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Rock, Paper, Scissors: A gripping British Crime Thriller with a shocking twist
Not yet published
Expected 8 May 26When the body of a former youth offender appears half-buried in the Surrey Hills, DI Stephanie Broadbent believes the answers lie in the victim’s recent past. Men like him don’t simply stop offending.
But what she discovers is a past that goes way deeper and is way darker than she could ever have imagined. A past that seems to vanish the closer she looks.
Because the victim played a game of rock, paper, scissors — but not as you know it.
But what she discovers is a past that goes way deeper and is way darker than she could ever have imagined. A past that seems to vanish the closer she looks.
Because the victim played a game of rock, paper, scissors — but not as you know it.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 8, 2026
9 people want to read
About the author
Jack Probyn
217 books112 followersI’m Jack Probyn, and I write murder mysteries and crime thrillers set in England. I studied Creative Writing at the University of Surrey and have always been fascinated by storytelling, particularly the dark and twisty kind.
I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.
I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rock Paper scissors by Jack Probyn is book 6 in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series and another Brillant read. It I his best one yet.
When a body is found an expected overdose, Di Stephanie Broadbent is on the case with her team. The death Is linked to members of the Green Arrow project a temporary homeless centre, whose occupants are all rough sleepers. And what happened to a few of the occupants when many years ago they were forced to play a game of Rock paper, scissors. But not the game that we all know and love.
This episode is the series is darker and gritter story than the others and at last Stephanie has not for a long time a smile on her face as there is romance on the cards?
This is another addictive, gripping read that I enjoyed throughout. It has great characters and storyline and cannot wait for the next one as it was left with a cliffhanger right at then end. 8 tar from me.
When a body is found an expected overdose, Di Stephanie Broadbent is on the case with her team. The death Is linked to members of the Green Arrow project a temporary homeless centre, whose occupants are all rough sleepers. And what happened to a few of the occupants when many years ago they were forced to play a game of Rock paper, scissors. But not the game that we all know and love.
This episode is the series is darker and gritter story than the others and at last Stephanie has not for a long time a smile on her face as there is romance on the cards?
This is another addictive, gripping read that I enjoyed throughout. It has great characters and storyline and cannot wait for the next one as it was left with a cliffhanger right at then end. 8 tar from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I thoroughly enjoyed this book 6 in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series.
It's one of those books that you are captured from start to finish in a well written, gripping, page-turner and at times edge of seat read.
I've enjoyed getting to know Stephanie's personal life through the other books in the series. Even though there is a little about it in this book, it concentrates more on her work and crime solving. In fact, I found myself feeling that this was the best one in the series.
There are strong, interesting characters and revelations, and many a twist leading to that unexpected shock of one.
I also enjoyed the authors descriptive side of the book, which enables you to see everything in your minds eye.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to others.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
It's one of those books that you are captured from start to finish in a well written, gripping, page-turner and at times edge of seat read.
I've enjoyed getting to know Stephanie's personal life through the other books in the series. Even though there is a little about it in this book, it concentrates more on her work and crime solving. In fact, I found myself feeling that this was the best one in the series.
There are strong, interesting characters and revelations, and many a twist leading to that unexpected shock of one.
I also enjoyed the authors descriptive side of the book, which enables you to see everything in your minds eye.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to others.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 6 of the Stephanie Broadbent series and she's really settled in and found her place now. It's good to have a book where her own demons aren't at the forefront :)
There are 2 tales running parallel with only a bit of overlap (quite a nice change actually, lots of books are determined to make even the weakest plotlines tie up together). We catch more of a glimpse of Olivia and Steph's relationship with Milton is becoming stronger.
But what do Keisha and Charlie from the homeless shelter have to do with the very ordinary stay-at-home mum, Gabby? What secrets is Gabby hiding? How can she unlock the case?
There are 2 tales running parallel with only a bit of overlap (quite a nice change actually, lots of books are determined to make even the weakest plotlines tie up together). We catch more of a glimpse of Olivia and Steph's relationship with Milton is becoming stronger.
But what do Keisha and Charlie from the homeless shelter have to do with the very ordinary stay-at-home mum, Gabby? What secrets is Gabby hiding? How can she unlock the case?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced copy provided by Author
This is book 6 in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series by Jack Probyn.
A body is found and it is thought to be a drug overdose, the victim belongs to a temporary homeless centre whose occupants are all rough sleepers, but all is not as it seems.
Stephanie and her team discover secrets of the past seem to be connected, especially the game 'Rock Paper Scissors' but in a rather more sinister way.
Great development of characters that can surprise you and is definitely a darker more violent story than usual. It certainly keeps you engaged right to the end.
This is book 6 in the DI Stephanie Broadbent series by Jack Probyn.
A body is found and it is thought to be a drug overdose, the victim belongs to a temporary homeless centre whose occupants are all rough sleepers, but all is not as it seems.
Stephanie and her team discover secrets of the past seem to be connected, especially the game 'Rock Paper Scissors' but in a rather more sinister way.
Great development of characters that can surprise you and is definitely a darker more violent story than usual. It certainly keeps you engaged right to the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another gripping episode to the series, and it’s even darker than the last one. I absolutely love this series, love the characters apart from Kimberley, she’s too needy for me, but fortunately she doesn’t appear as much in this one, just the odd mention.
A man’s hand is found near a playground so this is a new case for the team. Nothing else, just a hand.
What follows is the start of a complex case, going back years and the atrocities that happened at that time opens up a whole can of worms.
As Stephanie and the team get closer to the truth, it’s far more devastating than anyone could imagine.
Well, everyone says “the good old days”, but I know from friends that this sort of thing went on years ago, and Jack has managed to deal with it in a caring and thoughtful way. I’ll not say anymore as it will spoil it for the readers, but thankfully we are in 2026 and things have improved.
I think this is the best one yet, and from the ending, Jack has left it open, I hope, for another instalment.
My thanks to Jack and the publishers for the ARC.
A man’s hand is found near a playground so this is a new case for the team. Nothing else, just a hand.
What follows is the start of a complex case, going back years and the atrocities that happened at that time opens up a whole can of worms.
As Stephanie and the team get closer to the truth, it’s far more devastating than anyone could imagine.
Well, everyone says “the good old days”, but I know from friends that this sort of thing went on years ago, and Jack has managed to deal with it in a caring and thoughtful way. I’ll not say anymore as it will spoil it for the readers, but thankfully we are in 2026 and things have improved.
I think this is the best one yet, and from the ending, Jack has left it open, I hope, for another instalment.
My thanks to Jack and the publishers for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 6 in the DI Broadbent series and what a belter it is. Jack Probyn is one of those authors who I no longer bother reading the blurb on his books as I know I am in for a great read.
Broadbent and the team are investigating the murder of a homeless man, then a body-less hand turns up and Wellard, well she’s dealing with personal matters that are taking her down a path she may not be able to come back from.
Broadbent and the team are investigating the murder of a homeless man, then a body-less hand turns up and Wellard, well she’s dealing with personal matters that are taking her down a path she may not be able to come back from.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yet another terrific read from this author.
DI Broadbent and her team have their work cut out for them hunting this twisted sadistic killer & race to solve the crimes before another victim surfaces.
Meanwhile, one of her team deals with a personal crisis as home? Is this in any way related to the case at work?
Only time will tell!
The characters continue to develop and evolve in book 6 of this great series.
DI Broadbent and her team have their work cut out for them hunting this twisted sadistic killer & race to solve the crimes before another victim surfaces.
Meanwhile, one of her team deals with a personal crisis as home? Is this in any way related to the case at work?
Only time will tell!
The characters continue to develop and evolve in book 6 of this great series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fantastic read...very intense and edge of your seat reading. Great characters, great storylines. I highly recommend this entire series and everything else Jack writes. So worth it! I would really love to see Steph have some happiness in her personal life, she deserves it. Keep 'em coming Jack.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the latest in the Surrey DI series and for a change it does not involve Steph getting into jeopardy. There are plenty of plot twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Steph gets help from an unexpected source. The story touches on several current issues with homelessness and drug dealing. An enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Although I'm normally gripped by Jack's books, this one left me cold. I enjoyed the police procedures and the relationships which are developing, but this book should come with a warning of violence. I hope the next book in the series is less traumatic.
May 1, 2026
Another great read. Even better it was a signed copy!! Can't wait for another instalment.
Review of advance copy
A deadly game of rock, paper, scissors in a government-controlled facility. This thriller has two story lines that keep your interest. Hard to put down and want more.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews