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Jackman & Evans #8
The Night Thief
When everyone is sleeping, he comes into their houses.
He takes one thing. A photo of their child.
A thief on a power trip or something even darker and more sinister?
Detectives Jackman and Evans find themselves on the hunt for a highly unusual burglar who seemingly only steals photographs. But then, late one night, an elderly woman falls to her death after seeing someone in her home.
Did she really fall, or was she murdered?
And just how many mysterious intruders are there on the Fens?
With the body count rising, Jackman and Evans have their work cut out for them to track down the night thief — before it’s too late.
He takes one thing. A photo of their child.
A thief on a power trip or something even darker and more sinister?
Detectives Jackman and Evans find themselves on the hunt for a highly unusual burglar who seemingly only steals photographs. But then, late one night, an elderly woman falls to her death after seeing someone in her home.
Did she really fall, or was she murdered?
And just how many mysterious intruders are there on the Fens?
With the body count rising, Jackman and Evans have their work cut out for them to track down the night thief — before it’s too late.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2021
About the author
Joy Ellis
68 books2,530 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
September 17, 2021
I have no idea if I like Joy Ellis or if I just love Richard reading Ellis.
September 16, 2021
- 2.5 stars -
PSA: my rating has nothing to do with Richard’s narration of the audiobook. He did a perfect job (as always) and he’s once again masterfully managed all different kinds of dialects (Welsh, Scottish, posh British English) and seems to effortlessly manage to give each character a distinct voice. I could listen to him narrating a random person's grocery list.
However, even He could not save this snooze fest of a book. The premised promised an exciting couple of hours well spent listening to Richard’s voice but while the latter proved to be true, the former did not.
The Night Thief is the eighth instalment in Ellis’ Jackman and Evans series and given that I hadn’t read the previous books, it made it very hard to connect to the characters and their struggles. The friendship between the two officers Evans and Jackman was already very well established. There were a lot of references to past lovers, cases, and happenstances that did not make sense to me. In this book, there are assembled a lot of characters, not only on the police force, but a lot of victims, witnesses and side characters and it was very hard keeping up with them, especially with those that were already established in previous books and thus weren’t introduced to the reader.
I always love a good murder mystery but with this one, the action didn’t really kick off until 60% into the book. I was quite bored, constantly waiting for something exciting or creepy to happen. I never DNF books and I didn’t DNF this one, but I know that many people do stop reading if the hook never seems to come and I get why some readers didn’t finish this book.
Apart from the fact that this read like a wild goose chase (they interview person A who says person B might know more who says they saw person C doing something fishy who says “it wasn’t me but person D could help you”), I was a bit bewildered by the fact that Jackman was so obsessed with Marie Evans. His constant worry for her and her safety, thinking about her even when he was with his girlfriend, gave their boss-subordinate relationship a weird vibe. I was constantly expecting for something to happen between those two, that's how charged their relationship felt. Maybe that was the author planting seeds for them to become romantically entangled in future installments of the series but in this book it simply struck me as off given they both have partners.
All in all, I might have liked this book better if I had read the previous instalments because then I would have known more about the characters and would have been able to follow their storylines better. However, even that wouldn’t have made this book significantly better. It’s too sluggish for that, too full with side characters, and quite frankly, boring.
PSA: my rating has nothing to do with Richard’s narration of the audiobook. He did a perfect job (as always) and he’s once again masterfully managed all different kinds of dialects (Welsh, Scottish, posh British English) and seems to effortlessly manage to give each character a distinct voice. I could listen to him narrating a random person's grocery list.
However, even He could not save this snooze fest of a book. The premised promised an exciting couple of hours well spent listening to Richard’s voice but while the latter proved to be true, the former did not.
The Night Thief is the eighth instalment in Ellis’ Jackman and Evans series and given that I hadn’t read the previous books, it made it very hard to connect to the characters and their struggles. The friendship between the two officers Evans and Jackman was already very well established. There were a lot of references to past lovers, cases, and happenstances that did not make sense to me. In this book, there are assembled a lot of characters, not only on the police force, but a lot of victims, witnesses and side characters and it was very hard keeping up with them, especially with those that were already established in previous books and thus weren’t introduced to the reader.
I always love a good murder mystery but with this one, the action didn’t really kick off until 60% into the book. I was quite bored, constantly waiting for something exciting or creepy to happen. I never DNF books and I didn’t DNF this one, but I know that many people do stop reading if the hook never seems to come and I get why some readers didn’t finish this book.
Apart from the fact that this read like a wild goose chase (they interview person A who says person B might know more who says they saw person C doing something fishy who says “it wasn’t me but person D could help you”), I was a bit bewildered by the fact that Jackman was so obsessed with Marie Evans. His constant worry for her and her safety, thinking about her even when he was with his girlfriend, gave their boss-subordinate relationship a weird vibe. I was constantly expecting for something to happen between those two, that's how charged their relationship felt. Maybe that was the author planting seeds for them to become romantically entangled in future installments of the series but in this book it simply struck me as off given they both have partners.
All in all, I might have liked this book better if I had read the previous instalments because then I would have known more about the characters and would have been able to follow their storylines better. However, even that wouldn’t have made this book significantly better. It’s too sluggish for that, too full with side characters, and quite frankly, boring.
November 18, 2021
He gets into their house somehow. He stands by the bed watching the woman sleep, but he doesn't wake her. He takes only one thing away when he leaves ... a photo of a child. Depending on the women ... and there are many ... these could be pictures of their son, grandson, or any other kind of relative. They are all boys around 10 years of age.
Besides scaring the women, it's a nuisance call for the police ... usually always in the dead of night. But that soon changes ....
An elderly woman is found at the foot of the stairs in her home. According to a neighbor, a man was seen wandering around her house. Did the night thief up his game ... or is there something else going on? Did she really fall, or was she murdered?
A second story line involves a strange man ... with a lesser known medical problem ... somnambulism. His odd behavior gives even his psychologist the willies
With the body count rising, Jackman and Evans have their work cut out for them to track down the night thief — before it’s too late.
As with all the books in this series, it is well-written with a fascinating plot and riveting story line. There is an interesting mix of characters that keep moving the story forward. Suspense starts at the very beginning and maintains a high level throughout. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Besides scaring the women, it's a nuisance call for the police ... usually always in the dead of night. But that soon changes ....
An elderly woman is found at the foot of the stairs in her home. According to a neighbor, a man was seen wandering around her house. Did the night thief up his game ... or is there something else going on? Did she really fall, or was she murdered?
A second story line involves a strange man ... with a lesser known medical problem ... somnambulism. His odd behavior gives even his psychologist the willies
With the body count rising, Jackman and Evans have their work cut out for them to track down the night thief — before it’s too late.
As with all the books in this series, it is well-written with a fascinating plot and riveting story line. There is an interesting mix of characters that keep moving the story forward. Suspense starts at the very beginning and maintains a high level throughout. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 2, 2021
My thanks to Joffe books, Joy Ellis "who's always fantabulous!" and Netgalley. I'm always happy when there's a new Jackman and Evans book. They and their team are my favorite coppers in the Fens! This was another good one by Ms. Ellis. It was a bit tame compared to some, but I actually found myself kind of sad and aching for one bad guy. Sheesh, I hate that! I loved how Evan's story has moved forward. Also, Jackman is driving me nuts. Great guy, but every one else are adults. How he's not "in hospital" with ulcers is a mystery. I'm ready for Joy to move Jackman beyond this. I adore Joy Ellis for the humanity that she brings to get stories. I have kept reading her because her character's are friends. They are a team. Great work Ms. Ellis! Recommended.
November 13, 2021
DI Jackman & DS Evans#8
When everyone is sleeping, he comes into their houses. He takes one thing. A photo of their child. A sinister thief on a power trip or something even darker and more sinister?
Someone is breaking into women's homes, taking pictures of their sons. Then an elderly woman is murdered and the hunt is on to find the person responsible. These are just a few things under investigation by Detectives Jackman and Evans. There's also a subplot where psychologist Laura's patient, claims to suffer from somnambulism, makes Laura feel on edge.
Both these stories weave together seamlessly, but only briefly. The pace is slow at the beginning. There's also quite a lot of characters to remember. There's a few twists along the way. The real action doesn't really start until around the 60% mark.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JoyEllis for my ARC of #TheNightTheif in exchange for an honest review.
When everyone is sleeping, he comes into their houses. He takes one thing. A photo of their child. A sinister thief on a power trip or something even darker and more sinister?
Someone is breaking into women's homes, taking pictures of their sons. Then an elderly woman is murdered and the hunt is on to find the person responsible. These are just a few things under investigation by Detectives Jackman and Evans. There's also a subplot where psychologist Laura's patient, claims to suffer from somnambulism, makes Laura feel on edge.
Both these stories weave together seamlessly, but only briefly. The pace is slow at the beginning. There's also quite a lot of characters to remember. There's a few twists along the way. The real action doesn't really start until around the 60% mark.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JoyEllis for my ARC of #TheNightTheif in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2025
3.5 Stars
I could listen to Richard Aramatige forever. Love his narration.
This book was abit slow for me. Not my favourite of the series.
The story starts with someone going into peoples homes and taking framed pictures of family members.
The an elderly lady is dead from falling down the stairs. When the crime scene is investigated it looks suspicious.
Her family claimed she was very able for her age.
Kind of lost my concentration on this book and had to keep going back. My concentration was bad. Not the book.
When looking for this potential thief/ murder a suspect gets murdered.
It's leads Jackman and Evans to look for a young boy they think is named Teddy. He may or may not be alive.
They need to find him and the clock is ticking.
That's as much as got from this got from this book although I'm sure it would've been better had I concentrated.
Love this author. Love this series
I could listen to Richard Aramatige forever. Love his narration.
This book was abit slow for me. Not my favourite of the series.
The story starts with someone going into peoples homes and taking framed pictures of family members.
The an elderly lady is dead from falling down the stairs. When the crime scene is investigated it looks suspicious.
Her family claimed she was very able for her age.
Kind of lost my concentration on this book and had to keep going back. My concentration was bad. Not the book.
When looking for this potential thief/ murder a suspect gets murdered.
It's leads Jackman and Evans to look for a young boy they think is named Teddy. He may or may not be alive.
They need to find him and the clock is ticking.
That's as much as got from this got from this book although I'm sure it would've been better had I concentrated.
Love this author. Love this series
February 17, 2023
🧸
Another strong entry in this series.
Imagine how unnerving it would be to have someone break into your house and take only a photo of your young child. One of my favourite aspects of this book was the way the households thst had been broken into took action, but in a sensible way - not by placing themselves in ridiculous scenarios that even a trained officer couldn't handle, but by gathering together and pooling the information they had, trying to work out a link that might not be immediately obvious to police, but might click with them.
As ever, Richard Armitage reads it beautifully.
Another strong entry in this series.
Imagine how unnerving it would be to have someone break into your house and take only a photo of your young child. One of my favourite aspects of this book was the way the households thst had been broken into took action, but in a sensible way - not by placing themselves in ridiculous scenarios that even a trained officer couldn't handle, but by gathering together and pooling the information they had, trying to work out a link that might not be immediately obvious to police, but might click with them.
As ever, Richard Armitage reads it beautifully.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2021
I was so excited to have a new Jackman & Evans book, as I recently finished this author's latest in the Nikki Galena series and I was reminded how much I love her work. This latest was no exception, as the blurb got my attention right away. Why is a man sneaking into houses in the middle of the night and stealing photos of children? Just one from each house, mind you. And that’s all he does until it’s not. He escalates to causing an elderly woman to fall to her death down her staircase. No one can understand why this sweet and caring neighbor would have been the victim of the nighttime stalker. It’s up to DI Jackman and DS Evans to gather their team and dive into the investigation.
At the same time, Jackman’s partner, Laura, is having a bad feeling about her latest therapy patient. The man claims he suffers from somnambulism (sleepwalking) but there is just something about his behavior that she can’t put a finger on. She contacts her beloved mentor, Sam, who is just as intrigued and he then contacts a colleague of HIS to bring in! They can only hope that all of their combined professional experience will aid in the patient’s case.
I loved the concurrent storylines, and how each one raises so many questions. There are street officers brought in to help the detectives, and I like how their footwork on the case is highlighted, because it’s not just the detectives putting forth the time and effort. The victims of the break ins also feature prominently, along with the steps they take to feel safe again. Each case is resolved satisfactorily and leaves me in the usual way – dying for more!
At the same time, Jackman’s partner, Laura, is having a bad feeling about her latest therapy patient. The man claims he suffers from somnambulism (sleepwalking) but there is just something about his behavior that she can’t put a finger on. She contacts her beloved mentor, Sam, who is just as intrigued and he then contacts a colleague of HIS to bring in! They can only hope that all of their combined professional experience will aid in the patient’s case.
I loved the concurrent storylines, and how each one raises so many questions. There are street officers brought in to help the detectives, and I like how their footwork on the case is highlighted, because it’s not just the detectives putting forth the time and effort. The victims of the break ins also feature prominently, along with the steps they take to feel safe again. Each case is resolved satisfactorily and leaves me in the usual way – dying for more!
January 9, 2022
Never been so disappointed in a book. Indont usually review either but this was a very slow read and I had guessed the ending while I was only a third of the way into the book.
Obvious and predictable.
Obvious and predictable.
April 27, 2022
I don't like to give so few stars as I have huge respect for authors (being one myself), sitting down writing for hours, researching, re-reading, editing, and all the marketing work that ensues but this didn't grip me I must say, I got bored.
It was off to a good start but then I drifted off (this was audible) and I'm not sure why as there were many good elements in the story.
To be fair this isn't really my genre either... I was trying something new ;-)
It was off to a good start but then I drifted off (this was audible) and I'm not sure why as there were many good elements in the story.
To be fair this isn't really my genre either... I was trying something new ;-)
June 7, 2022
3.5 stars
While this didn’t work as well as others I’ve read in the series, which is a new favorite, it was enjoyable and worth the read.
The plot was quite complex, which is generally a plus. In this case, it went a little further than I thought worked, getting a little tangled and then stretching credulity more than usual to get it all straightened out.
But the ideas and situations were quite interesting and the regular characters as enjoyable as ever.
While this didn’t work as well as others I’ve read in the series, which is a new favorite, it was enjoyable and worth the read.
The plot was quite complex, which is generally a plus. In this case, it went a little further than I thought worked, getting a little tangled and then stretching credulity more than usual to get it all straightened out.
But the ideas and situations were quite interesting and the regular characters as enjoyable as ever.
November 24, 2021
I'm becoming more and more aware of the sexist assumptions of this series. It seems that Joy Ellis just does not believe that woman can have a family and a successful career. Rosie's departure a few books back was a clear warning, but here we have Jackman wondering if Marie (the best detective in the book) will leave her career because she now has a boyfriend and a character casually commenting that all his family are high achievers, which in his mum's case apparently just means being an involved member of the local community. On top of that, out of the few female professionals in the series, not a single one has a family. This kind of throwaway sexism infuriates me. If we keep telling women they can't have a family and a career, nothing will change. Future generations of women deserve so much better.
In addition, I think Ellis has just run out of good ideas. The last few books in this series have slowed in pace and just lack the suspense and mystery that made the initial books enjoyable.
Overall, a disappointment.
In addition, I think Ellis has just run out of good ideas. The last few books in this series have slowed in pace and just lack the suspense and mystery that made the initial books enjoyable.
Overall, a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
September 10, 2021It pains me to say this, but even Richard Armitage could not save this book. I was intrigued, but not enough to continue listening to this story. I thought I could hang in there, until I saw that there were over seven hours left. Sadly, I had to abandon ship.
November 2, 2021
Absolute bullshit. Like it's written by a small child.
Apologies if the author is a small child.
Apologies if the author is a small child.
March 21, 2022
*Night Stalker*
*4.5 Stars*
DI Jackman and DS Evans are back, this time but case is what I would say is very intriguing. There seems to be a few things going on at once. There is a man who has a hobby of climbing into houses and getting back out unseen, while another one is doing the same but taking a photo of young boys. One of them is innocent the other has a sinister reason, what is the significance of the photos?
Jackman’s partner Laura is a psychologist but she has a case that seems to be troubling for her and due to patient confidentiality she cannot discuss it. But Jackman’s senses are off the chart, he calls in her mentor Sam to get involved, is his detective radar right?
We see people being attacked and more than one body turns up, then the case step up a gear
I think this case was not quite as riveting as the previous books but still a good read. I just love the partnership of Jackman and Evans, I must it is worth adding the audio because Richard Armitage’s Narration just adds to the book.
*4.5 Stars*
DI Jackman and DS Evans are back, this time but case is what I would say is very intriguing. There seems to be a few things going on at once. There is a man who has a hobby of climbing into houses and getting back out unseen, while another one is doing the same but taking a photo of young boys. One of them is innocent the other has a sinister reason, what is the significance of the photos?
Jackman’s partner Laura is a psychologist but she has a case that seems to be troubling for her and due to patient confidentiality she cannot discuss it. But Jackman’s senses are off the chart, he calls in her mentor Sam to get involved, is his detective radar right?
We see people being attacked and more than one body turns up, then the case step up a gear
I think this case was not quite as riveting as the previous books but still a good read. I just love the partnership of Jackman and Evans, I must it is worth adding the audio because Richard Armitage’s Narration just adds to the book.
July 6, 2026
3.5 stars
The Night Thief by Joy Ellis is the 8th in the Jackman & Evans police procedural series.
I am really enjoying this series.
The plot about the burglar entering the home and stealing pictures of young boys was really well-done. It twisted all over the place. I really liked the fact that Laura and Sam worked together. This was a really interesting "side-case".
I did have a couple of problems with the plot. Why, if the son had a mobile and willingly talked to his father, didn't he tell the father where he was? If he'd been brainwashed by his mother to be afraid of his father, why use the mobile at all? Or did I miss something? Now, not plot-related but I still have a problem with Ellis (the author) using Jackman's last name, but Marie's first. As well, Jackman is always overly worried about Marie...I'm beginning to wonder if it's just because she's female.
Anyway, overall, this was worth reading -- as long as you''ve read the first seven books in the series beforehand.
Anyway, until next time ....
For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 1, 2023
Review of:
The night thief
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[5]Fantastic book A real must read!!!
When everyone is sleeping, he comes into their houses.
He takes one thing. A photo of their child.
Detectives Jackman and Evans find themselves on the hunt for a highly unusual burglar who seemingly only steals photographs.
But then, an elderly woman falls to her death after seeing someone in her home.
Did she really fall, or was she murdered?
Did the night thief evolved him self to a killer or can there be more then one intruder at the same time at the same place? 🤔
I absolutely loved this book from #Bestseller-author Joy Ellis! Her writing is superb in this book!
She let's you relate to the characters in her book and gives you the feel if you are actually there on the seen.
When you think you've figured it all out.
Joy Ellis gives you and nail biting slot scène 😱
I can really recommend this book to read as well. Like me, you won't be able to put it down.
I can promise.
Marieke
The night thief
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[5]Fantastic book A real must read!!!
When everyone is sleeping, he comes into their houses.
He takes one thing. A photo of their child.
Detectives Jackman and Evans find themselves on the hunt for a highly unusual burglar who seemingly only steals photographs.
But then, an elderly woman falls to her death after seeing someone in her home.
Did she really fall, or was she murdered?
Did the night thief evolved him self to a killer or can there be more then one intruder at the same time at the same place? 🤔
I absolutely loved this book from #Bestseller-author Joy Ellis! Her writing is superb in this book!
She let's you relate to the characters in her book and gives you the feel if you are actually there on the seen.
When you think you've figured it all out.
Joy Ellis gives you and nail biting slot scène 😱
I can really recommend this book to read as well. Like me, you won't be able to put it down.
I can promise.
Marieke
December 12, 2021
A good fast paced read. Gripping. A man enters houses at night through fanlight windows and often stands by the bed before disappearing. All he takes is a photograph of a young boy of about eleven years old. Then he commits murder.
I’ll make sure ALL my windows are securely shut at night!
I’ll make sure ALL my windows are securely shut at night!
June 1, 2025
I absolutely love Jackman ans Evans series and the eigth book in the series, The Night Thief, delivers on all levels. Gripping and twisted plot, great characters, Joy Ellis is a master in writing psychological thrillers.
Can't wait to read book nine.
Can't wait to read book nine.
February 1, 2022
Joy Ellis had a great idea for a book and follows through with the first few chapters being so interesting I thought this would be a book I'd devour in one sitting. Sadly the rest of the book plods along with way too many asides to the main characters love lives and the lovely meals they were cooking each other and the lovely nights out, yes....it was all very lovely but I didn't care I wanted them to get into the nitty gritty minutiae of the crime! The book plods along more like a Mills and Boon and it isn't worth struggling to the end as I found the ending just as dull as the rest of the book!!
September 12, 2021
Excellent listen. Richard Armitage reads these books so well. I prefer this series by Joy Edwards to her Nicky Galena ones.
One of the key elements is the building sense of menace and fears for the police team. Fortunately Joy Ellis doesn’t over dramatise but nor can the reader be absolutely sure it’ll all be ok in the end because that isn’t always the case.
I won’t spoil the story. Suffice it to say - it’s gripping and exciting.
One of the key elements is the building sense of menace and fears for the police team. Fortunately Joy Ellis doesn’t over dramatise but nor can the reader be absolutely sure it’ll all be ok in the end because that isn’t always the case.
I won’t spoil the story. Suffice it to say - it’s gripping and exciting.
November 1, 2021
I found the premise of this book is genuinely creepy. A man sneaking into houses to take pictures of children is the stuff of nightmares.
It’s a good job Jackman & Evans are on the case. As with all Joy’s books, the team work and relationships between the members of the police team are well described.
Another superb police procedural from Joy Ellis. Inventive, twisty and addictive, this book has it all. Joy Ellis never lets her readers down.
It’s a good job Jackman & Evans are on the case. As with all Joy’s books, the team work and relationships between the members of the police team are well described.
Another superb police procedural from Joy Ellis. Inventive, twisty and addictive, this book has it all. Joy Ellis never lets her readers down.
September 14, 2021
I know every book needs to be MORE but, boy was that convoluted. Interesting throughout, but once over i only could think 'why so convoluted?'
May 21, 2022
Enough Ashcroft! Five chapters in, and Ashcroft is a threat again. I really dislike when authors introduce these lingering villains.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2021
Outstanding read
This is book 8 in the award winning Jackman and Evans series by the extremely talented Joy Ellis, one of my favourite authors. They do work perfectly as stand alone.
The story is an unusual and intriguing one. There is more than one story running because in the background is a perplexing case that Laura is handling. This adds even more interest and brings the characters more to life as the reader is treated to an insight to the difficulties faced by people whose choice of career means they are unable to discuss their working day. The author expertly brings this into the story adding extra interest and realism.
The story begins with a woman waking in the night to find a man at the foot of her bed staring at her. At first it appears that Ratty is up to his old tricks but when a photo is found to be missing Jackman and his team realise they have another much more dangerous intruder on the loose.
As more women are left traumatised by the night time visitor the team are struggling to work out why the intruder is stealing photos of boys around 10 years of age.
The team have their work cut out trying to sort the wheat from the chaff as other reports come in of events the police have been called out to that could have a bearing on the case.
A very complicated and extremely gripping story. Is Laura's case linked to Jackman's? What, if anything, does the lone man at the school gates have to do with it? Most importantly though is the question 'What is this night time visitor's end game?
As this list of night time visits and by default the number of boys on the list increases it becomes clear that the Police budget and resources make it impossible to protect them all. In the meantime Laura's sleepwalker case is ramping up .
Wow what a fantastic book this is. I was totally gripped from the very first page. Adrenaline pumping suspense and more twists and turns than a big bowl of spaghetti I found myself guessing and changing my mind numerous times all the way through.
The characters continue to gain depth and I love how Stacey and Jay are brought more into the limelight as it adds interest and depth to the story.
An absolutely outstanding read and one that will stay with me for a long time.
Definitely 5 golden stars from me.
This is book 8 in the award winning Jackman and Evans series by the extremely talented Joy Ellis, one of my favourite authors. They do work perfectly as stand alone.
The story is an unusual and intriguing one. There is more than one story running because in the background is a perplexing case that Laura is handling. This adds even more interest and brings the characters more to life as the reader is treated to an insight to the difficulties faced by people whose choice of career means they are unable to discuss their working day. The author expertly brings this into the story adding extra interest and realism.
The story begins with a woman waking in the night to find a man at the foot of her bed staring at her. At first it appears that Ratty is up to his old tricks but when a photo is found to be missing Jackman and his team realise they have another much more dangerous intruder on the loose.
As more women are left traumatised by the night time visitor the team are struggling to work out why the intruder is stealing photos of boys around 10 years of age.
The team have their work cut out trying to sort the wheat from the chaff as other reports come in of events the police have been called out to that could have a bearing on the case.
A very complicated and extremely gripping story. Is Laura's case linked to Jackman's? What, if anything, does the lone man at the school gates have to do with it? Most importantly though is the question 'What is this night time visitor's end game?
As this list of night time visits and by default the number of boys on the list increases it becomes clear that the Police budget and resources make it impossible to protect them all. In the meantime Laura's sleepwalker case is ramping up .
Wow what a fantastic book this is. I was totally gripped from the very first page. Adrenaline pumping suspense and more twists and turns than a big bowl of spaghetti I found myself guessing and changing my mind numerous times all the way through.
The characters continue to gain depth and I love how Stacey and Jay are brought more into the limelight as it adds interest and depth to the story.
An absolutely outstanding read and one that will stay with me for a long time.
Definitely 5 golden stars from me.
November 18, 2021
Shamefully, this eighth book in series is my first read – but it won’t be the last!
Jackman & Evans’ latest case is a strange one; they seem to have someone who enters houses in the dead of night when the residents are fast asleep – and do no more than steal a photograph. While that alone is more annoying than anything else, it all changes when an elderly resident whose home has been entered falls to her death. Now they must get to the bottom of this mystery before more innocents lose their lives.
I have read books by Joy Ellis before and always find them to be excellent, but this is the first time I’ve encountered Jackman & Evans – and what a great team they are! Both exciting and thrilling, this is one which kept me completely caught up in it all the way through. I’ve never been one for sleeping with my window open (my hearing is far too sharp – I’d never get any shut-eye) but I can imagine that, for many readers, they will now be making sure their windows are firmly closed and locked before climbing into bed at night. There is something really creepy about the thought of an intruder in your home at any time but to do so when you are asleep really adds to the horror. As always, this author knows exactly how to ramp up the fear and anticipation of her audience and I love the fact that each series consists of stand-alone reads with no spoilers to prevent me going back and reading the earlier novels. An absolutely cracking thriller, highly recommended and definitely deserving of all five sparkling stars!
Jackman & Evans’ latest case is a strange one; they seem to have someone who enters houses in the dead of night when the residents are fast asleep – and do no more than steal a photograph. While that alone is more annoying than anything else, it all changes when an elderly resident whose home has been entered falls to her death. Now they must get to the bottom of this mystery before more innocents lose their lives.
I have read books by Joy Ellis before and always find them to be excellent, but this is the first time I’ve encountered Jackman & Evans – and what a great team they are! Both exciting and thrilling, this is one which kept me completely caught up in it all the way through. I’ve never been one for sleeping with my window open (my hearing is far too sharp – I’d never get any shut-eye) but I can imagine that, for many readers, they will now be making sure their windows are firmly closed and locked before climbing into bed at night. There is something really creepy about the thought of an intruder in your home at any time but to do so when you are asleep really adds to the horror. As always, this author knows exactly how to ramp up the fear and anticipation of her audience and I love the fact that each series consists of stand-alone reads with no spoilers to prevent me going back and reading the earlier novels. An absolutely cracking thriller, highly recommended and definitely deserving of all five sparkling stars!
December 27, 2021
This started with great promise and excitement, however it gradually became more and more tedious. I lost count the amount of times that I eye rolled at the convenience of the plot line, for example;
Witnesses can’t remember anything at the time of being questioned by the police, but don’t worry, they will remember everything in explicit detail at a later date!
Police don’t know who they’re looking for - no problem, someone just happens to have a HD wildlife camera which catches the guy giving a solid picture!
Police have come to a dead end with the information provide - don’t worry! They will be able to jump wildly to the correct conclusions without needing any further information.
Quiet handily, the DCI lives in the same village as the suspect used to and his housekeeper knows everything about everyone who lives and have ever lived in the village!
This police force don’t seem to have a problem with telling Joe Public about everything about what is going on with an ongoing investigation, what someone has done and why they are being investigated and also sharing evidence via email with them! If this was real life, the PCC would have a field day.
How does the father know who’s connected to his missing son and therefore provide the basis for most of the plot? Oh, his missing son tells him who those people are at regular intervals via a mobile he has, the same son however for some reason is incapable of telling him where he is, and that same phone must mysteriously disappear, because the father gets told his son has died and he then remains unaware that he is actually still alive….
I could go on and on. It seemed almost as if the author couldn’t be bothered to make the plot more plausible with the finer details.
There is also a sub plot where Jackman seems to be telepathic in knowing that his partners patient is dangerous despite him seeing her for a mundane condition - the author might as well have put a foot note saying, this character is dangerous and will kill it has killed someone.
I had an issue with the fact that there is only one strong female character in the entire book - Marie Evans.
All the others appeared to be simpering females for either all or most of their appearance
This is part of a series and the author gives you no help as to what has happened previously, so some aspects may have been clearer had the odd short helpful paragraph been thrown in to explain to someone reading it as a stand alone, without annoying those that have read the rest of the series.
This became so dull that had I been physically reading it it would have been a DNF. I only persevered because it was an audiobook. Safe to say I definitely will not be returning to anymore in the series.
Witnesses can’t remember anything at the time of being questioned by the police, but don’t worry, they will remember everything in explicit detail at a later date!
Police don’t know who they’re looking for - no problem, someone just happens to have a HD wildlife camera which catches the guy giving a solid picture!
Police have come to a dead end with the information provide - don’t worry! They will be able to jump wildly to the correct conclusions without needing any further information.
Quiet handily, the DCI lives in the same village as the suspect used to and his housekeeper knows everything about everyone who lives and have ever lived in the village!
This police force don’t seem to have a problem with telling Joe Public about everything about what is going on with an ongoing investigation, what someone has done and why they are being investigated and also sharing evidence via email with them! If this was real life, the PCC would have a field day.
How does the father know who’s connected to his missing son and therefore provide the basis for most of the plot? Oh, his missing son tells him who those people are at regular intervals via a mobile he has, the same son however for some reason is incapable of telling him where he is, and that same phone must mysteriously disappear, because the father gets told his son has died and he then remains unaware that he is actually still alive….
I could go on and on. It seemed almost as if the author couldn’t be bothered to make the plot more plausible with the finer details.
There is also a sub plot where Jackman seems to be telepathic in knowing that his partners patient is dangerous despite him seeing her for a mundane condition - the author might as well have put a foot note saying, this character is dangerous and will kill it has killed someone.
I had an issue with the fact that there is only one strong female character in the entire book - Marie Evans.
All the others appeared to be simpering females for either all or most of their appearance
This is part of a series and the author gives you no help as to what has happened previously, so some aspects may have been clearer had the odd short helpful paragraph been thrown in to explain to someone reading it as a stand alone, without annoying those that have read the rest of the series.
This became so dull that had I been physically reading it it would have been a DNF. I only persevered because it was an audiobook. Safe to say I definitely will not be returning to anymore in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2021
Another brilliant, twisted story from Jackman and Evans!
September 17, 2021
Rowan and Marie have rather a strange case on their hands. A man is slipping through small open windows “ visiting” women and leaving without a trace. They think this sounds like their old friend Ratty who appears to have rather a compulsion for this sort of thing. Then things take a turn for the worse when an elderly woman is found dead at the bottom of her stairs and Rattu swears blind that he would never touch anyone but it also appears that pictures from each house are being taken. There have been reports of a man hanging around school gates. Could the two be linked and if so how?
I love Joy’s books and I'm always amazed at how someone can plan out such intricate, interwoven plots with twists and turns , subplots and even maybe a red herring or two and make it all come together so seamlessly in a wonderful entertaining read. True brilliance! They are so cleverly thought out and put together with characters that I can't help but love that truly come alive through the pages. A brilliantly entertaining, very cleverly thought out read.
I love Joy’s books and I'm always amazed at how someone can plan out such intricate, interwoven plots with twists and turns , subplots and even maybe a red herring or two and make it all come together so seamlessly in a wonderful entertaining read. True brilliance! They are so cleverly thought out and put together with characters that I can't help but love that truly come alive through the pages. A brilliantly entertaining, very cleverly thought out read.
October 14, 2021
My advice is don't read this before going to bed, because its an unusual but nevertheless scary opening: the mystery of waking up to an unknown occupant in your bedroom at night! Its a reoccurring theme about a habitual intruder. I just had to read on to see what would develop. After all potentially this is something that anyone might be unlucky enough to experience.
I found it interesting and captivating because its more of a narrative about individual lives rather than a complicated police procedural. I noticed lots of tea is drunk! then the occasional coffee, but then this is probably a reflection of real life!
So try not to read at bedtime and have a cup of tea at your side and you are in for an enjoyable and highly original treat.
I found it interesting and captivating because its more of a narrative about individual lives rather than a complicated police procedural. I noticed lots of tea is drunk! then the occasional coffee, but then this is probably a reflection of real life!
So try not to read at bedtime and have a cup of tea at your side and you are in for an enjoyable and highly original treat.
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