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DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #6
A Whisper of Sorrows
The hunter has become the hunted.
Ten years ago, DCI Jack Logan caught the twisted child killer known as Mister Whisper.
Two days ago, Mister Whisper escaped.
Now, Jack must track down the most ruthless enemy he has ever faced before he can strike again. But, after ten years behind bars, it isn't just murder that Mister Whisper has in mind.
It's revenge.
A Whisper of Sorrows is the sixth book in the DCI Jack Logan crime thriller series, all based in the Highlands of Scotland, and perfect for fans of Tartan Noir crime fiction.
Ten years ago, DCI Jack Logan caught the twisted child killer known as Mister Whisper.
Two days ago, Mister Whisper escaped.
Now, Jack must track down the most ruthless enemy he has ever faced before he can strike again. But, after ten years behind bars, it isn't just murder that Mister Whisper has in mind.
It's revenge.
A Whisper of Sorrows is the sixth book in the DCI Jack Logan crime thriller series, all based in the Highlands of Scotland, and perfect for fans of Tartan Noir crime fiction.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2020
2489 people are currently reading
1052 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Kirk
59 books1,743 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 574 reviews
July 30, 2020
Holy crap! What did I just read? J.D. Kirk pulled out all the stops with this one. There was no holding back, it was just total, bloody mayhem. And I mean bloody! OK it may have been just a teeny bit implausible and/or OTT but I didn’t really notice, or if I did I just didn’t care. I was so busy turning the (virtual) pages and sitting on the edge of my seat. This book grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the very, bitter end.
So - at the end of the last book (which I reviewed yesterday) Supt Hoon was waiting for DCI Jack Logan on his return from Canna Island to tell him that Mister Whisper, Owen Petrie, had escaped from the secure unit in which he had been held for the last ten years. Logan had always claimed that Petrie was not mentally impaired, that he had recovered from his head injury and would grab any opportunity to wreak bloody vengeance. This is one time Logan would have preferred to be wrong. He knows that Petrie will be coming for him and anyone he cares about. Jack was the one that fought with Petrie on the car park roof 10 years ago when he fell and incurred a horrific head injury.
Jack moves his ex-wife and daughter to Inverness where he can keep an eye on them. But Petrie isn’t mucking around. He tries to grab one kid straight away but is thwarted. We soon learn that the boy is Supt Hoon’s great-nephew. Then he is spotted lurking around outside the bedroom window of Hamza’s daughter. Man, this freak is not wasting any time getting under the skin of anyone related to or working with Jack.
The pace soon ramps up and the bodies start to pile up. It starts to become clear that Petrie has help. He knows where everyone lives, he has their phone numbers, he knows where their children go to school. Two days after escaping a secure unit he could not have done all this on his own. This frightens the team even more. Then Harris, Sinead’s young brother, is abducted. The team works non-stop but Petrie systematically smashes them apart, wreaking bloody havoc, destroying their lives and later their bodies. Some of them will never be the same again. Phew! It was full-on. So, that is the end of the published books. There is a new one in the works I believe but I’m glad to have a breather. That wrung me out.
So - at the end of the last book (which I reviewed yesterday) Supt Hoon was waiting for DCI Jack Logan on his return from Canna Island to tell him that Mister Whisper, Owen Petrie, had escaped from the secure unit in which he had been held for the last ten years. Logan had always claimed that Petrie was not mentally impaired, that he had recovered from his head injury and would grab any opportunity to wreak bloody vengeance. This is one time Logan would have preferred to be wrong. He knows that Petrie will be coming for him and anyone he cares about. Jack was the one that fought with Petrie on the car park roof 10 years ago when he fell and incurred a horrific head injury.
Jack moves his ex-wife and daughter to Inverness where he can keep an eye on them. But Petrie isn’t mucking around. He tries to grab one kid straight away but is thwarted. We soon learn that the boy is Supt Hoon’s great-nephew. Then he is spotted lurking around outside the bedroom window of Hamza’s daughter. Man, this freak is not wasting any time getting under the skin of anyone related to or working with Jack.
The pace soon ramps up and the bodies start to pile up. It starts to become clear that Petrie has help. He knows where everyone lives, he has their phone numbers, he knows where their children go to school. Two days after escaping a secure unit he could not have done all this on his own. This frightens the team even more. Then Harris, Sinead’s young brother, is abducted. The team works non-stop but Petrie systematically smashes them apart, wreaking bloody havoc, destroying their lives and later their bodies. Some of them will never be the same again. Phew! It was full-on. So, that is the end of the published books. There is a new one in the works I believe but I’m glad to have a breather. That wrung me out.
July 6, 2020
The first Jack Logan book that I've found a bit silly. I've found the Owen Petrie story line less believable as well as lacking in originality compared to the other murders Logan investigates. I look forward to the next Logan book without Petrie.
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December 1, 2025
3.5-Stars > to 3.0-Stars -
Disappointing, I Wish I had "Liked" It More!
I took forever to finish this book, mainly because of "gruesome, excessive violence" throughout the story and in particular during the latter stages of the investigation. This may well be a "Me” thing, reflecting the effects of my past two months of recurring illnesses, but I had to push to complete the book. Angus King's narration was excellent, as usual!
Oh well, "C’est la guerre monsieur le Pussycat!".
Disappointing, I Wish I had "Liked" It More!
I took forever to finish this book, mainly because of "gruesome, excessive violence" throughout the story and in particular during the latter stages of the investigation. This may well be a "Me” thing, reflecting the effects of my past two months of recurring illnesses, but I had to push to complete the book. Angus King's narration was excellent, as usual!
Oh well, "C’est la guerre monsieur le Pussycat!".
December 11, 2023
I mentioned in the previous review how this was personal for DCI Logan. Now it seems it's even more so now his arch nemesis, Petrie has escaped.
The characters are constantly developing in each book and are believable and down to earth. In this book there’s a more serious atmosphere as the story effects all of them in unique ways. I do wonder though how one ever became a DC as he’s such an idiot and seems very childish to me, unprofessional at times but somehow gets the job done. I suppose in every work place there’s always one person who bears the brunt of humour. Maybe it’s all a façade and in private he’s a completely different person..??
All the books in the series are fast paced, funny in places and have great storylines, they are a joy to read. This one is slightly different as it has very evil undertones which Kirk handles beautifully. Overall a beautifully written book which took me through many different emotions. The best yet I think..
The characters are constantly developing in each book and are believable and down to earth. In this book there’s a more serious atmosphere as the story effects all of them in unique ways. I do wonder though how one ever became a DC as he’s such an idiot and seems very childish to me, unprofessional at times but somehow gets the job done. I suppose in every work place there’s always one person who bears the brunt of humour. Maybe it’s all a façade and in private he’s a completely different person..??
All the books in the series are fast paced, funny in places and have great storylines, they are a joy to read. This one is slightly different as it has very evil undertones which Kirk handles beautifully. Overall a beautifully written book which took me through many different emotions. The best yet I think..
May 26, 2021
Enough!
I have been binge reading this series, but I think I will take a break now. This story stretched the limits of credibility well beyond that normally assumed for a detective story. If I were DCI’s daughter, I might never forgive him.
I have been binge reading this series, but I think I will take a break now. This story stretched the limits of credibility well beyond that normally assumed for a detective story. If I were DCI’s daughter, I might never forgive him.
June 8, 2020
A-Ma-Zing!!!
I have read all of this series of books and loved every one, getting to know all the characters and crying and laughing my way through each one, but this book had me on the edge of my seat and for the last hour i think I held my breath and didn't release it until the final page, what a read, at times, a hard,upsetting read but it was all necessary to tell the story properly, if there's another book and I hope there is, the characters will have changed, that's all I can say without spoiling it so read it for yourself and see, it's so, so good!
I have read all of this series of books and loved every one, getting to know all the characters and crying and laughing my way through each one, but this book had me on the edge of my seat and for the last hour i think I held my breath and didn't release it until the final page, what a read, at times, a hard,upsetting read but it was all necessary to tell the story properly, if there's another book and I hope there is, the characters will have changed, that's all I can say without spoiling it so read it for yourself and see, it's so, so good!
May 9, 2023
Holy frigging moly!
Absolutely bloody (in every sense of the word) brilliant. JD Kirk holds nothing back in this instalment- be warned it is an epic read. Logan and Hoon have to be two of the best characters ever written and their black humour has me laughing out loud despite it being a brutal crime-thriller.
Logan finally gets to hunt down Owen Petrie and the ensuing bloodbath is some of the best crime writing I’ve ever read.
Strap yourself in, don’t even blink and set the day aside as this is a one-sitting read!
Absolutely bloody (in every sense of the word) brilliant. JD Kirk holds nothing back in this instalment- be warned it is an epic read. Logan and Hoon have to be two of the best characters ever written and their black humour has me laughing out loud despite it being a brutal crime-thriller.
Logan finally gets to hunt down Owen Petrie and the ensuing bloodbath is some of the best crime writing I’ve ever read.
Strap yourself in, don’t even blink and set the day aside as this is a one-sitting read!
January 8, 2022
Το έκτο βιβλίο της σειράς απλά επιβεβαίωσε το πόσο άπαιχτη είναι αυτή η σειρά. Αγαπημένος Jack,κάθε φορά βασανίζεται και υποφέρει, τούτη τη φορά όμως βρήκε πραγματικά τον διάβολό του!
Η σειρά δεν κυκλοφορεί στα ελληνικά, όμως αν διαβάζετε θρίλερ/αστυνομικά στα αγγλικά, δώστε της τον χρόνο σας.
5/5
I loved Jack Logan's series since page one, and the sixth book was such a pageturner!
With the hideous criminal Mister Whisper at large all hell breaks loose and Jack is not capable anymore to stop his frenzy.
5/5
Η σειρά δεν κυκλοφορεί στα ελληνικά, όμως αν διαβάζετε θρίλερ/αστυνομικά στα αγγλικά, δώστε της τον χρόνο σας.
5/5
I loved Jack Logan's series since page one, and the sixth book was such a pageturner!
With the hideous criminal Mister Whisper at large all hell breaks loose and Jack is not capable anymore to stop his frenzy.
5/5
January 12, 2024
A 1.5 book, but I (really) generously rounded it up instead of down. I'm never a fan of the ' villain escapes jail to hunt down the detective' style of book - no mystery involved and usually little, if any, tension. This one is by far the worst book I've read by Kirk - it just gets more and more stupid as it goes along. I'd honestly recommend skipping this completely, but it has got a few developments towards the end that will impact future books in the set. Hopefully, Kirk will be back to the usual standard with his next one - at least, it can't get any worse!
June 6, 2020
Book 6 in the DCI Logan series. What an emotional ride!!
This book had me on the edge of my seat emotion wise. Laughing one minute, then in tears the next! I couldn't put this book down. It had me constantly turning the page. Needing to know what happened till the very end. The characters in this book have grown throughout the series. The relationship between Logan and Tyler was brilliant in this book. Can't wait for the next.
This book had me on the edge of my seat emotion wise. Laughing one minute, then in tears the next! I couldn't put this book down. It had me constantly turning the page. Needing to know what happened till the very end. The characters in this book have grown throughout the series. The relationship between Logan and Tyler was brilliant in this book. Can't wait for the next.
August 10, 2023
As I feared,unrealistic, WTF and a story of pure horror fantasy. Clinging on with it’s fingertips. Horrendously disappointing. But the ending gives some hope for no 7. But why bother?? I hope you are ashamed, J D Kirk.
October 27, 2023
This series has been mostly OK so far, but found this hard going and a bit of a dud, to be honest. By far the least enjoyable in the series.
It was full of plot holes with characters doing ridiculous things that made no sense. It was about as believable as one of those straight-to-video Steven Seagal movies from the 1990s, which was the overall vibe I got reading this.
On the plus side, the intent was good. To have drama and action resulting from the escape of murderer and child abductor Owen Petrie at the end of the last book. The dialogue and light humour were also fine.
However, the plot was just ridiculously far-fetched.
For example, Petrie had been locked up for many years, faking mental illness. Only DCI Logan, a policeman with no medical training, knows he’s faking and yet lots of highly trained medical professionals are fooled. Hmm.
Yet despite feigning being in a vegetative state, in a matter of a few days after he escapes, he manages to attack, kill or kidnap just about every secondary character who’s in any way been connected to his nemesis DCI Jack Logan. It’s never clear how he managed to keep fit and healthy enough to do all this nasty physical work. But for some reason, no one, including many cops, seems able to stand up to him until right at the very end. This, despite the fact, they’re forewarned there’s a dangerous killer on the loose. Yet, he manages to wander around unnoticed, kidnapping and killing at will.
There are so many kidnap victims at one point, it’s never clear how one person manages to keep them all under control simultaneously. Even the implied help he gets from the doctor who helped him escape, a mysterious network of paedophiles and the local crime boss and his gang feel wedged in to try and make the plot work.
As someone who is a known and convicted child killer and who doesn’t have a lot of charisma or charm on the page, Petrie seems to be able to easily influence many people. He’s just way too omnipotent to be believable. Mind you, he seems to get away with things for so long because of a contrived series of bad decisions by the cops e.g. leaving a single cop to guard 2 potential targets, a previously strong and resolute character, suddenly revealing they’d been weak and betrayed people (this is part of a scarcely believable plot twist I’m doing my best to avoid giving away).
So many inconsistencies and corny, cheesy Hollywood-style cliches to be enjoyable. The ending was particularly clumsy, drawn out and hard to believe.
Had this been a stand-alone book, I may have given it more benefit of the doubt. However, as this story had been building up over previous books in the series, this just felt like a real letdown and a waste of the previous reading effort. Aware that more books follow this one, but won’t be rushing to read those as it’ll take a long time to get over the disappointment of this one. There are many high-rating reviews for this, so I don’t feel so bad offering a counter-view to those. Not an enjoyable read.
It was full of plot holes with characters doing ridiculous things that made no sense. It was about as believable as one of those straight-to-video Steven Seagal movies from the 1990s, which was the overall vibe I got reading this.
On the plus side, the intent was good. To have drama and action resulting from the escape of murderer and child abductor Owen Petrie at the end of the last book. The dialogue and light humour were also fine.
However, the plot was just ridiculously far-fetched.
For example, Petrie had been locked up for many years, faking mental illness. Only DCI Logan, a policeman with no medical training, knows he’s faking and yet lots of highly trained medical professionals are fooled. Hmm.
Yet despite feigning being in a vegetative state, in a matter of a few days after he escapes, he manages to attack, kill or kidnap just about every secondary character who’s in any way been connected to his nemesis DCI Jack Logan. It’s never clear how he managed to keep fit and healthy enough to do all this nasty physical work. But for some reason, no one, including many cops, seems able to stand up to him until right at the very end. This, despite the fact, they’re forewarned there’s a dangerous killer on the loose. Yet, he manages to wander around unnoticed, kidnapping and killing at will.
There are so many kidnap victims at one point, it’s never clear how one person manages to keep them all under control simultaneously. Even the implied help he gets from the doctor who helped him escape, a mysterious network of paedophiles and the local crime boss and his gang feel wedged in to try and make the plot work.
As someone who is a known and convicted child killer and who doesn’t have a lot of charisma or charm on the page, Petrie seems to be able to easily influence many people. He’s just way too omnipotent to be believable. Mind you, he seems to get away with things for so long because of a contrived series of bad decisions by the cops e.g. leaving a single cop to guard 2 potential targets, a previously strong and resolute character, suddenly revealing they’d been weak and betrayed people (this is part of a scarcely believable plot twist I’m doing my best to avoid giving away).
So many inconsistencies and corny, cheesy Hollywood-style cliches to be enjoyable. The ending was particularly clumsy, drawn out and hard to believe.
Had this been a stand-alone book, I may have given it more benefit of the doubt. However, as this story had been building up over previous books in the series, this just felt like a real letdown and a waste of the previous reading effort. Aware that more books follow this one, but won’t be rushing to read those as it’ll take a long time to get over the disappointment of this one. There are many high-rating reviews for this, so I don’t feel so bad offering a counter-view to those. Not an enjoyable read.
September 6, 2020
That was tense! No idea who's safe reading these, an author not afraid to put his main characters in jeopardy with no guarantee they're all going to make it (minor spoiler from previous book). Highlands seem to be as bloody as Midsomer Murders!
It was exciting so I want to immediately read the next one, but I probably need to read something more light hearted after that dark gruesome journey! J D Kirk (i know it's just a pen name) you're a cruel cruel man.
It was exciting so I want to immediately read the next one, but I probably need to read something more light hearted after that dark gruesome journey! J D Kirk (i know it's just a pen name) you're a cruel cruel man.
June 27, 2024
Intense
I am so hooked on this series. This one had a fair nap showdown and it was crazy. Mr whisper is back and everybody is in danger. Logan made a couple of bad choices and it definitely didn't go well. The scene at the end was so intense and I didn't think it was going to end well. Everyone he loves is in danger and he doesn't serve way out. But he had an incredible brain and he used it. It was freaking awesome. Love this series and I am so glad its not over.
I am so hooked on this series. This one had a fair nap showdown and it was crazy. Mr whisper is back and everybody is in danger. Logan made a couple of bad choices and it definitely didn't go well. The scene at the end was so intense and I didn't think it was going to end well. Everyone he loves is in danger and he doesn't serve way out. But he had an incredible brain and he used it. It was freaking awesome. Love this series and I am so glad its not over.
December 9, 2025
This is still one of my favourite in the series
July 10, 2022
This is the ninth volume from J.D. Kirk that I have read in the last few months. I have enjoyed all that I have now read, the first 6 in the DCI Logan series and the first two in the Robert Hoon series. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. And having ripped through both of their series and slowing working through all of Mayhew’s others works I decided to give Kirk’s a try. Like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under various names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He is coming up on 175 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. For now I will try and read the remaining books published as Kirk.
The description of this novel is:
“The hunter has become the hunted.
Ten years ago, DCI Jack Logan caught the twisted child killer known as Mister Whisper.
Two days ago, Mister Whisper escaped.
Now, Jack must track down the most ruthless enemy he has ever faced before he can strike again. But, after ten years behind bars, it isn't just murder that Mister Whisper has in mind.
It's revenge.”
This story takes many arcs from earlier books in the series and binds them together. It also hits a level of terror not yet seen in these stories. A serial killer is on the loose and leaving a trail of bodies and clues behind. He is out to get Logan one way or another. He has been pretending to be a vegetable for the last 10 years, 10 long years to plan this. Ten long years to plan his vengeance and revenge. Will those plan work, or will Logan pull it off again? To find out you will need to read this most intense crime thriller!
The two series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk are definitely Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. Every time I finish a book by Kirk it takes willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. This is a good read in a great series. I can easily state that after having read the first six DCI Logan books and the first two in the Robert Hoon Series I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this name. I love that the stories are set in Scotland! This book and series would be great read for fans of Jack Reacher, DCI Kett or DCI Will Blake. It is a good read in an excellent series.
The description of this novel is:
“The hunter has become the hunted.
Ten years ago, DCI Jack Logan caught the twisted child killer known as Mister Whisper.
Two days ago, Mister Whisper escaped.
Now, Jack must track down the most ruthless enemy he has ever faced before he can strike again. But, after ten years behind bars, it isn't just murder that Mister Whisper has in mind.
It's revenge.”
This story takes many arcs from earlier books in the series and binds them together. It also hits a level of terror not yet seen in these stories. A serial killer is on the loose and leaving a trail of bodies and clues behind. He is out to get Logan one way or another. He has been pretending to be a vegetable for the last 10 years, 10 long years to plan this. Ten long years to plan his vengeance and revenge. Will those plan work, or will Logan pull it off again? To find out you will need to read this most intense crime thriller!
The two series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk are definitely Scottish Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. Every time I finish a book by Kirk it takes willpower not to just pick up the next one and keep going. This is a good read in a great series. I can easily state that after having read the first six DCI Logan books and the first two in the Robert Hoon Series I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under this name. I love that the stories are set in Scotland! This book and series would be great read for fans of Jack Reacher, DCI Kett or DCI Will Blake. It is a good read in an excellent series.
January 9, 2021
After quite a build-up in previous books, Logan finally meets his nemesis. In a long-awaited revenge, Petrie targets all those Logan holds dear. This is a very exciting story and it builds to a fast and furious climax. There are losses on the way and at times I wondered how Logan was going to get out of the fix he’d got himself into. A very enjoyable novel with a satisfying ending. Looking forward to more.
January 7, 2024
I read the first 5 Logan books and found them reasonably satisfying if at times a little implausible but this one is way over the top. Clearly the author does not subscribe to the maxim “less is more” and continues to simply pile horror upon horror in the belief he is writing a gripping and exciting story. He isn’t - it’s just boring and, even worse, ridiculously far fetched.
There are so many holes in the plot; I would list them but others have already done so and I’ve already wasted enough of my life reading it. And the stupidity of the actions of some of the characters is breathtaking. One review refers to a “scarcely believable plot” - that is generous; it’s more like totally unbelievable. Another described it as cartoonish - well the authors does also write comics and if that is what you want then fine but don’t expect an adult novel because this falls way below the standard of even the previous Logan books.
I already have the next book in the series so I suppose I will give it a try, but unless there is a big improvement I may not finish it and it may be the last one. Some themes are becoming repetitive and the fact the author is turning out so many (5 Logan books in 2020) does not bode well. Many of my favourite authors rarely manage more than a book a year, if that. Once again often “less is more” and the antithesis of course is “never mind the quality feel the width.”
There are so many holes in the plot; I would list them but others have already done so and I’ve already wasted enough of my life reading it. And the stupidity of the actions of some of the characters is breathtaking. One review refers to a “scarcely believable plot” - that is generous; it’s more like totally unbelievable. Another described it as cartoonish - well the authors does also write comics and if that is what you want then fine but don’t expect an adult novel because this falls way below the standard of even the previous Logan books.
I already have the next book in the series so I suppose I will give it a try, but unless there is a big improvement I may not finish it and it may be the last one. Some themes are becoming repetitive and the fact the author is turning out so many (5 Logan books in 2020) does not bode well. Many of my favourite authors rarely manage more than a book a year, if that. Once again often “less is more” and the antithesis of course is “never mind the quality feel the width.”
February 25, 2022
This book could be used as a demonstration of what NOT to do when working in a team, ANY team, let alone the police.
Logan was generally very stupid all over this novel for someone who insisted for the past 5 books that he knew Petri was faking it.
How many times in the previous novels have bad things happened when officers went on risky endeavors alone? guess what? they all keep doing it, lying and hiding their intentions from each other and just being very incompetant overall
Petri’s storyline and the hostages scene were over the top and cartoonish, up untill that horrible part. ( Those who read the book will know)
I read in less than one day, but it isn’t my favourite in the series so far
Logan was generally very stupid all over this novel for someone who insisted for the past 5 books that he knew Petri was faking it.
How many times in the previous novels have bad things happened when officers went on risky endeavors alone? guess what? they all keep doing it, lying and hiding their intentions from each other and just being very incompetant overall
Petri’s storyline and the hostages scene were over the top and cartoonish, up untill that horrible part. ( Those who read the book will know)
I read in less than one day, but it isn’t my favourite in the series so far
February 3, 2023
This book was the bloodiest and goriest of the series and I thought it couldn’t get bloodier. It did keep my interest, but it was a bit over the top plot wise. I’m glad we’ve seen the last of Owen Petrie and the Russian. Of course, one could come back.
June 29, 2020
Fab Read As Usual
The latest instalment doesn't disappoint, another great book from this Scottish series, love it! From a fan who lives in Inverness!
The latest instalment doesn't disappoint, another great book from this Scottish series, love it! From a fan who lives in Inverness!
August 8, 2025
DCI Logan has been obsessed with Mister Whisper (Owen Petrie) for years. Everyone else was convinced he was brain damaged after he fell when Logan chased him, but Logan has always known he is dangerous and needs to be watched. He is proven right when Owen escapes and starts to create a wave of murder and mayhem. Logan is desperate to catch him, especially as Owen has a personal agenda against Logan and is going out of his way to target everyone he knows. Will Logan finally see the end of Owen, or will his obsession cause the people he loves to suffer?
This was definitely my favourite book of the series so far! So much happened and it was filled with action to the extent you couldn’t put it down. There were so many people targeted throughout the book that you were constantly left fearing the worst for some of these beloved characters. There was a lot of intense moments in the book (murder, threat of more murder, threat of rape etc) which could make this an uncomfortable read for some, but I feel the author dealt with the difficult topics well.
SPOILER AHEAD
So many of the many characters almost died in this book and, while I’m glad they all survived, I was sad that Ben’s wife was an unfortunate victim. It will be interesting to see how her death will affect his character in future books. I was also sad that Logan’s new neighbour had to die, especially as he’d done so much to help her.
Overall, an intense, exciting book that you really can’t put down!
This was definitely my favourite book of the series so far! So much happened and it was filled with action to the extent you couldn’t put it down. There were so many people targeted throughout the book that you were constantly left fearing the worst for some of these beloved characters. There was a lot of intense moments in the book (murder, threat of more murder, threat of rape etc) which could make this an uncomfortable read for some, but I feel the author dealt with the difficult topics well.
SPOILER AHEAD
So many of the many characters almost died in this book and, while I’m glad they all survived, I was sad that Ben’s wife was an unfortunate victim. It will be interesting to see how her death will affect his character in future books. I was also sad that Logan’s new neighbour had to die, especially as he’d done so much to help her.
Overall, an intense, exciting book that you really can’t put down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
Wow, this one felt a lot darker than the previous books in the series!! I cried at one point, it was so hard hitting!
Readers will know that Jack Logan has unfinished business with Owen Petrie, nicknamed by the press as Mister Whisper. As the title suggests, this book focuses in on that, with Petrie’s escape from his ‘secure’ institute. Logan knows that Petrie will be after him, but he has no idea of the lengths he will go to in order to bring him down.
I liked that the team were back together as one in this book, as they felt very disjointed in the previous instalment. Their team work and love for each other is a big part of what makes these books so brilliant. My heart broke for Ben 💔 I hope that the team rally round him in the next book because he is going to need it!!
Full of drama, super fast paced, gory, grisly, very dark! Whilst I found some parts to be a little distressing, I do appreciate that the plot was fantastic. And of course, it’s Logan who makes these books what they are. The loveable rogue who manages to nearly get himself killed in every single book - the cat with oh so many lives 😅
Looking forward to the next one! 😊
Readers will know that Jack Logan has unfinished business with Owen Petrie, nicknamed by the press as Mister Whisper. As the title suggests, this book focuses in on that, with Petrie’s escape from his ‘secure’ institute. Logan knows that Petrie will be after him, but he has no idea of the lengths he will go to in order to bring him down.
I liked that the team were back together as one in this book, as they felt very disjointed in the previous instalment. Their team work and love for each other is a big part of what makes these books so brilliant. My heart broke for Ben 💔 I hope that the team rally round him in the next book because he is going to need it!!
Full of drama, super fast paced, gory, grisly, very dark! Whilst I found some parts to be a little distressing, I do appreciate that the plot was fantastic. And of course, it’s Logan who makes these books what they are. The loveable rogue who manages to nearly get himself killed in every single book - the cat with oh so many lives 😅
Looking forward to the next one! 😊
July 11, 2023
Book 6 in the brilliant DCI Logan series starts where the previous book ended with the escape of arch-nemisis Owen Petrie (aka Mister Whisper) and Logan's knowledge that Petrie will come looking for him. This is effectively the storyline of the best and by far, the darkest in the series to date with Petrie constantly a step ahead of Logan and his team. It's brilliantly woven with clues throughout, plenty of twists and surprises as well as being brutal, uncompromising and descriptive. Thankfully the usual dark humour cuts the tension to a more manageable level. That said, among all that there are a couple of really poignant moments which hit harder if you've read the previous books (which I'd highly recommend). Not one for the faint hearted but as Scottish crime fiction goes, this is up there with the best and will stay with me for a while!
August 3, 2020
I have loved the DCI Logan series but with this latest I was a wee bit disappointed.
Although the rapport with Logan and the team is as brilliant as ever the plot is less convincing and even far fetched in parts.
Also a bit too similar to previous books in the series - the best way to describe it would be a bit samey...
Still I am looking forward to the next book as I believe there is to be a refreshing change to the storyline as Logan moves on from the Whisperer case..
Although the rapport with Logan and the team is as brilliant as ever the plot is less convincing and even far fetched in parts.
Also a bit too similar to previous books in the series - the best way to describe it would be a bit samey...
Still I am looking forward to the next book as I believe there is to be a refreshing change to the storyline as Logan moves on from the Whisperer case..
October 2, 2025
I’m not a fan of books that keep referring back to an old case or foe etc. I’ll be honest, I read the blurb and thought (not positively) “oh great, Mr Whisper again!”. I would now like to apologise to Barry Hutchinson with all of my being. This book kept my heart racing for over 9 hours. This book goes from fear, to heart break, to fear, to grief and keeps you circling. An absolute must read for JD Kirk fans.
March 23, 2021
This is one of the best crime novels I've read in a while, a real page-turner, full of unexpected twists and turns.
The only warning I would give relates to the Detective Superintendent who is "Potty-Mouth" personified. However, in this instance, the language is probably justified as a means of rounding out the character.
I have never read a J.D. Kirk before but I will definitely be looking into some more of them, preferably reading them in the right order as there are references to earlier books.
Highly recommended for fans of crime novels.
The only warning I would give relates to the Detective Superintendent who is "Potty-Mouth" personified. However, in this instance, the language is probably justified as a means of rounding out the character.
I have never read a J.D. Kirk before but I will definitely be looking into some more of them, preferably reading them in the right order as there are references to earlier books.
Highly recommended for fans of crime novels.
March 29, 2023
Don’t read this before bed!
I got halfway through this book and had to put it away for a bit! Mr Whisper is a scary if effective baddie and provides edge of the seat twists and turns - and not nice ones!
Rollercoaster of a story! Cheers Barry - no sleep for a few weeks after that one!
I got halfway through this book and had to put it away for a bit! Mr Whisper is a scary if effective baddie and provides edge of the seat twists and turns - and not nice ones!
Rollercoaster of a story! Cheers Barry - no sleep for a few weeks after that one!
April 1, 2024
Utterly terrifying, and a great addition to the DCI Logan series. If you are like me, listen to the books - Angus King is a wonderful narrator! I am looking forward to the next novel in the series. Gritty police work in, mostly, Inverness, Scotland. Great procedural series, with a group of very appealing characters. Not for the faint of heart, but well worth the effort.
February 11, 2025
Five huge stars for this book!
This one was a brilliant story and with the lives of all those close to Jack at risk, it was a gripping read.
With Petrie free from prison/secure hospital, Jack knows he’ll come for him. However, I don’t think he realised quite how many of his friends and family he’d attack.
I can’t wait to read the next one to see what’s next for Jack.
This one was a brilliant story and with the lives of all those close to Jack at risk, it was a gripping read.
With Petrie free from prison/secure hospital, Jack knows he’ll come for him. However, I don’t think he realised quite how many of his friends and family he’d attack.
I can’t wait to read the next one to see what’s next for Jack.
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