Death's Touch

DS Tomek Bowen #3

by Jack Probyn

When the fog clears one December morning in Essex, the body of a teenage girl is discovered lying face down in a field. The victim, Lily Monteith, was murdered in a peculiar and unique way — so unique that it could have only happened to her. As a result, the case quickly lands on DS Tomek Bowen’s desk who, while trying to juggle his newfound life as a single parent to a thirteen-year-old daughter, must unearth the deadly sequence of events and bring the truth to light. But as soon as the investigation begins, Tomek discovers Lily’s death may be linked to a killing spree that has lain dormant for many years — with no one ever being brought to justice for it. And, if that’s the case, he fears another killing spree, this time years in the making, is yet to come.

Death’s Touch is the memorable third book in the DS Tomek Bowen Essex Murder Mystery series by Jack Probyn. Filled with twists, peppered with romance, and flavoured with ounces of dark humour, this fast-paced British detective novel will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, TG Reid, Simon McCleave and Rachel Mclean.

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Mystery

364 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2023

About the author

I’m Jack Probyn, and I write murder mysteries and crime thrillers set in England. I studied Creative Writing at the University of Surrey and have always been fascinated by storytelling, particularly the dark and twisty kind.

I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.

Reviews

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone's killing young girls by using their potentially fatal allergies against them. When a body turns up, Tomek checks for others killed the same way, but his immediate superior doesn't believe they're all connected. The story's very exciting and fast moving, and becomes personal for Tomek. A great third book in the series.

[samantha vogel-Hespos · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Death’s Touch” is the third installment in Jack Probyn’s DS Tomek Bowen Essex Murder Mystery series. This British detective novel combines intricate plotting with elements of romance and dark humor, delivering a fast-paced and engaging read.

Summary

The narrative unfolds on a foggy December morning in Essex, where the body of teenage girl Lily Monteith is discovered in a field, murdered in a particularly unique manner. Detective Sergeant Tomek Bowen, now balancing his career with newfound responsibilities as a single parent to his thirteen-year-old daughter, is assigned to the case. As he delves deeper, Bowen uncovers potential links between Lily’s death and a series of unsolved murders from years past. This connection raises the alarming possibility that a dormant killer may have resumed their deadly activities.

Themes
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Bowen’s struggle to manage his demanding job while caring for his daughter adds depth to his character and highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers.
• Unsolved Crimes and Justice: The novel explores the haunting nature of cold cases and the relentless pursuit of justice for victims whose stories have faded over time.

Review

Jack Probyn crafts a compelling mystery filled with unexpected twists and a climactic revelation that keeps readers engaged until the final page. The interplay of suspense, humor, and romantic elements enriches the narrative, appealing to a broad audience. Probyn’s portrayal of the Essex setting adds authenticity, immersing readers in the atmospheric landscape that serves as the backdrop for the investigation.

“Death’s Touch” has been well-received by readers, holding a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, based on 437 ratings. This positive reception reflects its popularity among fans of the genre.

For those interested in exploring the series further, the DS Tomek Bowen Essex Murder Mystery series offers additional titles that continue to develop Bowen’s character and investigative challenges.

“Death’s Touch” is available for purchase in both Kindle and paperback formats on Amazon.

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is genuinely one of my favourite series that I have read.
This is the third one, and I find sometimes the further along a series you get, the less enjoyable they are but it's definitely not the case with this series.
You definitely need to read in order to get the full experience as they do talk about significant things that happened in earlier books.
Great characters, and a great storyline - nothing not to like.
I guessed the serial killer in this one quite early on - but that just encouraged me to read quicker so I could see if I was right - maybe I should be working Alongside Tomek 🤣
Would highly recommend

[Andrea Repp · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was wavering between 4 and 5 stars, good mystery, well written...until I read this line near the end of the book..."You must be joking, right? No. No way. I'm not gonna f***ing sit back and put my feet up like some cu**." Really? First of all, his protagonist worked with mostly women and would never had said this. Even if the author thought his guy would have said this, he shouldn't have. This book is set today, not in the 50s or 60s or 70s, he shouldn't have penned that line. It is disrespectful and misogynistic and just should not be said. Just like in real life, you can say anything you like, but should you? The author is perpetuating hate against women and misogyny and I will never read another of his books.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this third book in the excellent Tomek Bowen series, in which he investigates a series of deaths caused by anaphylactic shock. Tomek’s colleagues find his theories about the cause of the deaths to be unlikely and through the course of the book we find out whether he is right or very wrong.

I read an ARC which I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is now the run up to Christmas, the first one for DS Tomek Bowen as a father, and fortunately he and thirteen-year-old daughter Kasia are now getting on really well in their new home after their initial problems and since he has dealt with the bully who was making life intolerable for her. His whole life has changed and for the better too. However it won’t be a merry Christmas for the family of fifteen-year-old Lily Monteith, found dead in a park. The post mortem soon reveals to the solid and very likable team at Southend CID, which includes DCI “Nasty Nick” Cleaves, DI Victoria Orange, DS Sean Campbell and DCs Chey Carter, Nadia Chakrabarti, Rachel Hamilton, Oscar Perez, Anna Kaczmarek and newest member Martin Brown, that the teenager has been murdered with a very evil and targeted method. It’s not long before Tomek uncovers a previous case with sinister similar overtones and soon it appears that a killer has been honing their skills over a number of years. The team have to consider the awful probability that there will be more bodies if they don’t crack this case quickly but can Tomek convince them that he’s on the right track?
These are testing times, not only for Tomek but also for another member of the team, and this only serves to bring them all closer, both as colleagues and friends. Romance may even be in the air for some! It also gives Tomek the opportunity to prove how much he has grown up since Kasia’s arrival, although the humour is still present in droves between them all, particularly when discussing the now infamous Billy the Cow Fighter. There are plenty of twists and surprises throughout this story leading to a dramatic finish, and the clues are all there for the reader to beat the detectives to solving the case. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, each one in the series getting better and better, and I am looking forward to book four, Death’s Kiss, out next year.

[William (Mr. Bill) Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death's Touch DS Tomek Bowen, Book 3

DS Tomek Bowen has been a successful member of law enforcement in Manchester. He takes his job seriously but knows how to kick back and have fun. But now he has an additional title besides 'DS'. He is a dad, a father, and a 'role model' for a young teenage girl. His daughter, Kasia, is a surprise. A secret held for 13 years, the result of a casual relationship. If it were not for the incarceration of the mother, he might never have found out.
As Christmas approaches, the expectations of his daughter are a far cry from the routine of a single middle-aged cop. This is only the beginning of Tomek's immersion into his new reality.
I really enjoyed author Jack Probyn's ability to capture so many feelings of Tomek as he navigates 'fatherhood'. There were moments when I laughed out loud as I read Tomek's internal dialog and his conversations with his teenager, Kasia. As a father of many years, these conversations are just part of the 'Dad-role', but for a man suddenly drafted into the role, some questions come out of left field, ‘Do you think you could fight a cow?’ Kasia asked. (This will make sense when you read this book.)
The other side of DS Tomek Bowen is that of an investigator. The strange deaths of young girls hits hard as Tomek puts certain facts together. What if these deaths were the actions of a serial killer? As the death toll increases, others in the department must face the fact that these seem to be the acts of a serial killer, and Kasia may be the next victim. -Mr.Bill

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very rare for me to connect and fall in love with a new series so quickly, but Tomek Bowen and Co had me hooked from book 1.
Now on book 3, he and 13 year old daughter Kasia are looking forward to their first Christmas together in their new home. Both have grown up and formed a great bond and I love their interactions.
Sadly a killer is out targeting teenagers based on a unique characteristic. I loved the ingenuity of this storyline and how it was done.
I loved following the police investigation and mostly frustration and having a lot of information but no leads and one hand tied behind their back with budget cuts.
I loved the focus of ego and pressure on both male and female in senior roles, often at the same time. It was cleverly done.
One line about 90s music made me chuckle when the author isn't yet 30 himself, although respect for mentioning Five, one of the boy bands of my youth.
Set again against the dramatic backdrop of Southend, the sea contrasting with vast countryside and a busy inner city. A clever build up to a dramatic ending. Once again superb and bring on book 4.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to read this book in advance. I am also one of very few people to know the original ending!

The book continues with Tomek and his daughter as they are settling into life together and the trials and tribulations of living with a teenage girl continue. The story is actually quite darker than the previous ones; allergies. In parts of the story I found myself drifting to Chris Carter’s work, as I am a fan of his, and particularly the nature of the murders in this book would be in fitting with his! I began to suspect who the killer was fairly early on… but I read a lot of crime fiction and true crime so I look for patterns. Don’t let my review put you off; this is an excellent book and I’m looking forward to the next installment!

Cow fight, anyone? 😂

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death's Touch: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 3), my fifth read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with well-developed main characters that continue to grow in depth and a 364-page murder thriller that continually develops throughout the length of the book. After reading Death's Angel: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 6) I decided to go back and read the books in the series I'd not yet read. I look forward to Probyn’s next book, in fact Death's Kiss: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 4) is next on my TBR list. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death’s Touch is book three in the series and another brilliant one at that. Thank you Jack Probyn for the ARC.
DS Tomek is currently investigating a string of murders of young girls that have allergies. Each die of what they are allergic too. Clues to the murders all lead to young boys who are playing for a local football club. Tomek’s own daughter has a peanut allergy. So, when she goes missing, there is a race against time before the killer strikes again.
This is another fascinating read from Jack Probyn and quite unique in the way they are killed. This is another gripping thriller that had e up to the small hours of the morning reading it. I can’t wait for the next book. 5 stars from me

[Denise Rolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite in the Tomek Bowen series so far. From the opening chapter I was gripped by the story. Tomek finds himself investigating the murder of a young girl found in a local park and its not long before he's hunting a serial killer. There is plenty of action and the book moves along at a good pace. There is a nice balance of work and homelife in the book with some amusing moments and its great to see how Tomek's relationship with his daughter is progressing. The case becomes very personal for him as he races to catch the killer and save his intended victim. Tomek is a character that is really growing on me and I'm looking forward to seeing what his next case brings.

I was fortunate to recieve an advanced copy of the book in return for an honest review.

[Janet S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the DS Tomek Bowen Essex murder mystery series and it doesn’t disappoint.

A teenage girl is found murdered in a field and results of the post-mortem reveal an unusual cause of death. More victims are discovered, each with an unusual and unique cause of death. Tomek is on a mission to find the killer , unearthing cold cases that are linked, then it takes a dark turn and suddenly becomes increasingly urgent and personal.

This storyline is filled with twists and turns and keeps you enthralled!

Love the way the characters are developing and can’t wait for the next instalment.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the DS Tomek Bowen series & they just get better & better; how has the team changed & has Tomek grown up at all now he is an unexpected father?

Lily Monteith will forever be fifteen. She’s found dead in a park &, following the post mortem, Tomek realises how individual her killing was. And there may be more. Going back years…

I love this team &, although he is an acquired taste, Tomek is gradually growing into his responsibilities. Of course there are twists & turns, it’s a crime novel after all, but there’s plenty of humour too along with a gulp-inducing finish. I’ve got book four ready to go, so do yourself a favour & start at book one, you won’t regret it.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, it is a well written gripping storyline and plot by the author. It's a book that has you captured from start to finish, and what a finish. I just hadn't a clue to who it was.
It has strong characters, and there are quite a few twists and turns throughout. Tomek's character has got stronger and more likeable, and I'm pleased he is swearing a lot less.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it.
I very much look forward to the next in the series.
My thanks goes to the author for the advanced copy of the book.
This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 DEATH’S TOUCH by Jack Probyn. Young girls are turning up dead. After investigating, DS Bowen suggests they are having their allergies used as the murder weapon. Wow! Even his young daughter, Kasia, 13, is not safe. Very intriguing story teller. Highly recommend this author BUT you must start with the first book to get the background. To me it is essential to read the beginning of any series but this one especially. I’ve read hundreds of mysteries and like them all. This series is as good as it gets. I’ve started Book 4 DEATH’S KISS.

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous read, the pace was phenomenal and the story raced along, ị honestly couldn’t put it down. I had no idea who was behind the murders at all, which is unusual for me, as I’ve always had an idea and have worked it out before the end.

I love the characters and of course Tomek who’s trying to balance his job as a police officer and life with his daughter. I think he’s doing a cracking job and can’t wait for the next book.

My thanks to Jack for sending me the ARC.

[Annette Hoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really getting to know the characters lead by Tomek in his third book and enjoying the father/daughter relationship.

Women are being killed by their fatal allergies but the team take awhile to believe in Tomek's theories.

Well written with humour throughout the book, clever crime story and I was suspicious of the killer but could not figure out a reason why, fooled me until the end. Definitely recommend.

[Lindy Protzek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Tomek is the sweetest, funniest guy and I love how he has taken to fatherhood so quickly, him and Kasia are great together even when it’s awkward and they are arguing. Tomeks co-workers are a great mix of characters as well and the bantering between him and Nick is special. The storyline in this book was intriguing and I didn’t see the “who done it” at all but of course out super cop figured it out and just in time. I can hardly wait for the next book.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m just loving the Tomek series. Well written police procedural with a slightly unusual kill method. Tomek is doing what he does best which is thinking out of the box but this time the kills will get too close for comfort. Tomek is grasping being a father to a teenage daughter which is having all sorts of effects on his work life, social life and friendships. It was great to catch up with the gang and the dynamics of the different relationships just get better.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book. It's nice seeing the characters develop more and Tomek's relationship with his daughter Kasia go from strength to strength. This time they are trying to find a sinister serial killer who has perfected their art and it's a race against time to stop them before more bodies are found! Loved the pace of this book and felt the teams frustrations when lines of enquiry were slowed down or shut down. I can't wait for the next one.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in amazing series that brought Tomek and his daughter together, but in a way he wished it hadn't.
He is a brilliant police officer, he cares and he can see into the cases that others cannot.
I truly recommend this book and the previous in this series, if like me you enjoy a page turner that keeps to guessing until the very end.
Thank you Jack Probyn for an awesome story!ine.

[Eddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the series offers a very thrilling and personal case for Tomek and the story waves you through the urgency of the procedure whilst dealing with his personal dramas of life with a teenage daughter.
The determination of Tomek is undeminished although put to strain as the case reaches home in many aspects.
An intriguing and thrilling adventure that will hold the readers attention right into the small hours!
A highly recommended read

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death's Touch by Jack Probyn, narrated by Scott Fleming

Someone is killing by weaponising allergies. Kasia has a boyfriend interest who inadvertently sets off her peanut allergy. How can these two things possibly be linked and how is the local football team mixed up in it all?!

If Tomek doesn't find out, Kasia could die....

Another truly excellent narration of a brilliant story, well done guys!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just continues to get better and better. I love Tomek and his character development. There are so many strands to his story which I love learning more about. In this story Tomek is hunting for a killer who is using teenager’s allergies as the method of killing them. A very cleverly written story.

[MIKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another incredible book in this series. DS Bowen is deeply involved in this tragic case of females seemingly targeted because of their allergies or health conditions. It hits very close to home for him, given his daughter's nut allergy.

This book, like the first 2 in the series, will keep you reading and guessing right up to the end when the killer is revealed.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in DS Tomek Bowen series. On a foggy December morning the body of a teenage girl is found in a field. The murder is strange. As Bowen begins his investigation, it soon becomes apparent that it may just be linked to a spate of murders that took place years before. If his hunch is correct, does that mean another spate is about to start?

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was brilliant! Another massive improvement on book 1; I’ve gone from suspecting the killer as soon as they’re introduced to having absolutely no idea who the killer is. This one blended so far into the background that I actually completely forgot they existed. Very well written and kept me on my toes throughout.

4.5 stars rounded down.

[Lynn McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a Suspect Is Not a Suspect

This story by an English crime writer was a quick read -- I couldn't wait to learn about the killer. His/her method of choice left me wondering what type of person could commit to this type of crime.

As suspects were eliminated through the investigation, I could not imagine who would be behind the door. I think you will be surprised, too.