The Voodoo Killer

DI Stephanie Broadbent #1

by Jack Probyn

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ "Crime fiction at its best!" - Amazon review

The first in a new series from bestselling crime author, Jack Probyn!

She returned home to start again. Instead, she woke the darkness she thought she'd buried.

DI Stephanie Broadbent hasn’t been back to her hometown in over twenty years. A fractured childhood and a past best forgotten kept her away. But the sudden loss of a colleague leaves her burned out and broken — and the quiet promise of the Surrey Hills, along with a chance to reconnect with her sister, proves too hard to resist.

Peace, however, is short-lived.

Before she’s even settled in, a university student is found dead in her halls of residence after a night out. What first appears to be an open-and-shut case takes a darker turn when a voodoo doll is found near the body.

With old memories resurfacing and members of her new team keeping her at arm’s length, Stephanie is forced to confront the ghosts of her past while racing to stop a killer whose next move is already taking shape in thread and cloth - because each doll tells how the next will die.

The Voodoo Killer is the pulse-pounding first book in the DI Stephanie Broadbent crime thriller 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 Simon McCleave, Angela Marsons and Rachel Mclean can't put this book down. Tap the buy button to read today!

Genres: Crime, Thriller

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this was very good! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t stop reading, needing to know what happened next. Gripping and well written. The ending really did blindside me which is what I love. Can’t wait to read more of this series!

[janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, I'm always on the look out for a new serial killer/psychological thriller series but I usually go by personal recommendations, theres nothing better than passing on and receiving a new book title and being able to talk about it but for some strange reason this book was all over my social media the past couple of weeks so I decided to bite the bullet and download purely on the front cover.... and I am so glad I did!

I am a sucker for an eye catching cover, and this one was a complete standout. It's perfectly relevant to the plot!

Meet DI Stephanie Broadbent, a hardened detective who has left her previous force to move back to her hometown. While not exactly happy about the move, she's enjoying her day off before starting at a new station when she receives a call from her new boss, she's needed now, there's been a murder.

Arriving at the scene, Stephanie (not Steph until you've earned it) is already on the backfoot when her temporary stand in, Devon, is already trying to take over 'her' scene.

Along with the body is a box, 'open me' labelled on the front, inside is a doll, but not just any doll, a voodoo doll *no spoilers*

When the victims start piling up with zero leads or clues, Stephanie starts spiralling, her past is constantly in the back if her mind but with each victim it moves more to tye forefront, can she get a grip with her emotions before they bevome too much for her?

I absolutely love reading the first in a series, feeling that build up of characterisation and not knowing whats to come, that excitement of learning more and more about each character and this book had that build up in spades. Each character worthy of their time in the book, no filler, unneeded characters.

The location setting was perfect and so easy to visualise, which is a massive bonus, in my opinion.

While I did pre guess a couple of things, the twist was just WOW, I did not see that coming at all.

Book #2 is already downloaded, ready to go. I can already tell this is going to be a firm favourite series for me, I'm already itching to know what's next for Stephanie and her team!

[Denisce]

No pude empatizar con la policía que es la protagonista.
La idea era buena y lo más interesante fueron los asesinatos...creo que podrían haberle sacado provecho a la historia pero ...😒 se la pasan dando vuelta en ella y en todos sus dramas información super repetitiva que me aburrió enormemente .
Poca acción lo mejor ocurre al final pero tampoco fue algo del otro mundo . 😒

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this new series 💜

[MIKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think this author can’t get any better, along comes another book that proves your thinking is incorrect.

I believe I have read everything. Jack has written up to this point and look forward to reading whatever comes next.

In this book, he reveals his Darkside when one considers the nature of the murders that the Detective Inspector has to investigate. Stephanie is certainly given a handful as her first assignment in her new location.

Things become very personal for her as the murder victims keep appearing. The killer leaves clues, but they are perhaps more confusing than anything and cause the police a great deal of stress in attempting to solve the killings, especially when things hit very close to home for them.

The overview of the book indicates it comes with a shocking twist, which, in my opinion, is a very mild understatement.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and is extremely difficult to put down. I cannot recommend this book enough for somebody looking for a fast paced murder mystery that will shock and amaze you as you read.

[Jack Probyn]

It's here. It's launch day! I hope everyone who meets Stephanie and the rest of the team enjoys the book. It's dark, it's gritty, and there's plenty more to come!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Jack Probyn's books, and this is a great start to a new series. Sometimes, after enjoying a series, it can take a little time to get into a new one. Not so with this one, the first book in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series.
Right from the beginning, I was captured into a well written gripping storyline and plot. With clever twists that keep you guessing.
The descriptive is wonderful and brings the story, characters, and settings to life. Also, you get to know more about the main character, Stephanie.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it from beginning to end, and if life hadn't got in the way, I would have loved to have just sat and read till finished.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another astounding read from Jack Probyn.

Voodoo Killer had me hooked from the very first page. DI Stephanie Broadbent is a brilliantly complex character—tough, layered, and carrying more than her fair share of emotional baggage. She brings real depth to the story, making it impossible not to root for her.

The plot is packed with twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another surprise was waiting around the corner. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.

Brilliantly written, fast-paced, and full of intrigue—this is crime fiction at its best. I can’t wait to see where the next book in the series takes us!

[Lauren Parfitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ☆

Really good murder mystery story that kept me guessing up until the very end.

I really enjoyed the deep set themes of the father chipping away at the identity of his daughter as revenge. Well played in my opinion.

I also really enjoyed the introduction of the main character having a significant eating disorder. It added to knowing the character instead of simply reading about them. However, the part that took away from 5 stars was the fact that she wasnt taken off of the case. I 100% believe with all the fainting and passing out etc she would have been placed on leave. But hey! Otherwise a great read.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute belter of a read, the first in a new and long series I hope from the author. Great well written storyline that has plenty going on. It grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go till the last. I won’t re hash the storyline in my review as the blurb does a great job of peaking your interest.

[Val Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

DI Stephanie Broadbent returns to her home town after many years away and is thrown straight into her first case. Young girls are being murdered at the local university and each death features the presence of a voodoo doll. Already feeling fragile and with a new team to suss out, Stephanie has her work cut out. A brilliant start to a great new series

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed other books by this author, so it was good to read the first book in a new series. This features Stephanie Broadbent who has returned, as detective inspector, to work in her hometown. She is thrown in at the deep end, before she was due to start work, to investigate the death of a young student. This was an exciting story and it will be interesting to see how the characters change in forthcoming novels.

[Steph Corby]

The Voodoo Killer (DI Broadbent)

I so enjoyed this book! I found it unputdownable, reading late into the night and again first thing in the morning. Looking forward to the next book from this very talented author.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series.

I was totally hooked on this brilliant book. Each chapter had me wanting to read more. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I did guess, one part of the plot but the twist? Wow. I did not see that coming! This is the first book I've read from this author but it certainly won't be the last. In fact I downloaded book 2 in this series before I'd even finished this one. I will recommend this book to every crime genre fan I know.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one and looking forward to the next

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

This was a another fabulous read from Jack
Loved the characters
Great plot
Very emotive book.
I'm looking forward to the next one

[Rosie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book great characters and a good storyline this is book 1/3 can wait to read the others #KindleUnlimited

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just read Jack Probyn's latest book: the first in a new series (the intro novella is free on kindle, I think). The Voodoo Killer - DI Stephanie Broadbent. It's set at the University of Surrey and the killer is picking off female students. Stephanie gets called into her new job the day before she's supposed to start, to head up the investigation. How will she cope with a brand new team (who all know each other), having to work with the guy who has been acting DI until she arrived?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love finding a new crime author and Jack Probyn is no exception. This book was exceptional with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Onto book 2 now and if it is as good as this one, I am in for another treat.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book every time I thought I had it worked out I was wrong loved it didn’t want to stop can’t wait for the next book

[MR R STOTT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much personal stuff

Good crime story but the personal problems of Steph and the way they affected her role as sio were unrealistic

[Janet S · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in the new DI Stephanie Broadbent series and it’s a belter!

Stephanie moves back to her home town after the tragic death of her partner and to face her demons.

She literally has to hit the ground running as a killer strikes at the university campus before she even meets her new team! Most of the team are eager to please their new boss and make her feel welcome, with one exception, her DS! Devon seems hell bent on undermining Steph and it eventually has serious consequences.

As this book progresses we learn more about Steph’s history and her personal struggles. The ending though I never saw that coming!

Really can’t wait for the next one.

[Helen Stead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a good storyline, but what disturbed me were the weaknesses of the lead female detective. She was new to the team, which would have been difficult enough, but I felt so sorry for her with her childhood traumas affecting her adult life. I didn't see the twist coming at the end. I look forward to the next book in the series as we get to know the team.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The voodoo doll on the cover caught my attention, and having read a couple of the author’s Jake Tanner books, I was expecting great things. The plot was intriguing, though I felt the voodoo doll element could have been explored more. My main issue was with the protagonist, DI Stephanie Broadbent. She’s meant to be a brilliant detective, but spends much of her time dealing with her bulimia, even leaving a crime scene and disappearing for the rest of the day, worrying her colleagues. I understand the appeal of a ‘flawed detective,’ but this felt overdone. I might still give the next book in the series a shot, hoping DI Broadbent has addressed her mental health.

[Annette Hoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Start of a new crime series.
DI Stephanie Broadbent returns to her hometown after 20 years.
Her first case takes place in the local university and each death brings a Voodoo Doll.
Memories of the past are catching up with her, trying to lead in the case with new colleagues, reconnect with her sister, while struggling to find the killer.
Fast paced with well written characters.

[Mariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the story until I didn’t. I liked how Probyn pulled you into it, but there were way too many pointless characters and it got overwhelming. DI Broadbent really annoyed me too. She’s meant to be flawed and relatable, but she’s completely blind to what’s happening right in front of her. What kind of detective is that? They keep saying she’s great, but honestly she’s not.

The killer reveal was also really anticlimactic. When it came out I just thought, really? That’s it? SO boring. I expected a lot more. I’d still try another book by Probyn, but I really hope it’s not as disappointing as this one.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first full length book featuring DI Stephanie Broadbent. She’s now transferred to Surrey police - her first day is brought forward by her new DCI when a young Freshers student is found dead, with a voodoo doll found close to her body.

Stephanie’s view is that the doll signifies that there may be another murder looming.

The storyline is good, and importantly, it gives a bit of an insight into Stephanie’s background.

[Diane Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this after seeing it advertised on Amazon as a recommendation for me.
I expected horror and maybe gore.
Although it was a decent read it failed to live up to my expectations and was just a run of the mill crime book.
Maybe I read too many murder books and I'm hard to please but I dont feel as though I will be rushing to read the rest of the series.

[Alyson Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

During Freshers’ Week at Surrey University, eighteen-year-old Claudia Bellini is discovered murdered in her room by her flatmates. The police find a chilling calling card from the killer – a voodoo doll with a knife plunged into it. This is the new case for DI Stephanie Broadbent, recently returned to her home town of Guildford from Essex after blaming herself for the loss of her sergeant. The rest of the team, including DS Devon Lafferty, DS Noah Mackenzie and DCs Fiona Singleton, Olivia Willard, Giles Swinger and newbie Eve Hope are unsure what to make of their new boss. Sure, she comes with a reputation as a very good and incitive detective, but it’s soon clear she has a number of personal problems, demonstrated by her erratic and often reckless behaviour. Former acting up DI, Devon is quick to take advantage of this and undermines Stephanie at every opportunity. As the case continues, with a doll each time prophesizing the next cause of death, can Stephanie overcome her problems and demonstrate she is capable of both leading a team and catching a very dangerous serial killer?
Although she is good at her actual job of being a detective, Stephanie is quite hard to like. Her new boss cuts her more slack than she really ought to get, as she abandons her team with no explanation, risks her own life cycling and climbing, and her serious eating disorder stemming from unresolved demons from childhood make her unstable at times. The imaginative plot is engrossing and twisty, with plenty of good suspects and the dramatic ending will come as a shock to many. After this exciting introduction to a new series, I am looking forward to what comes next in book 2, The Bogeyman.

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all Jack’s other books, I was delighted to be offered this as an ARC, and it certainly lived up to expectations. What an absolute cracker.

We are introduced to Stephanie, a complex damaged “character who, as the book progresses we find out more about, and the events that have happened in her life and which, as a police women tend to hamper her. Unfortunately, as the new kid on the block, and a woman she comes across certain prejudices from her sgt Devon and she’s up against it.

A girl is found murdered in her halls of residence , but although it seems straight forward at first a voodoo doll is found. This is just the start, with more murders and more dolls. Plagued by eating disorders and anxiety it’s really taking its toll on Stephanie and she’s desperate for a breakthrough before her boss takes her off the case.

More murders take place but rachael1985 with a different doll depicting how the next person will die.

I have to say I read this book in just under two days. It is an absolutely brilliant start to a new series and the end left me gobsmacked. I wouldn’t have guessed the killer at all.

My thanks to Jack for the ARC. I’m off to the next one in the series now.