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A Killer Came Knocking
Jack's wife is murdered. He has the chance to see justice done. But at what cost?Jack found the love of his life when he met Kate. But their happiness was shattered when she opened the door to a cold-blooded killer. He will never forget the face of the man who stole his future. The only person who loved Kate as much is Emily, her twin. So when Jack tells her that he's found the man who murdered her sister she doesn't hesitate to help him exact revenge. As the plans for vengeance lead to unforeseen danger, Emily has to trust Jack more than she has ever trusted anyone. Can you always believe what you see? An absolutely nerve-shredding suspense thriller, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, B.A. Paris and Linwood Barclay. Praise for A Killer Came Knocking"An exciting and interesting read. Well written and clear and compelling." Reader Review "This book had so many twists in it, it was amazing. What a rollercoaster of emotions!" Reader Review "Wow this book kept me reading from the beginning to the end, like a wild roller coaster ride. So many twists and turns. This was an absolute page turner. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a fast paced psychological thriller." Reader Review "A great book full of suspense and thrill." Reader Review ""Excellent book with a clear cut depiction of characters. The storyline is fluid and constant, and my concentration never waived. Highly recommended." Reader Review
- GenresThriller
354 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2019
113 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
S.B. Caves
5 books83 followersS.B. Caves was born and raised in North London. He loves crime and thriller novels, classic horror movies, Korean/Japanese thriller films and true crime documentaries. He is also a huge boxing fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 2, 2019
Jack's wife Kate was killed on her doorstep twelve years ago and Jack has never got over this. The killer has never been found and Jack looks closely at all the people he passes in the hope that some day he will find him.
One day Jack is astonished to see the killer in his local supermarket and can think of nothing else but to get the man to confess to the murder.
Events soon get out of his control as more and more people get drawn into this dangerous situation.
I really enjoyed this book I found parts of the books exciting and other parts amusing.
This is the second book I have read from this author, and I will be looking out for more of his work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
One day Jack is astonished to see the killer in his local supermarket and can think of nothing else but to get the man to confess to the murder.
Events soon get out of his control as more and more people get drawn into this dangerous situation.
I really enjoyed this book I found parts of the books exciting and other parts amusing.
This is the second book I have read from this author, and I will be looking out for more of his work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2019
After recognising the man who killed his wife on her doorstep twelve years ago, Jack decides to follow him round the supermarket that they are in. All Jack wants is a confession from the man that killed his wife. But things quickly spiral out of control.
This is the first book that I have rad by the author and it won't be my last. It was not quite what I was expecting the book to be, it was much better. There is an element of comedy to the story. I liked the main characters. I also liked the authors style in writing. There is quite a few characters but don't let that put you off. They all have their part to play. I throughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author S.B. Caves for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have rad by the author and it won't be my last. It was not quite what I was expecting the book to be, it was much better. There is an element of comedy to the story. I liked the main characters. I also liked the authors style in writing. There is quite a few characters but don't let that put you off. They all have their part to play. I throughly enjoyed this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Canelo and the author S.B. Caves for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2019
The first book I have read by this author, A KILLER CAME KNOCKING was nothing like I expected. I'm still trying to decide whether I liked it or not. On the one hand it was intriguing while on the other it was crazy! Some reviewers have indicated an element of comedy to the story, but I'm struggling to find anything amusing about it.
When I read that Jack Bracket had witnessed the murder of his wife on their doorstep some 12 years prior, I thought this was going to an intriguing search for the truth. What it actually turned out to be is a quest for revenge on so many psychotic levels. I can't even begin to go there.
When his wife Kate was stabbed in the neck when she went to answer the door, believing it to be their food delivery order, Jack was distraught. He never got over the senseless murder of his wife by what he believed to be a young teenager with the most piercing green eyes he has ever seen and a lust for blood. So when he is shopping in his local supermarket one day and he sees those same green eyes, his world stops. He has found him at last.
What ensues is a cat and mouse chase of sorts as Jack endeavours to find out who this man is - his name, where he lives and, most of all, why he killed his wife. He enlists the help of Kate's twin sister Emily, dragging her into his woeful search for justice. They hatch a plan, convinced that nothing could go wrong, to kidnap the man and convince him to tell them the truth...whatever that may be.
But it doesn't all go according to plan. They were seen, and now they have people looking for them as well. And not the good kind.
Then there is Jack's current girlfriend, May. She is something else. The woman is crazy, psychotic and completely unhinged. Her tantrums were next level. I started to wish something would happen to her. So when Jack calls off their relationship, she hatches a plan of her own. One that Jack cannot refuse...if he knows what's good for him. The way she can go from a loving and affectionate woman to a screaming psychotic beast within seconds is mind-blowing. By the end of the book, I had decided they truly deserved each other.
Jack finds himself with a conundrum on his hands. What to do with May? And what to do with the man who killed his wife? Emily proves to be of no help. She seesaws between helping him and abandoning him.
As events spiral out of control, more people are drawn into this dangerous situation. And Jack finds once he has started the ball rolling, nothing can stop it.
There was a lot going on at one point or another that in the end I felt some elements did not have closure. I'm not sure if this is where the author intends to leave it or whether he means to pursue it in a future release, but for me, it felt unfinished for some characters. It was certainly not what I expected.
A KILLER CAME KNOCKING is a dark read with an element of violence throughout. In my view, it's not overtly graphic but others may be of another opinion.
I would like to thank #SBCaves, #NetGalley and #Canello for an ARC of #AKillerCameKnocking in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
When I read that Jack Bracket had witnessed the murder of his wife on their doorstep some 12 years prior, I thought this was going to an intriguing search for the truth. What it actually turned out to be is a quest for revenge on so many psychotic levels. I can't even begin to go there.
When his wife Kate was stabbed in the neck when she went to answer the door, believing it to be their food delivery order, Jack was distraught. He never got over the senseless murder of his wife by what he believed to be a young teenager with the most piercing green eyes he has ever seen and a lust for blood. So when he is shopping in his local supermarket one day and he sees those same green eyes, his world stops. He has found him at last.
What ensues is a cat and mouse chase of sorts as Jack endeavours to find out who this man is - his name, where he lives and, most of all, why he killed his wife. He enlists the help of Kate's twin sister Emily, dragging her into his woeful search for justice. They hatch a plan, convinced that nothing could go wrong, to kidnap the man and convince him to tell them the truth...whatever that may be.
But it doesn't all go according to plan. They were seen, and now they have people looking for them as well. And not the good kind.
Then there is Jack's current girlfriend, May. She is something else. The woman is crazy, psychotic and completely unhinged. Her tantrums were next level. I started to wish something would happen to her. So when Jack calls off their relationship, she hatches a plan of her own. One that Jack cannot refuse...if he knows what's good for him. The way she can go from a loving and affectionate woman to a screaming psychotic beast within seconds is mind-blowing. By the end of the book, I had decided they truly deserved each other.
Jack finds himself with a conundrum on his hands. What to do with May? And what to do with the man who killed his wife? Emily proves to be of no help. She seesaws between helping him and abandoning him.
As events spiral out of control, more people are drawn into this dangerous situation. And Jack finds once he has started the ball rolling, nothing can stop it.
There was a lot going on at one point or another that in the end I felt some elements did not have closure. I'm not sure if this is where the author intends to leave it or whether he means to pursue it in a future release, but for me, it felt unfinished for some characters. It was certainly not what I expected.
A KILLER CAME KNOCKING is a dark read with an element of violence throughout. In my view, it's not overtly graphic but others may be of another opinion.
I would like to thank #SBCaves, #NetGalley and #Canello for an ARC of #AKillerCameKnocking in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 17, 2019
A fun read I would say, in most parts.
Jack's wife was murdered at their doorstep and Jack got a glimpse of the killer's striking green eyes. When he saw the same eyes at a local store, he was convinced the man was the murderer. He hooked his wife's twin sister Emily to help him.
My first book by this author, the book certainly went through a lot of turns, not all of them were logical. Jack's present girlfriend May added to the bizzareness of it. The writing gave it a cat and mouse feel to it. Things turned haywire when they decided to kidnap the man based on the color of his eyes. They were seen by more bad men who decided to go after him.
May added to the plot when Jack broke off with her. Now there were many after him and he was no close to the killer. There was so much going on in the plot that I got confused. The story came to a finish with many unanswered questions.
Because of the hotchpotch of a plot where too many things happened, I kept laughing. The book was quite insane. I didn't know if that was the good or bad part of it. Overall, a different read.
Jack's wife was murdered at their doorstep and Jack got a glimpse of the killer's striking green eyes. When he saw the same eyes at a local store, he was convinced the man was the murderer. He hooked his wife's twin sister Emily to help him.
My first book by this author, the book certainly went through a lot of turns, not all of them were logical. Jack's present girlfriend May added to the bizzareness of it. The writing gave it a cat and mouse feel to it. Things turned haywire when they decided to kidnap the man based on the color of his eyes. They were seen by more bad men who decided to go after him.
May added to the plot when Jack broke off with her. Now there were many after him and he was no close to the killer. There was so much going on in the plot that I got confused. The story came to a finish with many unanswered questions.
Because of the hotchpotch of a plot where too many things happened, I kept laughing. The book was quite insane. I didn't know if that was the good or bad part of it. Overall, a different read.
October 23, 2019
This was a wild story full of whack jobs, certainly entertaining but not all that satisfying.
I would have bumped up the rating but the writing just wasn’t for me. The dialogue was odd, off putting. There are twists and surprises and subplots to keep you on your toes (though some are left hanging).
May was a truly bizarre character, talk about mood swings. Jack devolved into quite the psychopath (sociopath??) too. Perhaps they deserved each other. Emily was the only occasional voice of reason, though a very weak one at that.
The end leaves some questions unanswered and does open this up for a second story. I’m still a bit chilled by it.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Canelo for a copy in exchange for a review.
I would have bumped up the rating but the writing just wasn’t for me. The dialogue was odd, off putting. There are twists and surprises and subplots to keep you on your toes (though some are left hanging).
May was a truly bizarre character, talk about mood swings. Jack devolved into quite the psychopath (sociopath??) too. Perhaps they deserved each other. Emily was the only occasional voice of reason, though a very weak one at that.
The end leaves some questions unanswered and does open this up for a second story. I’m still a bit chilled by it.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Canelo for a copy in exchange for a review.
August 5, 2019
This crime thriller started out strong for me and captured my attention. I was curious to find out what was going to happen as Jack runs into his wife’s killer. There were some truly thrilling and suspenseful moments, especially as his late wife’s twin sister becomes involved and goes to the murderer’s house to get a look at him.
There were many seedy characters and some secondary plot lines that added to the story build up, but many of them didn’t seem to come to fruition or matter in the end. Perhaps that was the point of them, and other readers won’t mind. I would have personally preferred a bit of a quicker moving plot without some of the extra hanging plot lines.
This was ultimately a dark read. There were episodes of graphic physical violence and disturbing scenarios. I would recommend this for readers who are looking for a crime novel thriller and are not disturbed by violence.
There were many seedy characters and some secondary plot lines that added to the story build up, but many of them didn’t seem to come to fruition or matter in the end. Perhaps that was the point of them, and other readers won’t mind. I would have personally preferred a bit of a quicker moving plot without some of the extra hanging plot lines.
This was ultimately a dark read. There were episodes of graphic physical violence and disturbing scenarios. I would recommend this for readers who are looking for a crime novel thriller and are not disturbed by violence.
August 3, 2019
I loved this book! After spotting the man who killed his wife, Jack decides to get his revenge with the help of his dead wife’s twin sister. A very dark read filled with lots of humour. You get to meet lots of characters, each showing the ugly side of life. Very impressive book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy.
August 2, 2019
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review
This book was a crazy fucking roller coaster. It was also incredibly funny. A joy to read. Light hearted, but checks all the right boxes
This book was a crazy fucking roller coaster. It was also incredibly funny. A joy to read. Light hearted, but checks all the right boxes
May 28, 2022
I liked the twist at the end, but it seemed difficult to get there. There was a lot of different story lines that were connected, but it just kind of felt like TOO many story lines. All in all, it was ok, but I don't think I would reach for it again
May 4, 2020
I never saw that ending coming. I really enjoyed this story. I could not wait to find out what happened next.
June 27, 2020
If you enjoy thrillers and haven’t read this yet, I suggest you get your hands on it ASAP. It is an amazing book that I devoured in a day!!!!
May 1, 2022
An average read. It started off great and interesting but devolved rapidly into this bizarre tale. I’m all for exaggeration in novels but the plot became, quite frankly, ridiculous. Firstly, I refuse to believe Emily would willing go along with Jack’s plan (if we could even call it a plan). The character gave the impression of being cleverer than it. If there had been a solid plan, fine, but who would go into the situation blindly like that?? All because Jack saw green eyes. Emily’s had years to come to terms with Kate’s death and I’m just not buying that she would act emotional and irrationally the way she did.
Secondly, Jack isn’t smart enough to have pulled off an abduction/murder. He made numerous stupid mistakes. It was implied this may not have been his first and there’s no way he’d be able to commit a crime so serious and get a way with it. Too blasé about it all.
The plot was just far too unrealistic for me. That said, it was a fun read that kept me going through a shift at work. It was never dull, I’ll give it that. I quite liked the writing style as well. Probably wouldn’t recommend but certainly far from terrible.
Secondly, Jack isn’t smart enough to have pulled off an abduction/murder. He made numerous stupid mistakes. It was implied this may not have been his first and there’s no way he’d be able to commit a crime so serious and get a way with it. Too blasé about it all.
The plot was just far too unrealistic for me. That said, it was a fun read that kept me going through a shift at work. It was never dull, I’ll give it that. I quite liked the writing style as well. Probably wouldn’t recommend but certainly far from terrible.
December 18, 2019
This is an unusual story to say the least. There are no heroes in this story. In my opinion, there are not even any good guys in this story. The characters are made up of bad people and foolish people who all behave in boorish and ignorant ways. The main focus is on Jack, whose wife was murdered 12 years ago by a young man with distinctive green eyes. The police never solved the crime. Jack and his sister-in-law have been haunted by this brutal, unsolved murder for these past 12 years. Then one day by chance, Jack sees a man with distinctive green eyes and the need to solve the crime and obtain justice and or revenge races forward from there. Another problem for me is that the story ends inconclusively. That is, the reader is free to draw his or her own conclusion as to what happens after the final chapter is finished. I prefer stories that end with a definite conclusion.
September 2, 2025
What a massively disappointing ending. I saw a lot of people mentioning that this got a little boring mid-way through for them, but I was riveted and devoured this story in less than 2 days. I couldn't wait to see what happened, how everything would come to a head, maybe a big twisty moment at the end... but nothing happens. Not only that, but at least a half a dozen plot points are left unexplained, open- ended, or inferred.
This story had SO much potential. I was thinking that the fact that they were twins would tie in somewhere (case of mistaken identity, maybe?) but nope. The ending was a big slice of nothing pie. The two stars are for the build up- it kept me entertained, but man did my vibe come crashing down when I realized nothing would be answered.
This story had SO much potential. I was thinking that the fact that they were twins would tie in somewhere (case of mistaken identity, maybe?) but nope. The ending was a big slice of nothing pie. The two stars are for the build up- it kept me entertained, but man did my vibe come crashing down when I realized nothing would be answered.
November 20, 2021
This was a great read and maintained my interest throughout which few books have done recently.
The storyline was good and there were some tense moments. I could see where the storyline was going but I didn’t mind too much.
My only complaint was the choice of names for characters like Roger and Bernard ….. I don’t know anybody under 70 who go by these names. Craig is another name which you don’t hear in anybody under 50. I am wondering how old S B Caves is? I am guessing he is an older person.
Edited to add I have just checked and the author is a youngish person so I was wrong but he does write in rather an old style. Still a great read though.
The storyline was good and there were some tense moments. I could see where the storyline was going but I didn’t mind too much.
My only complaint was the choice of names for characters like Roger and Bernard ….. I don’t know anybody under 70 who go by these names. Craig is another name which you don’t hear in anybody under 50. I am wondering how old S B Caves is? I am guessing he is an older person.
Edited to add I have just checked and the author is a youngish person so I was wrong but he does write in rather an old style. Still a great read though.
January 19, 2026
1.5 ⭐️ This book was just kind of weird in my opinion. The writing was frantic and all over the place. Characters have random trauma and backstories that aren’t elaborated on, so they’re just pointless. The ending was expected, it was building throughout the story. This story didn’t really have me on the edge of my seat. There was no sympathy and relationship established with the characters so I didn’t really care what happened to them. Good potential, it just didn’t get there for me.
February 26, 2024
Took me a long time to read this book. Honestly the story line was good but some of the chapters just weren’t necessary. I could have gotten away with just reading the epilogue and still understand what the entire book was about. The way the epilogue ended, I could see a second book (if there isn’t one already). I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the book.
January 3, 2021
Started off well and I couldn’t put it down but gradually just got abit same old same old.
A lot of physical violence scenarios and the ending doesn’t really provide any closure with any of the characters storylines.
Still not sure how I feel about it.
A lot of physical violence scenarios and the ending doesn’t really provide any closure with any of the characters storylines.
Still not sure how I feel about it.
December 8, 2025
This was a thriller that just kept going, no real twists but plenty of turns. More action packed than suspense but still a solid story of loss, the way not knowing why eats at you and what limits you will might reach to get the answer.
January 29, 2026
This was a slow burn thriller. And by slow I mean sloooowwwww. I won’t lie, up until the last 75 pages or so it was pretty boring; however, it was very much worth dredging through to get to the ending.
February 18, 2026
I'm mad at the ending. I didn't know how this was going to end but after reading it, I don't know if im more shocked or just mad. How can you do that to the readers? End it that way? I liked the beginning and middle but the ending..... I need to relax after reading that.
January 3, 2020
The plot was nothing we haven't read in this genre of book. But the author did a good job of drawing me in and creating a very visual story. It reminded me of the TV show Dexter- not the plot, but the vibe. Darkly humorous and pulpy. And a very fast read. Nothing wasted, pure story.
February 2, 2020
Interesting
I rated this excellent because of the twists and turns that keep you involved and hooked. Great job , looking forward to more.
I rated this excellent because of the twists and turns that keep you involved and hooked. Great job , looking forward to more.
June 17, 2020
Audio version of this book 📚DNF Just couldn’t listen to this book at all, the storyline was ridiculous and unbelievable
June 30, 2020
Good story
A few twists and turns that kept me reading but I could figure out what was going to happen. Good book.
A few twists and turns that kept me reading but I could figure out what was going to happen. Good book.
July 20, 2020
The cover said that this book would give me chills as I read it. Sorry, but it came nowhere near to doing that.
November 8, 2020
I started off enjoying this book but it lost me in the third quarter. Too many loose strings
May 17, 2023
Wasn’t gagged at all to find out Jack was the killer *yawn*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
A brilliant storyline of revenge. Lots of twists and turns really kept me hooked x
August 13, 2024
Didn't love this book. Something about the flow, the language, the characters, I'm not sure why but it wasn't my love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews