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DS Nathan Cody #4
Your Deepest Fear
'...They're here. They're-'
The message on Sara Prior's phone contains the last words she will ever hear from her husband. Racing to find him, she discovers he has been brutally murdered.
While the police struggle to uncover evidence around this shocking crime, it becomes clear that Sara is no ordinary bereaved wife. And she is not the sort of woman to let things lie. Following a hidden clue in her husband's last desperate phone-call, Sara follows the trail to the house of the last person she'd expect . . .
Meanwhile DS Nathan Cody finds himself drawn into the darkest and most twisted case of his career. And this time things are about to get very very personal.
A dark, shocking and relentlessly gripping thriller will keep you up all night, until the final page has been turned.
The message on Sara Prior's phone contains the last words she will ever hear from her husband. Racing to find him, she discovers he has been brutally murdered.
While the police struggle to uncover evidence around this shocking crime, it becomes clear that Sara is no ordinary bereaved wife. And she is not the sort of woman to let things lie. Following a hidden clue in her husband's last desperate phone-call, Sara follows the trail to the house of the last person she'd expect . . .
Meanwhile DS Nathan Cody finds himself drawn into the darkest and most twisted case of his career. And this time things are about to get very very personal.
A dark, shocking and relentlessly gripping thriller will keep you up all night, until the final page has been turned.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2019
47 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
David Jackson
16 books514 followersI am the author of a series of crime thrillers featuring Irish-American NYPD Detective Callum Doyle. The first in the series, Pariah, was Highly Commended in the Crime Writers Association Debut Dagger Awards. It is published by Pan Macmillan. The follow-ups are The Helper and Marked, and I am hard at work on the fourth in the series. My writing influences include Ed McBain, Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly and Harlan Coben, amongst many others. My favourite quote about my work is one from the Guardian, now carried on the front of my novels: 'Recalls Harlan Coben - though for my money Jackson is the better writer.'
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
March 2, 2024
Your Deepest Fear 😨 by David Jackson is a taut tight gripping police procedural that I couldn’t put down, it was gritty, dark with great leading characters that had me on the edge of my seat till the end.
Set in Halewood Matthew & Sara Pryor bought a neglected house which need a lot of repairs & Matthew wasn’t a handy man by all means but by the end of the renovations he knew everything, but one day he walked out never coming back.
Now Sara is worried she gets a message on her phone from Matthew help me remember Victoria & Albert?
Sara hasn’t a clue as to what it means?
so she decides to go to Mathew’s home which is a few miles away from Sara’s & is mortified at finding Matthew dead spread eagled on the floor with nails in his hands & feet
Sara decides to go back to the house again but this time she finds someone there so she tackles him jumps out of the window & flees. In to solve the case is DCI Nathan Cody who has just come back from leave after a previous case he worked on lost his partner to someone called THE CLOWN 🤡 he tore his partners face right off & removed two toes of each foot on Cody.
Who is the clown? 🤡 & will DCI Codyget revenge on his nemesis?
I just loved this book 📕 as usual I go into book 4 first there was action from start to finish but unlike me I would start with book1 first not that I couldn’t follow it but I always start at the beginning, Cody does have baggage but I want to know more highly recommended.
Set in Halewood Matthew & Sara Pryor bought a neglected house which need a lot of repairs & Matthew wasn’t a handy man by all means but by the end of the renovations he knew everything, but one day he walked out never coming back.
Now Sara is worried she gets a message on her phone from Matthew help me remember Victoria & Albert?
Sara hasn’t a clue as to what it means?
so she decides to go to Mathew’s home which is a few miles away from Sara’s & is mortified at finding Matthew dead spread eagled on the floor with nails in his hands & feet
Sara decides to go back to the house again but this time she finds someone there so she tackles him jumps out of the window & flees. In to solve the case is DCI Nathan Cody who has just come back from leave after a previous case he worked on lost his partner to someone called THE CLOWN 🤡 he tore his partners face right off & removed two toes of each foot on Cody.
Who is the clown? 🤡 & will DCI Codyget revenge on his nemesis?
I just loved this book 📕 as usual I go into book 4 first there was action from start to finish but unlike me I would start with book1 first not that I couldn’t follow it but I always start at the beginning, Cody does have baggage but I want to know more highly recommended.
May 25, 2019
So this is a police procedural, it's actually book four in the series which I didn't initially realise and as such I do think this would be better served read in order as though I enjoyed this and it was well written the current storyline here is very connected and involved with past events.
As I read this myself as a standalone I felt this did affect my overall enjoyment as I felt slightly out of the loop regarding past exposure to certain important key elements.
So this was told from various POV but mostly Sara and Cody.
After Sara's husband is tortured and murdered in a particularly gruesome fashion she is determined to bring her husband's killers to justice.
Also, we have DS Nathan Cody on the case but because of past trauma, he is somewhat of a shell of the man he was.
These two on the surface seem to have nothing in common but Cody himself senses an affinity in Sara that he can relate and almost understand and just got to say I was in awe of Sara; that lady has some series of brass balls loved her so much even if I was a tad sceptical of her ninja skills.
Also, the clown inclusion was well creepy, I am so not a fan of clowns.
So this was fast-paced throughout and as I said I did enjoy this to a certain extent.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Your Deepest Fear.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 8, 2019
This is the second book I’ve read from the Nathan Cody series. The last one I read - don’t make a sound - was excellent and I was excited to read the latest book from the series. I thought the book was excellent. I really like Nathan. He seems like a genuine, kind but troubled guy. I warmed to him and did feel bad for him throughout the book. I liked how it had a lot of twists and some that shocked me. It was so well written and I can’t wait for the next instalment in the Nathan Cody series. I definitely recommend this. Even if you haven’t read any of the other books in the series it still works fine as a standalone. A brilliant book.
May 13, 2019
This is the fourth in the DS Nathan Cody series, following on from, “Tapping at my Door,” “Hope to Die,” and “Don’t Make a Sound.” This is very much a series novel and works much less well as a stand-alone.
For those readers who have read the previous novels, you will already be aware that Cody, and his colleague, were tortured by a group of men in clown masks, after their undercover identity was discovered during an investigation. In his mind, Cody labelled the leading clown, Waldo, and, in previous novels, we have been aware that Waldo has been playing some mind games with Cody. In this novel, events are about to escalate…
Apart from Cody’s back-story becoming central to the plot, the team are investigating the gruesome murder of a mild-mannered office worker. Separated from his wife, Sara, she returns home from a visit to her family to find a panicked message from him on her answer-phone and discovers his body. Cody is side-lined from this investigation and forced to see a psychiatrist. However, he immediately feels a kinship with Sara, who is determined to investigate herself and find answers to what happened to her husband.
This is a novel about secrets and facing your fears. I understand why the author felt he needed to address Cody’s past, but hope that this does not take over the entire series. I do feel crime novels have to strike a delicate balance between interest in the characters (and this series has great characters) and creating interesting crimes for them to investigate. Although I did not feel this was the best so far, I enjoyed the dark humour, and I look forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
For those readers who have read the previous novels, you will already be aware that Cody, and his colleague, were tortured by a group of men in clown masks, after their undercover identity was discovered during an investigation. In his mind, Cody labelled the leading clown, Waldo, and, in previous novels, we have been aware that Waldo has been playing some mind games with Cody. In this novel, events are about to escalate…
Apart from Cody’s back-story becoming central to the plot, the team are investigating the gruesome murder of a mild-mannered office worker. Separated from his wife, Sara, she returns home from a visit to her family to find a panicked message from him on her answer-phone and discovers his body. Cody is side-lined from this investigation and forced to see a psychiatrist. However, he immediately feels a kinship with Sara, who is determined to investigate herself and find answers to what happened to her husband.
This is a novel about secrets and facing your fears. I understand why the author felt he needed to address Cody’s past, but hope that this does not take over the entire series. I do feel crime novels have to strike a delicate balance between interest in the characters (and this series has great characters) and creating interesting crimes for them to investigate. Although I did not feel this was the best so far, I enjoyed the dark humour, and I look forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
November 20, 2019
Another gruesome and dark book, veey fast paced. Not my favourite of this series but I enjoyed it. Poor Cody, he really is broken isn't he
May 27, 2019
Your Deepest Fear is the fourth instalment in the DS Nathan Cody series and … bloody hell! I’m in need of a drink. Or an oxygen tank. I feel absolutely drained.
This book is a little different from its predecessors, in that it isn’t all about Cody. Sara Prior’s estranged husband is found brutally murdered at his home, his naked body nailed to the floor. Due to events from the previous books, Cody finds himself somewhat sidelined in this investigation but not to worry, because we have a kick-ass and fierce Sara Prior who will dig deep and try to figure out what happened to her husband.
Meanwhile Cody is being taunted by his biggest nemesis. The clown. This person is by far one of the creepiest and most chilling characters I’ve ever met. Manipulative, pulling Cody’s strings and playing games … there is just no way of knowing what he’ll do next. Only that it won’t be anything good.
I do so love it when an author has no qualms whatsoever in putting their main character through the wringer, and the reader right alongside with him. After three books, I, as the reader, have become incredibly invested in Cody. The reader is aware of his struggles and issues and to see him suffer even more, to be pulled down to the depths of despair, utterly broken … well, it hurts. Now, don’t despair! If you’re new to this series, you can read this as a stand-alone. There is enough background to fill you in on what went on before but not so much that it’ll bore fans of the series to tears. It’s a tough balance to achieve but I feel David Jackson managed it perfectly.
I kept expecting Sara’s and Cody’s investigations to converge at some point but when they did, I was not at all prepared for what happened. Mind blown to smithereens! Just awesome! Part of me was happy in finally getting some answers, the other part has so many questions that I don’t even know where to start.
Your Deepest Fear is dark, disturbing and insanely tense. It’s so fast paced, it almost felt relentless at times and left me in desperate need of a breather. My heart was pounding, my hands were clammy and I was trying extremely hard to figure out how it would all end. Obviously I’m not telling you that but I will say that it has left me wanting more and I have no doubt it will have the same effect on you!
What an incredible addition to an already outstanding series! I dare say this is even the best one yet and I urge you all to read this series, if you’re not doing so already. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait to see where David Jackson takes DS Nathan Cody next.
This book is a little different from its predecessors, in that it isn’t all about Cody. Sara Prior’s estranged husband is found brutally murdered at his home, his naked body nailed to the floor. Due to events from the previous books, Cody finds himself somewhat sidelined in this investigation but not to worry, because we have a kick-ass and fierce Sara Prior who will dig deep and try to figure out what happened to her husband.
Meanwhile Cody is being taunted by his biggest nemesis. The clown. This person is by far one of the creepiest and most chilling characters I’ve ever met. Manipulative, pulling Cody’s strings and playing games … there is just no way of knowing what he’ll do next. Only that it won’t be anything good.
I do so love it when an author has no qualms whatsoever in putting their main character through the wringer, and the reader right alongside with him. After three books, I, as the reader, have become incredibly invested in Cody. The reader is aware of his struggles and issues and to see him suffer even more, to be pulled down to the depths of despair, utterly broken … well, it hurts. Now, don’t despair! If you’re new to this series, you can read this as a stand-alone. There is enough background to fill you in on what went on before but not so much that it’ll bore fans of the series to tears. It’s a tough balance to achieve but I feel David Jackson managed it perfectly.
I kept expecting Sara’s and Cody’s investigations to converge at some point but when they did, I was not at all prepared for what happened. Mind blown to smithereens! Just awesome! Part of me was happy in finally getting some answers, the other part has so many questions that I don’t even know where to start.
Your Deepest Fear is dark, disturbing and insanely tense. It’s so fast paced, it almost felt relentless at times and left me in desperate need of a breather. My heart was pounding, my hands were clammy and I was trying extremely hard to figure out how it would all end. Obviously I’m not telling you that but I will say that it has left me wanting more and I have no doubt it will have the same effect on you!
What an incredible addition to an already outstanding series! I dare say this is even the best one yet and I urge you all to read this series, if you’re not doing so already. I highly recommend it and I can’t wait to see where David Jackson takes DS Nathan Cody next.
May 5, 2019
David Jackson is one crime author that I can get into every one of his books. I make sure that I read every new book that he writes. If any readers hasn't read a book by David Jackson I do highly recommend this author to you. I loved every page of Your Deepest Fear. Sara and Matthew have been married for a few years, but decided to live apart and remain good friend. Sara often visited Matthew. When Sara returns from a short break in Copenhagen, she listens to her phone voice messages. One message is from Matthew saying in a voice of terror Sara remember Victoria and Albert, then the line went dead. With panic Sara drives to Matthews house. His house is a mess with everything scattered across the floor. Sadly Sara finds Matthew dead. What I liked about Sara's character, is that she is strong and smart, she is determined to find out who killed her husband and why, and she wants to find out who is Victoria and Albert. I had butterflies in stomach as Sara comes into contact with some heavy violent men, while searching for her husband's killer.
May 16, 2019
Your Deepest Fear is the fourth psychological thriller in the DS Nathan Cody series, and what a cracking read it is. It's a long time since I've read a thriller so addictive and intensely gripping the I ended up taking the phone off the hook and ignoring my life for the nail-biting couple of hours I spent enjoying it. It has a dark, disturbing plot with a truly brutal murder and a wonderful mystery about it which stems from the curious message left on the answering machine.
Although part of a (fantastic) series each of these instalments can be read as a standalone as you learn enough information about the recurring characters to understand them nicely. The cast and the story are deepened with every turn of the page and given the number of shocking, exhilarating and truly gobsmacking reveals throughout this is a must-read for crime, mystery, thriller and psychological suspense fans. I cannot wait for the next instalment. More, please! Many thanks to Zaffre for an ARC.
Although part of a (fantastic) series each of these instalments can be read as a standalone as you learn enough information about the recurring characters to understand them nicely. The cast and the story are deepened with every turn of the page and given the number of shocking, exhilarating and truly gobsmacking reveals throughout this is a must-read for crime, mystery, thriller and psychological suspense fans. I cannot wait for the next instalment. More, please! Many thanks to Zaffre for an ARC.
December 10, 2019
A 100% mind-twisting thriller!
There are often roller coaster ride comments about books but this one epitomises the sheer highs/lows, terror/relief moments of a ride. You want to be on it, you know it’s going to scare the begeesus out of you but it has to end...thank goodness. I’ve walked away from this one still quivering.
DS Nathan Cody is haunted by his past attackers, the demonic clown/s. The mind-games permeate the entire novel, Including the horrific opening crime scene. Jackson’s ability to intertwine the plots, themes, characters and process are first-rate. The sheer brilliance of bringing everything together is in itself a worthwhile read.
This would read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend the series. I may need a very stiff drink now and one before the next instalment.
There are often roller coaster ride comments about books but this one epitomises the sheer highs/lows, terror/relief moments of a ride. You want to be on it, you know it’s going to scare the begeesus out of you but it has to end...thank goodness. I’ve walked away from this one still quivering.
DS Nathan Cody is haunted by his past attackers, the demonic clown/s. The mind-games permeate the entire novel, Including the horrific opening crime scene. Jackson’s ability to intertwine the plots, themes, characters and process are first-rate. The sheer brilliance of bringing everything together is in itself a worthwhile read.
This would read as a stand-alone but I highly recommend the series. I may need a very stiff drink now and one before the next instalment.
March 18, 2019
Absolutely brilliant addition to the series, a twisty, scary tale with a huge addictive quality that makes you race through the pages even though it is inordinately creepy. Sleep with the lights on!
Clowns. That is all.
Full review to follow for the tour.
Clowns. That is all.
Full review to follow for the tour.
March 23, 2019
For anyone new to this authors books, Your Deepest Fear is a novel in the DS Nathan Cody crime series. It does read well as a standalone but I reckon you will be rushing off to buy the others after this one, which are just as fantastic believe me!
The author gives us a great mix of the case that Cody is working on as well as more closer to home, involving what happened to Cody in the past. I loved reading both threads, especially the one to do with what happened to Cody previously leaving him to be the damaged man he is today. I really makes for some gripping reading.
I loved Sara’s character in the story. There is just something about a strong female role that really appeals. Maybe it’s because a little bit of me would love to be like her. She really is a force to be reckoned with and I loved her determination.
Your Deepest Fear is a great addition to the already brilliant series. A lot of the story focuses on Cody, of which fans are going to love. There was a hint of humour in places and I particularly loved the scene in the shoe shop. It’s hard to really delve into this story without giving to much away, but, this is yet another twisted, thrill of a read that will have you pounding through the pages. Dark and oh so chilling. Loved it!
My thanks to Tracy Fenton, NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The author gives us a great mix of the case that Cody is working on as well as more closer to home, involving what happened to Cody in the past. I loved reading both threads, especially the one to do with what happened to Cody previously leaving him to be the damaged man he is today. I really makes for some gripping reading.
I loved Sara’s character in the story. There is just something about a strong female role that really appeals. Maybe it’s because a little bit of me would love to be like her. She really is a force to be reckoned with and I loved her determination.
Your Deepest Fear is a great addition to the already brilliant series. A lot of the story focuses on Cody, of which fans are going to love. There was a hint of humour in places and I particularly loved the scene in the shoe shop. It’s hard to really delve into this story without giving to much away, but, this is yet another twisted, thrill of a read that will have you pounding through the pages. Dark and oh so chilling. Loved it!
My thanks to Tracy Fenton, NetGalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
July 5, 2019
I’m a huge fan of the DS Nathan Cody series, and when I saw that there was a new installment I was thrilled! It felt like I had been waiting for AGES for it, but it was definitely worth it!
Your Deepest Fear sees Cody investigating a murder where the bereaved wife is displaying rather unusual tendencies. Not upset when she should be, and quite secretive at times. This leads Cody to thinking there is more than meets the eye with Sara. The reader gets glimpses into Sara’s train of thought, and as she becomes almost vigilante-like in her quest for justice for her murdered husband, even Cody is pulled into it unknowingly.
Parallel to this, and I’m mindful of spoilers here, Cody has his own problems. Issues in his past have led him to experience some emotional turmoil, and he’s still feeling the effects. Terrifyingly, his past is coming back to haunt him in a big way in Your Deepest Fear.
I’ve never seen him as vulnerable as he is in this book, and it works really well. You get a deeper insight into how his mind is working almost overtime to keep on top of everything and processing what’s happening around him in this book.
Your Deepest Fear is a supremely satisfying thriller. It gives you the creeps, pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let you go until the bitter end. It is clever, dark and downright scary.
I LOVED IT!
Highly recommended, as always!
Your Deepest Fear sees Cody investigating a murder where the bereaved wife is displaying rather unusual tendencies. Not upset when she should be, and quite secretive at times. This leads Cody to thinking there is more than meets the eye with Sara. The reader gets glimpses into Sara’s train of thought, and as she becomes almost vigilante-like in her quest for justice for her murdered husband, even Cody is pulled into it unknowingly.
Parallel to this, and I’m mindful of spoilers here, Cody has his own problems. Issues in his past have led him to experience some emotional turmoil, and he’s still feeling the effects. Terrifyingly, his past is coming back to haunt him in a big way in Your Deepest Fear.
I’ve never seen him as vulnerable as he is in this book, and it works really well. You get a deeper insight into how his mind is working almost overtime to keep on top of everything and processing what’s happening around him in this book.
Your Deepest Fear is a supremely satisfying thriller. It gives you the creeps, pulls you in immediately and doesn’t let you go until the bitter end. It is clever, dark and downright scary.
I LOVED IT!
Highly recommended, as always!
April 24, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advance copy of Your Deepest Fear, the fourth novel to feature DS Nathan Cody of the Liverpool police.
Cody and the team have a new case, the brutal murder of Matthew Prior. They are alerted when Matthew’s wife Sara finds his body after receiving a cryptic voicemail from him which warns her not to contact the police. Cody’s attention, however, is not on the case as the clowns who attacked him a few years ago are back in contact.
I enjoyed Your Deepest Fear which is more psychological thriller than police procedural. There are two strands to the novel, Sara’s efforts to uncover Matthew’s killer and Cody’s mental battle with the chief clown whom he has called Waldo, so the narrative switches between the two. I really liked Sara’s adventures as she’s a kickass heroine who isn’t afraid to mix it up but I must admit that Cody’s story left me cold for various reasons. Firstly I’m not a big fan of ongoing plot lines - investigate, solve and move on is my mantra - and this has now spanned four novels with no sign of a resolution although, admittedly, in this novel it moves on at a far greater pace. Secondly I cannot follow Cody’s thought processes on it. Why keep it all secret to the detriment of his mental health when he could share it with his boss and investigate properly? Lastly it is never entertaining to watch a character you want to identify with disintegrate in front of your eyes and seem so helpless. Having said that Waldo is a cruel psychopath and an excellent creation. His torture is refined and diabolical. No matter, the twists at the end of the novel are excellent and cancel out any previous doubts.
I may have mentioned that Cody is a troubled individual. Normally he is also a top notch investigator but not in this novel. This is all about his descent into hell and his deteriorating mental state. It’s perhaps not the most plausible of plot lines but it’s fascinating in its sadism and tortuous logic. Cody becomes a puppet to be manipulated rather than a proactive actor. It’s an interesting shift in perspective.
Your Deepest Fear is a good read.
Cody and the team have a new case, the brutal murder of Matthew Prior. They are alerted when Matthew’s wife Sara finds his body after receiving a cryptic voicemail from him which warns her not to contact the police. Cody’s attention, however, is not on the case as the clowns who attacked him a few years ago are back in contact.
I enjoyed Your Deepest Fear which is more psychological thriller than police procedural. There are two strands to the novel, Sara’s efforts to uncover Matthew’s killer and Cody’s mental battle with the chief clown whom he has called Waldo, so the narrative switches between the two. I really liked Sara’s adventures as she’s a kickass heroine who isn’t afraid to mix it up but I must admit that Cody’s story left me cold for various reasons. Firstly I’m not a big fan of ongoing plot lines - investigate, solve and move on is my mantra - and this has now spanned four novels with no sign of a resolution although, admittedly, in this novel it moves on at a far greater pace. Secondly I cannot follow Cody’s thought processes on it. Why keep it all secret to the detriment of his mental health when he could share it with his boss and investigate properly? Lastly it is never entertaining to watch a character you want to identify with disintegrate in front of your eyes and seem so helpless. Having said that Waldo is a cruel psychopath and an excellent creation. His torture is refined and diabolical. No matter, the twists at the end of the novel are excellent and cancel out any previous doubts.
I may have mentioned that Cody is a troubled individual. Normally he is also a top notch investigator but not in this novel. This is all about his descent into hell and his deteriorating mental state. It’s perhaps not the most plausible of plot lines but it’s fascinating in its sadism and tortuous logic. Cody becomes a puppet to be manipulated rather than a proactive actor. It’s an interesting shift in perspective.
Your Deepest Fear is a good read.
May 9, 2019
This is a brilliantly gruesome crime thriller.
I loved the way the story came together and really felt for Cody who is investigating a murder, whilst trying to deal with his own past.
His boss tells him to see a psychologist to ensure he’s fit for duty and when he starts to talk over something that happened to him he struggles to cope.
Events soon take over though and Cody has more to worry about than whether his boss thinks he’s fit for duty.
Sara is adamant that her husband’s killer be found and starts her own investigation. Soon she realises her husband was involved in something seriously dangerous and whilst she can take care of herself, she’s soon frightened for her life.
Cody has spoken to Sara several times during the investigation but is unaware of the enquiries she’s been carrying out, and does not know how close she’s got to tracking down the murderer.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I loved the way the story came together and really felt for Cody who is investigating a murder, whilst trying to deal with his own past.
His boss tells him to see a psychologist to ensure he’s fit for duty and when he starts to talk over something that happened to him he struggles to cope.
Events soon take over though and Cody has more to worry about than whether his boss thinks he’s fit for duty.
Sara is adamant that her husband’s killer be found and starts her own investigation. Soon she realises her husband was involved in something seriously dangerous and whilst she can take care of herself, she’s soon frightened for her life.
Cody has spoken to Sara several times during the investigation but is unaware of the enquiries she’s been carrying out, and does not know how close she’s got to tracking down the murderer.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Thanks to Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 16, 2019
Thanks to Readers First, Zaffre and David Jackson for the free copy in exchange for an honest review. This was utterly frightening! I couldn’t put it down! This was everything I love in a book. Very fast pace. The book starts off with Sara Prior, she has recently broken up with her husband, Matthew. After visiting her parents in Copenhagen she comes home to a very strange message on her answer phone from Matthew. As she goes to his house to investigate, she finds Matthews body, he has been crucified.. As Sara starts to investigate herself, the case starts to get personal and very twisted for DS Nathan Cody. This really reminded me of Criminal Minds tv series! It was one of those books were it’s a bit creepy and you turn around to see if theres any one standing behind you, ha! I felt really invested in the main character DS Nathan Cody, he’s a very likeable character and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to him in the next book. This book is a very good psychological thriller! Defo a one to read! I’d give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 out of 5!
August 12, 2025
⭐3 stars⭐
🤡 short chapters
🤡 nice writing style
🤡 check TW
🤡 3rd person
🤡 short chapters
🤡 nice writing style
🤡 check TW
🤡 3rd person
May 21, 2019
Which is your deepest fear? This is a question that has popped to my mind a few times during the story. I would not like to be in the skin of our main character, DS Nathan Cody, he will investigate one of the worst cases in his life.
This story is a mental game between the “culprit” and detective Cody; because this is a personal case, his worst nightmare; the clowns! I know that if you are not following the series you will not know what this mean, simply they will play a dangerous game with Cody, the main question is: Who will win?
I was a little surprised with this story; is not really an investigation as I am used to read; there are two stories on this read. On one side we have the weird situation of DS Nathan Cody who after what happened in his last case, his bosses decided to make him do some therapy and office work; while he is receiving some weird calls. And on the other side we have the wife of the victim who is ready to discover the truth without the help of the police.
This book has some bloody scenes and a little hardcore, I closed my eyes a few times trying to block the pain of the victims… the “killer” doesn’t have empahty at all, let’s be honest.
I was a little bit sad about the ending, but I suppose that’s why this book is part of a series, you’ll know more in the next book. Don’t missunderstand me, the case has an ending, but not the personal situation, it’s in a perfect situation for another book to solve it!
Be prepared to face Your Deepest Fear; ready?
This story is a mental game between the “culprit” and detective Cody; because this is a personal case, his worst nightmare; the clowns! I know that if you are not following the series you will not know what this mean, simply they will play a dangerous game with Cody, the main question is: Who will win?
I was a little surprised with this story; is not really an investigation as I am used to read; there are two stories on this read. On one side we have the weird situation of DS Nathan Cody who after what happened in his last case, his bosses decided to make him do some therapy and office work; while he is receiving some weird calls. And on the other side we have the wife of the victim who is ready to discover the truth without the help of the police.
This book has some bloody scenes and a little hardcore, I closed my eyes a few times trying to block the pain of the victims… the “killer” doesn’t have empahty at all, let’s be honest.
I was a little bit sad about the ending, but I suppose that’s why this book is part of a series, you’ll know more in the next book. Don’t missunderstand me, the case has an ending, but not the personal situation, it’s in a perfect situation for another book to solve it!
Be prepared to face Your Deepest Fear; ready?
May 12, 2019
Immersive and rather surreal crime thriller with a damaged detective out to slay his demons and a bereaved vigilante wife!
Despite being a late entrant to this series featuring damaged DS Nathan Cody of the Liverpool Police Major Incident Team and only having read the third in the series, I found it an absolute page-turner extraordinaire with a memorably gripping atmosphere. This fourth instalment, Your Deepest Fear, is a similarly infectious novel and a mix of psychological thriller and vigilante crusade! Although Nathan Cody is the lead protagonist this story rather does away with his police colleagues and there is far less of an actual investigative side to the case which may well disappoint readers hooked by the synopsis. Your Deepest Fear continues with the recurring theme of the first novel in the series and Cody’s brutal undercover experience when his partner lost his life and Cody lost several toes to a quartet of predators disguised as clowns. Despite not having read this story, the third novel gave enough of an outline to appreciate Cody’s troubled history and mental demons but some knowledge of Cody’s predicament rather than reading as a stand-alone is advised.
The story begins in earnest with DS Nathan Cody returning to work after an enforced leave of absence and being hospitalised in the team’s previous harrowing child abduction investigation. Restricted from going anywhere near crime scenes involving fatalities until he is given the all clear and confirmed mentally sound for duty by his boss, Cody is forced by his boss, DCI Stella Blunt, to see psychologist, Gem Falstaff, in order to rule out post-traumatic stress disorder. When the brutal murder of an introverted and self-conscious tax office e-learning analyst, Matthew Prior, gives the team a new focus it is the cryptic message left on the answerphone of his recently estranged but devoted wife, Sara, and her reports of his increasingly distant and depressed behaviour that provide the only clues to his murder. But with the team believing Sara knows more than she is revealing and Cody sent to interview her alone he feels a certain affinity when he learns of her past in the military and recognises a woman suffering with her own demons. Matthew’s colleagues paint a picture of a self-contained and diligent employee and with his computer the only missing item, feisty Sara attempts to make sense of Matthew’s final message and her vigilante antics come to Cody’s attention. However, with Cody’s convinced that Sara Prior is not responsible for her husband’s murder and his clown nemesis making the first of a series of crippling appearances and pushing him to the brink, he in danger of losing his sanity, career and liberty and drawn into a game of cat and mouse.
The narrative is comprised of a shifting perspective which allows the reader to appreciate Cody juggling the twisted clowns riding roughshod in his life with the struggle to appear stable at work, and bereaved widow taking her own route to obtaining justice for Matthew by tracking down his killers. Boss DCI Stella Blunt and ex-girlfriend and police partner, DC Megan Webley, seem to have little involvement in the storyline and despite developing the character of civilian intelligence analyst and Cody admirer, Grace Meade, I was disappointed to miss out on Cody’s fascinating relationship with his boss and often frank honesty with DC Webley. As a reader I did not feel that the exploits of Cody in Your Deepest Fear significantly developed his character on the previous instalments and I would have preferred to see him fully focused on a case and working alongside his realistic team of colleagues.
Despite the infectious appeal of the two threads, one charting Sara Prior’s quest to find her husband’s killer and discover the reason he was brutally murdered, and Cody hunting down the torturing clown in chief, I felt the resolution to the case was disappointing. Not only do Sara’s antics fail to be picked up on by Cody’s wider team there is a rather fudged denouement which the police team and Sara seem to accept. Frankly I also found the eventual motive behind Matthew’s murder difficult to swallow and despite the reader only getting a feel for his character in hindsight I didn’t feel that his character arc felt credible. Why Cody never shared his knowledge of Sara going vigilante or his own plight with his wider team left me sceptical that he really is the brilliant detective he if often proclaimed to be and in truth, Sara Prior does as much investigative work as Cody who merely follows a trail of crumbs in a game conceived by a fearless and superior opponent in Waldo. With the journeys of Cody and Sara Prior dictated by the people responsible for their situations the two characters are reactive as opposed to proactive and each of them become embroiled in a dangerous situations and out of their depth.
Not only is the writing hugely descriptive making it apparent just how vivid David Jackson’s imagination is, but for original and nightmarish twists he certainly takes some beating too. However, I confess that the stand out aspect of the story was the humour throughout a decidedly dark journey and ballsy Danish widow, Sara Prior, who interprets the British sense of humour literally and takes no prisoners. With crime fiction often featuring neurotic females or women victims it is a pleasant and much appreciated change to encounter a character with an unusual background and different mindset to the norm. Recommended for readers looking for an original and fast-paced adventure and less of a police procedural than a surreal exploration of a detectives very darkest fears. Whether the two narratives come together and marry up remains shrouded in doubt until the very last moments but an incredibly surprising denouement is well worth waiting for.. An entertaining blast of action in the crowded crime fiction marketplace.
With thanks to Readers First who provided me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Despite being a late entrant to this series featuring damaged DS Nathan Cody of the Liverpool Police Major Incident Team and only having read the third in the series, I found it an absolute page-turner extraordinaire with a memorably gripping atmosphere. This fourth instalment, Your Deepest Fear, is a similarly infectious novel and a mix of psychological thriller and vigilante crusade! Although Nathan Cody is the lead protagonist this story rather does away with his police colleagues and there is far less of an actual investigative side to the case which may well disappoint readers hooked by the synopsis. Your Deepest Fear continues with the recurring theme of the first novel in the series and Cody’s brutal undercover experience when his partner lost his life and Cody lost several toes to a quartet of predators disguised as clowns. Despite not having read this story, the third novel gave enough of an outline to appreciate Cody’s troubled history and mental demons but some knowledge of Cody’s predicament rather than reading as a stand-alone is advised.
The story begins in earnest with DS Nathan Cody returning to work after an enforced leave of absence and being hospitalised in the team’s previous harrowing child abduction investigation. Restricted from going anywhere near crime scenes involving fatalities until he is given the all clear and confirmed mentally sound for duty by his boss, Cody is forced by his boss, DCI Stella Blunt, to see psychologist, Gem Falstaff, in order to rule out post-traumatic stress disorder. When the brutal murder of an introverted and self-conscious tax office e-learning analyst, Matthew Prior, gives the team a new focus it is the cryptic message left on the answerphone of his recently estranged but devoted wife, Sara, and her reports of his increasingly distant and depressed behaviour that provide the only clues to his murder. But with the team believing Sara knows more than she is revealing and Cody sent to interview her alone he feels a certain affinity when he learns of her past in the military and recognises a woman suffering with her own demons. Matthew’s colleagues paint a picture of a self-contained and diligent employee and with his computer the only missing item, feisty Sara attempts to make sense of Matthew’s final message and her vigilante antics come to Cody’s attention. However, with Cody’s convinced that Sara Prior is not responsible for her husband’s murder and his clown nemesis making the first of a series of crippling appearances and pushing him to the brink, he in danger of losing his sanity, career and liberty and drawn into a game of cat and mouse.
The narrative is comprised of a shifting perspective which allows the reader to appreciate Cody juggling the twisted clowns riding roughshod in his life with the struggle to appear stable at work, and bereaved widow taking her own route to obtaining justice for Matthew by tracking down his killers. Boss DCI Stella Blunt and ex-girlfriend and police partner, DC Megan Webley, seem to have little involvement in the storyline and despite developing the character of civilian intelligence analyst and Cody admirer, Grace Meade, I was disappointed to miss out on Cody’s fascinating relationship with his boss and often frank honesty with DC Webley. As a reader I did not feel that the exploits of Cody in Your Deepest Fear significantly developed his character on the previous instalments and I would have preferred to see him fully focused on a case and working alongside his realistic team of colleagues.
Despite the infectious appeal of the two threads, one charting Sara Prior’s quest to find her husband’s killer and discover the reason he was brutally murdered, and Cody hunting down the torturing clown in chief, I felt the resolution to the case was disappointing. Not only do Sara’s antics fail to be picked up on by Cody’s wider team there is a rather fudged denouement which the police team and Sara seem to accept. Frankly I also found the eventual motive behind Matthew’s murder difficult to swallow and despite the reader only getting a feel for his character in hindsight I didn’t feel that his character arc felt credible. Why Cody never shared his knowledge of Sara going vigilante or his own plight with his wider team left me sceptical that he really is the brilliant detective he if often proclaimed to be and in truth, Sara Prior does as much investigative work as Cody who merely follows a trail of crumbs in a game conceived by a fearless and superior opponent in Waldo. With the journeys of Cody and Sara Prior dictated by the people responsible for their situations the two characters are reactive as opposed to proactive and each of them become embroiled in a dangerous situations and out of their depth.
Not only is the writing hugely descriptive making it apparent just how vivid David Jackson’s imagination is, but for original and nightmarish twists he certainly takes some beating too. However, I confess that the stand out aspect of the story was the humour throughout a decidedly dark journey and ballsy Danish widow, Sara Prior, who interprets the British sense of humour literally and takes no prisoners. With crime fiction often featuring neurotic females or women victims it is a pleasant and much appreciated change to encounter a character with an unusual background and different mindset to the norm. Recommended for readers looking for an original and fast-paced adventure and less of a police procedural than a surreal exploration of a detectives very darkest fears. Whether the two narratives come together and marry up remains shrouded in doubt until the very last moments but an incredibly surprising denouement is well worth waiting for.. An entertaining blast of action in the crowded crime fiction marketplace.
With thanks to Readers First who provided me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 22, 2020
Thanks to Bonnier books and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This is the second psychological thriller in the DS Nathan Cody series,. I wanted to read the first book in this series before I read this one to get to know the character a little and I'm glad I did, as definitely helps with the storyline
Nathan Cody and his team have a new case, - the brutal murder of Matthew Prior. They are alerted when Matthew’s wife Sara finds his body in an unusual position after receiving a cryptic voicemail from him that warns her not to contact the police. Cody however, has his mind elsewhere as I believe a character (possibly from a previous book is in contact with him and seems to know what he's up to.
An enjoyable and slightly creepy ride.
This is the second psychological thriller in the DS Nathan Cody series,. I wanted to read the first book in this series before I read this one to get to know the character a little and I'm glad I did, as definitely helps with the storyline
Nathan Cody and his team have a new case, - the brutal murder of Matthew Prior. They are alerted when Matthew’s wife Sara finds his body in an unusual position after receiving a cryptic voicemail from him that warns her not to contact the police. Cody however, has his mind elsewhere as I believe a character (possibly from a previous book is in contact with him and seems to know what he's up to.
An enjoyable and slightly creepy ride.
May 13, 2019
I love Nathan Cody! I’m not however a big fan of clowns and I guarantee that you won’t be either after you’ve reached the end of Your Deepest Fear! So now that I’ve handed out that trigger warning for all you coulrophobics out there, let me tell you all the reasons why you need to read this latest in the Nathan Cody series by David Jackson! You don’t have to have read the previous books in the series (although you really should as they are absolutely brilliant!!) but it may help you here to understand why clowns play such a huge part in Cody’s life and why his fear is to be completely expected after what he has been through!
Your Deepest Fear brings to a head events that have haunted Cody since his first outing in A Tapping at my Door. Whilst investigating the murder of Sara Priors husband in a violent and sustained attack, he becomes aware of a connection that falls a little bit too close to home for him and it leads to some very shocking home truths! And I loved how David Jackson lulled me into a false sense of security before hitting me right between the eyes with the unexpected twists. This is one of my favourite series and every book has been leading both the reader and DS Cody to this point so I was gripped from the moment I picked this up, even though I’ve never been a huge fan of clowns myself! I think that one of the reasons they give people the creeps is that it’s impossible to read them due to the masks or face paint that they wear so you never know what to expect-which is probably not a bad thing for poor old Nathan Cody here!!
I flew through this book desperate to discover the truth about the murder of Sara’s husband but more importantly, to see how far Cody could be pushed and whether or not he could survive the biggest threat to his career so far (if he actually has one!!). That sounds really horrible of me doesn’t it, especially considering how much I say I LOVE Nathan Cody! But I’ve been looking forward so much to finding out more about what happened to him “that night” and this book perfectly picks up all those pieces and rearranges them the right way up this time!
Your Deepest Fear is darkly gripping crime thriller with a brilliantly written plot and a flawed but likeable main character. I love David Jackson’s books and really look forward to each new one when it appears. If you’ve never read any of his books before YOU MUST!!! You can thank me later because I know you’ll love them just as much as I do!
Your Deepest Fear brings to a head events that have haunted Cody since his first outing in A Tapping at my Door. Whilst investigating the murder of Sara Priors husband in a violent and sustained attack, he becomes aware of a connection that falls a little bit too close to home for him and it leads to some very shocking home truths! And I loved how David Jackson lulled me into a false sense of security before hitting me right between the eyes with the unexpected twists. This is one of my favourite series and every book has been leading both the reader and DS Cody to this point so I was gripped from the moment I picked this up, even though I’ve never been a huge fan of clowns myself! I think that one of the reasons they give people the creeps is that it’s impossible to read them due to the masks or face paint that they wear so you never know what to expect-which is probably not a bad thing for poor old Nathan Cody here!!
I flew through this book desperate to discover the truth about the murder of Sara’s husband but more importantly, to see how far Cody could be pushed and whether or not he could survive the biggest threat to his career so far (if he actually has one!!). That sounds really horrible of me doesn’t it, especially considering how much I say I LOVE Nathan Cody! But I’ve been looking forward so much to finding out more about what happened to him “that night” and this book perfectly picks up all those pieces and rearranges them the right way up this time!
Your Deepest Fear is darkly gripping crime thriller with a brilliantly written plot and a flawed but likeable main character. I love David Jackson’s books and really look forward to each new one when it appears. If you’ve never read any of his books before YOU MUST!!! You can thank me later because I know you’ll love them just as much as I do!
August 19, 2022
Yeah, Waldo is back! I am sure you would have noticed that I have been a little obsessed with this series. These books have been sitting on my TBR for a while and once I read the first one, I could not get enough. I have raced through these books and I loved every minute.
David Jackson has a brilliantly creative voice and this series has turned me into a fan. While there are a lot of gory details and you are never left without a vivid picture, this is a series that will have you flying through the books. I hope there will be more DS Nathan Cody to come. I will be first in line for the next book.
DS Nathan Cody is faced with yet another gruesome murder. However, when his boss refuses to allow him into the crime scene, Cody feels as if he is about to lose the one thing he has left, his job. Forced to visit a therapist, Cody struggles to stay in control. The new case proves a challenge and Waldo has decided to finally make contact. Can Cody convince the therapist to clear him for full duty, solve the case and keep Waldo’s contact a secret?
I have been rather obsessed with this series, allowing these books to carry me away while putting daily chores on hold. This book even made a few appearances during my working day…. Don’t tell my boss. DS Nathan Cody is an intriguing character that I hope I get to spend more time with. If the author writes another book in this series.
The author kept Cody true right to the end. This man is conflicted and will often choose to do what you least expect. However, his actions are always understandable. Making him unpredictable which makes for a brilliant read.
This series has sailed onto my loved list for 2022 and I am keen to read more of this author’s work.
If you are keen on a gory crime thriller, then you will be glad you reached for this series. The last author to have me this engrossed in a crime thriller was Cody McFadyen. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a gripping read that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you join Cody in his search for justice and answers.
Dear Mr Jackson, please continue Cody’s story, I would love to see another book in this series.
https://featzreviews.com
David Jackson has a brilliantly creative voice and this series has turned me into a fan. While there are a lot of gory details and you are never left without a vivid picture, this is a series that will have you flying through the books. I hope there will be more DS Nathan Cody to come. I will be first in line for the next book.
DS Nathan Cody is faced with yet another gruesome murder. However, when his boss refuses to allow him into the crime scene, Cody feels as if he is about to lose the one thing he has left, his job. Forced to visit a therapist, Cody struggles to stay in control. The new case proves a challenge and Waldo has decided to finally make contact. Can Cody convince the therapist to clear him for full duty, solve the case and keep Waldo’s contact a secret?
I have been rather obsessed with this series, allowing these books to carry me away while putting daily chores on hold. This book even made a few appearances during my working day…. Don’t tell my boss. DS Nathan Cody is an intriguing character that I hope I get to spend more time with. If the author writes another book in this series.
The author kept Cody true right to the end. This man is conflicted and will often choose to do what you least expect. However, his actions are always understandable. Making him unpredictable which makes for a brilliant read.
This series has sailed onto my loved list for 2022 and I am keen to read more of this author’s work.
If you are keen on a gory crime thriller, then you will be glad you reached for this series. The last author to have me this engrossed in a crime thriller was Cody McFadyen. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a gripping read that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you join Cody in his search for justice and answers.
Dear Mr Jackson, please continue Cody’s story, I would love to see another book in this series.
https://featzreviews.com
September 10, 2021
Another great read by this very talented author. I enjoyed this one very much and it’s a 4 1/2 ⭐️ from me. Highly recommended.
May 29, 2020
I received a free eARC of the book but that has in no way influenced my review.
If you’re new to damppebbles then there is one thing you should know. I LOVE (LOVE, LOVE!) the DS Nathan Cody series from David Jackson. It’s one of my two absolute favourite, must read, OMG there’s a new book coming out – put life on hold, series. I have been a huge fan of Cody and Jackson’s brilliant writing, since the first book. You can check out my reviews of the first three here: A Tapping at My Door, Hope to Die and Don’t Make a Sound.
I’ve given every single book in this series five out of five stars so far, so that’s a lot of pressure on Your Deepest Fear. I won’t keep you in suspense; this is another blinder of a novel which I devoured. And, of course, another cracking five-star read. You just can’t go wrong with the DS Cody series.
I love the relationship between DS Cody and his DC, Megan Webley. The plots Jackson selects for his books are always exciting and total page-turners, but his characters (and I’m including the supporting characters here too) are absolutely outstanding. They live and breathe in my head as Jackson paints the scene for me. Cody and Webley are my absolute favourite fictional crime-fighting duo – without a doubt.
The pair have been through a lot together (including being a couple at one point) and the chemistry between them really adds to the books. I did miss Megan a little in Your Deepest Fear. She was very much present and part of the main storyline but the focus of the novel meant that the interaction between the two wasn’t at the forefront of the story. Flipping heck, this one was Cody’s battle and oh boy, he fought it alone.
And what a battle it was! If you’re new to this series then Your Deepest Fear can be read as a standalone as Jackson provides enough background that new readers should have a good idea of what has gone before. But by coming straight in at book four you will be missing out. Do yourself a favour and just purchase all four books in the series in one hit (it must be payday soon, right?). You can thank me later 😉. Anyway, I digress. Cody has a battalion of evil little demons which have been gnawing away at his mental health and hanging over him like a rather unwelcome storm cloud since book one. I feel Your Deepest Fear is the book readers of this series have been waiting for a while now as Cody is put into some pretty frightening situations and has to face up to the fact that his life will never be the same again. He also to make some pretty horrific decisions so we get to see the kind of man he really is. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and read with trepidation. I had everything crossed that Cody would come out of the end of this book in one piece. Does he? Well, you’ll have to find that out for yourself.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, and all of the other books in the series as well. If you’re a crime fiction fan then you need these books in your life. This is another gripping addition to a thoroughly enjoyable, top-notch series. I would even go as far as saying this is the best book in the series (despite the lack of Megan Webley). Highly, highly recommended.
I chose to read and review Your Deepest Fear. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
If you’re new to damppebbles then there is one thing you should know. I LOVE (LOVE, LOVE!) the DS Nathan Cody series from David Jackson. It’s one of my two absolute favourite, must read, OMG there’s a new book coming out – put life on hold, series. I have been a huge fan of Cody and Jackson’s brilliant writing, since the first book. You can check out my reviews of the first three here: A Tapping at My Door, Hope to Die and Don’t Make a Sound.
I’ve given every single book in this series five out of five stars so far, so that’s a lot of pressure on Your Deepest Fear. I won’t keep you in suspense; this is another blinder of a novel which I devoured. And, of course, another cracking five-star read. You just can’t go wrong with the DS Cody series.
I love the relationship between DS Cody and his DC, Megan Webley. The plots Jackson selects for his books are always exciting and total page-turners, but his characters (and I’m including the supporting characters here too) are absolutely outstanding. They live and breathe in my head as Jackson paints the scene for me. Cody and Webley are my absolute favourite fictional crime-fighting duo – without a doubt.
The pair have been through a lot together (including being a couple at one point) and the chemistry between them really adds to the books. I did miss Megan a little in Your Deepest Fear. She was very much present and part of the main storyline but the focus of the novel meant that the interaction between the two wasn’t at the forefront of the story. Flipping heck, this one was Cody’s battle and oh boy, he fought it alone.
And what a battle it was! If you’re new to this series then Your Deepest Fear can be read as a standalone as Jackson provides enough background that new readers should have a good idea of what has gone before. But by coming straight in at book four you will be missing out. Do yourself a favour and just purchase all four books in the series in one hit (it must be payday soon, right?). You can thank me later 😉. Anyway, I digress. Cody has a battalion of evil little demons which have been gnawing away at his mental health and hanging over him like a rather unwelcome storm cloud since book one. I feel Your Deepest Fear is the book readers of this series have been waiting for a while now as Cody is put into some pretty frightening situations and has to face up to the fact that his life will never be the same again. He also to make some pretty horrific decisions so we get to see the kind of man he really is. I was on the edge of my seat throughout and read with trepidation. I had everything crossed that Cody would come out of the end of this book in one piece. Does he? Well, you’ll have to find that out for yourself.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, and all of the other books in the series as well. If you’re a crime fiction fan then you need these books in your life. This is another gripping addition to a thoroughly enjoyable, top-notch series. I would even go as far as saying this is the best book in the series (despite the lack of Megan Webley). Highly, highly recommended.
I chose to read and review Your Deepest Fear. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
August 5, 2019
I was really excited to read this book after having read the previous book in the DS Nathan Cody series, "Don't Make a Sound". I read that book in no time at all and so I couldn't wait to get my teeth into this next instalment. I wasn't disappointed.
A man is brutally murdered, and DS Cody arrives at the scene only to be turned away by his boss. She thinks his last case has possibly left him too troubled to see the victim without freaking out, so she makes him see a psychologist to be signed off as fit and mentally healthy. He is still allowed to be involved in the case, though, and builds a rapport with the victim's wife. They are equally determined to find out who is responsible for the murder, and Cody feels like they share a bond based on their experiences.
This story is completely thrilling. The pace is fast and there is action, violence and tension aplenty. Cody's past comes back to haunt him big time. He is trying desperately to solve the murder case while his life is spiralling out of control and everyone around him is doubting his sanity.
This is a very enjoyable detective thriller. DS Cody is a good protagonist. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but it does help with the background of the story to have read the previous books in the series. Either way, I would recommend this to any fans of thrillers and dark detective stories.
A man is brutally murdered, and DS Cody arrives at the scene only to be turned away by his boss. She thinks his last case has possibly left him too troubled to see the victim without freaking out, so she makes him see a psychologist to be signed off as fit and mentally healthy. He is still allowed to be involved in the case, though, and builds a rapport with the victim's wife. They are equally determined to find out who is responsible for the murder, and Cody feels like they share a bond based on their experiences.
This story is completely thrilling. The pace is fast and there is action, violence and tension aplenty. Cody's past comes back to haunt him big time. He is trying desperately to solve the murder case while his life is spiralling out of control and everyone around him is doubting his sanity.
This is a very enjoyable detective thriller. DS Cody is a good protagonist. It can be read as a stand alone novel, but it does help with the background of the story to have read the previous books in the series. Either way, I would recommend this to any fans of thrillers and dark detective stories.
December 19, 2020
I feel slightly cheated. The ending... sucked. It was so rushed. This whole thing was a big miss for me. The story felt like filler, the "case" was uninteresting and there was no actual detecting done. It solved itself. Or, rather, the villain solved it for them. Good grief. Like, the real world is full of enough incompetence- I'd like my fictional cops to be better than that, you know?
I was so disgusted by Cody the whole frigging time. And Sarah, the guest lead, was pretty irritating, too. Angry Vengeful Wonder Woman. Ugh.
But yeah, Cody is an absolute sh**heel, and a staggeringly stupid and corrupt cop, who has no business being on the job, but somehow manages to get away with it! He makes a hash of pretty much everything, is totally unstable, but still gets to keep his job.
Yeah, this one was a step too far for me. I couldn't suspend my disbelief far enough to enjoy it.
I'm so sick of corrupt cops, especially when we're supposed to root for them.
And yet. I need to know what happens next. I must be a sucker for punishment.
I was so disgusted by Cody the whole frigging time. And Sarah, the guest lead, was pretty irritating, too. Angry Vengeful Wonder Woman. Ugh.
But yeah, Cody is an absolute sh**heel, and a staggeringly stupid and corrupt cop, who has no business being on the job, but somehow manages to get away with it! He makes a hash of pretty much everything, is totally unstable, but still gets to keep his job.
Yeah, this one was a step too far for me. I couldn't suspend my disbelief far enough to enjoy it.
I'm so sick of corrupt cops, especially when we're supposed to root for them.
And yet. I need to know what happens next. I must be a sucker for punishment.
May 13, 2019
The 4th in the series but can be read as a standalone. Sara returns from Copenhagen to find a message on her answering machine from her estranged husband Matthew. This brings her into the orbit of DS Nathen Cody who is battling demons of his own.
A delicious and creepy concoction dark and fast paced writing! Very addictive. Had me reading at a furious rate. A mixture of psychological thriller and police procedural. It works!
The past returns to haunt Cody and Sara is left wondering about her husband's cryptic message. What do they have in common, if anything?
This is a very addictive read, sharp concise prose and short chapters keep the reader turning the pages. As I said book4, so I'm off to find 1,2 and 3!
A delicious and creepy concoction dark and fast paced writing! Very addictive. Had me reading at a furious rate. A mixture of psychological thriller and police procedural. It works!
The past returns to haunt Cody and Sara is left wondering about her husband's cryptic message. What do they have in common, if anything?
This is a very addictive read, sharp concise prose and short chapters keep the reader turning the pages. As I said book4, so I'm off to find 1,2 and 3!
December 11, 2019
Another compelling and irresistible Nathan Cody crime thriller from David Jackson. It stands alone well but I think you'd be advised to read at least one or two of the earlier books because a thread that has weaved itself through the books comes to ahead in Your Deepest Fear - clowns. I'll say no more. This is a dark and at times gruesome and macabre novel as Cody descends into his deepest fears but it is also clever and engrossing. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
May 15, 2019
NetGalley
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Your Deepest Fear is the fourth book featuring DS Nathan Cody. if you are new to the series I suggest you start with the first book. This will explain the circumstances that Nathan got his injuries, Nathan`s past relationship with WPC Megan Webley, and the real reason why DCI Stella Blunt is so forgiving of Nathan`s behaviour.
Sara Prior had just returned home from visiting her parents in Copenhagen. At home Sara found a disturbing message from her husband Matthew on her answering machine. Matthew had moved out four months earlier but didn't explain why. When Sara arrived at Matthew`s she found his dead body nailed to the floor and everything in his house damaged.
Before Sara got married she was in the army and skilled in armed combat. After finding a note from Matthew implicating someone called Metro she started her own investigation.
Meanwhile Nathan had just returned to work after suffering serious injuries in his last investigation. His boss DCI Stella Blunt warned him he couldn`t work on active investigations without seeing a psychiatrist. Then after months of receiving silent calls, Nathan`s attacker Waldo rang him with a challenge to catch him.
This was a complex thriller, with several different story lines running through the story. The storyline between Nathan and Waldo was absolutely brilliant. Waldo`s mind games were scary and I could sense Nathan on the brink of insanity.
I liked Sara Prior and I thought the idea to make her an ex soldier was genius. Her fight scenes with Ozone and Metro were a bit farfetched but I just went with the flow and accepted it.
I thought the exchange between Nathan and the owners of Walgrave and Palmer shoemakers was hillarious, and provided some light relief. I was sorry that Webley was only a background character in the story, I hope she will play a larger part in the next book.
I recommend this series, I look forward to book 5.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Your Deepest Fear is the fourth book featuring DS Nathan Cody. if you are new to the series I suggest you start with the first book. This will explain the circumstances that Nathan got his injuries, Nathan`s past relationship with WPC Megan Webley, and the real reason why DCI Stella Blunt is so forgiving of Nathan`s behaviour.
Sara Prior had just returned home from visiting her parents in Copenhagen. At home Sara found a disturbing message from her husband Matthew on her answering machine. Matthew had moved out four months earlier but didn't explain why. When Sara arrived at Matthew`s she found his dead body nailed to the floor and everything in his house damaged.
Before Sara got married she was in the army and skilled in armed combat. After finding a note from Matthew implicating someone called Metro she started her own investigation.
Meanwhile Nathan had just returned to work after suffering serious injuries in his last investigation. His boss DCI Stella Blunt warned him he couldn`t work on active investigations without seeing a psychiatrist. Then after months of receiving silent calls, Nathan`s attacker Waldo rang him with a challenge to catch him.
This was a complex thriller, with several different story lines running through the story. The storyline between Nathan and Waldo was absolutely brilliant. Waldo`s mind games were scary and I could sense Nathan on the brink of insanity.
I liked Sara Prior and I thought the idea to make her an ex soldier was genius. Her fight scenes with Ozone and Metro were a bit farfetched but I just went with the flow and accepted it.
I thought the exchange between Nathan and the owners of Walgrave and Palmer shoemakers was hillarious, and provided some light relief. I was sorry that Webley was only a background character in the story, I hope she will play a larger part in the next book.
I recommend this series, I look forward to book 5.
July 15, 2019
4.5/5
Sara! Remember! Victoria and Albert. All I can say. They're here. They're-'
These are the last words Sara Prior will ever hear from her husband.
As DS Nathan Cody struggles to make sense of the enigmatic message and solve the brutal murder, it soon becomes clear that Sara is no ordinary bereaved wife. Taking the investigation into her own hands, Sara is drawn into a world of violence that will lead her in a direction she would never have suspected.
For Cody, meanwhile, things are about to get personal in the darkest and most twisted ways imaginable . . .
Well, I didn't like this...........I absolutely LOVED it. I only realised after I'd started reading this that it is a series but it can be read as a stand alone but I will definitely be going back to the start to read DS Cody's journey and how he got to where he is now in this book as it's clear that a lot has happened to him throughout the books. I devoured it in a couple of days, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I felt this was more of a psychological thriller more than a police procedure but enjoyed it no less. I also loved the female character Sara in this, it was great to read such a strong female character within this novel, I'd love her to be my best friend as she's such a kick-ass female who takes no nonsense but it becomes clear from the start that she's no ordinary bereaved wife when she demands to DS Cody that her husbands killer be found and will go to any length to find them which DS Cody is unaware of. We follow DS Cody on a journey of him dealing with his own past as he deals with what happened to him and continuing to happen as he struggles to cope and that twist, I certainly didn't see it coming.
I can't wait to read the first three instalments in the series and I've already ordered them from the library. Go and get this book, you won't regret it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Sara! Remember! Victoria and Albert. All I can say. They're here. They're-'
These are the last words Sara Prior will ever hear from her husband.
As DS Nathan Cody struggles to make sense of the enigmatic message and solve the brutal murder, it soon becomes clear that Sara is no ordinary bereaved wife. Taking the investigation into her own hands, Sara is drawn into a world of violence that will lead her in a direction she would never have suspected.
For Cody, meanwhile, things are about to get personal in the darkest and most twisted ways imaginable . . .
Well, I didn't like this...........I absolutely LOVED it. I only realised after I'd started reading this that it is a series but it can be read as a stand alone but I will definitely be going back to the start to read DS Cody's journey and how he got to where he is now in this book as it's clear that a lot has happened to him throughout the books. I devoured it in a couple of days, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I felt this was more of a psychological thriller more than a police procedure but enjoyed it no less. I also loved the female character Sara in this, it was great to read such a strong female character within this novel, I'd love her to be my best friend as she's such a kick-ass female who takes no nonsense but it becomes clear from the start that she's no ordinary bereaved wife when she demands to DS Cody that her husbands killer be found and will go to any length to find them which DS Cody is unaware of. We follow DS Cody on a journey of him dealing with his own past as he deals with what happened to him and continuing to happen as he struggles to cope and that twist, I certainly didn't see it coming.
I can't wait to read the first three instalments in the series and I've already ordered them from the library. Go and get this book, you won't regret it.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
May 26, 2019
Your Deepest Fear is a tense, nail bitting thriller that I couldn’t put down. It’s one of those books that is easy to get absorbed into as you’d sit down promising yourself you’d just read a few chapters and before you know it’s past midnight!
The story is told from both Sarah’s and Coby’s point of view which makes for very interesting reading as it lets the reader find out more about them. Through this we learn some of the things that Coby is dealing with in his personal life which helped me warm to him as I felt very sympathetic about all he was going through. I enjoyed watching the two story lines joined together and thought the build up to the reveal was fantastically done as it kept me firmly gripped.
There were some fabulous characters in this book who I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. Sarah is a fantastic kick ass heroine and I loved reading her story as she tries to solve the investigation herself. She’s a very fiesty lady and it was great to read about how she handled difficult, dangerous situations. The baddie Waldo was a very frightening, scary character who had me on edge through the book with the mind games that he plays. He helped add a lot of the tension as you weren’t sure what he’d do next.
Although this could be read as a standalone, as I have, it’s probably best to read the books in order so you have a better understanding of the background to the characters. I will definitely be going back to read the other books in the series.
Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for my copy of this book and to Bonnier for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
The story is told from both Sarah’s and Coby’s point of view which makes for very interesting reading as it lets the reader find out more about them. Through this we learn some of the things that Coby is dealing with in his personal life which helped me warm to him as I felt very sympathetic about all he was going through. I enjoyed watching the two story lines joined together and thought the build up to the reveal was fantastically done as it kept me firmly gripped.
There were some fabulous characters in this book who I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. Sarah is a fantastic kick ass heroine and I loved reading her story as she tries to solve the investigation herself. She’s a very fiesty lady and it was great to read about how she handled difficult, dangerous situations. The baddie Waldo was a very frightening, scary character who had me on edge through the book with the mind games that he plays. He helped add a lot of the tension as you weren’t sure what he’d do next.
Although this could be read as a standalone, as I have, it’s probably best to read the books in order so you have a better understanding of the background to the characters. I will definitely be going back to read the other books in the series.
Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for my copy of this book and to Bonnier for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
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