Death's Breath: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel

DS Tomek Bowen #8

by Jack Probyn

Mersea Island. Over 2,500 acres of farmland, marshland, and several caravan parks. Usually, it is home to 7,000 people. But for the August Bank Holiday weekend, it is home to two more DS Tomek Bowen and his daughter, Kasia, looking to make the most of the end of the school holidays, the end of summer, and the end of Tomek’s extended time away from work.

But when a body is discovered tethered to a buoy one morning, Tomek is pulled into the murky world of murder and death sooner than anticipated. Cut off from his team and the rest of the police force, Tomek is forced to put his years of experience into practice. But as the tide comes closer, severing connection with the outside world, can he catch the killer before they strike again?

Death’s Breath is the fantastic eighth book in the DS Tomek Bowen Essex Murder Mystery series by Jack Probyn. If you love fast-paced British police procedurals filled with memorable characters, mind-bending twists that will keep you guessing to the last page, and oodles of black humour, you'll love this series. Fans of JD Kirk, Mark Billingham and JM Dalgliesh can't put this book down. Tap the buy button to read today!

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THE SETTING
Mersea Island, a seemingly tranquil retreat off the Essex coast, hides a web of secrets beneath its picturesque surface. As the tide rolls in, it reveals crumbling boathouses and rusting fishing gear, relics of a once-thriving community now marred by evidence of crime. Narrow lanes wind through quaint cottages, where the laughter of children is overshadowed by the ominous presence of a shadowy figure lurking in the dusk. Here, amid the charm and isolation, the island’s true nature waits, ready to ensnare the unwary.

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MEET THE DETECTIVE
Now on the wrong side of forty, DS Tomek Bowen has begun to worry more about the little things. Like the food he puts in his body, how many pints he can have without feeling too hungover, and what beard dye to use for his increasingly greying hair. All the important things. But when it comes to work, everything changes. He's driven, dogged, and isn't afraid to say what he thinks. Nor is he afraid to let others know when they're wrong. A man who keeps his cards close to his chest, he likes to think he's a hard nut to crack. But that won't stop the criminals and villains he finds along the way from trying.

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2025

About the author

I’m Jack Probyn, and I write murder mysteries and crime thrillers set in England. I studied Creative Writing at the University of Surrey and have always been fascinated by storytelling, particularly the dark and twisty kind.

I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.

Reviews

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was offered this by Jack as an ARC, as I’ve read all his others in the series, and what a fabulous book it is.

This time Tomek and his daughter Kasia have decided to go to Mersea Island for a bit of time together away from his work and just enjoy themselves at the caravan site but , even the best laid plans can backfire.

When the body of Charlene who runs the site, turns up in the water, the residents all wonder what’s happened to her. As the story unfolds, it appears she really isn’t a nice person and there are a few folk with an axe to grind. Tomek, although suspended from his job and the tide covering the causeway is the only policeman there and he sets about trying to find out what’s gone on. There’s an old lady who knows everyone’s secrets and is a great source of information to Tomek.

This doesn’t go down well with the local plod who are obnoxious to say the least.

There are so many disgruntled residents it could be any of them, and I have to say as the body count rises, I had no idea at all who was behind it.

Kasia really comes into her own in this book and the two have a real bond considering they’ve only known each other for a few months. It was lovely, and she’s grown up and not as petulant as she was at first.

I personally cannot wait for the next one but I think it will be hard to beat this.

My thanks to JacK for the ARC.

[Lindy Protzek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Tomek adventure, almost a one sitting read. :) I thoroughly enjoyed this Tomek and Kasia story, different setting, more dad daughter time., great idea. :) I think their relationship needed that especially after recent events. I have to say I did miss the camaraderie with his co-workers though but I'm sure they'll be back ready to go in the next book which I am already looking forward too. I 100% recommend this series to readers who love great characters and diverse storylines. Great read!!

[Helen Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping book by this author. I hadn't enjoyed the last two books as much as the first ones, but this was back up the high standard I've come to expect from Jack. I like the way we are following the relationship between Tomek and Kasia. Keep up the good work.

[Annette Hoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the Tomek Bowen crime series.

Tomek and Kasia, dad and daughter relationship is developing well when they go on holiday to Mersea, a childhood favourite place of his. As you can expect things don't go to plan and he gets involved in a murder on the island. Charlene was not popular and had many enemies.

I really enjoyed the holiday feel of this book, mixed in with murder, secrets and betrayals. Great characterisation and one of my favourites of the series so far. Definitely recommend.





1 like

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even when suspended after his last case, and away for a long weekend to celebrate Katie's 14th birthday, and for them both to come to terms with the devastating events over the last few weeks.

Tomak and kasia are on Mersea island, a place that is along the the Blackwater estuary close to Colchester, for a fun few days, when a murder happens! Tomak decides to start investigating until the local CID turn up, and decide they don't want him anywhere near the case.
This doesn't deter Tomak who carrys on doing his own searching... even more so when another body is found.
I loved this book with its twists and turns, the togetherness of the locals towards the 'mainland' and holiday makers, and knowing the place it was easy to picture the cars trying to get off the causeway before the tide cuts the island off , and the difficulties faced by the SOCO and police by the delays
This is real 5🌟 book, filled with plenty of 'oh yes thats who the killer is!' Moments before you realise 'nope' wrong again 🤷‍♀️ . Well done once again Jack Probyn another great read 📚

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death’s breath is the eight book in the DS Tomek Bowen series and another fabulous episode in the series.
After the traumatic events in the last book Tomek and Kasia decide to have some father and daughter time, since Tomek has some time on his hands due to being suspended. It’s August bank holiday and they decide to go to Mersea Island to stay at one of the islands caravan parks and attend the local Regetta.
But nothing eve runs smoothly for Tomek. When one morning a body is discovered tethered to a buoy. So, he decides to use his skills to find out who the killer is. But it doesn’t not only go down well with the residents but the local nick too.
This is another fabulous gripping thriller from the author Jack Probyn. Which I really enjoyed. The quality of the authors writing/storyline never falters. This series gets better and better. I can’t wait for the next instalment 5 stars from me.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still suspended and under investigation from book seven, Tomek & Kasia are taking a long weekend on Mersey island for its regatta weekend. You would think that a small island wouldn’t have any problems but boy does it have issues and secrets, so many secrets and then the bodies start piling up! It’s a weekend of laughs and some fun, secrets, betrayals, murder and deception as we see Tomek do what he does best and unearth the culprit and upset the local police. There’s mystery and suspense and twists and turns you will not see coming as you try to guess who is behind it all, which I did not and it made my jaw drop plus we get to see a little more of a different side to Kasia in this one which will also make you gasp especially with that ending!! I have to say, This had me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails to the quick!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death's Breath: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 8), my nineth read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with well-developed main characters that continue to grow in depth and a 377-page noir crime thriller that continually develops throughout the length of the book. After reading Death's Angel: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 6) I decided to go back and read the books in the series I'd not yet read and now I'm caught up and awaiting the next book's publication. I look forward to Probyn’s next book, Death's Scratch: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 9) when it's published in June. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from the author, Tomek is on suspension from his previous case which very closely involved Kasia his teen daughter. Tomek decides to take Kasia to Mersea and show her the delights of the regatta. We’ll all starts well until a body turns up, Tomek finds himself in the thick of things even when he shouldn’t be. The body’s keep coming and Tomek is determined to find the murderer, but the island has so many secrets and many possibilities of who the suspect could be.
I have been with Tomek from the very beginning and the books have just got better and better. They could all be read as stand-alones but I highly recommend to start at the beginning. The storylines are still gripping and haven’t tired at all as some series do. Although this says book 8 of 9 I really hope there will be more to come, not sure I’m ready to say goodbye yet.

[MIKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eighth book in this series and equally as intriguing as the first seven. The book begins for a few chapters, expanding what we know about two of the main characters, Tomek and his daughter. It was nice to get even more information about what was going on in their lives and what they were thinking.

The book then gets into the serious mystery that intrudes on their getaway vacation and grips the reader to the point of making it extremely difficult to put the book down.

I highly recommend this book and everything else that this author has written and I’m looking forward to the next in this series!

[Nikki Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I certainly didn't recognise Mersea Island from this book. Anyone thinking of visiting based upon descriptions in here don't bother - nothing like it at all. (please note that the island is most definately NOT cut off from the mainland for 6 hours a day - more than 1 pub on the island also and more than 1 caravan site also)
Having read all the previous books one thing I can say is that it was clear who was responsible from early on - the one person that the DS thought was a friend (similar plot to a few other in this series)
Took me longer than usual to read this as I become very frustrated with the apparent lack of research on location.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 8th book in the DS Tomek Bowen series.
Tomek (currently suspended from duty)and his daughter are spending the last days of the school summer holiday together on Mersea Island. But when a body is found tethered to a buoy, he’s dragged back into the murder scene sooner than expected. But he’s very much on his own, no team around him and he needs to draw on his years of experience before the killer strikes again. However, when the Colchester police turn up, the SIO and Bowen certainly don’t hit it off.

[Colin Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good Tomek Police thriller. Tomek and Kasia go on holiday in another part of Essex for Kasia's birthday and whilst Tomek is suspended. A murder spoils his holiday and brings him into conflict with the local CID officers as he does some investigating. After a couple more murders the challenges continue but the relationship between father and daughter improves with the time together. A good story with plenty of plot twist to keep the reader guessing as to who the murderer is.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is book 8 of the DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Series, it could be read as a standalone, but be prepared, as you will want to read the others.
As always, a fabulous book with a gripping, well written storyline and plot, with many a twist and turn leading to a cliff hanger ending.
It has strong, interesting characters and great descriptive that brings the characters and storyline to life.
It had me hooked from start to finish and kept me guessing as I read.I never did guess who.
A book well worth reading.
Although I have the author's books on pre-order, I would like to thank him for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Janet S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 8 in the Tomek Bowen series and a really good read.

Tomek and Kasia take a break to make the most of Tomek’s suspension and to help Kasia over her ordeal with Zeus. They go to an island that Tomek frequented with his family during his childhood and whilst it takes a while for the first murder to occur they then come thick and fast. Will they both come out of it unscathed and will Tomek find out who the murderer in such a close knit community is. A really good read.

[Val Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love murder mysteries you’ll love Death’s Breath, but instead of a gloomy mansion, the setting is Mersea Island on the east coast of Essex.
Tomek and Kasia are spending the weekend away in a caravan on Mersea and are attending the yearly Regatta, but when a body is found, and Tomek is the only detective on the Island, he has to begin the investigation……Who dunnit? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
A thoroughly enjoyable read - I’d give it 6 stars if I could!

[Gillian Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this latest book in the DS Tomek Bowen series. Tomek and his daughter are on a short break while Tomek is suspended. However, true to form death is never far away. There are memories for Kasia of her experiences with the cult.
While Tomek tries to unofficially work the murder he has to deal with local police which doesn’t always go to plan.
These is also contact from Nathan…

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tomek and his daughter Kasia are taking a vacation. While on the island a body is discovered in the water. A rather remote area so Tomek puts his detective instincts to try to find the killer. Charlene had a number of people that did not like her. Another page turning novel.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eighth book in the Tomek Bowen series, and was as good as the previous books. We see Tomek and Kasia as they go on a holiday, to spend time together after the events of the previous book, but it turns into a holiday where things go badly wrong.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different story in that Tomek is suspended from work and is on holiday with Kasia but of course when he stumbles across a dead body he has to investigate! A really enjoyable addition to the series.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Tomek is trying to have some Father-Daughter time before school starts. Unfortunately when a body is found, he tries to figure out what happened. Danger, questions and more to make this another fantastic story that will have you binge reading.

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Jack. This one is as good as the others in the series and I throughly enjoyed reading it. Well worth a read. Highly recommended. I just hope that there will be many more in the series.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the Tomek Bowen books. All have been outstanding, Death's Breath is no exception. A thrilling read that keeps you engaged in the story right to the end. It's great to see how the characters develop.

[Sharon Uberoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh what an ending....

[Paul Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Cannot wait for no9 tomorrow, already pre ordered!

[Melanie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping story in this crime series.

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst reading this book I realised in terms of the book timeline it has been less than a year - wow what a lot of adventures has Tomas had since his daughter found him. Whilst reading this series you can tell there is a lot of love for the area, I often think whilst reading what do the people who live in Essex think about these books. I hadnt really thought about Mersea Island before and now I really want to go.

The ending was brilliant cant wait for next book.

This is a series which you do really need to read in order as each book adds more layers and the references to the previous book and adventures.

Updated for audio
I really like the audio narration - even though I had only recently read the book it comes across fresh and the voices come over just as I imagine. Love Nick. It just works

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tomek is suspended in the aftermath of Zeus and the Harpies and Kasia is still very much afraid and licking her metaphorical wounds. Tomek plans them a week in a caravan on Mersea Island that coincides with the annual regatta.

Their weekend is going well until he and a neighbour find a body on the beach, during their morning run. After that, the bodies keep coming, but Tomek can't investigate whilst suspended, so what can he do?

If you've read the first 7 books in the series, this makes an excellent 8th. There's a lot of development between Tomek and Kasia and it was interesting to see murder solving away from the office.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! I couldn't figured out who did it; until the end. Love this series. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.