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DCI Matt Ballard #2
Five Bloody Hearts
Grace Repton, a beautiful older woman, walks into the police station to tell Detective Matt Ballard she has information that could stop a murder. Her fiancé, the infamous serial killer Jeremy Reader, has told her that he has a disciple who is going to kill using Reader's horrific methods.
Reader murdered five women and was finally brought to justice by Detective Ballard. Reader is safely imprisoned in a high security prison, and claiming to be a reformed man who wants to help the police.
But can Matt believe the serial killer or his peculiar wife to be? Can the love of a good woman really change a serial killer?
And the Fenland Police also have another investigation on their hands. A Lithuanian migrant worker is found dead on the fens. There is no ID on him, but he has a Tree of Life tattoo. This is the third body to be found with this distinctive tattoo. Is this gang war or something even more sinister?
The police are stretched to the breaking point with multiple copycat murders. And Matt and his girlfriend Liz will fight for everything they care about in a heart-stopping conclusion that will have you on the edge of your seat.
©2019 Joy Ellis (P)2019 Tantor
Reader murdered five women and was finally brought to justice by Detective Ballard. Reader is safely imprisoned in a high security prison, and claiming to be a reformed man who wants to help the police.
But can Matt believe the serial killer or his peculiar wife to be? Can the love of a good woman really change a serial killer?
And the Fenland Police also have another investigation on their hands. A Lithuanian migrant worker is found dead on the fens. There is no ID on him, but he has a Tree of Life tattoo. This is the third body to be found with this distinctive tattoo. Is this gang war or something even more sinister?
The police are stretched to the breaking point with multiple copycat murders. And Matt and his girlfriend Liz will fight for everything they care about in a heart-stopping conclusion that will have you on the edge of your seat.
©2019 Joy Ellis (P)2019 Tantor
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First published February 10, 2019
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About the author
Joy Ellis
63 books2,474 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
February 12, 2019
Grace Repton walks into the police station to tell Matt that she has information that could stop a murder. Her fiancé is the infamous serial killer, Jeremy Reader, has told her he has a disciple who's going to kill using Reader's horrific methods. Reader had murdered five women and had been brought to justice by Detective Matt Ballard. Jeremy Reader Is behind bars, imprisoned in a high secure unit. He's claiming he wants to help the police. The Fenland police also have another case to solve. A Lithuanian worker is found dead on the Fens. He has no ID on him but he does have a Tree of Life tattoo.
With its dual storyline, this novel pulled me in after the first few pages. As always in this series, the plot lines and the characters are believable. Set as usual in the beautiful Fenland. When a third body has been found with a Tree of Life tattoo, the police wonder if they are dealing with something more sinister. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing throughout this book. I really like this series set on the Fens where there are plenty of places you could commit a murder in the fields and countryside that surround the area.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With its dual storyline, this novel pulled me in after the first few pages. As always in this series, the plot lines and the characters are believable. Set as usual in the beautiful Fenland. When a third body has been found with a Tree of Life tattoo, the police wonder if they are dealing with something more sinister. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing throughout this book. I really like this series set on the Fens where there are plenty of places you could commit a murder in the fields and countryside that surround the area.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2022
When Grace Repton requested a discussion with DCI Matt Ballard, that she had information only for him, he had no idea what was to follow. Grace was the fiancé of serial killer Jeremy Reader who was locked up in a secure prison with little chance of seeing the outside again. Jeremy had been caught and put away by Matt, and Matt had no doubt what he would do if he was out of jail again. But Grace vowed he had changed; he was a reformed man. But Matt didn’t believe her – he was a vicious killer, they couldn’t change…
But when the first and then the second, young woman was murdered, in the identical fashion of Jeremy’s, Matt knew Grace’s warning was solid. He just didn’t know who was orchestrating the killings. And with the murders of young Lithuanian men also occurring on Matt’s patch, their force was spread thin. It seemed it was a turf war, but as Detective Bryn dug deeply into the murders, he could feel himself getting closer. There were murders all over and Matt was on a thin edge. He and his partner Liz had been involved in a horrific case where they both almost lost their lives. Liz was still healing but was Matt able to keep that all behind him?
Five Bloody Hearts is the 2nd in the DCI Matt Ballard series by Joy Ellis and it was excellent. Full on, fast paced with plenty of action – I had my suspicions early in the piece and they were confirmed 😊 Great characters, a good, forceful team and a great plot! I’ll be checking out #3 in this series very soon. Highly recommended.
But when the first and then the second, young woman was murdered, in the identical fashion of Jeremy’s, Matt knew Grace’s warning was solid. He just didn’t know who was orchestrating the killings. And with the murders of young Lithuanian men also occurring on Matt’s patch, their force was spread thin. It seemed it was a turf war, but as Detective Bryn dug deeply into the murders, he could feel himself getting closer. There were murders all over and Matt was on a thin edge. He and his partner Liz had been involved in a horrific case where they both almost lost their lives. Liz was still healing but was Matt able to keep that all behind him?
Five Bloody Hearts is the 2nd in the DCI Matt Ballard series by Joy Ellis and it was excellent. Full on, fast paced with plenty of action – I had my suspicions early in the piece and they were confirmed 😊 Great characters, a good, forceful team and a great plot! I’ll be checking out #3 in this series very soon. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
Detective Matt Ballard wants nothing more than to retire. He's put in his 30 years and his girlfriend have made plans, including marriage. They are both still recovering from the last case they worked... particularly Liz who is healing much slower. Matt has agreed to stay on as they have a shortage of detectives.
Grace Repton is engaged to marry Jeremy Reader ... a serial killer of 5 women. He is behind prison bars and has sent Grace to Matt with a message ... Jeremy has stated that there will be someone copycatting his crimes and he wants Matt to catch him and stop him.
Can Matt really trust a serial killer and the woman who says she loves him?
But then the first two bodies are found ... mutilated and killed with heart-shaped skin patches taken from their bodies ... just like the original killer, Jeremy Reader.
This is a well-written fast-paced thriller filled with memorable characters that jump off the page. With the balance of professional life vs personal life , the characters come across as very credible. The suspense starts out a little slow, concentrating more of the personal side of things. But as bodies fall, one right after the other, the suspense grows and grows until it explodes like a helium balloon filled with hydrogen and oxygen.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotion / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Detective Matt Ballard wants nothing more than to retire. He's put in his 30 years and his girlfriend have made plans, including marriage. They are both still recovering from the last case they worked... particularly Liz who is healing much slower. Matt has agreed to stay on as they have a shortage of detectives.
Grace Repton is engaged to marry Jeremy Reader ... a serial killer of 5 women. He is behind prison bars and has sent Grace to Matt with a message ... Jeremy has stated that there will be someone copycatting his crimes and he wants Matt to catch him and stop him.
Can Matt really trust a serial killer and the woman who says she loves him?
But then the first two bodies are found ... mutilated and killed with heart-shaped skin patches taken from their bodies ... just like the original killer, Jeremy Reader.
This is a well-written fast-paced thriller filled with memorable characters that jump off the page. With the balance of professional life vs personal life , the characters come across as very credible. The suspense starts out a little slow, concentrating more of the personal side of things. But as bodies fall, one right after the other, the suspense grows and grows until it explodes like a helium balloon filled with hydrogen and oxygen.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotion / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 27, 2019
Not one of my favourite Joy Ellis books, but still very good. Its just that some of the others are so outstanding. Grace Repton, who is engaged to imprisoned serial killer Jeremy Reader, comes into the police station to tell Matt Ballard her fiancé has a disciple who is intending to carry on his 'work', using his methods. Sure enough, the murders begin and they are exactly the same, including some details of the original murders that were never released. How is the killer getting this info? Can an apparently reformed serial killer be trusted? Is there more to Grace than meets the eye? The story finished strongly with some startling revelations. Never assume...
February 14, 2019
Five Bloody Hearts, the second book in the DCI Matt Ballard series, is a rip-roaring read and perfect for valentines. It has just enough gore to satisfy without going over the top, and the modus operandi of the killer is very unique and rather brutal; that was all I needed to become totally engrossed in the story. All of the different plots and subplots make it a complex read, but it is still easy to follow and engage with. It's' as always, well written and gallops along at the ideal pace. The characters are complicated, realistic and so very human.
The twists and turns are plentiful and keep you guessing and failing miserably at it. There are a few heart-stopping moments that took my breath away, so much so that I ended up burning my dinner because I became so addicted to turning those pages, and I certainly wasn't expecting the explosive ending, but I loved it. I'm looking forward to the next instalment to learn more about upcoming retiree DCI Ballard and if he really will go into retirement.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.
The twists and turns are plentiful and keep you guessing and failing miserably at it. There are a few heart-stopping moments that took my breath away, so much so that I ended up burning my dinner because I became so addicted to turning those pages, and I certainly wasn't expecting the explosive ending, but I loved it. I'm looking forward to the next instalment to learn more about upcoming retiree DCI Ballard and if he really will go into retirement.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.
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February 26, 2024I refuse to rate this one. If you’ve read the Jackman & Evans series, you’ll know the PIPE program is not new, and it’s a waste of time as a plot device in this story.
THE KILLER WAS OBVIOUS as soon as the character was introduced.
The author used every ploy to AVOID investigating this person and took everything said at face value.
The end with Matt and Liz?? Would never happen.
This is the same author that wrote two series, several of which kept me guessing until the end.
I’m annoyed and the narration was terrible.
No wonder this too many days to finish. Why did I bother??
I cannot be convinced this is the same Joy Ellis who wrote 25 books I devoured in the last two years.
THE KILLER WAS OBVIOUS as soon as the character was introduced.
The author used every ploy to AVOID investigating this person and took everything said at face value.
The end with Matt and Liz?? Would never happen.
This is the same author that wrote two series, several of which kept me guessing until the end.
I’m annoyed and the narration was terrible.
No wonder this too many days to finish. Why did I bother??
I cannot be convinced this is the same Joy Ellis who wrote 25 books I devoured in the last two years.
December 14, 2024
4 Stars
Matt Ballard is on his next case.
Grace is about to marry a serial killer while he resides I jail.
Then women start dying.
Matt has no idea why.
Lots of twists in this book.
Not as good as first book but still compelling.
I'll be reading more of this series
Matt Ballard is on his next case.
Grace is about to marry a serial killer while he resides I jail.
Then women start dying.
Matt has no idea why.
Lots of twists in this book.
Not as good as first book but still compelling.
I'll be reading more of this series
June 18, 2023
I love the Joy Ellis books, and I enjoy Matt, his team, and his romance with Liz. This particular plot was a bit too outlandish to be believed. Tons of elaborate murders without ever an explanation of how the killers pulled them off without being detected. The motive was not convincing, either. But I liked the narrative overall.
February 10, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Five Bloody Hearts, the second novel to feature DCI Matt Ballard of the Fenland Constabulary.
Matt is looking forward to his retirement but it keeps getting deferred until his replacement is free so it’s business not as usual with Fenfleet suddenly becoming the murder capital of the UK. First there is a murdered immigrant, the third in the past few months, and then there is something more sinister. Serial killer Jeremy Reader sends a message from prison to say that he believes one of his admirers, identified only as Alex, is ready to start a copycat spree. A warning that comes true.
I thoroughly enjoyed Five Bloody Hearts which is a pulse pounding read with plenty of twists and turns. It had me hooked from page one and didn’t let go and I was so engrossed I sat up way too late to finish it in one sitting. The novel has two strands with DC Bryn Owen investigating the immigrant case more or less singlehandedly due to a lack of resources and Matt Ballard leading the rest of the team on the copycat murders. Both are equally enjoyable in different ways. Bryan’s investigation is more low key but has a palpable sense of menace and danger and an ingenious solution. Matt’s investigation is more multi-stranded and complicated with plenty of twists and an untrustworthy source in Jeremy - can he really be as remorseful as he says or is it an elaborate con? It is all a bit OTT but in a good way, in the sense that it is absorbing, exciting and addictive if not particularly believable. In other words great entertainment.
DCI Matt Ballard is an interesting protagonist. It is unusual to see a detective longing for and planning his retirement and it is refreshing. It doesn’t mean that he is coasting through his last few weeks as he is as dedicated as ever but it offers a different perspective on “the job”. There are reasons for his longing - his last case took a high toll on both him and his team, both physically and mentally, and he’s burnt out, questioning his judgement and fitness for the job which sometimes seems more like a burden than a calling.
Five Bloody Hearts is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Matt is looking forward to his retirement but it keeps getting deferred until his replacement is free so it’s business not as usual with Fenfleet suddenly becoming the murder capital of the UK. First there is a murdered immigrant, the third in the past few months, and then there is something more sinister. Serial killer Jeremy Reader sends a message from prison to say that he believes one of his admirers, identified only as Alex, is ready to start a copycat spree. A warning that comes true.
I thoroughly enjoyed Five Bloody Hearts which is a pulse pounding read with plenty of twists and turns. It had me hooked from page one and didn’t let go and I was so engrossed I sat up way too late to finish it in one sitting. The novel has two strands with DC Bryn Owen investigating the immigrant case more or less singlehandedly due to a lack of resources and Matt Ballard leading the rest of the team on the copycat murders. Both are equally enjoyable in different ways. Bryan’s investigation is more low key but has a palpable sense of menace and danger and an ingenious solution. Matt’s investigation is more multi-stranded and complicated with plenty of twists and an untrustworthy source in Jeremy - can he really be as remorseful as he says or is it an elaborate con? It is all a bit OTT but in a good way, in the sense that it is absorbing, exciting and addictive if not particularly believable. In other words great entertainment.
DCI Matt Ballard is an interesting protagonist. It is unusual to see a detective longing for and planning his retirement and it is refreshing. It doesn’t mean that he is coasting through his last few weeks as he is as dedicated as ever but it offers a different perspective on “the job”. There are reasons for his longing - his last case took a high toll on both him and his team, both physically and mentally, and he’s burnt out, questioning his judgement and fitness for the job which sometimes seems more like a burden than a calling.
Five Bloody Hearts is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 16, 2020
A tale full of twists and turns,energised with red herrings,one that comes highly recommended.
February 14, 2019
Well Joy Ellis has done it again! Another totally gripping page turner.
This is the sequel to BEWARE THE PAST in the first book we saw Matt Ballard up against evilness personified. It left him physically and emotionally shattered, one of his team with a life threatening injuries and someone close to him dead. So I was intrigued how Joy would build a book from the remains. I was far from disappointed this book just demonstrates what a talented author she is.
Matt's retirement has been delayed as his replacement is tied up in court. He is just overseeing things and wrapping everything up when a case from his past returns to haunt him. Jeremy Reader killed 5 women in a slow, painful way and Matt was the one that caught him. He is in prison serving life but is apparently a reformed character. Matt doesn't believe it but everyone else does. Unable to trust his gut instinct any more Matt goes along with the main feeling that he is a reformed character. Reader is about to marry Grace, a prison visitor. Grace appears to be a well adjusted woman so why would she want to marry a lifer?
When Grace arrives at the station with news of a copycat Matt is thrust straight into a nightmare. As the bodies stack up Matt and the team are struggling to find a lead even with the help of psychologists Laura and Sam.
Bryn takes a leading role in this book as he is left pretty much alone to investigate the murder of migrant workers with only a tattoo to link them. He is helped by Swifty, a uniformed officer and a new character. I loved to see Bryn grow wings and fly as his compassionate character and thoughtful nature help him gain the trust of a very untrusting community. That trust is key to solving the migrant murders.
This is a fast-paced read with many twists and turns as we follow the team down multiple 'dead' ends until towards the end when finally, they find some leads. The clues lead the team in a direction nobody expected and once again Matt finds his past coming back, ot to haunt him but to threaten his life and the lives of people he cares about.
The characters are complex and realistic and I was thrilled to learn of some new psychological conditions that I was previously unaware of. It was also interesting to learn a little of the culture and lives of the migrant community. I have much admiration for their ability to survive abuse and continually struggle to live in difficult circumstances.
An absolutely brilliant read. 5 golden stars from me.
This is the sequel to BEWARE THE PAST in the first book we saw Matt Ballard up against evilness personified. It left him physically and emotionally shattered, one of his team with a life threatening injuries and someone close to him dead. So I was intrigued how Joy would build a book from the remains. I was far from disappointed this book just demonstrates what a talented author she is.
Matt's retirement has been delayed as his replacement is tied up in court. He is just overseeing things and wrapping everything up when a case from his past returns to haunt him. Jeremy Reader killed 5 women in a slow, painful way and Matt was the one that caught him. He is in prison serving life but is apparently a reformed character. Matt doesn't believe it but everyone else does. Unable to trust his gut instinct any more Matt goes along with the main feeling that he is a reformed character. Reader is about to marry Grace, a prison visitor. Grace appears to be a well adjusted woman so why would she want to marry a lifer?
When Grace arrives at the station with news of a copycat Matt is thrust straight into a nightmare. As the bodies stack up Matt and the team are struggling to find a lead even with the help of psychologists Laura and Sam.
Bryn takes a leading role in this book as he is left pretty much alone to investigate the murder of migrant workers with only a tattoo to link them. He is helped by Swifty, a uniformed officer and a new character. I loved to see Bryn grow wings and fly as his compassionate character and thoughtful nature help him gain the trust of a very untrusting community. That trust is key to solving the migrant murders.
This is a fast-paced read with many twists and turns as we follow the team down multiple 'dead' ends until towards the end when finally, they find some leads. The clues lead the team in a direction nobody expected and once again Matt finds his past coming back, ot to haunt him but to threaten his life and the lives of people he cares about.
The characters are complex and realistic and I was thrilled to learn of some new psychological conditions that I was previously unaware of. It was also interesting to learn a little of the culture and lives of the migrant community. I have much admiration for their ability to survive abuse and continually struggle to live in difficult circumstances.
An absolutely brilliant read. 5 golden stars from me.
February 20, 2019
When I heard that there was going to be a sequel to 'Beware The Past', I wondered how on earth it could happen. Surely all the detectives had been well and truly made 'hors-de-combat' after their last outing but Five Bloody Hearts is a tremendous story with Matt Ballard giving his all once again to solve a series of murders.
Jeremy Reader is a serial killer serving life for the gruesome murders of five women. Grace Repton (an intelligent and attractive woman) is a prison visitor who is now Reader's fiance, sent to tell Matt that he fears that an acolyte of his is about to become a copycat killer. Reader claims that he has changed but Matt is the only person who doesn't believe this. However, the bodies start to pile up and Matt has to solve the case before he can retire. At the same time, there has been a string of murders of Lithuanian agricultural workers and the bodies all bear Tree of Life tattoos. The investigations are complicated and the workload is immense, especially as Matt's girlfriend is still on sick leave after the horrendous experiences during the last case and so there is a staffing shortage. Matt more or less hands the Lithuanian investigation over to Bryn Owen, who is helped by a uniformed officer called Swifty while Matt concentrates on the copycat killer.
I believe that this is the best Joy Ellis novel ever. The story grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let me go until I had finished it. I had no idea who the killer was so the ending was a revelation to me. I love the characters, especially the new one, Swifty and I hope he appears in more novels. The ending left me wanting more and I hope that Matt can feature in more stories, even though he should retire. I would recommend this book to all lovers of police procedural novels. You cannot get better than the best!
Jeremy Reader is a serial killer serving life for the gruesome murders of five women. Grace Repton (an intelligent and attractive woman) is a prison visitor who is now Reader's fiance, sent to tell Matt that he fears that an acolyte of his is about to become a copycat killer. Reader claims that he has changed but Matt is the only person who doesn't believe this. However, the bodies start to pile up and Matt has to solve the case before he can retire. At the same time, there has been a string of murders of Lithuanian agricultural workers and the bodies all bear Tree of Life tattoos. The investigations are complicated and the workload is immense, especially as Matt's girlfriend is still on sick leave after the horrendous experiences during the last case and so there is a staffing shortage. Matt more or less hands the Lithuanian investigation over to Bryn Owen, who is helped by a uniformed officer called Swifty while Matt concentrates on the copycat killer.
I believe that this is the best Joy Ellis novel ever. The story grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let me go until I had finished it. I had no idea who the killer was so the ending was a revelation to me. I love the characters, especially the new one, Swifty and I hope he appears in more novels. The ending left me wanting more and I hope that Matt can feature in more stories, even though he should retire. I would recommend this book to all lovers of police procedural novels. You cannot get better than the best!
February 20, 2019
Absolutely gripped me from start to finish! Although this is a sequel to 'Beware the Past', it made no difference to the enjoyment of this page turning thriller. So many twists and turns, which is exactly how a good thriller should be. I am not going to write what the story is about as i prefer one to read it for themselves, but i do highly recommend.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy, and this is my honest review.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy, and this is my honest review.
August 17, 2020
Am really enjoying this series of books. Just wonder how it's all going to pan out when DCI Matt Ballard actually retires and becomes a PI. It will certainly be different .
I really cannot recommend Joy's books enough they always grip you and keep you just wanting to read to the end of the chapter then well just one more and its the early hours of the morning and the birds are singing and well I've come this far might as well finish it off. No wonder I look like a panda.
I really cannot recommend Joy's books enough they always grip you and keep you just wanting to read to the end of the chapter then well just one more and its the early hours of the morning and the birds are singing and well I've come this far might as well finish it off. No wonder I look like a panda.
February 12, 2019
Matt is a very likeable character and this book is no different. You take to him from the start (it will stand alone but helps if you have read the previous one in the series- I had but two years ago). He is shortly hoping to retire and waiting until his replacement finishes her latest case. Meanwhile he has a call from the fiancee of a serial killer, one who she says has now repented. Matt is sceptical to say the least. The news is that he believes that there will be a series of copycat murders, something he only told to one of his inmates who has now confided in the potential killer. IS this all a clever ruse and the man behind bars trying to gain something? There is also a gangland turf war between the Lithuanians and Latvians and two bodies have been found with the same tattoo. No-one dare speak out, in fear for their own safety. Ooooh!!! Joy has done it again. Within a few pages you are drawn in, and time flies as you turn more and more wanting to know what happened next. A brilliant read, an entertaining read. One I didn’t want to end.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
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For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
Amazon Top 1000 reviewer.
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March 2, 2020This was one of those stories that I just couldn't get into. It took me several attempts to actually be able to finish this one (and a lot longer than it usually takes me to finish a novel, to be honest). For one thing, there was a lot going on in this novel that was just entirely too implausible for me. Even knowing that I was going to have to suspend disbelief to an extent, there is no possible way that someone would be so skilled that they could fool so many people. That coupled with the way this novel ended, just left so much to be desired.
The main characters all seemed to be a bit lackluster as well, its a real shame indeed when the most interesting character of all of them was the flamboyantly gay pathologist. Perhaps its because you know at the start of this series that Ballard is retiring that makes it seem like an ending instead of a beginning (as I assume future novels will focus on him and Liz as they begin their PI company).
Overall, if I came across this author (or even another installment in this series) in the future and the synopsis grabbed me, I would probably give them another read.
The main characters all seemed to be a bit lackluster as well, its a real shame indeed when the most interesting character of all of them was the flamboyantly gay pathologist. Perhaps its because you know at the start of this series that Ballard is retiring that makes it seem like an ending instead of a beginning (as I assume future novels will focus on him and Liz as they begin their PI company).
Overall, if I came across this author (or even another installment in this series) in the future and the synopsis grabbed me, I would probably give them another read.
March 17, 2024
Five Bloody Hearts is book two in Joy Ellis's DCI Matt Ballard series. Detective Matt Ballard was looking forward to retirement when he caught a case of a Lithuanian migrant worker found on the Fens. Could this case be linked to information that was given to DCI Matt Ballard from the fiance of Serial Killer Jeremy Reader, who is behind bars? Will DCI Matt Ballard be able to solve this case before he retires, or has he retired with a case not solved?
I started this series in the middle, which is traditional for me, so I am going back and reading the other books in this series. Five Bloody Hearts was an enjoyable book to read, and I enjoyed the twist that Joy Ellis put into the plot of this book. I love Joy Ellis's portrayal of her characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Five Bloody Hearts is well-written and researched by Joy Ellis. I like Joy Ellis's description of the settings of Five Bloody Hearts, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Five Bloody Hearts will learn about the meaning of hybristophilia and hyperthyroidism and the consequences for the suffering and everyone around them.
I recommend this book.
January 7, 2024
Five Bloody Hearts is a thriller in which a convicted serial killer warns a detective from prison that a copycat killer might be on the loose. The detective has his doubts about the serial killer's intentions, but an investigation starts, and not surprisingly, some gruesome murders are discovered.
This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Although there are some references to the first book, they are rather vague, and I didn't feel like I should have read it to be able to understand this one.
There were quite a few twists and turns and red herrings that kept me guessing
This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Although there are some references to the first book, they are rather vague, and I didn't feel like I should have read it to be able to understand this one.
There were quite a few twists and turns and red herrings that kept me guessing
January 17, 2021
Another book by Joy Ellis that's difficult to put down. The mysteries begin to unfold right from the start.
This one looks into the mind of a murderer trying to decide whether he is telling the truth part way through his sentence when he takes responsibility for what he's done or is he just trying to win more privileges? Then there's the copy cat crimes, a fiance, a secret son and a family feud. Are they all connected?
I'm so glad there's another in the series to read now.
This one looks into the mind of a murderer trying to decide whether he is telling the truth part way through his sentence when he takes responsibility for what he's done or is he just trying to win more privileges? Then there's the copy cat crimes, a fiance, a secret son and a family feud. Are they all connected?
I'm so glad there's another in the series to read now.
September 21, 2024
Süüdlane oli algusest peale ilmselge, aga lugu venitati ja venitati mõttetute "juhtlõngade" tutvustamisega. Teoses oli ka mitmeid loogikavigu, aga kõige enam häiris eestikeelne väga kehv tõlge. Juba esimestest peatükkidest tundus, et Pegasuse tõlkija on kasutanud tõlkeprogrammi ning seejärel lihtsalt silmadega üle lasknud, kas enam-vähem sobib. Lausestus oli kohati väga segane, aga lõpuks hajutas kahtlusepilved asjaolu, et tegelase Archer nimi oli unustatud "süütajast" tagasi muuta.
April 22, 2024
This is a harrowing case for DCI Matt Ballard and team - who to believe?
Gruesome murders are discovered but it's a tangled web toward 'whodunit'.
Great writing style, characters and plot. Twisty, suspenseful and filled with action and tension.
Recommended.
Gruesome murders are discovered but it's a tangled web toward 'whodunit'.
Great writing style, characters and plot. Twisty, suspenseful and filled with action and tension.
Recommended.
January 23, 2020
Another Great Read
Another great read, only a pity that DCI Matt Ballard has retired. Would love to have more from him along with his wonderful, hard working team.
Another great read, only a pity that DCI Matt Ballard has retired. Would love to have more from him along with his wonderful, hard working team.
January 23, 2023
Always love a good murder mystery.
This series is great.
Highly recommend
This series is great.
Highly recommend
January 18, 2024
Solidly enjoyable, despite some weak spots.
July 9, 2024
The second in the series lives up to the first. You really wouldn’t want to read them out of order though.
I love the twists, which are quite amazing.
I love the twists, which are quite amazing.
March 10, 2019
this is the second book in the Detective Matt Ballard series, matt is called to a dead body on Washway farm drove, matt should have retired two months ago his replacement has been called to a court case so his retirement is been delayed. Grace Repton turns up with information for Matt, stabbings, tattoo's on victims, all had to be solved. this book does live up to its name gripping with a massive twist, i loved reading it. Miss Ellis has pulled another cracking read. well worth a best seller
March 2, 2021
Excellent book real page turner. Twists and turns throughout
January 23, 2024
This was another quick read, another of those books that proclaims it has “a huge twist.” I picked up on it pretty easily, but I might not have if I hadn’t been looking for the huge twist.
This was my second Joy Ellis book with poor editing. One villain was charismatic on one page and the opposite several pages later. A name was misspelled. There were other similar small errors.
The question of Matt Ballard’s retirement is getting old. Will he retire before the next book?
I’d call this reasonably good escape fiction.
This was my second Joy Ellis book with poor editing. One villain was charismatic on one page and the opposite several pages later. A name was misspelled. There were other similar small errors.
The question of Matt Ballard’s retirement is getting old. Will he retire before the next book?
I’d call this reasonably good escape fiction.
October 29, 2021
Intriguing mystery.
April 3, 2021
Grace Repton has asked to see DCI Matt Ballard. She is the fiancée of a convicted serial killer, Jeremy Reader, who was arrested by Ballard. Grace claims that Reader is a reformed character and wholly repentant for his crimes and has asked her to approach Ballard as he think someone is going to start killing women the way he did. Ballard and his team are still recovering from their last major case which damaged several them but especially his Sergeant and lover Liz Haynes. Ballard can’t believe Reader is for real but when two women are killed he has no choice but seek Reader’s assistance. His DC Bryan Owens is investigating the murder of young Lithuanian men, all of whom are linked by a tattoo design - the police are not sure if the killings are to do with the drugs industry or something more sinister.
I’ve loved reading Joy Ellis’ other books and I loved this one. Great characters, the story keeps you guessing right up to the end and I love how she gives the characters from her other series, such as Nicky Galena, a mention in this series.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Joy Ellis for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I’ve loved reading Joy Ellis’ other books and I loved this one. Great characters, the story keeps you guessing right up to the end and I love how she gives the characters from her other series, such as Nicky Galena, a mention in this series.
Thanks to Joffe Books and Joy Ellis for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
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