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Inspector Anjelica Henley #1
Jigsaw Man - Der tote Priester
Als DI Anjelica Henley zu einem neuen Tatort gerufen wird, schwant ihr nichts Gutes: In einer kleinen Londoner Kirche wurde ein Pastor brutal ermordet. Während Henleys Team den Tatort genauer untersucht, entdecken sie in einem Nebenraum einen angeketteten, halbtoten jungen Mann. Henleys Bauchgefühl sagt ihr, dass der junge Mann nicht vom Mörder eingesperrt worden ist. Aber wer war es dann? Und warum wurde der Pastor ermordet?
Henley sucht fieberhaft nach Antworten, aber stattdessen stößt sie nur auf immer mehr Leichen, die auf die gleiche Art zu Tode gequält wurden wie der junge Mann aus der Kirche. Haben Henley und die Serial Crimes Unit es etwa mit einem religiösen Serienmörder zu tun?
Henley sucht fieberhaft nach Antworten, aber stattdessen stößt sie nur auf immer mehr Leichen, die auf die gleiche Art zu Tode gequält wurden wie der junge Mann aus der Kirche. Haben Henley und die Serial Crimes Unit es etwa mit einem religiösen Serienmörder zu tun?
576 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2020
1438 people are currently reading
31006 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Matheson
15 books1,133 followersNadine Matheson lives in London. She began her working life at the BBC and now practices as a criminal defence lawyer. In 2016, she won the City University Crime Writing Competition and has a MA in Creative Writing.
Her crime fiction novel, The Jigsaw Man, was published by HQ in 2021. The Jigsaw Man has been sold in 15 territories to date and will be translated into 15 languages.
Praise For The Jigsaw Man
"Matheson has a keen instinct for keeping the pages turning." New York Times
"This modern and multilayered take on the high-octane thriller keeps the pages turning" Oprah Daily
‘The Jigsaw Man ranks amongst the very best debut thrillers – we’re talking top-ten territory here – I’ve read this past decade… It evokes, vibrantly and indelibly, a world I’ve never even glimpsed, much less entered – neither in literature nor in life… Matheson’s voice is exciting, urgent… and, now more than ever, vital’ A.J. Finn
*Shortlisted for the 2022 Diverse Book Award*
*Shortlisted for the Dead Good Reads Award- 'Cold as Ice Award for most Chilling Read
*A Crime Reads Most Anticipated Book of 2021*
*The Best Crime Novels To Read in 2022 - The Evening Standard
Nadine Matheson is also the host of 'The Conversation Podcast with Nadine Matheson'. Her third novel in the Detective Inspector Henley series, The Kill List, will be released in May 2024.
Nadine Matheson is represented by Oli Munson of A.M. Heath Literary Agents.
www.nadinematheson.com
Her crime fiction novel, The Jigsaw Man, was published by HQ in 2021. The Jigsaw Man has been sold in 15 territories to date and will be translated into 15 languages.
Praise For The Jigsaw Man
"Matheson has a keen instinct for keeping the pages turning." New York Times
"This modern and multilayered take on the high-octane thriller keeps the pages turning" Oprah Daily
‘The Jigsaw Man ranks amongst the very best debut thrillers – we’re talking top-ten territory here – I’ve read this past decade… It evokes, vibrantly and indelibly, a world I’ve never even glimpsed, much less entered – neither in literature nor in life… Matheson’s voice is exciting, urgent… and, now more than ever, vital’ A.J. Finn
*Shortlisted for the 2022 Diverse Book Award*
*Shortlisted for the Dead Good Reads Award- 'Cold as Ice Award for most Chilling Read
*A Crime Reads Most Anticipated Book of 2021*
*The Best Crime Novels To Read in 2022 - The Evening Standard
Nadine Matheson is also the host of 'The Conversation Podcast with Nadine Matheson'. Her third novel in the Detective Inspector Henley series, The Kill List, will be released in May 2024.
Nadine Matheson is represented by Oli Munson of A.M. Heath Literary Agents.
www.nadinematheson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,493 reviews
July 14, 2021
5 stars!
Extremely enjoyable from start to finish!
Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley is returning to her job after taking leave to recover from a brutal attack that landed the Jigsaw Killer, Peter Olivier, in prison. On her first day back to work she is partnered with trainee Salim Ramouter and they are assigned to a murder scene that is the beginning of what appears to be a copycat of the Jigsaw Killer.
I LOVED Henley! She was an outstanding main character - so strong yet vulnerable. I loved the relationship dynamic between her and Ramouter which was definitely a stand out aspect of the plot for me. I also loved the unsettling relationship between Henley and Olivier and everything that brought to the storyline. Henley’s backstory kept me highly intrigued as it was slowly revealed as the story progressed.
Beware there are some gruesome scenes and plot points. The pace and flow were perfect. This wasn’t a super intense or gripping serial killer story, but I enjoyed every single page. It was more of a character driven police procedural that had me hanging on every word. The unique and fascinating character relationships were what drove the plot forward for me.
The writing was excellent! I loved the short chapters and how some chapters switched perspectives. Brilliant execution of this debut novel! I highly recommend!
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for my physical review copy! I can’t wait for Book #2 in this series!
Extremely enjoyable from start to finish!
Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley is returning to her job after taking leave to recover from a brutal attack that landed the Jigsaw Killer, Peter Olivier, in prison. On her first day back to work she is partnered with trainee Salim Ramouter and they are assigned to a murder scene that is the beginning of what appears to be a copycat of the Jigsaw Killer.
I LOVED Henley! She was an outstanding main character - so strong yet vulnerable. I loved the relationship dynamic between her and Ramouter which was definitely a stand out aspect of the plot for me. I also loved the unsettling relationship between Henley and Olivier and everything that brought to the storyline. Henley’s backstory kept me highly intrigued as it was slowly revealed as the story progressed.
Beware there are some gruesome scenes and plot points. The pace and flow were perfect. This wasn’t a super intense or gripping serial killer story, but I enjoyed every single page. It was more of a character driven police procedural that had me hanging on every word. The unique and fascinating character relationships were what drove the plot forward for me.
The writing was excellent! I loved the short chapters and how some chapters switched perspectives. Brilliant execution of this debut novel! I highly recommend!
Thank you to Harper Collins Canada for my physical review copy! I can’t wait for Book #2 in this series!
December 21, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up
A copycat serial killer is leaving body parts in various locations in Deptford. The original jigsaw man is Peter Olivier now serving life in Belmarsh Prison. The serial killer unity run by DSI Stephen Pellacia with DI Anjelica Henley in charge of the investigation, assisted by TDC Salim Ramouter
This has the feel of a second book in a series (it isn’t!) with the backstory of DI Henley and Olivier in parallel with the hunt for the copycat. It’s extremely gritty in paces and certainly not for the faint of heart. I like the principal characters and you get a lot of backstory so they are both easy to imagine and understand although at times this depth gets in the way of the plot pace. I especially like Ramouter who is very appealing, he’s very smart and enthusiastic. Henley is in recovery from the previous case and her situation is not helped by her whiny husband Rob who seriously gets on my nerves!!! This is a well written book and with clarity, it’s darkly compelling and easy to read. In places it’s disturbing and there are some good plot twists but I feel it’s overlong and drawn out. Towards the end there is some backtracking to a few months previously and so the excitement of the building conclusion gets halted in its momentum thus losing some impact. However, it does leave on a good pondering cliffhanger! The best sections of the book for me are between Henley and Olivier, their scenes especially in Belmarsh are extremely tense and it’s almost like a darkly riveting danse macabre. It’s reminds me of THOSE scenes between Clarice and Hannibal!
Overall, there is much to praise in this book. It’s good on police procedure, the main characters are interesting and likeable, I like the diversity, it covers a range of issues from PTSD to dementia and there are moments where there are sharp intakes of breath. It could have been reduced in length which I think would have made it more of a high octane intense read. I definitely want to read number two if there is one!
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the arc for an honest review.
A copycat serial killer is leaving body parts in various locations in Deptford. The original jigsaw man is Peter Olivier now serving life in Belmarsh Prison. The serial killer unity run by DSI Stephen Pellacia with DI Anjelica Henley in charge of the investigation, assisted by TDC Salim Ramouter
This has the feel of a second book in a series (it isn’t!) with the backstory of DI Henley and Olivier in parallel with the hunt for the copycat. It’s extremely gritty in paces and certainly not for the faint of heart. I like the principal characters and you get a lot of backstory so they are both easy to imagine and understand although at times this depth gets in the way of the plot pace. I especially like Ramouter who is very appealing, he’s very smart and enthusiastic. Henley is in recovery from the previous case and her situation is not helped by her whiny husband Rob who seriously gets on my nerves!!! This is a well written book and with clarity, it’s darkly compelling and easy to read. In places it’s disturbing and there are some good plot twists but I feel it’s overlong and drawn out. Towards the end there is some backtracking to a few months previously and so the excitement of the building conclusion gets halted in its momentum thus losing some impact. However, it does leave on a good pondering cliffhanger! The best sections of the book for me are between Henley and Olivier, their scenes especially in Belmarsh are extremely tense and it’s almost like a darkly riveting danse macabre. It’s reminds me of THOSE scenes between Clarice and Hannibal!
Overall, there is much to praise in this book. It’s good on police procedure, the main characters are interesting and likeable, I like the diversity, it covers a range of issues from PTSD to dementia and there are moments where there are sharp intakes of breath. It could have been reduced in length which I think would have made it more of a high octane intense read. I definitely want to read number two if there is one!
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the arc for an honest review.
September 25, 2021
This was an extremely intriguing novel about a serial killer on the loose (Peter Olivieri). A new series of murders committed in the same way as Peter did them shocks London. Who is this mysterious copycat using the MOs of the original Jigsaw killer? DI Henley (you definitely want to read more about her) and her team starts investigating. Soon things turn complicated and very dangerous for all involved. Fast paced, extremely compelling and twisty the author comes up with an excellent thriller if there ever was one. The portrait of the serial killer is very well done. DI a character you definitely want to see to solve other cases. The ending hopefully is the starting of a long lasting series. Nadine Matheson's novel reminded me a bit on Richard Montanari's thrillers. Loved that the action is set in London and I knew the areas described quite well myself. Will always think about this story when I walk those locations. This is an extremely well written thriller with many horror moments in it. Highly recommended. A true highlight!
September 20, 2024
Not for the squeamish!
Body parts are turning up. That means Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley is once again front and center as the lead investigator. And if the crime scene looks familiar to her, well it should! After all, she put Peter Olivier, A.K.A. the Jigsaw Killer behind bars. So how can this be happening again?
This was a well thought-out, highly clever and addictive serial killer/thriller! (Rhyme intended😉). I’ve been on a serial-killer binge lately (not sure what that says about me…but anyhoo🙃) and I’m so glad I stumbled across this one!
Audio:
🎧: The narrator, Davine Henry, was absolutely brilliant. Her voice was so melodic it drew me in and added so much more depth and believability to the drama unfolding in the book. I will definitely be continuing with this series…especially if Davine Henry continues as the voice talent!
Body parts are turning up. That means Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley is once again front and center as the lead investigator. And if the crime scene looks familiar to her, well it should! After all, she put Peter Olivier, A.K.A. the Jigsaw Killer behind bars. So how can this be happening again?
This was a well thought-out, highly clever and addictive serial killer/thriller! (Rhyme intended😉). I’ve been on a serial-killer binge lately (not sure what that says about me…but anyhoo🙃) and I’m so glad I stumbled across this one!
Audio:
🎧: The narrator, Davine Henry, was absolutely brilliant. Her voice was so melodic it drew me in and added so much more depth and believability to the drama unfolding in the book. I will definitely be continuing with this series…especially if Davine Henry continues as the voice talent!
February 19, 2021
Fans of Chris Carter and MJ Arlidge... attention please. You need to read The Jigsaw Man and you need to read it now. It is dark, brutal and very, very disturbing. And saying all that, I loved it!
When body parts are discovered on the banks of the Thames early one morning, DI Henley is called back to active investigation. She is teamed up with TDC Ramouter which she is not happy about , but she’s is happy to be off desk duty. But this case feels familiar... it it can’t be the Jigsaw Man, she caught him and he is behind bars. All the signs are there though, could it be a copycat? The body parts are not from the same body and they are incomplete. They have their work cut out for them both professionally and personally. Can they stop this killer and link the victims before more bodies are found?
I loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters, the investigating officers. They are worlds apart and yet have a lot in common. I hope that we will hear more from them in future books... a series would be great. It is a long book but it kept my interest right the way through. I was desperate to find out what would happen next. The author does not hold back on description so not for those with a weak stomach. It definitely kept me guessing and the ending was surprising. An amazing debut novel and I look forward to what comes next.
Thanks to Harper Collins Australia and Better Reading for my advanced copy of this book to read. All the stars
When body parts are discovered on the banks of the Thames early one morning, DI Henley is called back to active investigation. She is teamed up with TDC Ramouter which she is not happy about , but she’s is happy to be off desk duty. But this case feels familiar... it it can’t be the Jigsaw Man, she caught him and he is behind bars. All the signs are there though, could it be a copycat? The body parts are not from the same body and they are incomplete. They have their work cut out for them both professionally and personally. Can they stop this killer and link the victims before more bodies are found?
I loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters, the investigating officers. They are worlds apart and yet have a lot in common. I hope that we will hear more from them in future books... a series would be great. It is a long book but it kept my interest right the way through. I was desperate to find out what would happen next. The author does not hold back on description so not for those with a weak stomach. It definitely kept me guessing and the ending was surprising. An amazing debut novel and I look forward to what comes next.
Thanks to Harper Collins Australia and Better Reading for my advanced copy of this book to read. All the stars
July 22, 2024
4.5 stars 🌟 rounded up ⬆️
The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson is a dark intense compelling thriller that I could not put down the trope was well written & the characters were fabulous, it was gory to say the least.
Maxwell Perkins was walking his dog 🐶 Petra on the river banks of the Thames, he was not in the least ready for what he saw pieces of a severed arm!
About a mile away Heather Roszicky an archaeology professor is supervising second year students as they complete their field work on the old deptford dockyard, one of the students Shui runs to Heather in tears saying she found a corpse of a headless body found on the steps of a decaying ferry ⛴️ covered in black & green wood.
Solving the crime won’t be easy for DI Anjelica Henley her home life was not that great her relationship with her husband was not great, she felt more at home 🏠with murderers & rapists this case is going to take her to the limit.
The bodies seem to be mounting up with no clues what so ever the bodies had significant symbols on them related to the jigsaw killer … but he has been incarcerated for two years.
The first in a new series Anjelica Henley is a force to be reckoned with a tough female lead which I enjoyed reading about as I said this is dark, compelling, & intense.
TW
There is a lot of gore written in this book I just loved this one by Nadine Matheson will be waiting for the next instalment.
The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson is a dark intense compelling thriller that I could not put down the trope was well written & the characters were fabulous, it was gory to say the least.
Maxwell Perkins was walking his dog 🐶 Petra on the river banks of the Thames, he was not in the least ready for what he saw pieces of a severed arm!
About a mile away Heather Roszicky an archaeology professor is supervising second year students as they complete their field work on the old deptford dockyard, one of the students Shui runs to Heather in tears saying she found a corpse of a headless body found on the steps of a decaying ferry ⛴️ covered in black & green wood.
Solving the crime won’t be easy for DI Anjelica Henley her home life was not that great her relationship with her husband was not great, she felt more at home 🏠with murderers & rapists this case is going to take her to the limit.
The bodies seem to be mounting up with no clues what so ever the bodies had significant symbols on them related to the jigsaw killer … but he has been incarcerated for two years.
The first in a new series Anjelica Henley is a force to be reckoned with a tough female lead which I enjoyed reading about as I said this is dark, compelling, & intense.
TW
There is a lot of gore written in this book I just loved this one by Nadine Matheson will be waiting for the next instalment.
March 4, 2021
Review to come!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
October 29, 2022
Intense with perfect mystery and thriller vibes but not too fond of the MC. Looking forward to The Binding Room soon.
November 23, 2025
What a twisted web of a police procedural
The Jigsaw man is following DI Henley who must try and find a copycat killer who is killing in the same town as a former serial killer who is currently in prison and DI Henley was the one to put the original away.
Ok this was one complex hell of a read, and I must say I found myself getting confused at so many parts of the story. This is a sloooow burn and for a police procedural I was expecting a bit more of a fast paced, heavy tension within the pages but it at times felt very drawn out.
The main character was an absolute pain to follow and was so bloody unlikeable. Had it not been for the writing I do think I would have DNF’d.
Olivier the original serial killer didn’t particularly stand out to me either and just read very cliché. I had no feelings towards him, and I couldn’t care less about his character.
There were no thrills or reveals that had me giddy and it felt like the main character took us on a long ride on a case that should have been easily solved.
I saw that this is the first book in the series, which would explain why there was so many characters with a lot of subplots that seemingly abruptly ended and had no conclusion. So I am assuming the author was setting up a storyline to carry into the future books.
This wasn’t a bad read but I wish it had been a bit more exciting and less wordy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
I have not read any of this authors work before!
But I was told that this series is fantastic!
I am ready to find new auto read author!
🖤🖤🖤
The Jigsaw man is following DI Henley who must try and find a copycat killer who is killing in the same town as a former serial killer who is currently in prison and DI Henley was the one to put the original away.
Ok this was one complex hell of a read, and I must say I found myself getting confused at so many parts of the story. This is a sloooow burn and for a police procedural I was expecting a bit more of a fast paced, heavy tension within the pages but it at times felt very drawn out.
The main character was an absolute pain to follow and was so bloody unlikeable. Had it not been for the writing I do think I would have DNF’d.
Olivier the original serial killer didn’t particularly stand out to me either and just read very cliché. I had no feelings towards him, and I couldn’t care less about his character.
There were no thrills or reveals that had me giddy and it felt like the main character took us on a long ride on a case that should have been easily solved.
I saw that this is the first book in the series, which would explain why there was so many characters with a lot of subplots that seemingly abruptly ended and had no conclusion. So I am assuming the author was setting up a storyline to carry into the future books.
This wasn’t a bad read but I wish it had been a bit more exciting and less wordy.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pre read
I have not read any of this authors work before!
But I was told that this series is fantastic!
I am ready to find new auto read author!
🖤🖤🖤
August 15, 2022
Still too procedural and slow for me, but I definitely enjoyed it more on audiobook.
July 19, 2021
Dang, it!! I should have loved this one, but I couldn’t get into the tried and drawn-out storyline involving The Jigsaw Man Peter Olivier and a copycat killer. I didn’t find them compelling killers, but there is something different here from those tired and overused character types with black female Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley. She shines a light on marginalized groups, mental health, gender, sexism, and racism. I loved Henley’s strength and vulnerability that take on a convincing, human side to her with her struggles to control the anxiety attacks she experiences due to the trauma caused to her by Peter Olivier.
The crimes and killers here are disturbing and twisted with graphic scenes; however, it felt like that was the focus instead of the tension need to create an exciting climax to the story. Then things started to happen so fast that it lacked the danger and action needed to make the showdown between the characters exciting and thrilling.
I loved the strong, well-developed characters but it missed the mark with the elements to make it a compelling Police procedural for me. Even though it missed that mark, I think it is one of the better books from an author moving forward with our times. I recommend it.
I read this one with my long time reading sister Lindsay who loved it. You can her review on our blog Traveling Sisters Book Reviews
I received a copy from the publisher on EW.
The crimes and killers here are disturbing and twisted with graphic scenes; however, it felt like that was the focus instead of the tension need to create an exciting climax to the story. Then things started to happen so fast that it lacked the danger and action needed to make the showdown between the characters exciting and thrilling.
I loved the strong, well-developed characters but it missed the mark with the elements to make it a compelling Police procedural for me. Even though it missed that mark, I think it is one of the better books from an author moving forward with our times. I recommend it.
I read this one with my long time reading sister Lindsay who loved it. You can her review on our blog Traveling Sisters Book Reviews
I received a copy from the publisher on EW.
September 11, 2024
Guess what? I’ve just found the perfect mix of police procedural and serial killer thriller—two of my favorite things! From page one, it throws you right into the action with a detective team chasing a serial killer/copycat.
The plot has a juicy backstory that builds throughout the book, adding even more twists to an already exciting ride. Get ready for some serious gore—this book doesn’t hold back on the slicing, dicing, and stabbing! It’s definitely not for the squeamish, but if you’re up for it, you’ll be hooked.
The best part? The main character is a strong female detective who’s had her fair share of trauma but still kicks butt. With so many twists and turns, I could barely put the book down! Plus, I did manage to figure out the copycat killer early on (pat on the back 😆).
🚨🚨 TW: Murder, gore, panic attacks, racism, sexual assault
The plot has a juicy backstory that builds throughout the book, adding even more twists to an already exciting ride. Get ready for some serious gore—this book doesn’t hold back on the slicing, dicing, and stabbing! It’s definitely not for the squeamish, but if you’re up for it, you’ll be hooked.
The best part? The main character is a strong female detective who’s had her fair share of trauma but still kicks butt. With so many twists and turns, I could barely put the book down! Plus, I did manage to figure out the copycat killer early on (pat on the back 😆).
🚨🚨 TW: Murder, gore, panic attacks, racism, sexual assault
February 12, 2021
On the day she returns to active duty with the Serial Crimes Unit, DI Angelica Henley ia called out to a crime scene. Dismembered body parts fron two victims have been found by the river. The modus operandi bears the striking resemblance to Peter Oliver, the notorious Jigsaw Killer, who has spent the last two years behind bars. When he learns someone is co-opting his gris;y signature - the arrangement od the victims' limbs in a puzzle - piece shape - he decides to take matters into his own hands.
This is a ame of cat and mouse. The Jigsaw Killer is chasing the copycat killer who is killing in the exact ssame way. The body count is rising. We get quite a lot of backstory. Thers's violence, it's gruesome and it might not be for the faint hearted. This is a well written debut novel. My only criticism is that i felt the story could have been shorter, it draagged out for a while espically with the background information. This is a cleverly crafted story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HQ and the author #NadiineMatheson for my ARC #TheJigsawMan in exchange for an honest review
This is a ame of cat and mouse. The Jigsaw Killer is chasing the copycat killer who is killing in the exact ssame way. The body count is rising. We get quite a lot of backstory. Thers's violence, it's gruesome and it might not be for the faint hearted. This is a well written debut novel. My only criticism is that i felt the story could have been shorter, it draagged out for a while espically with the background information. This is a cleverly crafted story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HQ and the author #NadiineMatheson for my ARC #TheJigsawMan in exchange for an honest review
July 8, 2022
This a very disturbing book with a graphic intent. If you are inclined for this type of story and can get past that, the book is well articulated and written with an intelligent plot. As far as Myself, I couldn’t tolerate the body parts and rushed quickly through it not giving it a fair judgment.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC for my review and I will know next time not to step too far out of my comfort zone.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC for my review and I will know next time not to step too far out of my comfort zone.
March 14, 2021
Very long and draw out, bit disappointed with this one sadly. Character development was a little weak, didn't feel invested in the wellbeing of these characters
July 23, 2022
This is a really well written story, it is a thriller, mystery and is brutally descriptive but I really enjoyed getting to know DI Henley it tells of her personal life and how it effects it as she investigates the brutal murders of people whose body parts are being found around London.
When body parts start turning up first in the Thames River DI Henley is called back off desk duty to take charge of the investigation, she thought that she had already put the one they call the jigsaw killer, Peter Olivier behind bars two years ago, is this a copycat or someone working with Olivier but whatever it is Henley is determined to get to the truth no matter how hard it is going to be, she is still struggling with what happened two years ago.
Henley is given a trainee to help her on the case and she is not overly impressed but soon finds that they work well together and with the help from the other staff at SCU Serial Criminal Unit they are uncovering more information. She needs to visit Olivier in prison and that is not easy, they have more questions than answers.
Things get worse when firstly a head in a box turns up on Henley’s doorstep and Olivier escapes from prison, more bodies are turning up and the race is on to catch the killer or killers? What will it be and who will catch the killer?
I did really enjoy this story and I am late reading it but there is another book out very soon and I will be reading to see how things are going in Henley’s life and that of the other characters that that helped make this one a page turner, It is one that I would highly recommend, even if it is a bit gory in parts, the author digs deep into the souls of her characters on brings them to life the good ones and the bad ones.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read.
When body parts start turning up first in the Thames River DI Henley is called back off desk duty to take charge of the investigation, she thought that she had already put the one they call the jigsaw killer, Peter Olivier behind bars two years ago, is this a copycat or someone working with Olivier but whatever it is Henley is determined to get to the truth no matter how hard it is going to be, she is still struggling with what happened two years ago.
Henley is given a trainee to help her on the case and she is not overly impressed but soon finds that they work well together and with the help from the other staff at SCU Serial Criminal Unit they are uncovering more information. She needs to visit Olivier in prison and that is not easy, they have more questions than answers.
Things get worse when firstly a head in a box turns up on Henley’s doorstep and Olivier escapes from prison, more bodies are turning up and the race is on to catch the killer or killers? What will it be and who will catch the killer?
I did really enjoy this story and I am late reading it but there is another book out very soon and I will be reading to see how things are going in Henley’s life and that of the other characters that that helped make this one a page turner, It is one that I would highly recommend, even if it is a bit gory in parts, the author digs deep into the souls of her characters on brings them to life the good ones and the bad ones.
My thanks to Harlequin AU for my copy to read.
Read
May 24, 2020
September 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this book,It started slow until I got into the characters. Anjelica and Ramouter make a great team.The Jigsaw killer is in prison for brutal murders Anjelica visits him as a copycat killer needs to be caught, will she get information from him to catch this killer..Anjelica is married with a young child is she putting there lives in danger...This book is Gruesome and I couldn't put this book down.Highly recommend this book.Looking forward to book two in this series.
October 10, 2023
Anjelica Henley wordt belast met een wel heel lugubere zaak. In de buurt van de Theems worden verschillende lichaamsdelen aangetroffen, die sterk doen denken aan het werk van Peter Olivier. Echter zit deze seriemoordenaar in de zwaar beveiligde Belmarsh gevangenis en is er dus een copycat aan het werk. Het blijft ook niet bij één aan stukken gehakt lichaam. Al snel volgen er meer doden en de Serial Crime Unit heeft haar handen vol. Zeker als Peter Olivier ontsnapt en opnieuw achter Henley aangaat…
De puzzelman van Nadine Matheson is het eerste deel in de serie rond Anjelica Henley en is mijn eerste kennismaking met deze auteur. Het verhaal trok al eerder mijn aandacht omdat het me sterk deed denken aan de boeken van Chris Carter en Sam Holland. Gezien deze 2 auteurs tot mijn favorieten behoren, leek dit verhaal wel bij mij te passen. Ik begon dus wel met redelijk hoge verwachtingen aan dit boek.
De schrijfstijl sprak me sterk aan. Het boek is vlot geschreven en bevat geen al te lange hoofdstukken. Het aantal hoofdstukken deed me aanvankelijk even slikken gezien het er 102 waren. Dat belemmerde me echter niet omdat sommige hoofdstukken echt kort waren. Het boek is voor mij absoluut niet langdradig ondanks het stevige aantal bladzijden (432).
Het verhaal draait voornamelijk om 2 hoofdkarakters nl. Anjelica Henley en Salim Ramouter. Anjelica heeft al een heftige geschiedenis achter de rug doordat ze ooit oog in oog kwam te staan met seriemoordenaar Peter Olivier. Daarnaast verloor ze ook haar moeder en lijkt het met haar echtgenoot niet echt te boteren en duiken er regelmatig spanningen op. Anjelica kan af en toe wel eens een harde tante zijn en aanvankelijk vond ik haar niet zo een fijn personage. Ze kan bot uit de hoek komen en ze deed bovendien heel denigrerend t.o.v. Salim Ramouter. Naderhand kon ik haar meer vergeven als ik meer te weten kwam over haar achtergrond en verleden. Salim Ramouter is rechercheur in opleiding en heeft zijn vrouw en kind tijdelijk achtergelaten om aan de zijde van Henley de zaak van de copycat op te lossen. Salim heeft ook een rugzakje aan problemen om te torsen en ik kan hem zeker appreciëren. Hij is gebeten om bij zijn eerste grote zaak een goede indruk na te laten en bijt zich vast in de zaak.
Naast onze 2 hoofdpersonen leren we ook de leden van de SCU wat kennen en duiken er verschillende verdachten op. Daarnaast hebben we ook een goed beeld geschetst gekregen van Peter Olivier, de originele Puzzelman en over zijn handelswijze. Hij is zeer geslepen en kan zeer goed mensen naar zijn hand zetten. Mede door dit sterke personage, werd het verhaal in mijn ogen een succes.
Het verhaal startte ietwat aarzelend voor mij en ik moest er eventjes inkomen. Het begon nogal abrupt en even dacht ik een deel van de serie gemist te hebben. Er worden al vrij vroeg in het verhaal afgehakte lichaamsdelen aangetroffen en de link met de Puzzelman blijft niet lang achterwege. Vanaf dat moment worden er linken gezocht tussen het slachtoffer en Peter Olivier en naarmate het dodental oploopt, worden er heel wat veroordelingen/rechtszaken aangehaald en worden eveneens de tijdstippen aangehaald om ieders alibi te gaan checken. Soms wordt het wat warrig en moest ik even gaan graven wie wat op zijn kerfstok had of waar hij/zij zich bevond ten tijde van welke misdaad. Het is dus zeker geen boek om even snel tussendoor te gaan lezen want je moet er dus je aandacht blijvend bijhouden. De ontknoping is spannend en de staat bol van de actie. Er grijpt zoveel plaats op eenzelfde moment en we rollen van de ene scène naar de andere. Het einde is onverwacht voor mij, hoewel het geen megagrote plottwist was. Toch maakte het me benieuwd om het volgende deel in de reeks te gaan lezen. Het boek heeft me dus echt met een zeer positief gevoel achtergelaten en ik kan het thrillerlezers ten zeerste aanbevelen. Tenminste als je een sterke maag hebt, want in dit boek worden de gruwelijkheden redelijk expliciet vernoemd. Kortom, ik ben zeer lovend over de Puzzelman en heb geen seconde geaarzeld om deel 2 – De stille kamer – ook al meteen te starten.
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2023...
De puzzelman van Nadine Matheson is het eerste deel in de serie rond Anjelica Henley en is mijn eerste kennismaking met deze auteur. Het verhaal trok al eerder mijn aandacht omdat het me sterk deed denken aan de boeken van Chris Carter en Sam Holland. Gezien deze 2 auteurs tot mijn favorieten behoren, leek dit verhaal wel bij mij te passen. Ik begon dus wel met redelijk hoge verwachtingen aan dit boek.
De schrijfstijl sprak me sterk aan. Het boek is vlot geschreven en bevat geen al te lange hoofdstukken. Het aantal hoofdstukken deed me aanvankelijk even slikken gezien het er 102 waren. Dat belemmerde me echter niet omdat sommige hoofdstukken echt kort waren. Het boek is voor mij absoluut niet langdradig ondanks het stevige aantal bladzijden (432).
Het verhaal draait voornamelijk om 2 hoofdkarakters nl. Anjelica Henley en Salim Ramouter. Anjelica heeft al een heftige geschiedenis achter de rug doordat ze ooit oog in oog kwam te staan met seriemoordenaar Peter Olivier. Daarnaast verloor ze ook haar moeder en lijkt het met haar echtgenoot niet echt te boteren en duiken er regelmatig spanningen op. Anjelica kan af en toe wel eens een harde tante zijn en aanvankelijk vond ik haar niet zo een fijn personage. Ze kan bot uit de hoek komen en ze deed bovendien heel denigrerend t.o.v. Salim Ramouter. Naderhand kon ik haar meer vergeven als ik meer te weten kwam over haar achtergrond en verleden. Salim Ramouter is rechercheur in opleiding en heeft zijn vrouw en kind tijdelijk achtergelaten om aan de zijde van Henley de zaak van de copycat op te lossen. Salim heeft ook een rugzakje aan problemen om te torsen en ik kan hem zeker appreciëren. Hij is gebeten om bij zijn eerste grote zaak een goede indruk na te laten en bijt zich vast in de zaak.
Naast onze 2 hoofdpersonen leren we ook de leden van de SCU wat kennen en duiken er verschillende verdachten op. Daarnaast hebben we ook een goed beeld geschetst gekregen van Peter Olivier, de originele Puzzelman en over zijn handelswijze. Hij is zeer geslepen en kan zeer goed mensen naar zijn hand zetten. Mede door dit sterke personage, werd het verhaal in mijn ogen een succes.
Het verhaal startte ietwat aarzelend voor mij en ik moest er eventjes inkomen. Het begon nogal abrupt en even dacht ik een deel van de serie gemist te hebben. Er worden al vrij vroeg in het verhaal afgehakte lichaamsdelen aangetroffen en de link met de Puzzelman blijft niet lang achterwege. Vanaf dat moment worden er linken gezocht tussen het slachtoffer en Peter Olivier en naarmate het dodental oploopt, worden er heel wat veroordelingen/rechtszaken aangehaald en worden eveneens de tijdstippen aangehaald om ieders alibi te gaan checken. Soms wordt het wat warrig en moest ik even gaan graven wie wat op zijn kerfstok had of waar hij/zij zich bevond ten tijde van welke misdaad. Het is dus zeker geen boek om even snel tussendoor te gaan lezen want je moet er dus je aandacht blijvend bijhouden. De ontknoping is spannend en de staat bol van de actie. Er grijpt zoveel plaats op eenzelfde moment en we rollen van de ene scène naar de andere. Het einde is onverwacht voor mij, hoewel het geen megagrote plottwist was. Toch maakte het me benieuwd om het volgende deel in de reeks te gaan lezen. Het boek heeft me dus echt met een zeer positief gevoel achtergelaten en ik kan het thrillerlezers ten zeerste aanbevelen. Tenminste als je een sterke maag hebt, want in dit boek worden de gruwelijkheden redelijk expliciet vernoemd. Kortom, ik ben zeer lovend over de Puzzelman en heb geen seconde geaarzeld om deel 2 – De stille kamer – ook al meteen te starten.
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2023...
April 4, 2024
I really enjoyed the premise of this book and it gave it an extra layer over your standard serial killer books. Parts of it were quite dark but I’m looking forward to the development of the characters in the next book and hopefully a few loose threads from book 1 being closed off!
Really glad that I set myself the challenge of reading more series in 2024 as it’s lead to me discovering some incredible new authors!
Really glad that I set myself the challenge of reading more series in 2024 as it’s lead to me discovering some incredible new authors!
April 6, 2021
This was indeed a grisly story as two serial killers go head to head trying to outdo one another's death toll. Body parts, are dropped into the Thames starting Angelica Henley with her newbie partner on the trail of the killer. It all ties into a previous serial killer, caught by Henley, now in prison, aptly named The Jigsaw Man because of the method he used on his victims. Henley becomes entwined in the case after a very grisly object is awaiting her at her home. It's become personal now.
Although the story was told well, it copies so many of the other tales of serial killers and their followers. If you do like a story that flows well and tells a tale often told then this is the book you might enjoy. For me, it was a been there done that before story experience.
March 18, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE JIGSAW MAN (An Inspector Anjelica Henley Thriller Book #1) by Nadine Matheson is the first book is a new British police procedural thriller series featuring DI Anjelica Henley and the members of the Serial Crime Unit.
Body parts are found on the banks of the River Thames.
DI Anjelica Henley has been on desk duty since her return to the SCU. The body parts found are eerily similar to the last investigation she worked so she is tasked with the lead on this investigation. The Jigsaw Killer, Peter Olivier is in prison serving a life sentence. Is this a copycat or has he found a someone else to carry on his legacy?
Henley is still dealing emotionally with her last confrontation with the Jigsaw Killer as she investigates this new case. When he escapes from prison, Henley and the other members of the SCU must work to capture not one, but two serial killers as the number of body parts continues to grow and the Jigsaw Killer focuses on his revenge.
This is a dark, gritty and violent serial killer thriller that at times is graphic enough to send chills down your spine and I could not put it down. With every twist and turn of this intricate plot, I was surprised. DI Anjelica Henley is a protagonist that was completely focused on her job and finding justice for the crime victims, but her personal life is very messy. Peter Olivier, the Jigsaw Killer is brilliant and terrifying and I liked that there is a question mark surrounding his demise. All the members of her SCU team are fully fleshed and I am looking forward to reading how Ms. Matheson continues to use them in future investigations.
I highly recommend this serial killer thriller and I am looking forward to more books in this series!
THE JIGSAW MAN (An Inspector Anjelica Henley Thriller Book #1) by Nadine Matheson is the first book is a new British police procedural thriller series featuring DI Anjelica Henley and the members of the Serial Crime Unit.
Body parts are found on the banks of the River Thames.
DI Anjelica Henley has been on desk duty since her return to the SCU. The body parts found are eerily similar to the last investigation she worked so she is tasked with the lead on this investigation. The Jigsaw Killer, Peter Olivier is in prison serving a life sentence. Is this a copycat or has he found a someone else to carry on his legacy?
Henley is still dealing emotionally with her last confrontation with the Jigsaw Killer as she investigates this new case. When he escapes from prison, Henley and the other members of the SCU must work to capture not one, but two serial killers as the number of body parts continues to grow and the Jigsaw Killer focuses on his revenge.
This is a dark, gritty and violent serial killer thriller that at times is graphic enough to send chills down your spine and I could not put it down. With every twist and turn of this intricate plot, I was surprised. DI Anjelica Henley is a protagonist that was completely focused on her job and finding justice for the crime victims, but her personal life is very messy. Peter Olivier, the Jigsaw Killer is brilliant and terrifying and I liked that there is a question mark surrounding his demise. All the members of her SCU team are fully fleshed and I am looking forward to reading how Ms. Matheson continues to use them in future investigations.
I highly recommend this serial killer thriller and I am looking forward to more books in this series!
May 19, 2022
well, this fucked me up.
(it was so good.)
!! content warnings for graphic depictions of violence and death throughout
(it was so good.)
!! content warnings for graphic depictions of violence and death throughout
April 22, 2023
"We've got a case. A bunch of body parts has been scattered around the area.. Too early to say if they belong to the same victim or if there's more than one."
This is the case that will test DI Anjelica Henley like none other. Though she's still suffering the aftereffects of being attacked by a serial killer she helped put in prison, she must now visit the convict to determine if he has anything to do with the dismembered bodies that are being discovered in London.
"You've been talking to someone about what you did. How you killed those seven people, and now that person is mocking you."
This was an engrossing read, with richly developed characters whose lives outside the police department are complicated and believable.
I'll definitely be reading the sequel.
This is the case that will test DI Anjelica Henley like none other. Though she's still suffering the aftereffects of being attacked by a serial killer she helped put in prison, she must now visit the convict to determine if he has anything to do with the dismembered bodies that are being discovered in London.
"You've been talking to someone about what you did. How you killed those seven people, and now that person is mocking you."
This was an engrossing read, with richly developed characters whose lives outside the police department are complicated and believable.
I'll definitely be reading the sequel.
July 24, 2022
The Jigsaw Man is a tense and engrossing crime thriller, with a refreshingly diverse cast of characters.
I'd been looking forward to reading The Jigsaw Man since encountering author Nadine Matheson's excellent short story "The Long Con" in Vaseem Khan and Maxim Jakubowski's anthology The Perfect Crime. Matheson's debut novel more than met my high expectations - this was a really, really good read. That said, it won't be for everyone - there are a LOT of dismembered human body parts, descriptions of vicious physical attacks and corpses in varying stages of putrefaction...
Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley works for the MET Serial Crimes Unit (SCU), a small specialised team based in the otherwise deserted Greenwich Police Station, in South London. Henley has been on a protracted period of leave, followed by desk duty, after having been attacked and seriously wounded by a suspect about three years prior to the opening of The Jigsaw Man. In her first investigation back in the field, she's called to a series of three macabre crime scenes on the southern banks of the Thames at Deptford, where several members of the public have come across dumped human body parts. To add to her understandable apprehension at facing such a gruesome scene, Henley has been teamed with keen-as-mustard Trainee Detective Constable Salim Ramouter, who's on temporary re-assignment from Yorkshire. The last thing she needs while negotiating her way back to full active duty is to be responsible for an inexperienced officer, not to mention his continual questions and theories about the crimes they're investigating...
As Henley, Ramouter and the SCU uncover details of the crimes, parallels emerge that leave Henley with no alternative but to face her nemesis - notorious serial killer Peter Olivier, given the moniker "the Jigsaw Killer" by the press - who is now serving a whole of life term at Belmarsh Prison. Will Olivier provide information to help Henley catch the copycat killer, or is he leading her into a dangerous game?
Alongside the central police procedural plot, we also follow Henley and, to a lesser extent, Ramouter's personal lives. Both are dealing with significant additional pressures based around their marriages and family situations, and are well-developed into flawed, yet sympathetic and three-dimensional characters. The supporting cast of fellow SCU detectives, civilian staff and forensic specialists provide additional sub-plots, character relationships and create an enthralling fly-on-the-wall experience as the details of the gruesome crimes are elucidated.
Blurbs draw comparisons between The Jigsaw Man and Val McDermid's early crime thrillers, several of which are among my own favourite crime novels. I tend to take such comparisons with a grain of salt, but in this case I agree that they're warranted - the intuitive but tough D.I. Henley shows many characteristics in common with McDermid's D.C.I. Carol Jordan, and The Jigsaw Man boasts a similarly taut plot and dark subject matter to McDermid's Hill-Jordan series. It's also perhaps inevitable that readers have noted similarities between Henley's association with serial killer Peter Olivier and the relationship between Special Agent Clarice Starling and serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Thomas Harris's classic The Silence of the Lambs. That's not to say that I felt that The Jigsaw Man was in any sense derivative - I felt Nadine Matheson's plot and characters held their own amongst such esteemed company. As a debut novel, The Jigsaw Man is a tremendous achievement.
Imagine my delight when I discovered that, in the time it's taken me to encounter Nadine Matheson as an author and get to reading The Jigsaw Man, she's produced a sequel! The Binding Room was released early this month (July 2022) and I'll be reading it as soon as I can get my hands on a copy!
I'd been looking forward to reading The Jigsaw Man since encountering author Nadine Matheson's excellent short story "The Long Con" in Vaseem Khan and Maxim Jakubowski's anthology The Perfect Crime. Matheson's debut novel more than met my high expectations - this was a really, really good read. That said, it won't be for everyone - there are a LOT of dismembered human body parts, descriptions of vicious physical attacks and corpses in varying stages of putrefaction...
Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley works for the MET Serial Crimes Unit (SCU), a small specialised team based in the otherwise deserted Greenwich Police Station, in South London. Henley has been on a protracted period of leave, followed by desk duty, after having been attacked and seriously wounded by a suspect about three years prior to the opening of The Jigsaw Man. In her first investigation back in the field, she's called to a series of three macabre crime scenes on the southern banks of the Thames at Deptford, where several members of the public have come across dumped human body parts. To add to her understandable apprehension at facing such a gruesome scene, Henley has been teamed with keen-as-mustard Trainee Detective Constable Salim Ramouter, who's on temporary re-assignment from Yorkshire. The last thing she needs while negotiating her way back to full active duty is to be responsible for an inexperienced officer, not to mention his continual questions and theories about the crimes they're investigating...
As Henley, Ramouter and the SCU uncover details of the crimes, parallels emerge that leave Henley with no alternative but to face her nemesis - notorious serial killer Peter Olivier, given the moniker "the Jigsaw Killer" by the press - who is now serving a whole of life term at Belmarsh Prison. Will Olivier provide information to help Henley catch the copycat killer, or is he leading her into a dangerous game?
Alongside the central police procedural plot, we also follow Henley and, to a lesser extent, Ramouter's personal lives. Both are dealing with significant additional pressures based around their marriages and family situations, and are well-developed into flawed, yet sympathetic and three-dimensional characters. The supporting cast of fellow SCU detectives, civilian staff and forensic specialists provide additional sub-plots, character relationships and create an enthralling fly-on-the-wall experience as the details of the gruesome crimes are elucidated.
Blurbs draw comparisons between The Jigsaw Man and Val McDermid's early crime thrillers, several of which are among my own favourite crime novels. I tend to take such comparisons with a grain of salt, but in this case I agree that they're warranted - the intuitive but tough D.I. Henley shows many characteristics in common with McDermid's D.C.I. Carol Jordan, and The Jigsaw Man boasts a similarly taut plot and dark subject matter to McDermid's Hill-Jordan series. It's also perhaps inevitable that readers have noted similarities between Henley's association with serial killer Peter Olivier and the relationship between Special Agent Clarice Starling and serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter in Thomas Harris's classic The Silence of the Lambs. That's not to say that I felt that The Jigsaw Man was in any sense derivative - I felt Nadine Matheson's plot and characters held their own amongst such esteemed company. As a debut novel, The Jigsaw Man is a tremendous achievement.
Imagine my delight when I discovered that, in the time it's taken me to encounter Nadine Matheson as an author and get to reading The Jigsaw Man, she's produced a sequel! The Binding Room was released early this month (July 2022) and I'll be reading it as soon as I can get my hands on a copy!
did-not-finish
April 2, 2021I tried, but will cut my losses early. Never thought serial killer and mutilated bodies can be this boring.
Ch. 23/page 132/26%/3h 44m
Ch. 23/page 132/26%/3h 44m
February 2, 2021
In her gruesome debut The Jigsaw Man, Nadine Matheson has readers chasing down a horrific serial killer through the streets of London. Inspector Anjelica Henley is pulled from her desk assignment to the field when dismembered body parts from multiple victims start showing up near the river. Immediately, Henley connects the specific method of dismemberment to a previous case, Peter Oliver, the Jigsaw Killer. Thank you so much to Hanover Square Press, HarperCollins, and Nadine Matheson for this ARC that comes out on March 16th.
Peter Oliver is the reason Henley is currently working a desk job. He is a psychotic killer that went on a rampage, killing seven people before stabbing Henley and narrowly being apprehended. Oliver does not believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, however, and is enraged by someone killing in his name and using his exact method. He doesn’t need an apprentice, and decides to take matters into his own hands to be sure the imitator is stopped.
The Jigsaw Man feels like the second book in a series, because the writing flows well and Henley has a rich backstory. It’s almost like this book picks up where another book left off, and I really enjoyed that aspect of Matheson’s writing. Each of the main characters has a unique personality and life story that helps you understand and connect with them. I couldn’t help but feel the emotions of the characters and suffer right along with them.
This book is pretty gruesome and has the characteristics of a classic police procedural. The reader follows Henley into the crime squad and learns about the case at the same time she does. The relationship between Oliver and Henley reminded me of Silence of the Lambs and made my skin crawl in the best way. It has all the best aspects of a serial killer book, but is not for those with a weak stomach. The reader is transported to the mind of a killer, and taken on a twisted journey.
The balance between procedure and personal story is just right. Henley is a strong character but has her flaws as well. The ending was left open in an nontraditional way that I felt worked for the book and this specific story. It makes the reader think of all the possibilities that the future could hold for Inspector Anjelica Henley and I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next. 4-stars!
Review first available on mysteryandsuspense.com
Peter Oliver is the reason Henley is currently working a desk job. He is a psychotic killer that went on a rampage, killing seven people before stabbing Henley and narrowly being apprehended. Oliver does not believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, however, and is enraged by someone killing in his name and using his exact method. He doesn’t need an apprentice, and decides to take matters into his own hands to be sure the imitator is stopped.
The Jigsaw Man feels like the second book in a series, because the writing flows well and Henley has a rich backstory. It’s almost like this book picks up where another book left off, and I really enjoyed that aspect of Matheson’s writing. Each of the main characters has a unique personality and life story that helps you understand and connect with them. I couldn’t help but feel the emotions of the characters and suffer right along with them.
This book is pretty gruesome and has the characteristics of a classic police procedural. The reader follows Henley into the crime squad and learns about the case at the same time she does. The relationship between Oliver and Henley reminded me of Silence of the Lambs and made my skin crawl in the best way. It has all the best aspects of a serial killer book, but is not for those with a weak stomach. The reader is transported to the mind of a killer, and taken on a twisted journey.
The balance between procedure and personal story is just right. Henley is a strong character but has her flaws as well. The ending was left open in an nontraditional way that I felt worked for the book and this specific story. It makes the reader think of all the possibilities that the future could hold for Inspector Anjelica Henley and I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next. 4-stars!
Review first available on mysteryandsuspense.com
March 22, 2023
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I haven’t read a police procedural this pure and detailed in so long. If you are a fan of serial killers… wait, I don’t mean like a fan fan. That’s just weird. Get better idols, as they say. No, I mean if you are a fan of serial killer fiction – of the mystery, the psychology, the pursuit and the suspense and the twisted games – then you want to read this novel.
It is a fucking fabulous police procedural. And I don’t say shit like that very often.
You want gritty? You got it. You want fucked up? It’s coming in hot. You need detailed and immersive? Buckle your seatbelt and keep your hands in the ride at all times.
But listen to what I’m saying, this is a procedural. If you do not like being in the narrative passenger seat of a police investigation, this probably isn’t going to be for you. And that’s totally legit. Why? Because all of this shit is subjective, Donna! It’s okay that we don’t all like the same things! That’s life.
Let’s get that through our collective skulls, shall we? But I digress…
This is not a thriller. This is an investigation. And in my opinion, novels that pull off the procedural plot with this much perfection are few and far between. And it’s a debut novel? Fucking insanity.
DI Anjelica Henley was on leave after twisted serial killer, Peter Olivier, nearly killed her, leaving her traumatized, both mentally and physically. Now, two years later she’s back to work and so is a copycat killer of her arch-nemesis, Olivier – The Jigsaw Killer. It’s like a reunion! Except not a good one, more like running into your cheating ex while you’re out shopping and looking like shit. And then also, your ex tries to kill you. Or like a Real Housewives reunion. And then also, one of the housewives tries to kill you.
You know, that kind of reunion? We’ve all been there.
The author weaves a very dark, compelling murder investigation around dramatic personal issues that were just relevant enough to add a real sense of Anjelica’s full personality and life outside of her detective work, while still keeping the majority of the focus on the deranged serial killer.
Did I super care about the relationship/cheating subplot that didn’t really seem to fit? No. And I could have done without it altogether. But, the author is probably laying the groundwork for future novels. And with that in mind, I fucking love it. Give me that character development, baby!
Anjelica Henley as an MC is both unlikeable and very relatable. She feels human, robust and knowable, but has genuine moments where you don’t like her choices, but understand why she made them. The secondary characters are less tangible but are still solid enough to stand on their own.
Between the graphic serial killer murders, the onion-layered motive, the Hannibal/Clarice-style scenes between Anjelica and Olivier, and the action-packed ending, this novel literally has everything you could want in a procedural.
The only thing that occasionally popped up for me was that it dragged in the middle a little bit and it felt just a smidge too long in the end.
But overall, this is just a fucking amazing debut novel and series starter. A truly gruesome procedural
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | 4.5 stars rounded up
I haven’t read a police procedural this pure and detailed in so long. If you are a fan of serial killers… wait, I don’t mean like a fan fan. That’s just weird. Get better idols, as they say. No, I mean if you are a fan of serial killer fiction – of the mystery, the psychology, the pursuit and the suspense and the twisted games – then you want to read this novel.
It is a fucking fabulous police procedural. And I don’t say shit like that very often.
You want gritty? You got it. You want fucked up? It’s coming in hot. You need detailed and immersive? Buckle your seatbelt and keep your hands in the ride at all times.
But listen to what I’m saying, this is a procedural. If you do not like being in the narrative passenger seat of a police investigation, this probably isn’t going to be for you. And that’s totally legit. Why? Because all of this shit is subjective, Donna! It’s okay that we don’t all like the same things! That’s life.
Let’s get that through our collective skulls, shall we? But I digress…
This is not a thriller. This is an investigation. And in my opinion, novels that pull off the procedural plot with this much perfection are few and far between. And it’s a debut novel? Fucking insanity.
DI Anjelica Henley was on leave after twisted serial killer, Peter Olivier, nearly killed her, leaving her traumatized, both mentally and physically. Now, two years later she’s back to work and so is a copycat killer of her arch-nemesis, Olivier – The Jigsaw Killer. It’s like a reunion! Except not a good one, more like running into your cheating ex while you’re out shopping and looking like shit. And then also, your ex tries to kill you. Or like a Real Housewives reunion. And then also, one of the housewives tries to kill you.
You know, that kind of reunion? We’ve all been there.
The author weaves a very dark, compelling murder investigation around dramatic personal issues that were just relevant enough to add a real sense of Anjelica’s full personality and life outside of her detective work, while still keeping the majority of the focus on the deranged serial killer.
Did I super care about the relationship/cheating subplot that didn’t really seem to fit? No. And I could have done without it altogether. But, the author is probably laying the groundwork for future novels. And with that in mind, I fucking love it. Give me that character development, baby!
Anjelica Henley as an MC is both unlikeable and very relatable. She feels human, robust and knowable, but has genuine moments where you don’t like her choices, but understand why she made them. The secondary characters are less tangible but are still solid enough to stand on their own.
Between the graphic serial killer murders, the onion-layered motive, the Hannibal/Clarice-style scenes between Anjelica and Olivier, and the action-packed ending, this novel literally has everything you could want in a procedural.
The only thing that occasionally popped up for me was that it dragged in the middle a little bit and it felt just a smidge too long in the end.
But overall, this is just a fucking amazing debut novel and series starter. A truly gruesome procedural
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | 4.5 stars rounded up
April 23, 2021
This was quite a chilling thriller.
For a debut it’s excellent.
I was pleased with the writing style and I thought that the police procedural was well showcased.
There is not a lot emotion, depth or character’s development, regardless, I was totally immersed in the storyline from the very beginning.
There are some gruesome scenes that may not please some readers (and one scene of animal cruelty - a cat being kicked against a wall).
Although I enjoyed the storyline, I did not find it that original, as while reading I found some scenes, dialogues and situations similar to other books that I have read (“Silence of the Lambs”, “The Alienist”, “Irene”, “13”... just to name a few), or at least that’s the impression I had.
I also learned something new: I have never heard of “hybristophilia” (people who are sexually aroused and attracted to people who have committed cruel, gruesome crimes, for example, murder and rape). Crazy or desperation?
Overall, this was very entertaining and I hope that her next book will give us more details about the main characters, especially the excellent DI Angelica Henley.
For a debut it’s excellent.
I was pleased with the writing style and I thought that the police procedural was well showcased.
There is not a lot emotion, depth or character’s development, regardless, I was totally immersed in the storyline from the very beginning.
There are some gruesome scenes that may not please some readers (and one scene of animal cruelty - a cat being kicked against a wall).
Although I enjoyed the storyline, I did not find it that original, as while reading I found some scenes, dialogues and situations similar to other books that I have read (“Silence of the Lambs”, “The Alienist”, “Irene”, “13”... just to name a few), or at least that’s the impression I had.
I also learned something new: I have never heard of “hybristophilia” (people who are sexually aroused and attracted to people who have committed cruel, gruesome crimes, for example, murder and rape). Crazy or desperation?
Overall, this was very entertaining and I hope that her next book will give us more details about the main characters, especially the excellent DI Angelica Henley.
September 28, 2022
¿El nuevo Anibal Lecter? Sí claro, uno que te mata de aburrimiento en vez de a mordiscos.
En fin, más de lo mismo. Lento, largo, tedioso al extremo y con un final que parece que sí pero no... para nuevas entregas que no pienso leer.
Descartado.
En fin, más de lo mismo. Lento, largo, tedioso al extremo y con un final que parece que sí pero no... para nuevas entregas que no pienso leer.
Descartado.
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