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Michael Joseph Terminally Kill.
PRE-ORDER THE BRILLIANTLY FUNNY, ONE-OF-A-KIND PAGE-TURNER FROM AUTHOR AND BELOVED TV PRESENTER, STEVE JONES'Spectacular. Terminally Kill reads like Richard Osman with more blood. A tale of morality, mortality and what happens when a life takes you beyond breaking point.' TONY PARSONS----Ray might be about to die. But he’s sure as hell not going quietly …Former policeman Ray ‘Sugar’ Leonard is no stranger to bad breaks. But even Walter White never had to open up and share his feelings with a bunch of misfits like Ray’s chemotherapy a giant God-bothering Welsh bouncer, a sharp-suited wannabe Wolf of Wall Street, and a misanthropic, potty-mouthed little old lady. Compared to that lot, getting mugged on his way home from the clinic was almost a relief. But Ray is not your average victim. And when his training kicks in and his would-be attacker winds up dead, he wonders, who else might be equally deserving of such summary justice? After all, he’s got cancer, what’s he got to lose?Then Ray lets slip his new philosophy to the group and it soon becomes clear that he’s not the only one with murder in mind …---PRAISE FOR STEVE 'Joyously unpredictable, clever and witty’ RUTH JONES'Funny, fast-paced and moving’ SATURDAY LIVE‘Very funny … echoes of Nick Hornby’ YOU’RE BOOKED
- GenresFiction
336 pages, Hardcover
Published July 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 31, 2024
T/W for cancer.
Steve Jones second novel, the first being ‘Call Time’ which I think is one heck of a read!
4+
A tale of mortality.
Former soldier and ex Detective Inspector Ray ‘Sugar’ Leonard has had more than his fair share of bad, if not tragic, breaks but now faces the fight of his life against the deadly whims of cancer. He shares his chemo sessions with three others. There’s God fearing Welsh bouncer Gog, aka Paul, Rose, a cantankerous older lady with a colourful grasp of language and flashy Luke, a wannabe Jordan Belfort style financial wizard with the requisite ruthless streak. The be fateful day after leaving his chemo session, Ray acts in self defence against a vicious attacker who wants to rob him, taking the only action he can and justifying it in his head. However, will his intuitive brother-in-law DI John Facey figure it out? Ray is on a mission and the next one is for his much loved stepdaughter Chaynnie. He reckons without the incisive instincts of his chemo chums and their first rule is, what’s said in the chemo room, stays in the room.
I thoroughly enjoy this latest offering from the talented Steve Jones. I love the blend of dark humour with an investigation and the emerging secrets of the gang formed in scary circumstances. The premise is great, it’s well written with a storyline that flows, it’s a clever and never a dull moment read. It’s darkly funny in places, in one such I’m taking an ill advised swig of coffee - all thanks to Gog, the Mr Malaprop of the room. They’re all likeable quirky characters being colourful in their different ways and there’s terrific dialogue between them. There’s growing friendship, reliance and trust between them. As for Ray, what a guy. I love the relationship between him and Chaynnie which brings the odd tear to my eye.
As the book progresses, it gets grittier and there are some really good twists that I definitely don’t see coming.
Overall, it’s a gripping read with a well thought out storyline and a good blend of the sad and moving combined with humour and plenty of action.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Steve Jones second novel, the first being ‘Call Time’ which I think is one heck of a read!
4+
A tale of mortality.
Former soldier and ex Detective Inspector Ray ‘Sugar’ Leonard has had more than his fair share of bad, if not tragic, breaks but now faces the fight of his life against the deadly whims of cancer. He shares his chemo sessions with three others. There’s God fearing Welsh bouncer Gog, aka Paul, Rose, a cantankerous older lady with a colourful grasp of language and flashy Luke, a wannabe Jordan Belfort style financial wizard with the requisite ruthless streak. The be fateful day after leaving his chemo session, Ray acts in self defence against a vicious attacker who wants to rob him, taking the only action he can and justifying it in his head. However, will his intuitive brother-in-law DI John Facey figure it out? Ray is on a mission and the next one is for his much loved stepdaughter Chaynnie. He reckons without the incisive instincts of his chemo chums and their first rule is, what’s said in the chemo room, stays in the room.
I thoroughly enjoy this latest offering from the talented Steve Jones. I love the blend of dark humour with an investigation and the emerging secrets of the gang formed in scary circumstances. The premise is great, it’s well written with a storyline that flows, it’s a clever and never a dull moment read. It’s darkly funny in places, in one such I’m taking an ill advised swig of coffee - all thanks to Gog, the Mr Malaprop of the room. They’re all likeable quirky characters being colourful in their different ways and there’s terrific dialogue between them. There’s growing friendship, reliance and trust between them. As for Ray, what a guy. I love the relationship between him and Chaynnie which brings the odd tear to my eye.
As the book progresses, it gets grittier and there are some really good twists that I definitely don’t see coming.
Overall, it’s a gripping read with a well thought out storyline and a good blend of the sad and moving combined with humour and plenty of action.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
May 14, 2025
Really enjoyable story despite main characters who are all fighting cancer. A topic I usually steer clear of having lost my dad to it 10 years ago.
However this is a darkly comic look at the people behind the illness who are portrayed so so well. The twists I didn’t see coming and overall this is a tender story about friendship and family. I didn’t want to leave these characters behind
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
However this is a darkly comic look at the people behind the illness who are portrayed so so well. The twists I didn’t see coming and overall this is a tender story about friendship and family. I didn’t want to leave these characters behind
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
November 4, 2024
A,clever premise that works. I laughed a lot, which seems like an odd thing to say about a book centered on a terminal cancer patient. Somehow, this book pulls it off. It’s light. Then it’s a thriller. Then you laugh. Next, you’re on the edge of your seat. Bonus, this book is full of surprises — satisfying ending that I didn’t see coming.
November 17, 2024
This book I loved. Great characters. Emotional. Murder. Laughter. It's got everything!
July 24, 2024
I wasn't overly impressed with this author's debut book- Call Time - however I did see the potential in his offering so I was willing to give him another chance. And I am blooming glad I did just that. This book was brilliant!
We start in a group chemotherapy session where former cop Ray "Sugar" Leonard joins fellow patients Gog, Rose, and Luke as they chat and get to know each other. After one such session, Ray is caught short (apparently a symptom/after effect) and rushes into an alleyway to relieve himself. And promptly gets mugged, although things escalate when his self-defence attempts leave his attacker dead. His military training kicking in despite his weakened state. Long story short, and with his brother-in-law John (still a cop) investigating, this act will define the rest of the book. Ray is terminal, with nothing to lose, and the mugger was a low-life... Can you see where I am going. Being terminal and unlikely to get as far as being banged up for his crimes, Ray realises that he can do some - shall we call it - sanitising before he goes... take one for the team if you like.
Shocking I know, but to be honest, I would be lying if I said that that very premise hadn't crossed my mind and, although controversial and I am not advocating such behaviour, it's a rather neat trick if you can pull it off and we all know at least one person who...! Although, that said, it's a bit of a brave topic to base a book around. But yeah, wholly credible!
Things get more serious when Ray starts to focus on the man who killed his wife, at the same time as he opens up more to his chemo group. What happens in Chemo Club, stays in Chemo Club... Especially when John shows him something he has found, something belonging to his late wife...
After the shaky start of Call Time, he smashed it out of the park for me with this one. It's hard to say I loved a book which centres on cancer and chemotherapy but it is handled so blooming well, with some of the greatest characters I have met in time that it never got too dark. Ray is wonderful, as is his step-daughter Chaynnie, the both of whom are still hurting from the loss of Odette, mother and wife. And the other members of Chemo Club and nurse Donna absolutely excelled. Other characters who I will leave you to meet and get to know as the author intends (spoilers) are just as well crafted and all did a stellar job. The overall story was both compelling and intriguing and delivered shock after twist as it travelled towards the final denouement, and an ending that, again, I will leave you to discover, but one which I felt was the only way it could go, and which wholly satisfied.
So the lesson here is never sack off an author on one book that didn't suit. I'm so glad I gave him a second chance and I am really looking forward to seeing what he serves up for next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start in a group chemotherapy session where former cop Ray "Sugar" Leonard joins fellow patients Gog, Rose, and Luke as they chat and get to know each other. After one such session, Ray is caught short (apparently a symptom/after effect) and rushes into an alleyway to relieve himself. And promptly gets mugged, although things escalate when his self-defence attempts leave his attacker dead. His military training kicking in despite his weakened state. Long story short, and with his brother-in-law John (still a cop) investigating, this act will define the rest of the book. Ray is terminal, with nothing to lose, and the mugger was a low-life... Can you see where I am going. Being terminal and unlikely to get as far as being banged up for his crimes, Ray realises that he can do some - shall we call it - sanitising before he goes... take one for the team if you like.
Shocking I know, but to be honest, I would be lying if I said that that very premise hadn't crossed my mind and, although controversial and I am not advocating such behaviour, it's a rather neat trick if you can pull it off and we all know at least one person who...! Although, that said, it's a bit of a brave topic to base a book around. But yeah, wholly credible!
Things get more serious when Ray starts to focus on the man who killed his wife, at the same time as he opens up more to his chemo group. What happens in Chemo Club, stays in Chemo Club... Especially when John shows him something he has found, something belonging to his late wife...
After the shaky start of Call Time, he smashed it out of the park for me with this one. It's hard to say I loved a book which centres on cancer and chemotherapy but it is handled so blooming well, with some of the greatest characters I have met in time that it never got too dark. Ray is wonderful, as is his step-daughter Chaynnie, the both of whom are still hurting from the loss of Odette, mother and wife. And the other members of Chemo Club and nurse Donna absolutely excelled. Other characters who I will leave you to meet and get to know as the author intends (spoilers) are just as well crafted and all did a stellar job. The overall story was both compelling and intriguing and delivered shock after twist as it travelled towards the final denouement, and an ending that, again, I will leave you to discover, but one which I felt was the only way it could go, and which wholly satisfied.
So the lesson here is never sack off an author on one book that didn't suit. I'm so glad I gave him a second chance and I am really looking forward to seeing what he serves up for next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 1, 2024
Rating: 3.8/5
Setting a novel around a group of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment may seem like an odd choice, but author, Steve Jones, does explain in his acknowledgements where the idea for the book came from. Given that the subject of cancer does form a significant amount of the content, this novel may well not sit comfortably with a number of people. Anyone who hasn't been through cancer treatment themselves, or had someone very close to them experience it, is unlikely to really get the full gist of the story. Those who have experienced it first hand may find too raw at times to make for comfortable reading. As someone who has been through it and still lives with the long-term consequences of the treatment, I can very much relate to the central characters in "Terminally Kill" and appreciate the efforts of the author in the way that he has presented this awkward topic.
I don't often pass comment in my reviews on the cover of books, which, given that it is usually the first element a reader is presented with, is perhaps something of an oversight on my part. In this case, however, I will share my views. My impression from seeing the cover of "Terminally Kill" is that this would lean heavily towards the humorous end of the scale - but that is a little misleading. That is not to say that there isn't plenty of humour - there certainly is - but it mostly comes from those dark places that the cancer patients find themselves in and as a coping mechanism for their predicaments. Although the comedic comments and attitudes of the protagonists resonated with me, as they conjured up my own (not always fond) memories, they may not land with everyone.
In spite of what I have written thus far, "Terminally Kill" isn't just a story of coping with "the big C". There are facets of police procedural, action thriller, mystery, horror, family drama, humour and a fair degree of poignancy. This eclectic mix works well most of the time, although there are times when it feels a touch disjointed. Essentially, though, the storyline is character-driven and it is that fact which ultimately manages to bind the whole narrative together. The protagonists are well-drawn and appealing, which enable them to carry the story. The balance that Steve Jones has tried to achieve in "Terminally Kill" is a tricky one, but overall, it is one that he manages to pull off.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Setting a novel around a group of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment may seem like an odd choice, but author, Steve Jones, does explain in his acknowledgements where the idea for the book came from. Given that the subject of cancer does form a significant amount of the content, this novel may well not sit comfortably with a number of people. Anyone who hasn't been through cancer treatment themselves, or had someone very close to them experience it, is unlikely to really get the full gist of the story. Those who have experienced it first hand may find too raw at times to make for comfortable reading. As someone who has been through it and still lives with the long-term consequences of the treatment, I can very much relate to the central characters in "Terminally Kill" and appreciate the efforts of the author in the way that he has presented this awkward topic.
I don't often pass comment in my reviews on the cover of books, which, given that it is usually the first element a reader is presented with, is perhaps something of an oversight on my part. In this case, however, I will share my views. My impression from seeing the cover of "Terminally Kill" is that this would lean heavily towards the humorous end of the scale - but that is a little misleading. That is not to say that there isn't plenty of humour - there certainly is - but it mostly comes from those dark places that the cancer patients find themselves in and as a coping mechanism for their predicaments. Although the comedic comments and attitudes of the protagonists resonated with me, as they conjured up my own (not always fond) memories, they may not land with everyone.
In spite of what I have written thus far, "Terminally Kill" isn't just a story of coping with "the big C". There are facets of police procedural, action thriller, mystery, horror, family drama, humour and a fair degree of poignancy. This eclectic mix works well most of the time, although there are times when it feels a touch disjointed. Essentially, though, the storyline is character-driven and it is that fact which ultimately manages to bind the whole narrative together. The protagonists are well-drawn and appealing, which enable them to carry the story. The balance that Steve Jones has tried to achieve in "Terminally Kill" is a tricky one, but overall, it is one that he manages to pull off.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
May 22, 2024
This is the second book I've read by this author. His first (and debut) book was Call Time which I absolutely loved, so I knew I just had to read this one. We meet Ray "Sugar" Leonard, ex Forces and recently retired police officer. Ray has cancer and forms a friendship with three other people he meets during his chemotherapy sessions. Ray's had a lot happen in his life so to be dealt the hand of his cancer diagnosis just tops everything. When a chance encounter with a mugger changes how Ray thinks about everything that's happened, he begins to wonder who else deserves his form of justice.
This was an absolutely fantastic read. I loved the previous book and thought that was cleverly written, and this book is definitely up there on that same level with a very well thought out story, great characters and an ending to make you cry! I loved Ray's character, so likeable and you really felt for him. I also loved his cancer group friends - Rose, a cantankerous old woman; Luke, a young wide boy with a flashy Range Rover and Gog, a giant Welsh churchgoer! Their sessions together made me laugh, sometimes for the wrong reasons, and how the relationship built between them was wonderfully done.
The storyline flows superbly and we find Ray, who feels he has nothing left in life, becoming a form of vigilante, dispensing justice to those he felt deserved it. It does unexpectedly twist and turn throughout and definitely throws some curveballs into the story. I have to admit to being a bit hesitant with the cancer storyline as I usually find these quite upsetting, but the dark humour surrounding it was a welcome change. The writing was amazing and I found myself hooked into Ray's storyline from the very first page. A mixture of life lessons and friendships with some murders, tears and laughter thrown in for good measure. If you're going to read any book, make it this one!
This was an absolutely fantastic read. I loved the previous book and thought that was cleverly written, and this book is definitely up there on that same level with a very well thought out story, great characters and an ending to make you cry! I loved Ray's character, so likeable and you really felt for him. I also loved his cancer group friends - Rose, a cantankerous old woman; Luke, a young wide boy with a flashy Range Rover and Gog, a giant Welsh churchgoer! Their sessions together made me laugh, sometimes for the wrong reasons, and how the relationship built between them was wonderfully done.
The storyline flows superbly and we find Ray, who feels he has nothing left in life, becoming a form of vigilante, dispensing justice to those he felt deserved it. It does unexpectedly twist and turn throughout and definitely throws some curveballs into the story. I have to admit to being a bit hesitant with the cancer storyline as I usually find these quite upsetting, but the dark humour surrounding it was a welcome change. The writing was amazing and I found myself hooked into Ray's storyline from the very first page. A mixture of life lessons and friendships with some murders, tears and laughter thrown in for good measure. If you're going to read any book, make it this one!
July 14, 2024
I read Steve's last book Call Time last year and loved it so was so excited when I get an email from @netgalley saying that his new book was available.
I devoured it in one weekend.
I loved it!
There's something about Steve's writing that I really enjoy, it could be that we're around the same age (if Wiki is right I'm 9 months older), so a lot of references, situations or topics are more familiar to me. I'm not talking about time travel or vigilante killers, more the conversations that are had between characters.
In Terminally Kill a group of strangers have their Chemotherapy sessions at the same time and although to begin with have a fairly shallow relationship they learn more about each other, and I really loved the way that the past of these characters was revealed, there was just enough to give motivations and meat to them, but not so much that it became distracting and too much detail.
The main character Ray who is an ex soldier, ex detective, father and widower is so well written and I really felt his emotions and motivations for his journey through the book.
There were times when my heart was racing when characters got in sticky situations and there were times when I was in tears.
I keep seeing memes about how it's normal to love a book and then forget all about it instantly, but I haven't had that with these at all, and I think it's because they stand out as something different to what I've normally been reading.
I'm now eagerly awaiting book three!
I devoured it in one weekend.
I loved it!
There's something about Steve's writing that I really enjoy, it could be that we're around the same age (if Wiki is right I'm 9 months older), so a lot of references, situations or topics are more familiar to me. I'm not talking about time travel or vigilante killers, more the conversations that are had between characters.
In Terminally Kill a group of strangers have their Chemotherapy sessions at the same time and although to begin with have a fairly shallow relationship they learn more about each other, and I really loved the way that the past of these characters was revealed, there was just enough to give motivations and meat to them, but not so much that it became distracting and too much detail.
The main character Ray who is an ex soldier, ex detective, father and widower is so well written and I really felt his emotions and motivations for his journey through the book.
There were times when my heart was racing when characters got in sticky situations and there were times when I was in tears.
I keep seeing memes about how it's normal to love a book and then forget all about it instantly, but I haven't had that with these at all, and I think it's because they stand out as something different to what I've normally been reading.
I'm now eagerly awaiting book three!
July 22, 2024
Former policeman Ray Leonard is undergoing chemotherapy and it is there that he meets three others going through the same; Gog, Rose and Luke. When he gets mugged on the way home his training kicks in and the his attacker ends up dead. He comes to ponder who else deserves this fate, seeing as he has nothing to lose. Sharing his thoughts with his new friends, it seems he isn’t the only one with these thoughts in mind.
I wanted to read this as the concept sounded very original and intriguing. The story ended up not being exactly what I expected but good all the same. The characters are brilliantly written with engaging personality traits. I enjoyed their connections with one another also.
The subject matter, although dark, managed to come across in a respectful way and there was plenty of humour to help make the novel less uncomfortable. There’s also a few twists and gritty moments within this story, creating suspenseful, action packed moments. I did find that the plot bounced around a bit randomly at times, however overall this was a decent, unique character driven crime novel. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I wanted to read this as the concept sounded very original and intriguing. The story ended up not being exactly what I expected but good all the same. The characters are brilliantly written with engaging personality traits. I enjoyed their connections with one another also.
The subject matter, although dark, managed to come across in a respectful way and there was plenty of humour to help make the novel less uncomfortable. There’s also a few twists and gritty moments within this story, creating suspenseful, action packed moments. I did find that the plot bounced around a bit randomly at times, however overall this was a decent, unique character driven crime novel. 3.5 stars rounded down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
October 12, 2024
Terminally Kill was an excellent read, but not for the faint-hearted! Full of dark, death-related humour, it centres around four very different people who bond while spending time together receiving chemotherapy.
Having spent time in hospitals with terminally ill people, I've become rather thick-skinned and also learned to appreciate that tip-toeing around topics like cancer and death is not for everyone. Some like to address their predicament head on. And Steve Jones' novel is definitely head on!
Former policeman Ray ‘Sugar’ Leonard has just left his chemotherapy group to head home when he gets mugged. When his mugger ends up dead, Ray needs to ensure that he doesn't get caught. He doesn't want to spend the little time he has left in prison. Then he tells his new frends what happened...
Terminally Kill is fast paced, very funny, well plotted and with a thoroughly engaging and vivid cast of characters.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
#NetGalley #bookreview
Having spent time in hospitals with terminally ill people, I've become rather thick-skinned and also learned to appreciate that tip-toeing around topics like cancer and death is not for everyone. Some like to address their predicament head on. And Steve Jones' novel is definitely head on!
Former policeman Ray ‘Sugar’ Leonard has just left his chemotherapy group to head home when he gets mugged. When his mugger ends up dead, Ray needs to ensure that he doesn't get caught. He doesn't want to spend the little time he has left in prison. Then he tells his new frends what happened...
Terminally Kill is fast paced, very funny, well plotted and with a thoroughly engaging and vivid cast of characters.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.
#NetGalley #bookreview
May 8, 2026
Terminally Kill is an easy and entertaining read with fantastic characters and a compelling storyline. If you like Dexter, you'll like this book.
Ray 'Sugar' Leonard, ex marine, ex detective is undergoing chemotherapy, along with Luke, Gog and Rose. Four more different personalities you couldn't find, but it doesn't take long for them to form a remarkable bond through sarcasm, gallows humour and brutal honesty.
When someone tries to mug Ray at knife point, it ends in murder. And it is from this random act that Ray contemplates using what might be his last weeks or months, to enact revenge on his wife's killer.
Filled with twists and surprises that kept my attention, I raced through Terminally Kill. The story is great, but it's the characters that make this so good. We get an insight into each of the characters back story which helps us connect with them. The bond the chemo group formed was moving, amusing and inspiring, and the final twist involving Rose and Luke was chefs kiss.
Ray 'Sugar' Leonard, ex marine, ex detective is undergoing chemotherapy, along with Luke, Gog and Rose. Four more different personalities you couldn't find, but it doesn't take long for them to form a remarkable bond through sarcasm, gallows humour and brutal honesty.
When someone tries to mug Ray at knife point, it ends in murder. And it is from this random act that Ray contemplates using what might be his last weeks or months, to enact revenge on his wife's killer.
Filled with twists and surprises that kept my attention, I raced through Terminally Kill. The story is great, but it's the characters that make this so good. We get an insight into each of the characters back story which helps us connect with them. The bond the chemo group formed was moving, amusing and inspiring, and the final twist involving Rose and Luke was chefs kiss.
May 19, 2024
I couldn’t wait to start this book after loving Steve Jones first novel and it did not disappoint.
Ex policeman Ray has cancer and meets some unusual friends while going through chemotherapy.
I loved the characters that Ray meets and I really felt like I knew them and was part of the group. My favourite character was Gog.
It was a really interesting clever story with some unexpected twists.
While the story was heartbreaking I really enjoyed this book and it definitely showed how life can change in the blink of an eye and the true meaning of friends and family
Thanks to NetGalley, Steve Jones and Michael Joseph,Penguin Random House for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Ex policeman Ray has cancer and meets some unusual friends while going through chemotherapy.
I loved the characters that Ray meets and I really felt like I knew them and was part of the group. My favourite character was Gog.
It was a really interesting clever story with some unexpected twists.
While the story was heartbreaking I really enjoyed this book and it definitely showed how life can change in the blink of an eye and the true meaning of friends and family
Thanks to NetGalley, Steve Jones and Michael Joseph,Penguin Random House for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 23, 2024
Ex-Marine and ex-cop Ray Leonard is having Chemo for Prostate cancer. He shares every session with Rose, Luke and Gog. They agree fairly early on that what happens in Chemo club stays in Chemo Club. Even if it is murder.
Ray is set upon when he has to take an urgent call of nature and things get out of hand, even though it is self defence. He's not sure if he's gotten away with it, but does admit what he's done to the club and they rally around as they all agree it was self defence.
Things start getting out of hand and it looks as though he might be blamed for something he didn't do. Fate seems to step in and give him a hand.
A novel look at life when you're on borrowed time.
A very enjoyable read.
Ray is set upon when he has to take an urgent call of nature and things get out of hand, even though it is self defence. He's not sure if he's gotten away with it, but does admit what he's done to the club and they rally around as they all agree it was self defence.
Things start getting out of hand and it looks as though he might be blamed for something he didn't do. Fate seems to step in and give him a hand.
A novel look at life when you're on borrowed time.
A very enjoyable read.
August 19, 2024
After getting injured in Afghanistan, Ray Leonard joined the police and has just retired after his stint and after his wife was murdered. Now Ray has discovered that he has prostate cancer and is having to attend chemotherapy sessions with a disparate group of strangers. After one session a man attempts to mug Ray but Ray responds instinctively and the man ends up dead. Ray does not want to spend what little time he has left in prison but does wonder about settling a few scores and his chemo group are very supportive!
This is a surprisingly good book! I loved the premise about a terminally ill man and felt Ray was a well-written character. I also liked the ending because it wasn't too obvious. However what I loved was the very black humour employed, it didn't sugarcoat anything.
This is a surprisingly good book! I loved the premise about a terminally ill man and felt Ray was a well-written character. I also liked the ending because it wasn't too obvious. However what I loved was the very black humour employed, it didn't sugarcoat anything.
August 29, 2025
***Advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
Terminally Kill is a fast-moving thriller with a darkly comic edge. The premise is intriguing and the writing style sharp enough to keep me engaged throughout. I liked the mix of action and dry humour, which gave the book a distinctive voice.
The characters were interesting and had enough depth to carry the story, though at times the pace outstripped the development I would have liked to see. The ending tied things together in a satisfying way and left me thinking about the choices the characters had made.
Overall this was an entertaining read that delivered exactly what I expected, with a few clever touches that made it stand out.
Terminally Kill is a fast-moving thriller with a darkly comic edge. The premise is intriguing and the writing style sharp enough to keep me engaged throughout. I liked the mix of action and dry humour, which gave the book a distinctive voice.
The characters were interesting and had enough depth to carry the story, though at times the pace outstripped the development I would have liked to see. The ending tied things together in a satisfying way and left me thinking about the choices the characters had made.
Overall this was an entertaining read that delivered exactly what I expected, with a few clever touches that made it stand out.
February 1, 2026
An entertaining crime thriller at one level and a meditation on our mortality at another. Four cancer patients meet at a chemotherapy group and it turns out one is a former cop; he has some tales to tell (after initially being reluctant to share them with the others) and the plot thickens from there. Let's just say all four get up to some tricks involving dispensing non-judicial justice to some bad people. Jones cleverly weaves the four's thoughts on end-of-life into the fast-paced action in a way that makes this a compelling read. To have cancer patients as the main characters is a very original idea in the world of crime fiction.
May 17, 2024
I recieved a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I saw a quote stating that this book 'read like a Richard Osman book, but with more blood' and it was spot on. This book was a super easy page turner.
Terminally Kill is about Ray, a retired guy with cancer and yes, the title suggests what happens in the book.
There were a few twists later on that i didn't see coming, but there was no supsense to them. There are some dark topics in the book, but I didn't find the book dark or deep.
I saw a quote stating that this book 'read like a Richard Osman book, but with more blood' and it was spot on. This book was a super easy page turner.
Terminally Kill is about Ray, a retired guy with cancer and yes, the title suggests what happens in the book.
There were a few twists later on that i didn't see coming, but there was no supsense to them. There are some dark topics in the book, but I didn't find the book dark or deep.
June 5, 2024
What a brilliantly researched book, the description of the disease was so accurate, the tiredness, always being cold, the unknown. I know because I’ve been there and come out, what I would say no one in my chemo group became a killer (not that I know of anyway). This is the second book written by this author and both of them have been dark and looking at human nature, of people wanting to make things right and the consequences of that. This is an excellent read, well researched and full of twists and I had to ration myself to make it last three days.
October 23, 2025
What an interesting concept; those potentially on death's door having nothing to lose. This was a great book, told with compassion, and more importantly, humour. I loved the characters and the story. A few twists I didn't see coming and one I did but couldn't see how it could be resolved (not a spoiler, just an observation). I really enjoyed reading this story that was presented as very believable and yet far-fetched at the same time. Read it for yourselves and you will discover what I mean. A VERY good read. 10/10 Regards Mark.
July 22, 2024
A group of people receiving chemotherapy treatment form an unlikely bond in this gripping, funny tale of murder. I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did , but the plot line along with the characters really drew me in. It’s a tale of friendship, life lessons and putting the world to rights. Thank you to NetGalley, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and the author for the chance to review.
September 22, 2024
“Ray is about to die - but he’s nobody’s victim”
Ray, an ex-policeman and soldier kills a man who is trying to mug him - it was a self defence situation - kill or be killed
He had nothing to lose as he’s undergoing chemo for stage 3 cancer
A wicked dark comedy with the right and wrongs of what Ray had done at the centre of the book
Thanks @steveashtonjones @michaeljbooks & @netgalley for the wickedly funny read
Ray, an ex-policeman and soldier kills a man who is trying to mug him - it was a self defence situation - kill or be killed
He had nothing to lose as he’s undergoing chemo for stage 3 cancer
A wicked dark comedy with the right and wrongs of what Ray had done at the centre of the book
Thanks @steveashtonjones @michaeljbooks & @netgalley for the wickedly funny read
May 16, 2024
Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! I absolutely love this book. It was beautifully written with excellent punctuation and grammar. I couldn’t fault it. It was just so sad that the main character went when he did that was a bit of a shock, because we all thought he was getting better.
But anyway, I thoroughly implore that you read this book, you will enjoy no end it is long but well put together.
But anyway, I thoroughly implore that you read this book, you will enjoy no end it is long but well put together.
April 3, 2025
A darkly humorous mortality tale. Ex-military and retired cop "Sugar" Ray Leonard has cancer, joins a motley group of patients for regular chemo treatment. On his way home from a chemo session he is mugged but his would-be attacker ends up dead. This explodes into a series of twists, each more jaw-dropping and laugh-out loud than the last.
August 26, 2024
An enjoyable commercial crime novel in the vein of Richard Osman that loses a star for the silly, completely unnecessary ending that does that annoying twisty Agatha Christie bullshit
August 16, 2024
I devoured this book! It has everything: excellent characters, well written plot, gets straight to the action and has a wonderful sense of meaning throughout. Finished it in 3 sittings!
October 12, 2024
Brilliant! I really wasn’t expecting this book to be this good. What an ending too!
October 18, 2024
A emotionally compelling story, woven in with so much personality from the author. A wonderful cocktail of drama, suspense and dry humour.
January 8, 2025
Brilliant
January 14, 2025
Another exceptionally well written banger from him off the telly. For purely selfish reasons I’m happy there’s a minor character with shaggy blond hair called Miles.
February 16, 2025
Incredibly funny and also really really sad at the same time. I fell in love with the cast of the "Chemo club".Did not see that twist at the end?!!! Overall just a great read.
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