Heads or Tails

by Rob Ashman

Valerie Riggs lets the coin rule her life. Every decision is based upon a game of chance, even the decision to kill. She trusts the coin to keep her safe … it’s never let her down.

DS Khenan Malice is called to attend a clear case of suicide. But all is not what it seems. Then his world is turned upside down by a casual remark. The worst thing is … the remark comes from his seven-year-old daughter.

DC Kelly Pietersen is close to breaking point. The ghosts of recent events won’t leave her alone. She’s about to snap and someone is going to get hurt.

Valerie is always one step ahead … the coin knows best.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2020

Reviews

[Yvonne (the putrid Shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heads or Tails is gambling on a knife’s edge. Valerie Riggs was thrown into the primordial soup with Two-Face. Who makes life and death decisions based upon the flip of a coin? Valerie does, and she is resolute in its whispered answer. They say everything happens for a reason, but Valerie believes that the toss of a coin will keep her safe … it hasn’t done her wrong yet. It’s an addictive tale of compulsion and delusion with characters that leave you feeling relieved that you walk on the sane side of the street.

Heads and Tails opens with a taster of Valerie’s mental capacity. The lady doesn’t display behaviours that you or I would deem normal. She’s had a difficult upbringing and it has affected her more than could be anticipated. She lives and dies by the sword (or in this case, the coin.) she’s very recently lost her partner, witnessing a slow and painful death with her finally succumbing to sepsis has taken its physical and mental toll on Valerie. Her pain has made her go running into the darkness, but she is more comfortable there than in the light. The lengths she will go to with the toss of a coin is horrifying.

Rob Ashman has a unique style in his storytelling. He doesn’t believe in setting up a story slowly – it’s a kick you in the genitals type set up. You fall to your knees with the pain and just when you manage to get to your feet, the author stamps you back down again. I kept telling myself I’d only read a few more pages which turns into half the book. It was refreshing to read about a female serial killer especially one as unhinged as Valerie Riggs.

There are moments where you believe you have it all figured out – murder she wrote was murder she didn’t write. It’s laughable how far off the mark I was, I think I’m more comfortable being an armchair detective than a real one. I enjoyed the relationship between DS Malice and Pietersen. They’ve got each other’s backs and wouldn’t hesitate to take a bullet for one another.

I haven’t read books 1 & 2 which I plan to rectify soon so that I have a deeper understanding of past events. The author has a way of allowing the reader to feel the frustration of just how things can dangle on a knife-edge with an investigation. It felt very authentic, and I was reeled in.

Ashman writes with flair and style. Absorbing and deftly written. Heads or Tails is a bog that begs to be read in one sitting.

[Livia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Valerie ..she could be the woman next door, the one sitting opposite you on the train ..she is an ordinary looking woman , She is bright , she's unfathomable...theres no light in her fire.While some people roll the dice ,Valerie goes by the flick of the coin ...Don't get to close ...Valerie who has lost her partner has ventured into The Darkness ...D.S. Khenan Malice and D.S. Kelly Petersen have an unexplained death at Canary Wharf ..but something is wrong with Petersen..she's not sleeping..that last case - the one that never left has got under her skin and its burrowed deep..Every time Mally reaches out to help her ,she closes up..Then with everything that's going on around them ,there's a missing persons case that leads them into even darker territory..Superintendent Waite is furious when The Special Branch puts one of their own in with her team .As Malice and Petersen find a connection..the case just gets darker and darker...Ashman's darkest writing yet ...Its Gory...Its Heinous...Just So Dark and Visceral..I cannot wait to see what happens next ...Heads or Tails ...God what an ending ..Its another Five Little Black Stars from me ....🖤

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all the others in the series, I was thrilled to buy this one to see what happened to the characters.

I must say while the author writes some grim stuff, this book was a bit of a disappointment to me, I found myself feeling a bit discombobulated with the story and I know Valerie did everything on the throw of a coin, I struggled with the connections. It did come clearer towards the end, but I had to keep re-reading it.

Mally’s bombshell at the end was obvious and Kelly struggled throughout and was not on top form.

I do think the other two previous books were better. However, everyone is different and I’m sure it was just me.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book but for full enjoyment I would recommend reading the previous book in the series before starting this one. Even though the author does go over previous events, I think readers would benefit more from reading them for themselves in Twinkle Twinkle Little Lies.

Rob Ashman is an author who grabs you by the throat and does not let you go until you are suddenly cast aside at the end. He also leaves you desperate for more, so just be warned! I don’t know what it is but nothing beats a serial killer more than a female one. I suppose it’s because it’s usually dominated by men so it’s quite refreshing for a female to play that role and the author is one who can create the most twisted of characters.

I loved that Valerie makes her decisions on the toss of a coin. I felt slightly guilt for being disappointed if the coin didn’t fall a certain way which saved a victims life. It’s fiction though and where would the fun be without a murder or two? We also get to see more of Malice and Pieterson and things are not going great for either of them. Pieterson for one is struggling with her mental health and dealing with her actions whilst Malice is having to deal with someone new being in his ex’s and daughters life.

Heads Or Tails is another fast paced, compulsive read of which after how it ends, I am desperate for the next book in the series. I need it now! It’s yet another dark, twisted and in part gruesome read which did not fail to shock and surprise me. I blooming well loved it! This is a must read series for readers who love their crime thrillers on the very dark side. Highly recommended!

My thanks to the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* making this an excellent book.
gore score 🗡🗡🗡
No 3 in the Malice series. I read the first, but jumped straight to the 3rd.
I love the book cover, very fitting.
The story is told from multiple points of view.
At one point we are taken on a trip across the continent to the US.
Mally and Pietersen’s relationship is a great one, and both of their characters have grown on me.
Valerie what a woman!
There are a lot of characters to keep track of in the story, with a lot going on. I struggled to remember the person who is mentioned at the end, and had to do a search for the name on the kindle!
Not all of the threads are tied up at the end leading into the next book, but the main ones are. So looking forward to the next instalment.

[Dee Groocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Riggs’ life is controlled by the coin, right down to whether someone’s life will be taken or spared.

DS Kenan Malice and DC Kelly Pietersen have to hunt the killer before they strike again but nothing is as simple as it seems! As well as hunting a killer, they both have problems in their private lives that need dealing with too.

This is the third book in the series and I would recommend reading the first two to help understand the main characters in the books.

The author has a great way of making you think you know exactly what is going on in the story and then finding out you are way off the mark! I’m not giving any spoilers but he certainly caught me out!
The working relationship between the two main characters is good, they tend to bounce off each other. I can’t wait to read more in this excellent series.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now the third excellent story featuring DS Khenan Malice and his South African sidekick DC Kelly Pietersen. I would definitely encourage anyone to read books one and two first since so much has happened since the pair first got together. You’ll also see the progression of all the characters featured and the way their relationships have changed. Malice describes himself as an "ex-bent cop", believing that his dark deeds in the first book mean his troubles are now over. When they first teamed up Pietersen had recently transferred from anti-corruption with a set agenda to follow. She decided that working with Malice was where she wanted to stay but after the harrowing events of book two she is not coping so well and is facing a dilemma. It’s Malice’s turn to look after his colleague now. I have grown to love Malice completely in just two books. He is a Luther-esque type of policeman, flawed and has his own unorthodox way of doing things that often only have a nodding acquaintance with the rule book. He is still struggling to get it right as far as ex wife Hayley and daughter Amy are concerned, and he could have even more to cope with soon. He means well however, and he is certainly the man you would want to find in your corner if you were in a fix. You might be hoping things would now settle down for the pair but it doesn’t take long before they are embroiled in a baffling case where they are not the only ones following the trail of a killer. The story starts with an apparent suicide, a man leaping to his death from the roof of an apartment block. Closer investigation by Malice reveals it was far more likely than Clark Benson was struck first and then pushed, the killer making a very clever escape. Benson’s death triggers an alert with his employer, a private security company who have some very strange ways of finding out what happened to him.
Once more the story is told from two very different sides, the police investigation into Benson who wasn’t all he seemed, and that of Valerie Riggs. Valerie had a rough start in life and now for her “life is merely the flip of a coin”… yes, you die, no, you live, for a while at least. She had been very happy for the few years she was with Gretta. Then Gretta died and a bad decision leaves her freely admitting her head isn’t right. Six kills later and with the addition of an odd “pet” at home, little does Valerie know just how many people are hunting for her as her grisly spree continues. I like the way the reader gets to know more than each side does with the suspense of whether the detectives will make all the connections in time. All sides do eventually meet up again in a conclusion with plenty of twists and gruesome surprises along the way. I fell for one red herring hook, line and sinker! The shock discoveries and the way things were left at the end of this book mean I hope there’s not long to wait for the next one!
Rob Ashman has this strange way of making the reader sympathise with the “baddie” and see things from their almost reasonable point of view. Valerie is no exception and you may well want her to succeed. In fact, in terms of killers, she is almost fair. After all, with everything decided by the toss of a coin, 50/50 isn’t bad odds at all for any victim!! As with the others in this series I defy anyone to be able to put down this book before finishing it. I was certainly completely engrossed!! More Malice please!! 5*

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start, I am going to say I am a big fan of this series. DS Mally and Detective Pieterson are a brilliant combination. They both have their issues and Pieterson is really struggling to come to terms with events from the last book. While this is a continuation of a previous storyline, this book could be read as a standalone but to, for the bigger picture reading in order is definitely advised.

So, Heads or Tails. The first thing that comes to mind is flipping a coin. How bad can that be? Well, the person flipping the coin has real darkness behind them and depending on whether the coin lands on heads or tails it will provide an answer. To simplify this, heads I will have milk in my coffee, tails I will not. Now, take this down the rabbit hole that Rob Ashman and his writing take us and you get a whole different set of questions and the outcomes are dark, well thought out and definitely macabre and so devious.

This coin flipping reminded me of a book by Luke Rhinehart – The Dice Man, I rad this book years ago and it really stuck with me. The premise is similar in as much as the role of a dice dictated an outcome, so in some ways similar to Heads or Tails. But the route this author has taken is very twisted and takes so many turns, throws quite a few red herrings for the investigation as well as the reader.

The author managed to portray a sense of frustration that this difficult investigation took. The dead ends and unanswered questions seem to be never-ending and when they think they are on the right track along comes another curveball to send them almost back to the start.

This is not a straight-forward police procedural it is much deeper than that it pulls in other agencies and things could have very easily got complicated. But the skill of the author really shows when dealing with a series of subplots and how he has worked them so for me as a reader the reading is so effortless. There is such an addictive flow to the overall story that I didn’t realise the time ticking away as I was engrossed

This is a police procedural but there is also much more to it than that. It has a psychological aspect that adds darkness to it, there are various subplots that kept me turning the pages. A wonderful next instalment int he series and one I would definitely recommend.

[Ashley Gillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rob Ashman really knows how to craft a creepy tale with some very sinister characters, there’s absolutely no doubt about that. And that continues in the latest installment of the Malice series, starring perhaps my favorite crime fighting duo, Khenan Malice, who is not a terribly great guy, but has those sparks of good, and Kelly Pieterson, who is a good person, but can really let people have it when she needs to. It’s a really interesting dynamic that I love watching play out. And of course, these two can’t seem to stay out of trouble.

Their latest case at first seems like a straightforward case a suicide at first glance, but they quickly find out that it is much bigger than that and end up chasing down a killer playing an extremely dark, twisted game. I don’t want to give away too much, but the title is a bit of an indication.

The ending was really well put together and things wrapped up nicely. I love when stories just hinge on those little clues that pull things together and make the picture clear at the last minute. It’s like waiting for the game-winning shot during an NBA playoff game. I love watching it all unfold!

The book also ends with a couple of good cliffhangers as far as the subplots/characters go, so there should be some interesting developments leading into the next book in the series. I’ll be excited to see how all of that works out, it seems that trouble just follows Mally wherever he goes, doesn’t it?

Overall, another great chapter in the Malice series, with more to come, I’m sure!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ritualistic behaviour, at its worst, can control the life of some people, who cannot make their next move until some external influence has occurred or been seen. What would occur if this obsessive style of life existed within the mind of a serial killer? Author Rob Ashman has approached this dark concept by creating this chilling story involving whether a victim lives or dies depending on the toss of a coin.
The coin belongs to one Valerie Riggs, one of the most calculating serial killers that covered her tracks with a precision that bamboozled the both crime scene investigators and detectives.
DS Khenan Malice, (affectionately known as Mally) and his sidekick DC Kelly Pietersen attend a suspected suicide that becomes a murder inquiry. Not much is known about the victim and his background becomes more ambiguous when a special branch detective Jacinda Paget muscles in on the investigation. Unwelcomed by Superintendent Samantha Waite, there appears to be some immediate chemistry going on between Paget and Mally, who is licking his wounds after a bout of jealousy having discovered that his estranged wife has a new man in her life.
Kelly also has her troubles following on from the ordeal that she went through in book two, which is referred to at points during the course of this book, but does not detract from the story.
Anyone new to the Malice series could start at this point, and it's likely that the new reader will want more and then get books one and two.
The whole book was gripping and dark from start to finish with lots of intrigue. Cannot wait for book four.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie tosses coins… to see if that day she will kill again. She plans meticulously- location being all important. She has a pet at home- one who is shackled and cuffed, thin and weak who is making noises that James her neighbour is complaining about. Malice and Peitersen have what at first appears to be a roof jumper but with cutting edge computer equipment and other oddities things don’t add up to a suicide. Meanwhile someone's boss is trying to work out why he is dead when in the middle of an operation- one far too valuable to lose someone over. Agencies collide and Malice and Peitersen try not to step on toes but are determined to get to the bottom of this. I love the relationship between Malice and Peitersen. There is respect, humour and that “get it done” attitude. Rob has a wonderful style of writing that is gritty at times and with that well placed humour at others “ her fringe looked like it had been cut with a bread knife” made me smile amongst others. A complex case, a well thought out plot and some odd characters (in a good way). You can’t really have a likeable murderer can you? (ok you can sometimes!) . A brilliant read, one of a series but will happily stand alone(although some things will make more sense if the series has been red and why miss out on some other cracking reads?). A wonderful, highly entertaining read. 5* from me.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed every book in this series so far but I think this is the best one yet! The detectives, Khenan Malice and Kelly Pietersen do have their flaws, but nevertheless I warmed to them very easily and I am enjoying learning more about them as the series continues. I love their relationship and the way they work together and admire their determination to find the answers. 
Heads Or Tails? is not really about whodunnit, but it focuses more on finding the perpetrator. This made this novel a little different and I really enjoyed this unique approach. There are several chapters narrated by our killer, and this shows us just how twisted they are.
The plot of Heads Or Tails? is complex and intricately planned. Although the identity of the killer is never an issue, Ashman still manages to give the reader lots of twists to get their teeth into and I was kept guessing until the end. As with all of Ashman's books, it's not for the weak of stomach, but I loved the gory details that placed me right at the scene of these horrific crimes. 
The novel ends on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what will come next for these brilliant characters. 

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm just loving this series with Malice and Piertersen, such great chemistry between the two characters, and it's only in its early days. What a cracking read. Rob Ashman really knows how to build up the suspense. Who would have thought life would be as easy as a flip of a coin....hmmm, Valerie did. Little did she know about the unfortunate consequences of her actions. A major investigation begins following the seemingly sudden suicide of Clark Benson after his routine jog, I mean afterall, who would go for a jog before ending their life? And it's not just the police that want to know why or who is involved. Oh my, this storyline is so bloody good, throwing twists and turns at you everywhere. This is squirming on the edge of your seat reading that will have you hooked all the way through. Forget getting up now and then for a brew...prepare a flask!!!

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie, heartbroken when her girlfriend Gretta dies unexpectedly, decides to go on a killing spree.
What she doesnt realise is she inadvertently stumbles across some secret service employees and minders and sets in motion various investigations, and no one connecting the dots.
This is another stunning lead character. A very well written sociopathic woman, no clichés. Despite her being a serial killer there are times when you kind of hope she escapes.
Malice and Pieterson still make a good pairing. Pieterson is struggling with the after effects of her previous case.
Office politics, relationships, marriages, children and all their difficulties are also accurately portrayed to give an extra layer to the story.
The ending is left on somewhat of a cliffhanger, so I will be keenly looking out for the next. Rob is one of my must read authors, read any of his books and you'll see why.

[Nikki Ayling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow, every now and again you find an author of books whose story lines cause you to want to just press pause on life and read. Rob Ashman's books do this to me everytime. ( so frustrating when life gets in the way of reading a new book)

This story is another cracking 5 star read, Rob has a habit of making me feel really upset when I realise it's about to finish, and this storyline has left me hanging and hoping he has confined himself to his writing barracks as I NEED MORE. I love the friendship between Malice and Pieterson, I can visualise their banter as colleagues and friends. I could say so much more but i do not want to give any spoilers, except, if you have never read a book by Rob Ashman, then do it, you do not know what you are missing!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the DS Khenan Malice series and what a cracking read it is!!!! This author is the king of messing with your mind and having you on the edge of your seat with his stories. Just when I thought I had it all worked out ....... Bam ........ another twist that blew my mind (again and again). I love the chemistry between Malice and Pietersen they make a fantastic team. Amazing book and series.

[Felicity Gray1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific book written by this brilliant author. He certainly knows how to press the readers’ buttons. DS Khenan Malice & DI Kelly Pietersen work well together in solving these horrific crimes. At the flick of a coin another Murder has been committed with very few clues left behind. I’d almost thought I was onto the killer only to be proved wrong, yet again. This is one book you definitely don’t want to miss out on.

[Victoria Roddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series of books

Definitely recommend this book set to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers as much as I do. Moving on to another of Rob Ashmans series “DI Rosalind Kray). I’ve heard som good stuff about his Mechanic Trilogy too but can’t find it on kindle, guess I’m gonna have to have a look outside the box ! Happy reading everyone 😁🥰

[Lorelle harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy it as much as the other malice books , i found it a bit convoluted and confusing. There were too many marginal characters thrown into the mix and it was difficult to keep track of whos who. Also the secret service storyline was not enjoyable. The closing line of the book stumped me as I couldn't remember who the character was that they were referring to!

[barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to like brill fast paced and what a ending i was screaming for more well worth a read for a thrilling ride a must read and would recommend reading the first two first .Can't wait for more please !

[Susan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the fantastic DS Malice series. The villainous characters created by this author are unique. Hence, Valerie Riggs, who decides who lives and who dies by the flip of a coin! A thrilling plot which also includes the Ashman grisly deaths . A great read and worthy of 5 stars

[Ron Foord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read.

I am enjoying the style these books are written in with the first party perspective from the perpetrator. The characters are all believable and the plots interesting. I'm hoping there will be more in the series.

[Craig Gillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in this excellent gruesome series. Love this authors warped imagination

[Julie Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this more than 5* I would. Another great book by a brilliant author.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better.
Gripping,enticing,enthralling,gritty reads.
Umpteen twists and turns with a crescendo ending!!
Can't recommend highly enough.
Looking forward to No.4

[MRS N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never read a bad or disappointing book from Rob Ashman.