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Jake Pettman #4
De Rotte Kern
A damaged ex-detective. A pastor hellbent on change. A hidden community born from violence. And a mysterious young woman whose life hangs in the balance. Determined to hide himself from a world that has given him only pain, ex-detective Sergeant Jake Pettman plans to stay on the move. That is, until he happens upon Mossbark County and the mysterious young woman, Celestia. Following a brutal murder, he fails to silence his old police instincts, and his desire for answers lead him into the Nucleus. A sinister, hidden community with a savage history. And what Jake finds there, will shake him to the very core. The Rotten Core is an adrenaline-pumping crime thriller from the Amazon bestselling author of One Last Prayer for the Rays, The Killing Pit and the DCI Yorke series. Perfect for fans of Chris Carter, James Patterson, Chris Brookmyre, and Stuart Macbride.
292 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2025
197 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Wes Markin
33 books224 followersBe sure to follow Wes on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/3tFWIHL
Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.
Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 19, 2025
I enjoyed this installment of the Jake Pettman saga! The Rotten Core delivers the kind of gritty, dark thriller I’ve come to expect from Markin, albeit it wasnt perfect for me.
The atmosphere is thick and menacing. Pettman’s world is still bruised, still haunted, and when he stumbles into Mossbark County, the sense of dread is tangible.
Markin doesn’t shy away from violence or the uglier corners of human nature and this means the stakes felt real, which I appreciated.
The pacing was good in this one, there are moments where you feel the tension build, the revelations come in decent measure, and you’re kept from breathing easy until the end.
What didn’t completely land for me was that while the hidden community premise is intriguing, the specificity of that setting occasionally felt under-explored. I wanted more of what made “the Nucleus” unique (and horrifying) rather than a handful of scenes.
Some of the plot twists felt predictable if you’ve read a lot of crime thrillers, which was disappointing.
If you’re a fan of Markin’s work you’ll find much to enjoy here.
The atmosphere is thick and menacing. Pettman’s world is still bruised, still haunted, and when he stumbles into Mossbark County, the sense of dread is tangible.
Markin doesn’t shy away from violence or the uglier corners of human nature and this means the stakes felt real, which I appreciated.
The pacing was good in this one, there are moments where you feel the tension build, the revelations come in decent measure, and you’re kept from breathing easy until the end.
What didn’t completely land for me was that while the hidden community premise is intriguing, the specificity of that setting occasionally felt under-explored. I wanted more of what made “the Nucleus” unique (and horrifying) rather than a handful of scenes.
Some of the plot twists felt predictable if you’ve read a lot of crime thrillers, which was disappointing.
If you’re a fan of Markin’s work you’ll find much to enjoy here.
February 6, 2022
Wow this is the first book i have read by this author and i loved it....
I need to go start book 1 now even though this is book 4 i still really enjoyed it....
Jake Pettman an ex UK detective he comes across a small town where he meets celestia her father is the head of a cult all is not as it seems....
Its a great story a bit gory in places but all added to it.....And what can i say about the rats nightmare time.....
Great book wonderful author.
I need to go start book 1 now even though this is book 4 i still really enjoyed it....
Jake Pettman an ex UK detective he comes across a small town where he meets celestia her father is the head of a cult all is not as it seems....
Its a great story a bit gory in places but all added to it.....And what can i say about the rats nightmare time.....
Great book wonderful author.
February 14, 2022
This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Vivid descriptions. Kept me captivated from the first page to the last.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
March 30, 2022
This was a fast paced book. An interesting read
I have read a few of the authors books, and they never disappoint.
Many thank to TBC and the author for a chance to read this
I have read a few of the authors books, and they never disappoint.
Many thank to TBC and the author for a chance to read this
February 18, 2022
I picked it up and I put it down. Repeated.
I love a Jake Pettman instalment but the hook wasn’t there for me in this one, as it was set in a past I don’t enjoy. That old America with an insular community kinda vibe. Think Deliverance and you’ll be there.
However, I am glad I tried again because the book doesn’t disappoint. The history is there for a reason. I soon settled down into a tale full of intriguing characters and a story which follows Jake out of Blue Falls and into a den of anger, hate and control. Some people just can’t walk away from that.
I love a Jake Pettman instalment but the hook wasn’t there for me in this one, as it was set in a past I don’t enjoy. That old America with an insular community kinda vibe. Think Deliverance and you’ll be there.
However, I am glad I tried again because the book doesn’t disappoint. The history is there for a reason. I soon settled down into a tale full of intriguing characters and a story which follows Jake out of Blue Falls and into a den of anger, hate and control. Some people just can’t walk away from that.
December 30, 2021
This series so far has been incredible, and getting better and better.
This however, well wow. I have no idea where this sprung from. Wes has taken Jake out of Blue Falls after the chaos as a result of taking out some nasty characters in a book that was part of my top 12 in 2021.
The book opens in the 1800s, and the consequences of a young boy that is a thief and breaks into a strange guys house. This sets the precedent for the rest of the book. Hamlin, the young boy, is remembered throughout.
He turns up in a strange town with Logan, a rig driver, and decides to stay a day or two, until he meets Celestia. She is a teenager, who is clearly rebelling, long nails, black clothing, and make up. They chat back and forth about films and spend an enjoyable afternoon in each others company.
The odd thing is, everyone keeps telling Jake to leave for his own good, but Jake being Jake, doesn't!
At the centre of all this is The Rotten Core or the Nucleus. A cult basically, run by Celestias dad, Merithew (such a cool name)
I don't know what Wes was going through when he wrote this, but he has ramped the horror right up. Mainly with rats, so many rats. Not quite as bad as James Herbert's trilogy, but very very reminiscent. That is also a massive compliment to Wes's writing as Herbert was arguably one of the best of the genre.
Some scenes are vile, but effective.
The story is still set in America, and the small town vibe, the streets and slightly odd characters are all nailed.
Jake accidentally befriends Logan and their growing relationship is an absolute joy to read.
The back and forth between Jake and Celestia is also lovely, just two people lost in the world finally having a normal conversation. You can understand where Celestia's angst comes from, just from being a teenager, let along living in the world she does.
The peripheral characters all have a part to play and each is vital to the story, and some you root for and some you really hope come to a horrific end.
Then Wes, the absolute tease that he is, doesn't forget the reason Jake is on the run, and reminds us there is still action in the UK, and there are various unanswered questions.
I seem to keep saying it better not be too long until the next book as I need to know the answers!
This however, well wow. I have no idea where this sprung from. Wes has taken Jake out of Blue Falls after the chaos as a result of taking out some nasty characters in a book that was part of my top 12 in 2021.
The book opens in the 1800s, and the consequences of a young boy that is a thief and breaks into a strange guys house. This sets the precedent for the rest of the book. Hamlin, the young boy, is remembered throughout.
He turns up in a strange town with Logan, a rig driver, and decides to stay a day or two, until he meets Celestia. She is a teenager, who is clearly rebelling, long nails, black clothing, and make up. They chat back and forth about films and spend an enjoyable afternoon in each others company.
The odd thing is, everyone keeps telling Jake to leave for his own good, but Jake being Jake, doesn't!
At the centre of all this is The Rotten Core or the Nucleus. A cult basically, run by Celestias dad, Merithew (such a cool name)
I don't know what Wes was going through when he wrote this, but he has ramped the horror right up. Mainly with rats, so many rats. Not quite as bad as James Herbert's trilogy, but very very reminiscent. That is also a massive compliment to Wes's writing as Herbert was arguably one of the best of the genre.
Some scenes are vile, but effective.
The story is still set in America, and the small town vibe, the streets and slightly odd characters are all nailed.
Jake accidentally befriends Logan and their growing relationship is an absolute joy to read.
The back and forth between Jake and Celestia is also lovely, just two people lost in the world finally having a normal conversation. You can understand where Celestia's angst comes from, just from being a teenager, let along living in the world she does.
The peripheral characters all have a part to play and each is vital to the story, and some you root for and some you really hope come to a horrific end.
Then Wes, the absolute tease that he is, doesn't forget the reason Jake is on the run, and reminds us there is still action in the UK, and there are various unanswered questions.
I seem to keep saying it better not be too long until the next book as I need to know the answers!
January 31, 2022
Obviously, this being book 4, for full enjoyment, please do start from book one and read in order. Jake is, well, a tad complex, with a bit of a backstory. In fact, you could do yourself a big favour and read the author's Michael Yorke series which features Jake and which will better explain why and how he finds himself stateside.
So, housekeeping over... let's talk about the rats. Ugh, shudder. Nasty. And quite graphic too. But if you can read beyond the scratchy, bitey, critters, you'll find one heck of a story. Jake has left Blue Falls after ensuing enough chaos there to last a lifetime. But, as you will soon find out, it's a bit outta the fry-pan, into the fire kinda run he now goes on when he ends up in Mossbark County and soon realises that he is not really that welcome. Well, if that's not a red rag to this bull... And so begins a tale of a hidden community, one with rather dubious standards and ethics. And a young teen who needs help. And then there's Jake's past which is soon becoming his present. Buckle up... you're in for a wild ride!
I love this series. I loved the previous series too if you didn't already notice. There is something about this author's writing style that really just gels with me. Oh and his taste in real ale isn't too shabby either. But I digress, although it is kinda important! Where was I? Oh yes, his style. His no nonsense, no padding or waffle, style which means that the story gets on with itself very well with little distraction. Ok so it's a bit graphic but nothing too much to handle, even though I do admit to stepping back from the rats momentarily!
Characters are well drawn and all act accordingly. Even Jake who is a bit of a wrong-un manages to elicit sympathy from me, totally against my better judgement, reap and sow and all that!
All in all, the real deal, the complete package. Only downside is when I realise I am at the end and have to wait for the next one. Sigh...!
So, housekeeping over... let's talk about the rats. Ugh, shudder. Nasty. And quite graphic too. But if you can read beyond the scratchy, bitey, critters, you'll find one heck of a story. Jake has left Blue Falls after ensuing enough chaos there to last a lifetime. But, as you will soon find out, it's a bit outta the fry-pan, into the fire kinda run he now goes on when he ends up in Mossbark County and soon realises that he is not really that welcome. Well, if that's not a red rag to this bull... And so begins a tale of a hidden community, one with rather dubious standards and ethics. And a young teen who needs help. And then there's Jake's past which is soon becoming his present. Buckle up... you're in for a wild ride!
I love this series. I loved the previous series too if you didn't already notice. There is something about this author's writing style that really just gels with me. Oh and his taste in real ale isn't too shabby either. But I digress, although it is kinda important! Where was I? Oh yes, his style. His no nonsense, no padding or waffle, style which means that the story gets on with itself very well with little distraction. Ok so it's a bit graphic but nothing too much to handle, even though I do admit to stepping back from the rats momentarily!
Characters are well drawn and all act accordingly. Even Jake who is a bit of a wrong-un manages to elicit sympathy from me, totally against my better judgement, reap and sow and all that!
All in all, the real deal, the complete package. Only downside is when I realise I am at the end and have to wait for the next one. Sigh...!
January 16, 2022
Wes Markin has done it again, this is a gut wrenching, stomaching turning thriller of a read
Jake Pettman is a good man, a good man with a knack for getting into serious trouble, but for all the right reasons. After leaving Blue Falls, Jake finds himself in Mossbark County after hitching a ride with Logan, a trucker, who at first seems less than endearing but certainly grows on you. A chance meeting with a troubled teen called Celestia, and a pleasant afternoon talking about films should be the extent of Jake's experience of Mossbark County, after all everyone keeps telling him he should leave. But then when did Jake ever do what he's told?
Jake's detective instincts have him searching for answers, answers to a secret community hidden from the world, a community whose origins were bloody and disturbing. Celestia is the daughter of the cult's leader, Merithew, but she seems so at odds with the philosophy of The Nucleus.
How will the story play out? And how will the members of the organised crime group who Jake worked for wreak their revenge? After the events in Blue Falls will they continue their hunt for Jake.
This is a novel filled with gore, the rats are a particularly nasty addition to the story, but the gore isn't gratuitous and only adds to the menace of the story.
All I can ask is what does Wes Markin have in store for jake Pettman next?
I received an advance reader copy of this novel from the author and am voluntarily submitting my review
Jake Pettman is a good man, a good man with a knack for getting into serious trouble, but for all the right reasons. After leaving Blue Falls, Jake finds himself in Mossbark County after hitching a ride with Logan, a trucker, who at first seems less than endearing but certainly grows on you. A chance meeting with a troubled teen called Celestia, and a pleasant afternoon talking about films should be the extent of Jake's experience of Mossbark County, after all everyone keeps telling him he should leave. But then when did Jake ever do what he's told?
Jake's detective instincts have him searching for answers, answers to a secret community hidden from the world, a community whose origins were bloody and disturbing. Celestia is the daughter of the cult's leader, Merithew, but she seems so at odds with the philosophy of The Nucleus.
How will the story play out? And how will the members of the organised crime group who Jake worked for wreak their revenge? After the events in Blue Falls will they continue their hunt for Jake.
This is a novel filled with gore, the rats are a particularly nasty addition to the story, but the gore isn't gratuitous and only adds to the menace of the story.
All I can ask is what does Wes Markin have in store for jake Pettman next?
I received an advance reader copy of this novel from the author and am voluntarily submitting my review
January 1, 2022
Wow! I'm absolutely gobsmacked with this. It's the fourth book in the Jake Pettman series which is absolutely brilliant but can be read as a standalone.
Jake gets a ride with a guy Logan and ends up in a quiet place with no people around yet there are plenty of signs of wealth. He immediately is warned to leave but strikes up a conversation with Celestia, a teenage girl who seems totally out of sync with her surroundings. When he witnesses the murder of a pastor, he is immediately ignored by the local sheriff who has decided this is just a drunken hit and run. Jake is then determined to stay to find out what exactly is going on in the town and who exactly the Nucleus are and what they do.
This is as usual, a non-stop thrilling ride of a story. I like the character of Celestia and even Logan, the driver, grows on you as the book goes on. If you are familiar with these stories, you expect a lot of violence and gore but this one takes it to a completely other level. In fact, it is downright horrific and I found myself trying to read this through closed eyes and a huge wince on my face. Definitely not one for the faint-hearted and it may not appeal to a lot of people. I'm not one of those though!
Can't wait to see what more horrific events Jake ends up entwined in.
Jake gets a ride with a guy Logan and ends up in a quiet place with no people around yet there are plenty of signs of wealth. He immediately is warned to leave but strikes up a conversation with Celestia, a teenage girl who seems totally out of sync with her surroundings. When he witnesses the murder of a pastor, he is immediately ignored by the local sheriff who has decided this is just a drunken hit and run. Jake is then determined to stay to find out what exactly is going on in the town and who exactly the Nucleus are and what they do.
This is as usual, a non-stop thrilling ride of a story. I like the character of Celestia and even Logan, the driver, grows on you as the book goes on. If you are familiar with these stories, you expect a lot of violence and gore but this one takes it to a completely other level. In fact, it is downright horrific and I found myself trying to read this through closed eyes and a huge wince on my face. Definitely not one for the faint-hearted and it may not appeal to a lot of people. I'm not one of those though!
Can't wait to see what more horrific events Jake ends up entwined in.
January 31, 2022
What a brilliant book! The fourth in the Jake Pettman series but it would read well on its own. However, if you want to know why Jake is like he is, then start at the beginning with the Killing Pit.
The book starts in the 1800s, setting the scene for what happens now. Atmospheric writing with sadistic & precise descriptions- you are there. You can feel it. You can smell it.
Going forward in time, Jake is constantly on the move, not on the run exactly but some unpleasant people are after him. He finds himself in Mossbank County - a peculiar town which appears to have wealth but very few residents.
Jake witnesses a brutal murder but all are in denial, including the sheriff, but he can’t shake off his police background & inherent need to follow his gut feelings. He also befriends a local girl, Celestia, who is as much an outsider as he is.
Jake’s persistence, & friendship with the girl, gets him noticed & leads him to the Nucleus. A mysterious & secretive community who have an extremely savage past. They’re called the Rotten Core by the locals, with good reason.
Dark & fast-paced, this was a fantastic read. However, I feel I should warn you it is very graphic in places &, if you don’t like rats, don’t read it.
I can’t wait for the next one, particularly as Jake has a dilemma to resolve. Highly recommended.
The book starts in the 1800s, setting the scene for what happens now. Atmospheric writing with sadistic & precise descriptions- you are there. You can feel it. You can smell it.
Going forward in time, Jake is constantly on the move, not on the run exactly but some unpleasant people are after him. He finds himself in Mossbank County - a peculiar town which appears to have wealth but very few residents.
Jake witnesses a brutal murder but all are in denial, including the sheriff, but he can’t shake off his police background & inherent need to follow his gut feelings. He also befriends a local girl, Celestia, who is as much an outsider as he is.
Jake’s persistence, & friendship with the girl, gets him noticed & leads him to the Nucleus. A mysterious & secretive community who have an extremely savage past. They’re called the Rotten Core by the locals, with good reason.
Dark & fast-paced, this was a fantastic read. However, I feel I should warn you it is very graphic in places &, if you don’t like rats, don’t read it.
I can’t wait for the next one, particularly as Jake has a dilemma to resolve. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2022
Book four in the Jake Pettman and this is dark and very gory, pretty much hit my gore limit with this one. If you don’t like rats then be prepared; these are not your normal rats. Having moved on from Blue Falls Jake is now in small town America, but a very strange one; this could easily be read as a stand-alone. Well written as always with some great new characters; I particularly loved Celestia and Logan.
Briefly, the story starts in the 1800 when a young boy is killed in a horrible way; but his death will not be forgotten. Jake, having hitched a lift with Logan, was only passing through but the manner of the inhabitants after he witnesses a man hit by a car and his meeting with Celestia have started that darn itch and he needs to scratch it. As he investigates he finds the Nucleus (The Rotten Core) a cult with some horrendous practices.
This is another shocking offering from the master of horror. Just when you think he has reaches the pits of depravity he comes up with something worse. And the ending just reminds us of the back story; Jake is running and hiding from his past in the UK but is it about to catch up with him. Addictive reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, the story starts in the 1800 when a young boy is killed in a horrible way; but his death will not be forgotten. Jake, having hitched a lift with Logan, was only passing through but the manner of the inhabitants after he witnesses a man hit by a car and his meeting with Celestia have started that darn itch and he needs to scratch it. As he investigates he finds the Nucleus (The Rotten Core) a cult with some horrendous practices.
This is another shocking offering from the master of horror. Just when you think he has reaches the pits of depravity he comes up with something worse. And the ending just reminds us of the back story; Jake is running and hiding from his past in the UK but is it about to catch up with him. Addictive reading ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 7, 2022
The feeling I had whilst reading The Rotten Core, reminded me of the first book in this series, The Killing Pit… It was non stop action, scene, after scene, building up into such a crescendo I wasn’t sure I wanted to read the outcome, there are some very bad furry villains Jake Comes up against, where does Wes Markin come up with his plot line?, his imagination has no limits, this time Jake hitches a lift after leaving Blue Falls and ends up in Mossbark County, another small rural town with a disturbing history and a fragile alliance with The Nucleus, a community of people living off the grid, who resort to drastic and inhuman ways for the survival of future generations, for the townspeople daily life is based on fear and turning a blind eye. But then Jake arrives, he witnesses a deliberate hit and run, and you know Jake, he doesn’t back down that easily. I just hope he is writing book 5, otherwise I will be a very unhappy person after the ending I have just read. At times a real stomach churning, thrilling read. Just brilliant.
February 8, 2022
The rotten core by Wes Markin.
A Jake Pettman thriller book 4.
A damaged ex-detective. A pastor hellbent on change. A hidden community born from violence. And a mysterious young woman whose life hangs in the balance.Determined to hide himself from a world that has given him only pain, ex-detective Sergeant Jake Pettman plans to stay on the move. That is, until he happens upon Mossbark County and the mysterious young woman, Celestia. Following a brutal murder, he fails to silence his old police instincts, and his desire for answers lead him into the Nucleus. A sinister, hidden community with a savage history.And what Jake finds there, will shake him to the very core.
A very good read with good characters. Likeable story. I do like this author and series. I love Jake. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
A Jake Pettman thriller book 4.
A damaged ex-detective. A pastor hellbent on change. A hidden community born from violence. And a mysterious young woman whose life hangs in the balance.Determined to hide himself from a world that has given him only pain, ex-detective Sergeant Jake Pettman plans to stay on the move. That is, until he happens upon Mossbark County and the mysterious young woman, Celestia. Following a brutal murder, he fails to silence his old police instincts, and his desire for answers lead him into the Nucleus. A sinister, hidden community with a savage history.And what Jake finds there, will shake him to the very core.
A very good read with good characters. Likeable story. I do like this author and series. I love Jake. I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*.
January 1, 2022
Hold on to your stomach while reading this! Very gory! Jake Pettman hitches a ride with an ill mannered lorry driver (but needs must!) named Logan. I didn't like Logan at first but what a great character he is. On reaching their destination Jake befriends a young lady, Celestia. They hit it off, but she seemed troubled. Unbeknown to him she is the daughter of the leader of a cult. A cult that is having leadership problems and things start to go very wrong, very wrong indeed. Jake can see that his new found friend Celestia is in need of his help but with the locals warning him to leave his resolve to help only strengthens. A gritty chilling read that will have your toes curling tight and sending shivers down your spine. A great addition to an excellent series.
February 10, 2024
Have read 4 of the 5 in this series and they average a 3.
The protagonist is another reacher clone "The drifter former law enforcement officer who can't let go."
Difference being, Reacher has a bit more charisma.
The whole series is set in an extremely corrupt and evil small town america and tbh i am a bit bored with the format now.
The furry waste disposal system was deliciously disgusting i must admit but James Herbert did it first and so much better in about 1970.
The ending of the main villain was obvious by 2 pages after his introduction. It just seemed formulaic and although the ideas Mr Makin has are interesting this felt rushed from about 70 percent in.
Not a patch on hid other works.
The protagonist is another reacher clone "The drifter former law enforcement officer who can't let go."
Difference being, Reacher has a bit more charisma.
The whole series is set in an extremely corrupt and evil small town america and tbh i am a bit bored with the format now.
The furry waste disposal system was deliciously disgusting i must admit but James Herbert did it first and so much better in about 1970.
The ending of the main villain was obvious by 2 pages after his introduction. It just seemed formulaic and although the ideas Mr Makin has are interesting this felt rushed from about 70 percent in.
Not a patch on hid other works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2021
Another fantastic read in this series set in New England. Jake Pettman an ex UK detective seems to be always on the move trying to escape his painful past. That is until he comes across a small town with a strange community who don't take well to visitors. That is all except Celestia a young woman who's father is the Head of a cult which is hidden in the centre of the community, she is in need of help and Jake is the man to give it, even though he is warned off several times by the locals.
This is a suspenseful fast-paced read which I really enjoyed.
This is a suspenseful fast-paced read which I really enjoyed.
January 1, 2022
Jake Pettman has moved on but he finds another unbearable situation in a small town. There’s what amounts to a secret cult at the heart of the surprisingly prosperous little town of Mossbark and Jake befriends a young girl who seems to be trying to move away from the influence. The story is fast paced and gritty, and not for the faint-hearted, but if you read Markin’s work you’ll already know that. He doesn’t sacrifice character development on the altar of shocking action, and you really rejoice both at the successes of some and the downfall of others. A rattling good read.
January 22, 2022
Jake witnesses brutal murder and also befriends a young woman who belongs to a hidden community.
Even though Jake wants to attract as little attention as possible to himself. He can't help but become involved in what becomes, more herendous, than even he can envisage.
An absolute compelling read, which has you sat on the edge of your seat.
Absolutely loved this book.
This is my honest unbiased review of a arc book thank you to the author.
Even though Jake wants to attract as little attention as possible to himself. He can't help but become involved in what becomes, more herendous, than even he can envisage.
An absolute compelling read, which has you sat on the edge of your seat.
Absolutely loved this book.
This is my honest unbiased review of a arc book thank you to the author.
February 1, 2022
Small towns are what Jake Pettman tends to run to in order to avoid some unpleasant people who would like to find him. Trouble always seems to find Jake during his time there as well and this fourth book in the series follows that formula but in a way that keeps you interested and intrigued. Continuously great storytelling and characters keeps me in suspense for the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
February 6, 2022
I had the opportunity to review this book via TBCR my second book in the Jake Pettman series and it did not disappoint. Jake is a maverick whose sense of justice and moral obligations exceeds his need for self preservation.
Jake exchanges one small town for another
This town holds a 200 year old secret involving kidnapped girls, flesh eating rats and murder
I am really looking forward to more in this series can't wait to see where Jake moved onto next
Fantastic read
Jake exchanges one small town for another
This town holds a 200 year old secret involving kidnapped girls, flesh eating rats and murder
I am really looking forward to more in this series can't wait to see where Jake moved onto next
Fantastic read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2022
This is only the second book I have read by this author. The first one I thought was good but this one was excellent!
The story tends to jump around a bit between characters and timelines but is not too difficult to follow. I was utterly engrossed in the story and couldn't put the book down.
It's not for the faint hearted as there are some rather gory parts to it so do keep this in mind if you are thinking of reading it.
I would definitely recommend this!
The story tends to jump around a bit between characters and timelines but is not too difficult to follow. I was utterly engrossed in the story and couldn't put the book down.
It's not for the faint hearted as there are some rather gory parts to it so do keep this in mind if you are thinking of reading it.
I would definitely recommend this!
March 6, 2022
Excellent but not for the faint hearted!
Another rollercoaster of a ride for poor Jake and what a ride it is. Never one to shy away from danger he's like a month drawn to the light. There are some really gruesome parts, so much so I hope they never feature in my dreams, which features rats, and not the Roland rat type. Needless to say, after reading this in nearly one sitting, I'm a sucker for punishment and can't wait to see what Jake gets up to next
Another rollercoaster of a ride for poor Jake and what a ride it is. Never one to shy away from danger he's like a month drawn to the light. There are some really gruesome parts, so much so I hope they never feature in my dreams, which features rats, and not the Roland rat type. Needless to say, after reading this in nearly one sitting, I'm a sucker for punishment and can't wait to see what Jake gets up to next
February 5, 2022
Fourth book in the series. All really really good. This was again excellent and very fast paced and exciting. Unlike the others this made me laugh too. Can’t believe there are so many dodgy small towns for Jake to come across. Can’t recommend enough if you like dark and gory. Will definitely look out for next book.
February 9, 2022
Having read the previous book I knew what to expect from this series, dark powerful topic that make you feel uncomfortable, horrified but unable to look away from the page. I recommend you read the full series before this. It can be a standalone but you don't get the full benefits of what an outstanding series this is. 5 * for each of them
February 12, 2022
If you have read any of the earlier books, this is not for the squeamish. Violent, graphic and yet mournful and sweet. Jake meets a young girl and wants to help her. There's a cult wanting to keep its secrets. And rats... I really don't like rats.... This book made me feel queasy, frightened and I couldn't put it down. That's a tall order.
May 8, 2023
Got to read the next installment.
A very good continuous thriller,edge of your seat storyline and an ending to line us readers to the next novel.I recommend the series,quite horrific in parts,some not very nice characters,pure evil some of them,Wes is becoming a prolific series writer of this type of fiction it flows from the first pages.😎😎
A very good continuous thriller,edge of your seat storyline and an ending to line us readers to the next novel.I recommend the series,quite horrific in parts,some not very nice characters,pure evil some of them,Wes is becoming a prolific series writer of this type of fiction it flows from the first pages.😎😎
February 6, 2022
Another 5 stars from me following the continuing story of Jake Pettman...he has moved on and walked into a cult ...The story goes back to the 1800s and the rats arrive ..bit cringeworthy there due to the rats attacking ..but again a brilliant book by Wes !
February 24, 2022
Another rollercoaster ride with Jake Pettman
One of the joys of Jake Pettman is that he is a believable character who gets himself in to many disturbing situations. So disturbing in fact that I have to put the book down at times and take time out. I notice the next book is the 5 of 5. Please do not kill him off as after all his experiences he deserves so happiness and you never know you may want to write a 6th at a later date.
One of the joys of Jake Pettman is that he is a believable character who gets himself in to many disturbing situations. So disturbing in fact that I have to put the book down at times and take time out. I notice the next book is the 5 of 5. Please do not kill him off as after all his experiences he deserves so happiness and you never know you may want to write a 6th at a later date.
January 8, 2022
I got this as a arc e book for my i pad from a face book group that I am a member of. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good story to it. I have read other books by this author and liked them too.
January 11, 2022
Just read this book,it has not disappointed at all,edge of the seat,gorey,not for the faint hearted,loved it,Love all Wes's books so far.
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