The Putney Bridge Killer

Detective Rob Miller #8

by Biba Pearce

A brutal murder. A deadly secret. A killer who’s done this before . . .

DCI Rob Miller is called to a murder scene in the early hours of the morning. A young woman’s body has been discovered under Putney Bridge.

There are clear signs this was a brutal attack. The crime scene is especially unnerving for DCI Miller. It mirrors the victims of the Surrey Stalker — a sadistic predator Miller took down five years ago.

But the Surrey Stalker is dead.

This killer isn’t just copying the past — They know things only the original murderer could have known. They know police secrets and crime scene details that were withheld from the press.

With the media circling and a mole inside the force leaking information, Miller must untangle a deadly web of deception before the killer strikes again.

But as the body count rises and the noose tightens, one question haunts

Did he catch the wrong man all those years ago?

A gripping British crime thriller packed with psychological tension, shocking twists, and a detective who won’t stop until justice is served.

Genres: Crime, Fiction

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2025

About the author

Biba Pearce is an award-winning, internationally published crime author, known for crafting gripping, atmospheric mysteries. She is the bestselling author of multiple series including DCI Rob Miller, Kenzie Gilmore and Shrap Nelson. Her work has been recognized by the Feathered Quill and the CWA Debut Dagger awards, and The Marlow Murders was named Best Crime Fiction Book at the 2024 Indie Excellence Book Awards.

Website: bibapearce.com
Instagram: @author_bibapearce
Facebook: @authorbibapearce
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Facebook Reader Group: facebook.com/groups/bibasthrillseekers

Reviews

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Putney Bridge Killer is book 8 in DCI Rob Miller series and it's an absolute corker of a read.
Brilliantly paced, gripping plot and a fantastic cast of characters with a formidable foe - what a return for DCI Miller and his team!
I loved it and can't wait for more books featuring DCI Miller and his team.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! what a brilliant read. I could not put this one down.
DCI Rob Miller faces a chilling echo of the past in this brilliantly paced police procedural.
A meticulous copycat killer resurrects a previously closed case, forcing Miller and his team to confront unsettling parallels. The narrative grips from the outset, maintaining a perfect rhythm as the investigation unfolds. Each character is richly drawn, with PC Trent proving an invaluable and insightful new member of the squad. The intricate plot masterfully weaves through twists and turns, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that neatly resolves every thread. A truly absorbing and expertly crafted crime novel.
Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.

[Daniela Severino · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read for the beach!

[Valerie Campbell Ackroyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good police procedural

I was attracted to this book because I know Putney and Richmond quite well, I thought it would be fun to read something where I could visualize where the police were operating.
And it WAS fun. But mainly this was a very well written police procedural. I didn’t realize there were 7 other books before it. There are several references to the previous books, so much so that, while I will continue to, hopefully, read forward in the series, I don’t think I will read all of the previous ones. Some, maybe, but I now “know” the back story to the characters in this book.
I could see the bread crumbs throughout the book, where the police “might” have made a mistake in passing over clues, but the writer was skillful enough that I didn’t entirely trust that I was right, I just wanted to keep reading to see if I WAS right. And that’s a lot of the fun, for me, in reading mysteries and crime novels: that the writer make it possible for the reader to come up with a possible solution without giving the whole plot away.
I don’t think there’s a “massive” twist in the novel, not for those of us who read a lot of crime novels. But it’s still a darned good read for a rainy day.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! Such a great example of of the genre. I loved the concept. It was so well done. Including the boat race made me extremely happy!! One question Biba, who won? (Brownie points for an Oxford win!!!)

The cover is beautifully designed. The solitary lady on the bridge over the Thames. It sets the tone perfectly! Great job here!

The book is well written and flowed nicely. It was very descriptive and it really worked well. The visuals were impressive.

The characterisation is brilliant. All the characters were excellent and played integral parts in the story. The team worked brilliantly together. It's definitely a good show of team work. I liked Rob. Although I felt sorry for the poor man. At times he was like a tightly wound spring. It was all understandable.

The majority of the book was written in third person. It's in multiple points of view format, including Rob's. I liked this, it always works well

I definitely recommend this. It's an excellent thriller where not all things are as they seem!

[Andy Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearce does it again

Another puzzling crime for Rob Miller and his team to solve and another cracking read from Biba Pearce.

This time it's a potential copycat killer (or is it?!?!?) causing problems for the team. As always Pearce gets the pacing spot on with the last 100 or so pages really hoping the ante.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Initial Thoughts

I didn’t feel like I was missing anything initially as this is book 8 of the Detective Miller series, however as time went on, I felt like I probably could of benefitted from reading in order… these are interconnected standalones so not always necessary but you do miss little details.

Plot

This plot was amazing, I really do enjoy the crime thriller and all the police protocols that go into it. I loved the fact that DCI Miller began doubting himself and it proves that detectives are humans to. There are twists and turns that were expected but also that really was not. I loved the mixture of the detectives within the team to and DC Trent really had a time to shine. The plot really covers everything you would expect from a crime thriller but I loved the fact that the two victims had a chapter in their own pov as well as the unaliver, which isn’t so common so I enjoyed that, just mind your triggers as opening chapter is very intense.

Characters

There is such a mixture of characters, which is something I always enjoy when I read a crime thrillers. The fact that Rob is a grumpy detective, that gets the job done no matter what really stuck with me. I loved the fact that DC Jenny was his happy cop lol. I enjoyed the different roles all the detectives played throughout and not knowing the final ending really sold it as the 5 star read I rated it.

Recommend

If you’re a crime lover, enjoy following the police protocols then this is a series you should pick up!

Favourite Quotes

“He resented feeling lost in the past, chasing shadows, while the unaliver moved freely in the present.”

“He’s a copycat nutjob,”

Favourite Chapter/s

My favourite chapters were 13, 26, 40, 42 and 52.

Summed up in one sentence

The crime thriller were even the detectives won’t guess the ending.

Overall Wrap up

I really enjoyed this book, from start to finish. I have definitely found myself a new crime thriller writer and a series that I need to start from the beginning. I really enjoyed the team setting as they tried to tie up the case and close it before anymore danger happened, even when that seemed impossible. I love seeing the behind the scenes and knowing what’s happening to catch the crazy people that commit crazy things.

Stars - 5 stars.
Book Information – The Putney Bridge unaliver.

Genre – Crime, thriller.

Pages – 344 pages.

Available on Kindle Unlimited – The full series is available on kindle unlimited.

Available Formats – Available on kindle and in paperback.

Publishing Information – Published on 22nd May by Joffe Books.

Format in Which I Read – Kindle.

Where my copy come From – Zooloo’s Book Tours.

POVs – Multiple POVs from the victims, unalivers and the detectives.

Single/Dual/Multiple Timelines – Written on a single timeline.

1st or 3rd Person – Written in third person.

HEA, HFN or Cliff hanger – Case closed.

Series or Standalone – Part of an 8 book series – Detective Rob Miller.

Trigger Warnings – Please check content warnings before reading if necessary and please always remember that your mental health matters.

[Sam “My Cosy Book Nook” · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself topping up the engine oil in my car the other day, as well as the fuel. It’s something that I’ve found myself having to do a bit more often recently. But since the car in question has covered a mileage equivalent to having been driven round the world more than five times, I can’t complain too much.

I have thought about changing it, but that brings about a few issues. Firstly, to do so would invariably cost quite a lot of money. Secondly, I like the one I already have and it still gets me to where I need to go – even if that somewhere is an escape to somewhere remote, with a caravan hitched up – and thirdly … I really don’t know where to start.

I can’t buy a new version of what I’ve already got, because it’s not made any more. Looking in a local car showroom doesn’t help, because one closest to my workplace has recently changed from Vauxhall – which I have heard of – to two Chinese brands that I don’t even know how to pronounce. And the internet? You can forget that, too, because if I try to so much as look at the differences between the number of cars currently on sale, I end up so bewildered that my eyes lose focus.

This invariably means that my thoughts soon turn to something more interesting. Like, for example, crime fiction. Only the crime fiction marketplace is so big now that this is utterly befuddling too.

I’ve been a fan of the genre for more than 30 years and can count authors including Ian Rankin, Peter James, Angela Marsons, the late Peter Robinson and the great Agatha Christie amongst my favourites. But there also seems to be new-to-me, and very good authors everywhere I look. In the last year alone I’ve been fortunate enough to have read my first novels by Helen Aitchison, John Sutherland, Adam Lyndon, Louisa Scarr and Graham Bartlett. I enjoyed them all. But I sense that the only way I’m going to be able to read all of these writer’s back catalogues is if someone invents a drug that grants immortality without living expenses.

Until that happens, though, I have to pick and choose. Which means that for me to be able to remember a new crime fiction author, their book has to really stand out in some way. That’s not impossible, because two authors – Jo Callaghan and G D Wright – have managed it. But it’s difficult. And anyone who doesn’t quite manage to convince me still has my sympathy.

This brings me to Biba Pearce. She’s an author who, despite having written more than 20 novels with The Putney Bridge Killer being the eighth in her current series, had remained off my radar until now. Because this book, even by the elevated standards of a crime-reading veteran, is very, very good.

The storyline is one that managed to capture my attention right at the beginning and easily hold it until the end. Some horrific scenes are made clear in the reader’s imagination without being over-described. The main characters, particularly Rob Miller and the young PC Trent are just the sort of people I’d want on the case if a real-life murder victim was someone I knew: not perfect – and all the more relatable for that – but intelligent, dedicated, human and likeable. The book manages to include detailed police procedures, yet blend them with a fast pace in such a way that these never seem dull. That’s not an easy balance to find, but Biba has made it look easy here. And the ending is fantastic. It’s a chilling, nail-biting race against time and I absolutely loved it.

There’s really not a lot I can criticise. Perhaps the solution – the ‘why’, rather than the ‘who’ – could have been explained a little more clearly, but that’s the tiniest of quibbles. There’s the point that I did guess at the culprit, but (a) I made several other wrong guesses too and (b) isn’t that more realistic? I’m sure plenty of police investigators have had an inkling of who they’re looking for long before they’ve proved it. And there’s the issue that, ordinarily, I’m not easily convinced when a police procedural novel features a plot that’s personal to one of the officers. But, given that this book is part of a well-established series, it may be justified here. No, for me there is only one real problem, which is that almost everything I’ve said about this book is also applicable to the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace novels by Peter James.

I hasten to say that this is in no way meant as a criticism. To be able to write a book that compares so closely to those in a series that I’ve followed, and loved, since the first instalment almost 20 years ago is something for which Biba Pearce deserves to be applauded, and recognised. But it does mean that, if I were asked to recommend one new series for someone else to read, choosing between these two would be almost impossible. It might even come down as to whether you prefer London or Brighton as a setting.

Personally, if I had both author’s next books in my hands, I’d probably go with the comfort of the familiar and read the Peter James one first. In the same way that, when it comes to car choice, I’ll almost certainly hang on to my increasingly knackered but for now, still faithful old barge for a while longer. But, if you choose the Biba Pearce one, you have my blessing. On the strength of this instalment, I don’t think you’ll regret it.

My thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours for including me on the blog tour for this book, which was published in the UK by Joffe Books on 22nd May. My review has also been published on my blog at www.mycosybooknook.wordpress.com, as well as Amazon and my social media pages.

[Elizabeth Sirett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the body of a young woman is discovered on the wharf under Putney Bridge, the first officer belonging to the MIT (Major Investigation Team) is PC Trent, a junior officer who was spotted as having potential by DCI Rob Miller, the head of the MIT team. Trent is eager to prove himself and earn a permanent place on the team, but he is horrified to realise that the tide is coming in and the first crime scene he is in sole charge of may be underwater before any of his more experienced colleagues arrive. However, Trent rises to the occasion and preserves the integrity of the crime scene evidence in a way that wins the approval of Rob Miller, as well as providing for numerous photographs.

There was no identity found on the victim, but pictures of the way her body was laid out startle Rob and the more established members of his team, because it bears a strong resemblance to a previous case. The end of the earlier case had been very traumatic for Rob and had significantly personal connotations. As soon as the victim is identified, the link with the earlier case becomes even more alarming, and brings more tragedy to the victim’s fiancée and her a family, after they have already been subjected to almost unbearable grief. Rob knows better than anybody that the serial killer, known as the Surrey Strangler, is dead, killed as he attempted to commit another murder. Now it seems a copycat killer is mimicking the Surrey Strangler’s crimes, and this copycat seems to know far too much about the original murders, including things the police had kept back from the media and the public. As the murders mount up, the links to the original Surrey Strangler increase, and Rob struggles to retain his conviction that he was correct in his original identification of the serial killer. Tensions in the team are running high, especially when they realise there must be an informer in the police force leaking information to the press, however Rob’s fiancée, Jo, and his MIT team remain stalwart in their trust and support for him. His superior officer, Superintendent Felicity Mayhew, also has his back, even though their relationship has always been strained. They are both aware that if there is just one more scandal surrounding Rob and his team, it will destroy both his career and Mayhew’s. The violence grows more intense, and the killer grows even more ruthless. As Rob and his officers fight desperately to identify and capture him, it becomes evident that both Rob and Jo are in imminent and acute danger of becoming the murderer’s next victims.

The Putney Bridge Killer is the eighth book in the series featuring Rob Miller and his MIT team, but it works beautifully as a stand-alone, because of the skill with which the author introduces the central characters and backstory, weaving them seamlessly into the narrative. This is a superb book, with an interesting, fast-paced, tense plot. All the characters are fully rounded personalities, which are engaging and believable, and the dynamics within the MIT team work well. The Putney Bridge Killer is a compelling read, which I wholeheartedly recommend.
--------
Reviewer: Carol Westron
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)

[Peter Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your police investigation stories to be fast paced and action packed, then this could be the book for you. The story impact is immediate with a murder and its pretty intense from this point onward, with plenty of danger and jeopardy experienced by several characters.

It is book 8 in the series and refers to events in the first one The Thames Path Killer. The references within are enough to enable the casual reader to enjoy this story as a stand-alone, but I would recommend reading the one first to maximise your enjoyment.

The premise is a familiar one for the regular crime reader, a murder with the identical modus operandi (MO) to a previous one, which was solved and is closed. For once this is not a serial killer (yet) and the question facing the detectives is, did they get the wrong killer in the first case or is there a copycat at large. The search for the Thames Path Killer was DCI Rob Miller’s first case as a DI, which ended a battle to the death. He is convinced that they got the right man. The second murder is identical, incorporating details that were not released to the public. If there is a copycat at large how did they garner this knowledge, a leak or accomplice? A situation that becomes more complex with DNA evidence. This results in some clever tight plotting throughout to keep the reader guessing, as seemingly every time a lead takes the investigation in a particular direction it ends up returning to the centre.

This tight plot construction is aided by some unexpected character relationships. The most striking is that regarding the victims. Not only were the two women sisters, Julie and Lucy Andrews, but they were both engaged to the same man, Justin King, which brings a slightly creepy feel. This is not the only interesting relationship to come under scrutiny, there are a few more. All the clues and connections are there but everything seems so close, a step back is required to find the right focus to find the solution.

The interactions between the investigating team are a lot less fractious that one has come to expect in this type of story, which is possibly more realistic than the ranting boss. There is a good sense of camaraderie engendered when one of their own is in danger and readers will find them relatable and engaging. The lingering question is one of is there a traitor within their midst.

There are some nice scenes away from the investigation, mainly between Rob and his wife Jo, who is currently working with ‘spooks’, though even she is drawn in. Then there is Detective Superintendent Felicity Mayhew who, when she isn’t giving Rob a hard time for his lack of progress on the case, is enjoying a modern casual approach to dating and relationships. There is no doubt life can be difficult for female officers who aspire to the lofty heights of the policing hierarchy.

It takes a while for motivations to become apparent, but when they do, we can see how they become warped by obsession.

A fast paced, gripping page turner of a police thriller that is crammed with action and danger.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good sequel to an old case

This book is heavily linked to the first case in this series, and I found it fascinating how the author had woven the two stories together to give the reader a huge amount of suspense and doubt. As usual, DCI Rob Miller’s team are dedicated to catching the right criminals rather than taking the easy option. They are all well-seasoned and professional police officers, and it was refreshing to have a new member join the team in PC Trent. His enthusiasm and passion were a huge factor in solving this crime. The story begins with a murder of a young woman under Putney Bridge, the MO being almost identical to a murder several years ago, which ended with the killer being caught and ultimately killed whilst trying to strangle Miller’s fiancé. Immediately suspicions start to build as to whether this was the work of the same man, in which case had an innocent man taken the fall. In an effort to try and prove this new murder was the work of a copycat, the team work hard trying to catch the killer out. In the meantime, both Rob and his superior, Felicity Mayhew are very much aware that if there is any proof that this is the same Surrey Stalker then the investigating team risk being disbanded, resulting in both Rob and Felicity losing their jobs. The plot itself is very cunningly devised and is an exciting and gripping chase to find and catch the killer. We see Rob and Felicity fighting the media and the Assistant Commissioner in a bid to prove that they were on the right track to catching the perpetrator. In the meantime, another young woman is murdered and things hot up. At times it seems that the police are chasing their tails, and the investigation isn’t making any progress. Suddenly, more evidence surfaces, and the pace increases until it reaches a heart-pounding crescendo. This is an extraordinarily exciting and fascinating book which kept me reading well into the night. Despite my conviction that I had worked out who the killer was, the massive twist at the final race to the end took me totally by surprise and showed me that this author is an expert in subterfuge. The setting is perfect because the action takes place in an area where I grew up and it gives me great pleasure in visualising the locations mentioned. I applaud this author who has given me a huge amount of entertainment with this series, and I look forward to much more of Rob Miller and his diligent team.

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review for The Putney Bridge Killer by Biba Pearce

This was a thrilling read right from the start of the book. This is the first time I have read this author but it certainly won’t be the last as her level of detail is immense and she plots a story well. I got into the story straight from the start and found the story to be very intense. It was written really well and the plotting was superb. The characters were interesting and we learnt about the Murder Investigation Team although this is book eight which I thought was good. I liked the author’s writing style and found it easy to get into. The synopsis drew me to the story and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed by this story as it was a brilliant read. The story is very detailed with a lot of descriptive text. I look forward to reading more of the books in this series.

Blurb :

A thrilling new mystery from the bestselling and award-winning author Biba Pearce.

A brutal murder. A deadly secret. A killer who’s done this before . . .

DCI Rob Miller is called to a murder scene in the early hours of the morning. A young woman’s body has been discovered under Putney Bridge.

This was a particularly brutal attack. DCI Miller hasn’t seen such an unspeakable MO since the Surrey Stalker — a sadistic predator he took down five years ago.

But the Surrey Stalker is dead.

And he took the shocking truth about what he did to his victims to the grave. But this killer isn’t just copying the past — They know things only the original murderer could have known. They know police secrets and crime scene details that were withheld from the press.

With the media circling and a mole inside the force leaking information, Miller must untangle a deadly web of deception before the killer strikes again.

But as the body count rises and the noose tightens, one question haunts him:

Did he catch the wrong man all those years ago?

A gripping British crime thriller packed with psychological tension, shocking twists, and a detective who won’t stop until justice is served. Perfect for fans of Michael Wood, Joy Ellis, Matt Brolly, Helen Fields and Angela Marsons.

[Gillian Cawte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast Moving, Brilliantly Nail-Biting Conclusion.
The Putney Bridge Killer by Biba Pearce is a police procedural which contains all the elements required to keep the reader glued to the pages as the ingeniously themed plot unfolds, as each murder occurs and then as each nail-biting minute of the unexpected conclusion is experienced.
PC Trent is a newbie on 3 months’ probation with the Metropolitan detectives. He is driving to work early one morning when he catches a call to attend a body found brutally murdered under Putney Bridge. The tide is incoming, but he takes phone instructions from the River Police and manages the scene until his boss, DCI Rob Miller, arrives to find evidence safely preserved and the body in safe hands. This introductory scene which is paced to beat the tide sets the frenetic pace in the search for a killer who beats, rapes then strangles his victims, all newly-engaged, and as a calling card places the engagement ring where only the post-mortem will find it. DCI Rob has seen this modus operandi before – but it cannot be the same perpetrator because Rob himself tracked down the previous one and killed him. Then Rob’s team discover that the last victim of the previous serial killer is not only the sister of the female discovered under Putney Bridge – but they both had the same fiancé. Having proved the fiancée has a tight alibi, they now have a lengthy list of suspects – and they also find they have a leak in their own department.
Things escalate when a threat is sent to DCI Miller’s fiancée, Jo. The motive for the serial killings remains obscure until the shocking end of the book which puts DCI Rob Miller’s and his boss DS Felicity Mayhew’s lives in jeopardy and the nail-biting conclusion does not guarantee their rescue despite the focused and brilliant efforts of their team of detectives. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book – fast moving story, unique plot, well characterized and relatable people, motive and perpetrators obscure until the very end. I recommended this book as a great, unputdownable read.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman’s body is discovered on the shoreline under Putney Bridge, beaten, raped and strangled to death, and the case falls onto DCI Rob Miller at the Met’s MIT with his team of DS Jenny Bird, DS Harry Malhotra, DS Will Freemont and DC Celeste Parker, assisted by the very intuitive young PC Victor Trent. The post mortem reveals a chilling identical detail to Rob’s first case as DI, that of the man who despatched his victims as he prowled the Thames Path five years ago. It has to be a copycat, after all, the Surrey Stalker is dead. Rob knows this. Rob killed him. This new monster knows a crucial detail never revealed to the public and as the investigation proceeds, they also find a bizarre link to the very first murder and a vast suspect pool of people who had connections to the original case. But then another baffling piece of evidence turns up and the detectives have to wonder what this killer is trying to tell them. The Surrey Stalker is dead and this must be a copycat. Mustn’t it?
This is another excellent police procedural in a smashing series which has become one of my favourites. The plot is clever and full of surprises for both the reader and the detectives alike, and features a very likeable team of officers, especially Rob and young Trent who I’m glad has made the move from Marlow. It was interesting to see Rob having to revisit the horrors of his first big case and Det Supt Felicity Mayhew came over as a lot more vulnerable and human than previously. Jo also made a great addition to the investigation and it’s clear why she and Rob are such a good match. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can recommend it for anyone who wants a gripping read to keep them completely hooked till the end!

[Cidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh blast I've just discovered that I'ver read books 7 and 8 in the DCI Rob Miller series, but I did read book 1 I think it was some time ago, how did I miss the rest then? Am sitting wrapped up on the sofa with a hot chocolate already missing Rob Miller in more books, well suppose can now read the books 2-6 but it's annoying to miss out the middle books as you've not followed the series. Never mind I've now got the series and will begin to read the missing 5!

DCI Miller is called out to the body of a young woman found under Putney Bridge, well he's new recruit PC Victor Trent who appears in the previous book helping out Miller and his team did, and as he showed great promise Miller whisked him away to be on his team. But Miller is surprised and concerned about this body, it looks suspicioually like the m.o of the man he killed 5yrs previously whilst catching a serial killer, could this be a copycat? Yeah I would think so, I did read that book!
Anyway an investigation begins and Miller and his team are not the best regarded team in London because of the way he caught the serial killer. There's no pleasing the higher ups in the system is there.

This is a very fast paced book and it gathers more pace as it moves smoothly along, there are some hiccups along the way and the ending is just brilliant I thought. I really really hope that Biba comes up with some more brilliant accounts of the doings of Rob Miller and his team. I liked the ending Biba!!! Well worth 5 stars, if only I could find stars on this unfamiliar new keyboard, asterisks***** no that's not right, hmm never mind, 5 stars well deserved anyway!!

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book proves to me why Biba Pearce is one of my favourite authors, this story had me gripped from the first pages, the author manages to build the tension and suspense, throw out red herrings until you think that you know the killer only to be hit with a massive twist at the end.
DCI Rob Miller was living a nightmare, a young woman found dead under Putney Bridge had exactly the same MO as the Surrey Stalker, a serial killer who Rob had killed a few years ago, just as he was about to strangle his fiancé. Even though all the evidence was circumstantial, there was too much of it for Rob to be wrong but the MO of the latest killing was identical, it included elements that weren't released to the press, this killer had inside information, was there a leak in their system or...........God forbid, had Rob killed the wrong man ? was the Surrey Stalker still on the prowl ?
DS Felicity Mayhew was twitchy, she needed a quick result, her boss needed a quick result, the mayor, who disliked Rob intensely just needed one good reason to disband Rob's team and as the body count escalates, the press begin to join the dots this was looking like a likely outcome.
Undeterred, Rob and his brilliant team set about doing what they do best but the killer wasn't making it easy for them, he was taunting Rob, it was personal.
When lives of the team were in danger, probationer PC Trent was to prove Rob's faith in him a hundredfold.
Totally unputdownable (is that a word ?)
I received an ARC for this book and me review is my own opinion.

[ReadandRated · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars from me

Always a risk isn't it, jumping into a series midway through so I approached The Putney Bridge Killer with a little trepidation knowing that it was book 8 in the DCI Rob Miller Series.

Well, my fears were unfounded as Biba Pearce has skillfully created a series that allows the reader to pick up a book without feeling like they are late to a party. 

I felt swiftly immersed in this police procedural which starts with a murder that immediately sets a clock ticking as the crime scene evidence must be gathered in a race against the tide. This heightened pace remains throughout the investigation as it soon becomes evident that DCI Miller and the team have a huge problem on their hands. Either they arrested the wrong man in the Surrey Stalker case, or they've a copy cat on their hands now - but one who seemingly knows details that were never released to the public.

I found the tension and the perceived peril just kept mounting the more I read which made this one really hard to put down. The story is cleverly complex and mirrors the past in a way that seems absolutely baffling - surely it must mean that the Surrey Stalker is at large? Before long the case touches way too close to home and the stakes of not solving it are way too high.

The story is fast, dark, and hugely engaging - with a belter of an ending - I was absolutely hooked and can't wait to read more of this series.


My thanks to the author and Zooloo's Book Tours for letting me be a part of this tour.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman is raped and murdered, her body abandoned as the tide approaches. The police are horrified to discover links to an old case. Is the new killer a copycat or was there a big mistake with the original identification of the killer?
The Putney Bridge Killer is the 8th book in the DCI Rob Miller series of police procedurals. There are mentions of an old case and I am not sure if this featured in an earlier book. The police also discuss bad times which I assume were a direct result of their cases in recent books.
The book starts off with a brutal rape and murder. The speed of the crime and vivid depiction of the victim's last moments are quite jarring, even shocking. I was instantly hooked, wanting justice for the poor woman and for the police to prevent further deaths.
This was my first experience of the series and detective. I really like Rob Miller and his team. He is haunted by the past case as well as events that have affected his loved ones and colleagues. Naturally he is devastated by the new killer's spree and the possible links to the other killer and shudders at the thought he could have made a mistake in the original investigation.
The style of writing is easy to read and there are great twists along with shortish chapters to move the plot onwards quite quickly. I liked the authenticity of the characters and the depiction of the police case.
The Putney Bridge Killer is an enjoyable police procedural with a fab dilemma for the team.

[Phil Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

PC Trent, the newest recruit to DCI Rob Millers team, gets the call that a body has been found beneath Putney Bridge. He is on his way to work and quickly diverts to the scene.
Uniformed police officers are in attendance, but it's down to Trent to secure the crime scene. The Thames river is at low tide, but the water is rapidly rising, and the young detective knows that crucial evidence will be lost very soon. His cool action earns him the praise of his boss. It soon becomes apparent that the young woman had been murdered and the evidence revealed by the Pathologist is strikingly similar to the previously closed Surrey Stalker case. When a second victim is found, all the evidence points to a copy cat killer.
The press get hold of the story and cast doubts on the validity of the previous investigation and strongly hint that Miller got the wrong man.
The Mayor of London, Millers enemy, is baying for blood, and his bosses, instead of supporting him, are covering their own backs.
DCI Miller and his team are now faced with catching the killer whilst fighting for the survival of the team as scapegoats are being sought.
It is a great story that cleverly weaves itself into the old case. The tension mounts as the story twists and turns . Great character development and story telling, I can't wait to read more of DCI Miller and his team!

[Mags · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Rob Miller is confronted with a chilling reminder from the past when he arrives at a murder scene beneath Putney Bridge, where a young woman has been brutally raped and murdered. The crime scene bears an unsettling resemblance to one he investigated five years ago while pursuing the Surrey Stalker.

But Rob knows he cannot be responsible for these recent events after all; he killed the Surrey Stalker. However, this new killer is not merely mimicking the past; they possess knowledge that only the police and the original murderer knew, including intricate details that were kept from the public.

As the killer seeks media attention and shows no signs of stopping, Rob becomes increasingly worried that there might be a mole within the investigation team.

Furthermore, the Surrey Stalker had previously targeted his ex-fiancée, Yvette, and Rob is terrified that his fiancée, Jo, and their son, Jack, could now be in danger and with time running out and the killer striking close to home, Rob must rely heavily on his team to catch this cunning killer.

And with well-developed characters, unexpected twists and a killer I did not see coming. The Putney Bridge Killer is gripping, unputdownable read that I would gladly recommend to everyone.

My thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Putney Bridge Killer. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Putney Bridge Killer, Biba Pearce delivers a taut and atmospheric police procedural that effortlessly blends the intrigue of a classic crime drama with the depth of a well-crafted novel. From the opening pages, the narrative unfolds like a high-stakes episode of a beloved crime series—only richer, more immersive, and with a psychological edge that elevates the entire experience.

At the heart of the story is a chilling question: Is the killer a copycat, or did the detectives apprehend the wrong suspect from the start? Pearce masterfully plays with this uncertainty, keeping the reader constantly questioning the truth as the investigation twists and turns. The suspense is meticulously paced, with revelations that are both surprising and satisfying.

What sets this novel apart is its vivid sense of place and character. The detailed descriptions and layered background create an atmosphere that feels authentic and lived-in, drawing the reader deeper into the world of the detectives and the sinister mystery they must solve. Pearce’s ability to balance procedural precision with emotional depth results in a gripping and intelligent read that will satisfy fans of the genre and leave them eager for more.

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read a couple of Biba’s books before, I was delighted to be offered this as an ARC.

This time we are back with the team, with Miller at the helm and it starts with a young woman being found having been raped and murdered near Putney Bridge. However, this is only the start of the nightmare for Rob. It mirrors a killer nicknamed “the Surrey stalker” who Rob killed 5 years ago. If he’s dead, who is emulating him? Rob thinks there’s a leak within the department and sets about to find out what and whom it is.

This has to be one of the BEST books I’ve read this year, well thought out, very well written, the characters are authentic and pleasant and Rob has a maverick side to him which I love. The book keeps the reader entertained and doesn’t let up, it’s one surprise after another which I didn’t see coming. Anyone who reads my reviews know I often work out who it is, well ahead of the end but this one had me flummoxed.

Time permitting I am going to start reading the whole series back to back as they are sooo good and you feel you are actually there in the incident room.

My thanks to the author and Joffe publishers for the arc.

[Alison Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with the victim and her experience of the attack leading to her murder. It's a little hard hitting as usually a book will start with the discovery of the body. I liked how this author includes the experience of the victim. It made me as a reader really empathise with the victim. It made me route more for her at getting justice. Luckily for the victim PC Trent is first on scene. Thanks to him the crime scene is preserved. His quick thinking and abilities allows the investigation to start well. As the investigation gets underway it becomes apparent it could be linked to some previous cases. It makes it harder for the investigators as it seems one aim of the perpetrator is to toy with the police. Point out the mistakes in a very public way. I found this an excellent book overall. Because of the harrowing and dramatic start I was invested in this book. I was completely immersed both with the storyline and the characters. A nail biting end to a perfect book. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Even though this book could be read as part of the series. It's also a perfect read as a stand alone.

[CR1017 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first encounter with DCI Miller, but not the first time I've had the pleasure to read something by Biba Pearce.

The Putney Bridge Killer is the latest in the DCI Miller series, and has direct ties to the very first book, but includes details in such a way that you can read this one without having read any of the previous installments and not feel as you are missing anything relevant to the current story - something the author does well in all of her many different series.
New addition to the team, PC Trent, is on his way to work and receives the call about a young woman's body found under Putney Bridge.
Unbelievable coincidences start to pile up shortly after the investigation into her death, as well as links to what is perhaps the toughest, most personal and haunting case of Rob Miller's career to date, known to him and his team as the Surrey Stalker.
Doubts and questions are raised regarding the original case, leaving some to wonder if the new case is that of a copycat or did they somehow get the wrong guy years ago.

I received an advance review copy (ARC) & I am leaving this voluntary, honest review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI Rob is in charge of the investigation of the brutal murder of a young woman whose body is found under Putney Bridge. Clearly there is a sick villain at work but when the murder starts to mirror murders from five years ago, things begin to get very strange. A second murder that mimics another from the same killer proves one of two things. The first one has Rob, his team and everyone else wondering if the first perp was the right guy, sending shock waves all over London. The second says it is a copycat who has access to some very sensitive documents. In other words, there is a leak. After some questioning what Rob knows to be true, they realize this is someone with the vendetta to ruin Rob’s reputation and get off on some very sadistic “jollies”.

This book is filled with tensions that build and build. I suspected the killer but I had no idea of the what or the why. That was an absolute stunner. The suspense did not let up until the very end and it was a nail biter. The characters are great. Intelligent, dedicated, insightful and human. It made for a thrilling read that kept me up past my bedtime because I just had to see how it ended. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant book with a twist in the end.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2025
I'd not come across this author previously.
This is book 8 in a series of 8 featuring D C I Rob Miller and his trusty team with the new addition of P C Trent, who proves himself a promising young detective in this book.
He's called out to Putney Bridge when the body of a young woman is found under it , it seems she's been beaten, raped then strangled and it bears a striking similarity to a case Rob Miller worked on 5 years previously where 3 young engaged women were dispatched in an identical manner . His hunt for the killer ended when he found him about to race & kill his own fiance and he had to kill the murderer to save her life and his own. Now it seems either there's a copy cat killer who seems to know previously withheld information or else he somehow got the wrong man 5 years ago.
Loved both the characters and the storyline, excellent writing. 👏
Thank you for your review.

[Vicki (chaptersofvicki) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Putney Bridge Killer is the eighth book in the Detective Rob Miller series. Having previously read a couple of these I’ve found they can be read as a standalone, however this one does heavily link to a previous case featuring ‘The Surrey Stalker’ from book one so you may want to start with that one before reading this.

I literally couldn’t put this one down it had me hooked. It was so good to be back with DCI Miller and his team, along with PC Trent who is the newest addition to the team.

The pressure was on for DCI Miller’s team to get the case solved. Did they catch the wrong man all those years ago? Or is this a copycat?

This was so tense as things ramped up, I couldn’t read the pages fast enough. It’s difficult to review without really giving away spoilers to this book or book one. I absolutely loved this one though so I highly recommend it.

Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me an ARC.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the seventh book was the end of this series, but gladly, it wasn’t!! Like all of the first seven British crime stories with DCI Rob Miller, this one captured me and did not let go – totally a nail biter right to the end! I was up until 4 a.m., guessing right along with Miller and his team, who the ‘copy cat’ killer was. They were stymied. This story takes many curves, and it almost drove me off the edge, wondering whether this one was Rob’s last book, hoping it wasn't. This is the kind of story that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the final page, and I truly believe that this one cannot be topped, by Pearce herself, nor anyone else – it’s that good! I consider all of the DCI Miller books to be 5 star rated, but this one deserves 6 stars, and I’m sure looking forward to reading any further crime thrillers that this author writes. Congrats Biba Pearce, you 'knocked it out of the park'!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is #8 in the DCI Rob Miller series and it was great to be back with him, his team, and his family. It can easily be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the whole series as it’s really good.

The body of a young woman is found under Putney Bridge and it’s clear that she suffered a brutal attack. Rob arrives at the scene and gets a huge shock; everything matches the handiwork of the Surrey Stalker. But it can’t be him, because he was caught five years ago and he’s dead.

The first thought is that it’s a copycat killer on the loose, but then the killer starts referencing things that weren’t revealed to the public or the media. Is there a leak in Rob’s department? Or did Rob get the wrong man five years ago?

Another brilliant episode in one of my favourite series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Alyce Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Joffe Books, NetGalley and the author Biba Pearce for the eARC of this book. This is the 8th installment of the DCI Rob Miller series.

DCI Miller and his team are called to the discovery of a body under the Putney Bridge. A young woman has been killed and the scene is eerily similar the those commited by the Surrey Stalker five years ago. Only problem, the Surrey Stalker is dead and DCI Miller killed him. Is this a copycat, did Rob kill the wrong man? And who is leaking police information to the public?

This is an excellent police procedural, the plot is interesting, the characters well fleshed out. It can easily be read as a stand alone but it's a good series and I do recommend checking out this book and others in the series. 4 out of 5 stars.