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DS Jenna Morgan #2
Copycat
When a beautiful, red haired nurse’s body is found mutilated in her house in Lawley the morning after a date with Detective Constable Ryan Downey, all eyes turn to him.
With a very specific modus operandi, Detective Sergeant Jenna Morgan and her team know exactly who the offender is, the trouble is he’s currently serving a life stretch in HMP Long Lartin.
It soon becomes evident to DS Morgan and her team that there maybe a copycat killer is on the loose.
In a race against time, they need to track down the copycat and discover who is pulling whose strings?
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2020
193 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Diane Saxon
31 books373 followersDiane Saxon lives in the Shropshire countryside with her tall, dark, handsome husband. She has two gorgeous daughters, a Dalmatian, two cats, numerous rare breed chickens, and grandfurbabies too.
After working for years in a demanding job, Diane gave it up when her husband said, “Follow that dream.” She subsequently had 12 romances published for the U.S. market then turned to the dark side with her psychological thrillers published through Boldwood Books.
Nominated for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award 2024 and an International No 1 Amazon Bestseller, Diane never regrets living her second life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
April 10, 2023
I actually really enjoyed this book, despite the fact that it is very creepy, especially as a woman reader! We are talking serial killer killing women in the worst way! The writing is good - some books in this genre can be shockingly written unfortunately - and captures the menacing atmosphere, but some of the main characters do lighten the mood slightly.
April 20, 2023
This author captivated me with the first book in this series (Find Her Alive) and I could not wait to start the next book. I have to say, book two was just as good. If you enjoy a gripping crime mystery you will love this book. Some One’s There is a brilliant read full of creepy detail to keep you on the edge of your seat as you race to the end.
This was only my second Diane Saxon book and I cannot wait to spend more time with this author. Her writing is detailed and full of all the creepy facts you would expect from a crime novel. There are some gruesome scenes in this book and overly sensitive readers should be aware. However, nothing in this story will surprise regular crime readers. You can expect graphic crime scene descriptions with lots of blood. The author leaves you with a vivid picture, leaving you wrapped up in the story and eager to help solve the crime.
When a woman is found murdered in her house, DS Jenna Morgan and her team have their work cut out for them. One of Jenna’s junior officers had been on a date with the victim the night she was murdered, but more importantly, the crime scene is staged and it looks a lot like the crimes of a convicted serial killer who is serving a life sentence in Long Lartin prison. When a second body is discovered, Jenna knows she not only has a serial killer on her hands, but a copycat.
This was a wonderfully gripping read full of gory details which made it very hard to put it down. I enjoy the characters and the addition of Domino – the Dalmatian – is a brilliant touch.
DS Jenna Morgan is growing on me, during the previous book she was a vulnerable character dealing with the kidnapping of her sister. In this book, you see a stronger, more professional Jenna. The woman has morals – I love that there are lines she will not cross while being hard enough to look a serial killer in the eye while pushing his buttons. I cannot wait to read the next book.
This one will be added to my loved list for the year – even if it's not a new release, I am determined to work my way through the books in this series – I have been enjoying them that much. So yes, I loved this book.
If you have not read any of Diane Saxon’s books before, I would highly recommend you give her work a try if you enjoy a twisty crime mystery read. I am reading this series in order – just because I never do – but you can read this book as a stand-alone book. You will not be left feeling lost or missing out. (With that said – I loved Find Her Alive – so be sure to add that one to your TBR as well)
https://featzreviews.com/some-ones-th...
This was only my second Diane Saxon book and I cannot wait to spend more time with this author. Her writing is detailed and full of all the creepy facts you would expect from a crime novel. There are some gruesome scenes in this book and overly sensitive readers should be aware. However, nothing in this story will surprise regular crime readers. You can expect graphic crime scene descriptions with lots of blood. The author leaves you with a vivid picture, leaving you wrapped up in the story and eager to help solve the crime.
When a woman is found murdered in her house, DS Jenna Morgan and her team have their work cut out for them. One of Jenna’s junior officers had been on a date with the victim the night she was murdered, but more importantly, the crime scene is staged and it looks a lot like the crimes of a convicted serial killer who is serving a life sentence in Long Lartin prison. When a second body is discovered, Jenna knows she not only has a serial killer on her hands, but a copycat.
This was a wonderfully gripping read full of gory details which made it very hard to put it down. I enjoy the characters and the addition of Domino – the Dalmatian – is a brilliant touch.
DS Jenna Morgan is growing on me, during the previous book she was a vulnerable character dealing with the kidnapping of her sister. In this book, you see a stronger, more professional Jenna. The woman has morals – I love that there are lines she will not cross while being hard enough to look a serial killer in the eye while pushing his buttons. I cannot wait to read the next book.
This one will be added to my loved list for the year – even if it's not a new release, I am determined to work my way through the books in this series – I have been enjoying them that much. So yes, I loved this book.
If you have not read any of Diane Saxon’s books before, I would highly recommend you give her work a try if you enjoy a twisty crime mystery read. I am reading this series in order – just because I never do – but you can read this book as a stand-alone book. You will not be left feeling lost or missing out. (With that said – I loved Find Her Alive – so be sure to add that one to your TBR as well)
https://featzreviews.com/some-ones-th...
February 18, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Keeper', the first book in the DS Jenna Morgan series and couldn't wait to read 'Copycat', the second book in the series. 'Copycat' was a gripping read, fast-paced right the way through and it is books such as these that I feel would make a brilliant TV drama. I cannot rate it highly enough. DS Jenna Morgan, DC Mason Ellis and DC Ryan Downey and the rest of the team at Malinsgate Police Station have a new case to solve; one that brings back a memory for DS Morgan and as they delve deeper and uncover more evidence, and more incidents occur, she comes to realise the significance between the two cases. How can it be possible though? I would have been hiding behind a cushion had I been watching this; I'm sure I had goosebumps on a few occasions! The author really drew me in and her characters are created to be so believable - it's gratifying to see the respect the team hold for one another (bar one!). The Perpetrator is a very nasty piece of work and we see from the Perp's point of view (as well as seeing the Police going about their duties) and we learn why the particular victims are chosen. I love the humour that weaves its way through the book, it breaks up the darker scenes, although I like dark, and the more thrilling, the better! I was wondering the whole time who the perpetrator could be. I was blown away with the brilliant twist, it was a shock that I never saw coming - I loved it! This author is very talented and this book has it all: it's thrilling, full of drama, it keeps you guessing and I like the not knowing what is going to happen next. I would also love to see some romance - who knows?! I can't wait to read more books by this author and I wholeheartedly hope that there will be more in store for Jenna, Mason and Ryan, and not forgetting the lovely Fliss and Domino!
My thanks go to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this super read.
My thanks go to Boldwood Books and to NetGalley for this super read.
February 20, 2020
What the freak!! This was fantastic. Having read a lot of police procedurals I meant A LOT, I hoped this wouldn’t be the same. I was jumping in joy figuratively, since I was not well, at the story the pages showed me.
A murder or two similar to the ones committed ten years ago. But the perp of the older set was in jail. So a copycat was on the loose, and it was up to Jenna and Mason to catch the copycat before more nurses died.
My first book by Diane Saxon, I savored each word of this investigation. The terror and hate of the killer already in prison, the sadism and mind games of the copycat killer, the desperation and helplessness of the cops were all captured beautifully. Each emotion coursed over my skin, prickling me with an intense need to get to the end. I needed the killer shot and quartered.
The author’s writing had the delectable quality to it, almost as if the book were a movie or a television series where I got to know Jenna’s life completely. She was strict at work, but she was all heart. I loved her soft touch. In fact, I am sure I loved everything about her. Having not read the earlier book, it was lightly touched upon in this with any spoilers so that made me eager to get to the first book.
The pace was fast, and the scenes were smooth. Tension furrowed my brow and my pulse raced as the pages neared the end. The characters played up to the drama brilliantly. Camaraderie was warm and there was a bond of friendship and respect in the team. Jenna and Mason and their interaction brought a smile on my face. There was a sense of completeness in the story.
Overall, I found this a clever piece of writing where the author made me feel all the emotions, vengeance being the foremost. A few scenes like the confrontation of Jenna with the killer in prison stood out. I loved the tension in the scene. Fabulous writing.
A murder or two similar to the ones committed ten years ago. But the perp of the older set was in jail. So a copycat was on the loose, and it was up to Jenna and Mason to catch the copycat before more nurses died.
My first book by Diane Saxon, I savored each word of this investigation. The terror and hate of the killer already in prison, the sadism and mind games of the copycat killer, the desperation and helplessness of the cops were all captured beautifully. Each emotion coursed over my skin, prickling me with an intense need to get to the end. I needed the killer shot and quartered.
The author’s writing had the delectable quality to it, almost as if the book were a movie or a television series where I got to know Jenna’s life completely. She was strict at work, but she was all heart. I loved her soft touch. In fact, I am sure I loved everything about her. Having not read the earlier book, it was lightly touched upon in this with any spoilers so that made me eager to get to the first book.
The pace was fast, and the scenes were smooth. Tension furrowed my brow and my pulse raced as the pages neared the end. The characters played up to the drama brilliantly. Camaraderie was warm and there was a bond of friendship and respect in the team. Jenna and Mason and their interaction brought a smile on my face. There was a sense of completeness in the story.
Overall, I found this a clever piece of writing where the author made me feel all the emotions, vengeance being the foremost. A few scenes like the confrontation of Jenna with the killer in prison stood out. I loved the tension in the scene. Fabulous writing.
November 30, 2020
What can I say about this book but WOW!
Although it's a long novel I absolutely devoured it in two sittings. What an absolutely stunning read from the very first page. The first book in the series was good but this one was even better, it has to be up there with one of my top reads this year and I've read a far few during the lockdown, i can tell you.
What an absolutely screwed up individual the perpetrator is. He has a penchant for seeking out and killing redheads.
I loved the concept of the story, don't want to giveaway too much as I believe it will definitely spoil it for others. But Jenna and her team are exceptional characters.
Diane is fast becoming one of my favourite authors along with Carla Kovach and Linda S Prather. I know I can rely on them to satisfy my lust for exceptional thrillers.
Although it's a long novel I absolutely devoured it in two sittings. What an absolutely stunning read from the very first page. The first book in the series was good but this one was even better, it has to be up there with one of my top reads this year and I've read a far few during the lockdown, i can tell you.
What an absolutely screwed up individual the perpetrator is. He has a penchant for seeking out and killing redheads.
I loved the concept of the story, don't want to giveaway too much as I believe it will definitely spoil it for others. But Jenna and her team are exceptional characters.
Diane is fast becoming one of my favourite authors along with Carla Kovach and Linda S Prather. I know I can rely on them to satisfy my lust for exceptional thrillers.
February 24, 2020
COPYCAT is the second installment in the DS Jenna Morgan series.
It's a cleverly thought out case, written in a way that the reader is only aware of what little information there is about the killer. Even though we get chapters from the point of view of the killer, don't be fooled in thinking you'll be able to suss out who they are. Oh gosh no, Diane Saxon has made sure that you will go through this whole case second guessing yourself all the time. Trust me because I've read it, and I was suspecting quite a few people.
This is my first foray into Saxon's work and I was very pleased with what I read. There were hints and teasers to the first case in this book, but, not so much that it spoils the story. COPYCAT is easily read as a standalone.
Jenna has great chemistry with her partner Mason Ellis. She describes him as a little brother, and this shows in the way they both banter with each other. Alongside these two is DC Ryan Downey, he may be younger than the other two but he is very much an integral part of the force.
However, Ryan doesn't realise how close to the case he actually is. When in fact he has connections to a couple or more of the victims. I love this idea to have a police officer in the middle of the investigation, it gives us the reader reason to start doubting everyone that we come across.
This was a fantastic thriller full of suspense. It was crammed with drama and intrique. Thanks to Megan for my stop on the blog tour
It's a cleverly thought out case, written in a way that the reader is only aware of what little information there is about the killer. Even though we get chapters from the point of view of the killer, don't be fooled in thinking you'll be able to suss out who they are. Oh gosh no, Diane Saxon has made sure that you will go through this whole case second guessing yourself all the time. Trust me because I've read it, and I was suspecting quite a few people.
This is my first foray into Saxon's work and I was very pleased with what I read. There were hints and teasers to the first case in this book, but, not so much that it spoils the story. COPYCAT is easily read as a standalone.
Jenna has great chemistry with her partner Mason Ellis. She describes him as a little brother, and this shows in the way they both banter with each other. Alongside these two is DC Ryan Downey, he may be younger than the other two but he is very much an integral part of the force.
However, Ryan doesn't realise how close to the case he actually is. When in fact he has connections to a couple or more of the victims. I love this idea to have a police officer in the middle of the investigation, it gives us the reader reason to start doubting everyone that we come across.
This was a fantastic thriller full of suspense. It was crammed with drama and intrique. Thanks to Megan for my stop on the blog tour
June 17, 2021
This book was previously published as Copycat.
DS Jenna Morgan, her partner, DC Mason Ellis, and newcomer DC Ryan Downey are called to investigate when a young nurse is found murdered in her home. Initially the first suspect is the victim's ex-boyfriend.
With the woman showing signs of being slain by a specific killer, and due to that killer being in prison for life, Morgan determines that a copycat is on the loose. But what really adds to the problem is that DC Downey was with the nurse the night before she was killed. Was he the last person to see her alive? Or is he a possible suspect?
It's a well constructed complex plot with some chapters written in the voice of the killer as he continues his killing spree. It's fast paced and suspenseful from the very first page, maintaining a high intensity throughout. Full of action, it's a page turner that holds the interest. The characters are solidly drawn. Morgan is a strong woman who works well with her partner and team. It's an experienced team who has her back at all times. Although 2nd in the series, this is easily read as a stand-alone.
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE / LANGUAGE
Many thanks to the author / Boldwood Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DS Jenna Morgan, her partner, DC Mason Ellis, and newcomer DC Ryan Downey are called to investigate when a young nurse is found murdered in her home. Initially the first suspect is the victim's ex-boyfriend.
With the woman showing signs of being slain by a specific killer, and due to that killer being in prison for life, Morgan determines that a copycat is on the loose. But what really adds to the problem is that DC Downey was with the nurse the night before she was killed. Was he the last person to see her alive? Or is he a possible suspect?
It's a well constructed complex plot with some chapters written in the voice of the killer as he continues his killing spree. It's fast paced and suspenseful from the very first page, maintaining a high intensity throughout. Full of action, it's a page turner that holds the interest. The characters are solidly drawn. Morgan is a strong woman who works well with her partner and team. It's an experienced team who has her back at all times. Although 2nd in the series, this is easily read as a stand-alone.
WARNING: GRAPHIC VIOLENCE / LANGUAGE
Many thanks to the author / Boldwood Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 23, 2020
Thank you Boldwood Books for including me on the blog tour for Copycat by Diane Saxon. Copycat is the second book in the series starring DS Jenna Morgan.
Like Keeper, the first in the series, Copycat runs on the darker side of a police procedural series because one of the perspectives is from the murder’s point of view. These ones can be harder to read so take care of yourself if you decide to read it and are on the more sensitive side with gore and crime. Copycat follows DS Morgan and her team while they track down a murderer who uses the same MO as a serial killer who is serving a life sentence.
Copycat can be read as a stand-alone, though events from the first book are mentioned. One caution would be the identity of the killer in the first book is directly named so I think if you read the second before the first, the first would be significantly less suspenseful.
I really like a series where the characters grow and develop over time and this one is proving to be one that keeps my interest. Hopefully for a few more to come!
CW: stalking, blood and gore
Like Keeper, the first in the series, Copycat runs on the darker side of a police procedural series because one of the perspectives is from the murder’s point of view. These ones can be harder to read so take care of yourself if you decide to read it and are on the more sensitive side with gore and crime. Copycat follows DS Morgan and her team while they track down a murderer who uses the same MO as a serial killer who is serving a life sentence.
Copycat can be read as a stand-alone, though events from the first book are mentioned. One caution would be the identity of the killer in the first book is directly named so I think if you read the second before the first, the first would be significantly less suspenseful.
I really like a series where the characters grow and develop over time and this one is proving to be one that keeps my interest. Hopefully for a few more to come!
CW: stalking, blood and gore
April 15, 2023
The opening couple of chapters of this are quite terrifying and have you feeling shocked.
Jenna is back after the tragedy that happened in the previous book, they’re all just trying to move on but it’s hard.
With her partner Mason by her side and the teenager (Ryan) following behind they get called out to a suspicious death.
What a fantastic book this is, it’s equally dark and light which makes it the perfect book.
I love all the characters, they just work so well together and I was interested to find out if Adrian came back on the scene after the chemistry he and Jenna shared in the previous book.
Jenna is back after the tragedy that happened in the previous book, they’re all just trying to move on but it’s hard.
With her partner Mason by her side and the teenager (Ryan) following behind they get called out to a suspicious death.
What a fantastic book this is, it’s equally dark and light which makes it the perfect book.
I love all the characters, they just work so well together and I was interested to find out if Adrian came back on the scene after the chemistry he and Jenna shared in the previous book.
January 18, 2020
The second book in the D.S. Jenna Morgan series, at west marcia malinsgate police station, along with D.C. Mason Ellis and hung over Jenna and team are called out to Brooke Avenue in Lawley. The victim named Marcia Davies found by her ex partner has been murdered and it not a pretty sight. A redhead a nurse it takes the team back to a similar case but the murderer is serving life could this be a copycat? This follows three deaths all with the same technique and again D.C. Ryan Downey knows then from the dating app. This book has a mixture of possibilities as to who the series killer is that is going to keep you guessing. The author been very clever all the way through that will hit you spot big time. This I loved and left me reading on for more. Has a massive twist that turn your emotions wild. I love both these book in the series and have been left hungry to read more, look forward to more? Most definitely.
January 12, 2020
if you thought book 1 was good wait till you read this this author is a must read very gripping and twisty detective sergeant Jenna Morgan is still helping her sister Fliss abduction and now she loves Dominio the dog . a nurse gets murdered and Jenna and mason are called to it .ryan goes with them and he in shock as he just been on a date with victim .some one is targeting nurses with ginger hair but they have a copy cat wont say no more and love that its set in Shropshire I so recommend this book
February 26, 2020
In September I read The Keeper by Diane Saxon that I loved, my review can be found on my feed or on goodreads. So needless to say I was so excited to read Copycat to follow along on Jenna Morgans journey. Copycat seemed to have a bit of a slow start for me ands didn't captivate me right from the beginning like The Keeper. It wasn't until about 15% into the book that I got really interested. From that point it was full of suspense and became very addictive much like her last novel.
Jenna and her team are called to a murder scene. Her ex partner may be the last to have seen the victim alive. The scene starts to remind them of a similar case, however the murderer is serving life, could this perhaps be a copycat? This wasn't the only victim, just the first in a string of red headed nurses. Full of twists and turns as we follow along with the detectives investigating the case. Definitely recommend if you are a fan of a page turner police procedural
Jenna and her team are called to a murder scene. Her ex partner may be the last to have seen the victim alive. The scene starts to remind them of a similar case, however the murderer is serving life, could this perhaps be a copycat? This wasn't the only victim, just the first in a string of red headed nurses. Full of twists and turns as we follow along with the detectives investigating the case. Definitely recommend if you are a fan of a page turner police procedural
July 14, 2022
This was a very enjoyable read, even better than the first one! I truly couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook. The story was just flowing, and I was engaged from the very first chapter. Even though I managed to guess the killer I can’t complain in overall as I really started liking the lady detective and I want to know what else will happen in her life.
March 27, 2022
I enjoyed this. A solid cozy crime with a good pace and plot.
January 28, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the DS Jenna Morgan series by Diane Saxon.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I discovered I was a bit behind in the backstory going into this. Apparently, Jenna had been thrown for a loop in the previous book with the kidnapping of her sister, Fliss. She was still in recovery mode after the fallout from that and now is thrust into a case of a brutally murdered woman made to look like the work of another madman currently in jail. And so begins a string of murders of redheaded nurses. These women are discovered using a dating app. One of Jenn’s colleagues, DC Ryan Downey, has been using this app to find dates and in fact was the last person to see the first victim alive.
This was a quite exciting read and it was one of those books that really keeps you on your toes as you follow along with the action. Very twisty-turney as there is a pretty decent twist three-fourths of the way through revealing something about the killer even the reader, who is seeing things from the killer’s perspective from time to time, didn’t realize.
I totally enjoy a good police procedural and this one is set in Britain. So the policing system is a tad different than it is over here in the US. If you love Midsomer Murders, you will definitely dig this book. This is a good mystery suspense thriller/police procedural/detective fiction book you will want to have sitting on your shelf.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the DS Jenna Morgan series by Diane Saxon.
This is the first book I have read in this series and I discovered I was a bit behind in the backstory going into this. Apparently, Jenna had been thrown for a loop in the previous book with the kidnapping of her sister, Fliss. She was still in recovery mode after the fallout from that and now is thrust into a case of a brutally murdered woman made to look like the work of another madman currently in jail. And so begins a string of murders of redheaded nurses. These women are discovered using a dating app. One of Jenn’s colleagues, DC Ryan Downey, has been using this app to find dates and in fact was the last person to see the first victim alive.
This was a quite exciting read and it was one of those books that really keeps you on your toes as you follow along with the action. Very twisty-turney as there is a pretty decent twist three-fourths of the way through revealing something about the killer even the reader, who is seeing things from the killer’s perspective from time to time, didn’t realize.
I totally enjoy a good police procedural and this one is set in Britain. So the policing system is a tad different than it is over here in the US. If you love Midsomer Murders, you will definitely dig this book. This is a good mystery suspense thriller/police procedural/detective fiction book you will want to have sitting on your shelf.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
January 23, 2020
Well, I didn’t read book one, but this second book was fantastic. Detective Sargent Jenna Morgan is frantically searching for a killer who is ‘copycatting’ an imprisoned serial killer with a fetish for red haired nurses. Knowing this vicious man is inside, Jenna and her team have no suspects and the only lead is a dating app used by Ryan, one of the young coppers on the team who feels that a nurse is the perfect dating partner as they both have terrible hours and deal with terrible crimes. He also likes redheads. Off we go on a thrilling edge of your seat hunt with twists and turns galore. My heart was pounding the whole of the way through the second half. I need a red headed nurse myself at this point. A brilliant story, with excellent well rounded characters, a creepy ending and a really cute Dalmatian. Where’s book 1?
August 6, 2023
Some One's There by Diane Saxon is the second in a detective series, focusing on Sergeant Jenna Morgan and a serial killer who targets redheaded nurses. I hadn't read the first but it seems like they are stand-alone enough since they each follow individual cases.
I would write more than that but honestly I really hated this book and couldn't finish it. The first three chapters from the killer's perspective were great, but everything beyond that reads so horribly. Saxon includes so much irrelevant and unrelated description and conversation—pages worth at a time—that it's quite unbearable. There are repetitive themes already within the first 15 chapters that I just don't understand the purpose of:
• Frequent demeaning of coffee with cream. I don't know what the vendetta is but it's silly and pointless.
• Sgt. Jenna is incredibly naïve about common things that pretty much anyone would know, especially a detective who loves coffee. She didn't know what a Venti is, or a "Ginger." She also couldn't imagine that people might use white lies.
• Unnatural conversations and jesting that goes on forever. It's not funny and adults don't talk like that.
• Abrupt sexualization and imagery. It feels so random and vulgar. I have no problem with smut but it reads so cheap and weird.
• Sgt. Jenna frequently has thoughts or statements that are judgmental and rude even though she was the one who brought up the conversation. These interactions literally do not make sense, or she's supposed to be an unkind person I guess.
Format
I listened partially to the audiobook that's available on Audible Plus until 8/10/2023. Unfortunately it's not a great narration. The narrator uses the same tone and pace regardless of what's happening in the reading. It's not monotone, but the lack of variance makes everything dull and flat. It's also hard to tell if people are joking or being totally serious (the text doesn't help here either). I don't recommend it.
I would write more than that but honestly I really hated this book and couldn't finish it. The first three chapters from the killer's perspective were great, but everything beyond that reads so horribly. Saxon includes so much irrelevant and unrelated description and conversation—pages worth at a time—that it's quite unbearable. There are repetitive themes already within the first 15 chapters that I just don't understand the purpose of:
• Frequent demeaning of coffee with cream. I don't know what the vendetta is but it's silly and pointless.
• Sgt. Jenna is incredibly naïve about common things that pretty much anyone would know, especially a detective who loves coffee. She didn't know what a Venti is, or a "Ginger." She also couldn't imagine that people might use white lies.
• Unnatural conversations and jesting that goes on forever. It's not funny and adults don't talk like that.
• Abrupt sexualization and imagery. It feels so random and vulgar. I have no problem with smut but it reads so cheap and weird.
• Sgt. Jenna frequently has thoughts or statements that are judgmental and rude even though she was the one who brought up the conversation. These interactions literally do not make sense, or she's supposed to be an unkind person I guess.
Format
I listened partially to the audiobook that's available on Audible Plus until 8/10/2023. Unfortunately it's not a great narration. The narrator uses the same tone and pace regardless of what's happening in the reading. It's not monotone, but the lack of variance makes everything dull and flat. It's also hard to tell if people are joking or being totally serious (the text doesn't help here either). I don't recommend it.
February 8, 2023
This is the second book in the Detective Jenna Morgan series and the third that I’ve read and felt a bit ‘wtf’ about. This is in the Audible Included package and I’m really glad I didn’t pay for it.
Firstly, the good: this is a great story if you like a bloodbath and thriller is your thing. The ending is very clever and the fact it’s told in order rather than via a jumping timeline really appeals to me.
The bad: it’s perhaps a little too gory and brutal at times. I’m no prude but some of the language was jarring and it was at odds with how the narrator spoke making it almost sound laughable.
The ugly: like other books by this author I found so much rambling detail and repeated phrasing that it drove me up the wall. The author is OBSESSED with long descriptions of what people eat that have no consequence to the story at all. There are a good ten minutes of the opening chapter about a cup of coffee so I should have known really. Repeated phrases including: “he hummed in the back of his throat”, “she scrubbed a hand over her face”, “stretched her milky neck” to name a few are mentioned over and over again. They spoiled would what have been a perfectly good police procedural, and along with over-descriptive sentences made it feel like a Year Nine creative writing project.
Firstly, the good: this is a great story if you like a bloodbath and thriller is your thing. The ending is very clever and the fact it’s told in order rather than via a jumping timeline really appeals to me.
The bad: it’s perhaps a little too gory and brutal at times. I’m no prude but some of the language was jarring and it was at odds with how the narrator spoke making it almost sound laughable.
The ugly: like other books by this author I found so much rambling detail and repeated phrasing that it drove me up the wall. The author is OBSESSED with long descriptions of what people eat that have no consequence to the story at all. There are a good ten minutes of the opening chapter about a cup of coffee so I should have known really. Repeated phrases including: “he hummed in the back of his throat”, “she scrubbed a hand over her face”, “stretched her milky neck” to name a few are mentioned over and over again. They spoiled would what have been a perfectly good police procedural, and along with over-descriptive sentences made it feel like a Year Nine creative writing project.
May 19, 2022
*Gripping End*
This instalment sees DS Jenna Morgan and her team on the hunt to catch a copycat killer.
When a red haired young woman who happens to be a nurse is found the day after a date with newly promoted DC Ryan. At the crime scene understandably he is in shock and shaken.
The offender with the same tell tale attention to detail is doing a very long prison sentence. Some of the details of his crimes were never released, where is the suspect getting their information???
As more than one body turns up they soon find inconsistencies, why?.
When a suspect is found, as they unpick the cases they find they are in a race against time to make yet another arrest…… great ending with a few surprises thrown in at the end…
This instalment sees DS Jenna Morgan and her team on the hunt to catch a copycat killer.
When a red haired young woman who happens to be a nurse is found the day after a date with newly promoted DC Ryan. At the crime scene understandably he is in shock and shaken.
The offender with the same tell tale attention to detail is doing a very long prison sentence. Some of the details of his crimes were never released, where is the suspect getting their information???
As more than one body turns up they soon find inconsistencies, why?.
When a suspect is found, as they unpick the cases they find they are in a race against time to make yet another arrest…… great ending with a few surprises thrown in at the end…
January 12, 2021
Really enjoyed the second book in this series, characters are great
March 21, 2021
I a really loving this series, 2 more left to go 🙌❤📚
October 30, 2022
Some of the dialogue is incredibly witty and delightful. Interesting plot.
February 20, 2020
I read, reviewed and loved Diane's debut novel called 'The Keeper'. I love the way in which she writes psychological thrillers that can mess with your head a bit. I read the synopsis for 'Copycat' and I just knew that I was going to be in for another cracking read. I must be psychic because that's exactly what happened. I ADORED reading 'Copycat' but more about that in a bit.
I was hooked on this book from the moment I clapped eyes on the bright and striking cover. When I read the synopsis, my hands were itching to grab a copy of the book and start reading. When I started to read the story itself, oh my goodness that was it. The 'I'm Reading. Disturb At Your Peril' notice went up and that was me for the rest of the day. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I fully immersed myself in the book and to say that this book did mess with my head a bit is a bit of an understatement. I was blown away by how blooming brilliant this story was. I was totally gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I had intended or expected. I had been enjoying the book that much that I just didn't want it to end.
Oh my word, 'Copycat' is superbly written. Diane certainly knows how to grab your attention and gradually draws you into the story. Once Diane has you in her sights that is it, she closes her net around you and escape is impossible. Not that I would have wanted to escape- in that respect I was a happy captive!! Diane uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading 'Copycat' was much like being on an unpredictable and sometimes scary rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to gather your thoughts, take a breather and reclaim your stomach then off the action would go again. Whilst reading this book, I almost had to read through my fingers on occasion as I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Copycat' and I would definitely recommend this author to other readers. I was blown away by how blooming brilliant this book was and I am sure that other readers will be too. I will definitely be reading more of Diane's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I was hooked on this book from the moment I clapped eyes on the bright and striking cover. When I read the synopsis, my hands were itching to grab a copy of the book and start reading. When I started to read the story itself, oh my goodness that was it. The 'I'm Reading. Disturb At Your Peril' notice went up and that was me for the rest of the day. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I fully immersed myself in the book and to say that this book did mess with my head a bit is a bit of an understatement. I was blown away by how blooming brilliant this story was. I was totally gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I had intended or expected. I had been enjoying the book that much that I just didn't want it to end.
Oh my word, 'Copycat' is superbly written. Diane certainly knows how to grab your attention and gradually draws you into the story. Once Diane has you in her sights that is it, she closes her net around you and escape is impossible. Not that I would have wanted to escape- in that respect I was a happy captive!! Diane uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading 'Copycat' was much like being on an unpredictable and sometimes scary rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could take a moment to gather your thoughts, take a breather and reclaim your stomach then off the action would go again. Whilst reading this book, I almost had to read through my fingers on occasion as I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Copycat' and I would definitely recommend this author to other readers. I was blown away by how blooming brilliant this book was and I am sure that other readers will be too. I will definitely be reading more of Diane's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
February 19, 2020
The second book in the DS Jenna Morgan series is even better than the first. This book is a mix of police procedural and psychological suspense, and the author fuses them expertly, to produce an adrenaline-fueled story, coupled with an authentic investigative theme.
The police team are believable and full of interesting complex characters. Jenna is a skilled detective, who puts her career first, she is a good leader and a reliable partner, Her relationship with Mason is complex and realistic, and very effective. Romance is not high on her priority list, but it does shimmer in the background, with a past acquaintance. The romantics are given a little hope as this story progresses.
The crimes are detailed and grisly. The author uses just enough graphic description, to let the reader appreciate the evil of the antagonist, and the horror of the crimes. The plot is well thought out and has intriguing twists. I did work out the solution, but it is well hidden.
The level of psychological suspense and menace the story has is powerful and makes this a real page-turner.
Looking forward to Jenna's next case, hope its soon.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The police team are believable and full of interesting complex characters. Jenna is a skilled detective, who puts her career first, she is a good leader and a reliable partner, Her relationship with Mason is complex and realistic, and very effective. Romance is not high on her priority list, but it does shimmer in the background, with a past acquaintance. The romantics are given a little hope as this story progresses.
The crimes are detailed and grisly. The author uses just enough graphic description, to let the reader appreciate the evil of the antagonist, and the horror of the crimes. The plot is well thought out and has intriguing twists. I did work out the solution, but it is well hidden.
The level of psychological suspense and menace the story has is powerful and makes this a real page-turner.
Looking forward to Jenna's next case, hope its soon.
I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
I think my favorite character in this book was Ryan. Although he was young, he seemed to be a pretty sharp police officer. This was another good book in the series. Some of the things that happened in the first book were mentioned, but thankfully not excessively done. "Ginger" nurses are being brutally murdered in a copycat fashion to a serial killer in prison. Jenna and her team investigate to try to prevent further murders. Well written and kept my attention.
February 25, 2020
Really enjoyable read. Well written, genuine page turner for me!!
Great characters, some of which were particularly believable and properly creepy!
I haven’t read the first book in the series as this was an ARC from Net Gallery to which I am grateful for the opportunity to read in return for an honest review.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like a psychological police/mystery type book!
Great characters, some of which were particularly believable and properly creepy!
I haven’t read the first book in the series as this was an ARC from Net Gallery to which I am grateful for the opportunity to read in return for an honest review.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like a psychological police/mystery type book!
November 23, 2022
Book 2 of the series. I'm finding that I'm predicting the killers early on, and while it doesn't take anything from the story, it is stopping me from getting my brain working. Like the first book, the story flowed well, the writing was okay, and the characters are likeable. I look forward to reading book 3.
February 29, 2020
Another winner from Diane. This is the second book in the series and features the two sisters Jenna and Fliss, although Jenna is the main character. A red headed nurse is killed and the case mirrors that of those committed years ago by a prisoner in a nearby prison. Another body is found and the suspicion rises that there is a copycat. Good characterisation because they seem authentic in their roles. I would love to see it as a television series in the future.
October 18, 2021
No one could say that this book is a typical police procedural. It stands out as one of the best I have read in a while, along with the other books in the series.. Once I started to read I couldn't stop, a thrilling, suspenseful read. So pleased I found this author.
July 17, 2022
Ebook & audiobook review
A nurse is found dead in her house. The night before she’d been on a date with Ryan who happens to be DS Jenna Morgan’s DC.
Jenna and her team know who’s guilty but how to get going with all they know and have.
Very good, a grabbing story to read and listen too.
A nurse is found dead in her house. The night before she’d been on a date with Ryan who happens to be DS Jenna Morgan’s DC.
Jenna and her team know who’s guilty but how to get going with all they know and have.
Very good, a grabbing story to read and listen too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews