Their Dying Breath

Paterson & Clocks #5

by Steve Parker

Discover a crime thriller full of shocking twists by one of the most exciting authors you’ll read this year.

A MURDERER TERRORIZES LONDON

Detectives Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks attend the scene of a brutal murder on the banks of the River Thames.

Someone’s head is found with a star carved into their forehead. The rest of their body is buried in the mud.

The next day the airwaves are hacked. A live-stream shows a man imprisoned in a box. He also has a star cut into his head.

Then the man is drowned alive in the box.

TWO MORE MEN ARE MURDERED ON LIVE TV, TWO MORE WILL DIE WITHIN HOURS

Paterson and Clocks race against time to make sure their next breath isn’t their last.

But this enemy is far more deceptive and deadly than any they've encountered before.

THEY WILL DO ANYTHING FOR REVENGE. WHY?


TWO DETECTIVES WHO HATE EVERYTHING ABOUT EACH OTHER MUST WORK TOGETHER

Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson is a young and (thanks to family money) wealthy womaniser, separated from his model wife and tipped to be the youngest ever commissioner of police. He knows he’s weak when it comes to practical policing and struggles to find a place among his peers, desperate to be a good policeman and not just a 'climber'.

Detective Sergeant Johnny Clocks is a foul-mouthed, working-class officer. He grew up surrounded by rogues and villains to become a first-class thief taker with the Met police. However, his childish attitude has short-circuited his career and he spends his days antagonising as many people as he can.

THE SETTING

Bermondsey is an area of London nestled on the banks of the River Thames. It once had a reputation for housing more armed robbers, murderers and career criminals than anywhere else in the country. Now one of the most upmarket places to live and work in London, it has all but severed itself from its working-class roots. Home to the iconic Tower Bridge and crammed with expensive apartments, art galleries, fancy restaurants and famous residents. But for the police, those who truly know, Bermondsey never lost its roots . . . or its reputation.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Crime

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 11, 2020

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paterson and Clocks #5

A head has been found on the banks of the Thames with a star carved I to the forehead. The rest of the torso is buried in mud. The following day, a live-stream shows a man who is locked in a box. He has a star carved into his forehead. The man was then drowned whilst still in the box. With another two men being murdered on live TV, and two more killed in the next few hours, detectives Paterson and Clocks have to race against time to solve this case.

I do like this police procedural series. It's thrilling and fast paced. I like the banter shared between Paterson and Clocks. The plotline is a sensitive topic to write about. 5his is a well written and suspenseful read. The story held my attention throughout.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Steve Parker for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their Dying Breath is the fifth instalment in the series featuring Detectives Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks of the Homicide and Major Crime Command unit in Bermondsey, London, and is yet another solid police procedural to add to Steve Parker’s resume. Each book can be read as a standalone as the central thread of the plot is always contained to that particular novel. A mutilated body is discovered buried up to its head in a vertical sandy grave. It's right on the banks of the River Thames and a cryptic ”star” has been etched into its forehead. This is a horrific, brutal murder that completely shocked and appalled local residents and leaves the police fearful and baffled.

The following day the twisted murderer begins a livestream showing another victim trapped in a box with the familiar star carved into his head. He had been drowned alive whilst imprisoned and helpless in the box. The live feed shows another two victims being slain and the perpetrator promises another two will die in the next few hours. Can the police discover the identity of the serial killer before he adds more bodies to his total?

If you enjoy thrillers with plenty of drama, twists and a little humour to lighten the dark topics then you simply can’t go wrong with Their Dying Breath. It’s well written and hooks you in from the very beginning with a compelling narrative. Having served twenty years in the Metropolitan police force Parker uses this to inform his work and create a sense of authenticity and realism. It’s an action-packed, fast-paced cat and mouse game with the detectives being under massive pressure to solve the case quickly before more loss of life. The dynamic between Paterson and Clocks is a strange one but somehow it works well with a tonne of sarcastic banter and sardonic humour. Ray and Johnny will swiftly feel like old friends you've known your entire life. Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detectives Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks are back for another romp on the banks of the River Thames.

Paterson and Clocks are called to investigate when a man's body is found ... his entire body buried except for his head. There is a star carved into their head.

The next day a live stream show reveals a man imprisoned in a box who also has a star carved on his forehead. Cause of death -drowned while he was in the sealed box.

These are not the only men who are murdered while in a sealed box with water running in. It's a race to try to identify who they are .... because if the detectives don't find the victims in time, there will be more deaths.

This is well written with suspense starting with the very first page. The main characters are the stars of the show, especially Clocks, who sees everything with a sense of humor. and mostly a bit of sarcasm which he has mastered. Paterson is quite wealthy, quite the opposite of Clocks' upbringing. They don't always get along, but it has improved over the several years they've worked together.

Although this is 5th in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone. I would recommend reading them in order to get a real feel for the characters. The author brings his personal background of police service to instill credibility into his stories.

Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Books 'n' All Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review will be posted as part of the Blog tour

Merged review:

Wow enjoyed this book soooo much

The Paterson and Clocks series is one I really love. I love everything about it from the realistic way it is written to the absolutely brilliant characters. The dynamics between Paterson and Clocks really make the book I have watched this pair grow from hating each other to becoming best friends despite the fact they are totally different personalities. Clocks is so funny and that is important because this pair and their colleagues are dealing with evilness personified. But the villains had better watch out because these 2 never give up until they have got their man (or men)

The story begins with a body found on the banks of the Thames. It appears the man was buried up to his neck and left to watch the tide come in until he drowned. Then the airwaves are taken over by a live feed of a man in a box and the team is in a race against time, literally, to try to find where the box is buried before it is too late.

Paterson and Clocks pull out all the stops to try to work out what is happening before chaos breaks out and the rumours of racial crime take on a life of their own. They are up against it as the Muslim community close ranks. But secrets will be uncovered and the motive realised but Paterson, Clocks and the team put their lives and careers on the line to save lives and find the reason for the murders.

In addition to the main storyline there is a sub-story that brings even more intrigue to the book and had me asking myself if it could possibly be so.

This is an absolutely awesome read it is a while since I have enjoyed a book so much. It probably isn't for the faint hearted but if you are a reader that likes adrenaline pumping suspense from the first page to the last then this book is definitely for you.

5 golden stars from me - cant wait for the next book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so impressed with this author's writing - what a brilliant story! It's cleverly thought out and totally compelling. I love, love, LOVED it!!!
I really enjoy this genre and in all of my favourite genres I have my go-to authors. Steve Parker is now one of those authors.
My heart rate was up and down like a yo-yo, and no way could I have read this book in public - due to me crying with laughter! I love Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks and the good-humoured banter that bounces back and forth between them, but Johnny alone, I just adore him! I loved the humour that popped up throughout the story and the fact that the serious, sensitive and the gory parts were so believable with all the elements perfectly balanced and so it never read sloppy, as if it was slat together as sadly some books are.
After reading the prologue and the first couple of chapters, I was looking forward to finding out how it would all tie-in; also another investigation is underway!.. I felt intrigued from beginning to end. It really was full to the brim with action and a race-against-the-clock!
I feel all the characters also well written and I'm hoping that there will be more to come in this fabulous series and I would like to read more about the flat characters who work under the magnificent duo!
Another plus for me was that I found the descriptions regarding the Police procedures and the lingo extremely interesting and I felt it was just enough to provide what was needed for us the reader.
I highly recommend this great book and I look forward to reading many more by this hugely talented author.
My thanks go to Books 'n' All Promotions and Joffe books via NetGalley

[Denise Zendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of grisly deaths involving Muslim men faces DS Ray Paterson and his partner, DI Johnny Clocks, in the fifth outing of this dark, gritty, disturbing, compelling British police procedural. The deaths of a few of the men are livestreamed, and the cops can’t figure out how to stop it or save the men. Paterson and Clocks race against time trying to figure out how the victims are connected and how to keep more people from dying.

Parts of this were a hard read for me, as the scenes are so vividly set, and seem so real (the plot involves war, possible domestic terrorism, racism, more than one serial killer, and office politics). Some parts I had to just page by, but I really like the author’s writing style, and the way the characters interact. I like the contrasts between Paterson, a wealthy well-educated officer, and Clocks, who may not have the money or the raising of Paterson, but is just as smart and possibly more experienced. He’s as politically incorrect as Paterson is polished, and together they make a great team. Both men have “ … such a strong sense of right and wrong and an innate desire for justice that it clouded their professionalism on far too many occasions.” They skirt close to the edge of lawlessness, but are so well-developed as people that I had to keep reading. This was another edge-of-my-seat read, with non-stop action, lots of twists and turns, and a surprising ending.

I mistakenly ended up reading this out of order, but the author provided enough backstory to fill in the missing parts of book 4, so I didn’t feel lost. I do want to go back and read that one, as I figure I missed some cracking action and character development. I do find them better read in order, because I like to watch the characters develop and change. If you like traditional British police procedurals with snappy dialogue, complex relationships, office politics, compelling crimes, and great satisfaction in the resolution, this is the series for you. Five star read for me as always.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paterson and Clocks series just gets better and better. Oh wow what a book . London on the banks of the River Thames. A head is discovered with a star carved on the forehead the body is tied up and gagged going by the victims name of Yousef Salem who's a Muslim. This is going to be one headline grabber. I love reading this series its got such added sense of humour from this couple as they work along side each other at Tower Bridge police station. I was straight into this murder with added breathtakingly dynamic action all the way in. Paterson and Clock Ray and Johny are such a delight to read. You will feel so engrossed from start to finish. The author has hit the button again an exceptional read I cannot say anymore than pick it up and read you won't be disappointed.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book featuring Superintendent Ray Paterson and his team from the Homicide and Major Crime Command unit in Bermondsey, London. Paterson is young, good looking and extremely wealthy, and until recently was on a fast track to the top, whilst DI Johnny Clocks (nicknamed Timex or Thrush due to his ability to be so irritating) is the complete opposite - loud, foul-mouthed and brash having come up through the ranks but a loyal friend for life once he decides he likes you. I love the pair of them! I mean, who cares if they are a little more "Sweeney" than "pc" and their language is a bit colourful? Clocks has mellowed a little thanks to the addition of his girlfriend DI Lyndsey Mullins, a Metropolitan Police tactical firearms officer who is a terrific match for him and who is due to marry him soon. Until his retirement the pair had received complete support from former Police Commissioner Wallace (Wol) Young but now the new man in the job is a completely different kettle of fish. The two detectives are just about over their injuries sustained in the USA in the previous adventure when they are called to a murder on the shore of the River Thames. A man has been murdered and the only part of him not buried in the mud and shingle is his head. And on his head is a strange symbol carved into it. Whilst the detectives are trying to identify the motive for the killing, the TV signals are hacked and a live feed is broadcast to the nation showing a man imprisoned in a coffin and slowly drowning. He also bears the same symbol cut into his head. As a further man is slaughtered in the same way, the authorities look on helpless and powerless to find the victims in time with such a vast area to search in. There is a threat of public unrest and even when they eventually figure out the killer's plan, Paterson and Clocks have an almost impossible task on their hands to prevent more deaths as they face their most devious enemy yet. As if that wasn't enough to cope with, it looks like someone is copying the awful murders carried out in book 1, a case which nearly ended the careers of our two detectives. The third body of a young girl has been discovered with a word carved into her body and the SIO has a suspect in mind. Now we know the boys can be a bit rough and ready at times and are always happy to wade into a fight, but no way are they murderers. Sadly Wol's replacement Sir Scott Anderson is coming across as a bit thick and lets himself get persuaded by DCI Chris Lambert that surveillance should be put on Paterson and Clocks in order to find some damning evidence against them. Watch this space! As I have come to expect from this series the pace is terrific with loads of action, and this really is a book that kept me hooked till the last very unexpected page. Clocks and Paterson make a great team. There is a lot of humorous banter between the two, making the book fun at the same time as tackling deadly serious crimes. They have a fantastic relationship built on the shared traumatic events that they have somehow lived through in the first four stories in this series and that have shaped Paterson and Clocks into the characters they are now. If you haven't, I urge you to read the series in order. There is a lot of history and although it is well described and the books can be enjoyed as standalones it wouldn't be the same reading them out of turn. I thought the cliff-hanger at the end of the last book was huge but that was nothing compared to the ending in this book - wow!! - which just leaves me begging for the next book on the hurry up! 5*

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back from their jaunt across to the U.S.A, the unusual and unorthodox pairing of Paterson and Clocks are once more set an almost impossible task of finding out who is burying some Muslims alive at the edge of the Thames and letting them die, all streamed live on the internet and just at the point when a brand new Mosque is about to open its doors in London. Add to all this, they have a new chief who is none to happy with their methods even though the pair always ‘get their man’ and with an ongoing investigation about murdered girls stalling, the chief agrees to have the pair tailed as they believe that they are involved somehow.

Another gritty story from Steve Parker, and I always like how close to the knuckle, his novels are probably being more realistic due to that. The story is a great page turner and I really enjoyed reading it as I have with all the books in this series.

Thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC to review.

[Mrs A. J. Turbfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read of his author and what a pleasure it was.

Very fast paced story telling,with an exciting and
dramatic ending. Pne for future reads, the main characters are,likeable and the hu!ouris first class.

[Dizzy Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book to read! So gripping, twists everywhere and Clocks and Paterson achievements were on top form. Brilliant 🤩 absolutely great 👍

Thanks to my friend, nicky who recommended this series

[EILEEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

THEIR DYING BREATH Opens with a tragic, unfathomable, atrocity. Inexplicable, deadly mystery with innovative weaving which joins gripping. horrifying suspense, until the action packed, terrorizing explosive finish.

DON'T MISS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟THEIR DYING BREATH

[Angie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks come from very different backgrounds. On paper they should not have an effective patnership but somehow it just works. This story plays out at a rate of knots, it is literally a race against time to figure out why these particular victims have been chosen and to find them before the clock runs out. All this makes for an exciting story that just cries out to be read in one sitting.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Their Dying Breath' is the fifth book in the series featuring Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson and Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks. I have read, reviewed and loved each and every book in the series. I couldn't wait to start reading 'Their Dying Breath' and so after I picked up a cup of tea, I grabbed my copy of the book and I settled down to start reading the book. 'Their Dying Breath' is another amazing read from Steve Parker and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every minute of it but more about that in a bit.
I have to say that I love the working partnership of Paterson and Clocks. They are not only work colleagues but they are also very good friends. Paterson is the more tactful and diplomatic of the two whereas Clocks can be the total opposite. Clocks tells it how it is and he certainly doesn't sugercoat certain details. Paterson is fond of the ladies and he also has been known to have an affair with the wife of a fellow officer. Paterson is well practised in the martial arts arena, which gives him a bit more of a dangerous edge. Paterson and Clocks have each others' backs and they are fiercely loyal to each other. I loved both characters but I have something of a soft spot for Clocks, who is a bit of a loveable rogue.
It didn't take me long at all to get into this story. In fact, by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, that was it, I just knew that nothing would get done for the rest of the day. I found 'Their Dying Breath' to be an addictive read and then some. I would pick the book up to fill in a spare few minutes but I would still be sat reading over an hour later. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. The pages turned over at a furious rate the further into the book I got. I would say that the latter half of the book passed by in a blur. I just had this desperation to find out how the story concluded and what the conclusion of the story meant for the dynamic detective duo.
'Their Dying Breath' is brilliantly written but then I wouldn't expect anything else from Steve Parker. The story hits the ground running and maintains the fast pace throughout. Steve starts the story in a memorable way and then gradually he draws you into the story. The reader then taken on one hell of an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride. Steve writes so realistically and uses such vivid descriptions that I did feel as though I was part of the story myself. The fact that Steve himself is a former police officer only adds extra authenticity to the story.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed the fifth outing for Paterson and Clocks. I look forward to reading more of Steve's work in the future. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait for his next book (hint, hint). I would definitely recommend this author and this series to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Brian Shuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling fast paced police drama set in today's world.

There is nothing in this book, as it is the latest in a run of five, that would prevent you reading this as a stand alone. If you chose to do that you are depriving yourself of other books that take no prisoners and pull no punches.
For a short hand description for uk readers, imagine "the Sweeney " having a 2020 reboot, or gene hunt from "life on mars" getting his own show. That is the style of the main coppers Patterson and clocks.
Fast paced and believable situations and outcomes, the author does not cheat and con the reader with cheap tricks and slight of hand.
Realy enjoyable book and fitting and the the run of this dynamic duo. Praying for a quick return for them and supporting cast.
Ten out of ten

[wendi wigham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death by Isis

The commuter rush hour is interupted by tv screens losing normal service and showing live feed of a man in a coffin and a timer in view.
The previous night Patterson had been called to a buried body by the Thames, looks like a dismembered head, but the whole corpse is present. The body buried under shingle. The victim is muslim and has a five point star carved in his forehead.
Patterson is called into the main office as those present realise what they are watching. Patterson looks at the images on screen and sees a five point cross carved into the victim's forehead.
He phones the new commissioner to relay this development and it goes downhill for him immediately.
Good story, nice twists and unlikely perpetraitors.

[Helen Bakunowich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

I read this book in one sitting. Not one of my favourites by this author in this series. Towards the end I was pleased to find out what actually happened to Lambert who was so intent on putting Patterson in the firing line for the perpetrator in the murder cases he was working. Having read the last in the series I was happy to find out what actually happened. Won't use spoilers here. I do like this author's books and find Patterson and Clocks entertaining .
Their rhetoric is humorous if sometimes a bit over the top.
This story was the work of a good author as in all his books he comes up with different crimes mainly by twisted minds of his characters which can be quite terrifying.

[Maggie Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Wow! I didn't see that coming. Patterson and Clocks, what a team. Two detectives working together to catch criminals, and they don't care how they do it as long as the job gets done. The police force either respect them or hate them, there is no in between.
Can't wait until Book 6 is published to find out the identity of the mystery woman. Did she kill on behalf of Patterson and Clocks? Or is she a great admirer of them?
Well worth the 5 stars.

[Mary Gillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

An excellent story as usual from Steve Parker. Very fast paced with several layers of interest. The relationship between Paterson and Clocks continues with many laugh out loud moments to lighten the tension. The dialogue between them is fantastic. I'm not going to discuss the plot, suffice to say, just read it!! Of course now we're left waiting for the next one!!!! Hurry up Steve!

[karen major · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read 1 to 4 one after the other, but got a bit bored with Clocks bad boy/funny man act at this point...but after a while I thought I should read the final one in the box set. I'm glad I did, as his joking grew on me again...I think this may have been shorter than the other books and I have to say, I loved it. But what an ending!! I had an inkling a while back as to who the copycat killer is...and now I'm fairly sure I know who she is, but we shall see...

[Brian Murgatroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another top novel..

Steve Parker has excelled with another novel,Their dying breath.I have read quite a lot of his 📚books and there is more to come and I have a lot of pleasure reading his books.The storylines are thrilling,the police characters and investigations are tops.I do recommend this and all the others the author has written,the publication company have a lot to offer in book and budget prices.😎😎

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The tension builds up until you are literally gripping the edge of your seat, wondering what's going to come next. I am already anticipating reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really great thriller.

[Judith Cranswick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though there is much to like in this fast-paced story with a fascinating and complex plot, I found foul-mouthed DS Jonny Clocks totally unbelievable. I'm all for fully rounded characters, even those that break the mould as indeed does Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson, but Clocks is a step too far. Even Paterson seems an inconsistent individual. It spoilt my enjoyment of the book.

[Miss J Dorrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great read. Loving all the Paterson , Clocks books. Violent police thriller where you spend half the time wondering how Paterson and Clocks are still on the force. They disobey all orders and do anything it takes to catch the Killer whether it's but the book or not they don't care

[bandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner!!

Another amazing novel! This, like his other novels, does NOT dissappoint! The ending was handled so well by Paterson. These guys are great coppers with heart and guts. The way the crimes are solved and handled are realistic. All I csn say is, Steve Parker must have been s GREAT policeman to write such action, realistic novels!!

[Shaleah Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

5th in the series from Steve Parker, Det. Patterson and Clocks are at it again with their questionable methods that always deliver. Such an emotional rollercoaster in every book. After a couple of these books you know these characters and are always on their side. Always getting results it's satisfying to get to the bottom of everything and get the bad ones put away.

[Elva Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Dying Breath (Detective Ray Paterson Crime Thrillers Book 5)

I don’t know how he does it but each book gets better and better. The ideas the script and the time lines. It all adds up a very clever Author. I just can’t put the books he writes down so I can definitely recommend these books for you to read.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another great story in the Patterson And Clocks series. Full of action ,great characters who are very unorthodox,and lots of twists and turns. An ending I did not see coming and left me wondering if there would be more in the series.

[Michele Zito]

Cannot finish. I have read all others featuring these two detectives, and I find that it is repetitious in the manner they solve cases and the language from the second detective was starting to turn me off.
Sorry.

[Zoe Millward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of books never disappoint!! I absolutely loved this book, like those that preceded it. A great storyline that had me itching to read on and DI Clocks had me laughing out loud on number of occasions. Strongly recommend.