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The only way to catch a killer is to think like one...
When a senior Metropolitan Police officer and High Court judge die in quick succession, criminal profiler Doctor Alex Gregory is convinced their deaths are linked to the most shameful case of his the notorious wrongful conviction of Carl Deere, an innocent man found guilty of a series of heinous murders perpetrated by the ‘Soho Killer’. Four years later, released from prison and with his record wiped clean, Deere is an invisible spectre with a new name and a new face. But, as Gregory knows only too well, the past isn’t easily forgotten, and revenge can be a powerful motive—even for an innocent man…
With Scotland Yard determined to avoid any further scandal, Gregory and his friend and mentor, Professor Bill Douglas, are left to fend for themselves. With no real evidence and the body count racking up, they know it’s only a matter of time before their names are next on the killer’s list…
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the scenic landscapes of Cambridge and London.
When a senior Metropolitan Police officer and High Court judge die in quick succession, criminal profiler Doctor Alex Gregory is convinced their deaths are linked to the most shameful case of his the notorious wrongful conviction of Carl Deere, an innocent man found guilty of a series of heinous murders perpetrated by the ‘Soho Killer’. Four years later, released from prison and with his record wiped clean, Deere is an invisible spectre with a new name and a new face. But, as Gregory knows only too well, the past isn’t easily forgotten, and revenge can be a powerful motive—even for an innocent man…
With Scotland Yard determined to avoid any further scandal, Gregory and his friend and mentor, Professor Bill Douglas, are left to fend for themselves. With no real evidence and the body count racking up, they know it’s only a matter of time before their names are next on the killer’s list…
Murder and mystery are peppered with romance and dark humour in this fast-paced thriller set amidst the scenic landscapes of Cambridge and London.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2024
1628 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Ross
58 books3,254 followersLJ Ross is an internationally bestselling author, whose books have sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
Her debut, Holy Island, was released in 2015 and became an instant, international bestseller. Since then, a further eighteen of her novels have gone on to take the coveted #1 spot, some even before general release and whilst only available to ‘pre-order’. The Bookseller magazine has reported on Louise having topped the ‘Most Read’ and ‘Most Sold’ fiction charts, and she has garnered an army of loyal fans who love her atmospheric and addictive storytelling.
Her eleventh novel, The Infirmary, is a prequel story to the DCI Ryan series and is available as a major Audible Originals audio-drama starring Tom Bateman, Kevin Whately, Bertie Carvel, Hermione Norris and Alun Armstrong.
The first novel in her Alexander Gregory Thrillers series, Impostor, was shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2020: Crime & Thriller Book of the Year. The audiobook of Impostor, narrated by Hugh Dancy, was also selected as a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards, Best Fiction Audiobook of the Year Category.
In May 2021, Louise was shortlisted for the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association ‘Dagger in the Library’ award, which recognises an author’s entire body of work having been consistently enjoyed by library borrowers around the United Kingdom, and an author’s longstanding support of libraries.
Louise was born in Northumberland, England. She studied undergraduate and postgraduate Law at King’s College, University of London and then abroad in Paris and Florence. She spent much of her working life in London, where she was a lawyer for a number of years until taking the decision to change career and pursue her dream to write. Now, she writes full time and lives with her husband and son in Northumberland and Edinburgh. She enjoys reading all manner of books, painting, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
To find out more about the many philanthropic ventures Louise has founded and sponsored through her publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, please visit ‘Philanthropy’.
If you would like to connect with LJ Ross, she would be very happy to hear from you:
https://www.facebook.com/LJRossAuthor
https://twitter.com/ljross_author
www.lovesuspense.com
lj_ross@outlook.com
Her debut, Holy Island, was released in 2015 and became an instant, international bestseller. Since then, a further eighteen of her novels have gone on to take the coveted #1 spot, some even before general release and whilst only available to ‘pre-order’. The Bookseller magazine has reported on Louise having topped the ‘Most Read’ and ‘Most Sold’ fiction charts, and she has garnered an army of loyal fans who love her atmospheric and addictive storytelling.
Her eleventh novel, The Infirmary, is a prequel story to the DCI Ryan series and is available as a major Audible Originals audio-drama starring Tom Bateman, Kevin Whately, Bertie Carvel, Hermione Norris and Alun Armstrong.
The first novel in her Alexander Gregory Thrillers series, Impostor, was shortlisted in the British Book Awards 2020: Crime & Thriller Book of the Year. The audiobook of Impostor, narrated by Hugh Dancy, was also selected as a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards, Best Fiction Audiobook of the Year Category.
In May 2021, Louise was shortlisted for the prestigious Crime Writers’ Association ‘Dagger in the Library’ award, which recognises an author’s entire body of work having been consistently enjoyed by library borrowers around the United Kingdom, and an author’s longstanding support of libraries.
Louise was born in Northumberland, England. She studied undergraduate and postgraduate Law at King’s College, University of London and then abroad in Paris and Florence. She spent much of her working life in London, where she was a lawyer for a number of years until taking the decision to change career and pursue her dream to write. Now, she writes full time and lives with her husband and son in Northumberland and Edinburgh. She enjoys reading all manner of books, painting, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
To find out more about the many philanthropic ventures Louise has founded and sponsored through her publishing imprint, Dark Skies Publishing, please visit ‘Philanthropy’.
If you would like to connect with LJ Ross, she would be very happy to hear from you:
https://www.facebook.com/LJRossAuthor
https://twitter.com/ljross_author
www.lovesuspense.com
lj_ross@outlook.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
December 7, 2025
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This exciting psychological crime novel is the 5th volume of the very entertaining "Alexander Gregory" thriller series.
At the start of the book you'll find a definition made by William George Jordan about the power of good and evil.
Storytelling is wonderful, the psychological elements are very well described and observed by the author, while all characters come splendidly to life in this tale about good, evil, deception and reparation.
The story continues after the deaths of a senior MET officer and a High Court judge, but the MET doesn't believe that they have been killed by Carl Deere for his unjust conviction and so closes down the taskforce, but Dr Alexander Gregory is convinced is taking revenge against all people who have done him wrong in the past.
Carl Deere, invisible and with a new name, is on a killing spree with two more murders already, and with Dr Gregory and his friend Professor Bill Douglas also appearing on that killers list, they hope to find resources to find Carl Deere and stop him from killing more people.
What is to follow is an intriguing manhunt, but with a bit of an anti-climax in the end when confronting Carl Deere, but with surely another strand of deception in the making featuring someone else, and all this is brought to us in a most gripping fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this ever improving series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Eventful Thrilling Panicky Journey"!
This exciting psychological crime novel is the 5th volume of the very entertaining "Alexander Gregory" thriller series.
At the start of the book you'll find a definition made by William George Jordan about the power of good and evil.
Storytelling is wonderful, the psychological elements are very well described and observed by the author, while all characters come splendidly to life in this tale about good, evil, deception and reparation.
The story continues after the deaths of a senior MET officer and a High Court judge, but the MET doesn't believe that they have been killed by Carl Deere for his unjust conviction and so closes down the taskforce, but Dr Alexander Gregory is convinced is taking revenge against all people who have done him wrong in the past.
Carl Deere, invisible and with a new name, is on a killing spree with two more murders already, and with Dr Gregory and his friend Professor Bill Douglas also appearing on that killers list, they hope to find resources to find Carl Deere and stop him from killing more people.
What is to follow is an intriguing manhunt, but with a bit of an anti-climax in the end when confronting Carl Deere, but with surely another strand of deception in the making featuring someone else, and all this is brought to us in a most gripping fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this ever improving series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Eventful Thrilling Panicky Journey"!
May 20, 2025
3.5. Not sure how I feel about this one. There’s a couple of late drop twists that feel lazy but since the story ends in a cliffhanger the next book may provide answers.
There’s some stupid/lazy antics by characters that force the plot along. That’s probably what I didn’t like the most. I didn’t devour this story like I did the first four.
I do love Drs. Gregory & Douglas. I did feel some sense of panic at certain parts so that lives up to the title !
There’s some stupid/lazy antics by characters that force the plot along. That’s probably what I didn’t like the most. I didn’t devour this story like I did the first four.
I do love Drs. Gregory & Douglas. I did feel some sense of panic at certain parts so that lives up to the title !
November 30, 2025
L. J. Ross remains an author I recently discovered, but whose writing has me highly intrigued. Looking back on his illustrious career, Dr. Alexander Gregory cannot help but remember one criminal profile case that failed him. New deaths of a senior police officer and judge have similarities to those attributed to Carl Deere, a man Dr. Gregory wrongfully accused in the past. The fallout was a man who sought to put his life back together and a criminal profile team disgraced. With Deere out of prison and living under a new name, crimes bearing the signature that sent Deere away emerge and Dr. Gregory cannot ignore his gut feeling about all this. Scotland Yard wants no more scandals, forcing Dr. Gregory and his colleague, Bill Douglas, to crack the case on their own. No evidence makes this investigation all the more difficult, especially since no one is quite sure who is on the killer’s list. Tensions run high, but one thing about Dr. Alexander Gregory is that he does not rest with answers unknown. L.J. Ross offers up a tense thriller that complements the series well.
I have been thoroughly impressed with my binge reading of this series. L.J. Ross takes readers on another trek with Dr. Alexander Gregory in the driver’s seat. The narrative keeps a swift pace as the reader gets fully involved. Momentum adds excitement for the reader and keeps the story clipping along. Adding another backstory plotline about Dr. Gregory's past work adds intrigue worth the reader's attention. Ross makes sure each chapter pushes things forward, while using the past to shape the direction of where the series is headed. Some stunning events in the final pages leaves readers wondering what awaits them in the next novel.
L.J. Ross has offered up more Dr. Alexander Gregory backstory that is sure to enrich the series. With news about Dr. Greogry’s professional business and some hints at the backstory that put him in some hot water, this novel fills cracks and sends things in new direction. There is development for Dr. Gregory and others who have played key roles in the series, as well as others whose importance becomes relevant with additional reading. Other characters add their own flavouring to enrich the series and this novel in particular. Dr. Gregory has grown so much and I suspect there is much more yet to discover.
Surprises fuel this series so well and L.J. Ross has never shirked her responsibilities. Dr. Gregory’s past and future remain in the spotlight, peppering the narrative with twists to keep things on point. The plot finds ways to develop great twists with murders at the core. Ross crafts a superior reading experience in a series that has it all for the attentive reader. L.J. Ross has made this series one worth my time, which others will hopefully agree as they read it too.
Kudos, Madam Ross, for adding depth and excitement to this collection.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I have been thoroughly impressed with my binge reading of this series. L.J. Ross takes readers on another trek with Dr. Alexander Gregory in the driver’s seat. The narrative keeps a swift pace as the reader gets fully involved. Momentum adds excitement for the reader and keeps the story clipping along. Adding another backstory plotline about Dr. Gregory's past work adds intrigue worth the reader's attention. Ross makes sure each chapter pushes things forward, while using the past to shape the direction of where the series is headed. Some stunning events in the final pages leaves readers wondering what awaits them in the next novel.
L.J. Ross has offered up more Dr. Alexander Gregory backstory that is sure to enrich the series. With news about Dr. Greogry’s professional business and some hints at the backstory that put him in some hot water, this novel fills cracks and sends things in new direction. There is development for Dr. Gregory and others who have played key roles in the series, as well as others whose importance becomes relevant with additional reading. Other characters add their own flavouring to enrich the series and this novel in particular. Dr. Gregory has grown so much and I suspect there is much more yet to discover.
Surprises fuel this series so well and L.J. Ross has never shirked her responsibilities. Dr. Gregory’s past and future remain in the spotlight, peppering the narrative with twists to keep things on point. The plot finds ways to develop great twists with murders at the core. Ross crafts a superior reading experience in a series that has it all for the attentive reader. L.J. Ross has made this series one worth my time, which others will hopefully agree as they read it too.
Kudos, Madam Ross, for adding depth and excitement to this collection.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 25, 2024
I know I've read out of order but the library tells me what I'm reading.... 😂
But this one was my favorite so far.
But this one was my favorite so far.
May 11, 2024
This is a great series and one I’d highly recommend.
Gregory and Douglas are nervous as a man is killing people who were responsible for him getting put in prison.
They were both involved in profiling the killer but the Police incorrrectly used the information they gave. However, Carl is not worried about technicalities, and has them in his sights.
This is a great crime thriller with a great ending.
Gregory and Douglas are nervous as a man is killing people who were responsible for him getting put in prison.
They were both involved in profiling the killer but the Police incorrrectly used the information they gave. However, Carl is not worried about technicalities, and has them in his sights.
This is a great crime thriller with a great ending.
December 26, 2025
Panic is book five in the Alexander Gregory thrillers series by L. J. Ross. Alexander Gregory believes that the death of a Metropolitan Police Officer and a High Court Judge is a revenge killing and is linked to one of his cases of wrongful conviction of Carl Deera. However, Scotland Yard will not listen and leaves him and Professor Bill Douglas to fend for themselves while the body count continues to grow. Panic readers will continue to follow Alexander Gregory to discover what happens.
Panic is an excellent addition to this fantastic series. I did engage with this book, but I do find it a little slower than other L. J. Ross books. I did, however, finish reading this book. I understand the issues that arise when law enforcement fails to listen to civilians due to insufficient evidence.
I enjoy the way L. J. Ross portrays her characters and their interactions throughout this book. Panic is well written and researched by L. J. Ross. I like L. J. Ross’s descriptions of the settings in Panic, which complement the book’s plot.
I recommend this book.
Panic is an excellent addition to this fantastic series. I did engage with this book, but I do find it a little slower than other L. J. Ross books. I did, however, finish reading this book. I understand the issues that arise when law enforcement fails to listen to civilians due to insufficient evidence.
I enjoy the way L. J. Ross portrays her characters and their interactions throughout this book. Panic is well written and researched by L. J. Ross. I like L. J. Ross’s descriptions of the settings in Panic, which complement the book’s plot.
I recommend this book.
February 24, 2025
We knew from the beginning of this series that Dr Alex Gregory and his colleagues were reluctant to work with the police as profilers as, on a previous occasion, the police had arrested a man, found him guilty of crimes he hadn't committed but blamed their profiling. The man was released from prison. It seems he wants to get revenge against all the people who put him in prison. Dr Gregory softens, perhaps there really is a feeling heart, and maybe Bill does too (well, have a relationship, we've always known he has a heart). A great read with the story all set up and easy to go for the next book!
July 26, 2024
Everything a thriller needs to be - fast paced, clever, fun, shocking. I hadn’t read a whole book in 1 day for a long time!
September 10, 2024
Full of suspense and mystery, twists and turns. It was fast paced and I wasn’t sure which way things were going to go. Kept me guessing.
August 2, 2024
I am a big LJ Ross fan and have read all of her novels but the last few are hugely disappointing. Having just read Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh and Val McDermid, (all 5-stars), I was looking forward to another great book from the profiler, who doesn’t make profiles(it hasn’t mattered too much before). Certainly Ross’s books like The Infirmary, Seven Bridges and Penshaw are up there with the writers mentioned before.
Going back to the failure of a prior case, this book’s holes are bigger than the Tyne Tunnel. Going full on Hollywood ( the killer changes appearance) enrols at Cambridge with false ID, visits tube stations and McDonalds with no CCCTV, people leave mobile phones, the police force go missing (not trying to find the only person in a house when 2 are shot), cars with blacked out windows, a body count bigger than Goodfellas with no DNA, no Sky or BBC anywhere near the murders, the killer is able to lead a journalist to a body and befriend…. I could go on. Like her previous Ryan book, there is a change from keeping it real to a very different suspension of disbelief where basically anything, no matter how unrealistic or ridiculous, can happen. I am sure there will be a return to form soon. She is such a prolific writer that there is bound to be dips.
Going back to the failure of a prior case, this book’s holes are bigger than the Tyne Tunnel. Going full on Hollywood ( the killer changes appearance) enrols at Cambridge with false ID, visits tube stations and McDonalds with no CCCTV, people leave mobile phones, the police force go missing (not trying to find the only person in a house when 2 are shot), cars with blacked out windows, a body count bigger than Goodfellas with no DNA, no Sky or BBC anywhere near the murders, the killer is able to lead a journalist to a body and befriend…. I could go on. Like her previous Ryan book, there is a change from keeping it real to a very different suspension of disbelief where basically anything, no matter how unrealistic or ridiculous, can happen. I am sure there will be a return to form soon. She is such a prolific writer that there is bound to be dips.
June 26, 2024
CAWPILE 7.43
4 STARS
Borrowed from Denise again!
This series is extremely compelling, this book in particular- the pages flew by.
I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who has not yet read it as it is a brand new release but I flew through this book, barely blinking because I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I am so excited to read the next in the series as it does end on a little bit of a cliffhanger- also loved the cameo from DCI Ryan too!
4 STARS
Borrowed from Denise again!
This series is extremely compelling, this book in particular- the pages flew by.
I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who has not yet read it as it is a brand new release but I flew through this book, barely blinking because I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I am so excited to read the next in the series as it does end on a little bit of a cliffhanger- also loved the cameo from DCI Ryan too!
October 3, 2024
You know those books where you’re screaming at the characters to see the wood through the trees? That was this.
Can’t wait for the next one to be released!
Can’t wait for the next one to be released!
May 18, 2025
Excellent and a couple of……” i didnt see that coming” moments. Love the characters and the continual build of these. Just started next book
November 5, 2025
A tight, addictive listen with tension from the first chapter. Sharp pacing, clever reveals, and that signature Alexander Gregory intensity. Ideal if you want a thriller you can finish in a day and feel everything.
May 7, 2024
Don't read this book if you want an early night, you'll stay up late to finish it.
I literally, couldn't put this down. LJ Ross does it again, absolutely cracking addition to the Alexander Gregory pile!
After finishing Mania, I knew I would purchase this book the second it came out. This follows the story, so if you haven't read any other of the Alexander Gregory series, you must start at the beginning, with Imposter.
You could read this and probably enjoy it on its own but the author knows how to develop a story and characters so it's ideally to be read in the order of the series.
I'm not saying anything else.
If you like crime, read EVERYTHING by this author.
I literally, couldn't put this down. LJ Ross does it again, absolutely cracking addition to the Alexander Gregory pile!
After finishing Mania, I knew I would purchase this book the second it came out. This follows the story, so if you haven't read any other of the Alexander Gregory series, you must start at the beginning, with Imposter.
You could read this and probably enjoy it on its own but the author knows how to develop a story and characters so it's ideally to be read in the order of the series.
I'm not saying anything else.
If you like crime, read EVERYTHING by this author.
May 10, 2024
Barbara’s rating: 3.4 out of 5 Stars
Series: An Alexander Gregory Thriller #5
Publication Date: 5/2/24
Period: Contemporary London and Cambridge
Number of Pages: 254
Let me get this over with, right here at the beginning, I thoroughly DISLIKE cliffhangers! This author’s books usually pull me into the story so deeply that I cannot put the book down until I’ve read the last page. I cannot tell you why, but that just wasn’t the case with this story. It took me almost a week to read it and when it ended in a cliffhanger, I just threw my hands up. Had I known about the cliffhanger when I was halfway through the book, I would have just stopped reading at that point instead of slogging on through. The writing was fine and the story could have been one of the most exciting yet – but, that wasn’t the case. In some places, the movement of the storyline seemed almost nonexistent. I almost always give this author’s work a 5-star rating, but I just couldn’t do it this time – and that pains me greatly because it could have been so great.
We first met Dr. Naomi Palmer in the third book of the series, Bedlam, where Gregory checked into a highly secure mental hospital in America at the request of the FBI. Naomi and Gregory formed a bit of an attachment there and that attachment has grown since their separation. Now, Naomi has written a book and has come to England to promote it – and to promote her relationship with Gregory as well. We always knew Gregory had a soft, mushy, vulnerable side – but he didn’t know it. Now, he does. What we don’t know at the end of this book, is whether that soft, vulnerable side will survive or be crushed by events that didn’t finish playing out in this book.
Several years ago, Dr. Gregory Alexander and Professor William (Bill) Douglas profiled a sadistic serial killer for Scotland Yard. That profile was misused by the police and the wrong man was arrested, tried, and convicted. The true perpetrator was later found, and Carl Deere was set free. In reparations, Carl was paid millions of pounds and all records of him were erased – including his DNA profile.
One of the reasons Scotland Yard was so determined to arrest and convict Carl – even over the objections of Bill and Gregory – was because he closely matched that profile. He just hadn’t acted on any of those ‘urges’ yet. From prison forward, Carl had no reservations whatsoever about acting on those ‘urges’ – nor did he have any reservations about seeking revenge on those he blamed for incarcerating him. All of them, from the smallest role to the biggest, will receive the same punishment – the same sentence – death.
With the higher-ups at Scotland Yard in denial about the sudden spate of murders being related to Carl’s case, and their absolute refusal to have anything with criminal profiling, can Gregory and Bill manage to find and stop Carl? How many lives will be lost? Can Alexander save Bill from harm?
I can recommend this story if you have read other books in the series and enjoyed them. Perhaps you’ll love it with the cliffhanger and it will make you yearn for the next book that should solve the cliffhanger. I think that one of the things that bugs me about this book (and this series) is Scotland Yard – especially the leadership – looking like they are a bunch of bumbling twits. Scotland Yard is one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the world, but they won’t have anything to do with criminal profiling? Just how far behind the times are we supposed to believe they are? Most police forces – everywhere – even in small towns and villages – have what would pass for a criminal profiler. Why wouldn’t Scotland Yard? Anyway – while I didn’t get totally sucked into this story, I am looking forward to the next book, Amnesia.
Series: An Alexander Gregory Thriller #5
Publication Date: 5/2/24
Period: Contemporary London and Cambridge
Number of Pages: 254
Let me get this over with, right here at the beginning, I thoroughly DISLIKE cliffhangers! This author’s books usually pull me into the story so deeply that I cannot put the book down until I’ve read the last page. I cannot tell you why, but that just wasn’t the case with this story. It took me almost a week to read it and when it ended in a cliffhanger, I just threw my hands up. Had I known about the cliffhanger when I was halfway through the book, I would have just stopped reading at that point instead of slogging on through. The writing was fine and the story could have been one of the most exciting yet – but, that wasn’t the case. In some places, the movement of the storyline seemed almost nonexistent. I almost always give this author’s work a 5-star rating, but I just couldn’t do it this time – and that pains me greatly because it could have been so great.
We first met Dr. Naomi Palmer in the third book of the series, Bedlam, where Gregory checked into a highly secure mental hospital in America at the request of the FBI. Naomi and Gregory formed a bit of an attachment there and that attachment has grown since their separation. Now, Naomi has written a book and has come to England to promote it – and to promote her relationship with Gregory as well. We always knew Gregory had a soft, mushy, vulnerable side – but he didn’t know it. Now, he does. What we don’t know at the end of this book, is whether that soft, vulnerable side will survive or be crushed by events that didn’t finish playing out in this book.
Several years ago, Dr. Gregory Alexander and Professor William (Bill) Douglas profiled a sadistic serial killer for Scotland Yard. That profile was misused by the police and the wrong man was arrested, tried, and convicted. The true perpetrator was later found, and Carl Deere was set free. In reparations, Carl was paid millions of pounds and all records of him were erased – including his DNA profile.
One of the reasons Scotland Yard was so determined to arrest and convict Carl – even over the objections of Bill and Gregory – was because he closely matched that profile. He just hadn’t acted on any of those ‘urges’ yet. From prison forward, Carl had no reservations whatsoever about acting on those ‘urges’ – nor did he have any reservations about seeking revenge on those he blamed for incarcerating him. All of them, from the smallest role to the biggest, will receive the same punishment – the same sentence – death.
With the higher-ups at Scotland Yard in denial about the sudden spate of murders being related to Carl’s case, and their absolute refusal to have anything with criminal profiling, can Gregory and Bill manage to find and stop Carl? How many lives will be lost? Can Alexander save Bill from harm?
I can recommend this story if you have read other books in the series and enjoyed them. Perhaps you’ll love it with the cliffhanger and it will make you yearn for the next book that should solve the cliffhanger. I think that one of the things that bugs me about this book (and this series) is Scotland Yard – especially the leadership – looking like they are a bunch of bumbling twits. Scotland Yard is one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the world, but they won’t have anything to do with criminal profiling? Just how far behind the times are we supposed to believe they are? Most police forces – everywhere – even in small towns and villages – have what would pass for a criminal profiler. Why wouldn’t Scotland Yard? Anyway – while I didn’t get totally sucked into this story, I am looking forward to the next book, Amnesia.
October 6, 2024
I really do enjoy this series. In Alex Gregory, LJ Ross has created a. brilliant character who has his flaws, but ultimately acts as a force for justice, no matter the danger this seems to put him in. And despite a very difficult childhood, one that could have led him down a very dark path, he is fiercely protective of his friends and those he loves, even if he hasn't quite managed to diagnose love when it comes to his own life.
In Panic, we join Alex and bis good friend Bill Douglas not long after the conclusion of events from the previous book, Mania. For that reason, I think you would be better in reading that book first, if not the whole series, as it gives some very key insight into what comes to pass in Panic, but also this book contains some key spoilers for the book before it. To be honest, this series especially is perhaps best read in order, as certain characters that appear in Panic, have also been in previous books, and their presence here has far greater context if you understand some of Alex's previous cases. that said, if you want to start here, you get enough of a recap to be able to pick up the story without issue.
The book has a perfect kind of pace, and is packed with tension and a sense that danger is just around the corner. Alex and bill are very much in the crosshairs of a dangerous killer, a man who has already taken two lives in rather macabre manner. For very good reason, the police are very reluctant to name the main suspect, but Alex knows that they, and anyone close to them, are in grave danger, and sets out to prove his theory, if only to help stop the killer in their tracks.
What I like about this series is how LJ Ross has woven psychology and psychology theory into the stories. It is Alex and Bill's speciality, their vocation, as it were, and it adds a little more to the story than it simply being a straight up police investigation. The police do feature, but more as a secondary set of characters than being the main reason we are here bearing witness. There is much exploration on why the killer does what they do, why they are seeking revenge and who their next victims might be. And with the story taking Alex up north to HMP Frankland, and into the world of his friend, DCI Ryan, there is much to keep fans of the author's other series happy too. But even without that cameo, Alex, Bill and those who inhabit their world are draw enough. Brilliantly diverse and engaging characters who I am more than happy to spend the time with,
There is plenty of threat, and those heart in the mouth moments that keep you on the edge of the seat and keep your pulse pounding. Some scenes are a bit more surprising, and perhaps shocking, than others, and there were elements of the story I second guessed just slightly ahead of the other characters, or so it may seem, but it doesn't change the enjoyment of the story as it kept me entertained wondering at which point the rest of them would catch up. Was I caught unawares by what came to pass in the latter stages of the story? Yep. You betcha. Am I looking forward to what comes next? Without a doubt.
Definitely recommended for fans of the series. And as I part listened, part read the book, kudos to Ricahrd Armitage who does a brilliant job, yet again, of bringing Alex and co. to life
In Panic, we join Alex and bis good friend Bill Douglas not long after the conclusion of events from the previous book, Mania. For that reason, I think you would be better in reading that book first, if not the whole series, as it gives some very key insight into what comes to pass in Panic, but also this book contains some key spoilers for the book before it. To be honest, this series especially is perhaps best read in order, as certain characters that appear in Panic, have also been in previous books, and their presence here has far greater context if you understand some of Alex's previous cases. that said, if you want to start here, you get enough of a recap to be able to pick up the story without issue.
The book has a perfect kind of pace, and is packed with tension and a sense that danger is just around the corner. Alex and bill are very much in the crosshairs of a dangerous killer, a man who has already taken two lives in rather macabre manner. For very good reason, the police are very reluctant to name the main suspect, but Alex knows that they, and anyone close to them, are in grave danger, and sets out to prove his theory, if only to help stop the killer in their tracks.
What I like about this series is how LJ Ross has woven psychology and psychology theory into the stories. It is Alex and Bill's speciality, their vocation, as it were, and it adds a little more to the story than it simply being a straight up police investigation. The police do feature, but more as a secondary set of characters than being the main reason we are here bearing witness. There is much exploration on why the killer does what they do, why they are seeking revenge and who their next victims might be. And with the story taking Alex up north to HMP Frankland, and into the world of his friend, DCI Ryan, there is much to keep fans of the author's other series happy too. But even without that cameo, Alex, Bill and those who inhabit their world are draw enough. Brilliantly diverse and engaging characters who I am more than happy to spend the time with,
There is plenty of threat, and those heart in the mouth moments that keep you on the edge of the seat and keep your pulse pounding. Some scenes are a bit more surprising, and perhaps shocking, than others, and there were elements of the story I second guessed just slightly ahead of the other characters, or so it may seem, but it doesn't change the enjoyment of the story as it kept me entertained wondering at which point the rest of them would catch up. Was I caught unawares by what came to pass in the latter stages of the story? Yep. You betcha. Am I looking forward to what comes next? Without a doubt.
Definitely recommended for fans of the series. And as I part listened, part read the book, kudos to Ricahrd Armitage who does a brilliant job, yet again, of bringing Alex and co. to life
February 4, 2025
Picking up where the last one left off. This was the best yet worst of all the stories.
Dr. Naomi is back. She's come to England for a book tour and reaches out to Alex. Of course they're an immediate hook up. Fine, I'll roll with it. Their relationship is way too much like Ryan and Anna, so I don't like that and their relationship went from 0 to 60 like every other relationship.
Bill is clearly in danger as is Alex once they work out who the killer is. While Alex and Bill are sure, the rest of the MET have no interest in following their advice because of the cock up with this person years ago.
Too many of the people involved in this are just stupid. Legitimately stupid, the reporter leading the top of the list.
The killer is in disguise along with having altered his appearance and dropped out of existence since his release from prison so no one really knows what he looks like.
More police corruption, ignoring things right in front of them.
Doesn't London and surrounding areas have more CCTV than anywhere else, so how can they not find anything using that?
When a character forgets to charge their phone or leave their phone behind, well I find that lazy writing on the authors part, mostly because it is so over used. Do people really forget their phones, sure, so many do, I have. But a prosecutor leaving hers behind? I don't think so, she'd go right back and get it. I also hate it when one places a call, a life saving call, and the person doesn't answer, why don't they text some info? Seriously? I have missed call, calls I can't answer, etc, but I'm left a voicemail or if it is something important, that person texts me letting me know it's urgent, so why didn't Alex TEXT Bill after he couldn't reach him. I really hate this stuff.
I don't understand why these books have so much implausible and frankly STUPID things that the Ryan series doesn't have.
Like the last novel, where I felt because of his profession, Alex would have dealt with his trauma better than the average bear, in this one, I feel Bill would have handled his sexuality better and whatever issues he was initially struggling with. There's a level of inauthenticity in it. I know shrinks are perfect and will still have issues like normal people but they have tools that the average person doesn't.
While it seems I do nothing but complain about these books, I still like them. I do love the relationship between Alex and Bill. The plots are there, they way the murders are committed, and such, but there's a lot more silliness around solving it than there are in Ross's other series. But this one ends in a way that made me move along immediately to the next. I hate cliffhangers, but I don't mind them when I have the next one ready to go.
Dr. Naomi is back. She's come to England for a book tour and reaches out to Alex. Of course they're an immediate hook up. Fine, I'll roll with it. Their relationship is way too much like Ryan and Anna, so I don't like that and their relationship went from 0 to 60 like every other relationship.
Bill is clearly in danger as is Alex once they work out who the killer is. While Alex and Bill are sure, the rest of the MET have no interest in following their advice because of the cock up with this person years ago.
Too many of the people involved in this are just stupid. Legitimately stupid, the reporter leading the top of the list.
The killer is in disguise along with having altered his appearance and dropped out of existence since his release from prison so no one really knows what he looks like.
More police corruption, ignoring things right in front of them.
Doesn't London and surrounding areas have more CCTV than anywhere else, so how can they not find anything using that?
When a character forgets to charge their phone or leave their phone behind, well I find that lazy writing on the authors part, mostly because it is so over used. Do people really forget their phones, sure, so many do, I have. But a prosecutor leaving hers behind? I don't think so, she'd go right back and get it. I also hate it when one places a call, a life saving call, and the person doesn't answer, why don't they text some info? Seriously? I have missed call, calls I can't answer, etc, but I'm left a voicemail or if it is something important, that person texts me letting me know it's urgent, so why didn't Alex TEXT Bill after he couldn't reach him. I really hate this stuff.
I don't understand why these books have so much implausible and frankly STUPID things that the Ryan series doesn't have.
Like the last novel, where I felt because of his profession, Alex would have dealt with his trauma better than the average bear, in this one, I feel Bill would have handled his sexuality better and whatever issues he was initially struggling with. There's a level of inauthenticity in it. I know shrinks are perfect and will still have issues like normal people but they have tools that the average person doesn't.
While it seems I do nothing but complain about these books, I still like them. I do love the relationship between Alex and Bill. The plots are there, they way the murders are committed, and such, but there's a lot more silliness around solving it than there are in Ross's other series. But this one ends in a way that made me move along immediately to the next. I hate cliffhangers, but I don't mind them when I have the next one ready to go.
October 13, 2024
I have not visited the world of Dr Alex Gregory for a while, but he is like the friend you may not always see but when you do you it’s as though you see them every day. When a case from Alex’s past comes back to haunt him it is not long before he is trying to protect those closest to him and also anyone who was involved in the investigation. The police don’t want to know as it is a case they would rather forget as they got it spectacularly wrong, and an innocent man was convicted. Whilst there is no great mystery as to who is behind everything that is happening or even the why it does not detract from the tension throughout the book as you are not sure who is going to be caught in their sights next.
As ever Alex is more concerned with the safety of his friend and mentor Bill and anyone else who may be in danger than he is about himself. He has always been a little reticent in letting people get close to him thanks to his past so it is nice to see him finally opening up to someone and starting a relationship, as to how this will work out is yet to be seen especially with someone with revenge on the loose but I for one am keeping my fingers crossed. I really enjoyed learning more about Bill Douglas too and just how the relationship between him and Alex works.
I love this series because it delves more into, they why than the who and the how and Panic is no exception showing us just how one act can change a person to an extent where they can become, they person they have been portrayed to be. For fans of LJ Ross’s other series DCI Ryan makes an appearance offering assistance and sanctuary for those closes to Gregory. If you are worried that knowing some things too early in the case, then don’t be as there are still some twists and turns that will surprise you and leave you wondering what will happen next and ensuring that you pick up the next in the series when it comes out.
As ever Alex is more concerned with the safety of his friend and mentor Bill and anyone else who may be in danger than he is about himself. He has always been a little reticent in letting people get close to him thanks to his past so it is nice to see him finally opening up to someone and starting a relationship, as to how this will work out is yet to be seen especially with someone with revenge on the loose but I for one am keeping my fingers crossed. I really enjoyed learning more about Bill Douglas too and just how the relationship between him and Alex works.
I love this series because it delves more into, they why than the who and the how and Panic is no exception showing us just how one act can change a person to an extent where they can become, they person they have been portrayed to be. For fans of LJ Ross’s other series DCI Ryan makes an appearance offering assistance and sanctuary for those closes to Gregory. If you are worried that knowing some things too early in the case, then don’t be as there are still some twists and turns that will surprise you and leave you wondering what will happen next and ensuring that you pick up the next in the series when it comes out.
October 2, 2024
If you like your thrillers fast-paced and explosive, then this audiobook is definitely for you. The fifth Dr Alex Gregory book centres around Carl Deere, encarcerated falsely after a high profile case and now released with a new identity. In the wake of his release, a judge and police officer have been murdered and it seems Deere is seeking revenge. Despite Gregory's profiling work being wrangle used to capture Deere, it seems he is on the hit list. Deere is like a ghost , invisible, and as the body count grows and the links growing, it is vital to track Deere down before the death toll escalates further. Scotland Yard don't want to get involved after the fiasco of locking Deere up as an innocent man, so Dr Alex Gregory enlists the help of DCI Hope to fight against the ticking clock to unearth Deere. There is an exciting appearance from DCI Ryan too in the midst of the ascending drama. A gripping listen with a cliffhanger finale. #panic #ljross #audiobook #dralexandergregory #thriller
November 17, 2024
" The relationship about childhood trauma/ neuroplastcity and recidivism".
Really? Since the author is using words that indicate he is smart, how about the the relationship between poverty and recidivism? Social/economical anxiety and recidivism? Rigid economical structure that benefits few and not ppl who have no choice but to turn to criminal activity? Politicians who make a career out of not attending to economical needs of the vulnerable, but to serve bankers?
Oops..too human for our shallow author!
He ain't Antonio Gramsci after all. Who knew?! He is a dumdum who thinks regurgitating big words makes him sound smart!
The book is for shallow ppl who enjoy five sentences describing expensive cars and want to hear about fictional superheros who are handsome and sophisticated. That is wholely the level of intellectual stimulation that this book provides. Awe of spectacle.
I saw a review here, in which the person who wrote the review had called the narrator of the audio book a "man god". That's it! That's the type of audience for whom this book is written.
Really? Since the author is using words that indicate he is smart, how about the the relationship between poverty and recidivism? Social/economical anxiety and recidivism? Rigid economical structure that benefits few and not ppl who have no choice but to turn to criminal activity? Politicians who make a career out of not attending to economical needs of the vulnerable, but to serve bankers?
Oops..too human for our shallow author!
He ain't Antonio Gramsci after all. Who knew?! He is a dumdum who thinks regurgitating big words makes him sound smart!
The book is for shallow ppl who enjoy five sentences describing expensive cars and want to hear about fictional superheros who are handsome and sophisticated. That is wholely the level of intellectual stimulation that this book provides. Awe of spectacle.
I saw a review here, in which the person who wrote the review had called the narrator of the audio book a "man god". That's it! That's the type of audience for whom this book is written.
September 27, 2025
Awesome Read
Having been used as scapegoats by the police when they used their psychological profile to send a seemingly innocent man, Carl Deere, o jail. To shift the blame due to public outcry, the Met blames Gregory and Bill and their lives are turned upside down and their reputations are ruined. Having been given a new identity, millions in compensation and his DNA and fingerprints removed from the system, Carl seemingly disappeared. Until the bodies start dropping.
When people involved in the case against Carl start to die, nobody is willing to listen to Gregory that Carl has now become the very think he was previously accused of being, a sadistic murderer. There is always another reasonable motive for each of the deaths and nobody in power will believe that Carl is responsible and with no dna profile to compare to there is no way to convince the police to help him. Gregory is left to deal with it almost alone.
How many will have to die before he's believed and will any of his friends and colleagues still be alive when this is finally over.
Having been used as scapegoats by the police when they used their psychological profile to send a seemingly innocent man, Carl Deere, o jail. To shift the blame due to public outcry, the Met blames Gregory and Bill and their lives are turned upside down and their reputations are ruined. Having been given a new identity, millions in compensation and his DNA and fingerprints removed from the system, Carl seemingly disappeared. Until the bodies start dropping.
When people involved in the case against Carl start to die, nobody is willing to listen to Gregory that Carl has now become the very think he was previously accused of being, a sadistic murderer. There is always another reasonable motive for each of the deaths and nobody in power will believe that Carl is responsible and with no dna profile to compare to there is no way to convince the police to help him. Gregory is left to deal with it almost alone.
How many will have to die before he's believed and will any of his friends and colleagues still be alive when this is finally over.
July 18, 2024
When a senior Metropolitan Police officer and High Court judge die in quick succession, criminal profiler Doctor Alex Gregory is convinced their deaths are linked to the most shameful case of his career: the notorious wrongful conviction of Carl Deere, an innocent man found guilty of a series of heinous murders perpetrated by the ‘Soho Killer’. Four years later, released from prison and with his record wiped clean, Deere is an invisible spectre with a new name and a new face. But, as Gregory knows only too well, the past isn’t easily forgotten, and revenge can be a powerful motive—even for an innocent man…
Another great book from LJ Ross, in the Dr Alexander Gregory thriller series. It was fast paced with an excellent storyline as Alex and his mentor Prof Bill Douglas try to piece together the clues of the recent spate of murders that they are convinced are the work of one man. Another clear winner!
Another great book from LJ Ross, in the Dr Alexander Gregory thriller series. It was fast paced with an excellent storyline as Alex and his mentor Prof Bill Douglas try to piece together the clues of the recent spate of murders that they are convinced are the work of one man. Another clear winner!
July 19, 2024
Small spoiler alert, without being a real spoiler. If you are like me and hate unfinished resolution for murder cases, wait with reading this one till the next one is out. It is not fully resolved, so you have been warned!
Also if you do not like knowing who is behind it, then this may not be a book for you. But if you want to read the next one, you will have to read this one, because it is very relevant to the next one in the series.
Personally, I enjoyed reading it. It was very easy to read and although you know who is behind it, you still get to be wondering how it will end and if the characters would die or live. And you could say, that some playing with fire is involved as well. And although you can see through the plot, it is still very enjoyable to read it. So for summer relaxation, it is a good book to read. Although not the best in my view from the series.
Also if you do not like knowing who is behind it, then this may not be a book for you. But if you want to read the next one, you will have to read this one, because it is very relevant to the next one in the series.
Personally, I enjoyed reading it. It was very easy to read and although you know who is behind it, you still get to be wondering how it will end and if the characters would die or live. And you could say, that some playing with fire is involved as well. And although you can see through the plot, it is still very enjoyable to read it. So for summer relaxation, it is a good book to read. Although not the best in my view from the series.
July 30, 2024
As someone who hasn’t picked up a book in a very long time, I’ve found this book to be really really interesting and engaging as I’ve read it all in a day.
I really like the different ideas that were presented within the stories.
I also really like how well written all the characters are especially Alex Gregory and Ava Hope. However, I think that Naomi is quite a bland character but I don’t mind that as it didn’t really make a huge impact.
Another thing I loved were all the plot twists and suspense in the story, it really kept me wanting to read more.
I guess what might’ve stopped me from rating this a 5 stars is that there’s a bit of romance and I don’t really like romance that much and also the ending was quite questionable. I don’t really know what to think or how to feel about the ending but it was quite interesting to say the least, although I like how the writer left it on a cliffhanger which leaves suspense.
And as a book that’s a thriller genre, this was really good and it really gave me the creeps, especially Carl Deeres because of how mysterious he is.
Overall, I quite liked this book and it’s certainly a good book to pick up after not reading books after ages lol.
ANYWAYS ALEXANDER GREGORY 10/10 WOULD SMASH 🗿🗿🗿🗿
I really like the different ideas that were presented within the stories.
I also really like how well written all the characters are especially Alex Gregory and Ava Hope. However, I think that Naomi is quite a bland character but I don’t mind that as it didn’t really make a huge impact.
Another thing I loved were all the plot twists and suspense in the story, it really kept me wanting to read more.
I guess what might’ve stopped me from rating this a 5 stars is that there’s a bit of romance and I don’t really like romance that much and also the ending was quite questionable. I don’t really know what to think or how to feel about the ending but it was quite interesting to say the least, although I like how the writer left it on a cliffhanger which leaves suspense.
And as a book that’s a thriller genre, this was really good and it really gave me the creeps, especially Carl Deeres because of how mysterious he is.
Overall, I quite liked this book and it’s certainly a good book to pick up after not reading books after ages lol.
ANYWAYS ALEXANDER GREGORY 10/10 WOULD SMASH 🗿🗿🗿🗿
August 8, 2024
I always enjoy LJ Ross’s books, whether It be DCI Ryan, Alexander Gregory or Summer Mysteries.
This book features Alexander Gregory the criminal profiler ( although Ryan gets a mention). A prisoner released from jail due to an unsafe conviction, decides to kill off all the people involved in his false conviction including Gregory and his mentor Bill Douglas. When the killing starts and 3 people are murdered it is a race against time to stop other killings. Things are not as they seem though and although the killings end, the story is left in the air, to be continued in the next novel whenever that is published. This is still a good murder mystery though in its own right.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
This book features Alexander Gregory the criminal profiler ( although Ryan gets a mention). A prisoner released from jail due to an unsafe conviction, decides to kill off all the people involved in his false conviction including Gregory and his mentor Bill Douglas. When the killing starts and 3 people are murdered it is a race against time to stop other killings. Things are not as they seem though and although the killings end, the story is left in the air, to be continued in the next novel whenever that is published. This is still a good murder mystery though in its own right.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
September 8, 2025
I absolutely loved this book and raced through it in just a few days, I couldn’t put it down. At first, I had to go back over the opening chapters a couple of times to get familiar with all the characters, but once I did, I was completely gripped.
I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Bill, Naomi, and Alex. Their support for each other felt refreshing and made me care about what happened to them. The twists and turns throughout the story kept me hooked, and I always wanted to know what would happen next.
That said, while I settled down with a cuppa to finish the book today, I was left a little disappointed by the ending. I know this is part of a series, but I felt there were too many unanswered questions for this book to feel fully satisfying on its own.
I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Bill, Naomi, and Alex. Their support for each other felt refreshing and made me care about what happened to them. The twists and turns throughout the story kept me hooked, and I always wanted to know what would happen next.
That said, while I settled down with a cuppa to finish the book today, I was left a little disappointed by the ending. I know this is part of a series, but I felt there were too many unanswered questions for this book to feel fully satisfying on its own.
June 6, 2024
As a dedicated follower of the DCI Ryan series and therefore of LJ Ross I have never been over impressed with the Alexander Gregory spin offs and have to admit that I never bothered with books three and four.
Perhaps because of the time lapse between the latest episodes of both series and also finding some of the more recent Ryan novels a bit patchy I took the plunge with "Panic".
Wow! I'm so pleased that I did. This is Louise at her best. Spot on characterisation, perfectly paced plot with just the right amount of twists and a cliff hanger end worthy of the early Ryan vs. The Hacker novels.
There is more to come from this series and I can't wait.
Perhaps because of the time lapse between the latest episodes of both series and also finding some of the more recent Ryan novels a bit patchy I took the plunge with "Panic".
Wow! I'm so pleased that I did. This is Louise at her best. Spot on characterisation, perfectly paced plot with just the right amount of twists and a cliff hanger end worthy of the early Ryan vs. The Hacker novels.
There is more to come from this series and I can't wait.
June 22, 2024
Panic by L J Ross is book 5 in the Alexander Gregory Thriller series and is an excellent read. In this episode Carl Deere, an innocent man who was convicted of murder has been released and awarded compensation. He then mounts a campaign to execute all those that he is convinced were instigators in his imprisonment.
It is Alexander and his mentor Douglas who track him down and confront him. Alexander has a woman in his life and both she and DCI Hope are find in serious conditions having been attacked in Professor Douglas’s home.
Looking forward to the next episode in this series.
Highly recommended
It is Alexander and his mentor Douglas who track him down and confront him. Alexander has a woman in his life and both she and DCI Hope are find in serious conditions having been attacked in Professor Douglas’s home.
Looking forward to the next episode in this series.
Highly recommended
April 5, 2025
A slow start with too much talking but the pace quickens and the book becomes much more interesting although there are more plot holes than pot holes in the UK. One question I kept asking was why does it take so long for the police to get involved? Also they are a number of convenient situations to allow stuff to happen from leaving a mobile phone behind to lack of CCTV in a busy London.
Still, Ross knows how to write a page turner and I did enjoy the subtle reference to DCI Ryan although I am not so keen on leaving a book on a Cliff hanger to try and get the reader to buy the next book.
Who makes these decisions, the author or publisher?
Still, Ross knows how to write a page turner and I did enjoy the subtle reference to DCI Ryan although I am not so keen on leaving a book on a Cliff hanger to try and get the reader to buy the next book.
Who makes these decisions, the author or publisher?
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