What do you think?
Rate this book
DCI Jeff Temple #1
Rollover
YOUR FRIEND WINS THE LOTTERY . . . THEN GETS MURDERED, AND YOU’RE THE NUMBER ONE SUSPECT.
Saturday night at Danny Cain’s home. As their daughter sleeps upstairs, Danny and his wife watch the national lottery draw. This week a massive rollover jackpot.
Within minutes, Vince, Danny’s best friend and business partner, calls and claims that he’s won the jackpot.
A TAUT CRIME THRILLER THAT WILL HAVE YOU GRIPPED FROM THE FIRST PAGE.
Vince tells Danny to drop everything and come over to his cottage in the New Forest. But when Danny gets there he finds his friend has been murdered. His winning lottery ticket has gone.
Before Danny can alert the police he receives a call from the killer who claims he’s kidnapped Danny’s wife and daughter. The man warns him not to tell anyone about the ticket.
Danny is plunged into a terrible nightmare. He’s faced with a desperate race against time to save his family.
CAN DETECTIVE JEFF TEMPLE FIND THE REAL KILLER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?
DCI Jeff Temple heads up Hampshire's Major Investigations Team based in Southampton. He's a no-nonsense copper who relishes the challenges presented by the most brutal and high-profile cases. But at the same time he's still struggling to get his personal life back on track following the tragic death of his beloved wife. Things are looking up, but it's an uphill struggle.
Saturday night at Danny Cain’s home. As their daughter sleeps upstairs, Danny and his wife watch the national lottery draw. This week a massive rollover jackpot.
Within minutes, Vince, Danny’s best friend and business partner, calls and claims that he’s won the jackpot.
A TAUT CRIME THRILLER THAT WILL HAVE YOU GRIPPED FROM THE FIRST PAGE.
Vince tells Danny to drop everything and come over to his cottage in the New Forest. But when Danny gets there he finds his friend has been murdered. His winning lottery ticket has gone.
Before Danny can alert the police he receives a call from the killer who claims he’s kidnapped Danny’s wife and daughter. The man warns him not to tell anyone about the ticket.
Danny is plunged into a terrible nightmare. He’s faced with a desperate race against time to save his family.
CAN DETECTIVE JEFF TEMPLE FIND THE REAL KILLER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE?
DCI Jeff Temple heads up Hampshire's Major Investigations Team based in Southampton. He's a no-nonsense copper who relishes the challenges presented by the most brutal and high-profile cases. But at the same time he's still struggling to get his personal life back on track following the tragic death of his beloved wife. Things are looking up, but it's an uphill struggle.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
359 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
James Raven
15 books50 followersJames Raven also writes under the pseudonym Jaime Raven. He's been a journalist for most of his working life. After reporting for local, regional and national newspapers he moved into television as a news scriptwriter. He then worked his way up to become Director of a UK News Division.
He is the author of a number of books including Random Targets, After the Execution, Malicious, Rollover, Stark Warning, Urban Myth, Red Blitz and Arctic Blood.
As Jaime Raven he's written four books for Avon/Harper Collins - The Madam, The Alibi, The Mother and The Rebel.
Website at: http://www.james-raven.com/
and http://www.jaime-raven.com/
He is the author of a number of books including Random Targets, After the Execution, Malicious, Rollover, Stark Warning, Urban Myth, Red Blitz and Arctic Blood.
As Jaime Raven he's written four books for Avon/Harper Collins - The Madam, The Alibi, The Mother and The Rebel.
Website at: http://www.james-raven.com/
and http://www.jaime-raven.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 14, 2017
It's a triple rollover week in the UK's lottery with 18 million pounds as the prize for picking all six numbers correctly. In author James Raven's dark suspense thriller, "Rollover", features the first DCI Jeff Temple thriller, and who is based in Southampton City. Greed, infidelity, mayhem, and murder will be Temple's difficult task to solve tracking an elusive adversary. This tale begins with Danny Cain and his partner Vince Mayo both freelance journalists teaming up forming their own business. Danny and Vince unfortunately see their company going under fast and they are probably will not able to stop it. Danny and Vince had been running the "Southern News Agency" with little or no luck in making the business solvent. Danny had forced his wife Maggie a successful advertising agency executive to stay home to care for daughter Laura now 6. The single Vince is clearly a womanizer and a heavy gambler. Vince has rolled up thousands in debts with local gangster Joe Dressler with no ability to repay any time soon. However on lottery night Vince calls Danny to celebrate his picking all six numbers to win the huge jackpot. Vince promises to give Danny millions so they can both be set for life. Vince insists on Danny coming over to his house that night to celebrate. A very dead Vince covered in blood is what Danny finds as he arrives at Vince's house. To make matters worse once Danny left his house to go see Vince a kidnapper breaks into Danny's house taking his wife and child prisoner. The kidnapper wants Danny to get THE lottery ticket off the now dead Vince and trade that for his family's safe return. As Temple investigates Danny is his prime suspect for the murder. Temple is also shocked to learn that Vince's "girlfriend" is Jennifer Priest the daughter of his boss Superintendent Priest. Temple must contend with teenage street thugs, members of the police force who cannot be trusted, and a vicious kidnapper who is out to destroy Danny and his family. An enigmatic who-done-it in a very compact 220 some odd pages reads at breakneck speed. I read the last 75 pages in just over an hour as I was really wrapped into getting to the conclusion. Author James Raven is a master story teller of dark and mysterious suspense thrillers. "Rollover", gets four stars out of a possible five stars. I didn't go with five stars because DCI Temple kind of gets lost within story from time to time. This being the first DCI Jeff Temple book I expect this protagonist will grow with each of his books written. Author James Raven is a do not miss story teller for suspense thriller readers. Highly recommend, "Rollover", and all of James Raven's tales.
October 19, 2012
A really good and enjoyable read.
October 4, 2021
A good solid cop drama/murder mystery. What I enjoyed about this one in particular was the different perspectives it provided. It seems unusual in this genre to see that the police saw some information and so were focused on certain suspects, while the key protagonist - Cain - had different information and so was thinking about other options. Also, although this is the first in a series about this particular policeman - Jeff Temple, there were sections in the first person this guy Cain. Because no-one was communicating, and the suspects were not sharing information of course, it took a while before anyone had the full picture and could discover the killer. This seems a little more true to life than many similar stories.
The names were a bit crazy: Temple and Angel were the main cops, with Priest as their boss. The author was having fun here I think :-)
The names were a bit crazy: Temple and Angel were the main cops, with Priest as their boss. The author was having fun here I think :-)
September 30, 2024
Gripping
The prologue sets the scene - Danny Cain is facing a killer that two days earlier had turned his life upside down.
The story unfolds from the moment of unsettled domestic quiet and quickly ramps up the pace and tension. The discovery of a body introduces Detective Temple and seen from their dual perspectives their paths travel in different direction, crossing occasionally up until the final dramatic confrontation.
I had to keep turning the pages to see what else the author had thrown in Cain’s way and whether Temple could find the truth.
The prologue sets the scene - Danny Cain is facing a killer that two days earlier had turned his life upside down.
The story unfolds from the moment of unsettled domestic quiet and quickly ramps up the pace and tension. The discovery of a body introduces Detective Temple and seen from their dual perspectives their paths travel in different direction, crossing occasionally up until the final dramatic confrontation.
I had to keep turning the pages to see what else the author had thrown in Cain’s way and whether Temple could find the truth.
November 23, 2020
Read reviews and have always enjoyed the ones from Joffe, and that one can get them in a set. To get to know the characters. This series was a big disappointment, read 1/2 of book one and 1/2 of book two and stopped. They are too graphic, and too detailed of the plot subjects.. Good thing it was only a dollar, but the time .
February 11, 2024
This is the first of the box set of books I am reading about Detective Jeff Temple. The story reads as though you are the person who is writing story in the book which I find really odd. Temple features in the book and does a good job of solving the crime. Sussing out who it was did not become apparent until nearing the end. The story is good but I'm not a fan of the writing stile
July 18, 2020
Other than British police acronyms and terms that I didn't recognize, I found this mystery novel to be a quick, page-turning read. James Raven tied this up in a neat little package leaving no strings unraveled. Good and believable characters, and plenty of plot twists.
November 5, 2020
A murder occurs in the New Forest, it is of Vincent Mayo, who was a lottery winner that day. But events lead to his best friend Daniel Cain, wife Maggie and daughter Laura, being kidnapped, by a male who stolen the lottery ticket. Who is he, is the ticket the motive, It is for DCI Jeff Temple and his team to investigate
An entertaining and well-written crime story.
An entertaining and well-written crime story.
September 16, 2024
Rollover
I had to keep reading to see what would next happen. One bad thing after another kept you in suspense. The culprit was someone you would never guess. A great story. If you like suspense this is a good read for you.
I had to keep reading to see what would next happen. One bad thing after another kept you in suspense. The culprit was someone you would never guess. A great story. If you like suspense this is a good read for you.
April 12, 2020
Wow awesome! Loved how you get victim, the killer and police point of views. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
May 22, 2020
Great Story
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it will not be the last.It had me gripped from start to finish with a great and unexpected ending.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but it will not be the last.It had me gripped from start to finish with a great and unexpected ending.
July 1, 2020
First book I’ve read by James an an about cracker it is full of twist and turns lots of mystery can’t wait to tuck into the rest of the series
January 9, 2021
So many twists and turns. Had me hooked. Couldn't put it down
June 21, 2021
Really good gripping read. Switching between the victim's thoughts and fears and the unfurling of the case made it more involving. Now onto the second book!
August 31, 2021
What an absolute thriller. With a new suspect appearing every few chapters, only to be ruled out a few chapters further on, you will never guess the true culprit. Recommended reading.
July 14, 2022
Brilliant! A compelling read. It was a shame to reach the end.
July 27, 2022
I was very disappointed that the author did not research the area the story was based. Coming from Southampton, describing how someone got from Burley in the centre of New Forest to Portswood was totally unachievable. Then described a route from the centre of town out to M3 again this was inaccurate. London Road leads into the avenue then Bassett avenue then the M3 at no point does London Road goes into Winchester Road. You have to make several turnings to get onto Winchester Road. I am unable to give this any rating and has ruined any chance me continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2015
Having recently read and enjoyed Dying Wish - the 4th in the DCI Jeff Temple series - I felt compelled to start at the beginning to catch up before hopefully the 5th is released.
Rollover is a mixture of thriller and police procedural. It's fast paced, engrossing and James Raven knows how to build up suspense.
Raven takes contemporary issues/life, such as in this case the lottery and a rollover week, and embellishes it for an exciting and not unbelievable read.
This is a mixture of a thriller and a police procedural. I find the writing very visual. He uses 3 different viewpoints to tell the story which does expertly increase the tension. It feels like when you watch a film/drama and the screen is split so that you see different actions taking place at the same time.
Temple is a credible character and boss that you find yourself warming to.
Excellent writing and plot - highly recommended.
Rollover is a mixture of thriller and police procedural. It's fast paced, engrossing and James Raven knows how to build up suspense.
Raven takes contemporary issues/life, such as in this case the lottery and a rollover week, and embellishes it for an exciting and not unbelievable read.
This is a mixture of a thriller and a police procedural. I find the writing very visual. He uses 3 different viewpoints to tell the story which does expertly increase the tension. It feels like when you watch a film/drama and the screen is split so that you see different actions taking place at the same time.
Temple is a credible character and boss that you find yourself warming to.
Excellent writing and plot - highly recommended.
July 15, 2015
Loved this book! Must admit I only brought it, because I was given the fourth book in the series to review. I am a bit OCD in relation to reading a series of books from the first book!
Well written story and very addictive and couldn't put this book down! Loved the suspense and there are many twists and turns to the story.
This books starts with a lottery win and then the winner is murdered and best friend and business partner finds him dead! This follows the kidnap of him, his wife and daughter and the ordeal they go through, as well as following how DCI Jeff Temple solves the case!
A proper, up to date murder mystery based on how the detectives resolve the case!
Its a must read and comes highly recommended!
Well written story and very addictive and couldn't put this book down! Loved the suspense and there are many twists and turns to the story.
This books starts with a lottery win and then the winner is murdered and best friend and business partner finds him dead! This follows the kidnap of him, his wife and daughter and the ordeal they go through, as well as following how DCI Jeff Temple solves the case!
A proper, up to date murder mystery based on how the detectives resolve the case!
Its a must read and comes highly recommended!
April 3, 2014
This is a very fast moving story with many twists and turns that are unexpected. A great set up involving a lottery ticket which makes you automatically think its all about money but the characters give so much more, each holding a secret of some kind that impacts the outcome.
I gave this three stars simply because there were a lot of view points and jumping around, from the main character, the villain, the wife, then coppers so it jumped around a bit.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will reading others from this author.
I gave this three stars simply because there were a lot of view points and jumping around, from the main character, the villain, the wife, then coppers so it jumped around a bit.
Overall I enjoyed the book and will reading others from this author.
January 16, 2016
Odd sort of book really. It was quite a dark story well crafted and well written - up to a point!
However it is very light and easy to read, that is a criticism not a compliment. You expect such a dark story to be more challenging than this, also the main perpetrator is totally unbelievable. It was like James Raven waited and decided in the last third of the book who the murderer was going to be. The more I think about it the more preposterous it becomes.
I will read more of these Jeff Temple stories to see where they go, it is so unchallenging I read it easily in three days.
However it is very light and easy to read, that is a criticism not a compliment. You expect such a dark story to be more challenging than this, also the main perpetrator is totally unbelievable. It was like James Raven waited and decided in the last third of the book who the murderer was going to be. The more I think about it the more preposterous it becomes.
I will read more of these Jeff Temple stories to see where they go, it is so unchallenging I read it easily in three days.
October 31, 2012
“An excellent book. Extremely well crafted and readable. It has a real sting in the tale,” Fred Dinenage, one of Britain’s best loved TV presenters.
“Find a quiet corner and enjoy that rare thing – a tale that makes you hold your breath,” Nick Knowles, TV presenter.
“Extremely satisfying thriller and great entertainment,” Books Monthly Review.
“Rollover is a cracking crime novel. The plot is pacy and compelling – the essence of the polished ‘unputdownable’ novel,” View Magazine.
“Find a quiet corner and enjoy that rare thing – a tale that makes you hold your breath,” Nick Knowles, TV presenter.
“Extremely satisfying thriller and great entertainment,” Books Monthly Review.
“Rollover is a cracking crime novel. The plot is pacy and compelling – the essence of the polished ‘unputdownable’ novel,” View Magazine.
December 7, 2014
As i've come to expect from this author, the book twists and turns until the end. As usual, the loose ends fail to make any sense until the last chapter, when the plot comes to an exciting end.
James Raven really knows how to take the reader on a journey, and once again this book is a 'must read'.
James Raven really knows how to take the reader on a journey, and once again this book is a 'must read'.
October 13, 2019
Easy and enjoyable to read.
For me this book wasn't immediately gripping, but the further in, the more it became so. I read it in three sittings and didn't see what was coming.
I am going straight on to his next book and looking forward to it.
If you enjoy this book Jorge books could be worth following.
For me this book wasn't immediately gripping, but the further in, the more it became so. I read it in three sittings and didn't see what was coming.
I am going straight on to his next book and looking forward to it.
If you enjoy this book Jorge books could be worth following.
Read
January 30, 2020Thrilling
Great writing ! First person narrative by journalist Danny Cain about being kidnapped with his wife and daughter after finding his business partner murdered . Third person about DCI Temple and his team working to solve the murder . Terrific ending . Well edited .
Great writing ! First person narrative by journalist Danny Cain about being kidnapped with his wife and daughter after finding his business partner murdered . Third person about DCI Temple and his team working to solve the murder . Terrific ending . Well edited .
March 5, 2015
Clever plot that almost got too complicated for its own good. In the end the chief baddie did not work for me - due to the other strands of the story and the earlier description of character reactions to the murder at the heart of the story.
Enjoyable if relatively brief police thriller
Enjoyable if relatively brief police thriller
October 13, 2019
Excellent start to a new series
This one will keep you guessing until the very end. Well written and fast paced with an original intriguing plot. No super humans, just real characters faced with harrowing circumstances and difficult choices.
This one will keep you guessing until the very end. Well written and fast paced with an original intriguing plot. No super humans, just real characters faced with harrowing circumstances and difficult choices.
November 24, 2019
Just OK
Would have made a good short story. Reminds me of when in school you were assigned a 1000 word essay, but only really had 500. The other 500 words were a lot of filler and fluff.
Would have made a good short story. Reminds me of when in school you were assigned a 1000 word essay, but only really had 500. The other 500 words were a lot of filler and fluff.
January 5, 2020
Exciting from beginning to end. A twist that you will not envisage.
A different story that will keep you turning the pages. Truth and lies become as one. Detective Temple is at a loss who to believe. You will feel the same.
A different story that will keep you turning the pages. Truth and lies become as one. Detective Temple is at a loss who to believe. You will feel the same.
January 10, 2020
Gripping story with good twists
Really enjoyed this book and certainly didn't see the ending coming like it did. There were a few sub-plots that could have been made smaller, but is a shame when people give up on a book and then give a negative review. Definitely recommend
Really enjoyed this book and certainly didn't see the ending coming like it did. There were a few sub-plots that could have been made smaller, but is a shame when people give up on a book and then give a negative review. Definitely recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews