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DCI Michael Lambert #1
Dead Eyed
DCI Michael Lambert thought he’d closed his last case…
Yet when he’s passed a file detailing a particularly gruesome murder, Michael knows that this is no ordinary killer at work.
The removal of the victim’s eyes and the Latin inscription carved into the chest is the chilling calling-card of the ‘soul jacker’: a cold-blooded murderer who struck close to Michael once before, twenty-five years ago.
Now the long-buried case is being re-opened, and Michael is determined to use his inside knowledge to finally bring the killer to justice. But as the body count rises, Michael realises that his own links to the victims could mean that he is next on the killer’s list…
The gripping first novel in a thrilling new crime series by Matt Brolly. Perfect for fans of Tony Parsons, Lee Child and Angela Marsons.
Yet when he’s passed a file detailing a particularly gruesome murder, Michael knows that this is no ordinary killer at work.
The removal of the victim’s eyes and the Latin inscription carved into the chest is the chilling calling-card of the ‘soul jacker’: a cold-blooded murderer who struck close to Michael once before, twenty-five years ago.
Now the long-buried case is being re-opened, and Michael is determined to use his inside knowledge to finally bring the killer to justice. But as the body count rises, Michael realises that his own links to the victims could mean that he is next on the killer’s list…
The gripping first novel in a thrilling new crime series by Matt Brolly. Perfect for fans of Tony Parsons, Lee Child and Angela Marsons.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2015
1544 people are currently reading
1003 people want to read
About the author
Matt Brolly
31 books582 followersMatt Brolly is the Amazon number one bestselling author of the DI Blackwell novels set in Weston-supper-Mare, as well as the DCI Lambert crime novels, the acclaimed near future crime novel, Zero, and the US thriller, The Controller.
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
Matt also writes children's books as M.J. Brolly. His first children's book, The Sleeping Bug, was released by Oblong Books in December 2018.
Matt lives in London with his wife and their young children. You can find out more about Matt at his website www.mattbrolly.com or by following him on twitter: @MattBrollyUK
Matt Brolly books in order:
DI Blackwell:
The Crossing (Feb 2020)
The Descent (July 2020)
The Gorge (March 2021)
The Mark (out November 2021)
DCI Lambert Series
Dead Water (prequel released August 2019)
Dead Eyed
Dead Lucky
Dead Embers
Dead Time
Other books
Zero
The Controller
For children (as M.J. Brolly)
The Sleeping Bug
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
November 24, 2015
4.5 stars
First of all, I want to thank Matt Brolly for asking me to read his first book. I also want to thank Net Galley and Carina UK for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Wow, Matt Brolly!! This is a debut novel? Really??
Dead Eyed is a terrific thriller from first time British author Matt Brolly. This novel has everything one would expect from a seasoned best selling writer. The plot involves a multidepartmental search for the “Souljacker”, the person responsible for the grizzly deaths of nearly a dozen people over a 20-year time frame. Also in the fray is our protagonist, ex-DCI and ex-“special Group” member Michael Lambert, who is investigating on his own. He is actually on leave of absence from the police force because of a horrific personal tragedy that occurred two years previously. I loved Michael. His meticulous work ethic and attention to detail reminded me of me, so of course, he’s my kind of guy. We are also privy to Michael’s deteriorating personal life and internal angst, which contribute to his high level of determination to crack this case despite repeated requests from law enforcement to stop interfering. He is clearly an outstanding detective. I thought almost all the characters were well written; In addition to Michael, I particularly liked DCI Sarah May. I hope she will be reappearing in subsequent installments of this new series.
The plot is complex, mostly believable, and highly engaging. I was so riveted by this book that I was unconsciously blocking out everything that was happening around me. Let me issue one warning: there are several graphic scenes; there one short passage towards the end that is one of the most horrendous descriptions I have read in a thriller. I actually physically shuddered when I read it!
The pace of the story is quick. The tale is full of twists and turns and chapter-ending cliffhangers. The suspense, killing at times, is really agitating; I could not read the last 25% fast enough. I thought I knew where the story was going, but I was wrong—the ending is a shocker!
I highly recommend Dead Eyed to anyone looking for a good thriller. It is an outstanding read and deserves to find a wide audience. It’s that good. My rating is 4.5. I am rounding it down to 4 in order to leave room for a higher rating for book 2 of the Michael Lambert series, Dead Lucky, due out in early January 2016 (and already preordered by me). Give Matt Brolly a shot. He’s the real thing.
First of all, I want to thank Matt Brolly for asking me to read his first book. I also want to thank Net Galley and Carina UK for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Wow, Matt Brolly!! This is a debut novel? Really??
Dead Eyed is a terrific thriller from first time British author Matt Brolly. This novel has everything one would expect from a seasoned best selling writer. The plot involves a multidepartmental search for the “Souljacker”, the person responsible for the grizzly deaths of nearly a dozen people over a 20-year time frame. Also in the fray is our protagonist, ex-DCI and ex-“special Group” member Michael Lambert, who is investigating on his own. He is actually on leave of absence from the police force because of a horrific personal tragedy that occurred two years previously. I loved Michael. His meticulous work ethic and attention to detail reminded me of me, so of course, he’s my kind of guy. We are also privy to Michael’s deteriorating personal life and internal angst, which contribute to his high level of determination to crack this case despite repeated requests from law enforcement to stop interfering. He is clearly an outstanding detective. I thought almost all the characters were well written; In addition to Michael, I particularly liked DCI Sarah May. I hope she will be reappearing in subsequent installments of this new series.
The plot is complex, mostly believable, and highly engaging. I was so riveted by this book that I was unconsciously blocking out everything that was happening around me. Let me issue one warning: there are several graphic scenes; there one short passage towards the end that is one of the most horrendous descriptions I have read in a thriller. I actually physically shuddered when I read it!
The pace of the story is quick. The tale is full of twists and turns and chapter-ending cliffhangers. The suspense, killing at times, is really agitating; I could not read the last 25% fast enough. I thought I knew where the story was going, but I was wrong—the ending is a shocker!
I highly recommend Dead Eyed to anyone looking for a good thriller. It is an outstanding read and deserves to find a wide audience. It’s that good. My rating is 4.5. I am rounding it down to 4 in order to leave room for a higher rating for book 2 of the Michael Lambert series, Dead Lucky, due out in early January 2016 (and already preordered by me). Give Matt Brolly a shot. He’s the real thing.
September 13, 2015
Many thanks to Netgalley, Carina & the Author for allowing me a free e-copy of this book to review. This is the debut novel from Matt Brolly where he introduces us to DCI Michael Lambert, an ex-policeman currently on leave following the death of his daughter, for which he blames himself.
I really enjoyed this story. It was very well written and flowed well, the characters all connected together, and I was kept guessing right up till the author let us know whodunnit!
Dead Eyed is a the story of Michael Lambert, a British detective on the case of the “ Souljacker killer”, a serial murderer who removes the eyes of his victims while carving an inscription in Latin on their chests…” the soul lives in the eyes.” Years ago, a friend of Lambert’s at university, was killed this way, and it seems that the killer has started again.
Lambert is a very troubled soul, and carries a lot of unresolved baggage from his past. He is a loner, his marriage is over, and he does things his own way, disobeying orders of people in authority. But he is an experienced detective, who has to overcome his personal demons to finally solve the mystery.
Had the killer sent Klatzky the file to get Lambert involved?
If it was the same killer from 20 years ago, then why had the killer stopped for years…and what made him/her start back up?
Dead Eyed is a tense crime thriller with a fast paced plot that is full of twists, turns and surprises, with a story that keeps the reader engrossed to the very end. The characters are well developed and relatable. The plot unfolds at a steady past carrying the reader along until the big reveal.
For fans of police thrillers, and mystery thrillers don’t miss out on this one. A very enjoyable read. Can’t believe that this is a debut novel, because it was so good. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
I really enjoyed this story. It was very well written and flowed well, the characters all connected together, and I was kept guessing right up till the author let us know whodunnit!
Dead Eyed is a the story of Michael Lambert, a British detective on the case of the “ Souljacker killer”, a serial murderer who removes the eyes of his victims while carving an inscription in Latin on their chests…” the soul lives in the eyes.” Years ago, a friend of Lambert’s at university, was killed this way, and it seems that the killer has started again.
Lambert is a very troubled soul, and carries a lot of unresolved baggage from his past. He is a loner, his marriage is over, and he does things his own way, disobeying orders of people in authority. But he is an experienced detective, who has to overcome his personal demons to finally solve the mystery.
Had the killer sent Klatzky the file to get Lambert involved?
If it was the same killer from 20 years ago, then why had the killer stopped for years…and what made him/her start back up?
Dead Eyed is a tense crime thriller with a fast paced plot that is full of twists, turns and surprises, with a story that keeps the reader engrossed to the very end. The characters are well developed and relatable. The plot unfolds at a steady past carrying the reader along until the big reveal.
For fans of police thrillers, and mystery thrillers don’t miss out on this one. A very enjoyable read. Can’t believe that this is a debut novel, because it was so good. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
March 4, 2016
well Well Well what a wonderful read this was & a fabulous start to a new series for me. I cannot believe this was Mark Brolly's first novel a powerful but gruesome read which was really enjoyable.
DCI Michael Lambert thought he closed his last case yet when he is passed a file concerning a particularly gruesome murder Michael believes that this is no ordinary killer at work.
The removal of the victims eyes & the Latin inscription carved e into their chests very intricately is the calling card of the soul jacker cold blooded murderer who struck close to Michael 25 years earlier.
Now the long buried case is reopened & Michael is determined to find the killer.
He gets together with DCI Sarah May & together they look into the killings the mo starts to change as the perp sews their eyes shut as well as their lips. Michael also has some baggage to contend with as his wife Sophie blames michael for the death of their daughter Chloe 2 years earlier.
While looking into the case Michael & sara get together as his marriage is on the rocks, then Sarsah suddenly disappears & the race is on for michael to save her.
I loved the character of Michael & sara they jelled together well & both are strong i have already bought the 2nd one so looking forward to that. Well done Matt Brolly on writing such a compelling police procedural highly recommended
5 + stars
DCI Michael Lambert thought he closed his last case yet when he is passed a file concerning a particularly gruesome murder Michael believes that this is no ordinary killer at work.
The removal of the victims eyes & the Latin inscription carved e into their chests very intricately is the calling card of the soul jacker cold blooded murderer who struck close to Michael 25 years earlier.
Now the long buried case is reopened & Michael is determined to find the killer.
He gets together with DCI Sarah May & together they look into the killings the mo starts to change as the perp sews their eyes shut as well as their lips. Michael also has some baggage to contend with as his wife Sophie blames michael for the death of their daughter Chloe 2 years earlier.
While looking into the case Michael & sara get together as his marriage is on the rocks, then Sarsah suddenly disappears & the race is on for michael to save her.
I loved the character of Michael & sara they jelled together well & both are strong i have already bought the 2nd one so looking forward to that. Well done Matt Brolly on writing such a compelling police procedural highly recommended
5 + stars
October 10, 2015
The bodies are all engraved with the same message "In occulis animus habitat" - the soul dwells in the eyes.
"It would take skill, along with an exceptional coldness to keep someone alive whilst you extracted their eyeballs. The inscription on their body would have taken hours. Each letter was always carved with extreme precision."
Former DCI Mike Lambert's life is in total disarray. He was driving the car in which his young daughter was killed. He has been on forced leaved of absence ever since the accident. He is sure his wife, with whom he is almost estranged, is going to leave him for another man. And one of his oldest best friends has received photos of a gruesome murder in the post, a murder that is linked to that of Billy Nolan a mutual friend from their university days, a murder that happened 18 years earlier.
I enjoyed this book which gained momentum as it went along, the author cleverly keeping the interest level high with his fast paced and cleverly written plot that kept me guessing right up until the killer was exposed.
I am looking forward to reading more from Matt Brolly. I sincerely hope that this is but the first of a series.
Thank you to author Matt Brolly for the gift of a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"It would take skill, along with an exceptional coldness to keep someone alive whilst you extracted their eyeballs. The inscription on their body would have taken hours. Each letter was always carved with extreme precision."
Former DCI Mike Lambert's life is in total disarray. He was driving the car in which his young daughter was killed. He has been on forced leaved of absence ever since the accident. He is sure his wife, with whom he is almost estranged, is going to leave him for another man. And one of his oldest best friends has received photos of a gruesome murder in the post, a murder that is linked to that of Billy Nolan a mutual friend from their university days, a murder that happened 18 years earlier.
I enjoyed this book which gained momentum as it went along, the author cleverly keeping the interest level high with his fast paced and cleverly written plot that kept me guessing right up until the killer was exposed.
I am looking forward to reading more from Matt Brolly. I sincerely hope that this is but the first of a series.
Thank you to author Matt Brolly for the gift of a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2016
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In oculis animus habitat. The soul dwells in the eyes.
This book started out slow and took its sweet time to pick up the pace. Initially, I had to struggle a bit to get into the book, but once I was 15% through, I was in for good. The pace picked up and the book went from slightly interesting to quite interesting and then I was on the edge of my seat almost biting my nails.
The story felt a little too long but considering that it is the first book in a detective series, I'm okay with it because I know that establishing the basics and the background is really important.
I like Lambert... a lot. He's one hell of a stud detective. One that I would love to read about. He's all broken and stuff but, again, he is a real stud! He is everything a detective should be like- smart, intelligent, sharp and daring. And this is all to say that the author truly nailed the characterization. Even the other characters, esp. Sarah May, were quite good and totally relatable.
The writing is great and the shifting POVs keep the book interesting and intriguing. The descriptions were so good that I squirmed every time another victim turned up with either their eyes cut out or stitched shut with black thread... And, trust me, it is one of the best things about this book.
The only thing that I find a little off is that the motive of the killer wasn't made clear. I mean after reading a seemingly lengthy book, there's nothing that I wanted more than to know the gory and dirty details of the killer's motives or, at least, the driving force behind them.
Still, I enjoyed the book. And for a debut novel, this book is really amazing. Unfortunately, I've stopped rating books with 1/2 stars, otherwise, this book would have been 4+1/2 instead of just 4.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
In oculis animus habitat. The soul dwells in the eyes.
This book started out slow and took its sweet time to pick up the pace. Initially, I had to struggle a bit to get into the book, but once I was 15% through, I was in for good. The pace picked up and the book went from slightly interesting to quite interesting and then I was on the edge of my seat almost biting my nails.
The story felt a little too long but considering that it is the first book in a detective series, I'm okay with it because I know that establishing the basics and the background is really important.
I like Lambert... a lot. He's one hell of a stud detective. One that I would love to read about. He's all broken and stuff but, again, he is a real stud! He is everything a detective should be like- smart, intelligent, sharp and daring. And this is all to say that the author truly nailed the characterization. Even the other characters, esp. Sarah May, were quite good and totally relatable.
The writing is great and the shifting POVs keep the book interesting and intriguing. The descriptions were so good that I squirmed every time another victim turned up with either their eyes cut out or stitched shut with black thread... And, trust me, it is one of the best things about this book.
The only thing that I find a little off is that the motive of the killer wasn't made clear. I mean after reading a seemingly lengthy book, there's nothing that I wanted more than to know the gory and dirty details of the killer's motives or, at least, the driving force behind them.
Still, I enjoyed the book. And for a debut novel, this book is really amazing. Unfortunately, I've stopped rating books with 1/2 stars, otherwise, this book would have been 4+1/2 instead of just 4.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
August 29, 2015
Review: DEAD EYED by Matt Brolly
I LOVED this book!!! I was riveted on every page, by tuned writing and by the convoluted, twisting, plot, which kept me guessing-guessing-guessing right on to the end, much of the time with my breath caught and my heart in my throat. If I hadn't read that this is a debut novel, I would never have guessed that. DEAD EYED deserves a wide audience, and a place on the bookshelves of every aficionado of British police procedurals and of finely-honed mysteries.
I LOVED this book!!! I was riveted on every page, by tuned writing and by the convoluted, twisting, plot, which kept me guessing-guessing-guessing right on to the end, much of the time with my breath caught and my heart in my throat. If I hadn't read that this is a debut novel, I would never have guessed that. DEAD EYED deserves a wide audience, and a place on the bookshelves of every aficionado of British police procedurals and of finely-honed mysteries.
September 2, 2015
WOW - what a brilliant debut novel! Congratulations to the author for his skill in crafting a macabre serial murder mystery for his hero, DCI Michael Lambert, to endeavour to solve whilst still attempting to avoid being the next victim! It is a tense crime thriller with a fast paced plot that is full of twists, turns and surprises - a story that keeps the reader engrossed to the very end.
DCI Michael Lambert isn’t a fresh faced, archetypical hero. Instead he’s a man struggling to cope with personal tragedy and reluctant to return to work until a serial killer he unsuccessfully sought twenty years ago starts murdering again. The characters are well developed, with their own angst pervading their actions and reactions - indeed if I’d met one particular character in real life I’d probably have been having stern words with him (to put it politely!) but that just demonstrates how well this is written. The macabre nature of the murders are reflected in the choice of title. The plot is finely tuned and well crafted making this an enthralling search for the truth and a totally engaging read worthy of a master of this genre. The final chapters are riveting and the epilogue promises more to come - I will certainly be looking out for other books in this series and by this author in future.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
DCI Michael Lambert isn’t a fresh faced, archetypical hero. Instead he’s a man struggling to cope with personal tragedy and reluctant to return to work until a serial killer he unsuccessfully sought twenty years ago starts murdering again. The characters are well developed, with their own angst pervading their actions and reactions - indeed if I’d met one particular character in real life I’d probably have been having stern words with him (to put it politely!) but that just demonstrates how well this is written. The macabre nature of the murders are reflected in the choice of title. The plot is finely tuned and well crafted making this an enthralling search for the truth and a totally engaging read worthy of a master of this genre. The final chapters are riveting and the epilogue promises more to come - I will certainly be looking out for other books in this series and by this author in future.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
November 29, 2021
4 stars audio
3 stars story
3 stars story
September 4, 2015
Dead Eyed -Having eyes that lack emotion or seem vacant
DCI Michael Lambert has been on leave for two years following the death of his daughter, for which he blames himself. His marriage is falling apart and it's time he makes a decision ...about his job, about his marriage, about his life.
The job decision is more or less taken out of his hands when a case he thought was closed twenty-five years ago comes to life again.
The SoulJacker was a cold-blooded murderer who removed his victims' eyes and carved a Latin inscription into their chests.
But is this the original SoulJacker who was never caught ... or a very clever copycat who wants Michael to play the game?
This is a thrilling new crime series featuring DCI Michael Lambert. Lambert is a tortured soul...he was driving the car that killed his daughter and he's never forgiven himself ... neither has his wife. He wants to put this particular madman away for good and he's not afraid to bend the rules when he feels a need.
I loved the characters ... even the secondary players. There's lot of action that held my attention from the beginning. I look forward to the next adventure with DCI Lambert.
My thanks to NetGalley / Carina UK for the digital copy to read in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
DCI Michael Lambert has been on leave for two years following the death of his daughter, for which he blames himself. His marriage is falling apart and it's time he makes a decision ...about his job, about his marriage, about his life.
The job decision is more or less taken out of his hands when a case he thought was closed twenty-five years ago comes to life again.
The SoulJacker was a cold-blooded murderer who removed his victims' eyes and carved a Latin inscription into their chests.
But is this the original SoulJacker who was never caught ... or a very clever copycat who wants Michael to play the game?
This is a thrilling new crime series featuring DCI Michael Lambert. Lambert is a tortured soul...he was driving the car that killed his daughter and he's never forgiven himself ... neither has his wife. He wants to put this particular madman away for good and he's not afraid to bend the rules when he feels a need.
I loved the characters ... even the secondary players. There's lot of action that held my attention from the beginning. I look forward to the next adventure with DCI Lambert.
My thanks to NetGalley / Carina UK for the digital copy to read in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
September 16, 2015
One word for this – Riveting.
Loving the spate of new Crime Fiction that is around at the moment and Dead Eyed is a perfect example of what I mean – fast paced, full of twisty goodness, a well drawn and intriguing main protagonist and a well constructed and horrifically addictive storyline.
You’ve got to love a good serial killer – ok you know what I mean – plus with “Dead Eyed” Matt Brolly has managed to create the kind of highly readable, fast and furious yet insightful character driven tale that most crime fiction fans (including myself) will devour in very short order.
A really excellent debut – presumably of a series – a series I shall be looking out for in the future. There will be a slightly more expansive review plus an interview with the author coming up on the blog soon (or possibly already depending on when you are reading this) so look out for that. In the meantime I’ll say…
Highly Recommended.
Happy Reading Folks!
Loving the spate of new Crime Fiction that is around at the moment and Dead Eyed is a perfect example of what I mean – fast paced, full of twisty goodness, a well drawn and intriguing main protagonist and a well constructed and horrifically addictive storyline.
You’ve got to love a good serial killer – ok you know what I mean – plus with “Dead Eyed” Matt Brolly has managed to create the kind of highly readable, fast and furious yet insightful character driven tale that most crime fiction fans (including myself) will devour in very short order.
A really excellent debut – presumably of a series – a series I shall be looking out for in the future. There will be a slightly more expansive review plus an interview with the author coming up on the blog soon (or possibly already depending on when you are reading this) so look out for that. In the meantime I’ll say…
Highly Recommended.
Happy Reading Folks!
January 4, 2025
Fast paced, gritty, full of twists and turns story with likeable lead.
A great start to a new series and one that I'll definitely continue with.
A great start to a new series and one that I'll definitely continue with.
September 5, 2015
An extremely well-written and intricate mystery/thriller that sets a high standard for future entries in this series. DCI Michael Lambert is a troubled soul who is attempting to come to some resolution about his life when he is pulled into a case that connects back to the vicious death of a friend in university - a death that set him on his path as a police officer. In order to solve the murders in the present, he must unravel past secrets that many prefer would stay buried. Brolly does a good job of creating interesting, multi-dimensional characters whether it is Lambert's alcoholic friend Klatzky, DI Sarah May who is investigating the Souljacker murders, or Lambert's wife Sophie who is still suffering from the loss of their daughter and trying to put her own life back together. Brolly's writing quickly pulls the reader into the story and as Lambert tries to pull the threads of the past and present together, so does the reader. Fans of mystery/thrillers will definitely love this story!
September 7, 2015
First I would like to thank the author and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. This book was a pleasure to read and I am now a big fan of Mr Brolly!
Debut novels I think are always very tricky especially in the crime/thriller genre. There are so many great books out there that often, it can be hard to compete. Well Matt Brolly does not need to worry on that front! This book was bloody brilliant!
What I liked about this book was the fact that although it was pure fiction, it felt like a case that could have happened. I love crime (no sh*it Sherlock you say!) but I love it more when the lines between fiction and reality get blurred. Where you start to question whether or not there are bits of the story that have some truth to it. As I was reading this book I had this overwhelming sense of familiarity that I could not…still cannot…place my finger on. Now that is good writing! Keeps me thinking…wonder if I will ever reach that “Eureka” moment! I also found myself maniacally humming the tune “Jeepers, Creepers, where’d you get them peepers. Jeepers, Creepers, where’d you get them eyes?”…I mean what the heck is that about!? Is it stuck in your head now too!?
DCI Lambert is a fantastic character –he has his flaws and he is typically “haunted” but he also is very likeable, believable and remains true to his character throughout the book. Sarah May is also a character I was particularly drawn to. She is independent, strong but also has a vulnerable side. But my favourite character was indeed the elusive “SoulJacker”–now how is that for a serial killers name? The name alone sends shivers up my spine but when you find out who it is….oh …hang on…best not reveal that as you will be gob-smacked to find out when you read this book! There were many more characters in this book that you will find yourself drawn to for various reasons–another bonus when it comes to what I liked about this book.
And talk about twists and turns! My stomach was doing flips like there was no tomorrow! I loved this as most of them I did not see coming! Also, for me the pace was just perfect and built up at just the right time to keep me turning the pages until the big reveal. I also liked the ending and lead into what I hope will be soon-to-be-released Book 2 — this is one series (please say it is a series Matt!) that I will most certainly be following!
I feel like I want to write more about this book, the plot, the characters, the setting (London and Bristol in the main) but it would soon turn this review into an essay –so I won’t. What I will say, however, is that I highly recommend heading over to Amazon and getting yourself a copy as you will not be disappointed.
Debut novels I think are always very tricky especially in the crime/thriller genre. There are so many great books out there that often, it can be hard to compete. Well Matt Brolly does not need to worry on that front! This book was bloody brilliant!
What I liked about this book was the fact that although it was pure fiction, it felt like a case that could have happened. I love crime (no sh*it Sherlock you say!) but I love it more when the lines between fiction and reality get blurred. Where you start to question whether or not there are bits of the story that have some truth to it. As I was reading this book I had this overwhelming sense of familiarity that I could not…still cannot…place my finger on. Now that is good writing! Keeps me thinking…wonder if I will ever reach that “Eureka” moment! I also found myself maniacally humming the tune “Jeepers, Creepers, where’d you get them peepers. Jeepers, Creepers, where’d you get them eyes?”…I mean what the heck is that about!? Is it stuck in your head now too!?
DCI Lambert is a fantastic character –he has his flaws and he is typically “haunted” but he also is very likeable, believable and remains true to his character throughout the book. Sarah May is also a character I was particularly drawn to. She is independent, strong but also has a vulnerable side. But my favourite character was indeed the elusive “SoulJacker”–now how is that for a serial killers name? The name alone sends shivers up my spine but when you find out who it is….oh …hang on…best not reveal that as you will be gob-smacked to find out when you read this book! There were many more characters in this book that you will find yourself drawn to for various reasons–another bonus when it comes to what I liked about this book.
And talk about twists and turns! My stomach was doing flips like there was no tomorrow! I loved this as most of them I did not see coming! Also, for me the pace was just perfect and built up at just the right time to keep me turning the pages until the big reveal. I also liked the ending and lead into what I hope will be soon-to-be-released Book 2 — this is one series (please say it is a series Matt!) that I will most certainly be following!
I feel like I want to write more about this book, the plot, the characters, the setting (London and Bristol in the main) but it would soon turn this review into an essay –so I won’t. What I will say, however, is that I highly recommend heading over to Amazon and getting yourself a copy as you will not be disappointed.
October 1, 2015
I’ve had Dead Eyed on my Netgalley TBR for a while now and some blogger friends of mine, Noelle over at Crimebookjunkie Book Blog and Joseph at Relax and Read Book Reviews had reviewed it so my interest was piqued!
By pure coincidence, Matt emailed me a couple of weeks ago asking would I like to read and review Dead Eyed. Of course my answer was yes, happy that I had a copy of it on my kindle!
Goodreads description:
DCI Michael Lambert thought he’d closed his last case…
Yet when he’s passed a file detailing a particularly gruesome murder, Michael knows that this is no ordinary killer at work.
The removal of the victim’s eyes and the Latin inscription carved into the chest is the chilling calling-card of the ‘soul jacker’: a cold-blooded murderer who struck close to Michael once before, twenty-five years ago.
Now the long-buried case is being re-opened, and Michael is determined to use his inside knowledge to finally bring the killer to justice. But as the body count rises, Michael realises that his own links to the victims could mean that he is next on the killer’s list…
There are so many crime books out there now that it can be difficult to separate them from each other. Not the case with Dead Eyed. With a serial killer called Souljacker, you know it’s going to be good! And this is a debut! I honestly couldn’t believe that this book was a debut, it seems so accomplished that I would have expected it to be well into a series at least!
Souljacker goes around killing people, taking their eyes out, and carving a Latin phrase into their bodies. Insane, but chillingly good as a killer.
Lambert is great as a character, he has his weaknesses and demons in his past, but he’s just so easy to like as a protagonist. Sarah May proves to be a strong female character in Dead Eyed too, adept and intelligent. Together they work the case simultaneously, leading to interesting developments in the investigation.
I don’t like going to far into plots as I think it takes away from the readers experience if they know too much. Sufficed to say, Dead Eyed is an astonishing debut novel. Matt Brolly’s writing style is clear, concise and vivid. The action is relentless, there are so many twists and “I know who” moments (I was wrong, consistently, by the way!!!) that all add up to it being a brilliant storyline, with excellent characterisation, and a truly deranged sociopathic killer.
By pure coincidence, Matt emailed me a couple of weeks ago asking would I like to read and review Dead Eyed. Of course my answer was yes, happy that I had a copy of it on my kindle!
Goodreads description:
DCI Michael Lambert thought he’d closed his last case…
Yet when he’s passed a file detailing a particularly gruesome murder, Michael knows that this is no ordinary killer at work.
The removal of the victim’s eyes and the Latin inscription carved into the chest is the chilling calling-card of the ‘soul jacker’: a cold-blooded murderer who struck close to Michael once before, twenty-five years ago.
Now the long-buried case is being re-opened, and Michael is determined to use his inside knowledge to finally bring the killer to justice. But as the body count rises, Michael realises that his own links to the victims could mean that he is next on the killer’s list…
There are so many crime books out there now that it can be difficult to separate them from each other. Not the case with Dead Eyed. With a serial killer called Souljacker, you know it’s going to be good! And this is a debut! I honestly couldn’t believe that this book was a debut, it seems so accomplished that I would have expected it to be well into a series at least!
Souljacker goes around killing people, taking their eyes out, and carving a Latin phrase into their bodies. Insane, but chillingly good as a killer.
Lambert is great as a character, he has his weaknesses and demons in his past, but he’s just so easy to like as a protagonist. Sarah May proves to be a strong female character in Dead Eyed too, adept and intelligent. Together they work the case simultaneously, leading to interesting developments in the investigation.
I don’t like going to far into plots as I think it takes away from the readers experience if they know too much. Sufficed to say, Dead Eyed is an astonishing debut novel. Matt Brolly’s writing style is clear, concise and vivid. The action is relentless, there are so many twists and “I know who” moments (I was wrong, consistently, by the way!!!) that all add up to it being a brilliant storyline, with excellent characterisation, and a truly deranged sociopathic killer.
September 1, 2015
This is the first book in a new series about DCI Michael Lambert. It is also British author Matt Brolly's debut novel. But it certainly does not read like a first attempt. This was a well-plotted, tense crime thriller with some appealing characters that I would definitely like to read more about.
Following a personal tragedy, Michael Lambert hasn't worked for a couple of years when he gets pulled into the search for a serial killer who had been lying dormant for years. Lambert is quite an unconventional character, a bit of an action hero, but with his heart in the right place. The author provided the right amount of background to the characters to make you feel connected to them and care about them.
The search for the killer is fast paced and the plot dark and twisted. Even though it became apparent who is behind the sadistic murders, the why and how kept me intrigued and engrossed right to the end. If you enjoy elaborate plots, well developed characters and blistering action, you should give this debut crime thriller a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Following a personal tragedy, Michael Lambert hasn't worked for a couple of years when he gets pulled into the search for a serial killer who had been lying dormant for years. Lambert is quite an unconventional character, a bit of an action hero, but with his heart in the right place. The author provided the right amount of background to the characters to make you feel connected to them and care about them.
The search for the killer is fast paced and the plot dark and twisted. Even though it became apparent who is behind the sadistic murders, the why and how kept me intrigued and engrossed right to the end. If you enjoy elaborate plots, well developed characters and blistering action, you should give this debut crime thriller a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
February 22, 2016
Well its no CSI for sure…
A huge thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book and I think I owe the author a huge apology for delaying the review for so long. Imagine during the delay he had even released a sequel and still was kind enough to send me both the copies twice. Yes twice. So I don’t know how I can express my gratitude for being so patient and kind about it
So let’s talk about the book Dead Eyed
Noticed how every episode of CSI opens with a dead body and during the course of forty minutes, after playing with a lot of beakers, test tubes and super cool gadgets wearing lab coats and glasses, investigators gets a case closed and murderer behind the bars even before you could finish saying "wow that was superawesomtasticfreakingcool" (no? ok maybe its just me…) so my point is that unfortunately this doesn’t happen in real life and this book just proves that bitter truth all the more. In a way that is also were I am a bit disappointed too..
The plot is absolutely a whodunit favorite with enough meat to chew on and keep you hooked as till the very end you have no idea how this all came about. In fact when I was actually shown the culprit I was still scratching my head in total unbelief and gluing together the larger picture. So yes for a thriller the plot is really nice and complex enough.
Treatment is where the things get a bit different. I am assuming that the author is aware of the practical and real life scenario of a murder investigation and howthings work in there. Either that or the author had done a really terrific job in his research as it shows in the book and while showing the realistic side he may have gone a bit too far because things gets too realistic aka slow and boring (shuuuz…that was rude)
The book shows how investigation unfolds in real life, which is like waiting for long lists of paper works, permissions and questioning and stuff which isn’t as glamorous and colorful as it is shown in movies and TV series…so for quite a while in the book…each chapter is moving with very minimal development in the case which means that though the book has a steady pace, in terms of events you may have to wait a bit for things to happen.
The author kind of avoids fictionalized case investigation, you won’t see our investigating officer getting those light bulb moments and stumbling upon that one missing link that unfolds every secret magically…NOPE….You have to literally wait for our officer to pick up each tiny piece and piecing it together as the book continues.
So in the end I say it’s a good start to a good investigative series but you need to keep an open mind and a bit of patience. Those who want realistic investigation series, this is an amazing pick but if you are one of those who would prefer a little adrenaline pumping, completely spiced up thriller you might have to lower down your expectations a bit but otherwise I would say, one should give the series a try.
A huge thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book and I think I owe the author a huge apology for delaying the review for so long. Imagine during the delay he had even released a sequel and still was kind enough to send me both the copies twice. Yes twice. So I don’t know how I can express my gratitude for being so patient and kind about it
So let’s talk about the book Dead Eyed
Noticed how every episode of CSI opens with a dead body and during the course of forty minutes, after playing with a lot of beakers, test tubes and super cool gadgets wearing lab coats and glasses, investigators gets a case closed and murderer behind the bars even before you could finish saying "wow that was superawesomtasticfreakingcool" (no? ok maybe its just me…) so my point is that unfortunately this doesn’t happen in real life and this book just proves that bitter truth all the more. In a way that is also were I am a bit disappointed too..
The plot is absolutely a whodunit favorite with enough meat to chew on and keep you hooked as till the very end you have no idea how this all came about. In fact when I was actually shown the culprit I was still scratching my head in total unbelief and gluing together the larger picture. So yes for a thriller the plot is really nice and complex enough.
Treatment is where the things get a bit different. I am assuming that the author is aware of the practical and real life scenario of a murder investigation and howthings work in there. Either that or the author had done a really terrific job in his research as it shows in the book and while showing the realistic side he may have gone a bit too far because things gets too realistic aka slow and boring (shuuuz…that was rude)
The book shows how investigation unfolds in real life, which is like waiting for long lists of paper works, permissions and questioning and stuff which isn’t as glamorous and colorful as it is shown in movies and TV series…so for quite a while in the book…each chapter is moving with very minimal development in the case which means that though the book has a steady pace, in terms of events you may have to wait a bit for things to happen.
The author kind of avoids fictionalized case investigation, you won’t see our investigating officer getting those light bulb moments and stumbling upon that one missing link that unfolds every secret magically…NOPE….You have to literally wait for our officer to pick up each tiny piece and piecing it together as the book continues.
So in the end I say it’s a good start to a good investigative series but you need to keep an open mind and a bit of patience. Those who want realistic investigation series, this is an amazing pick but if you are one of those who would prefer a little adrenaline pumping, completely spiced up thriller you might have to lower down your expectations a bit but otherwise I would say, one should give the series a try.
October 18, 2025
This story didn't really work for me. The author tried to induce suspense by deliberately introducing a subject and then withholding the information only from the reader, instead of withholding it from the character. It became an annoying device. Feelings didn't always match up with what was happening. But the worst thing was that...
In addition, there were a lot of names (I dare not say characters, because there was nothing individually identifying about them except their names) who were introduced and then forgotten about until they were needed again--by which time I was struggling to remember who was who.
In addition, there were a lot of names (I dare not say characters, because there was nothing individually identifying about them except their names) who were introduced and then forgotten about until they were needed again--by which time I was struggling to remember who was who.
April 29, 2019
DCI Michael Lambert is on long term sickness absence but gets drawn back into action when a murder is discovered 18 years after the murder of his university friend by the same brutal method. A complex investigation gets underway in Bristol and then back in London. I enjoyed this one and will probably look for the next Lambert book.
February 20, 2016
Michael Lambert is a Detective Chief Inspector, who is on compassionate leave from his police role, following a tragic accident, which ultimately led to the death of his daughter. She was an only child.
DCI Lambert thought that he had closed his final case, which was dubbed ‘The Souljacker Case’. Similar killings start up again and the case is reopened. The hallmark of ‘The Souljacker’ is to remove his victim’s eyes and carve a latin inscription on the victim’s chest.
Michael carries out his own investigation, using insider knowledge. The body count continues to rise and DCI Lambert realises that ‘The Souljacker’ could be after him next. The book follows the investigation of the case.
I loved this book and read it in a relatively short space of time (for me anyway). ‘Dead Eyed’ is well written and structured. The chapters are short and written in such a way that you just have to read on. Reading this book was similar to being on a rollercoaster ride, with plenty of twists, turns and stomach churning moments. The action was fast paced and at times I had to literally hold my breath. If this book was a film then I would have been watching through my fingers. The story gradually gathers pace until matters come to a dramatic and terrifying conclusion.
The characters are well written and well formed. DCI Lambert is a damaged person. He was in a fatal car crash, in which his daughter died. Lambert carries a big sense of guilt around with him and blames himself for his daughter’s death. He becomes estranged from his wife. Both are clearly grieving but they are so consumed by their grief that they are pushing each other away. Lambert has been on compassionate leave from work but this case (& his links to the victim) gives him his hunger back and his passion for the job. DCI Lambert is popular with friends, family and his colleagues. The villain is creepy, dark and sinister. The ease with which the villain can switch personalities is shocking.
In short I loved this book and I would definitely recommend it to others. This is a very good debut novel by a very talented writer, who is clearly destined for great things. I can’t wait to read more from this very talented writer.
DCI Lambert thought that he had closed his final case, which was dubbed ‘The Souljacker Case’. Similar killings start up again and the case is reopened. The hallmark of ‘The Souljacker’ is to remove his victim’s eyes and carve a latin inscription on the victim’s chest.
Michael carries out his own investigation, using insider knowledge. The body count continues to rise and DCI Lambert realises that ‘The Souljacker’ could be after him next. The book follows the investigation of the case.
I loved this book and read it in a relatively short space of time (for me anyway). ‘Dead Eyed’ is well written and structured. The chapters are short and written in such a way that you just have to read on. Reading this book was similar to being on a rollercoaster ride, with plenty of twists, turns and stomach churning moments. The action was fast paced and at times I had to literally hold my breath. If this book was a film then I would have been watching through my fingers. The story gradually gathers pace until matters come to a dramatic and terrifying conclusion.
The characters are well written and well formed. DCI Lambert is a damaged person. He was in a fatal car crash, in which his daughter died. Lambert carries a big sense of guilt around with him and blames himself for his daughter’s death. He becomes estranged from his wife. Both are clearly grieving but they are so consumed by their grief that they are pushing each other away. Lambert has been on compassionate leave from work but this case (& his links to the victim) gives him his hunger back and his passion for the job. DCI Lambert is popular with friends, family and his colleagues. The villain is creepy, dark and sinister. The ease with which the villain can switch personalities is shocking.
In short I loved this book and I would definitely recommend it to others. This is a very good debut novel by a very talented writer, who is clearly destined for great things. I can’t wait to read more from this very talented writer.
September 18, 2015
The Souljacker is back... After eighteen years dormant, the vicious serial killer has returned and claimed another victim. As in the previous cases, the victim's eyes have been gouged out and a latin inscription carved on the chest.
DCI Michael Lambert has been off duty for two years recovering from a fatal car crash in which his daughter has lost her life. Hearing about the reappearance of the Souljacker, Lambert immediately springs back into action albeit in an unofficial way. The killer's previous victim had been one of Lambert's friends. Who is the Souljacker? Why did this monster disappear for eighteen years? What was his motivation to start killing again? And why now?
As the bodies pile up, Lambert finds himself in a frantic search for a possible connection between the Souljacker's victims that may lead to the identity of this elusive killer. How does the Souljacker choose his victims?
Lambert comes across as a great character. He's quite likeable and realistic. Though bright and strong, at times he's also weak and on the verge of his breaking point. I also liked DI Sarah May, who's a great character and a resilient, professional team leader, but she's not without her own skeletons in the closet. I liked the way these two characters conducted their own investigation simultaneously but separately.
'Dead Eyed' is a very engaging and absorbing read. Many chapters end in cliffhangers that make you want to keep on reading. The action never slows. However, I'm afraid, I wasn't entirely convinced or satisfied by the final confrontation with the killer and the way the story is wrapped up in the epilogue.
Having said that, this book is a gripping fast-paced page turner full of twists and turns. I have to say that for a debut thriller, this book is brilliant and I really enjoyed it. I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by this promising, talented author.
Many thanks to Matt Brolly for inviting me to read and give an honest review of his book through Netgalley.
DCI Michael Lambert has been off duty for two years recovering from a fatal car crash in which his daughter has lost her life. Hearing about the reappearance of the Souljacker, Lambert immediately springs back into action albeit in an unofficial way. The killer's previous victim had been one of Lambert's friends. Who is the Souljacker? Why did this monster disappear for eighteen years? What was his motivation to start killing again? And why now?
As the bodies pile up, Lambert finds himself in a frantic search for a possible connection between the Souljacker's victims that may lead to the identity of this elusive killer. How does the Souljacker choose his victims?
Lambert comes across as a great character. He's quite likeable and realistic. Though bright and strong, at times he's also weak and on the verge of his breaking point. I also liked DI Sarah May, who's a great character and a resilient, professional team leader, but she's not without her own skeletons in the closet. I liked the way these two characters conducted their own investigation simultaneously but separately.
'Dead Eyed' is a very engaging and absorbing read. Many chapters end in cliffhangers that make you want to keep on reading. The action never slows. However, I'm afraid, I wasn't entirely convinced or satisfied by the final confrontation with the killer and the way the story is wrapped up in the epilogue.
Having said that, this book is a gripping fast-paced page turner full of twists and turns. I have to say that for a debut thriller, this book is brilliant and I really enjoyed it. I will certainly be on the lookout for more books by this promising, talented author.
Many thanks to Matt Brolly for inviting me to read and give an honest review of his book through Netgalley.
November 28, 2017
Wow what a chilling book that has you gripped right from the beginning. First time author for me but definitely not the last.
April 24, 2021
Typos, grammatical errors, mistakes (officer changing rank) and misuse of words both irritating and unnecessary. Needs a decent proofreader. Guessed the protagonist fairly early on. Hoping for an improvement with Book 2 in the series.
December 11, 2022
Because there were no more Louise Blackwell books left to read I had to find another detective. Lambert leads the way with his back story so you find out a lot about him up front rather than gradually discovering his previous life experiences. When he was a student he discovered one of his friends, who lived in Halls with him, murdered in his room. His eyes had been gouged out and a message tattooed into his chest wall. This was the first of many. A serial murdered seemed to be on the loose with the same MO. Then there was a hiatus. The murders stopped only for them to start after a break of 19 years. Why? Was it the same person or a copy cat killing? Lambert had been away from work (now a police officer) for a couple of years having been involved in RTC in which his daughter died. He's investigating and communicating with the formal police case to try to get to the bottom of things
May 5, 2025
La storia risulta essere molto particolare principalmente per la firma dell'assassino che si sta cercando.
Non sono rimasta particolarmente colpita dalla modalità di formazione dei personaggi, ad esempio i flashback e i sensi di colpa di Lambert per un incidente che alla fine non si scopre fino in fondo.
Perché l'assassino decide di tirare in mezzo Lambert che era sospeso dalla sua attività di detective per motivi familiari, e alla fine farsi prendere; non ho compreso molto questa idea.
Per il resto è un ottimo libro.
Non sono rimasta particolarmente colpita dalla modalità di formazione dei personaggi, ad esempio i flashback e i sensi di colpa di Lambert per un incidente che alla fine non si scopre fino in fondo.
Perché l'assassino decide di tirare in mezzo Lambert che era sospeso dalla sua attività di detective per motivi familiari, e alla fine farsi prendere; non ho compreso molto questa idea.
Per il resto è un ottimo libro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2018
What a fantastic,fast paced,gripping and compelling page turner!
Highly recommended to those hooked on 'who-dunnits' with a twist!
Highly recommended to those hooked on 'who-dunnits' with a twist!
August 14, 2019
First book by this author and enjoyed it. DCI Lambert is ok although I didnt particularly like him. It was fast paced and I liked the way the story developed. Will move on with book 2 Recommended.
November 14, 2021
Thrilling
September 2, 2021
This is the first book in the series featuring DCI Michael Lambert and what an opener, the mystery element of the storyline kept me guessing right up to the endgame, looking forward to reading the second installment. A great accompaniment to the DI Louise Blackwell books.
Matt Brolly's style of writing is very engaging and his characters have become some of my favourites.
Matt Brolly's style of writing is very engaging and his characters have become some of my favourites.
Want to read
January 2, 2020BookPerk 99
November 14, 2021
Thrilling
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