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DS Tomek Bowen #5
Death's Taste
On a windy and blistering cold morning, Morgana Usyk, owner of one of DS Tomek Bowen’s favourite haunts, Morgana’s Café, visits Mulberry Harbour a little over a mile out to sea.
A short while later, her body is found in the shallows, floating beside the harbour.
Early reports and eyewitness accounts they saw the killer fleeing the scene. But when storm Alisha rolls in, washing away all evidence, Bowen and the team are left stranded.
Now the water’s rising.
And Morgana’s is not the only body they're going to find in it.
A short while later, her body is found in the shallows, floating beside the harbour.
Early reports and eyewitness accounts they saw the killer fleeing the scene. But when storm Alisha rolls in, washing away all evidence, Bowen and the team are left stranded.
Now the water’s rising.
And Morgana’s is not the only body they're going to find in it.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2024
About the author
Jack Probyn
218 books119 followersI’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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 6, 2025
I am really enjoying this series, and you get to grow with the characters. It has made me want to go to the region as well. The surprises at the ending were brilliant. I so wasn't expecting that...
I think that you do need to start from book 1 to really grasp the series and family dynamics which are really complicated.
Updated for audio
I am in the process of listening to the series and the narration is superb. He just captures exactly how I think Tomek would speak. This book doesnt concentrate on the family life (there are elements which are like little teasers) but it concentrates on the crime. The books really need to be listened in order as each builds on the previous. The crime itself was very interesting and thought provoking - like the previous ones. What I struggled to get my head around was the swearing (not actual) in the police just cant see that happening but it suited the characters so well so it needed to be there.
I think that you do need to start from book 1 to really grasp the series and family dynamics which are really complicated.
Updated for audio
I am in the process of listening to the series and the narration is superb. He just captures exactly how I think Tomek would speak. This book doesnt concentrate on the family life (there are elements which are like little teasers) but it concentrates on the crime. The books really need to be listened in order as each builds on the previous. The crime itself was very interesting and thought provoking - like the previous ones. What I struggled to get my head around was the swearing (not actual) in the police just cant see that happening but it suited the characters so well so it needed to be there.
April 4, 2024
Another gripping story from this author. It's interesting to see how he is developing the characters, especially between Tomek and his daughter. Can't wait for book number six.
April 8, 2024
I've really grown with the characters in this series. Tomek and teenage daughter Kasia as well as the police team assisting him. It's always a joy to catch up with them.
This time a somewhat familiar character is found murdered and a strange figure seen holding her runs off.
As the team try and uncover the mystery, more and more of the suspects turn up dead. Slightly hampering their efforts.
Tomeks boss Nick has been suspended on the back on the sex trafficking investigation of the last book. Victoria is in temporary charge and its clear that she will favour her boyfriend Sean. Leaving Tomek constantly on the outside.
I loved how Tomek handled this. With help from the young detective he nicknamed pepper, who was desperate to he his best friend, they manage go uncover more to move the case along. They are a great duo and I hope they continue to work more together.
At the same time as this is going on Tomek is still getting nightmares and then Stanley, his brothers killer, sends a letter from prison.
As a result of this book I have to say the thought of eating bacon is going to turn my stomach for a while!
Another fantastic, cleverly written and executed tightly plotted story that knits together perfectly.
This time a somewhat familiar character is found murdered and a strange figure seen holding her runs off.
As the team try and uncover the mystery, more and more of the suspects turn up dead. Slightly hampering their efforts.
Tomeks boss Nick has been suspended on the back on the sex trafficking investigation of the last book. Victoria is in temporary charge and its clear that she will favour her boyfriend Sean. Leaving Tomek constantly on the outside.
I loved how Tomek handled this. With help from the young detective he nicknamed pepper, who was desperate to he his best friend, they manage go uncover more to move the case along. They are a great duo and I hope they continue to work more together.
At the same time as this is going on Tomek is still getting nightmares and then Stanley, his brothers killer, sends a letter from prison.
As a result of this book I have to say the thought of eating bacon is going to turn my stomach for a while!
Another fantastic, cleverly written and executed tightly plotted story that knits together perfectly.
April 15, 2024
Since visiting his brother’s murderer in prison, Tomek’s nightmares have abated but he’s still in two minds as to whether or not he really saw a second killer, the mysterious Charlie in his dreams. Anyway, he has plenty to occupy his mind as the body of his favourite café owner Morgana has been discovered at a local tourist spot, the sunken Mulberry Harbour, held beneath the water and drowned. A man was seen standing over her body but ran before anyone could catch him. That’s the new case for the solid and very likable team at Southend CID, which includes Tomek, DCI “Nasty Nick” Cleaves (a father figure to Tomek despite their love/hate relationship), DI Victoria Orange and 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. Soon after one key witness reports a stalker and another is found dead, and, with Nick suspended after links to a previous case, the pressure is on the rest of the team to find a motive for the murder and a decent suspect. Can Tomek battle through all the lies to finally reach the truth about Morgana’s death?
Tomek might have thought he was dealing better with his brother’s death thirty years ago but the old wounds are immediately reopened when he gets a tormenting letter from HMP Wakefield. Meanwhile he still sometimes struggles with understanding his newly discovered teenage daughter and balancing life with new girlfriend reporter Abigail as well. The team also feels divided now Victoria and Sean are an item, with Victoria creating s strained atmosphere, however the comradery and humour are still plentiful between all the detectives (I do like Oscar in particular!) as they plough through more bodies and seemingly fruitless leads in a gripping story with lots of twists and surprises 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!
Tomek might have thought he was dealing better with his brother’s death thirty years ago but the old wounds are immediately reopened when he gets a tormenting letter from HMP Wakefield. Meanwhile he still sometimes struggles with understanding his newly discovered teenage daughter and balancing life with new girlfriend reporter Abigail as well. The team also feels divided now Victoria and Sean are an item, with Victoria creating s strained atmosphere, however the comradery and humour are still plentiful between all the detectives (I do like Oscar in particular!) as they plough through more bodies and seemingly fruitless leads in a gripping story with lots of twists and surprises 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!
September 18, 2024
Book 5 in the DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Series & the pace has ramped up a notch . It was a pleasure to join Tomek once more & this time his heritage becomes a very useful tool in the investigation. The police procedural element of the story is to the fore with much less of his private life highlighted, although we are still given glimpses of how things are progressing on certain fronts.
A woman’s body is discovered by Mulberry Harbour & the killer is witnessed running away from the scene. However, the tide is coming in fast & the body is hauled on to the structure by those that found her; contaminating what little evidence there was left once the sea had had its way. Tomek recognises the victim, she owns the café he likes to frequent & he thought he knew her; how wrong he was. So begins a complex tale with many overlapping threads which are not necessarily connected.
This was a great read but I do think you need to visit the other books in the series first; Tomek has too much backstory for the author to be able to tell it every time & me telling you to read other books isn’t really an onerous task. Is Tomek mellowing with age or is the responsibility of fatherhood forcing him to grow up? Perhaps I’ll find out in book 6, which is ready & waiting on my tbr pile.
A woman’s body is discovered by Mulberry Harbour & the killer is witnessed running away from the scene. However, the tide is coming in fast & the body is hauled on to the structure by those that found her; contaminating what little evidence there was left once the sea had had its way. Tomek recognises the victim, she owns the café he likes to frequent & he thought he knew her; how wrong he was. So begins a complex tale with many overlapping threads which are not necessarily connected.
This was a great read but I do think you need to visit the other books in the series first; Tomek has too much backstory for the author to be able to tell it every time & me telling you to read other books isn’t really an onerous task. Is Tomek mellowing with age or is the responsibility of fatherhood forcing him to grow up? Perhaps I’ll find out in book 6, which is ready & waiting on my tbr pile.
April 5, 2024
I absolutely love Tomek and his wicked sense of humour had me laughing away to myself, I’m sure if anyone had seen me they would have thought me a bit simple! The best one was when his daughter asked for a present, and his thoughts on the subject were just hilarious.
This time however through events of an officious nature Nick is no longer there to support Tomek, and he’s left more or less to his own devices with only Chey for support. Sean and Victoria having taken control of events and are making Tomek’s life difficult. As more people go missing and despite continuous enquiries, it’s a difficult case to crack.
However, Tomek being the tenacious policeman he is, slowly begins to piece it all together, and nothing is what it seems. Coupled with a prisoner from Wakefield Prison who was involved with the murder of his younger brother, getting in contact, and he seems to know a lot about Tomek’s life, and this is causing him some concerns.
I have to say I was really surprised at the ending, I hadn’t a clue who was really behind it all, and it was very grim in parts. However, I love a grim tale, and this was just fabulous. Jack has left the ending open for another story to emerge, and I personally can’t wait for the next one.
This time however through events of an officious nature Nick is no longer there to support Tomek, and he’s left more or less to his own devices with only Chey for support. Sean and Victoria having taken control of events and are making Tomek’s life difficult. As more people go missing and despite continuous enquiries, it’s a difficult case to crack.
However, Tomek being the tenacious policeman he is, slowly begins to piece it all together, and nothing is what it seems. Coupled with a prisoner from Wakefield Prison who was involved with the murder of his younger brother, getting in contact, and he seems to know a lot about Tomek’s life, and this is causing him some concerns.
I have to say I was really surprised at the ending, I hadn’t a clue who was really behind it all, and it was very grim in parts. However, I love a grim tale, and this was just fabulous. Jack has left the ending open for another story to emerge, and I personally can’t wait for the next one.
April 7, 2024
It is a cold and windy morning in Mulberry Harbour and a body is found floating in the sea. When the body is identified they find that is it Morgana Usyk, who is the owner of Morgana’s café a very popular restaurant on the sea front and just happened to be DS Tomek Bowen’s favourite restaurant. But an eyewitness says they seen a man in black crouching over the body. But when he was discovered, he ran away. When the Police interview witnesses, they seem to all end up dead. Why was Morgana murdered? And why is her death linked to the restaurant she owned?
Death’s Taste is book 5 in the series and it’s his best one yet. This is another twisty thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the end. It kept me reading to the small hours of the morning and curious to know what happens next after we are yet again left an abrupt but intriguing ending. 5 stars
Death’s Taste is book 5 in the series and it’s his best one yet. This is another twisty thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the end. It kept me reading to the small hours of the morning and curious to know what happens next after we are yet again left an abrupt but intriguing ending. 5 stars
February 5, 2025
Death's Taste: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 5), my seventh read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with well-developed main characters that continue to grow in depth and a 318-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 Saviour: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 7) 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).
April 15, 2024
This is a fantastic addition to this series as we rejoin Tomek and the gang down in Essex! This time it’s a race against the clock to find whose murdered our favourite cafe owner Morgana and the suspense and twists and turns had me hooked and on the edge of my seat. No matter what I guessed it was completely wrong as I followed our favourite detective and the team who seem to be at odds with each other. With the bodies piling up and a storm washing away the evidence, can they catch the killer/s in time. It’s tense, it’s gripping and this is definitely more than a little dark but boy is it good and I enjoyed every minute!
April 15, 2024
I have always enjoyed Jack Probyn's books,
and the DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thrillers have become a great favourite.
This one, which is book 5, I think is the best one yet, and I certainly hadn't a clue who the killer was. It came as quite a surprise.
This is one of those books. Once you start to read, it's very hard to put down.
It has an edge of your seat, a well written gripping storyline, and a plot with many a twist, turn, and revelations. There are also strong characters and great descriptive.
My thanks to the author. I look forward to the next book.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
and the DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thrillers have become a great favourite.
This one, which is book 5, I think is the best one yet, and I certainly hadn't a clue who the killer was. It came as quite a surprise.
This is one of those books. Once you start to read, it's very hard to put down.
It has an edge of your seat, a well written gripping storyline, and a plot with many a twist, turn, and revelations. There are also strong characters and great descriptive.
My thanks to the author. I look forward to the next book.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
April 21, 2024
This is number 5 in the DS Tomek Bowen series and the best yet.
The body of an unidentified woman is found and as soon as Tomek sees the crime scene pictures he recognises her.
Unfortunately his superior officer is suspended which leaves Tomek somewhat out in the cold.
More people, both witnesses and suspects, are found dead and Tomek needs to determine what is going on!
Lots of twists and turns in this one and I had no clue as to who was responsible and what the motive was.
Can’t wait for the next one!
The body of an unidentified woman is found and as soon as Tomek sees the crime scene pictures he recognises her.
Unfortunately his superior officer is suspended which leaves Tomek somewhat out in the cold.
More people, both witnesses and suspects, are found dead and Tomek needs to determine what is going on!
Lots of twists and turns in this one and I had no clue as to who was responsible and what the motive was.
Can’t wait for the next one!
April 6, 2024
The characters of Tomek, his daughter Kashia, and his work colleagues, have developed well over the course of this series. The initial murder mystery here deepens as potential witnesses all die before they can give their stories to the police. It's a real puzzle and Tomek's superior sometimes disagrees with his interpretation of events. A story that pulls you in and makes you care, and an unexpected ending.
April 8, 2024
Another great read with Tomek and crew…so good. I loved this “case”, super interesting with so many different parts, very complex and I definitely had to keep everything straight when I could. I’m not a big fan of Victoria and her affect on Sean and Tomek’s friendship but I guess that’s life for you although she did redeem herself somewhat in my eyes lol. Tomek has some thinking to do regarding his future and of course the cliffhanger????? 5 star recommendation from me!!
April 14, 2024
The newest edition in this series and, perhaps the best yet.
Tomek investigates the death of someone he knows and finds himself encountering a number of good, and definitely not so good, people.
The relationship with his daughter and girlfriend continue to develop and we also encounter some of the fallout from the arrests of well-known community people from an earlier volume.
Now looking forward to the next one coming later in the year. Highly recommend.
Tomek investigates the death of someone he knows and finds himself encountering a number of good, and definitely not so good, people.
The relationship with his daughter and girlfriend continue to develop and we also encounter some of the fallout from the arrests of well-known community people from an earlier volume.
Now looking forward to the next one coming later in the year. Highly recommend.
April 16, 2024
A body is found floating in the water. DS Tomek is investigating the murder that leads to more murders. A thrilling murder mystery that leads you in a number of directions keeping you wanting more. Tomek's brother's murder still haunts him and he visits the murderer in prison. He is also learning to be a father to his daughter he only recently met. A number of story lines within to enhance the novel.
April 22, 2024
Another great read from the author, I’ve been with DS Tomek from the start and I have to say it’s great seeing his character evolve and those of the team he works with. Tomek is an acquired taste in character I would say, I could see some people loving him and some hating him. Personally I think he’s great, his dry sarcastic wit and humour just makes me chuckle. A series of books which just get better and better.
May 27, 2026
Once again, DS Tomek Bowen must overcome the vagaries of his fellow police officers and the bosses to solve a murder. This one hits close to home because he knew the victim. The strange broken ship part in the harbor left there after WWII become the scene of the first murder. I appreciate that Tomek struggles with his personal relationships during the investigation. The author is good at creating realistic scenarios. A good story.
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April 12, 2024Morgana, the owner of Tomek’s favourite restaurant is found dead in the harbour, with a man who promptly runs off. Tomek and his team have to work out why, but their witnesses keep meeting grisly ends. This is the fifth book in the Tomek Bowen series and kept me guessing to the end (which is good, as was the story).
April 15, 2024
Another good Tomek story. This one concerns an acquaintance of Tomek's who is murdered and left out in the Essex marshes. As the investigation progresses all is not as it seems initially and the plot twists and turns as the story develops. Tomek renews a friendship with an old school friend. An easy well written read.
April 15, 2024
What an awesome page turner Jack has produced as usual. With each chapter, the storyline took you in so many ways. They wanted to stay with a particular line of questioning, but our wonderful Tomek had a feeling it wasn't right.
He was so right, a truly amazing author who keeps you on your toes with his superb writing.
I totally recommend this book.
Thank you, Jack Probyn ....
He was so right, a truly amazing author who keeps you on your toes with his superb writing.
I totally recommend this book.
Thank you, Jack Probyn ....
July 28, 2024
A real page turner!
I love this series, not just because they’re set in my neck of the woods, but because so full of twists and red herrings. Just when you think you’ve worked it out, a new suspect or evidence.
I’m also still so invested in Tomek’s nightmares, I’m certain there’ll be a massive plot twist there too.
I love this series, not just because they’re set in my neck of the woods, but because so full of twists and red herrings. Just when you think you’ve worked it out, a new suspect or evidence.
I’m also still so invested in Tomek’s nightmares, I’m certain there’ll be a massive plot twist there too.
September 3, 2024
Book 5 Death’s Taste by Jack Proby. Morgana, favorite cafe owner is found dead in the estuary. It is a tricky place since the tide comes in fast making it difficult to analyze the crime scene. It is another twist and turn murder mystery with lots of confusion around family members. In grabs you and doesn’t let you go until the end. I recommend it but start with book 1.
April 15, 2024
As always DS Tomek is the best at solving crimes. Now it’s Morgana from his favourite place. Will he solve the case before more crimes are committed. Full of suspense and secrets to keep you intrigued.
April 22, 2024
another excellent book by Jack Probyn
I agree with other reviews that this is the best yet in the series. The characters are developing and the plots twists and turns are excellent. Will look forward to No 6 in this series.
I agree with other reviews that this is the best yet in the series. The characters are developing and the plots twists and turns are excellent. Will look forward to No 6 in this series.
August 3, 2024
Another fantastic book in the DS Tomek Bowen series. Jack Probyn delivers lots of twist and turns throughout, and leaves you guessing right to the end.
I highly recommended this book, but suggest if you haven't ready the rest of the series that you do so first. You won't be disappointed.
I highly recommended this book, but suggest if you haven't ready the rest of the series that you do so first. You won't be disappointed.
February 28, 2026
This series gets better and better every book. The relationships between the characters are growing and add to the depth of the plot. The plot has many turns and twists and the ending a bit of a surprise even if it did gross me out.
April 13, 2024
What a book, getting better each time
April 14, 2024
This is a great book, I enjoyed it. It held my interest from beginning to end.
May 6, 2024
Another fantastic read from Jack. They just keep getting better and better. Can't wait for the next one in the series.
June 4, 2024
Surprised with the ending but was always enjoy this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews