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DI Stephanie Broadbent #2
The Bogeyman: A chilling British crime thriller with a twist
Sometimes to find the truth, you have to confront the nightmares of your past.
Thirty years ago, the people of Guildford were haunted by a figure who crept into children’s bedrooms and watched them sleep.
When he left, he left behind a single party balloon.
And then he vanished. The visits stopped.
Now it’s happening again.
Has The Bogeyman returned or is a copycat terrorising a new generation of victims?
With pressure mounting and panic rising, DI Stephanie Broadbent must untangle the past to stop a predator stalking the present. But what she finds may bring her closer to home than she ever expected…
Thirty years ago, the people of Guildford were haunted by a figure who crept into children’s bedrooms and watched them sleep.
When he left, he left behind a single party balloon.
And then he vanished. The visits stopped.
Now it’s happening again.
Has The Bogeyman returned or is a copycat terrorising a new generation of victims?
With pressure mounting and panic rising, DI Stephanie Broadbent must untangle the past to stop a predator stalking the present. But what she finds may bring her closer to home than she ever expected…
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2025
123 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Jack Probyn
177 books108 followersI’m Jack Probyn, and I write murder mysteries and crime thrillers set in England. I studied Creative Writing at the University of Surrey and have always been fascinated by storytelling, particularly the dark and twisty kind.
I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.
I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 23, 2025
The second book in the DI Broadbent series, features two cases; initially of a person entering children’s bedrooms at night and leaving a balloon. Creepy? Yes, particularly when I saw Jack had named one of the characters after me (thank you for not killing me!) But more so when it comes to light that this case echoes one from thirty years ago….!
The book develops the characters; in particular the relationship between Steph and her sister in the aftermath of The Voodoo Killer. Because of this she is forced to relive her childhood memories; she does begin to lose control, and with it, her eating disorder begins to increase; so be aware, it does contain references to bulimia but not in an insensitive manner. It also tackles emotional drinking, and how alcohol can control you but the subject is handled tactfully yet realistically. The world of social media and policing is also covered; how the public can do more harm than good.
The story cleverly ties together a few loose ends; I have marked as having spoilers purely because it covers some mental health issues that may affect people. But the ending…. Just pass book three now. Brilliant. I can’t figure out anymore who is guilty; Jack has finally defeated me. He is growing as a writer and is very much one to watch!
The book develops the characters; in particular the relationship between Steph and her sister in the aftermath of The Voodoo Killer. Because of this she is forced to relive her childhood memories; she does begin to lose control, and with it, her eating disorder begins to increase; so be aware, it does contain references to bulimia but not in an insensitive manner. It also tackles emotional drinking, and how alcohol can control you but the subject is handled tactfully yet realistically. The world of social media and policing is also covered; how the public can do more harm than good.
The story cleverly ties together a few loose ends; I have marked as having spoilers purely because it covers some mental health issues that may affect people. But the ending…. Just pass book three now. Brilliant. I can’t figure out anymore who is guilty; Jack has finally defeated me. He is growing as a writer and is very much one to watch!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
Someone is creeping into little girls rooms and watching them sleep and leaving a blown up balloon behind. Is this a copycat as it happened 30 years before.
DI Broadbent has to deal with some difficult parents and more disturbing family history, while she and her team try to solve the mystery of the Bogeymen.
Clever format, great characters written well, definitely recommend.
DI Broadbent has to deal with some difficult parents and more disturbing family history, while she and her team try to solve the mystery of the Bogeymen.
Clever format, great characters written well, definitely recommend.
August 24, 2025
Another gripping story from this young author. We learn more about the key characters in the book and how their past lives affect their current situations. This also touches on something that I'm sure every child has dealt with at some point - the intruder under the bed. I am warming to Stephanie, having learnt what she has been through.
September 20, 2025
He breaks into children’s homes and watches them sleep ………this was brilliant #KindleUnlimited 👍 book 2/3
December 26, 2025
Everything is a bit of a mess at Guildford MIT after the events of book one. DI Stephanie Broadbent killed her evil father Colin and her claim of self-defence has been accepted. However, her sister Kimberley is now not speaking to her, after discovering she has been lied to all her life about the death of her mother. In addition, Steph and DS Devon Lafferty share feelings of guilt over the murder of their new young DC Eve Hope, and Devon, also dealing with the break-up of his marriage, has turned to the bottle. So the last thing the team, including DS Noah Mackenzie and DCs Fiona Singleton, Olivia Willard and Giles Swinger, needs is the re-emergence of The Bogeyman. Thirty years ago he sat in the bedrooms of young boys, watching them sleep and leaving a party balloon. He was never caught and suddenly just stopped. Now it’s happening all over again, except this time with a series of young girls. Could he be back? The connection to a dance school produces one lead for the detectives and they must consider a copycat or a link to the past. With DCI McGowan away, both Stephanie and Devon falling apart, precious little progress on the case and now a dead child, if the team can’t catch him, there’s a good chance someone else will take matters into their own hands.
Although Steph is supposed to be a good detective, she’s not really fit for the job and I am having a hard time taking to her. Her serious eating disorder which she fools herself is under control plus the many unresolved traumas from her childhood make her erratic and unstable. Despite this, the team manages to produce some good results, although some glaringly obvious clues are initially missed. The characters are well described but some do seem to smirk a lot which I find a bit off-putting. I really hope future stories will be less about the one character and more about the case and others in the team, as I feel we’re not getting to know them enough yet. 3.5*
Although Steph is supposed to be a good detective, she’s not really fit for the job and I am having a hard time taking to her. Her serious eating disorder which she fools herself is under control plus the many unresolved traumas from her childhood make her erratic and unstable. Despite this, the team manages to produce some good results, although some glaringly obvious clues are initially missed. The characters are well described but some do seem to smirk a lot which I find a bit off-putting. I really hope future stories will be less about the one character and more about the case and others in the team, as I feel we’re not getting to know them enough yet. 3.5*
December 29, 2025
The second book featuring DI Stephanie Broadbent.
Many years ago there were a series of “incidents” involving someone entering a property and watching young boys sleep. Nothing more sinister in so far as no assaults, but on each occasion, the perpetrator left a calling card - a balloon in the child’s room.
Then as quickly as they started they stopped. Now, thirty years on and they’ve started again. Stephanie has her own views on why they stopped the first time round - one of which involves a family member.
The team are tasked with finding the offender, but are stymied every step of the way by a parent, social media and all that goes with it.
Suddenly a break takes them closer not to the here and now but back to the original, but as Stephanie is about to find out, this could have been case closed and boxed off if it weren’t for the interference of someone connected to the investigation and Steph is on a mission to find out why.
A real page turner - Jack Probyn is an excellent author - all his series have been worth a read - for me this is right up there with the Jake Tanner series.
Many years ago there were a series of “incidents” involving someone entering a property and watching young boys sleep. Nothing more sinister in so far as no assaults, but on each occasion, the perpetrator left a calling card - a balloon in the child’s room.
Then as quickly as they started they stopped. Now, thirty years on and they’ve started again. Stephanie has her own views on why they stopped the first time round - one of which involves a family member.
The team are tasked with finding the offender, but are stymied every step of the way by a parent, social media and all that goes with it.
Suddenly a break takes them closer not to the here and now but back to the original, but as Stephanie is about to find out, this could have been case closed and boxed off if it weren’t for the interference of someone connected to the investigation and Steph is on a mission to find out why.
A real page turner - Jack Probyn is an excellent author - all his series have been worth a read - for me this is right up there with the Jake Tanner series.
August 23, 2025
The Bogey man is the second book in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series and another 5-star read from Jack Probyn.
Thirty years ago, in the city of Guildford a man broke into little boys’ bedroom and watched them sleep, leaving a single balloon behind. The man then vanished never to be seen again. Until thirty years later it starts happening again. But this time the stranger creeps into little girls’ bedrooms leaving a single balloon behind. Is this the same person coming back or is there a copy kat coming to terrorise children again?
Once again, I thank Jack Probyn for a copy of The Bogey man. D.I. Stephanie Broadbent has her work cut out for her in this episode. Not only she has to deal with finding out who is doing this to the children. But she must deal with the parents of the children involved as well. But more skeletons come out of the cupboard in her own family history. This is a great fast paced read. Engaging storyline, well developed characters and great to see some of the characters got their comeuppance in the end. 5 stars.
Thirty years ago, in the city of Guildford a man broke into little boys’ bedroom and watched them sleep, leaving a single balloon behind. The man then vanished never to be seen again. Until thirty years later it starts happening again. But this time the stranger creeps into little girls’ bedrooms leaving a single balloon behind. Is this the same person coming back or is there a copy kat coming to terrorise children again?
Once again, I thank Jack Probyn for a copy of The Bogey man. D.I. Stephanie Broadbent has her work cut out for her in this episode. Not only she has to deal with finding out who is doing this to the children. But she must deal with the parents of the children involved as well. But more skeletons come out of the cupboard in her own family history. This is a great fast paced read. Engaging storyline, well developed characters and great to see some of the characters got their comeuppance in the end. 5 stars.
September 4, 2025
The Bogeyman: A chilling British crime thriller with a twist (DI Stephanie Broadbent Surrey Hills Crime Thrillers Book 2), my thirteenth read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with a well-developed main character and a 390-page crime thriller, longer in length than The Voodoo Killer, that continually develops throughout the length of the book. Maybe Probyn's best character to date and he's applying his character development skills to some other characters in this book as well. “I received a complementary Audiblele copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to The Burning Man: A gripping British serial killer thriller with an unbelievable twist (DI Stephanie Broadbent Surrey Hills Crime Thrillers Book 3) due out at the end of this month, it's already on my TBR list.(RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
August 30, 2025
This is the second book in the new DI Stephanie Broadbent series.
It's a book I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end, and what an ending. It was definitely one I didn't expect.
As always, from Jack, a well written gripping storyline and plot, which keeps you guessing.
It has revelations, and many a twist, along with a cliffhanger ending.
I'm also enjoying getting to know the characters more, especially the main character, Stephanie. I'm a bit undecided how I feel about her sister Kimberley, though.
I'm very much looking forward to reading book 3.
I certainly would recommend the books to others.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
It's a book I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end, and what an ending. It was definitely one I didn't expect.
As always, from Jack, a well written gripping storyline and plot, which keeps you guessing.
It has revelations, and many a twist, along with a cliffhanger ending.
I'm also enjoying getting to know the characters more, especially the main character, Stephanie. I'm a bit undecided how I feel about her sister Kimberley, though.
I'm very much looking forward to reading book 3.
I certainly would recommend the books to others.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
September 2, 2025
Thought book one was good, well wait till you read book two cause it will blow you away! A balloon is found in a little girls bedroom one morning, house locked up tight, no evidence anywhere. Call in detective Stephanie Broadbent and team who make a chilling discovery that this has happened before. It’s a race against the clock to find out who this culprit is before someone gets hurts but with twists and turns and multiple surprises thrown in our path, the author does an incredible job of alluding as to whom the culprit could be. Thrill and chills, mystery and suspense, this had me glued to the pages from start to finish!
September 3, 2025
Another stunning book from this author. This is the second in this new series & it is a terrific series. Definitely looking forward to the next in this series as well as his others.
DI Broadbent is a detective with a troubled family, and things get more complicated & sinister in this book. A troubled relationship with her sister, coupled with memories - both good & bad - from her past, make work a troubling experience for her.
This book develops her character more & will keep you reading through to the unexpected twist in the solving of the case.
I highly recommend this series and the others as well for anyone who enjoys a police investigation thriller.
DI Broadbent is a detective with a troubled family, and things get more complicated & sinister in this book. A troubled relationship with her sister, coupled with memories - both good & bad - from her past, make work a troubling experience for her.
This book develops her character more & will keep you reading through to the unexpected twist in the solving of the case.
I highly recommend this series and the others as well for anyone who enjoys a police investigation thriller.
August 24, 2025
This is the second book in the series and it just gets better and better. Due to the continuation of the series it runs in order and builds on from the first. At the end I was disappointed as I really just wanted to continue as always the author just ends on a cliff hanger. I read this in one go.
As with most police procedurals there is a hook with the main character and she is flawed - this time it is bulimia. This is not glossed over so may be a trigger.
The family dynamic is very complex
As with most police procedurals there is a hook with the main character and she is flawed - this time it is bulimia. This is not glossed over so may be a trigger.
The family dynamic is very complex
August 25, 2025
Second book in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series and it doesn’t disappoint.
The team are called in to investigate what seems like an innocuous crime, until they have to attend similar crime scenes. It also comes to light that there is a very similar cold case from years before! Is it the same perpetrator or do they have a copy cat ?
Meanwhile Steph had to deal with patents affected by the crime who seem to be doing their utmost to hinder the investigation. Add into the mix Steph’s eating disorder and chaotic family dynamic it’s a riveting read. Can’t wait for the next.
The team are called in to investigate what seems like an innocuous crime, until they have to attend similar crime scenes. It also comes to light that there is a very similar cold case from years before! Is it the same perpetrator or do they have a copy cat ?
Meanwhile Steph had to deal with patents affected by the crime who seem to be doing their utmost to hinder the investigation. Add into the mix Steph’s eating disorder and chaotic family dynamic it’s a riveting read. Can’t wait for the next.
August 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the second book in the series, featuring DI Stephanie Broadbent and her team. I was kept guessing till the very end, and enjoyed the interactions between Stephanie and her team, whilst learning more about each character. Stephanie’s backstory is fascinating - she is flawed, but still managing to hold it all together, and I am very much looking forward to the next instalment
August 27, 2025
This is book 2 in the Stephanie Broadbent series and it's really gripping. 8 thought 8 knew who it was but I was miiiiiiiles off (which, to be fair, I was hoping I was because otherwise it'd spoil future stories). But I had no clue at all - and I love that! I can get the killer in every episode of The Madame Blanc Mysteries on TV, and that's fun, but I like to be surprised by the twist in a book.
Can't wait for the next one and for the audio of this!
Can't wait for the next one and for the audio of this!
September 19, 2025
This is a great story ruined by the fixation with the DI having an eating disorder, it just doesn’t fit the character.
The other major flaw is that a mobile phone was left at home which led to the discovery of a crime taking place but that same mobile phone pinged a mast at the location of that crime at the same time. It couldn’t do both things simultaneously!
October 23, 2025
Not quite as gripping as the first in this series but still very good and did get better in the second half. I love the character development. Slightly disappointed that I figured out what was going on, it felt a little too obvious. Still a very strong and well written series and can’t wait to read the next book.
August 18, 2025
The DI Stephanie Broadbent books written by Jack Probyn are so well worth reading. While she suffers herself personally it does not stop her catching the people responsible for the crimes that they commit.
August 24, 2025
Not to be missed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 August 2025
Very creative writer and pulls you in from the minute you open his books and this is no different a mystery and cunning keeping you guessing all the way
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 August 2025
Very creative writer and pulls you in from the minute you open his books and this is no different a mystery and cunning keeping you guessing all the way
August 25, 2025
Someone is breaking into homes to watch young girls sleep and leaves a balloon behind. A recurrence of a crime committed years ago except the person was watching young boys. DI Stephanie Broadbent is in charge of finding the perpetrator. A page turning thriller.
August 29, 2025
What an amazing story that will have you gripped until you’re finished DI Stephanie has her hands full trying to solve this extremely dangerous case. She needs to find out , how it ties in to the past. Intriguing all the way to the very last word.
August 31, 2025
The second book in the Stephanie Broadbent series. We find out more about her history as we see her find out who is visiting young girls at night to watch them sleep, a strange repetition of events of many years previously when small boys were watched as they slept. An excellent book.
September 2, 2025
Another fantastic read from Jack. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and it is easily one of his best, so much so that I finished it in just over a day. Definitely worth a read. Highly recommended.
September 2, 2025
The second book in the authors Stephanie Broadbent series. Every book I’ve read from this author I have thoroughly enjoyed and all 5 star reads. I won’t rehash the storyline, but read the blurb if it sounds like your cup of tea give it a whirl you won’t be disappointed.
December 28, 2025
A decent story but sort of unbelievable that her family is AGAIN involved. It is too focused on her eating disorder over and over. The Bogeyman character is not realistic and the whole concept is flawed. I'm disappointed because book one was much better.
December 29, 2025
Absolute goosebumps when I started - could hardly finish!
All that stuff about her father, her sister, her uncle, her her her - *yawn*
Brilliant, chilling idea. Just a long tedious execution.
All that stuff about her father, her sister, her uncle, her her her - *yawn*
Brilliant, chilling idea. Just a long tedious execution.
September 1, 2025
Another home run for Jack! I loved this book and I couldn't figure out who did it. I was drawn into the story from beginning to end.
September 1, 2025
Enjoying this series, quick easy reads!
September 10, 2025
Jack does it again!
Edge-of-your-seat suspense, brilliant characters, and a storyline that never lets go. Jack at his best!
Edge-of-your-seat suspense, brilliant characters, and a storyline that never lets go. Jack at his best!
September 14, 2025
Another solid 5 stars from me. Can’t wait for the next instalment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews