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Tom Thorne #2
Scaredy Cat
It is almost unthinkable that a single maniac would murder two women miles apart on the same day. Yet someone followed Carol Garner home from the train station and strangled her to death in front of her three-year-old son. And, afterwards, Ruth Murray died in a similar manner. The evidence is leading Detective Inspector Tom Thorne to a stunning conclusion: there isn't only one serial killer on the prowl, but a pair of them, working in tandem. And any corpse that turns up in the future just might be accompanied by a second. To stop them both, Thorne must catch a man whose need to manipulate is as great as his need to kill; a man who will threaten those closest to Thorne himself; a man who will show him that the ability to inspire terror is the deadliest weapon of all.
417 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
480 people are currently reading
2920 people want to read
About the author
Mark Billingham
104 books2,167 followersAlso writes as Will Peterson with Peter Cocks.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews
April 28, 2022
I've got quite a few of the early Tom Thorne thrillers in a 3 for £5 deal, but so far the series hasn't quite gripped me enough to want to grab the next one on the shelf.
It's still an enjoyable police procedural and the case that dominants this second novel in the series is an interesting twist on a serial killer plot.
I think part of the reason why I'm not fully on board yet is that I'm struggling to connect with the series main protagonist in Thorne.
Hopefully the next couple will improve as I know that Billingham has a strong popular following.
It's still an enjoyable police procedural and the case that dominants this second novel in the series is an interesting twist on a serial killer plot.
I think part of the reason why I'm not fully on board yet is that I'm struggling to connect with the series main protagonist in Thorne.
Hopefully the next couple will improve as I know that Billingham has a strong popular following.
November 25, 2017
3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed the book. I has an inkling of who the killer was but then was thrown off course a bit. I ended up being right but that didn't make the book any less enjoyable. I thought the premise was clever. I am certainly going to continue the series. I see there is a movie of the first book in the series "Sleepyhead" (which I also enjoyed) and I just may watch it tonight :)
September 26, 2018
2.5 stars
I am told the series improves with time, so I shall persevere!
I am told the series improves with time, so I shall persevere!
June 21, 2017
Introduced my husband to Mark's works - you have a new fan now Mark - 5 star read for me and 5 stars from him = 10 stars
July 30, 2015
The second book in the Tom Thorne series by Birmingham born Mark Billingham. I read and enjoyed his first book in the series sometime ago and don't really know why I put off reading the sequel for so long.
Another great read and I intend to read more of this series and I am sure it will only get better as the characters develop.
The first book was very good but this was up there with it.
Another great read and I intend to read more of this series and I am sure it will only get better as the characters develop.
The first book was very good but this was up there with it.
October 13, 2017
That was close to DNF and 3 stars might be a little generous. I know it's over 10 years old but it really felt dated. Characters were 2 dimensional at best, the narrative was disjointed. The story line was interesting and maybe the redeeming feature. I certainly won't be reading another even as a holiday read. There are plenty of current UK authors who write better crime stories for me.
September 6, 2007
SCAREDY CAT (Police Procedural) – G
Mark Billingham – 2nd in series
It is almost unthinkable that a single maniac would murder two women miles apart on the same day. Yet the evidence is leading Detective Inspector Tom Thorne to a stunning conclusion: there isn't only one serial killer on the prowl, but a pair of them, working in tandem. And any corpse that turns up in the future just might be accompanied by a second. To stop them both, Thorne must catch a man whose need to manipulate is as great as his need to kill.
***Tom Thorne is a classically dark, English detective with the usually gang of very human fellow officers. But for that, I never had a real sense of the character. The plot is interesting, but so focused on character that it is way too slow at times and I found myself skimming, and when the killer is exposed I had to go back to figure out when he’d been introduced to the story. I have to admit being disappointed. It was an okay read, but nothing extraordinary.
Mark Billingham – 2nd in series
It is almost unthinkable that a single maniac would murder two women miles apart on the same day. Yet the evidence is leading Detective Inspector Tom Thorne to a stunning conclusion: there isn't only one serial killer on the prowl, but a pair of them, working in tandem. And any corpse that turns up in the future just might be accompanied by a second. To stop them both, Thorne must catch a man whose need to manipulate is as great as his need to kill.
***Tom Thorne is a classically dark, English detective with the usually gang of very human fellow officers. But for that, I never had a real sense of the character. The plot is interesting, but so focused on character that it is way too slow at times and I found myself skimming, and when the killer is exposed I had to go back to figure out when he’d been introduced to the story. I have to admit being disappointed. It was an okay read, but nothing extraordinary.
August 19, 2016
2.5 stars. I thought Billingham's first book (Sleepyhead) was a great combination of grim, gritty police procedural and creepy, macabre medical thriller. It also included a nice twist on the hackneyed serial killer theme. All of this had me eager to jump on board with Scaredy Cat, but I ended up not really enjoying the ride. With the plot a little tired, the characters a little predictable, and the villain's identity too easy to figure out, I spent most of the book annoyed that the detectives weren't catching on to the obvious. I also found an aspect of the investigation involving a confessed murderer ludicrously contrived and unbelievable. I hope #3 provides a return to the standard set in Book 1.
February 11, 2017
I'm still not convinced that I can 'connect' to the main character, London detective Tom Thorne, after reading the first two books of the series. I really want to enjoy his books as I like reading British crime novels. As with the first book, the plot is ok but the narrative is sometimes tedious as we have to endure Thorne's internal demons at regular intervals. The other thing that frustrates me in both books is the change in the story without any warning. One minute I am reading about Thorne or one of his police colleagues, the next it has seamlessly changed to, say, the murderer. I suddenly realise halfway through the paragraph what has happened. I hope the later books get better.
May 26, 2020
2003 read:
Tom Thorne book No. 2: Nearly 10 years since I read it the first time - it's the second in the series, and yet another compelling bit of British crime drama, with Thorne and co. investigating double murders miles apart that happen around the same time and one of them seemingly done by a Scaredycat. Forgotten just how good this series is. 7 out of 12.
2003 read: Thorne and team are pulled into investigate what very quickly appears to be double-murders!! Serial killers normally work alone... right? It was always going to be a tough call following up Thorne's next book after the bleak and gritty and yet very human first outing Sleepyhead,. but this book almost does it, albeit for me living off the great work building this reality in the first book. 7 out of 12.
Tom Thorne book No. 2: Nearly 10 years since I read it the first time - it's the second in the series, and yet another compelling bit of British crime drama, with Thorne and co. investigating double murders miles apart that happen around the same time and one of them seemingly done by a Scaredycat. Forgotten just how good this series is. 7 out of 12.
2003 read: Thorne and team are pulled into investigate what very quickly appears to be double-murders!! Serial killers normally work alone... right? It was always going to be a tough call following up Thorne's next book after the bleak and gritty and yet very human first outing Sleepyhead,. but this book almost does it, albeit for me living off the great work building this reality in the first book. 7 out of 12.
January 1, 2016
A prolific phys-co killer on the loose in London, which is hard to believe as almost simultaneously on the other side of town an almost exact same murder is taking place, not once but several times.
Tom Thorne and his team are getting no-where with their investigation and the killer(s) seem to almost know in advance what the police are up to. Is there a rat in the ranks? On top of this one of Thorne's trusted detectives would appear to have a drug problem.
Once again I did find that when listening to the audio version, if my attention waned a little, I lost track of the plot. To me, it was a bit convoluted (overly complicated0 but worth it.
His friendship with herndrix continues to fascinate.
Tom Thorne and his team are getting no-where with their investigation and the killer(s) seem to almost know in advance what the police are up to. Is there a rat in the ranks? On top of this one of Thorne's trusted detectives would appear to have a drug problem.
Once again I did find that when listening to the audio version, if my attention waned a little, I lost track of the plot. To me, it was a bit convoluted (overly complicated0 but worth it.
His friendship with herndrix continues to fascinate.
June 5, 2023
Thorne continues to try to uncover the murders being carried out as he discovers by two closely linked murderers. The story goes back to the childhood as Thorne discovers the first murder. I like the predictability of the characters and the changing story line. Thorne is among the likes of Rebus you can always depend on a good storyline and an unpredictable outcome.
January 25, 2019
Second in the Tom Thorne series by Mark Billingham and it's a good one.
Now, want to say first, that I was totally INTO the book the first third, then went what-the-heck-is-going-on in the second third, but then got back INTO it for the final third. It's that sort of up-and-down novel, as in where is Mr. Billingham going with this - and his MC, Thorne?
But it all fits. Killers do strange/unpredictable things. So do detectives. So do the police. So do us regular folks. What doesn't look right to us - does to someone else. Yes, it's that sort of story. One in which I kept asking myself - and the characters and the writer - questions. Unfortunately, they don't talk back unless you KEEP READING.
There's a serial killer loose in London. Whoops! There are TWO serial killers loose, sort of working in tandem. One kills in a sort of quick and quiet way; the other dwells on what he's doing. (I thought I'd seen this particular storyline on a popular Netflix police TV show, but whoops again, no I didn't. This was totally original.)
Not to mention weird, spooky, weird, scary, and complete with flashbacks set here and there. But unless you read very carefully you don't know (at first) if this is a flashback to one of the killers, Thorne himself, or someone else. Anyhow, I loved it.
As for Thorne himself, he's an irascible individual, a loner-who-likes-the-solitary-life until he doesn't. He has a back story, too, but as the good writer Mr. Billingham is, he doesn't overload it. He's not into info-dumping, just filters in what the reader needs to know when the reader needs to know it.
He can also write a bit on the 'grisly' side, but it's not so much that the average mystery reader can't take it. If anyone is looking for a mesmerizing read, with rich character detail, and a complicated story which slowly, almost painfully unwinds, then this is the series for them.
Four stars
Now, want to say first, that I was totally INTO the book the first third, then went what-the-heck-is-going-on in the second third, but then got back INTO it for the final third. It's that sort of up-and-down novel, as in where is Mr. Billingham going with this - and his MC, Thorne?
But it all fits. Killers do strange/unpredictable things. So do detectives. So do the police. So do us regular folks. What doesn't look right to us - does to someone else. Yes, it's that sort of story. One in which I kept asking myself - and the characters and the writer - questions. Unfortunately, they don't talk back unless you KEEP READING.
There's a serial killer loose in London. Whoops! There are TWO serial killers loose, sort of working in tandem. One kills in a sort of quick and quiet way; the other dwells on what he's doing. (I thought I'd seen this particular storyline on a popular Netflix police TV show, but whoops again, no I didn't. This was totally original.)
Not to mention weird, spooky, weird, scary, and complete with flashbacks set here and there. But unless you read very carefully you don't know (at first) if this is a flashback to one of the killers, Thorne himself, or someone else. Anyhow, I loved it.
As for Thorne himself, he's an irascible individual, a loner-who-likes-the-solitary-life until he doesn't. He has a back story, too, but as the good writer Mr. Billingham is, he doesn't overload it. He's not into info-dumping, just filters in what the reader needs to know when the reader needs to know it.
He can also write a bit on the 'grisly' side, but it's not so much that the average mystery reader can't take it. If anyone is looking for a mesmerizing read, with rich character detail, and a complicated story which slowly, almost painfully unwinds, then this is the series for them.
Four stars
February 21, 2014
Okay so I know this is only my second Thorne book, but in comparison to the first book this one didn’t have as much, shall we say shine, as the first one. In the first book I was quite gripped, but with this one the first quarter of the book seemed to be quite hard going. The things I love about a series, and this one as well is getting to know characters. Thorne is actually quite a hard character to get to grips with, but I actually like him more for that reason. I’m also quite fond of his colleague Holland, and in this book we see more of him than in book 1.
This latest case involves not one but two killers and the key to it all is what they struggle with. As usual the murders themselves have an air of creepiness about them (which is always a bonus in my eyes) but the actual story felt a bit boggy. I apologise for my descriptions (this is why I am a reader and NOT a writer). Do you know what I mean though, you are enjoying it, but you just feel like its all too much effort?!?
The only other reason I didn’t enjoy this as much is that I had worked the killer out by just after the halfway mark. I know this is sometimes a sticking point for people, and sometimes it irritates me and other times not so much. I think the fact that this story was plodding rather than racing, meant I fell into the ‘irritated’ group for guessing the killer. That aside, there are flashes of genius in the writing and I can see that this series is one that I bet will improve as time goes on. Although this was just middle of the road for me I’m actually looking forward to book 3.
This latest case involves not one but two killers and the key to it all is what they struggle with. As usual the murders themselves have an air of creepiness about them (which is always a bonus in my eyes) but the actual story felt a bit boggy. I apologise for my descriptions (this is why I am a reader and NOT a writer). Do you know what I mean though, you are enjoying it, but you just feel like its all too much effort?!?
The only other reason I didn’t enjoy this as much is that I had worked the killer out by just after the halfway mark. I know this is sometimes a sticking point for people, and sometimes it irritates me and other times not so much. I think the fact that this story was plodding rather than racing, meant I fell into the ‘irritated’ group for guessing the killer. That aside, there are flashes of genius in the writing and I can see that this series is one that I bet will improve as time goes on. Although this was just middle of the road for me I’m actually looking forward to book 3.
May 14, 2025
I enjoyed the second of the Thorne series but some of the actions took border on the unbelievable. The premise is there are two killers murdering people on the same day. I did like the development of the characters with Holland now his sidekick, his friendship with the pathologist and his father’s increasing dementia.
The story has some good twists with the psychopathic forensic aware killer relentless and one step ahead of the police. Written in 2002 the story stands the test of time. Thorne reminds me of Rebus in a London setting.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I have to admit I thought the murderer would turn out to be a policeman and was fooled completely. The final confrontation between Thorne and Cookson the English teacher is excellent. Palmer committing death by suicide in getting killed by the police and the drug addled death of his female colleague are full on. There also is the possibility that Cookson will escape in another book.
The story has some good twists with the psychopathic forensic aware killer relentless and one step ahead of the police. Written in 2002 the story stands the test of time. Thorne reminds me of Rebus in a London setting.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I have to admit I thought the murderer would turn out to be a policeman and was fooled completely. The final confrontation between Thorne and Cookson the English teacher is excellent. Palmer committing death by suicide in getting killed by the police and the drug addled death of his female colleague are full on. There also is the possibility that Cookson will escape in another book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2011
WOW!! What more can you say. Picked up this book in the UK as I had already read one Mark Billingham and liked it. Now I am just sad, as it seems that the UK have a TV version, and we shall have to wait to get it - if ever. I am now a confirmed fan of Mark Billingham, and his Detective Inspector Tom Thorne. I absolutely loved the characters. Thorne is flawed, irascible and irrestible. His sargent, Dave Holland, is still learning to have his heart of steel under his innocent exterior. Together they make a great pair. The plot is clever, and compelling. As an ex-Londoner I could feel the seediness of the streets and areas, because I was familiar with their location. I hope that this is also apparent to American readers. There are now several "Thorne" books, and all of us who are thriller fans have a great treat in store.
January 5, 2012
gave up listening half way.(very rare for me) ...might have something to do with the narrater... seemed to be a lot of talk without anything going on.....
May 18, 2018
I read Sleepyhead, the first book in this series, a few years ago and thought it was OK but nothing out of the ordinary - this one though I really enjoyed and look forward to reading more by Mark Billingham..
March 30, 2014
The second book in the Tom Thorne series - the first was a tough act to follow and the killer/killing wasn't as interesting as in Sleepyhead (and begged belief a bit - I never got a good sense about why ) but Billingham does a great job with the damaged Thorne (although I hope he gets a little more dimension in future books) and with showing readers "emotions are powerful things, bodies are not." (12) One thing I didn't love - Sleepyhead had some great female characters, but the women to be found here are victims or types, and I didn't love that. However, I know Billingham can write great females, so I'll give him another chance on that front. I won't rush out to buy number 3, but it's definitely on my list for when I need an airplane read.
September 13, 2021
I loved this book so much, Mark Billingham is genuinely one of the best crime/thriller writers in the world and I say that having only read two of his novels, but he's so crafty and spectacular. His plots are intricately woven and very clever; you get chills just reading about the killers he writes about and I really like Tom Thorne.
I'm not sure if you're SUPPOSED to like Tom, but honestly, he's a fantastic, interesting character. I love his investigative style, despite the fact that no one else in his department do. He takes risks, some calculated some not, some that come off, some that don't.
I loved this book so much, I'm so happy to have so many Thorne novels to get myself lost in and I'll be reading the next one really, really soon.
I'm not sure if you're SUPPOSED to like Tom, but honestly, he's a fantastic, interesting character. I love his investigative style, despite the fact that no one else in his department do. He takes risks, some calculated some not, some that come off, some that don't.
I loved this book so much, I'm so happy to have so many Thorne novels to get myself lost in and I'll be reading the next one really, really soon.
January 17, 2017
In "Scaredy Cat" Tom Thorn and his team are struggling to find a pair of serial killers. This is the book that introduces Thorn's adversary Stuart Nicklin whom we meet again in later books.
It flits between past and present, but does so in a manner that is easy to follow.
Well plotted and well written, "Scaredy Cat" is an absorbing thriller.
The final scenes are something of a shocker. I was NOT expecting that outcome.
Highly recommended.
It flits between past and present, but does so in a manner that is easy to follow.
Well plotted and well written, "Scaredy Cat" is an absorbing thriller.
The final scenes are something of a shocker. I was NOT expecting that outcome.
Highly recommended.
September 27, 2013
Couldn't enjoy these villains at all. Decided it wasn't worth the trip to see how Thorne gets 'em in the end. May try a later book in the series. I wonder if I need a list of the villains and their proclivities in order to select?
March 15, 2013
Took too long to get into, finally picked up in the 100 page area. Morbid curiosity is the only reason I finished it. Won't be reading another book by this author.
December 9, 2020
A very slow starter, and the ending just felt rushed
July 6, 2021
It didn't disappoint. Really well paced and I had no anticipation of the ending. So glad I have so many in the series to read.
September 23, 2022
Dnfed. Nope.
April 16, 2017
An enthralling thriller from 2002
London. A killer is on the loose. A young mother is murdered in front of her son and another young woman follows soon after.
DI Thorne is on the case and soon suspects that this is not a straightforward serial killer, but the work of two murderers. He pursues his investigation along these lines, meeting opposition from his superiors along the way. Is he correct in his assumption, or is he wasting his, and his department's time and energy?
This is the second book in Mark Billingham's series about Tom Thorne, detective extraordinaire. This one dates from 2002 and, apart from a few period references e.g. Dixon's and teletext, it can easily be read as a contemporary police thriller. Indeed, the Tom Thorne series continues; the latest one, the 14th book, due in June 2017
Billingham show a great deal of knowledge in police work and methods. Thorne is accompanied by his DC from the first book, Dave Holland and joined by a new DC, Sarah McEvoy, who brings her own problems into the fray.
Apart from the liberally scattered four letter words, I enjoyed this book very much indeed. The action kept me turning the pages and there were certainly some surprises in there. It helps to have read the first book but is by no means essential as this one can stand alone.
A thoroughly deserved, if belatedly awarded, 5 star book.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
London. A killer is on the loose. A young mother is murdered in front of her son and another young woman follows soon after.
DI Thorne is on the case and soon suspects that this is not a straightforward serial killer, but the work of two murderers. He pursues his investigation along these lines, meeting opposition from his superiors along the way. Is he correct in his assumption, or is he wasting his, and his department's time and energy?
This is the second book in Mark Billingham's series about Tom Thorne, detective extraordinaire. This one dates from 2002 and, apart from a few period references e.g. Dixon's and teletext, it can easily be read as a contemporary police thriller. Indeed, the Tom Thorne series continues; the latest one, the 14th book, due in June 2017
Billingham show a great deal of knowledge in police work and methods. Thorne is accompanied by his DC from the first book, Dave Holland and joined by a new DC, Sarah McEvoy, who brings her own problems into the fray.
Apart from the liberally scattered four letter words, I enjoyed this book very much indeed. The action kept me turning the pages and there were certainly some surprises in there. It helps to have read the first book but is by no means essential as this one can stand alone.
A thoroughly deserved, if belatedly awarded, 5 star book.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
January 28, 2021
2nd in the Tom Thorne series. I liked the storyline of the murders, which redeemed the book for me. It’s a while since I read the 1st of this series and while I enjoyed reading the main character in that book, in this book he just irritated me. I really wanted to really enjoy this, but didn’t. The plot gave my rate the 4stars.
May 22, 2022
Not my cup of tea. I sensed I was polluting my mind by reading of bowling a frog to be killed with a bat, firing an air gun up a child's bottom and bullying another to calculatedly murder innocent young women.
I shall avoid this author, no matter how well written.
I shall avoid this author, no matter how well written.
May 21, 2023
The story was interesting. I particularly liked the depiction of a controlling, manipulating character. I found it scary how one person can control someone else's actions.
I only gave it 3 stars because I guessed the plot twist halfway through the book.
I only gave it 3 stars because I guessed the plot twist halfway through the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 492 reviews