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The Surgeon is ready… Are you? For the worst punishment imaginable..?
Murder, mystery and mayhem are deftly woven through this intense, dark crime thriller.
A psychological chiller combining well drawn characters with plenty of twists and turns – part police procedural, part gripping suspense.
In brief:
A serial killer challenges criminal profiler, Doctor Colin Powers, to solve several cold case mutilation murders, while Detective Inspector Jack Carver investigates a newly dismembered victim.
An unlikely coincidence?
Is a vicious psychopath from Doc’s past somehow involved, despite having been incarcerated for two decades?
And most importantly to Doc, where is his lover, Judy Finch, who went missing several months ago..?
Find out in Mutilated - the second 'stand alone' novel in this dark, gritty, British Crime Thriller trilogy.
“Patching goes where other authors fear to tread…” Top Amazon Reviewer
The spine-chilling first book in this series, Remorseless, has been described by independent 5 star reviewers as 'British crime writing at its best', 'Right up there with James Patterson and Stephen King', and '...up there with Stuart MacBride and Val McDermid'.
From Reading Experience Blogspot:
"If you like your books well-written, suspenseful, with characters you can relate to, if you love horror that feels real and have a heart for people who are beyond the bounds of the social norm you need to read Mutilated."
Like Remorseless, Mutilated is a gripping read to get your teeth into, with an intricate plot and complex characters. Plenty of action, suspense and intrigue for any lover of unsettling crime thrillers. This serial killer tale is not for the faint-hearted - nor will it suit those who like their thrills short and sweet: Mutilated is a full length novel of approximately 127,000 words.
It is not essential to have read Remorseless, the first investigation in this trilogy involving Detective Inspector Jack Carver and criminal profiler Doc Powers, as there are only relatively minor spoilers regarding that story in Mutilated. But be warned - this unique British crime thriller series will take you deep into the minds of psychopathic criminals - and won't leave you untouched by the experience.
"Patching writes brutal, fascinating and chilling stories for thoughtful readers keen to gain insights into the darker side of the human condition."
From the back cover:
A sadistic killer sends a disturbing letter to Broadmoor hospital for the criminally insane, challenging forensic psychiatrist, Doctor Colin Powers, to investigate several unsolved mutilation murders committed over the last decade.
The same morning, Detective Inspector Jack Carver of London's Metropolitan Police is appointed lead detective when a dismembered victim is found hanging from a tree on Clapham Common.
Neither Doc nor Jack believe in coincidences…
What has this psychopath, nicknamed ‘The Surgeon’ by Jack’s team, got to do with Doc’s past, and how can one of Broadmoor’s most vicious patients be involved - despite being locked up for over twenty years?
And more importantly to Doc, where is his lover, Judy Finch, who went missing several months beforehand..
- GenresThriller
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2016
104 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Will Patching
26 books149 followersWill Patching's approach to writing
Will writes gritty crime stories that mix murder mystery, psychological suspense and intense thrills while offering unique insights into the darker side of human nature. His ‘pull no punches’ style and sparse but often brutal descriptive passages will not suit all readers, so if you are into cozy mysteries you might want to look elsewhere!
With complex plots and rounded characters, Will’s novels are necessarily longer than average, usually well over 100,000 words, so these are definitely stories designed for readers who like to really get their teeth into a good yarn!
Now considered something of an expert on psychopaths, thanks to his extensive research and personal experience of people with this personality disorder, Will set up a popular website to help lay readers understand these destructive individuals and why their existence is so important to society in general. Visit the site here.
Will’s writing draws heavily on this expertise but his novels are designed to entertain rather than educate – though many readers appreciate both aspects of his writing. He is currently working on completing two trilogies, though each novel is a self-contained story.
The first novel in each trilogy, Remorseless and The Hack, are already published, with the sequels due in late 2016 and early 2017 respectively. The third and final instalments are expected by the end of 2017.
Personal background:
Will Patching was born and raised in ‘Sarf Lunnon’, Engerland, or at least, that’s how he pronounces it! Hence, many scenes from his novels are situated in London, the surrounding suburbs and other parts of southeast England, though they also span as far afield as Thailand and the USA.
His approach to writing is to hit the reader with hard truths about the world we live in, and his mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels are designed to get your pulse pounding. One male reader decided he needed to check his door locks late one night while reading Remorseless and subsequently commented on social media:
‘Seriously scary!’
Will’s eclectic professional experience – from his teenage role as a ‘gardener’ weeding sewage treatment filter beds, through flying a Hawk jet very fast, very low and very dangerously before the RAF realised and booted him out, then attending Harvard on a course for potential CEOs, largely thanks to the Peter Principle of promotion, and more recently, to building his dream, a charter yacht that sank in SE Asian waters – all have led to a rich and varied life, often reflected in his writing.
If you would like to know more about this indie author you might like to join Will’s Readers Group. You’ll also gain exclusive access to novel backstories, author insights, prize draws and more, including notification whenever a new novel is released. Head to this webpage for more info!
Will writes gritty crime stories that mix murder mystery, psychological suspense and intense thrills while offering unique insights into the darker side of human nature. His ‘pull no punches’ style and sparse but often brutal descriptive passages will not suit all readers, so if you are into cozy mysteries you might want to look elsewhere!
With complex plots and rounded characters, Will’s novels are necessarily longer than average, usually well over 100,000 words, so these are definitely stories designed for readers who like to really get their teeth into a good yarn!
Now considered something of an expert on psychopaths, thanks to his extensive research and personal experience of people with this personality disorder, Will set up a popular website to help lay readers understand these destructive individuals and why their existence is so important to society in general. Visit the site here.
Will’s writing draws heavily on this expertise but his novels are designed to entertain rather than educate – though many readers appreciate both aspects of his writing. He is currently working on completing two trilogies, though each novel is a self-contained story.
The first novel in each trilogy, Remorseless and The Hack, are already published, with the sequels due in late 2016 and early 2017 respectively. The third and final instalments are expected by the end of 2017.
Personal background:
Will Patching was born and raised in ‘Sarf Lunnon’, Engerland, or at least, that’s how he pronounces it! Hence, many scenes from his novels are situated in London, the surrounding suburbs and other parts of southeast England, though they also span as far afield as Thailand and the USA.
His approach to writing is to hit the reader with hard truths about the world we live in, and his mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels are designed to get your pulse pounding. One male reader decided he needed to check his door locks late one night while reading Remorseless and subsequently commented on social media:
‘Seriously scary!’
Will’s eclectic professional experience – from his teenage role as a ‘gardener’ weeding sewage treatment filter beds, through flying a Hawk jet very fast, very low and very dangerously before the RAF realised and booted him out, then attending Harvard on a course for potential CEOs, largely thanks to the Peter Principle of promotion, and more recently, to building his dream, a charter yacht that sank in SE Asian waters – all have led to a rich and varied life, often reflected in his writing.
If you would like to know more about this indie author you might like to join Will’s Readers Group. You’ll also gain exclusive access to novel backstories, author insights, prize draws and more, including notification whenever a new novel is released. Head to this webpage for more info!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 7, 2021
Audio - 5++++ Stars Gary Furlong is just....fucking phenomenal!!! He had me cracking up with the maniacal laughter he gave the villains in this story. The man is simply a genius performer.
Story - 4 Disturbing AF Stars
This story was all kinds of WTF mindfuck!!! The writing is stellar, but the development of the villains leaned towards making them seem cartoonish. Suspension of belief is an absolute must, but the story was entertaining.
Story - 4 Disturbing AF Stars
This story was all kinds of WTF mindfuck!!! The writing is stellar, but the development of the villains leaned towards making them seem cartoonish. Suspension of belief is an absolute must, but the story was entertaining.
July 2, 2017
4.5 Stars
Dark and Suspenseful ... those are the first two words I think reading the second of a series featuring Dr. Colin Powers and DI Jack Carver. Although a part of a series, this is an excellent stand alone.
Carver is investigating a newly dismembered victim .... his head and torso found hanging from a tree. Arms and legs are missing. Eyes, nose and mouth missing .... covered over with pink skin transplants. Ears are missing, inner ears scoured with acid. Again, patches of skin sewn over the new openings. Man parts are missing .... well, you get the picture.
Meanwhile, Powers receives a letter with graphic photographs of other victims, victims who have been dismembered. Does he recognize any of these poor souls? A serial killer issues a challenge ... the same serial killer who murdered Powers' father. But he is still in a mental institution ...so is this a copycat? A relative? A fan?
Are Powers and Carver mentally fit to take this psychopath on again? They were almost killed once ... and they each lost someone close to them. Is the serial killer closer than they think? Carver's sergeant thinks she knows who it is. If what she thinks is true, one of them is in immediate, extreme danger.
If you aren't amenable to graphic violence, gritty descriptions, and visions that won't leave your head anytime soon, you don't want to read this. On the other hand, if you're looking for an intense thriller, with excellent writing, and credible characters, you should look no further.
Now I am off to read GASLIGHTING ... the third of this trilogy.
Many thanks to the author for providing a digital copy of MUTILATED. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Dark and Suspenseful ... those are the first two words I think reading the second of a series featuring Dr. Colin Powers and DI Jack Carver. Although a part of a series, this is an excellent stand alone.
Carver is investigating a newly dismembered victim .... his head and torso found hanging from a tree. Arms and legs are missing. Eyes, nose and mouth missing .... covered over with pink skin transplants. Ears are missing, inner ears scoured with acid. Again, patches of skin sewn over the new openings. Man parts are missing .... well, you get the picture.
Meanwhile, Powers receives a letter with graphic photographs of other victims, victims who have been dismembered. Does he recognize any of these poor souls? A serial killer issues a challenge ... the same serial killer who murdered Powers' father. But he is still in a mental institution ...so is this a copycat? A relative? A fan?
Are Powers and Carver mentally fit to take this psychopath on again? They were almost killed once ... and they each lost someone close to them. Is the serial killer closer than they think? Carver's sergeant thinks she knows who it is. If what she thinks is true, one of them is in immediate, extreme danger.
If you aren't amenable to graphic violence, gritty descriptions, and visions that won't leave your head anytime soon, you don't want to read this. On the other hand, if you're looking for an intense thriller, with excellent writing, and credible characters, you should look no further.
Now I am off to read GASLIGHTING ... the third of this trilogy.
Many thanks to the author for providing a digital copy of MUTILATED. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 1, 2021
5 stars audio
4 stars story. Would've easily been 5 stars if it wasn't so long.
4 stars story. Would've easily been 5 stars if it wasn't so long.
October 12, 2018
This is book two in an outstanding trilogy and I am going to say that this for me is equal to reading Thomas Harris's The Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal, so if you read those you will love this series. You haven't really met evil until you have read this book.
Doc Powers and D.I. Carver are reunited when unsolved gruesome murders from the past and a mutilated body is found in present day. The description of an unrecognisable torso and face is like one I have never read about before, one which you will have to discover yourself. It will clear your mind of anything else because it will be the only thing you can think about. Then when you think it really couldn't be any worse, well it is. It has to be one of the most evil acts I have read about. This book just swept me totally off my feet. What an absolutely gut wrenching read. I am loving this series!
Will Patching weaves together threads of true life events with an imagination that I can honestly say I have been drooling over. The research is outstanding delving not only into medical techniques, procedures and the effects of drugs but also cultures and subcultures, extreme tattooing and body suspension. I was wowed over and over again on every single page, a sponge soaking up every all the facts.
The personal story centres round Doc and Jack who both struggle in their own lives. Doc is truly fascinating with his own medical concerns and a much darker mind than someone that plays for the good guys. He really tingles the hairs on the back of my neck! This is one pure adrenaline junkie read not for the faint hearted but I wouldn't cut out even one word. The story is top class with an ending that left me breathless!
I purchased the books as a trilogy but reviewing each separately. I read this book and the third book back to back, so the review for that to follow tomorrow. Best series find this year!
Doc Powers and D.I. Carver are reunited when unsolved gruesome murders from the past and a mutilated body is found in present day. The description of an unrecognisable torso and face is like one I have never read about before, one which you will have to discover yourself. It will clear your mind of anything else because it will be the only thing you can think about. Then when you think it really couldn't be any worse, well it is. It has to be one of the most evil acts I have read about. This book just swept me totally off my feet. What an absolutely gut wrenching read. I am loving this series!
Will Patching weaves together threads of true life events with an imagination that I can honestly say I have been drooling over. The research is outstanding delving not only into medical techniques, procedures and the effects of drugs but also cultures and subcultures, extreme tattooing and body suspension. I was wowed over and over again on every single page, a sponge soaking up every all the facts.
The personal story centres round Doc and Jack who both struggle in their own lives. Doc is truly fascinating with his own medical concerns and a much darker mind than someone that plays for the good guys. He really tingles the hairs on the back of my neck! This is one pure adrenaline junkie read not for the faint hearted but I wouldn't cut out even one word. The story is top class with an ending that left me breathless!
I purchased the books as a trilogy but reviewing each separately. I read this book and the third book back to back, so the review for that to follow tomorrow. Best series find this year!
December 13, 2016
Looking for a gritty detective novel, one with realistic characters and true-to-life situations? Will Patching’s “Mutilated” will satisfy all three of these areas while pushing the sensibilities of readers into places where most authors fear to tread. As with the first book in this series, Patching presents multiple suspects, each one seemingly the ultimate killer until his characters discover more impressive reasons why someone else appears to be the guilty culprit. A quick overview, without spoilers:
Readers are reintroduced to Detective Inspector Jack Carver and Doctor (“Doc”) Colin Powers. For those who may have missed Patching’s first book in this series, don’t worry. Each book stands on its own, and even though there are references to events in “Remorseless,” enough back story is provided to bring new readers up-to-date.
The grit begins early, as a live victim is found but in such a horrific state that one can only squirm while picturing the violence. The story unfolds quickly, and the author demonstrates a deep knowledge of police procedures. Throughout the tale, Patching continues to flesh out his characters, making it easy for readers to become involved in the lives of everyone involved. He is also adept at burrowing inside the minds of psychopaths and revealing their thought processes, providing an aspect that is sometimes missing from other crime novels. Readers should be warned that the author pulls no punches when it comes to describing crime scenes and victims, and language can be just as rough (as far as language goes, I found that it is not used as a device to spice up the book, and when employed, reflected the makeup of specific characters). If you find vulgarities offensive, you may wish to pass on this book.
The subcultures of tattooing and body suspension wind their way through the story, and those unfamiliar with these “pastimes” will find that the author has done his research on these subjects. Both are necessary to the story, and the accuracy and depictions of the events in the book aid in the story’s evolvement.
As Carver and Powers strive to solve the mystery and handle all the dilemmas that come their way, I entertained one possibility of how the story might evolve and was proven right in the end. While I congratulated myself on my detective skills, the author’s excellent writing kept me enthralled until the very end.
Will armchair detectives be able to successfully solve the case and deduce the killer? Maybe, but the success with this novel is in the suspense. While the brutality does not reach all the way through this story as it did in his first book in this series, the chance that the unthinkable could happen to anyone at any time keeps the reader genuinely worried about the characters. Even as the story is winding down to the last page, Patching continues to place his characters in jeopardy and keeps us perched on the edge of our seats until the book is closed. Five stars.
Readers are reintroduced to Detective Inspector Jack Carver and Doctor (“Doc”) Colin Powers. For those who may have missed Patching’s first book in this series, don’t worry. Each book stands on its own, and even though there are references to events in “Remorseless,” enough back story is provided to bring new readers up-to-date.
The grit begins early, as a live victim is found but in such a horrific state that one can only squirm while picturing the violence. The story unfolds quickly, and the author demonstrates a deep knowledge of police procedures. Throughout the tale, Patching continues to flesh out his characters, making it easy for readers to become involved in the lives of everyone involved. He is also adept at burrowing inside the minds of psychopaths and revealing their thought processes, providing an aspect that is sometimes missing from other crime novels. Readers should be warned that the author pulls no punches when it comes to describing crime scenes and victims, and language can be just as rough (as far as language goes, I found that it is not used as a device to spice up the book, and when employed, reflected the makeup of specific characters). If you find vulgarities offensive, you may wish to pass on this book.
The subcultures of tattooing and body suspension wind their way through the story, and those unfamiliar with these “pastimes” will find that the author has done his research on these subjects. Both are necessary to the story, and the accuracy and depictions of the events in the book aid in the story’s evolvement.
As Carver and Powers strive to solve the mystery and handle all the dilemmas that come their way, I entertained one possibility of how the story might evolve and was proven right in the end. While I congratulated myself on my detective skills, the author’s excellent writing kept me enthralled until the very end.
Will armchair detectives be able to successfully solve the case and deduce the killer? Maybe, but the success with this novel is in the suspense. While the brutality does not reach all the way through this story as it did in his first book in this series, the chance that the unthinkable could happen to anyone at any time keeps the reader genuinely worried about the characters. Even as the story is winding down to the last page, Patching continues to place his characters in jeopardy and keeps us perched on the edge of our seats until the book is closed. Five stars.
November 28, 2016
Mutilated by Will Patching is an absolute gem of a thriller for the reader who wants more that just a simple whodunit.
The foundation is a strong plot whereby the police, with the help of a forensic psychiatrist acting as profiler, investigate a serial killer who mutilates his victims in a horrific manner.
It is not a book for the faint-hearted, the mutilations are graphically depicted but it is so skilfully done that it never turns gory or voyeuristic.
The strength of this book comes from the extra dimensions on top of the pure police work:
· You are immersed in a sub-culture of body modifications and other forms of non-conformist behaviour, and the author doesn’t just scratch the surface but gives a deeper insight.
· Mental health issues such as self-doubt, multiple personality disorder.
· Historical human rights abuses from the time of the British colonial era.
· Oppression of expat communities by fellow expats.
What I find most refreshing is that Will Patching stays true to his English roots as shown by his use of Englishisms, English ranks in the police force, scene settings etc. Plenty of non-American authors (European, Australian and even English) aim for the American market and adapt their narrative accordingly, but here I very much enjoyed the British flavour.
In all a well thought-out, well structured novel with plenty of action, genuine characters and a superbly crafted storyline.
The foundation is a strong plot whereby the police, with the help of a forensic psychiatrist acting as profiler, investigate a serial killer who mutilates his victims in a horrific manner.
It is not a book for the faint-hearted, the mutilations are graphically depicted but it is so skilfully done that it never turns gory or voyeuristic.
The strength of this book comes from the extra dimensions on top of the pure police work:
· You are immersed in a sub-culture of body modifications and other forms of non-conformist behaviour, and the author doesn’t just scratch the surface but gives a deeper insight.
· Mental health issues such as self-doubt, multiple personality disorder.
· Historical human rights abuses from the time of the British colonial era.
· Oppression of expat communities by fellow expats.
What I find most refreshing is that Will Patching stays true to his English roots as shown by his use of Englishisms, English ranks in the police force, scene settings etc. Plenty of non-American authors (European, Australian and even English) aim for the American market and adapt their narrative accordingly, but here I very much enjoyed the British flavour.
In all a well thought-out, well structured novel with plenty of action, genuine characters and a superbly crafted storyline.
April 24, 2018
I took up a challenge to read an author unknown to me and randomly chose Mutilated by Will Patching. Within a couple of pages I knew this was definitely not my sort of read. However as an author of dark fantasy and crime I wanted to get into the mind of this author and where he would take me so I persevered through all the gore to the inner story and found myself actually enjoying it.
It turned out to be quite a page turner and I ended up with sleep deprivation at one point. The police procedures are spot on and I was definitely not expecting quite the ending I was given but it certainly tied up all the loose ends.
Although I have given it 5*’s for the fast paced gritty storyline I did have two characters in the frame for the crimes at first and one turned out to be correct.
I would definitely recommend this book if you don’t mind a large dollop of gore and reading with the curtains pulled and the lights on.
It turned out to be quite a page turner and I ended up with sleep deprivation at one point. The police procedures are spot on and I was definitely not expecting quite the ending I was given but it certainly tied up all the loose ends.
Although I have given it 5*’s for the fast paced gritty storyline I did have two characters in the frame for the crimes at first and one turned out to be correct.
I would definitely recommend this book if you don’t mind a large dollop of gore and reading with the curtains pulled and the lights on.
July 31, 2019
First book I've read of Patching's, and I did read blurbs and reviews first, so I was (thankfully) prepared for what was to come. It IS very dark and twisted, with scenes that are definitely not for the faint of heart. But it does have that train wreck can't-look-at-it/can't-look-away drawing power that kept me reading regardless. I found most of the characters were interesting and well drawn, but the Byzantine relationships between them all did start to stretch my credulity by the end. Yes, I understand that those relationships are what makes the plot so complex and difficult to unravel, for both readers and protagonists, but still... I will say I really liked Carver and the rest of the police team from start to finish - all distinct, well-rounded and believable characters. I had some trouble with Doc Powers, but perhaps that is because I have not read the first book in the series. Nor did the identity of the ultimate antagonist (there are several) come as a surprise in the slightest - maybe the hints were too strong, or maybe there was no one else left standing - but either way the conclusion was a bit of a letdown for me. Still a very good read and I'll likely try more of this author.
October 2, 2017
I read Remorseless (book #1 in this trilogy) and was immediately hooked by Will Patching’s crisp storytelling, and handling of how vulnerable the criminal justice system is when it comes to the release of convicts who are able to hijack the parole system for their own ends.
Mutilated is not for readers with weak stomachs. Will Patching does not do gratuitous violence to sell his work. It has a legitimate role in his tales of good people dealing with unimaginable evil. His law enforcement officers do not jump directly into solutions for mysteries, but are occasionally susceptible to making costly human errors. The bad guys’ master plans also are subject to variables that do not always go their way.
Gaslighting is next in the series, and I have every intention of savouring each page as they are turned to the next.
If you enjoy this kind of story, and are open to reading novels by other indie authors such as Andrew Barrett (Eddie Collins series and Roger Conniston series, both set in Leeds), and Andrew Jackson’s Billy Savage trilogy, set in Belfast, you will get fast paced and well-plotted stories drawn from the life experiences of the authors themselves.
Mutilated is not for readers with weak stomachs. Will Patching does not do gratuitous violence to sell his work. It has a legitimate role in his tales of good people dealing with unimaginable evil. His law enforcement officers do not jump directly into solutions for mysteries, but are occasionally susceptible to making costly human errors. The bad guys’ master plans also are subject to variables that do not always go their way.
Gaslighting is next in the series, and I have every intention of savouring each page as they are turned to the next.
If you enjoy this kind of story, and are open to reading novels by other indie authors such as Andrew Barrett (Eddie Collins series and Roger Conniston series, both set in Leeds), and Andrew Jackson’s Billy Savage trilogy, set in Belfast, you will get fast paced and well-plotted stories drawn from the life experiences of the authors themselves.
December 15, 2016
I just love Will Patching's writing that flows so effortlessly and doesn't feel written at all.
His books are cruel, graphic and gripping with real characters and I literally can't put them down.
I guess I'm one of his greatest fans. He sure is one of my favorite authors.
The surgeon is ready ... Are you?
Are you ready to read Mutilated, a story about a serial killer who mutilates his victims in a way you can't imagine, and if you do you'll cringe and try to forget the pictures your mind conjures.
This fast-paced, action-packed book won't let you untouched, it's impossible not to feel and fear with Doc.
If you like your books well-written, suspenseful, with characters you can relate to, if you love horror that feels real and have a heart for people who are beyond the bonds of the social norm you need to read Mutilated.
Now I'm waiting for the third in this series and of course for the sequel of The Hack.
His books are cruel, graphic and gripping with real characters and I literally can't put them down.
I guess I'm one of his greatest fans. He sure is one of my favorite authors.
The surgeon is ready ... Are you?
Are you ready to read Mutilated, a story about a serial killer who mutilates his victims in a way you can't imagine, and if you do you'll cringe and try to forget the pictures your mind conjures.
This fast-paced, action-packed book won't let you untouched, it's impossible not to feel and fear with Doc.
If you like your books well-written, suspenseful, with characters you can relate to, if you love horror that feels real and have a heart for people who are beyond the bonds of the social norm you need to read Mutilated.
Now I'm waiting for the third in this series and of course for the sequel of The Hack.
November 3, 2017
I found the second book in the Doc Powers series quite good, however I did feel that it lacked the sense of foreboding malice that was the hallmark of the first book Remorseless. This could of course just be the way in which the main criminal character in Remorseless effected me as I read, it would be interesting to see if any other readers felt this way. I did think that Will made a very good job of tying all the events and characters nearly to a conclusion. Looking forward to reading Gaslight and also eagerly awaiting the sequel to the excellent Hack.
January 21, 2025
Read this immediately after the first book in the series. For me this wasn't as well written as that one so it lost one star for that and the medical details that didn't seem completely believable/possible. One of the most gruesome books I have read and not for the fainthearted. One other thought - the cover art for this author's books are some of the worst I've ever seen - I read the Kindle version but would never pick these books up if I had seen the cover in the store - they look like trashy airport formulaic books based on the covers.
July 13, 2017
Really liked it? This is at times an uncomfortable fead, though the discomfort sems to settle as the book continues - and I hope it's not because I became innured to the subject matter. The real skill is in the twists of the plot - as potential suspects are highlighted and then put to one side. The actual villain came as a bit of a surprise even though in hindsight it was obvious.
Certainly a more than decent sequel to the first book - and poor old Doc's lovelife doesn't improve...
Certainly a more than decent sequel to the first book - and poor old Doc's lovelife doesn't improve...
December 31, 2019
This was my first book for Will Patching. I loved the originality of the story. Connected very well with the characters, although, I think I need to read the first book in the series to even understand more the 2 main characters in the series. It is a real thriller and page turner. It did get a bit flat in the middle but I got over it quit quickly. Highly recommended for thriller lovers. I am diffidently going to order the first book in the series soon.
July 4, 2017
Enthralling Read
I loved reading more about Doc and Jack. They get mixed up with a gruesome murder which was followed by even more puzzling events. I'm going to read the next novel because I can't wait to follow the duo as they plunge into more adventures. Will Patching has a very scary imagination.
I loved reading more about Doc and Jack. They get mixed up with a gruesome murder which was followed by even more puzzling events. I'm going to read the next novel because I can't wait to follow the duo as they plunge into more adventures. Will Patching has a very scary imagination.
December 7, 2018
I believe this is my fifth book by Will Patching that I've read. I would have to say it's my favorite so far. Lots of unexpected twists. I'm really intrigued by the psychological aspects the Doc digs in to. Will Patching is always a good read. I've already bought the next and final book in the trilogy.
January 24, 2019
Second in a series, this is not for the squeamish. In a complex story, Will Patching shows us the work of an evil genius who uses others for his own ends. He uses punishment by mutilation, but pulls others into his orbit to taunt DI Carver and his consultant, Doctor Powers. It’s a graphic, exciting and pretty horrific story in which nothing is quite as simple as it first appears. A great read.
July 24, 2019
Heartwarming Thriller
Started this while on vacation. Could NOT put it down. Family wondered why I was in camper but just had to finish it. First thing I did when done was order Gaslighting, the third book in this series. Now I'm off to bed to begin it. I highly recommend Will Patching if you are into serious crime thrillers.
Started this while on vacation. Could NOT put it down. Family wondered why I was in camper but just had to finish it. First thing I did when done was order Gaslighting, the third book in this series. Now I'm off to bed to begin it. I highly recommend Will Patching if you are into serious crime thrillers.
January 25, 2021
Thriller on Speed
I loved this book just as much as the first one, the combination of characters works really well, the story is non stop excitement, Mr Patching knows how to grab the readers attention and keep a hold of it. I will be reading the next book as soon as I recover from this one.
I loved this book just as much as the first one, the combination of characters works really well, the story is non stop excitement, Mr Patching knows how to grab the readers attention and keep a hold of it. I will be reading the next book as soon as I recover from this one.
August 11, 2017
If you like books that grip you, and make your heart feel as if its trying to escape, Then Will Patching's books are for you, I thought "Remorseless" was brilliant, but this one blew me away and I can't wait to read "Gaslighting" and find out what Jack, Doc and Julie are coping with now.
August 28, 2017
Mystery and suspense of the highest order
If you like dark crime with engaging characters, this is just what the doctor ordered. Be ready for some really twisted minds - this has a few. Best if you read Remorseless first, though this could stand alone as well.
If you like dark crime with engaging characters, this is just what the doctor ordered. Be ready for some really twisted minds - this has a few. Best if you read Remorseless first, though this could stand alone as well.
January 29, 2018
Again a fantastic British Crime Thriller.
It was gruesome ( just imagining Mr. Mutilated had me screaming of fear ) and super twisty! It never got boring.
The characters are fantastic and I love them!
It was gruesome ( just imagining Mr. Mutilated had me screaming of fear ) and super twisty! It never got boring.
The characters are fantastic and I love them!
September 16, 2018
I am so glad I found this author and added him to my must read list. I decision I have not regretted since. Book two in the series and just as good if not better than the first. DI Carver and Doc Powers make a truly incredible team, and always get there in the end. Highly recommended thriller.
June 17, 2019
A heart stopping thriller
Good story ,believable characters and heart stopping action. I couldn't put this book down. I had to read it straight through. Forget eating or sleeping and at times breathing.
Good story ,believable characters and heart stopping action. I couldn't put this book down. I had to read it straight through. Forget eating or sleeping and at times breathing.
August 5, 2017
A fantastic psychological story of suspense, murder included. What a fast paced story that has to be read by everyone. Loved it.
September 3, 2017
Page turner
Mutilated is haunting; the torment inflicted on the victims revels a deep darkness in the killers. Great read - looking forward to Gaslighting.
Mutilated is haunting; the torment inflicted on the victims revels a deep darkness in the killers. Great read - looking forward to Gaslighting.
October 13, 2018
“Both fast-paced and thought-provoking,
(patching)keeps the reader guessing right to the end.”
(patching)keeps the reader guessing right to the end.”
November 1, 2018
Book 2 of the Remorseless Trilogy, Mutilated did not disappoint. If you enjoy a story you can sink your teeth into, then this Trilogy is for you. Happy Reading. Annemarie
April 11, 2019
Another fantastic read
Loved this book and can't wait to start the third in the trilogy. Will Patching is quickly becoming a new favorite author of mine. Brilliantly written book.
Loved this book and can't wait to start the third in the trilogy. Will Patching is quickly becoming a new favorite author of mine. Brilliantly written book.
July 8, 2019
Actually I didn't finish this as it was gratuitously over gory. A bit more cerebral thrilling, and a bit less blood and guts would have improved it
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