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DI Stephanie Broadbent #3
The Burning Man: A gripping British serial killer thriller with an unbelievable twist
As the flames rise, so do the secrets.
When the charred remains of a body are found in the quaint Surrey Hills, the trauma of DI Stephanie Broadbent’s past is reignited.
The victim has been burned alive. No clues. No witnesses. Soon every lead turns to ash.
When another body appears, Stephanie uncovers a connection that threatens to set the world — and more bodies — alight.
If she is to catch the killer, she must step into the flames and face her fears.
When the charred remains of a body are found in the quaint Surrey Hills, the trauma of DI Stephanie Broadbent’s past is reignited.
The victim has been burned alive. No clues. No witnesses. Soon every lead turns to ash.
When another body appears, Stephanie uncovers a connection that threatens to set the world — and more bodies — alight.
If she is to catch the killer, she must step into the flames and face her fears.
- GenresThriller
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
68 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jack Probyn
179 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 31 reviews
September 18, 2025
Another excellent book in the Stephanie Broadbent series. We get to learn more about the characters, and how they work together as a team, especially good seeing Olivia getting more responsibility. There are no spoilers in this review, so get a copy of the book and read it yourselves.
September 23, 2025
The third DI Stephanie Broadbent novel, sent as an ARC copy. My review;
The book picks up shortly after the events of The Bogeyman. Family dynamics, as always, are problematic for Steph and the end of this particular ‘chapter’ in the Broadbent family is really sad; but onto the story!
A body is found in an arson attack on an old church. Nearby is a hidden box, which holds the clue to the story. Soon after another arson attack occurs and it becomes clear the murders are linked. The story also plays on Stephs childhood memories and fears of fire.
The thing I love about Jacks storytelling is how he evolves; this book, Olivia was the main assistant Detective so more of her character was shown. The chapters are a good length; just short enough to move on but tempting enough at one am to say ‘just one more’!
I thought I had figured out who the killer was; but I was wrong. I used to be able to guess early on in Jacks writing and it became competitive - could he beat me? Yes. The ending tied the story up nicely but no cliffhanger; I do know there is another few books planned though! An excellent read.
The book picks up shortly after the events of The Bogeyman. Family dynamics, as always, are problematic for Steph and the end of this particular ‘chapter’ in the Broadbent family is really sad; but onto the story!
A body is found in an arson attack on an old church. Nearby is a hidden box, which holds the clue to the story. Soon after another arson attack occurs and it becomes clear the murders are linked. The story also plays on Stephs childhood memories and fears of fire.
The thing I love about Jacks storytelling is how he evolves; this book, Olivia was the main assistant Detective so more of her character was shown. The chapters are a good length; just short enough to move on but tempting enough at one am to say ‘just one more’!
I thought I had figured out who the killer was; but I was wrong. I used to be able to guess early on in Jacks writing and it became competitive - could he beat me? Yes. The ending tied the story up nicely but no cliffhanger; I do know there is another few books planned though! An excellent read.
December 31, 2025
A new case in Surrey for the Guildford MIT of DI Stephanie Broadbent and DS Devon Lafferty, DS Noah Mackenzie and DCs Fiona Singleton, Olivia Willard and Giles Swinger, and another horror from Steph’s past comes back, this time a fear of fire. And there is still the matter of her half-brother Jordan who popped up in the previous story. While pregnant Kimberley is keen to get to know him, he is shunned by Steph. I do hope he won’t take after his father and uncle, as the sisters really don’t need a third criminal member of the family. Two murdered men. One found in a burnt out barn, the other in a wooden box in an old church also set alight. The men knew each other, the first a property developer being accused of corruption and planning to destroy a church to make way for expensive flats, and the second a site manager. At each scene, there is a tin containing a childhood photo and a quote from the bible. Chillingly, the first photo was of the second victim. Is the second photo a clue as to a third victim? Is there another link to the victims from their early lives and what links them to a killer? With no suspects, time is running out for the team.
Steph is a bit more likeable but still has that reckless streak and is really struggling with her unresolved childhood traumas, although in this story she is forced to seek therapy and does seem to find a miracle cure for one of them. Added to her problems are Kim’s marital issues and her own difficulty accepting Jordan, meaning she finds it hard to be there for everyone and drops the ball from time to time. The rest of the team soldiers on and it was good to see Olivia getting the chance to shine in this case as she has previously been a bit of a dogsbody. The characters still smirk quite a lot (I’m not sure they are meant to be insincere or sarcastic) and Giles’s comments are downright peculiar and out of place at times. I loved the plot but would have liked to have known more detail about the killer’s life at the end of the story which felt a bit lacking. It was easy to guess who the killer was early on in the book but still the suspense remained in the unravelling of the motive.
Steph is a bit more likeable but still has that reckless streak and is really struggling with her unresolved childhood traumas, although in this story she is forced to seek therapy and does seem to find a miracle cure for one of them. Added to her problems are Kim’s marital issues and her own difficulty accepting Jordan, meaning she finds it hard to be there for everyone and drops the ball from time to time. The rest of the team soldiers on and it was good to see Olivia getting the chance to shine in this case as she has previously been a bit of a dogsbody. The characters still smirk quite a lot (I’m not sure they are meant to be insincere or sarcastic) and Giles’s comments are downright peculiar and out of place at times. I loved the plot but would have liked to have known more detail about the killer’s life at the end of the story which felt a bit lacking. It was easy to guess who the killer was early on in the book but still the suspense remained in the unravelling of the motive.
September 26, 2025
Review:
This is the third book in the series and once again it is a cracker. I think Jack’s books are getting darker by the day and this one is no exception.
Stephanie is called out to a charred body, it appears the victim was burnt alive, and this rakes up horrendous memories in her own life, and as the bodies mount up, all burnt to death, she must face her demons to do her job.
Not only has she got to deal with these heinous crimes but her sister is pregnant and I have to say she was pathetic. She irritated the life out of me.
As the book progresses Stephanie has to contend with her half brother who Kimberley insists bringing into the fold but it’s hard for her as he’s the image of her father. She really hasn’t got the time or inclination for more drama in her family.
As to who the culprit was, well that shook me to the core - I didn’t see that coming at all, must be losing my touch.
My thanks to Jack and the publishers for the ARC. MORE PLEASE!!!
This is the third book in the series and once again it is a cracker. I think Jack’s books are getting darker by the day and this one is no exception.
Stephanie is called out to a charred body, it appears the victim was burnt alive, and this rakes up horrendous memories in her own life, and as the bodies mount up, all burnt to death, she must face her demons to do her job.
Not only has she got to deal with these heinous crimes but her sister is pregnant and I have to say she was pathetic. She irritated the life out of me.
As the book progresses Stephanie has to contend with her half brother who Kimberley insists bringing into the fold but it’s hard for her as he’s the image of her father. She really hasn’t got the time or inclination for more drama in her family.
As to who the culprit was, well that shook me to the core - I didn’t see that coming at all, must be losing my touch.
My thanks to Jack and the publishers for the ARC. MORE PLEASE!!!
September 30, 2025
I've grown to love this series featuring DI Stephanie Broadbent. I've thoroughly enjoyed each one, and this is the third in the series.
Even though the other two are wonderfully written, and I never thought they could be beaten, this is the best one yet.
This is well written, gripping, on the edge of the seat, storyline, and plot, with strong, interesting characters. There are revelations and many a twist. It captured me from beginning to end and kept me guessing. Although I did guess right, I soon dismissed the thought, and I certainly had no idea as to why.
As always, the author's descriptive brings the book to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
Even though the other two are wonderfully written, and I never thought they could be beaten, this is the best one yet.
This is well written, gripping, on the edge of the seat, storyline, and plot, with strong, interesting characters. There are revelations and many a twist. It captured me from beginning to end and kept me guessing. Although I did guess right, I soon dismissed the thought, and I certainly had no idea as to why.
As always, the author's descriptive brings the book to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have no hesitation in recommending it.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
September 18, 2025
When remains of a body is found in a old burnt-out church. The victim has been burnt alive. With no clue why? DI Stephanie Broadbent has been tasked with the investigation. The case feels a bit more personal than the last after her own childhood when she survived a fire. There is a race against time before another body turns up.
The Burning man is book 3 in the Stephanie Broadbent series by Jack Probyn and wow the author has outdone himself this time it’s his best one yet. This is an excellent page turner that I couldn’t stop reading until the small hours This is tense, and I felt claustrophobic when I heard of the victim’s fate. It will also keep you guessing to find out who the perpetrator is right up to the end. 5 stars from me.
The Burning man is book 3 in the Stephanie Broadbent series by Jack Probyn and wow the author has outdone himself this time it’s his best one yet. This is an excellent page turner that I couldn’t stop reading until the small hours This is tense, and I felt claustrophobic when I heard of the victim’s fate. It will also keep you guessing to find out who the perpetrator is right up to the end. 5 stars from me.
October 2, 2025
OMG this starts with a bang and does not let up! This time someone is setting people alight and letting them burn. The question is why and what do they all have in common. DI Broadbent is back on the case with the team as they investigate into the dark depths of the past, all the whilst dredging up some bad memories for Stephanie. It’s a gripping read brimming with suspense and chills as the author throws many twists and turns in our path. I will admit I did shed a tear or two towards the end and then BAM! A shocking twist brings us to an end that I did not see coming but with all the clues, I probably should have. Well done to the author, it’s a fantastic addition to this suspenseful series!
January 2, 2026
The Burning Man: A gripping British serial killer thriller with an unbelievable twist (DI Stephanie Broadbent Surrey Hills Crime Thrillers Book 3), my fifteenth read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with a well-developed main character and a 316-page serial killer thriller. Maybe Probyn's best character to date. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. Somehow I've missed reading Death's Scratch: A Chilling Essex Murder Mystery Novel (DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Book 9), it's already on my TBR list.(RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 19, 2025
This was a great read - I just devoured it in one setting it worked so well. I needed to know what was happening to the characters and there was more background to the family dynamics but I am sure there will be more as it progresses.
The crime itself was fascinating and well thought out and worked well. I like how the other police characters are getting more book time.
Another point is that I like how Stephanie is vulnerable and needs validation from her superiors that just adds another layer to the books and makes them stand out from a crowded market.
The crime itself was fascinating and well thought out and worked well. I like how the other police characters are getting more book time.
Another point is that I like how Stephanie is vulnerable and needs validation from her superiors that just adds another layer to the books and makes them stand out from a crowded market.
September 20, 2025
DI Stephanie Broadbent is back, just where we left her. She's railing against getting to know her half brother and Kimberley keeps pushing her on it. Kimberley has troubles of her own (poor woman needs a break!) and is wanting to lean on Steph more and more.
Meanwhile at work, Steph has a serial killer who's burning his victims and he's getting to them faster than the tram can identify possible victims.
Does Steph finally have a love interest in the firefighter, Elias?
If you've not started this series yet, I highly recommend it 📚
Meanwhile at work, Steph has a serial killer who's burning his victims and he's getting to them faster than the tram can identify possible victims.
Does Steph finally have a love interest in the firefighter, Elias?
If you've not started this series yet, I highly recommend it 📚
September 23, 2025
Yet another great read from this author. This series just keeps getting better with each addition to it.
This time, people are being set on fire and killed & it is a struggle to find a link between the victims. Just when DI Broadbent and team think they have found it, the learn they are heading down the wrong path.
Once again the crimes bring back bad memories for Stephanie, which she has to deal with along with other family issues that arise.
This book will be difficult for the reader to put down, and comes complete with a shocking twist & ending.
This time, people are being set on fire and killed & it is a struggle to find a link between the victims. Just when DI Broadbent and team think they have found it, the learn they are heading down the wrong path.
Once again the crimes bring back bad memories for Stephanie, which she has to deal with along with other family issues that arise.
This book will be difficult for the reader to put down, and comes complete with a shocking twist & ending.
September 23, 2025
WOW...this was an edge of your seat read. I don't know what is more stressful, the investigation or Stephanie's issues. She definitely needs some help!!! Great storyline, great characters....I thoroughly enjoyed this book and each book in the series draws me in more. I hope at some point there is some relationship/love interest for Stephanie and her team, I enjoy the books a bit more when there is a bit of life balance for the characters...it just makes them more well rounded and realistic. Keep 'em coming Jack!! :)
December 31, 2025
The third book featuring DI Stephanie Broadbent. A charred body found at an old quarry has Broadbent and her team investigating what could be murder, or could be suicide. But when a second body is found after a fire, it soon becomes apparent murder is afoot.
The team soon discover links between the two victims, but when more fires occur things take a twist, when a church becomes the centre of the investigation.
Meanwhile Broadbent’s family issues continue to build up, with terrible consequences.
The team soon discover links between the two victims, but when more fires occur things take a twist, when a church becomes the centre of the investigation.
Meanwhile Broadbent’s family issues continue to build up, with terrible consequences.
September 22, 2025
Book 3 in the Broadbent series and this is the best yet!
After a fire a body is found but is it an accident or is it murder? Steph and her team are called in to investigate and the scene brings back Steph’s childhood trauma.
More fires occur quite rapidly and the team discover a link. Meanwhile there’s additional trauma in Steph’s personal life, which adds to the tension. Lots of twists and turns in this one and the ending! Oh my, didn’t see that coming. Can’t wait for the next one.
After a fire a body is found but is it an accident or is it murder? Steph and her team are called in to investigate and the scene brings back Steph’s childhood trauma.
More fires occur quite rapidly and the team discover a link. Meanwhile there’s additional trauma in Steph’s personal life, which adds to the tension. Lots of twists and turns in this one and the ending! Oh my, didn’t see that coming. Can’t wait for the next one.
October 6, 2025
The third in the Stephanie Broadbent series, though could be read as a standalone you miss out on a little of the back history and why would you want to do that when the first two books are great reads as well.
Jacks books just get better and better but have always been 5 stars reads for me.
I won’t rehash the storyline but the blurb should be enough to peak your interest, you won’t be disappointed. All I will say is I really didn’t see it coming.
Jacks books just get better and better but have always been 5 stars reads for me.
I won’t rehash the storyline but the blurb should be enough to peak your interest, you won’t be disappointed. All I will say is I really didn’t see it coming.
September 24, 2025
DI Stephanie Broardbent is facing a fear she never thought she would need to face again finding the ashes of a body. Is it obviously being burned alive? A mystery that makes you chill as a very thought of this happening Jack Probyn the author has caught this story just right a good thriller a good mystery who is the culprit
September 23, 2025
This is the third book in the excellent Stephanie Broadbent series. We see her searching for whoever is killing people by burning them alive and follow the story of her family life. No I didn’t work out who had done it until Stephanie had realised, the mark of a good murder-mystery!
September 24, 2025
DI Stephanie Broadbent is in charge of a team investigating a number of deaths by fire. It brings back memories of her childhood and a fire at their house. A race to find a connection between the victims and find the killer. A page turning thriller that I could not put down.
October 6, 2025
You will not want to put this book down
Amazing 3rd book in this series. Jack keeps you on the edge. The descriptive writing is amazing, letting you see what you are reading. All 3 books keep you turning the page ! Another fantastic series of books by the author.
Amazing 3rd book in this series. Jack keeps you on the edge. The descriptive writing is amazing, letting you see what you are reading. All 3 books keep you turning the page ! Another fantastic series of books by the author.
October 10, 2025
DI Stephanie’s past seems to come back when a body is found. How will this all turn out for her. Full of suspense and secrets to grip you. There’s no stopping once you start reading. Another great by a super talented author.
October 12, 2025
The Burning Man
Yet another amazing story from Jack Probyn. Love this series. Keeps me guessing until literally the last couple of chapters. Can’t wait for the new one in January. Am going to read his other series. Hope there as gripping as this one.
Yet another amazing story from Jack Probyn. Love this series. Keeps me guessing until literally the last couple of chapters. Can’t wait for the new one in January. Am going to read his other series. Hope there as gripping as this one.
November 10, 2025
Another great book, very well written and gripping from start to finish. -0.5 stars because I had a very strong suspicion as to who the killer was (and I was right), although I didn’t know the story/why.
4.5 stars rounded down.
4.5 stars rounded down.
November 29, 2025
Gripping
I have read all three books in this series and couldn't put them down each one better than the one before Stephanie and her team are great and I can't wait for the next instalment of this great series
I have read all three books in this series and couldn't put them down each one better than the one before Stephanie and her team are great and I can't wait for the next instalment of this great series
December 29, 2025
Much better plot than Book #2. I don't like Stephanie at times in this installment but at least it didn't focus so much on her eating disorder! I figured out the killer pretty quickly but I was still on the edge of my seat to see how the police finally figured it out.
January 2, 2026
excellent read
Another page turner and would highly recommend any of the DI boradbent books for gritty police drama. A good alternative to authors such as Karin Slaughter and Chris Carter.
Another page turner and would highly recommend any of the DI boradbent books for gritty police drama. A good alternative to authors such as Karin Slaughter and Chris Carter.
September 21, 2025
Great book by one of my favorite others. I recommend his books to everyone I meet.Wonderful book. I couldn't put it down and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
October 1, 2025
Great. Easy reading. Fast paced. Best yet in this series. Can’t wait for the next one and to learn more about the characters.
October 10, 2025
the third in the Broadbent series and easily the best yet. Well worth a read. Definitely highly recommended. Waiting for the next one.
October 26, 2025
Another edge of your seat cracking read. I don’t know how Jack does it but his books just keep getting better and better. Can’t wait for the next one
December 24, 2025
Another good book from jack and another one hard to put down. Thank you jack
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews