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The Decalogue
DCI Jonny Priest, fresh from his recent promotion bids a fond farewell to The Metropolitan Police and heads north west for a new challenge with the Greater Manchester Police Force.
He is immediately thrown into a murder investigation; a teenager brutally murdered in a nightclub. Priest soon comes to realise that this is not the first murder of its kind in the area, and with a truly sinister pattern emerging, DCI Priest and his team have a race against time to prevent further deaths.
Fresh starts never quite delivering the promises they hold; DCI Priest is met with two elements from his past - one very much welcome, the other tragic and long forgotten.
Has he got what it takes to lead and inspire a new team? Can he keep his personal challenges separate to his work life ? Can he catch a killer before he strikes again, and again.
He is immediately thrown into a murder investigation; a teenager brutally murdered in a nightclub. Priest soon comes to realise that this is not the first murder of its kind in the area, and with a truly sinister pattern emerging, DCI Priest and his team have a race against time to prevent further deaths.
Fresh starts never quite delivering the promises they hold; DCI Priest is met with two elements from his past - one very much welcome, the other tragic and long forgotten.
Has he got what it takes to lead and inspire a new team? Can he keep his personal challenges separate to his work life ? Can he catch a killer before he strikes again, and again.
- GenresCrime
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Mark Pettinger
7 books43 followersMark Pettinger is a crime fiction writer of the DCI Priest novels. His debut The Decalogue entered the Amazon Bestseller Top 100 list in December 2015, and the Top 10 on the sub-genre of ‘police procedurals’.
Fitting his writing around his 'day job'; Mark's writing pattern is somewhat sporadic, and he writes when he can, which currently is in hotel rooms / foyer, or in an airport lounge trying to keep one eye on the departure board to ensure he doesn’t miss his flight!
Mark's interest in the murky world of crime started a number of years ago when he was attracted to reading true crime. He became fascinated with the exploits of the Yorkshire Ripper, Dennis Nilsen, John Wayne Gacy, Andrei Chikatilo etc. An avid reader of many genre's, but his attention turned to favouring crime fiction; and his reading list includes Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Lynda La Plante, Jo Nesbo, and latterly CJ Tudor (for something just that little bit special).
Mark has openly credited Ian Rankin as the primary inspiration for not only stirring his interest in reading crime fiction, but also 'picking up the pen'.
Mark has published three hugely successful crime fiction novels: The Decalogue in 2012, Tick Tock Time's Up in 2015, Paper Soldiers in 2020 and more recently Where Darkness Lies in February 2023.
Next on his list is a standalone crime thriller, due for publication in December 2023.
www.markpettinger.com
Fitting his writing around his 'day job'; Mark's writing pattern is somewhat sporadic, and he writes when he can, which currently is in hotel rooms / foyer, or in an airport lounge trying to keep one eye on the departure board to ensure he doesn’t miss his flight!
Mark's interest in the murky world of crime started a number of years ago when he was attracted to reading true crime. He became fascinated with the exploits of the Yorkshire Ripper, Dennis Nilsen, John Wayne Gacy, Andrei Chikatilo etc. An avid reader of many genre's, but his attention turned to favouring crime fiction; and his reading list includes Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Lynda La Plante, Jo Nesbo, and latterly CJ Tudor (for something just that little bit special).
Mark has openly credited Ian Rankin as the primary inspiration for not only stirring his interest in reading crime fiction, but also 'picking up the pen'.
Mark has published three hugely successful crime fiction novels: The Decalogue in 2012, Tick Tock Time's Up in 2015, Paper Soldiers in 2020 and more recently Where Darkness Lies in February 2023.
Next on his list is a standalone crime thriller, due for publication in December 2023.
www.markpettinger.com
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 22, 2015
I will be keeping my eye on future works from author Mark Pettinger. Very much now looking forward to the next installment in this series. Crime is my all time most read genre so I tend to be a bit picky with what I like and what I don't. I liked this. I really liked this.
I think sometimes readers are afraid to try "newish" authors that they have not heard of, perhaps thinking the writing quality is not up to standard. I think those readers miss out on some real gems. So if you are one of those readers, put all that aside for this one.
DCI Jonny Priest, fresh from his recent promotion bids a fond farewell to The Metropolitan Police and heads north west for a new challenge with the Greater Manchester Police Force.
He is immediately thrown into a murder investigation; a teenager brutally murdered in a nightclub. Priest soon comes to realise that this is not the first murder of its kind in the area, and with a truly sinister pattern emerging, DCI Priest and his team have a race against time to prevent further deaths.
Ooooh I love a plot with a serial killer in it, the darker and more dangerous the better. What is our fascination with serial killers? It's a bit of a worry really! But yes, I love a good crime novel that combines a great plot, decent police procedural elements and strong characters that you can relate to.
I really liked DCI Jonny Priest with his quirks and human failings, very easy to connect to and enjoy reading about, no picture perfect copper here dear readers. Prone to mistakes in life and love, as are we all.
Bodies are turning up everywhere, each of them dead with a bible left behind. DCI Priest and his team have to work out what the signature means from the killer, what is he trying to say. It's a rapid game of chase before the body pile gets too high.
A good read, paced well, keeps you interested and I think many readers will be keen to go on and read the second in the series, I know I will. 3.5 stars from me for this one.
I received a copy of this novel kindly from the author, Mark Pettinger in exchange for an honest review. Many, many thanks.
I think sometimes readers are afraid to try "newish" authors that they have not heard of, perhaps thinking the writing quality is not up to standard. I think those readers miss out on some real gems. So if you are one of those readers, put all that aside for this one.
DCI Jonny Priest, fresh from his recent promotion bids a fond farewell to The Metropolitan Police and heads north west for a new challenge with the Greater Manchester Police Force.
He is immediately thrown into a murder investigation; a teenager brutally murdered in a nightclub. Priest soon comes to realise that this is not the first murder of its kind in the area, and with a truly sinister pattern emerging, DCI Priest and his team have a race against time to prevent further deaths.
Ooooh I love a plot with a serial killer in it, the darker and more dangerous the better. What is our fascination with serial killers? It's a bit of a worry really! But yes, I love a good crime novel that combines a great plot, decent police procedural elements and strong characters that you can relate to.
I really liked DCI Jonny Priest with his quirks and human failings, very easy to connect to and enjoy reading about, no picture perfect copper here dear readers. Prone to mistakes in life and love, as are we all.
Bodies are turning up everywhere, each of them dead with a bible left behind. DCI Priest and his team have to work out what the signature means from the killer, what is he trying to say. It's a rapid game of chase before the body pile gets too high.
A good read, paced well, keeps you interested and I think many readers will be keen to go on and read the second in the series, I know I will. 3.5 stars from me for this one.
I received a copy of this novel kindly from the author, Mark Pettinger in exchange for an honest review. Many, many thanks.
December 28, 2015
You can also read my review on NERDYCHAMPAGNE
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
Look, I am not happy with this book.
Minor spoilers ahead.
It was slow-paced. Really slow. It took slow in a whole new level. It was unbelievable.
No matter how clean a murder can be, skin cells will always turn out under the fingernails of the victim if there was such thing as resistance.
And who you're talking to again? Yes, me. And I'm a sucker for mystery/crime novels. And guess what? I already have a sense on who did i the moment they're mentioned.
Which is why this is really slow-paced!! PLUS it was very anti-climatic. I swear.
And the version of the ten commandments here had me all confused. Fact: I'm a Roman Catholic, I studied in a Catholic School from elementary to high school and we are to have the ten commandments memorized by heart - duh, we started memorizing them since third grade. Last time I checked, fourth was: Honour your father and mother. Fourth not fifth.
I'm sorry, I'm just confused and frustrated, this is like telling me that my whole life has been a lie.
The characters were fair, likeable at best, and their love lives are very intriguing - and complicated.
Overall, it was not thrilling, the whole story was like waiting for the next murder, and the characters as police were pretty stupid, there were too many unnecessary details, many questions unanswered, too many scenes and details left out, and so many points that got ignored.
I honestly can't recommend this book to anyone for the sake of my dignity as a mystery lover. I hate giving books a low rating and most especially those that I got for review but I have to be honest: This books isn't anything. It's definitely not the plot - it was interesting, promising to an extent, but it was not properly executed. I found grammar mistakes here and there.
This book is a disappointment. There, I said it. The ending, though. That was wrong in all the right levels. The whole book was almost laughable, pretty ridiculous, I'm shaking my head. In another time, I could laugh while reading this. I'm open to suggestions about this book but really, it was disappointing.
I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
Look, I am not happy with this book.
Minor spoilers ahead.
It was slow-paced. Really slow. It took slow in a whole new level. It was unbelievable.
No matter how clean a murder can be, skin cells will always turn out under the fingernails of the victim if there was such thing as resistance.
And who you're talking to again? Yes, me. And I'm a sucker for mystery/crime novels. And guess what? I already have a sense on who did i the moment they're mentioned.
Which is why this is really slow-paced!! PLUS it was very anti-climatic. I swear.
And the version of the ten commandments here had me all confused. Fact: I'm a Roman Catholic, I studied in a Catholic School from elementary to high school and we are to have the ten commandments memorized by heart - duh, we started memorizing them since third grade. Last time I checked, fourth was: Honour your father and mother. Fourth not fifth.
I'm sorry, I'm just confused and frustrated, this is like telling me that my whole life has been a lie.
The characters were fair, likeable at best, and their love lives are very intriguing - and complicated.
Overall, it was not thrilling, the whole story was like waiting for the next murder, and the characters as police were pretty stupid, there were too many unnecessary details, many questions unanswered, too many scenes and details left out, and so many points that got ignored.
I honestly can't recommend this book to anyone for the sake of my dignity as a mystery lover. I hate giving books a low rating and most especially those that I got for review but I have to be honest: This books isn't anything. It's definitely not the plot - it was interesting, promising to an extent, but it was not properly executed. I found grammar mistakes here and there.
This book is a disappointment. There, I said it. The ending, though. That was wrong in all the right levels. The whole book was almost laughable, pretty ridiculous, I'm shaking my head. In another time, I could laugh while reading this. I'm open to suggestions about this book but really, it was disappointing.
October 3, 2012
Review on blog:
Tumbling In Books
For a girl who read cute, swoonish YA books, it's a pretty big deal when she goes ravishing about a thriller book. Although, if you think about it again, I do love watching Castle and NCIS. Seriously? Love? No. OBSESSED. And that is how it is too with The Decalogue.
DCI Priest was assigned to Manchester to solve a murder case that turns out to be a serial killer case. The murderer kills his victims using the 7 Amendments as his/her blueprint.
This is like, my first crime book. I’ve watched crime shows but I’ve never read one. I guess I wanted to try something new, and I did, and I LOVED it! :D
I guess my only complain of the book is that it’s a little bit dragging in the middle of the book. The pace was slower somehow. Despite that, The Decalogue wasn’t anywhere near the danger where I felt like putting the book down. In fact, I read it in one sitting! That’s like, amazing for a book I’ve never tried reading. Plus, the author keeps it interesting throughout the book when he puts DCI Priest’s private life too.
This is something new to me and I’m glad I tried it out. I mean, I’m not going to stay 15 forever right(wish I could though :P)? Fans of crime and suspense will definitely like this book!
For a girl who read cute, swoonish YA books, it's a pretty big deal when she goes ravishing about a thriller book. Although, if you think about it again, I do love watching Castle and NCIS. Seriously? Love? No. OBSESSED. And that is how it is too with The Decalogue.
DCI Priest was assigned to Manchester to solve a murder case that turns out to be a serial killer case. The murderer kills his victims using the 7 Amendments as his/her blueprint.
This is like, my first crime book. I’ve watched crime shows but I’ve never read one. I guess I wanted to try something new, and I did, and I LOVED it! :D
I guess my only complain of the book is that it’s a little bit dragging in the middle of the book. The pace was slower somehow. Despite that, The Decalogue wasn’t anywhere near the danger where I felt like putting the book down. In fact, I read it in one sitting! That’s like, amazing for a book I’ve never tried reading. Plus, the author keeps it interesting throughout the book when he puts DCI Priest’s private life too.
This is something new to me and I’m glad I tried it out. I mean, I’m not going to stay 15 forever right(wish I could though :P)? Fans of crime and suspense will definitely like this book!
November 18, 2014
I was asked to review this crime novel on behalf of www.e-thriller.com. I was very glad I did.
I did not get the title (Decalogue) at first but after looking it up understood- then realized this was another word for the Ten Commandments.
This is Mark Pettinger’s debut crime novel and what a novel to begin with. He is up there with the established crime authors.
The main protagonist is believable and the reader gains insight into his private life with his faults, OCD, and his affair with a fellow colleague. This all adds to the melting pot of his character. Sometimes I wonder if there is room for any more detectives, but in this case I want to read more DCI Priest novels.
This is a well written novel and the story is fast paced. The story had a slight feeling of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons, and as the book progresses you are willing DCI Priest to solve this crime quickly. I read this book in one go as I had to find out who the killer was.
I cannot wait for the author’s next novel; this is an author who will be going places.
February 26, 2019
A police procedural featuring a series of murders apparently linked by religious motives. The time lapses of days and weeks within the overall timeline meant the story lacked pace and credibility. Will not look for the second in the series
November 29, 2018
A slender, both physically and in terms of plot complexity, police procedural. A pleasant enough read but not one I would want to follow up on. 2.5 stars.
April 5, 2024
Great new detective
Excellent story,very realistic and easy to read.
Highly recommend and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Excellent story,very realistic and easy to read.
Highly recommend and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 20, 2016
DCI Priest Series book #1
This is the first in a series of DCI Priest detective and crime novels. DCI Priest of the London Met has just been promoted to a Detective Chief Inspector rank, but if he wants the promotion, he has to find a job elsewhere in Britain. Upon opening the book we find him on his way to Gorton, within the Greater Manchester Police Force. He hasn’t started yet, he is supposed to begin his new function on the Monday, but a murder gets in the way – the second murder within two weeks.
DCI Priest is thrown into the deep and added to that, there is already one person in his new CID team who hates his guts: DS Baxter, Upon entering the murder scene DCI Priest notices the strangled man on the floor with a Bible strategically placed on his chest. It must have been something the murderer added after having killed his victim. What do the two murders have in common? It seems the two male victims are both strangled with a white cable and were found with the King James Bible on their chest. Where the first was a travelling evangelist, the second was a DJ in the afore-mentioned nightclub.
And there is more: a few weeks later another man is found, strangled to death, with a Bible placed on his chest. Who is this murderer and why does he leave a Bible with every victim?
With a third murder at hand Jonny Priest decides to call in his former DS Nicola Stephens. Truth be told Nicola is more than that, she and Jonny were lovers for a while, despite Nicola being married. The reader is not sure DI Priest is acting wisely.
The story gets complicated as the murders indeed do seem the work of a serial killer – with no apparent connection between any of the victims whatsoever. Why do the victims have a Bible placed upon them? Time to visit a real priest, perhaps? Will the team get to the bottom of this and, more important for DCI Priest, will his first case as a DCI be successful?
This is the first book in the DCI Priest Series and it is an enjoyable read. The reader is introduced to Jonny Priests, his OCD and how he deals with it. You also get an insight into his love live and the fact that, although his name is Priest, he is no monk, contrary to what DS Baxter loves to tell.
Personally I felt that the plot was slowed down once in a while by too many explanations and descriptions. In my opinion that could have been left out without consequences for the storyline. For example both Nicola Stephen’s sleeping arrangements as Jonny Priest’s search for a house to rent are being described in more than one chapter – I found that a bit superfluous.
However although the book is a bit of a slow starter, the characters are excellently described. The insights into the personal lives of the team members, their interactions and the resentments of DS Baxter offer interesting and captivating storylines. That makes 'The Decalogue' a promising first book in a new detective series.
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/the-dec...
This is the first in a series of DCI Priest detective and crime novels. DCI Priest of the London Met has just been promoted to a Detective Chief Inspector rank, but if he wants the promotion, he has to find a job elsewhere in Britain. Upon opening the book we find him on his way to Gorton, within the Greater Manchester Police Force. He hasn’t started yet, he is supposed to begin his new function on the Monday, but a murder gets in the way – the second murder within two weeks.
DCI Priest is thrown into the deep and added to that, there is already one person in his new CID team who hates his guts: DS Baxter, Upon entering the murder scene DCI Priest notices the strangled man on the floor with a Bible strategically placed on his chest. It must have been something the murderer added after having killed his victim. What do the two murders have in common? It seems the two male victims are both strangled with a white cable and were found with the King James Bible on their chest. Where the first was a travelling evangelist, the second was a DJ in the afore-mentioned nightclub.
And there is more: a few weeks later another man is found, strangled to death, with a Bible placed on his chest. Who is this murderer and why does he leave a Bible with every victim?
With a third murder at hand Jonny Priest decides to call in his former DS Nicola Stephens. Truth be told Nicola is more than that, she and Jonny were lovers for a while, despite Nicola being married. The reader is not sure DI Priest is acting wisely.
The story gets complicated as the murders indeed do seem the work of a serial killer – with no apparent connection between any of the victims whatsoever. Why do the victims have a Bible placed upon them? Time to visit a real priest, perhaps? Will the team get to the bottom of this and, more important for DCI Priest, will his first case as a DCI be successful?
This is the first book in the DCI Priest Series and it is an enjoyable read. The reader is introduced to Jonny Priests, his OCD and how he deals with it. You also get an insight into his love live and the fact that, although his name is Priest, he is no monk, contrary to what DS Baxter loves to tell.
Personally I felt that the plot was slowed down once in a while by too many explanations and descriptions. In my opinion that could have been left out without consequences for the storyline. For example both Nicola Stephen’s sleeping arrangements as Jonny Priest’s search for a house to rent are being described in more than one chapter – I found that a bit superfluous.
However although the book is a bit of a slow starter, the characters are excellently described. The insights into the personal lives of the team members, their interactions and the resentments of DS Baxter offer interesting and captivating storylines. That makes 'The Decalogue' a promising first book in a new detective series.
Read the full review on my website: http://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/the-dec...
November 10, 2014
With a title oozing gravitas, a serial murderer and a Manchester location, one would expect a novel filled with tension, mystery and conflict, culminating in an exciting denouement....
One would expect......
But, I'm sorry to report that this is a rather mundane little police procedural where the basic outline of the detecting process is followed to a successful conclusion, but the remainder of the novel is thrown together like ornaments on a Christmas tree by a young child who can only reach the lower branches. There was very little visceral tension in a story that should be overflowing with it. A humdrum serial killer novel? I'm afraid so.
Much time was spent on naming the many detectives who contributed little to the plot. Sexual tension was introduced and a conflict with the cuckolded husband seems to fizzle without going anywhere. The protagonist is shown to be a smoker late in the novel.
Why? Certainly, the devil is in the details, but not all details are worth reading.
On the plus side, the writing is good with grammatical editing evident. So, it's a readable story...perhaps by those who cannot withstand excitement?
I was provided a free copy of this book for the review. I feel sorry that I couldn't be more positive.
One would expect......
But, I'm sorry to report that this is a rather mundane little police procedural where the basic outline of the detecting process is followed to a successful conclusion, but the remainder of the novel is thrown together like ornaments on a Christmas tree by a young child who can only reach the lower branches. There was very little visceral tension in a story that should be overflowing with it. A humdrum serial killer novel? I'm afraid so.
Much time was spent on naming the many detectives who contributed little to the plot. Sexual tension was introduced and a conflict with the cuckolded husband seems to fizzle without going anywhere. The protagonist is shown to be a smoker late in the novel.
Why? Certainly, the devil is in the details, but not all details are worth reading.
On the plus side, the writing is good with grammatical editing evident. So, it's a readable story...perhaps by those who cannot withstand excitement?
I was provided a free copy of this book for the review. I feel sorry that I couldn't be more positive.
August 13, 2012
A murder mystery I could really get my teeth into. Not my usual genre but I enjoyed it none the less
more than once I though I had the killer figured out and if not guessed his identity I thought I had figured out his next move but more often than not I guessed wrong, which was great I love to be surprised in a book.
Its not all about murder though, we see the DCI Priest trying to bond with his team while his past creeps up on him and then there is Nicole who is a welcome member to his team.
Priest was a great character not without his faults but man enough to understand them. A strong leader and he is determined to catch the killer.
The author does a good job of introducing us to the characters at the right time and filling us in on there past so we get a deeper understand of each character and who they were.
more than once I though I had the killer figured out and if not guessed his identity I thought I had figured out his next move but more often than not I guessed wrong, which was great I love to be surprised in a book.
Its not all about murder though, we see the DCI Priest trying to bond with his team while his past creeps up on him and then there is Nicole who is a welcome member to his team.
Priest was a great character not without his faults but man enough to understand them. A strong leader and he is determined to catch the killer.
The author does a good job of introducing us to the characters at the right time and filling us in on there past so we get a deeper understand of each character and who they were.
October 29, 2014
Fresh from his promotion from the MET police. DCI Priest arrives in Gorton Manchester. When at first he is not greeted how he would like but when he and his team investigate a serial killer things get on. This story tells about DCI Priest not your perfect chief inspector but also the characters in his team. Investigating about a serial killer who goes by the 10 commandments.
I enjoyed this book very much. Very detailed description that I've never come across before. If you like detective stories this is the book for you. Can't wait for the next book.
I enjoyed this book very much. Very detailed description that I've never come across before. If you like detective stories this is the book for you. Can't wait for the next book.
December 30, 2014
Loved this book. Not sure about some of the 1-star ratings it has on Amazon, was wondering if they read the same book as me?
Loved the plot, and various sub-plots that weaved in and out of each other. The characterisations are very good - very detailed! I assume because this is the first book in the series, the back stories of each character was necessary to help the reader engage better - for me, it worked.
Relatively fast paced and kept my interest to the end.
When's the next one out ?
Loved the plot, and various sub-plots that weaved in and out of each other. The characterisations are very good - very detailed! I assume because this is the first book in the series, the back stories of each character was necessary to help the reader engage better - for me, it worked.
Relatively fast paced and kept my interest to the end.
When's the next one out ?
July 9, 2015
I really wanted to like this book. I did, in fact like the plot idea and the Jonny Priest character. I could not get beyond chapter 3. Why? Because the editing was SO BAD. Whoever edited this book did the author a great disservice. Both the author and the editor need to either invest time in a thesaurus for appropriate synonyms or learn how to rewrite clunky sentences which preferably do not employ use of the same adjectives.
September 20, 2015
DCI Priest has just been transferred to Gorton, Manchester and is immediately hunting a serial killer. There appears to be no connection between the victims other than the manner in which they were killed and the fact they all have a bible on their chests.
I really enjoyed the first 90% of this book but found the ending of the book really rushed and too neatly tied up.
I really enjoyed the first 90% of this book but found the ending of the book really rushed and too neatly tied up.
July 17, 2015
One of the creepiest and tense openings I have read for a while. Could really visualise each of the murders, don't know if that is a good thing ha! DCI Priest is an intriguing character which I am looking forward to read about again in any follow ups. In between murders some of the investigation was slow but was a worth while read. Definitely glad I tried this new author.
November 28, 2014
I really enjoyed the book. Extremely entertaining especially if you're from around the greater Manchester area. There were some things that didn't convince me too much regarding the characters however for a debut novel It's a thumbs up for me.
October 24, 2016
My apologies, Mark. I finished this back in 2014 and really enjoyed it. it helped my interest throughout and I felt the transition of DCI priest to the smaller town. Very well written.
If you're on the fence about reading this, go for it! You'll enjoy it.
If you're on the fence about reading this, go for it! You'll enjoy it.
October 31, 2014
I found this one through the Dead Good Crime Group. Thank you.
July 13, 2015
First offering by this author and quite good, will look for more.
January 21, 2015
Two many questions not answered, clearly the plot missed the police asking really simple questions that appear to have gone unasked.
April 18, 2016
An excellent crime novel. Upon finishing I immediately began the second in series
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews