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DCI Morton #4
The Patient Killer
Bodies begin to pile up, the victims seemingly random. At first it seems that the only thing connecting the crimes is that each murder was meticulously planned and executed.
When DCI Morton discovers that the latest victim, Primrose Kennard, was already at death’s door, he has to ask:
Who would bother to murder a dying woman?
When DCI Morton discovers that the latest victim, Primrose Kennard, was already at death’s door, he has to ask:
Who would bother to murder a dying woman?
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 2, 2016
This is the fourth in the DCI Morton series. I’ve read the second and this and it’s a real case of the stories standing well on their own. In this book, the body of a woman turns up on her husband’s grave which she visited every day. She’d had a lung removed. Other bodies are found later, each with some part of their anatomy removed, though in some cases it’s blood. They have completely bled out. Morton begins by suspecting the first victim’s twin sons but the story gets complicated.
I enjoyed this book very much. Morton and his crew are becoming real, three-dimensional characters and there’s a great deal of humour and some antipathy which makes the characters feel genuine. This is that rare thing in fiction, a DCI who is married, who has a wife who tolerates him, annoys him, and he has a home life. Not the usual off-the-peg maverick loner with a bunch of dysfunctional relationships in his past. It’s rather refreshing! The plot gave us some red herrings and a lot to think about. I felt it was satisfying in all ways. A great read.
I enjoyed this book very much. Morton and his crew are becoming real, three-dimensional characters and there’s a great deal of humour and some antipathy which makes the characters feel genuine. This is that rare thing in fiction, a DCI who is married, who has a wife who tolerates him, annoys him, and he has a home life. Not the usual off-the-peg maverick loner with a bunch of dysfunctional relationships in his past. It’s rather refreshing! The plot gave us some red herrings and a lot to think about. I felt it was satisfying in all ways. A great read.
September 2, 2018
3 stars
Detectives Bertram Ayala and DI Ashley Rafferty are very reluctant partners. Ayala is mad because Rafferty, a woman, threw him over a fence. DCI David Morton is the SIO on the case and he has his hands full. DI Mayberry has a bad stutter, but is a great officer and plays a large part in this story.
Primrose Kennard was found in a cemetery. Her lung was removed and she was dumped there. It was not the murder site. When Morton and Rafferty go to the woman’s home, they are shocked at all the blood at the site. Photos show that she had two boys, twins.
When the police show up at the twins workplace (they actually own the business), they are met with outright hostility. The twins clearly don’t want them there. They go to visit the business where the meet and greet was held and get information that leads them to the diamond district of London. There they find Niall Stapleton is now dead – murdered. They find some interesting blueprints of a local business. They also find a photo of the dead man’s girlfriend Vanessa Gogg was tied up with a gun to her head. Morton feels compelled to save the woman.
They visit the neighboring business and run into a very obstructive man who simply won’t talk to them at all. But they are sure it is the building featured in the blueprints. They then get a court order to compel the man to cooperate. They receive a metal box (that is empty), and Morton sets out to meet Newberry at the train station.
Newberry is to meet the kidnappers and give them the box in exchange for the woman. They lead him on a convoluted path that involves several trains. When he meets the kidnappers finally, things begin to go wrong.
The detectives learn about another murder in another district of one Amoy Yacobi who was killed in the same manner as Niall Stapleton. Then a fourth murder occurs. Her name was Olivia Hogge. She looked to be in late twenties and was a tutor at the Saint Balthere’s School. She taught modern foreign languages. Pathology shows that she was only twenty-two years old.
An interview with the Kennard twins and their attorney informs Morton that only one of the twins donated a lung. The other was obtained by the surgeon Dr. Ebstein. This leads the police to another suspect.
Following an arrest and an exciting courtroom drama, the book is concluded.
This is a pretty good book. What kept it from getting a higher rating from me was that the story seemed a little disjointed in places. DCI Morton didn’t seem to have much a personality. In fact none of his team really captured my interest either. This is a competent police procedural, both fairly well written and plotted. I think the book finally came alive in the last few pages with the courtroom drama. It just didn’t capture my fascination like the previous Sean Campbell novels. I’ll keep taking a look at his books however.
Detectives Bertram Ayala and DI Ashley Rafferty are very reluctant partners. Ayala is mad because Rafferty, a woman, threw him over a fence. DCI David Morton is the SIO on the case and he has his hands full. DI Mayberry has a bad stutter, but is a great officer and plays a large part in this story.
Primrose Kennard was found in a cemetery. Her lung was removed and she was dumped there. It was not the murder site. When Morton and Rafferty go to the woman’s home, they are shocked at all the blood at the site. Photos show that she had two boys, twins.
When the police show up at the twins workplace (they actually own the business), they are met with outright hostility. The twins clearly don’t want them there. They go to visit the business where the meet and greet was held and get information that leads them to the diamond district of London. There they find Niall Stapleton is now dead – murdered. They find some interesting blueprints of a local business. They also find a photo of the dead man’s girlfriend Vanessa Gogg was tied up with a gun to her head. Morton feels compelled to save the woman.
They visit the neighboring business and run into a very obstructive man who simply won’t talk to them at all. But they are sure it is the building featured in the blueprints. They then get a court order to compel the man to cooperate. They receive a metal box (that is empty), and Morton sets out to meet Newberry at the train station.
Newberry is to meet the kidnappers and give them the box in exchange for the woman. They lead him on a convoluted path that involves several trains. When he meets the kidnappers finally, things begin to go wrong.
The detectives learn about another murder in another district of one Amoy Yacobi who was killed in the same manner as Niall Stapleton. Then a fourth murder occurs. Her name was Olivia Hogge. She looked to be in late twenties and was a tutor at the Saint Balthere’s School. She taught modern foreign languages. Pathology shows that she was only twenty-two years old.
An interview with the Kennard twins and their attorney informs Morton that only one of the twins donated a lung. The other was obtained by the surgeon Dr. Ebstein. This leads the police to another suspect.
Following an arrest and an exciting courtroom drama, the book is concluded.
This is a pretty good book. What kept it from getting a higher rating from me was that the story seemed a little disjointed in places. DCI Morton didn’t seem to have much a personality. In fact none of his team really captured my interest either. This is a competent police procedural, both fairly well written and plotted. I think the book finally came alive in the last few pages with the courtroom drama. It just didn’t capture my fascination like the previous Sean Campbell novels. I’ll keep taking a look at his books however.
September 22, 2021
Mixed feelings on this read. It started incredibly well but a 1/4 of the way in it started to go a bit downhill.
The storyline and the plotting was excellent.
The writing style was easy to read but I felt there was unnecessary padding that blocked the flow and stifled any suspense.
The pace started well but then became ragged and uneven.
The characters had potential but were a little flat.
Some strange police procedures and decisions which were distracting.
Overall I would describe it as a good book with some serious flaws.
The storyline and the plotting was excellent.
The writing style was easy to read but I felt there was unnecessary padding that blocked the flow and stifled any suspense.
The pace started well but then became ragged and uneven.
The characters had potential but were a little flat.
Some strange police procedures and decisions which were distracting.
Overall I would describe it as a good book with some serious flaws.
October 4, 2022
This is a twisty story that sucks you in. What could a gangster, a widow, a school teacher and a business man have in common?
And why were they murdered in such horrible ways?
When does a charitable act allow the donor to become judge, jury and executioner?
And why were they murdered in such horrible ways?
When does a charitable act allow the donor to become judge, jury and executioner?
December 27, 2018
A Patient Play On Words
I love the title of this book. The book tells how a murderer patiently waited to find his victims, who were all his patients, and happily kill them.
I love the title of this book. The book tells how a murderer patiently waited to find his victims, who were all his patients, and happily kill them.
July 5, 2017
Best one in series
An English detective thriller that has bizarre deaths and an ever changing list of suspect. The detectives have to work short handed due to an on the job injury, god book.
An English detective thriller that has bizarre deaths and an ever changing list of suspect. The detectives have to work short handed due to an on the job injury, god book.
June 4, 2017
This murder mystery started off very well, but then it hit the doldrums. For me, the ending was a bit ridiculous and staged.
April 23, 2019
Dr. Isaac Ebstein’s patients seem to die more than the other doctors.
4/15, DI Bertram “Bertie” Ayala & DI Ashley Rafferty had arrived at the crime scene.
CSO Stuart Purcell. & Dr. Larry Chiswick (ME) were already doing their respective jobs.
Roisin Weir (witness) had found the body.
DCI David Morton was interviewing her.
Highgate Cemetery (Swain’s Lane) was also quite the tourist attraction.
Christopher Kennard (twin son/brother, Nuvem Media Ass., advertising) came to ID the corpse it was Mrs. Primrose Kennard (55, mum/widow, COPD).
Hatton Garden. Mr. Niall Stapleton (insurance brokerage, Marble Arch) had been found hanging from the ceiling.
Archibald Frey (engraving buss.) had found the deceased & called it in.
Ms. Vanessa Gogg (Neil’s GF, King’s College Sr. lecturer) had been kidnapped.
The kidnapper’s demands were: go to Hatton Garden Deposit Co & retrieve lock box # 1779 & bring it to Virginia Water train station.
Mr. Suresh Mehtani was not pleased, but he complied without a warrant.
Smithfield Market. Amoy Yacobi (Indonesian, anything illegal trade) hanging corpse had been found.
Saint Balthere Academy. Olivia Hogge (22, modern Foreign Languages tutor) would not be teaching anymore.
DCI Morton, & DI Rafferty came to interview Lucy Gibbs (headmistress), & Belinda Powell (deputy).
Royal London Hospital (Accident & Emergency dept., Whitechapel). DCI Morton went to see Dr. Ebstein.
Mrs. Primrose Kennard (mother, patient) suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary D/O & needed a lung transplant.
Will the 4 natural/murdered deceased’s cases be solved?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written medical thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great medical thriller movie, or better yet a w mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; De Minimis; 1 edition; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
4/15, DI Bertram “Bertie” Ayala & DI Ashley Rafferty had arrived at the crime scene.
CSO Stuart Purcell. & Dr. Larry Chiswick (ME) were already doing their respective jobs.
Roisin Weir (witness) had found the body.
DCI David Morton was interviewing her.
Highgate Cemetery (Swain’s Lane) was also quite the tourist attraction.
Christopher Kennard (twin son/brother, Nuvem Media Ass., advertising) came to ID the corpse it was Mrs. Primrose Kennard (55, mum/widow, COPD).
Hatton Garden. Mr. Niall Stapleton (insurance brokerage, Marble Arch) had been found hanging from the ceiling.
Archibald Frey (engraving buss.) had found the deceased & called it in.
Ms. Vanessa Gogg (Neil’s GF, King’s College Sr. lecturer) had been kidnapped.
The kidnapper’s demands were: go to Hatton Garden Deposit Co & retrieve lock box # 1779 & bring it to Virginia Water train station.
Mr. Suresh Mehtani was not pleased, but he complied without a warrant.
Smithfield Market. Amoy Yacobi (Indonesian, anything illegal trade) hanging corpse had been found.
Saint Balthere Academy. Olivia Hogge (22, modern Foreign Languages tutor) would not be teaching anymore.
DCI Morton, & DI Rafferty came to interview Lucy Gibbs (headmistress), & Belinda Powell (deputy).
Royal London Hospital (Accident & Emergency dept., Whitechapel). DCI Morton went to see Dr. Ebstein.
Mrs. Primrose Kennard (mother, patient) suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary D/O & needed a lung transplant.
Will the 4 natural/murdered deceased’s cases be solved?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written medical thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great medical thriller movie, or better yet a w mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; De Minimis; 1 edition; BookSends; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 13, 2025
Gosh how lucky we readers are to have such excellent British and Irish authors in which to absorb our precious reading time. And none come more highly recommended, IMHO (In My Humble Opinion), than Sean Campbell.
This is the 4th in the DCI Dawson series and whilst I do prefer reading a series in order, largely because you get to experience the evolution of the regular characters, The Patient Killer can most certainly be read stand-alone.
What I love about the author’s books is the way he slowly builds an investigation that, to my eager eye to solve the case before the final page, would appear impossible to crack. After all, how could a single murderer be responsible for the deaths of such a varied list of victims - a school teacher, successful business man, widow and mobster? Added to which, why would a dying woman by murdered, or someone who had lifesaving transplant surgery.
This is an author at his very best in bringing together an addictive thriller.
This is the 4th in the DCI Dawson series and whilst I do prefer reading a series in order, largely because you get to experience the evolution of the regular characters, The Patient Killer can most certainly be read stand-alone.
What I love about the author’s books is the way he slowly builds an investigation that, to my eager eye to solve the case before the final page, would appear impossible to crack. After all, how could a single murderer be responsible for the deaths of such a varied list of victims - a school teacher, successful business man, widow and mobster? Added to which, why would a dying woman by murdered, or someone who had lifesaving transplant surgery.
This is an author at his very best in bringing together an addictive thriller.
May 5, 2018
Who would kill a little old lady? DCI Morton is trying to find out who would have killed Primrose Kennard and taken her donated lung. He has looked into her twin son's lives but he doesn't think that they did it but who then. She only ever visited the graveyard and bought stuff on line so why her?
When another body is found it seems to be unrelated and it gets a policeman almost killed. So why did this young man die what made the killer find him. Morton is looking into the medical side of things as the killer seems to be targeting donor victims and when Morton thinks he knows the answer he finds a completely different suspect. There are now four murders can he prove that they were all killed by the same person and why them? One doctor thought he could play god by taking away what he thought that they didn't deserve. A good solid read.
When another body is found it seems to be unrelated and it gets a policeman almost killed. So why did this young man die what made the killer find him. Morton is looking into the medical side of things as the killer seems to be targeting donor victims and when Morton thinks he knows the answer he finds a completely different suspect. There are now four murders can he prove that they were all killed by the same person and why them? One doctor thought he could play god by taking away what he thought that they didn't deserve. A good solid read.
October 6, 2020
A London Homicide detective starts to realize that a serial killer is loose, and killing people that have recently be saved from near death through organ transplant or blood donation. With each new death come possible new suspects, but that trail soon ends for each victim, and the actual killer is one no one would have suspected.
This was a very good mystery and really kept my attention, until the end. 90% of the story was interesting, unusual, and well written. The end is about the arrest, trial and verdict. Not so interesting and rather drawn out. Still, a very good tale over-all, and I did enjoy it.
This was a very good mystery and really kept my attention, until the end. 90% of the story was interesting, unusual, and well written. The end is about the arrest, trial and verdict. Not so interesting and rather drawn out. Still, a very good tale over-all, and I did enjoy it.
January 28, 2019
Body start piling up around London and there doesn’t seem to be a link at first glance but, as usual, Morton and his team get involve and save the day by hounding the culprit to ultimately send him to jail.
Nonetheless, I would like to know what is being done to find the bang that sent Mayberry to the hospital.
Also, I found Rafferty to be a bit annoying with her smart ass attitude towards Ayala. All in all, she is like a spoiled child who wants to be teacher’s pet or in this case Morton’s favorite agent.
Nonetheless, I would like to know what is being done to find the bang that sent Mayberry to the hospital.
Also, I found Rafferty to be a bit annoying with her smart ass attitude towards Ayala. All in all, she is like a spoiled child who wants to be teacher’s pet or in this case Morton’s favorite agent.
August 7, 2020
This was another dark, gritty, excellent British police procedural that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering whodunnit and why the whole way through. There were plenty of suspects and motives, and the ending was a complete surprise. It’s always a pleasure to watch David Morton and his team solve crimes. I’m generally a fan of reading series in order, but I think I missed books 2 and 3 in this series, and I was still riveted by the story. That’s a testament to the author’s writing skill. I will definitely read more in this series.
June 6, 2019
Another good one - even though I think this basic premise was also an episode of Law and Order - and SOMETHING should have happened with Mayberry and the laptop! (And what about the kidnappers??!) I think this is my main criticism of the whole series - I think in every book there are potentially major subplots that are just dropped, not to be mentioned again. I had hoped for some follow-through in later books, but for the most part that doesn't seem to be the case.
May 27, 2017
Gruesome but plausible
DCI Morton may have a serial killer on his hands this time. Each murder is so confusing and disturbing that no clear connection exists. Once the team delves into the victims medical records a pattern emerges that sends Morton on the trail of doctors involved in illegal transplants. Read this chiller to see where it leads.
DCI Morton may have a serial killer on his hands this time. Each murder is so confusing and disturbing that no clear connection exists. Once the team delves into the victims medical records a pattern emerges that sends Morton on the trail of doctors involved in illegal transplants. Read this chiller to see where it leads.
July 15, 2018
The stories get better the more you read
So book four and better than the first three
Still a lot of characters but now I'm used to the regulars I'm not as confused as I was in the other books
The DCI Morton series is definitely growing on me and this had a very unusual twist and I like that in a thriller
Next 😀
So book four and better than the first three
Still a lot of characters but now I'm used to the regulars I'm not as confused as I was in the other books
The DCI Morton series is definitely growing on me and this had a very unusual twist and I like that in a thriller
Next 😀
August 3, 2018
Yes I did give it 5stars
This was an excellent read for me. Even though I had to learn some British slang. It holds your interests and that makes it a page turner. I almost took off a star because one of the characters was abandoned in the hospital. I had felt he could have been a contribution along the way. Also felt the prosecutor forgot one additional murder in his cross.
This was an excellent read for me. Even though I had to learn some British slang. It holds your interests and that makes it a page turner. I almost took off a star because one of the characters was abandoned in the hospital. I had felt he could have been a contribution along the way. Also felt the prosecutor forgot one additional murder in his cross.
August 25, 2018
The Patient Killer
A very intriguing book about people who have medical transplants and then are murdered by having them taken back! Who could be the killer? Many medically inclined people were involved in their lives. DCI Morton and his crew collect evidence from many interesting suspects. You may be very surprised to discover the murderer and his destiny!
A very intriguing book about people who have medical transplants and then are murdered by having them taken back! Who could be the killer? Many medically inclined people were involved in their lives. DCI Morton and his crew collect evidence from many interesting suspects. You may be very surprised to discover the murderer and his destiny!
November 15, 2018
At first I wasn't sure that I'd like this book as some of the interaction between police officers didn't ring true but as the story progressed I found myself becoming totally engrossed in the story. It's a good story line but I did find some of the police action somewhat unbelievable and I couldn't quite bring myself to believe the ending. Nevertheless it is a good entertaining read.
January 12, 2019
A compelling read
I couldn't put this down. The premise was so odd, I had to follow the investigation closely to keep everything straight. When the trial started I refused to stop the characters were so unique. This was a great read. I can't wait to start the next DCI Morton story. See if you don't agree.
I couldn't put this down. The premise was so odd, I had to follow the investigation closely to keep everything straight. When the trial started I refused to stop the characters were so unique. This was a great read. I can't wait to start the next DCI Morton story. See if you don't agree.
February 20, 2019
The Patient Killer
This is the first book I have read by these authors. This is really a very good murder mystery. You are taken on a long winding road but you do eventually reach the destination and it is well worth it! I recommend this series and look forward to reading more in it myself.
This is the first book I have read by these authors. This is really a very good murder mystery. You are taken on a long winding road but you do eventually reach the destination and it is well worth it! I recommend this series and look forward to reading more in it myself.
July 4, 2019
Amazing!!
I was so good!! I read slower than I normally would so that I wouldn't miss any details. I felt as though this this was a true crime novel,the attention to detail was amazing. This was my first book that I have read by Sean Campbell. I will be recommending this book and I will be reading more books by Sean Campbell.
I was so good!! I read slower than I normally would so that I wouldn't miss any details. I felt as though this this was a true crime novel,the attention to detail was amazing. This was my first book that I have read by Sean Campbell. I will be recommending this book and I will be reading more books by Sean Campbell.
February 16, 2024
Very satisfying
A tense and pacey read. It was great to see the accused go to trial, nothing better than seeing it pan out until the very end. Guilty or not guilty? After all the evidence I still didn't know what the verdict would be even after following the investigation. Nail biting. Great characters and a terrific storyline that was well executed.
A tense and pacey read. It was great to see the accused go to trial, nothing better than seeing it pan out until the very end. Guilty or not guilty? After all the evidence I still didn't know what the verdict would be even after following the investigation. Nail biting. Great characters and a terrific storyline that was well executed.
May 7, 2017
Execelent look at the mind of a killer
I found this story to be an exciting tale of a doctor has slipped into a slippery slope of mental illness and used his skills to become judge and executioner.
I found this story to be an exciting tale of a doctor has slipped into a slippery slope of mental illness and used his skills to become judge and executioner.
May 23, 2017
The Patient Killer
This was a trippy, twisty, turny story that kept me interested. It could have been edited better as there are several errors but not enough to really bother anyone. I would definitely read Sean Campbell again.
This was a trippy, twisty, turny story that kept me interested. It could have been edited better as there are several errors but not enough to really bother anyone. I would definitely read Sean Campbell again.
May 27, 2018
Good read
Very good continuing story which has one additional member of the team. While not totally believed it was interesting how the investigation wrapped up. I’ll read the next.
Very good continuing story which has one additional member of the team. While not totally believed it was interesting how the investigation wrapped up. I’ll read the next.
June 14, 2018
Boring
Could not continue reading it. I got to the 6 chapter and could not read any further. Don't waste your time. Lame characters, their conversations were like nails on a chalkboard. Just awful. Doesn't deserve a one star rating but had to pick it.
Could not continue reading it. I got to the 6 chapter and could not read any further. Don't waste your time. Lame characters, their conversations were like nails on a chalkboard. Just awful. Doesn't deserve a one star rating but had to pick it.
August 6, 2018
Brilliant police procedural mystery
Complex set of murders connected by an elusive web which DCI Morton and his likeable team are able to solve through their persistent efforts. I look forward to reading another DCI Morton in the future
Complex set of murders connected by an elusive web which DCI Morton and his likeable team are able to solve through their persistent efforts. I look forward to reading another DCI Morton in the future
October 21, 2018
An Amazing Book!
I was glad I got to read this book. The plot is unusual and exciting. It is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing who was the serial killer. I will be reading more from this author for sure!
I was glad I got to read this book. The plot is unusual and exciting. It is full of twists and turns that kept me guessing who was the serial killer. I will be reading more from this author for sure!
December 11, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed this book. The plot is interesting and scary to think that a doctor would do what he did in this book. Doctors are suppose to heal people not kill them intentionally.
I enjoyed this book. The plot is interesting and scary to think that a doctor would do what he did in this book. Doctors are suppose to heal people not kill them intentionally.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews