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Detective Anna James #3
The Copy Cat
Two young boys head to an old, abandoned warehouse to drink alcopops and hang out. When they barge the door open, a swarm of rats scurry towards the other side of the room.
The eldest of the two boys pans his phone torch over to where the rats had come from. Dark patches. Clothes. A suit. A green tie. A man.
The victim has been slashed with a knife and rats have eaten his face.
Detective Inspector Anna James is called in to investigate. ID in the victim’s pocket reveals he’s Martin Lowe, a wealthy financial advisor who’s married to a famous supermodel.
Then Anna discovers guinea pig fur was sent to Martin’s wife, along with a note containing a cryptic WHERE is the body in the HOUSE?
The guinea pig fur sparks a memory for Anna. When she was a child, six men went missing and guinea pig fur was sent to their wives, too. Their bodies were never found.
It looks like Anna and her team have a copycat killer on their hands. And if that’s the case, things are about to get a lot worse . . .
The eldest of the two boys pans his phone torch over to where the rats had come from. Dark patches. Clothes. A suit. A green tie. A man.
The victim has been slashed with a knife and rats have eaten his face.
Detective Inspector Anna James is called in to investigate. ID in the victim’s pocket reveals he’s Martin Lowe, a wealthy financial advisor who’s married to a famous supermodel.
Then Anna discovers guinea pig fur was sent to Martin’s wife, along with a note containing a cryptic WHERE is the body in the HOUSE?
The guinea pig fur sparks a memory for Anna. When she was a child, six men went missing and guinea pig fur was sent to their wives, too. Their bodies were never found.
It looks like Anna and her team have a copycat killer on their hands. And if that’s the case, things are about to get a lot worse . . .
- GenresFiction
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2024
459 people are currently reading
75 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 44 reviews
August 9, 2024
First and foremost, I'll say that the descriptions of the murders, the state of how they were found, everything that happened to them and basically the majority of this book made me want to🤮. Yet, I still enjoyed it.
Even though we knew the killer from the beginning, this book offered a deeper exploration into the reasons behind his actions. The flashbacks to his childhood, where he was molded by his serial killer father, gave us insight into his transformation. This helped us understand the twisted rationale behind his victim selection. Moreover, his continued 'guidance' from his father, manifesting as his father's voice in his head, made him one of the most captivating killers in the series.
Shifting focus to Anna and her team, I felt this story skillfully wrapped up some loose ends while making Anna herself more compelling. She's starting to see that the world isn't simply black and white, and it's acceptable to navigate that gray area within reason. I liked how her feelings for 'Parole' highlighted her human side, and her admission that she wished things could be different between them. The emotional depth added a new layer to her character.
The book feels like it could serve as the series finale, with a strong female character making her departure, and a morally ambiguous character - one of many - finding justice, while another ends up with a slightly wounded heart but also a newfound freedom. The core gang disbands too swiftly and without much resistance. I must admit, with the shake-up in her team, I'm very curious to see how things will unfold and what new dynamics will emerge.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books; thank you. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Even though we knew the killer from the beginning, this book offered a deeper exploration into the reasons behind his actions. The flashbacks to his childhood, where he was molded by his serial killer father, gave us insight into his transformation. This helped us understand the twisted rationale behind his victim selection. Moreover, his continued 'guidance' from his father, manifesting as his father's voice in his head, made him one of the most captivating killers in the series.
Shifting focus to Anna and her team, I felt this story skillfully wrapped up some loose ends while making Anna herself more compelling. She's starting to see that the world isn't simply black and white, and it's acceptable to navigate that gray area within reason. I liked how her feelings for 'Parole' highlighted her human side, and her admission that she wished things could be different between them. The emotional depth added a new layer to her character.
The book feels like it could serve as the series finale, with a strong female character making her departure, and a morally ambiguous character - one of many - finding justice, while another ends up with a slightly wounded heart but also a newfound freedom. The core gang disbands too swiftly and without much resistance. I must admit, with the shake-up in her team, I'm very curious to see how things will unfold and what new dynamics will emerge.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books; thank you. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 2, 2024
ARC generously provided by NetGalley & Joffe Books. Thank you!
I absolutely devoured this book! Such a fun thriller! Not a lot of twists and you know what is going on while the “good guy” main characters don’t, but in this particular case, this is done really well!
I was super invested in everyone’s individual stories, despite there being a lot of characters and different timelines—this is rare for me! I was expecting Anna to be a Mary-Sue character, but I found that all of the main characters were complex, flawed, and interesting individuals.
I appreciated that all references to animals were not graphic—I’m an ethical vegan and it bothers me when authors add animals into horror just for the sake of being shocking and disturbing. I also really love when authors add riddles to their stories—I was floored by this one!
With this being an uncorrected proof copy, there were obviously some errors—Most notably, the author using the wrong character’s name in places. With that being said, this was still one of the better books I’ve read this year! I definitely want to read more from the Detective Anna James series! I LOVED this story! A gruesome and gory 3.75 stars, rounded up!
I absolutely devoured this book! Such a fun thriller! Not a lot of twists and you know what is going on while the “good guy” main characters don’t, but in this particular case, this is done really well!
I was super invested in everyone’s individual stories, despite there being a lot of characters and different timelines—this is rare for me! I was expecting Anna to be a Mary-Sue character, but I found that all of the main characters were complex, flawed, and interesting individuals.
I appreciated that all references to animals were not graphic—I’m an ethical vegan and it bothers me when authors add animals into horror just for the sake of being shocking and disturbing. I also really love when authors add riddles to their stories—I was floored by this one!
With this being an uncorrected proof copy, there were obviously some errors—Most notably, the author using the wrong character’s name in places. With that being said, this was still one of the better books I’ve read this year! I definitely want to read more from the Detective Anna James series! I LOVED this story! A gruesome and gory 3.75 stars, rounded up!
August 19, 2024
The third book in the series, and another brilliant read.
Anna really has her work cut out to find the killer this time, as it’s a copycat from years ago. However, although a lot of the details are the same, there are one or anomalies. As she goes further under the influence of the local crime gang leader, she finds herself desperately fighting her emotions, and then something happens that changes everything and Anna’s loyalty is out to the test.
I’m hoping Emma continues with this series as it is really good and leaves you wanting to find out how Anna’s life in the police and in private will pan out.
My thanks to the author and Joffe books for the ARC.
Anna really has her work cut out to find the killer this time, as it’s a copycat from years ago. However, although a lot of the details are the same, there are one or anomalies. As she goes further under the influence of the local crime gang leader, she finds herself desperately fighting her emotions, and then something happens that changes everything and Anna’s loyalty is out to the test.
I’m hoping Emma continues with this series as it is really good and leaves you wanting to find out how Anna’s life in the police and in private will pan out.
My thanks to the author and Joffe books for the ARC.
August 15, 2024
Wow the descriptions in this book were brutal..... but so good. It made it so much more realistic of a story that the reader could get immersed in, but I would not recommend if you are squeamish when it comes to descriptions for decomposition, death, etc.. However, it mostly happens in the first couple of chapters.
I appreciated that we got plenty of back story for the killer in this case during their POV chapters, however, I did miss the mystery behind finding out who the killer was and why they did it. The father was insane, so it was a great way to see how it affected his child and how it molded him to follow closely in his father's footsteps, and how it still affects him even after his father's passing.
Now, since I did not read the other books in this series, the gang plot line confused me (but I'm assuming it is a continuation from the previous books in this series). None of this was mentioned in the synopsis and had nothing to do with the copy-cat murders so it came as a surprise when it came time for those chapters. I felt like it took away from what I would say was labeled the main plot line of the book based on the title and synopsis.
Thank you to Emmy Ellis, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
I appreciated that we got plenty of back story for the killer in this case during their POV chapters, however, I did miss the mystery behind finding out who the killer was and why they did it. The father was insane, so it was a great way to see how it affected his child and how it molded him to follow closely in his father's footsteps, and how it still affects him even after his father's passing.
Now, since I did not read the other books in this series, the gang plot line confused me (but I'm assuming it is a continuation from the previous books in this series). None of this was mentioned in the synopsis and had nothing to do with the copy-cat murders so it came as a surprise when it came time for those chapters. I felt like it took away from what I would say was labeled the main plot line of the book based on the title and synopsis.
Thank you to Emmy Ellis, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest review.
July 24, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
I really like DI Anna James and the fact she likes alone time and would rather stay home and read than go out at night.
This time a body is found by 2 teens, dead and horribly mutilated. I must admit that I have difficulty reading the details of the murders and the peeks into the minds of the killers, so I tend skip those bits.
But the rest of this book (and the previous ones) I love. The creepy parts won't keep me away from the next book!
I really like DI Anna James and the fact she likes alone time and would rather stay home and read than go out at night.
This time a body is found by 2 teens, dead and horribly mutilated. I must admit that I have difficulty reading the details of the murders and the peeks into the minds of the killers, so I tend skip those bits.
But the rest of this book (and the previous ones) I love. The creepy parts won't keep me away from the next book!
July 31, 2024
After how much I disliked the first two books in this series, I swore I was done. However, I did not realize that I also had the third book already on my kindle and I dislike making things as not finished without giving them a chance, so I reluctantly opened this one expecting to hate it as much as the others.
HOWEVER. I actually ended up enjoying this one a lot more than the others.
Yes, we still knew who the killer was from the get go, but I felt like this one had more of an in-depth dive into the why. The glimpses in the past to when our killer was a boy of ten being taught and molded by his serial killer father gave insight to how the killer ended up becoming what he was in the future (and allowed the reader to understand the twisted way that he was choosing his victims). I also found it interesting that he continued to receive "guidance" from his father (in the form of hearing his father's voice in his head), this made him one of the more interesting killers I've seen in this series.
Moving on to Anna and her team, I feel like this story wrapped up a few loose ends nicely while making Anna herself become more intriguing as she has begun to realize that not only is the world NOT black and white, but it is okay (within reason) to walk in that gray area. I liked how her feelings for "Parole" showed her human side, and how she admitted that she wished things between them could be different. And I must admit, I'm curious now with the shake up to her team, how things will move forward.
All things considered, despite the rocky start to this series, I feel like the author is finally hitting their stride, and I will at least read one more before I decide whether to continue on or not.
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.
HOWEVER. I actually ended up enjoying this one a lot more than the others.
Yes, we still knew who the killer was from the get go, but I felt like this one had more of an in-depth dive into the why. The glimpses in the past to when our killer was a boy of ten being taught and molded by his serial killer father gave insight to how the killer ended up becoming what he was in the future (and allowed the reader to understand the twisted way that he was choosing his victims). I also found it interesting that he continued to receive "guidance" from his father (in the form of hearing his father's voice in his head), this made him one of the more interesting killers I've seen in this series.
Moving on to Anna and her team, I feel like this story wrapped up a few loose ends nicely while making Anna herself become more intriguing as she has begun to realize that not only is the world NOT black and white, but it is okay (within reason) to walk in that gray area. I liked how her feelings for "Parole" showed her human side, and how she admitted that she wished things between them could be different. And I must admit, I'm curious now with the shake up to her team, how things will move forward.
All things considered, despite the rocky start to this series, I feel like the author is finally hitting their stride, and I will at least read one more before I decide whether to continue on or not.
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 8, 2024
This is my first Emmy Ellis book, but certainly not my last.
The start of the book, the graphic details, gripped me from the first sentence, ‘A brood of maggots writhed beneath the discoloured skin, creating an undulating blanket.’
The book follows 2 different times 1993 and present day, the murderer is introduced at the start of the book so we are following the development of him and his son, Rory. We then have the separate story of the ‘Kings’ who are a present day gang, the stories never really cross over they are two completely separate ones, which surprised me as I thought that there would be something more than the police investigating both?
We follow the multiple stories and points of views of around 5+ characters, there were a lot of characters introduced very quickly, but I know this is book 3 of a series so I’m guessing the majority would have been introduced slower in previous books. I read this as a standalone.
Overall I enjoyed the book, I enjoyed the serial killers and I enjoyed the main part of the plot, I have however given it only a 4 star as I believe that so much more could have been done with linking the stories throughout.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for my ARC Copy
The start of the book, the graphic details, gripped me from the first sentence, ‘A brood of maggots writhed beneath the discoloured skin, creating an undulating blanket.’
The book follows 2 different times 1993 and present day, the murderer is introduced at the start of the book so we are following the development of him and his son, Rory. We then have the separate story of the ‘Kings’ who are a present day gang, the stories never really cross over they are two completely separate ones, which surprised me as I thought that there would be something more than the police investigating both?
We follow the multiple stories and points of views of around 5+ characters, there were a lot of characters introduced very quickly, but I know this is book 3 of a series so I’m guessing the majority would have been introduced slower in previous books. I read this as a standalone.
Overall I enjoyed the book, I enjoyed the serial killers and I enjoyed the main part of the plot, I have however given it only a 4 star as I believe that so much more could have been done with linking the stories throughout.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for my ARC Copy
August 15, 2024
This style of writing is still new to me but I am really liking it.
Gruesome at the start for the first few chapters where you learn who the killer is and the background from it all.
You can get into the story more and try to figure out how the detectives are going to figure out who the killer is.
Sometimes because you know who it is it’s obvious but when you think what would you think if you didn’t know? I keep asking myself that throughout the entire book and it’s surprising how many things you would miss if you didn’t know. That’s what I like about how Emmy has written these books.
The MFC Anna is very witty and smart. Seems to know a lot more than she lets on to other people. But she’s drawn to a bad guy who she’s supposed to help put away.
So many twists and turns in this book. I wasn’t expecting so many turns in this book and was pleasantly surprised when reading which threw me off where I thought the story was going.
The Author also puts situations in this book that can be relatable to some people and a lot of people wonder what life would be like in these situations.
Gruesome at the start for the first few chapters where you learn who the killer is and the background from it all.
You can get into the story more and try to figure out how the detectives are going to figure out who the killer is.
Sometimes because you know who it is it’s obvious but when you think what would you think if you didn’t know? I keep asking myself that throughout the entire book and it’s surprising how many things you would miss if you didn’t know. That’s what I like about how Emmy has written these books.
The MFC Anna is very witty and smart. Seems to know a lot more than she lets on to other people. But she’s drawn to a bad guy who she’s supposed to help put away.
So many twists and turns in this book. I wasn’t expecting so many turns in this book and was pleasantly surprised when reading which threw me off where I thought the story was going.
The Author also puts situations in this book that can be relatable to some people and a lot of people wonder what life would be like in these situations.
August 12, 2024
Detective Anna James #3
Two young boys head to an abandoned warehouse to drink alcopops and hang out. When they barge the doors open, a swarm of rats scurry to the other side of the room. The eldest of the two boys pans his phone torch over where the rats had come from. Dark patches. Clothes. A suit. A green tie. A man. The victim has been slashed with a knife and rats have eaten his face. DI Anna James is called in to investigate.
This is a descriptively written book that might make some readers feel queasy. Once again, we know who the killer was from the beginning of the book. There are quite a few characters and timelines. Anna and her team are called in to investigate. The pace is steady, the characters are well-developed. This series gets slightly better with each new book.
Published 20th August
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #EmmyEllis for my ARC of #TheCopyCat in exchange for an honest review.
Two young boys head to an abandoned warehouse to drink alcopops and hang out. When they barge the doors open, a swarm of rats scurry to the other side of the room. The eldest of the two boys pans his phone torch over where the rats had come from. Dark patches. Clothes. A suit. A green tie. A man. The victim has been slashed with a knife and rats have eaten his face. DI Anna James is called in to investigate.
This is a descriptively written book that might make some readers feel queasy. Once again, we know who the killer was from the beginning of the book. There are quite a few characters and timelines. Anna and her team are called in to investigate. The pace is steady, the characters are well-developed. This series gets slightly better with each new book.
Published 20th August
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #EmmyEllis for my ARC of #TheCopyCat in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2024
Filled with gruesome description this book certainly kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages even though I knew the identity of the killer from the very beginning.
This story begins with the discovery of a body in a disused warehouse by two young boys.
The man has been stabbed multiple times, his face slashed repeatedly and left for the rats to gnaw on.
D.I. Anna James and her team are handed the case.
The method of the mans killing sets bells ringing, reminding them of similar murders that took place 30 years ago. The wives of those victims, as now, received a letter with Guineepig hair attached to one corner.
It surely cant be the same person after all these years so it looks as if they have a copy cat killer on the rampage.
Great read ! It had everything , suspense, gruesome murders, serial killers, revenge along with interesting subplots involving Anna and the team.
This story begins with the discovery of a body in a disused warehouse by two young boys.
The man has been stabbed multiple times, his face slashed repeatedly and left for the rats to gnaw on.
D.I. Anna James and her team are handed the case.
The method of the mans killing sets bells ringing, reminding them of similar murders that took place 30 years ago. The wives of those victims, as now, received a letter with Guineepig hair attached to one corner.
It surely cant be the same person after all these years so it looks as if they have a copy cat killer on the rampage.
Great read ! It had everything , suspense, gruesome murders, serial killers, revenge along with interesting subplots involving Anna and the team.
August 13, 2024
Gripping
Years ago, six men went missing, presumed dead, but no one was ever brought to justice. There were two suspects, both friends of the victims, but one is in prison and the other dead. Now, though, it seems to have started all over again, men are going missing but this time their bodies are left where they can be found. DI Anna James and her team are called in to solve the mystery and catch the killer, but this is not all Anna has to worry about. One of her team is suspected of being part of a gang and is reporting the police and their movements back to the gang. Anna herself has managed to get close to one of the gang members to find out more about her rogue employee but is getting closer than she should to him.
Although there were some stomach churning moments in the book, I was gripped and could not put it down. I recommend this book if you like a slightly grittier read.
Years ago, six men went missing, presumed dead, but no one was ever brought to justice. There were two suspects, both friends of the victims, but one is in prison and the other dead. Now, though, it seems to have started all over again, men are going missing but this time their bodies are left where they can be found. DI Anna James and her team are called in to solve the mystery and catch the killer, but this is not all Anna has to worry about. One of her team is suspected of being part of a gang and is reporting the police and their movements back to the gang. Anna herself has managed to get close to one of the gang members to find out more about her rogue employee but is getting closer than she should to him.
Although there were some stomach churning moments in the book, I was gripped and could not put it down. I recommend this book if you like a slightly grittier read.
July 31, 2024
4* Scary
A follow-on from the Pig Pen and The Lion's Den, The Copy Cat is definitely not for the faint of heart. Would probably cause nightmares for those readers of a sensitive nature. Don't be put off. Persevere. The book is worth it.
DI Anna James is investigating a recent murder which has similarities to the disappearances of six men thirty years ago. She also has the worry of a mole in her team and her private life has become more complicated. As in the previous two books, the reader knows the identity of the murderer from page one and follows him on his gruesome and stomach turning rampage.
A different murder investigation with the same police team. This tense page turner grabbed my attention from the very beginning, it also gave me the heebie-jeebies.
eARC generously supplied by Joffe Books, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
A follow-on from the Pig Pen and The Lion's Den, The Copy Cat is definitely not for the faint of heart. Would probably cause nightmares for those readers of a sensitive nature. Don't be put off. Persevere. The book is worth it.
DI Anna James is investigating a recent murder which has similarities to the disappearances of six men thirty years ago. She also has the worry of a mole in her team and her private life has become more complicated. As in the previous two books, the reader knows the identity of the murderer from page one and follows him on his gruesome and stomach turning rampage.
A different murder investigation with the same police team. This tense page turner grabbed my attention from the very beginning, it also gave me the heebie-jeebies.
eARC generously supplied by Joffe Books, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
August 13, 2024
The third instalment of the DI Anna James story starts with a flashback to a past series of murders carried out by the father of someone who is just starting out on his own serial killing spree. The descriptions are quite graphic, but if you are a fan of Jeffrey Deaver, Patricia Cornwell, et al. then you will probably be ok. Like in the previous two books, the reader knows who the killer is right from the start, his thoughts and actions as he carries out his dreadful crimes. The story follows Anna and her team as they work through the clues to catch the culprit, all while struggling with the realisation that one of their team is a member of a criminal gang (a plot line running through all three books). Whilst this book could be read as a stand alone, areas of the story would be better understood if the first two books in the series have been read.
August 20, 2024
I jumped into Detective Anna's story line at Book Three of her journey and I still LOVED this story!
The descriptions of death, the state of decomposition, and everything in between was amazing; sheer bone-chilling detail. The body found in the abandoned warehouse sets the plot up to connect the two story lines that are to come. The narrator follows DI Anna, and Rory (the killer); although you know the killer off the bat, it did not take away from the plot but rather brought the narrations together. The book did lack twists, but with DI Annas team not knowing what is going on, but the reading does from Rorys perspective, it was really well done!
The King's Gang story line threaded its way through this book, specifically with DI Anna's character. This plot line was not relatively to the story of the Copy Cat; and since I did not read Book's 1 nor 2, I was confused a lot of the time during these chapters.
A 3.75 star rounded up; I would be curious enough about the King's Gang plot line to go back to. Books 1 and 2!
Thank you Emily Ellis, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is an honest review.
The descriptions of death, the state of decomposition, and everything in between was amazing; sheer bone-chilling detail. The body found in the abandoned warehouse sets the plot up to connect the two story lines that are to come. The narrator follows DI Anna, and Rory (the killer); although you know the killer off the bat, it did not take away from the plot but rather brought the narrations together. The book did lack twists, but with DI Annas team not knowing what is going on, but the reading does from Rorys perspective, it was really well done!
The King's Gang story line threaded its way through this book, specifically with DI Anna's character. This plot line was not relatively to the story of the Copy Cat; and since I did not read Book's 1 nor 2, I was confused a lot of the time during these chapters.
A 3.75 star rounded up; I would be curious enough about the King's Gang plot line to go back to. Books 1 and 2!
Thank you Emily Ellis, Joffe Books, and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is an honest review.
August 16, 2024
Another fantastic book from Emmy Ellis.
It follows a similar pattern as the first two, in that you know who the perpetrator is very early on, but I’m used to it now and it works. It doesn’t detract from the rest of the book at all and in some ways, I find it easier to concentrate on it as I’m not thinking about who could’ve done it!
Anna goes on some dates with her bad boy (undercover) which is hard as she’s attracted to him but she knows it can’t go further. Other threads from the first two books are resolved in this instalment too.
It’s not for the faint hearted - the descriptions of the killing are well written but graphic and it has its usual twists and turns.
Another great book and I’m hoping for more.
Thanks to Joffe’s ARC for a copy of the book and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
It follows a similar pattern as the first two, in that you know who the perpetrator is very early on, but I’m used to it now and it works. It doesn’t detract from the rest of the book at all and in some ways, I find it easier to concentrate on it as I’m not thinking about who could’ve done it!
Anna goes on some dates with her bad boy (undercover) which is hard as she’s attracted to him but she knows it can’t go further. Other threads from the first two books are resolved in this instalment too.
It’s not for the faint hearted - the descriptions of the killing are well written but graphic and it has its usual twists and turns.
Another great book and I’m hoping for more.
Thanks to Joffe’s ARC for a copy of the book and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2025
Whilst this was predictable with regard to Rory following his fathers fooststeps and killing I found that I still enjoyed it. Clearly Rory had such a big ego he was going to trip himself up easily but I suspect it only took that long as the team was really focused on the bent cop Peter and his involvement with the Kings.
I don't believe they have disbanded, I don't believe Anna and Parole are done for and I don't believe this is the last we have heard from Peter either.
Peter did a magnamous thing with regards to Sally's husband but just for once I'd have liked to have seen that follow into the next book where she took him to court. Unfortunately it suggests that to get away from someone whose controlling you/abusing you, you have to kill them isn't necessarily a good thing and I'd love to have seen legal justice metered out.
I don't believe they have disbanded, I don't believe Anna and Parole are done for and I don't believe this is the last we have heard from Peter either.
Peter did a magnamous thing with regards to Sally's husband but just for once I'd have liked to have seen that follow into the next book where she took him to court. Unfortunately it suggests that to get away from someone whose controlling you/abusing you, you have to kill them isn't necessarily a good thing and I'd love to have seen legal justice metered out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
The Copy Cat opened with an explosive, gruesome first chapter. It was a strong start but unfortunately the rest of the book didn’t quite live up to the promise of the opener. The chapters with the killer Rory were the strongest. The police based ones weren’t quite as cohesive for me and they didn’t feel like an actual police team.
I think if I had read the previous books in the series it would have helped with a bit more of a bond with the main characters that didn’t have much time to develop in this one book. However it can be read as a standalone.
I am undecided whether I would read any more in this series. It seems from other reviews like they are improving so I may give one more a go.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think if I had read the previous books in the series it would have helped with a bit more of a bond with the main characters that didn’t have much time to develop in this one book. However it can be read as a standalone.
I am undecided whether I would read any more in this series. It seems from other reviews like they are improving so I may give one more a go.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2024
Chilling. Not for the squeamish. Violent death, descriptions of mutilations and decomposition of remains. Not a cozy mystery! That said, I highly recommend this series to fans of Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, James Patterson, John Sandford and Thomas Perry.
This fast-paced police procedural puts the reader inside the mind of a diabolical killer, who murders his own "friends" without remorse. Then we meet the detectives who are trying to stop the abductions and keep people safe.
As in real life, each character has his or her own concerns and viewpoint.
This well-written novel demands to be read in one sitting, and while it is number three in a series, it definitely can stand alone and has a satisfying conclusion, not a "cliffhanger" ending.
My first ARC from Joffe Books, and my first read from this author. I actually liked it more than I thought I would , and now plan to read everything I can find by this author.
This fast-paced police procedural puts the reader inside the mind of a diabolical killer, who murders his own "friends" without remorse. Then we meet the detectives who are trying to stop the abductions and keep people safe.
As in real life, each character has his or her own concerns and viewpoint.
This well-written novel demands to be read in one sitting, and while it is number three in a series, it definitely can stand alone and has a satisfying conclusion, not a "cliffhanger" ending.
My first ARC from Joffe Books, and my first read from this author. I actually liked it more than I thought I would , and now plan to read everything I can find by this author.
August 31, 2024
Fans of the TV series, Bones, will like the detailed descriptions of the murder scenes although this definitely has an English flavor (syntax and slang) instead of American. This was an interesting take on a traditional murder mystery because you know who the murderer is from the start. The reader gets an in depth view of the killer’s state of mind and reasonings. I liked following the police procedurals. Unfortunately, since I knew who the killer was and his motivations, the police discovery was anti-climatic. I did find it unusual that so many people knew about Anne’s and Peter’s covert operations as moles with the Kings gang.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
September 19, 2024
The second one I have read in this series (I missed the second one i the series) , the characters are definately more established . I like the setting, somewhere on the edge of the Moors/dales in Yorkshire. In this book, a body is discovered by two young brothers. The cause of death seems to echo similar crimes from 30 years ago and the boys could not say much about the perpetrator. The book is told from different viewpoints as the team start to investigate the murder(s). The team also have their own personal problems, some involving the local crime gang, the Kings . All in all a quick , interesting and easy read, though there are still unresolved issues near the end.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 29, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
When a man is found dead detective Anna James and her team investigate. As always with this series, we know who the murderer is and why, normally linked to past events.
I enjoyed this, the set up allowed me to concentrate more on the police procedures without second guessing every character. The side story with corrupt police officer Peter was explosive in this installment. Wow! Anna is a strong character and while disappointed she falls for Parole in the first place, I couldn’t help but root for them!
I’m really hoping for a book 4!
When a man is found dead detective Anna James and her team investigate. As always with this series, we know who the murderer is and why, normally linked to past events.
I enjoyed this, the set up allowed me to concentrate more on the police procedures without second guessing every character. The side story with corrupt police officer Peter was explosive in this installment. Wow! Anna is a strong character and while disappointed she falls for Parole in the first place, I couldn’t help but root for them!
I’m really hoping for a book 4!
August 13, 2024
My first book from Emmy Ellis. The characters of the detectives are so well drawn you can immediately understand their personalities and frailties without the introduction from the first book. Gruesome, with vivid descriptions of body decomposition, but balanced with life outside the crime area. The mother of the killer is a sympathetic character although the interaction with her son makes you concerned for her welfare. I wasn't sure how this would end so it kept me guessing.
I will definitely be reading the other two books in this series, in part to find out more about DI Anna and her team. A brilliant read.
I will definitely be reading the other two books in this series, in part to find out more about DI Anna and her team. A brilliant read.
August 23, 2024
3.5 Stars
This book was very dark and graphic at the beginning. It turned my stomach so I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish it, however it became bearable just a couple chapters later. It’s unusual in that you know who the murderer is, so the suspense part is seeing how the police figure it out.
Some of the police characters would make comments that seemed to be about something I felt like I should know but didn’t. I’m assuming because I haven’t read the previous two books in the series. So in the case of this series you may want to read them in order.
Overall it was a good book and I would read this author again.
I want to thank Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book was very dark and graphic at the beginning. It turned my stomach so I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish it, however it became bearable just a couple chapters later. It’s unusual in that you know who the murderer is, so the suspense part is seeing how the police figure it out.
Some of the police characters would make comments that seemed to be about something I felt like I should know but didn’t. I’m assuming because I haven’t read the previous two books in the series. So in the case of this series you may want to read them in order.
Overall it was a good book and I would read this author again.
I want to thank Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 15, 2024
I could hardly put this down.
Well written and with plenty going on for DI Anna James and her team to investigate. She is trying to find out information from Parole, a member of local gang the Kings, by agreeing to go out with him, the problem is she actually likes him.
One of their own is being watched as they believe he is passing information to the Kings, he used to be a member but says he left when he joined the police.
Then there are the killings, they bear a resemblance to the unsolved murders of six men in the 1990s, is it the same killer or a copy cat?
Well worth a read.
Well written and with plenty going on for DI Anna James and her team to investigate. She is trying to find out information from Parole, a member of local gang the Kings, by agreeing to go out with him, the problem is she actually likes him.
One of their own is being watched as they believe he is passing information to the Kings, he used to be a member but says he left when he joined the police.
Then there are the killings, they bear a resemblance to the unsolved murders of six men in the 1990s, is it the same killer or a copy cat?
Well worth a read.
September 17, 2024
This is one of those rare crime books where the reader knows the perpetrators from almost the beginning of the book. This the case with all of the books I have read by Emmy Ellis. It does not impact the book and it's story at all. Emmy pens a great story around the characters and why they did what they did and how they were eventually brought to justice.
The murders are gruesome and that is usually not my thing but perhaps like the police we seem to accept it.
I suspect from the ending this is the last of the DI Anna James stories.
The murders are gruesome and that is usually not my thing but perhaps like the police we seem to accept it.
I suspect from the ending this is the last of the DI Anna James stories.
January 15, 2025
I really, REALLY wanted to love this! It started out so strong with a killers POV, and it was fantastic! Once it turned to the police POV, there were so many characters to try to keep track of. By the middle of the book, I felt like I was reading two separate books. If the police/gang sections were its own book, it would be great! However, it became disconnected and I was disappointed that the copy cat killer's POV was more of an "oh yeah, and this is also happening". Because of this, the ending kind of felt rushed and like a cop-out (pun not intended).
August 13, 2024
The first few chapters of this book are quite gruesome, get past them and a great story evolves. You know who the Copy Cat is straight away. The original murders happened years ago the bodies having never been foundand. They have started again this time the bodies found in plain sight. DI Anna James and her detectives investigate, all have their own sub plots to contend with. Well written and kept me wanting more. Thanks to Joffe Books for a pre release copy.
August 13, 2024
Emma Ellis is a master of showing us all that past actions have ver real consequences in the future. This book wraps up the trilogy, and is by far, Ellis’s best. If you are squeamish, I do not recommend this book….but if you like police procedurals and complex,twisted characters, I highly recommend this book. Without giving anything away, I simply want to say…like father, like son.
Read Ellis’s books, you won’t regret it.
Read Ellis’s books, you won’t regret it.
August 14, 2024
This. had me hooked from start to finish.
It's a very well written gripping, spine chilling storyline and plot with many a twist and turn and strong characters.
Although you know the identity of the copycat killer, it doesn't spoil the story as it unfolds.
It is a little gruesome with its descriptive and has you on the edge of your seat wondering what an earth will happen next.
It is a very enjoyable book.
My thanks to Joffe books.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
It's a very well written gripping, spine chilling storyline and plot with many a twist and turn and strong characters.
Although you know the identity of the copycat killer, it doesn't spoil the story as it unfolds.
It is a little gruesome with its descriptive and has you on the edge of your seat wondering what an earth will happen next.
It is a very enjoyable book.
My thanks to Joffe books.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
August 20, 2024
This book sucked me in right away. It was attention grabbing and interesting. Unfortunately, it felt like the story slowed down a lot as it went, and focused on parts of the story that were less interesting. Without spoilers, let's just say I wanted to focus solely on the murder investigation, but kept getting bits of stories about a gang and an ex-husband. It felt like too many stories were being told at once. That said, it was still a good story and plot. So 3 stars for me. 🙂
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