A Deadly Likeness

Dr. Jo McCready #3

by Lesley Mcevoy

Jacob Malecki killed fifteen people over a thirteen-year period. At the height of the murders, Dr. Jo McCready was at university and, as an exercise, compiled a profile of Malecki, which broke open the case and helped send him down for life. Twenty-five years later a copycat killer is re-creating his murders. What's more, Malecki offers to help the police catch him from his own prison cell. Malecki claims he's repenting for his crimes. Jo doubts it, but as the body count rises, she can't ignore the killer's offer. What does he really want - and can Jo find out before anyone else dies?

Genres: Crime, Audiobook, Fiction

505 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2023

Reviews

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesley Mcevoy, you're an evil genius. You sure know how to write a book that I can't resist and have to read in pretty much one sitting. So thank you because I love your books.
A Deadly Likeness is a third book featuring doctor Jo McCready and it is simply brilliant.
I love how we still get to learn more about Jo, how there are so many more layers to her, things we haven't discovered, her continuous development throughout the series is simply thrilling.
The case itself is another corker. Well thought out, paced so well, it had me hooked right from the get go.
I love Jo McCready books and hope there are many more to come.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel a bit miserly with my mean 3 stars, because I actually enjoyed this a lot. But eventually it felt too lomg, and it was very convoluted and intricate, the twists kept coming at me and I was left feeling overwhelmed.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intricate, intense, invested.

A description of the characters and my impressions of the novel. A thorough and very detailed (possibly overly so) investigation of a serial killer by police with the help of forensic psychologist Jo McCready. A few elaborate twists and the complex plot comes together.

A couple of little plot holes but overall a good procedural read.

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the 3rd book in the series featuring Dr Jo Mcready. Finds her involved in the investigation of a case she was first involved with as a student, 25 years ago
Forensic psychologist and profiler Dr Jo McCready is called into help when a series of murders are linked to a serial killer she studied as a student. Not that same serial killer has offered to help track down his copycat, but only if Jo will come and speak to him.

The only things that forced me to put this book down were work and sleep, even then I am sure I could of snuck in an extra chapter between meetings.

Superb well developed characters, fantastic scenery and a plot to die for. With the obligatory red herrings.

This was another gripping read that I cant really cant give the review it deserves. Her first book was one of my all time favourite books, well this possible blows that out of the water. I highly recommend it.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the ' Murder In Yorkshire ' series featuring Dr Jo McCready, a forensic psychologist and profiler who works closely with the police. The police turn to Jo for help when a killer is on the loose and is carrying out his murders in a way similar to serial killer Jacob Malecki who murdered 15 people 25 years ago. Jacob is still in prison, so could there be a copy cat murderer on the loose. When Maleki requests a meeting with Jo in prison, he appears to be enraged that someone is copying his work and vows to help Jo in any way he can but is all what it seems.
A real twisty read which I recommend.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The third in this series involving Dr. Jo McCready - psychologist and police profiler. I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but found this a bit of a disappointment. The characters and their relationships continue to develop, the plots are generally interesting and Mcevoy does not shy away from the details of the crimes. However, from about 60% in it was so predictable, despite very obvious red herrings, who was responsible and how the novel was going to end. The second problem for me, and this may be simply overload from the number of crime books I have read of late, was the section of the resolution that relied on the corrupt cop scenario! Close on 90% of recent crime books I have read rely on this trope and if it is a reflection of real life then that is truly concerning.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forensic psychologist and profiler Dr Jo McCready is called into help when a series of murders are linked to a serial killer she studied as a student. Not that same serial killer has offered to help track down his copycat, but only if Jo will come and speak to him.

A brilliant crime thriller which only work and sleep were able to divert me (unwillingly) from reading.

Jo is a fantastic character, and while I’m slightly disappointed with the tension and estrangement between her and her on/off boyfriend, police detective Callum Ferguson, in this book, it does make for additional layers to the story.

A gripping read with a great combination of heart-in-mouth tension and a sense of humour, I highly recommend it.

[Mónica Saraiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

So tense and so creepy! Now that's what you call a thriller.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Okay, time to make it official!
Dr. Jo McCready is now one of my best female "friends" in a mystery series. I would introduce her to DCI Matilda Darke, if possible.

This third book really solidified Jo as a character I've grown fond of. She's clever and sharp, but also very human.

I'm not entirely on board with her and Callum together, though. They have turned into a quite complicated, slightly toxic, pairing. One to pity, rather than root for.

DCI Callum Ferguson has some serious commitment issues he needs to deal with before I can see him as someone worthy of Jo's time and emotions. I sort of sense the author has her aim set on these two being together eventually - somehow - even in spite of major difficulties on the way.
I'm a bit resigned to this when looking forward, but maybe McEvoy can change my mind about Callum. I rather hope so, to be honest, but we'll see.

In short: I really love the psychology side to these books, and how they speak to my intelligence instead of treating me like a random someone in a huge, faceless lump of averagely stupid readers.

I will also add that the cover - with the heather, the clouded sky, and the skull - is just beautiful. So atmospheric!

[Jane Bridger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I didn't see that coming!! What a fantastic series this is. Jo McCready is such a fabulous character. I love all the profiling and psychology in these books. Crime is my favourite genre but these books seem to add something more, possibly because the lead character isn't a police officer. Harvey the boxer dog is a canine hero too. On to book four in the series now and then I eagerly await book 5.

[Dean Powley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is good and I was drawn in by the characters and the storytelling.. But I had to stop it was way too violent and disturbing. I did finish a previous one, but don't know went I would want to read about twisted awful people doing dreadful things.
I know...... what should I expect with detective fiction.
Too many dreadful things happening in the world.

[Jackie Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deadly Likeness by Lesley Mcevoy is a sharp, tense Yorkshire thriller that hooks you from page one. It’s wonderfully atmospheric with moody landscapes and a sense that danger can lurk in the most familiar places. This is book three of five in the Murder in Yorkshire series. However, it stands confidently on its own. I hadn’t read the first two and didn’t feel lost or left behind.

At the heart of the story is Dr. Jo McCready, a forensic psychologist and profiler who’s called in to help the police track down a copycat serial killer. And McEvoy adds a wonderfully unsettling twist. The original killer, Jacob Malecki, is still very much alive, locked away in a maximum security prison. He’s affronted that someone is poorly imitating his crimes and demands that Jo (who helped put him behind bars when she was a student) work with him to catch the killer. The psychological push and pull between the pair gives the novel a sharp, unsettling edge.

One thing that really stood out for me is the narrative style. A Deadly Likeness is told entirely in the first person. And it’s the first time I’ve read a crime thriller that sticks so closely to one character’s perspective. You’re right there with Jo, feeling her instincts, her doubts, her fear, and her determination. This intimacy heightens every twist and turn.

And twist it does. This is a fast-paced story. It’s tense with great characters and sucks you right into the drama. McEvoy adds layers upon layers of suspense with skill, building towards a brilliant climax that had me devouring the pages.

If you enjoy crime fiction that blends psychological depth with procedural detail, this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list. A Deadly Likeness by Lesley McEvoy is a smart, engaging thriller that leaves you wanting more. And luckily, there are two earlier books and two later ones to whet your appetite.

[Christie Newport · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesley McEvoy has stepped it up a notch with A Deadly Likeness. She is clearly an author who just keeps getting better… I was blown away by her way of drawing characters who live and breathe and her ability to create such a vivid sense of place that you can visualise it as though you are there. With this book McEvoy brings new challenges to the door of her protagonist, Jo McCready. Her personal life creates a lot of tension in and of itself, but it is her work life where the beating heart of the story truly lies. And that beating heart is speeding up from page one until the explosive end.

Jo is asked to consult on a case that is linked to one from her past. As a student Jo created a profile of a killer that led to his capture, arrest, and imprisonment. Now, there is a copycat and the killer, Jacob Malecki - who back in the day made things all too personal - will only speak with Jo and he reckons he is repentant and able and willing to help bring this copycat in.

As the bodies pile up Jo is left with little choice but to step into the ring and spar with Malecki once again. She knows the risk she is taking but there are lives at stake. McEvoy utilises her experience as a profiler to bring this story to another level. A level far above most of a similar vein because the author’s knowledge is paramount in creating a believable and exciting story. It is insightful and educational in that I really felt a new understanding of how profilers work and indeed how the minds of killers’ work. I loved this book, and I simply cannot stress that enough. I really, really loved this book! It is a must read for all crime fans. I know that Lesley McEvoy is destined for great things, and I could certainly see Jo McCready gracing our TV screens one day! It is a definite 5 stars from me!!!!

[Ciang Loh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 3rd read on Jo McCready. I enjoyed the complex plots in this work and stayed right at the end to get some of my questions answered. E.g. what is the link between Finch's fire death and Jacob Malecki, I was glad that it eventually tied up quite nicely. I am sure many like me could not resist guessing who is the culprit copycat, I had 2 names but the outcome turned out a different name, but I was not too far.

I always loved winter scenes and there are many such scenes that I thoroughly enjoyed, apt and fit for the year-end seasonal read. I enjoyed the many twists and the complex plot that come so nicely together, especially the epilogue indicating there are more to come, and I could not wait for the 4th in this "Murder at Yorkshire" series.

I highly recommend a must-read in 2023.

[Anne Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third part of the excellent Dr Jo McCready series. I have just read all three very quickly and finished this book a few minutes ago.

The plot was very complex this time with recurring main characters and some interesting new ones. The author obviously enjoyed teasing her readers with hints as to who might have done it, but, for once, I didn’t guess the final twist.

There were a little too many long explanations of the human body and I spotted another homonym (proof readers should be more careful - that’s several so far in three books!). All in all, this is a gripping series and I look forward to another episode.

[Pat Stearman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dropping a point for using the census as a source of information. Given that I doubt even the police or a hacker can access anything later than 1921 - and that they're only every 10 years anyway - using them to discover who lived where in the mid 80s is crazy.
Anyway - apart from that - and our heroine being once again rescued by her dog - this is a great read.
Clever storyline & a few good twists.
I do like her writing a lot.

[Stacielynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book so keeping track of all the players was challenging. The plot was complex and gruesome. There were some very complicated subplots that were distracting
I thought some characters weren't fleshed out especially well so were a tad predictable and kinda foolhardy.
Not sure if I will seek out others in the series.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a copy cat killer starts a serial killing spree, Jo McCreedy becomes involved as an expert in the area of Malecki. But Malecki wants attention admiration and to control.the situation. It is a fine balancing act between getting info and being used.

[Mrs Janice Routledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Janice

Another fabulous read. It makes me long for my home county. Waiting for number 4 to be out in print

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great murder mystery, looking forward to the next one.

[WR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark and gripping psychological thriller

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

🤯

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Frankie Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened as an audiobook. Great story with good pace throughout.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry but this was such a disappointment.

[Rebekah Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait until the next one!!!! This was so goooooddddd and the twist at the end!!! Omg!!!!!

[Sara Hunter-Dodds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant, another good book written by the author. I love how it’s set out and how she captures the journey, I feel as I am part of the case solving it to. Well worth the read

[Ree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite not reading the first 2 books in the series, this book was excellent- I guesses the killer about 80 pages from the end. However, there was a twist I’d anticipated but discounted- she weaved it in very well at the end.

[Claire Trueman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again the author blows it out of the park…..I don’t even think I took a breath for the last 12 chapters!!

[Steve Cripwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story, well written and paced. One of a series but my first and it works well as a standalone novel. Really enjoyed it. Need to read more from this author.