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Noughts & Crosses
The game is simple. The consequences are fatal.
Deep in the Surrey Hills, a body is discovered with a game of noughts and crosses carved into their flesh. The victim played the same online game before they died. They lost.
Now DI Stephanie Broadbent and her team must work to stop the killings before more players are marked for death. But as she digs deeper into the twisted mind behind the game, the investigation takes a personal turn — one that threatens to drag her past into the present.
The game has only just begun.
Deep in the Surrey Hills, a body is discovered with a game of noughts and crosses carved into their flesh. The victim played the same online game before they died. They lost.
Now DI Stephanie Broadbent and her team must work to stop the killings before more players are marked for death. But as she digs deeper into the twisted mind behind the game, the investigation takes a personal turn — one that threatens to drag her past into the present.
The game has only just begun.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
33 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Jack Probyn
182 books109 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 10, 2026
I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy this book. I failed to engage with the plot or characters. To be honest this book failed grip me and I DNF'd at about 70%. So sorry if this sounds negative but I prefer honest.
January 31, 2026
I love that these books have a bit more of a darker side than the Tomek series. It’s always very well written and keeps me engrossed throughout. I’m also loving the crossovers between this and Tomek.
I do think we need to move away from the killer having a connection to Steph though as it makes it slightly predictable. Saying that, I still didn’t figure out who the killer was - although in hindsight, maybe I should’ve realised when they were introduced but the red herrings meant I instantly forgot about them.
I do think we need to move away from the killer having a connection to Steph though as it makes it slightly predictable. Saying that, I still didn’t figure out who the killer was - although in hindsight, maybe I should’ve realised when they were introduced but the red herrings meant I instantly forgot about them.
January 4, 2026
A former judge is found dead in Jubilee Square in Woking, strangled and with a bizarre carving of a noughts and crosses game on his back. The Guildford MIT team of DI Stephanie Broadbent and DS Devon Lafferty, DS Noah Mackenzie and DCs Fiona Singleton, Olivia Willard and Giles Swinger immediately look at men who went to prison and were later found innocent but why would they have a grievance against the judge and not the jury who found them guilty? Is there something else in his past to provide the motive for his murder or could it be simply random? A second seemingly unrelated female victim is found soon after, then a third similar death takes the detectives to Essex and onto DS Tomek Bowen’s turf, but still there’s no motive nor any decent suspects. To add to her woes, Steph now has her sister living with her after Kim lost her baby and her marriage broke down. Now she wants to drag Steph to a reunion of people from their childhood foster home, like Steph needs any more reminders of her past! But with Steph’s mind on other matters, she risks losing focus on the investigation and that could prove fatal.
The motive and probable culprit were pretty obvious after the first two victims, and again the suspense lies in seeing if the detectives can put the clues together and uncover him. I was really hoping this one would not have a link to Steph like in the first 3 stories as it’s getting a bit predictable and incredible. Kim has overtaken Steph as the dislikable character in this story as she’s being a complete brat, the characters still smirk a fair bit and Giles’s comments are just as odd as before. The other detectives are great and we’re getting to know them a bit better as time goes on. There’s a good crossover with the far more loveable DS Tomek Bowen and his team in Essex and there’s a clever interesting plot with an exciting finale to keep the reader engrossed.
The motive and probable culprit were pretty obvious after the first two victims, and again the suspense lies in seeing if the detectives can put the clues together and uncover him. I was really hoping this one would not have a link to Steph like in the first 3 stories as it’s getting a bit predictable and incredible. Kim has overtaken Steph as the dislikable character in this story as she’s being a complete brat, the characters still smirk a fair bit and Giles’s comments are just as odd as before. The other detectives are great and we’re getting to know them a bit better as time goes on. There’s a good crossover with the far more loveable DS Tomek Bowen and his team in Essex and there’s a clever interesting plot with an exciting finale to keep the reader engrossed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received as an Advance Reader Copy. Possible spoilers!
DI Stephanie Broadbent is back in the fourth book in this astounding series. The book carries on from the end of The Burning Man, with her sister Kimberley living with her and dealing with the fallout of her marriage and subsequent miscarriage.
Stephanie is called out to a murder scene with a difference; the body has a noughts and crosses game carved on the victim’s body. With no tangible leads, it slowly appears that the victim’s shared a link; but what?
The book then has a nice crossover with DS Bowen, and a follow on from Deaths Past; regular readers will appreciate this!
I don’t want to give too much away; I spotted an Easter egg planted midway through the book and guessed the killer; however in true Jack style, the twists and turns came thick and fast, with some memorable one liners and genuinely laugh out loud moments! This series is a lot darker than his previous novels and as a fan of Chris Carter and MW Craven I love it. It’s well paced and, as with other books in this series, one of the other characters is bought to the front more, which is great. The end twist was a shock; but I had worked out the identity, I wasn’t expecting it to play out the way it did! Jack can always pull a last page shocker and this didn’t disappoint!
DI Stephanie Broadbent is back in the fourth book in this astounding series. The book carries on from the end of The Burning Man, with her sister Kimberley living with her and dealing with the fallout of her marriage and subsequent miscarriage.
Stephanie is called out to a murder scene with a difference; the body has a noughts and crosses game carved on the victim’s body. With no tangible leads, it slowly appears that the victim’s shared a link; but what?
The book then has a nice crossover with DS Bowen, and a follow on from Deaths Past; regular readers will appreciate this!
I don’t want to give too much away; I spotted an Easter egg planted midway through the book and guessed the killer; however in true Jack style, the twists and turns came thick and fast, with some memorable one liners and genuinely laugh out loud moments! This series is a lot darker than his previous novels and as a fan of Chris Carter and MW Craven I love it. It’s well paced and, as with other books in this series, one of the other characters is bought to the front more, which is great. The end twist was a shock; but I had worked out the identity, I wasn’t expecting it to play out the way it did! Jack can always pull a last page shocker and this didn’t disappoint!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Noughts and Crossing is the fourth book in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series by Jack Probyn and another fabulous edition to the series.
When a body is discovered in the hills of Surrey with Noughts and crosses etched in their flesh DI Stephanie Broadbent and her team have a difficult time finding the killer before they strikes again. When another body turns up, they find a link that the two victims were sent an invitation to play an online game of Noughts and Crosses from an Anonymous sender and both victims lost.
In her person life, Stephanie’s sister Kimberley is now living with her after the breakup of her marriage and the loss of her baby. But tensions soon start to rise when Kimberley want to go to a reunion with some of the people that where also residing in the foster care home, they both lived in as children. But Stephanie is not convinced it is a good idea.
Wow What can I say. This is another fabulous read from Jack Probyn full of suspense and action. This time the case is more personal to Stephanie as it is linked to both her and sisters Kimberley’s past. The storyline kept me guessing and guessing and had a few red herrings along the way. I also like how Tomek Bowen was included in the storyline. Maybe they could do another story with a case together? I can’t wait to see what’s next instore for Stephanie. I highly recommend this series. 5 stars from me.
When a body is discovered in the hills of Surrey with Noughts and crosses etched in their flesh DI Stephanie Broadbent and her team have a difficult time finding the killer before they strikes again. When another body turns up, they find a link that the two victims were sent an invitation to play an online game of Noughts and Crosses from an Anonymous sender and both victims lost.
In her person life, Stephanie’s sister Kimberley is now living with her after the breakup of her marriage and the loss of her baby. But tensions soon start to rise when Kimberley want to go to a reunion with some of the people that where also residing in the foster care home, they both lived in as children. But Stephanie is not convinced it is a good idea.
Wow What can I say. This is another fabulous read from Jack Probyn full of suspense and action. This time the case is more personal to Stephanie as it is linked to both her and sisters Kimberley’s past. The storyline kept me guessing and guessing and had a few red herrings along the way. I also like how Tomek Bowen was included in the storyline. Maybe they could do another story with a case together? I can’t wait to see what’s next instore for Stephanie. I highly recommend this series. 5 stars from me.
December 30, 2025
It was great to be back with Stephanie and her team in this new thriller by Jack.
It starts off with a body being found in the Surrey Hills with the game of noughts and crosses etched into their skin.
As Stephanie digs deeper into this morbid crime, it appears it won’t be the last, and she begins to think it’s someone she may have come across in her past. Coupled with these heinous crimes, she has her pathetic sister to contend with, who I’m afraid tried my patience on more than one occasion. I felt like giving her a good shake!!
After another body is found in similar circumstances in the next county of Essex we get a crossover with Tomek Bowen, who is my favourite. I absolutely adore him and his team and the two forces are thrown together to catch this murderer.
What follows is a race against time with more bodies being found, and it begins to get personal for Stephanie. Can she get the killer before any
more lives are lost? Who is it, and why are they after revenge?
This book was so exciting I raced through it in a day and wasn’t disappointed. Another fabulous edition to the series and a lot darker than the previous ones.
My thanks to Jack and the publishers for the ARC.
It starts off with a body being found in the Surrey Hills with the game of noughts and crosses etched into their skin.
As Stephanie digs deeper into this morbid crime, it appears it won’t be the last, and she begins to think it’s someone she may have come across in her past. Coupled with these heinous crimes, she has her pathetic sister to contend with, who I’m afraid tried my patience on more than one occasion. I felt like giving her a good shake!!
After another body is found in similar circumstances in the next county of Essex we get a crossover with Tomek Bowen, who is my favourite. I absolutely adore him and his team and the two forces are thrown together to catch this murderer.
What follows is a race against time with more bodies being found, and it begins to get personal for Stephanie. Can she get the killer before any
more lives are lost? Who is it, and why are they after revenge?
This book was so exciting I raced through it in a day and wasn’t disappointed. Another fabulous edition to the series and a lot darker than the previous ones.
My thanks to Jack and the publishers for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book 4 in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series. It's a thoroughly enjoyable, gripping read from start to finish. It's one of those books you are reluctant to put down, and if you do, you can't wait to pick it up and find out what's happening.
At times, I was not only sitting on the edge of my seat but practically fallen off it and holding my breath in anticipation.
It's a well written, tense, gripping read, which keeps you guessing all the way through. I did at one point guess who it was but soon dismissed the idea of being a red herring.
Thereagain I would never have got the reason right.
There are strong, interesting characters, surprising revelations, and a roller-coaster of twists until that final twist of an ending.
An absolutely brilliant book, you just don't want to miss.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
At times, I was not only sitting on the edge of my seat but practically fallen off it and holding my breath in anticipation.
It's a well written, tense, gripping read, which keeps you guessing all the way through. I did at one point guess who it was but soon dismissed the idea of being a red herring.
Thereagain I would never have got the reason right.
There are strong, interesting characters, surprising revelations, and a roller-coaster of twists until that final twist of an ending.
An absolutely brilliant book, you just don't want to miss.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
December 31, 2025
Noughts & Crosses: A gripping serial killer with a shocking twist (DI Stephanie Broadbent Surrey Hills Crime Thrillers Book 4), my fourteenth read from author Jack Probyn. Well-written with a well-developed main character and a 401-page crime thriller. Maybe Probyn's best character to date and he's applying his character development skills to some other characters in this book as well with DS Tomek Bowen making an extended appearance. “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 The Burning Man: A gripping British serial killer thriller with an unbelievable twist (DI Stephanie Broadbent Surrey Hills Crime Thrillers Book 3) so it's time to go out and read it, it's already on my TBR list.(RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
February 28, 2026
Who's for a deadly game of noughts and crosses?
Who would link so many people with simple a game of noughts and crosses that has only one ending... murder! This is a complex and twisting story that brings in help from her old friend tomak in Essex, when they also have a victim that originally came from Surrey,
We're led towards someone who arrives back into the lives of both Stephanie and kimberley, as the person of interest, after a evening out for kimberley and him leaves her devastated after being attacked, all this ends in both Stephanie and Clive being abducted, not by the man they thought but one who is seeking 'justice' for all those he thinks didn't help him years before.
I shed a few tears at the end of this fantastic book,
As it gripped my imagination so much, wirh no doubt that it deserves the 5🌟 given
Who would link so many people with simple a game of noughts and crosses that has only one ending... murder! This is a complex and twisting story that brings in help from her old friend tomak in Essex, when they also have a victim that originally came from Surrey,
We're led towards someone who arrives back into the lives of both Stephanie and kimberley, as the person of interest, after a evening out for kimberley and him leaves her devastated after being attacked, all this ends in both Stephanie and Clive being abducted, not by the man they thought but one who is seeking 'justice' for all those he thinks didn't help him years before.
I shed a few tears at the end of this fantastic book,
As it gripped my imagination so much, wirh no doubt that it deserves the 5🌟 given
January 1, 2026
Wow this one really gave me chills! We have a body found with the child’s game of noughts and crosses carved into it and it has DI Broadbent and the team baffled. It’s dark and cold and there are no clues as to why and then another body drops and they really have their work cut out for them with this one. Twists and turns grab you and have you hooked and on the edge of your seat as we follow the evidence and also head out to see some old friends for assistance. Things take a personal turn that you will not see coming and an ending that will have your jaw hitting the floor as we make the connections and tears will fall. It’s thrilling, it’s suspenseful, it’s gripping and it’s fast paced as we join the team and their investigation to the very deadly end.
December 26, 2025
This is the 4th book in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series
A body is found with noughts and crosses etched on their body, Stephanie and her team have to solve the crime before it happens again.
Due to personal circumstances from the previous book, Stephanie's sister is living with her which adds more complications to her life. They attend a reunion with people from the foster home they lived in and this could turn out to be a bad decision.
There is a great crossover with the Character Tomek Bowen who is from a different series of books written by Jack Probyn, definitely recommend them too!
Lots of twists and turns in this book that keeps you interested, looking forward to the next one.
A body is found with noughts and crosses etched on their body, Stephanie and her team have to solve the crime before it happens again.
Due to personal circumstances from the previous book, Stephanie's sister is living with her which adds more complications to her life. They attend a reunion with people from the foster home they lived in and this could turn out to be a bad decision.
There is a great crossover with the Character Tomek Bowen who is from a different series of books written by Jack Probyn, definitely recommend them too!
Lots of twists and turns in this book that keeps you interested, looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well Stephanie certainly has her hands full in this 'adventure.' A couple shocking twists (in my view) but of course I won't divulge those because it might spoil the book for some.
The action is rapid and the investigation into the killings is complex, if not a bit strange while the detectives attempt to determine a motive and identify the killer. It takes the efforts of the entire time and their diligence to solve this one.
This book is definitely up to the author's high standard and well work the read!
The action is rapid and the investigation into the killings is complex, if not a bit strange while the detectives attempt to determine a motive and identify the killer. It takes the efforts of the entire time and their diligence to solve this one.
This book is definitely up to the author's high standard and well work the read!
December 30, 2025
Number 4 in the Broadbent series and its full of twists and turns.
A serial killer is at large on DI Broadbents patch and he’s really leaving his mark! Each victim is found with a game of noughts & crosses carved into their flesh and it’s up to Steph and team to catch them.
As each murder is discovered the team frantically try to find a link and the mystery deepens when a body turns up on DS Tomeks patch. Add into the mix that Steph’s personal life is thrown into chaos by an attack on her sister which may or may not be related! Couldn’t put it down and that ending, didn’t see that coming.
A serial killer is at large on DI Broadbents patch and he’s really leaving his mark! Each victim is found with a game of noughts & crosses carved into their flesh and it’s up to Steph and team to catch them.
As each murder is discovered the team frantically try to find a link and the mystery deepens when a body turns up on DS Tomeks patch. Add into the mix that Steph’s personal life is thrown into chaos by an attack on her sister which may or may not be related! Couldn’t put it down and that ending, didn’t see that coming.
January 3, 2026
The fourth book featuring DI Stephanie Broadbent. A series of bodies start appearing across parts of Surrey and Essex, each body has noughts and crosses carved into the skin. The common factor, each victim played an online game prior to their death…..
It’s up to Broadbent and her team to dig into their pasts to find the all important connection. When Kim persuades Steph to attend a reunion for the foster home they both lived in, the consequences are dire for both in different ways….
A real page turner.
It’s up to Broadbent and her team to dig into their pasts to find the all important connection. When Kim persuades Steph to attend a reunion for the foster home they both lived in, the consequences are dire for both in different ways….
A real page turner.
January 3, 2026
This is the fourth book in the Stephanie broadbent series and wasn’t the best of them but still a good read . I did find after the first chapter it was a slow burn for awhile until just after half way when it ramped back up again . I will say I nearly gave up on it but glad I didn’t . Yet again Stephanie’s past comes back to haunt her and she is a victim in the serial killers evil plot . Things sadly don’t get much better for her sister Kimberly as she suffered another trauma .
Looking forward to what book 5 Sticks and stones brings .
Will recommend teading in order
Looking forward to what book 5 Sticks and stones brings .
Will recommend teading in order
Review of advance copy received from Author
Woah this was a great read, couldn't put it down. DI Stephanie Broadbent and her crew, her past and her troubled sister really keep things happening. I love this series and how Tomek pops up as well, love it. This really kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I would recommend that if you haven't started this series that you get all 4 books and start reading. Great series Jack, keep 'em coming!!
December 31, 2025
I was eagerly awaiting this, the fourth instalment in the DI Stephanie Briadbent series, and it truly didn’t disappoint. A serial killer is on the loose and it’s up to Stephanie and her team to find them. This book also has a cross-over with another superb Jack Probyn series featuring DS Tomek Bowen, which added another dimension to the storyline. All in all a brilliant read
Review of advance copy
Another gripping book from Jack. Lots of twists and turns and a red herring. No spoilers but I loved the way that the two series overlapped, bringing Jack and Stephanie together. Very cleverly done. I wonder where these two will go next? Can't wait for the next book in either series.
December 30, 2025
Another great read from the author in his DI Stephanie Broadbent series.
Always well written storylines that hold my interest and keep me intrigued as to where we are going and what will happen next.
I won’t rehash the storyline for my review, but read the blurb and know you won’t be disappointed.
Always well written storylines that hold my interest and keep me intrigued as to where we are going and what will happen next.
I won’t rehash the storyline for my review, but read the blurb and know you won’t be disappointed.
December 31, 2025
A number of bodies found with the game noughts and crosses cut into their bodies. A serial killer playing a game on the victims' bodies. Stephanie Broadbent and her team are working to find the killer. A fast-paced thriller.
January 1, 2026
Wow what a fantastic story from Jack, and his best in the series so far. I really enjoyed this book and would give it way more than 5 stars if I could. Defineately highly recommended, and definetly worth a read.
January 3, 2026
What an amazing book, full of suspense and surprises. Who committed this awful murder and why. If anyone can solve this case, Stephanie is the one that will do it. Definitely needs to be read as quickly as possible so that you can be ready for the next case.
January 4, 2026
What a great book. I couldn't figure it out until the end. I was drawn into the story from beginning to end. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review. Even though I recommend reading the whole series, this could be read as a standalone.
January 31, 2026
another cracking read
Absolutely love Jack’s books and following the dramas of DI braodbent is a guilty pleasure on a cold and miserable January evening. Loved how Tomek and Stephs’ worlds collide.
Absolutely love Jack’s books and following the dramas of DI braodbent is a guilty pleasure on a cold and miserable January evening. Loved how Tomek and Stephs’ worlds collide.
January 2, 2026
I was blindsided by this ending! Wow!
January 6, 2026
His books are getting better and better! Really enjoyed this one and can't wait to read his next book !! Keep up the good work Jack :-)
January 6, 2026
The best so far!
I don’t want to say too much to spoil for anyone but, what a book!! Loving the series and this was the first to bring me to tears. Keep them coming!!
I don’t want to say too much to spoil for anyone but, what a book!! Loving the series and this was the first to bring me to tears. Keep them coming!!
January 20, 2026
just gets better
I love reading Jack Probyn books, they just get better and better, I’ve pre ordered my next one, can’t wait, trouble is I read them too fast 😳
I love reading Jack Probyn books, they just get better and better, I’ve pre ordered my next one, can’t wait, trouble is I read them too fast 😳
January 10, 2026
Noughts and crosses engraved into the body of someone who has been murdered. This is the problem facing Stephanie Broadbent in another excellent story from Jack Probyn. The story held my attention throughout and deserves 5 stars out of 5.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews