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Love Kills
HE’LL BREAK YOUR HEART.
LITERALLY.
Franklin B Goodman wants to spread love wherever he goes.
But love is an emotion he doesn’t understand.
In Franklin’s dangerously warped mind, a damaged relationship is like a sick animal. He is willing to take extreme measures to nurse it back to health.
And if that doesn’t work…
…the only option is to put it out of its misery.
On the other side of the River Mersey, murder detectives Nathan Cody and Megan Webley have their hands full with a manhunt to locate the killer of a beautiful and wealthy woman.
The last thing they need right now is for Franklin B Goodman to become interested in their lives.
LITERALLY.
Franklin B Goodman wants to spread love wherever he goes.
But love is an emotion he doesn’t understand.
In Franklin’s dangerously warped mind, a damaged relationship is like a sick animal. He is willing to take extreme measures to nurse it back to health.
And if that doesn’t work…
…the only option is to put it out of its misery.
On the other side of the River Mersey, murder detectives Nathan Cody and Megan Webley have their hands full with a manhunt to locate the killer of a beautiful and wealthy woman.
The last thing they need right now is for Franklin B Goodman to become interested in their lives.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
31 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
David Jackson
373 books39 followersThere are several authors with this name.
Thriller author: David Jackson (DS Nathan Cody and Callum Doyle series, 2 space profile)
Thriller author: David Jackson (DS Nathan Cody and Callum Doyle series, 2 space profile)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 26, 2024
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to the publishers who have at long last published a new DS Nathan Cody book … I’ve been waiting since 2019 and finally Love Kills has arrived, and it’s free on Kindle Unlimited too.
For those who haven’t read any books by David Jackson yet, let me tell you a few things about this author. He is one of a handful of my go-to authors that I read without even checking the book blurb, he’s written some of my all time favourite books (Cry Baby, Don’t Make A Sound, The Resident) and has created 2 of my all time favourite police procedural series with 2 of my all time favourite DS’ – Callum Doyle and Nathan Cody, and I like to think of myself as his #1 fan (although a couple of other bloggers may disagree!!).
So now I’ve explained more and hopefully piqued your interest, let’s talk about Love Kills. As much I hate to say this because I do suffer from S-OCD (that’s series OCD) and truly believe books should be read in the order they were published, all David’s books from this series and the Callum Doyle series can be read as a standalone so grab yourself a copy immediately.
Love Kills is a seriously addictive book which I devoured in one sitting and ticks all my boxes when it comes to a 5 star read. It’s got a twisted and sick killer, it’s dark and disturbing in places, it’s got an emotional punch, it’s fast paced, cleverly plotted, some brilliant characters and proves once again that David Jackson is a very talented author.
I’m not going to say much more except read this, read all David’s books and thank me later.
PS. One last thing – it’s CRIMINAL that this author doesn’t get the global recognition he truly deserves!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For those who haven’t read any books by David Jackson yet, let me tell you a few things about this author. He is one of a handful of my go-to authors that I read without even checking the book blurb, he’s written some of my all time favourite books (Cry Baby, Don’t Make A Sound, The Resident) and has created 2 of my all time favourite police procedural series with 2 of my all time favourite DS’ – Callum Doyle and Nathan Cody, and I like to think of myself as his #1 fan (although a couple of other bloggers may disagree!!).
So now I’ve explained more and hopefully piqued your interest, let’s talk about Love Kills. As much I hate to say this because I do suffer from S-OCD (that’s series OCD) and truly believe books should be read in the order they were published, all David’s books from this series and the Callum Doyle series can be read as a standalone so grab yourself a copy immediately.
Love Kills is a seriously addictive book which I devoured in one sitting and ticks all my boxes when it comes to a 5 star read. It’s got a twisted and sick killer, it’s dark and disturbing in places, it’s got an emotional punch, it’s fast paced, cleverly plotted, some brilliant characters and proves once again that David Jackson is a very talented author.
I’m not going to say much more except read this, read all David’s books and thank me later.
PS. One last thing – it’s CRIMINAL that this author doesn’t get the global recognition he truly deserves!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 9, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Love Hurts, Love Scares, Love Probably Needs a Restraining Order”
If you’ve ever had a relationship go so wrong that you thought, “Y’know, maybe I should just put this one out of its misery,” then congratulations — you already share a mindset with Franklin B. Goodman. Except unlike you (I hope), Franklin doesn’t just think it. He acts on it.
Love Kills is one of those darkly addictive thrillers that grabs you by the throat and whispers, “Just one more chapter…” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and your tea’s gone cold. David Jackson’s writing is sharp, wickedly paced, and full of moments that make you mutter, “Oh, no he didn’t.”
Franklin B. Goodman is a masterclass in creepy charisma. He truly believes he’s helping people “heal” their broken relationships. Unfortunately, his version of “healing” involves a lot more chloroform than counselling.
Meanwhile, detectives Nathan Cody and Megan Webley are desperately trying to keep up, which is easier said than done when your suspect thinks he’s Cupid with a body count. The tension builds beautifully, the humour is deliciously dark, and the pacing is fast enough to make you forget your phone battery died hours ago.
That said, I’m knocking off one star, not because of the murders (they’re great fun), but because of the ongoing love square subplot that feels like watching four people queue awkwardly at a slow coffee machine. Painful, but you can’t look away.
Also, every chapter title is a love song, which sounds cute until you realise you’ve been humming “Love Will Tear Us Apart” for six straight hours and now your partner thinks you’re sending a message.
Still — highly recommended. A proper page-turner.
If you’ve ever had a relationship go so wrong that you thought, “Y’know, maybe I should just put this one out of its misery,” then congratulations — you already share a mindset with Franklin B. Goodman. Except unlike you (I hope), Franklin doesn’t just think it. He acts on it.
Love Kills is one of those darkly addictive thrillers that grabs you by the throat and whispers, “Just one more chapter…” until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. and your tea’s gone cold. David Jackson’s writing is sharp, wickedly paced, and full of moments that make you mutter, “Oh, no he didn’t.”
Franklin B. Goodman is a masterclass in creepy charisma. He truly believes he’s helping people “heal” their broken relationships. Unfortunately, his version of “healing” involves a lot more chloroform than counselling.
Meanwhile, detectives Nathan Cody and Megan Webley are desperately trying to keep up, which is easier said than done when your suspect thinks he’s Cupid with a body count. The tension builds beautifully, the humour is deliciously dark, and the pacing is fast enough to make you forget your phone battery died hours ago.
That said, I’m knocking off one star, not because of the murders (they’re great fun), but because of the ongoing love square subplot that feels like watching four people queue awkwardly at a slow coffee machine. Painful, but you can’t look away.
Also, every chapter title is a love song, which sounds cute until you realise you’ve been humming “Love Will Tear Us Apart” for six straight hours and now your partner thinks you’re sending a message.
Still — highly recommended. A proper page-turner.
October 15, 2025
I lost count of how many times I laughed out loud. The sarcasm in this book just speaks to me on a spiritual level and makes me adore the characters.
There were a few times I thought I had the killer pegged. I I knew it was going to be someone the police had spoken to, but couldn’t work out who.
I think the ending could have been better. I think the killer was clever enough to have kept them searching for him for at least another book.
There were a few times I thought I had the killer pegged. I I knew it was going to be someone the police had spoken to, but couldn’t work out who.
I think the ending could have been better. I think the killer was clever enough to have kept them searching for him for at least another book.
June 18, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕- a great addition to the series
September 22, 2024
‘Love Kills’ by David Jackson is an intense thriller that hooked me from start to finish.
In this gripping tale we see the dark and twisted mind of Franklin B Goodman, a man who is dangerously obsessed with the idea of “love” but whose understanding of it is disturbingly warped. Franklin’s distorted belief that a damaged relationship is something to be “nursed back to health” leads him to take drastic and horrifying measures, making him a villain as unpredictable as he is terrifying.
Franklin’s attempts to “fix” relationships in his twisted way but is unable to understand love. He believes if a relationship can’t be saved, then the only merciful thing to do is to “put it out of its misery.” Franklin’s efforts to help lead to deadly consequences when things go wrong. Murder detectives Nathan Cody and Megan Webley are battling to solve the murder of a wealthy woman and Franklin B Goodman’s entrance only makes their life more difficult.
The novel is fast paced and as the detectives get closer to uncovering the truth, Franklin’s presence looms large, and the stakes grow ever higher. Plenty of twists and turns along with the chilling psychological thriller elements make this a riveting read that I read in one sitting.
This is a dark and suspenseful psychological thriller, excellent characters and an intriguing plot that make it a must read. Franklin B Goodman is a great character who will give you nightmares.
In this gripping tale we see the dark and twisted mind of Franklin B Goodman, a man who is dangerously obsessed with the idea of “love” but whose understanding of it is disturbingly warped. Franklin’s distorted belief that a damaged relationship is something to be “nursed back to health” leads him to take drastic and horrifying measures, making him a villain as unpredictable as he is terrifying.
Franklin’s attempts to “fix” relationships in his twisted way but is unable to understand love. He believes if a relationship can’t be saved, then the only merciful thing to do is to “put it out of its misery.” Franklin’s efforts to help lead to deadly consequences when things go wrong. Murder detectives Nathan Cody and Megan Webley are battling to solve the murder of a wealthy woman and Franklin B Goodman’s entrance only makes their life more difficult.
The novel is fast paced and as the detectives get closer to uncovering the truth, Franklin’s presence looms large, and the stakes grow ever higher. Plenty of twists and turns along with the chilling psychological thriller elements make this a riveting read that I read in one sitting.
This is a dark and suspenseful psychological thriller, excellent characters and an intriguing plot that make it a must read. Franklin B Goodman is a great character who will give you nightmares.
October 7, 2024
Having read all of David Jackson's standalone thrillers, I know he is capable of greatness. I thought this would be a good stepping stone into his DS Nathan Cody series. Unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me.
After a slowish start, the story took a violent turn that was like a sucker punch to the face, literally. This became a pattern throughout the entire book, with the story slowing down and then suddenly revving up again over and over. I had hoped I could read essentially book five in a series without missing too much but it's immediately apparent I missed a lot of the dynamic between Cody and Webley in previous books.
The crime itself was truly bizarre. A crazed killer who is obsessed with love and will do anything to force people together, even murder. To me, it was so obvious what was happening right under the cops noses. I couldn't believe seasoned detectives couldn't figure this one out.
After a slowish start, the story took a violent turn that was like a sucker punch to the face, literally. This became a pattern throughout the entire book, with the story slowing down and then suddenly revving up again over and over. I had hoped I could read essentially book five in a series without missing too much but it's immediately apparent I missed a lot of the dynamic between Cody and Webley in previous books.
The crime itself was truly bizarre. A crazed killer who is obsessed with love and will do anything to force people together, even murder. To me, it was so obvious what was happening right under the cops noses. I couldn't believe seasoned detectives couldn't figure this one out.
September 21, 2024
With an utterly warped killer on the hunt, Detective Nathan Cody and Detective Megan Webley have their work cut out for them.
The killer is playing with them, and things become personal.
Oh my goodness! Not only is Nathan Cody back, he is back with a bang!
There is a reason that I am a huge fan of this author’s work. He sucks me in to the powerful storylines, my imagination goes into overdrive at his descriptive writing.
The story is dark, tense, and gritty. I kept on having to put the book down and have a little break as the suspense got to me.
Like everyone else, I’ve been waiting a long time for a new Nathan Cody book. This one doesn’t disappoint and was definitely worth the wait. I do hope there are more to come.
The killer is playing with them, and things become personal.
Oh my goodness! Not only is Nathan Cody back, he is back with a bang!
There is a reason that I am a huge fan of this author’s work. He sucks me in to the powerful storylines, my imagination goes into overdrive at his descriptive writing.
The story is dark, tense, and gritty. I kept on having to put the book down and have a little break as the suspense got to me.
Like everyone else, I’ve been waiting a long time for a new Nathan Cody book. This one doesn’t disappoint and was definitely worth the wait. I do hope there are more to come.
July 15, 2025
I love this series and went as far as hounding David Jackson on Twitter to find out when the next instalment would be released. I held out for the audiobook coz I love Jonathan Keeble’s narration.
This book was enjoyable though I was disappointed that the love square seems to be ongoing. I wanted more action on the clown / Waldo side of things. Just hope we don’t have to wait another five years for the next. I’m not on Twitter any more so I’ll have to wait and see like everyone else!
This book was enjoyable though I was disappointed that the love square seems to be ongoing. I wanted more action on the clown / Waldo side of things. Just hope we don’t have to wait another five years for the next. I’m not on Twitter any more so I’ll have to wait and see like everyone else!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2025
I do love these books, they’re witty and easy flowing. Jonathan Keeble narrates them so well, delivering the quickwitted lines to perfection. I love the main characters, they are interesting without having huge past trauma and the crimes are never too gruesome or graphic. One of the only authors where I gasp or laugh out loud while listening.
July 25, 2024
Anyone who, like me, has missed Nathan Cody then you'll be pleased to hear that he's back.
Love Kills is a massively addictive novel that you'll easily devour in one sitting and is really excellent in many ways.
Dark as you like with a strong emotional edge I highly recommend this.
Love Kills is a massively addictive novel that you'll easily devour in one sitting and is really excellent in many ways.
Dark as you like with a strong emotional edge I highly recommend this.
August 13, 2024
Another Fantastic read
Great interaction between characters again. Knowing all the places mentioned helps you visualise the great storyline. Another book read so quickly. I could imagine these books as a chain of movies. Please Netflix make it possible.
Great interaction between characters again. Knowing all the places mentioned helps you visualise the great storyline. Another book read so quickly. I could imagine these books as a chain of movies. Please Netflix make it possible.
July 7, 2025
Finished this in one sitting after becoming frustrated with another book I’m currently struggling to finish. Absolutely loved it. So glad we got another instalment of Nathan Cody and hopefully David Jackson will continue writing the character.
July 11, 2025
This isn’t just a thriller—it’s a cautionary tale for our times. Gripping, unsettling, and emotionally charged, Love Kills is a stark reminder that love, when twisted by the wrong hands, can indeed be deadly.
September 8, 2025
more of this series please!
I so enjoy the characters in the Liverpool series, and I would love to read many more. The Waldo storyline is far from over, and Cody and Megan definitely have unfinished business.
I so enjoy the characters in the Liverpool series, and I would love to read many more. The Waldo storyline is far from over, and Cody and Megan definitely have unfinished business.
July 20, 2024
Excellent
Loved this fast moving book. It's great to have Megan and Cody back again,I have missed them. Twisted murderer just to spice things up. Brilliant!
Loved this fast moving book. It's great to have Megan and Cody back again,I have missed them. Twisted murderer just to spice things up. Brilliant!
July 20, 2024
Read in one sitting. Loved it! Great read.
July 27, 2024
So great to have another book in the Nathan Cody series! This new one certainly doesn't disappoint!
August 8, 2024
Gripping as usual
Another great thriller from David Jackson. Highly recommend. A good page turner right to the end . Hope he carries on love all his books
Another great thriller from David Jackson. Highly recommend. A good page turner right to the end . Hope he carries on love all his books
August 25, 2024
love kills
First book by this author and won’t be the last
Great fast paced story with fab characters. I assume Nathan Cody is a regular so I’ll be off to read more
An easy read
First book by this author and won’t be the last
Great fast paced story with fab characters. I assume Nathan Cody is a regular so I’ll be off to read more
An easy read
September 2, 2024
Million stars! Mr Jackson hasn't failed to disappoint again! Please do more Nathan Cody books! 😍
June 8, 2025
Adore this series
June 18, 2025
Love Kills (song by Freddie Mercury)
superb narration (Jonathan Keeble) - and good story in which lyrics guide the way...
superb narration (Jonathan Keeble) - and good story in which lyrics guide the way...
June 20, 2025
I've been in love with this series from the start, but I have to say this is not my favorite.
July 4, 2025
🎧Perfection! Cried with laughter. My favourite detective series ever!
July 11, 2025
Interesting book
July 17, 2025
Actually rating 3.75⭐
July 20, 2025
Audible. Quite good. Like ds Cody novels.
July 23, 2025
twists and turns and unexpected ending
July 23, 2025
Great next instalment in the Nathan Coady series. I liked the break from the Waldo storyline in favour of one centred on Megan.
August 1, 2025
not a fan. The mystery itself was fine, but so gross and discussing. I’m out with the whole pubic hair stuff, and internal organs. Nope. 2/10 for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews