Under the Knife

DI Frank Miller #7

by John Carson

For Frank Miller, his first month in CID is a baptism of fire. In this prequel, Miller is attending a crime scene where a woman has been found murdered at a local tourist spot. She's been operated on and vital organs removed before being crudely sewn back up again. At her postmortem, they find her ID inside her. As Miller's girlfriend, Carol, is promoted to CID, they are both thrown in at the deep end. While they're being mentored by an experienced detective, they look for a killer who the press has dubbed The Surgeon, and they're also looking for a peeping Tom. So far, he's only been reported looking through windows, but he goes one step further and kills a young woman in her own home. As The Surgeon's second victim is found, Miller and his colleagues know he's getting more confident with his killing. World famous thriller writer, Len Chatter, is coming to Edinburgh to launch his new book at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. He's looking for writers to co-author a new line of books. But this time, he's attracting the attention of somebody who wants to make him more famous for all the wrong reasons... Frank Miller will have to use everything he's being taught about being a detective to catch this killer, but as they close in on their suspect, they discover that not only is this case far more complex than they first thought, but the killer has outclassed them all. In a shocking twist, Carol's life is put in danger, and Miller knows he's up against one of the most formidable opponents he's ever likely to meet...

Genres: Mystery

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2017

About the author

John Carson is the author of the DI Frank Miller detective series. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and lived there most of his life. In 2006, he emigrated to New York State with his American wife and two daughters. They now live in a small town in the Hudson Valley where his wife was brought up, with a German Shepherd, a Beagle mix and four cats.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book, a prequel that helps to understand the character's better. Love the banter and can't wait to read the next one.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the end of book 6 I was excited about book 7, but when I started book 7 I was bummed out because at 1st I was like "is this outta order"? Then I looked at the synopsis and realized no this is a prequel and I rolled my eyes annoyed because to me there's nothing more frustrating than when an author backtracks. I almost skipped over it to go to book 8 and I'm so glad I didn't, as it seems like this is a setup for a the next book or a future one. It was a really good and made you fall in love with Carol even though we already know her fate and whom killed her. Like Miller says in this book "You'd think we were bloody barbarians, the way some of us treat other humans."

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

Journey to the past! Time is 8 years in the past, Frank has just started in CID, his father, Jack, is a DCI, and Frank and Carol are seriously involved. Unusual and bizarre deaths are occurring and murderer is dubbed the Surgeon, because of his method. Serious investigation, too many suspects, lack of concrete evidence and motive hinder the police. Lots of misdirection and suspecting wrong people finally lead to an unexpected, dangerous confrontation and conclusion. Not my favorite since I do not like these forays into the past. I saw no reason for this book.

[Diane E]

Not as good

I've been binge reading this series and most are pretty good . This has a lot of typos and too many characters until you get closer to the end and finally see the connections . Definitely helped see Frank and Carol ' s closeness . Frank as a new DS versus DI. There remains a potential cliffhanger , however that is up to the author .

[Christine Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

I've enjoyed this series a lot, kinda bummed that this is the final book. I really like the humor throughout the series, it lends a realness and likeability to each character. Many times I found myself chuckling at the banter between the detectives. I would definitely recommend this series to everyone.

[K Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

The best yet. This book was so good I didn't want it to end. Lots going on with different stories but it all came together and made sense in the end. It was lovely to read Frank and Carols story and so sad but helps you understand Frank now. So happy for Dawn and Vince. Onto book 8 now which no doubt will again keep me reading into the early hours.

[Ann Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey, I tried to give it a five but it would not let me. I think John Carson is a superb author. His stories are hard to put down. Keep them coming.

I love reading and it is such a relief to be able to read entertaining stories without paying a fortune.

[JA · Rating 5 out of 5]

terrific!


All of them are. I love this series... just waiting for more. I was thrown at first by this flash back but wound up enjoying it too. I think the one before it was probably the best but they are all very enjoyable.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME READ!!

Under The Knife was a total can't put down, until the very end read!! DI Frank Miller is involved in trying to figure out, who is violently murdering women and leaving their bodies displayed. Love the Police details, as they go about trying to solve the case!!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great DI Frank Miller book

Although this is actually a prequel it is a great read and another glimpse into a fascinating group of characters. Great twists and a hard one to figure out which makes for a great read.

[Bridget harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought I was going off my head as am saying to my self this is the first book then I got to read it and thought brillant I have enjoyed ever book so far now onto book 8 with hopefully many more to come

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a strange one because it went back to when Miller was a DC. Good storyline none the less and an enjoyed reading about some the characters who are still there in the later books. Lots of twists and turns and false leads.

[Bobbi Stoffers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read!

I really enjoyed the book but, I thought it strange to go back in time from the previous books in the series. It wasn’t until the very end that everything came into place. Looking forward to the next book

[Melanie Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first John Carson novel I've read, but I shall definitely read more. Great characters and dialogue with a plot full of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.

[tam lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series's

Love this series as I live in Shanghai and brings back great memories as I've worked in most of the bars that are mentioned

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow in the middle but a good read nevertheless.

[Lee Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series order

J like the series but disappointed that this was chronologically out of order. Sometimes too many characters confuses the story.

[Linda Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Very good and sad, good to go back to Frank's beginning.
The out of ten again. Will be sorry to finish the series, hope there will be many more to come

[Jacquie Jerrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced

A glorious book full of intrigue, murder told in a down to earth way. Frank and his team are brilliant.

[Marcia Smith]

Read all 7 books and enjoyed each one

[Marilyn Zwernemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alot of people involved in this storyline..love the camraderie between the characters. I read all these books by John Carson..can't wait for next one!!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the glimpse of his past

I feel really connected to the characters now, more so than I did before. Although the story seemed mostly about Vincent and his wife, but it was a good storyline .