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Jack Anderson #1
Now She's Dead
What happens when the watcher becomes the watched?
Jack has it all – a beautiful wife and daughter, a home, a career. Then his wife, Rebecca, plunges to her death from the Sussex coast cliffs. Was it an accident or did she jump? He moves to Manchester with his daughter, Naomi, to start afresh, but things don’t go as planned. He didn’t think life could get any worse...
Jack sees a woman in a window who is the image of Rebecca. Attraction turns into obsession as he returns to the window night after night. But he isn’t the only one watching her...
Jack is about to be drawn into a deadly game. The woman lies dead. The latest victim in a series of savage murders. Someone is going to go down for the crimes. If Jack doesn’t find out who the killer is, that 'someone’ may well be him.
Jack has it all – a beautiful wife and daughter, a home, a career. Then his wife, Rebecca, plunges to her death from the Sussex coast cliffs. Was it an accident or did she jump? He moves to Manchester with his daughter, Naomi, to start afresh, but things don’t go as planned. He didn’t think life could get any worse...
Jack sees a woman in a window who is the image of Rebecca. Attraction turns into obsession as he returns to the window night after night. But he isn’t the only one watching her...
Jack is about to be drawn into a deadly game. The woman lies dead. The latest victim in a series of savage murders. Someone is going to go down for the crimes. If Jack doesn’t find out who the killer is, that 'someone’ may well be him.
391 pages, ebook
First published April 26, 2018
1560 people are currently reading
598 people want to read
About the author
Ben Cheetham
44 books256 followersBen Cheetham is an award-winning writer and Pushcart Prize nominee. His writing spans the genres, from horror and sci-fi to literary fiction, but he has a passion for dark, gritty crime fiction. His short stories have been published in Swill Magazine, The Fiction Desk, Deadcore (Comet Press), The London Magazine, The Willisden Herald New Short Stories 3, The Grist Anthology of New Writing, Dream Catcher, Staple, Fast Forward: A Collection of Flash Fiction, Voice From The Planet (Harvard Square Editions), The Momaya Annual Review, Transmission, The Chaffey Review, and numerous other magazines.
Ben lives in Sheffield, UK, where - when he's not chasing around after his two-year old son - he spends most of his time locked away in his study racking his brain for the next paragraph, the next sentence, the next word.
Ben lives in Sheffield, UK, where - when he's not chasing around after his two-year old son - he spends most of his time locked away in his study racking his brain for the next paragraph, the next sentence, the next word.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 11, 2018
Feel free to give me curry for giving this book 5 stars but, clearly, I loved it. I'm not a 'literary' person, Oh I love Withering Heights but I have struggled to read many of the so-called classics, giving up after a few chapters out of boredom (Anna Karenina, Bleak House - I'm talking about you). So when a book grabs me from the start, intrigues me with a complex plot and a cornucopia of characters and delivers unexpected twists and lots of suspense towards the climax - its a winner for me.
Jack is in a downward spiral since his wife (Rebecca) killed herself two years ago by jumping off a cliff (or was it an accident)? He seeks oblivion at the bottom of a vodka bottle every day to ease the pain of her loss. Even thoughts of their daughter, Naomi, who is staying at his sister Laura's house, can't break through his self pity. Then he sees a woman who is the spitting image of Rebecca. He can't help himself, he stalks her and watches through her windows from a neighbouring cemetery (cliched, I know).
Then, shock horror, he witnesses her murder. Only the stalker has become the stalked and the killer has been watching him. And filming him. Oh shit, he could be in the frame for her murder. This snaps him out of his funk and he finally goes back to work as a Detective Inspector in the Manchester force. The killer has been busy though. He has killed three other women and Jack is on the team. He tries to solve the case while keeping his own involvement a secret. This of course ties him in knots. But the killer is playing with Jack, seeking information about the case and threatening Naomi if he doesn't comply.
The route to the finale is scattered with secrets, suspects and betrayals. Its a twisty road for sure. Very, very enjoyable. I thought the characters were well developed. Certainly they carried the story well. Yes, it was a little far-fetched but no more so than any other thriller we have all enjoyed. It was also a nice change to have man go to pieces instead of a woman, ha. And he pulled himself together and did his job, but at what cost?? I'll certainly be checking out other books by this author.
Jack is in a downward spiral since his wife (Rebecca) killed herself two years ago by jumping off a cliff (or was it an accident)? He seeks oblivion at the bottom of a vodka bottle every day to ease the pain of her loss. Even thoughts of their daughter, Naomi, who is staying at his sister Laura's house, can't break through his self pity. Then he sees a woman who is the spitting image of Rebecca. He can't help himself, he stalks her and watches through her windows from a neighbouring cemetery (cliched, I know).
Then, shock horror, he witnesses her murder. Only the stalker has become the stalked and the killer has been watching him. And filming him. Oh shit, he could be in the frame for her murder. This snaps him out of his funk and he finally goes back to work as a Detective Inspector in the Manchester force. The killer has been busy though. He has killed three other women and Jack is on the team. He tries to solve the case while keeping his own involvement a secret. This of course ties him in knots. But the killer is playing with Jack, seeking information about the case and threatening Naomi if he doesn't comply.
The route to the finale is scattered with secrets, suspects and betrayals. Its a twisty road for sure. Very, very enjoyable. I thought the characters were well developed. Certainly they carried the story well. Yes, it was a little far-fetched but no more so than any other thriller we have all enjoyed. It was also a nice change to have man go to pieces instead of a woman, ha. And he pulled himself together and did his job, but at what cost?? I'll certainly be checking out other books by this author.
March 24, 2020
A great start, bit of a damp squib ending 🤔
2.5 stars 🌟
2.5 stars 🌟
July 17, 2018
I really enjoyed the book, but feel like it wasn’t quite over. There were lots of points that weren’t wrapped up. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but the main point of it being the lead character that had to be the one to catch the killer wasn’t quite explained, maybe that’s me missing something...?
August 23, 2018
This super-fast paced crime story had just too many twists, turn, and bodies, not to mention an abundance of names, past, present, pseudonyms etc. This detracted from the story about Detective Inspector Jack who loses his wife (Rebecca) and slumps in a downward spiral of drinking. No one knows whether his wife fell or jumped from a cliff. He moves to Manchester with his daughter, Naomi, to start afresh and becomes obsessed when he sees a woman in a window who is the image of Rebecca. Attraction turns into obsession as he takes to stalking her and witnesses her murder.
June 9, 2025
A fab read with lots of twists which kept you guessing until the end. I do love a good serial killer. Especially when it keeps you guessing until the last few chapters
May 8, 2021
I am struggling with this book and wondering whether to give up after reading 80% or keep going. My main reason is all the grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Was this book not proof read? A suite of furniture being called a suit is one example.
The book is slow and repetitive at the beginning with Jack turning to alcohol following his wife’s death. He then stalks a woman who resembles her. Next thing we know, he’s back at work as a detective trying to solve a series of murders. Disjointed and ridiculous plot. Sorry! I’ve got to the point where I don’t really care how the book ends.
I’ve read better by Ben Cheetham. Let’s hope this is a one-off blip.
The book is slow and repetitive at the beginning with Jack turning to alcohol following his wife’s death. He then stalks a woman who resembles her. Next thing we know, he’s back at work as a detective trying to solve a series of murders. Disjointed and ridiculous plot. Sorry! I’ve got to the point where I don’t really care how the book ends.
I’ve read better by Ben Cheetham. Let’s hope this is a one-off blip.
September 2, 2018
A slow burn, but worth the wait.
A complex thriller which at times seamed to have so many threads leading in different directions, it was difficult to keep track of what, who, when and how. I liked the premise for the story and though the middle seamed to drag somewhat and at times and I was tempted to give up, I stuck with it and the pace picks up dramatically in the latter part of the book.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be trying another of his novels where hopefully he will get that 1 missing *. Xx
A complex thriller which at times seamed to have so many threads leading in different directions, it was difficult to keep track of what, who, when and how. I liked the premise for the story and though the middle seamed to drag somewhat and at times and I was tempted to give up, I stuck with it and the pace picks up dramatically in the latter part of the book.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be trying another of his novels where hopefully he will get that 1 missing *. Xx
August 19, 2019
Fast paced
This book had me hooked from the beginning. It also had me up all night reading, just so I could finish it.
The development of the storyline was brilliant, building it up all the way to the very end.
I figured out who was responsible, but the untangling of the reasons behind the motive, was as impossible as untangling a web.
Jack's character is fantastic. He is flawed, but his actions are understandable. How he changes throughout the book makes it all the more enjoyable.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. It also had me up all night reading, just so I could finish it.
The development of the storyline was brilliant, building it up all the way to the very end.
I figured out who was responsible, but the untangling of the reasons behind the motive, was as impossible as untangling a web.
Jack's character is fantastic. He is flawed, but his actions are understandable. How he changes throughout the book makes it all the more enjoyable.
September 4, 2022
ok, I really had mixed feelings about this book in the beginning. Jake seemed to lost and I guess I had little patience for him and his alcohol problems. And I certainly did not fully support some of his behaviour displayed in the book. Or his reclessness. But I understood he wanted to save his daughter Naomi regardless of the costs, which he did.
But I also did not feel that there were enough clues in the book towards the killers identity, or I missed most of them, if they were present.
Overall, I tried another book from the series.
But I also did not feel that there were enough clues in the book towards the killers identity, or I missed most of them, if they were present.
Overall, I tried another book from the series.
March 8, 2020
Now She's dead
A great first time reading. The characters were well developed, so much so that I could hear their accents. A well written story, a firm story line, with the twists to keep you interested. I'll be reading more from this author as well as recommending him to my reading friends.
A great first time reading. The characters were well developed, so much so that I could hear their accents. A well written story, a firm story line, with the twists to keep you interested. I'll be reading more from this author as well as recommending him to my reading friends.
June 16, 2023
Eh. The story and plot itself were very interesting. I like how it took you through each scenario like an actual detective, getting from one clue to another. However I think it’s the writing style that I didn’t care for. Too boring of a style but the story kept me interested.
March 14, 2019
Great suspense!
Lots of twists and turns! Again, the characters have flaws (which I like), and there’s plenty of action! Looking forward to book two.
Lots of twists and turns! Again, the characters have flaws (which I like), and there’s plenty of action! Looking forward to book two.
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May 17, 2020This book took me longer than I had planned to finish this. It was hard to stay "connected" to the book. Sometimes I just couldn't keep focused. I'm willing to say that this is simply a case of bad timing for me. I think I've been in a funk for too long and it may have distorted my view of the book. I may need to pull it out again in a couple of years and see how I feel about it then. Hopefully, next time, I will go through the book faster. If I'm hooked, it's hard to pry me away.
What I can say is that the plot is great and the interaction between characters is good. Not perfect, but good. I can't say that I "love" this book, but if you keep going, it does get better. I was surprised at a couple of the twists and turns, so that is a plus.
Read this. Judge for yourself. Enjoy.
What I can say is that the plot is great and the interaction between characters is good. Not perfect, but good. I can't say that I "love" this book, but if you keep going, it does get better. I was surprised at a couple of the twists and turns, so that is a plus.
Read this. Judge for yourself. Enjoy.
January 22, 2021
This started a little slow for me but once it picked up I couldn't put it down. There were a lot of characters and there were times where I had to stop and think who was who. I thought I had it figured out who the killer was but the ending was a huge surprise!
Jack is a husband and father who's wife commits suicide, or was she pushed? The not knowing is killing Jack as he falls further and further into the bottle. One day he sees her, Rebecca. Seeing her once isn't enough Jack becomes a stalker and sees her murdered. Jack finds himself in the middle of a game. The twists and turns just keep coming and the ending will blow your mind!
I gave this a 5/5 and can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Jack is a husband and father who's wife commits suicide, or was she pushed? The not knowing is killing Jack as he falls further and further into the bottle. One day he sees her, Rebecca. Seeing her once isn't enough Jack becomes a stalker and sees her murdered. Jack finds himself in the middle of a game. The twists and turns just keep coming and the ending will blow your mind!
I gave this a 5/5 and can't wait to read the next book in the series!
April 14, 2020
This is the third book I have written by Ben Cheetham. This one has so many twists and turns that just as I felt lost, I recalled who the players were, and I kind of liked that! It was a little hard to get started and I felt that the Main Character Jack was weak and pitiful but I am glad I stuck with it! Before long I couldn't put it down, when I was busy doing other things I was thinking about the plot and trying to figure it out - I had some really good guesses and I was close in some ways but nothing would prepare me for the ending. I look forward to reading more by this author - his books are engrossing.
December 23, 2023
Disappointing
I've read many books by Ben Cheetham and have really enjoyed them all but I really struggled with this book. The main character Jack is very annoying and dwelling over the death of his wife, to the detriment of his young daughter. He then becomes a stalker then involved with a serial killer and deliberately hampers his own police investigation. It's very unbelievable and he is just not a likeable main character so I didn't actually care what happened to him. I won't be reading the next in this series.
I've read many books by Ben Cheetham and have really enjoyed them all but I really struggled with this book. The main character Jack is very annoying and dwelling over the death of his wife, to the detriment of his young daughter. He then becomes a stalker then involved with a serial killer and deliberately hampers his own police investigation. It's very unbelievable and he is just not a likeable main character so I didn't actually care what happened to him. I won't be reading the next in this series.
April 18, 2025
This was definitely… something.
I got so sick of “Rebecca, what happened?” I’d love to know how often that one name was typed.
The twists were pretty good and kept me going through the agony of an annoying MMC.
The other characters were just as annoying, especially the female detective and the male boss.
I prefer my crime stories to be believable, but this one was just too much.
Also, you really expect me to believe a young girl can handle a male pulling her off a cliff, with a fully grown female hanging off her other arm without the arms being dislocated? Icing on the cake.
I got so sick of “Rebecca, what happened?” I’d love to know how often that one name was typed.
The twists were pretty good and kept me going through the agony of an annoying MMC.
The other characters were just as annoying, especially the female detective and the male boss.
I prefer my crime stories to be believable, but this one was just too much.
Also, you really expect me to believe a young girl can handle a male pulling her off a cliff, with a fully grown female hanging off her other arm without the arms being dislocated? Icing on the cake.
May 2, 2020
Awesome
Loved the suspense and the psychological thriller! I couldn't put this book down, had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Look forward to reading more from this Author.
Loved the suspense and the psychological thriller! I couldn't put this book down, had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Look forward to reading more from this Author.
May 10, 2020
Good read
I loved this book, one of those "I started ,so I'll finish" books. Very intriguing, fast and to the point ,all the way through. A good interesting story ,keeps your mind active all the way through ,working things out. Definitely will be reading more of Bens books.
I loved this book, one of those "I started ,so I'll finish" books. Very intriguing, fast and to the point ,all the way through. A good interesting story ,keeps your mind active all the way through ,working things out. Definitely will be reading more of Bens books.
May 29, 2020
Jack Anderson’s wife was now dead. What happened? Did she kill herself? Did she slip and fall? Or was it something else?
This was VERY slow! First part mostly deals with his drunken grief, then he turns into a voyeur. The whole thing was kind of dull.
This was VERY slow! First part mostly deals with his drunken grief, then he turns into a voyeur. The whole thing was kind of dull.
September 23, 2020
I honestly enjoyed this book. I love books that are hard to actually guess the ending. You keep coming up with different answers as you read. That keeps me reading! This was one of those the killer ended up being someone I didn’t expect. I can’t wait to read more books by this author.
October 24, 2021
You just don't know until the end.
Jack is an extraordinary man. This story had my gripped from the beginning to end! The perfect mystery. Just when you think you know what's coming, bam, something more!!
Couldn't out it down!
Jack is an extraordinary man. This story had my gripped from the beginning to end! The perfect mystery. Just when you think you know what's coming, bam, something more!!
Couldn't out it down!
December 28, 2021
Awesome
I Love Ben Cheatham novels! This is the second time I've read this book and so it was amazing. So many twist and turns.. so much betrayal and heartache!
This book starts out fast and furious and just keeps intensifying all the way through
I Love Ben Cheatham novels! This is the second time I've read this book and so it was amazing. So many twist and turns.. so much betrayal and heartache!
This book starts out fast and furious and just keeps intensifying all the way through
September 17, 2022
An author I’ve never heard of , but thought I’d give it a go . From the start the story got me gripped , really enjoyed it, but the end bit i was bit confused , as he was supposed to have caught them …
August 30, 2018
Awesome
I had a hard time putting it down, so many twists and turns! Great book!! Totally recommend this book! Kept me guessing right up to the end!
I had a hard time putting it down, so many twists and turns! Great book!! Totally recommend this book! Kept me guessing right up to the end!
December 11, 2018
Excellent story
Excellent story of love and betrayal. Lots of twists and turns. Lots of action and gore. Cop story set in the U.K.
Excellent story of love and betrayal. Lots of twists and turns. Lots of action and gore. Cop story set in the U.K.
January 23, 2019
Good read
Full of intrigue, twists and turns. Kept me guessing to the end. Believable characters, well written . I will read more of his books
Full of intrigue, twists and turns. Kept me guessing to the end. Believable characters, well written . I will read more of his books
October 8, 2019
First book of a series. Not a bad read for a first in series. Have got the next one so will see what that is like.
May 9, 2020
Heart stoppingly brilliant
Fantastic book had me holding my breath at some points. Great plotline well put together. Can't wait to read more
Fantastic book had me holding my breath at some points. Great plotline well put together. Can't wait to read more
May 13, 2020
Run, don't walk
To read this.book! Ben delivers another stellar nail biter of a tale. The pages just keep turning as the mystery twists and turns you inside out.
To read this.book! Ben delivers another stellar nail biter of a tale. The pages just keep turning as the mystery twists and turns you inside out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews