Death's Kiss

DS Tomek Bowen #4

by Jack Probyn

The darkest secrets never stay secret for long…

When the body of a homeless man is discovered on Southend seafront, wedged between the beach huts of Thorpe Bay, the people of Essex don’t raise an eyebrow.

But when the post-mortem reveals the identity to be that of local MP, Herbert Tucker, the town begins to sit up.

As the tide of political and media pressure begins to swell, DS Tomek Bowen must navigate the turbulent waters of the MP's past to determine who would want to stage such a dramatic end for him.

Although, with a history as colourful as Herbert's, it soon becomes clear there’s no shortage of suspects.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime

342 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2024

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

[Helen Stead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good storyline, following the life of Tomek Bowen. Lots of detailed action, both in his personal life as well as at work, with Tomek and his team clearing Southend of drug dealers and sex traffickers. It's been interesting seeing the characters develop, especially the relationship between Tomek and his daughter. I felt the conclusion was slightly rushed but I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. How Jack has managed to write four books in five months, I do not know, but keep up the good work Jack.

[Kirstie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series - all released in the last 5 months and I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one.
They are all fast paced, and all cleverly written.
This one was left on such a cliffhanger that I can't wait until the next one comes out so I can see how it pans out.
Definitely up there with one of my favourite series - would highly recommend.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is getting better and better and is working so well. Once I get started I just have to finish as it is so good, then disappointed when I finish.
There are some trigger warnings here especially swearing but it fits in with the character so I didn't mind.
It seemed to be very well researched for the area, I don't know it but the author brought it to life. I did worry initially as the Southend MP was murdered recently but it is so different. The descriptions re football were so good, my husband supports grass roots football so it all rang true.

Updated for audio version
I am relistening to this series and it is as good as when I first read it. There is love for the area which shines throw. The crime itself is fascinating and how it unravels. The relationship between Tomek and his daughter is being more and more developed and it works well.

I really liked the narration it suits Tomek

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

MP Herbert Tucker was a really nasty piece of work, but just who considered him so bad that he deserved to be abducted from the council house car park, re-dressed in a homeless man’s clothes and murdered in a particularly horrible way? That’s the new case for the solid and very likable team at Southend CID, which includes Tomek, DCI “Nasty Nick” Cleaves, DI Victoria Orange, DS Sean Campbell and DCs Chey Carter, Nadia Chakrabarti, Rachel Hamilton, Oscar Perez, Anna Kaczmarek and Martin Brown, each with their very own distinct skill set which produces a highly efficient investigation. Whilst Tomek battles the nightmares about his brother’s murder 30 years ago, his teenage daughter Kasia is also struggling after her ordeal in the previous story and both will need help to lay those terrors to rest as he finds himself and his colleagues plunged into a very complicated case leading them to a vipers’ nest of suspects involving some high profile and apparently untouchable individuals. How long will it be until someone breaks their dark code of silence?
The comradery and humour are plentiful between all the detectives (Nick’s sighs in particular!) as they plough through mounds of evidence and seemingly fruitless leads in a gripping story with lots of twists and red herrings to fool the reader and an ending I didn’t see coming. The main characters are now firmly established and I can’t wait to see what happens to them all next!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death’s Kiss is book 4 in the Tomek Bowen series and it’s his best one yet.
When a body of a homeless man turns up, nobody really cares until they find out who he really is. The body of MP Herbet Tucker. The man is an infuriating, tenacious and Narcissistic person and anyone who comes across him wanted him dead. But who did kill him and why? Ds Tomek Bowen and his team, once again, the forefront of the investigation. Which leads them dealings with drugs, corruption and people trafficking.
We also delve more not Tomek personal life. He is now on the dating scene and at the same time with his busy life helping is daughter Kasia get rid of the ghosts that seem to haunt her every night.
This is amazing read from the author. Not just as a police procedural but I like to know more about Tomek. He is such a likeable character, and this story has a great sense of humour to it too. And with an ending leaving you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next one. 5 stars from me.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death's Kiss: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 4), my sixth read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with well-developed main characters that continue to grow in depth and a 342-page noir crime 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 Taste: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 5) 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).

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four books in & I'm loving this series. Tomek Bowen & his team are a mixed bunch, aren’t they always, but all bring something to the party & although you feel you shouldn’t like the main man, you can’t help yourself.

The body of a homeless man is discovered but it transpires that he was far from homeless & the death had been staged. The body is actually that of a disliked MP & that is putting it mildly; cue suspects aplenty. Alongside the main story, we find out more about the murder of Tomek’s brother when they were small & Kasia has her own demons to battle.

I had brain ache by the end of the book, so much going on & ending on a cliffhanger! I would’ve read book 5 anyway but now I’m going to have to & I recommend you read this fabulous series too.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 of 7 Death’s Kiss by Jack Proby. After solving the case of the dead teenagers, DS Tomeck Bowen finds himself and the team investigating the death of a local politician who no one seems to like. In other words, there might be lots of potential killers out there including his wife. This is an excellent series with private life issues for Tomeck and his 13 year old daughter, Kasia, and his job. He is adjusting to being a dad since Kasia just showed up on his porch 2 books ago when her mother went to prison. Tomeck had no idea he had a child so both are getting to know each other. The book could have been shorter and still have been good but I enjoy the writing style so I was happy to meander with the author. Glad there are 3 more books.

[Janet S · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

A high profile man is kidnapped and found murdered in bizarre circumstances. As the pool of potential suspects grows Tomek and the team, headed by an increasingly nervous Nick, find themselves having to tread very carefully during the investigation.

Meanwhile Tomek finds himself having to get background information from a local journalist. Will there meetings lead to romance?

A really brilliant storyline full of twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the very end. I loved it.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Probyn's books just keep getting better and better, and this book 4 in the series DS Tomek Bowen thrillers is the best yet.
It's one of those books that captures you from start to finish.
Tomek may have a strange sense of humour and swears a lot, but this is part of his character, and I've come to like him the more as I've got to know him.
This is a gripping storyline and plot with many a twist.
Jack has his own unique way of writing that brings the story and characters to life.
I never did guess who.
A definite for anyone looking for a really good book.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel we're really getting to know Tomek Bowen now, by Book 4. He's investigation the abduction of the local MP but things rapidly become murkier. A body turns up and there are no end of people who might hate him enough to kill him. The team have a huge task to interview a group of fellow members of an exclusive club of which the MP was a member. This is an exciting story and I didn't guess who was responsible. We also get a little further with Tomek's personal problems, which form a background to his work life. I'll be eager to read the next.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th Tomek Bowen book, following the life of this Essex detective. Here he has to discover who killed Herbert Tucker, the local MP, whose body was left dressed like a vagrant. Tomek discovers a web of illegal activity involving powerful people in positions of trust.
This book was as enjoyable as the previous three, and it is good to see Tomek grow into fatherhood and develop his relationship with his daughter. The book ended in a way that means I’m looking forward to reading the next instalment in Tomek’s story.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and its characters. Each book is full of murder, mystery and intrigue and the author does an incredible job drawing you into this world of politics, death and corruption. The storyline is gripping, captivating and brimming with twists and turns that keep you spinning and on the edge of your seat as our beloved characters continue to grown and develop and I am enjoying seeing Tomek and Kasia’s relationship become more as they help each other get through their troubles. I cannot wait to read more!

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this series. The main characters are really developing now, alongside each murder investigation. This time out it is the death of a not very pleasant local politician so there are quite a few suspects. There are also more hints as to the history of the main character DS Tomek Bowen, and the murder of his brother when they were children.
Lots to keep you guessing, and a great cliffhanger at the end leaving you wanting the next book. 4⭐️. Still don’t know how the author writes them so quick though!!
Disclaimer: I receive a free uncorrected copy of the ebook for honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Tomek Bowen series… and just as good as the others! A dead politician with lots of enemies and a twist I didn’t see until the very end! The underlying story of Tomeks relationship with his daughter is growing nicely and while it doesn’t feature as strongly as in previous books, she is still a very good character, but the ending…! Can’t wait for the next book! Excellent, riveting read as always.

[MIKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another awesome addition to this series. The action is non-stop and cerebral, which will (obviously) keep you thinking and on the edge of your chair.

Further character development of the lead detective adds to the intrigue as his personal life overlaps with his professional life.

I can't say too much more without spoiling the book for someone who hasn't read it yet, but I strongly recommend this book and all the books in the series to date!

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* murder, corruption and revenge

On a wet and windy night, the body of a man is found lying between the beach huts in Southend. He's later identified as Herbert Tucker, a local MP.

Tucker was thoroughly disliked, with more enemies than friends, providing Southend CID, lead by DS Tomek Bowen, numerous suspects, but who would hate him enough to commit murder.

Fourth book in this particular series, each containing a different investigation.

Cleverly written with a believable plot.

[R.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like the Detective Sergeant Tomek in this series. I like seeing the growth in his relationship with his surprise daughter. In this story Tomek deals with the death of a wealthy politician in is area who is dressed as a homeless man so no one would notice his body. The story grows and develops into a massive police operation because it isn't just about murder but about a lot of rich powerful people doing evil things in the town. Good read.

[Lindy Protzek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely love each book more than the last. Tomek is such a character, a total sweetheart and so funny but can be a brat for sure lol. A great cast of characters all around. This particular book most definitely left us wanting more and impatiently waiting until the next book. Truly becoming one of my favourite series….bring on the next one Jack!

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great story and a great addition to the series. I recommend everyone read this book, it is wonderful! It is well written and I was drawn into the story from beginning to end. I was given an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dead homeless man who isn’t who everyone thought he was. Secrets, dangers that need answers and quickly. Each page leads you further into possible paths with what the townspeople know. As always DS Tomek will do his best to find the truth.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great offering from the author in his Tomek series. Well written police procedurals with a great bunch of characters, I do love a good series that you can get your teeth in to, seeing the dynamics of the team unfold. I do hope there is more to come.

[Saadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

dirty deeds slowly uncovered

Local dead body leads to uncovering a cesspool of corruption and depravity. I wondered about the layers unfurling. The central character is developing his relationships towards his own psyche, his child and others.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, an excellent book by Jack Probyn. His books just get better and better. I have grown to expect the unexpected in his books but he never fails to add a brilliant twist at the end. Superb!

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth book in DS Tomek Bowen series. The body of a homeless man is found in Southend. No one pays much notice, until his true identity is discovered. It transpires the man had something of a colourful background, making the list of suspects quite long!

[Mountainhombre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still like the main characters who do come alive.

This novel had so many characters that I was often confused as to who they were. It would have helped to have periodic reminders such as "John Doe, the newspaper editor . . .".

[Barbara Birchall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as thrilling as the first three

Almost but not quite. An interesting enough story but something is missing. I feel as if I missed out on the background stories of the main characters. I should know more but I don't.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series started out slow for me but as the characters develop and their relationships become more complex, it is more interesting. The plotline doesn't follow a predictable path and there is always something at the end left unfinished to encourage you to go to the next in the series.

[Sharon Uberoi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this read but not as much as the others so far in this series... M

Looking forward to the next one

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Jack. Each book in the series has got better and better as we learn more about Tomek. Highly recommended.