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Tom Thorne #15
Killing Habit
From "one of the most consistently entertaining, insightful crime writers working today" (Gillian Flynn), The Killing Habit again brings together favorite wild-card detective Tom Thorne and straight-laced DI Nicola Tanner on a pair of lethally high-stakes cases. While DI Nicola Tanner investigates the deadly spread of a dangerous new drug, Tom Thorne is handed a case that he doesn't take too seriously, until a spate of animal killings points to the work of a serial killer. When the two cases come together in a way that neither could have foreseen, both Thorne and Tanner must risk everything to catch two very different killers.
560 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2018
428 people are currently reading
2713 people want to read
About the author
Mark Billingham
104 books2,167 followersAlso writes as Will Peterson with Peter Cocks.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
June 24, 2018
EXCERPT: Tanner could only blink for a few seconds. The surge of adrenaline left her dry mouthed and dizzy as she wrestled with the picture, willing it to make sense. She knew exactly who he was, of course, but he should not have been here.
'What are you ---?'
Then she saw what was in the man's hand and the moment of clarity punched through the roaring in her ears. Left only terror. She understood how stupid she had been - they had all been.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: From “one of the most consistently entertaining, insightful crime writers working today” (Gillian Flynn), The Killing Habit again brings together favorite wild-card detective Tom Thorne and straight-laced DI Nicola Tanner on a pair of lethally high-stakes cases.
While DI Nicola Tanner investigates the deadly spread of a dangerous new drug, Tom Thorne is handed a case that he doesn’t take too seriously, until a spate of animal killings points to the work of a serial killer. When the two cases come together in a way that neither could have foreseen, both Thorne and Tanner must risk everything to catch two very different killers.
MY THOUGHTS: Although I don't like reading about either drugs or animal killings, and this book contains both (nothing graphic!), Billingham has managed to produce yet another 4.5-star read for me. 15 books into the D I Tom Thorne series, and my respect for both the series and the author continues to grow. It is no mean feat to continue to grow the characters and come up with fresh and interesting plots after so many books.
The series of cat killings mentioned in this book is based on a real and disturbing case that, at the time Billingham wrote The Killing Habit, remained unsolved. I sincerely hope that they have, by now, caught this maniac. If not, then the thought of what may lay ahead is chilling. . .
And this premise, that people who harm animals will go on to harm people, is the basis for Billingham's The Killing Habit. But, as is usual with Billingham's plots, nothing is quite that straight forward. There are plenty of loops, diversions, twists and turns to keep the thriller aficionado turning the pages, nicely balanced with snapshots of Thorne's and Tanner's private lives.
A very satisfying read, and I am already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Killing Habit by Mark Billingham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'What are you ---?'
Then she saw what was in the man's hand and the moment of clarity punched through the roaring in her ears. Left only terror. She understood how stupid she had been - they had all been.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: From “one of the most consistently entertaining, insightful crime writers working today” (Gillian Flynn), The Killing Habit again brings together favorite wild-card detective Tom Thorne and straight-laced DI Nicola Tanner on a pair of lethally high-stakes cases.
While DI Nicola Tanner investigates the deadly spread of a dangerous new drug, Tom Thorne is handed a case that he doesn’t take too seriously, until a spate of animal killings points to the work of a serial killer. When the two cases come together in a way that neither could have foreseen, both Thorne and Tanner must risk everything to catch two very different killers.
MY THOUGHTS: Although I don't like reading about either drugs or animal killings, and this book contains both (nothing graphic!), Billingham has managed to produce yet another 4.5-star read for me. 15 books into the D I Tom Thorne series, and my respect for both the series and the author continues to grow. It is no mean feat to continue to grow the characters and come up with fresh and interesting plots after so many books.
The series of cat killings mentioned in this book is based on a real and disturbing case that, at the time Billingham wrote The Killing Habit, remained unsolved. I sincerely hope that they have, by now, caught this maniac. If not, then the thought of what may lay ahead is chilling. . .
And this premise, that people who harm animals will go on to harm people, is the basis for Billingham's The Killing Habit. But, as is usual with Billingham's plots, nothing is quite that straight forward. There are plenty of loops, diversions, twists and turns to keep the thriller aficionado turning the pages, nicely balanced with snapshots of Thorne's and Tanner's private lives.
A very satisfying read, and I am already eagerly anticipating the next book in the series.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Killing Habit by Mark Billingham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 7, 2019
Tom Thorne is back! In “the Killing Habit” he is shunted off to investigate a crime that seems to be a major departure from his usual murder investigations - a series of cat killings and mutilations. But with the help of consulting psychiatrist Dr. Melita Perera, Thorne realizes he could be hunting a serial killer of both animals and humans, one who follows an atypical pattern of escalation and de-escalation in regards to his victims. In partnership with DI Nicola Tanner, they pursue a tangled trail to find the killer while also investigating a prison drug ring. Thorne’s personal life is in turmoil with romantic troubles at home and his concerns about potentially diminishing skills and passion for hunting down criminals. (No need to question yourself Thorne - you’ve still got it!) The conclusion of the book is a stunner with the shocking and totally unexpected behavior of straight-laced, by the book DI Tanner.
Billingham continues to excel at taking actual crimes, in this case the Croydon Cat Killings (which are still occurring and have claimed the lives of hundreds of pets) and through his fiction raising awareness of important and sometimes overlooked issues. He is one of my favorite crime fiction authors and his characters, particularly Tom Thorne, Phil Hendricks, and Nicola Tanner are people I delight in getting to know better. Another great book by Billingham and highly recommended.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Billingham continues to excel at taking actual crimes, in this case the Croydon Cat Killings (which are still occurring and have claimed the lives of hundreds of pets) and through his fiction raising awareness of important and sometimes overlooked issues. He is one of my favorite crime fiction authors and his characters, particularly Tom Thorne, Phil Hendricks, and Nicola Tanner are people I delight in getting to know better. Another great book by Billingham and highly recommended.
Thank you to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2018
TOMICIDE!
I am a cat person I Have 2 black cats which is why this interesting book. Cats have long history in society from The Egyptian God Baste who was the God of cats & mummified cats have been found. To the Legendary M on a cat front Head (if look at a cat you just make out) is mark Of Mohammad. To the middle ages when cats were classed as witches familiars. Cats are good for depression I Always thought it was nuts but is 100% true they 'eat' it.
Cats are so much more fun than dogs & you will never see guide cat or want ones.So stroke a cat or enjoy a tickle tum.
This about killing of cats by serial killers. It is know fact that murders often start killing cats & then move on to humans.
In 2005 I Had anti social problems with a family Of crooks (all but 1 of them had been convicted of something including the mother ) At time I Had huge Bombay cat Mr.Worf so they nailed a black cat to a tree with number of six inch nails you could hear its screams because they thought was my cat. The RSPCA took it away it had to be put down. Since then every time see men dressed in nylon trousers smoking fags I Think oh look it oh Filthy Doodly. This perfect example of start by killing cats & moving on to bigger things as the 21 y smashed my house went to prison four years out six month & attacked a man with a knife back in another 5ys.
This Billingham's look out for what may be about, but is odd that DI Tom.Thorne would look at Cat murders. Is it a joke? a waste of public money in London when other crimes more important his DI Nicola Tanner thinks he has lost his marbles. DCI Russell Brigstocke calls it Tomicide everyone is thinking its creepy but.....its The Killing Habit!
I Like Mark's single books more than his sequels I Read his swimming pool book in one night Rush of blood he is very like the last book by Staurt McBride that just read. But I Normal would not have read them together but I Got them from my Libuary & on huge waiting list so its read it or have to buy it.I Just cannot afford every book & crime books are very easy to get more than American Imports so left with more money for special books such as cookery hard back books which make Mark Mad Hahaha
But There is also a murder & hunt for person know only as the Duchess who is supplying drugs & mobile phones smuggled up the backsides of visitors sounds very painful who wants to stick a phone up their arse! Oh oh oh painful.
Biggest fault with this book is that the plot changes from the interesting cat murders to the problems of spice the new prison drug problem. why did bother to start with the really interesting story then loss the plot. It is muddle one story is what Need here not lot of little plots. This got dull shame.
I am a cat person I Have 2 black cats which is why this interesting book. Cats have long history in society from The Egyptian God Baste who was the God of cats & mummified cats have been found. To the Legendary M on a cat front Head (if look at a cat you just make out) is mark Of Mohammad. To the middle ages when cats were classed as witches familiars. Cats are good for depression I Always thought it was nuts but is 100% true they 'eat' it.
Cats are so much more fun than dogs & you will never see guide cat or want ones.So stroke a cat or enjoy a tickle tum.
This about killing of cats by serial killers. It is know fact that murders often start killing cats & then move on to humans.
In 2005 I Had anti social problems with a family Of crooks (all but 1 of them had been convicted of something including the mother ) At time I Had huge Bombay cat Mr.Worf so they nailed a black cat to a tree with number of six inch nails you could hear its screams because they thought was my cat. The RSPCA took it away it had to be put down. Since then every time see men dressed in nylon trousers smoking fags I Think oh look it oh Filthy Doodly. This perfect example of start by killing cats & moving on to bigger things as the 21 y smashed my house went to prison four years out six month & attacked a man with a knife back in another 5ys.
This Billingham's look out for what may be about, but is odd that DI Tom.Thorne would look at Cat murders. Is it a joke? a waste of public money in London when other crimes more important his DI Nicola Tanner thinks he has lost his marbles. DCI Russell Brigstocke calls it Tomicide everyone is thinking its creepy but.....its The Killing Habit!
I Like Mark's single books more than his sequels I Read his swimming pool book in one night Rush of blood he is very like the last book by Staurt McBride that just read. But I Normal would not have read them together but I Got them from my Libuary & on huge waiting list so its read it or have to buy it.I Just cannot afford every book & crime books are very easy to get more than American Imports so left with more money for special books such as cookery hard back books which make Mark Mad Hahaha
But There is also a murder & hunt for person know only as the Duchess who is supplying drugs & mobile phones smuggled up the backsides of visitors sounds very painful who wants to stick a phone up their arse! Oh oh oh painful.
Biggest fault with this book is that the plot changes from the interesting cat murders to the problems of spice the new prison drug problem. why did bother to start with the really interesting story then loss the plot. It is muddle one story is what Need here not lot of little plots. This got dull shame.
May 27, 2018
This is the 15th book in the DI Tom Thorne series based in London by author Mark Billingham.
I have read this series from the very start and always eagerly await the next book, so when offered the opportunity to read this one I couldn't wait.
While DI Nicola Tanner investigates the deadly spread of a dangerous new drug, Tom Thorne is handed a case that he doesn’t take too seriously, until a spate of animal killings points to the work of a serial killer. When the two cases come together in a way that neither could have foreseen, both Thorne and Tanner must risk everything to catch two very different killers.
This is an excellent police procedural novel that brings together two excellent characters to give an added interest to this already excellent series.
I find Mark Billingham a very capable author who never disappoints with each book he writes. Bring on the next, please.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Grove Atlantic for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I have read this series from the very start and always eagerly await the next book, so when offered the opportunity to read this one I couldn't wait.
While DI Nicola Tanner investigates the deadly spread of a dangerous new drug, Tom Thorne is handed a case that he doesn’t take too seriously, until a spate of animal killings points to the work of a serial killer. When the two cases come together in a way that neither could have foreseen, both Thorne and Tanner must risk everything to catch two very different killers.
This is an excellent police procedural novel that brings together two excellent characters to give an added interest to this already excellent series.
I find Mark Billingham a very capable author who never disappoints with each book he writes. Bring on the next, please.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Grove Atlantic for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
I'm always happy to see another book featuring DI Tom Thorne. I've read most, if not all, of this author's books ... feels like Thorne is almost family.
WARNING: For those who cannot abide animal cruelty .... there are cats, many cats, killed and/or tortured within these pages. The descriptions are not generally graphic, but it is impossible to just skip over the pages where these things are talked about.
The killing of animals, cats,dogs, birds, together with fire starting and persistent bed wetting is one of the telltale traits that make up the characteristics that may help to identify serial offenders.
NOTE FROM AUTHOR: The series of cat killings fictionalized in this book is based on a real and disturbing case that remains unsolved to this day. Police began their investigation in 2015 ... they have named it the UK Cat Killer.
Thorne cannot believe that he has been called on to investigate the multiple killings of cats---until he equates these killings with possible killings of humans. The killer may be using his time as a cat killer to cool down from his human killings.
And although a serious crime, Thorne is getting his share of kitty jokes. One person suggests maybe it's a copycat' killer. This case will take some thinking outside the (litter) 'box'. Maybe this is a grudge against the feline bird killers.
Meanwhile, DI Nicole Tanner is investigating a deadly new drug that has hit the streets. Whatever she thinks she knows ... is not what she thinks it is.
Two very different killers ... with a connection to each other. Thorne and Tanner will have to sift through a lot of lies and coverups, including blackmail to stop the killings.
There's twists and turns that the reader doesn't see coming, accompanied by almost non-stop action. Thorne and Tanner are solid characters with other characters from previous books always lending an air of credibility.
Many thanks to the author / Atlantic Monthly Press / Grove Atlantic / Netgalley / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
I'm always happy to see another book featuring DI Tom Thorne. I've read most, if not all, of this author's books ... feels like Thorne is almost family.
WARNING: For those who cannot abide animal cruelty .... there are cats, many cats, killed and/or tortured within these pages. The descriptions are not generally graphic, but it is impossible to just skip over the pages where these things are talked about.
The killing of animals, cats,dogs, birds, together with fire starting and persistent bed wetting is one of the telltale traits that make up the characteristics that may help to identify serial offenders.
NOTE FROM AUTHOR: The series of cat killings fictionalized in this book is based on a real and disturbing case that remains unsolved to this day. Police began their investigation in 2015 ... they have named it the UK Cat Killer.
Thorne cannot believe that he has been called on to investigate the multiple killings of cats---until he equates these killings with possible killings of humans. The killer may be using his time as a cat killer to cool down from his human killings.
And although a serious crime, Thorne is getting his share of kitty jokes. One person suggests maybe it's a copycat' killer. This case will take some thinking outside the (litter) 'box'. Maybe this is a grudge against the feline bird killers.
Meanwhile, DI Nicole Tanner is investigating a deadly new drug that has hit the streets. Whatever she thinks she knows ... is not what she thinks it is.
Two very different killers ... with a connection to each other. Thorne and Tanner will have to sift through a lot of lies and coverups, including blackmail to stop the killings.
There's twists and turns that the reader doesn't see coming, accompanied by almost non-stop action. Thorne and Tanner are solid characters with other characters from previous books always lending an air of credibility.
Many thanks to the author / Atlantic Monthly Press / Grove Atlantic / Netgalley / Edelweiss for the advanced digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 18, 2020
Think I need to cease reading this series. It is dropping rapidly, back to where it was 4-5 books ago. I know it improved for a while, but I have too many great books waiting to waste any more time.
It is too London centric and football based for me. When he starts insulting F1. I find it difficult to enjoy.
It is too London centric and football based for me. When he starts insulting F1. I find it difficult to enjoy.
June 15, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
Tom Thorne is back and is assigned a contentious case of someone torturing and killing cats. This is obviously gruesome and the subject matter is going to be very distasteful for some people. However Billingham has a knack for injecting just the right amount of humour.
Meanwhile Thorne is also assisting DI Nicola Tanner with the shooting by a motorcyclist. I really like the dynamic between these two and hope we see more of it in further books. We also have the usual cast of supporting characters and their back stories.
Another solid well paced book in the series.
Tom Thorne is back and is assigned a contentious case of someone torturing and killing cats. This is obviously gruesome and the subject matter is going to be very distasteful for some people. However Billingham has a knack for injecting just the right amount of humour.
Meanwhile Thorne is also assisting DI Nicola Tanner with the shooting by a motorcyclist. I really like the dynamic between these two and hope we see more of it in further books. We also have the usual cast of supporting characters and their back stories.
Another solid well paced book in the series.
April 29, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for an advance copy of The Killing Habit, the fifteenth novel to feature Met detective Tom Thorne.
Thorne is tasked with finding the person killing domestic cats around London. Working on the theory that he/she will not stop there he ropes in DI Nicola Tanner, now working at MIT with him, to help but she has a case of her own, the murder of a refugee, so they end up working both cases together.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Killing Habit which is an absorbing procedural with some good twists. I like Mr Billingham's idea of taking an open, unsolved real life crime as his base and building a credible novel from it. His take on the cat killer is believable and very possible so it adds a certain realism to the read. The novel is told mainly from Thorne and Tanner's points of view as the novel progresses with various interjections from several other characters and a nice irony at the end but initially there is a different viewpoint in every chapter. This makes the novel hard to get into at first as the reader juggles all these characters but it soon settles down and I found myself avidly following each character's story. It doesn't end well for all of them but again this adds a certain realism.
Thorne and Tanner work well together with each bringing different skills to the investigation, Tanner is the analyst and Thorne the ideas man. They are both experiencing change with Tanner trying to move on from the death of her partner, Susan by downsizing, which becomes a bit of a running joke as she tries to get Thorne to help her. Thorne is not getting on so well with his partner, Helen. Time to move on?
The Killing Habit is an intelligent procedural which I have no hesitation in recommending as a good read.
Thorne is tasked with finding the person killing domestic cats around London. Working on the theory that he/she will not stop there he ropes in DI Nicola Tanner, now working at MIT with him, to help but she has a case of her own, the murder of a refugee, so they end up working both cases together.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Killing Habit which is an absorbing procedural with some good twists. I like Mr Billingham's idea of taking an open, unsolved real life crime as his base and building a credible novel from it. His take on the cat killer is believable and very possible so it adds a certain realism to the read. The novel is told mainly from Thorne and Tanner's points of view as the novel progresses with various interjections from several other characters and a nice irony at the end but initially there is a different viewpoint in every chapter. This makes the novel hard to get into at first as the reader juggles all these characters but it soon settles down and I found myself avidly following each character's story. It doesn't end well for all of them but again this adds a certain realism.
Thorne and Tanner work well together with each bringing different skills to the investigation, Tanner is the analyst and Thorne the ideas man. They are both experiencing change with Tanner trying to move on from the death of her partner, Susan by downsizing, which becomes a bit of a running joke as she tries to get Thorne to help her. Thorne is not getting on so well with his partner, Helen. Time to move on?
The Killing Habit is an intelligent procedural which I have no hesitation in recommending as a good read.
July 15, 2018
Another brilliant Billingham masterpiece.
The fifteenth Tom Thorne book, The Killing Habit, is an intricate tapestry of a plot, weaving and winding like a sticky spider’s web, and just as difficult to escape.
The book begins with a number of cat killings, and Thorne on the hunt for the culprit. As usual, Thorne, with the help of Nicola Tanner and the usual crew, stumbles onto a serial killer’s list of victims, all of whom are women signed up to a dating agency. Meanwhile, Tanner tries to cut down a major drug ring, all while facing their own relationship problems, alcohol addiction, and life crises.
As with every Thorne book, the characters and their relationships are created exceptionally well, making the reader feel immense empathy for each well-constructed person, making them leap vividly off the page. Each of the characters grows with every new book, and have become like old friends to fans of the series.
The crimes are, of course, horrendous and gory (especially at the climax), but it would lack a sense of realism if they were PG rated. I couldn’t imagine doing the work of emergency service workers trying to clean up the messes of such horrific crimes.
And that ending makes me think another Thorne book is definitely in the pipeline. Hooray *fist pump*
If you’re a fan of crime thrillers, and you haven’t yet delved into Mark Billingham’s work, then you certainly must begin now; you’ve missed so much greatness and I envy your wonderful journey through the series you have ahead of you.
The fifteenth Tom Thorne book, The Killing Habit, is an intricate tapestry of a plot, weaving and winding like a sticky spider’s web, and just as difficult to escape.
The book begins with a number of cat killings, and Thorne on the hunt for the culprit. As usual, Thorne, with the help of Nicola Tanner and the usual crew, stumbles onto a serial killer’s list of victims, all of whom are women signed up to a dating agency. Meanwhile, Tanner tries to cut down a major drug ring, all while facing their own relationship problems, alcohol addiction, and life crises.
As with every Thorne book, the characters and their relationships are created exceptionally well, making the reader feel immense empathy for each well-constructed person, making them leap vividly off the page. Each of the characters grows with every new book, and have become like old friends to fans of the series.
The crimes are, of course, horrendous and gory (especially at the climax), but it would lack a sense of realism if they were PG rated. I couldn’t imagine doing the work of emergency service workers trying to clean up the messes of such horrific crimes.
And that ending makes me think another Thorne book is definitely in the pipeline. Hooray *fist pump*
If you’re a fan of crime thrillers, and you haven’t yet delved into Mark Billingham’s work, then you certainly must begin now; you’ve missed so much greatness and I envy your wonderful journey through the series you have ahead of you.
June 9, 2018
Hard to believe this is book 15 in the Tom Thorne series. This latest case is a serial cat killer, or is it? The old familiar characters are all back along with their emotional baggage! The series just keeps improving and I definitely recommend reading Mark Billingham books. You won't be disappointed as Mark is up there with the best of crime writers today. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. I loved it! A very easy 5 stars from me.
June 28, 2018
Probably my least favourite Thorne outing to date. The reveal at the end didn't sit right and neither of the two cases really clicked with me. I assume a few loose threads will be picked up in future books but I'm in no rush for more from these storylines. Overall this left me cold.
November 13, 2018
Mark Billingham pens one of my favourite crime series - the Tom Thorne books. The fifteenth book in this series, The Killing Habit, has just released.
Tom is handed a case that he doesn't take too seriously in the beginning - someone has been killing cats. But as he does delve further into the case, he relalizes there's more to these killings. Is it a serial killer ramping up? Or could it be an established killer winding down?
DI Nicola Tanner is back as well. She's chasing down a murderer with ties to a killer new designer drug called Spice.
These two characters are complete opposites and as such, play incredibly well off each other. Different strengths, styles and outlooks. As their investigations proceed, they join forces again.
Billingham consistently comes up with dark, devious plots that hold the reader captive until the last page has been turned. On reading the author's notes, I discovered that the inspiration for the cat killing plotline is based in reality. A UK cat killer has dispatched over 400 pets and as of the release of the book, the killer remains at large.
But what keeps me coming back book after book, are the characters. There are other 'regulars' that appear as well - coroner Phil Hendricks is another character I quite enjoy. Billingham keeps the lives of the cast moving forward through life complete with loves, losses, triumphs and struggles. Thorne is battling his own self doubt in this entry. Doubt about his skills and even his desire to catch criminals. His love life - or lack of - is also troubling to him. The ending surprised me - one character makes a choice that I didn't see coming. I wonder how this will affect this player's (and other's) behaviour and dynamics going forward?
The title is clever - 'killing habit' applies to both murder and drugs. Another great read from Billingham and I look forward to the sixteenth entry in this series.
Tom is handed a case that he doesn't take too seriously in the beginning - someone has been killing cats. But as he does delve further into the case, he relalizes there's more to these killings. Is it a serial killer ramping up? Or could it be an established killer winding down?
DI Nicola Tanner is back as well. She's chasing down a murderer with ties to a killer new designer drug called Spice.
These two characters are complete opposites and as such, play incredibly well off each other. Different strengths, styles and outlooks. As their investigations proceed, they join forces again.
Billingham consistently comes up with dark, devious plots that hold the reader captive until the last page has been turned. On reading the author's notes, I discovered that the inspiration for the cat killing plotline is based in reality. A UK cat killer has dispatched over 400 pets and as of the release of the book, the killer remains at large.
But what keeps me coming back book after book, are the characters. There are other 'regulars' that appear as well - coroner Phil Hendricks is another character I quite enjoy. Billingham keeps the lives of the cast moving forward through life complete with loves, losses, triumphs and struggles. Thorne is battling his own self doubt in this entry. Doubt about his skills and even his desire to catch criminals. His love life - or lack of - is also troubling to him. The ending surprised me - one character makes a choice that I didn't see coming. I wonder how this will affect this player's (and other's) behaviour and dynamics going forward?
The title is clever - 'killing habit' applies to both murder and drugs. Another great read from Billingham and I look forward to the sixteenth entry in this series.
September 1, 2018
Another fantastic book in the Tom Thorne series.
I was a bit worried about this one as I was told lots of cats get killed, but thankfully this is not the main focus of the story and there is no graphic detail of their deaths.
Thorne is asked to look into these deaths and soon links it to some women who have been murdered.
Tanner is working on another case but they both work together helping each other to try and catch the killer.
Hendricks is around as well and provides the humour when Thorne has had a bad day.
This is a gripping read which I really enjoyed.
I was a bit worried about this one as I was told lots of cats get killed, but thankfully this is not the main focus of the story and there is no graphic detail of their deaths.
Thorne is asked to look into these deaths and soon links it to some women who have been murdered.
Tanner is working on another case but they both work together helping each other to try and catch the killer.
Hendricks is around as well and provides the humour when Thorne has had a bad day.
This is a gripping read which I really enjoyed.
May 1, 2018
4 stars
DI Tom Thorne and DI Nicola Tanner are back in this latest novel by Mark Billingham.
DI Thorne doesn’t want to take it too seriously when his is assigned a case of someone who is killing cats. But he knows that killing animals is often one of the signs of a serial killer in the making. He takes the case to liaise with Detective Superintendent Fulton from his old stomping ground in Kentish Town. When he sees the horrific pictures of what was done to the animals, he knows that he is on to something.
Meanwhile Nicola’s straightforward investigation of a shooting is not as cut and dried as it seems at first. The accused killer claims he didn’t do it. He tells an odd tale about a “Duchess” and being set up for murder. As she teams up with Tom to assist him with his investigation, they suspect that the animal killings are not this murders only fascination. They suspect him of a string of unsolved strangulations that have occurred around the country. The two cases run along at the same time.
The mind of the strangulation killer is shown through vignettes. He describes what he feels about women, and about how appearances are everything.
Thorne and Tanner learn that the murderer and the women are meeting online, via a website. They have a suspect, but no evidence. The identity of the killer comes as a surprise – at least to me it did. The conclusion to the story is explosive and terror-filled.
I am so glad that Mr. Billingham didn’t go into the cat killings in depth. If there is anything I cannot tolerate, it is the indiscriminate killing of helpless animals – especially cats. I was so glad that the investigation turned to the murders people. Not that people are less important than cats, but, oh, what am I trying to say?
This book was remarkably well written and plotted as are all of Mark Billingham’s novels. It is written in linear fashion, following both investigations closely and painstakingly. I did not enjoy the interminable meeting and the political shenanigans between all the big wigs associated with the case. I was disturbed at Tom Thorne’s self-doubts. He seemed to be questioning his every move and wondering if he was in the wrong work. Is this a prelude to Tom’s retirement, I thought. This is an exciting and action-filled (political meeting among big wigs aside), nook. I enjoyed reading it. I very much look forward to Mark Billingham’s next novel.
I want to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
DI Tom Thorne and DI Nicola Tanner are back in this latest novel by Mark Billingham.
DI Thorne doesn’t want to take it too seriously when his is assigned a case of someone who is killing cats. But he knows that killing animals is often one of the signs of a serial killer in the making. He takes the case to liaise with Detective Superintendent Fulton from his old stomping ground in Kentish Town. When he sees the horrific pictures of what was done to the animals, he knows that he is on to something.
Meanwhile Nicola’s straightforward investigation of a shooting is not as cut and dried as it seems at first. The accused killer claims he didn’t do it. He tells an odd tale about a “Duchess” and being set up for murder. As she teams up with Tom to assist him with his investigation, they suspect that the animal killings are not this murders only fascination. They suspect him of a string of unsolved strangulations that have occurred around the country. The two cases run along at the same time.
The mind of the strangulation killer is shown through vignettes. He describes what he feels about women, and about how appearances are everything.
Thorne and Tanner learn that the murderer and the women are meeting online, via a website. They have a suspect, but no evidence. The identity of the killer comes as a surprise – at least to me it did. The conclusion to the story is explosive and terror-filled.
I am so glad that Mr. Billingham didn’t go into the cat killings in depth. If there is anything I cannot tolerate, it is the indiscriminate killing of helpless animals – especially cats. I was so glad that the investigation turned to the murders people. Not that people are less important than cats, but, oh, what am I trying to say?
This book was remarkably well written and plotted as are all of Mark Billingham’s novels. It is written in linear fashion, following both investigations closely and painstakingly. I did not enjoy the interminable meeting and the political shenanigans between all the big wigs associated with the case. I was disturbed at Tom Thorne’s self-doubts. He seemed to be questioning his every move and wondering if he was in the wrong work. Is this a prelude to Tom’s retirement, I thought. This is an exciting and action-filled (political meeting among big wigs aside), nook. I enjoyed reading it. I very much look forward to Mark Billingham’s next novel.
I want to thank NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
January 29, 2019
I entered into Book #15, in one of my favourite police procedural series, with a lot of trepidation as it talks about a series of cat killings. Fellow animal lovers can rest somewhat easy as it is only a small piece of the book which is more of a reference point than a graphic telling.
As most crime aficionados know, animal abuse can be a telltale starting point for serial killers. DI Tom Thorne feels the cat case may be a softening of the edges for an active murderer. An investigation into unsolved murders finds several cases with a similar theme propelling Thorne's suppositions forward. He just needs the brass to be on board to cough up some cash for a sting operation.
A second plot line involves the delivery of drugs to prisons and the pressure put on convicts when released to pay back their debt. A debt that can lead to serious consequences.
The Killing Habit is another great outing for Thorne and company. Would like to have seen more of pathologist Phil Hendricks, but he does make the occasional appearance. Highly recommend this series to crime lovers.
As most crime aficionados know, animal abuse can be a telltale starting point for serial killers. DI Tom Thorne feels the cat case may be a softening of the edges for an active murderer. An investigation into unsolved murders finds several cases with a similar theme propelling Thorne's suppositions forward. He just needs the brass to be on board to cough up some cash for a sting operation.
A second plot line involves the delivery of drugs to prisons and the pressure put on convicts when released to pay back their debt. A debt that can lead to serious consequences.
The Killing Habit is another great outing for Thorne and company. Would like to have seen more of pathologist Phil Hendricks, but he does make the occasional appearance. Highly recommend this series to crime lovers.
August 14, 2018
In many ways, D.I. Tom Thorne is one of a slew of “grumpy old coppers” in modern crime fiction. Forever at odds with the latest technology and modern police jargon and frequently fearing he’s lost his edge and is past his sell-by date. However, his dedication, experience and intuition always seem to pull him through. One area in which Tom is unique though is that, although straight himself, the majority of his small circle of friends are gay. Unsurprisingly, none of them share his passion for Country Music.
This latest novel in the series focuses on a couple of central crimes. An outbreak of killings of domestic pets in north London raises alarm bells as some fear the killer will soon “escalate” to human victims. Tom suspects that could already be the case and his fears are confirmed when it’s discovered three recently murdered women all subscribed to the same dating site.
Meanwhile D.I. Nicola Tanner is investigating the murders of two men which are somehow linked to drug trafficking in prisons and a mysterious character called “The Duchess”.
Although this isn’t the best in the Tom Thorne series – I found the way the two main threads merged at the end somewhat contrived – it’s still an enjoyable enough read from an accomplished author.
This latest novel in the series focuses on a couple of central crimes. An outbreak of killings of domestic pets in north London raises alarm bells as some fear the killer will soon “escalate” to human victims. Tom suspects that could already be the case and his fears are confirmed when it’s discovered three recently murdered women all subscribed to the same dating site.
Meanwhile D.I. Nicola Tanner is investigating the murders of two men which are somehow linked to drug trafficking in prisons and a mysterious character called “The Duchess”.
Although this isn’t the best in the Tom Thorne series – I found the way the two main threads merged at the end somewhat contrived – it’s still an enjoyable enough read from an accomplished author.
August 9, 2021
Good strong story, characters I was familiar with and invested in, a plot that had plenty without going too far in to the inconceivable, and nothing which irked me (as a couple of the last four or five in the series have done). This was a very sound addition to the series - Thorne and Tanner investigating two cases associated with the killing of cats and single women, and a storyline based around an ex-con paying off a drug debt.
Perhaps there was more stuff about the characters' personal lives than I might've liked, and perhaps also there was time taken to outline previous biographical events which (as a long-term follower of the series) wasn't really needed in my humble opinion, I understand that's how the cookie crumbles, Billingham has to write for first time readers too.
Perhaps there was more stuff about the characters' personal lives than I might've liked, and perhaps also there was time taken to outline previous biographical events which (as a long-term follower of the series) wasn't really needed in my humble opinion, I understand that's how the cookie crumbles, Billingham has to write for first time readers too.
October 18, 2018
An excellent London-set police detective series starring Tom Thorne. He's a bit of a loose cannon, so his super assigns him a case involving the killing of 15 cats. Although he's put out, he realizes that killing small animals is often an indication of a serial murderer developing. Once again he shares cases with Nicola Tanner, who is actually looking for a serial murderer. Could the cases be intertwined? The step-by-step procedures slow the pace a bit, but the story and characters are so compelling that it seems to move quickly; sympathetic series characters and well-drawn secondary characters; complex plot with multiple twists and issues; strong sense of time and place in London and environs; smart dialog and colorful prose; gritty, menacing atmosphere and building suspense.
April 2, 2021
I had begin to think that the Tom Thorne series was gradually deteriorating, but with this one the author has excelled himself. A fiendishly clever main plot, interlinked with another story, gives us Thorne at his prickly best with a well developed supporting cast. Even the soap opera elements are interesting. I found it very difficult to put down, luckily I have a couple more still to read.
January 21, 2022
Another good read in the Thorne series. Not quite as good as the last one a bit slow in parts but very enjoyable. 4/5 stars. Onto the next one Their Little Secret now....
3 books down so far this year more than I read the whole of last year already 👍
3 books down so far this year more than I read the whole of last year already 👍
October 26, 2019
5*
I like the fact that Mark Billingham has brought in a new sidekick to his lead character Tom Thorne. While it is common knowledge that murderers start off attacking animals from a young age before escalating the book and characters do surprise me at how well rounded they are. Also the corruption within police is explained in a good and idealistic way yet realistic within the human psyche.
I like the fact that Mark Billingham has brought in a new sidekick to his lead character Tom Thorne. While it is common knowledge that murderers start off attacking animals from a young age before escalating the book and characters do surprise me at how well rounded they are. Also the corruption within police is explained in a good and idealistic way yet realistic within the human psyche.
June 12, 2018
Another great novel from Mark Billingham. This series is one of the very best in contemporary crime fiction and Tom Thorne one of its finest creations. Even though he is a devoted and able cop, he doubts his commitment and skill, and those around him all have issues of some sort. This case involves the slaughter of cats and whether animal cruelty can lead to murder. Well-written and gripping, this is a splendid read!
June 7, 2018
If you haven't read these novels before, this is a fine place to start. Billingham has created two dynamic characters in Nicola Tanner and Tom Thorne. He alternates their voices in this well plotted procedural. Thorne is working a case of cat killings- which seems beneath him (and thank goodness they aren't described in detail) but he goes down the as yet unproven path that they are connected to a serial killer. You'll also get some insight into that fiend's mind. Nicola, at the same time, is working a topical case of bad drugs. Things really get going when the Nicola and Tom team up again. No spoilers but this has some good twists and devilish complexities but it's never hard to keep track of what's going on. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
May 26, 2018
We are back in the presence of Tom Thorne and Nicola Tanner,and the irreverence,sexual banter of the London Police force.
Tom is put in charge of finding the person responsible for murdering and mutilating pet cats. Cue several remarks about Pussy and cans of cat food . Thank heavens,NO gruesome details are given,I must admit I had serious misgivings when I started this book.
DCI Turner is in charge of a shooting that is rapidly turning out to be more complex than initially thought. A blind leap of faith,leads Tom to wonder if the two cases are connected,could the cat killer,be responsible for attacks on women and could the mysterious Duchess be the key?
The identity of the killer was a complete surprise to me,but as my detective husband states, ' you meet them early on,all quiet and meek,helpful and ingratiating ,then wallop! , the last person you would expect', and so it proved to be!
I love the sarcasm and black/ gallows humour of the police. I have suffered it for 30years plus,but know it is a necessary safety release. When you understand what they deal with,day in and day out, you need a strange sense of humour.
I found this a scary book and a very intriguing read. It was well detailed and researched,Mark Billingham has a very good police informant!! There seems to be no sign of Tom Thorne anticipating his retirement,perhaps he will last as long as Sherlock Holmes or Dixon of Dock Green?!!
Tom is put in charge of finding the person responsible for murdering and mutilating pet cats. Cue several remarks about Pussy and cans of cat food . Thank heavens,NO gruesome details are given,I must admit I had serious misgivings when I started this book.
DCI Turner is in charge of a shooting that is rapidly turning out to be more complex than initially thought. A blind leap of faith,leads Tom to wonder if the two cases are connected,could the cat killer,be responsible for attacks on women and could the mysterious Duchess be the key?
The identity of the killer was a complete surprise to me,but as my detective husband states, ' you meet them early on,all quiet and meek,helpful and ingratiating ,then wallop! , the last person you would expect', and so it proved to be!
I love the sarcasm and black/ gallows humour of the police. I have suffered it for 30years plus,but know it is a necessary safety release. When you understand what they deal with,day in and day out, you need a strange sense of humour.
I found this a scary book and a very intriguing read. It was well detailed and researched,Mark Billingham has a very good police informant!! There seems to be no sign of Tom Thorne anticipating his retirement,perhaps he will last as long as Sherlock Holmes or Dixon of Dock Green?!!
May 30, 2018
This is my first Tom Thorne novel and it is a page turner, it read well as a stand-alone. Not just one mystery to solve, but several things going on at once. It made a very interesting read and I didn't know how it was going to end. What a surprise. Didn't want to stop reading. I won my book from Goodreads giveaways.
December 7, 2023
3:5 🌟 from
Me, I wasn’t overwhelmed by the storyline as much as I thought I might be , but kept me guessing till the end.
Me, I wasn’t overwhelmed by the storyline as much as I thought I might be , but kept me guessing till the end.
April 29, 2018
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
Thorne is (despite being a Homicide detective) tasked with looking into the violent killing of cats. He decides (in a leap which is taken on faith) that the perpetrator is killing cats as he "comes down" from killing women. In a further leap, he posits that the method of murder will be strangulation and manages to cobble together a group of unsolved strangulation murders to pin on the cat killer. (Of course, the murdered women do all turn out to have a common link eventually).
Tanner is investigating the shooting of a drug addict and believes the prime suspect when he claims to have been framed. Tanner and Thorne end up helping each other out with the two cases. The opening was strong and I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the novel, despite struggling a little to keep on top of the enormous cast of characters (I only came into this series one book ago). Thorne is a flawed hero, which is OK, I suppose, although I fear for his future with Helen - he would rather go flat-hunting (something he claims to hate) with Tanner than go home to his family?
I'm deducting one of my stars for the scene where the perpetrator was apprehended, which was initially faintly absurd and then (to me) totally unacceptable. The perpetrator was some one I did at one point suspect, but then the author threw me off course, so that was clever.
Thorne is (despite being a Homicide detective) tasked with looking into the violent killing of cats. He decides (in a leap which is taken on faith) that the perpetrator is killing cats as he "comes down" from killing women. In a further leap, he posits that the method of murder will be strangulation and manages to cobble together a group of unsolved strangulation murders to pin on the cat killer. (Of course, the murdered women do all turn out to have a common link eventually).
Tanner is investigating the shooting of a drug addict and believes the prime suspect when he claims to have been framed. Tanner and Thorne end up helping each other out with the two cases. The opening was strong and I enjoyed the first two-thirds of the novel, despite struggling a little to keep on top of the enormous cast of characters (I only came into this series one book ago). Thorne is a flawed hero, which is OK, I suppose, although I fear for his future with Helen - he would rather go flat-hunting (something he claims to hate) with Tanner than go home to his family?
I'm deducting one of my stars for the scene where the perpetrator was apprehended, which was initially faintly absurd and then (to me) totally unacceptable. The perpetrator was some one I did at one point suspect, but then the author threw me off course, so that was clever.
May 4, 2018
I read thrillers as a break from literary fiction, and The Killing Habit proved a worthy diversion. Thorne and Tanner make an exciting pair who are investigating two separate crimes. Although their theories and tactics often are flawed, they (just) manage to bag one serial killer while other lines of inquiry go unsolved. Because in many thrillers the heroes completely dominate, this is a refreshing twist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2020
Mark Billingham's 'The Killing Habit' is just, sort of, OK I guess. I've read only two in the Tom Thorne series so perhaps my sample size isn't large enough, but detective Thorne hasn't proven to be compelling enough to want to expand it any further. In a word, he's boring and comparisons I've seen to one of the greats of the genre, John Rebus, are laughable at best. That being said, The Killing Habit isn't a bad book. The writing is fine, the characters are somewhat fleshed out (though I'm sure I'm missing lots of back story since this is the 15th in the series), and the dual investigations are presented very well.
As is common in the genre, the two investigations form the story line. In one, a young man fresh from prison, where he developed a drug habit that resulted in his owing money to some criminals upon his release, is being forced to handle some rough stuff to pay off his debt. A murder of someone in a similar situation as his is pinned on him, but detective Nicola Tanner isn't convinced and continues to investigate. Concurrently, cat killings (yes, you heard that right...) are occurring across London, and Tom Thorne is asked to look at it. He proposes a unique scenario, where instead of a nascent serial killer beginning his career as an animal torturer and moving up to humans from there is rather killing cats as a sideline between human murders. Thorne aligns with Tanner to help one another on their respective investigations.
414 pages later, it looks like a 50% clearance on these two investigations, setting up what I assume will be a further book in the series that I don't expect to read.
As is common in the genre, the two investigations form the story line. In one, a young man fresh from prison, where he developed a drug habit that resulted in his owing money to some criminals upon his release, is being forced to handle some rough stuff to pay off his debt. A murder of someone in a similar situation as his is pinned on him, but detective Nicola Tanner isn't convinced and continues to investigate. Concurrently, cat killings (yes, you heard that right...) are occurring across London, and Tom Thorne is asked to look at it. He proposes a unique scenario, where instead of a nascent serial killer beginning his career as an animal torturer and moving up to humans from there is rather killing cats as a sideline between human murders. Thorne aligns with Tanner to help one another on their respective investigations.
414 pages later, it looks like a 50% clearance on these two investigations, setting up what I assume will be a further book in the series that I don't expect to read.
January 11, 2020
Billingham does it again with another cracking read in the Tom Thorne series.
"The Killing Habit" sees Thorne being given the task of investigating the deaths of cats. Is somebody warming up their killing skills by mutilating pets? Thorne certainly thinks so & working with Nicola Tanner, the pair try to catch a potential serial killer before the bodies start to add up.
It's a good storyline made all the more intriguing...& worrying..by the fact it's based on a true case. (don't forget to read the Author's Note at the end)
I love the banter & humour between Thorne & Hendricks. I like that fact that we get a glimpse into Thorne's home life & while I like Helen, it's realistic that their relationship isn't all plain sailing - after all, whose is? Thorne didn't seem quite his usual self though, seeming to lack a bit of his usual confidence at times - still it just makes him all the more credible in my eyes.
Tanner is a such a strong personality too &, despite being so different in temperament to Thorne - or maybe because they are such opposites - they make such a good pairing.
So as expected, I was gripped from start to finish, however I didn't think the tension racked up quite as much as others in the series. That said, the ending has left me on tenterhooks as to how things are going to play out next for one or more of the characters. Good job "Their Little Secret" is already sat on my TBR mountain :o)
"The Killing Habit" sees Thorne being given the task of investigating the deaths of cats. Is somebody warming up their killing skills by mutilating pets? Thorne certainly thinks so & working with Nicola Tanner, the pair try to catch a potential serial killer before the bodies start to add up.
It's a good storyline made all the more intriguing...& worrying..by the fact it's based on a true case. (don't forget to read the Author's Note at the end)
I love the banter & humour between Thorne & Hendricks. I like that fact that we get a glimpse into Thorne's home life & while I like Helen, it's realistic that their relationship isn't all plain sailing - after all, whose is? Thorne didn't seem quite his usual self though, seeming to lack a bit of his usual confidence at times - still it just makes him all the more credible in my eyes.
Tanner is a such a strong personality too &, despite being so different in temperament to Thorne - or maybe because they are such opposites - they make such a good pairing.
So as expected, I was gripped from start to finish, however I didn't think the tension racked up quite as much as others in the series. That said, the ending has left me on tenterhooks as to how things are going to play out next for one or more of the characters. Good job "Their Little Secret" is already sat on my TBR mountain :o)
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