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Tom Thorne #18
The Murder Book
Tom Thorne finally has it all.
In Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks, Thorne has good friends by his side. His love life is newly reformed by a promising relationship and he is happy in the job he has devoted his life to.
As he sets off hunting the woman responsible for a series of grisly murders, Thorne has no way of knowing that he will be plunged into a nightmare from which he may never wake. A nightmare that has a name. Thorne’s past threatens to catch up with him and a ruinous secret is about to be revealed. If he wants to save himself and his friends, he will have to do the unthinkable.
Tom Thorne finally has a lot to lose.
In Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks, Thorne has good friends by his side. His love life is newly reformed by a promising relationship and he is happy in the job he has devoted his life to.
As he sets off hunting the woman responsible for a series of grisly murders, Thorne has no way of knowing that he will be plunged into a nightmare from which he may never wake. A nightmare that has a name. Thorne’s past threatens to catch up with him and a ruinous secret is about to be revealed. If he wants to save himself and his friends, he will have to do the unthinkable.
Tom Thorne finally has a lot to lose.
449 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2022
467 people are currently reading
5072 people want to read
About the author
Mark Billingham
104 books2,167 followersAlso writes as Will Peterson with Peter Cocks.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
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July 24, 2022
So what story does this murder book tell us?
First of all, we have a killer with a highly developed sense of guile. She uses a burner phone, untraceable email addresses, and changes her appearance for each murder. A highly sophisticated killer who then makes no effort to destroy forensic evidence or hide from cameras. So why get sloppy afterwards and give herself up so easy? Didn’t make sense to me either!!!
When you think you have solved the case, Mark Billingham has a way of delivering a superb plot twist that makes you feel once again that you are the amateur armchair detective, and he is the master or misdirection and subterfuge.
In comes Thorne’s arch nemesis and psychopath Stuart Nicklin, a man who is as corrupt as he is calculated, brutal and daring and with a long memory and thirst for revenge with only one man in his sights. Thorne.
Review and comments
As the story plays out between Nicklin and Thorne, we are immersed for the most part in this story of cat and mouse where Thorne always seems to be one step behind.
I say for the most part because, it is fair to say that I read this book with waves of interest. Gripped at the start with the ruthless selection of victims of a fascinating female psychopath, which had me questioning why and desperately trying to work out the plot. Then my interest dipped as we entered into the main story, with Nicklin, where the connection between the two seemingly different stories was lost. I got it but the connection was weak and just made the story feel disjointed.
I also did not get the meaning of the book title and how this was relevant to the story as a whole as opposed to different parts.
However, I love the characterisation and dynamics of Nicola Tanner and Hendricks who are steadfast friends in Thorne’s complicated life. Dr Melita Perera, also added so much to the story, as Thorne takes a tentative step back into the dating arena. Something he hasn’t been too successful with in the past.
Mark Billingham is an author I have really enjoyed and his books never disappoint. There is always that sucker punch of a twist that has you leafing back through pages questioning what you missed. No, its not you he is superb at building the twists, but this twist fragmented the story a bit too much and with it my 5 star ratings crumbled too.
For the two individual threads and the missing connection between the two, I give this a solid 4 stars. However, for thriller and “murder books” I will always seek out Mark Billingham.
First of all, we have a killer with a highly developed sense of guile. She uses a burner phone, untraceable email addresses, and changes her appearance for each murder. A highly sophisticated killer who then makes no effort to destroy forensic evidence or hide from cameras. So why get sloppy afterwards and give herself up so easy? Didn’t make sense to me either!!!
When you think you have solved the case, Mark Billingham has a way of delivering a superb plot twist that makes you feel once again that you are the amateur armchair detective, and he is the master or misdirection and subterfuge.
In comes Thorne’s arch nemesis and psychopath Stuart Nicklin, a man who is as corrupt as he is calculated, brutal and daring and with a long memory and thirst for revenge with only one man in his sights. Thorne.
Review and comments
As the story plays out between Nicklin and Thorne, we are immersed for the most part in this story of cat and mouse where Thorne always seems to be one step behind.
I say for the most part because, it is fair to say that I read this book with waves of interest. Gripped at the start with the ruthless selection of victims of a fascinating female psychopath, which had me questioning why and desperately trying to work out the plot. Then my interest dipped as we entered into the main story, with Nicklin, where the connection between the two seemingly different stories was lost. I got it but the connection was weak and just made the story feel disjointed.
I also did not get the meaning of the book title and how this was relevant to the story as a whole as opposed to different parts.
However, I love the characterisation and dynamics of Nicola Tanner and Hendricks who are steadfast friends in Thorne’s complicated life. Dr Melita Perera, also added so much to the story, as Thorne takes a tentative step back into the dating arena. Something he hasn’t been too successful with in the past.
Mark Billingham is an author I have really enjoyed and his books never disappoint. There is always that sucker punch of a twist that has you leafing back through pages questioning what you missed. No, its not you he is superb at building the twists, but this twist fragmented the story a bit too much and with it my 5 star ratings crumbled too.
For the two individual threads and the missing connection between the two, I give this a solid 4 stars. However, for thriller and “murder books” I will always seek out Mark Billingham.
July 28, 2022
EXCERPT: One post-mortem was more than enough for most people and Thorne had been present at a good many more than that. Hundreds, probably. Though he had become . . . accustomed to the unique sights and smells and the terrible whine of the bone-saw, he still put the Vicks and the earplugs to good use every time, and, unlike the heavily tattooed man sitting opposite him, he was certainly unable to face a full English breakfast immediately afterwards.
Full English option three, to be precise, with two eggs, double sausage and extra bubble and squeak.
The man was an animal.
Phil Hendricks was not quite as delicate with a knife and fork as he was with dissecting scissors and rib-shears, so just watching his friend tucking in was making Thorne feel gippier than he had while watching him work on Richard Sumner's body twenty minutes earlier. He groaned to make his feelings clear.
The pathologist lifted a fork dripping with baked beans and jabbed it towards the single piece of toast on Thorne's plate.
'Pussy,' he said.
'Pig,' Thorne said.
ABOUT 'THE MURDER BOOK': Tom Thorne finally has it all.
In Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks, Thorne has good friends by his side. His love life is newly reformed by a promising relationship and he is happy in the job he has devoted his life to.
As he sets off hunting the woman responsible for a series of grisly murders, Thorne has no way of knowing that he will be plunged into a nightmare from which he may never wake. A nightmare that has a name. Thorne’s past threatens to catch up with him and a ruinous secret is about to be revealed. If he wants to save himself and his friends, he will have to do the unthinkable.
Tom Thorne finally has a lot to lose.
MY THOUGHTS: WARNING - A library book is harmed in this story.
I have read this series from the beginning, and I am yet to be disappointed. Billingham is able to combine humour, suspense, and humanity in his writing and I am always eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. He imbues his characters with a rich sense of realism that makes me feel like I am greeting old friends the moment I open the cover.
DI Tom Thorne is at the centre of the stage ably assisted by DI Nicola Tanner and pathologist Phil Hendricks. These three have quite a history together and share a dark secret that would, at best, finish their careers if it were ever revealed, and, at worst, see them doing jail time.
All three seem to be more settled in their personal lives at the outset of The Murder Book and, although Nicola still misses her partner Susan, she finds the impetus and the means to move on with her life during this case.
This case - it's a doozy. The plot is twisty and unpredictable. What starts out as a simple (probably not the right word, but in comparison with what is to come, it works) murder case soon morphs into something far more complex that threatens the personal and professional lives of the three colleagues.
Talk about tense and suspenseful! Parts gave me chills. It's white-knuckled, edge-of-the-seat reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheMuderBook #NetGalley
I: #markbillingham @groveatlantic
T: @MarkBillingham @groveatlantic
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #mystery #policeprocedural #suspense #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Grove Atlantic via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Murder Book by Mark Billingham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review will also be published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage
Full English option three, to be precise, with two eggs, double sausage and extra bubble and squeak.
The man was an animal.
Phil Hendricks was not quite as delicate with a knife and fork as he was with dissecting scissors and rib-shears, so just watching his friend tucking in was making Thorne feel gippier than he had while watching him work on Richard Sumner's body twenty minutes earlier. He groaned to make his feelings clear.
The pathologist lifted a fork dripping with baked beans and jabbed it towards the single piece of toast on Thorne's plate.
'Pussy,' he said.
'Pig,' Thorne said.
ABOUT 'THE MURDER BOOK': Tom Thorne finally has it all.
In Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks, Thorne has good friends by his side. His love life is newly reformed by a promising relationship and he is happy in the job he has devoted his life to.
As he sets off hunting the woman responsible for a series of grisly murders, Thorne has no way of knowing that he will be plunged into a nightmare from which he may never wake. A nightmare that has a name. Thorne’s past threatens to catch up with him and a ruinous secret is about to be revealed. If he wants to save himself and his friends, he will have to do the unthinkable.
Tom Thorne finally has a lot to lose.
MY THOUGHTS: WARNING - A library book is harmed in this story.
I have read this series from the beginning, and I am yet to be disappointed. Billingham is able to combine humour, suspense, and humanity in his writing and I am always eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. He imbues his characters with a rich sense of realism that makes me feel like I am greeting old friends the moment I open the cover.
DI Tom Thorne is at the centre of the stage ably assisted by DI Nicola Tanner and pathologist Phil Hendricks. These three have quite a history together and share a dark secret that would, at best, finish their careers if it were ever revealed, and, at worst, see them doing jail time.
All three seem to be more settled in their personal lives at the outset of The Murder Book and, although Nicola still misses her partner Susan, she finds the impetus and the means to move on with her life during this case.
This case - it's a doozy. The plot is twisty and unpredictable. What starts out as a simple (probably not the right word, but in comparison with what is to come, it works) murder case soon morphs into something far more complex that threatens the personal and professional lives of the three colleagues.
Talk about tense and suspenseful! Parts gave me chills. It's white-knuckled, edge-of-the-seat reading.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheMuderBook #NetGalley
I: #markbillingham @groveatlantic
T: @MarkBillingham @groveatlantic
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #mystery #policeprocedural #suspense #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Mark Billingham was born and brought up in Birmingham. Having worked for some years as an actor and more recently as a TV writer and stand-up comedian his first crime novel was published in 2001. Mark lives in North London with his wife and two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Grove Atlantic via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Murder Book by Mark Billingham for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review will also be published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage
August 3, 2022
At the opening of this eighteenth novel in the series, DI Tom Thorne is in a good place. He’s been unlucky in love in the past, but now he has a promising relationship with forensic psychologist Melita Perera. She talks to him about the more unusual of her patients and he in turn keeps her up to date with his cases. When he’s not with Melita, he enjoys socialising with his friends and colleagues DI Nicola Tanner and pathologist Phil Hendricks. He feels like the nightmares of the past have receded, but in fact they’re about to come flooding back with a vengeance.
When Tom and Nicola are called out to a grisly murder of a middle aged man, they find evidence that he was entertaining someone in the bedroom while his wife was away, suggesting the killer is a woman. Two further murders point to a female serial killer being on the loose in London. Not only were all three men apparently entertaining an unknown woman before they were killed, but all three were mutilated after death. Now Tom and Nicole are racing to catch her before she kills again. When they do eventually catch up with her, she has a message to deliver to Tom from someone he hoped never to hear from again.
Unknown to Tom, someone has been watching him. Someone from his past who he was forced to let escape from custody in order to save lives. A depraved killer, who now knows where Tom lives and all about the new woman in his life, and is somehow able to stay one step ahead of Tom. He also knows the horrific secret Tom, Nicola and Phil have been keeping that would end all their careers if revealed to the world. Now they and all those close to them are in danger from this master manipulator.
One of the strengths of this series is the continuing development of the main characters and their ongoing lives woven around a compelling mystery. They know each other well now, as evidenced by their sharply humorous, sometimes quite dark, banter and in this novel their ongoing support of each other is central to the plot.
This excellent thriller is brilliantly plotted with the suspense ramping up rapidly towards the chilling climax. I for one was totally unprepared for the massive twist that Billingham throws at us. It was stunning and cleverly done. The prologue and epilogue neatly bookending the novel are also superb and guaranteed to generate a gleeful laugh from the reader as poetic justice is dealt. Highly recommended for all fans of the authors and those discovering him for the first time. 4.5★
With thanks to Grove Atlantic via Netgalley for a copy to read.
When Tom and Nicola are called out to a grisly murder of a middle aged man, they find evidence that he was entertaining someone in the bedroom while his wife was away, suggesting the killer is a woman. Two further murders point to a female serial killer being on the loose in London. Not only were all three men apparently entertaining an unknown woman before they were killed, but all three were mutilated after death. Now Tom and Nicole are racing to catch her before she kills again. When they do eventually catch up with her, she has a message to deliver to Tom from someone he hoped never to hear from again.
Unknown to Tom, someone has been watching him. Someone from his past who he was forced to let escape from custody in order to save lives. A depraved killer, who now knows where Tom lives and all about the new woman in his life, and is somehow able to stay one step ahead of Tom. He also knows the horrific secret Tom, Nicola and Phil have been keeping that would end all their careers if revealed to the world. Now they and all those close to them are in danger from this master manipulator.
One of the strengths of this series is the continuing development of the main characters and their ongoing lives woven around a compelling mystery. They know each other well now, as evidenced by their sharply humorous, sometimes quite dark, banter and in this novel their ongoing support of each other is central to the plot.
This excellent thriller is brilliantly plotted with the suspense ramping up rapidly towards the chilling climax. I for one was totally unprepared for the massive twist that Billingham throws at us. It was stunning and cleverly done. The prologue and epilogue neatly bookending the novel are also superb and guaranteed to generate a gleeful laugh from the reader as poetic justice is dealt. Highly recommended for all fans of the authors and those discovering him for the first time. 4.5★
With thanks to Grove Atlantic via Netgalley for a copy to read.
June 15, 2022
THE MURDER BOOK by Mark Billingham
I’ve been a fan of Mark Billingham’s writing for many years now and have been avidly following DI Tom Thorne since the beginning with ‘Sleepyhead’.
“The Murder Book” is amazingly the eighteenth (!) in the series, which just goes to prove how much readers love reading, Mark’s grisly police procedurals.
In this story, we see the return of a serial killer that has haunted Thorne since his last disastrous encounter with him. With the killer always seeming to be one step ahead, Thorne must chase down a woman responsible for a series of gruesome deaths, while looking over his shoulder for the man that has tormented his career for years. The usual well-drawn characters, Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks also play a major role in this book, as they try to cope living with a career destroying secret, they share with Thorne.
I was particularly impressed with the prologue and epilogue which I was very satisfied with and honestly made me smile when I realised the connection. Anyone having read any previous books in the series would be at the usual advantage but it’s not necessary to enjoy this book as a standalone, as any essential back story is covered perfectly well.
I hope Mark Billingham continues to write engaging plots that enthrals his readers, I’m sure there’s still a lot more sadistic murders for DI Thorne and his colleagues to solve.
#TheMurderBook - 5 stars
Thank you to LoveReading for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I’ve been a fan of Mark Billingham’s writing for many years now and have been avidly following DI Tom Thorne since the beginning with ‘Sleepyhead’.
“The Murder Book” is amazingly the eighteenth (!) in the series, which just goes to prove how much readers love reading, Mark’s grisly police procedurals.
In this story, we see the return of a serial killer that has haunted Thorne since his last disastrous encounter with him. With the killer always seeming to be one step ahead, Thorne must chase down a woman responsible for a series of gruesome deaths, while looking over his shoulder for the man that has tormented his career for years. The usual well-drawn characters, Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks also play a major role in this book, as they try to cope living with a career destroying secret, they share with Thorne.
I was particularly impressed with the prologue and epilogue which I was very satisfied with and honestly made me smile when I realised the connection. Anyone having read any previous books in the series would be at the usual advantage but it’s not necessary to enjoy this book as a standalone, as any essential back story is covered perfectly well.
I hope Mark Billingham continues to write engaging plots that enthrals his readers, I’m sure there’s still a lot more sadistic murders for DI Thorne and his colleagues to solve.
#TheMurderBook - 5 stars
Thank you to LoveReading for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.
December 11, 2024
4.5 Stars.
This author has delivered a brilliant read that will keep you reading until the last page.
There are lots of twists that set our main character, Detective Inspector Thorne's nerves on fire because he knows that an old nemesis is responsible. This nemesis threatens to derail Thorne, and he is mentally struggling to keep doing his job and this is a side that we haven't seen before.
The Murder Book isn't a nail-biting thriller we know who is doing the deed, but we don't know what and who is going to be next.
An excellent read that is well-paced and has a twist that I never guessed was coming. A must-read!
This author has delivered a brilliant read that will keep you reading until the last page.
There are lots of twists that set our main character, Detective Inspector Thorne's nerves on fire because he knows that an old nemesis is responsible. This nemesis threatens to derail Thorne, and he is mentally struggling to keep doing his job and this is a side that we haven't seen before.
The Murder Book isn't a nail-biting thriller we know who is doing the deed, but we don't know what and who is going to be next.
An excellent read that is well-paced and has a twist that I never guessed was coming. A must-read!
November 17, 2022
Although grumpy senior police officers tend to be two-a-penny in British crime thrillers, there is something special about Tom Thorne which always makes me eager to catch up on his latest adventures.
This novel starts with Tom in a rare condition of contentment. As well as his best friends and colleagues, Phil Hendricks and Nicola Tanner, there is the new love in his life, Doctor Melita Perera.
However, that is all set to come to a crashing end when Tom is assigned to investigate the murders of three men, all of whom have been mutilated in a bizarre sequential fashion. Unfortunately, these gruesome crimes aren’t the end of Tom’s troubles when he learns that the mastermind behind them is a former nemesis come back to haunt him. Most of the action takes place during the weeks leading up to Christmas, but the mood is far removed from the seasonal peace and goodwill as Tom desperately struggles to protect himself and those he cares about; a struggle which begins to take a toll on his physical and mental health.
There are a couple of totally unexpected twists at the end. The first is profoundly shocking, although, thankfully, the second is delightfully welcome.
Even though this is now the 18th novel in the series, it would appear there is still plenty of life left in it for more of Tom Thorne’s adventures..
This novel starts with Tom in a rare condition of contentment. As well as his best friends and colleagues, Phil Hendricks and Nicola Tanner, there is the new love in his life, Doctor Melita Perera.
However, that is all set to come to a crashing end when Tom is assigned to investigate the murders of three men, all of whom have been mutilated in a bizarre sequential fashion. Unfortunately, these gruesome crimes aren’t the end of Tom’s troubles when he learns that the mastermind behind them is a former nemesis come back to haunt him. Most of the action takes place during the weeks leading up to Christmas, but the mood is far removed from the seasonal peace and goodwill as Tom desperately struggles to protect himself and those he cares about; a struggle which begins to take a toll on his physical and mental health.
There are a couple of totally unexpected twists at the end. The first is profoundly shocking, although, thankfully, the second is delightfully welcome.
Even though this is now the 18th novel in the series, it would appear there is still plenty of life left in it for more of Tom Thorne’s adventures..
July 14, 2024
This is a sad day for me coming to the end of the Tom Thorne books. I have journeyed with the main characters through all of their trials and it will be like saying goodbye to good friends.
The plot here is brilliantly crafted and I like the way you get to see what’s going on in the killers mind having chapters dedicated to them. One of the many strengths of this series is the continuous development of the main characters and their lives which are always entrenched in murder. Despite this police procedure is a delight to read and the often disturbing events feel all too real. Billingham makes the story and all the characters come to life it’s just one of his many talents as a writer.
To sum up an excellent thriller with a brilliant plot, relatable characters and a chilling climax. I so loved the twists and turns, it was very cleverly done. I will miss the characters but their exploits will stay with me for a long time. A fitting end to an amazing series of books.
The plot here is brilliantly crafted and I like the way you get to see what’s going on in the killers mind having chapters dedicated to them. One of the many strengths of this series is the continuous development of the main characters and their lives which are always entrenched in murder. Despite this police procedure is a delight to read and the often disturbing events feel all too real. Billingham makes the story and all the characters come to life it’s just one of his many talents as a writer.
To sum up an excellent thriller with a brilliant plot, relatable characters and a chilling climax. I so loved the twists and turns, it was very cleverly done. I will miss the characters but their exploits will stay with me for a long time. A fitting end to an amazing series of books.
February 6, 2022
What can I say! I am the equivalent of a groupie when it comes to Tom Thorne. I so love when a new book comes out that features this hapless hero, and he is hapless in his personal life and his work life.
From the moment you sit down and open to the first page, it’s like a get together of old acquaintances and you carry on from where you left off with the last book. Tom Thorne, Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks are wonderfully drawn characters, that share secrets that should remain hidden.
So, The Murder Book. Tom has a new lady in his life, and things seem to be going well, when he gets involved in a strange murder, the bloke has had his throat cut and his ears taken. Following soon is another murder but this time the tongue has been taken and then another where the eyes are gone. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. The perpetrator is caught, willingly it seems, a young girl who is pleased with herself, but she has a message for Tom and soon his darkest fears are back. He knows his friends and close colleagues are in danger and he fears for himself, as he spirals into a nightmare that seems never ending.
Once again Mark has delivered a page turning, hugely enjoyable novel, with a twist that I never saw coming (always a bonus)
#TheMurderBook #NetGalley
From the moment you sit down and open to the first page, it’s like a get together of old acquaintances and you carry on from where you left off with the last book. Tom Thorne, Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks are wonderfully drawn characters, that share secrets that should remain hidden.
So, The Murder Book. Tom has a new lady in his life, and things seem to be going well, when he gets involved in a strange murder, the bloke has had his throat cut and his ears taken. Following soon is another murder but this time the tongue has been taken and then another where the eyes are gone. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. The perpetrator is caught, willingly it seems, a young girl who is pleased with herself, but she has a message for Tom and soon his darkest fears are back. He knows his friends and close colleagues are in danger and he fears for himself, as he spirals into a nightmare that seems never ending.
Once again Mark has delivered a page turning, hugely enjoyable novel, with a twist that I never saw coming (always a bonus)
#TheMurderBook #NetGalley
January 31, 2022
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
Three men are murdered and mutilated in quick succession and it seems as though the case has been solved, but it turns out that the murderer has been influenced by a figure from Thorne's past. I only came in on this series at book 14 and I'm not sure if I have read the instalment that character first appeared in. I would say that it helps a lot to have read previous books, because that is not the only storyline which is carried over from before.
I found this a quick and suspenseful read, with plenty of black humour. I'm not sure I really understood how the baddie was able to have so much influence over the people who did his dirty work. I suspected the 'big twist' towards then end, although it was still something of a shock, and I surprised myself with the sense of satisfaction the prologue and epilogue gave me.
Three men are murdered and mutilated in quick succession and it seems as though the case has been solved, but it turns out that the murderer has been influenced by a figure from Thorne's past. I only came in on this series at book 14 and I'm not sure if I have read the instalment that character first appeared in. I would say that it helps a lot to have read previous books, because that is not the only storyline which is carried over from before.
I found this a quick and suspenseful read, with plenty of black humour. I'm not sure I really understood how the baddie was able to have so much influence over the people who did his dirty work. I suspected the 'big twist' towards then end, although it was still something of a shock, and I surprised myself with the sense of satisfaction the prologue and epilogue gave me.
June 26, 2022
Tom Thorne Book # 18
This is my second book by this author although “The Murder Book” is part of a series I do believe you could read this as a standalone even with the references to what has gone before.
The Synopsis in a few words:
After investigating a series of grisly murders committed by a young woman who almost seems proud to be caught, Thorne peels back the layers of a secret far darker than he could have ever realised. Now it’s his reputation and loved ones on the line, and he is about to find out how far he will go to save them.
My thoughts in a few words:
Some characters highlights:
Thorne the main protagonist is centre stage. He is a complex character with a great deal of history a one with a short temper. His sidekick DI Nicola Tanner also has a short temper and a past that keeps haunting her. We also have secondary players; one great one is Phil Hendrick, a man with a wicket sense of humour for a pathologist in charge of examining the murder victims. And we have Thorne’s girlfriend, forensic psychiatrist Dry Melita Perera who has certain clients with history of violence...Of course we have secondary characters to help move things along. They all play excellent parts.
The plot:
It is the classic edge of your seat thriller with some twists and turns to keep us going through the pages. The suspense drags along and we seem to turn in circle too often for my taste but again this keeps us in apprehension for the next move... which comes quickly enough. Yes, no fear Mark Billingham leaves us with an ending I did not see coming.
Although it is a good story it left me cold. I was glued to every word at time and in other times I couldn’t wait to move on. Most reviewers have giving this story high praise I may be the exception with my feelings I am definitely less than enthusiastic than most...
The style:
Expertly written with good police procedural and a tad of humour here and there....
Thank you Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this book
This is my second book by this author although “The Murder Book” is part of a series I do believe you could read this as a standalone even with the references to what has gone before.
The Synopsis in a few words:
After investigating a series of grisly murders committed by a young woman who almost seems proud to be caught, Thorne peels back the layers of a secret far darker than he could have ever realised. Now it’s his reputation and loved ones on the line, and he is about to find out how far he will go to save them.
My thoughts in a few words:
Some characters highlights:
Thorne the main protagonist is centre stage. He is a complex character with a great deal of history a one with a short temper. His sidekick DI Nicola Tanner also has a short temper and a past that keeps haunting her. We also have secondary players; one great one is Phil Hendrick, a man with a wicket sense of humour for a pathologist in charge of examining the murder victims. And we have Thorne’s girlfriend, forensic psychiatrist Dry Melita Perera who has certain clients with history of violence...Of course we have secondary characters to help move things along. They all play excellent parts.
The plot:
It is the classic edge of your seat thriller with some twists and turns to keep us going through the pages. The suspense drags along and we seem to turn in circle too often for my taste but again this keeps us in apprehension for the next move... which comes quickly enough. Yes, no fear Mark Billingham leaves us with an ending I did not see coming.
Although it is a good story it left me cold. I was glued to every word at time and in other times I couldn’t wait to move on. Most reviewers have giving this story high praise I may be the exception with my feelings I am definitely less than enthusiastic than most...
The style:
Expertly written with good police procedural and a tad of humour here and there....
Thank you Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this book
May 24, 2022
Tom Thorne is back.
Tom thinks he has everything he wants and life is great.
How wrong Tom was.
The Murder Book is a nail biting read as you follow Tom, Phil and Nicola.
Tom and his team are desperately racing the clock to find the woman who has brutally murdered three men.
The past is catching up to Tom , Nicola and Phil and they all have a lot on the line.
Its beyond a nightmare.
The lights stay on, the pages turn quickly gasping as I race to the end.
Mark Billingham never disappoints and a new Tom Thorne adventure is like a birthday and Christmas all rolled into one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press for a riveting read.
Tom thinks he has everything he wants and life is great.
How wrong Tom was.
The Murder Book is a nail biting read as you follow Tom, Phil and Nicola.
Tom and his team are desperately racing the clock to find the woman who has brutally murdered three men.
The past is catching up to Tom , Nicola and Phil and they all have a lot on the line.
Its beyond a nightmare.
The lights stay on, the pages turn quickly gasping as I race to the end.
Mark Billingham never disappoints and a new Tom Thorne adventure is like a birthday and Christmas all rolled into one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic, Atlantic Monthly Press for a riveting read.
June 8, 2022
3.5* bit disappointed with the ending.
July 5, 2022
The Murder Book
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Fiction Mystery
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/5/22
Author: Mark Billingham
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
Pages: 416
Goodreads Rating: 4.52
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: In Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks, Thorne has good friends by his side. His love life is newly reformed by a promising relationship and he is happy in the job he has devoted his life to. As he sets off hunting the woman responsible for a series of grisly murders, Thorne has no way of knowing that he will be plunged into a nightmare from which he may never wake. A nightmare that has a name. Thorne’s past threatens to catch up with him and a ruinous secret is about to be revealed. If he wants to save himself and his friends, he will have to do the unthinkable. Tom Thorne finally has a lot to lose.
My Thoughts: This is a book in a series, however, I think it could be read alone, there is enough information to flow through the book without difficulty. This book had the best prologue and epilogue that I have seen in awhile. The characters are well developed with depth, intriguing, and fascinating. The author’s writing was complex on many levels, suspenseful, and kept me engaged from cover to cover. The plot was full of twists, some predictable, and some were not. I do not want to say too much as I do not want to spoil for anyone. This releases today and I highly recommend that you pick up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Fiction Mystery
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 7/5/22
Author: Mark Billingham
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
Pages: 416
Goodreads Rating: 4.52
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Atlantic Monthly Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: In Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks, Thorne has good friends by his side. His love life is newly reformed by a promising relationship and he is happy in the job he has devoted his life to. As he sets off hunting the woman responsible for a series of grisly murders, Thorne has no way of knowing that he will be plunged into a nightmare from which he may never wake. A nightmare that has a name. Thorne’s past threatens to catch up with him and a ruinous secret is about to be revealed. If he wants to save himself and his friends, he will have to do the unthinkable. Tom Thorne finally has a lot to lose.
My Thoughts: This is a book in a series, however, I think it could be read alone, there is enough information to flow through the book without difficulty. This book had the best prologue and epilogue that I have seen in awhile. The characters are well developed with depth, intriguing, and fascinating. The author’s writing was complex on many levels, suspenseful, and kept me engaged from cover to cover. The plot was full of twists, some predictable, and some were not. I do not want to say too much as I do not want to spoil for anyone. This releases today and I highly recommend that you pick up.
July 14, 2022
Tom Thorne is back and its a good un!
August 1, 2022
There is nothing quite like a Tom Thorne thriller, and thankfully Mark Billingham has been providing us with them for the past two decades. The latest entry in the series is THE MURDER BOOK, and it brings back Thorne and his trusty band of colleagues to take on a case that could be the most personal one of his career.
As Thorne, in his typical manner, is speaking with the wife of a man just found murdered and brutalized in his bed, he looks past her to notice something that he’s surprised she didn’t catch --- the two wine glasses that are out in the sitting room. It’s obvious that Richard Sumner was having a tryst that went awfully bad, and Thorne would allow that detail to remain unspoken in front of the grieving widow. A test of the wine glasses shows that one of them was definitely female, meaning that Thorne, Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks are looking for a lady killer.
It turns out that Sumner had used a service called Sugar-Dad-E, which led him to meet up with someone named Jasmine. For those who have not had the pleasure of enjoying a murder case with Thorne, Tanner puts it best when she describes his personality on the job as “[m]iserable as sin, but not nearly as much fun. Stubborn and over-inclined to feel sorry for himself, but with a good heart and the best intentions…” However, she initially has no idea where this particular case will take her good friend and how it will tax him.
A second male victim, Hari Reddy, is found in similar fashion, left behind by an escort from Hookupz.com. This will be quickly followed by a third, Thomas Bristow. The solid police work of Thorne, Tanner and Hendricks brings in a suspect, Rebecca Louise Driver, who is booked for the three murders. A search of her place turns up missing body parts from the deceased men.
However, something doesn’t feel right about the case. Thorne’s girlfriend and team member, Dr. Melita Perera, believes that Driver is being a little too helpful. She could not have been more correct as the next surprise she has in store for Thorne and his team is one that none of them saw coming. The scalpel that was used as the primary murder weapon tested not only for the blood of the victims, it also showed blood traces from Hendricks. Upon further investigation, it appears that the scalpel once belonged to Stuart Nicklin, who had cut out a piece of skin from Hendricks’ back on a case. He is an extremely dangerous killer who they were unable to apprehend, and he is somehow working with Driver to let them know that he is still out there and watching them.
The death toll continues to rise. With the murder book on this case starting to grow thick, and Thorne and his team beginning to get extremely nervous that this madman will stop at nothing to get to them and their families, it has suddenly become so much more than a mere murder case. THE MURDER BOOK is unlike any other Tom Thorne thriller that I have read. It is quite unusual to see our protagonist on his heels as he is for much of the latter part of this intense novel. Well done, Mr. Billingham.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
As Thorne, in his typical manner, is speaking with the wife of a man just found murdered and brutalized in his bed, he looks past her to notice something that he’s surprised she didn’t catch --- the two wine glasses that are out in the sitting room. It’s obvious that Richard Sumner was having a tryst that went awfully bad, and Thorne would allow that detail to remain unspoken in front of the grieving widow. A test of the wine glasses shows that one of them was definitely female, meaning that Thorne, Nicola Tanner and Phil Hendricks are looking for a lady killer.
It turns out that Sumner had used a service called Sugar-Dad-E, which led him to meet up with someone named Jasmine. For those who have not had the pleasure of enjoying a murder case with Thorne, Tanner puts it best when she describes his personality on the job as “[m]iserable as sin, but not nearly as much fun. Stubborn and over-inclined to feel sorry for himself, but with a good heart and the best intentions…” However, she initially has no idea where this particular case will take her good friend and how it will tax him.
A second male victim, Hari Reddy, is found in similar fashion, left behind by an escort from Hookupz.com. This will be quickly followed by a third, Thomas Bristow. The solid police work of Thorne, Tanner and Hendricks brings in a suspect, Rebecca Louise Driver, who is booked for the three murders. A search of her place turns up missing body parts from the deceased men.
However, something doesn’t feel right about the case. Thorne’s girlfriend and team member, Dr. Melita Perera, believes that Driver is being a little too helpful. She could not have been more correct as the next surprise she has in store for Thorne and his team is one that none of them saw coming. The scalpel that was used as the primary murder weapon tested not only for the blood of the victims, it also showed blood traces from Hendricks. Upon further investigation, it appears that the scalpel once belonged to Stuart Nicklin, who had cut out a piece of skin from Hendricks’ back on a case. He is an extremely dangerous killer who they were unable to apprehend, and he is somehow working with Driver to let them know that he is still out there and watching them.
The death toll continues to rise. With the murder book on this case starting to grow thick, and Thorne and his team beginning to get extremely nervous that this madman will stop at nothing to get to them and their families, it has suddenly become so much more than a mere murder case. THE MURDER BOOK is unlike any other Tom Thorne thriller that I have read. It is quite unusual to see our protagonist on his heels as he is for much of the latter part of this intense novel. Well done, Mr. Billingham.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
July 9, 2022
. This a Thriller not mystery you know the murder is quite early but it's the 3 wise monkeys and lot twist and a terrible Batman joke.
I think have to be good to catch on this sequel to an earlier book. The cover of my copy had door on it. A murder book is what the police keep on famous person who has killed huge number of people. This perfect book to read while eating because it make sick to the stomach.
I think have to be good to catch on this sequel to an earlier book. The cover of my copy had door on it. A murder book is what the police keep on famous person who has killed huge number of people. This perfect book to read while eating because it make sick to the stomach.
June 10, 2022
I have read one of Mark Billingham’s Tom Thorne novels before – Cry Baby – but this one was even better. Mark is an experienced, clever writer who combines excitement, gory murder, dark humour, comradeship, serial killers and hilarious police banter and wraps them all up seamlessly with no loose ends. No mean feat.
Reading this with my fellow Pigeons was a great way to enjoy the book, as we could discuss our theories, try and work out who might be untrustworthy, and even hand out a death sentence when we thought it was justified. Metaphorically speaking of course.
Detective Inspector Tom Thorne is a complex character, with a great deal of history, which can sometimes cloud his judgment. He is prone to losing his temper at times. Sidekick DI Nicola Tanner is also complex, something she did a while ago coming back to haunt her.
My favourite though is still Phil Hendricks, a wonderfully drawn character, with a wicked and often inappropriate sense of humour. More tattoos than Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man, plus piercings in places we probably prefer not to know about, Phil is the pathologist who examines the murder victims.
Thorne has a new girlfriend – forensic psychiatrist Dr Melita Perera – Hendricks tells him she’s out of his league, but I disagree, I didn’t warm to her. She has clients with certain predilections (one of them gets aroused by giving and receiving enemas) and/or a history of violence, but she resents Thorne’s warnings to be careful. It’s her job.
I can’t say much more because of spoilers, but Thorne will meet his nemesis, which will drag up the past for him and his colleagues and put a number of people’s lives in danger.
A thrilling read by a master of his genre, I look forward to more of the same very soon.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
Reading this with my fellow Pigeons was a great way to enjoy the book, as we could discuss our theories, try and work out who might be untrustworthy, and even hand out a death sentence when we thought it was justified. Metaphorically speaking of course.
Detective Inspector Tom Thorne is a complex character, with a great deal of history, which can sometimes cloud his judgment. He is prone to losing his temper at times. Sidekick DI Nicola Tanner is also complex, something she did a while ago coming back to haunt her.
My favourite though is still Phil Hendricks, a wonderfully drawn character, with a wicked and often inappropriate sense of humour. More tattoos than Ray Bradbury’s The Illustrated Man, plus piercings in places we probably prefer not to know about, Phil is the pathologist who examines the murder victims.
Thorne has a new girlfriend – forensic psychiatrist Dr Melita Perera – Hendricks tells him she’s out of his league, but I disagree, I didn’t warm to her. She has clients with certain predilections (one of them gets aroused by giving and receiving enemas) and/or a history of violence, but she resents Thorne’s warnings to be careful. It’s her job.
I can’t say much more because of spoilers, but Thorne will meet his nemesis, which will drag up the past for him and his colleagues and put a number of people’s lives in danger.
A thrilling read by a master of his genre, I look forward to more of the same very soon.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
June 14, 2022
The 18th addition to my favourite series sees Tom Thorne relatively happy with life both work and privately as he investigates a particularly nasty series of murders. However what seems to be a simple "police hunt serial killer" soon turns into something very different as one of Thorne's old foes resurfaces.
As usual the characters are brilliant as their private lives are expertly woven into the story and you genuinely care about what is happening to them, especially Tom who goes through a lot in this outing to say the least. There are plenty of twists and surprises, from "half expected" to full blown "what the hell?" as the reader, much like the characters, isn't quite sure what to expect next! It's a fantastic addition to a fantastic series and I cannot recommend both book and series highly enough!
As usual the characters are brilliant as their private lives are expertly woven into the story and you genuinely care about what is happening to them, especially Tom who goes through a lot in this outing to say the least. There are plenty of twists and surprises, from "half expected" to full blown "what the hell?" as the reader, much like the characters, isn't quite sure what to expect next! It's a fantastic addition to a fantastic series and I cannot recommend both book and series highly enough!
June 9, 2022
This was my first book by Mark Billingham and several books into the series about Detective Thorne, a hapless character with a past and secrets. His biggest issue is catching a serial killer, Nicklin, who always seems to be a step ahead of Thorne and the rest of the Police team. The pace of the story was excellent and the twist at the end I didn't see coming but too many questions were left unanswered and while this can be read as a standalone, readers in my bookclub who hadn't read the prequels were at a distinct disadvantage .I also didn't like any of the characters but the banter between them was very good. 4 Stars.
August 7, 2022
I have read many Tom Thorne books and they are well-written novels. Tom is an interesting character and through the books he never really changes much. This book was a bit disappointing because I did not understand the motive behind the killer's final scheme. This is a man who, some years ago, created an elaborate plan to escape prison, torture one of Tom's friends and leave Tom humiliated. Now he's been successfully laying low for quite a while, but apparently feels the urgent need to entangle Thorne in his web once again, even if he costs him his freedom. None of this makes sense to me. Using surrogate killers to humiliate Tom is fine, but exposing himself just to threaten Tom with exposure of a secret that Tom, Nicola, and Phil share made no sense to me.
February 6, 2022
Tom Thorne is back he has a promising relationship with a new love interest and good friends in Phil Hendricks and Nicola Tanner and his devoted to his job.
But when his past comes back to plunge him into a living nightmare that he knows the name of he has to save himself and his friends from a secret being revealed, he may have to do things his never done before.
Being a big Mark Billingham fan I was very excited to read the latest Tom Thorne book and I wasn't dissapointed a brilliant read and an ending I didn't expect.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC
But when his past comes back to plunge him into a living nightmare that he knows the name of he has to save himself and his friends from a secret being revealed, he may have to do things his never done before.
Being a big Mark Billingham fan I was very excited to read the latest Tom Thorne book and I wasn't dissapointed a brilliant read and an ending I didn't expect.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC
March 28, 2022
A fine thriller from Mark Billingham, good characters, well plotted. My first DI Thorne novel and I've a lot to catch up. Thoroughly enjoyed the book would recommend it.
I received this book from Atlantic press via Netgalley for a review.
I received this book from Atlantic press via Netgalley for a review.
August 27, 2023
I have missed quite a few of the Thorne books to get to this one, but plan on getting to them. Thorne comes up against his arch nemesis Nicklin, old scores need to be settled. This book still works as a stand alone without having the history or background. Thorne as troubled as ever, with his friend and colleague’s in tow, come up against his old rival. I enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed all the Thorne books. The ending was a good surprise. Highly recommend
April 23, 2023
I devoured this in a couple of days. I love the Thorne novels.
June 9, 2022
Thank you to the author, publisher Little, Brown, and online book club The Pigeonhole for the chance to read this. This is an honest and voluntary review.
Everything in Tom Thorne’s life seems to be going well. He has a girlfriend who understands his work demands, friends who are loyal through even the hardest trials, and interesting cases to investigate. But, as his past comes back to haunt him everything is put at risk and Tom has to decide how far he’ll go to protect what he has.
I’m always impressed by how Tom Thorne manages to avoid, sometimes narrowly, the trope of the grumpy down-beaten loner detective. The author writes him in a really believable and engaging way, and whenever he gets too introspective a night watching the football with his best pal and local pathologist Phil Hendricks stops him from wallowing.
This means that what Tom goes through we go through with him, and The Murder Book is a particularly bumpy ride. What seems like an interesting, but relatively straightforward case soon leads to hidden depths and an ending that is likely to reverberate through future books.
While it helps to have read previous books in the series. It’s not essential. The backstory you need is delivered subtly and cleverly so that newbies find out what they need to know about the stories which feed into this one, and diehard fans don’t feel patronised. A great book.
Everything in Tom Thorne’s life seems to be going well. He has a girlfriend who understands his work demands, friends who are loyal through even the hardest trials, and interesting cases to investigate. But, as his past comes back to haunt him everything is put at risk and Tom has to decide how far he’ll go to protect what he has.
I’m always impressed by how Tom Thorne manages to avoid, sometimes narrowly, the trope of the grumpy down-beaten loner detective. The author writes him in a really believable and engaging way, and whenever he gets too introspective a night watching the football with his best pal and local pathologist Phil Hendricks stops him from wallowing.
This means that what Tom goes through we go through with him, and The Murder Book is a particularly bumpy ride. What seems like an interesting, but relatively straightforward case soon leads to hidden depths and an ending that is likely to reverberate through future books.
While it helps to have read previous books in the series. It’s not essential. The backstory you need is delivered subtly and cleverly so that newbies find out what they need to know about the stories which feed into this one, and diehard fans don’t feel patronised. A great book.
June 16, 2022
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
Tom Thorne is back and as it's his last outing for a while he went out with a bang. I have read all the Tom Thorne series and all the books have been fantastic. I wouldn't recommend this one as a stand alone as you have to know the history between Tom and his arch nemesis but the others work well.
Stuart Nicklin, the most evil, depraved, sadistic killer that Tom and his team have ever know has re surfaced after his earlier escape from prison. His last meeting with Tom ended with his friend and colleague Phil Hendricks being brutally attacked and scared for life.
Not only is Nicklin back and out to hurt Tom in the worst way possible he knows the secret that could take down Tom, partner Lisa and Hendricks. Always 5 steps ahead are they going to be able to stop him?
Nothing to say but fantastic. Fat five stars.
Tom Thorne is back and as it's his last outing for a while he went out with a bang. I have read all the Tom Thorne series and all the books have been fantastic. I wouldn't recommend this one as a stand alone as you have to know the history between Tom and his arch nemesis but the others work well.
Stuart Nicklin, the most evil, depraved, sadistic killer that Tom and his team have ever know has re surfaced after his earlier escape from prison. His last meeting with Tom ended with his friend and colleague Phil Hendricks being brutally attacked and scared for life.
Not only is Nicklin back and out to hurt Tom in the worst way possible he knows the secret that could take down Tom, partner Lisa and Hendricks. Always 5 steps ahead are they going to be able to stop him?
Nothing to say but fantastic. Fat five stars.
August 6, 2022
Another great catch up with Tom Thorne.
This one gets off to a gripping start as 3 men are murdered in quick succession.
Tom and Tanner have the killer on camera so it’s not long before they’re after them.
Hendricks is his usual witty self and there’s some great banter with him and Thorne.
There’s a bit of a cloud hanging over the 3 of them due to what happened on a previous case and at times Thorne is not himself.
They are desparate to catch Nicklin who got away last time but Thorne is worried he will target someone close to him first.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
This one gets off to a gripping start as 3 men are murdered in quick succession.
Tom and Tanner have the killer on camera so it’s not long before they’re after them.
Hendricks is his usual witty self and there’s some great banter with him and Thorne.
There’s a bit of a cloud hanging over the 3 of them due to what happened on a previous case and at times Thorne is not himself.
They are desparate to catch Nicklin who got away last time but Thorne is worried he will target someone close to him first.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
May 25, 2022
For fans of Tom Thorne, this is a worthy continuation of the series, with many recurring characters, some well-known, and one particular one savagely hated. You know what you love, returning readers, and you will get it in this book.
For newbies to Mark Billingham, welcome. Expect a police procedural noir, a flawed hero, black humour and a twisty plot. You can start here, or you can start with Sleepyhead, the choice is yours as long as you start. This author is worth reading.
For newbies to Mark Billingham, welcome. Expect a police procedural noir, a flawed hero, black humour and a twisty plot. You can start here, or you can start with Sleepyhead, the choice is yours as long as you start. This author is worth reading.
May 25, 2022
I can’t help but love Tom Thorne even though he is unbelievably flawed. Even so, he’s a damn good detective and this instalment just proves that once again. Lots of tension and criminal who dun it makes this a fun fast read. Intriguing and good characters keep me reading every Mark Bellingham book.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc
Thank you NetGalley for this arc
December 12, 2022
You know what.....I had a full 3 paragraph review all typed up but after thinking it through I deleted it because there is so much that needs to stay secret from the reader to get the whole force of this book. And trust me, if you are a loyal reader of the Tom Thorne series, this is a super nova !
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