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Jack Knife
A pulse-pounding British crime thriller with an astonishing twist.
Detective Bill Roach spent his police career hunting a notorious killer known as Jack the Knife. Now he must re-hone his skills to hunt another equally ruthless killer.
1975
It's the worst thing Detective Bill Roach has ever seen. The young woman's body is found beside a busy road. She's been disembowelled - while she was still alive. Placed on her chest is a cassette player. Inside is a sixty-minute tape, playing just one song over and over Mack the Knife .
With his copper's instincts, Bill knows this isn't the last they'll hear of the killer they call Jack the Knife. He's right. The hunt for Jack won't end for almost fifty years.
Present day
Eighty-year-old former police detective Bill Roach sits at the bedside of elderly Gillian Lake, comforting her as she slips away. A popular resident at the Crown Woods Retirement Home, Bill sees it as an act of kindness to ensure his fellow residents don't die alone.
But the post-mortem throws up shocking results. Gillian didn't die of old age. She was murdered.
Bill never caught Jack the Knife. But now he has a chance to make good the past - and catch Gillian's killer.
But Bill's hunt for the truth will expose dangerous secrets. Past secrets that will burst into the present . . . with horrifying results.
Detective Bill Roach spent his police career hunting a notorious killer known as Jack the Knife. Now he must re-hone his skills to hunt another equally ruthless killer.
1975
It's the worst thing Detective Bill Roach has ever seen. The young woman's body is found beside a busy road. She's been disembowelled - while she was still alive. Placed on her chest is a cassette player. Inside is a sixty-minute tape, playing just one song over and over Mack the Knife .
With his copper's instincts, Bill knows this isn't the last they'll hear of the killer they call Jack the Knife. He's right. The hunt for Jack won't end for almost fifty years.
Present day
Eighty-year-old former police detective Bill Roach sits at the bedside of elderly Gillian Lake, comforting her as she slips away. A popular resident at the Crown Woods Retirement Home, Bill sees it as an act of kindness to ensure his fellow residents don't die alone.
But the post-mortem throws up shocking results. Gillian didn't die of old age. She was murdered.
Bill never caught Jack the Knife. But now he has a chance to make good the past - and catch Gillian's killer.
But Bill's hunt for the truth will expose dangerous secrets. Past secrets that will burst into the present . . . with horrifying results.
230 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2023
128 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Steve Parker
1,344 books86 followersSteve Parker is a British science writer of children's and adult's books. He has written more than 300 titles and contributed to or edited another 150.
Born in Warrington, Lancashire, in 1952, Parker attended Strodes College, Egham and gained a BSc First Class Honours in Zoology at the University of Wales, Bangor. He worked as an exhibition scientist at the Natural History Museum, and as editor and managing editor at Dorling Kindersley Publishers, and commissioning editor at medical periodical GP, before becoming a freelance writer in the late 1980s. He is a Senior Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. Parker is based in Suffolk with his family.
Parker's writing career began with 10 early titles in Dorling Kindersley's multi-award-winning Eyewitness series, from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. He has since worked for more than a dozen children's book publishers and been shortlisted for, among others, the Rhone-Poulenc Science Book Prize, Times Educational Information Book of the Year, and Blue Peter Book Award.
Born in Warrington, Lancashire, in 1952, Parker attended Strodes College, Egham and gained a BSc First Class Honours in Zoology at the University of Wales, Bangor. He worked as an exhibition scientist at the Natural History Museum, and as editor and managing editor at Dorling Kindersley Publishers, and commissioning editor at medical periodical GP, before becoming a freelance writer in the late 1980s. He is a Senior Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London. Parker is based in Suffolk with his family.
Parker's writing career began with 10 early titles in Dorling Kindersley's multi-award-winning Eyewitness series, from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. He has since worked for more than a dozen children's book publishers and been shortlisted for, among others, the Rhone-Poulenc Science Book Prize, Times Educational Information Book of the Year, and Blue Peter Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 29, 2025
*4.5 stars*
In 1975 a young girl was brutally murdered and sexually assaulted. Her body was found in a lay-by on the A2. William Roach was a DI at the time and had a glowing reputation. Over the next 20 years the same attacker claimed another 32 lives, but despite Roach’s pledge that he would bring the perpetrator to justice, it never happened. Roach had never failed before but this was the one that got away, the one that would haunt him for the rest of his days.
In the present day, Bill Roach is now in his eighties and living in a care home. Roach and resident Charlie are good friends, Charlie’s a mischievous character, whilst Bill is quiet, polite and caring - until someone pushes his buttons! And one of those who pushes his buttons is carer Jackie Draper. Draper is a really mean and spiteful person, who loves to make everyone’s life a misery, but she particularly has it in for Bill, she is your archetypal bully! On the other hand, another carer, Susan, makes a fuss of Bill and the residents in general, and he thinks the world of her.
Once a copper always a copper, and when residents begin dying at a much higher rate than normal, Bill’s nose for trouble comes into play and he decides to investigate. I won’t say any more than that, but do read it, it has the most fantastic twist, and a shocker of a finish! Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
In 1975 a young girl was brutally murdered and sexually assaulted. Her body was found in a lay-by on the A2. William Roach was a DI at the time and had a glowing reputation. Over the next 20 years the same attacker claimed another 32 lives, but despite Roach’s pledge that he would bring the perpetrator to justice, it never happened. Roach had never failed before but this was the one that got away, the one that would haunt him for the rest of his days.
In the present day, Bill Roach is now in his eighties and living in a care home. Roach and resident Charlie are good friends, Charlie’s a mischievous character, whilst Bill is quiet, polite and caring - until someone pushes his buttons! And one of those who pushes his buttons is carer Jackie Draper. Draper is a really mean and spiteful person, who loves to make everyone’s life a misery, but she particularly has it in for Bill, she is your archetypal bully! On the other hand, another carer, Susan, makes a fuss of Bill and the residents in general, and he thinks the world of her.
Once a copper always a copper, and when residents begin dying at a much higher rate than normal, Bill’s nose for trouble comes into play and he decides to investigate. I won’t say any more than that, but do read it, it has the most fantastic twist, and a shocker of a finish! Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
October 3, 2023
Wow! Steve Parker you nailed it.
I have read the Detectives Paterson and Glocks series of books and they were really really good.
This book was definitely worth more than 5 stars.
DCI Roach tried to arrest Jack the Knife for nearly 50yrs of his detective life but never arrested him as nothing to charge him for. Always close yet so far. What a brilliant twist to the story without revealing too much and spoiling it for others. Absolutely brilliant!
Thank you to Netgalley
I have read the Detectives Paterson and Glocks series of books and they were really really good.
This book was definitely worth more than 5 stars.
DCI Roach tried to arrest Jack the Knife for nearly 50yrs of his detective life but never arrested him as nothing to charge him for. Always close yet so far. What a brilliant twist to the story without revealing too much and spoiling it for others. Absolutely brilliant!
Thank you to Netgalley
October 7, 2023
I was totally captured and thoroughly enjoyed this standalone book with great twists.
Thus is a cleverly well written storyline and plot, with plenty of twists and turns and great characters.
I would definitely recommend this most enjoyable book.
I just loved it.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Thus is a cleverly well written storyline and plot, with plenty of twists and turns and great characters.
I would definitely recommend this most enjoyable book.
I just loved it.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
September 24, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.
I thought I might like this book from the description, being a fan of crime fiction. I really wasn't sure what to make of Jack Knife at first - it felt more like a cozy mystery which I'm not a huge fan of and at one point I was ready to give up thinking this isn't for me. I'm so glad I didn't and persevered with this book - I've just reached the end and what a roller coaster of a read this became! Even though I felt the story was slow at the beginning and took time to get going I'm glad I carried on reading this. The story has mostly likeable characters with the exception of one who I loathed with a passion. I found myself caring and rooting for the likeable ones and desperate for the one I hated to be found out. I liked the authors writing style, and that the story flowed easily even though in my opinion it didn't pick up pace until over half way in. And when it did - I loved how the plot went off in an unexpected direction that totally threw me and I felt I was unwrapping secret after secret which turned this into a very absorbing read. I thought I'd sussed everything out and was completely wrong. Overall despite its slow start this became a good read and one that I'd recommend.
I think I'd look to read other books by this author when I can.
I thought I might like this book from the description, being a fan of crime fiction. I really wasn't sure what to make of Jack Knife at first - it felt more like a cozy mystery which I'm not a huge fan of and at one point I was ready to give up thinking this isn't for me. I'm so glad I didn't and persevered with this book - I've just reached the end and what a roller coaster of a read this became! Even though I felt the story was slow at the beginning and took time to get going I'm glad I carried on reading this. The story has mostly likeable characters with the exception of one who I loathed with a passion. I found myself caring and rooting for the likeable ones and desperate for the one I hated to be found out. I liked the authors writing style, and that the story flowed easily even though in my opinion it didn't pick up pace until over half way in. And when it did - I loved how the plot went off in an unexpected direction that totally threw me and I felt I was unwrapping secret after secret which turned this into a very absorbing read. I thought I'd sussed everything out and was completely wrong. Overall despite its slow start this became a good read and one that I'd recommend.
I think I'd look to read other books by this author when I can.
October 2, 2023
Good expose of the problems facing staff and residents of care homes in any country (my experience is in the US).
The story is dual, starting off in 1975 and alternating with present day also in England. The first murder is recounted at the beginning and then alternates with about fifty years later as the police investigator finally has the kind proof he searched for all the years he was on the force. Interesting.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley.
The story is dual, starting off in 1975 and alternating with present day also in England. The first murder is recounted at the beginning and then alternates with about fifty years later as the police investigator finally has the kind proof he searched for all the years he was on the force. Interesting.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley.
September 18, 2023
This book what can I say? a massive massive massive twist that you wont ever see coming so be prepared. This author is so so good.
As I started reading this book I though this is different.
William Roach (Bill) a retired detective chief inspector living in Crown Woods retirement home, looking back to fifty years ago girls were murdered and everyone had a tape of the song Mack the knife by Bobby Darin, the Killer was named as Jack the knife and was never caught, although Bill did have a suspect Leonard Clifford.
Bill a chip off the old block has been in the home for five years, good pals with Charlie and cared for all the other residences, but someone wasn't right to the old man and that was Dr Sean Cooper every time he treated a patient they died a couple of days later and he voiced his concerns.
this book blows everything around as you read, the staff under Mrs Julie Dunbar, Bill's favourite Susan Johnson, and the nasty piece of work Jackie Draper. Its hard work to keep the home running with limited staff, and Bill keeping his job a secret soon comes to light with the staff and the police force.
What really can I say about this story, very different in many ways, what is not to love about Bill?
As I carried on reading I soon found out.
Jack Knife is twisted, mind blowing and above all a book to be read.
Excellent all the way through.
As I started reading this book I though this is different.
William Roach (Bill) a retired detective chief inspector living in Crown Woods retirement home, looking back to fifty years ago girls were murdered and everyone had a tape of the song Mack the knife by Bobby Darin, the Killer was named as Jack the knife and was never caught, although Bill did have a suspect Leonard Clifford.
Bill a chip off the old block has been in the home for five years, good pals with Charlie and cared for all the other residences, but someone wasn't right to the old man and that was Dr Sean Cooper every time he treated a patient they died a couple of days later and he voiced his concerns.
this book blows everything around as you read, the staff under Mrs Julie Dunbar, Bill's favourite Susan Johnson, and the nasty piece of work Jackie Draper. Its hard work to keep the home running with limited staff, and Bill keeping his job a secret soon comes to light with the staff and the police force.
What really can I say about this story, very different in many ways, what is not to love about Bill?
As I carried on reading I soon found out.
Jack Knife is twisted, mind blowing and above all a book to be read.
Excellent all the way through.
September 9, 2023
Review:
This is one cracking read. Jack the Knife has gone undetected for years, and because it was in the 70’s forensic science hadn’t really taken off. There wasn’t DNA in those days and proof was hard to come by. It was probably a real hard slog to get evidence against someone.
Then we spring forward to this day, and DCI Roache is living in a care home, the place to end his days while he wishes he had caught Jack. He’s very kind to the residents and is a well liked resident, especially with Susan a young carer who is studying forensic science. Suddenly the older residents are dying off, usually within a 48 hour period of seeing their doctor. As the deaths are investigated more secrets come out and some residents wish they hadn’t.
Well, again, I read this in a day, and loved it. Steve has a knack of writing excellent books, and I just thought it was brilliant, plus the reference to Clocks as well.
It’s a standalone book so you don’t have to worry about missing something. 5 stars from me.
My thanks to Steve and to Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
This is one cracking read. Jack the Knife has gone undetected for years, and because it was in the 70’s forensic science hadn’t really taken off. There wasn’t DNA in those days and proof was hard to come by. It was probably a real hard slog to get evidence against someone.
Then we spring forward to this day, and DCI Roache is living in a care home, the place to end his days while he wishes he had caught Jack. He’s very kind to the residents and is a well liked resident, especially with Susan a young carer who is studying forensic science. Suddenly the older residents are dying off, usually within a 48 hour period of seeing their doctor. As the deaths are investigated more secrets come out and some residents wish they hadn’t.
Well, again, I read this in a day, and loved it. Steve has a knack of writing excellent books, and I just thought it was brilliant, plus the reference to Clocks as well.
It’s a standalone book so you don’t have to worry about missing something. 5 stars from me.
My thanks to Steve and to Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
October 9, 2023
Detective Bill Roach is a man haunted by shadows from his past, and Steve Parker's gripping crime thriller, "Jack Knife," brings those shadows into stark, horrifying light. This pulse-pounding British crime thriller isn't just a journey into the dark heart of a twisted killer; it's a workshop in storytelling.
The novel shifts between two timelines, 1975 and the present day, connecting a decades-old cold case to a present-day murder in a retirement home. Parker expertly weaves the threads of these two eras, creating a narrative that's as complex as it is compelling.
As readers are transported back to the gritty streets of 1970s Britain, we meet Detective Bill Roach in the early days of his career. The chilling murder of a young woman sets the stage for a relentless pursuit of a killer known as "Jack the Knife." Parker's descriptive proficiency plunges us into the investigation, where every gruesome detail and chilling discovery is rendered with heart-pounding intensity.
But it's not just a murder case; it's a race against time, as Bill Roach's character is brilliantly fleshed out. His dogged determination to bring justice, even if it takes decades, showcases the tenacity of a true detective. Roach is a character readers will root for, empathize with, and, ultimately, never forget.
Fast forward to the present day, where Roach is an octogenarian at the Crown Woods Retirement Home. His act of kindness to comfort a dying friend, Gillian Lake, transforms into a mind-bending mystery as her death unveils dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. The tension builds as Bill Roach rekindles his hunt for justice, for Gillian and for the killer who eluded him for so long.
The final twist is a true jaw-dropper, revealing a truth so shocking that it reverberates throughout the narrative, challenging readers to reevaluate everything they thought they knew. "Jack Knife" is not just a thriller; it's a brilliantly executed, emotionally charged journey into the depths of the human soul, where the past and present collide in a haunting crescendo.
For fans of crime thrillers, "Jack Knife" is a must-read. Steve Parker delivers a brilliantly crafted story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, long after you've turned the final page.
"A riveting crime thriller with a detective haunted by his past and a killer who will keep you guessing until the shocking end."
"Steve Parker weaves past and present in a tale of redemption, revenge, and relentless pursuit. 'Jack Knife' will leave you breathless."
"A gritty journey through time and crime, 'Jack Knife' is an unputdownable page-turner that lingers in your mind long after the last page."
"Detective Bill Roach's quest for justice in the face of his own demons is both heart-wrenching and pulse-pounding. A must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers."
"Steve Parker delivers a mind-bending twist that will leave you reeling. 'Jack Knife' is a spine-tingling ride into the dark heart of a decades-old mystery."
"In 'Jack Knife,' Parker brilliantly resurrects the past and confronts it with the present. A chilling thriller that explores the human psyche and the cost of unearthing secrets."
"A complex narrative that hooks you from the start, 'Jack Knife' is a crime thriller that blurs the lines between right and wrong, past and present."
"Steve Parker's writing is a breath of fresh air in the crime genre. 'Jack Knife' is a gripping novel that defies expectations at every turn."
"With its relentless pacing and unforgettable characters, 'Jack Knife' is a modern crime classic that demands a top spot on your reading list."
"A gripping blend of history, mystery, and suspense, 'Jack Knife' is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and revelations. You won't see the final twist coming."
The novel shifts between two timelines, 1975 and the present day, connecting a decades-old cold case to a present-day murder in a retirement home. Parker expertly weaves the threads of these two eras, creating a narrative that's as complex as it is compelling.
As readers are transported back to the gritty streets of 1970s Britain, we meet Detective Bill Roach in the early days of his career. The chilling murder of a young woman sets the stage for a relentless pursuit of a killer known as "Jack the Knife." Parker's descriptive proficiency plunges us into the investigation, where every gruesome detail and chilling discovery is rendered with heart-pounding intensity.
But it's not just a murder case; it's a race against time, as Bill Roach's character is brilliantly fleshed out. His dogged determination to bring justice, even if it takes decades, showcases the tenacity of a true detective. Roach is a character readers will root for, empathize with, and, ultimately, never forget.
Fast forward to the present day, where Roach is an octogenarian at the Crown Woods Retirement Home. His act of kindness to comfort a dying friend, Gillian Lake, transforms into a mind-bending mystery as her death unveils dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. The tension builds as Bill Roach rekindles his hunt for justice, for Gillian and for the killer who eluded him for so long.
The final twist is a true jaw-dropper, revealing a truth so shocking that it reverberates throughout the narrative, challenging readers to reevaluate everything they thought they knew. "Jack Knife" is not just a thriller; it's a brilliantly executed, emotionally charged journey into the depths of the human soul, where the past and present collide in a haunting crescendo.
For fans of crime thrillers, "Jack Knife" is a must-read. Steve Parker delivers a brilliantly crafted story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, long after you've turned the final page.
"A riveting crime thriller with a detective haunted by his past and a killer who will keep you guessing until the shocking end."
"Steve Parker weaves past and present in a tale of redemption, revenge, and relentless pursuit. 'Jack Knife' will leave you breathless."
"A gritty journey through time and crime, 'Jack Knife' is an unputdownable page-turner that lingers in your mind long after the last page."
"Detective Bill Roach's quest for justice in the face of his own demons is both heart-wrenching and pulse-pounding. A must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers."
"Steve Parker delivers a mind-bending twist that will leave you reeling. 'Jack Knife' is a spine-tingling ride into the dark heart of a decades-old mystery."
"In 'Jack Knife,' Parker brilliantly resurrects the past and confronts it with the present. A chilling thriller that explores the human psyche and the cost of unearthing secrets."
"A complex narrative that hooks you from the start, 'Jack Knife' is a crime thriller that blurs the lines between right and wrong, past and present."
"Steve Parker's writing is a breath of fresh air in the crime genre. 'Jack Knife' is a gripping novel that defies expectations at every turn."
"With its relentless pacing and unforgettable characters, 'Jack Knife' is a modern crime classic that demands a top spot on your reading list."
"A gripping blend of history, mystery, and suspense, 'Jack Knife' is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and revelations. You won't see the final twist coming."
October 6, 2023
5* ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW
Steve Parker is a new author to me , but a quick online search shows he's been writing crime fiction for a number of years following his enforced retirement from the Met, pensioned out with a serious back injury.
He has written nine books in the Detectives Paterson & Clocks series. Jack Knife is a stand-alone novel centred on former Detective Bill Roach's five decade search for serial killer Jack the Knife. The cover blurb sets the bar high, promising "an astonishing twist"...fingers are crossed as I turn the first page 😊
They're quickly uncrossed as I reach for my phone to check the opening statement of an introductory chapter entitled "1975" where our hero is described emerging "from the sleek black Wolseley 6/80 police car..."...as a child of the 50s I knew that car well from old Black and White TV series and Sunday afternoon movies...surely by 1975 it had been replaced - I don't remember Regan and Carter careering around in something that old on The Sweeney, and even mid sixties Z-Cars were Anglia's weren't they...a quick Google shows that the 6/80's were being phased out in 1961...this puts me on guard to spot potential anachronisms/attention to detail fails which I hope won't spoil my enjoyment of the book BUT know from previous experience is now highly likely 😕 (I'm ignoring that Cassette players were not generally available until the end of the decade so it's unlikely that a double sided tape playing "Mack the Knife" would have been left at the scene of Jack's first recorded murder...)
So much for previous experience; eight chapters in and I'm enjoying the premise of an octogenarian ex detective fearing the worst within the constrictive restrictions of the retirement home he's ended up in...he thinks he's discovered a serial killer wiping out his elderly neighbours, whilst having to contend with the debilitating side effects of ageing and ward off a bullying staff member that has all the hallmarks of a psycho.
The story builds excellently into a cracking page turner, and for once the cover blurb delivers as the major twist is a cracker, and please do read to the very last line as it's a chiller!
Notwithstanding the anachronisms I opened this review with I'm awarding the book a full five stars - It would make a superb Sunday night BBC or Monday ITV mini series, an ageless David Tennant would make a great Bill, and if they could afford her Olivia Coleman could make a meal out of Draper!!
Steve Parker is a new author to me , but a quick online search shows he's been writing crime fiction for a number of years following his enforced retirement from the Met, pensioned out with a serious back injury.
He has written nine books in the Detectives Paterson & Clocks series. Jack Knife is a stand-alone novel centred on former Detective Bill Roach's five decade search for serial killer Jack the Knife. The cover blurb sets the bar high, promising "an astonishing twist"...fingers are crossed as I turn the first page 😊
They're quickly uncrossed as I reach for my phone to check the opening statement of an introductory chapter entitled "1975" where our hero is described emerging "from the sleek black Wolseley 6/80 police car..."...as a child of the 50s I knew that car well from old Black and White TV series and Sunday afternoon movies...surely by 1975 it had been replaced - I don't remember Regan and Carter careering around in something that old on The Sweeney, and even mid sixties Z-Cars were Anglia's weren't they...a quick Google shows that the 6/80's were being phased out in 1961...this puts me on guard to spot potential anachronisms/attention to detail fails which I hope won't spoil my enjoyment of the book BUT know from previous experience is now highly likely 😕 (I'm ignoring that Cassette players were not generally available until the end of the decade so it's unlikely that a double sided tape playing "Mack the Knife" would have been left at the scene of Jack's first recorded murder...)
So much for previous experience; eight chapters in and I'm enjoying the premise of an octogenarian ex detective fearing the worst within the constrictive restrictions of the retirement home he's ended up in...he thinks he's discovered a serial killer wiping out his elderly neighbours, whilst having to contend with the debilitating side effects of ageing and ward off a bullying staff member that has all the hallmarks of a psycho.
The story builds excellently into a cracking page turner, and for once the cover blurb delivers as the major twist is a cracker, and please do read to the very last line as it's a chiller!
Notwithstanding the anachronisms I opened this review with I'm awarding the book a full five stars - It would make a superb Sunday night BBC or Monday ITV mini series, an ageless David Tennant would make a great Bill, and if they could afford her Olivia Coleman could make a meal out of Draper!!
September 29, 2023
I keep seeing this author pop up on me new books feed but, with 9 books already in his series, and a TBR a mile long already, I have never really made much effort to get to read his books. So you can imagine my delight when I spied this book, a standalone, could this be my in... Well, after finishing it, I can definitely say that I will make a concerted effort to try and sneak a few of his series books in - starting at the beginning, of course.
So... Det Bill Roach (anyone who doesn't imagine Ken Barlow at this point deserves a talking to) was a young copper when the notorious killer Jack the Knife terrorised the neighbourhood. Eviscerating women in a most vile way, leaving behind a tape playing Mack the Knife over and over again. Hence the moniker. This was in the 70s and, to this day, the killer has never been caught.
Back in the present and Bill is now retired, in his 80s and residing in a care home. The fact that he never caught his nemesis still bugs him but he tries to live a calmer life now. He spends his time in quieter pursuits and also, cos there is often no one else, sits vigil at fellow residents last moments. But, ever the cop, he starts to see a pattern in the deaths... and, again as the good cop he was, he is duty bound to say something...
But what happens next is not something anyone could have predicted... and I'm leaving you to discover all the juicy details for yourself...
At this point, I'll put my hands up and say that I never saw any of that coming. And I read this genre ALL the time, many hundreds of books a year and I never in a million years thought we were going there... Never crossed my mind. So yeah, big standing ovation for the author there...
So yeah, brilliant plot, well crafted and expertly executed. A cracking cast of well created characters all playing their parts with aplomb and a narrative that gets on with itself without any need for padding or waffle to distract. Practically everything i want from a good book and need to make it a GREAT book. Now all I want is some extra time to sneak in all his series books, as if they are even a patch on this one, I feel I am definitely missing out on something special.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... Det Bill Roach (anyone who doesn't imagine Ken Barlow at this point deserves a talking to) was a young copper when the notorious killer Jack the Knife terrorised the neighbourhood. Eviscerating women in a most vile way, leaving behind a tape playing Mack the Knife over and over again. Hence the moniker. This was in the 70s and, to this day, the killer has never been caught.
Back in the present and Bill is now retired, in his 80s and residing in a care home. The fact that he never caught his nemesis still bugs him but he tries to live a calmer life now. He spends his time in quieter pursuits and also, cos there is often no one else, sits vigil at fellow residents last moments. But, ever the cop, he starts to see a pattern in the deaths... and, again as the good cop he was, he is duty bound to say something...
But what happens next is not something anyone could have predicted... and I'm leaving you to discover all the juicy details for yourself...
At this point, I'll put my hands up and say that I never saw any of that coming. And I read this genre ALL the time, many hundreds of books a year and I never in a million years thought we were going there... Never crossed my mind. So yeah, big standing ovation for the author there...
So yeah, brilliant plot, well crafted and expertly executed. A cracking cast of well created characters all playing their parts with aplomb and a narrative that gets on with itself without any need for padding or waffle to distract. Practically everything i want from a good book and need to make it a GREAT book. Now all I want is some extra time to sneak in all his series books, as if they are even a patch on this one, I feel I am definitely missing out on something special.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 9, 2023
Many years ago Detective William Roache like most police had the one case he couldn’t solve. This was rather a gruesome killer who eviscerated women and left a tape recording of the song” Mack the Knife” at the scene. Today Bill is in a care home but still fairly independent and he smells a rat. He thinks that their GP is becoming a Shipman- patients are dying a couple of days after he has visited and Bill can't let that happen. His friend has just had a heart attack and Bill fears that he could become the next victim. There is also one of the care staff, if you could call her that, who is vicious towards Bill and very uncaring to both staff and residents. Can Bill get to the bottom of the suspicious deaths and will he ever solve his mysterious case?
Oh what a read! I loved Bill from the outset. He’s that avuncular character you would want on your side and a man who calls a spade a shovel. Then there’s a twist. A huge one. One that knocked me side wards- how very, very clever. Wow! I was wondering how this would end and in a million years I would never have guessed. A truly stunning piece of writing with such a clever plot. A brilliant play on the title in two senses. 10* if I could. Wow! Just Wow!
Oh what a read! I loved Bill from the outset. He’s that avuncular character you would want on your side and a man who calls a spade a shovel. Then there’s a twist. A huge one. One that knocked me side wards- how very, very clever. Wow! I was wondering how this would end and in a million years I would never have guessed. A truly stunning piece of writing with such a clever plot. A brilliant play on the title in two senses. 10* if I could. Wow! Just Wow!
November 8, 2024
The first chapter is a veiled prologue disguised as a flashback. I always skip the prologue because they generally add nothing of value to the story, which in this case takes place entirely in the "present day." As the chapters wore on, I felt even more cheated. This isn't the police procedural nor the detective story presented in that first "1975" chapter.
This is a slow moving, dull paced novel about life as an OAP with random bits of violence, degradation, humiliation, and 'takin' the Mick' style banter. It's not even really a thriller as there are none of the tropes of that genre nor any of the stakes. I guessed at the twists and was right all three times - though the final one kept me wavering back and forth about it since the very beginning. The clues are all there and the pacing is so slow they start to niggle around the narrative.
The final bit at the end with Susan just seemed unnecessarily gruesome and gratuitous. I wish I quit this book in the third chapter when I realized the first chapter was a big lie.
This is a slow moving, dull paced novel about life as an OAP with random bits of violence, degradation, humiliation, and 'takin' the Mick' style banter. It's not even really a thriller as there are none of the tropes of that genre nor any of the stakes. I guessed at the twists and was right all three times - though the final one kept me wavering back and forth about it since the very beginning. The clues are all there and the pacing is so slow they start to niggle around the narrative.
The final bit at the end with Susan just seemed unnecessarily gruesome and gratuitous. I wish I quit this book in the third chapter when I realized the first chapter was a big lie.
September 22, 2023
This stand-alone crime thriller from Steve Parker kept me guessing to the end. Set in a British retirement home, the main character is former detective Bill Roach, a man in his eighties. Bill is enjoying a quiet retirement when he realizes too many of his fellow residents are dying in the Crown Woods Retirement Home. He and his 2 octogenarian pals start investigating what he believes are murders. A former Detective Chief Inspector, Bill had a storied career except for the one who got away, Jack the Knife. The backstory of Jack the Knife is a significant influence on Bill's current life. Bill and his pals have plenty of suspects to investigate including the home’s doctor, the owner, and various staff members.
There is plenty of action and a very twisty ending to this story to keep you guessing. I loved the old codgers and their very compassionate caregiver, Susan. Try this mystery, I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did!
There is plenty of action and a very twisty ending to this story to keep you guessing. I loved the old codgers and their very compassionate caregiver, Susan. Try this mystery, I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did!
October 6, 2023
4.5 Stars. This was different than I expected. Previous crime stories I have read involving senior citizens fell into the cozy mystery category. They were relaxing and laced with humour. This well-crafted book by Steve Parker has a dark, grim, and gritty attitude, excellent characterization, and suspense. Be prepared for a clever plot, a stunning twist, and gut-wrenching action.
The story revolves around Bill, a Care home resident for the elderly. He is a popular man in his eighties who shows compassion to others. Other characters we get to know are Charlie, a fellow resident and friend; Susan, a young caretaker who is devoted to Bill; and the kindly matron of the home, Ms. Dunbar. Then there is the vicious Jackie Draper, a caretaker who is cruel and insulting to residents. She enjoys terrorizing and threatening the feeble Bill, who has mobility, balance issues and diabetes.
We learn that Bill had been a much-honoured and respected police detective. Fifty years earlier, women were being eviscerated and murdered, and a tape had been left with a body repeatedly playing 'Mack the Knife.' Bill was in charge of the investigation, which became a hunt for a serial killer, nicknamed Jack Knife, who continued his murderous rampage for years. This was the one killer that evaded him, and the case still haunts him.
More elderly, sick patients are dying at a higher rate than usual. Bill's experience and sharp mind lead him to suspect the doctor. They seem to die within one or two days after his visits. Is he killing them, and could the doctor be in league with the dreadful J. Draper?
A well-written and clever crime drama with emotional impact. Recommended! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early chance to read this intriguing book. Publication is due October 5.
The story revolves around Bill, a Care home resident for the elderly. He is a popular man in his eighties who shows compassion to others. Other characters we get to know are Charlie, a fellow resident and friend; Susan, a young caretaker who is devoted to Bill; and the kindly matron of the home, Ms. Dunbar. Then there is the vicious Jackie Draper, a caretaker who is cruel and insulting to residents. She enjoys terrorizing and threatening the feeble Bill, who has mobility, balance issues and diabetes.
We learn that Bill had been a much-honoured and respected police detective. Fifty years earlier, women were being eviscerated and murdered, and a tape had been left with a body repeatedly playing 'Mack the Knife.' Bill was in charge of the investigation, which became a hunt for a serial killer, nicknamed Jack Knife, who continued his murderous rampage for years. This was the one killer that evaded him, and the case still haunts him.
More elderly, sick patients are dying at a higher rate than usual. Bill's experience and sharp mind lead him to suspect the doctor. They seem to die within one or two days after his visits. Is he killing them, and could the doctor be in league with the dreadful J. Draper?
A well-written and clever crime drama with emotional impact. Recommended! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early chance to read this intriguing book. Publication is due October 5.
October 3, 2023
As someone who doesn’t enjoy thrillers because any amount of scary is too scary for me, this was absolutely perfect. It provided a sense of unease—it connected me to the characters, and made me scared and anxious for their lives, without ever scaring the reader.
I’m usually quite good at guessing twists, and while I did pick up on part of it I was absolutely shocked by the ultimate reveal. (I guessed who Jack the Knife was, just didn’t guess any of the reasons behind it, and there was so much more to it than I expected!) Honestly, it was really satisfying - I love a book that lets you start to guess the basics of a twist and then knocks you out of the park by revealing the whole thing.
4.8/5 only because towards the end I thought the word “bitch” was being rather overused on like two pages, but other than that… a really good read, I’ll absolutely be recommending this one! Genuinely still reeling from the twist, which is exactly how I want to feel after reading a crime/mystery!
I’m usually quite good at guessing twists, and while I did pick up on part of it I was absolutely shocked by the ultimate reveal. (I guessed who Jack the Knife was, just didn’t guess any of the reasons behind it, and there was so much more to it than I expected!) Honestly, it was really satisfying - I love a book that lets you start to guess the basics of a twist and then knocks you out of the park by revealing the whole thing.
4.8/5 only because towards the end I thought the word “bitch” was being rather overused on like two pages, but other than that… a really good read, I’ll absolutely be recommending this one! Genuinely still reeling from the twist, which is exactly how I want to feel after reading a crime/mystery!
September 21, 2023
Wow! What an incredible read this was. Bill is a retired policeman, living in a retirement home and still haunted by the one that got away. This is the case of Jack the Knife, a brutal serial killer years earlier who was never caught and was so-called due to his calling card which was a recording of the song Mack the Knife.
Bill is convinced that the doctor at the retirement home is responsible for the deaths of several residents as he thinks there is a pattern of people dying a couple of days after he has visited them. I was immediately drawn to Bill, who is an emotional and caring man, and thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between him and Charlie and Susan in particular. You won't want to put this down and the twist is huge and one that I never predicted.
My thanks to Joffe Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
Bill is convinced that the doctor at the retirement home is responsible for the deaths of several residents as he thinks there is a pattern of people dying a couple of days after he has visited them. I was immediately drawn to Bill, who is an emotional and caring man, and thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between him and Charlie and Susan in particular. You won't want to put this down and the twist is huge and one that I never predicted.
My thanks to Joffe Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
September 30, 2023
This is a stand alone novel, set in a retirement home.
One of the residents is a former police detective, Bill Roach. He headed some very high profile murder cases during his career, very successfully except for the one who got away.
The serial killer known as Jack Knife. Bill was convinced one Leonard Clifford was the murderer, though he could never prove it.
When Bill notices that residents are dying with great regularity a couple of days after being seen by the homes GP, Dr. Sean Cooper. he and two of his pals( also in their 80`s) set about investigating what Bill is convinced are murders.
There are plenty of suspects to go at.
A real change from my usual crime thrillers.
Really cleverly written and plotted, with a twisty ending. A totally refreshing read that held my interest all the way through.
Well worth reading !
One of the residents is a former police detective, Bill Roach. He headed some very high profile murder cases during his career, very successfully except for the one who got away.
The serial killer known as Jack Knife. Bill was convinced one Leonard Clifford was the murderer, though he could never prove it.
When Bill notices that residents are dying with great regularity a couple of days after being seen by the homes GP, Dr. Sean Cooper. he and two of his pals( also in their 80`s) set about investigating what Bill is convinced are murders.
There are plenty of suspects to go at.
A real change from my usual crime thrillers.
Really cleverly written and plotted, with a twisty ending. A totally refreshing read that held my interest all the way through.
Well worth reading !
November 20, 2023
What an exceptionally interesting read! I was unsure where this book was going after the initial blood and guts murder but I was enjoying getting to know Bill and Sarah’s relationship in the care home. The friendship between young and old was delightful, so what an absolute twist of a story that I never saw coming. I was so invested by how this very clever story, full of twists and turns would play out but of course there was only one suitable ending. Although right up to the very last sentence another unexpected twist was thrown at the reader.
Excellent read, very clever and interesting. My only negative would be that Draper never would have got a job at the care home as her DBS would have shown her offences but this didn’t spoil the story at all.
Excellent read, very clever and interesting. My only negative would be that Draper never would have got a job at the care home as her DBS would have shown her offences but this didn’t spoil the story at all.
October 10, 2023
I absolutely loved this book and read it in one go.
It has a dual timeline between now and 1975.
It concerns Bill Roach who in 1975 failed to catch the murdered known as Jack the Knife.
Fast Forward to now, he is 80 and sitting with another elderly resident who passes away.
The post mortem shows she didnt die of old age and Jack decides that it is up to him to catch this killer before he strikes again.
The story is fast paced and keeps going.
Steve Parker is really good at building an atmosphere, and the characters are easy to connect with.
I was sorry to finish reading this, and will recommend it to everybody who loves a good thriller.
It has a dual timeline between now and 1975.
It concerns Bill Roach who in 1975 failed to catch the murdered known as Jack the Knife.
Fast Forward to now, he is 80 and sitting with another elderly resident who passes away.
The post mortem shows she didnt die of old age and Jack decides that it is up to him to catch this killer before he strikes again.
The story is fast paced and keeps going.
Steve Parker is really good at building an atmosphere, and the characters are easy to connect with.
I was sorry to finish reading this, and will recommend it to everybody who loves a good thriller.
September 30, 2023
Having heard really good things about the author and his books I decided to give this standalone a try and I was very pleased I did,the story has everything you want in a crime thriller it was a good read from start till finish and the style of writing was very well paced..
You can't beat a nice little twist to the end of a well written story and that's what we get here it made me go WOW I loved it. I'll look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC..
You can't beat a nice little twist to the end of a well written story and that's what we get here it made me go WOW I loved it. I'll look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC..
October 5, 2023
Brilliant
I have to admit I wasn’t sure about this book to start with, but once it got going I was hooked. Retired detective Bill Roach had a successful career catching criminals, apart from one who always managed to evade him. Now Bill is seeing out his days in a care home, watching over the other residents, and sitting with them when they die so they are not alone, but Bill has a secret and it looks like it will not be a secret much longer. This is a brilliant book, with violence but humour as well and an unexpected twist at the end. I think it deserves more than 5 stars
I have to admit I wasn’t sure about this book to start with, but once it got going I was hooked. Retired detective Bill Roach had a successful career catching criminals, apart from one who always managed to evade him. Now Bill is seeing out his days in a care home, watching over the other residents, and sitting with them when they die so they are not alone, but Bill has a secret and it looks like it will not be a secret much longer. This is a brilliant book, with violence but humour as well and an unexpected twist at the end. I think it deserves more than 5 stars
June 20, 2024
Your sins will find you out ...
I absolutely loved this book ..having read Paterson and Clocks, I was hesitant to start this one, no dynamic duo that made made me laugh out loud at their dark humour, so I decided to give it a go,it was Steve Parker after all.
So glad did it was completely different from his other books ,but so engaging ,the setting was a genius idea, old guys with their story's to tell of a life gone before, still with humour the banter between old friends ,and lovely girl made this story heartwarming....
Till....a mistake was made .
I absolutely loved this book ..having read Paterson and Clocks, I was hesitant to start this one, no dynamic duo that made made me laugh out loud at their dark humour, so I decided to give it a go,it was Steve Parker after all.
So glad did it was completely different from his other books ,but so engaging ,the setting was a genius idea, old guys with their story's to tell of a life gone before, still with humour the banter between old friends ,and lovely girl made this story heartwarming....
Till....a mistake was made .
September 7, 2023
JACK KNIFE by Steve Parker is a pulse-pounding British crime thriller with an interesting twist. The ending was done very well and had my eyes popping open.
The story had great scene descriptions that made you feel right in the middle of the action. I enjoyed reading the book and getting to know this author's writing style.
Jack Knife is an enjoyable crime thriller and one I would recommend.
#JACKKNIFE #NetGalley @JoffeBooks
The story had great scene descriptions that made you feel right in the middle of the action. I enjoyed reading the book and getting to know this author's writing style.
Jack Knife is an enjoyable crime thriller and one I would recommend.
#JACKKNIFE #NetGalley @JoffeBooks
September 13, 2023
This is one book which lives up to the blurb, "unexpected twist at the end". With clever plotting, wonderful characterisation and excellent writing from Steve Parker, it has to be one of my favourite reads of the year. This is a very well crafted piece of writing, full of suspense, which can be read as a stand alone and one I can highly recommend. An easy 5* from me. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC.
October 20, 2023
I am a massive fan of Steve Parker's Paterson & Clocks series so the idea of a standalone thriller had me really intrigued. I wasn't disappointed. There was the type of sharp witted dialogue usually attributed to Johnny Clocks so I was in my element here. There were also a multitude of twists and forks in the story that really had me on my toes. All leading to a truly shocking climax. I don't know where the author gets his ideas from but as long as he keeps them coming I'll be happy
December 2, 2025
I loved the plot twists that happened through this book and I never saw it coming! This was my first thriller i’ve ever read, I can’t put my finger on why I didn’t give five stars, possibly because I like a longer book or felt it was a little stagnant with being placed in one location the entire book. I enjoyed the varying perspectives so you couldn’t really ever get too deep into anyone’s thoughts. Great quick read!
September 16, 2023
Absolutely amazing! This is what all other thrillers aspire to be. The writing is just faultless, the pacing is perfect, the characters well written and believable. It's so vividly brought to life that you are right there is the middle of it with the characters and when I say your jaw will drop..... trust me, that's not an exagaration!! Must read
September 6, 2023
An excellent standalone read, which I found extremely thought provoking regarding end of life care. You might think twice about leaving your close relatives in a care home after reading this! Twists and turns galore you don't want to miss out on this one!
October 4, 2023
I received an ARC of this book via Joffe Books in return for an honest review.
This book is a standalone crime novel that doesn’t disappoint. There’s a fantastic twist at the end that I didn’t see coming at all. The pages flew by! Recommend.
This book is a standalone crime novel that doesn’t disappoint. There’s a fantastic twist at the end that I didn’t see coming at all. The pages flew by! Recommend.
October 7, 2023
Great read
I was hooked from page one, but unfortunately i guessed the ending,read it in a few hours, definitely recommend it, loved the reference to Clocks I also love those book,looking forward to the next one.
I was hooked from page one, but unfortunately i guessed the ending,read it in a few hours, definitely recommend it, loved the reference to Clocks I also love those book,looking forward to the next one.
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