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DI Melanie Watton #1
The Copycat
When the body of a young woman, Jenni Grantham, is found abandoned, DI Melanie Watton and her team are called to investigate. It soon becomes apparent that the murder, the method and the appearance of the victim, is something they have seen before.
With the help of Medical Examiner George Waller, DI Watton uncovers the case history of Michael Richards – a local murderer who killed five women before turning himself in.
Further investigations reveal that Jenni was recently reported missing by her parents. And when Jenni’s personal effects are explored, shocking discoveries are made about the victim’s fascination with the original killings.
However, when the ME makes a surprise discovery, DI Watton realises that Jenni was perhaps not the only local with a fixation on these infamous killings.
With a copycat killer on the loose, the team know it is only a matter of time before another body is discovered. But when a second victim is found, the team find themselves questioning everything they thought they knew…
With the help of Medical Examiner George Waller, DI Watton uncovers the case history of Michael Richards – a local murderer who killed five women before turning himself in.
Further investigations reveal that Jenni was recently reported missing by her parents. And when Jenni’s personal effects are explored, shocking discoveries are made about the victim’s fascination with the original killings.
However, when the ME makes a surprise discovery, DI Watton realises that Jenni was perhaps not the only local with a fixation on these infamous killings.
With a copycat killer on the loose, the team know it is only a matter of time before another body is discovered. But when a second victim is found, the team find themselves questioning everything they thought they knew…
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2019
81 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 24, 2019
Michael Richards killed five women before turning himself in to the police. He was later killed while in prison.
When DI Melanie Watton and her team are called to investigate the apparent murder of a teenage left in a field, it is very reminiscent of the victims of Richards.
When Jenni’s personal effects are explored, shocking discoveries are made about the victim’s fascination with the original killings. But she wasn't the only one with this particular fixation.
When another body is found ...someone who knew the recent victim .. it changes everything.
COPYCAT features a new detective in Melanie Watton. She's strong, formidable, and seeks the truth, no matter what. Her team works hard and though Watton is a tough leader, she's also fair. The individual team members are all going through some crisis or another. One's wife has left him and their infant daughter. Another has a partner that does not like the hours she works. I enjoyed how they all relate to each other.
This is well written ... with lots of twists and turns. The conclusion is a real nail-biter. I really hope this one will turn into a series.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 24, 2019
After reading Copycat, I think C.S. Barnes can certainly follow it on as a series. I would like to get to know the characters more.
I liked the little twists in this story.
I liked the little twists in this story.
June 24, 2019
Copycat is the second thriller I have read from the pen of CS Barnes after her critically acclaimed debut, Intention, which was a great twisted psychological page-turner. Here, we meet DI Melanie Watton in what is best described as a deliciously dark concoction which is part mystery, part thriller and part police procedural. The plot centres around, you guessed it, a suspected copycat killer. Michael Richards, the brutal murderer of five innocent young women was eventually carted off to prison where he was himself killed. When another two killings give Watton and her team deja vu they discover important clues to tie them both back to Richards. Will her team be able to catch this monster before he can strike again?
This a well-written tale and is both cleverly plotted and riveting, and although not the most original in the world what it does do it does superbly — kudos Ms Barnes. You are drawn in by the vivid descriptions and flowing narrative from the get-go and Barnes makes no bones about throwing you in at the deep end. It's an easy, quick read and one you can burn through a significant portion of before even noticing. The characters, in particular Watton, are believable and relatable giving the whole story a charming authenticity and are undoubtedly likeable enough at first glance to hope that this is the beginning of a great new crime series. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
This a well-written tale and is both cleverly plotted and riveting, and although not the most original in the world what it does do it does superbly — kudos Ms Barnes. You are drawn in by the vivid descriptions and flowing narrative from the get-go and Barnes makes no bones about throwing you in at the deep end. It's an easy, quick read and one you can burn through a significant portion of before even noticing. The characters, in particular Watton, are believable and relatable giving the whole story a charming authenticity and are undoubtedly likeable enough at first glance to hope that this is the beginning of a great new crime series. Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC.
May 2, 2020
Riveting. Also well researched and beautifully written. A well executed crime thriller that kept me gripped to the end.
July 17, 2019
My first book of C.S. Barnes and kind of disappointed with it. Her writing style is fluent, built her characters well though Melanie Watton wasn't built up properly, one gets no idea as to her background or family.
Storyline was fine till it came to police procedurals during a murder investigation, no effort made to locate the victims phones, no tracking of who all she spoke to last and where. Poor interrogation techniques and half hearted detective work, ultimately leads to the case being solved. But the reader is left continuously scratching their head as to why this wasn't done or why this wasn't asked!
Will not read another one by her, until I'm convinced she's done a better job than this.
Storyline was fine till it came to police procedurals during a murder investigation, no effort made to locate the victims phones, no tracking of who all she spoke to last and where. Poor interrogation techniques and half hearted detective work, ultimately leads to the case being solved. But the reader is left continuously scratching their head as to why this wasn't done or why this wasn't asked!
Will not read another one by her, until I'm convinced she's done a better job than this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2019
C S Barnes is a new author to me so I did not know what to expect but was drawn to the very teasing blurb. I found it a refreshing, well written and intriguing read. A great police prodcedural book with plenty of twists and turns leading into an investigation of what seems to be a copycat killer. The author does not overwhelm you with a mountain of personal baggage held by the leading characters, but just feeds you enough information to keep the characters interesting with an air of mystery. The book worked well for me right from the beginning with a great story line and likable characters that kept me turning the pages until the very end. I mean, who doesn't like a good thought provoking murder investigation? I will be keeping my eye open for more by this author.
Want to read
June 25, 2019BloodhoundBooks 99
April 20, 2020
“I do remember all of this. I've seen this murder, in this place, before.”
When police are called to investigate the murder of local girl Jenni Grantham something seems familiar. “Remember me?” a note attached to the body says. DI Watton and her team uncover the victim's unhealthy obsession with serial killer Michael Richards. How does this connect to her murder though?
What an opening to a novel! Barnes does not let up the pace in an exciting police procedure book. Even the supposedly slower investigation scenes back at the station hold our interest. Something that can be difficult for a writer do as readers become more demanding. The characters we are introduced to- DI Watton, DI Carter and DC Burton have depth and variety. We root for them, we care for them, we want to know more about them. As you'll know if you read my reviews regularly, a writers ability to make me care about characters is huge and Barnes achieves this with a naturalness. The ending is unpredictable and compelling.
In a genre that some argue is in danger of becoming saturated, here is a new vibrant crime thriller voice that will not disappoint.
Copies available from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Copycat-mind...
or contact Charley Barnes
When police are called to investigate the murder of local girl Jenni Grantham something seems familiar. “Remember me?” a note attached to the body says. DI Watton and her team uncover the victim's unhealthy obsession with serial killer Michael Richards. How does this connect to her murder though?
What an opening to a novel! Barnes does not let up the pace in an exciting police procedure book. Even the supposedly slower investigation scenes back at the station hold our interest. Something that can be difficult for a writer do as readers become more demanding. The characters we are introduced to- DI Watton, DI Carter and DC Burton have depth and variety. We root for them, we care for them, we want to know more about them. As you'll know if you read my reviews regularly, a writers ability to make me care about characters is huge and Barnes achieves this with a naturalness. The ending is unpredictable and compelling.
In a genre that some argue is in danger of becoming saturated, here is a new vibrant crime thriller voice that will not disappoint.
Copies available from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Copycat-mind...
or contact Charley Barnes
March 24, 2021
A well written thriller
When a group of college students come up with an idea for Halloween it seems an innocent enough plan. But when the student who was going to dress up as the victim is found dead it harks back to a murder many years before. Was the murderer a copycat?
When a second one of the group is also found murdered it seems as though events are spiralling but someone is making the most of the publicity.
With a nod towards the current generations obsession towards social media this is a well written thriller with plenty of twists and well developed characters. Definitely an author I would love to read again!
When a group of college students come up with an idea for Halloween it seems an innocent enough plan. But when the student who was going to dress up as the victim is found dead it harks back to a murder many years before. Was the murderer a copycat?
When a second one of the group is also found murdered it seems as though events are spiralling but someone is making the most of the publicity.
With a nod towards the current generations obsession towards social media this is a well written thriller with plenty of twists and well developed characters. Definitely an author I would love to read again!
April 6, 2021
Sharp and concise, this crime novel grips you from page one, dodging between well-defined characters, holding psychological tension and keeping you guessing ‘whodunnit’ until the final pages. Plenty of clues, twists and turns, and incisive insight to motivations, it lives up to its tagline ‘a mind blowing mystery thriller’. Getting to know the characters in the first book of a trilogy leaves you wanting to read the next two books. Clever and very readable.
April 23, 2020
Great read, enjoyed the storyline and connected with the characters however, I did guess right about the killer...my suspicions started early on so I was a bit gutted to be right! I was waiting for a big ending but it didn’t happen. Looking forward to the next read by this author and hoping for a better ending.
May 16, 2020
A different type of storyline that I have previously read under this genre and kept my attention. I thought the main characters were a little weak in their makeup, especially with the thinking outside the box but nevertheless a very good read albeit I was a little disappointed with the ending, expecting a blockbuster finish that didn't quite arrive.
June 17, 2020
Good enjoyable read as the body of a young girl is discovered with huge similarities to a murder from years back, committed by someone who has since died. Good mix of characters from the police and the friends of the girl who was found and an interesting concept of whydunnit. Nothing too twisted and complicated but definitely recommended.
July 26, 2021
Maybe its just me, but I seem to be finding crime thrillers far too predictable, heavy on police procedure whilst lacking in character details and action. I felt I knew the ending from the start, and it turned out I was right. It felt like there was so much left out that was needed to flesh out the story.
June 22, 2020
This is an excellent police procedural, deceptively easy to read until you reach a point where you HAVE to know what happens next!
I enjoyed it so much that I've bought the next book in the series immediately!
I enjoyed it so much that I've bought the next book in the series immediately!
April 10, 2021
3*
I enjoyed this, but it was quite predictable and could have made more of the premise. Also quite poorly edited, with many spelling and grammatical errors, which were off-putting. Beginning much more compelling than the ending.
I enjoyed this, but it was quite predictable and could have made more of the premise. Also quite poorly edited, with many spelling and grammatical errors, which were off-putting. Beginning much more compelling than the ending.
May 21, 2021
Unbelievable!
I at first thought it boring,but then suddenly when things started falling into place,OMG! Not to spoil anything, but what a wacked out teenager! It was enough to make me want to strangle her!ugh! Good story! Sad events!
I at first thought it boring,but then suddenly when things started falling into place,OMG! Not to spoil anything, but what a wacked out teenager! It was enough to make me want to strangle her!ugh! Good story! Sad events!
March 17, 2021
When the body of a young woman, Jennifer Grantham, 17, is discovered, D.I. Melanie Watton and her team investigate. Is there a connection to the serial murderer Michael Richards, who murdered five women twenty years ago. Unfortunately for the police he was killed in prison five years previously.
A well-written and enjoyable crime story.
A well-written and enjoyable crime story.
April 6, 2021
Loved this book!
This book had me gripped from the start! Totally didn’t expect the outcome! Would definitely read more books by this author!
This book had me gripped from the start! Totally didn’t expect the outcome! Would definitely read more books by this author!
June 1, 2021
Twists and turns to please all
A real page turner that had me thinking I knew when it was very wrong - a good sunny day read!
A real page turner that had me thinking I knew when it was very wrong - a good sunny day read!
June 30, 2025
Nice little Brit lit on Kindle Unlimited. So easy to read and get into.
June 24, 2019
16 year old Jenni Grantham’s body is found, strangled with a plastic bag taped over her head……a note is found “Remember Me”
DI Melanie Watton remembers the old Michael Richards case, he killed young women so he could be famous, is there a link? She starts her investigation by talking to Jenni’s friends, Patrick and Eleanor, do they know who she was meeting?
Her colleagues, DS Edd Carter and DC Chris Burton, begin trawling through CCTV and Jenni’s computer and find disturbing messages from TheRealMichaelRichards…..just what were they planning …?
But then Patrick goes missing and again they find messages from the same person on his computer….will they find Patrick and is Eleanor in danger too?
I found this to be a gripping police procedural with a fast pace that really keeps you on tenterhooks. I loved the characters, with their personal lives and human problems and also the relationship between them all…a great team.
The emotions of the bereaved parents felt real and it helped build the tension right up to the incredible yet depressing end…….
A clever, tense and thought provoking read that feels all too possible …..I hope to read more of DI Watton and her team…
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
DI Melanie Watton remembers the old Michael Richards case, he killed young women so he could be famous, is there a link? She starts her investigation by talking to Jenni’s friends, Patrick and Eleanor, do they know who she was meeting?
Her colleagues, DS Edd Carter and DC Chris Burton, begin trawling through CCTV and Jenni’s computer and find disturbing messages from TheRealMichaelRichards…..just what were they planning …?
But then Patrick goes missing and again they find messages from the same person on his computer….will they find Patrick and is Eleanor in danger too?
I found this to be a gripping police procedural with a fast pace that really keeps you on tenterhooks. I loved the characters, with their personal lives and human problems and also the relationship between them all…a great team.
The emotions of the bereaved parents felt real and it helped build the tension right up to the incredible yet depressing end…….
A clever, tense and thought provoking read that feels all too possible …..I hope to read more of DI Watton and her team…
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
September 9, 2021
A young woman has been found murdered in a place where several years ago there were other murders. trouble is the perpetrator of those crimes was killed in prison whilst serving his sentence by a relative of one of his victims. When DI Melanie Waton and her team take a closer look at the latest victim her search history shows that she has been researching these crimes herself. Her friends were practising dressing up for halloween and Jenni was to play the victim- the victim of what or whom no one knows. She is seen to be wandering around the town away from the main roads, something somewhat unusual. When a boy goes missing from the same school, who is after them and why and is the third one of the group now in mortal danger?
I really enjoyed this, it was a wonderful relaxing read. A well thought out plot masterfully put together and characters that came alive on the pages. By the end I felt like Melanie was almost a neighbour- someone you might not know too much about, but knowing that there is a reliant dependable person on your side that you can call on. A real page turner, brilliantly written, a little humour with a twist I didn't see coming. I very much look forward to reading the next in the series.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
June 25, 2019
Thanks to Heather from Bloodhound Books for the Arc of new serial killer thriller from C.S. Barnes, Copycat.
A first time author for me, drawn in by the blurb and book cover I was looking forward to this one and was not disappointed.
When a young woman's body is found, dressed up and abandoned , DI Melanie Watton is called into investigate, what quickly becomes apparent is that this murder is identical to another years previously in the same town.
With what appears to be a Copycat Killer on the loose, C.S. Barnes spins a very well written tale, while it's an idea that's been used before I really enjoyed this author's take on the idea and found it to be a very clever tale.
Characters are likeable and believable and the scenes are set well,
I found this to be a rapidly paced thriller, it kept me on edge and I read this one very quickly, certainly a page turner that kept me guessing and asking questions.
A sharp, smart, suspense filled serial killer chiller, part murder mystery, part police procedural, I hope this is the start of a new series.
A first time author for me, drawn in by the blurb and book cover I was looking forward to this one and was not disappointed.
When a young woman's body is found, dressed up and abandoned , DI Melanie Watton is called into investigate, what quickly becomes apparent is that this murder is identical to another years previously in the same town.
With what appears to be a Copycat Killer on the loose, C.S. Barnes spins a very well written tale, while it's an idea that's been used before I really enjoyed this author's take on the idea and found it to be a very clever tale.
Characters are likeable and believable and the scenes are set well,
I found this to be a rapidly paced thriller, it kept me on edge and I read this one very quickly, certainly a page turner that kept me guessing and asking questions.
A sharp, smart, suspense filled serial killer chiller, part murder mystery, part police procedural, I hope this is the start of a new series.
June 27, 2019
Here is the story of a killer. Yes, there are many of them in the real world and in books, but this killer took out five women and then he turned himself in. Like many such people, he had his life ended when in prison. Now there's a problem. Another life, Jenni's, has ended abruptly and the clue left with the victim would be the signature of Michel Richards, but he's dead. DI Melaine Watton can't shake some of her concerns. As she works the case, which has suspense, clues here and there, the concern that the real killer wasn't Richards, I got more and more involved in the story. This book has police procedures along with physiological insights. I was rooting for the truth to be reviled and the perpetrator to be brought to justice. I became fond of Melaine, she is well written. This should become a series, it's quite strong. The wrap up was a tad fast, but if it's a series that will work.
My copy came from Bloodhound Books. My review is left of my own free will and contains my opinions about this book.
My copy came from Bloodhound Books. My review is left of my own free will and contains my opinions about this book.
June 24, 2019
This is the first time of reading this author but this was an intriguing murder mystery book.
One evening there was a body of a young woman discovered abandoned. DI Melanie Watton and her team are called to investigate. It would appear that its a murder with the method and the appearance of the victim being something that they have seen before.
The Medical Examiner helps the DI Watton to discover the previous murders of Michael Richards - a local murderer that killed 5 woman before he handed himself in.
It was full of suspense with twists and turns which really gave the story some bite and made it different to other stories. The plot was different and well thought out with some links back to Michael Richards throughout the story. I really enjoyed it and thought it was good and will look out for this author again. Also, because I was enjoying the story, managed to read it quite quickly.
One evening there was a body of a young woman discovered abandoned. DI Melanie Watton and her team are called to investigate. It would appear that its a murder with the method and the appearance of the victim being something that they have seen before.
The Medical Examiner helps the DI Watton to discover the previous murders of Michael Richards - a local murderer that killed 5 woman before he handed himself in.
It was full of suspense with twists and turns which really gave the story some bite and made it different to other stories. The plot was different and well thought out with some links back to Michael Richards throughout the story. I really enjoyed it and thought it was good and will look out for this author again. Also, because I was enjoying the story, managed to read it quite quickly.
June 28, 2019
I thought this book had an original storyline and shows the promise of a new series! Copycat features a new detective in Melanie Watton. She's strong, formidable, and seeks the truth, no matter what. Her team works hard and she is "firm but fair" as they say.. The individual team members are all going through some crisis or another. One's wife has left him and their infant daughter. Another has a partner that does not like the hours she works. Throughout this they all get on as a team and work well together.There is a nice depth to the characters and I enjoyed every page, right to the end! Which is everything you need from a book like this one, tense and I was on the edge of my seat! Hope we DO have a series here, can't wait!
June 24, 2019
When the body of a young woman is found in a field and the pathologist tells the police that he has seen this 'style' of murder before in his career, then you think you know what to expect.....but no! The previous similar murders were all committed by a man who was caught and subsequently had died in prison. So who is the new killer trying to emulate his modus operandi and what is the reason for them doing this.
Great read throughout with lots of twists and trying to figure out who is responsible for the Copycat killings. The characters are well defined and believable, and I look forward to there being a follow up novel to this one.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
Great read throughout with lots of twists and trying to figure out who is responsible for the Copycat killings. The characters are well defined and believable, and I look forward to there being a follow up novel to this one.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC to review.
August 5, 2019
I love a good police procedural story and so was excited to read this offering by C S Barnes, an author I haven't read before.
I loved DI Melanie Watton - a strong but fair DI who has a good rapport with her team.
The characters in Copycat are well drawn and there is scope to flesh them out further should this become a series.
Watton and her team are investigating the death of a 16 year old girl which is reminiscent of a number of older murders. The issue is that the original killer died in prison - so who is responsible for this copycat killing?
This book has a fast moving plot and is full of twists and turns. A riveting read which I highly recommend.
I loved DI Melanie Watton - a strong but fair DI who has a good rapport with her team.
The characters in Copycat are well drawn and there is scope to flesh them out further should this become a series.
Watton and her team are investigating the death of a 16 year old girl which is reminiscent of a number of older murders. The issue is that the original killer died in prison - so who is responsible for this copycat killing?
This book has a fast moving plot and is full of twists and turns. A riveting read which I highly recommend.
June 15, 2019
Another new writer to me but a very enjoyable read and , hopefully, there will be more to come! A well-written story with rounded characters and a fascinating plot. As the title implies, the crimes on which the detectives are concentrating reflect those of a well-known miscreant and they are tasked with making the connection. The story is intriguing from the start and the reader is involved throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews