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DI Jamie Johansson #1
Angel Maker
Every angel deserves their wings...
A teenage girl is found dead in the woods. The kill bears a chilling resemblance to those of the Angel Maker, a serial killer caught two decades ago.
But with the old case files missing and doubts swirling about the original investigation, London Met detective Jamie Johansson is drawn back to the icy streets of her home city to help. Her father, one of Stockholm's most notorious detectives, closed the case when Jamie was just a girl. And her memories may hold the only key to unlocking the past, and the truth of whether he put the right man behind bars all those years ago.
Jamie will have to confront her own dark childhood, as well as the evil stalking the city if she hopes to crack this case. But with so many secrets buried beneath the frozen earth, will she be able to find the killer before he claims his next victim?
The Angel Maker is back, and a plan twenty years in the making is already in motion.
***
Angel Maker is the stunning first outing for DI Jamie Johansson and will have readers on the edge of their seats. With a ruthless killer, a host of likely suspects, tight plotting, gritty characters, and a twist that will feel like a punch to the gut, this is the crime thriller you've been waiting for.
Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Jo Nesbø, Rachel Lynch, and JD Kirk, Angel Maker is sure to cement Greene as one of your new favourite authors.
Book 1 in the DI Jamie Johansson Series.
A teenage girl is found dead in the woods. The kill bears a chilling resemblance to those of the Angel Maker, a serial killer caught two decades ago.
But with the old case files missing and doubts swirling about the original investigation, London Met detective Jamie Johansson is drawn back to the icy streets of her home city to help. Her father, one of Stockholm's most notorious detectives, closed the case when Jamie was just a girl. And her memories may hold the only key to unlocking the past, and the truth of whether he put the right man behind bars all those years ago.
Jamie will have to confront her own dark childhood, as well as the evil stalking the city if she hopes to crack this case. But with so many secrets buried beneath the frozen earth, will she be able to find the killer before he claims his next victim?
The Angel Maker is back, and a plan twenty years in the making is already in motion.
***
Angel Maker is the stunning first outing for DI Jamie Johansson and will have readers on the edge of their seats. With a ruthless killer, a host of likely suspects, tight plotting, gritty characters, and a twist that will feel like a punch to the gut, this is the crime thriller you've been waiting for.
Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Jo Nesbø, Rachel Lynch, and JD Kirk, Angel Maker is sure to cement Greene as one of your new favourite authors.
Book 1 in the DI Jamie Johansson Series.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2021
2681 people are currently reading
5414 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Greene
37 books328 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 471 reviews
August 13, 2023
DI Jamie Johansson #1
Jamie is on extended leave from the Met and is seconded to Sweden where she was born, to work a case her detective father Jörgen originally worked on. This is an infamous and dark investigation into a perpetrator known as The Angel Maker, who Jörgen apprehends, a man in convicted, imprisoned and has since died. However, it seems The Angel Maker is striking again. How is that possible?
This is a fast paced novel with a constantly changing plot which is full of tension and suspense that keeps you glued to the pages. It’s a gritty story, quite dark at times and which is told very well. There are vivid scenes which are well described, there’s plenty of action and many a twist and turn.
I really like Jamie who is carrying baggage but keeps that to herself as much as possible. She’s intuitive and has gumption so I’m definitely up for reading Number Two in the series.
Jamie is on extended leave from the Met and is seconded to Sweden where she was born, to work a case her detective father Jörgen originally worked on. This is an infamous and dark investigation into a perpetrator known as The Angel Maker, who Jörgen apprehends, a man in convicted, imprisoned and has since died. However, it seems The Angel Maker is striking again. How is that possible?
This is a fast paced novel with a constantly changing plot which is full of tension and suspense that keeps you glued to the pages. It’s a gritty story, quite dark at times and which is told very well. There are vivid scenes which are well described, there’s plenty of action and many a twist and turn.
I really like Jamie who is carrying baggage but keeps that to herself as much as possible. She’s intuitive and has gumption so I’m definitely up for reading Number Two in the series.
March 22, 2021
4.5 stars.
I’ve read the first three DS Jamie Johansson books and while they were all very good, with this book the author has knocked it out of the park. Jamie is now a DI but is on extended leave from the Met after shooting someone in the line of duty. She is asked to return to Sweden (her original home) and consult on a case that her father Jörgen Johansson worked on. Her father has been dead for 20 years although thoughts of him are never far from her mind. She thinks it’s time to face things so she agrees and heads back to Sweden.
One of the last cases her father worked on was dubbed the Angel Maker due to the nature of the posed bodies of the pubescent young girls, all seven of them were 13 or 14 years old. Eventually a man named Sjöberg was convicted of the crimes and he has recently died in prison. Swedish authorities are wondering how ii is then possible that the Angel Maker is back as a body has just been found. Everything is identical to the original case. Did they get the wrong man? They are wondering if Jamie has any idea if her father kept his old notebooks and where they might be. It seems the original case files have gone missing along with Jörgen’s old partner Nyström. Very curious!
Jamie becomes a consultant on the case, they will go back to square one on the original case and re-visit all the evidence. She is partnered with Anders Wiik, a Swedish police Inspector who is almost more unsociable than Jamie herself. A beleaguered young policewoman, Julia Hallberg, does the research and background work. To solve this very complex and difficult case Jamie has to re-visit her past, all the pain of having to leave her beloved father as her mother dragged her to England when she was about 13. She is very prickly about any suggestions that her father may have been wrong but she needs to face up to this very prospect if she is to be of any help at all.
They soon identify other suspects, lose some of those suspects, find some of Jörgen’s notebooks, get threatened, get shot at - all without getting any closer to a resolution. It is Hallberg who finally finds another link between the victims. One that will crack the case wide open and put Jamie in an extremely dangerous situation more than once.
This story was so very well done. The pacing was perfect, alternating suspense with following leads. Jamie is an awesome character, feisty and strong but vulnerable underneath and very empathetic towards the victims. The rest of the characters are all very well done as well and there is a pleasing lack of had wringing and whining (yay). The author says this is where Jamie’s story really starts so I am very keen to see what he comes up with next. I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed crime thriller and highly recommend it. It is not necessary to have read the earlier 3 books, although they are so worth reading.
I’ve read the first three DS Jamie Johansson books and while they were all very good, with this book the author has knocked it out of the park. Jamie is now a DI but is on extended leave from the Met after shooting someone in the line of duty. She is asked to return to Sweden (her original home) and consult on a case that her father Jörgen Johansson worked on. Her father has been dead for 20 years although thoughts of him are never far from her mind. She thinks it’s time to face things so she agrees and heads back to Sweden.
One of the last cases her father worked on was dubbed the Angel Maker due to the nature of the posed bodies of the pubescent young girls, all seven of them were 13 or 14 years old. Eventually a man named Sjöberg was convicted of the crimes and he has recently died in prison. Swedish authorities are wondering how ii is then possible that the Angel Maker is back as a body has just been found. Everything is identical to the original case. Did they get the wrong man? They are wondering if Jamie has any idea if her father kept his old notebooks and where they might be. It seems the original case files have gone missing along with Jörgen’s old partner Nyström. Very curious!
Jamie becomes a consultant on the case, they will go back to square one on the original case and re-visit all the evidence. She is partnered with Anders Wiik, a Swedish police Inspector who is almost more unsociable than Jamie herself. A beleaguered young policewoman, Julia Hallberg, does the research and background work. To solve this very complex and difficult case Jamie has to re-visit her past, all the pain of having to leave her beloved father as her mother dragged her to England when she was about 13. She is very prickly about any suggestions that her father may have been wrong but she needs to face up to this very prospect if she is to be of any help at all.
They soon identify other suspects, lose some of those suspects, find some of Jörgen’s notebooks, get threatened, get shot at - all without getting any closer to a resolution. It is Hallberg who finally finds another link between the victims. One that will crack the case wide open and put Jamie in an extremely dangerous situation more than once.
This story was so very well done. The pacing was perfect, alternating suspense with following leads. Jamie is an awesome character, feisty and strong but vulnerable underneath and very empathetic towards the victims. The rest of the characters are all very well done as well and there is a pleasing lack of had wringing and whining (yay). The author says this is where Jamie’s story really starts so I am very keen to see what he comes up with next. I thoroughly enjoyed this action packed crime thriller and highly recommend it. It is not necessary to have read the earlier 3 books, although they are so worth reading.
March 4, 2021
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.
Morgan Greene made a name for himself with a strong prequel series, with Jamie Johansson taking centre stage. Now, moving things deeper into her career with the London Metropolitan Police, Greene pushes his protagonist into darker areas of her life and work, which can only provide the reader with more on which to feast. In this new Johansson series, the reader sees a new and much more troubled Jamie, one who doubts herself at every turn. When a case her father handled has a new victim, Jamie makes her way to Sweden to help, unravelling much of what her father discovered years ago and a new twist that could flavour the case significantly. Those who loved the early Jamie Johansson novels will want to move along to these ones and see how masterful Greene remains!
With a recent promotion under her belt, DI Jamie Johansson should be flying high. However, the elevation within London’s Metropolitan Police came at a cost, when she shot a suspect to protect herself. Muddled with the guilt, Johansson takes a leave to clear her head and reset things once and for all.
It’s during this time that Johansson receives an odd phone call. One of her father’s old cases, where they put away a serial killer, has resurfaced with a new victim. The original killer has been locked away in a Swedish prison for years, opening up new questions. Johansson rushes to join the Swedish police and help fill the boots her father left those years ago.
When she arrives, it’s like old home week for Jamie, as she recollects her early years in Sweden before being whisked away by her mother. Connecting with her father’s former colleagues, DI Johansson is able to join the team as a consultant and piece a few things together with ease. The first thing she discovers is the uncanny similarities between the former killings by the Angel Maker and the latest victim. Another young woman who appears to have been raped, tortured, and murdered, before tree boughs are inserted into her back to create makeshift wings.
While revising old crime scenes and interviewing witnesses seems tedious, it does provide some intriguing insight into a possible copycat killer. DI Johansson does not let this deter her, as some of the evidence points to a strong case of mistaken identity, or at least railroading someone into confessing to a crime they may not have committed.
Saddled with helping solve the Angle Maker case once and for all, DI Jamie Johansson must also face the truth about a father she only saw through the eyes of a child many years ago. His interactions with others and the notes he took during the investigation leads DI Johansson to come up with some truths of her own, all before she realises a stunning truth that everyone kept from her for many years.
I devoured the prequel trilogy in this series, loving how Morgan Greene presented his protagonist. Now, with a better understanding of Jamie Johansson, I am able to hash out the nuances of this more established cop in a series that is sure to offer some twists the foe dedicated reader. Greene continues to write effectively and has me begging for more at every turn.
DI Jamie Johansson is a wonderful protagonist in this piece, offering up some of her saltiness for which she became known in the past series. Her past in both the UK and Sweden emerges throughout the book, though the reader sees how ‘childhood blinders’ forced Jamie to see her father in only one light. Now, she is reader to face the truth, even if it is raw and gritty. DI Johansson uses her policing skills throughout the uncover pieces of the puzzle that were lightly glossed over b the Swedish authorities all those years ago, discovering what works for her and offers a much-needed voice for the victims of these horrible crimes.
Greene does well to keep the supporting cast strong throughout this piece, developing a decent connection with all the characters. There are revelation moments throughout this piece, mainly for Johansson, but also as it relates to the Angle Maker case. Juggling the two truths helps enrich the story and those who grace the pages of this book do well to make this an even more intriguing read.
As I have said about the other books in the prequel series, Morgan Greene can surely write and pull the reader into the middle of the story. There is always so I much going on that I cannot get enough of what Greene has to say. With a strong narrative and short chapters, the story flows with ease and keeps me wanting to devour just a little more to understand what’s going on. The reality of the Swedish experiences is heightened by use of the native language throughout, permitting the reader to get that feeling of being right there. Greene does well to balance it out and offers translation moments when needed to allow the reader to stay with the story. If this is what is to come, I am fully committed to this series and cannot wait to see what’s next. With a strong cliffhanger at the end of this book, I can surmise it will be a rough ride in the next publication.
Kudos, Mr. Greene, for a stunning series opener. You never cease to amaze me.
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/...
Morgan Greene made a name for himself with a strong prequel series, with Jamie Johansson taking centre stage. Now, moving things deeper into her career with the London Metropolitan Police, Greene pushes his protagonist into darker areas of her life and work, which can only provide the reader with more on which to feast. In this new Johansson series, the reader sees a new and much more troubled Jamie, one who doubts herself at every turn. When a case her father handled has a new victim, Jamie makes her way to Sweden to help, unravelling much of what her father discovered years ago and a new twist that could flavour the case significantly. Those who loved the early Jamie Johansson novels will want to move along to these ones and see how masterful Greene remains!
With a recent promotion under her belt, DI Jamie Johansson should be flying high. However, the elevation within London’s Metropolitan Police came at a cost, when she shot a suspect to protect herself. Muddled with the guilt, Johansson takes a leave to clear her head and reset things once and for all.
It’s during this time that Johansson receives an odd phone call. One of her father’s old cases, where they put away a serial killer, has resurfaced with a new victim. The original killer has been locked away in a Swedish prison for years, opening up new questions. Johansson rushes to join the Swedish police and help fill the boots her father left those years ago.
When she arrives, it’s like old home week for Jamie, as she recollects her early years in Sweden before being whisked away by her mother. Connecting with her father’s former colleagues, DI Johansson is able to join the team as a consultant and piece a few things together with ease. The first thing she discovers is the uncanny similarities between the former killings by the Angel Maker and the latest victim. Another young woman who appears to have been raped, tortured, and murdered, before tree boughs are inserted into her back to create makeshift wings.
While revising old crime scenes and interviewing witnesses seems tedious, it does provide some intriguing insight into a possible copycat killer. DI Johansson does not let this deter her, as some of the evidence points to a strong case of mistaken identity, or at least railroading someone into confessing to a crime they may not have committed.
Saddled with helping solve the Angle Maker case once and for all, DI Jamie Johansson must also face the truth about a father she only saw through the eyes of a child many years ago. His interactions with others and the notes he took during the investigation leads DI Johansson to come up with some truths of her own, all before she realises a stunning truth that everyone kept from her for many years.
I devoured the prequel trilogy in this series, loving how Morgan Greene presented his protagonist. Now, with a better understanding of Jamie Johansson, I am able to hash out the nuances of this more established cop in a series that is sure to offer some twists the foe dedicated reader. Greene continues to write effectively and has me begging for more at every turn.
DI Jamie Johansson is a wonderful protagonist in this piece, offering up some of her saltiness for which she became known in the past series. Her past in both the UK and Sweden emerges throughout the book, though the reader sees how ‘childhood blinders’ forced Jamie to see her father in only one light. Now, she is reader to face the truth, even if it is raw and gritty. DI Johansson uses her policing skills throughout the uncover pieces of the puzzle that were lightly glossed over b the Swedish authorities all those years ago, discovering what works for her and offers a much-needed voice for the victims of these horrible crimes.
Greene does well to keep the supporting cast strong throughout this piece, developing a decent connection with all the characters. There are revelation moments throughout this piece, mainly for Johansson, but also as it relates to the Angle Maker case. Juggling the two truths helps enrich the story and those who grace the pages of this book do well to make this an even more intriguing read.
As I have said about the other books in the prequel series, Morgan Greene can surely write and pull the reader into the middle of the story. There is always so I much going on that I cannot get enough of what Greene has to say. With a strong narrative and short chapters, the story flows with ease and keeps me wanting to devour just a little more to understand what’s going on. The reality of the Swedish experiences is heightened by use of the native language throughout, permitting the reader to get that feeling of being right there. Greene does well to balance it out and offers translation moments when needed to allow the reader to stay with the story. If this is what is to come, I am fully committed to this series and cannot wait to see what’s next. With a strong cliffhanger at the end of this book, I can surmise it will be a rough ride in the next publication.
Kudos, Mr. Greene, for a stunning series opener. You never cease to amaze me.
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/...
January 26, 2021
DI Jamie Johansson...A tough, fit, strong women who immerses herself in any cases thrown her way...But she just can Not let these people get away...No matter What...Now on the shelf, still not ready to go back to work, although cleared to do so...After shooting a suspect earned her a promotion and commendation...But it took So much out of her, and she refuses to believe that deserves what she received...Now she gets a call from Sweden...Where she grew up, with her Dad, the Detective...A dark, demanding man...But so many warm memories... An old case of his has resurfaced, with a new victim...Twenty years after it ended...They want her memories, her Dad's old notes...Time to return to Sweden...To return to all her memories, her home, and her Dad's worst case...The last one before he killed himself...
Jamie guts it out...Learning much more than she thought she would...About the case, her Father, Herself...Did her Dad put an innocent man away?...Or is there something Else going on...
A fabulous story with in-depth characters you take to right away, amazing scenes that still your heart...And a plot that holds you tight...From the beginning until the end...
I received an ARC from the author, who I thank for this fantastic character, DI Jamie Johansson...I can really relate to her struggles and strengths...I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review...Available 1/30/2021...
Jamie guts it out...Learning much more than she thought she would...About the case, her Father, Herself...Did her Dad put an innocent man away?...Or is there something Else going on...
A fabulous story with in-depth characters you take to right away, amazing scenes that still your heart...And a plot that holds you tight...From the beginning until the end...
I received an ARC from the author, who I thank for this fantastic character, DI Jamie Johansson...I can really relate to her struggles and strengths...I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review...Available 1/30/2021...
November 3, 2021
A part of the blurb for Angel Maker says that it's perfect for fans of Jo Nesbø (among other names), and you know what? It is!
Jo Nesbø is my favourite writer by far, and it's hard to find an author who has the same energy/vibes even outside of thriller novels.
Before we get into it though, I'd like to go back to the blurb for a second. Not only does it explain the story well and makes you want to read it, but the book actually DELIVERS! You really can't get better than that.
I was sucked in from the very first page. Literally everything is perfect, Jamie, her colleagues, the setting/atmosphere, the story, the writing...Just wow.
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. And I love Jamie too. She was so well written that she got catapulted to my top favourite book characters of all time.
She follows the rules enough, but not too much, and she's strong and badass. Sort of like her father, but cooler.
And Wiik? Best partner. Yeah he's pouty and moody, but he's just so fun to read about. And he'll always have Jamie's back.
Then we have Hallberg, she's a smart cookie. I can't wait to see how she grows into her own detective role in future books.
There were some twists I saw coming, others I didn't. The ones I did see didn't hinder my enjoyment at all. This book was a joy to read and I will say it again and again.
I'll definitely be continuing the series and checking out the prequel too.
P. S. Angel Maker is free with Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited so GET ON THAT FRIENDS, IT'S WORTH IT.
Jo Nesbø is my favourite writer by far, and it's hard to find an author who has the same energy/vibes even outside of thriller novels.
Before we get into it though, I'd like to go back to the blurb for a second. Not only does it explain the story well and makes you want to read it, but the book actually DELIVERS! You really can't get better than that.
I was sucked in from the very first page. Literally everything is perfect, Jamie, her colleagues, the setting/atmosphere, the story, the writing...Just wow.
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. And I love Jamie too. She was so well written that she got catapulted to my top favourite book characters of all time.
She follows the rules enough, but not too much, and she's strong and badass. Sort of like her father, but cooler.
And Wiik? Best partner. Yeah he's pouty and moody, but he's just so fun to read about. And he'll always have Jamie's back.
Then we have Hallberg, she's a smart cookie. I can't wait to see how she grows into her own detective role in future books.
There were some twists I saw coming, others I didn't. The ones I did see didn't hinder my enjoyment at all. This book was a joy to read and I will say it again and again.
I'll definitely be continuing the series and checking out the prequel too.
P. S. Angel Maker is free with Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited so GET ON THAT FRIENDS, IT'S WORTH IT.
May 23, 2022
A few pages in,there´s a staged body, dead well before the staging,and "in a pool of blood". Really? If a crime writer doesn´t know the basics, it doesn´t bode well. The rest? Awkward writing, all tell,sloooow,boring, conflicted main character badly done,cardboard partner (as are all the rest),silly twist,lots of inconsistencies.
It irks me when writers don´t have respect for the readers at all.
It irks me when writers don´t have respect for the readers at all.
October 30, 2025
Тази книга е много, много добра! Останах много приятно изненадана!Историята е толкова объркана, че почти докрая не се разбира почти нищо.Намерен е труп на момиче, облечено в бяла рокля като за кръщене. През ребрата и минават брезови клонки, които отпред са забити в земята, за да я придържат, а отзад са с разклонения, приличащи на ��риле.Ръцете са привързани все едно се моли и цялата картина прилича на молещ се ангел. 20 години по-рано 7 момичета са убити по същия начин, но убиеца е хванат, направил е самопризнания и е осъден, а малко преди сегашното убийство е починал в затвора от рак.Разследващият детектив от Стокхолмската полиция се обръща към детективката от Лондонската полиция, чийто баща в миналото е заловил убиеца, наречен "Създателят на ангели". След 20 години, тя се връща в родината си, която са напуснали с майка и след развода на родителите и, когато е била 14 годишна. Но дали някога баща и, който се е самоубил, е сбъркал или има нов убиец, или нищо не е така, както изглежда? Тя първо трябва да се избави от спомените и мъката, да се довери на инстинктите си и да вземе решение за живота си. Заплетената история се разплита бавно, стъпка по стъпка, като постоянно излизат нови и объркващи улики. И само опита на детектив Джейни Йохансон и нейните инстикт и буден ум довеждат разследването до своя край. Историята ми беше толкова интересна, че я прочетох за един ден. Заслужени 5 ⭐️ !
March 23, 2025
The audiobook for this is great! The voice actor is Swedish and nails the names, locations and accents. It really added a lot to hear all the Swedish being spoken correctly.
The case itself is a generic kind of Scandi noir set up which is not a criticism. This is the perfect kind of audiobook to listen to in a short bursts while I'm cooking dinner and doing chores. It took me just shy of a month to listen to the whole thing but I never lost the plot between listening sessions or lost interest.
The killer took me by surprise and the epilogue neatly set up for the next book in the series.
The case itself is a generic kind of Scandi noir set up which is not a criticism. This is the perfect kind of audiobook to listen to in a short bursts while I'm cooking dinner and doing chores. It took me just shy of a month to listen to the whole thing but I never lost the plot between listening sessions or lost interest.
The killer took me by surprise and the epilogue neatly set up for the next book in the series.
February 28, 2024
Nah, I'm sorry, I don't get it. I couldn't wait for this book to end. I read the raving reviews about it, and really looked forward to it, but this book put me into a serious reading slump. It was such a long winded drag out, for an anticlimactic result. I was hoping the end of the book would blow my mind, and maybe bring my opinion of it up a little, but no, it didn't. A lot of the book felt like filler text, with nothing interesting going on for many pages, or things just repeated in a different way. I found it far too easy to get distracted from this, and some times couldn't even make it past a page without breaking concentration on it. Maybe some people would enjoy this, but it's not one I'll be recommending.
March 4, 2022
I'm not very far into this one but I've got so many issues I'm not sure I'll continue.
Mild spoilers for the first few chapters to follow.
1. Jamie was 12 when her father investigated the original crime. Why does everyone keep acting like he'd have consulted with her at the time?
2. The crime scene makes no sense to me. The description of the branches. All the blood, in spite of the body being moved after death. And they left the girl out there for what, two days while they waited to be able to access the original investigator's notes? Why?
3. Jamie's house. Are there no property taxes in Sweden?
The dialog, like the rest of the narrative, seems to exist only to link plot points with little thought to character development, plausibility or prose style. I'm definitely not feeling the love for this one.
Mild spoilers for the first few chapters to follow.
1. Jamie was 12 when her father investigated the original crime. Why does everyone keep acting like he'd have consulted with her at the time?
2. The crime scene makes no sense to me. The description of the branches. All the blood, in spite of the body being moved after death. And they left the girl out there for what, two days while they waited to be able to access the original investigator's notes? Why?
3. Jamie's house. Are there no property taxes in Sweden?
The dialog, like the rest of the narrative, seems to exist only to link plot points with little thought to character development, plausibility or prose style. I'm definitely not feeling the love for this one.
August 28, 2023
Брилянтна! Завладяваща, интригуваща, не може да се откъснеш до финала! А той загатва за продължение, за което аз нямам търпение!
Очарована съм, книгата ще ме държи дълго и ще я препоръчвам с радост на всеки!
Очарована съм, книгата ще ме държи дълго и ще я препоръчвам с радост на всеки!
May 31, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
January 25, 2025
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Well crafted Police Procedural, interesting characters, entertaining!!
A teenage girl is found dead in the woods and her death bears a chilling resemblance to the kills of the Angel Maker, a serial killer caught two decades ago.
Old case files are missing, as is one of the detectives working the case back then. London Met DI Jamie Johannson is drawn back to the icy streets of her home town of Stockholm to help.
Is the Angel Maker back or do we have a copy cat or something much more sinister??
Alrighty, this is my first read by Morgan Greene and I really enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and I was immersed in the story. It is set somewhere completely foreign for me and while books that are set in the Scandinavian countries are usually more Nordic Noir, this is a little bit of that and a little bit not that. The pacing was faster than a Nordic Noir but still methodical.
It was interesting to me that there was only one death in this case… it was pretty horrific but normally in a serial killer novel you get multiples, but you didn’t need it in this for the point to get across. We didn’t have a trail of killings of young girls to make the point… one, and the threat of more to come was quite literally enough. It wasn’t until I finished it that I realised that only one girl was found dead and it certainly felt like more.
The story is complex and Jamie of course has a back story. There are a few things that are either not fleshed out or not yet revealed but this is a 10 book series so I am guessing we will slowly get more of the back story. Jamie is paired with a Swedish Police Inspector, Anders Wiik who is quite rude and brash. That makes for an interesting pairing in itself.
There are a few reveals along the way about Jaimie’s father, the original case, the current case and then Jamie’s father again some I was expecting and some I wasn’t. I should probably mention that Jamie has another series by the same author while she was a DS, and I am sure that provides us more backstory but I didn’t realise it until halfway through this book and it made no difference to this novel that I hadn’t read the other series.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and I wanted to keep reading the series so thankfully they are all on Kindle Unlimited for me to request at my leisure. If you like a bit of grit, a decent PP that follows procedures, a kick arse FMC, a grumpy but intriguing MMC and a wild case… then this might be for you. I will certainly be continuing the series, this was really enjoyable.
A teenage girl is found dead in the woods and her death bears a chilling resemblance to the kills of the Angel Maker, a serial killer caught two decades ago.
Old case files are missing, as is one of the detectives working the case back then. London Met DI Jamie Johannson is drawn back to the icy streets of her home town of Stockholm to help.
Is the Angel Maker back or do we have a copy cat or something much more sinister??
Alrighty, this is my first read by Morgan Greene and I really enjoyed it. I liked the writing style and I was immersed in the story. It is set somewhere completely foreign for me and while books that are set in the Scandinavian countries are usually more Nordic Noir, this is a little bit of that and a little bit not that. The pacing was faster than a Nordic Noir but still methodical.
It was interesting to me that there was only one death in this case… it was pretty horrific but normally in a serial killer novel you get multiples, but you didn’t need it in this for the point to get across. We didn’t have a trail of killings of young girls to make the point… one, and the threat of more to come was quite literally enough. It wasn’t until I finished it that I realised that only one girl was found dead and it certainly felt like more.
The story is complex and Jamie of course has a back story. There are a few things that are either not fleshed out or not yet revealed but this is a 10 book series so I am guessing we will slowly get more of the back story. Jamie is paired with a Swedish Police Inspector, Anders Wiik who is quite rude and brash. That makes for an interesting pairing in itself.
There are a few reveals along the way about Jaimie’s father, the original case, the current case and then Jamie’s father again some I was expecting and some I wasn’t. I should probably mention that Jamie has another series by the same author while she was a DS, and I am sure that provides us more backstory but I didn’t realise it until halfway through this book and it made no difference to this novel that I hadn’t read the other series.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and I wanted to keep reading the series so thankfully they are all on Kindle Unlimited for me to request at my leisure. If you like a bit of grit, a decent PP that follows procedures, a kick arse FMC, a grumpy but intriguing MMC and a wild case… then this might be for you. I will certainly be continuing the series, this was really enjoyable.
October 26, 2023
My first Nordic Noir. Really, really enjoyed this. Will definitely pick up the next book
August 13, 2025
Really enjoyed this! I didn’t predict the ending which is quite unusual for me these days! Thoroughly recommend!
April 7, 2025
Тийнейджърка е намерена мъртва в гората и нейната смърт поразително наподобява убийствата на Създателя на ангели - сериен убиец, заловен преди две десетилетия от бащата на Джейми Йохансон, която също е полицай. Мъжът, който е осъден за убийствата скоро е починал, баща ѝ Йорген Йохансон се е самоубил почти веднага след като го е тикнал зад решетките, а някогашният му партньор -Нилстрьом, заедно с досиетата по случая е изчезнал. В качеството си на консултант към шведската полиция Джейми е командирована в родният си град Стокхолм, за да помогне на разследването. Възможно ли е преди двадесет години баща ѝ да е вкарал в затвора грешния човек или новото убийство е дело на имитатор?!?
Действието се развива през зимата, историята е мрачна, засягаща теми като насилие над деца(характерно за повечето скандинавски трилъри), религия и изкупление.
Сюжетът е интересен и динамичен от началото до края, темпото е отлично, редувайки екшън сцени с малка част размишления и терзания на главната героиня. Главите са кратки, няма излишни описания, общо взето няма никакъв излишен пълнеж. Стилът на автора е директен, определено знае как да поддържа интереса на читателя, но му липсва по-задълбочено отношение към детайлите и вътрешният свят на героите. Героите в романа, подобно на повечето скандинавски трилъри са студени хора. Времето е студено, героите са студени, всички са студени!
За разлика от колегите си Ю Несбрю и тандемът Ларш Кеплер, тук авторът е заложил на жена в ролята на разследващ детектив и главен герой в романа. Джейми е описана като студен човек, който рядко показва емоции, отдадена е изцяло на работата си, умна е, проницателна и напориста. Тя носи всички черти на “счупеният главен герой” – самотна е, няма личен живот, но е твърдо решена да довърши започнатото от баща си. През целият си престой в Стокхолм, Джейми е много уязвима, подвластна е на болезнени спомени свързани с детството ѝ, трябва да се бори с вътрешните си демони, но няма да се спре пред нищо, докато не вкара зад решетките истинският Създател на ангели.
Хареса ми самата обстановка и атмосфера в стокхолмската полиция. Партньори на Джейми са мрачният и импулсивен Вийк, и умницата Холберг. Тримата сформират наистина интересно трио, а поведението и държанието на Вийк доста наподобяват това на бащата на Джейми – Йорген, но авторът не разваля сюжетът с излишна любовна история. Разбира се това най-вероятно ще се случи в някоя от следващите части, напълно убеден съм в това. Умницата Холберг е единствената наистина симпатична героиня в романа, тя е много добра в събирането на информация, мила е, работохоличка е и гледа всячески да угоди на шефа си Вийк, който се държи ужасно с нея.
Книгата е съвсе�� приличен криминален трилър, съдържащ всички аспекти характерни за жанра – напрежение, екшън, мистерия и обрати. Мога да се хвана на бас, че повечето от читателите едва ли ще се досетят кой е Създателя на ангели. Като цяло нямам някакви сериозни забележки, освен може би липсата на дълбочина в някои от героите и малко повече описания защо са станали такива, каквито са. Кратките изречения на места страшно ме подразниха, понеже се случват през почти цялото време. Пример:
“Протегна пръсти.
Снимките.
Двамата с баща ѝ на къмпинг.
Двамата с бащ�� ѝ на риболов.
Двамата с баща ѝ на финалната линия на стометровия спринт на спортния ден в училище.
Беше спечелила.
Двамата с баща ѝ на плажа.
Джейми преглътна, пръстите ѝ бяха само на няколко сантиметра от снимките.
Очите ѝ горяха”
Друг пример:
“Това нямаше как да бъде лесно.
Нищо от това нямаше да бъде лесно.
Но трябваше да се направи. Просто трябваше.”
Романа е изпълнен с множество подобни примери. Не знам, дали е част от стила на автора или пък е някакъв трик за увеличаване на напрежението, но лично мен малко ме подразни, поне докато свикна де..
Въпреки това давам твърди четири звезди, че и малко отгоре. Финалът предлага ново разкритие за личният живот на Джейми, като това кара читателя да иска да продължи към следващата книга от поредицата, която се очертава да е интересна.
Действието се развива през зимата, историята е мрачна, засягаща теми като насилие над деца(характерно за повечето скандинавски трилъри), религия и изкупление.
Сюжетът е интересен и динамичен от началото до края, темпото е отлично, редувайки екшън сцени с малка част размишления и терзания на главната героиня. Главите са кратки, няма излишни описания, общо взето няма никакъв излишен пълнеж. Стилът на автора е директен, определено знае как да поддържа интереса на читателя, но му липсва по-задълбочено отношение към детайлите и вътрешният свят на героите. Героите в романа, подобно на повечето скандинавски трилъри са студени хора. Времето е студено, героите са студени, всички са студени!
За разлика от колегите си Ю Несбрю и тандемът Ларш Кеплер, тук авторът е заложил на жена в ролята на разследващ детектив и главен герой в романа. Джейми е описана като студен човек, който рядко показва емоции, отдадена е изцяло на работата си, умна е, проницателна и напориста. Тя носи всички черти на “счупеният главен герой” – самотна е, няма личен живот, но е твърдо решена да довърши започнатото от баща си. През целият си престой в Стокхолм, Джейми е много уязвима, подвластна е на болезнени спомени свързани с детството ѝ, трябва да се бори с вътрешните си демони, но няма да се спре пред нищо, докато не вкара зад решетките истинският Създател на ангели.
Хареса ми самата обстановка и атмосфера в стокхолмската полиция. Партньори на Джейми са мрачният и импулсивен Вийк, и умницата Холберг. Тримата сформират наистина интересно трио, а поведението и държанието на Вийк доста наподобяват това на бащата на Джейми – Йорген, но авторът не разваля сюжетът с излишна любовна история. Разбира се това най-вероятно ще се случи в някоя от следващите части, напълно убеден съм в това. Умницата Холберг е единствената наистина симпатична героиня в романа, тя е много добра в събирането на информация, мила е, работохоличка е и гледа всячески да угоди на шефа си Вийк, който се държи ужасно с нея.
Книгата е съвсе�� приличен криминален трилър, съдържащ всички аспекти характерни за жанра – напрежение, екшън, мистерия и обрати. Мога да се хвана на бас, че повечето от читателите едва ли ще се досетят кой е Създателя на ангели. Като цяло нямам някакви сериозни забележки, освен може би липсата на дълбочина в някои от героите и малко повече описания защо са станали такива, каквито са. Кратките изречения на места страшно ме подразниха, понеже се случват през почти цялото време. Пример:
“Протегна пръсти.
Снимките.
Двамата с баща ѝ на къмпинг.
Двамата с бащ�� ѝ на риболов.
Двамата с баща ѝ на финалната линия на стометровия спринт на спортния ден в училище.
Беше спечелила.
Двамата с баща ѝ на плажа.
Джейми преглътна, пръстите ѝ бяха само на няколко сантиметра от снимките.
Очите ѝ горяха”
Друг пример:
“Това нямаше как да бъде лесно.
Нищо от това нямаше да бъде лесно.
Но трябваше да се направи. Просто трябваше.”
Романа е изпълнен с множество подобни примери. Не знам, дали е част от стила на автора или пък е някакъв трик за увеличаване на напрежението, но лично мен малко ме подразни, поне докато свикна де..
Въпреки това давам твърди четири звезди, че и малко отгоре. Финалът предлага ново разкритие за личният живот на Джейми, като това кара читателя да иска да продължи към следващата книга от поредицата, която се очертава да е интересна.
January 29, 2022
I honestly loved this book so much. It had so many different twists which kept me guessing, I predicted who the killer was gonna be but it was built up so well I wasn’t even annoyed I could guess it. The characters are well developed and the end twist with Jamie’s dad had me hooked. I can’t wait to read more from this author
October 12, 2021
Not a book for me at all
I found the writing very one dimensional and the characters quite flat. The story whilst perhaps not entirely predictable was uninspiring. I wouldn't bother. If you want scandi crime then look for a much more well known author. This isn't worth the time I'm sorry to say.
I found the writing very one dimensional and the characters quite flat. The story whilst perhaps not entirely predictable was uninspiring. I wouldn't bother. If you want scandi crime then look for a much more well known author. This isn't worth the time I'm sorry to say.
September 1, 2024
Interessanter Start. Werde definitiv weiterlesen 🕵🏼♂️
August 26, 2025
Another book club choice and for once, a real winner! Crime/thriller is my go to genre anyway so I knew I'd like it but it's definitely one of the better books I've read. Really descriptive and painted a picture. Slightly stereotypical male character (Wiik) but he may evolve as the series goes on. A solid 4.5* from me.
January 9, 2025
This one was great, although it kept me up way too late because it was just too exciting.
November 29, 2022
Morgan Greene has brought DI Jamie Johansson from London to her previous address in Stockholm to give Kriminalinspector Anders Wiik her fathers notes on a case that was twenty years old. This she does for she's on leave for shooting a suspect. Her Mother and father have been divorced for all those years and her father has been hanged after he couldn't get custody of Jamie when she was a teenager.
He had just finished a case that had 5 girls put to death for no reason. Not known at the time was one of the parents was missing or believed dead at the time. Jamie was helping the police in Sweden as a consultant to look into this case as it was thought that the person wasn't dead that killed these girls when another girl was murdered in the same specific way. It put Jamie in several incidents that are really specific to this case and have been trying to her Swedish bosses. Morgan has been putting Jamie in with several people who are of interest in this case. She solves the case after Anders follows her to the church to get a person who was never in her headlights. I did like to read about this in the story and would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries.
He had just finished a case that had 5 girls put to death for no reason. Not known at the time was one of the parents was missing or believed dead at the time. Jamie was helping the police in Sweden as a consultant to look into this case as it was thought that the person wasn't dead that killed these girls when another girl was murdered in the same specific way. It put Jamie in several incidents that are really specific to this case and have been trying to her Swedish bosses. Morgan has been putting Jamie in with several people who are of interest in this case. She solves the case after Anders follows her to the church to get a person who was never in her headlights. I did like to read about this in the story and would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2021
What a good psychological thriller! The author's books get truly better and better! Set in Sweden this time, Jamie follows her late father's footsteps in the investigation of a cold case having become not so cold anymore as a very similar murder took place. With well drawn characters, tension building up all through the story, I simply could not put the book till I got to the conclusion. I can't wait for Morgan Greene's next book featuring Jamie!
I was lucky to read this novel as an advanced reader. Thank you Morgan for letting me read your book for free!
I was lucky to read this novel as an advanced reader. Thank you Morgan for letting me read your book for free!
July 21, 2024
Fine in all senses of the word.
The book is well written some clever comments, a few good twists, a moderately well paced tale.
The actual plot is dull, a murder, a delve into a cold case, a pushing for a suspect so insistent it's clear that it's a red herring
The characters are trite, flicking between the most generic stock characters ( the loose cannon, the diligent up and comer, the tough but fair chief, the stoic, righteous bad ass)
Or just half baked stereotypes with an undercurrent of frankly banal sexism.
Its not bad at all.
But my word it wasn't good
The book is well written some clever comments, a few good twists, a moderately well paced tale.
The actual plot is dull, a murder, a delve into a cold case, a pushing for a suspect so insistent it's clear that it's a red herring
The characters are trite, flicking between the most generic stock characters ( the loose cannon, the diligent up and comer, the tough but fair chief, the stoic, righteous bad ass)
Or just half baked stereotypes with an undercurrent of frankly banal sexism.
Its not bad at all.
But my word it wasn't good
January 1, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
A very good start to a DI Johansson series based in Sweden. The rest of the series is on my TBR pile! Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.
A very good start to a DI Johansson series based in Sweden. The rest of the series is on my TBR pile! Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.
January 25, 2021
Just finished the arc of this, Angel Maker by Morgan Greene
This is my review
Jamie Johansson returns to Sweden after a case her father worked on before his suicide 25 years ago looks like it's come back to haunt the Swedish Polis.
Young girls all around 13 years of age were killed and placed to look like angels.
Jamie meets Wiik and Hallburg and consults on the case. Wiik is an old school "proper" detective, grumpy, sullen, rude. Hallburg is a young, very eager detective who is treated badly by Wiik.
By going back to her father's case and slowly unpicking it they start to figure out what happened. They know they are getting close when someone starts threatening Jamie.
I would say this is like a roller coaster of a read. I got to halfway and thought it looked like everything was being tied up so where could it possibly go next. I knew nothing 😂
Great twist that I never expected and an evil last sentence, ready for the next book.
The fist of Morgans books I've read for some reason, absolutely won't be the last.
I love Jamies character, she's strong and ballsy but knows where to draw the line in respect to authority and knows her life is flawed and hopes not to project her life as perfect to the young and eager Hallburg. She also smooths some of Wiiks rough edges and the little hints of softening on his part make you smile 😊
This is my review
Jamie Johansson returns to Sweden after a case her father worked on before his suicide 25 years ago looks like it's come back to haunt the Swedish Polis.
Young girls all around 13 years of age were killed and placed to look like angels.
Jamie meets Wiik and Hallburg and consults on the case. Wiik is an old school "proper" detective, grumpy, sullen, rude. Hallburg is a young, very eager detective who is treated badly by Wiik.
By going back to her father's case and slowly unpicking it they start to figure out what happened. They know they are getting close when someone starts threatening Jamie.
I would say this is like a roller coaster of a read. I got to halfway and thought it looked like everything was being tied up so where could it possibly go next. I knew nothing 😂
Great twist that I never expected and an evil last sentence, ready for the next book.
The fist of Morgans books I've read for some reason, absolutely won't be the last.
I love Jamies character, she's strong and ballsy but knows where to draw the line in respect to authority and knows her life is flawed and hopes not to project her life as perfect to the young and eager Hallburg. She also smooths some of Wiiks rough edges and the little hints of softening on his part make you smile 😊
November 11, 2025
A teenage girl is found dead in the woods. The kill bears a chilling resemblance to those of the Angel Maker, a serial killer caught two decades ago.
London Met detective, Jamie Johansson, is drawn back to the icy streets of her home city to help. Her father, one of Stockholm’s most notorious detectives, closed the case when Jamie was just a girl. Her memories hold the key to unlocking the last, and the truth of whether he put the right man behind bars all those years ago.
The Angel Maker is back, and a plan twenty years in the making is already in motion.
I love Nordic Noir and I know a good one when I read it. This is definitely one of them. Intense and complex, you’re caught up in the plot and just want to read one more chapter…then another….and another. Jamie’s past is complicated, her relationship with her dad fractured, her memories of Stockholm are not warm and fuzzy. A layered and intriguing plot that you just can’t help but try and work out. Such a brilliant start to a new series. I’m itching to get started on book 2!
London Met detective, Jamie Johansson, is drawn back to the icy streets of her home city to help. Her father, one of Stockholm’s most notorious detectives, closed the case when Jamie was just a girl. Her memories hold the key to unlocking the last, and the truth of whether he put the right man behind bars all those years ago.
The Angel Maker is back, and a plan twenty years in the making is already in motion.
I love Nordic Noir and I know a good one when I read it. This is definitely one of them. Intense and complex, you’re caught up in the plot and just want to read one more chapter…then another….and another. Jamie’s past is complicated, her relationship with her dad fractured, her memories of Stockholm are not warm and fuzzy. A layered and intriguing plot that you just can’t help but try and work out. Such a brilliant start to a new series. I’m itching to get started on book 2!
July 7, 2021
A teenage girl is found dead in the woods; her body arranged like an angel. Bearing a striking similarity to crimes committed decades earlier, could it be the work of a copycat killer or was the wrong man imprisoned all those years ago?
Detective Inspector Jamie Johansson, taking time away from the London Met, has returned home to Stockholm. Her father, now dead, was responsible for capturing the Angel Maker. With access to his notes, Jamie has been asked to assist the Stockholm police. But time is of the essence — the killer is gearing up to take another young life.
Angel Maker was an extremely good read. The wintery Stockholm setting really appealed and I felt the author did a wonderful job describing the beautiful, frozen landscape. The story was fast-paced with fully developed, interesting characters. Detective Inspector Jamie Johansson was presented as a strong, independent female lead but with a softer layer beneath her hard outer casing. I liked her very much.
The plot was gripping, twisty and intricate. Although the crimes were shocking, the author never lost sight of compassion and empathy. I thought it was an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
Detective Inspector Jamie Johansson, taking time away from the London Met, has returned home to Stockholm. Her father, now dead, was responsible for capturing the Angel Maker. With access to his notes, Jamie has been asked to assist the Stockholm police. But time is of the essence — the killer is gearing up to take another young life.
Angel Maker was an extremely good read. The wintery Stockholm setting really appealed and I felt the author did a wonderful job describing the beautiful, frozen landscape. The story was fast-paced with fully developed, interesting characters. Detective Inspector Jamie Johansson was presented as a strong, independent female lead but with a softer layer beneath her hard outer casing. I liked her very much.
The plot was gripping, twisty and intricate. Although the crimes were shocking, the author never lost sight of compassion and empathy. I thought it was an excellent read and I highly recommend it.
August 10, 2023
I stumbled on this book by accident after searching Amazon for my next Kindle read and it didn’t disappoint. The story picks up as DI Jamie Johansson finds herself at a crossroads in her life. On leave from the Met following a shooting and with lots of unresolved issues surrounding her father, she finds herself heading back to her homeland of Sweden on the tale of The Angel Maker, a serial killer her father ‘caught’ many years before. I found the protagonist an engaging character and was quickly drawn into her life. She was really easy to root for and I found myself eager to find out more about her. The other characters in the book are really well written and all uniquely different. The killer is also written as a multi-faceted character with the mystery of who they are kept firmly under wraps until the thrilling final pages.
This is the first in a series of books following the enigmatic Jamie and I can’t wait to delve into them.
This is the first in a series of books following the enigmatic Jamie and I can’t wait to delve into them.
January 16, 2025
3.75⭐️ This book was very slow for the first half for me. I think the names and accents listening to the audiobook also tripped me up a little in the beginning, which is no fault of the author. Overall, the storyline was good and kept me guessing. I never did figure out who the Angel Maker was until it was said in the book. Unique story compared to anything I’ve read before. The epilogue definitely left things on a cliffhanger that makes you want to continue to the next book in the series. Not sure if I’ll read that or not.
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