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Killing Pretties
Detective Sergeant Khenan Malice is a rubbish ex-husband, a crap father but a damned good detective. It’s a shame he spoils his only redeeming quality by being a bent copper. Detective Kelly Pietersen joins the team to help find a missing woman. But Kelly has a secret... Damien Kaplan is a leading criminal barrister and a keen amateur potter. He also happens to be a serial killer with a chilling approach to creating his art. He’s married to Elsa, though she considers him more of a possession than a husband. She controls those around her using sex and procures men and women for her husband to play with but only after she’s finished with them first. Killing Pretties is his passion, having sex with them is hers. It is difficult to say which one is worse. The missing woman brings all four crashing together – an incendiary mix that doesn’t end well.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2020
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186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 30, 2020
Rob Ashman returns with a brand new series in which we are introduced to Detective Sargeant Khenan Malice, and if this opening instalment is anything to go by this is going to be a completely unmissable series. It is undoubtedly his most deliciously depraved thriller to date. Prominent criminal barrister Damien Kaplan has everything one could possibly want in life; a successful career, more money than most and a wife, Elsa, who understands and accommodates his increasingly unorthodox needs. One of those needs fulfilled with Elsa’s help is his penchant for ”pretties”, the vacant airhead types that have become a dime a dozen on social media and who live above their means with no interest in working a 9-5 job to earn a crust like most folks. Seeing them as inferior due to their meaningless lifestyles, Damien feels he's doing the world a favour by having Elsa seduce and abduct them to use as playthings. DS Malice and partner Kelly Pietersen start a search for one of the missing women taken by the Kaplan’s but soon come to the realisation that many more have also disappeared locally.
This is hard-hitting, gritty and exceptionally twisted crime fiction with one of the most riveting plots I have read in a long time. It's dark, disturbing and turns on its head how we usually perceive people in law enforcement and the legal profession. I also found it refreshing that Ashman casts a female as one of the merciless perpetrators as most of the time it seems men are the ones filling the negative roles in thrillers. The way the psychopathic couple try to outdo and undermine each other makes for captivating reading; it's the quickest I've raced through a story of late and is the very definition of a page-turner. I rarely get this giddy over a book but it had me on the edge from first page through to last with ample twists and turns and engaging and deeply disturbed characters. Well written and unbearably tense at times, Ashman shows he knows exactly what his readers are looking for and provides it in spades. Don't pass up the opportunity if you get the chance to pick this up. It does not disappoint.
This is hard-hitting, gritty and exceptionally twisted crime fiction with one of the most riveting plots I have read in a long time. It's dark, disturbing and turns on its head how we usually perceive people in law enforcement and the legal profession. I also found it refreshing that Ashman casts a female as one of the merciless perpetrators as most of the time it seems men are the ones filling the negative roles in thrillers. The way the psychopathic couple try to outdo and undermine each other makes for captivating reading; it's the quickest I've raced through a story of late and is the very definition of a page-turner. I rarely get this giddy over a book but it had me on the edge from first page through to last with ample twists and turns and engaging and deeply disturbed characters. Well written and unbearably tense at times, Ashman shows he knows exactly what his readers are looking for and provides it in spades. Don't pass up the opportunity if you get the chance to pick this up. It does not disappoint.
July 24, 2020
I read this book a couple of months ago, and I still think about it even now. The title and the cover got me, and when I read the description, I had to give this thing a whirl, and I'm very glad I did.
From any angle this is an unusual book.
I am trying to think of ways to tell you how engrossed I was without giving anything away. But I can tell you about the characters and how much I adored them. And I adored them because they were all so plausible, and each was well constructed and very believable too - especially the baddies who were so well put together by Rob Ashman, that I wondered if he'd had experience of their... hobbies.
The only downside for the baddies - for me - was that they didn't get to perform more; I enjoyed their company so much and enjoyed their pass-times immensely.
The star of the show, of course, is DS Malice. Initially, I thought he might turn out to be a bit of a cliche, but I was happily proved wrong there, and I also enjoyed spending time in his company. He is a character who, again, is well-constructed, with enough going on in his personal and professional lives to leave the reader in a spin - a pleasant spin. I liked his bravery and I liked his morals too, and I liked how he ran the show how he saw fit.
Looking forward to reading more by Rob Ashman.
From any angle this is an unusual book.
I am trying to think of ways to tell you how engrossed I was without giving anything away. But I can tell you about the characters and how much I adored them. And I adored them because they were all so plausible, and each was well constructed and very believable too - especially the baddies who were so well put together by Rob Ashman, that I wondered if he'd had experience of their... hobbies.
The only downside for the baddies - for me - was that they didn't get to perform more; I enjoyed their company so much and enjoyed their pass-times immensely.
The star of the show, of course, is DS Malice. Initially, I thought he might turn out to be a bit of a cliche, but I was happily proved wrong there, and I also enjoyed spending time in his company. He is a character who, again, is well-constructed, with enough going on in his personal and professional lives to leave the reader in a spin - a pleasant spin. I liked his bravery and I liked his morals too, and I liked how he ran the show how he saw fit.
Looking forward to reading more by Rob Ashman.
March 30, 2020
When Damien meets Elsa, it’s not long before they marry. They both have secrets, she likes to sleep around and he likes to kill ‘pretties’. It doesn’t take long for them to combine the two. The mind games Elsa plays with Damien are very clever, they both think they can outsmart each other.
DS Khenan Malice and newcomer Detective Kelly Pietersen are struggling to find out what has happened to missing Belinda Garrett, it’s as though she has disappeared into thin air. Eventually they realise that Belinda is not the only missing person.
This is an excellent start to a new series. I love how twisted Damien and Elsa are, brilliant writing. I was hooked from the very start, a real page turner. In amongst the darkness, there is much needed humour too. This author deserves the sick and twisted tag that he is given. I highly recommend this book.
DS Khenan Malice and newcomer Detective Kelly Pietersen are struggling to find out what has happened to missing Belinda Garrett, it’s as though she has disappeared into thin air. Eventually they realise that Belinda is not the only missing person.
This is an excellent start to a new series. I love how twisted Damien and Elsa are, brilliant writing. I was hooked from the very start, a real page turner. In amongst the darkness, there is much needed humour too. This author deserves the sick and twisted tag that he is given. I highly recommend this book.
August 24, 2020
Another excellent book by Rob Ashman. He is rapidly becoming the leading author of despicable characters I love to hate. A new pairing of Detectives Malice and Pieterson, well rounded and relatable and I am excited to read the rest in this series.
This book is well written and the storylines whilst gory are entertaining and realistic. Another not for the faint hearted.
This book is well written and the storylines whilst gory are entertaining and realistic. Another not for the faint hearted.
June 30, 2020
This is the first book in the detective Khenan Malice series
Damien and Elsa meet and realise they can combine their twisted lust for sex and murder together and soon marry. This is a couple you definitely don't want to meet although I did quite like Elsa
Malice himself is an enigma is he bent for good or bad?
I loved the style of writing the twists the turns and there's even a bit of humour thrown in. A brilliant start to a new series I loved it so much I've ordered book 2 highly recommend
Damien and Elsa meet and realise they can combine their twisted lust for sex and murder together and soon marry. This is a couple you definitely don't want to meet although I did quite like Elsa
Malice himself is an enigma is he bent for good or bad?
I loved the style of writing the twists the turns and there's even a bit of humour thrown in. A brilliant start to a new series I loved it so much I've ordered book 2 highly recommend
March 31, 2020
4.5 ⭐️ ’OMFG’ God The ‘king’ of twisted crime thrillers is back! Rob Ashman is one of my ‘turn to authors’ when I’m looking to read a dark crime thriller and Killing Pretties is unquestionably his darkest book yet! The authors latest heart thumping crime thriller has all the elements I enjoy, a protagonist whose beyond twisted, gory crime scenes, a tense plot, and a style of writing that is sharp and to the point. The authors draws the reader in with a shocking opening chapter, that’s full of promise and sets the dark tone of the book. The good news is this is a brand new series featuring DS Malice, so there’s no backlog of books to catch up on.
There’s no need for me to give a recap on the plot, as the book description pretty much covers it, so let’s move on to the characters, starting with Detective Sergeant Khenan Malice. I have a feeling Malice is a character reader’s will have a love hate relationship with, he wouldn’t win a father or husband of the year award, he’s considered to be a good Detective but he’s also bent. Normally in a crime thriller Detectives are sterotyped, ‘the conventional good guys’, so it makes a change to have a character who will freely cross the line, it means that Malice is unreliable, and unpredictable.
The author takes a bold step and reveals the serial killer Damien Kaplan from the off, and ‘oh my giddy aunt’ twisted doesn’t even cover it! Sick, depraved, and warped spring to mind. Kaplan is enigma on one hand he’s smart, funny, clever and sought after crime barrister, and then there’s the dark side of his character. He has a disturbing relationship with his wife Elsa, let’s just say it’s a ‘match made in hell’, a relationship that reminded me of the infamous Rose and Fred West, spine chilling to say the least! The nature of this book made for an uncomfortable read, and yet at the same time I read on with morbid curiosity, I’m a sucker for a well depicted serial killer! Killing Pretties is fast-paced, gruesome, and shocking, there are so many ‘OMFG’ moments that I’m sure I read most of the book with my mouth open!
Thank god for Rob Ashman’s twisted imagination, he has such a vivid and dare I say fertile imagination I do wonder how he manages to sleep at night! No one can ever say his books are ‘boring’ that’s for sure! This isn’t a book that I would recommend to those of a nervous disposition, as there are sexual scenes (although not in the romantic sense) included. But if you aren’t averse to a dark crime thriller with blood and guts, and you enjoy a dark, twisted read then it’s one I would happily encourage you to buy.
There’s no need for me to give a recap on the plot, as the book description pretty much covers it, so let’s move on to the characters, starting with Detective Sergeant Khenan Malice. I have a feeling Malice is a character reader’s will have a love hate relationship with, he wouldn’t win a father or husband of the year award, he’s considered to be a good Detective but he’s also bent. Normally in a crime thriller Detectives are sterotyped, ‘the conventional good guys’, so it makes a change to have a character who will freely cross the line, it means that Malice is unreliable, and unpredictable.
The author takes a bold step and reveals the serial killer Damien Kaplan from the off, and ‘oh my giddy aunt’ twisted doesn’t even cover it! Sick, depraved, and warped spring to mind. Kaplan is enigma on one hand he’s smart, funny, clever and sought after crime barrister, and then there’s the dark side of his character. He has a disturbing relationship with his wife Elsa, let’s just say it’s a ‘match made in hell’, a relationship that reminded me of the infamous Rose and Fred West, spine chilling to say the least! The nature of this book made for an uncomfortable read, and yet at the same time I read on with morbid curiosity, I’m a sucker for a well depicted serial killer! Killing Pretties is fast-paced, gruesome, and shocking, there are so many ‘OMFG’ moments that I’m sure I read most of the book with my mouth open!
Thank god for Rob Ashman’s twisted imagination, he has such a vivid and dare I say fertile imagination I do wonder how he manages to sleep at night! No one can ever say his books are ‘boring’ that’s for sure! This isn’t a book that I would recommend to those of a nervous disposition, as there are sexual scenes (although not in the romantic sense) included. But if you aren’t averse to a dark crime thriller with blood and guts, and you enjoy a dark, twisted read then it’s one I would happily encourage you to buy.
March 26, 2020
Being a huge fan of this authors work, I know I am guaranteed a thrilling and twisted read. I hadn’t bargained though on the author upping the bar he sets, making this is his most twisted yet.
Damien and Elsa are one of the strangest and scariest couples I have ever come across in a novel. They are both power hungry and make for a good match. Both are warped and you sure wouldn’t want to ever come across their paths.
The first half of the story concentrates more on Damien and Elsa and how they choose their victims and play with them. Oh my goodness it made for some exhilarating reading. The second half, we get to see more of Malice and Pietersen. I was drawn more to Malice as I felt like I connected with him quite quickly. It did concern me that he is a bit dodgy when it comes to his career. Even after finishing the book, I’m not sure how I feel about his choices, saying that, I love him as a character.
Killing Pretties is one dark, exhilarating novel that grabbed me from the opening page, not letting go of it’s hold on me until the very last one. If you are a fan of this genre, how can you not love when an author takes the twistedeness to the next level? It feels weird saying I had so much fun and enjoyment reading this when it involves murders but I did. I seriously can not recommend this author and his books enough. They are brilliant and begging to be read.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anwyay.
Damien and Elsa are one of the strangest and scariest couples I have ever come across in a novel. They are both power hungry and make for a good match. Both are warped and you sure wouldn’t want to ever come across their paths.
The first half of the story concentrates more on Damien and Elsa and how they choose their victims and play with them. Oh my goodness it made for some exhilarating reading. The second half, we get to see more of Malice and Pietersen. I was drawn more to Malice as I felt like I connected with him quite quickly. It did concern me that he is a bit dodgy when it comes to his career. Even after finishing the book, I’m not sure how I feel about his choices, saying that, I love him as a character.
Killing Pretties is one dark, exhilarating novel that grabbed me from the opening page, not letting go of it’s hold on me until the very last one. If you are a fan of this genre, how can you not love when an author takes the twistedeness to the next level? It feels weird saying I had so much fun and enjoyment reading this when it involves murders but I did. I seriously can not recommend this author and his books enough. They are brilliant and begging to be read.
My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anwyay.
March 30, 2020
Rob Ashman's books are never for the faint-hearted and this one is no exception, but if you're up to it, prepare to be blown away by a twisted tale of huge proportions. The blurb tells pretty much all there is to know about this book. Damien Kaplan defines Pretties as "guilty of breathing air that is meant for others" and when you read early on "Finding body parts in the wall cavity of our house was not the worst thing to happen that day" I defy anyone to be able to put this book down before finishing it. I was certainly glued to it!! DS Khenan Malice might not be entirely straight but it remains to be seen if he is bent in a good way or a bad way. He's a very likeable character despite his short-comings and a good partnership quickly develops between him and the newly transferred Pietersen who is proving to be an efficient detective. The story is told from the two very different sides of the police investigations into drug crimes on the notorious Claxton Estate and also a missing person enquiry, together with hearing about past and present events related by Damien, creepily justifying his life and acts as if it were perfectly normal. It leaves the reader fully aware of what's happening, with the added frisson of knowing things that each side is unaware of. The reader is left waiting for the detectives to make all the grisly connections as the story accelerates to an exciting finish with plenty of twists and surprises along the way. Superb, 5* and I wish I could give it more!! The great news is that book 2 featuring DS Khenan Malice will be out in May!
April 4, 2020
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I LOVE this authors books and I was thrilled to see that he had a new series out!!
This is the first book in the series, Killing Pretties and it is a stunning start to the series! Everything about the book worked for me from the chilling cover, through to the excellently developed characters, the superb plot and the cracking ending!! (Can you tell I liked it??!!)
I thought that the team was excellent and I really enjoyed getting to meet them and I can’t wait to see how their relationships develop as more back stories come to light as the series progresses too. They were great and their interaction was perfect for the book.
The author has a brilliant writing style, he knows exactly how to write a book so well suited to this genre and the pace was perfect – it was such a page turner and I was addicted!
It is 5 stars from me for this one without any hesitation and I CANNOT wait to read the next book in the series, this was completely unputdownable and I read it the same evening I started it – a superbly crafted thriller – bring on the next one!!
I LOVE this authors books and I was thrilled to see that he had a new series out!!
This is the first book in the series, Killing Pretties and it is a stunning start to the series! Everything about the book worked for me from the chilling cover, through to the excellently developed characters, the superb plot and the cracking ending!! (Can you tell I liked it??!!)
I thought that the team was excellent and I really enjoyed getting to meet them and I can’t wait to see how their relationships develop as more back stories come to light as the series progresses too. They were great and their interaction was perfect for the book.
The author has a brilliant writing style, he knows exactly how to write a book so well suited to this genre and the pace was perfect – it was such a page turner and I was addicted!
It is 5 stars from me for this one without any hesitation and I CANNOT wait to read the next book in the series, this was completely unputdownable and I read it the same evening I started it – a superbly crafted thriller – bring on the next one!!
June 12, 2020
Already one of my favourite authors, this is a new series with Malice, a bent cop and his new sidekick. A young girl is reported missing. Her overnight case is gone but her phone is left behind.
Elsa and Damien (these names are genius, a little detail but honestly brilliant) are a strange couple. They are what would be called swingers although generally its Elsa that has her fun first then when she gets bored passes them on to her husband.
Malice is worried as all of his drug informants start dropping dead, his family are threatened and his new partner seems to be taking a keen interest.
There are lots of plates spinning but the way each story line works out is brilliant. The uncovering of one of the baddies so shocking. A must read.
Elsa and Damien (these names are genius, a little detail but honestly brilliant) are a strange couple. They are what would be called swingers although generally its Elsa that has her fun first then when she gets bored passes them on to her husband.
Malice is worried as all of his drug informants start dropping dead, his family are threatened and his new partner seems to be taking a keen interest.
There are lots of plates spinning but the way each story line works out is brilliant. The uncovering of one of the baddies so shocking. A must read.
July 6, 2020
Husband and wife pairing Damien and Elsa have a secret life to feed their various addictions and when they come under the microscope of DI Malice and new sidekick Kelly Pietersen, the cracks steadily show in their "perfect" marriage. This is a cracking story that hurtles along at a speedy pace. It's dark, gritty and graphic with the story being told from the viewpoint of Damien and the police investigation and definitely a book that I would highly recommend.
November 10, 2020
One of the best books that I’ve ever read! Gripping throughout but not for the faint-hearted! Highly recommended and an easy 5 ⭐️
December 27, 2020
3.5
Good storylines - one personal, one professional. Cosy crime it isn't - parts reminded me of early Jo Nesbo. Even though Malice is a bent cop he is quite likeable.
Good storylines - one personal, one professional. Cosy crime it isn't - parts reminded me of early Jo Nesbo. Even though Malice is a bent cop he is quite likeable.
May 21, 2020
Malice, awful, boring, bland character that I had no interest in. Elsa & her husband slightly more entertaining. She entices everyone with sex,he kills them when she is finished playing with them. Still didn’t really hold my attention. Words on a page that Couldn’t hold my attention. Definitely not a psychological thriller, not even a thriller, yet another damp squib that Ive wasted time reading. Can’t anyone write books like Chris Carter, J A Kerley anymore.
March 31, 2020
I was so happy to see that this author was starting a new series. I wasn’t disappointed. I’m fact I sat up all night reading it as I couldn’t put it down.
DS Malice is not our normal kinda cop...he’s bent. I’m gonna stop myself there as I don’t want to rehash the blurb or give any spoilers. I will say this is a dark twisted read that I was gripped from start to finish.
This has got to be my favourite of this authors so far. Fantastic read and I can’t wait to read more from him.
DS Malice is not our normal kinda cop...he’s bent. I’m gonna stop myself there as I don’t want to rehash the blurb or give any spoilers. I will say this is a dark twisted read that I was gripped from start to finish.
This has got to be my favourite of this authors so far. Fantastic read and I can’t wait to read more from him.
October 19, 2020
Wow wow wow another fabulous book my the master Rob Ashman. This is the introduction to DI Malice. So many twists and turns and some that certainly make you wince. A very different story from anything I’ve read recently. Absolutely top marks from me
April 1, 2020
I have read a few of Rob's books now and I have really, really enjoyed them. I read the synopsis for 'Killing Pretties' and it certainly sounded like another amazing read. Oh it was certainly that and so much more. I thoroughly enjoyed 'Killing Pretties' but more about that in a bit.
DS Khenan Malice has to be one of the most memorable police officers I have come across. He is so unlike the person I had imagined him to be. Ok so he has his personal issues but then which detective doesn't. Malice also has a little sideline business going on and I did wonder how that would tally with his professional life. Malice seems to like getting into scrapes although I don't know whether or not he goes looking for trouble. Malice was married but is now divorced and he is the father to a young girl. He wasn't the best of husbands and he isn't the best of fathers but he is trying his best to rectify that. What you can't argue with is the fact that Malice is one hell of a detective and then some. I actually warmed to him a bit even though I was reluctant to because of his sideline. There is nothing remotely likeable about Damien Kaplan who really did give me the heebie jeebies and he sent more than one shiver down my spine. He certainly has a 'unique' way of disposing of the body parts of his victims. I certainly won't look at certain items in the same way again. I'm not going to go into any further detail about him because I would hate to spoil the book for anybody.
I became addicted to this book from the moment I read the synopsis and when I started reading the story that was it! Everything else had to be put on the back burner as I was simply unable to put this book down. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I didn't want to miss a single second of the story even if certain details made me shiver. The pages turned quickly as I raced my way through the book. I read this book over the course of a day, which is spectacularly quick for me even if I do say so myself. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case. I was able to shut out all other distractions and focus solely on the book, well I did have to see just how much more gruesome the story was going to see.
'Killing Pretties' is brilliantly written but then I have found that to be true of all of Rob's books. He certainly knows how to grab your attention with an eye catching synopsis and a memorable lead character. For me, 'Killing Pretties' is perfectly paced. The story hits the ground running and maintains the fast pace throughout. Reading this book felt very much like being on one hell of a fast, scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns along the way. There were almost times where I had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next or what awaited me over the page.
In short, 'Killing Pretties' is one seriously fantastically gruesome and chilling read and I ADORED every single second of it. I loved this introduction to DS Malice and I look forward to meeting him again- here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait hint, hint. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
DS Khenan Malice has to be one of the most memorable police officers I have come across. He is so unlike the person I had imagined him to be. Ok so he has his personal issues but then which detective doesn't. Malice also has a little sideline business going on and I did wonder how that would tally with his professional life. Malice seems to like getting into scrapes although I don't know whether or not he goes looking for trouble. Malice was married but is now divorced and he is the father to a young girl. He wasn't the best of husbands and he isn't the best of fathers but he is trying his best to rectify that. What you can't argue with is the fact that Malice is one hell of a detective and then some. I actually warmed to him a bit even though I was reluctant to because of his sideline. There is nothing remotely likeable about Damien Kaplan who really did give me the heebie jeebies and he sent more than one shiver down my spine. He certainly has a 'unique' way of disposing of the body parts of his victims. I certainly won't look at certain items in the same way again. I'm not going to go into any further detail about him because I would hate to spoil the book for anybody.
I became addicted to this book from the moment I read the synopsis and when I started reading the story that was it! Everything else had to be put on the back burner as I was simply unable to put this book down. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I didn't want to miss a single second of the story even if certain details made me shiver. The pages turned quickly as I raced my way through the book. I read this book over the course of a day, which is spectacularly quick for me even if I do say so myself. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case. I was able to shut out all other distractions and focus solely on the book, well I did have to see just how much more gruesome the story was going to see.
'Killing Pretties' is brilliantly written but then I have found that to be true of all of Rob's books. He certainly knows how to grab your attention with an eye catching synopsis and a memorable lead character. For me, 'Killing Pretties' is perfectly paced. The story hits the ground running and maintains the fast pace throughout. Reading this book felt very much like being on one hell of a fast, scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with lots of twists and turns along the way. There were almost times where I had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next or what awaited me over the page.
In short, 'Killing Pretties' is one seriously fantastically gruesome and chilling read and I ADORED every single second of it. I loved this introduction to DS Malice and I look forward to meeting him again- here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait hint, hint. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
April 2, 2020
This is one of those books that make you go “Wow!”, I say wow because there were several times I actually said more than just Wow and it is about the only word that wasn’t a swear word!!!
Where to start… well… this is a police procedural that is so well written. This author knows how to write a baddie that’s for sure!
There are several key characters in this book, DS Malice (what an excellent name I might add), is not exactly a by the book copper, he is good but also not that squeaky clean as all is made clear in the story. He is joined by DC Kelly Pieterson, another good copper who has great gut instincts. These two are caught up in a missing person case and also the death of a local drug dealer.
The husband and wife team of Damien and Elsa Kaplan are great, but as the synopsis tells you, this is not the normal sort of husband and wife team.
At this point I know that I am re-hashing the synopsis, but, I am still trying to get my head around trying to write a review that does this book the justice it deserves…
This is a crime thriller that does have a good psychological aspect to it, the Kaplan’s are very different and definitely add a macabre twist to the story. In some ways, the synopsis is quite detailed in what you are going to get, but this is a story that is very much about the journey.
There are some details in the story that made me curl my toes, I do think this is one for a reader that likes a more hardcore crime thriller read, the details are relevant if a bit twisted.
The story fills in details of the past for the Kaplan’s and this is a great way of getting to know this couple and their vices. I like the team of Malice and Pieterson, they make a good combination and they seem to suit each other as far as being a team goes.
An absolutely, amazingly brilliant read that I found totally addictive, a must for hard-boiled crime thriller readers and the start of a new series, I cannot wait for more. Killing Pretties is a twisted read that I would Highly Recommend and you really need to go and yourself a copy ASAP!
Where to start… well… this is a police procedural that is so well written. This author knows how to write a baddie that’s for sure!
There are several key characters in this book, DS Malice (what an excellent name I might add), is not exactly a by the book copper, he is good but also not that squeaky clean as all is made clear in the story. He is joined by DC Kelly Pieterson, another good copper who has great gut instincts. These two are caught up in a missing person case and also the death of a local drug dealer.
The husband and wife team of Damien and Elsa Kaplan are great, but as the synopsis tells you, this is not the normal sort of husband and wife team.
At this point I know that I am re-hashing the synopsis, but, I am still trying to get my head around trying to write a review that does this book the justice it deserves…
This is a crime thriller that does have a good psychological aspect to it, the Kaplan’s are very different and definitely add a macabre twist to the story. In some ways, the synopsis is quite detailed in what you are going to get, but this is a story that is very much about the journey.
There are some details in the story that made me curl my toes, I do think this is one for a reader that likes a more hardcore crime thriller read, the details are relevant if a bit twisted.
The story fills in details of the past for the Kaplan’s and this is a great way of getting to know this couple and their vices. I like the team of Malice and Pieterson, they make a good combination and they seem to suit each other as far as being a team goes.
An absolutely, amazingly brilliant read that I found totally addictive, a must for hard-boiled crime thriller readers and the start of a new series, I cannot wait for more. Killing Pretties is a twisted read that I would Highly Recommend and you really need to go and yourself a copy ASAP!
March 30, 2020
4 Stars from me
Killing Pretties does exactly what it says on the tin but with an unhealthy mix of swinging, torture, lies and corruption thrown in!
I would have loved to have seen the faces of the author's friends and family when they first read this book...
Khenan Malice is a superb character, flawed as hell and happy to operate by fair means or foul.
I have to confess that my favourite characters, however, were actually the Kaplans. They were so incredibly messed up and yet somehow managed to find each other - as an aside, that is something I've always found fascinating in general, how do the likes Brady/Hindley, the Wests etc find their 'kindred spirits'?
Kelly Pietersen's character was a good one, I look forward to reading more about her in future stories - she was a slower burn for me than Malice but I liked her by the end and thought they made a good pairing.
Elsa was fabulously awful throughout the story. She oozes sexuality and knows it and uses it, is obsessed with power and appears utterly devoid of any empathy for others. Why she was this way never really came to light. Damian, however, was a sad and broken individual who at times was almost likeable and certainly the more relatable of the two. It felt as though with a different upbringing - and had he never have met Elsa - he could potentially have led a normal life.
The pottery was a wonderful touch.
Are we all just two steps from madness?
My thanks to BOTBSPublicity and Rob Ashman for letting me take part in this blog tour.
Killing Pretties does exactly what it says on the tin but with an unhealthy mix of swinging, torture, lies and corruption thrown in!
I would have loved to have seen the faces of the author's friends and family when they first read this book...
Khenan Malice is a superb character, flawed as hell and happy to operate by fair means or foul.
I have to confess that my favourite characters, however, were actually the Kaplans. They were so incredibly messed up and yet somehow managed to find each other - as an aside, that is something I've always found fascinating in general, how do the likes Brady/Hindley, the Wests etc find their 'kindred spirits'?
Kelly Pietersen's character was a good one, I look forward to reading more about her in future stories - she was a slower burn for me than Malice but I liked her by the end and thought they made a good pairing.
Elsa was fabulously awful throughout the story. She oozes sexuality and knows it and uses it, is obsessed with power and appears utterly devoid of any empathy for others. Why she was this way never really came to light. Damian, however, was a sad and broken individual who at times was almost likeable and certainly the more relatable of the two. It felt as though with a different upbringing - and had he never have met Elsa - he could potentially have led a normal life.
The pottery was a wonderful touch.
Are we all just two steps from madness?
My thanks to BOTBSPublicity and Rob Ashman for letting me take part in this blog tour.
April 5, 2020
A massive thank you to @BOTBSPublicity and @RobAshmanAuthor for making me a part of the blog tour for Killing Pretties, Rob's newest release, which is also the first book in a new series!!!Music to my ears! Thus book introduces us to D.S Khenan Malice so good of a police officer that his only problem in the force is that, unbeknown to his colleagues, he is as bent as they come! Everything else in his life is falling apart but his job! Then we have Damien Kaplan, leading criminal barrister with a few hobbies of which he takes just as much interest in. These hobbies range from being a keen amateur potter,all the way to "collecting" and killing pretty things! His wife, Elsa is absolutely gorgeous and knows it too! She loves to get her own way, anything that Elsa wants Elsa gets but Damien always makes his mark in his own cruel and sinister way.
A woman is reported missing and Malice is partnered up with Detective Kelly Pieterson, a woman who can find a liar as soon as she sees them but she does have her own secrets .What a duo!!
As always with Rob Ashman he doesn't let us down. If you are at all faint hearted or squeamish please don't pick this book up! This duo introduced to us in this book are definitely depraved enough for me. What a scary rollercoaster of a book this was.It gave chills while at the same time I needed to know what was going to happen so I just couldn't put it down, A definite 5 stars from me!
A woman is reported missing and Malice is partnered up with Detective Kelly Pieterson, a woman who can find a liar as soon as she sees them but she does have her own secrets .What a duo!!
As always with Rob Ashman he doesn't let us down. If you are at all faint hearted or squeamish please don't pick this book up! This duo introduced to us in this book are definitely depraved enough for me. What a scary rollercoaster of a book this was.It gave chills while at the same time I needed to know what was going to happen so I just couldn't put it down, A definite 5 stars from me!
June 19, 2020
I have enjoyed reading Robs books in the past and was really excited to hear that he has started a brand new series with a new host of characters. This series stars DS Khenan Malice as the new investigator, who has a lot of personal and professional problems, which make him an interesting character.
The book is a very dark one which follows DS malice as he tries to catch two psychopaths, one who loves to have lots of sex with people and her husband who disposes of the lovers once she has got bored of them.
I really enjoyed reading the book, even though it is extremely haunting in places, which could put some readers off, or make others really want to read it.
I think one of the main differences about this book and other detective ones is that not only does Malice have a troubled past with his ex wife but he is also very corrupt and has sidelines topping up his police salary, which you don’t normally find with the ‘good guys’.
We also find out the main criminals early one, which allows us to have more of an insight into why they do what they do and also to really get to know them, again this is not normally something you see in these type of books.
Overall it is another great book by Rob and I can’t wait to read more in the series.
The book is a very dark one which follows DS malice as he tries to catch two psychopaths, one who loves to have lots of sex with people and her husband who disposes of the lovers once she has got bored of them.
I really enjoyed reading the book, even though it is extremely haunting in places, which could put some readers off, or make others really want to read it.
I think one of the main differences about this book and other detective ones is that not only does Malice have a troubled past with his ex wife but he is also very corrupt and has sidelines topping up his police salary, which you don’t normally find with the ‘good guys’.
We also find out the main criminals early one, which allows us to have more of an insight into why they do what they do and also to really get to know them, again this is not normally something you see in these type of books.
Overall it is another great book by Rob and I can’t wait to read more in the series.
March 16, 2020
Damien is a successful criminal barrister.He owns three houses and wants for nothing in life. One of his loves is pottery where he uses unusual glazes that often win awards and comments for their uniqueness. Damiens other love is the “pretties”- people who lead a vacuous life, also wanting for nothing but also doing very little other than the “look at me” rounds of launches and social media. His wife Elsa arranges for the pretties to come to Damien by seducing them. DS Malice has a new partner in Kelly Pieterson and he is investigating a murder alongside a missing woman. Malice has his own issues with his ex wife and also has a side line to top up his police salary. I really enjoyed this. Rob has the talent for quickly getting you into the plot and wonderful characters that have that something more about them. I liked Malice and Pieterson came over as a woman not to be trifled with. Damien and Elsa however were quite something else! A brilliant captivating plot (in all senses!) and I sense there may be more to come from Malice and Peiterson- I look forward to it very much.
March 30, 2020
Rob Ashman never ceases to amaze me with his writing . Unique, creative plotting and wonderfully colourful characters. Killing Pretties grabbed my attention immediately and I couldn't put it down. It is jaw dropping and eye popping. Nothing is held back from this authors imagination....he puts pen to paper and producing a thrilling read. So have an open mind when reading this book. Not for the young, it would frighten them to death. Not for the elderly either come to that....for the same reason! There is enough in the blurb to give you an outline of the story so I dare not add anymore in fear of creating spoilers. The storyline....well I imagine that this could really happen...maybe it has, and that's scary!! All I can say is get yourself comfy, lock the door and prepare yourself for a chilling breathtaking read. Oh, and you might want to order yourself a takeaway instead of defrosting something from the freezer! Enjoy.
April 11, 2020
This has got to be the most twisted, dark and depraved book I’ve ever read. I have to say, I loved it!! The two characters, Damien and Elsa were well matched, power crazed individuals who selfishly thought of no one but themselves. You certainly wouldn’t want either for your new best friends. Saying that,I did find some parts very amusing and they made me laugh, perhaps I’m odd too.....especially where kilns, pottery and glaze come together, you just know what’s going to happen! This book kept me up all night, I put it down, and it re-surfaced in my dreams, not in a pleasant way either!
Then you have two police officers, Malice who’s bent and Kelly, a woman with a secret.
The whole book is riveting, and compelling. I tried to save it until I went to bed, but kept on reading a chapter or two in the day as well. This is not like the authors other books it’s grim!!!
Then you have two police officers, Malice who’s bent and Kelly, a woman with a secret.
The whole book is riveting, and compelling. I tried to save it until I went to bed, but kept on reading a chapter or two in the day as well. This is not like the authors other books it’s grim!!!
April 1, 2020
Damien Kaplen is a barrister with a penchant for pretty things and a love of pottery..his pottery collection is to die for...Elsa his clever beautiful petulant wife ,is a woman who knows exactly what she wants..whatever Elsa wants ..Elsa gets.What a gal..A match made in Heaven ..or possibly Hell..D.S. Khenan Malice is quite a character..kind of a bad cop with good intentions. When a woman goes missing, Malice is partnered with Detective Kelly Pieterson ..guarded, smart and secretive, Pietersen is a woman who can spot a liar from ten feet away ..Where this case leads them is to a Twisted Sick place of Depravity and Darkness. Warning ...this is not for those of a nervous disposition..Cold Dark and Visceral ...Five Black stars ...
April 1, 2020
Of all of the books I have read so far this year, this is the one to hide from the faint-hearted readers amongst us, and disturbingly one that I could not put down, so I don't what that is saying about me.
The story is about a depraved deadly duo, Damian and Elsa, an unlikely couple, she with a taste for promiscuity, and he getting his rocks off disposing of her playmates once she has had her fill, in uniquely monstrous ways.
The good news is that this is the first in a series, DS Malice, a maverick cop and his sidekick, Detective Pietersen are a winning combination and I eagerly await number two in the DS Malice series.
The story is about a depraved deadly duo, Damian and Elsa, an unlikely couple, she with a taste for promiscuity, and he getting his rocks off disposing of her playmates once she has had her fill, in uniquely monstrous ways.
The good news is that this is the first in a series, DS Malice, a maverick cop and his sidekick, Detective Pietersen are a winning combination and I eagerly await number two in the DS Malice series.
April 27, 2020
This is a brilliant read. The author has created some exceptional characters in Elsa and Damien. A really twisted couple who relish their own debaucheries and end up feeding off each others desires.
DS Khenan Malice and Detective Kelly Pietersen are tasked with finding a missing woman, Belinda Garrett. It isn’t long into their investigation that they realise that she isn’t the only woman to have disappeared. Are the cases linked?
A really good start to a new series, the dynamic between Malice and Pietersen works well and I am interested to see how this relationship develops.
DS Khenan Malice and Detective Kelly Pietersen are tasked with finding a missing woman, Belinda Garrett. It isn’t long into their investigation that they realise that she isn’t the only woman to have disappeared. Are the cases linked?
A really good start to a new series, the dynamic between Malice and Pietersen works well and I am interested to see how this relationship develops.
March 31, 2025
Killing Pretties -
Malice, a loveable bent cop, Pieterson his new partner investigate a missing person. This brings them investigating Damien & Elsa Kaplin a weird couple who call themselves swingers… but without giving the plot away, they are much more. In the meantime, Pieterson, might be a new partner, but she might have more of a story. I enjoyed the book but my only complaint was that the conclusion to the book came to an abrupt conclusion. For that I have knocked 0.25 from my score - 4.75 out of 5.
Malice, a loveable bent cop, Pieterson his new partner investigate a missing person. This brings them investigating Damien & Elsa Kaplin a weird couple who call themselves swingers… but without giving the plot away, they are much more. In the meantime, Pieterson, might be a new partner, but she might have more of a story. I enjoyed the book but my only complaint was that the conclusion to the book came to an abrupt conclusion. For that I have knocked 0.25 from my score - 4.75 out of 5.
March 30, 2020
Fantastic first in a new series. In Killing Pretties we are introduced to DS Khenan Malice, a detective who is not all he seems. Yet again this author never fails to deliver a cracking gruesome tale. Damien Kaplan and his wife are something else in this plot. His passion is killing while hers is having sex. A brilliant thrilling read that didn't hold back. A definite 5 stars and can't wait for the next in series.
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