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Detective Anna James #1
The Pig Pen
A killer who feeds his victims to the pigs.
A woman who finds her boyfriend’s head in her front garden.
A strait-laced detective who’s attracted to a shady gang member.
Carys Brignell is a young, divorced woman in her thirties. She owns a lovely home in Bishop’s Lock — a perk from her divorce settlement — and has a vibrant social life.
One morning Carys opens her bedroom curtains and sees a head on a spike in the front garden. It’s Nigel, her new boyfriend.
Detective Inspector Anna James is assigned to the case. She quickly learns that fun-loving Carys is a habitual liar and serial bed-hopper. She spends most of her evenings in her local pub flirting with young men, including roguish Joshua ‘Parole’ Cribbins, a member of crime syndicate the Northern Kings.
Then another head is found on a spike on the edge of a field. And this time Anna knows the victim . . .
Someone is targeting male associates of Carys — and ‘Parole’ could be next.
Anna wants to warn him. She’s not sure if it’s out of duty or because she fancies him. But getting involved with ‘Parole’ is a risky game to play.
Then Anna makes a breakthrough in the case that leads her to a farm on the outskirts of town. When she sees the pig pen, the penny drops: the killer is feeding the victim’s bodies to the pigs. What she can’t understand is why?
A woman who finds her boyfriend’s head in her front garden.
A strait-laced detective who’s attracted to a shady gang member.
Carys Brignell is a young, divorced woman in her thirties. She owns a lovely home in Bishop’s Lock — a perk from her divorce settlement — and has a vibrant social life.
One morning Carys opens her bedroom curtains and sees a head on a spike in the front garden. It’s Nigel, her new boyfriend.
Detective Inspector Anna James is assigned to the case. She quickly learns that fun-loving Carys is a habitual liar and serial bed-hopper. She spends most of her evenings in her local pub flirting with young men, including roguish Joshua ‘Parole’ Cribbins, a member of crime syndicate the Northern Kings.
Then another head is found on a spike on the edge of a field. And this time Anna knows the victim . . .
Someone is targeting male associates of Carys — and ‘Parole’ could be next.
Anna wants to warn him. She’s not sure if it’s out of duty or because she fancies him. But getting involved with ‘Parole’ is a risky game to play.
Then Anna makes a breakthrough in the case that leads her to a farm on the outskirts of town. When she sees the pig pen, the penny drops: the killer is feeding the victim’s bodies to the pigs. What she can’t understand is why?
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2024
1960 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Emmy Ellis
136 books115 followersAuthor of these series:
• DI Tracy Collier
• DI Carol Wren
• DI Bethany Smith
• DI Helena Stratton
• The Cardigan Estate
• DI Morgan Yeoman
• Detective Anna James
• DI Tracy Collier
• DI Carol Wren
• DI Bethany Smith
• DI Helena Stratton
• The Cardigan Estate
• DI Morgan Yeoman
• Detective Anna James
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 5, 2024
This was my first dive into UK-based police procedurals and also my first book from this author, so I went in completely blind. After checking out her back catalogue, it looks like I've got plenty more to explore!
One thing that really bugs me in crime books or thrillers is when the perpetrator is revealed within the first chapter. I love trying to solve the mystery alongside the police, and knowing too early just ruins the fun for me. The ending also didn't sit well with me; it felt abrupt and rushed.
On the bright side, I really enjoyed the author's writing style, which kept me hooked throughout. The characters were likeable, especially Anna, and I appreciated how the team worked together. The dual perspectives from the police and the killer, along with the flashbacks, added depth and reasoning to the story, which helped balance out the negatives.
I didn’t absolutely love it, but I enjoyed it enough to finish and am interested in continuing the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
One thing that really bugs me in crime books or thrillers is when the perpetrator is revealed within the first chapter. I love trying to solve the mystery alongside the police, and knowing too early just ruins the fun for me. The ending also didn't sit well with me; it felt abrupt and rushed.
On the bright side, I really enjoyed the author's writing style, which kept me hooked throughout. The characters were likeable, especially Anna, and I appreciated how the team worked together. The dual perspectives from the police and the killer, along with the flashbacks, added depth and reasoning to the story, which helped balance out the negatives.
I didn’t absolutely love it, but I enjoyed it enough to finish and am interested in continuing the series.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 3, 2024
This is my first read from this author,Carys finds her boyfriend head on a spike.Detective inspector Anna James investigates.And she finds out Carys is telling Lies.what is she hiding?Will Anna find the answers she's looking for.it was an okay read.wasnt fully engaged with the characters.
August 25, 2024
New Author for me and really liked the writing style, that much I have already bought book 2 and 3 in the series.
July 31, 2024
This book had me hooked from the first chapter. It's a book where we get to see the story unfold from both the killer and the police. It had the gritty and the grim with a lot of potential for future story lines in the series. Detective Anna James is introverted (which makes her quite relatable) and her crime fighting partner works towards solving the mystery of gruesome murders involving decapitation. I just finished a book about the Pickton serial killer and this book was quite a fitting follow up book. Along with the murders we also had bad cops, gangs, and suspense for future books. The ending was a little slow but I can see how it's setting up future great beginnings.
Thank you to Joffe Books for the advanced copy.
Thank you to Joffe Books for the advanced copy.
June 5, 2025
enjoyed this book i am going to read the next two in the series.
September 8, 2025
A nice easy read that flew by. Interestingly you know who the killer is at the very start so the book reads from both the killers and police’s perspective. Will probs read the next in the series
July 18, 2024
Another new series for the writing machine that is Emmy Ellis. DI Anna James, a crime thriller, that keeps you guessing..... Anna is a no-nonsense copper, but will she ever break the rules just slightly????? Loved getting to know the characters..... one of their own is being a nuisance, severed heads are being found, is their a connection with one person??? Loved it cant wait to read the next one....
August 1, 2024
4* intro to this author, DI Anna and her crew.
I've read a ton of UK-based police procedurals recently, mostly from Joffe Books. The Britishness of the tales make them refreshing and believable, although some take liberties with real-life policing, like this one, which supposedly has a former gang member as a DC. He's suspicious and under observation, but lo and behold, there well may be another, whose identity isn't known in books 1 or 2. But, at the heart of the books, there's a proper tale, investigations, good cops for the most, and a strong female lead. In fact, make that strong females, full stop.
There's a decent but gruesome and rather horrifying tale here, that'll make me never look at pigs the same way again. These aren't of the pink, cute, furry variety, rather literal cannibals and omnivores.
We do get introduced to the bad guy straight away, a la new-MO of JD Robb, and I felt that his 'revenge is a dish best served cold' attitude was believable, calculated and cold, so I'm not quite sure what clued the DI in immediately, other, perhaps, than her instincts. It was a pretty well orchestrated revenge, but it'll turn your stomach in parts and make you wonder how well you really know people. The reveals for how he ended up what and who he was, were evil and stomach turning.
There's an interesting arc that'll continue over several books to come, with the DI's mutual attraction to a younger, supposedly former gang member, which is being built up nicely into book 2, which I've just finished. It is going where things are being hinted at, but it'll need nerves of steel on her part. The bad guys aren't mafia types, but they've got their eyes and ears around and have brutal ways. I'm hoping the bad cop gets his comeuppance but I'm torn between rooting for Anna and Joshua aka Parole, or maybe not, as there's something potentially real there, as well as deception on both their parts. Well, at least on hers, which is a table nicely turned for once.
There's a nicely done bit of dealing with sexual harassment, featuring a young Asian cop as the victim. She's got balls, she's got the courage to go against her upbringing for what's right but there could be a cost to her. What nearly happens is about right in how it's portrayed but, ugh, why don't authors do their research better? Parvati is a Hindu, so guys from her religion don't go to the mosque, but a temple. That's a big faux pas, that I'm feeding back, as I'm from a similar background and got an ARC of the book. But, other than that, things felt pretty realistic.
I really enjoyed this book, as I did book 2. Without the Parvati mess-up, this would've been a 5* read. Book 2 segues nicely with this, although it doesn't have the same feeling of danger/pace/horror. But, still, small towns and theie secrets, eh?
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
I've read a ton of UK-based police procedurals recently, mostly from Joffe Books. The Britishness of the tales make them refreshing and believable, although some take liberties with real-life policing, like this one, which supposedly has a former gang member as a DC. He's suspicious and under observation, but lo and behold, there well may be another, whose identity isn't known in books 1 or 2. But, at the heart of the books, there's a proper tale, investigations, good cops for the most, and a strong female lead. In fact, make that strong females, full stop.
There's a decent but gruesome and rather horrifying tale here, that'll make me never look at pigs the same way again. These aren't of the pink, cute, furry variety, rather literal cannibals and omnivores.
We do get introduced to the bad guy straight away, a la new-MO of JD Robb, and I felt that his 'revenge is a dish best served cold' attitude was believable, calculated and cold, so I'm not quite sure what clued the DI in immediately, other, perhaps, than her instincts. It was a pretty well orchestrated revenge, but it'll turn your stomach in parts and make you wonder how well you really know people. The reveals for how he ended up what and who he was, were evil and stomach turning.
There's an interesting arc that'll continue over several books to come, with the DI's mutual attraction to a younger, supposedly former gang member, which is being built up nicely into book 2, which I've just finished. It is going where things are being hinted at, but it'll need nerves of steel on her part. The bad guys aren't mafia types, but they've got their eyes and ears around and have brutal ways. I'm hoping the bad cop gets his comeuppance but I'm torn between rooting for Anna and Joshua aka Parole, or maybe not, as there's something potentially real there, as well as deception on both their parts. Well, at least on hers, which is a table nicely turned for once.
There's a nicely done bit of dealing with sexual harassment, featuring a young Asian cop as the victim. She's got balls, she's got the courage to go against her upbringing for what's right but there could be a cost to her. What nearly happens is about right in how it's portrayed but, ugh, why don't authors do their research better? Parvati is a Hindu, so guys from her religion don't go to the mosque, but a temple. That's a big faux pas, that I'm feeding back, as I'm from a similar background and got an ARC of the book. But, other than that, things felt pretty realistic.
I really enjoyed this book, as I did book 2. Without the Parvati mess-up, this would've been a 5* read. Book 2 segues nicely with this, although it doesn't have the same feeling of danger/pace/horror. But, still, small towns and theie secrets, eh?
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
August 4, 2024
Detective Anna James #1
A killer who feeds his victims to the pigs. A woman who finds her boyfriend's head in her front garden. A straight-laced detective who's attracted to a shady gang member.
Carys Brignell is a young divorced woman in her thirties. She owns a lovely home in Bishop Lock - a perk from her divorce settlement - and has a vibrant social life. One morning, Carys opens her bedroom curtains and sees a head on a spike in the front garden. It's Nigel, her new boyfriend. Detective Inspector Anna James is assigned to the case. She quickly learns that fun-loving Carys is a habitual liar and serial bed-hopper. She spends most of her evenings in her local pub, flirting with young men, including young Joshua "Parole" Cribbins, a member of crime syndicate The Northern Kings. Then another spike is found on a spike at the edge of a field. And this time Anna knows the victim. Someone is targeting male associates of Carys - and "Parole" could be next.
One of my pet peeves about reading a crime book/thriller is when you know who the perpetrator is. I like to read the story and try to work it out at the same time as the police to see if I'm correct, or even close. But taking that choice away spoils the story for me. I don't mind if we get an anonymous perspective, that just adds to the mix. I still enjoyed the story. I liked Anna, and her team worked well together as they tried to solve this case. There seemed to be only one connection to the severed heads on spikes, Carys Brignell, divorcee, and serial bed hopper. We get flashbacks telling us what had occurred before the first severed head appeared. This is a well-written story.
Published 12th August 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #EmmyEllis for my ARC of #ThePigPen in exchange for an honest review.
A killer who feeds his victims to the pigs. A woman who finds her boyfriend's head in her front garden. A straight-laced detective who's attracted to a shady gang member.
Carys Brignell is a young divorced woman in her thirties. She owns a lovely home in Bishop Lock - a perk from her divorce settlement - and has a vibrant social life. One morning, Carys opens her bedroom curtains and sees a head on a spike in the front garden. It's Nigel, her new boyfriend. Detective Inspector Anna James is assigned to the case. She quickly learns that fun-loving Carys is a habitual liar and serial bed-hopper. She spends most of her evenings in her local pub, flirting with young men, including young Joshua "Parole" Cribbins, a member of crime syndicate The Northern Kings. Then another spike is found on a spike at the edge of a field. And this time Anna knows the victim. Someone is targeting male associates of Carys - and "Parole" could be next.
One of my pet peeves about reading a crime book/thriller is when you know who the perpetrator is. I like to read the story and try to work it out at the same time as the police to see if I'm correct, or even close. But taking that choice away spoils the story for me. I don't mind if we get an anonymous perspective, that just adds to the mix. I still enjoyed the story. I liked Anna, and her team worked well together as they tried to solve this case. There seemed to be only one connection to the severed heads on spikes, Carys Brignell, divorcee, and serial bed hopper. We get flashbacks telling us what had occurred before the first severed head appeared. This is a well-written story.
Published 12th August 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #EmmyEllis for my ARC of #ThePigPen in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2024
DI Anna James and her team of DS Lenny Baldwin and DCs Peter Dove, Sally Wiggins and Warren Yates have a new case. A woman has woken to find a wooden stake in her front garden with her boyfriend’s severed head upon it. The rest of Nigel’s body is missing. Soon the detectives learn that the woman, Carys, is a compulsive liar and fantasist. Her husband Matthew left her two years ago after she cheated on him with his best friend Nigel. But then they discover Nigel has only been using Carys and has a steady girlfriend, whilst Carys has been fooling around with other men. When the finger of suspicion is pointed at Matthew, everyone believes he is a quiet gentle soul who couldn’t possibly have been involved. Of course, the reader knows better, learning how his mother died and what he does at his father’s farm with the hungry pigs. Then another head turns up on a fence post and the victim is someone of interest to the detectives. With more lives seemingly in danger, how many more heads will appear before Anna and the team work out the truth?
This is a brand-new series and the main characters are well introduced. We even get a glimpse into their personal lives and histories. I particularly liked Anna’s little thoughts to herself as she went about her grisly investigation. The killer, his motive and his methods are spelt out early on in the book so the suspense lies mainly in watching the detectives piece together the evidence to catch the killer. Personally I prefer not knowing everything and trying to guess whodunit for myself but the story works well enough and there are plenty of other side plots, such as a gang member plant in the police and a nasty sexual predator to be rooted out of the service. This dark and gripping story with a nice easy to read writing style is a good start to the series and I’m keen to press onto book 2, The Lion’s Den, to see more of this detective team at work.
This is a brand-new series and the main characters are well introduced. We even get a glimpse into their personal lives and histories. I particularly liked Anna’s little thoughts to herself as she went about her grisly investigation. The killer, his motive and his methods are spelt out early on in the book so the suspense lies mainly in watching the detectives piece together the evidence to catch the killer. Personally I prefer not knowing everything and trying to guess whodunit for myself but the story works well enough and there are plenty of other side plots, such as a gang member plant in the police and a nasty sexual predator to be rooted out of the service. This dark and gripping story with a nice easy to read writing style is a good start to the series and I’m keen to press onto book 2, The Lion’s Den, to see more of this detective team at work.
July 18, 2024
Right off the bat, I'm going to say that my issue with this novel is entirely down to it not being my personal cup of tea. When I am reading a novel like this one, I prefer not to know who the killer is right off the bat. It's fine if we get their POV, as long as it's not blatantly obvious who is behind it. I like pitting my own brain against that of the investigating officers to see if I can figure it out before they do. So the fact that we knew exactly who was behind things (and even to an extent why), left me bored. What is the point of watching Anna stumble around trying to put the pieces together I already had all of the answers? Another pet peeve I had while reading this book was the sheer amount of times Anna had to excuse herself to use the bathroom. I get it, that is a natural part of being human, but literally none of the other characters went once.
Aside from that, I did enjoy the author's writing style. They made it easy to follow along with the story and who was who (even if some of the interactions seemed a bit out of character for me). I do have the second novel in this series to read (I'm curious as it would appear the events of book number two also take place at the Hawthorn farm and I want to see how the author approaches a new story set in an old location), so I will reserve judgement on whether or not I will continue on with this series until after I have gotten the chance to read that one as well.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Aside from that, I did enjoy the author's writing style. They made it easy to follow along with the story and who was who (even if some of the interactions seemed a bit out of character for me). I do have the second novel in this series to read (I'm curious as it would appear the events of book number two also take place at the Hawthorn farm and I want to see how the author approaches a new story set in an old location), so I will reserve judgement on whether or not I will continue on with this series until after I have gotten the chance to read that one as well.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
August 10, 2024
The pig pen by Emmy Ellis.
Detective Anna James book 1.
I loved the cover on this book. I got into it straight away. I did like Anna, warren and Lenny. I liked the writing style. I do like to try and guess who the killer is. I had my theory. I did not expect that. Twisty. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
Blurb.
A killer who feeds his victims to the pigs.
A woman who finds her boyfriend’s head in her front garden.
A strait-laced detective who’s attracted to a shady gang member.
Carys Brignell is a young, divorced woman in her thirties. She owns a lovely home in Bishop’s Lock — a perk from her divorce settlement — and has a vibrant social life.
One morning Carys opens her bedroom curtains and sees a head on a spike in the front garden. It’s Nigel, her new boyfriend.
Detective Inspector Anna James is assigned to the case. She quickly learns that fun-loving Carys is a habitual liar and serial bed-hopper. She spends most of her evenings in her local pub flirting with young men, including roguish Joshua ‘Parole’ Cribbins, a member of crime syndicate the Northern Kings.
Then another head is found on a spike on the edge of a field. And this time Anna knows the victim . . .
Someone is targeting male associates of Carys — and ‘Parole’ could be next.
Anna wants to warn him. She’s not sure if it’s out of duty or because she fancies him. But getting involved with ‘Parole’ is a risky game to play.
Then Anna makes a breakthrough in the case that leads her to a farm on the outskirts of town. When she sees the pig pen, the penny the killer is feeding the victim’s bodies to the pigs. What she can’t understand is why?
Detective Anna James book 1.
I loved the cover on this book. I got into it straight away. I did like Anna, warren and Lenny. I liked the writing style. I do like to try and guess who the killer is. I had my theory. I did not expect that. Twisty. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
Blurb.
A killer who feeds his victims to the pigs.
A woman who finds her boyfriend’s head in her front garden.
A strait-laced detective who’s attracted to a shady gang member.
Carys Brignell is a young, divorced woman in her thirties. She owns a lovely home in Bishop’s Lock — a perk from her divorce settlement — and has a vibrant social life.
One morning Carys opens her bedroom curtains and sees a head on a spike in the front garden. It’s Nigel, her new boyfriend.
Detective Inspector Anna James is assigned to the case. She quickly learns that fun-loving Carys is a habitual liar and serial bed-hopper. She spends most of her evenings in her local pub flirting with young men, including roguish Joshua ‘Parole’ Cribbins, a member of crime syndicate the Northern Kings.
Then another head is found on a spike on the edge of a field. And this time Anna knows the victim . . .
Someone is targeting male associates of Carys — and ‘Parole’ could be next.
Anna wants to warn him. She’s not sure if it’s out of duty or because she fancies him. But getting involved with ‘Parole’ is a risky game to play.
Then Anna makes a breakthrough in the case that leads her to a farm on the outskirts of town. When she sees the pig pen, the penny the killer is feeding the victim’s bodies to the pigs. What she can’t understand is why?
July 17, 2024
Thanks to Joffe Books for the eARC of this book.
Gripping start with bad characters you love right away
Wow. Just wow. A wonderful read from beginning to end. The characterisation, plot, pacing, and true to life feel all make for an enthralling read.
Detective inspector Anna James and her team work together brilliantly with excellent banter and realistic relationships and dialogue.
This twisted, thrilling, and suspenseful read has made me view pigs in a whole new light and life will never be the same again, lols. Despite knowing the killer from the off, the many flashbacks give a slow reveal that heightens the tension skilfully and shows us why and how things came to such morbid fruition.
Here are some lines that struck me …
‘Every bit of heartache he’d experienced had been channelled into those arcs of the axe, his tears falling, his sobs hurting his throat.’
And …
‘Things could be replaced, but his heart couldn’t.’
And …
‘He’d have to go to Dad’s, to that horrible place he’d grown up in where the memories lived in the walls.’
Absolutely brilliant read, and I’m so looking forward to book 2, The Lion’s Den! This gets a resounding five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
Gripping start with bad characters you love right away
Wow. Just wow. A wonderful read from beginning to end. The characterisation, plot, pacing, and true to life feel all make for an enthralling read.
Detective inspector Anna James and her team work together brilliantly with excellent banter and realistic relationships and dialogue.
This twisted, thrilling, and suspenseful read has made me view pigs in a whole new light and life will never be the same again, lols. Despite knowing the killer from the off, the many flashbacks give a slow reveal that heightens the tension skilfully and shows us why and how things came to such morbid fruition.
Here are some lines that struck me …
‘Every bit of heartache he’d experienced had been channelled into those arcs of the axe, his tears falling, his sobs hurting his throat.’
And …
‘Things could be replaced, but his heart couldn’t.’
And …
‘He’d have to go to Dad’s, to that horrible place he’d grown up in where the memories lived in the walls.’
Absolutely brilliant read, and I’m so looking forward to book 2, The Lion’s Den! This gets a resounding five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
August 6, 2024
Thank you to Joffe Books and Emmy Ellis for this ARC.
Did you know how agressive pigs can be? To the point that a killer uses them to dispose of his victims in this new book by Emmy Ellis. 😧
I immediately loved the premise of this gory crime thriller: a woman finds her boyfriend’s head on a stake in her front garden (cue GOT S1 images). From the onset, the reader is aware of who the perpetrator is and is sucked into his POV as his body count starts increasing.
PLUS, we have a straight-and-narrow detective working with a local gang to narrow down suspects. She catches the eye of a tattooed, bad boy member (total Beth & Rio vibes from “Good Girls”) 🤩 and the sexual tension builds. There is, obviously, a lot going on in this novel, but it all somehow works in this fast-paced novel.
Because you get both the k*ller's and detective’s POV, this book is extremely fast-paced. However, I thought the book should have ended around the 90% mark. Instead, we get about 30-40 more pages that set up the reader for the second novel in this series. I wasn’t too invested in the side plotline, so it felt slow and unnecessary.
The storyline is extremely graphic and grim, so if you are faint of heart, you may want to skip this one. Overall, "The Pig Pen" was a fast-paced, intriguing crime thriller with sexual tension, revenge, unlikeable characters, and a suspenseful storyline.
Did you know how agressive pigs can be? To the point that a killer uses them to dispose of his victims in this new book by Emmy Ellis. 😧
I immediately loved the premise of this gory crime thriller: a woman finds her boyfriend’s head on a stake in her front garden (cue GOT S1 images). From the onset, the reader is aware of who the perpetrator is and is sucked into his POV as his body count starts increasing.
PLUS, we have a straight-and-narrow detective working with a local gang to narrow down suspects. She catches the eye of a tattooed, bad boy member (total Beth & Rio vibes from “Good Girls”) 🤩 and the sexual tension builds. There is, obviously, a lot going on in this novel, but it all somehow works in this fast-paced novel.
Because you get both the k*ller's and detective’s POV, this book is extremely fast-paced. However, I thought the book should have ended around the 90% mark. Instead, we get about 30-40 more pages that set up the reader for the second novel in this series. I wasn’t too invested in the side plotline, so it felt slow and unnecessary.
The storyline is extremely graphic and grim, so if you are faint of heart, you may want to skip this one. Overall, "The Pig Pen" was a fast-paced, intriguing crime thriller with sexual tension, revenge, unlikeable characters, and a suspenseful storyline.
July 30, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for this grim, dark crime story set in Yorkshire. The Pig Pen is my introduction to a promising thriller author, and I would probably read further books in the Detective Anna James series. The book will be published on August 6th.
This was a fast-paced, engaging read, except it contained some puzzling British words and phrases known in that location, and I had to guess their meaning from context. Since I read on my Kindle, I only discovered an extensive Glossary of British terms for Americans at the end of the book.
The story included a couple of gruesome murders, severed heads displayed on spikes, hungry pigs, suicide, addiction to casual sex, a crime syndicate, and involved police members with secrets. There is a likeable police team trying to solve a complex case while sorting through the truth behind many lies. A police officer is blamed for sexual harassment.
We know the killer's identity from the beginning, and flashbacks reveal what motivates his twisted crimes. We follow Detective Anna James and her partner as they slowly stumble towards a solution to the case. Their dialogue is entertaining, but the suspense is diminished as we already know the killer's identity before they do.
This was a fast-paced, engaging read, except it contained some puzzling British words and phrases known in that location, and I had to guess their meaning from context. Since I read on my Kindle, I only discovered an extensive Glossary of British terms for Americans at the end of the book.
The story included a couple of gruesome murders, severed heads displayed on spikes, hungry pigs, suicide, addiction to casual sex, a crime syndicate, and involved police members with secrets. There is a likeable police team trying to solve a complex case while sorting through the truth behind many lies. A police officer is blamed for sexual harassment.
We know the killer's identity from the beginning, and flashbacks reveal what motivates his twisted crimes. We follow Detective Anna James and her partner as they slowly stumble towards a solution to the case. Their dialogue is entertaining, but the suspense is diminished as we already know the killer's identity before they do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
I'm not entirely sure where to start with this book. The title stood out for sure, and the blurb sounded promising. I mean... heads on spikes and human remains as pig feed? This could be wonderfully dark. Which is mostly isn't... although the dark moments are pretty grim, they're not that frequent. And that all makes for an enjoyable read, and an awkward book to try and describe after reading.
Now, I picked this up hoping for a mysterious thriller. That went out the window fairly early when we learnt the killer's name, address, motive, and almost everything else you need to know to solve the crime. Luckily I do also enjoy more police procedural type stories too because this fell far more squarely in that camp for the obvious aforementioned reason. If you need a good twist look elsewhere, but if you enjoy a twisted story that you can simply enjoy without many surprises (there are still a few about some details) this works. The Pig Pen is a nice easy read that is surprisingly fun.
Now, I picked this up hoping for a mysterious thriller. That went out the window fairly early when we learnt the killer's name, address, motive, and almost everything else you need to know to solve the crime. Luckily I do also enjoy more police procedural type stories too because this fell far more squarely in that camp for the obvious aforementioned reason. If you need a good twist look elsewhere, but if you enjoy a twisted story that you can simply enjoy without many surprises (there are still a few about some details) this works. The Pig Pen is a nice easy read that is surprisingly fun.
August 1, 2024
A quick and easy read, this is set in Yorkshire. I liked the main narrator, Anna, the investigating policewoman, some chapters are told from the point of view of the murderer. The crimes too are interesting, well thought out and the perpetrators thinking is believable, if mixed up. When the police are starting to realise who he is, the logic seemed to go out of the window a little so although the crime was wrapped up fairly soon after, I was a little diappointed about the way it was done.
There are several police officers, members of a gang and other locals who will no doubt make an appearance in future books in the series. Beyond the main investigators eating in pubs quite a bit and Anna stating that she likes a quiet night in with a book, I do think there is lots of room to develop the characters further. I would have preferred to know them a little better, but that will come (hopefully) in future episodes.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
There are several police officers, members of a gang and other locals who will no doubt make an appearance in future books in the series. Beyond the main investigators eating in pubs quite a bit and Anna stating that she likes a quiet night in with a book, I do think there is lots of room to develop the characters further. I would have preferred to know them a little better, but that will come (hopefully) in future episodes.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 3, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Detective inspector Anna James is called in when a man’s head is found on a spike, in his ex girlfriend’s garden. When another murder occurs, all signs point to the murderer being connected to Carys.
This was a great read! Certainly learned a lot about pigs-not quite the wee cuties I had thought. Knowing who the murderer was from the start was an enjoyable style. The flashbacks giving the reasoning for it all. Anna and team were great characters and I enjoyed the banter and relationships. The possibility of a corrupt policeman added a different possible storyline.
Even though we knew ‘who dunnit’ th here was still suspense and a build up to who the next victim would be. Highly recommend this new series and hope it continues.
Detective inspector Anna James is called in when a man’s head is found on a spike, in his ex girlfriend’s garden. When another murder occurs, all signs point to the murderer being connected to Carys.
This was a great read! Certainly learned a lot about pigs-not quite the wee cuties I had thought. Knowing who the murderer was from the start was an enjoyable style. The flashbacks giving the reasoning for it all. Anna and team were great characters and I enjoyed the banter and relationships. The possibility of a corrupt policeman added a different possible storyline.
Even though we knew ‘who dunnit’ th here was still suspense and a build up to who the next victim would be. Highly recommend this new series and hope it continues.
July 17, 2024
The Pig Pen by Emmy Ellis is the first book in a new series following DI Anna James. In my opinion, the synopsis on Goodreads gives too much away. But, a severed head is found in the front yard of a woman with questionable morals, and the story takes off from there.
Unfortunately, I think this book gave away too much too soon. As a reader, we know more than DI Anna James from the very start, and it took away from what could have been a good police procedural. There are characters in the novel that drag the story instead of moving it along. The character development is predictable and lacking. And, we don't see what makes DI Anna James and her team the first in a series worthy. On top of that, there is no big reveal that thriller and mystery readers enjoy. Overall, this was just ok. I'm not sure I will continue with book two.
Unfortunately, I think this book gave away too much too soon. As a reader, we know more than DI Anna James from the very start, and it took away from what could have been a good police procedural. There are characters in the novel that drag the story instead of moving it along. The character development is predictable and lacking. And, we don't see what makes DI Anna James and her team the first in a series worthy. On top of that, there is no big reveal that thriller and mystery readers enjoy. Overall, this was just ok. I'm not sure I will continue with book two.
July 30, 2024
I read this book in an evening and found myself enjoying it even though I wanted to give the murderer tips on ‘how to do it better’.
This was an interesting take on revenge killings, with a grim dispatch and disposal method. I’m sure you can guess from the title…
The murderer is damaged, a loner, and Emmy draws this out well during the book.
I’ve not read any other Emmy Ellis books but I am now planning on catching up on her other crime series and will be looking out for the next DI Anna James books.
I found the police and crime characters intriguing and want to learn more about their back stories and the personal/professional conflicts they face.
A fun read for those who enjoy their police procedural reads with a side-helping of ‘ick’.
Thanks Joffe Books for proving me with an Arc of this book.
This was an interesting take on revenge killings, with a grim dispatch and disposal method. I’m sure you can guess from the title…
The murderer is damaged, a loner, and Emmy draws this out well during the book.
I’ve not read any other Emmy Ellis books but I am now planning on catching up on her other crime series and will be looking out for the next DI Anna James books.
I found the police and crime characters intriguing and want to learn more about their back stories and the personal/professional conflicts they face.
A fun read for those who enjoy their police procedural reads with a side-helping of ‘ick’.
Thanks Joffe Books for proving me with an Arc of this book.
August 5, 2024
I liked the writing style and for that alone, I may read more from this author, but sadly the story had no point and the character development was weak.
From the start of the book we know who the killer is and their reasoning. As the story progresses, we can work out who their likely next victims are, so there’s not much point waiting for Detective Anna James to bumble around, trying to work it out, when we already have all the answers! I was hoping for a huge twist, but literally, it ended as soon as she knew what we knew, and all that’s left is for her to admit that she fancies one of the dodgy local gang members.
Sadly not for me as I like suspense and intrigue and o love a good twist, none of which was in this book.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
From the start of the book we know who the killer is and their reasoning. As the story progresses, we can work out who their likely next victims are, so there’s not much point waiting for Detective Anna James to bumble around, trying to work it out, when we already have all the answers! I was hoping for a huge twist, but literally, it ended as soon as she knew what we knew, and all that’s left is for her to admit that she fancies one of the dodgy local gang members.
Sadly not for me as I like suspense and intrigue and o love a good twist, none of which was in this book.
2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
July 12, 2024
THIS is how you start off a new series! Such a chilling, gripping read! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! This was a twisted, jaw-dropping, fast-paced story, that I found I did not want to put down! It had a unique plot and well-developed, multi-faceted characters. It was suspenseful, thrilling and addictive! I was glued to my Kindle screen from the first page to the last. If you like unputdownable true crime as much as I do, you CANNOT miss out on reading this book!!! I can't wait for this series to continue! I'm hooked!
#THEPIGPEN #NetGalley
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
#THEPIGPEN #NetGalley
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 13, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
This was my first time reading a book by this author. Overall, I found it to be well-written and enjoyable. The narrative was engaging, and I appreciated the unique approach of revealing the murderer from the start, allowing us to understand the crime from their perspective. The crime itself was intricate and gruesome, adding to the story's intensity. The use of flashbacks was effective and added to the storwhich I enjoyed! While I liked the characters, I didn't feel any sort of connection and wasn't fully engaged with them. I wanted to connect with the characters on a more personal level and feel that they needed greater depth and stronger personalities.
3.5 out of 5 stars. Overall, a good way to start a series!
This was my first time reading a book by this author. Overall, I found it to be well-written and enjoyable. The narrative was engaging, and I appreciated the unique approach of revealing the murderer from the start, allowing us to understand the crime from their perspective. The crime itself was intricate and gruesome, adding to the story's intensity. The use of flashbacks was effective and added to the storwhich I enjoyed! While I liked the characters, I didn't feel any sort of connection and wasn't fully engaged with them. I wanted to connect with the characters on a more personal level and feel that they needed greater depth and stronger personalities.
3.5 out of 5 stars. Overall, a good way to start a series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
The Pig Pen is an unusual police procedural as the reader knows pretty much from the outset who the murderer is and therefore more than the investigating detectives. My preference would have been not to have known the identity of the murder to keep some mystery - very difficult to build in some twists and turns in a novel like this. That said, I did enjoy this book and still found it a page turner - mainly to see for how long the killer could go under the radar for.
I enjoyed the dual timelines, through flashbacks of memories of the killer to show why they were now seeking their revenge. Relatively short chapters makes ‘The Pig Pen’ a quick and easy read and I liked the rapport between DI Anna James and her DS, Lenny so I am likely to read the next in the series.
I enjoyed the dual timelines, through flashbacks of memories of the killer to show why they were now seeking their revenge. Relatively short chapters makes ‘The Pig Pen’ a quick and easy read and I liked the rapport between DI Anna James and her DS, Lenny so I am likely to read the next in the series.
July 31, 2024
I started this book a few days ago, but found that because we knew who the killer was from the outset, it was a very different kind of tale.
I think it’s one of those books that has a slow start, but once you get half way through it and get to know the characters better, it’s a rather good read. I wouldn’t call it gripping, because as I said, we knew at the outset who it was, but it’s certainly entertaining with the colourful characters. What a brilliant way to get rid of bodies. Have to make sure that the teeth are found, as apparently that’s the only bit of a human body that pigs don’t eat. Those pigs would certainly fetch a good price at the market!
I have the next one in the series as an ARC, so I’ll will be able to see how the main characters develop further. I have read this authors books before and not been disappointed.
My thanks to Joffe publishers for the ARC.
I think it’s one of those books that has a slow start, but once you get half way through it and get to know the characters better, it’s a rather good read. I wouldn’t call it gripping, because as I said, we knew at the outset who it was, but it’s certainly entertaining with the colourful characters. What a brilliant way to get rid of bodies. Have to make sure that the teeth are found, as apparently that’s the only bit of a human body that pigs don’t eat. Those pigs would certainly fetch a good price at the market!
I have the next one in the series as an ARC, so I’ll will be able to see how the main characters develop further. I have read this authors books before and not been disappointed.
My thanks to Joffe publishers for the ARC.
May 19, 2025
📚The Pig Pen
✍️Emmy Ellis
4⭐️
The Pig Pen by Emmy Ellis was published in 2024 by Joffe Books and is the first in a series focusing on Detective Anna James. The book follows Matthew who has just killed, dismembered and decapitated his former best friend Nigel because Nigel had an affair with Matthew’s ex-wife. Matthew then takes the head to his ex-wife’s new house and puts it on a stake in the middle of her front garden. The reader knows the culprit from the very beginning but the onus is on the police, led by Anna James, to work it out. Anna was a young, no nonsense, northern police officer who i didn’t overly warm to but who was written well enough. Typically she had an unsuitable love interest…
✍️Emmy Ellis
4⭐️
The Pig Pen by Emmy Ellis was published in 2024 by Joffe Books and is the first in a series focusing on Detective Anna James. The book follows Matthew who has just killed, dismembered and decapitated his former best friend Nigel because Nigel had an affair with Matthew’s ex-wife. Matthew then takes the head to his ex-wife’s new house and puts it on a stake in the middle of her front garden. The reader knows the culprit from the very beginning but the onus is on the police, led by Anna James, to work it out. Anna was a young, no nonsense, northern police officer who i didn’t overly warm to but who was written well enough. Typically she had an unsuitable love interest…
June 30, 2024
First detective crime books are my all time favourite. And I really enjoyed this, I felt connected to Anna and Lenny straight away i like how completely different this is to other books I’ve read we actually knew who the murderer was. It felt like we go to know more about the crime through his point of view which I enjoyed.
The crime was well thought out and a little gruesome
I liked how we seen Anna and the team just be normal people that was lovely I can’t wait to find out more about Anna and her team I read this in a day it kept me gripped I didn’t want to stop reading. It was an easy read I was fully invested.
I’m so excited for more !!
The crime was well thought out and a little gruesome
I liked how we seen Anna and the team just be normal people that was lovely I can’t wait to find out more about Anna and her team I read this in a day it kept me gripped I didn’t want to stop reading. It was an easy read I was fully invested.
I’m so excited for more !!
July 11, 2024
The pig pen by Emmy Ellis.
Nothing is more haunting than finding head on a spike in your garden, that was the beginning of this intense tale. Talks about a suck you in first chapter! Anna James is the detective on the case when she finds she is in search of a reoffending serial killer… when all they find is heads no bodies. The thrill continues as the story goes on, however the fear hits close to home when one of the victims is someone Anna knows.
This was a thrill ride of a book that kept my attention and the pages flying by! Great book and a little deep at times. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this Advanced copy!
Nothing is more haunting than finding head on a spike in your garden, that was the beginning of this intense tale. Talks about a suck you in first chapter! Anna James is the detective on the case when she finds she is in search of a reoffending serial killer… when all they find is heads no bodies. The thrill continues as the story goes on, however the fear hits close to home when one of the victims is someone Anna knows.
This was a thrill ride of a book that kept my attention and the pages flying by! Great book and a little deep at times. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this Advanced copy!
July 30, 2024
A Good Read
It’s not often I read a murder/mystery where the killer is known at the beginning, so I was slightly lost not needing to try and guess as I would normally. Matthew had had a troubled childhood which had followed him into adulthood. He found out his wife was cheating on him in the worst way possible, he found her in bed with his best friend. Matthew immediately moved out but was unable to move on with his life and his killing spree started. This is the first book featuring Detective Inspector Anna James and her team and I hope she will have more crimes to solve in the future.
It’s not often I read a murder/mystery where the killer is known at the beginning, so I was slightly lost not needing to try and guess as I would normally. Matthew had had a troubled childhood which had followed him into adulthood. He found out his wife was cheating on him in the worst way possible, he found her in bed with his best friend. Matthew immediately moved out but was unable to move on with his life and his killing spree started. This is the first book featuring Detective Inspector Anna James and her team and I hope she will have more crimes to solve in the future.
July 31, 2024
This is the introduction of Anna James, leading a team of detectives in a fictional Yorkshire city.
I enjoyed this very much - it’s definitely not a whodunnit as, after the prologue, the book starts with the murder. I wasn’t sure when I started it whether I liked that premise but I found the book very easy to read and get in to.
It was an easy read and even though there was the introduction of all the main characters, it flowed easily and didn’t take long to read. I’m looking forward to future books and will be interested to see where the characters go in future books.
Thank you to Joffee’s ARC for an advance copy and this review is given voluntarily.
I enjoyed this very much - it’s definitely not a whodunnit as, after the prologue, the book starts with the murder. I wasn’t sure when I started it whether I liked that premise but I found the book very easy to read and get in to.
It was an easy read and even though there was the introduction of all the main characters, it flowed easily and didn’t take long to read. I’m looking forward to future books and will be interested to see where the characters go in future books.
Thank you to Joffee’s ARC for an advance copy and this review is given voluntarily.
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