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Dr. Jo McCready #1
The Murder Mile
Evil never dies...
Forensic Psychologist, Jo McCready is assisting DCI Callum Ferguson on a murder inquiry, when one of her patients is found brutally murdered.
Jo was the last person to see Martha Scott alive. She was helping Martha unlock a repressed memory. But during the session, Jo unlocked more than she bargained for. An alter personality introduced himself as the reincarnation of Jack the Ripper – and thanked Jo for setting him free to kill again.
As Ferguson’s team race to find Martha’s killer, a series of copycat killings begin, replicating ‘The Autumn of Terror’ in 1888. But if Jack is just a figment of Martha’s damaged mind, who killed her?
As the body count rises, Jo must construct a profile to stop the murderer recreating the terror of the most infamous serial killer of all time.
But not everyone is on Jo’s side. The Police Intelligence Unit have their own profiler, Liz Taylor-Caine, who resents Jo’s involvement as a contributing expert in the case.
Suspicion about Jo’s involvement in the killings increases when someone close to the team becomes one of Jack’s victims.
And as the anniversary of the final and most gruesome of all the killings looms, Jo discovers that the killer has one murder on his mind that is far closer to home…
The Murder Mile is Lesley McEvoy's unmissable debut. A suspenseful mystery thriller, it will appeal to Kathy Reichs, Teresa Driscoll, Cara Hunter and D. S. Butler.
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First published May 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
June 24, 2019
*4.5 STARS *
Author Lesley Mcevoy has taken the infamous tale of Jack The Ripper, and put a fresh and original spin on it. The 19th century murders took place in the Whitechapel district of London in 1888, all of them within a one mile radius, which became known as the ‘Murder Mile’, and from where the book takes its title.
Forensic Psychologist Jo McCready is working alongside DCI Callum Ferguson on a murder inquiry, when Martha Scott (one of her patients) is found brutally murdered. Jo had been helping Martha to unlock a repressed memory, but what she unleashed was an alter ego who insists that he is the reincarnation of Jack The Ripper! He thanks Jo for releasing him to continue with his killing spree in the present day, and sure enough, murders replicating Jack’s (including the exact injuries to a detail) begin on the same dates as those in 1888!
Chilling is the best way to describe this gripping tale, the storyline pulled me in pretty early on, and more to the point held my interest throughout - the characters were believable and down to earth, and I’d love to see them in a follow up. A terrific up to date version of Jack The Ripper that I believe would have wide appeal!
Author Lesley Mcevoy has taken the infamous tale of Jack The Ripper, and put a fresh and original spin on it. The 19th century murders took place in the Whitechapel district of London in 1888, all of them within a one mile radius, which became known as the ‘Murder Mile’, and from where the book takes its title.
Forensic Psychologist Jo McCready is working alongside DCI Callum Ferguson on a murder inquiry, when Martha Scott (one of her patients) is found brutally murdered. Jo had been helping Martha to unlock a repressed memory, but what she unleashed was an alter ego who insists that he is the reincarnation of Jack The Ripper! He thanks Jo for releasing him to continue with his killing spree in the present day, and sure enough, murders replicating Jack’s (including the exact injuries to a detail) begin on the same dates as those in 1888!
Chilling is the best way to describe this gripping tale, the storyline pulled me in pretty early on, and more to the point held my interest throughout - the characters were believable and down to earth, and I’d love to see them in a follow up. A terrific up to date version of Jack The Ripper that I believe would have wide appeal!
December 2, 2021
Outstanding
I am nearly lost for words. I was intrigued by the blurb for this as I love reading about the legend of Jack the Ripper, and reading psychological thrillers.
Although initially it was good, it was lacking what I was expecting. But then wow, I realised that the real story was starting. I loved the characters of Jo Mcready and DCI Ferguson, and the way they developed during the book.
This was a fantastic idea to "modernise " the legend, brilliantly done. I was pleased to have worked out who the killer (although I did have a 2nd suspect) was early on, but not why. All brought together in a thrilling climax. To top it all, the loose ends are explained.
5 stars is not enough.
Lesley McEvoy is a very talented writer, and I hope to read many more books of hers.
I am nearly lost for words. I was intrigued by the blurb for this as I love reading about the legend of Jack the Ripper, and reading psychological thrillers.
Although initially it was good, it was lacking what I was expecting. But then wow, I realised that the real story was starting. I loved the characters of Jo Mcready and DCI Ferguson, and the way they developed during the book.
This was a fantastic idea to "modernise " the legend, brilliantly done. I was pleased to have worked out who the killer (although I did have a 2nd suspect) was early on, but not why. All brought together in a thrilling climax. To top it all, the loose ends are explained.
5 stars is not enough.
Lesley McEvoy is a very talented writer, and I hope to read many more books of hers.
May 7, 2019
4.5 Stars
Forensic Psychologist, Jo McCready is called in to see Martha Scott, a patient under care for having a repressed memory. Much to her surprise, Jo reaches deep and a second personality appears ... the reincarnation of Jack the Ripper ... and he thanks Jo for setting him free.
Not much later, Martha Scott is found having been brutally murdered. The killing mimics the first killing that 'Jack' did. So how does an alter personality leave a living body and become a separate identity on its own?
As more bodies are found ... all following exactly how Jack the Ripper killed a hundred years before, Jo must get into his mind and produce a credible profile for the police. But not everyone is on Jo’s side. The police Intelligence Unit have their own profiler, Liz Taylor-Caine, who resents Jo’s involvement as a contributing expert in the case.
Suspicion about Jo’s involvement in the killings increases when someone close to the team becomes one of Jack’s victims.
And as the anniversary of the final and most gruesome of all the killings looms, Jo discovers that the killer has one murder on his mind ... and its close to home.
Although another take on Jack the Ripper, this is a very well written pen and ink story with lots of action, lots of bodies, and lots of finger pointing to various suspects. It's a real nail biter starting with the very first page and escalating to the very unexpected ending.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Forensic Psychologist, Jo McCready is called in to see Martha Scott, a patient under care for having a repressed memory. Much to her surprise, Jo reaches deep and a second personality appears ... the reincarnation of Jack the Ripper ... and he thanks Jo for setting him free.
Not much later, Martha Scott is found having been brutally murdered. The killing mimics the first killing that 'Jack' did. So how does an alter personality leave a living body and become a separate identity on its own?
As more bodies are found ... all following exactly how Jack the Ripper killed a hundred years before, Jo must get into his mind and produce a credible profile for the police. But not everyone is on Jo’s side. The police Intelligence Unit have their own profiler, Liz Taylor-Caine, who resents Jo’s involvement as a contributing expert in the case.
Suspicion about Jo’s involvement in the killings increases when someone close to the team becomes one of Jack’s victims.
And as the anniversary of the final and most gruesome of all the killings looms, Jo discovers that the killer has one murder on his mind ... and its close to home.
Although another take on Jack the Ripper, this is a very well written pen and ink story with lots of action, lots of bodies, and lots of finger pointing to various suspects. It's a real nail biter starting with the very first page and escalating to the very unexpected ending.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 9, 2019
Based on the reincarnation of Jack the Ripper as Martha Scott, The Murder Mile certainly gets the heart a-pounding. Forensic psychologist Jo McCready, whilst conducting hypnosis to reach one of Martha's repressed memories, uncovers an alternative personality and sets it free. Shortly after Martha is found dead in suspicious circumstances. This leads to suspicion falling on McCready who decides to help DCI Callum Ferguson in trying to locate the killer. The body count then begins to rise as killings replicating the terrifying 1888 Autumn of Terror commences. But who really is involved, and what is their motive?
I found this an original and thoroughly absorbing read with plenty of action and a well-constructed plot. It's also nicely written. The tension begins from the very first page and continues right through to the interesting conclusion. You can tell the author has researched the Ripper's antics thoroughly and the fast pace makes this an intense page-turner with its roots in the crimes of old. There are plenty of twists in the tale, and for a debut author, this is a gripping read. I certainly think McEvoy is an author to watch. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
I found this an original and thoroughly absorbing read with plenty of action and a well-constructed plot. It's also nicely written. The tension begins from the very first page and continues right through to the interesting conclusion. You can tell the author has researched the Ripper's antics thoroughly and the fast pace makes this an intense page-turner with its roots in the crimes of old. There are plenty of twists in the tale, and for a debut author, this is a gripping read. I certainly think McEvoy is an author to watch. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
December 2, 2022
The murder mile is a great start to the forensic psychologist Jo McCready and DCI Callum Ferguson series, the chapters are short and thrilling which keep you flipping until early hours.
The storyline follows a strange Jack the Ripper wannabe so as you can guess it's dark,gory and addictive.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about these characters and to see how much more darker it can get.
If a police procedure thriller is your thing then pick up this up📚
The storyline follows a strange Jack the Ripper wannabe so as you can guess it's dark,gory and addictive.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about these characters and to see how much more darker it can get.
If a police procedure thriller is your thing then pick up this up📚
June 6, 2019
a notorious Murder Mile
Really enjoyed this book story started almost immediately unlike some which take a while to warm up also it traces the story of one descendent of a notorious Victorian murderer and kept me guessing until the end also as I have studied psychology the criminal profiling added another slant to an already well written book a really enjoyable read
Really enjoyed this book story started almost immediately unlike some which take a while to warm up also it traces the story of one descendent of a notorious Victorian murderer and kept me guessing until the end also as I have studied psychology the criminal profiling added another slant to an already well written book a really enjoyable read
May 26, 2019
What a fantastic read this is! The Murder Mile is an exceptionally well written book about a series of murders by somebody who is emulating Jack the Ripper. With many twists and turns and prose that is outstanding in its detail and description, this definitely deserves to be more that 5*
November 28, 2019
Forensic psychologist Jo McCready needs all her skill & courage to try & find a serial killer who taunts her every time he kills.
Author Lesley McEvoy has been a behavioural analyst & psychotherapist & has worked in many of the UK's toughest prisons. She has put all this to good use in her debut novel.
A copycat killer is basing his murders on those committed by Jack the Ripper in 1888, but has moved them from London to Yorkshire. The first half of The Murder Mile sets up the characters, but was too slow paced & I preferred the second half where the pacing & tension increased considerably.
The links to the original Ripper murders are well handled & it's a good attempt to bring some new life into an old formula.
Author Lesley McEvoy has been a behavioural analyst & psychotherapist & has worked in many of the UK's toughest prisons. She has put all this to good use in her debut novel.
A copycat killer is basing his murders on those committed by Jack the Ripper in 1888, but has moved them from London to Yorkshire. The first half of The Murder Mile sets up the characters, but was too slow paced & I preferred the second half where the pacing & tension increased considerably.
The links to the original Ripper murders are well handled & it's a good attempt to bring some new life into an old formula.
February 1, 2025
I didn’t like the narration.
I didn’t like the Jack the Ripper reference.
I didn’t like the selfsatisfying way the main character commented on her own tone, her way of speaking with others, her thoughts on nearly everything she did and said, and hey, in that she is not much of a psychologist, not much introspection there. And the narrator doesn’t help with her persisting petulant tone, for me,one to avoid in the future.
And to round off, no real surprise concerning the murderer’s identity, I had guessed it long time before the revelation.
So this is barely 2 stars.
I didn’t like the Jack the Ripper reference.
I didn’t like the selfsatisfying way the main character commented on her own tone, her way of speaking with others, her thoughts on nearly everything she did and said, and hey, in that she is not much of a psychologist, not much introspection there. And the narrator doesn’t help with her persisting petulant tone, for me,one to avoid in the future.
And to round off, no real surprise concerning the murderer’s identity, I had guessed it long time before the revelation.
So this is barely 2 stars.
August 1, 2019
It’s not often I go into reading a book with such high expectations, but The Murder Mile had been receiving such good reviews that I admit to being pretty excited when it was downloading onto my Kindle. Before long, I saw what all the fuss was about.
The story follows Jo, a forensic psychologist, as she assists to police in tracking down a Jack the Ripper copycat. As the body count rises, and the parallels between the present day and the Ripper’s ‘Autumn of Terror’ grows, Jo finds herself getting sucked closer and closer to the killer.
A few things made this book stand out from the crowd of crime novels. For one, the level of detail - it's no surprise to me that the author used to work as a behavioural analyst. It was fascinating to read the profiles, and to understand a little about how they are constructed (the conflict with the rival profiler was also fun to watch!). That, along with a confident police procedural aspect, gave the novel a very realistic feel, much more so than many similar titles. The plot too was well handled. I didn't know much about Jack the Ripper before reading this, so it was interesting to see that story come out through the copycat. And, of course, there was the mystery - who is the new Jack? By the end, I felt deeply into the case, and was surprised and satisfied by how it came together.
