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The Quiet Kill
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jul 26The thrilling start of a brand-new crime series from Robert Bryndza, the multi-million bestselling creator of Detective Erika Foster and P.I. Kate Marshall series
Winter, 1987. Detective Jamie Day arrives in London determined to prove himself. After years policing a quiet seaside town, his promotion to the Metropolitan Police feels like the opportunity he has been waiting for.
But the capital is a very different world.
On his first day in plain clothes, Jamie makes a grim discovery: the dismembered body of a young man, left in a dark corner of the city. What should have been a routine first shift quickly becomes the beginning of a major murder investigation.
Then another victim is found.
As winter deepens, young men are being killed late at night across London, their bodies discovered in eerily similar circumstances. The detectives soon realise they may be hunting a serial killer.
Working alongside a tough and experienced team, Jamie must prove he belongs while navigating the pressures of a high-profile investigation. But as the case grows darker, the killer’s pattern begins to emerge. And if they don’t stop him soon, another body will be waiting in the shadows.
The Quiet Kill, is the latest page-turner from multi-million bestselling author Robert Bryndza, so gripping it will keep you reading long past bedtime.
Winter, 1987. Detective Jamie Day arrives in London determined to prove himself. After years policing a quiet seaside town, his promotion to the Metropolitan Police feels like the opportunity he has been waiting for.
But the capital is a very different world.
On his first day in plain clothes, Jamie makes a grim discovery: the dismembered body of a young man, left in a dark corner of the city. What should have been a routine first shift quickly becomes the beginning of a major murder investigation.
Then another victim is found.
As winter deepens, young men are being killed late at night across London, their bodies discovered in eerily similar circumstances. The detectives soon realise they may be hunting a serial killer.
Working alongside a tough and experienced team, Jamie must prove he belongs while navigating the pressures of a high-profile investigation. But as the case grows darker, the killer’s pattern begins to emerge. And if they don’t stop him soon, another body will be waiting in the shadows.
The Quiet Kill, is the latest page-turner from multi-million bestselling author Robert Bryndza, so gripping it will keep you reading long past bedtime.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 9, 2026
14 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Robert Bryndza
42 books7,277 followersRobert Bryndza is an international bestselling author, best known for his page-turning crime and thriller novels, which have sold over seven million copies.
His crime debut, The Girl in the Ice was released in February 2016, introducing Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster. Within five months it sold one million copies, reaching number one in the Amazon UK, USA and Australian charts. To date, The Girl in the Ice has sold over 1.5 million copies in the English language and has been sold into translation in 30 countries. It was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller (2016), the Grand prix des lectrices de Elle in France (2018), and it won two reader voted awards, The Thrillzone Awards best debut thriller in The Netherlands (2018) and The Dead Good Papercut Award for best page turner at the Harrogate Crime Festival (2016).
Robert has released a further six novels in the Erika Foster series, The Night Stalker, Dark Water, Last Breath, Cold Blood and Deadly Secrets, all of which have been global bestsellers, and in 2017 Last Breath was a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Mystery and Thriller. Fatal Witness, is the seventh Erika Foster novel.
Most recently, Robert created a new crime thriller series based around the central character Kate Marshall, a police officer turned private detective. The first book, Nine Elms, was an Amazon USA #1 bestseller and an Amazon UK top five bestseller, and the series has been sold into translation in 18 countries. The second book in the series is the global bestselling, Shadow Sands, the third book is, Darkness Falls and the fourth, Devil’s Way has just been published.
Robert was born in Lowestoft, on the east coast of England. He studied at Aberystwyth University, and the Guildford School of Acting, and was an actor for several years, but didn’t find success until he took a play he’d written to the Edinburgh Festival. This led to the decision to change career and start writing. He self-published a bestselling series of romantic comedy novels, before switching to writing crime. Robert lives with his husband in Slovakia, and is lucky enough to write full-time.
You can find out more about Robert and his books at www.robertbryndza.com
His crime debut, The Girl in the Ice was released in February 2016, introducing Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster. Within five months it sold one million copies, reaching number one in the Amazon UK, USA and Australian charts. To date, The Girl in the Ice has sold over 1.5 million copies in the English language and has been sold into translation in 30 countries. It was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller (2016), the Grand prix des lectrices de Elle in France (2018), and it won two reader voted awards, The Thrillzone Awards best debut thriller in The Netherlands (2018) and The Dead Good Papercut Award for best page turner at the Harrogate Crime Festival (2016).
Robert has released a further six novels in the Erika Foster series, The Night Stalker, Dark Water, Last Breath, Cold Blood and Deadly Secrets, all of which have been global bestsellers, and in 2017 Last Breath was a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Mystery and Thriller. Fatal Witness, is the seventh Erika Foster novel.
Most recently, Robert created a new crime thriller series based around the central character Kate Marshall, a police officer turned private detective. The first book, Nine Elms, was an Amazon USA #1 bestseller and an Amazon UK top five bestseller, and the series has been sold into translation in 18 countries. The second book in the series is the global bestselling, Shadow Sands, the third book is, Darkness Falls and the fourth, Devil’s Way has just been published.
Robert was born in Lowestoft, on the east coast of England. He studied at Aberystwyth University, and the Guildford School of Acting, and was an actor for several years, but didn’t find success until he took a play he’d written to the Edinburgh Festival. This led to the decision to change career and start writing. He self-published a bestselling series of romantic comedy novels, before switching to writing crime. Robert lives with his husband in Slovakia, and is lucky enough to write full-time.
You can find out more about Robert and his books at www.robertbryndza.com
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
On a chilly, dreary winter morning in 1987, Detective James “Jamie” Day is headed to work for his first day on the job in London. He’s recently been promoted to the murder squad of the Metropolitan Police, having left his small, seaside town for London. He comes upon a gruesome discovery: a dismembered corpse in a bag at the train station. Welcome to the big city, Jamie Day.
This turns out to be the first of in a series of similar murders, most involving gay men. This was the era when London was the epicenter of the UK’s AIDS crisis. There was a stigma against gay men, and the government attempted to counter the fear by launching a campaign to educate the public about the disease. Throughout the book, Jamie and his police colleagues seem, for the most part, to be highly professional both in public and in private when dealing with the subject. They are highly conscious of public opinion and are protective of the victims’ identities and private information.
Almost from the onset, the reader becomes aware of the identity of the killer. We get a bird’s-eye view of him in action, and the question becomes how and when will he slip up and be caught?
The focus also is on Jamie, the newcomer to the murder squad, how his fellow officers treat him, how he handles himself in the field, and how he relates to the well-to-do family in his bedsit outside the city. He’s not a rookie officer, but he’s out of his element in London. He has good instincts, however, and he learns quickly. Even when mistake lands him in hot water, he recovers and get back in the good graces of his boss.
Bryndza is a master not only at police procedurals but at creating suspense and interesting characters. Jamie Day is a likeable, interesting character, a fellow with ideals and principle. He sees that some of his colleagues who have “been around the block” have learned to take some rather iffy deals to solve cases and make arrests. Having gone through an experience that got him in trouble, it’s unlikely that he will follow suit, it’s likely that he will do his utmost to keep his nose clean. Here’s hoping that Jamie Day will be featured in more novels in the future.
Due to the subject matter, The Quiet Kill may not be a book for every reader. I found the characters, particularly Jamie, to be quite well written. I also appreciated Rob Bryndza’s handling of the subject of HIV/AIDS and of the gay community.
I received a digital copy of The Quiet Kill as an ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley,
And Raven Street Publishing.
4 stars
This turns out to be the first of in a series of similar murders, most involving gay men. This was the era when London was the epicenter of the UK’s AIDS crisis. There was a stigma against gay men, and the government attempted to counter the fear by launching a campaign to educate the public about the disease. Throughout the book, Jamie and his police colleagues seem, for the most part, to be highly professional both in public and in private when dealing with the subject. They are highly conscious of public opinion and are protective of the victims’ identities and private information.
Almost from the onset, the reader becomes aware of the identity of the killer. We get a bird’s-eye view of him in action, and the question becomes how and when will he slip up and be caught?
The focus also is on Jamie, the newcomer to the murder squad, how his fellow officers treat him, how he handles himself in the field, and how he relates to the well-to-do family in his bedsit outside the city. He’s not a rookie officer, but he’s out of his element in London. He has good instincts, however, and he learns quickly. Even when mistake lands him in hot water, he recovers and get back in the good graces of his boss.
Bryndza is a master not only at police procedurals but at creating suspense and interesting characters. Jamie Day is a likeable, interesting character, a fellow with ideals and principle. He sees that some of his colleagues who have “been around the block” have learned to take some rather iffy deals to solve cases and make arrests. Having gone through an experience that got him in trouble, it’s unlikely that he will follow suit, it’s likely that he will do his utmost to keep his nose clean. Here’s hoping that Jamie Day will be featured in more novels in the future.
Due to the subject matter, The Quiet Kill may not be a book for every reader. I found the characters, particularly Jamie, to be quite well written. I also appreciated Rob Bryndza’s handling of the subject of HIV/AIDS and of the gay community.
I received a digital copy of The Quiet Kill as an ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley,
And Raven Street Publishing.
4 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There’s always a certain anticipation that comes with a new Robert Bryndza release, and as someone who’s read everything he’s written, The Quiet Kill was never going to sit unread for long. Thankfully, it more than delivers.
This time, the reader is transported back to a bleak, wintry London in 1987.
From the start, there is an immediate sense of unease; it’s dark, gritty and quietly menacing from the outset. From the moment Jamie Day steps into his new role with the Metropolitan Police, his first case comes as a shock. It’s horrifying, gruesome, and intense, but little does Jamie know the investigation quickly spirals into something far more disturbing.
What really stood out for me was how vividly Robert Bryndza brings 1980s London to life. The city feels cold, unforgiving, and filled with an undercurrent of danger. From the dark streets to the atmosphere within his team, everything feels claustrophobic and charged, pulling you straight into the heart of the investigation. The inclusion of the AIDS crisis also adds real emotional depth to the story, reflecting the fear, stigma, and misunderstanding that cast such a shadow over London during that time.
Jamie is a strong addition to the authors cast of characters. He’s inexperienced without being frustrating, determined without being overconfident, and that balance works so well. Watching him try to prove himself within a seasoned team while dealing with the growing horror of the case adds a compelling edge to the story. You want him to succeed, even when things start slipping out of control.
And the case itself? It’s chilling. The pattern of the murders slowly emerging, combined with the sense that the killer is always one step ahead, creates the kind of plot that tightens its grip the more you read. Robert Bryndza paces it brilliantly, layering tension with just enough revelation to keep you completely hooked. If you’re familiar with this author’s work, you’ll recognise the hallmarks: sharp writing, short chapters, and that relentless pull to keep reading.
For longtime readers, The Quiet Kill is a really satisfying standalone that shows Robert Bryndza still knows exactly how to deliver a gripping, character driven thriller. Even as a standalone, Jamie Day feels like a character with plenty more stories to tell, and I’d love to see this become the start of a new series. Dark, atmospheric, and completely gripping, The Quiet Kill is another hit from an author who never fails to delivery. Highly recommended.
This time, the reader is transported back to a bleak, wintry London in 1987.
From the start, there is an immediate sense of unease; it’s dark, gritty and quietly menacing from the outset. From the moment Jamie Day steps into his new role with the Metropolitan Police, his first case comes as a shock. It’s horrifying, gruesome, and intense, but little does Jamie know the investigation quickly spirals into something far more disturbing.
What really stood out for me was how vividly Robert Bryndza brings 1980s London to life. The city feels cold, unforgiving, and filled with an undercurrent of danger. From the dark streets to the atmosphere within his team, everything feels claustrophobic and charged, pulling you straight into the heart of the investigation. The inclusion of the AIDS crisis also adds real emotional depth to the story, reflecting the fear, stigma, and misunderstanding that cast such a shadow over London during that time.
Jamie is a strong addition to the authors cast of characters. He’s inexperienced without being frustrating, determined without being overconfident, and that balance works so well. Watching him try to prove himself within a seasoned team while dealing with the growing horror of the case adds a compelling edge to the story. You want him to succeed, even when things start slipping out of control.
And the case itself? It’s chilling. The pattern of the murders slowly emerging, combined with the sense that the killer is always one step ahead, creates the kind of plot that tightens its grip the more you read. Robert Bryndza paces it brilliantly, layering tension with just enough revelation to keep you completely hooked. If you’re familiar with this author’s work, you’ll recognise the hallmarks: sharp writing, short chapters, and that relentless pull to keep reading.
For longtime readers, The Quiet Kill is a really satisfying standalone that shows Robert Bryndza still knows exactly how to deliver a gripping, character driven thriller. Even as a standalone, Jamie Day feels like a character with plenty more stories to tell, and I’d love to see this become the start of a new series. Dark, atmospheric, and completely gripping, The Quiet Kill is another hit from an author who never fails to delivery. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Quiet Kill hits us with emotional shrapnel.
Robert Bryndza switches gears and takes us back to the Winter of 1987 in London. Historically speaking, it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. Bryndza doesn't hold back in how he depicts this era. Like in other streets in other cities, racism, misogyny, and homophobic behaviors were rampant. The gay community was dealing with the ground shaking scare of AIDS/HIV and living in the surround sound of misunderstanding and ignorance by those on the outside.
Byrndza introduces us to Detective Jamie Day, a recent newbie to the Metro Police. Jamie lugs his suitcase up the stairs of his new lodgings. He's not even unpacked when the call comes in. A body has been found nearby at a train station. With youth pumping in his veins and the zealousness to please, Jamie is the first one on the scene. But what his eyes behold will stay with him for a lifetime. The station master shines a light on the body of a dismembered young man. And so this story begins with the gruesome discovery of others and into a world that engages with Jamie who seeks answers and justice.
Robert Bryndza is a master of police procedurals and crime novels. Bryndza turns the tables in this one and we actually lock eyes with the killer from the onset. We harbor this knowledge and it elevates the pressures points from within. We view the killer existing in his cozy set-up and we find ourselves squirming as we observe his cold and calculating mannerisms. Will he ever be stopped?
Bryndza has hit on a winning element in the likes of Detective Jamie Day. The majority of crime novels feature tried-and-true detectives who have been on the force for eons. Not Jamie. It is refreshing to come upon a character who has the stamina of youth and who has not yet been tainted by the system. Jamie is one of us......seeking only the facts and seeking only the truth. Please, Robert Bryndza, make this one into a series set in 1987. The avenues will be endless. And, once again, you deserve a standing ovation for The Quiet Kill. Brilliant as always.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Raven Street Publishing and to the talented Robert Bryndza for the opportunity.
Robert Bryndza switches gears and takes us back to the Winter of 1987 in London. Historically speaking, it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. Bryndza doesn't hold back in how he depicts this era. Like in other streets in other cities, racism, misogyny, and homophobic behaviors were rampant. The gay community was dealing with the ground shaking scare of AIDS/HIV and living in the surround sound of misunderstanding and ignorance by those on the outside.
Byrndza introduces us to Detective Jamie Day, a recent newbie to the Metro Police. Jamie lugs his suitcase up the stairs of his new lodgings. He's not even unpacked when the call comes in. A body has been found nearby at a train station. With youth pumping in his veins and the zealousness to please, Jamie is the first one on the scene. But what his eyes behold will stay with him for a lifetime. The station master shines a light on the body of a dismembered young man. And so this story begins with the gruesome discovery of others and into a world that engages with Jamie who seeks answers and justice.
Robert Bryndza is a master of police procedurals and crime novels. Bryndza turns the tables in this one and we actually lock eyes with the killer from the onset. We harbor this knowledge and it elevates the pressures points from within. We view the killer existing in his cozy set-up and we find ourselves squirming as we observe his cold and calculating mannerisms. Will he ever be stopped?
Bryndza has hit on a winning element in the likes of Detective Jamie Day. The majority of crime novels feature tried-and-true detectives who have been on the force for eons. Not Jamie. It is refreshing to come upon a character who has the stamina of youth and who has not yet been tainted by the system. Jamie is one of us......seeking only the facts and seeking only the truth. Please, Robert Bryndza, make this one into a series set in 1987. The avenues will be endless. And, once again, you deserve a standing ovation for The Quiet Kill. Brilliant as always.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Raven Street Publishing and to the talented Robert Bryndza for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s 1987 in London, and there may be a serial killer on the loose. On his very first day as a city detective, Jamie arrives at the scene of a body found at a train station. Well, more like body parts, as it was dismembered. What a welcome to the job! And because it’s 1987, the rest of his team are pretty old school in how they treat the investigation. The lone female on the team is given the easy work and the coffee-fetching tasks. There’s plenty of racist and homophobic behavior among the grizzled veterans on the force, worse than usual for this case, because it’s smack in the middle of the AIDS hysteria.
People still think they can catch it just from being in close proximity to someone infected, and it’s a wonder the police are even giving the case attention when male escorts are some of the top suspects. It’s only when more dismembered bodies are found that the investigation is given serious scrutiny and higher priority because of the lure of a possible serial killer.
The reader is introduced to the killer early on, and there are some graphic scenes of sexual assault. We know what’s going on, but we can tell it will be a tough one for the detectives to piece together because this predator is good at covering his tracks. Doubly so because this was decades ago, when DNA profiling was in its infancy, and cops had to rely on pagers to communicate.
I love those days when it wasn’t just a matter of pinging cell phone locations or tracing someone electronically. Jamie is a perfect example of an ambitious young detective determined to prove his worth with solid research and following leads around the city. I know it’s supposed to be a standalone thriller, but the author is so good with characters that I could easily see more 1980s adventures for Jamie!
My thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
People still think they can catch it just from being in close proximity to someone infected, and it’s a wonder the police are even giving the case attention when male escorts are some of the top suspects. It’s only when more dismembered bodies are found that the investigation is given serious scrutiny and higher priority because of the lure of a possible serial killer.
The reader is introduced to the killer early on, and there are some graphic scenes of sexual assault. We know what’s going on, but we can tell it will be a tough one for the detectives to piece together because this predator is good at covering his tracks. Doubly so because this was decades ago, when DNA profiling was in its infancy, and cops had to rely on pagers to communicate.
I love those days when it wasn’t just a matter of pinging cell phone locations or tracing someone electronically. Jamie is a perfect example of an ambitious young detective determined to prove his worth with solid research and following leads around the city. I know it’s supposed to be a standalone thriller, but the author is so good with characters that I could easily see more 1980s adventures for Jamie!
My thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Robert Bryndza does it again. As a long time fan who has read everything he’s written, I went into this with high expectations and excitement levels and it absolutely delivered.
Set in late 1980s London, this is a gripping, atmospheric crime thriller that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the time. The backdrop of the AIDS crisis adds a powerful and often heartbreaking layer to the story, highlighting the fear, ignorance, and prejudice that defined that era. It’s uncomfortable at times but rightly so ,and it gives the book a depth that really stays with you.
We follow Jamie Day a newly promoted Detective Constable thrown straight into the deep end on his first day with the Met. From the opening scene, the pace is relentless. The case is dark, brutal, and emotionally charged, with victims being targeted in a way that feels both shocking and tragically reflective of the time period.
Jamie is a brilliant lead he’s young, determined, and a little out of his depth, but with a strong sense of integrity that makes you root for him instantly. Watching him navigate a tough, established team while trying to prove himself adds another layer of tension alongside the investigation.
The writing is as sharp and addictive as ever. Bryndza has a way of pulling you straight into the story and not letting go. The twists land well, the tension builds perfectly, and the emotional impact hits hard. It’s one of those books you keep saying “just one more chapter”… and suddenly you’re at the end and sad it’s all over !
This feels like the start of something big. I’m already invested in Jamie and would love to see more from him and this team.
Dark, gripping, and completely absorbing this is Bryndza at his best and I’m all here for it 📚✨
Set in late 1980s London, this is a gripping, atmospheric crime thriller that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the time. The backdrop of the AIDS crisis adds a powerful and often heartbreaking layer to the story, highlighting the fear, ignorance, and prejudice that defined that era. It’s uncomfortable at times but rightly so ,and it gives the book a depth that really stays with you.
We follow Jamie Day a newly promoted Detective Constable thrown straight into the deep end on his first day with the Met. From the opening scene, the pace is relentless. The case is dark, brutal, and emotionally charged, with victims being targeted in a way that feels both shocking and tragically reflective of the time period.
Jamie is a brilliant lead he’s young, determined, and a little out of his depth, but with a strong sense of integrity that makes you root for him instantly. Watching him navigate a tough, established team while trying to prove himself adds another layer of tension alongside the investigation.
The writing is as sharp and addictive as ever. Bryndza has a way of pulling you straight into the story and not letting go. The twists land well, the tension builds perfectly, and the emotional impact hits hard. It’s one of those books you keep saying “just one more chapter”… and suddenly you’re at the end and sad it’s all over !
This feels like the start of something big. I’m already invested in Jamie and would love to see more from him and this team.
Dark, gripping, and completely absorbing this is Bryndza at his best and I’m all here for it 📚✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The year is 1987, and Jamie Day is about to begin a new phase of his career after being promoted to London’s Metropolitan Police. It’s a far cry from his previous role as a uniformed cop in a small seaside town where nothing major ever happened.
Day one, and Jamie finds himself first on the scene, after being called to a railway station out of town. The crime was called in by the stationmaster, and it’s the gruesome sight of a dismembered young man that awaits Jamie. However, this won’t be the only one, and Jamie and his new colleagues will have to pull everything out of the hat to find the perpetrator, but the one thing that appears to initially link the victims is that they are all gay.
Besides these horrific crimes, Jamie is finding it difficult to slot into his new role. He’s definitely not used to working such high profile cases, and the rest of this tough and experienced team have worked together for some time, so he’s doing his best to perform to the best of his abilities without stepping on anyone’s toes. Naturally, there’s always one who refuses to help a new colleague settle in, and that comes in the form of Liam, who takes an instant dislike to Jamie.
This is a stand-alone crime thriller, and with Robert Bryndza at the helm, we’re assured a terrific, heart pounding read. It’s a book that is difficult to describe without giving away too much. So I won’t bother. Is it a good, fast, thrilling read? Undoubtedly, and although this is advertised as a stand-alone, I’d love to see Jamie work a few more cases.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Raven Street Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Day one, and Jamie finds himself first on the scene, after being called to a railway station out of town. The crime was called in by the stationmaster, and it’s the gruesome sight of a dismembered young man that awaits Jamie. However, this won’t be the only one, and Jamie and his new colleagues will have to pull everything out of the hat to find the perpetrator, but the one thing that appears to initially link the victims is that they are all gay.
Besides these horrific crimes, Jamie is finding it difficult to slot into his new role. He’s definitely not used to working such high profile cases, and the rest of this tough and experienced team have worked together for some time, so he’s doing his best to perform to the best of his abilities without stepping on anyone’s toes. Naturally, there’s always one who refuses to help a new colleague settle in, and that comes in the form of Liam, who takes an instant dislike to Jamie.
This is a stand-alone crime thriller, and with Robert Bryndza at the helm, we’re assured a terrific, heart pounding read. It’s a book that is difficult to describe without giving away too much. So I won’t bother. Is it a good, fast, thrilling read? Undoubtedly, and although this is advertised as a stand-alone, I’d love to see Jamie work a few more cases.
*Thank you to Netgalley and Raven Street Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first in a new series featuring Jamie who has moved forces from the coast to London. It’s set in the late 1980’s so technology wasn’t quite as advanced as it is now. Whilst Jamie may have been promoted, crime by the sea is very different to the amount of crime in London so there is still a lot to learn. A new member to a team isn’t the easiest and Jamie has his work cut out to fit in and prove his worth. In the main, I liked the other team members and it looks set to be a great series.
The story highlights the aids pandemic of which whilst I was still a child, I was at an age where I was more aware of what was going on in the world. I remember the hard hitting adverts and it was sad to be reminded of how ignorant people were and can still be. The killings were very uncomfortable to read and seeing young men losing their lives in such an awful way had my emotions going into overdrive, and I was eager for the team to find out who the killer was and put a stop to them.
The Quiet Kill was a pulse pounding read that had me racing through it’s pages. Whilst London is a wonderful city, it is rife with crime and the author highlights the darker side to it. I enjoyed the story being set back in the eighties with the cars and people still using phone boxes and landlines. It’s another reminder to how far technology has come. The first book in a new series can get weighted down but the author has done a fantastic job in giving enough building of the characters with plenty of chills that had me gripped. I loved my first introduction to Jamie and the team and can’t wait for more in the series. A dark and compelling page-turner!
The story highlights the aids pandemic of which whilst I was still a child, I was at an age where I was more aware of what was going on in the world. I remember the hard hitting adverts and it was sad to be reminded of how ignorant people were and can still be. The killings were very uncomfortable to read and seeing young men losing their lives in such an awful way had my emotions going into overdrive, and I was eager for the team to find out who the killer was and put a stop to them.
The Quiet Kill was a pulse pounding read that had me racing through it’s pages. Whilst London is a wonderful city, it is rife with crime and the author highlights the darker side to it. I enjoyed the story being set back in the eighties with the cars and people still using phone boxes and landlines. It’s another reminder to how far technology has come. The first book in a new series can get weighted down but the author has done a fantastic job in giving enough building of the characters with plenty of chills that had me gripped. I loved my first introduction to Jamie and the team and can’t wait for more in the series. A dark and compelling page-turner!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Set in London in the winter of 1987, we join Detective Constable James (Jamie) Day when he arrives in to take up his promotion to the Metropolitan Police. But on his first day in London, he has to work a murder case when the dismembered body of a young man is discovered. And then further victims are found in similar circumstances.
Struggling to find his feet in London and viewed as an outsider by some members of the team, Jamie wants to prove himself. The investigation is under a lot of pressure, especially when a possible connection is found between the murder investigation and another police enquiry. There is political pressure as well, and when Jamie makes an error, it looks as though his career in policing might be over.
The treatment of gay men, the hysteria about AIDS, as well as a touch of misogyny, all form part of the story. And while we learn early in the story who the murderer is, the focus is on the work required to catch him.
As the story moved to its conclusion the pace increased and while I found the ending satisfying, there were a couple of loose ends I would have liked to have seen tied off.
There are some well-developed characters in this novel and although this novel is marketed as a standalone thriller, I really hope that it might become the first book in a new series.
Another terrific novel Robert Brynzda!
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Struggling to find his feet in London and viewed as an outsider by some members of the team, Jamie wants to prove himself. The investigation is under a lot of pressure, especially when a possible connection is found between the murder investigation and another police enquiry. There is political pressure as well, and when Jamie makes an error, it looks as though his career in policing might be over.
The treatment of gay men, the hysteria about AIDS, as well as a touch of misogyny, all form part of the story. And while we learn early in the story who the murderer is, the focus is on the work required to catch him.
As the story moved to its conclusion the pace increased and while I found the ending satisfying, there were a couple of loose ends I would have liked to have seen tied off.
There are some well-developed characters in this novel and although this novel is marketed as a standalone thriller, I really hope that it might become the first book in a new series.
Another terrific novel Robert Brynzda!
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Quiet Kill is a gripping, frost‑bitten plunge into late‑80s London, where the cold seems to seep into every alleyway, every shadow, every crime scene. Robert Bryndza opens this new series with a wonderfully atmospheric sense of unease — the kind that settles in your bones.
Detective Jamie Day arrives in the capital eager to prove himself, but London greets him with brutality. On his very first day in plain clothes, he stumbles across a dismembered body tucked into a dark corner of the city. What should have been a steady introduction to the Met becomes the start of a chilling investigation, one that only grows more sinister when another young man is found.
Bryndza captures the era beautifully: the grit, the tension, the sense of a city both sprawling and claustrophobic. Jamie, still trying to find his footing, is thrown into the deep end alongside a seasoned team who aren’t sure what to make of him yet. Watching him navigate the pressures of a high‑profile case while trying to earn his place gives the story a compelling emotional thread.
As winter deepens, the murders take on a disturbing pattern, and the dread builds with that slow, relentless certainty Bryndza does so well. The killer feels close, the city feels smaller, and every night carries the threat of another body waiting in the dark.
A tense, atmospheric series opener — sharp, moody, and utterly absorbing. It’s the kind of thriller that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to switch off the light.
With thanks to Robert Bryndza, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Detective Jamie Day arrives in the capital eager to prove himself, but London greets him with brutality. On his very first day in plain clothes, he stumbles across a dismembered body tucked into a dark corner of the city. What should have been a steady introduction to the Met becomes the start of a chilling investigation, one that only grows more sinister when another young man is found.
Bryndza captures the era beautifully: the grit, the tension, the sense of a city both sprawling and claustrophobic. Jamie, still trying to find his footing, is thrown into the deep end alongside a seasoned team who aren’t sure what to make of him yet. Watching him navigate the pressures of a high‑profile case while trying to earn his place gives the story a compelling emotional thread.
As winter deepens, the murders take on a disturbing pattern, and the dread builds with that slow, relentless certainty Bryndza does so well. The killer feels close, the city feels smaller, and every night carries the threat of another body waiting in the dark.
A tense, atmospheric series opener — sharp, moody, and utterly absorbing. It’s the kind of thriller that keeps you turning pages long after you meant to switch off the light.
With thanks to Robert Bryndza, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
April 30, 2026
Review of ‘The Quiet Kill’ by Robert Bryndza, due to be published on 9 July 2026 by Raven Street Publishing.
This new standalone thriller follows DC Jamie Day who has just been promoted to the Met from his previous force in his hometown of Lowestoft.
Set in late 1987/early 1988, Jamie is thrown in at the deep end on his first day when a stationmaster finds a dismembered body in Leyton Train Station. Whilst the team quickly get to grips with who the victim is, they can’t find a motive and with no evidence left behind, they are unable to come up with any suspects.
Soon the bodies are piling up, with the only connection being that they are all gay men. The story tells us quite early on who is carrying out the killings, although they are hiding their actions from everyone and leaving no trace of their crime to be found.
The story is fast paced, with Jamie and his fellow officers in a race against time to apprehend the perpetrator whilst coming up against reluctance and prejudices of the time from both those connected to the victims and members of the police force themselves.
There are numerous dark and gritty scenes depicted on the page, all relevant to get you inside the mind of the antagonist. Left with an ending that suggests that we may see more of DC Jamie Day in future books, which would be a welcome addition to Bryndza’s vast collection of previous novels.
This new standalone thriller follows DC Jamie Day who has just been promoted to the Met from his previous force in his hometown of Lowestoft.
Set in late 1987/early 1988, Jamie is thrown in at the deep end on his first day when a stationmaster finds a dismembered body in Leyton Train Station. Whilst the team quickly get to grips with who the victim is, they can’t find a motive and with no evidence left behind, they are unable to come up with any suspects.
Soon the bodies are piling up, with the only connection being that they are all gay men. The story tells us quite early on who is carrying out the killings, although they are hiding their actions from everyone and leaving no trace of their crime to be found.
The story is fast paced, with Jamie and his fellow officers in a race against time to apprehend the perpetrator whilst coming up against reluctance and prejudices of the time from both those connected to the victims and members of the police force themselves.
There are numerous dark and gritty scenes depicted on the page, all relevant to get you inside the mind of the antagonist. Left with an ending that suggests that we may see more of DC Jamie Day in future books, which would be a welcome addition to Bryndza’s vast collection of previous novels.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is described as a standalone thriller, but it seems to me to have all the makings for the start of a series. That would make me happy because I found the main character, police detective Jamie Day, to be quite interesting. To be sure, I enjoyed this one, although I’d describe it as gritty and sexually explicit.
The year is 1987, and the “star” of the show, Jamie Day, is a police detective who’s just come to West End London Central Police from a relatively quiet seaside town. Not only must he learn to navigate a huge city with which he’s unfamiliar, his first day on the job, the 22-year-old runs smack dab into a dead body – one that’s been chopped up in pieces, no less. Worse, more dead bodies turn up in relatively short order – a clear sign a serial killer is having a gay old time.
Readers follow Jamie as he finds housing, works on not getting lost in and around the city and on the developing relationships with department co-workers (some decent, others a bit shaky, at least at the start). In between those chapters are those that focus on the victims and the killer, so readers know what’s going down long before Jamie and his team get a clue.
Things work out in the end in a way that, as I mentioned before, hints at more to come – so I’ll be watching to see if that happens. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to get in at the beginning by way of a pre-release copy. Thoroughly enjoyable!
The year is 1987, and the “star” of the show, Jamie Day, is a police detective who’s just come to West End London Central Police from a relatively quiet seaside town. Not only must he learn to navigate a huge city with which he’s unfamiliar, his first day on the job, the 22-year-old runs smack dab into a dead body – one that’s been chopped up in pieces, no less. Worse, more dead bodies turn up in relatively short order – a clear sign a serial killer is having a gay old time.
Readers follow Jamie as he finds housing, works on not getting lost in and around the city and on the developing relationships with department co-workers (some decent, others a bit shaky, at least at the start). In between those chapters are those that focus on the victims and the killer, so readers know what’s going down long before Jamie and his team get a clue.
Things work out in the end in a way that, as I mentioned before, hints at more to come – so I’ll be watching to see if that happens. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to get in at the beginning by way of a pre-release copy. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of uncorrected Netgalley proof
In the winter of 1987, newly-promoted Detective Constable Jamie Day arrives in London to join the Metropolitan Police. On his first day, he answers a call and discovers the dismembered body of a young man and is thrown into a major murder investigation.
Then there’s the discovery of a second victim, and then more victims.
Are they hunting for a serial killer?
=========
Set in 1987 London, this story pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. With well-defined, interesting characters and a strong sense of place, the unfolding narrative is sure to keep those pages turning as fast as possible.
As Jamie settles into London life and tries to find his place in the team, readers will discover how his relationships develop with those around him.
Short tension-filled chapters keep the story moving as the suspense builds; there are some surprising plot twists as the murder squad investigates.
Readers who enjoy police procedurals, intriguing mysteries, and captivating tales set in the past will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable book.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheQuietKill #NetGalley
In the winter of 1987, newly-promoted Detective Constable Jamie Day arrives in London to join the Metropolitan Police. On his first day, he answers a call and discovers the dismembered body of a young man and is thrown into a major murder investigation.
Then there’s the discovery of a second victim, and then more victims.
Are they hunting for a serial killer?
=========
Set in 1987 London, this story pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. With well-defined, interesting characters and a strong sense of place, the unfolding narrative is sure to keep those pages turning as fast as possible.
As Jamie settles into London life and tries to find his place in the team, readers will discover how his relationships develop with those around him.
Short tension-filled chapters keep the story moving as the suspense builds; there are some surprising plot twists as the murder squad investigates.
Readers who enjoy police procedurals, intriguing mysteries, and captivating tales set in the past will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable book.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheQuietKill #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Quiet Kill by Robert Bryndza is a solid, straightforward police procedural that really shines in its atmosphere and setting. Bryndza does an excellent job bringing London to life. The city feels dark, gritty, and almost like a character itself. There’s a strong sense of place and time throughout, which added a creepy edge to the story.
I also appreciated the character development, especially Jamie. I could genuinely feel his anxiety and trepidation as he adjusted to life in a new city and a new police department after being promoted from a small-town officer to the London crime squad. His transition felt believable, and I easily rooted for him to get his footing!
For me, the main drawback was that the identity of the killer became clear fairly early in the story. I missed the tension and intrigue that comes from trying to piece together the mystery and uncover who is behind the murders. I was also surprised that one of the storylines didn't interconnect with the main story arc and was ultimately left in limbo.
The Quiet Kill is a solid read for anyone who enjoys straightforward police procedurals with a dark, creepy atmosphere and likable characters, and doesn’t mind knowing the killer’s identity early in the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Raven Street Publishing, and Robert Bryndza for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
I also appreciated the character development, especially Jamie. I could genuinely feel his anxiety and trepidation as he adjusted to life in a new city and a new police department after being promoted from a small-town officer to the London crime squad. His transition felt believable, and I easily rooted for him to get his footing!
For me, the main drawback was that the identity of the killer became clear fairly early in the story. I missed the tension and intrigue that comes from trying to piece together the mystery and uncover who is behind the murders. I was also surprised that one of the storylines didn't interconnect with the main story arc and was ultimately left in limbo.
The Quiet Kill is a solid read for anyone who enjoys straightforward police procedurals with a dark, creepy atmosphere and likable characters, and doesn’t mind knowing the killer’s identity early in the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Raven Street Publishing, and Robert Bryndza for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this ARC; this is my review and is not influenced by anyone else.
The Quiet Kill is a stand alone book set in 1980's, a London serial‑killer thriller following newly promoted Detective Jamie Day as he’s thrust into a brutal investigation after discovering a dismembered body on his first day. As winter deepens, more young men are murdered in the same disturbing manner, forcing Jamie to navigate a hardened police team, rising public fear, and the psychological toll of hunting a meticulous killer.
James struggles to fit into an established team and is seen as the underdog and newbie, its high pressure, tough navigating the Mets politics with added press ferreting out embellished stories from information that Jamie in inadvertently gives away, getting himself into trouble.
A good tight story that I could fit in as I lived as a 30 year old during this time, it was dark and gritty at times and highlighted the miss conceptions of HIV, as the story involved a killer targeting the gay community with scenes of sexual brutality. Characters were likeable and a series could easily by developed from this standalone. Reminded me of Lynda La Plante's series Jane Tennison Books (young Female copper set from the 1970's onwards.
A solid 4 stars from me.
The Quiet Kill is a stand alone book set in 1980's, a London serial‑killer thriller following newly promoted Detective Jamie Day as he’s thrust into a brutal investigation after discovering a dismembered body on his first day. As winter deepens, more young men are murdered in the same disturbing manner, forcing Jamie to navigate a hardened police team, rising public fear, and the psychological toll of hunting a meticulous killer.
James struggles to fit into an established team and is seen as the underdog and newbie, its high pressure, tough navigating the Mets politics with added press ferreting out embellished stories from information that Jamie in inadvertently gives away, getting himself into trouble.
A good tight story that I could fit in as I lived as a 30 year old during this time, it was dark and gritty at times and highlighted the miss conceptions of HIV, as the story involved a killer targeting the gay community with scenes of sexual brutality. Characters were likeable and a series could easily by developed from this standalone. Reminded me of Lynda La Plante's series Jane Tennison Books (young Female copper set from the 1970's onwards.
A solid 4 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A new standalone thriller by the author of the Erika Foster and Kate Marshall books.
Newly promoted detective, Jamie called upon to work a murder case as soon as he lands in London. Usure of his role, his team, where he was living and more, he has to navigate a murder investigation on his first day.
A body cut into parts has been discovered in 1987 London. Keen to make an impression and nervous to make any mistakes, Jamie does his best working the case as more bodies are being found.
Bryndza is adept at setting the scene in his novel. You feel like you are in London and transported back to 1987. The interesting quandary is that you forget the technological advances that have happened since that time and you wonder why police are so handcuffed in their investigations.
Bryndza does a great job weaving the tale, working in the stories of his characters to make them more relatable.
He also early on tells us who the antagonist is, allowing us to see his motivation, his fears and thoughts. While there is a little, "Saw this coming" in the story, it flows together to tell a great tale.
As with his other books, The Quiet Kill, is a great story and worth a read.
Newly promoted detective, Jamie called upon to work a murder case as soon as he lands in London. Usure of his role, his team, where he was living and more, he has to navigate a murder investigation on his first day.
A body cut into parts has been discovered in 1987 London. Keen to make an impression and nervous to make any mistakes, Jamie does his best working the case as more bodies are being found.
Bryndza is adept at setting the scene in his novel. You feel like you are in London and transported back to 1987. The interesting quandary is that you forget the technological advances that have happened since that time and you wonder why police are so handcuffed in their investigations.
Bryndza does a great job weaving the tale, working in the stories of his characters to make them more relatable.
He also early on tells us who the antagonist is, allowing us to see his motivation, his fears and thoughts. While there is a little, "Saw this coming" in the story, it flows together to tell a great tale.
As with his other books, The Quiet Kill, is a great story and worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Robert and NetGalley for allowing me to read The Quiet Kill before the publication date.
Although this book is described as a standalone novel, it reads like the start of a series, introducing the reader to the characters, the culture of the late 1980s and the Metropolitan Police.
This is a slow burn, mainly because it is the era before digitalisation and mass introduction of CCTV and communication depends on landline telephones, something which for many of the readers will be an alien concept.
1987 was the year that Princess Diana opened the first AIDS/HIV unit in London and the public fear of the contracting the HIV virus is palpable throughout the book.
DC Jamie Day has transferred to MIT in the Metropolitan Police and is thrown in the deep end before he has even reached the station.
His colleagues will include officers whose CVs list their experience in Vice and the Flying Squad and there is a culture of heavy drinking within MIT.
There is a hint of just how high in the command structure the machinations and corruption might lead,
leaving the reader to pontificate on which side of the line those decisions lie.
Although this book is described as a standalone novel, it reads like the start of a series, introducing the reader to the characters, the culture of the late 1980s and the Metropolitan Police.
This is a slow burn, mainly because it is the era before digitalisation and mass introduction of CCTV and communication depends on landline telephones, something which for many of the readers will be an alien concept.
1987 was the year that Princess Diana opened the first AIDS/HIV unit in London and the public fear of the contracting the HIV virus is palpable throughout the book.
DC Jamie Day has transferred to MIT in the Metropolitan Police and is thrown in the deep end before he has even reached the station.
His colleagues will include officers whose CVs list their experience in Vice and the Flying Squad and there is a culture of heavy drinking within MIT.
There is a hint of just how high in the command structure the machinations and corruption might lead,
leaving the reader to pontificate on which side of the line those decisions lie.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is set in London in 1987/88 during the rise of AIDS in the UK. Sadly, unlike Robert, I’m old enough to remember the government awareness campaign, and the level of ignorance and prejudice against gay people. It is also a chance to revisit a time before the smoking ban, when people had phones with dials, faxes, pagers, and had to look things up in directories. Also a lot of casual homophobia and misogyny.
Jamie Day is a young naïve newly-appointed Detective Constable, who has moved from Suffolk to the Met. His first day is a baptism of fire when he is involved in the discovery of a dismembered body, and then becomes part of the investigation team.
It appears that gay men are being targeted in a particularly brutal way, and then another body is found which points to the involvement of people in high places.
Jamie unwittingly finds himself at the centre of the investigation, but his dedication and integrity carry him through.
I feel there is a lot more to be heard about Jamie and the team around him.
Thanks to Netgalley and Raven Street Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
Jamie Day is a young naïve newly-appointed Detective Constable, who has moved from Suffolk to the Met. His first day is a baptism of fire when he is involved in the discovery of a dismembered body, and then becomes part of the investigation team.
It appears that gay men are being targeted in a particularly brutal way, and then another body is found which points to the involvement of people in high places.
Jamie unwittingly finds himself at the centre of the investigation, but his dedication and integrity carry him through.
I feel there is a lot more to be heard about Jamie and the team around him.
Thanks to Netgalley and Raven Street Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
May 4, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Rob Bryndza is back with a brilliant new standalone.
The author does a fantastic job of describing life in the 80's and he handles the HIV/gay community topic really well. Jamie the rookie detective was a hit from the start as he is plunged into a murder case on his first day with the Met. I do like the fact the author chose not to go with a seasoned detective. Rob pulls no punches in this gritty and dark plot with some gruesome and graphic scenes. We already know who the killer is and the story revolves around how Jamie and the team work out who it is. This is a well crafted police procedural, nicely paced and very well written. The short sharp chapters add to the intrigue. Although this is a standalone I for one would love this to turn into a series and Rob has another winner on his hands
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow, what a brilliant read! It’s the 1980’s and Jamie a new DC is settling in to life in London. He has just joined the Murder Squad and is trying to get accepted into a tight knit team but also there is a killer preying on young men. He is thrown into the deep end, will he cope? Is there a serial killer at large? In true Robert Bryndza style the story was thrilling and fast paced with plenty to keep me engaged and interested. It would be amazing if it wasn’t a stand alone and Robert started this as a new series as I loved it. Highly recommend, it’s a cracking read that will not disappoint. A big fat five stars from me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 9 July 2026.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 9 July 2026.
Review of advance copy
The Quiet Kill... 1987 London. A rookie to the Murder Squad is thrown right into the fire before his first day of work. Detective Jamie Day is the first one on the scene of a gruesome murder but is committed to solving it. But it doesn't stop at one body. Now with the help of his fellow officers, trying to find a connection becomes a task. This is a book where you might be a bit squeemish at the details but so well worth the read. I have read most of this authors' books and never once have been disappointed. I really could see this becoming another series as I have become invested in the characters. I was very happy to have been given a chance to read an advance copy. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this opportunity. Terrific read!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing
Set in the late 1980s, on his first day in London as a DC, Jamie Day discovers a dismembered body. When a second victim turns up, they suspect it might be the work of a serial killer.
This time, the story follows a police procedure in which our protagonist finds himself in a new city, in a new role, trying to settle in with new colleagues whilst dealing with a gruesome case.
As always, Robert Bryndza manages to draw you in with his novels, building tension through a steadily increasing pace and creating relatable characters who keep you hooked.
Although it’s meant to be a standalone novel, it could well be, and I’d love it to be, the start of a new series.
Set in the late 1980s, on his first day in London as a DC, Jamie Day discovers a dismembered body. When a second victim turns up, they suspect it might be the work of a serial killer.
This time, the story follows a police procedure in which our protagonist finds himself in a new city, in a new role, trying to settle in with new colleagues whilst dealing with a gruesome case.
As always, Robert Bryndza manages to draw you in with his novels, building tension through a steadily increasing pace and creating relatable characters who keep you hooked.
Although it’s meant to be a standalone novel, it could well be, and I’d love it to be, the start of a new series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Raven Street Publishing, for providing the copy of The Quiet Kill by Robert Bryndza. I loved this standalone thriller! Jamie is a great main character, and I liked how he tried to settle into life in London. He would be fun in a sequel as his relationships with his new coworkers develop more. (Of course, then this wouldn’t be a standalone!) The story was set in the 80s, and I liked the pop culture references. There was so much going on it was hard to put the book down, as the immersive writing kept drawing me deeper into the story. If you love a fast, thrilling thriller, get this book! 5 stars
April 25, 2026
The Quiet Kill is the latest novel from Robert Bryndza. It’s a chilling standalone thriller set in 1987 as Jamie Day is promoted to DC at the Metropolitan Police. It’s a far cry from his previous life working in a local police force in Lowestoft and he’s soon thrown into the thick of it after finding the dismembered body of a young man. As another body is found, Jamie and his colleagues fear they may be hunting for a serial killer. Were introduced to the killer early on but I enjoyed how the pit unfolded. There are some graphic scenes but overall this book will keep you hooked to the end. Thank you to NetGalley, Raven Street Publishing and the author for the chance to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A good, creepy murder investigation! I really enjoyed the setting, London at the end of the 1980's. It was well described and definitely reminded me of my time there at the time ) red telephone booths still in use, some cars, the fear of HIV). Very interesting and pleasant to read about. I also liked Jamie as a person, young and still naive in some ways but willing to make his way to become a good policeman. However, I found it a shame that we knew about the murderer early in the novel, so no suspense there. A good read, nevertheless.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The book grabs you right at the start revealing a shocking murder victim. No evidence left behind but while investigating this murder another victim surfaces. Then another victim. Are they linked, if so, how? A shocking sex tape scandal amidst in the investigation. A new detective to the murder team is tricked into revealing confidential case information causing chaos and possibly ending his career before it even truly begins. How will this end, deals being made and possibly working in the grey areas of the law to bring justice to the victims? Received an ARC and this is my voluntary honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Very good. Set in the late 1980s, against a backdrop of fears over HIV spreading, Jamie is a new DC transferring to London from a much smaller, more rural force and we find out how he feels lost at time, trying to find his way around while settling in to his strange new lodging and a team who aren't all welcoming to him. He is thrown in at the very deep end, but gets support from his new boss and one of the PCs. His naivety does get him into trouble which leads to him questioning his future.
I really hope this is the start of a new series and not a standalone. I want more from this team, and it is great reading about investigations before modern technology.
I really hope this is the start of a new series and not a standalone. I want more from this team, and it is great reading about investigations before modern technology.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s another triumphant read from Robert Bryndza. Quite different from his other books in that’s its based in London in 1987. He captures the era brilliantly, the atmosphere, the characters all reflect the changing times and the ignorance and fear of HIV and the gay community. I was married to a policeman at the time and he’s also portrayed the culture within the met police exactly as it was.
The murders are somewhat gruesome, best not read as you have your lunch but not so horrible as to keep you awake at night. It was a good ending and could leave it open for a follow up book, I’d like to see how our rookie detective gets on.
The murders are somewhat gruesome, best not read as you have your lunch but not so horrible as to keep you awake at night. It was a good ending and could leave it open for a follow up book, I’d like to see how our rookie detective gets on.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Good Read.
Jamie is used to policing his quiet seaside home town when a promotion comes through, sending him to London, as a detective.
His very first call, on his very first day, takes him to the scene of a dead male, dismembered and stuffed in garbage bags. The gruesome murder introduces him to his new colleagues and job in a big way.
The murders continue and Jamie finds his way among the people he works with and the clues, until he doesn't.
Suspense filled and interesting story.
Would have liked it even more as a more contemporary dated story.
Jamie is used to policing his quiet seaside home town when a promotion comes through, sending him to London, as a detective.
His very first call, on his very first day, takes him to the scene of a dead male, dismembered and stuffed in garbage bags. The gruesome murder introduces him to his new colleagues and job in a big way.
The murders continue and Jamie finds his way among the people he works with and the clues, until he doesn't.
Suspense filled and interesting story.
Would have liked it even more as a more contemporary dated story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As an avid Robert Bryndza fan, I have to say — this was not what I expected… and I mean that in the best possible way.
At times, it was a difficult read due to its dark nature and vivid language. But that’s exactly what made it feel so authentic. The late ’80s setting isn’t softened or romanticised; nothing is glossed over.
What truly stood out was how the story goes beyond a typical thriller. Yes, there’s murders to solve, but it also offers a stark and important portrayal of the HIV stigma and how gay men were treated during that time. It’s heavy, uncomfortable, and impactful.
At times, it was a difficult read due to its dark nature and vivid language. But that’s exactly what made it feel so authentic. The late ’80s setting isn’t softened or romanticised; nothing is glossed over.
What truly stood out was how the story goes beyond a typical thriller. Yes, there’s murders to solve, but it also offers a stark and important portrayal of the HIV stigma and how gay men were treated during that time. It’s heavy, uncomfortable, and impactful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Raven Street Publishing for the eARC.
Wow, what a nailbiter, hard to put down, like all of Robert Bryndza's books.
It's the 1980's in London and HIV is feared by many. Young Jamie has just arrived to start his career as a detective constable and his career starts with a dismembered body. Another body, similarly killed, keeps his heart rate high.
There were several parts that made me feel squeamish, but I couldn't stop reading, so good! I really liked Jamie and hope that we'll meet him again.
Lovely being in London in the 80's, I remember it fondly.
Wow, what a nailbiter, hard to put down, like all of Robert Bryndza's books.
It's the 1980's in London and HIV is feared by many. Young Jamie has just arrived to start his career as a detective constable and his career starts with a dismembered body. Another body, similarly killed, keeps his heart rate high.
There were several parts that made me feel squeamish, but I couldn't stop reading, so good! I really liked Jamie and hope that we'll meet him again.
Lovely being in London in the 80's, I remember it fondly.
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