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DS Tomek Bowen #6
Death's Angel
Every angel deserves their wings…
When flight attendant Angelica Whitaker is reported missing after a night out at one of the most popular nightclubs in Southend, the case is handed to DS Tomek Bowen for the first time in his career.
As soon as the investigation begins, the finger is pointed at the man she danced with at the club, but when her body is later found in a church, posed like an angel, the same fingers begin to point towards a calculated, composed, and sadistic killer.
But as the investigation progresses, and as Tomek delves deeper into the victim’s life, it becomes clear that there is no shortage of suspects, and everyone’s got their secrets — some more than others…
When flight attendant Angelica Whitaker is reported missing after a night out at one of the most popular nightclubs in Southend, the case is handed to DS Tomek Bowen for the first time in his career.
As soon as the investigation begins, the finger is pointed at the man she danced with at the club, but when her body is later found in a church, posed like an angel, the same fingers begin to point towards a calculated, composed, and sadistic killer.
But as the investigation progresses, and as Tomek delves deeper into the victim’s life, it becomes clear that there is no shortage of suspects, and everyone’s got their secrets — some more than others…
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2024
About the author
Jack Probyn
218 books120 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 36 reviews
May 24, 2025
Just loved it. I started reading in an afternoon and had to keep going to finish as I wanted to find out who did it. There were so many options, I did guess, right though.
The deep story re Tomeks brother continues and wondering if there is going to be more to Abigail story.
He has captured teenage issues perfectly. How has he done that? It could have been my daughter's emotions.
The angst re parents and daughters was also well down I do worry about drink spiking etc.
Updated audio review
The narration of this series just works - the narrator gives the right vibe for the main characters and I just can escape into it. I had to just keep listening even though I had read it a while ago it was like it was all fresh .
The deep story re Tomeks brother continues and wondering if there is going to be more to Abigail story.
He has captured teenage issues perfectly. How has he done that? It could have been my daughter's emotions.
The angst re parents and daughters was also well down I do worry about drink spiking etc.
Updated audio review
The narration of this series just works - the narrator gives the right vibe for the main characters and I just can escape into it. I had to just keep listening even though I had read it a while ago it was like it was all fresh .
July 14, 2024
A bit disappointed with this story, especially the scenes set in the manor house. Sorry Jack, but too explicit for me. I still liked how the characters are developing but not one of my favourite books.
July 13, 2024
Well, once again I was absolutely delighted to be offered this ARC by Jack, and I do adore Tomek, and this is his best one yet. His character shines through, and he’s getting more confident as the series goes on.
I’m not going to spoil it for other readers, but one or two things that happen in the book really made me laugh out loud. The way it was written was very clever, and hilarious. I could imagine how Tomek felt having been out in that situation, on police business, having to endure what happened.
I finished the book in a day it was that good. I would say though, although this can be read as a stand alone, don’t spoil the series by reading this first. Background is there but read them all to get a bigger picture. I, personally can’t wait for the next one.
I’m not going to spoil it for other readers, but one or two things that happen in the book really made me laugh out loud. The way it was written was very clever, and hilarious. I could imagine how Tomek felt having been out in that situation, on police business, having to endure what happened.
I finished the book in a day it was that good. I would say though, although this can be read as a stand alone, don’t spoil the series by reading this first. Background is there but read them all to get a bigger picture. I, personally can’t wait for the next one.
July 22, 2024
A flight attendant working out of season in her sister-in-law’s jewellery shop goes for a night out to a club with three friends and has vanished. The shared taxi took her home but what happened after that? Could it be anything to do with one of her male admirers or the man she danced with who tried to spike her drink? This is the new case for DS Tomek Bowen, getting his first chance to be SIO. Of course, the reader has already heard little snippets from the killer, spending time with the woman to make her into a perfect angel. It’s not long before her body is found in an abandoned church, a neighbour alerted by the screams of three boys up to no good in there. It’s immediately clear to Tomek, Chey and Rachel, now joined by Oscar and Anna, that this is a very strange murder, since the body has been bizarrely posed and there’s a lot of blood. As the investigation opens up, more suspects come to light, including ex-boyfriends and an online stalker, and they discover there are lots of secrets surrounding Angelica’s life. One thing is certain – whatever her family may have thought, she was certainly no angel, but just who loved her to death?
Tomek is still haunted by events of thirty years ago when his brother Michal was murdered, and his nightmares are exacerbated by the fact that the jailed killer is sending him letters trying to strike up a friendship. Is Tomek now sure there was no second killer? Added to that, he has a teenage daughter to care for, the pressures of being in charge of a case and new pushy girlfriend Abigail who has just been promoted to editor of the Southend Echo is being demanding. There’s lots of humour to balance out the dark and disturbing nature of the crime, including one night out Tomek won’t forget in a hurry. This is a great series which gets better with every new story, and with the little teaser left for the reader at the end, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Tomek is still haunted by events of thirty years ago when his brother Michal was murdered, and his nightmares are exacerbated by the fact that the jailed killer is sending him letters trying to strike up a friendship. Is Tomek now sure there was no second killer? Added to that, he has a teenage daughter to care for, the pressures of being in charge of a case and new pushy girlfriend Abigail who has just been promoted to editor of the Southend Echo is being demanding. There’s lots of humour to balance out the dark and disturbing nature of the crime, including one night out Tomek won’t forget in a hurry. This is a great series which gets better with every new story, and with the little teaser left for the reader at the end, I can’t wait to see what happens next.
July 14, 2024
DS Tomek Bowen is handed is first case as SIO of missing woman Angelica Whitaker. The women disappears after a night out a nightclub. But when she found dead in a church, the team know that they have a sadistic killer on their hands. The parents wonder why they have targeted their daughter that can do know wrong and is an upstanding member of the community. But when the team delve into her private life. The woman is not as innocent as she seems. Even things her parents don’t know about.
Meanwhile we learn more about Tomek and his private life and his rocky romance with Abigail. That leads him in a bit of hot water with his bosses. He also continues to have nightmares about the person who killed his brother. Who keeps sending him letters from prison to ask him to contact him.
Death’s Angel is book 6 in the fabulous series by Jack Probyn. This has another addictive, gripping storyline. The quality of the writing doesn’t falter, and I like the humour in the storyline. Especially Tomek’s costume. But I won’t say anymore. I don’t want to give the storyline away. 5 stars from me.
Meanwhile we learn more about Tomek and his private life and his rocky romance with Abigail. That leads him in a bit of hot water with his bosses. He also continues to have nightmares about the person who killed his brother. Who keeps sending him letters from prison to ask him to contact him.
Death’s Angel is book 6 in the fabulous series by Jack Probyn. This has another addictive, gripping storyline. The quality of the writing doesn’t falter, and I like the humour in the storyline. Especially Tomek’s costume. But I won’t say anymore. I don’t want to give the storyline away. 5 stars from me.
March 29, 2025
I love these books & Tomek Bowen is a fabulous lead character. The team don’t just make up the numbers either so, although this could be read as a standalone (you won’t be disappointed), I would recommend reading the series from the start (you’ll thank me).
DS Tomek Bowen gets his first opportunity to be SIO when investigating a missing woman. This swiftly turns into a murder case & Tomek & his small, hand-picked team are up against it. Add in a stroppy teenage daughter, a fraught love life, the victim’s very dysfunctional family & taunts from Tomek’s brother’s killer & you have more than a police procedural.
I have already said how much I like these books & there are some hilarious moments in this one; I could feel Tomek squirming from my armchair. The writing flows easily & the pace is spot on. I’m a bit behind in reading this series & the next book is ready & waiting; if for no other reason than the concluding sentence of this one. How could you Jack?!
DS Tomek Bowen gets his first opportunity to be SIO when investigating a missing woman. This swiftly turns into a murder case & Tomek & his small, hand-picked team are up against it. Add in a stroppy teenage daughter, a fraught love life, the victim’s very dysfunctional family & taunts from Tomek’s brother’s killer & you have more than a police procedural.
I have already said how much I like these books & there are some hilarious moments in this one; I could feel Tomek squirming from my armchair. The writing flows easily & the pace is spot on. I’m a bit behind in reading this series & the next book is ready & waiting; if for no other reason than the concluding sentence of this one. How could you Jack?!
July 17, 2024
This is book 6 in the DS Tomek Bowen series and could be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading the others first to get more of an insight into the characters.
In the first book, I had a love-hate relationship with the character Tomek, but I have grown to love the character.
This is a very well written and gripping storyline and plot with strong characters and lovely descriptive.
There are revelations and many a twist and turn to that unexpected outcome and then left on a cliffhanger.
It did keep me guessing all the way through. At one point, I was right until I was distracted with other suspects.
I even found it amusing in parts and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and very much look forward to the next one.
This is a book I would definitely recommend.
My thanks to the author.
In the first book, I had a love-hate relationship with the character Tomek, but I have grown to love the character.
This is a very well written and gripping storyline and plot with strong characters and lovely descriptive.
There are revelations and many a twist and turn to that unexpected outcome and then left on a cliffhanger.
It did keep me guessing all the way through. At one point, I was right until I was distracted with other suspects.
I even found it amusing in parts and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and very much look forward to the next one.
This is a book I would definitely recommend.
My thanks to the author.
July 14, 2024
This fifth and latest book in Jack Probyn’s Tomek Bowen series is another great read.
The murder at the centre of the book is unique and somewhat gory. Tomek, who is the senior officer on his case, has to wrestle with both dead and living suspects in a situation with very little hard evidence. And, all the while he is running the case, Tomek has to manage complicated issues in his personal life.
The book has a few twists which keep things interesting and move the plot along. In addition, as with other books in the series, this book ends with quite the cliffhanger.
All in all, this is another good book in a very good series.
The murder at the centre of the book is unique and somewhat gory. Tomek, who is the senior officer on his case, has to wrestle with both dead and living suspects in a situation with very little hard evidence. And, all the while he is running the case, Tomek has to manage complicated issues in his personal life.
The book has a few twists which keep things interesting and move the plot along. In addition, as with other books in the series, this book ends with quite the cliffhanger.
All in all, this is another good book in a very good series.
July 16, 2024
Death's Angel: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 6), my fourth read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with well-developed main characters that continue to grow in depth and a 310-page kidnapping/murder thriller that continually develops throughout the length of the book. I look forward to Probyn’s next book, in fact Death's Touch (DS Tomek Bowen #3) is high 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).
July 14, 2024
Yet another amazing chapter in the life and loves of Tomek Bowen.
What an awesome storyline once again. Tomek still has his nightmares regarding the murder of his brother, his murderer still writing letters to him.
Once again, his love life hits the buffers, when will this lovely man find true love. I really do love this character.
This case has so many twists and turns just when you think you've got the murder of this beautiful young woman sorted. There's another twist.
A truly remarkable read that I wholeheartedly recommend.
What an awesome storyline once again. Tomek still has his nightmares regarding the murder of his brother, his murderer still writing letters to him.
Once again, his love life hits the buffers, when will this lovely man find true love. I really do love this character.
This case has so many twists and turns just when you think you've got the murder of this beautiful young woman sorted. There's another twist.
A truly remarkable read that I wholeheartedly recommend.
July 14, 2024
An excellent further outing for Tomek Bowen and this time he is acting as lead SIO on the case.
A gripping murder tale with lots of dead ends to follow until the shocking truth comes out.
It seemed like the pressures on DS Bowen were more than normal and his home and love life took the toll.
A bizarre night out fir Tomek and Rachel at the manor in search of suspects.
A really enthralling case and with the unwanted correspondence that Tomek is receiving, a hook for the next book!
Can't wait.
Highly recommended
A gripping murder tale with lots of dead ends to follow until the shocking truth comes out.
It seemed like the pressures on DS Bowen were more than normal and his home and love life took the toll.
A bizarre night out fir Tomek and Rachel at the manor in search of suspects.
A really enthralling case and with the unwanted correspondence that Tomek is receiving, a hook for the next book!
Can't wait.
Highly recommended
July 22, 2024
Book 6 in this series does not disappoint. It is as good, or perhaps better than the first 5. The author just gets better with each book he writes.
Tomek, the lead character (and he most definitely is A character) leads his team of investigators in yet another murder in their community. A tragedy that sees a young woman murdered and few clues are left at the scene.
The Investigators must be at their best to solve this crime which devastates a local family.
I highly recommend this book and anything else written by Jack Probyn.
Tomek, the lead character (and he most definitely is A character) leads his team of investigators in yet another murder in their community. A tragedy that sees a young woman murdered and few clues are left at the scene.
The Investigators must be at their best to solve this crime which devastates a local family.
I highly recommend this book and anything else written by Jack Probyn.
July 24, 2024
I love this series! Tomek is definitely my favourite detective and this latest case has him and the team on their toes! Intense, baffling, gripping and has so many twists and turns and surprises that when we got to the end my jaw literally dropped as the suspect was revealed and I hadn’t even considered them! The author knows just how to draw you in from the very start and has you hooked till the very end. Kidnapping, murder, secrets and lies, I read this in one sitting and do believe this is the best book in this series yet!
August 1, 2024
What can I say another great read in the Tomek series. Tomek is given a shot at being SIO, he will lead his team investigating the death of a young flight attendant, Tomek strives to be a good police officer and do what ever it takes to solve the case but being SIO brings with it paperwork, budgets, answering to his superiors about every decision all the things Tomek dislikes about policing. I had an inkling as to who the murderer could be but not until quite a way in to the story, well written storyline as is all the series.
July 10, 2024
Another great chapter in the lives of Tomek and Co. This was a very interesting case with lots of diverse characters. I really wish Tomek could find a girl worthy of him, poor guy! Although I wish Tomek could find some relief from the nightmares I like the continuing connection to Nathan and Tomek's past and with that very intriguing ending I hope book 7 is well on it's way. I definitely recommend this series to those with a love for UK crime series, read in order and enjoy!!!
July 14, 2024
This is number 6 in the DS Tomek Bowen series and doesn’t disappoint
A woman is reported missing and it’s down to Tomek and the team to find her. Tomek is given a shot at acting SIO? Will he make the most of it or will he let his personal life get in the way?
There’s more twists and turns in this one than a roller coaster ride and more secrets than the secret service! Oh my what an ending! Didn’t see that coming! Can’t wait for the next instalment.
A woman is reported missing and it’s down to Tomek and the team to find her. Tomek is given a shot at acting SIO? Will he make the most of it or will he let his personal life get in the way?
There’s more twists and turns in this one than a roller coaster ride and more secrets than the secret service! Oh my what an ending! Didn’t see that coming! Can’t wait for the next instalment.
July 17, 2024
Really getting to know the dynamics of the characters now in the team.
Tomek's life as complicated as ever with his young daughter, dodgy romance, dead brother angst and now initially leading the investigation into the unique murder of 'angel' Angelica.
Interesting bit of spice added this time with the manor hotel with a lot of humour attached.
Made me laugh and read very quickly as easy to read.
Look forward to the next one.
Tomek's life as complicated as ever with his young daughter, dodgy romance, dead brother angst and now initially leading the investigation into the unique murder of 'angel' Angelica.
Interesting bit of spice added this time with the manor hotel with a lot of humour attached.
Made me laugh and read very quickly as easy to read.
Look forward to the next one.
August 5, 2024
In this, the latest instalment of the DS Tomek Bowen series, Tomek gets to be SIO on the case. Angelica, a flight attendant back in her home town for the out-of-season period, is murdered in very strange circumstances. There are no shortage of suspects and quite a few secrets unfold before the killer is eventually identified. Another great read and I honestly can’t wait for the next book in this fabulous series
November 21, 2024
Sixth book in DS Tomek Bowen series. When a flight attendant is reported missing after partying the night away, Bowen leads the investigation. Evidence points to a sadistic killing. But as the case progresses, any number of possible suspects comes to light. Meanwhile Tomek is still haunted by the aftermath of the death of his brother years before. I’m usually a big fan of Probyn and have enjoyed the other Bowen books, this one however, I found harder going for some reason.
July 14, 2024
What an amazing story that will keep you intrigued until the end. DS Tomek is in charge in finding a missing stewardess. Where did she disappear to, was she kidnapped, murdered or doesn’t want to be found. Full of suspense, secrets and danger. Loved it.
July 15, 2024
Another great read from Jack. I really enjoyed the Tomek stories, they just keep getting better and better. I even found myself laughing in a couple of places. Keep up the good work Jack. Now for the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
What an intense ride. A woman goes missing and is found dead in an old church with angel's wings painted under her body. The evidence makes twists and turns in the investigation. A very exciting and action packed conclusion as Tomek fights for his life against a killer.
July 20, 2024
This was one of the few books I stayed up late reading. I had several chapters left and I had to find out who did it. The author does a good job throwing in some red herrings. I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary review.
August 3, 2024
The sixth book in the Tomek Bowen sees him leading the search for the murderer of Angelica, an air hostess who may not have led as an angelic a life as her family believed. This is an excellent continuation of the series.
August 18, 2024
What a fabulous book! (And a fabulous series) I gasped, cringed, laughed out loud, guessed, guessed again, and again. The characters are so believable; you really feel like you get to know them. Wonderful!
Looking forward to the publication of Death's Breath.
Looking forward to the publication of Death's Breath.
February 25, 2026
Gripping
Another good books in this series didn't want to put it down there is a chapter in the hook that had me laughing. I have already downloaded the next hook in this series and can't wait to get started
Another good books in this series didn't want to put it down there is a chapter in the hook that had me laughing. I have already downloaded the next hook in this series and can't wait to get started
March 7, 2026
An interesting book in this series, the plot was well laid out and the ending totally unexpected. The character of Tomek is very flawed which adds to the drama. The team working on the crimes seem to be more in depth and add to the overall enjoyment of this hard to put down book.
July 22, 2024
This wasn’t my favourite book in the series but I didn’t read it very quickly either which might have impacted on my feelings for it! Still a good addition and I eagerly await the next one.
July 24, 2024
Wow
What a book....
I loved the storyline and went through the motions. I guessed the killer, but only because of certain themes in previous books
Definitely recommend this
What a book....
I loved the storyline and went through the motions. I guessed the killer, but only because of certain themes in previous books
Definitely recommend this
September 7, 2024
Deaths angel
Well that is me read all six books in this series and have to say I have enjoyed everyone have already got book seven pre ordered so roll on
Well that is me read all six books in this series and have to say I have enjoyed everyone have already got book seven pre ordered so roll on
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews