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Detective Roper and Hooley Mysteries #4
The Case of the Exploding Shop
Meet your new favourite detective odd couple: DCI Brian Hooley and consulting investigator Jonathan Roper.
Please note this is a new and revised version of the book previously published as Just Kill Them.
A tech mogul is left comatose in hospital after a fireball attack at the O2 arena.
Next a visiting Italian politician and potential presidential candidate is assassinated in her car.
And then a luxury Sloane Square boutique is blown up by a car bomb.
Roper and Hooley are now running a huge investigation.
But Hooley has just been diagnosed with a heart condition. He needs major surgery. His doctor gives him just two weeks to solve the case before his operation . . .
Please note this is a new and revised version of the book previously published as Just Kill Them.
A tech mogul is left comatose in hospital after a fireball attack at the O2 arena.
Next a visiting Italian politician and potential presidential candidate is assassinated in her car.
And then a luxury Sloane Square boutique is blown up by a car bomb.
Roper and Hooley are now running a huge investigation.
But Hooley has just been diagnosed with a heart condition. He needs major surgery. His doctor gives him just two weeks to solve the case before his operation . . .
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2021
319 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Michael Leese
15 books96 followersMichael Leese was a senior news executive who had a ringside seat for the most extra-ordinary stories that happened during a twenty-five-year career as a British national newspaper journalist.
From the death of Princess Diana and two Gulf wars to the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9/11 he was leading the teams bringing the first news to a wider public. Most of his career was spent at the London Evening Standard. His time in journalism has left him with an indelible passion for news and current affairs and he tries to replicate that in his crime thriller series, Jonathan Roper investigates.
His son is profoundly autistic. It was thinking about him and how he fits into this complicated world was the inspiration for the Roper character. Who is highly intelligent, passionate, hard-working and autistic which can make him a bit hazy about social boundaries.
Leese reasoned that Roper gave him a great way to challenge perceptions, but also show some of the humour that can arise from the inevitable misunderstandings when someone on the autistic spectrum hits the world at full steam.
He was brought up in the West Midlands and can reveal a major celebrity connection, both he and Prince Williams are Aston Villa fans, although they have never met or discussed their personal affinity.
Growing up he had an ambition to be an elite athlete but gave that up by the age of nine on the grounds of having no talent. He often speculates that it is just as well as he enjoys creating characters for his books and probably wouldn’t have survived long in the corporate world.
He lives in Dorset with his wife Maria.
If you would like to contact Michael, you can either send him an email at hello@michael-leese.com or through his Facebook Page Jonathan Roper Investigates.
From the death of Princess Diana and two Gulf wars to the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9/11 he was leading the teams bringing the first news to a wider public. Most of his career was spent at the London Evening Standard. His time in journalism has left him with an indelible passion for news and current affairs and he tries to replicate that in his crime thriller series, Jonathan Roper investigates.
His son is profoundly autistic. It was thinking about him and how he fits into this complicated world was the inspiration for the Roper character. Who is highly intelligent, passionate, hard-working and autistic which can make him a bit hazy about social boundaries.
Leese reasoned that Roper gave him a great way to challenge perceptions, but also show some of the humour that can arise from the inevitable misunderstandings when someone on the autistic spectrum hits the world at full steam.
He was brought up in the West Midlands and can reveal a major celebrity connection, both he and Prince Williams are Aston Villa fans, although they have never met or discussed their personal affinity.
Growing up he had an ambition to be an elite athlete but gave that up by the age of nine on the grounds of having no talent. He often speculates that it is just as well as he enjoys creating characters for his books and probably wouldn’t have survived long in the corporate world.
He lives in Dorset with his wife Maria.
If you would like to contact Michael, you can either send him an email at hello@michael-leese.com or through his Facebook Page Jonathan Roper Investigates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 8, 2019
A Detective Team That Gets The Job Done,DCI Hooley and Investigator Roper
A 'Super' team of detectives, Hooley,old school with a boots on the ground mentality, and his partner,Jonathan Roper, autistic but absolutely brilliant, are now in charge of their own team. And due to their solve rate of complex crimes they are now the lead to solve a series of coordinated attacks that have bombs exploding and people dying in different areas about town.
With Ropers use of his 'Rainbow Spectrum', a way he puts things into spots to clear his mind and let it work, different scenarios are looked into. From drugs, espionage,money laundering, there is no shortage of possibilities in this case!!
I enjoy the relationship of Hooley and Roper, they work well and understand each other, and at this time they add a woman to the Team. Susan Brooker is amazing on the computer, works well with Roper and adds a great touch to the Team.
This is a tough case, especially as Hooley finds out he has a heart problem and he needs surgery, but he has trained Roper well and is soon happy to see the young man follow his direction, even when he is not there! This is so much more than a thriller, it also teaches about someone different, what they go through and how their mind works, and how a wonderful relationship can form from just understanding another...I am now awaiting the next 5 STAR addition to this amazing series!!
A 'Super' team of detectives, Hooley,old school with a boots on the ground mentality, and his partner,Jonathan Roper, autistic but absolutely brilliant, are now in charge of their own team. And due to their solve rate of complex crimes they are now the lead to solve a series of coordinated attacks that have bombs exploding and people dying in different areas about town.
With Ropers use of his 'Rainbow Spectrum', a way he puts things into spots to clear his mind and let it work, different scenarios are looked into. From drugs, espionage,money laundering, there is no shortage of possibilities in this case!!
I enjoy the relationship of Hooley and Roper, they work well and understand each other, and at this time they add a woman to the Team. Susan Brooker is amazing on the computer, works well with Roper and adds a great touch to the Team.
This is a tough case, especially as Hooley finds out he has a heart problem and he needs surgery, but he has trained Roper well and is soon happy to see the young man follow his direction, even when he is not there! This is so much more than a thriller, it also teaches about someone different, what they go through and how their mind works, and how a wonderful relationship can form from just understanding another...I am now awaiting the next 5 STAR addition to this amazing series!!
November 1, 2021
The bendy mobile phone.
Once again Roper is concerned about Hooley's health. He arranges spinning classes to try to get him in better shape, Hooley is not impressed, but goes along with it.
Still Roper is concerned and makes an appointment with a heart specialist, news is not good. Problems with his mitral valve - he needs a double bypass, but it has been caught early.
Meanwhile the pair are faced with a tech giant being blown up at O2, a gem store attacked to name a few, the list grows.
The stress to find the culprit(s), is not helping Hooley's heart condition. His operation is booked - two weeks away.
That's all the time they have to solve the case.
One of Hooley's best friends is killed in the second bombing at the O2, making him even more determined.
Another person joins the Odd Bods, Susan Brooker is a data specialist, approved of by both detectives. Her & Roper speak the same minimalistic tech talk. Hooley takes it in his stride as they produce positive results.
Who is behind the bombings and increasing body count?
The trio bring in their colleague from the army, Tom and progress continues as the terrorists make small mistakes.
Good book, not your normal thriller - at times more cerebral than action heroes. Makes a pleasant change.
Once again Roper is concerned about Hooley's health. He arranges spinning classes to try to get him in better shape, Hooley is not impressed, but goes along with it.
Still Roper is concerned and makes an appointment with a heart specialist, news is not good. Problems with his mitral valve - he needs a double bypass, but it has been caught early.
Meanwhile the pair are faced with a tech giant being blown up at O2, a gem store attacked to name a few, the list grows.
The stress to find the culprit(s), is not helping Hooley's heart condition. His operation is booked - two weeks away.
That's all the time they have to solve the case.
One of Hooley's best friends is killed in the second bombing at the O2, making him even more determined.
Another person joins the Odd Bods, Susan Brooker is a data specialist, approved of by both detectives. Her & Roper speak the same minimalistic tech talk. Hooley takes it in his stride as they produce positive results.
Who is behind the bombings and increasing body count?
The trio bring in their colleague from the army, Tom and progress continues as the terrorists make small mistakes.
Good book, not your normal thriller - at times more cerebral than action heroes. Makes a pleasant change.
February 11, 2022
The case of the exploding shop by Michael Leese
Excellent, high-intensity thriller from start to finish. The intuitive brain (aided by his so-called Rainbow Spectrum) and logical reasoning of Jonathan Roper along with a newcomer, Susan Brooker, to the team of DCI Brian Hooley in solving a series of high visibility bombings and murders is intriguing to say the least. Can’t wait to read his next book.
Excellent, high-intensity thriller from start to finish. The intuitive brain (aided by his so-called Rainbow Spectrum) and logical reasoning of Jonathan Roper along with a newcomer, Susan Brooker, to the team of DCI Brian Hooley in solving a series of high visibility bombings and murders is intriguing to say the least. Can’t wait to read his next book.
October 25, 2021
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It has a lot of twists and turns, making the book very suspenseful. I am really looking forward to the next book. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading crime mysteries.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It has a lot of twists and turns, making the book very suspenseful. I am really looking forward to the next book. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading crime mysteries.
October 25, 2021
Unforgetable.
An interesting mix of characters. After having worked with some as children, it was great to see that their special qualities woven together in a fast paced novel. Highly recommended.
An interesting mix of characters. After having worked with some as children, it was great to see that their special qualities woven together in a fast paced novel. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2021
I Love this series
And this is one of the best but actually I say that every time. Great character development and really good writing... I've really gotten to love these guys... can't wait for the next one.
And this is one of the best but actually I say that every time. Great character development and really good writing... I've really gotten to love these guys... can't wait for the next one.
December 16, 2021
Alright
Typical and predictable. But did like the beginning, it made me hope for something more than I got. And Jonathan Roper was a bit of an interest quirky guy. Just wanted the book to be over. Maybe if I'd read previous books in the series......
Typical and predictable. But did like the beginning, it made me hope for something more than I got. And Jonathan Roper was a bit of an interest quirky guy. Just wanted the book to be over. Maybe if I'd read previous books in the series......
January 13, 2022
Exploding shop
I am hoping I didn't enjoy this as much as previous as I was getting annoyed at the amount of typos this issue had but this dIdn't have the same suspense and/or thrill as previous.
Still enjoyed the characters but he story was too bizarre which put me off
I am hoping I didn't enjoy this as much as previous as I was getting annoyed at the amount of typos this issue had but this dIdn't have the same suspense and/or thrill as previous.
Still enjoyed the characters but he story was too bizarre which put me off
November 10, 2021
Quite a good read.
Not quite structured so well as other books in this series. However I have not been reading them in the correct order so that could make a difference.
Not quite structured so well as other books in this series. However I have not been reading them in the correct order so that could make a difference.
November 13, 2021
Enjoyable
Another excellent novel from this author I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and shall definitely be recommending his work to members of my book club.
Another excellent novel from this author I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and shall definitely be recommending his work to members of my book club.
November 15, 2021
Amazing
I absolutely loved every book in this series, the storyline the characters absolutely everything, I hope there’s more to come in the series
I absolutely loved every book in this series, the storyline the characters absolutely everything, I hope there’s more to come in the series
December 5, 2021
very good read. love the charactures.
February 11, 2022
Twisty good 👍
I have spent many a night reading these books and enjoyed them. Write some mere please . but I do need sleep
I have spent many a night reading these books and enjoyed them. Write some mere please . but I do need sleep
February 17, 2022
WHAT'A EYES BUGGING OUT BEGINNING. OMG THAT WILL GET YOUR ATTENTION. THIS HAD A LOT OF TWIST & TURNS, I LOVE FOLLOWING ALONG TRYING TO FIGUIRE IT OUT. ;D
Read
April 19, 2022An enjoyable read.
April 25, 2022
Great story. I love the charcters. Look forward to following this author
April 25, 2022
Another excellent crime novel. Well worth a read.
May 4, 2022
another roper sensation
A wonderful thriller involving evil villains, innocent by-standers, the Metropolitan Police, and that amazing Holley-Roper team!
A must read indeed!!!
A wonderful thriller involving evil villains, innocent by-standers, the Metropolitan Police, and that amazing Holley-Roper team!
A must read indeed!!!
November 8, 2023
Another entertaining read in this series. The partnership between the two detectives is stronger than the previous stories.
January 21, 2023
What starts as three separate incidents, accelerates. Detectives Hooley and Roper have a large case to investigate as more people are killed while Hooley combates a possible health problem.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its two interesting main characters.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its two interesting main characters.
August 5, 2019
London is stunned by a series of violent but daringly coordinated attacks. A bomb explodes on stage at the O2 Arena as a Steve Jobs-like entrepreneur begins speaking. Near Blackfriars, an EU commissioner traveling via security motorcade, is assassinated. A car bomb destroys an exclusive jewelry shop near Sloane Square, killing dozens of Instagram “Rich Kid” shoppers queuing to enter.
Everyone from the Prime Minister on down is invested in finding the links between the intricately planned and executed murders, not to mention knowing the whodunnit and why. Is it state-sponsored terrorism? Domestic terrorism? To complicate matters, the hired killers who assassinated the EU commissioner are poisoned to death. Then the assassins’ paymaster/poisoner and his boss are also murdered.
The Met police commissioner has an “Odd Couple” team with a unique approach to fighting crime. Jonathan Roper—genius and autistic investigator—lacks social skills and alienates others, but he uses a mental investigative technique called the “Rainbow Spectrum.” When used in combination with his computing skills, the Rainbow Spectrum helps him solve complex crimes.
DCI Brian Hooley—veteran Scotland Yard copper—is Roper’s mentor, friend, and enabler, who often runs interference for the genius. Hooley investigates in the field, attends murder scenes, interfaces with other investigators and keeps the investigation on track. Other geniuses are brought in to help with the investigation, including a talented data analyst and a forensic linguist. Hooley says they’ll be the ‘Data and Analysis Support Unit,’ but Roper wants them to be called the “Odd Bods.”
The subplots involve drugs, money laundering, industrial espionage, and blackmail—all organic to the main storyline. A more involved subplot concerns DCI Hooley’s cardiac problems, which I skimmed through as it was the least interesting. Later, after reading the author’s notes, I realized why it was included.
The author needs an editor.
Everyone from the Prime Minister on down is invested in finding the links between the intricately planned and executed murders, not to mention knowing the whodunnit and why. Is it state-sponsored terrorism? Domestic terrorism? To complicate matters, the hired killers who assassinated the EU commissioner are poisoned to death. Then the assassins’ paymaster/poisoner and his boss are also murdered.
The Met police commissioner has an “Odd Couple” team with a unique approach to fighting crime. Jonathan Roper—genius and autistic investigator—lacks social skills and alienates others, but he uses a mental investigative technique called the “Rainbow Spectrum.” When used in combination with his computing skills, the Rainbow Spectrum helps him solve complex crimes.
DCI Brian Hooley—veteran Scotland Yard copper—is Roper’s mentor, friend, and enabler, who often runs interference for the genius. Hooley investigates in the field, attends murder scenes, interfaces with other investigators and keeps the investigation on track. Other geniuses are brought in to help with the investigation, including a talented data analyst and a forensic linguist. Hooley says they’ll be the ‘Data and Analysis Support Unit,’ but Roper wants them to be called the “Odd Bods.”
The subplots involve drugs, money laundering, industrial espionage, and blackmail—all organic to the main storyline. A more involved subplot concerns DCI Hooley’s cardiac problems, which I skimmed through as it was the least interesting. Later, after reading the author’s notes, I realized why it was included.
The author needs an editor.
August 3, 2025
Having read the first book in the series, I was given the latest book in exchange for an honest review. There are 3 other books in between but you can read them as a stand-alone.
There is something very special about this series. In my humble opinion, it is as good as Sherlock Holmes and Watson. A most wonderful British detective duo. Jonathan is the autistic detective with an incredible mind and Hooley is the Detective Chief Inspector who guides him. They work so well together that they have formed their own unique investigation unit. Once again, this was such a gripping piece of writing that I felt drawn in straight away. So much so that I finished at 1 in the morning.
I thoroughly recommend this with no hesitation.
3 August 2025.
Just read the paperback I was kindly given and the story was even better. Once again I thoroughly recommend this book to you all. It's absolutely brilliant.
There is something very special about this series. In my humble opinion, it is as good as Sherlock Holmes and Watson. A most wonderful British detective duo. Jonathan is the autistic detective with an incredible mind and Hooley is the Detective Chief Inspector who guides him. They work so well together that they have formed their own unique investigation unit. Once again, this was such a gripping piece of writing that I felt drawn in straight away. So much so that I finished at 1 in the morning.
I thoroughly recommend this with no hesitation.
3 August 2025.
Just read the paperback I was kindly given and the story was even better. Once again I thoroughly recommend this book to you all. It's absolutely brilliant.
April 6, 2022
Fabulous!! A must read series by a must read author!
August 7, 2019
Exciting page turner -British police procedural with a twist!
This series about a brilliant autistic detective and his relationship with his DCI boss is something I will continue to read, book after book. From the first sentence to the last I was hooked into this mystery adventure. The storyline paces well slowly revealing one piece of the puzzle then the next. Character development remains full and real. With each book the two main characters relationship grows. I enjoy how the author brings into focus the reality of being autistic within a work environment and personal relationship. This is not a one sided view point there is the perspective of working with an someone very intelligent but not socially adaptive. I am a fan!
This series about a brilliant autistic detective and his relationship with his DCI boss is something I will continue to read, book after book. From the first sentence to the last I was hooked into this mystery adventure. The storyline paces well slowly revealing one piece of the puzzle then the next. Character development remains full and real. With each book the two main characters relationship grows. I enjoy how the author brings into focus the reality of being autistic within a work environment and personal relationship. This is not a one sided view point there is the perspective of working with an someone very intelligent but not socially adaptive. I am a fan!
September 8, 2019
This is a great series. With the death of Barry Asmus, I had to take a break, because I really liked his character, brief as his role is.
The style of this book felt a bit different, with suspenseful chapters when someone was killed. The way Hooley and Roper work together is interesting, as is the new person, Brooker.
I love the technology parts of the book, with Ryder’s company and its product development. The evil people were truly evil, and Roper’s observations helped solve the crime, as always. Sad that Hooley wasn’t well.
Didn’t like the brats owning Diamonds and Pearls, and it wasn’t made clear who the tattooed man was, though he was as scary as the man behind it all.
Pretty good book.
KU
The style of this book felt a bit different, with suspenseful chapters when someone was killed. The way Hooley and Roper work together is interesting, as is the new person, Brooker.
I love the technology parts of the book, with Ryder’s company and its product development. The evil people were truly evil, and Roper’s observations helped solve the crime, as always. Sad that Hooley wasn’t well.
Didn’t like the brats owning Diamonds and Pearls, and it wasn’t made clear who the tattooed man was, though he was as scary as the man behind it all.
Pretty good book.
KU
August 4, 2019
Great series!
I don't write reviews often, but I am really enjoying this series. The mysteries are interesting and the characters are well developed. Roper rings true to me, with both the advantages and disadvantages that being autistic brings to the table. I like his relationship with Dooley. I can't believe we can get this series for free - they are much higher quality than the majority of the other Kindle free books I have read. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I don't write reviews often, but I am really enjoying this series. The mysteries are interesting and the characters are well developed. Roper rings true to me, with both the advantages and disadvantages that being autistic brings to the table. I like his relationship with Dooley. I can't believe we can get this series for free - they are much higher quality than the majority of the other Kindle free books I have read. I'm looking forward to the next one.
October 5, 2019
Another great myster/thriller about the detective with a very superior brain and his take on terroristic deeds. I enjoy the books- but there is a warning. I don't usually read them late at night as they are too exciting (and blood thristy) for me and I think my blood pressure and sleep habits are adjusted based on the thrilliing story and writing. Good to great series. I really enjoy the relationship bewteen Roper and his cohorts.
February 16, 2020
Really great read!
I've loved all the Jonathan Roper investigates novels and look forward eagerly for next! I'm so glad your heart problems were caught and taken care of so you can continue on for many years to come. I especially appreciate the detail given Hooley's character and hope it will give others the courage and impetus to get heart issues checked out. I imagine many lives can be saved and prolonged. Keep up the good work! (Writing!)
I've loved all the Jonathan Roper investigates novels and look forward eagerly for next! I'm so glad your heart problems were caught and taken care of so you can continue on for many years to come. I especially appreciate the detail given Hooley's character and hope it will give others the courage and impetus to get heart issues checked out. I imagine many lives can be saved and prolonged. Keep up the good work! (Writing!)
November 21, 2020
Another thoroughly enjoyable Jonathon Proper story
The storyline is interesting, however the development of the characters is what I really enjoy about the series. Mr. Leese has a way of making the characters seem as if they are real people and not just imaginary. They deal with issues we and our families might deal with in a friendly and humorous manner. I look forward to reading the next book in the series..
The storyline is interesting, however the development of the characters is what I really enjoy about the series. Mr. Leese has a way of making the characters seem as if they are real people and not just imaginary. They deal with issues we and our families might deal with in a friendly and humorous manner. I look forward to reading the next book in the series..
August 4, 2019
The Odd Bods Squad is on the case!
This is such a great series. Hooley, the solid, but brilliant DCI once again saddled up with Roper, his genius autistic partner to solve three brutal killings that don't seem related at all. Throw in one bad heart, a political stew, espionage, and well Roper's quirks and you are in for a great read. Can't wait for the next one already!
This is such a great series. Hooley, the solid, but brilliant DCI once again saddled up with Roper, his genius autistic partner to solve three brutal killings that don't seem related at all. Throw in one bad heart, a political stew, espionage, and well Roper's quirks and you are in for a great read. Can't wait for the next one already!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews