El Hombre en Llamas: Un escalofriante thriller policial con un giro impactante (La Inspectora Stephanie Broadbent: Serie de Thrillers Policíacos nº 3)

DI Stephanie Broadbent #3

by Jack Probyn

Cuando se encuentran los restos calcinados de un cuerpo en las pintorescas colinas de Surrey, se reaviva el trauma del pasado de la inspectora Stephanie Broadbent.

La víctima ha sido quemada viva. Sin pistas. Sin testigos. Pronto toda pista se reduce a cenizas.

Cuando aparece otro cadáver, Stephanie descubre una conexión que amenaza con prender fuego al mundo—y a más cuerpos—.

Si quiere atrapar al asesino, tendrá que meterse en las llamas y enfrentarse a su miedo.

Genres: Thriller

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 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

[Helen Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 📚

[MIKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lindy Protzek · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!! :)

[Janet S · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sheila Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Maxine Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[angie sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[margaret biggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ms Amanda Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great. Easy reading. Fast paced. Best yet in this series. Can’t wait for the next one and to learn more about the characters.

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

the third in the Broadbent series and easily the best yet. Well worth a read. Definitely highly recommended. Waiting for the next one.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Charlotte Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book from jack and another one hard to put down. Thank you jack

[Annette Hoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in the DI Stephanie Broadbent serial killer series.
Charred remains of a body are found in the quaint Surrey Hills, and more fires follow.
Lots and twists and turns for the team, who are working well together now, to discover the reason for this, it has a clever ending.
Throughout this Steph is dealing with childhood trauma and has to find a way to deal with this.
Very tense and fast moving story, definitely recommend reading the series.