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DI Tudor Manx #2
Doll Face
A Welsh police inspector hunts for a serial killer terrorizing a peaceful island community in this thrilling mystery by the author of Anglesey Blue.
Three months after solving his last case, DI Tudor Manx leads a harrowing investigation to catch a killer terrorizing the Isle of Anglesey . . .
After the body of the first victim, Sian Conway is found, the suspicion quickly falls on her boss, Kimble McLain, and her volatile ex-husband, Liam Fowler.
The autopsy soon reveals Sian was eighteen weeks pregnant, and when the coroner finds a religious text hidden in the victim's liver, Manx suspects this could be the work of a serial killer.
The case takes a shocking turn when footage of Sian's murder is discovered.
With a twisted killer on the loose and a rising body count, Manx's personal life hits rock bottom when an old colleague from his past hits him with a bombshell revelation.
Why does Kimble McLain have links to each of the victims? And what is the killer's real motive?
Doll Face will appeal to fans of tense and gripping crime thrillers, as well as readers of authors like Ann Cleaves, Joy Ellis, Faith Martin, and Robert Byrndza.
Three months after solving his last case, DI Tudor Manx leads a harrowing investigation to catch a killer terrorizing the Isle of Anglesey . . .
After the body of the first victim, Sian Conway is found, the suspicion quickly falls on her boss, Kimble McLain, and her volatile ex-husband, Liam Fowler.
The autopsy soon reveals Sian was eighteen weeks pregnant, and when the coroner finds a religious text hidden in the victim's liver, Manx suspects this could be the work of a serial killer.
The case takes a shocking turn when footage of Sian's murder is discovered.
With a twisted killer on the loose and a rising body count, Manx's personal life hits rock bottom when an old colleague from his past hits him with a bombshell revelation.
Why does Kimble McLain have links to each of the victims? And what is the killer's real motive?
Doll Face will appeal to fans of tense and gripping crime thrillers, as well as readers of authors like Ann Cleaves, Joy Ellis, Faith Martin, and Robert Byrndza.
326 pages, ebook
First published March 18, 2018
239 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 1, 2023
These Welsh mysteries are becoming a habit with me lately. In this mystery, Dylan H. Jones crafts a story filled with likeable, often imperfect, characters. The plot weaves in and out, slightly confusing at times, but manages to keep the reader intrigued. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2018
A serial killer is loose on the Isle of Anglesey. The first victim was disemboweled and her liver removed. Inserted into the liver is a religious text. She was also several weeks pregnant.
There were two prime suspects ... one was her husband, noted for his hot temper and from whom she was separated. The other was her boss, Kimble McLain, a wealthy businessman.
The body count is rising and the investigation takes a turn when a video is found of the first victim's murder. All of the victims have a connection to McLain. But is he a killer ... or is someone framing him? And one of the most important questions ...why?
This is a well-written crime thriller, with lots of action and lots of gruesome murders. I enjoyed the back and forth from then to now as the killer's thoughts and history comes to the forefront.
Manx is a terrific series character and the secondary players lend an air of credibility. Even though this is second in the series, this one stands easily as a stand alone. There are a few small references to what happened in the first book, but not enough to dull the enjoyment of reading the first one.
Manx's history is quite interesting and Doll Face ends on a small cliffhanger, when someone from his past appears with not-so-good news. I look forward to following this series in the future.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/ Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
March 19, 2018
Doll Face is the second book in the DI Tudor Manx series. I actually felt it read quite easily as a stand alone so definitely not essential to have read Anglesey Blue (the first book) before reading this one.
As with Manx and the rest of the team, it wasn’t long before I was totally flummoxed as to who on earth was behind the murders. The murders are brutal and probably not one for the faint hearted but it had me well and truly hooked and I couldn’t turn those pages fast enough.
There is a certain amount of camaraderie through out the book which I thought worked really well giving some light relief at times from what is mainly a dark and compelling read. Manx is one of those characters that grows on you the more you read about him.
The story is set at a steady pace with relatively short chapters that keep you turning those pages. As with a lot of crime books, as they start to close in on the killer you can feel the tension mounting whilst the pace picks up dramatically. The outcome was extremely satisfactory with some surprises and literally had me on the edge of my seat.
Doll Face is a great addition to the DI Tudor Manx series. With plenty to thrill and excite the reader, this is a book that crime lovers will certainly struggle to put down.
As with Manx and the rest of the team, it wasn’t long before I was totally flummoxed as to who on earth was behind the murders. The murders are brutal and probably not one for the faint hearted but it had me well and truly hooked and I couldn’t turn those pages fast enough.
There is a certain amount of camaraderie through out the book which I thought worked really well giving some light relief at times from what is mainly a dark and compelling read. Manx is one of those characters that grows on you the more you read about him.
The story is set at a steady pace with relatively short chapters that keep you turning those pages. As with a lot of crime books, as they start to close in on the killer you can feel the tension mounting whilst the pace picks up dramatically. The outcome was extremely satisfactory with some surprises and literally had me on the edge of my seat.
Doll Face is a great addition to the DI Tudor Manx series. With plenty to thrill and excite the reader, this is a book that crime lovers will certainly struggle to put down.
March 20, 2018
I read Anglesey Blue last Autumn and just grew to love DI Tudor Manx. He is no James Bond, that is for sure. He had been after the steadier life when he returned to his home town but well it just wasn’t happening. He is three months down the line with his last investigation under his belt before there is again a real head case on the loose. The number of residents on the small Isle, within spitting distance of the shores of Wales, are rapidly decreasing. This definitely calls for the skills of the methodical minded Tudor Manx. I mean why jump in with both feet when you can test the waters with one!
Now let me say that from opening this book I had the heebie jeebies, ok, ok, I was down right scared to death of this killer. I can read about the most gruesome killings and this one is pretty bloody but not wanting to spoil it for anyone, it was what the killer was wearing that got my mind all of a panic! Oh boy did that cause some heart palpitations.
I am always fascinated to go into the mind of a killer and Dylan Jones doesn’t disappoint on that score. Whoa! talk about short circuits in this killers mind, which are made more intense with the short chapters that pick up the pace as you read one more chapter and one more chapter. The tension builds to incredible levels when events get up close and personal.
There are some lighter moments in this book which creates a realism about the story as the brutal killings are on the darker side. Manx is having a bitter taste of realism in his personal life too which made me step back a little, there is definitely still a lot to find out about him.
I like an end to the story that let me get a good nights sleep. Although this is the second book in the series, it could be read as a stand alone novel. Me I am looking forward to number three!
Now let me say that from opening this book I had the heebie jeebies, ok, ok, I was down right scared to death of this killer. I can read about the most gruesome killings and this one is pretty bloody but not wanting to spoil it for anyone, it was what the killer was wearing that got my mind all of a panic! Oh boy did that cause some heart palpitations.
I am always fascinated to go into the mind of a killer and Dylan Jones doesn’t disappoint on that score. Whoa! talk about short circuits in this killers mind, which are made more intense with the short chapters that pick up the pace as you read one more chapter and one more chapter. The tension builds to incredible levels when events get up close and personal.
There are some lighter moments in this book which creates a realism about the story as the brutal killings are on the darker side. Manx is having a bitter taste of realism in his personal life too which made me step back a little, there is definitely still a lot to find out about him.
I like an end to the story that let me get a good nights sleep. Although this is the second book in the series, it could be read as a stand alone novel. Me I am looking forward to number three!
March 18, 2018
This is book 2 in the Tudor Manx series and sees Manx, reluctantly, returning to Anglesey.
The book starts with the viscous murder of a young woman who turns out to be pregnant. The first part of the murder is caught on Skype as she is talking to her friend.
The story is told from the investigation point of view but also from the killer's. It has many twists and turns and I enjoyed the insight into the psychopathic mind of the murderer. As more people are murdered with the same MO the team are up against time to find and apprehend this individual before more lives are lost.
The characters develop well over the course of the book as we get to know them and the area but on the whole I found the book a bit slow going and drawn out. It is a long book and I feel it would read better if it was more condensed. I also found the story to be a bit samey and more or less another religious psychopath on a mission to do what is considered to be Gods work.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and the author for the advance copy.
The book starts with the viscous murder of a young woman who turns out to be pregnant. The first part of the murder is caught on Skype as she is talking to her friend.
The story is told from the investigation point of view but also from the killer's. It has many twists and turns and I enjoyed the insight into the psychopathic mind of the murderer. As more people are murdered with the same MO the team are up against time to find and apprehend this individual before more lives are lost.
The characters develop well over the course of the book as we get to know them and the area but on the whole I found the book a bit slow going and drawn out. It is a long book and I feel it would read better if it was more condensed. I also found the story to be a bit samey and more or less another religious psychopath on a mission to do what is considered to be Gods work.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books and the author for the advance copy.
March 19, 2018
DOLL FACE by Dylan H. Jones is a twisted, dark, and terrifying crime fiction novel that will have you double checking the locks on your doors and leaving the light on when you go to bed.
DI Tudor Manx has only recently wrapped up his last case when he is called in to investigate a gruesome murder which strongly points towards a serial killer, and as the bodies begin to mount up, Manx will have to get one step ahead of this twisted killer if he is to have any chance of catching the culprit. But how is local millionaire Kimble McLain linked to all of this? And has the killer got a personal reason for choosing his victims? And as Manx tries to unravel the clues, a blast from the past will shake up everything.
Gripping, and at times gruesome, DOLL FACE by Dylan H. Jones is an excellent story with a great cast of characters and a somewhat desolate but stunning setting. While this is the second book in this series it can easily be read as a standalone novel, which is what I have done. The story is told from two perspectives - DI Manx and his team and then from the unknown killer's perspective - with alternating chapters that are snappy and engaging. With plenty of twists and turns. this police procedural story really does tick all of the boxes, and I highly recommend DOLL FACE by Dylan H. Jones to crime fiction fans everywhere.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley
DI Tudor Manx has only recently wrapped up his last case when he is called in to investigate a gruesome murder which strongly points towards a serial killer, and as the bodies begin to mount up, Manx will have to get one step ahead of this twisted killer if he is to have any chance of catching the culprit. But how is local millionaire Kimble McLain linked to all of this? And has the killer got a personal reason for choosing his victims? And as Manx tries to unravel the clues, a blast from the past will shake up everything.
Gripping, and at times gruesome, DOLL FACE by Dylan H. Jones is an excellent story with a great cast of characters and a somewhat desolate but stunning setting. While this is the second book in this series it can easily be read as a standalone novel, which is what I have done. The story is told from two perspectives - DI Manx and his team and then from the unknown killer's perspective - with alternating chapters that are snappy and engaging. With plenty of twists and turns. this police procedural story really does tick all of the boxes, and I highly recommend DOLL FACE by Dylan H. Jones to crime fiction fans everywhere.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley
March 18, 2018
DI Tudor Manx has just recently returned to Anglesey after an incident in London but it has been a bittersweet homecoming. Some of his old friends seem glad to see him but others don’t. It has also dragged up feelings about the day his sister Miriam went missing years ago (something which he is still investigating on the side).
When Sian Conway is killed in a bizarre way, with a Bible quote stuffed into her liver, Manx is tasked to investigate. Before long more bodies turned up, all killed in the same way. The Island of Anglesey has a serial killer on their hands.
You when you think to yourself, why have I not read this author’s books before? That’s exactly how I felt reading this novel. This is the second in the Tudor Manx series and can be read as a stand-alone, which I did myself having not read the first Anglesey Blue.
This has everything an ardent crime fan like myself could want. A vicious serial killer that keeps the police on it’s toes, an interesting cast of characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The chapters are short, keeping the pace fast and me turning page after page.
I loved how individual the characters seemed, even the lowly PC Priddle (In a lot of books I’ve I feel that the PC often blend into the background just there to give the main officer some information to drive the plot forward).
I have to be honest I did sort of guess who the killer was but I enjoyed finding out through the book the motive behind the killings and watching the Manx unravel the puzzle.
I won’t say to much more, in case I give away any spoilers but I can’t wait to read more from this author. I will definitely be buying his first novel Anglesey Blue.
When Sian Conway is killed in a bizarre way, with a Bible quote stuffed into her liver, Manx is tasked to investigate. Before long more bodies turned up, all killed in the same way. The Island of Anglesey has a serial killer on their hands.
You when you think to yourself, why have I not read this author’s books before? That’s exactly how I felt reading this novel. This is the second in the Tudor Manx series and can be read as a stand-alone, which I did myself having not read the first Anglesey Blue.
This has everything an ardent crime fan like myself could want. A vicious serial killer that keeps the police on it’s toes, an interesting cast of characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The chapters are short, keeping the pace fast and me turning page after page.
I loved how individual the characters seemed, even the lowly PC Priddle (In a lot of books I’ve I feel that the PC often blend into the background just there to give the main officer some information to drive the plot forward).
I have to be honest I did sort of guess who the killer was but I enjoyed finding out through the book the motive behind the killings and watching the Manx unravel the puzzle.
I won’t say to much more, in case I give away any spoilers but I can’t wait to read more from this author. I will definitely be buying his first novel Anglesey Blue.
March 20, 2018
This is the Second Book of Tudor Manx, he is back, can be read as a standalone, as always you benefit from character background reading the first book. Which was one of my favourite reads last year – Anglesey Blue
Doll Face, what a creepy, clever storyline.
Who is it? It was a twisted read and I didn’t guess who the villain was.
I Love Tudor, and although we don’t know too much about his background we know enough to be aware that he is wresteling with is demons and doesn’t want to be on the Island of Anglesey.
We catch up with him a few months on from Anglesey Blue.
This is one of the most cleverly deceptive reads. It is set within an intelligent game of plotting and knowing the background of the killer. It doesn’t warm you to them exactly, but it does give wonderful insight.
I could not put this book down and loved it, a series that is evolving in strength and brilliance.
I absolutely adore Jones’ writing style and the fluency of this book is divine.
I actually want to go back to page one and re read it!
Awaiting book three with anticipation. This is worth all the stars and going into top reads of 2018.
Doll Face, what a creepy, clever storyline.
Who is it? It was a twisted read and I didn’t guess who the villain was.
I Love Tudor, and although we don’t know too much about his background we know enough to be aware that he is wresteling with is demons and doesn’t want to be on the Island of Anglesey.
We catch up with him a few months on from Anglesey Blue.
This is one of the most cleverly deceptive reads. It is set within an intelligent game of plotting and knowing the background of the killer. It doesn’t warm you to them exactly, but it does give wonderful insight.
I could not put this book down and loved it, a series that is evolving in strength and brilliance.
I absolutely adore Jones’ writing style and the fluency of this book is divine.
I actually want to go back to page one and re read it!
Awaiting book three with anticipation. This is worth all the stars and going into top reads of 2018.
March 15, 2018
Doll Face is a dark and addictive murder mystery thriller. It has a surprising opening and short pacy chapters to start with which really get the story going and I was immediately gripped. It is the second in a series, but I read it absolutely fine as a standalone and loved it.
It is also a solid police procedural and the evidence is discovered in a systematic but compelling way. The characters include a mix of police officers and technical or medical staff, and the workplace banter provides some lighter moments in what is at times a pretty gruesome story. Dylan H. Jones has a really good writing style and demonstrates some deft sleight of hand as he sprinkles the clues throughout the story.
There are several dramatic plot developments throughout, as well as some disturbing elements to the story. It has a thrilling conclusion and I really was racing through the final few chapters.
The descriptions of Anglesey and its scenery are very evocative and atmospheric. It depicts a bleak but beautiful landscape and reminded me in some ways of my recent forays into Nordic Noir.
Tudor Manx is a convincing lead, with an intriguing background and story arc. I need to read the first in this series asap and I hope there is a third to come soon!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC of Doll Face.
It is also a solid police procedural and the evidence is discovered in a systematic but compelling way. The characters include a mix of police officers and technical or medical staff, and the workplace banter provides some lighter moments in what is at times a pretty gruesome story. Dylan H. Jones has a really good writing style and demonstrates some deft sleight of hand as he sprinkles the clues throughout the story.
There are several dramatic plot developments throughout, as well as some disturbing elements to the story. It has a thrilling conclusion and I really was racing through the final few chapters.
The descriptions of Anglesey and its scenery are very evocative and atmospheric. It depicts a bleak but beautiful landscape and reminded me in some ways of my recent forays into Nordic Noir.
Tudor Manx is a convincing lead, with an intriguing background and story arc. I need to read the first in this series asap and I hope there is a third to come soon!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC of Doll Face.
February 28, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of Doll Face, the second novel to feature Anglesey based DI Tudor Manx.
Manx as he prefers to be called and his team are called in to the murder of Sian Conway who has been stabbed and mutilated. The ritualistic nature of her murder has the words serial killer hovering on their lips and it is confirmed as the bodies stack up. While all the victims have links to local millionaire Kimble McLain the motive is far from clear.
I enjoyed Doll Face which is quite an exciting hunt for a twisted serial killer. The novel is told from two points of view, Manx and the investigation and the initially unidentified killer who shares his thoughts, motivation and history. I'm not a big fan of this approach, preferring a straightforward hunt narrative, and I didn't particularly warm to the same old story of abuse and religious mania although I can admire its skilful unfolding piece by piece over the course of the novel. I also liked the pacing of the investigation as Manx starts to put things together although I never feel it's as enthralling a read when the reader is waiting for the detective to catch up with their knowledge.
I haven't read Anglesey Blue so I don't know exactly what brought Manx back to Anglesey after 30 years with the Met but he doesn't like being back to where he grew up. Is that why he drinks so much and has no significant social relationships, even with his family. He's a hard man to figure out.
Doll Face is a good read which I can recommend.
Manx as he prefers to be called and his team are called in to the murder of Sian Conway who has been stabbed and mutilated. The ritualistic nature of her murder has the words serial killer hovering on their lips and it is confirmed as the bodies stack up. While all the victims have links to local millionaire Kimble McLain the motive is far from clear.
I enjoyed Doll Face which is quite an exciting hunt for a twisted serial killer. The novel is told from two points of view, Manx and the investigation and the initially unidentified killer who shares his thoughts, motivation and history. I'm not a big fan of this approach, preferring a straightforward hunt narrative, and I didn't particularly warm to the same old story of abuse and religious mania although I can admire its skilful unfolding piece by piece over the course of the novel. I also liked the pacing of the investigation as Manx starts to put things together although I never feel it's as enthralling a read when the reader is waiting for the detective to catch up with their knowledge.
I haven't read Anglesey Blue so I don't know exactly what brought Manx back to Anglesey after 30 years with the Met but he doesn't like being back to where he grew up. Is that why he drinks so much and has no significant social relationships, even with his family. He's a hard man to figure out.
Doll Face is a good read which I can recommend.
March 3, 2018
“Three months after solving his last case, DI Tudor Manx leads a harrowing investigation to catch a killer terrorizing the Isle of Anglesey.
After the body of the first victim, Sian Conway is found, the suspicion quickly falls on her boss, Kimble McLain, and her volatile ex-husband, Liam Fowler.
The autopsy soon reveals Sian was eighteen weeks pregnant and when the coroner finds a religious text hidden in the victim’s liver, Manx suspects this could be the work of a serial kill
Manx is tasked with trying to find the killer and when further murders are committed they all keep coming back to McLain. McLain is a wealthy businessman and Manx’s superiors are not happy that he wants to question him.
Manx continues to follow his gut instinct but when one of his team ends up in a life or death situation he has to take action.
This is a gripping crime thriller and I will certainly read more of this series.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
After the body of the first victim, Sian Conway is found, the suspicion quickly falls on her boss, Kimble McLain, and her volatile ex-husband, Liam Fowler.
The autopsy soon reveals Sian was eighteen weeks pregnant and when the coroner finds a religious text hidden in the victim’s liver, Manx suspects this could be the work of a serial kill
Manx is tasked with trying to find the killer and when further murders are committed they all keep coming back to McLain. McLain is a wealthy businessman and Manx’s superiors are not happy that he wants to question him.
Manx continues to follow his gut instinct but when one of his team ends up in a life or death situation he has to take action.
This is a gripping crime thriller and I will certainly read more of this series.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
May 13, 2018
After reading Anglesey Blue, I had been looking forward to connecting with DI Tudor Manx again, and I was not disappointed with this book in the slightest.
This is one tense, twisty, turny read! It is a complex story of revenge, of brain washing, of abuse and religion. How the author thinks of all of these things and how they all come together in a cohesive story, is a testament to the storytelling skill of the author, for sure.
Tudor Manx is a detective who has his hands full with this case. So many people are hiding things, but in order to get to the bottom of it all, he has to go right back in time. What he uncovers is in equal parts horrific and fascinating. Can he crack the case before more people lose their lives?
I give this book 4.5 stars and I am looking forward to the next case!
This is one tense, twisty, turny read! It is a complex story of revenge, of brain washing, of abuse and religion. How the author thinks of all of these things and how they all come together in a cohesive story, is a testament to the storytelling skill of the author, for sure.
Tudor Manx is a detective who has his hands full with this case. So many people are hiding things, but in order to get to the bottom of it all, he has to go right back in time. What he uncovers is in equal parts horrific and fascinating. Can he crack the case before more people lose their lives?
I give this book 4.5 stars and I am looking forward to the next case!
June 15, 2018
If ever I needed reminding that I have led a (mercifully) sheltered life, I just have to pick up a crime novel. Some of the scenarios dreamed up by the authors working in this genre are not only out of my realm of experience, they don’t even figure in my knowledge bank.
Until I read Doll Face, the second title in Dylan H Jones’ Tudor Manx series, I was blissfully unaware for example that there is a certain section of the population that likes to step into rubberised full body suits whenever they feel like adopting a new persona.
Living Dolls … A subculture of men who like to dress like dolls. They wear body suits, masks, anything that makes them more feminine.
I have to believe that Jones has done his homework and not only do such people walk this planet there are businesses that supply their needs. What a way to make a living!
The habit provides the title of Doll Face, and is responsible for some thoroughly creepy moments.
I read the first novel in this series — Anglesey Blue — last year and enjoyed it. I wasn’t the only one. It was long listed for the Guardian’s ‘Not the Booker Prize’ 2017 and occupied the #1 Best Seller spot in Welsh Crime for a time. Not bad for a debut novel.
I wondered at the time how this series would progress. It’s hard enough to write one successful novel but coming up with an equally good second in a series is tough. In an interview I did with Dylan Jones he said his plan was to set each book in a different season with his central character, Detective Inspector Tudor Manx, wrestling with his decision to return to his native island of Anglesey in Wales.
Though Doll Face takes place in Spring, a season associated with hope and growth, it feels a darker novel to me than the winterly Anglesey Blue. It’s set three months after the first novel with Manx’s detective skills called upon when a body of a young woman is found horribly mutilated. Then gruesome video footage comes to light showing details of how she was murdered.
Suspicion falls on her nasty ex husband and on her employer, the millionaire tech-entrepreneur Kimble McLain. McLain is such a big cheese and philanthropist that the high-ups in the police force want Manx to go cautiously. But of course this is a guy who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’. Besides, when another similarly mutilated body is discovered, it quickly becomes clear that there could be a serial killer on the island. The investigation takes Manx into the world of religious fanaticism and child abuse.
Some of the threads from the earlier novel make a return in Doll Face. There’s the disappearance of his sister many years earlier which continues to haunt Manx. There was a cliff-hanger at the end of Anglesey Blue which I thought would have been picked up in this second novel but we didn’t get much further forward on that plot line. But there was a significant development about the hitherto hinted-at reasons why Manx left his previous job with the London Metropolitan serious crime division under a dark cloud of suspicion.
The inspector’s strained relationship with the forensic scientist Ashton Bevan is also shaping up nicely while we got to know more about the two key members of the team: policewoman Delyth Morris and Falklands’ War veteran Detective Sergeant Maldwyn Nader, who is suffering from PTSD. I’m warming to them both as well as to the cigar smoking, sports car driving inspector. Maybe by book four one of the women on the island will have persuaded Manx that it’s time his fashion sense came into the twenty-first century.
An entertaining read with plenty of twists and dangling threads to keep you reading. It can be read as a stand-alone novel though it you want to get under the skin of Anglesey, it would be worth reading Anglesey Blue also.
Until I read Doll Face, the second title in Dylan H Jones’ Tudor Manx series, I was blissfully unaware for example that there is a certain section of the population that likes to step into rubberised full body suits whenever they feel like adopting a new persona.
Living Dolls … A subculture of men who like to dress like dolls. They wear body suits, masks, anything that makes them more feminine.
I have to believe that Jones has done his homework and not only do such people walk this planet there are businesses that supply their needs. What a way to make a living!
The habit provides the title of Doll Face, and is responsible for some thoroughly creepy moments.
I read the first novel in this series — Anglesey Blue — last year and enjoyed it. I wasn’t the only one. It was long listed for the Guardian’s ‘Not the Booker Prize’ 2017 and occupied the #1 Best Seller spot in Welsh Crime for a time. Not bad for a debut novel.
I wondered at the time how this series would progress. It’s hard enough to write one successful novel but coming up with an equally good second in a series is tough. In an interview I did with Dylan Jones he said his plan was to set each book in a different season with his central character, Detective Inspector Tudor Manx, wrestling with his decision to return to his native island of Anglesey in Wales.
Though Doll Face takes place in Spring, a season associated with hope and growth, it feels a darker novel to me than the winterly Anglesey Blue. It’s set three months after the first novel with Manx’s detective skills called upon when a body of a young woman is found horribly mutilated. Then gruesome video footage comes to light showing details of how she was murdered.
Suspicion falls on her nasty ex husband and on her employer, the millionaire tech-entrepreneur Kimble McLain. McLain is such a big cheese and philanthropist that the high-ups in the police force want Manx to go cautiously. But of course this is a guy who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’. Besides, when another similarly mutilated body is discovered, it quickly becomes clear that there could be a serial killer on the island. The investigation takes Manx into the world of religious fanaticism and child abuse.
Some of the threads from the earlier novel make a return in Doll Face. There’s the disappearance of his sister many years earlier which continues to haunt Manx. There was a cliff-hanger at the end of Anglesey Blue which I thought would have been picked up in this second novel but we didn’t get much further forward on that plot line. But there was a significant development about the hitherto hinted-at reasons why Manx left his previous job with the London Metropolitan serious crime division under a dark cloud of suspicion.
The inspector’s strained relationship with the forensic scientist Ashton Bevan is also shaping up nicely while we got to know more about the two key members of the team: policewoman Delyth Morris and Falklands’ War veteran Detective Sergeant Maldwyn Nader, who is suffering from PTSD. I’m warming to them both as well as to the cigar smoking, sports car driving inspector. Maybe by book four one of the women on the island will have persuaded Manx that it’s time his fashion sense came into the twenty-first century.
An entertaining read with plenty of twists and dangling threads to keep you reading. It can be read as a stand-alone novel though it you want to get under the skin of Anglesey, it would be worth reading Anglesey Blue also.
May 16, 2018
Doll face by Dylan Jones.
This was a fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters.
DI Tudor Monk leads harrowing investigation to catch a killer.
After the first victim sian Conway
the body count starts rising.
the case takes a shocking turn when footage of sians murder is discovered.
what's the killers real motive?
Will Tudor catch the killer?
This book kept me guessing til the author wanted it revealed.
wasn't what I thought.
great ending. 5*.
This was a fantastic read. I loved the story and the characters.
DI Tudor Monk leads harrowing investigation to catch a killer.
After the first victim sian Conway
the body count starts rising.
the case takes a shocking turn when footage of sians murder is discovered.
what's the killers real motive?
Will Tudor catch the killer?
This book kept me guessing til the author wanted it revealed.
wasn't what I thought.
great ending. 5*.
May 28, 2018
Just to say I've never read anything by this author. I haven't read the 1st of the series yet, but I will.
This was suggested for me to read as I like crime/thrillers. It confused me slightly as I hadn't read book 1, but as I slowly got into the story and what the characters was like, I felt like it was going to a page turner for me.
It makes you think you know who the murderer is, who's involved and for what reason the killer's motive was, but it had me guessing at each corner. I was shocked when they told us who the murderer was and who the characters was (in relation to who). I'd definitely would read Dylan Jones' first book and any more that he writes.
This was suggested for me to read as I like crime/thrillers. It confused me slightly as I hadn't read book 1, but as I slowly got into the story and what the characters was like, I felt like it was going to a page turner for me.
It makes you think you know who the murderer is, who's involved and for what reason the killer's motive was, but it had me guessing at each corner. I was shocked when they told us who the murderer was and who the characters was (in relation to who). I'd definitely would read Dylan Jones' first book and any more that he writes.
March 21, 2018
Review to comeDoll Face is the second book in the brilliant Tudor Manx series however you don’t have to read the first one to follow this one. I’m a huge fan of serial killer thrillers and this one is absolutely brilliant. There are lots of twists to the story – some I guessed at, many others I didn’t!
Dylan’s writing is fabulous – he draws you in to the book and doesn’t let go until you’ve read the very last page. The story is quite creepy – I think I’d have been petrified if I saw the killer in his alter ego, it sounds really quite disturbing!
I don’t want to say much about the plot as I’d hate to ruin it. Once you get stuck into the investigation with Manx, you won’t want to move! I loved the character of Manx – he was really determined to figure it out before more bodies piled up but he also had good banter with the police team which made him seem more approachable than other fictional police characters.
There’s quite a few red herrings throughout the book – I thought I’d guessed who the killer was but when it was revealed I was completely wrong! I love books like that, keeps me guessing and then throws it all up in the air with the final reveal.
The setting was beautiful, I’ve been to Anglesey a few times but the way Dylan described it, it really felt I was there with Manx solving the investigation. If you’ve never been, you’ll get a feel for the place quite quickly with this book. I felt the setting became it’s own character at times, it was very atmospheric. It was scary to know a killer was hiding out there and I had no idea who it was.
I’m looking forward to reading more about Manx in the future. I may even admit to this series becoming one of my favourites. There’s suspense, fabulous characters both good and evil and at the heart of it an extremely well written, gripping serial killer thriller.
Dylan’s writing is fabulous – he draws you in to the book and doesn’t let go until you’ve read the very last page. The story is quite creepy – I think I’d have been petrified if I saw the killer in his alter ego, it sounds really quite disturbing!
I don’t want to say much about the plot as I’d hate to ruin it. Once you get stuck into the investigation with Manx, you won’t want to move! I loved the character of Manx – he was really determined to figure it out before more bodies piled up but he also had good banter with the police team which made him seem more approachable than other fictional police characters.
There’s quite a few red herrings throughout the book – I thought I’d guessed who the killer was but when it was revealed I was completely wrong! I love books like that, keeps me guessing and then throws it all up in the air with the final reveal.
The setting was beautiful, I’ve been to Anglesey a few times but the way Dylan described it, it really felt I was there with Manx solving the investigation. If you’ve never been, you’ll get a feel for the place quite quickly with this book. I felt the setting became it’s own character at times, it was very atmospheric. It was scary to know a killer was hiding out there and I had no idea who it was.
I’m looking forward to reading more about Manx in the future. I may even admit to this series becoming one of my favourites. There’s suspense, fabulous characters both good and evil and at the heart of it an extremely well written, gripping serial killer thriller.
March 6, 2018
4 stars
DI Manx Tudor has returned to Wales after spending several years at he Met in London.
Manx and his team are called out initially to investigate the brutal murder of a woman named Sian Conway. Sian recently left her husband Liam and, initially he is the suspect. He has a very bad temper and proves it by punching Manx upon meeting him.
During the autopsy, the pathologist discovers that Sian is eighteen weeks pregnant. He also finds some very odd and perplexing clues. The presence of these added factors makes Manx wonder if perhaps they have a serial killer on their hands.
Sian was Skyping a friend when she was killed and the police manage to track down the footage. At first, the woman to whom she was speaking wants nothing to do with the police; she won’t even talk to them.
A very wealthy man named Kimble McLain seems to have a connection to their case. Manx goes to interview him and basically learns nothing. But they do ferret out yet more suspects.
Then Manx gets a visit from an old friend CeeCee Cartwright from the Met.
Manx goes into high gear when he receives valuable information from a colleague. He gathers up police officer Nader as they go to rout out the ne'r-do well. He hopes to confront the killer and put an end to the senseless and horrific killing.
This is a well written novel. The plotting tends to wander here and there, but overall, it’s good as well. It may have help had I read the first book in the series. The tension in the story begins with the murder of Sian and continues through more murders, until reaching a pinnacle at the denouement. This is a step-by-step police procedural which follows the exploits of DI Manx Tudor and his team in Wales. I liked Manx and the members of his team. I also liked that he enjoyed music and was a “song specialist” for his Friday night pub quiz team.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
DI Manx Tudor has returned to Wales after spending several years at he Met in London.
Manx and his team are called out initially to investigate the brutal murder of a woman named Sian Conway. Sian recently left her husband Liam and, initially he is the suspect. He has a very bad temper and proves it by punching Manx upon meeting him.
During the autopsy, the pathologist discovers that Sian is eighteen weeks pregnant. He also finds some very odd and perplexing clues. The presence of these added factors makes Manx wonder if perhaps they have a serial killer on their hands.
Sian was Skyping a friend when she was killed and the police manage to track down the footage. At first, the woman to whom she was speaking wants nothing to do with the police; she won’t even talk to them.
A very wealthy man named Kimble McLain seems to have a connection to their case. Manx goes to interview him and basically learns nothing. But they do ferret out yet more suspects.
Then Manx gets a visit from an old friend CeeCee Cartwright from the Met.
Manx goes into high gear when he receives valuable information from a colleague. He gathers up police officer Nader as they go to rout out the ne'r-do well. He hopes to confront the killer and put an end to the senseless and horrific killing.
This is a well written novel. The plotting tends to wander here and there, but overall, it’s good as well. It may have help had I read the first book in the series. The tension in the story begins with the murder of Sian and continues through more murders, until reaching a pinnacle at the denouement. This is a step-by-step police procedural which follows the exploits of DI Manx Tudor and his team in Wales. I liked Manx and the members of his team. I also liked that he enjoyed music and was a “song specialist” for his Friday night pub quiz team.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book to read and enjoy.
September 26, 2019
Three months after solving a media sensation case, DI Tudor Manx is right back in the spotlight with a harrowing investigation involving a possible serial killer on the Isle of Anglesey. People who at first appear to be unconnected are being gruesomely killed in a similar fashion (hands and feet bound together, throat slashed, and a religious text in a tiny bottle hidden in their liver). Manx and his team must sift through a host of suspects with hidden motives to find the real killer and when one of his own falls victim to the bad guy, the stakes skyrocket.
I liked this second entry in the series just as much as I did the first one. It’s a dark and gritty, well-written, fast-paced, action-packed story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this over a couple of days and I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it, with a pressing need to find out what happened to everyone. The ending was dark but very satisfying. I hope Manx is around for a long time.
If you like Ann Cleeves or Joy Ellis, I think you will enjoy Dylan Jones. You can read this as a standalone (the author does a good job of weaving in bits of plot from the first book in a way that gives insight into the characters, so you wouldn’t be lost) but I recommend starting with the first in the series, Anglesey Blue. Knowing Manx’s backstory made this a more enjoyable read for me.
I liked this second entry in the series just as much as I did the first one. It’s a dark and gritty, well-written, fast-paced, action-packed story that kept me on the edge of my seat. I read this over a couple of days and I found myself thinking about it when I wasn’t reading it, with a pressing need to find out what happened to everyone. The ending was dark but very satisfying. I hope Manx is around for a long time.
If you like Ann Cleeves or Joy Ellis, I think you will enjoy Dylan Jones. You can read this as a standalone (the author does a good job of weaving in bits of plot from the first book in a way that gives insight into the characters, so you wouldn’t be lost) but I recommend starting with the first in the series, Anglesey Blue. Knowing Manx’s backstory made this a more enjoyable read for me.
March 23, 2018
This is the second Tudor Manx story, which is a good standalone one, after Anglesey Blue. Here is a character who is very interesting and I think there will be a lot more to find out about him as time goes on.
His reluctant return from the Met to Anglesey has not been without its dramas. Only three months after his first case, murdered body of |Sian, is found. Their enquiries immediately begin with her boss Kimble McClain and ex-partner Liam Fowler.
The pace is steady and the killings brutal and gruesome. Manx's team once again work well together and it appears that this is something that the author will build upon.
The characters, although not likable on the whole, are well depicted and the shortish chapters keep the reader guessing. There are some surprises along the way but this is what keeps it alive and fresh. Discovering that their first victim Sian is 18 weeks pregnant, throws light onto another aspect of this story.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound books for this opportunity.
His reluctant return from the Met to Anglesey has not been without its dramas. Only three months after his first case, murdered body of |Sian, is found. Their enquiries immediately begin with her boss Kimble McClain and ex-partner Liam Fowler.
The pace is steady and the killings brutal and gruesome. Manx's team once again work well together and it appears that this is something that the author will build upon.
The characters, although not likable on the whole, are well depicted and the shortish chapters keep the reader guessing. There are some surprises along the way but this is what keeps it alive and fresh. Discovering that their first victim Sian is 18 weeks pregnant, throws light onto another aspect of this story.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to Bloodhound books for this opportunity.
March 13, 2018
A woman is found murdered and eviscerated- a message having been placed in a body part adds to the macabra nature of the killer. She was Skyping her friend a short time beforehand. Could this give clues to the killers identity- and why is something just not quite right. DI Manx again has his work cut out to solve the crime and his team around him each with their own issues. A good solid storyline and I like that there is some back story to some of the main characters. This is the second in the DI Manx series but would happily stand alone. THen again why miss out on another brilliant read( ANglesey Blue being the first one) A well written gritty tale to keep you turning the pages and wonder who the perpetrator is and why.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
March 19, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I loved the view points used to tell this story, I will admit that I really enjoy books that are told from the killers point of view as I love the insight we get in to their minds.
I found this one easy to read and the story was gripping. The pace was spot on and I flew through the book taking just a few hours to devour the story. I did guess who the killer was quite early on but that didn't detract at all from my enjoyment - it is very well written and I loved the writing style. This is the second in the series but it is fine to read as a stand alone in my opinion.
A solid four stars from me for this one - very enjoyable!!
I loved the view points used to tell this story, I will admit that I really enjoy books that are told from the killers point of view as I love the insight we get in to their minds.
I found this one easy to read and the story was gripping. The pace was spot on and I flew through the book taking just a few hours to devour the story. I did guess who the killer was quite early on but that didn't detract at all from my enjoyment - it is very well written and I loved the writing style. This is the second in the series but it is fine to read as a stand alone in my opinion.
A solid four stars from me for this one - very enjoyable!!
March 11, 2018
This is a brilliant book. It’s so good read it in one day. I love a good thriller mystery and this is as good as it gets. Another author to add to my must read list. If you like police procedurals you love this. Highly recommended must read.
April 6, 2018
Even better than...
Anglesey Blue. This book is a blinder building on the foundations set in the first book in the series. A complex tale of abuse & religion leading to a a large body count. Can DI Manx Tudor stop the loss of more lives and also find out why the spectre of his past is re-emerging.
Anglesey Blue. This book is a blinder building on the foundations set in the first book in the series. A complex tale of abuse & religion leading to a a large body count. Can DI Manx Tudor stop the loss of more lives and also find out why the spectre of his past is re-emerging.
May 19, 2018
Really a page turner
I'd give this book a 4 1/2 if I could. The plot was good, if a bit creepy, but that's what made it so good. I have enjoyed both books in this series and I'm looking forward to the third. But I would like to learn more about Manx as a person and his background. And I would love it to include more information about Anglesey. I visited Cardiff, Wales, and have to say that all the people I met were exceptionally nice.
I'd give this book a 4 1/2 if I could. The plot was good, if a bit creepy, but that's what made it so good. I have enjoyed both books in this series and I'm looking forward to the third. But I would like to learn more about Manx as a person and his background. And I would love it to include more information about Anglesey. I visited Cardiff, Wales, and have to say that all the people I met were exceptionally nice.
April 8, 2018
I thought that this book was good. I did find it a little bit disjointed and there are lots of references to the previous book in the series which I hadn't read, maybe I needed to to understand some of it.
Thanks to Dylan H Jones and Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Dylan H Jones and Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 18, 2018
Good book which kept you guessing, really enjoyed and will read more from this author
March 21, 2018
DI tudor Manx and his team are given a complex case to solve where people on the island are viscously killed by a serial killer can Manx solve before another one is murdered
March 23, 2018
Really good read series is getting better looking forward to next installment. Hope all goes on the romance front.
March 18, 2018
A good police procedural which I enjoyed but I wasn’t ‘gripped’ by
March 27, 2018
This is one of those books that gently pull you in, then grips you so that your holding your breath until you reach the end, A real "Who Done It" with great characters and such a good story line that I have just purchased the first book in the series, Anglesey Blue.
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