The Shoeman: A chilling crime thriller with a shocking twist

by Jack Probyn

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 30, 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

[Lindy Protzek]

Ok..well I am loving this series more and more with each book. Wonderful characters and I love that Stephanie is evolving and finding happiness and the closeness of herself and her cohorts. This "chapter" was very good, quite intense and caused me some anxiety a few times. If you haven't already get all the books in this series and the DS Tomek Bowen series by this author and ENJOY!!!!

[Brett B]

Steph and her team do it again. Another great book in the series by Jack. A page-turner from the beginning, didn't want to put it down as I needed to figure out whom the killer was before the team got there. Looking forward to the next one.

[Helen]

The latest edition of the DI Stephanie Broadbent series opens with the murder of a woman in her own home and next to her body, a pair of hiking boots with a name. Who wanted to hurt her? Who do the boots belong to? Another twisty book that had me hooked! I really enjoyed the story, with other storylines intertwined (the fallout from Olivia’s actions, the team coming together to draw strength from each other as Clive’s replacement is imminent, and Stephs own life…!). No spoilers, couldn’t work out who The Shoeman was. Jack is seriously progressing with each novel; he pushes the limits but doesn’t step over into unbelievable territory. Looking forward to the next instalment!

(Honest review in exchange for ARC copy).

[Helen Stead]

This was Jack Probyn at his best, a straightforward murder mystery. A few twists along the way, but easier to read than one or two recently. Really enjoyed this, and glad to see Steph's relationship progressing.