The story follows Jo, a forensic psychologist, as she assists to police in tracking down a Jack the Ripper copycat. As the body count rises, and the parallels between the present day and the Ripper’s ‘Autumn of Terror’ grows, Jo finds herself getting sucked closer and closer to the killer.
A few things made this book stand out from the crowd of crime novels. For one, the level of detail - it's no surprise to me that the author used to work as a behavioural analyst. It was fascinating to read the profiles, and to understand a little about how they are constructed (the conflict with the rival profiler was also fun to watch!). That, along with a confident police procedural aspect, gave the novel a very realistic feel, much more so than many similar titles. The plot too was well handled. I didn't know much about Jack the Ripper before reading this, so it was interesting to see that story come out through the copycat. And, of course, there was the mystery - who is the new Jack? By the end, I felt deeply into the case, and was surprised and satisfied by how it came together.
May 5, 2019
If you want a book that has your heart in your mouth and gets your blood pumping then look no further than The Murder Mile. Great book, 4.5*.
May 24, 2019
For a great many years I have been interested with anything to do with Jack The Ripper, so this book was a given and my word what a book it is, I no need to say anything about the plot as I'm sure you already know it, but author Lesley McEnvoy brings it to life as it weaves it's way through modern day life, I did guess who it was, which for me made it better, but the ending made me cry, It's a brilliant book and deserves at least ten points.
May 8, 2019
The Murder Mike is a brilliant debut novel. This is an author to keep an eye on in the future if this is anything to go by.
When forensic psychologist Jo McCready puts her patient Marta under hypnosis she’s shocked to hear that Martha has an alter personality- Jack the Ripper.
Detective Callum Ferguson asks Jo to help him with a murder case. The plot thickens when when it looks like the killer is obsessed with Jack the Ripper.
The author certainly researched before writing this. I thought this was a great read and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
When forensic psychologist Jo McCready puts her patient Marta under hypnosis she’s shocked to hear that Martha has an alter personality- Jack the Ripper.
Detective Callum Ferguson asks Jo to help him with a murder case. The plot thickens when when it looks like the killer is obsessed with Jack the Ripper.
The author certainly researched before writing this. I thought this was a great read and I really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
May 19, 2019
Hard to rate
The Murder Mile draws some great parallels between the original story of "Jack" and the copycat version. At the same time it almost felt like a history lesson. The ending was a surprise but not totally unexpected
The Murder Mile draws some great parallels between the original story of "Jack" and the copycat version. At the same time it almost felt like a history lesson. The ending was a surprise but not totally unexpected
May 26, 2019
I don’t often give five stars!
Well written, kept me guessing to the end. Original, if rather grisly. So many thrillers blend into one but not this one.
Well written, kept me guessing to the end. Original, if rather grisly. So many thrillers blend into one but not this one.
January 24, 2024
Brilliant! The Murder Mile is fast paced, gripping with intriguing well thought out fast paced plot and great cast of characters.
I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
November 9, 2019
This book was an absolute joy to read and had me gripped from the start. Lesley McEvoy weaves a wonderful fast paced and immersive multi-layered storyline which keeps the reader gripped from the first sentence to the last. She has a beautiful writing style which can switch from well crafted, almost poetic observations to a pulsing, rhythmic tone that sends the heart racing as you turn the pages. The book is full of original and commanding one liners that scream to be embedded in the script of your favourite TV character.
The book is well researched and is far from your standard crime novel. The characters easily come to life - the relationships engage and leave the reader wanting more. The plot is clever and keeps the reader guessing right to the end.
It’s a long time since I read a book that engaged me to the extent that The Murder Mile did. The interwoven flow of information relating to behavioural & geographical profiling, behavioural therapy and the Jack the Ripper murders made it even more absorbing.
Put this book on your must read list for 2019! Highly recommended.
Also look up twitter reviews from:-
@NeilLancaster66 “I'm reading this now... really excellent and utterly gripping ... I'm tired and need to sleep, but I just want to finish!!”
Ian Rankin @Beathhigh “Enjoyed this pacy, mazy tale of a serial killer who may be Jack the Ripper reincarnated, and the forensic psychologist who must stop him. Author @LesleyMcEvoy20 knows her stuff.”
The book is well researched and is far from your standard crime novel. The characters easily come to life - the relationships engage and leave the reader wanting more. The plot is clever and keeps the reader guessing right to the end.
It’s a long time since I read a book that engaged me to the extent that The Murder Mile did. The interwoven flow of information relating to behavioural & geographical profiling, behavioural therapy and the Jack the Ripper murders made it even more absorbing.
Put this book on your must read list for 2019! Highly recommended.
Also look up twitter reviews from:-
@NeilLancaster66 “I'm reading this now... really excellent and utterly gripping ... I'm tired and need to sleep, but I just want to finish!!”
Ian Rankin @Beathhigh “Enjoyed this pacy, mazy tale of a serial killer who may be Jack the Ripper reincarnated, and the forensic psychologist who must stop him. Author @LesleyMcEvoy20 knows her stuff.”
August 11, 2019
An intriguing read that I couldn't put down. The suspense was was heightened throughout every page in the book. Jo McCready is a Forensic psychologist and the book begins with the death of one of her patients. From then the investigation spirals into a fantastic plot and a absolutely thrilling read.
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June 30, 2023Not for me, too much baggage between Jo and the DCI Callum.
A forensic profiler sounded a bit of an unusual occupation and I didn’t enjoy when Jo regressed Matty to find Jack the Ripper.
A forensic profiler sounded a bit of an unusual occupation and I didn’t enjoy when Jo regressed Matty to find Jack the Ripper.
May 1, 2019
Forensic psychological Jo McCready is asked to help a young woman called Martha. She’s is suffering from a past she can’t remember and she’s convinced that she’s killed people. When Jo puts her under hypnosis, finds a personality who claims to be Jack the Ripper and says that he’s been set free.
Later Martha disappears only to turn up dead. Suspicion falls on Jo, her one friend in the police force DCI Callum Ferguson seem to turn his back on her. She must fight to clear her name.
So I have to be honest, I only skimmed the blurb for this but when I saw Jack the Ripper, I was like I have to read that. I have a bit of an obsession about Jack the Ripper, I love watching documentaries or reading fiction with him in, I just can’t get enough! I’m a little weird I know.
The Murder Mile was such a fast paced read, that really grabbed me from the beginning and kept me turning those pages!
It also unearthed some facts that I didn’t know about Jack the Ripper which is always a bonus in my eyes.
I liked the character of Jo, especially as I don’t think I’ve ever come across a forensic psychologist in crime fiction before. She’s a little stubborn and independent but there’s also another side to her, a one that seems frightened of getting to close to people. I also really enjoyed her chemistry with DCI Ferguson, I wonder where their relationship is heading next!
I did figure out the killer well before the end but it still keep me interested until the very end.
I hope to read more books featuring Jo McCreedy and DCI Callum Ferguson!
Later Martha disappears only to turn up dead. Suspicion falls on Jo, her one friend in the police force DCI Callum Ferguson seem to turn his back on her. She must fight to clear her name.
So I have to be honest, I only skimmed the blurb for this but when I saw Jack the Ripper, I was like I have to read that. I have a bit of an obsession about Jack the Ripper, I love watching documentaries or reading fiction with him in, I just can’t get enough! I’m a little weird I know.
The Murder Mile was such a fast paced read, that really grabbed me from the beginning and kept me turning those pages!
It also unearthed some facts that I didn’t know about Jack the Ripper which is always a bonus in my eyes.
I liked the character of Jo, especially as I don’t think I’ve ever come across a forensic psychologist in crime fiction before. She’s a little stubborn and independent but there’s also another side to her, a one that seems frightened of getting to close to people. I also really enjoyed her chemistry with DCI Ferguson, I wonder where their relationship is heading next!
I did figure out the killer well before the end but it still keep me interested until the very end.
I hope to read more books featuring Jo McCreedy and DCI Callum Ferguson!
April 30, 2019
In a year of superb debut crime novels, here is yet one more and what a fabulous read it is! It is unusual to have such a novel narrated not by a cop but by a forensic psychologist, in this case Jo McCready, who is assisting DCI Callum Ferguson. In the course of an interview with a patient, Martha, the voice of Jack The Ripper is heard, followed by a series of crimes which mimic the London-based crimes but in Yorkshire. Pursuing the modern-day Jack puts Jo in great danger and the novel is gripping from start to finish. More please!
December 21, 2021
This book is a true 5 star gem in the glittering treasure trove of thrillers. What makes this gem sparkle a little brighter, a little longer? Is it its size, written by a well established author, hiding a winning lottery ticket between its pages? No, none of those things. It catches your attention because it is a mesmerising read. It is so well written with cleverly laid, sometimes very subtle clues, but it is all there to lay a trap for book hungry souls to chew over, postulate, theorise, and possibly look in completely the wrong direction, which I personally did more than once! Added to that, this novel is based on the numerous theories surrounding the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper, and set in Yorkshire, has tones of the Yorkshire Ripper running through it too. Clearly based on a personal interest and a wealth of material collected over the years, the author has spun a tale of fact and fiction whereby this novel has tempted me to find out more about events in 1888 whilst immersing me in a tantalising and deliciously dark plot. The protagonist's occupation, criminal profiling, is fascinating, used as the basis for a chilling blend of the past with today's new techniques and police resources to create a fictional tale of meticulously planned and monstrous killings. DCI Callum Ferguson and Profiler Jo McCready are tested to their limits, working all hours, and possibly in personal danger whilst investigating a series of murders which replicate location, victim and injuries of Jack the Ripper's crimes.
Yes, there are some gory bits, and yes, this is not a sunshine and hearts read, but if like me you appreciate a read that will have you transfixed and tearing you hair out to get to the Truth, then you do not have to travel any further than The Muder Mile.
How far I will have to travel to get my hair restyled is another matter but whilst I am waiting I have the excitement and pleasure of reading the next Jo McCready novel.
Yes, there are some gory bits, and yes, this is not a sunshine and hearts read, but if like me you appreciate a read that will have you transfixed and tearing you hair out to get to the Truth, then you do not have to travel any further than The Muder Mile.
How far I will have to travel to get my hair restyled is another matter but whilst I am waiting I have the excitement and pleasure of reading the next Jo McCready novel.
December 21, 2021
OMG I want to see this as a TV series – pleeease. It would be so good. I can even help cast it (as I often do on here). Maybe Keeley Hawes as Jo?
Do you remember the series Whitechapel starring Rupert Penry-Jones? The first series was broadcast in 2009 and was about the search for a modern copycat killer replicating the murders of Jack the Ripper.
In The Murder Mile, the killer actually believes he is ‘Jack’ and that he is on a mission to act out the gruesome crimes committed in 1888 over an area of London that became known as ‘the murder mile’.
But back to the beginning. Forensic Psychologist, Jo McCready is asked by DCI Callum Ferguson, with whom she is/is not having a bit of a fling to help profile the Towpath killer, but this causes ripples in The Police Intelligence Unit as they have their own profiler, Liz Taylor-Caine, who resents Jo’s involvement as a contributing expert in the case. Anyway to cut a long story short, Jo is right and Liz is wrong – more animosity between them.
In the meantime Jo has been visiting a young woman called Martha who is trying to unlock a repressed memory, but when Martha is murdered, we know we have another killer on the loose. And so the story unfolds and the body count rises, each crime being an exact copy of Jack the Ripper’s murders, albeit in another city.
This book was just brilliant. It’s so exciting with so many twists and turns and a wonderful dog called Harvey who we all came to love. Well drawn characters with Jo’s work as a profiler adding more depth to the suspects. I loved it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
Do you remember the series Whitechapel starring Rupert Penry-Jones? The first series was broadcast in 2009 and was about the search for a modern copycat killer replicating the murders of Jack the Ripper.
In The Murder Mile, the killer actually believes he is ‘Jack’ and that he is on a mission to act out the gruesome crimes committed in 1888 over an area of London that became known as ‘the murder mile’.
But back to the beginning. Forensic Psychologist, Jo McCready is asked by DCI Callum Ferguson, with whom she is/is not having a bit of a fling to help profile the Towpath killer, but this causes ripples in The Police Intelligence Unit as they have their own profiler, Liz Taylor-Caine, who resents Jo’s involvement as a contributing expert in the case. Anyway to cut a long story short, Jo is right and Liz is wrong – more animosity between them.
In the meantime Jo has been visiting a young woman called Martha who is trying to unlock a repressed memory, but when Martha is murdered, we know we have another killer on the loose. And so the story unfolds and the body count rises, each crime being an exact copy of Jack the Ripper’s murders, albeit in another city.
This book was just brilliant. It’s so exciting with so many twists and turns and a wonderful dog called Harvey who we all came to love. Well drawn characters with Jo’s work as a profiler adding more depth to the suspects. I loved it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
December 25, 2021
This really was an excellent book, and it’s got me back into Pigeonhole reading again.
I really love books that are centred on experts, and even more so if they are women in their forties, as Jo McCready is.
The plotting and characterisation were both exceptional - the only heavy-handedness I felt was making Jo’s dog Harvey suspicious of the new solicitor she hired and in using John and James as names for someone believing himself to be a latter day Jack the Ripper. Other than that there was no indication that this was a first novel - McEvoy hasn’t been published before but she’s been writing for 40 years and her experience shows.
I docked one star because I felt the murderer was obvious from the start. However, I was still keen to read on and find out (a) if I was right and (b) why he did it. It’s definitely still a brilliant read even when you work out whodunnit.
I’m on the library waiting list for the second book in the series, and will be recommending McEvoy to my crime writing course buddies - she’s an inspiration to those of us just starting to attempt to get published as she achieved publication after FORTY years. A lot of agents must be kicking themselves for not snapping her up - she’s clearly a star.
I really love books that are centred on experts, and even more so if they are women in their forties, as Jo McCready is.
The plotting and characterisation were both exceptional - the only heavy-handedness I felt was making Jo’s dog Harvey suspicious of the new solicitor she hired and in using John and James as names for someone believing himself to be a latter day Jack the Ripper. Other than that there was no indication that this was a first novel - McEvoy hasn’t been published before but she’s been writing for 40 years and her experience shows.
I docked one star because I felt the murderer was obvious from the start. However, I was still keen to read on and find out (a) if I was right and (b) why he did it. It’s definitely still a brilliant read even when you work out whodunnit.
I’m on the library waiting list for the second book in the series, and will be recommending McEvoy to my crime writing course buddies - she’s an inspiration to those of us just starting to attempt to get published as she achieved publication after FORTY years. A lot of agents must be kicking themselves for not snapping her up - she’s clearly a star.
December 21, 2021
I read this with Pigeonhole and it was a really gripping, well written thriller. The murders committed by a Jack the Ripper copycat mirrored those of the original Jack and the descriptions were horrific and gruesome. There were lots of twists and turns and the ending was brilliant. Thanks Lesley and Pigeon!
September 24, 2024
This was a really nice find!
I felt like I instantly found a new, clever, female main character to "befriend" on a level that seldom happens - and that made me enjoy this book even more than if it had "only" been a good story, but with a simply OK main character.
Great narrator on top of a compelling story and, as stated before, brilliant main character. I was sold!
I felt like I instantly found a new, clever, female main character to "befriend" on a level that seldom happens - and that made me enjoy this book even more than if it had "only" been a good story, but with a simply OK main character.
Great narrator on top of a compelling story and, as stated before, brilliant main character. I was sold!
December 21, 2021
I read this book along with my fellow pigeons on the Pigeonhole App. It is an absolutely brilliant read. The writing is so chilling and, if you are squeamish, it is a little on the graphic side. I've already downloaded the next book in the series to enjoy over Christmas.
June 4, 2019
A brilliant read
This book was so good l couldn't put it down. Loved the characters so believable and carried you along with them. I hope that another book carries on with these people in it. The storyline was so convincing and kept you on edge until the end. Highly recommend this.
This book was so good l couldn't put it down. Loved the characters so believable and carried you along with them. I hope that another book carries on with these people in it. The storyline was so convincing and kept you on edge until the end. Highly recommend this.
May 31, 2019
Gripping from the first page to the last!!
Unlike so many books in this genre, I just couldn't guess whodunnit! The characters woven into the storyline were believable, the red herrings subtle and the various threads came together in a satisfying climax. The historical detail linked to present day and he psychological information and insights kept me hooked. Can't recommend this book enough!
Unlike so many books in this genre, I just couldn't guess whodunnit! The characters woven into the storyline were believable, the red herrings subtle and the various threads came together in a satisfying climax. The historical detail linked to present day and he psychological information and insights kept me hooked. Can't recommend this book enough!
June 3, 2019
A great read. Well worked modern day take on the famous 'Jack The Ripper' novel. Easily kept my attention with a subtle twist at the end. No problem to render this a five star novel, very enjoyable.
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