The Mathematician

by Jeff Scott

“The Mathematician" part 1 of a trilogy, takes you into the shadowy streets of Boston where a serial killer stalks young women, leaving behind baffling mathematical puzzles at each crime scene. Caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Detectives Frank Griffin and Sarah Collins, alongside Captain Joe Hogan, must decipher these clues to stop the elusive murderer before more lives are lost. With the sharp insights of medical examiner Olivia Brooks and the brilliant mind of Professor Wolfgang Einstein, an expert in mathematics, their quest becomes a thrilling race against time. As the body count rises, the team plunges deeper into a web of riddles and fear, where every number could mean life or death.



The book is the first of a three-part series.

Genres: Thriller

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah * Between the Lines Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Fans of James Patterson

This book was an excellent crime Thriller, for the readers who love James Patterson books, I highly suggest you check out Jeff Scott’s books. Very similar in their writing. I can’t wait to dive into the second book of this trilogy. Third book is coming out soon!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew it, I knew it! Immediately too. This needs to be a Netflix series. That would be great. A must read for psychological thrillers, in my opinion. Not too long either, read in one sitting

[Amber Grinstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished it and I have to say it's the best book I've read so far it kept me interested in wanting to find out who was involved

DEFINITELY DIDN'T DISAPPOINT!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[JessicaB📚BookBae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Scott has done a fantastic job with this novel. This book if the first of a trilogy. Mixing a fantastic concept of a serial killer leaving equations with a very good story line of “cat and mouse”.

This book was fast paced, full of entertainment and had so much going on you wanted to read more.

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Sorell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read. Fast paced from the first page with a plot that keeps you guessing. I loved the main character - in fact, the author has done a great job with all the characters. I’m looking forward to the next 2 books in the series.

[Billie Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thrilling Puzzle of a Read! 😳

"The Mathematician" by Jeff Scott is a gripping start to what promises to be an electrifying trilogy. Set against the shadowy streets of Boston, this thriller masterfully intertwines the chilling pursuits of a serial killer with the intellectual challenge of deciphering complex mathematical puzzles left at each crime scene.

The story follows Detectives Frank Griffin and Sarah Collins, along with Captain Joe Hogan, as they race against time to stop the elusive murderer. The addition of Professor Wolfgang Einstein, a mathematics expert, adds a unique twist to the narrative, making the hunt for the killer as much a battle of wits as it is a physical chase.

Just when you think they’ve figured it out and caught their killer, guess again!

The Mathematician is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who enjoys a good intellectual challenge. It's a book that keeps you guessing until the very end like a game of cat and mouse, and I can't wait to see where the next installment takes us.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much potential!

I recently finished The Mathematician and while I found the concept intriguing, my overall experience was somewhat mixed.

Note: There are several mechanical/grammar errors in this book, but they do not detract from the story. The kindle version is somewhat uncomfortable due to how chapters split. I did not factor the formatting into the rating.

The premise of the story captivated me from the start - I enjoy thrillers, love crime (reading! Not doing!), and I enjoy math. Mix it all up? Yes please! This innovative idea had the potential to be a standout in its genre, and I couldn't help but feel excited about where it could lead.

However, as I delved into the story, I encountered some pacing issues that detracted from my enjoyment. The story moved at a jarring speed, often skipping over crucial moments that could have added depth and richness to the narrative. I felt as though I was racing from one event to the next, without enough time to fully invest in the unfolding drama.

One of my main frustrations was the character development. Many of the characters felt shallow and underexplored, leaving me wanting more. Frank and Olivia could have been a book on their own: I truly feel there was so much to explore here. And the Chief! Oh, that would have been a story!!! With such a compelling concept, I believe Scott could have fleshed out these characters further, giving them the depth and complexity that would have made their journeys more impactful. In fact, the richness of the idea could have easily supported two or three novels, allowing for a more thorough exploration of both the themes and the characters.

Ultimately, while I appreciated the creativity behind The Mathematician, the pacing issues and lack of character depth held it back from reaching its full potential. I left the book feeling unsatisfied, wishing for a more immersive experience that could have truly brought the concept to life. It's a decent read, and I’m going to read the next one - Jeff Scott has so much potential to make this story really come to life, and I look forward to seeing how he develops the characters and story in part two!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Mathematician” by Jeff Scott is an intriguing and unique murder mystery, where mathematical puzzles serve as key clues to unraveling the murders. The story moves quickly, making for an engaging and fast-paced read. The concept of integrating math into the investigation is a fresh twist, adding an intellectual layer to the mystery. Overall, it's an enjoyable, if somewhat shallow, murder mystery for readers who appreciate puzzles and quick, light thrillers.

[Elaine Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I like numbers and was trying to figure out the clues for this storyline. I enjoyed this author's writing style. I have read a few books by him. I liked all the different twist and turns this book took with the different players in this story. I actually guessed who was involved a little over half way through but I was really paying attention to all the little clues left. I can't wait to read book two of this series.

[Ajay Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complex web of twists and turns.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish with a complex web of twists and turns, making it a thrilling challenge to uncover the identity of the killer. I found myself completely engrossed in the story.

[Hilary Betley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read! Different than most serial thrillers, few repetitive pieces but overall great read.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. I honestly love riddles so the riddles throughout the book were fun for me. I also really appreciated the way the author set up and described each scene. I could really feel what the main character was feeling. I definitely will be reading the next two books in the series. I don't want to give any spoilers but I liked how fast you jump right into the storline where as some authors I think drag it out a bit. Great job Jeff Scott!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, loved it! Excited for the second to come out

[Karen Brooks - TheTxLitChic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mathematician
-Jeff Scott

Faced with an onslaught of brutal murders, detective Frank Griffin and partner Sarah Collins are tasked to solve what has been dubbed “The Mathematician” murders due to the complex mathematic formulas left at the scene of each murder. As time progresses and leads dry up, Griffin is reminded by Captain Joe Hogan why this case is so crucial - his niece was one of the victims of The Mathematician - because not only is it their city, it is personal.

As the book goes on, leads come and go, the team is no more closer to identifying The Mathematician than they were in the beginning. Professor Wolfgang Einstein is brought into the mix to help solve the equations and hopefully bring them closer to catching a killer. In the meantime, Olivia Brooks, medical examiner, joins the team by identifying patterns in the formulas left by The Mathematician through clues in the victim files giving what they believe to be a leg up on the investigation.

While the basis of the story is well thought out, the plot is great, I felt a disconnect with flow in this book. Things felt rushed in areas that I felt needed more focus and time devoted while I felt there was more time and fluff in areas that really weren’t needed for the story to be told. I enjoyed the love connection aspect as well but honestly, it felt dull and lifeless - the spark described wasn’t felt outside the book to me. I really think that the development of the love interest could have been a novella between books one and two and would have given more fulfillment for me than trying to complete it in book one - the build up in book one, novella to complete and then carry on with book two. Just my personal opinion on the development of their relationship.

Overall, this was a good read. It kept me interested enough to keep going because I had to find out if The Mathematician was who I thought it was or if there was this great plot twist that would spice things up and make the book a better overall read for me - I had it figured out. I do recommend this for anyone who loves a good old school feeling detective read. I look forward to seeing the growth of Jeff’s writing in books two and three as I feel he has amazing potential as a story teller.

As always, all reviews and opinions are of my own volition with no compensation promised by the author, present or future.

[KellyJ1028 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Scott is a new to me author and I had the opportunity to read The Mathematician.

The streets of Boston is the setting, the writing was well paced and there were many twists & turns.

What I loved - A serial killer leaving mathematical equations & clues. I thought this was a unique & genius concept, that I had not read before. Old style detective feel ..mystery, murder, and a little romance. I LOVED the characters in this book Detectives Frank Griffin & Sarah Collins, Olivia (Med examiner) and Capt Hogan. Each of these characters were so well written and interesting & I loved connecting with them. One thing I love about reading is making a connection to the characters!!

I am not leaving any spoilers because I know that many people are reading this one.... but what I will say is , even if you think you've figured it out...you didnt!

I hate Math but I really liked this book LOL

The book is the first of a three-part series that I will definitely be continuing.

[Mandy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

THINK OLD FILM NOIR MEETS DETECTIVE MAGAZINE! Detective Frank Griffin is on the hunt to catch The Mathematician Killer. He has ended the lives of many young women and he likes to play games with law enforcement. Can Griffin and his team unravel the clues and catch this killer or is he too much of a genius and will stay one step ahead? An unusual team come together to try and solve this case before more innocent people are murdered. There is mystery, murder, secret societies, math, love, and family in this book. I enjoyed it very much. This mismatched team of crime solvers has the potential to be a great group. I look forward to more details about these characters, how they work together as a team and a growing dynamic between them. I recommend this book and look forward to finishing the trilogy. Can you figure out who the killer is before it's too late?

[Kelly Ernst · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and LOVED the idea of it. I’m not a huge lover of third person writing as I much more enjoy reading as if I’m the character. I would have loved a bit more character development as well as I didn’t have a strong connection to any character. I would really enjoy a two sided perception, one from the “hero” and one from the “bad guy”. Overall, I did enjoy this book and I’m looking forward to the growth of the author and the other two books in the series! I’m giving this book three stars as it kept my attention and I see so much potential in this author! I respect and envy anyone who can write!

[Brittany Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing and unique. Being Scott's first book he did a wonderful job at standing out from the crowd with this one.
There were repetitive statements that did stand out and drive me a bit batty but the overall concept and plot of this book makes it worth reading. The fast pace and short chapters are always a bonus in my eyes. I also really enjoy the personal life outside the precinct and that time genuinely felt extended without dragging on. I have no doubt book two and three will only improve and be just as unique as the first. I look forward to reading more by Jeff.

[Emily Snyder · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book I think had good bones. But maybe not enough details or fluff? It was fast paced, but maybe too fast? Like when there was there was two people "caught" in the first 50 pages I couldn't help but feel like we were missing steps or details. Plus I also solved it in those first 50 pages. I skipped to the end to make sure I was right, but I didn't finish this. I will try and revisit these and maybe it will get better? We will see.

[Kayla Wiklanski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisty crime story that has you turning the pages. I was hooked from the first page. You follow along as Detective Griffin tries to catch the ever evading serial killer. Will Griffin catch "The Mathematician"? Pick up this book and find out what exactly is in store for the detective and his team.

[Corrie Powell]

This book has a good plot, but lacks in character development and vocabulary. I didn't feel connected to any character and the overuse of the word "palpable" turned me off. I felt like I was reading the same chapter over and over. Took me FOREVER to read it. I don't like to DNF a book so I trudged through it. Won't be reading the other two.

[Heidi Troyer (Hillenbrand) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!!! Couldn’t put it down!! I figured out the “who”, yet the story kept my undivided attention!!! Given my degree in mathematics, I absolutely loved the math concept tied into a thriller!!!! My mind was working on the “who did it” as well as the math codes!! Fabulous work!!!! Eager to read books 2 and 3!!!!

[Skylar Annairo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The initial mood was set up well—I felt like I was reading a hard-boiled noir. However, it is clear that this could have benefited from a better editor. Also, I’m sorry to say, but this was too predictable. There were many red herrings, but none of them were convincing enough to lead me away from the obvious truth.

[Tagan Gano · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great premise, however the details are severely lacking. We skip through weeks in single
Paragraphs so it makes for a quick read for sure. But I feel as if the quickness of this one does a bit of a disservice to the story. I see tons of potential and lots of amazing ideas though, so I’m looking forward to reading more from Jeff.

[Indie Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this one. It's a quick thriller read. It follows the case of The Mathematician Killer. There are twists and turns along the way. Some of them I saw coming and some I did not. Overall I enjoyed it! I would have liked more dialogue, but that didn't detract from the story.

[Matthew Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

I knew who it was right away and although there is a lot of complicated math in here, the author does a good job of explaining it so you can understand it. It reads at a good pace and was a good story- this is book 1 in the series and I doubt I'll read the others....

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff Scott's "Mathmatician" killer is such a fantastic idea! A killer who is smart both criminally as well as academically taunts the police with his intelligence. I will say, Griffin said something about "getting close" or "closing in" a little much. It didn't keep me from enjoying the book, though. I'm looking forward to book 2 in this trilogy.

[Jeff Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice fast read. Action packed

[Ashli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and easy read! I finished this one in just a couple of hours. The story seemed rushed in different parts but overall a good book.

[Gabriell Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping fast paced story! So many twists and turns and when you think you know, you actually have no idea! Definitely a must read!