Humpty Dumpty: The killer wants us to put him back together again

Nursery Rhyme Murders #1

by Ben Hopkin

Humpty Dumpty: the killer wants us to put him back together again is the first book in the new series, The Nursery Rhyme Murders, by none other than the #1 Police Procedural and Hard Boiled Mystery bestselling author, Ben Hopkin!

Praise for Humpty Dumpty...

"Come for the murder, stay for the three-dimensional, realistically fractured characters! ... Long plane rides and rainy Saturday afternoons were made for books like this. If you like your suspense with a side of gruesome and a dash of humor, this is it."
Brandon Stanley
Amazon Reviewer

"Humpty Dumpty is a wonderful start to what I hope will be the first in a fun and thrilling series. I found myself flipping the pages to get to the end and what an ending. The story was well written and the dialogue was sharp, witty and fast-paced. The chemistry between the main characters, Joshua, Had and Cooper was magical... Eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series."
Romano Robusto
Amazon Reviewer

"Another good crime scene series from one of my favorites. Once again... has brought together an interesting cast of characters. Each member of the team has flaws, just like real people. The concept of using nursery rhymes as a theme for murder gives the story a creepy edge. The plot twists will keep you guessing."
J. Duarte
Amazon Reviewer

Overview:
With a vicious serial killer on the loose, distributing body parts all around the country, the FBI must turn to a disgraced agent and an untested rookie to capture the madman before anyone else is dismembered.

Full of the twists and turns you expect from McCray and Hopkin, Humpty Dumpty is a page turning thriller for mystery fans

More Praise for Humpty Dumpty...

"I am a big fan of this author's novels... So, I have been excited and waiting a long time for this story... I was not disappointed and continued to read every single page all the way to an ending that was unbelievable, made me feel a little sick, and left me just as speechless as Agent Sariah Cooper... I have never read an ending to a book like this ever and it's a vision that will be with me for quite a while."
Robin Lee
Amazon Reviewer

"For me, a book that inspires my imagination so much that I can see the movie playing along as I go is a great read - and this definitely does that. Highly, heartily recommended for fans of murder/mystery novels, fans of James Patterson, and fans of action/mystery movies."
Knikki Jacobsmeyer
Amazon Reviewer

If you enjoy the pace of Patterson, the glorious gore of Harris and the wit of Cornwall, you are going to LOVE Humpty Dumpty.

**Want all of the stories from Humpty Dumpty in one place, including 2 short stories? Take a look at The Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection

**If you were looking for Hopkin's other #1 Police Procedural/Hard Boiled Mystery series, search under The Darc Murders Collection

**If you were looking for Amazon Top 20 bestselling mystery check out, Plain
Jane: A Patterson-style mystery with a dash of Hannibal

**If you were looking for an amazing crime collection, check out Down & Dirty

**If you were looking for an incredible thriller collection, check out Got Thrills?

Genres: Mystery, Amazon, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

463 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 2, 2013

Reviews

[Mariko Tsubaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few authors I will pre-order. I love the fast paced action and the fact I never know the killer until the end. The main characters are polar opposites but work well together but my favorite is Had. To be that naïve and nice allows the authors to add some humor while chasing a serial killer. Bella is a plus for me because she reminds me of my baby, a lab/pit/boxer mix. Great dog but full of energy and mischief.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the privilege of reading other Ben Hopkins and Carolyn McCray stories and they certainly did not let me down with these. Their writing style is very clear and easy to read leading their readers into the flow of the story. Very descriptive so that the feel of the action is surrounding you. Your experience is full of substance and your emotions are riding with the characters of the story. The characters are very developed and as real as you are. You can't help but to identify with each one and yet each is as different as night and day. I love these guys and my heart flipped for Joshua, Bella and Coop but as you will see each one will win you over. As you read from the book description our team is after a serial killer with more action, twists, turns, stops and go, that don't keep you sitting still. The emotions of laughter, pain, devastation, guilt, hero worship, funny, witty and satisfaction are all combined in a outstanding read. I obviously don't want to spoil the book for anyone but you will not be able to put this book down and each story leaves you panting for the next. I'm a great fan of who done it books and this series will be added to my re-read list for sure.

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book. The plot is totally unpredictable and kept me guessing right til the end. The characters all have background stories that could be books in themselves. They all bring different strengths to the investigation team and to the book itself. One mystery gets solved but another doesn't and I can't wait for the sequel to see what happens next!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serial killer is killing people and cutting up their bodies, distributing body parts all around the country. FBI agent Sariah Cooper teams up with former agent Joshua and a local police officer named Hadley (goes by the nickname Had), to try to find the killer.

The book kept me engaged and interested. The relationships between the characters build and grow as the story progresses. Agent Cooper (I had memories of Twin Peaks and kept thinking "Damn fine coffee" as I read this), in my opinion, is not a very good FBI agent, though. She makes the mistake of thinking she has the killer, more than once, and refuses to listen to the former agent, who has had previous experience with the killer they have nicknamed "Humpty Dumpty."

Officer Hadley is a bit silly, at times, but contributes to the lighter element of the story, giving us some comic relief, from time to time, especially when his overbearing mother comes into the picture.

All in all, it's an entertaining mystery thriller, but I have to say that I figured out who the killer was several chapters before it was revealed. I almost made a note in my Kindle version at that point, but I wouldn't want to spoil it for future readers.

Since I have this book in a collection of all of the Nursery Rhyme Murders, I will likely continue in the series.

[Norma Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humpty Dumpty was an excellent book.

This book was great. The characters were so unique and interesting. Easy to read and very entertaining. My favorite was Bella. A book with a puppy can only be good. So happy Bella was well taken care of throughout the book.

[Yulande Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just... okay.

[Belinda Earl Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique characters

The characters are unique individuals, each with their own back story. The plot is believable. The ending leads to the next book.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Murderer

It was scary to read this book but yet it had a lot of adventure and excitement and a good storyline.

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and very well done.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful collaboration by Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkins. Both authors write wonderful books. However, when this team pairs up, you get sick, demented, screwed up stories that make you say, "WTH did I just read?" Both writers together make excellent stories that leave you wondering where they come up with the storyline. I read this book as a beta reader for Caroyln McCray. She is wonderful for letting her devoted fans read her books before they are published!

In Humpty Dumpty, a serial killer has been leaving body parts all over the place. Police are puzzled on who would leave a arm in a sand box in the park. Or a body part under a bridge. Needless to say, someone has some issues...but there is no clue who this person is. The FBI has put Sariah Cooper on the case. A young up and coming agent that feels she has something to prove. Agent Cooper (Coop) is a strong willed, stubborn headed, woman that has ideas of what is going on, but it's like the nursery ryhme, she has to put them all together.

Her partner in this adventure, police officer Kyle Hadderly, is just fascinated with the FBI, the Humpty Dumpty killer, and life. Sometimes anxious, possibly OCD, a true momma's boy of all momma's boys, and just an all around likeable guy. Officer Hadderly has been put on the case because of his willingness to work with Agent Cooper. He has his own theories of what is going through the mind of the serial killer.

Now we have the reluctant and ex-FBI agent Joshua Wright. Of the three main characters, I love this guy. He's been through hell because of the Humpty Dumpty killer. He is struggling just to get through to the next day. Then he is tapped by the FBI to try and help as a consultant on the case. Not wanting to get involved again, he puts up on hell of a fight. He has his own demons besides the killer that he has to face before he can even have peace with himself. You want to just give this man a hug and say, let me help you please!

With these three on the search for the killer, a bond develops and friendships are made. Only problem now is, how are they going to figure out who this person is? Will the team be able to stay together to figure this out? They don't have much time left to figure this out.

What I loved about this book was how the story took a huge twist towards the end. You think you have figured it all out them, BAM! You end the story with questions and wondering what in the world just happen! Excellent details into the lives of Cooper, Hadderly, and Wright.

This story will leave you wondering what is going to happen next. Can't wait for the second book to come out!

[Scot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel beginning a detective series brings together three stereotypes for characters on a criminal investigation team and sets them the task of tracking down the recently reactivated and long dreaded Humpty Dumpty serial killer—so called because part of his modus operandi is to dismember his victims and then, as a form of sadistic entertainment, leave various body parts, bit by bit and slowly over time, as tormenting taunts for his pursuers.

The first of the three stereotypical characters is the talented and tough young African American female detective who has trouble getting respect for her position as team leader and in relating comfortably with other people. The second is the retired agent who quit and drank himself into a pitiful life as a smelly homeless alcoholic after he had been the lead investigator on this killer’s case years ago and in response, Humpty Dumpty kidnapped his wife and kids and sliced and diced them all up in a woodchopper. The third is the naïve but wholesome and incredibly gregarious young country bumpkin cop who is ever so excited for this big opportunity to work on such an important investigation and to leave his home state for probably the first time.

Such characters were of course readily familiar stereotypes to me, but the author was able to make me care for all of them, in part by the way he showed such a smart mix of their flaws and strengths. I ended up wanting this sort of workplace family to succeed as much as I did wanting them to catch the bad guy. Introducing a cute abandoned puppy as a character part way through the story only made the focus on this “family”’s coalescence all the stronger. There are some editing errors here, and don’t expect great literature—but fans of criminal investigation novels about outwitting serial killers—and the global popularity of TV shows such as CSI suggests there should be millions of them—will probably find this a satisfying read.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story; the way the characters all came together & seemed to fit each other quite well, even with the difficulties of Joshua's personality & problems it was an interesting ride.
I can't say I was liking Joshua's character; even though what I learned along the way reading the book about what happened to his family but when he saved that little puppy, I knew he was a good guy underneath all that gruffness that he carried around after his family's situation (I won't say anything further there so as to not spoil the book).
I will say that at times Cooper was extremely whiny & seemed to be crumbling which isn't something you see too often with a book character that's a fed agent so that added realism added some charm to the book, if that's the right way of putting it. I will also say that Had had me cracking up throughout the story; the way the guy saw life was just something refreshing to see and took you away from some of the darkness in the book which I think is important. I love a murder mystery but there has to be a little bit of levity too or you're drowning in negativity and makes the book a hard read.
The only disappointing thing was the ending; again, I won't talk about that because I won't spoil it for anyone else but I do look forward to reading more stories about this set of characters.

[Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a while to get into. The focus at the beginning is not on the case - the only thing you learn about is that there's been body parts found. The beginning is all about getting Joshua to stop being a drunk. Joshua is interesting enough, but he didn't have enough redeeming qualities to want me to see him get better. He was a jerk. He lost his family and was now taking it out on himself and everyone around him. Not exactly the hero you want in a story. Had is the complete opposite, but still wasn't incredibly likable. His extroversion is overdone in my opinion. Agent Cooper has hardly any personality. The single-mindedness of her decisions was stupidity. I shook my head many times while reading about another decision that she made without carefully considering the alternatives. Doesn't seem like an FBI agent to me.

There's a lot of themes of redemption in this book, which was the best part. Cooper trying to make up for her previous mistakes, Joshua trying to catch the criminal who killed his family, etc. Not a bad read, but it just didn't grab me and keep my attention.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was a page-turner and, overall, a fun read. It did, however, have some annoying flaws. The tendency of the female FBI agent to break down in tears at the slightest provocation was unrealistic and somewhat misogynistic. I also could hardly believe that the author would have the main characters joking around, and even having a picnic shortly after seeing fellow law enforcement officers brutally murdered! Portraying Had as somewhat of a yokel and mama's boy also didn't quite ring true. Ann Arbor is primarily a university town and not exactly where you would normally find an 'aw shucks' kind of person. I also felt a little cheated at the end without adequate closure, although I am sure the author was primarily interested in setting up a sequel. Finally, did we really need a cute little puppy in the story?

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humpty Dumpty by Ben Hopkins introduces some new characters. Three specialist in their own way that are very human and realistic. Humpty Dumpty the serial killer has been dormant for 13 years, until body parts are found throughout various states. A division of the FBI department is being used, the Behavioral Analysis Unit(BAU)introduces Agent Sariah Cooper,Police Officer Kyle Hadderly, and Ex-Agent Joshua Wright. Each bring important assets to the case. Hang on to your seat as its a wild chase across the United States trying to bring this long time serial killer to justice. McCray has out done herself with this new set of characters.
I was given Humpty Dumpty by the author to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Anna Salamatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who likes gruesome with their murder mysteries. this story has it all and the characters are so real,their own personality problems bring them to life in a like right in your face kind of way so you really know them and it makes you wonder how they are ever going to catch this Nursery Rhyme Killer....it will keep you turning the pages as this dysfunctional and sometimes funny team follows lead after lead toward an ending that is going to blow you away!!!!!
It left me shuddering because.....if this just the start....Joshua, Had and Cooper better put their boots on, this is going to get real deep real fast!
Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkin have really out done themselves with this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anna Salamatin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone who likes gruesome with their murder mysteries. this story has it all and the characters are so real,their own personality problems bring them to life in a like right in your face kind of way so you really know them and it makes you wonder how they are ever going to catch this Nursery Rhyme Killer....it will keep you turning the pages as this dysfunctional and sometimes funny team follows lead after lead toward an ending that is going to blow you away!!!!!
It left me shuddering because.....if this just the start....Joshua, Had and Cooper better put their boots on, this is going to get real deep real fast!
Carolyn McCray and Ben Hopkin have really out done themselves with this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Black Butterfly · Rating 2 out of 5]

THE COVER HERE ON GOODREADS IS A LOT DIFFERENT THAN THE ONE I PURCHASED ON AMAZON, I THINK BOTH ARE GOOD BUT I LIKE THE COVER ON THE ONE I BOUGHT. THIS IS A SUPPOSE TO BE A THRILLER MURDER MYSTERY, TO ME IT WAS MORE A STUDY OF THREE MISFITS, CHASING A SERIAL KILLER. THE CHARACTER'S SARIAH (COOP), JOSHUA, AND HAD (why nickname him that) ALL WORKING TOGETHER TRYING TO FIND THE ELUSIVE SERIAL KILLER HUMPTY DUMPTY. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE NAME "HAD",IT SLOWED DOWN MY READING RYTHM, BECAUSE IT IS AN ACTUAL WORD, IT THREW ME OFF SO MANY TIMES(rereading sentences). I EXPECTED MORE ABOUT THE KILLING, BUT GOT MORE ABOUT THE THREE MAIN CHARACTERS THAN A MYSTERY. THE ENDING I DID NOT LIKE, HAD I KNOWN I WOULD HAVE PASSED ON THE BOOK. ;<

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was close to a 5 star but the ending was a 5 for sure. It really started to tell why it was a book not to read before bed time. 3 then becoming 4 all detectives, X cop, FBI or worked close in that field. I like the down home cop who they called HAP - he was friends with everyone.Reggie was a smart sweet girl, Joshua used to be but his family was murdered and he felt his life was ended to. But The girl Agent Cooper liked to work alone but eventually need everyones help in the end . She got Joshua to come back and help find the killer they called Humpty Dumpty. The ending is kind of a surprise to me. The things he (HD) thought up to do to people is so bazaar . Thats all I can say.

[Angelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A serial killer is on the loose leaving a trail of body parts scattered around the country. With the help of a rookie cop who is a mama's boy and an angry ex-agent, agent Cooper is on a humorous ride to catch a killer. A fast paced story with twists and turns that will have you laughing out loud and turning pages. I really enjoyed this story but found it more of a drama/comedy than a thriller but it takes alot to scare me and that is just my opinion. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read!

[Nancy K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the hominess, down to earth quality of the central characters. Very entertaining and well paced. I did find a few typos, and what I would consider a plot error when Coop assumes that Had has been kidnapped. The reader is privy to this information, but the agent isn't, so to jump to this conclusion without backup was disconcerting. There was a slight bobble when the villain's parents are first introduced as Longton but then a few pages later are the Longmores.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story follows three members of the B A U in their search for Humpty Dumpty who is leaving body parts all over the USA.
All three team members seem to have interesting back stories which, I hope will be explored in future books.

I didn't find the book as gruesome as I expected (no bad thing) and nor was it as funny as other reviews led me to believe but I really did enjoy it and am looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling surprise!

When acquiring this book, I first thought it was going to be a cute, fun cozy mystery. Instead, I got a thrilling mystery novel. The three main characters are wonderfully real, with flaws and talents just like the rest of us. And the plot has so many twists and turns you are never sure what is going to happen next. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am SO glad I read this series. I enjoyed it a great deal. I love the characters and how they interact and relate to one another. I love how the author holds just a little back from the reader as well when it comes to the characters. It makes me want to keep reading and find out more about them and why they are who they are. There are splashes of humor and sadness and in between it all, the mystery of who the killer really is and what is really going on.

[Patricia Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good mystery that includes characters that you learn to love. Obviously, this is a series and the next book will probably illuminate some of the details we are not given in this particular volume. I really had a hard time putting this one down. A book like this makes me love my kindle more and more.

[Kas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a Hopkin novel. The characters are always well rounded and there's always at least one unique person in the bunch.

The bad guy is unique without being too off the wall.

The pace of the story is quick without feeling rushed.

And the Nursery Rhyme angle was just fun.

I can't wait for future novels in this set!

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written, entertaining murder mystery. Great chemistry between characters, lots of twists and turns. The only negative thing I have to say, is the book is part of a series in which the killer is not found, so it ends in sort of a "cliff hanger" so if you get interested in the book, you have to wait until the next book comes out to find out what happens next.

[Trudy Matus · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the interaction among characters and exciting plot, I would have given it a 5; however, the e-book version was so poorly edited that it was a major distraction to me. I can overlook minor flaws, but these were neither minor nor seldom.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, it was suspenseful without being gruesome. I did not solve it until just before the killer was revealed. The characters were well developed, interesting and believable. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

[E.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was generous. It wasn't as good as I expected, but I really liked the characters. Especially Had and Joshua. They were hilarious. The book made me laugh out loud so many times. That's the only reason I gave 4 stars. Otherwise, it would've been only 2.5 stars the most.