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Spree #1-5
Spree
A serial killer thriller for fans of James Patterson, Chris Carter, Richard Montanari and Karen Rose.
A madman is on the rampage in the Los Angeles streets.
The City of Angels has become The City of Fear.
And everyone from the Oval Office down wants a quick result.
The heat is on Jake Mottram, head of the FBI's new Spree Killer Unit,
and psychological profiler Angie Holmes to find the madman responsible.
Until now, they've been great together.
Both at work and in bed.
But a killer is about to come between them,
in ways that could cost them far more than their careers.
Will they survive the spree about to come?
Life and death in LA - like you've never seen it before.
A madman is on the rampage in the Los Angeles streets.
The City of Angels has become The City of Fear.
And everyone from the Oval Office down wants a quick result.
The heat is on Jake Mottram, head of the FBI's new Spree Killer Unit,
and psychological profiler Angie Holmes to find the madman responsible.
Until now, they've been great together.
Both at work and in bed.
But a killer is about to come between them,
in ways that could cost them far more than their careers.
Will they survive the spree about to come?
Life and death in LA - like you've never seen it before.
- GenresMystery
562 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Michael Morley
25 books21 followersAka Jon Trace, Sam Christer.
Michael Morley is a former TV producer and director, and is currently a senior executive director for Endemol TV. He has produced a number of award-winning documentaries. Viper is his second novel, following Spider which introduced Jack King. He lives in Derbyshire.
Michael Morley is a former TV producer and director, and is currently a senior executive director for Endemol TV. He has produced a number of award-winning documentaries. Viper is his second novel, following Spider which introduced Jack King. He lives in Derbyshire.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 2, 2014
I am a very happy reader right now. I have read some fantastic books over the past few weeks and the latest is this one, SPREE. When I read about this book on bookbridgr, I immediately requested it and crossed everything in the hope of being approved. Well, I was approved. This book was delivered today at lunchtime, and I have just finished reading it now, at 3.00am. The reason being something huge happened in the book around 300 pages in and I just had to keep reading until the end (who needs sleep when there are books like this to be read?!)
I was excited to read this book and went into it with high expectations. Those expectations were absolutely met. I read a recommendation that said this book would be suitable for fans of Chris Carter, now Chris Carter is one of the best in the business, his crime fiction books are in a league of their own but this book by Michael Morley is definitely worth the comparison.
Spree refers to a serial killer with a difference. Whereas serials can often go days, weeks, months or years between kills, a 'spree' killer is defined as 'someone who commits two or more homicides without a cooling off period between killings'. This book was first published as a five-part ebook serialisation and I have to say if I'd've read it like that it would have been both infuriating and amazing.
Our two main characters are Jake Mottram, the head of the FBI's Spree Killer Unit and his lover Angie Holmes. We learn that they both come from troubled pasts. Jake, an orphan and Angie, an abusive past. We learn early on that Angie is pregnant with Jake's child and both are conflicted as to how they feel about the pregnancy, and their doubts at whether they can be good parents given their history. I immediately liked both characters. Angie's recklessness and determination put me in mind of Cindy, the journalist from James Patterson's Women's Murder Club books.
Angie is on the hunt for a serial rapist who is targeting women over 65 who are attacked in or near their homes. She was definitely one of my favourite characters throughout the book, she was fearless and put her job on the line more than once in her attempts to prove her theories to her superiors. Chips was another great character who at first seemed to just be a bit of a comedy character but he really became an important character as the book progressed. Jake has not long finished capturing one spree killer before another one strikes, this time it's a shooter shooting at a group of 10 year old kids and their teachers. Following on from that a killer strikes at a mall opticians killing twelve people. The police think the cases are unrelated, Angie thinks otherwise. And the reader knows otherwise when we are then introduced to the spree killer.
We are introduced to the spree killer who for their chapters is just called 'Shooter'. The chapters in crime fiction books which focus on the killers are always my most favourite. It's fascinating to get inside their head, find out what makes them tick and it's a heart stopping moment reading the bits where they carry out their murders, especially in this book. I am a fan of crime fiction where the author doesn't hold back, the bigger the body count, the higher the blood quantity and the more brutal the murders the better as far as I'm concerned. A word of warning this book is definitely not for the faint hearted or squeamish. I also liked where Shooter 'lived' or devised his plans, it was a nice change from the norm.
The book is an incredibly fast paced read, my heart was in mouth for most of it. Short chapters keep you turning the pages so fast I nearly gave myself a paper cut. Also at 533 pages it's a really long book (almost as long as this review, sorry!) but it didn't feel like a long book and that's because the quality of the writing and the storytelling was just so good that it never felt like a chore to read it. In fact I could've read on for another hundred pages!
I was excited to read this book and went into it with high expectations. Those expectations were absolutely met. I read a recommendation that said this book would be suitable for fans of Chris Carter, now Chris Carter is one of the best in the business, his crime fiction books are in a league of their own but this book by Michael Morley is definitely worth the comparison.
Spree refers to a serial killer with a difference. Whereas serials can often go days, weeks, months or years between kills, a 'spree' killer is defined as 'someone who commits two or more homicides without a cooling off period between killings'. This book was first published as a five-part ebook serialisation and I have to say if I'd've read it like that it would have been both infuriating and amazing.
Our two main characters are Jake Mottram, the head of the FBI's Spree Killer Unit and his lover Angie Holmes. We learn that they both come from troubled pasts. Jake, an orphan and Angie, an abusive past. We learn early on that Angie is pregnant with Jake's child and both are conflicted as to how they feel about the pregnancy, and their doubts at whether they can be good parents given their history. I immediately liked both characters. Angie's recklessness and determination put me in mind of Cindy, the journalist from James Patterson's Women's Murder Club books.
Angie is on the hunt for a serial rapist who is targeting women over 65 who are attacked in or near their homes. She was definitely one of my favourite characters throughout the book, she was fearless and put her job on the line more than once in her attempts to prove her theories to her superiors. Chips was another great character who at first seemed to just be a bit of a comedy character but he really became an important character as the book progressed. Jake has not long finished capturing one spree killer before another one strikes, this time it's a shooter shooting at a group of 10 year old kids and their teachers. Following on from that a killer strikes at a mall opticians killing twelve people. The police think the cases are unrelated, Angie thinks otherwise. And the reader knows otherwise when we are then introduced to the spree killer.
We are introduced to the spree killer who for their chapters is just called 'Shooter'. The chapters in crime fiction books which focus on the killers are always my most favourite. It's fascinating to get inside their head, find out what makes them tick and it's a heart stopping moment reading the bits where they carry out their murders, especially in this book. I am a fan of crime fiction where the author doesn't hold back, the bigger the body count, the higher the blood quantity and the more brutal the murders the better as far as I'm concerned. A word of warning this book is definitely not for the faint hearted or squeamish. I also liked where Shooter 'lived' or devised his plans, it was a nice change from the norm.
The book is an incredibly fast paced read, my heart was in mouth for most of it. Short chapters keep you turning the pages so fast I nearly gave myself a paper cut. Also at 533 pages it's a really long book (almost as long as this review, sorry!) but it didn't feel like a long book and that's because the quality of the writing and the storytelling was just so good that it never felt like a chore to read it. In fact I could've read on for another hundred pages!
April 7, 2014
Thank you to the author and publisher for the review copy via BookBridgr
A madman is on the rampage in the Los Angeles streets.
The City of Angels has become The City of Fear.
And everyone from the Oval Office down wants a quick result.
The heat is on Jake Mottram, head of the FBI’s new Spree Killer Unit,
and psychological profiler Angie Holmes to find the madman responsible.
Wow what an adrenalin rush of a book this was! Almost the perfect thriller – short sharp chapters following our main protagonists, lots of twists and turns along the way and some utterly compelling action to boot.
This was originally published as a serial – thank heavens I wasnt reading it then, how could I have waited from one part to the next? A spree killer is loose in L.A. but is he exactly what he appears to be? Angie Holmes is not convinced, Jake Mottram just wants to take his head off. Between them they will track and trace the devil, all the while trying to sort out their invariably complicated yet realistic personal lives.
I love the way this was written – it was one of those brilliant books you can dip in and out of, stays with you inbetween reads, almost like a carrot/stick scenario where you get stuff done and in return you can dive back into the story and find out what comes next. Ok to be fair I didnt NECESSARILY get stuff done apart from the reading, but still, if you are a better person than I then for sure this is a rewarding book in so many ways.
If you love a good thriller with heart then you will love this. If you like your characters flawed yet understandable, realistic yet fascinating, you will love this. If you like a book to surprise you occasionally and make you go “what??” you will love this. Most of all if you like a darn good yarn with a hint of an episodic feel to it – think 24 on acid – then you will absolutely love this.
I did. Excellent stuff.
Happy Reading Folks!
A madman is on the rampage in the Los Angeles streets.
The City of Angels has become The City of Fear.
And everyone from the Oval Office down wants a quick result.
The heat is on Jake Mottram, head of the FBI’s new Spree Killer Unit,
and psychological profiler Angie Holmes to find the madman responsible.
Wow what an adrenalin rush of a book this was! Almost the perfect thriller – short sharp chapters following our main protagonists, lots of twists and turns along the way and some utterly compelling action to boot.
This was originally published as a serial – thank heavens I wasnt reading it then, how could I have waited from one part to the next? A spree killer is loose in L.A. but is he exactly what he appears to be? Angie Holmes is not convinced, Jake Mottram just wants to take his head off. Between them they will track and trace the devil, all the while trying to sort out their invariably complicated yet realistic personal lives.
I love the way this was written – it was one of those brilliant books you can dip in and out of, stays with you inbetween reads, almost like a carrot/stick scenario where you get stuff done and in return you can dive back into the story and find out what comes next. Ok to be fair I didnt NECESSARILY get stuff done apart from the reading, but still, if you are a better person than I then for sure this is a rewarding book in so many ways.
If you love a good thriller with heart then you will love this. If you like your characters flawed yet understandable, realistic yet fascinating, you will love this. If you like a book to surprise you occasionally and make you go “what??” you will love this. Most of all if you like a darn good yarn with a hint of an episodic feel to it – think 24 on acid – then you will absolutely love this.
I did. Excellent stuff.
Happy Reading Folks!
August 2, 2014
If Criminal Minds and Shonda Rhimes had a baby, that hypothetical child would be this book. I love this book. As I am interested in the psychopathy of killers and the humanity of Shonda Rhimes's writing, this book is so perfect for me.
May 24, 2017
Like every Michael Morley novel, this one is a top-notch suspense thriller with great characters and a hell of a twist, a third of the way in. I was enthralled through all of it.
Very highly recommended.
Very highly recommended.
April 3, 2014
Jake and Angie are the flip sides of the same coin. Jake is all about taking direct action and instinct, while Angie focuses on analysis, introspection and investigation. Both of these approaches to solving cases have benefits but also failings. Their professional relationship sometimes throws up conflicts that spill over into their personal lives. Getting to see both individuals as more than just agents, but as human beings, gives a nice extra depth to the plot.
Throughout the main narrative that features Angie and Jake, there are chapters from the killer’s perspective. The lunatic spree-killer is referred to only as Shooter, and these where the highlights of the novel for me, as these chapters play out very effectively. They give the reader just the right amount of insight into what’s motivating this outbreak of violence without giving away anything that would spoil the main plot, or reveal the identity of the UNSUB too soon. Shooter is full of righteous anger and completely focused on his plan. It’s been a while since I’ve come across such a creepy character, great stuff.
Morley’s novel includes elements from various different forms of social media, everything from Twitter and Facebook, to 24hr news television are mentioned. Seeing how the story plays out in the constant glare of the 21st century gives the plot a keen modern edge; especially when you consider how the killer reacts to their portrayal in the media and their sudden overnight infamy.
Spree was originally serialised in five parts. I read the complete edition, but knowing that it had been split up previously, I have to admit that I did spend some time trying to spot where each part ended. I rather like the idea of serialising fiction in this manner. It appears to be more and more popular of late, and crime feels like the perfect genre where this format can excel.
There is a moment is Spree (don’t worry I’ll not provide any more of a spoiler than that) which managed to completely catch me unawares. I expected the story to go one way and instead it veered off in an entirely different direction. I’d imagine this will divide opinion right down the middle, some will love it while others will loathe it. Personally, I’m still sitting on the fence, I just can’t decide if this was perfect or terrible. Part of me still wants to see the novel go off in the other direction, but the other half of me rather enjoyed how things played out. It’s a bold move on the author’s part and I have to respect him for that. My compliments to the author for causing me such mental anguish. It highlights the genuine strength of the writing.
The closest thing I can equate reading Spree to, is watching an episode of Criminal Minds. There is that familiar dynamic between the main leads, and the mix of professional and personal plot that works so well. Put it this way, if you enjoy that show, I certainly do, then you’ll enjoy the book. If you’re looking for a novel that’s fast paced, with a diverting plot that’s high on action then I’d look no further than Spree. It’s the ideal beach read, quick to rattle through and entertaining to boot.
Throughout the main narrative that features Angie and Jake, there are chapters from the killer’s perspective. The lunatic spree-killer is referred to only as Shooter, and these where the highlights of the novel for me, as these chapters play out very effectively. They give the reader just the right amount of insight into what’s motivating this outbreak of violence without giving away anything that would spoil the main plot, or reveal the identity of the UNSUB too soon. Shooter is full of righteous anger and completely focused on his plan. It’s been a while since I’ve come across such a creepy character, great stuff.
Morley’s novel includes elements from various different forms of social media, everything from Twitter and Facebook, to 24hr news television are mentioned. Seeing how the story plays out in the constant glare of the 21st century gives the plot a keen modern edge; especially when you consider how the killer reacts to their portrayal in the media and their sudden overnight infamy.
Spree was originally serialised in five parts. I read the complete edition, but knowing that it had been split up previously, I have to admit that I did spend some time trying to spot where each part ended. I rather like the idea of serialising fiction in this manner. It appears to be more and more popular of late, and crime feels like the perfect genre where this format can excel.
There is a moment is Spree (don’t worry I’ll not provide any more of a spoiler than that) which managed to completely catch me unawares. I expected the story to go one way and instead it veered off in an entirely different direction. I’d imagine this will divide opinion right down the middle, some will love it while others will loathe it. Personally, I’m still sitting on the fence, I just can’t decide if this was perfect or terrible. Part of me still wants to see the novel go off in the other direction, but the other half of me rather enjoyed how things played out. It’s a bold move on the author’s part and I have to respect him for that. My compliments to the author for causing me such mental anguish. It highlights the genuine strength of the writing.
The closest thing I can equate reading Spree to, is watching an episode of Criminal Minds. There is that familiar dynamic between the main leads, and the mix of professional and personal plot that works so well. Put it this way, if you enjoy that show, I certainly do, then you’ll enjoy the book. If you’re looking for a novel that’s fast paced, with a diverting plot that’s high on action then I’d look no further than Spree. It’s the ideal beach read, quick to rattle through and entertaining to boot.
September 16, 2014
Psychological profiler Dr. Angie Holmes believes the man she is dating, FBI Special Agent Jake Mottram, should retire or at least take a desk job so she can stop worrying about his safety is the number one of two things on her mind. The second thing is something she has not breathed a word to anyone. Angie is working on a serial rapist case while Jake works a sniper case shooting involving schoolchildren on a field trip to Strawberry Fields farm in Moorpark, California.
Angie decides to tell Jake her little secret of pregnancy over dinner at a fancy French restaurant and all did not go well as expected with Jake returning to his apartment reminiscing each year they have been together and the situations each lived through as a child. Jake was an orphan with no parents in sight and not wanting a child to be dependent upon him while Angie’s father molested her, as her mother took no action. Jake believes with both their backgrounds being what it is that there is no chance of attempting to raise a child of their own.
Angie closes her current case and goes against command warning not to interfere with Jake’s current case regarding a spree killer who Angie believes is a serial killer causing friction with the team’s assigned profiler Danielle. As Angie digs deeper into the case the team and Danielle realize Angie’s profile assessment is right on point and take to the streets of Los Angeles to locate the UNSUB with a vengeance.
Michael Morley gives insight into the mind of a purposed serial killer and the inner workings of a FBI SKU (spree killer unit) team determined to capture the offender. The writing style is straightforward and keeps the reader engaged turning pages to see the next turn of events. The novel has an enjoyable story line and is a thrilling suspense crime drama with plenty twists and turns to delight fans of crime drama, suspense, thrillers, and police procedures.
I received this book free from Grand Central Publishing through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Angie decides to tell Jake her little secret of pregnancy over dinner at a fancy French restaurant and all did not go well as expected with Jake returning to his apartment reminiscing each year they have been together and the situations each lived through as a child. Jake was an orphan with no parents in sight and not wanting a child to be dependent upon him while Angie’s father molested her, as her mother took no action. Jake believes with both their backgrounds being what it is that there is no chance of attempting to raise a child of their own.
Angie closes her current case and goes against command warning not to interfere with Jake’s current case regarding a spree killer who Angie believes is a serial killer causing friction with the team’s assigned profiler Danielle. As Angie digs deeper into the case the team and Danielle realize Angie’s profile assessment is right on point and take to the streets of Los Angeles to locate the UNSUB with a vengeance.
Michael Morley gives insight into the mind of a purposed serial killer and the inner workings of a FBI SKU (spree killer unit) team determined to capture the offender. The writing style is straightforward and keeps the reader engaged turning pages to see the next turn of events. The novel has an enjoyable story line and is a thrilling suspense crime drama with plenty twists and turns to delight fans of crime drama, suspense, thrillers, and police procedures.
I received this book free from Grand Central Publishing through the Net Galley reviewer program in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
May 16, 2015
Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
If I had to describe this book in one sentence it would be: Criminal Minds in book form.
Smart Strong FBI Profiler? Check.
Geeky FBI Nerd? Check.
Police doubting profiler's abilities? Check.
Media conference trying to draw killer out? Check.
Lots of blood, shootings, bombs, big emotional moments? Check.
Cold, stern disapproving boss who eventually shows her softer side? Check.
Lead character ending up in danger several times in course of novel? Check.
Arrest of the wrong suspect? Check.
Characters' personal lives affecting their professional lives? Check.
I definitely recommend this book for any fans of the crime genre. It is quite long but equally fast-paced.
It loses a star because
So my only question is whether Angie Holmes will appear in more novels? I certainly hope so.
August 25, 2016
I'm going to make a bold statement here - Spree is one of my favourite reads so far this year!
Spree may just be the perfect crime novel. Packed full of danger, intrigue and suspense, with a little romantic intimacy thrown in for good measure, I couldn't put Spree down.
Spree opens with psychological profiler Angie Holmes receiving some news that will change the relationship between her and her partner, head of the FBI's Spree Killer Unit, Jake Mottram. Jake unhelpfully has been called to a Spree killing, and has been tasked with capturing the suspect, dead or alive.
The incident ends messily, but in Jake's favour and he is hailed a hero. But Jake barely has time to be congratulated before another Spree killer is on the loose.
'Spree' is the term used to describe a Spree killer -'someone who commits two or more homicides without a cooling off period between killings', whereas a (more traditional) serial killer can go days, weeks or even years without killing. The fact that we do not meet 'Shooter' our Spree immediately, for me helps to build the tension.
Angie meanwhile is struggling to come to terms with her news, whilst hunting for a dangerous serial rapist who she fears may be about to kill. Both Angie and Jake are determined in their fight to bring the darkest criminals to justice, and I admired that in both of them.
But can a couple who are willing to put themselves in the danger for the sake of their jobs survive against the odds? Well I really don't want to give any more away, so you'll have to read Spree to find out!
Spree may just be the perfect crime novel. Packed full of danger, intrigue and suspense, with a little romantic intimacy thrown in for good measure, I couldn't put Spree down.
Spree opens with psychological profiler Angie Holmes receiving some news that will change the relationship between her and her partner, head of the FBI's Spree Killer Unit, Jake Mottram. Jake unhelpfully has been called to a Spree killing, and has been tasked with capturing the suspect, dead or alive.
The incident ends messily, but in Jake's favour and he is hailed a hero. But Jake barely has time to be congratulated before another Spree killer is on the loose.
'Spree' is the term used to describe a Spree killer -'someone who commits two or more homicides without a cooling off period between killings', whereas a (more traditional) serial killer can go days, weeks or even years without killing. The fact that we do not meet 'Shooter' our Spree immediately, for me helps to build the tension.
Angie meanwhile is struggling to come to terms with her news, whilst hunting for a dangerous serial rapist who she fears may be about to kill. Both Angie and Jake are determined in their fight to bring the darkest criminals to justice, and I admired that in both of them.
But can a couple who are willing to put themselves in the danger for the sake of their jobs survive against the odds? Well I really don't want to give any more away, so you'll have to read Spree to find out!
June 20, 2014
Stumbled across Spree, a crime thriller written by a former colleague, and have to say, it's a damn good read! Fast-paced, full of suspense,the book has credible characters. My only quibble is that some of the baddies seem to be rather adept at psychoanalysis (of themselves) and that the final wrapping up of the story is perhaps a bit far fetched.
Overall, though, for someone who never usually reads this type of book, I was most impressed. Read it in just two days on Kindle - initially, out of curiosity, but then found myself hooked. I remember the author as a long black-haired, bearded rebel, bashing out copy on a typewriter - that ages us - at the local newspaper where we both worked as journalists. So it's intriguing to see how he's moved on.
Overall, though, for someone who never usually reads this type of book, I was most impressed. Read it in just two days on Kindle - initially, out of curiosity, but then found myself hooked. I remember the author as a long black-haired, bearded rebel, bashing out copy on a typewriter - that ages us - at the local newspaper where we both worked as journalists. So it's intriguing to see how he's moved on.
September 5, 2014
Spree started out as a great story, with just a little too much on the distinction between spree and serial. Then, a little past the half way point, it hit me between the eyes with a development I was not prepared for and couldn't accept. from that point on I was so emotionally involved I could not stop reading until I got to the end. Morley uses a number of techniques to keep the reader in the story without spilling any beans. The result is one of the best detective thrillers I have read. Definitely read this book, but be prepared for the unexpected.
November 12, 2014
NetGalley Free Book
Jake is an FBI agent who is also the leader of the new unit called "Spree." His girlfriend Angie is a psychological profiler on his newest case. A madman who has no real profile. Every killing is different and now they must find common ground in their attempt to locate who his next victim will be.
This was a really good book with a surprise halfway through. The ending was predictable but still did not take away from the book at all. The authors depiction of the characters was astounding as well as the story line.
Jake is an FBI agent who is also the leader of the new unit called "Spree." His girlfriend Angie is a psychological profiler on his newest case. A madman who has no real profile. Every killing is different and now they must find common ground in their attempt to locate who his next victim will be.
This was a really good book with a surprise halfway through. The ending was predictable but still did not take away from the book at all. The authors depiction of the characters was astounding as well as the story line.
August 19, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Sure there was lots of violence but that was part of the story. The murders were piling up and the cops didn't have a clue. Then, tragedy - a brave move by the author. It somehow seemed more plausible because of it. Very tense and fast-paced, lots of action.
September 5, 2014
Excellent!! Full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Laughter and tears.
Morley has written a great novel, which, for the lazy, would make a brilliant film or series!
Morley has written a great novel, which, for the lazy, would make a brilliant film or series!
October 8, 2014
A good thriller that doesn't quite live up up to its potential
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/spree-... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/spree-... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
February 27, 2016
enjoyed a little bit, hero and heroine not very likable at all
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews