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The Killer Inside
Julian Sinclair is a serial killer - charming, manipulative, deadly. He hunted girls for sport, and it's high time justice was served.
But when Sinclair's conviction is thrown out in court, DC Joseph Stark and DS Fran Millhaven find themselves forced to protect the man they're sure is guilty from those who would see him pay in blood.
Then another girl dies.
And Sinclair can't have killed her from his hospital bed.
Is a killer lurking inside someone they never suspected?
And have they had the wrong man all along?
But when Sinclair's conviction is thrown out in court, DC Joseph Stark and DS Fran Millhaven find themselves forced to protect the man they're sure is guilty from those who would see him pay in blood.
Then another girl dies.
And Sinclair can't have killed her from his hospital bed.
Is a killer lurking inside someone they never suspected?
And have they had the wrong man all along?
400 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2020
3 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Frank
10 books46 followersMatthew Frank lives in Kent with his wife and three young sons. Between family life and work as an architect he tries to squeeze in a bit of mountain biking, scuba diving and midnight writing.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 4, 2021
When I chose to read this, I didn't realise this was the 3rd in Matthew Frank's decorated ex-military PTSD suffering DC Joe Stark and the slap happy DS Fran Millhaven of London's Greenwich MIT series. Whilst there are many backstories, it worked fine as an entry point into the series. The MIT team are shell shocked to see convicted Greenwich Strangler serial killer, Julian Sinclair, being freed from prison after 2 years, championed vociferously in the media by his barrister, Miranda Moncrieff, intent on making the police pay for what she deems was a miscarriage of justice. Fran was on the original investigating team and is still convinced they got the right man who drugged, raped, bleached and throttled a number of beautiful young women.
There was only one woman who escaped, the traumatised Leah Willoughby, who had her reputation trashed and testimony disbelieved at the trial. The repercussions of Sinclair's release have repercussions that play into the hand of the ruthlessly ambitious and manipulative Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stevens, a sociopath hell bent on widening his power base and rise to position of Commissioner. Heads have to roll from the original flawed investigation team, and DCI Mike Groombridge, Fran's much beloved mentor, and Superintendent Cox are been hung out to dry. In the new inquiry, other potential suspects are to be identified, whilst simultaneously looking into who shot Sinclair and tried to abduct him on his prison release. All the team find themselves with virtually no leads, and when another young woman is discovered dead with the same MO of the Greenwich Strangler, they know that Sinclair, in hospital and guarded by police officers, could not be responsible.
The MIT team are forced to seriously consider that Sinclair might be innocent as further deaths take place. Stark as the central protagonist is really put through the mill, his body riddled with scars and bullet damage, plagued by tortured dreams, as he tries to help the mentally traumatised Marianne Perisol, whilst still in therapy himself, determined to catch a monstrous serial killer. He continues to find himself the focus of intense media scrutiny, his actions seen to be those of a hero who deserves to be rewarded with the George Cross. This is a dark, violent, and intense crime read that I enjoyed although I was frustrated that the police team continually struggled to get anywhere, every lead a dead end, whilst at the same time having to endure the draining dirty and toxic political work climate, and putting up with the questionable, yet newly promoted DI Owen Harper. I recommend this to crime and thriller fans who prefer their crime reads to be on the darker side of life. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
There was only one woman who escaped, the traumatised Leah Willoughby, who had her reputation trashed and testimony disbelieved at the trial. The repercussions of Sinclair's release have repercussions that play into the hand of the ruthlessly ambitious and manipulative Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stevens, a sociopath hell bent on widening his power base and rise to position of Commissioner. Heads have to roll from the original flawed investigation team, and DCI Mike Groombridge, Fran's much beloved mentor, and Superintendent Cox are been hung out to dry. In the new inquiry, other potential suspects are to be identified, whilst simultaneously looking into who shot Sinclair and tried to abduct him on his prison release. All the team find themselves with virtually no leads, and when another young woman is discovered dead with the same MO of the Greenwich Strangler, they know that Sinclair, in hospital and guarded by police officers, could not be responsible.
The MIT team are forced to seriously consider that Sinclair might be innocent as further deaths take place. Stark as the central protagonist is really put through the mill, his body riddled with scars and bullet damage, plagued by tortured dreams, as he tries to help the mentally traumatised Marianne Perisol, whilst still in therapy himself, determined to catch a monstrous serial killer. He continues to find himself the focus of intense media scrutiny, his actions seen to be those of a hero who deserves to be rewarded with the George Cross. This is a dark, violent, and intense crime read that I enjoyed although I was frustrated that the police team continually struggled to get anywhere, every lead a dead end, whilst at the same time having to endure the draining dirty and toxic political work climate, and putting up with the questionable, yet newly promoted DI Owen Harper. I recommend this to crime and thriller fans who prefer their crime reads to be on the darker side of life. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
July 19, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Joe Stark #3
DC Joseph Stark's training as a decorated veteran taught him to remain calm under under fire. So when Julien Sinclair, a serial killer whose conviction has been overturned, is almost killed in front of him, Starks survival instincts kick into overdrive, saving them both. When new victims appear while Sinclair lies in hospital, Stark and his partner DS Fran Milhaven are forced to look into other suspects as well as investigate who would attack him in broad daylight.
This is a fast paced read with plenty of twists. It's a well written murder mystery. The plotline is complex. DC Joseph Stark and DS Fran Milhaven thought they had got the right man but his conviction was thrown out of court. I did guess where this story was going but it never spoilt a good book for me. I quite enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMIchaelJosephUK and the author #Matthew Frank for my ARC of #TheKillerInside in exchange for an honest review.
Joe Stark #3
DC Joseph Stark's training as a decorated veteran taught him to remain calm under under fire. So when Julien Sinclair, a serial killer whose conviction has been overturned, is almost killed in front of him, Starks survival instincts kick into overdrive, saving them both. When new victims appear while Sinclair lies in hospital, Stark and his partner DS Fran Milhaven are forced to look into other suspects as well as investigate who would attack him in broad daylight.
This is a fast paced read with plenty of twists. It's a well written murder mystery. The plotline is complex. DC Joseph Stark and DS Fran Milhaven thought they had got the right man but his conviction was thrown out of court. I did guess where this story was going but it never spoilt a good book for me. I quite enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinMIchaelJosephUK and the author #Matthew Frank for my ARC of #TheKillerInside in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2021
This is a great read.
I didn’t realise it was the third book in the series, but there’s enough of a backstory to fill you in throughout the book.
DS Fran Milhaven and DC Joe Stark work together on a murder case which is complicated by the fact that the prime suspect was in hospital at the time of the murder. Sinclair had been convicted for previous murders but he recently had his conviction removed and was released from prison. He is then attacked at the prison gate and hospitalised which is when a further murder occurs.
Fran and Joe have their hands full trying to find the killer and I didn’t see the twists coming.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I didn’t realise it was the third book in the series, but there’s enough of a backstory to fill you in throughout the book.
DS Fran Milhaven and DC Joe Stark work together on a murder case which is complicated by the fact that the prime suspect was in hospital at the time of the murder. Sinclair had been convicted for previous murders but he recently had his conviction removed and was released from prison. He is then attacked at the prison gate and hospitalised which is when a further murder occurs.
Fran and Joe have their hands full trying to find the killer and I didn’t see the twists coming.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
July 6, 2021
The Killer Inside and follows Joe Stark's attempt to catch a seriel killer. They think they've caught him when another woman is murdered and so the mystery begins.
This book is the third in a series but I read it as a standalone novel, and felt the story was consistent enough to enjoy it without knowing the backstory.
The book was full of action, twists, and suspense... the twist made me gaso out loud...!
A fantastic book.
goodreads.com/booksireadandliked
Disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher and author for my advanced review copy of the book. This is my honest review
This book is the third in a series but I read it as a standalone novel, and felt the story was consistent enough to enjoy it without knowing the backstory.
The book was full of action, twists, and suspense... the twist made me gaso out loud...!
A fantastic book.
goodreads.com/booksireadandliked
Disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher and author for my advanced review copy of the book. This is my honest review
February 3, 2022
I got this book from borrowbox. The third in the Joe Stark series. I'm so glad I did. As ever it it well written and keeps you guessing. A must read.
July 20, 2021
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
Loved it - proper rollercoaster of a ride that I didn't want to get off!
At first, I didn't realise this was the third in the series starring Joe Stark as I have never read anything by Matthew Frank before but first the title and then the blurb enticed me and had I not read some other reviews first, I wouldn't have known. So, I can safely say that this can be read as a standalone because although I have probably missed a lot of backstory and character development, for me it didn't detract from my enjoyment one little bit.
I absolutely love the character of Joe Stark - yes, he is a bit of a cliché being ex-military with a troubled history now working within the police but, for me, this made him an interesting and complex character. The supporting cast were equally well developed and I think Julian Sinclair was a great "baddie".
At first, you think the plot is going to be pretty simple and straightforward but as the book progresses, it becomes more complex; the police investigation plays this out really well with them struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together with many of their leads ending in dead ends. The politics within the police also provide an interesting side story as does Joe's complicated life.
This is fast paced with plenty of twists and action. It is also a dark read with some scenes that some might find disturbing so if you are easily shocked, I would give this a miss but I would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy this genre and eagerly await the next instalment.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Loved it - proper rollercoaster of a ride that I didn't want to get off!
At first, I didn't realise this was the third in the series starring Joe Stark as I have never read anything by Matthew Frank before but first the title and then the blurb enticed me and had I not read some other reviews first, I wouldn't have known. So, I can safely say that this can be read as a standalone because although I have probably missed a lot of backstory and character development, for me it didn't detract from my enjoyment one little bit.
I absolutely love the character of Joe Stark - yes, he is a bit of a cliché being ex-military with a troubled history now working within the police but, for me, this made him an interesting and complex character. The supporting cast were equally well developed and I think Julian Sinclair was a great "baddie".
At first, you think the plot is going to be pretty simple and straightforward but as the book progresses, it becomes more complex; the police investigation plays this out really well with them struggling to put the pieces of the puzzle together with many of their leads ending in dead ends. The politics within the police also provide an interesting side story as does Joe's complicated life.
This is fast paced with plenty of twists and action. It is also a dark read with some scenes that some might find disturbing so if you are easily shocked, I would give this a miss but I would definitely recommend this to others who enjoy this genre and eagerly await the next instalment.
Thank you to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 14, 2021
Like others who have reviewed this book, I hadn’t realised it was the third in a series. On saying that, I did feel enough backstory was provided so I didn’t feel like I had missed out by not reading the first two.
A pacy and gripping serial killer thriller (they’re the best type of thrillers, aren’t they?!) this story flies along, delivering some juicy twists and suspense. It’s pretty dark at times, and some readers may find parts distressing, however I like my crime reads dark.
I really liked the character of Joe Stark, the decorated war veteran now turned police officer. Your typical damaged yet endearing main character alongside his boss Fran, an equally damaged character. Sinclair, the convicted serial killer, made a great villain! Upon his conviction being overturned, an attempt on his life is made outside the prison, as he’s being released. Nature kicks in and Stark saves him. As he lies in hospital recovering, another girl dies… surely it couldn’t be Sinclair after all…? Fran worked on Sinclair’s original case and is hell bent that it is him. Stark isn’t so sure…
I was gripped to the end. Even though I saw the twist coming, I find this equally satisfying than when I don’t, as I love being able to work it out. As mentioned, I haven't read the first two in the series. However, I notice others have felt there was too much information or references to previous books. I’m not sure if this would detract from me now reading the first two, but I’m certainly not going to “not” read them, as I really enjoyed Matthew Frank’s writing style and the characters he has created. More than happy to recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
A pacy and gripping serial killer thriller (they’re the best type of thrillers, aren’t they?!) this story flies along, delivering some juicy twists and suspense. It’s pretty dark at times, and some readers may find parts distressing, however I like my crime reads dark.
I really liked the character of Joe Stark, the decorated war veteran now turned police officer. Your typical damaged yet endearing main character alongside his boss Fran, an equally damaged character. Sinclair, the convicted serial killer, made a great villain! Upon his conviction being overturned, an attempt on his life is made outside the prison, as he’s being released. Nature kicks in and Stark saves him. As he lies in hospital recovering, another girl dies… surely it couldn’t be Sinclair after all…? Fran worked on Sinclair’s original case and is hell bent that it is him. Stark isn’t so sure…
I was gripped to the end. Even though I saw the twist coming, I find this equally satisfying than when I don’t, as I love being able to work it out. As mentioned, I haven't read the first two in the series. However, I notice others have felt there was too much information or references to previous books. I’m not sure if this would detract from me now reading the first two, but I’m certainly not going to “not” read them, as I really enjoyed Matthew Frank’s writing style and the characters he has created. More than happy to recommend this book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
July 1, 2021
The Killer indide# Netgalley
It’s very very rare I do not finish a book no matter how bad they are, I do try to persevere. Not many books actually beat me and I normally mage to get through them I guess through my entire 50 years of serious reading only 3 I just couldn’t persevere with and this was one of then. It’s so heavy going, if one of those you literally have to concentrate so deep to get it. You can no if afford to miss a word otherwise it becomes somewhat confusing. No I just could not complete the book. I like some books that have some depth However not this deep the title really jumped outb at me and the synopsis. Shame the book didn’t live up to my expectations but then it’s all the joys of reading we don’t have to like the same books. It would be a sad world if we did storyline looked and sounded good so I am giving it a 2 star
It’s very very rare I do not finish a book no matter how bad they are, I do try to persevere. Not many books actually beat me and I normally mage to get through them I guess through my entire 50 years of serious reading only 3 I just couldn’t persevere with and this was one of then. It’s so heavy going, if one of those you literally have to concentrate so deep to get it. You can no if afford to miss a word otherwise it becomes somewhat confusing. No I just could not complete the book. I like some books that have some depth However not this deep the title really jumped outb at me and the synopsis. Shame the book didn’t live up to my expectations but then it’s all the joys of reading we don’t have to like the same books. It would be a sad world if we did storyline looked and sounded good so I am giving it a 2 star
January 15, 2023
First book of the year 2023!
Nice weekend read . The story not only covers the crime and crime solving but also has elements of office /policing politics. How ambition can make people forget the big picture and greater good ( in the cops that is )
What was pleasantly surprising is that this is book 3 in a series and it read like book 1.
I like the good cops ( Fran groombridge , stark etc ) and the not so good cops Harper and Stevens
The baddies were well described and real
The story telling was having nice change in pace at regular intervals . I liked the big reveal and the final closure
Will definitely read the other books if I get them :)
This is my first book from the national library of Malaysia, looking forward to many good reads
Nice weekend read . The story not only covers the crime and crime solving but also has elements of office /policing politics. How ambition can make people forget the big picture and greater good ( in the cops that is )
What was pleasantly surprising is that this is book 3 in a series and it read like book 1.
I like the good cops ( Fran groombridge , stark etc ) and the not so good cops Harper and Stevens
The baddies were well described and real
The story telling was having nice change in pace at regular intervals . I liked the big reveal and the final closure
Will definitely read the other books if I get them :)
This is my first book from the national library of Malaysia, looking forward to many good reads
November 3, 2021
Firstly, I did not realise until after receiving this ARC that this was part of a series that I haven't read before.
This is the 3rd book in the Joe Stark series and whilst I found it enjoyable it does spend alog of time referencing events that have happened in previous books so I would recommend reading those first, its definitely not a book you can fully appreciate as a stand alone.
A decent paced storyline with well written, interesting and likeable characters
This was a good read bit I think it would have been alot better if I had read the previous two books in this series.
Thanks to netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for the ARC.
This is the 3rd book in the Joe Stark series and whilst I found it enjoyable it does spend alog of time referencing events that have happened in previous books so I would recommend reading those first, its definitely not a book you can fully appreciate as a stand alone.
A decent paced storyline with well written, interesting and likeable characters
This was a good read bit I think it would have been alot better if I had read the previous two books in this series.
Thanks to netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for the ARC.
March 21, 2021
The Killer Inside is an ok read and has a solid plot. Unfortunately as it is the third in the series of Joe Stark books it falls into the trap of spending too much time referencing events that happened in the previous books.
For those that have read the previous stories it will feel like being preached at and makes for a clunky read without particularly enhancing the story. For those that haven’t read the previous two books it gives just enough detail to distract from the current storyline and will make you feel like you are constantly missing something causing confusion.
For those that have read the previous stories it will feel like being preached at and makes for a clunky read without particularly enhancing the story. For those that haven’t read the previous two books it gives just enough detail to distract from the current storyline and will make you feel like you are constantly missing something causing confusion.
April 3, 2021
Thanks to Matthew Frank, Penguin and NetGalley for offering an advance copy of this book to me in exchange my honest review.
This book is great writing, interesting, quite fast-paced, solid plot with all the twists and turns to make it a true murder mystery book. Anyway I did predict the twist coming up but still enjoyed it and the twists definitely keep me gripped till the end. Certainly it's one of the thrilled books you expected and dread to ending. Thoroughly you would be enjoyable. I am looking forward to read more. Recommended for the fans of Matthew Frank.
This book is great writing, interesting, quite fast-paced, solid plot with all the twists and turns to make it a true murder mystery book. Anyway I did predict the twist coming up but still enjoyed it and the twists definitely keep me gripped till the end. Certainly it's one of the thrilled books you expected and dread to ending. Thoroughly you would be enjoyable. I am looking forward to read more. Recommended for the fans of Matthew Frank.
March 29, 2021
DC Joseph Stark and DS Fran Millhaven are made to case of serial killer Julian Sinclair when his conviction is thrown out of court. Upon his release, Sinclair is attacked and whilst in hospital under police watch another girl is killed. The pair were convinced they had the right man, but it now appears they were wrong.
A very descriptive and complex plot that keeps you reading and guessing. I had not read the first two in the series but that didn’t hinder enjoying this instalment.
A very descriptive and complex plot that keeps you reading and guessing. I had not read the first two in the series but that didn’t hinder enjoying this instalment.
June 13, 2021
I enjoyed the plot in this book although it was a bit heavy going at times. It was fast paced with plenty twists and interesting characters., a good murder mystery but the constant sniping between the police officers really irritated me. There was too much time spent referring to the past and this left me frustrated and detracted from the storyline. I am hovering between 3 and 4* but rounding down to 3*. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
July 22, 2021
A great storyline but the writing didn`t seem to flow for me.
Too much description and reverting back to previous books which I found very irritating.
The police think they have found the right man for several murders, but while he is in hospital another murder occurs so are the police wrong!
If you loved his previous books then you will love this, but definitely not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Too much description and reverting back to previous books which I found very irritating.
The police think they have found the right man for several murders, but while he is in hospital another murder occurs so are the police wrong!
If you loved his previous books then you will love this, but definitely not for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 20, 2022
When I got this book I didn’t realise it was the 3rd in a series. And the first half felt really hard to read with lots of look backs and explanations what has happened in previous cases. Also the fairly repetitive establishing of the characters’ background stories made for a tough start into the story.
The second half of the book was really good, easy to read, with a fast-paced storyline. Just a pity about the first half.
The second half of the book was really good, easy to read, with a fast-paced storyline. Just a pity about the first half.
August 2, 2021
A long, long wait, but worth it, and with the bonus of making a re-read of the first two essential. The plot twists and twists again, and there is much of man's inhumanity to man, both past and present, but throughout it is that characters that drive this series and which snare me as reader. And leave me longing for the next in the series.
Thank you, Matthew Frank
Thank you, Matthew Frank
March 3, 2021
I found this book heavy going and lacking in..... something!
The backstabbing and one-upmanship between the officers was boring and distracting, this could be a great book but somehow, infuriatingly misses the mark
The backstabbing and one-upmanship between the officers was boring and distracting, this could be a great book but somehow, infuriatingly misses the mark
July 23, 2021
A gripping thriller filled with plenty of twist and turns to keep you guessing till the very end. I didn't realise this was the third book in a series but the backstory was covered enough that it didn't matter.
December 9, 2021
I liked it, but I didn't love it. The language was very dramatic and flowery, with a few weirdly cringe scenes. The plot kept me going though, because I know the characters and wanted to see how things turned out for them.
March 21, 2022
Police procedural.
Good story but a bit too long for me.
Found the dialogue heavy going at times.
Good story but a bit too long for me.
Found the dialogue heavy going at times.
December 20, 2024
This author has done it again in the 3rd book a true writer of crime thats for sure. This story takes you in many directions to who the real killer is so hop on into this book loved it.
January 16, 2024
This book didn’t have me gripped from the start, it took a bit of perseverance to keep reading. I felt compelled to keep reading though and find out who the killer really was.
Full of interesting characters and plenty of drama. Is the killer who they think it is or is it someone completely new or old.
I really liked DI Fran Millside and would read about her again, there’s a lot of potential there. I wasn’t a fan of DI Stark though, they’ve made him too complex and messed up with his battle scars and the constant musings back to his war days actually started to bore me after a while.
Full of interesting characters and plenty of drama. Is the killer who they think it is or is it someone completely new or old.
I really liked DI Fran Millside and would read about her again, there’s a lot of potential there. I wasn’t a fan of DI Stark though, they’ve made him too complex and messed up with his battle scars and the constant musings back to his war days actually started to bore me after a while.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews