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DS Jamie Johansson #1
Bare Skin
It’s too late for him. But they can still save her…When the body of a young homeless boy washes up on the banks of the river, track marks in his arms, the Met don’t want to know. He got high, he fell in, he drowned. Case closed.But DS Jamie Johansson sees more. The facts don’t add up. The victim disappeared a week prior, and the victim’s girlfriend, Grace, is missing now too. What were the couple involved in? And is Grace still in danger?As Jamie begins to uncover leads, the trails leading deeper into the turbulent and violent world of homelessness, drugs, and extortion, something quickly becomes Jamie isn’t the only one looking for Grace. And if she doesn’t find her first, then there’s no telling how many bodies will start piling up.Digging deeper only reveals more disturbing secrets about the weeks leading up to the victim's kidnapping and murder. And when the truth finally comes out, it’ll change everything. Is Jamie Johansson ready to tackle a case like this? Or is she about to fall victim to the evil stalking the streets too?Bare Skin is the first novel in the DS Jamie Johansson Trilogy, and sees Jamie handed her first murder case, the one that shaped the detective she is today. Read now to find out how it all started.Greene's debut novel will have readers hooked from the start, and is the perfect way to get to know Jamie Johansson before her next adventure begins...***What Readers Are "Great book. Kept my attention all the way through. Great suspense and twists. Just read the next book and that is even better. I was gripped by the story all the way through! An author to watch!" - PR Copeman"What an amazing read, I found it hard to put this book down. The detective Jamie Johansson is complex and intriguing, I can't wait for book 2 to find out more about her. Highly recommend this read." - Lyn F"This is a new author for me and I wasn't sure initially if I was going to like it, didn't take long before I was hooked. Loved it." - Lynne Haynes"Got to say I loved this book, felt the female protagonist was great and her partner, while being a right royal pain in the a**e at the beginning was kind of growing on me by the end. The protagonist has a degree of baggage left over from her fractured relationship with her father, an eminent detective in his own right, but not so much that it weighed her down. I felt that in fact it was quite helpful. The story was detailed, engaging and had me desperate to find out the culprit." - Rosie Bray"within the first chapter I knew 100% that this was going to be a fabulous read. It was expertly written with just the right amount of descriptive details of the characters, the settings and all the action. It was a breath of fresh air the way the main character, Jamie, was developed, she wasn’t a tough perfect female detective trying to constantly prove herself to her male competitors, she had flaws and demons, there were no same-old stereotypes that often appear in detective novels. I am a massive fan of Scandinavia police novels and there was a real feeling of Scandi-noir about this book. All the characters were so well written that they were completely believable. This was a totally no nonsense thriller with intense action, brilliant and believable dialogue and a really addictive pace. I just didn’t want to stop reading and I just flew through it.
- GenresMysteryFictionProcedural
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2020
318 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Greene
37 books326 followersMorgan Greene grew up in Wales, and works a copywriter, editor, and author. Morgan studied Creative Writing and English Literature at Swansea University with a focus on narrative structure and theory, and published the first crime novel in the Jamie Johansson series in 2020. Since its release, the series has gone on to reach bestseller status, with Detective Jamie Johansson quickly becoming a reader favourite.
The series blends classic Scandi-noir elements with modern and cinematic thriller writing to create a unique style that adds to the emerging Brit-noir genre. Jamie has many novels ahead of her, but Morgan is also working on a variety of other projects across crime, thriller, and mystery and plans to publish plenty more in 2022 and beyond.
The series blends classic Scandi-noir elements with modern and cinematic thriller writing to create a unique style that adds to the emerging Brit-noir genre. Jamie has many novels ahead of her, but Morgan is also working on a variety of other projects across crime, thriller, and mystery and plans to publish plenty more in 2022 and beyond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 22, 2020
First and foremost, a large thank you to Morgan Greene for providing me with a copy of this novel, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Approached by the author to review his debut police procedural, I entered the experience with an open mind and high hopes. As soon as DS Jamie Johansson made herself known, I could tell that this would be a gritty story with significant character development and a plot that would propel the piece forward. I was not disappointed with Morgan Greene’s work and hope others will take the time to read it. That being said, you’ll want to block off some time, as this novel will surely pull you in!
Of all the partner pairings within the London Metropolitan Police, that of Detective Sergeants Jamie Johansson and Paul Roper is surely the least likely. DS Johansson is young, lithe, and health conscious, while DS Roper smokes like a chimney and loves his drink. The age gap is also quite significant, but somehow they make it work and find a form symbiosis.
When they are called to investigate the death of a young, homeless man, Johansson and Roper can only suspect it will be another case that adds to the statistics. However, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Hammond presents as a long-time heroin user who appears to have drowned in the river, with a significant amount of torture to his body. Might it have been self-inflicted from years of drug use? That’s the question that no one seems able to answer.
When DS Johansson tracks Ollie back to a shelter, she discovers that he has a girlfriend, Grace, who has been living on the streets with him, battling the same heroin addiction. While there are few leads, once DS Johansson finds Grace, she is in bad shape. Rushed to the hospital with an overdose, she will be of no help to anyone for the time being.
DS Roper takes him job seriously, but is also realistic about the chance that a pair of homeless people will be top priority for the Met. His pig-headedness clashes greatly with his partner, as DS Johansson refuses to give up. She’s sure there is a drug angle here, as many of the dealers and drug kingpins likely have Grace and Ollie on their radars. Working every angle they can, Johansson and Roper discover a possible suspect, though they try to handle things on their own, much to their own demise.
Suspended for putting themselves and other cases in jeopardy, Johansson and Roper go their own ways for the time being. Johansson uses her time away to reflect on some of her own personal problems, including a budding connection to one of the witnesses that has helped shape the case. It’s only when a substantial lead comes to fruition that DSs Johansson and Roper will be called on assist in bringing a ‘big fish’ down. However, not everything caught in the net proves helpful, and this leads to a stunning cliffhanger as the last chapter comes to an end.
Morgan Greene not only has a way with storytelling, but can lure the reader in with a strong plot and some well-developed characters. There was no point during my reading that I was lulled into a sense of boredom, as I was always wanting a little more, turning pages well into the night.
DS Jamie Johansson is a wonderful protagonist and her character is hashed out effectively throughout the story. A transplant from Sweden in her teens, she idolises her father, who was also a detective before he took his own life. The animosity between her parents left Johansson with a gaping hole in her life, something serving on the Met only hopes to fill. While she is a young detective, she has a knack like few others. Her mix of workplace professionalism and desire to better herself through diet and exercise make her a well-rounded character that Greene explores in breakaway moments of the narrative. There is still much to learn about her, making the fact that this is a series with some momentum all the more exciting.
The cast of secondary characters kept me intrigued throughout as well. Greene is able to paint a wonderful picture in this police procedural with strong supporting characters from all walks of life. The police, drug world, and medical folk are all presented in a believable fashion and help to hash out the multi-faceted plot that never seems to lag. With the cliffhanger at the end of the novel, we’ll likely see many of these faces again in the sequel, though how they will impact the story is left to be seen.
This was a great debut novel and Morgan Greene is surely an author worth noting. A strong plot gains momentum throughout with a strong setting on the gritty streets of London. Using some of the darker underbelly of the city, Greene offers the reader something well worth their while. The use of longer chapters pulls the reader in with much plot development, only to be countered with a few short, teasing chapters to keep the ‘a few more pages’ mantra on the lips of many. With a cliffhanger, I have no choice but to reach for the sequel to see how things resolve themselves. In truth, Greene writes so well that I’d be happy to rush to find another DS Jamie Johansson novel no matter the topic!
Kudos, Mr. Greene, for a great beginning to what looks like a gritty series. I hope others stumble upon your work and see just how addictive it can be.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Approached by the author to review his debut police procedural, I entered the experience with an open mind and high hopes. As soon as DS Jamie Johansson made herself known, I could tell that this would be a gritty story with significant character development and a plot that would propel the piece forward. I was not disappointed with Morgan Greene’s work and hope others will take the time to read it. That being said, you’ll want to block off some time, as this novel will surely pull you in!
Of all the partner pairings within the London Metropolitan Police, that of Detective Sergeants Jamie Johansson and Paul Roper is surely the least likely. DS Johansson is young, lithe, and health conscious, while DS Roper smokes like a chimney and loves his drink. The age gap is also quite significant, but somehow they make it work and find a form symbiosis.
When they are called to investigate the death of a young, homeless man, Johansson and Roper can only suspect it will be another case that adds to the statistics. However, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Hammond presents as a long-time heroin user who appears to have drowned in the river, with a significant amount of torture to his body. Might it have been self-inflicted from years of drug use? That’s the question that no one seems able to answer.
When DS Johansson tracks Ollie back to a shelter, she discovers that he has a girlfriend, Grace, who has been living on the streets with him, battling the same heroin addiction. While there are few leads, once DS Johansson finds Grace, she is in bad shape. Rushed to the hospital with an overdose, she will be of no help to anyone for the time being.
DS Roper takes him job seriously, but is also realistic about the chance that a pair of homeless people will be top priority for the Met. His pig-headedness clashes greatly with his partner, as DS Johansson refuses to give up. She’s sure there is a drug angle here, as many of the dealers and drug kingpins likely have Grace and Ollie on their radars. Working every angle they can, Johansson and Roper discover a possible suspect, though they try to handle things on their own, much to their own demise.
Suspended for putting themselves and other cases in jeopardy, Johansson and Roper go their own ways for the time being. Johansson uses her time away to reflect on some of her own personal problems, including a budding connection to one of the witnesses that has helped shape the case. It’s only when a substantial lead comes to fruition that DSs Johansson and Roper will be called on assist in bringing a ‘big fish’ down. However, not everything caught in the net proves helpful, and this leads to a stunning cliffhanger as the last chapter comes to an end.
Morgan Greene not only has a way with storytelling, but can lure the reader in with a strong plot and some well-developed characters. There was no point during my reading that I was lulled into a sense of boredom, as I was always wanting a little more, turning pages well into the night.
DS Jamie Johansson is a wonderful protagonist and her character is hashed out effectively throughout the story. A transplant from Sweden in her teens, she idolises her father, who was also a detective before he took his own life. The animosity between her parents left Johansson with a gaping hole in her life, something serving on the Met only hopes to fill. While she is a young detective, she has a knack like few others. Her mix of workplace professionalism and desire to better herself through diet and exercise make her a well-rounded character that Greene explores in breakaway moments of the narrative. There is still much to learn about her, making the fact that this is a series with some momentum all the more exciting.
The cast of secondary characters kept me intrigued throughout as well. Greene is able to paint a wonderful picture in this police procedural with strong supporting characters from all walks of life. The police, drug world, and medical folk are all presented in a believable fashion and help to hash out the multi-faceted plot that never seems to lag. With the cliffhanger at the end of the novel, we’ll likely see many of these faces again in the sequel, though how they will impact the story is left to be seen.
This was a great debut novel and Morgan Greene is surely an author worth noting. A strong plot gains momentum throughout with a strong setting on the gritty streets of London. Using some of the darker underbelly of the city, Greene offers the reader something well worth their while. The use of longer chapters pulls the reader in with much plot development, only to be countered with a few short, teasing chapters to keep the ‘a few more pages’ mantra on the lips of many. With a cliffhanger, I have no choice but to reach for the sequel to see how things resolve themselves. In truth, Greene writes so well that I’d be happy to rush to find another DS Jamie Johansson novel no matter the topic!
Kudos, Mr. Greene, for a great beginning to what looks like a gritty series. I hope others stumble upon your work and see just how addictive it can be.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
October 19, 2020
I had this book for quite a while before reading it and so it was almost like going into it blind when I finally picked it up. It was really not what I expected. DS Jamie Johansson is a young, gung-ho, clean living fitness freak and martial arts expert with a kick like a mule. Her partner, DS Paul Roper, is almost the exact opposite - a heavy smoking, hard drinking older man. You would think this wouldn’t work for them but, surprisingly, they make a good team and back each other up - as long as Jamie does any chasing required!
They are called out to a body found on the banks of a London river. It turns out to be an 18 year old homeless man and heroin addict, Ollie, but there are signs he has been bound and tortured. Apparently he has a girlfriend, Grace, and Jamie and Roper try to track her down but this is no easy task. When they do finally find her she is in a bad way from an overdose. They suspect that someone may have done this to her and tracking that person down leads them into a very dark place indeed. In conjunction with a doctor who volunteers at the homeless shelter that both Ollie and Grace used on occasion Jamie must confront her conscience about stepping well outside the law to yet again help save Grace from certain death.
In trying to find out who was involved in Ollie’s death the detectives find more than they bargained for and as the full horror of their discoveries sinks in Jamie learns a harsh lesson about trust and justice. I think this book is a debut so kudos for a really great piece of work. The story was gritty without being too dark or gratuitously violent and the characters where well drawn. Jamie was a relatable person and a troublesome police officer as she often went off the reservation. Roper was like an old timer who you couldn’t help liking despite his obvious faults. The story itself was well plotted and paced, there were no dead spots. I just didn’t ‘get’ the title. I still don’t, but not to worry - the book was very entertaining and I will be keen to read the sequel. Many thanks to BookSirens and Morgan Greene for my copy. My opinions are my own.
They are called out to a body found on the banks of a London river. It turns out to be an 18 year old homeless man and heroin addict, Ollie, but there are signs he has been bound and tortured. Apparently he has a girlfriend, Grace, and Jamie and Roper try to track her down but this is no easy task. When they do finally find her she is in a bad way from an overdose. They suspect that someone may have done this to her and tracking that person down leads them into a very dark place indeed. In conjunction with a doctor who volunteers at the homeless shelter that both Ollie and Grace used on occasion Jamie must confront her conscience about stepping well outside the law to yet again help save Grace from certain death.
In trying to find out who was involved in Ollie’s death the detectives find more than they bargained for and as the full horror of their discoveries sinks in Jamie learns a harsh lesson about trust and justice. I think this book is a debut so kudos for a really great piece of work. The story was gritty without being too dark or gratuitously violent and the characters where well drawn. Jamie was a relatable person and a troublesome police officer as she often went off the reservation. Roper was like an old timer who you couldn’t help liking despite his obvious faults. The story itself was well plotted and paced, there were no dead spots. I just didn’t ‘get’ the title. I still don’t, but not to worry - the book was very entertaining and I will be keen to read the sequel. Many thanks to BookSirens and Morgan Greene for my copy. My opinions are my own.
July 30, 2020
What a great new detective thriller!! Well-written with all characters becoming people you know, and a new detective, DS Jamie Johansson, who is human, trying to do her job to the best of her abilities. She is smart, always working to improve herself, and ready to kick butt when a case falls into her lap that pushes her to get in deep with the homeless community around her. People are just people, everyone has moments of grace and times of failure, often lured by things around us that are not good,but unable to turn away...Making a cop's job so tough, as she looks for reasons a young man is found in the river, with signs of torture and his hands tied behind him..
An enjoyable read as the author shows us the cops as they are, flaws and strengths that keep them safe. I will definitely be looking forward to the next in this series!!
An enjoyable read as the author shows us the cops as they are, flaws and strengths that keep them safe. I will definitely be looking forward to the next in this series!!
December 30, 2022
A body is found in the River Lea, north London. Can newbie Detective Sergeant Jamie Johansson determine whether this was an accidental death, suicide or murder?
I enjoyed reading this debut novel, which is a police procedural that has become the first book in a series. I found this crime/thriller to be entertaining and it was not glamorous but an earthy and gritty urban tale with plenty of urine and faeces stains. Bare Skin has a fast pace and many twists and turns. The problems of drugs and the homeless are fully explored. I liked the attention to detail throughout the story, for example…
Afraid for his life, the kid pulled out his phone and dialled a number from memory. He didn’t have Donnie saved in his phone, but he’d memorised his number. Smart. On both their parts.
…I also liked the character development of DS Jamie Johansson with details of her personal life and prospects for some romance too! However, I was truly shocked to read…
When she got to the hallway, she saw the pile of soiled clothes. Her jeans, boots, and jacket. All bloodied. It was almost painful to do it - they were only a few months old and still had a year of life left.
…WTF? Jamie. To give your jeans, boots and jacket a life span of 15 months is shocking! I want clothes to last and would NEVER think of throwing them away after just 15 months. Oh, young people these days, everything appears to them to be throwaways. And don’t get me going on fashion! However, DS Jamie Johansson does wear sensible footwear unlike many young women today.
I think Bare Skin is an OUTSTANDING 5 star read which shows great promise from this author because Bare Skin is his debut novel. There is a good author’s note at the end which explains why Bare Skin ended the way it did.
I enjoyed reading this debut novel, which is a police procedural that has become the first book in a series. I found this crime/thriller to be entertaining and it was not glamorous but an earthy and gritty urban tale with plenty of urine and faeces stains. Bare Skin has a fast pace and many twists and turns. The problems of drugs and the homeless are fully explored. I liked the attention to detail throughout the story, for example…
Afraid for his life, the kid pulled out his phone and dialled a number from memory. He didn’t have Donnie saved in his phone, but he’d memorised his number. Smart. On both their parts.
…I also liked the character development of DS Jamie Johansson with details of her personal life and prospects for some romance too! However, I was truly shocked to read…
When she got to the hallway, she saw the pile of soiled clothes. Her jeans, boots, and jacket. All bloodied. It was almost painful to do it - they were only a few months old and still had a year of life left.
…WTF? Jamie. To give your jeans, boots and jacket a life span of 15 months is shocking! I want clothes to last and would NEVER think of throwing them away after just 15 months. Oh, young people these days, everything appears to them to be throwaways. And don’t get me going on fashion! However, DS Jamie Johansson does wear sensible footwear unlike many young women today.
I think Bare Skin is an OUTSTANDING 5 star read which shows great promise from this author because Bare Skin is his debut novel. There is a good author’s note at the end which explains why Bare Skin ended the way it did.
October 21, 2025
We read this first one in the follow up series (Angel Maker) for book club and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd read the prequels before embarking on any more. I wasn't disappointed! I found the constant references to how fit Jamie was, her workouts etc etc a bit boring and repetitive, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. Will definitely continue to read more.
August 16, 2020
Found this book hard reading.
I disliked this book as I found it hard reading. It was boring due to the minute detail the author goes in to such as the type of boot a character wore. I felt the need to skip pages at times. There was a lack of mystery, I guessed the outcome half way through the book. Not an author for me
I disliked this book as I found it hard reading. It was boring due to the minute detail the author goes in to such as the type of boot a character wore. I felt the need to skip pages at times. There was a lack of mystery, I guessed the outcome half way through the book. Not an author for me
March 3, 2022
Really enjoyed this ready for the next one
June 8, 2022
Was ok but naff ending
August 3, 2020
An interesting story line, but unfortunately some parts are hard to believe. A fit Jamie who runs miles to the gym works out and then runs home has difficulty running after a drug dealer whilst her partner who drinks and smokes to excess seems to be able to keep up with the chase! Would someone who regularly turned up for work drunk and hung over be able to get away with it? I doubt it. Does the Met police force have Captains I thought that was American. Having just had an arm broken in the line of duty would you be allowed to go back to work a few hours later ? Again I doubt it.
As I said the story line was good but I'm afraid the inconsistencies regarding the characters spoilt it for me.
As I said the story line was good but I'm afraid the inconsistencies regarding the characters spoilt it for me.
November 22, 2020
Really enjoyable book, the first in what promises to be a great series.
August 4, 2020
Firstly I must state that I received an advance review copy of this book for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I absolutely love police/detective procedural storylines and that was my initial reasoning for beginning to read this book. However, within the first chapter I knew 100% that this was going to be a fabulous read. It was expertly written with just the right amount of descriptive details of the characters, the settings and all the action. It was a breath of fresh air the way the main character, Jamie, was developed, she wasn’t a tough perfect female detective trying to constantly prove herself to her male competitors, she had flaws and demons, there were no same-old stereotypes that often appear in detective novels. I am a massive fan of Scandinavia police novels and there was a real feeling of Scandi-noir about this book. All the characters were so well written that they were completely believable. This was a totally no nonsense thriller with intense action, brilliant and believable dialogue and a really addictive pace. I just didn’t want to stop reading and I just flew through it. As usual I did work out the “baddie” before the big reveal, but this certainly didn’t detract from my enjoyment and even though there was something of an unfinished ending, I actually found this much more satisfying than I thought I would. Perhaps, as I enjoyed this book so much the open ending now only makes me all the more determined to read the sequel. I really can’t recommend this book more highly, absolutely loved everything about it. Off now to hunt down a copy of book 2 “Fresh Meat”
October 25, 2020
The truth cuts deep.
What is the value of a life?
Bare Skin is a tightly wound crime novel for the new age. Hard-boiled detectives are a thing of the past. It’s time for a new generation of hero. And with it, comes a new breed of criminal...
In a story that follows DS Jamie’s Johansson and DS Paul Roper as they take the lead on a murder case if a young homeless boy, Oliver, after his body washes up on the banks of the Lea River, his hands bound, showing signs of torture. Most detectives would assume this is a simple drugs debt gone wrong, but DS Jamie Johansson sees something more.
Jamie and her partner Roper must dig deep into London’s grim underworld on the trail of dealers and killers. At every turn a new suspect crawls out of the woodwork and a witness disappears.
When the victims girlfriend turns up strung out and strangled half to death, things take a darker turn. Whoever did this is doing everything they can to cover their tracks.
Even if that means killing again.
Jamie is no rookie, but she’s never headed up a murder enquiry either. Is she in over her head? Or is she the only detective that can catch this killer before they strike again?
I thought enjoyed this story and it might just be the best I have read this year. It shows the struggles faced in cases related to the homeless and addicts. I found it was really easy to get into with its likeable characters (despite some unlikeable and somewhat annoying traits they had but these traits built the characters).
Full of twists and turns I could not stop reading (really did not want to put it down).
With a plot twist I never saw coming, I was left in shock. I wanted it to be longer and could not wait for the release do the second instalment in the series.
What is the value of a life?
Bare Skin is a tightly wound crime novel for the new age. Hard-boiled detectives are a thing of the past. It’s time for a new generation of hero. And with it, comes a new breed of criminal...
In a story that follows DS Jamie’s Johansson and DS Paul Roper as they take the lead on a murder case if a young homeless boy, Oliver, after his body washes up on the banks of the Lea River, his hands bound, showing signs of torture. Most detectives would assume this is a simple drugs debt gone wrong, but DS Jamie Johansson sees something more.
Jamie and her partner Roper must dig deep into London’s grim underworld on the trail of dealers and killers. At every turn a new suspect crawls out of the woodwork and a witness disappears.
When the victims girlfriend turns up strung out and strangled half to death, things take a darker turn. Whoever did this is doing everything they can to cover their tracks.
Even if that means killing again.
Jamie is no rookie, but she’s never headed up a murder enquiry either. Is she in over her head? Or is she the only detective that can catch this killer before they strike again?
I thought enjoyed this story and it might just be the best I have read this year. It shows the struggles faced in cases related to the homeless and addicts. I found it was really easy to get into with its likeable characters (despite some unlikeable and somewhat annoying traits they had but these traits built the characters).
Full of twists and turns I could not stop reading (really did not want to put it down).
With a plot twist I never saw coming, I was left in shock. I wanted it to be longer and could not wait for the release do the second instalment in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
It was a little hard to judge this, as I was constantly comparing it to Angel Maker, no matter how many times I tried not to, which stars the same heroine but was written years later and is much better. This is a debut crime novel, and it shows. It also shows great promise.
Jamie is a fascinating character with serious parent issues. I really don't know which of them is worse, she was let down by them both so badly, in so many ways. My blood was boiling at the single scene her mother was in. I'm less impressed by Roper, he is the cliché cop you see in so many of these books, although his claim and plan at the end of the book is intriguing, I hope he carries through, or at least tries.
The truth, when it is revealed, is suitably dark and unsettling. I had figured out the killer long before the characters did, but seeing that I was right was deeply enjoyable, a sigh of relief and 'finally'. It gripped me enough that after how it ended, I am very excited to start the next one and follow on with this overarching plot. This feels like a real trilogy, as opposed to a series of books with the same character and I really hope when the eventual confrontation happens, that it turns out to be worth the wait.
Jamie is a fascinating character with serious parent issues. I really don't know which of them is worse, she was let down by them both so badly, in so many ways. My blood was boiling at the single scene her mother was in. I'm less impressed by Roper, he is the cliché cop you see in so many of these books, although his claim and plan at the end of the book is intriguing, I hope he carries through, or at least tries.
The truth, when it is revealed, is suitably dark and unsettling. I had figured out the killer long before the characters did, but seeing that I was right was deeply enjoyable, a sigh of relief and 'finally'. It gripped me enough that after how it ended, I am very excited to start the next one and follow on with this overarching plot. This feels like a real trilogy, as opposed to a series of books with the same character and I really hope when the eventual confrontation happens, that it turns out to be worth the wait.
September 7, 2022
I am quite an addict to books, that I have to read a while series of books that are written round one character, as well as selections of books by an author. I really do get invested in the author and/or character.I
Being a Kindle unlimited member I get to read all kinds of books by all kind is authors, and Angel Maker popped up as a suggestion following my reading history - having just read a whole series of 'Scandi-noir' books.
And I am so glad that it was because I read that in a day, whilst laid up in bed recovering from surgery. And having completed this I promptly downloaded this as the three prequel books, based in London, and read them within 3 days.
I glad I have come across this author, and although there are now 8 books now, around Jamie, I am intrigued and looking forward to what else Morgan can produce behind Jamie.
Jamie is a strong female lead, with faults, issues and complex history that just makes her a realistic likable character.
I could easily see Jamie Johanson being made into a tv series, which I would watch.
Being a Kindle unlimited member I get to read all kinds of books by all kind is authors, and Angel Maker popped up as a suggestion following my reading history - having just read a whole series of 'Scandi-noir' books.
And I am so glad that it was because I read that in a day, whilst laid up in bed recovering from surgery. And having completed this I promptly downloaded this as the three prequel books, based in London, and read them within 3 days.
I glad I have come across this author, and although there are now 8 books now, around Jamie, I am intrigued and looking forward to what else Morgan can produce behind Jamie.
Jamie is a strong female lead, with faults, issues and complex history that just makes her a realistic likable character.
I could easily see Jamie Johanson being made into a tv series, which I would watch.
Read
October 29, 2020I really enjoyed this book and it looks like being a brilliant series.
If M W Craven's Washington Poe is the king of police procedurals and page turning thrillers then Jamie Johansson has to be the queen of the genre.
This is old-time crime thrillers brought right up to current times. You get engrossed in the characters and the storyline. This is the first book in what looks to be a long and exciting series. Having finished the book I searched on the website to see when the next book is out and it is already available and book 3 is out in the next few days. I will definitely looking to get hold of these other books to read and will follow the author for further updates.
I received an review copy of the Kindle version of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Many thanks to BookSirens, Mercury Press and Morgan Greene for allowing me the opportunity to read this great book.
If M W Craven's Washington Poe is the king of police procedurals and page turning thrillers then Jamie Johansson has to be the queen of the genre.
This is old-time crime thrillers brought right up to current times. You get engrossed in the characters and the storyline. This is the first book in what looks to be a long and exciting series. Having finished the book I searched on the website to see when the next book is out and it is already available and book 3 is out in the next few days. I will definitely looking to get hold of these other books to read and will follow the author for further updates.
I received an review copy of the Kindle version of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Many thanks to BookSirens, Mercury Press and Morgan Greene for allowing me the opportunity to read this great book.
November 10, 2020
Got to say I loved this book, felt the female protagonist was great and her partner, while being a right royal pain in the a**e at the beginning was kind of growing on me by the end. The protagonist has a degree of baggage left over from her fractured relationship with her father, an eminent detective in his own right, but not so much that it weighed her down. I felt that in fact it was quite helpful. The story was detailed, engaging and had me desperate to find out the culprit. I must admit that I enjoyed the misdirection, wanting the bad guy to be wholly responsible and having a slight meltdown when I found out the real villain of the piece. I liked how the story set itself up for more books in the series, while still wrapping up the case in hand.
I received this book as an advance reader copy, in return for providing an honest review, which I am more than happy to do ~ excellent read
I received this book as an advance reader copy, in return for providing an honest review, which I am more than happy to do ~ excellent read
February 4, 2022
I've actually had this book for ages but never got around to reading it, and instead started with Angel Maker , the first in the Jamie series where she is now a DI. This made this read more interesting as i'm going back in time to see Jamie in a more junior role and I was interested in seeing how her career panned out in the UK.
I like the character of Jamie, determined, stubborn and yet still with an emotional streak and it is clear that she has a strong link to her deceased father. Her partner, Roper, was not likeable for most of the book yet I did get to change my mind about him towards the end.
I don't want to rehash the blurb but I did find this a tense read and although I guessed the culprit, I did second guess myself a couple of times. I look forward now to reading books 2 and 3 in this prequel series to bring me up to date with all the Jamie books.
I like the character of Jamie, determined, stubborn and yet still with an emotional streak and it is clear that she has a strong link to her deceased father. Her partner, Roper, was not likeable for most of the book yet I did get to change my mind about him towards the end.
I don't want to rehash the blurb but I did find this a tense read and although I guessed the culprit, I did second guess myself a couple of times. I look forward now to reading books 2 and 3 in this prequel series to bring me up to date with all the Jamie books.
February 10, 2021
5 Star Review Well Earned!
I found my way to this book via an ARC copy of Morgan Greene's more recent book in this series Angel Maker. Of course as soon as it was mentioned there were prequels to be read I looked them straight up. This book primarily focused on the death of a homeless boy Oliver who was apparently trying to straighten out his and his girlfriend Grace's lives. It had me hooked by the first chapter with the description of Oliver's demise. I don't want to divulge any spoilers but I will say I guessed who the killer was before the end but not the reasons behind the crime! Needless to say I'll be moving on to the next book of the series straight away
I found my way to this book via an ARC copy of Morgan Greene's more recent book in this series Angel Maker. Of course as soon as it was mentioned there were prequels to be read I looked them straight up. This book primarily focused on the death of a homeless boy Oliver who was apparently trying to straighten out his and his girlfriend Grace's lives. It had me hooked by the first chapter with the description of Oliver's demise. I don't want to divulge any spoilers but I will say I guessed who the killer was before the end but not the reasons behind the crime! Needless to say I'll be moving on to the next book of the series straight away
April 16, 2021
A decent start to a new series featuring DS Jamie Johansson, a London detective with a Swedish heritage.
The plot involves a homeless man who is discovered in the river, tied up and drowned. Clearly he was held captive but by whom and why? The investigation leads through drugs and the homeless community to several underworlds figures.
The novel is fast paced although the twists are rather obvious. The main characters feel rather stereotyped: the young, fit female detective with daddy issues, trying to live up to her father's memory (a hero cop), and her partner, a dinosaur older male detective with the inevitable drink problem.
The plot involves a homeless man who is discovered in the river, tied up and drowned. Clearly he was held captive but by whom and why? The investigation leads through drugs and the homeless community to several underworlds figures.
The novel is fast paced although the twists are rather obvious. The main characters feel rather stereotyped: the young, fit female detective with daddy issues, trying to live up to her father's memory (a hero cop), and her partner, a dinosaur older male detective with the inevitable drink problem.
February 26, 2023
A nice story, weakened by some silly characterisation ...
The drunk smoker of a senior partner ... always on the eye out for a quick resolution.
The non-smiling boss, always ready to snipe at the heroine.
The violent old school detective
and poor police procedure description
The suspended heroine panicking about being caught trespassing as if the Met have the time to respond with blues and twos for a reported trespass ... they don't do that burglary in progress much of the time.
A 'Captain' in charge of the armed response team? The last time I Googled, it wasn't a rank in the Met.
A strong plot and good writing spoilt for a hal'pence worth of thought.
The drunk smoker of a senior partner ... always on the eye out for a quick resolution.
The non-smiling boss, always ready to snipe at the heroine.
The violent old school detective
and poor police procedure description
The suspended heroine panicking about being caught trespassing as if the Met have the time to respond with blues and twos for a reported trespass ... they don't do that burglary in progress much of the time.
A 'Captain' in charge of the armed response team? The last time I Googled, it wasn't a rank in the Met.
A strong plot and good writing spoilt for a hal'pence worth of thought.
March 19, 2024
Great prequel
I read Morgan Greene’s Angel Maker and loved it. I ordered others in the Jamie Johansson series and then discovered the prequels. So, for now Rising Tide has to wait.
Bare Skin was a really good book. I predicted the perpetrator early but not necessarily the nuances of the crime(s) and found some sections to be edge of the seat or at least dramatic. All told, by the end of the book I was very satisfied. And, I will continue reading the next in the series. I’m warming to Roper, Jamie’s work partner, liked Cake and the other police characters (Thompson and Smith), serve a purpose for the storyline, so OK.
I read Morgan Greene’s Angel Maker and loved it. I ordered others in the Jamie Johansson series and then discovered the prequels. So, for now Rising Tide has to wait.
Bare Skin was a really good book. I predicted the perpetrator early but not necessarily the nuances of the crime(s) and found some sections to be edge of the seat or at least dramatic. All told, by the end of the book I was very satisfied. And, I will continue reading the next in the series. I’m warming to Roper, Jamie’s work partner, liked Cake and the other police characters (Thompson and Smith), serve a purpose for the storyline, so OK.
August 14, 2023
I love parts of this book and Jamie.....the storylines and characters are really good but I find myself getting really frustrated with Jamie and her long winded conversations with her father and herself. Yes she is a rebel and is definitely all about getting justice for people but too easily overlooks how she is getting results. I wish there were a few more main characters...characters that make a strong team dynamic, she is on her own far too much for my taste. I love reading series so I have high expectations as I continue with Jamie.
January 26, 2024
After realising that there is more to know about Jamie, which I discovered in the "Angel Maker," I started this book. It's good to see where it all begins. I suppose I will have more to say after the third book when I catch up with the whole story . Nothing is perfect. Therefore, I will say I liked it , though I did see it coming , the cliffhanger and how the situation turned down quite early in the story. But after reading many books on the genre I think it's possible to happen from time to time. I already started "Fresh meat," so I will see what happens next.
August 28, 2020
I won't lie I struggled at times with this book. It's intense which I enjoyed, I believe in time I could grow to like the main character more. My problem lies with descriptions.... For example her boots, the kind they are and so on and so on. Just continue with the story please. I'm interested to read more in this series to see if maybe I like the next book more. I received a copy of this book from BookSirens and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
March 30, 2021
I enjoyed being introduced to Jaime Johansson and her alter Paul Roper. It was an interesting read and you can see how the characters develop as the book progresses. Wasn’t quite expecting the end which is always a plus for me. I don’t like predictability and this is a series I’ll definitely be reading more of.
June 4, 2021
I read a great deal of euro/Nordic noir. I did not particularly care for this work. I never felt an affection/rapport with DS Jamie and thought she made too many mistakes in her procedures. maybe it is typical but not in many other similar works of English crime. I have the trilogy and will read the next and hope to see improvement (imo)
March 20, 2023
Struggled with this book. Couldn’t get into it. The author goes into too much detail and the story gets bogged down with it. Then there’s a detective sergeant who is nearly always drunk when he turns up for work and then Jamie broke her arm but was back at work a few hours later. And then the ending was just strange. Not a book for me and not sure I will read the next in the series
July 29, 2020
Solid crime novel, decent twist. Good female lead that wasn't domineering or out to prove anything to her male superiors, just a hard working, realistic MC. Very cleanly written and a nice change of pace!
November 27, 2021
Enjoyed this book, I liked the story line and enjoyed the character of Jamie. My only disappointment , that I think it was fairly obvious from quite early who the murderer was going to be! But I am still going to read the next in the series
May 9, 2023
Another excellent book from Morgan Greene in the Jamie Johansson series.
This is the prequel and helps start to tell the story of the character in the later books. An interesting story and great page turner.
This is the prequel and helps start to tell the story of the character in the later books. An interesting story and great page turner.
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