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DS Tomek Bowen #9
Death's Scratch: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel
First, he takes you. Then he cuts you. Again and again, until your last breath slips away.
DS Tomek Bowen is back from a short suspension that nearly derailed his career, and he wants to hit the ground running. But an unexpected phone call from prison shakes his focus — and threatens to pull him into a web of lies and betrayal.
It isn't until a witness comes forward, reporting a missing persons case, that Tomek is reminded of his priorities. Somebody has been abducted, and now their slow, torturous death is being documented live on the Dark Web.
One life-ending cut at a time…
Death’s Scratch is the unforgettable ninth 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 TG Reid, Rhys Dylan and Simon McCleave can't put this book down. Tap the buy button to read today!
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THE SETTING
Southend-on-Sea, a coastal town in Essex, hides a darker side beneath its cheerful seaside veneer. The world's longest pleasure pier stretches like a skeletal hand into murky waters, where mist clings to centuries of forgotten secrets. The surrounding area, with its quiet, winding roads through bleak marshes and flat farmland, holds a history of disappearances and whispered rumours. From the cobbled beaches to the unforgiving marshlands, murder and mystery lurk deep within the South Essex identity, and come and go as frequently as the tide.
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.
DS Tomek Bowen is back from a short suspension that nearly derailed his career, and he wants to hit the ground running. But an unexpected phone call from prison shakes his focus — and threatens to pull him into a web of lies and betrayal.
It isn't until a witness comes forward, reporting a missing persons case, that Tomek is reminded of his priorities. Somebody has been abducted, and now their slow, torturous death is being documented live on the Dark Web.
One life-ending cut at a time…
Death’s Scratch is the unforgettable ninth 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 TG Reid, Rhys Dylan and Simon McCleave can't put this book down. Tap the buy button to read today!
___________________________________________________________________________________
THE SETTING
Southend-on-Sea, a coastal town in Essex, hides a darker side beneath its cheerful seaside veneer. The world's longest pleasure pier stretches like a skeletal hand into murky waters, where mist clings to centuries of forgotten secrets. The surrounding area, with its quiet, winding roads through bleak marshes and flat farmland, holds a history of disappearances and whispered rumours. From the cobbled beaches to the unforgiving marshlands, murder and mystery lurk deep within the South Essex identity, and come and go as frequently as the tide.
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2025
139 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Jack Probyn
171 books101 followersI’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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 21, 2025
absolutely brilliant. I love the different characters and how they have developed over the series. this was such a unique crime and rational really enjoyed learning something new
June 10, 2025
Well, I’ve just finished this book, and it’s the best in the series. Absolutely fantastic, I loved it and Tomek.
Tomek is back having been suspended and he’s just settling back in when someone reports a missing person, but this isn’t just someone who’s upped sticks and disappeared, this is live and all over the dark web showing the victim being tortured and cut. It is some kind of macabre experiment to see how many cuts, how deep, how much blood loss can this person endure before they die.
Coupled with this case, Tomek hears from the prisoner Nathan, who murdered his brother, and although still serving time wants Tomek to back him for early release, otherwise those he loves could suffer. Needless to say, this Nathan has got someone on the outside pressurising Tomek to do his bidding.
However he manages to do his work I’ll never know, he must have nerves of steel.
What follows is a brilliantly written story and the ending is just right, as it leaves it open for the next instalment for which I personally can’t wait. Jack can’t write quick enough for me.
My thanks to Jack and the publishers for the ARC.
Tomek is back having been suspended and he’s just settling back in when someone reports a missing person, but this isn’t just someone who’s upped sticks and disappeared, this is live and all over the dark web showing the victim being tortured and cut. It is some kind of macabre experiment to see how many cuts, how deep, how much blood loss can this person endure before they die.
Coupled with this case, Tomek hears from the prisoner Nathan, who murdered his brother, and although still serving time wants Tomek to back him for early release, otherwise those he loves could suffer. Needless to say, this Nathan has got someone on the outside pressurising Tomek to do his bidding.
However he manages to do his work I’ll never know, he must have nerves of steel.
What follows is a brilliantly written story and the ending is just right, as it leaves it open for the next instalment for which I personally can’t wait. Jack can’t write quick enough for me.
My thanks to Jack and the publishers for the ARC.
June 23, 2025
Tomek is back to work after the stresses he and Kasia went through. Sean is breaking up with Victoria. Abigail is still chasing Tomek. Nathan is still hounding Tomek...life as we left it!
There's not much about Kasia in this book, We've gone back to just solving murders and that was a nice contrast to the previous book. The killer is experimenting to see how many cuts it takes to kill someone. They are blogging about it: can the team get to the victims before their demise?
There's a great twist and an unexpected ending.
There's not much about Kasia in this book, We've gone back to just solving murders and that was a nice contrast to the previous book. The killer is experimenting to see how many cuts it takes to kill someone. They are blogging about it: can the team get to the victims before their demise?
There's a great twist and an unexpected ending.
June 10, 2025
it took me a while to get into this story, but once I did, I enjoyed it. Good to see the characters developing, especially Tomek and his daughter. Thank you Jack for the advanced copy. .Keep up the good work.
June 25, 2025
We are immediately thrown into the mind of the killer who documents his experiment on the dark web – to see how many “scratches” with various weapons 31-year-old “Tabitha” can take before she dies, carefully monitoring her reactions and vital signs in dreadful detail. Meanwhile the dreams featuring Nathan Burrows, his brother’s killer, still continue to haunt Tomek, becoming more frequent and frightening again, as Nathan demands his return favour from the detective. A man reports the mad scientist’s blog to Southend’s Major Investigation Team, which includes DCI “Nasty Nick” Cleaves, DI Victoria Orange, DS Sean Campbell, and DCs Chey Carter, Rachel Hamilton, Oscar Perez, Anna Kaczmarek and Martin Brown, and this time they are joined by DS Martina McCall from Missing Persons as they desperately try to identify Tabitha and save the life which is slowly ebbing away from her brutalised body. The nightmare continues for Tabitha as the number of wounds increases and with Tomek getting another chance to be SIO, the pressure is really on him this time while he faces a life changing ultimatum from Nathan.
It's been less than two years since the first book in this series was published and wow, here we are already on book 9, the whole cast having grown to be like old family members! Tomek has investigated some dark cases lately but this has to be one of the very worst – a faceless adversary leaving no clues and revealing his crime as the world watches on with horror. The team really pulls together in this investigation to solve this chilling crime, despite some of them having their own personal worries, in a story with a relentless gripping pace and a shocking ending. With a little teaser at the end, I am eagerly awaiting the next one!
It's been less than two years since the first book in this series was published and wow, here we are already on book 9, the whole cast having grown to be like old family members! Tomek has investigated some dark cases lately but this has to be one of the very worst – a faceless adversary leaving no clues and revealing his crime as the world watches on with horror. The team really pulls together in this investigation to solve this chilling crime, despite some of them having their own personal worries, in a story with a relentless gripping pace and a shocking ending. With a little teaser at the end, I am eagerly awaiting the next one!
June 14, 2025
Tomek is back after a short suspension and wants to get back on track. His first case back is of a missing person, which is not unusual in this job. But this case is different. The person is streamed live on the dark web. This person has been abducted by a sadistic killer and is being tortured by being cut. The perpetrator is conducting an experiment to see how many cuts the person can endure before they bleed to death.
But if that wasn’t enough stressing Tomek out. The killer who his killed Tomek’s brother keeps ringing Tomek asking him to testify for him as he is due early release and if he doesn’t comply his is going to hurt his family. He has noticed a white BMW following him around…
Thank you, Jack Probyn for a copy of Death’s scratch, book 9 in the series and another fabulous addition and his best one yet. This is another well-paced twisty thriller. A bit more macabre than the others. This has another great storyline, with the characters we have come to love. I am also glad that Tomek is back re united with the rest of his family. I also liked the cliff hanger at the end. It left me wanting more. 5 stars from me.
But if that wasn’t enough stressing Tomek out. The killer who his killed Tomek’s brother keeps ringing Tomek asking him to testify for him as he is due early release and if he doesn’t comply his is going to hurt his family. He has noticed a white BMW following him around…
Thank you, Jack Probyn for a copy of Death’s scratch, book 9 in the series and another fabulous addition and his best one yet. This is another well-paced twisty thriller. A bit more macabre than the others. This has another great storyline, with the characters we have come to love. I am also glad that Tomek is back re united with the rest of his family. I also liked the cliff hanger at the end. It left me wanting more. 5 stars from me.
June 23, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, from start to finish, and what a finish.
Having read and enjoyed all of the DS Tomek Bowen series, they just seem to get better and better, and although I wouldn't have thought it possible, this one beats the previous eight.
It has a well written gripping on the edge of seat storyline and plot with revelations and many a twist, leading to that final twisty ending.
The descriptive is wonderful.and it has very strong characters. I had mixed feelings about the character of DS Tomek Bowen, but as his character has developed through each book. I have grown to love him and his ways.
Some of the characters the author dreams up, I wouldn't want to meet in daylight, never mind night. I would hate to think they were based on someone in real life. They are the stuff of nightmares, but brilliantly thought out.
This is truly an incredible book.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Having read and enjoyed all of the DS Tomek Bowen series, they just seem to get better and better, and although I wouldn't have thought it possible, this one beats the previous eight.
It has a well written gripping on the edge of seat storyline and plot with revelations and many a twist, leading to that final twisty ending.
The descriptive is wonderful.and it has very strong characters. I had mixed feelings about the character of DS Tomek Bowen, but as his character has developed through each book. I have grown to love him and his ways.
Some of the characters the author dreams up, I wouldn't want to meet in daylight, never mind night. I would hate to think they were based on someone in real life. They are the stuff of nightmares, but brilliantly thought out.
This is truly an incredible book.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
June 21, 2025
OMG this grabs you from the very first page as we rejoin Tomek and co on their most challenging case to date. A gripping and suspenseful read as the team try to find a kidnapper before he kills. It’s a chilling storyline as they work the case and finds themselves diving into the deep dark web and then Tomek has his arch nemesis to worry about as aswell. From start to finish the author knows how to draw you in and keep you glued to the pages as we delve into the investigation with twists and turns and a few surprises that are thrown in our path, that I should have but didn’t see coming. Thrills and chills and biting my nails to the quick, this is a fantastic addition to this incredible series!
June 25, 2025
The story set up in chapter one is the most unexpected and original I have come across. Brilliant idea delivered with clinical precision. This is the ninth book (and penultimate in the series) in which each volume is stand alone but collectively are building to a conclusion for those who have followed the series. The author has a lightness of turn of phrase ( “the door opened, and the noise that erupted from within was enough to disturb a deaf person”) and depth of character and locations that immerse the reader in the unfolding of the story. Very highly recommend this book, and the series. Enjoy.
Excerpt from
Death's Scratch
Jack Probyn
This material may be protected by copyright.)
Excerpt from
Death's Scratch
Jack Probyn
This material may be protected by copyright.)
June 27, 2025
Another fantastic edition in this gripping series. The pace of the story will keep you on the edge of your seat, or pillow if you read in bed as I tend to.
DS Bowen leads the investigation into one of the strangest cases yet, with an even stranger killer.
Demented does not begin to describe the killer & his crimes. A troubled killer is always one step ahead of the police and takes a tremendous team effort to catch up. Of course the ever-present side plot with Nathan keeps getting in the way, but one wonders if that too might be nearing a conclusion. One can only hope for Tomek and his family.
Now looking forward to book 10 in the series!!!!
DS Bowen leads the investigation into one of the strangest cases yet, with an even stranger killer.
Demented does not begin to describe the killer & his crimes. A troubled killer is always one step ahead of the police and takes a tremendous team effort to catch up. Of course the ever-present side plot with Nathan keeps getting in the way, but one wonders if that too might be nearing a conclusion. One can only hope for Tomek and his family.
Now looking forward to book 10 in the series!!!!
January 9, 2026
Death's Scratch: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 9), my sixteenth read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with well-developed main characters that continue to grow in depth and a 314-page serial killer thriller that continually develops throughout the length of the book. I look forward to Probyn’s next book, Death's Past: A Gripping Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 10), it's already on my TBR list. “I received a complementary 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).
June 15, 2025
OHHHHH another great Tomek Bowen and crew story. I thoroughly enjoyed every word and of course Jack left us with another cliffhanger lol. I wish Tomek didn't always doubt himself, his instincts alway get the job done especially with his great team. This story totally kept me wondering who and why...it definitely delivered on all fronts and I can hardly wait til the next one. I hope that Tomek will stay strong and not cave to Nathan but I guess we'll have to wait and see. Five stars from me.
June 20, 2025
What can I say? Amazing!
Jack Probyn's books just keep getting better and better. Death's Scratch had me hooked from the very first page—absolutely brilliant! Packed with twists and turns, it kept me guessing right until the end. I'll be on tenterhooks until the next one.
I highly recommend this book. It works well as a standalone, but you’ll get so much more from it if you read the whole series and really get to know the characters and back stories.
Jack Probyn's books just keep getting better and better. Death's Scratch had me hooked from the very first page—absolutely brilliant! Packed with twists and turns, it kept me guessing right until the end. I'll be on tenterhooks until the next one.
I highly recommend this book. It works well as a standalone, but you’ll get so much more from it if you read the whole series and really get to know the characters and back stories.
June 22, 2025
People go missing and turn up on the dark web. The perpetrator is experimenting on people to see how many cuts on their bodies until they die. Tomek is put in charge to the case and feels like he is in over his head. Then he receives repeated calls to warn him if he does not appear at a parole hearing and recommend his release, his family will pay. This prisoner killed his brother. A page turning thriller.
June 16, 2025
OMG! Dunno how Jack comes up with these storylines but so very glad he does!
A girl is being tortured and it’s being documented on the dark web! Tomek is given the opportunity to be SIO! Can he and the team crack the case before anyone dies and can Tomek escape the clutches of his nemesis, Nathan Burrows! Another belter in the series, need the next one now!
A girl is being tortured and it’s being documented on the dark web! Tomek is given the opportunity to be SIO! Can he and the team crack the case before anyone dies and can Tomek escape the clutches of his nemesis, Nathan Burrows! Another belter in the series, need the next one now!
June 23, 2025
Tomek is back on duty and is placed as the SIO in charge of a complicated murder investigation. It challenges his abilities and causes him to doubt himself. As usual he has personal issues with family and his brothers murderer. An interesting twist at the end which will lead nicely into the next book in the series.
August 11, 2025
A woman has been abducted and is being slowly murdered, one scratch at a time. Time is running out and Tomek is put in charge of the case. Is this too much for Tomek to handle when personal problems are added to the mix.
This series just gets better and better. I love the way the team interacts and the storytelling just makes me want to keep on reading. Roll on book 10
This series just gets better and better. I love the way the team interacts and the storytelling just makes me want to keep on reading. Roll on book 10
June 17, 2025
Thank Goodness, DS Tomek is back. Now he has a case to figure out and try to save the victim if he can. As always, you won’t be disappointed. Full of suspense and mystery that will keep you wanting to binge read.
June 25, 2025
The individual stories are good but I am getting very fed up of the ongoing Nathan Burrows storyline and may have to give careful consideration over buying more it it doesn’t get wrapped up in the next book.
June 26, 2025
As always another great read from the author. Being with Tomek from the start I feel fully invested in the characters and their lives. This series just gets better and better. Talented author with great storylines.
June 18, 2025
Ninth book in the DS Tomek Bowen police procedural series.
He is back from a suspension leading the team to deal with an macabre abduction which is being shown on the Dark Web. Time is running out to find the victims.
There is an extra complication of the prisoner Nathan who murdered his brother wanting a worrying favour.
Well written characters, fast moving story and good ending ready for the final book.
Definitely recommend.
He is back from a suspension leading the team to deal with an macabre abduction which is being shown on the Dark Web. Time is running out to find the victims.
There is an extra complication of the prisoner Nathan who murdered his brother wanting a worrying favour.
Well written characters, fast moving story and good ending ready for the final book.
Definitely recommend.
June 15, 2025
Another good book in the Tomek Bowen series, it’s lovely to follow Tomek and Kasia as they get to know each other properly, although Tomek’s work as a detective does make that difficult.
June 16, 2025
Another fantastic read in the Tomek Bowen series from Jack. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story. Definitely worth a read. Highly recommended.
June 24, 2025
A compelling, terrifying, engrossing....
Not enough superlatives to describe
Unlike watching a movie, we can't turn our eyes away
Not enough superlatives to describe
Unlike watching a movie, we can't turn our eyes away
June 25, 2025
Jack Probyn writes interesting stories so you always want to continue reading his books.
July 1, 2025
brilliant
Once again Jack has done it. Interesting, easy to read, exciting and getting to know the characters better. Can’t wait for the next one.
Once again Jack has done it. Interesting, easy to read, exciting and getting to know the characters better. Can’t wait for the next one.
July 5, 2025
Best yet.... Want the next one now! Brilliantly written and setup for the next in the series
August 31, 2025
Was gripped by the book and felt like it was over quite quick.
October 18, 2025
Wow! This series gets better and better. Love the way the books cover both Tomek's career as a DS and his personal life as Dad of Kasia
November 24, 2025
Amazing
The series is amazing and page turning 🙌.
Once you start you can not put them down. Next chapter of tomek
The series is amazing and page turning 🙌.
Once you start you can not put them down. Next chapter of tomek
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews