!
I am not going to spoil the ending of this fantastic novel. If you like twists and turns and great characters, Kerry Wilkinson will not disappoint!
October 4, 2016
Vigilante by Kerry Wilkinson is a mystery and thrillers read.
A killer behind bars is still killing...
Dead bodies are piling up for Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel.
Usually when a serial killer is on the loose, the pressure would be building to find the perpetrator but the victims are all hardened criminals themselves.
The national media can’t believe their luck with an apparent vigilante on the streets, while Jessica’s new boss seems grateful someone else is doing their job for them.
But things aren't so straightforward when forensics matches blood from the apparent killer to a man already behind bars.
This was a great read with great characters. full of twists and plots. I had my suspicions but they were wrong. I was shocked with who it was. I loved the ending too. 5*. Highly recommended. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
A killer behind bars is still killing...
Dead bodies are piling up for Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel.
Usually when a serial killer is on the loose, the pressure would be building to find the perpetrator but the victims are all hardened criminals themselves.
The national media can’t believe their luck with an apparent vigilante on the streets, while Jessica’s new boss seems grateful someone else is doing their job for them.
But things aren't so straightforward when forensics matches blood from the apparent killer to a man already behind bars.
This was a great read with great characters. full of twists and plots. I had my suspicions but they were wrong. I was shocked with who it was. I loved the ending too. 5*. Highly recommended. Thanks to netgalley for the arc.
May 11, 2025
1. Excited to pick this up in the local charity shop for 50p as has a 4⭐️ rating
2. Confused as to why the rave reviews are 4 ⭐️ I
found it lacking any depth, body count., not convinced with any of it?
3. Maybe other readers will connect and enjoy it more than me👍, therefore it’s been left in a hotel lobby in Halkidiki 🇬🇷. At least my luggage allowance will be lower on return.
4. I have another book in this series on my TBR read pile at home … do I try again?
2. Confused as to why the rave reviews are 4 ⭐️ I
found it lacking any depth, body count., not convinced with any of it?
3. Maybe other readers will connect and enjoy it more than me👍, therefore it’s been left in a hotel lobby in Halkidiki 🇬🇷. At least my luggage allowance will be lower on return.
4. I have another book in this series on my TBR read pile at home … do I try again?
May 8, 2016
For a book that purports to be a police procedural, this book is incredibly bad. The author admits he hasn't got the procedure '100% right' and then says he doesn't know how people would deal with 'numerous chapters about filling in paperwork'. It's not that he hasn't bothered with, but really basic stuff. He has an individual come into the police station and admit to a murder. He's immediately handcuffed and put in the cells. That is so wrong. No one would be handcuffed for making such an admission and would certainly not be put in the cells. An officer would have to justify why an accused needed to be detained to the custody sergeant who would then authorise his detention. Another suspect is arrested, but the police are unsure if they have sufficient evidence to charge. He's kept in custody after a magistrate authorises further detention. But in prison. No sir! Until charged he'd be kept in the police station. Then there are constant references to 'desk sergeants'. Such kindly, avuncular creatures may have existed 50 years ago, but not today. Most police station front offices are manned by civilians. He also calls prison officers 'wardens'. In the UK, warder perhaps. More usually these days 'prison officers' - or if people are being really rude 'the screws'. And he uses that expression which constantly jars on me 'train' station. In the UK the expression is 'railway station'. Oh, he seems to be unaware that police forces are independant of each other. He refers to a character as being moved from West Yorkshire to Merseyside against his will. That wouldn't happen. He could apply for the job if he wished, he might be headhunted, but no one could force him. I see the author is British but his egregious blunders are such as I would have put down to an American author who has not done their research. Being English, these errors are unforgiveable and is why the book deserves no more than 1* (plus it breaks one of Fr. Knox's rules - but perhaps the one broken can be forgiven for, after all, DNA testing was unknown in 1929)
Read
December 12, 2016Someone is tracking and killing men -- but these dead weren't exactly angels. Although the serial killer vigilante story line is not new, this second book in the DS Jessica Daniel series was interesting and more complex as, for Jessica, the need to get this killer becomes intensely personal.
I am enjoying the further development of the secondary characters and find myself understanding Jessica more though she is still a bit of a hothead and is, as per usual, one who doesn't like following the orders of her superiors. Not much romance going on which suits me just fine.
Solving the murder cases is tedious as the one lead they have -- the perpetrator's DNA -- is sketchy since it belongs to a man already in prison for life. Since I read a lot of this genre I immediately knew where it was going, but the process was engaging and I like science!
Already have #3 ready to go! Bought this one as well with Amazon promotional credit.
I am enjoying the further development of the secondary characters and find myself understanding Jessica more though she is still a bit of a hothead and is, as per usual, one who doesn't like following the orders of her superiors. Not much romance going on which suits me just fine.
Solving the murder cases is tedious as the one lead they have -- the perpetrator's DNA -- is sketchy since it belongs to a man already in prison for life. Since I read a lot of this genre I immediately knew where it was going, but the process was engaging and I like science!
Already have #3 ready to go! Bought this one as well with Amazon promotional credit.
June 3, 2014
D.S. Jessica Daniel has a problem on her hands. Someone is committing revenge killings made to look like the random acts of a serial killer. As the case heats up another quandary arises --- prints left on some of the victims matches a killer that is already in prison. Suspenseful and atmospheric, my first foray into the Jessica Daniel series was an enjoyable one.
April 18, 2017
I first found Kerry Wilkinson via his young adult series, Silver Blackthorn. Since then I've slowly been reading his Jessica Daniel series. I read the first book last year and loaned the second from my library, but I never got around to reading it. When I saw Vigilante on NetGalley I had to try and get a request in, even though I didn't meet the requirements, and was thankfully granted my request.
I have really enjoyed reading the Jessica Daniel series so far. I'm not a big reader of crime books, but with having this series set not too far from myself, but also in a similar area, it makes it more relatable and 'real' to me. I find it easy to picture the surroundings, the run down areas, and the people who live there. I like that I have to think, and try to decipher the clues and hints, trying to figure out what is going on and who is the killer. I love Jessica as a character and the relationship she has with her co-workers. She thinks on her feet, but also looks into things, not taking anything at face value.
Vigilante itself is a gripping read that keeps you turning pages as each new clue is given, or something is thrown into the mix to make you second guess everything you thought you knew. The ending was not something I saw coming, both in the turn of events as well as the culprit.
Final Verdict
Vigilante is another great installment in this series and I am eager to continue with Jessica as soon as possible.
I have really enjoyed reading the Jessica Daniel series so far. I'm not a big reader of crime books, but with having this series set not too far from myself, but also in a similar area, it makes it more relatable and 'real' to me. I find it easy to picture the surroundings, the run down areas, and the people who live there. I like that I have to think, and try to decipher the clues and hints, trying to figure out what is going on and who is the killer. I love Jessica as a character and the relationship she has with her co-workers. She thinks on her feet, but also looks into things, not taking anything at face value.
Vigilante itself is a gripping read that keeps you turning pages as each new clue is given, or something is thrown into the mix to make you second guess everything you thought you knew. The ending was not something I saw coming, both in the turn of events as well as the culprit.
Final Verdict
Vigilante is another great installment in this series and I am eager to continue with Jessica as soon as possible.
September 15, 2020
How can a suspect who is currently banged up in strangeways prison be commiting murders? The targets being criminals of all sorts. All stabbed to death.
DS Jessica Daniel has a hard case to crack. Is someone, somehow planting evidence? Or is the criminal Donald Mckenna someone leaving the confines of his cell at night? Having a cell all to himself means this is possible, but if so how is he accomplishing these murders and getting back before anyone notices he is gone?
Second book in the series and I'm loving it, need to get the rest 😊. Jessica Daniels is her own worst enemy at times especially when it comes to the affairs of the heart but she gets results in the end and I love her sense of humour. Writing is on point and keeps the ball rolling. Twists and turns throughout keep the attention glued to the page.
DS Jessica Daniel has a hard case to crack. Is someone, somehow planting evidence? Or is the criminal Donald Mckenna someone leaving the confines of his cell at night? Having a cell all to himself means this is possible, but if so how is he accomplishing these murders and getting back before anyone notices he is gone?
Second book in the series and I'm loving it, need to get the rest 😊. Jessica Daniels is her own worst enemy at times especially when it comes to the affairs of the heart but she gets results in the end and I love her sense of humour. Writing is on point and keeps the ball rolling. Twists and turns throughout keep the attention glued to the page.
July 17, 2017
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This is the third Jessica Daniel book I’ve read. Yes, I’ve been reading them out of order! Eeeek! In the grand scheme of this, though, this really doesn’t matter.
In Jessica Daniel #2, Jessica is after someone who seems to be killing the bad guys right off the streets. The only problem is that the DNA at the crime scene matches that of someone who is already in prison? So how is he doing it? Or is someone framing him for the murder?
This book was much like the other JD books I’ve read but I did not guess this one at all. The twist came abruptly at the end of the book and I hadn’t seen it coming. Another great read by Kerry Wilkinson.
This is the third Jessica Daniel book I’ve read. Yes, I’ve been reading them out of order! Eeeek! In the grand scheme of this, though, this really doesn’t matter.
In Jessica Daniel #2, Jessica is after someone who seems to be killing the bad guys right off the streets. The only problem is that the DNA at the crime scene matches that of someone who is already in prison? So how is he doing it? Or is someone framing him for the murder?
This book was much like the other JD books I’ve read but I did not guess this one at all. The twist came abruptly at the end of the book and I hadn’t seen it coming. Another great read by Kerry Wilkinson.
July 29, 2022
I’m usually put off by book series as it seems too much of a challenge to read them all for someone who prefers one off novels. I read book one and loved the character Jessica so much along with all of the banter with her colleagues at the police station, that I decided to read the series. I had to remember that I read all of the St. Clare’s books and The Naughtiest Girl series by Enid Blyton when I was a kid. These 2 series followed a group of girls from first year at boarding school right through to upper sixth form and I loved them. I figured that reading this series following the police career of Jessica is the grown up version of that. Book one I worked out early on who did it but I had no clue with this one being book 2. I loved the twist towards the end and I’ve gone straight onto book 3 The Woman In Black.
October 29, 2016
" Just find who did it."
After reading The Killer Inside, I couldn't wait to jump into this one. Thank you Bookouture for approving me!
Jessica Daniel is back. It seems like a year has gone by after the events in the last book. Jessica has distanced herself from her best friend Caroline. She is now living by herself. Her working relationships are doing great but she is not dating anyone.
Her team is called in after a murder is discovered. The victim is actually a known criminal. A few days later, two more victims are found, both of dubious character. Soon, someone is saying: Vigilante.
What most don't know is the DNA left on the victims points to a man who's behind bars. Donald McKenna is in prison for life. Jessica needs to figure out if the guy is escaping, or if someone else is doing the killings by his orders plus using some of his DNA before they have more victims to deal with.
I thought the pace of Vigilante was perfect. The author gives you enough details to keep you entertained. He's also able to humanize Jessica. She's working on almost zero sleep, she doesn't confide in anyone, and she makes mistakes just like other people do. I was very disappointed when she hurt Adam. I'm hoping she can make it up to him in another book. I also wished Garry had more involvement in the story too. I missed him. I do like her co-workers Jack Cole, he is the voice of reason and I love David Rowlands's humor. They all know her well and support her.
Now, onto book 3.
4/5 Fangs
Cliffhanger: No
A complimentary copy was provided by Bookouture via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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