Sticks and Stones

by Jack Probyn

Sticks and stones were meant to break bones — now someone is using them for something far worse.

A mutilated and delirious man emerges from a Surrey woodland in the middle of the night and collapses inside Haslemere Hospital. When surgeons get him on the operating table, what they discover leaves DI Stephanie Broadbent speechless.

Still reeling from the loss of their colleague, Stephanie must pull her fractured team together and lead them into a case threaded with strange sightings and whispers of folklore that refuse to stay buried.

Because whatever happened in those trees feels like the first step in a much darker path.

And something in the hills is stirring.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2026

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]

Another gripping story from this author. Not for the squeamish though, as Jack's description of the victims is very detailed. No more spoilers, but definitely worth reading.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Guildford MIT team is in a mess. After the murder of DCI Clive McGowan, DS Devon Lafferty is drinking himself into a stupor again and, feeling guilty that Clive died to save her, coupled with looking after her sister who is struggling to cope with everything life has thrown at her, DI Stephanie Broadbent’s eating disorder has once more spiralled out of control. DC Olivia Willard is also having a tough time with two teenage sons displaying bad behaviour. At least DS Noah Mackenzie (if you ignore his rainbow dress sense) and DCs Fiona Singleton and Giles Swinger are coping a little better. So all in all, they really don’t need this new bizarre case where a man staggers into hospital from the woods where staff to discover he has been brutally cut open and a selection of twigs and stones placed inside the badly sewn up wound. One of those stones bears a word carved into it. Investigations show he lived up to the description but he dies before he can tell the detectives much. Another body soon follows and once again the killer has described him perfectly on the stones left inside him. Actions have consequences and the devil is making people pay. With Steph out of her depth and clearly not on top of the job and the others distracted, glaringly obvious evidence is being missed. Can they all pull themselves together enough to save more lives?
The motive and probable culprit were fairly obvious after the first victims, and again the suspense lies in seeing if the detectives can put the clues together and uncover the truth. It was nice to see an input from DS Tomek Bowen and he still has faith in Steph as a good detective, but with all her issues, for me she’s unsuitable as a leader and SIO, despite managing to acquit herself at the end. Let’s hope the desperately needed new DCI comes in to take charge of the fractured team soon. With a gripping ending, it has a great and very topically themed plot though which I loved. 4.5*

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick and stones is book 5 in the D.I Stephanie Broadbent series by Jack Probyn and another fantastic read.
When Stuart Pritchard wakes up delirious and mutilated, he knows something is not right. There is something hard in his stomach and the pain is immense. He struggles but makes it to the nearest hospital. But after having surgery they find things in his stomach that they can’t explain. But then Stuart suffers from Sietsema and then dies.
DI Stephanie Broadbent is on the case with her fractured team still suffering from the death of their colleague. And the relatives of the victim going on social media telling everyone that the police aren’t doing enough and the boss beathing down her neck. Stephanie has a lot on her plate.
The is another fast-paced gripping thriller from Jack Probyn, that I devoured in 24 hours. A killer on the rampage, some strange sightings in the forest and all linked to social media. I couldn’t put this down. I really enjoyed this. The story has great characters, especially Stephanie, a loyal Police officer but she has a vulnerability that I feel sorry for. And the cameo of Tomek right at the end. I can’t wait for the next one.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely brilliant, different, well written, tense edge of seat read, which captured me from beginning to end.
It's one of those books you want to read till finished and what a finish.
There's shocking revelations and a roller-coaster of twists in this gripping book. 5 of the DI Stephanie Broadbent Surrey Hills Crime Thrillers, which could be read as a standalone in its own right.
I love trying to guess who as I read, but no way would I have got this right.
This is a totally different storyline, and the plot has strong, interesting characters. Although I'm glad in some cases they are a figment of the author's imagination. I wouldn't want to be in Jack's mind with the characters and crimes he produces.
This is well worth reading, and I look forward to the next book.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.

[Thereasa O'keeffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great book in this series really enjoyed it . A man manages to get himself to the hospital after he wakes up in the woods in a really bad way . When he arrives they can see that he has been cut badly and badly stitched up . He has to have surgery where they discover that in the hole that was cut it has been filled with sticks and stones with words carved into them . This is not the only victim there are more all with stones that have words on them . Stephanie’s team are not getting very far and are being hindered by the first victims best friend who is bad mouthing her to the press . A vote of no confidence comes from above and another person is brought in too take over the invention but it’s Stephanie who saves the day . Look forward to the next book Rock , paper , scissors .

[MIKE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I say this every time I read a book by this author, but this is his best one in this series yet! Just when you think Jack cannot do better than what you have just read, he writes another and it is in fact better than the previous.

With the team still reeling from the death of their leader, a truly diabolical killer emerges in the community baffling the experts and the professionals. While dealing with the online abuse that she is receiving, DI Broadbent leads her team as she always does in the right direction.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and will be difficult to put down until you get to the ultimate conclusion. If you haven’t read the first four books in this series, I highly recommend it!

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth book featuring DI Stephanie Broadbent.
When a man turns up at A&E, the staff get a shock. He’s been cut open and seen back up in a rudimentary fashion. What they are not expecting is what they find when they operate.

Before long bodies are stacking up and Steph finds herself slap bang in the middle of a macabre investigation - but who is carrying out these crimes - and just what is the motive.

It’s a rough time, with both she and the rest of her team still reeling over the loss of Clive. She’s acting up as DCI - unwanted - but necessary. The rest of the team are all dealing with their own grief, some better than others.

Another page turner, interesting storylines, as always. Really good read once more.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sticks and Stones carries on from Noughts and Crosses, with the team fractured following the loss of a key officer. They are all experiencing grief and this is a good theme throughout the book.

A killer is targeting people who are perceived to have done something wrong; sticks and stones may break my bones….. and he yet again pulls it out of the bag! A fresh idea - and quite an unpleasant one! That kept me hooked. I had no clue who the killer was until the reveal. Nice to have a link up with Tomek (albeit briefly) as I’m desperately waiting for the next instalment in the series. Jack is improving with each book, in my opinion, and is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with!

ARC copy.

[Lindy Protzek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really really good read. I enjoy DI Stephanie Broadbent more with each book. She has a great group of cohorts and the typical messed up backstory. One thing I miss in so many crime series is more of a personal life for our main heroes. I get that they have crazy busy careers but too many of them are loners outside of work and I think we need more of work personal life mix. Maybe even a halfway happy one would be nice lol. I love that in most of books Tomek comes into it in some small way. He is such a cool guy. I would absolutely recommend starting this series as well as the Tomek Bowen series...they are both brilliant series. Keep em coming Jack!!

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sticks and stones DON'T break bones .. this time

The rhyme 'sticks and stones will break your bones' gets a new terrible twist! Stephanie and her team are faced with a killer who seeks justice for victims, by his own form of retribution on those who have tormented the victims.
The team are still coming to terms with the death of Clive, and the changes that will be happening because of it, as well as their own personal issues, Stephanie with her recurring bulimia, Devon fighting the urge to drink again, and Olivia problem teenagers all in the background.
A brilliant read 📚 and definitely another 5🌟 for Jack Probyn 👏

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with DI Broadbent and her team who are still recovering from the devastating loss of the previous book. It’s taken its toll but the team do their best when a victim stumbles out of the woods with sticks and stones and mysterious messages in their insides. It’s a baffling case full of twists and turns and based on local mythology / folklore as more victims surface and obstacles lie in their path. It’s gripping, it’s suspenseful it’s, dark and it’s intense and it has you hooked from start to finish with an ending I did not see coming.

[Annette Hoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

This is book no. 5 in the D.I Stephanie Broadbent series by Jack Probyn.
Sticks and stones take on another meaning in this book when victims are discovered with mutilated stomachs and a serial killer on the loose. A modern feel to these crimes as social media is heavily involved.
Book is fast paced and keeps you interested with great ongoing characters throughout.

[Janet S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the DI Broadbent series and I’m loving the series!

People are being found with strange messages inside them and after the death of her boss Stephanie and the team are under massive pressure to find the perpetrator or perpetrators.

After following up several incorrect leads will the team come good and the Chief Constables faith in Steph be restored. Couldn’t put this one down and can’t wait for the next.

[Val Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the whole team still reeling from, and grieving, the death of their DCI, the last thing they need is a serial killer on the loose. Stephanie temporarily takes on the DCI role until a replacement can be found, but it’s not easy, and with the friends and family of the first victim being very vocal on social media the job becomes much harder. This, the fifth instalment in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series continues to delight and I can’t wait for book six

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in a reading slump but this book got me out of it!! Opening with a gory scene of a man attacked, sliced open and sewn together with a few extra things added in! Stephanie and her team are still reeling from events in the previous book but must work out what is happening and who is committing these acts.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling novel from Jack Probyn. A serial killer that is punishing people who are using words to hurt people. The killer captures his prey and opens up their abdomen and places sticks and stones inside. The killer then leaves them in the woods. A page turning thriller that keeps you reading.

[Colin Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one picks up where the last book finished with Stephanie recovering from her injuries and her whole team suffering the trauma of the loss of their DCI. Steph's relationship with her sister is also suffering all the while she is investigating a string of murders. To make things worse the Chief Constable sticks his oar in. A good thriller that I enjoyed.

[Morticia_is_Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steph is not in a good place. We left her after she was unable to save Clive and almost died, herself. She's spiralling but she has to keep it together because there's another serial killer to be caught. To add to her woes, top brass don't trust her to do the job.

[margaret biggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Another Great read by Jack probyn.Great story I didn't want to put it down I have read most of Jack pronouns hook and this one didn't disappoint can't wait for the next Stephanie Broadbent hook

[Tony Dure · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book for 12-14 years olds

If alcoholic and bolimic police are your thing, this is for you.
The crimes are solved around all the problems the force has and get solved

I would recommend the series for younger readers who don't want to read the more extreme crime novels

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book in the Stephanie Broadbent series is excellent. An exciting story told well.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from one of my favourite authors. Cannot wait for the next instalment

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with the author great read, great storyline, great characters. One of the few authors I don’t even read the blurb for anymore as I know I’m in for a cracking read .

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. There's still too much emphasis on her bulimia but I am liking Stephanie more now. She has been through a lot and she's staying strong after the events of book 4.

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great story from Jack. quite how he thinks up these storylines is beyond me. well worth a read. highly reccommended.

[wesley graham burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent 5th book full of gripping, tense guessing. Another fantastic book from Jack Probyn already waiting for next 5⭐️

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thrilling book.

The more I read of Jack Probyn's books the more I like them, each one different yet each one as gripping, and a great read.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series. I was drawn into the story from the beginning. Don't plan on sleeping once you start this book.