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The Surgeon
Could a piece of paper in a law firm basement be the key to a serial killer’s identity? A tale of trauma and terror by the author of the Adam Black thrillers.
Five years ago, Jonathan Stark was working as a lawyer when a massacre took place, leaving most of his coworkers dead and Jonathan in a coma for eight weeks.
Now, he’s found a job as a legal trainee at a different firm, and a relationship with an attorney named Jenny. He spends much of his time in the basement cataloguing old files—where he comes across the death certificate of a woman. The document triggers a nightmare and eventually, a sudden memory. Soon, Stark begins working closely with DCI McGuigan, who’s been hunting an elusive serial killer known as “the Surgeon.”
But with another clue turning up in the files, a witness with a secret agenda, and a pursuit that leads to a dead body, this case’s head-spinning twists reveal the dark truth about a horrifying long-ago trauma . . .
Five years ago, Jonathan Stark was working as a lawyer when a massacre took place, leaving most of his coworkers dead and Jonathan in a coma for eight weeks.
Now, he’s found a job as a legal trainee at a different firm, and a relationship with an attorney named Jenny. He spends much of his time in the basement cataloguing old files—where he comes across the death certificate of a woman. The document triggers a nightmare and eventually, a sudden memory. Soon, Stark begins working closely with DCI McGuigan, who’s been hunting an elusive serial killer known as “the Surgeon.”
But with another clue turning up in the files, a witness with a secret agenda, and a pursuit that leads to a dead body, this case’s head-spinning twists reveal the dark truth about a horrifying long-ago trauma . . .
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
78 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 15, 2023
I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting from this book - maybe a standard psychological thriller - but I think that it combines this with a gritty police procedural too - and it works so well.
Five years ago, Jonathan Stark was working as a lawyer but when a massacre takes place, he finds himself suffering and stuck in a coma for 8 weeks.
Now five years on and he is back at work, only to come across some evidence while filing papers that bring back a memory and might link to an ongoing investigation for a serial killer known as the surgeon!
Jonathan was such an interesting character to explore and with such an unusual back story, this one had me hooked in straight away!
I also really felt for him having to essentially re-live his trauma again. The relationship he had with his sister and her support was really touching.
I loved the combination of the genres in this - we got to follow the story as a police procedural but also see the lawyer pov too.
The plot was fairly complex in that as we read through, there were quite a few times I thought I had things worked out - but then there would be another twist which threw me off and I didn't work out the outcome at all until the reveal.
The writing style was gritty and compelling. The characters worked well together and I'd be really interested in maybe seeing a series with these characters.
Five years ago, Jonathan Stark was working as a lawyer but when a massacre takes place, he finds himself suffering and stuck in a coma for 8 weeks.
Now five years on and he is back at work, only to come across some evidence while filing papers that bring back a memory and might link to an ongoing investigation for a serial killer known as the surgeon!
Jonathan was such an interesting character to explore and with such an unusual back story, this one had me hooked in straight away!
I also really felt for him having to essentially re-live his trauma again. The relationship he had with his sister and her support was really touching.
I loved the combination of the genres in this - we got to follow the story as a police procedural but also see the lawyer pov too.
The plot was fairly complex in that as we read through, there were quite a few times I thought I had things worked out - but then there would be another twist which threw me off and I didn't work out the outcome at all until the reveal.
The writing style was gritty and compelling. The characters worked well together and I'd be really interested in maybe seeing a series with these characters.
November 20, 2023
This unique storyline begins with a young lawyer who has survived a workplace massacre. After an extended coma, he will continue to experience trauma and anxiety, eventually returning to work in a different law office. His principal duties are to catalog files from the pre-digital era. Deep in these files, he will find clues that contribute to the ongoing investigation of a suspected serial killer.
The MC is well-developed here. He finds the clues and hesitates to bring attention to his discoveries, fearing he will become a target in another violent event. His interactions with the law staff and the police investigators force him to push his fears away and take risks that most of us would never consider. As the suspense builds and the killer moves closer to our hero, you’ll hold your breath as you turn the page, and cheer when the bad guy gets his due.
The MC is well-developed here. He finds the clues and hesitates to bring attention to his discoveries, fearing he will become a target in another violent event. His interactions with the law staff and the police investigators force him to push his fears away and take risks that most of us would never consider. As the suspense builds and the killer moves closer to our hero, you’ll hold your breath as you turn the page, and cheer when the bad guy gets his due.
June 10, 2024
Paņēmu šo grāmatu lasīt, izvēloties tikai pēc nosaukuma un laba reitinga. Domāju, ka būs par medicīnas tēmu, bet izrādījās detektīvromāns. Visu laiku bija interesanti lasīt, lai gan stāsts aizgāja pilnīgi negaidītā virzienā.
December 10, 2023
I'm a great fan of this author's Adam Black series, but this one is on a much higher level!
Jonathan Stark was a lawyer when a gunman killed his co-workers; by a strange twist of fate, he didn't die but he was in an eight-week coma and it's been a long recovery. Five years on, he has found himself another legal position and goes to work sharing an office with another 'minion', Jenny. Like all those at the bottom of the chain, he finds himself filing documents in the basement - creepy at the best of times - and it affects him in a way he didn't expect. In the meantime, DCI McGuigan is working on the case of a killer referred to as 'The Surgeon'. The information in the archived files just may have a bearing on his case . . .
If you've ever seen a picture of this author, you will notice that he's a handsome man with a nice smile and twinkly eyes - so what goes on in his mind to come up with all these plots for his books?? All his novels are set in areas I'm very familiar with - this one closer than most - and that always piques my interest. Once began, I don't think anyone could put his books down - they grab you, suck you in and keep you there until the very, very last. I didn't work out the guilty and, to be honest, I don't think I ever could. An awesome read and if you enjoy a cracking psychological thriller, then this is one for you. A full five glowing stars and one I really cannot recommend highly enough!
Jonathan Stark was a lawyer when a gunman killed his co-workers; by a strange twist of fate, he didn't die but he was in an eight-week coma and it's been a long recovery. Five years on, he has found himself another legal position and goes to work sharing an office with another 'minion', Jenny. Like all those at the bottom of the chain, he finds himself filing documents in the basement - creepy at the best of times - and it affects him in a way he didn't expect. In the meantime, DCI McGuigan is working on the case of a killer referred to as 'The Surgeon'. The information in the archived files just may have a bearing on his case . . .
If you've ever seen a picture of this author, you will notice that he's a handsome man with a nice smile and twinkly eyes - so what goes on in his mind to come up with all these plots for his books?? All his novels are set in areas I'm very familiar with - this one closer than most - and that always piques my interest. Once began, I don't think anyone could put his books down - they grab you, suck you in and keep you there until the very, very last. I didn't work out the guilty and, to be honest, I don't think I ever could. An awesome read and if you enjoy a cracking psychological thriller, then this is one for you. A full five glowing stars and one I really cannot recommend highly enough!
January 1, 2024
This is an enthralling thriller. I had previously read some of the author's Adam Black series. But these did not prepare me for the intriguing plot of this novel and the many twists and turns.
Jonathan, the main character, had survived a mass shooting at a firm where he worked five years before the events of this novel. In a coma for many weeks, it had taken him five years to take on a job as a legal trainee at a prominent law firm. There he meets Jenny a fellow trainee. Being a trainee Jonathan is consigned to work in the basement reviewing musty old paper files, getting them ready for turning them into digital versions.
While perusing these files Jonathan comes across the file of a woman who seems familiar. He joins forces with DCI MacGuigan and the Glaswegian police force in trying to identify a serial killer known as The Surgeon.
This is a tautly plotted novel with a number of interesting characters. There are many twists and the discoveries as the novel comes to a conclusion are mind-boggling. Jonathan himself is in for a major personal surprise.
This is one of the best novels I read in 2023. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
Jonathan, the main character, had survived a mass shooting at a firm where he worked five years before the events of this novel. In a coma for many weeks, it had taken him five years to take on a job as a legal trainee at a prominent law firm. There he meets Jenny a fellow trainee. Being a trainee Jonathan is consigned to work in the basement reviewing musty old paper files, getting them ready for turning them into digital versions.
While perusing these files Jonathan comes across the file of a woman who seems familiar. He joins forces with DCI MacGuigan and the Glaswegian police force in trying to identify a serial killer known as The Surgeon.
This is a tautly plotted novel with a number of interesting characters. There are many twists and the discoveries as the novel comes to a conclusion are mind-boggling. Jonathan himself is in for a major personal surprise.
This is one of the best novels I read in 2023. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with an Advance Review Copy.
October 27, 2023
Having thoroughly enjoyed the authors Adam Black series I thought that The Surgeon would my kind of read and I was right, it definitely was.
Karl Hill has come up with a great book here, one that immediately captured my attention and interest right from the first page and didn't let go until the end. I really liked Jonathan Stark with his unusual history, and DCI McGuigan who, along with his team are trying to catch a serial killer. Karl Hill's writing makes his characters leap from the pages and become vivid in my mind when reading. This book is I'd say part thriller, part police procedural with such an intricately woven plot line that makes for a very entertaining and absorbing read. I really like the authors writing style, the story flows well and is full of lies, deceit, subterfuge, tension and suspense. This book turned into a very moreish read that is hard to put down and I would return to continue reading whenever I could. I really hope there will be another book with these characters, I'd definitely read it. If you like a book with plenty of thrills and a great storyline then I think you'd enjoy The Surgeon and I'd recommend it.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Karl Hill has come up with a great book here, one that immediately captured my attention and interest right from the first page and didn't let go until the end. I really liked Jonathan Stark with his unusual history, and DCI McGuigan who, along with his team are trying to catch a serial killer. Karl Hill's writing makes his characters leap from the pages and become vivid in my mind when reading. This book is I'd say part thriller, part police procedural with such an intricately woven plot line that makes for a very entertaining and absorbing read. I really like the authors writing style, the story flows well and is full of lies, deceit, subterfuge, tension and suspense. This book turned into a very moreish read that is hard to put down and I would return to continue reading whenever I could. I really hope there will be another book with these characters, I'd definitely read it. If you like a book with plenty of thrills and a great storyline then I think you'd enjoy The Surgeon and I'd recommend it.
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 27, 2023
The Surgeon by Karl Hill
Jonathan Stark, a lawyer, was one of the few survivors of a workplace shooting that occurred five years ago in the law firm where he was employed. Like his colleagues,he had been shot, but after a lengthy recovery, he decided to return to the workforce.
He finds a job as a legal trainee. One of his responsibilities is cataloging the files in the basement, getting them ready to be entered into a computer. There, he finds a death certificate of a woman. Jonathan has a nightmare about her that evening, which results in him remembering her from somewhere.
A DCI named McGuigan, begins working with Jonathan to look into the death of this woman. As they search, the two of them try to figure out if a serial killer known as, “The Surgeon,” is involved.
The two parallel storylines come together to create a gripping, psychological thriller that results in a shocking conclusion. Mr. Hill has created wonderful and believable characters. The intricate details of his story allows the reader to imagine being right there. This is a book I would definitely recommend!
Jonathan Stark, a lawyer, was one of the few survivors of a workplace shooting that occurred five years ago in the law firm where he was employed. Like his colleagues,he had been shot, but after a lengthy recovery, he decided to return to the workforce.
He finds a job as a legal trainee. One of his responsibilities is cataloging the files in the basement, getting them ready to be entered into a computer. There, he finds a death certificate of a woman. Jonathan has a nightmare about her that evening, which results in him remembering her from somewhere.
A DCI named McGuigan, begins working with Jonathan to look into the death of this woman. As they search, the two of them try to figure out if a serial killer known as, “The Surgeon,” is involved.
The two parallel storylines come together to create a gripping, psychological thriller that results in a shocking conclusion. Mr. Hill has created wonderful and believable characters. The intricate details of his story allows the reader to imagine being right there. This is a book I would definitely recommend!
November 3, 2023
Sleep is over rated!!!!
The Surgeon by Karl Hill was one of the best psychological thrillers I have read so far this year and I read a lot of books! This was a book that caught my eye as the cover is so beautiful and I had to get my hands on it, and it did not disappoint!
It was brilliant from the very first few pages, especially as Karl brought you into the book. It was full of brilliant twists and turns throughout that kept you on the edge of you chair.........with cleverly written plots that will keep you guessing till the end!
It had great characters that kept you not wanting to put your kindle down.....It was so addictive I loved it and kept me up all night! So glad I am retired now!!!
DCI McGuigan was a great character and made me chuckle to myself in several parts. I loved this character.
I can not recommend this book enough especially as Karl is a new author to me and will be looking out to read more books by him!
WoW 5 big glowing stars for this book. I loved.
Big thanks to Bloodhound Books for my ARC.
The Surgeon by Karl Hill was one of the best psychological thrillers I have read so far this year and I read a lot of books! This was a book that caught my eye as the cover is so beautiful and I had to get my hands on it, and it did not disappoint!
It was brilliant from the very first few pages, especially as Karl brought you into the book. It was full of brilliant twists and turns throughout that kept you on the edge of you chair.........with cleverly written plots that will keep you guessing till the end!
It had great characters that kept you not wanting to put your kindle down.....It was so addictive I loved it and kept me up all night! So glad I am retired now!!!
DCI McGuigan was a great character and made me chuckle to myself in several parts. I loved this character.
I can not recommend this book enough especially as Karl is a new author to me and will be looking out to read more books by him!
WoW 5 big glowing stars for this book. I loved.
Big thanks to Bloodhound Books for my ARC.
November 12, 2023
This is my first time reading this author, and it immediately captivates you, making it impossible to stop reading.
The focal point of the story is The Surgeon, a serial killer, and Jonathan, a trainee solicitor who survived a massacre 5 years ago. Joining SJPS, trainee lawyer Jonathan Stark brings his traumatic past with him. His life is quickly consumed by events as he becomes involved in the search for the killer alongside the local Glaswegian police.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced and suspenseful nature of this thriller. Get ready to be captivated by a story full of twists, turns, and a hint of the supernatural.
The writing style had a gritty and compelling quality. The characters had a fantastic dynamic, and I'm really curious about the potential for a series with them. I cannot emphasise how highly I regard this book. It's one of my top 5 reads this year!!.
The focal point of the story is The Surgeon, a serial killer, and Jonathan, a trainee solicitor who survived a massacre 5 years ago. Joining SJPS, trainee lawyer Jonathan Stark brings his traumatic past with him. His life is quickly consumed by events as he becomes involved in the search for the killer alongside the local Glaswegian police.
I thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced and suspenseful nature of this thriller. Get ready to be captivated by a story full of twists, turns, and a hint of the supernatural.
The writing style had a gritty and compelling quality. The characters had a fantastic dynamic, and I'm really curious about the potential for a series with them. I cannot emphasise how highly I regard this book. It's one of my top 5 reads this year!!.
November 14, 2023
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites by this author. i enjoy how I am pulled into the story from the start. The author's use of details made the story realistic and hard to put down. This is a story that has twists and turns like no other. They had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. What happens when a simple piece of paper is found in a basement? Will it lead to the serial killer's downfall? This is a fast paced story where the characters bring the story to life. They add so much to the story's entertainment value. The characters are relateable and engaging. They had me turning pages fast to the end. I really enjoyed this suspenseful story. I highly recommend it.
October 22, 2023
This has to be up there with one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read! Totally compulsive reading from start to finish, with clever plotting and excellent characterisation. I found Jonathan, a lawyer, to be a fascinating, complex and driven character in his pursuit of justice on a personal level. DCI Mc Guigan made me laugh out loud at one point, despite the serious nature of the murder enquiry! The suspense just kept on building from the start to the very last page. I was completely drawn in and I couldn't put the book down as the twists just kept on coming. This is one of the easiest, and worthy, 5* reviews I have written. My best read of 2023 and I express my thanks to Bloodhound Books for my ARC.
November 4, 2023
The Surgeon by Karl Hill was engaging and intriguing from the first page to the last -- WOW, what a thrill ride of a dark psychological thriller!! There seemed to be an abundance of characters early on (all interesting and intriguing); so much that I paused about a third of the way reading and asked myself why so many characters? And within two short chapters after that there were dark lines connecting characters on a deeper level than I could have imagined -- an aspect of this book that continued right up to the final chapters! And the twists and turns, unforeseen and thrilling made this a real page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed reading!!! I look forward to reading more by this author! And I highly, highly recommend you read it!!!
November 13, 2023
This author is rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors and this book really peaked my interest. I would place it somewhere between police procedural and thriller.
Jonathan Stark returns to the legal profession after a five year sabbatical and finds himself immersed in an ongoing investigation by DCI McGuigan where a serial killer is on the loose and had a very specific of killing.
A very well written story with many twists and turns throughout. You will be kept enthralled as Hill pulls you into this storyline and doesn't let you go again until the final page. Very well paced book with believable characters.
An absolute winner!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Jonathan Stark returns to the legal profession after a five year sabbatical and finds himself immersed in an ongoing investigation by DCI McGuigan where a serial killer is on the loose and had a very specific of killing.
A very well written story with many twists and turns throughout. You will be kept enthralled as Hill pulls you into this storyline and doesn't let you go again until the final page. Very well paced book with believable characters.
An absolute winner!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
November 13, 2023
What a fabulous gripping tangled Web of characters and their stories twisting and turning into one massive twist.
This book had me captured from the very first page to the last. It's one of those books you just can't put down, and I just couldn't. At times, it had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails.
This is a very gripping, cleverly written storyline and plot, with strong characters and great descriptive . There are surprising revelations and many a twist and turn.
This is my first book by this author, and it's a must to read more.
I would definitely recommend this book, which is a thoroughly enjoyable gripping read.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
This book had me captured from the very first page to the last. It's one of those books you just can't put down, and I just couldn't. At times, it had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails.
This is a very gripping, cleverly written storyline and plot, with strong characters and great descriptive . There are surprising revelations and many a twist and turn.
This is my first book by this author, and it's a must to read more.
I would definitely recommend this book, which is a thoroughly enjoyable gripping read.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
January 21, 2025
OK writing I suppose, but the plot by itself removed four stars from my potential rating. After torturing myself to finish this, the only reason I didn’t fling this book at the wall muttering nasty words that it was on my Kindle.
A good mystery should provide enough information such that, while a denouement may surprise the reader, one will be able to say “oops, I should have seen that coming”. A just-okay mystery can have a final reveal with one “huh? where did that come from?” with absolutely no clues or foreshadowing. The last few chapters of The Surgeon have one jarring reveal after another, involving several murders and a couple other oh-so-convenient deaths.
The quasi-paranormal was similarly unnecessary.
A good mystery should provide enough information such that, while a denouement may surprise the reader, one will be able to say “oops, I should have seen that coming”. A just-okay mystery can have a final reveal with one “huh? where did that come from?” with absolutely no clues or foreshadowing. The last few chapters of The Surgeon have one jarring reveal after another, involving several murders and a couple other oh-so-convenient deaths.
The quasi-paranormal was similarly unnecessary.
October 31, 2023
A five year killing spree by the serial killer dubbed by the press as The Surgeon is still nowhere near being solved by the police.
Trainee lawyer Jonathan Stark, whose past is littered with trauma, joins the firm of SJPS. Events very quickly take over his life, and he finds himself embroiled in the search for the killer along with local police in Glasgow.
I just couldn't guess what was coming next and really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. Twists and turns a-plenty to keep you guessing with a touch of the supernatural thrown in for good measure.
Read it and enjoy!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
Trainee lawyer Jonathan Stark, whose past is littered with trauma, joins the firm of SJPS. Events very quickly take over his life, and he finds himself embroiled in the search for the killer along with local police in Glasgow.
I just couldn't guess what was coming next and really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. Twists and turns a-plenty to keep you guessing with a touch of the supernatural thrown in for good measure.
Read it and enjoy!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
November 10, 2023
The best crime novel I've read this year. The doyens of Scottish noir need to watch their backs. There's a new kid on the block who certainly writes as good as - probably even better - than Stuart MacBride, Ian Rankin and Chris Brookmyre.
This novel is brilliantly plotted, original and ingenious, slick and smart, totally addictive, and overflowing with clever twists.
There's plenty of wry digs at lawyers, witty and succinct dialogue, a sprinkling of black humour, and a supernatural element written with the same panache as James Oswald.
Karl Hill is a writer ready to overtake all his competitors in the fast lane to literary success.
This novel is brilliantly plotted, original and ingenious, slick and smart, totally addictive, and overflowing with clever twists.
There's plenty of wry digs at lawyers, witty and succinct dialogue, a sprinkling of black humour, and a supernatural element written with the same panache as James Oswald.
Karl Hill is a writer ready to overtake all his competitors in the fast lane to literary success.
November 1, 2023
I have read several books by this author and really enjoyed them all. I can add this one to that list now. It's a cracking read, a combination of a thriller and a police procedural. I initially thought it was going to be a normal procedural, not that I would be complaining about that, but it took off in ways I never imagined.
There are actually a few different stories going on here and the way they are interlinked is brilliant. The conclusion at the end was also excellent. I highly recommend it.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
There are actually a few different stories going on here and the way they are interlinked is brilliant. The conclusion at the end was also excellent. I highly recommend it.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
November 4, 2023
A gritty yet absorbing read- It took me a while to get to grips with all the various characters and their relationships- but then I could not put it down. The twists and turns woven into the plot made for an intriguing and engaging read- and the details, (whilst sometimes harrowing) hinted and teased at a variety of outcomes – none of which I got right until the last couple of chapters!! If you are a fan of gritty thrillers, this is the book for you! Hoping for more from this author!
Thanks to Bloodhound for the ARC read
Thanks to Bloodhound for the ARC read
November 11, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised to discover this book is mainly set in and around Glasgow, so I was familiar with a lot of the locations, as most are based at least loosely on real places.
Lots of drama and death in this story - the action is very fast-paced, which is something I enjoy very much.
There are quite a few storylines I'm the book, all of which do come to their respective conclusions. However, just the main plotline would have been more than strong enough to hold my attention!
Thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for the eARC of this book.
Lots of drama and death in this story - the action is very fast-paced, which is something I enjoy very much.
There are quite a few storylines I'm the book, all of which do come to their respective conclusions. However, just the main plotline would have been more than strong enough to hold my attention!
Thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for the eARC of this book.
November 13, 2023
The cover caught my eye, and the story between the covers kept me interested and turning pages till the end... Not to mention that I stayed awake deep into the night, just to see what DCI McGuigan would do next. Great narrative, great characters... I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope that this will be turned into a series because I would love to see the main character in another story. Karl Hill is a new author to me, and I am looking forward to reading his other books. Big thanks to Bloodhound Books for my ARC.
October 22, 2025
A couple of good twists and turns, but some really came out of the blue.
I like my thrillers to be such that with some good reasoning and following the clues, you could solve the mystery yourself. That means that the clues have to be in there somewhere. Nowadays, twists seem to mean 'deus ex machinas', which I do not like.
While I don't mind a supernatural aspect (in fact on the contrary because I love John Connolly's books), it didn't seem to convince me in this book. They felt more like tricks to move the story forward when the author got stumped.
I like my thrillers to be such that with some good reasoning and following the clues, you could solve the mystery yourself. That means that the clues have to be in there somewhere. Nowadays, twists seem to mean 'deus ex machinas', which I do not like.
While I don't mind a supernatural aspect (in fact on the contrary because I love John Connolly's books), it didn't seem to convince me in this book. They felt more like tricks to move the story forward when the author got stumped.
November 5, 2023
Non stop action and suspense. Sometimes when a book has too many coincidences it loses credibility but despite the connections, coincidences and dreams this kept me gripped and invested. I hadn't worked out who in SJPS was involved and what Edward's interest in Jonathan was, which added to the shock element. I love a book set in Glasgow and this didn't disappoint with reference to current extablishments etc. I'll be looking for more by this author. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
November 14, 2023
Five years after surviving a massacre at Jonathan applies for a position at another law firm. Meanwhile DCI McGuigan is hunting the serial killer known as "the Surgeon". When a piece of paper in the basement triggers a nightmare for Jonathan it seems to offer clues to the Surgeon's identity. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won't be the last. And I would love to see Jonathan & McGuigan back in another book.
November 18, 2023
I haven't read any books by this author before but the outline appealed and I wasn't disappointed. From the very beginning you are drawn in to the drama and characters are really well written. From the first page to the last(ish) I had no idea who the killer was - for me the mark of a really well written book.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but all views are my own.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but all views are my own.
November 20, 2023
Complex, twisty, gripping and more!! Loved the level of detail and the presentation of the story unfolding from both legal sides. I have never read this author but will certainly look for more!! It kept me thinking, and kept me guessing throughout and most of all it kept me awake when I needed to be sleeping and reading when I should have been doing other things and that, in my opinion, is the definition of a thriller!! Get this book and get ready to be entertained and intrigued !
November 10, 2023
Absolutely loved this book, it was full of suspense and bloody enough to keep my interest.
The plot was fast paced and well written and the characters were relatable, I liked Jonathan Stark and found the supernatural element fitted with the story perfectly. The ending was great too!
Will definitely read more from this author.
The plot was fast paced and well written and the characters were relatable, I liked Jonathan Stark and found the supernatural element fitted with the story perfectly. The ending was great too!
Will definitely read more from this author.
November 18, 2023
The surgeon by Karl Hill.
Five years ago, Jonathan Stark was working as a lawyer when a massacre took place, leaving most of his co-workers dead and left him in a coma for eight weeks.
This was a good read which I slowly got into. I did like Stark and McGuigan. Twisty. I didn't see that coming. I would love to see more from these 2. 4*.
Five years ago, Jonathan Stark was working as a lawyer when a massacre took place, leaving most of his co-workers dead and left him in a coma for eight weeks.
This was a good read which I slowly got into. I did like Stark and McGuigan. Twisty. I didn't see that coming. I would love to see more from these 2. 4*.
September 24, 2024
I read this as i really liked the Adam Black thrillers by the same author. This book was a good read, definitely a page turner. But i think the last 10% or so of it really had some "jump the shark" elements as to be a little silly.
I still give it 4/5 because the plot was well sewn together and it was an enjoyable read.
I still give it 4/5 because the plot was well sewn together and it was an enjoyable read.
October 24, 2023
As I read this story, I was wondering why the title "The Surgeon". The more I read, the more I understood the title. But there is a story within this story, and the connection was a huge surprise! A job well done Mr. Hill!!! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
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