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Detective Bec Pope Mysteries #1
The Deptford Murder
Dear Rebecca. You’re invited . . .
Meet Detective Rebecca Pope. Between trying to maintain an uneasy peace at home and negotiating a relationship with her estranged father, Bec Pope’s got enough on her plate. And then the murders begin.
It’s rush hour. Bec has been home for just twenty minutes when she has to race back out to a crime scene.
The body of a woman has been found in a quiet Deptford church, placed carefully on the altar. There’s a note on the body, addressed to Bec. And in the victim’s home, they find a small surveillance camera.
The killer is watching.
Bec and her team barely have time to process this before another woman is found. The body carefully positioned as if sleeping, a note on her chest addressed to Pope, a hidden camera recording everything.
Bec is the only link between the murders . . . But she has no idea why.
The cards left on the bodies are personal. Bec must now look into her past to find the killer before he strikes even closer to home . . .
Meet Detective Rebecca Pope. Between trying to maintain an uneasy peace at home and negotiating a relationship with her estranged father, Bec Pope’s got enough on her plate. And then the murders begin.
It’s rush hour. Bec has been home for just twenty minutes when she has to race back out to a crime scene.
The body of a woman has been found in a quiet Deptford church, placed carefully on the altar. There’s a note on the body, addressed to Bec. And in the victim’s home, they find a small surveillance camera.
The killer is watching.
Bec and her team barely have time to process this before another woman is found. The body carefully positioned as if sleeping, a note on her chest addressed to Pope, a hidden camera recording everything.
Bec is the only link between the murders . . . But she has no idea why.
The cards left on the bodies are personal. Bec must now look into her past to find the killer before he strikes even closer to home . . .
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2022
348 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 30, 2022
Detective Bec Pope Mysteries #1
It's rush hour. Bec has been home for just twenty minutes when she has to race back out to a crime scene. The body of a woman has been found in a quiet Deptford church, placed carefully at the altar. There's a note on the body addressed to Bec. And in the victim's home, they find a small surveillance camera. The killer is watching. Bec and her team barely have time to process this before another woman is found. The body is carefully positioned as if sleeping, a note on her chest addressed to Pope. a hidden camera recording.
Detective Bec Pope has personal and professional problems; I do like a flawed character. We do get some backstory on the main characters. The murders seem to have a personal link to Bec. I was quickly pulled into this well written story. The characters are well developed, the plotline gripping. A great start to a new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JezPinfold for my ARC of #TheDeptfordMurder in exchange for an honest review.
It's rush hour. Bec has been home for just twenty minutes when she has to race back out to a crime scene. The body of a woman has been found in a quiet Deptford church, placed carefully at the altar. There's a note on the body addressed to Bec. And in the victim's home, they find a small surveillance camera. The killer is watching. Bec and her team barely have time to process this before another woman is found. The body is carefully positioned as if sleeping, a note on her chest addressed to Pope. a hidden camera recording.
Detective Bec Pope has personal and professional problems; I do like a flawed character. We do get some backstory on the main characters. The murders seem to have a personal link to Bec. I was quickly pulled into this well written story. The characters are well developed, the plotline gripping. A great start to a new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JezPinfold for my ARC of #TheDeptfordMurder in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2025
Detective Bec Pope is called out on a case where a woman who has been strangled is laid out in a church with a note addressed to Bec left at the scene. The very next day another woman is killed in the same manner. Bec goes through her past cases to see who might be sending this personal message. Then there is a third murder and a kidnapping, and the surprising and somewhat unbelievable murderer is revealed.
November 28, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This read started off strong but I quickly figured out/guessed who the killer was and from there it fell a bit flat coupled with a rushed ending and drawn out epilogue. The main character, Bec was incredibly likeable and the book nicely set up for book 2 which I look forward to reading if only to learn more about Bec. She’s the British Olivia Benson as far as dark past catching up to her present
This read started off strong but I quickly figured out/guessed who the killer was and from there it fell a bit flat coupled with a rushed ending and drawn out epilogue. The main character, Bec was incredibly likeable and the book nicely set up for book 2 which I look forward to reading if only to learn more about Bec. She’s the British Olivia Benson as far as dark past catching up to her present
May 31, 2024
This was one of those books that you just know is going to be brilliant right from the very first chapter. It’s dark and deep and extremely gripping. Bec Pope is a diligent detective who takes her job very seriously and, in some cases, personally. This is just one of those situations when events get too close to home. She has a very good team who work together like a well-oiled machine and are super-fast at getting results. After the second murder it becomes clear that there is a connection between Detective Pope and the killer, the whole department are now intent in working out the motive in order to prevent more deaths. This plot has so many twists and turns it starts to make you dizzy and Bec and her team gradually piece together a list of suspects, but none of it seems to make much sense. Eventually, with a huge twist to the tale, it becomes clear to Bec that the killer is extremely familiar to her and that’s when things get really tense. This is a thrilling and exciting novel with an interesting ending which immediately drags the reader on to the next in the series.
May 1, 2024
Interesting crime mystery with a twist
Detective Bec Pope has the usual problems- so many cases, a loyal team, a self-serving, publicity seeking boss and a partner pressuring her to change the hours and demands of her job. Added to that is the case of a serial killer who appears to have targeted Pope and her family.
A truculent teenage stepdaughter adds interest, but , whether it’s because the main character is referred to as Pope most of the time, I didn’t really feel close to her character. The big twist adds tension that peter’s out a little at the end and it ends a little predictably.
Detective Bec Pope has the usual problems- so many cases, a loyal team, a self-serving, publicity seeking boss and a partner pressuring her to change the hours and demands of her job. Added to that is the case of a serial killer who appears to have targeted Pope and her family.
A truculent teenage stepdaughter adds interest, but , whether it’s because the main character is referred to as Pope most of the time, I didn’t really feel close to her character. The big twist adds tension that peter’s out a little at the end and it ends a little predictably.
November 25, 2022
Another gruesome murder to investigate for DCI Bec Pope, this time the body of a young woman laid out in a church. Although it's part of a series, this can easily be read as a stand alone. It's a very compelling read and once I started, I couldn't put it down. It drew me in from the beginning with the expertly crafted plotting and the personal link to the case for Bec. A rollercoaster of a read, right to the unexpected twist at the end. I would highly recommend this book. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
November 29, 2022
Bec Pope Series 1 : Advance Copy Review
Jez Pinfold is an author I've discovered for the first time with this novel introducing DI Bec Pope.
The writing style is clear and engages the reader from the first page. Bec is an interesting character, with professional and personal issues to address - I'm hoping that a series evolves so that we can follow the development of the supporting cast, the main players of which are given sufficient backstory to create interest.
The cover promises a twist in the tail - I had an inkling about halfway through as to what that might be, and wasn't disappointed in how the plot unravelled, though credulity was stretched in respect of one particularly nasty murder...I've dropped a star in my rating for that, but I can't help thinking I've been harsh as I kept reading the tale over two days - a page turner that had me wanting to know what came next.
Highly recommended 😊
Jez Pinfold is an author I've discovered for the first time with this novel introducing DI Bec Pope.
The writing style is clear and engages the reader from the first page. Bec is an interesting character, with professional and personal issues to address - I'm hoping that a series evolves so that we can follow the development of the supporting cast, the main players of which are given sufficient backstory to create interest.
The cover promises a twist in the tail - I had an inkling about halfway through as to what that might be, and wasn't disappointed in how the plot unravelled, though credulity was stretched in respect of one particularly nasty murder...I've dropped a star in my rating for that, but I can't help thinking I've been harsh as I kept reading the tale over two days - a page turner that had me wanting to know what came next.
Highly recommended 😊
November 30, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Deptford Murder, the first novel to feature DCI Rebecca Pope of the Met.
Bec is called out to a murder scene where a woman has been carefully placed on the pulpit of St Paul’s Church in Deptford. More worryingly there is a note addressed to her on the body and then she finds a surveillance camera in the woman’s house. She doesn’t have much time to work out what is going on before another body is found, this time in her home, but with another note and camera.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Deptford Murder, which is an exciting, tense read with several twists and turns. It is told mostly from Bec’s point of view with the odd contribution from the unidentified killer, abusive past and pleasure in killing, so nothing new there.
The plot held my attention. I like a police procedural and its format, so this novel is right up my street. Bec and her team have no idea of the killer’s identity and no forensic clues, so all they know is that he wants her attention and involvement. They look back at her past cases and conduct a few interviews but nothing sticks until the breakthrough. After that events move quickly. I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about either the final showdown or the solution, which both seem highly improbable, but the journey to get there was satisfying. A case could be made that the ending was rushed, but personally I like it that way as it seems to my unknowledgable eye to be realistic. One piece of information can lead to a flurry of activity and a solve.
My reservations about the ending aside, I think that The Deptford Murders is a good read. It has pace and tension with several twists an a likeable protagonist. I would read more about DCI Pope.
Bec is called out to a murder scene where a woman has been carefully placed on the pulpit of St Paul’s Church in Deptford. More worryingly there is a note addressed to her on the body and then she finds a surveillance camera in the woman’s house. She doesn’t have much time to work out what is going on before another body is found, this time in her home, but with another note and camera.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Deptford Murder, which is an exciting, tense read with several twists and turns. It is told mostly from Bec’s point of view with the odd contribution from the unidentified killer, abusive past and pleasure in killing, so nothing new there.
The plot held my attention. I like a police procedural and its format, so this novel is right up my street. Bec and her team have no idea of the killer’s identity and no forensic clues, so all they know is that he wants her attention and involvement. They look back at her past cases and conduct a few interviews but nothing sticks until the breakthrough. After that events move quickly. I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about either the final showdown or the solution, which both seem highly improbable, but the journey to get there was satisfying. A case could be made that the ending was rushed, but personally I like it that way as it seems to my unknowledgable eye to be realistic. One piece of information can lead to a flurry of activity and a solve.
My reservations about the ending aside, I think that The Deptford Murders is a good read. It has pace and tension with several twists an a likeable protagonist. I would read more about DCI Pope.
December 14, 2022
Meet Detective Rebecca ‘Bec’ Pope. Between trying to keep the peace with her teenage stepdaughters, and negotiating a relationship with her estranged father, Bec’s got more than enough on her plate. And she can’t sleep.
The murders begin. A sick killer . . . who likes to watch.
Bec’s been home for just twenty minutes. Her sixteen-year-old stepdaughter’s having a row with her dad. Then she gets the call: ‘There’s been a murder. A church in Deptford.’
The woman’s body is arranged carefully on the altar of the quiet church. There’s a note on the body, addressed to Bec. ‘Dear Rebecca. You’re invited.’ That’s all it says.
The victim is a stay-at-home mum. It turns out she was attacked in the hallway of her tidy suburban home. And on a table by the front door, partially hidden by a bowl of keys, is a small surveillance camera.
The killer is watching the victim’s and the police’s every move.
Bec and her team barely have time to process this before another woman is found dead.
A note on her chest is addressed to Bec and a hidden camera is recording everything.
Bec is the only link between the murders . . . But she has no idea why.
Bec must dig into her past to find the killer before he strikes even closer to home . . .
This was a very gripping read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
The murders begin. A sick killer . . . who likes to watch.
Bec’s been home for just twenty minutes. Her sixteen-year-old stepdaughter’s having a row with her dad. Then she gets the call: ‘There’s been a murder. A church in Deptford.’
The woman’s body is arranged carefully on the altar of the quiet church. There’s a note on the body, addressed to Bec. ‘Dear Rebecca. You’re invited.’ That’s all it says.
The victim is a stay-at-home mum. It turns out she was attacked in the hallway of her tidy suburban home. And on a table by the front door, partially hidden by a bowl of keys, is a small surveillance camera.
The killer is watching the victim’s and the police’s every move.
Bec and her team barely have time to process this before another woman is found dead.
A note on her chest is addressed to Bec and a hidden camera is recording everything.
Bec is the only link between the murders . . . But she has no idea why.
Bec must dig into her past to find the killer before he strikes even closer to home . . .
This was a very gripping read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
December 3, 2022
He stalks them, he knows their everyday routine so he knows when to strike and kill. A body is found on the pulpit of a local church with a note for Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca “Bec” Pope. An invitation, but to what? What kind of a sick game is the killer starting, or has he killed before? Bec and her team will be drawn into a bizarre case where the murderer seems to be aware of everything they are doing and who they are. Then she finds a camera, hidden among the victims’ property so that he can watch their search for evidence. He leaves no evidence behind until one of his victims escape, but can she help identify her attacker? Why do people open their doors to strangers? When the killer strikes too close to her own home, she realizes that he may be someone she knows all too well. An intriguing first mystery in this series as Bec confronts issues at home, as well. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
December 4, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed.
Shortly after arriving home at the end of the day, DCI Bec Pope is called out to a crime scene. She arrives at the church in Deptford to find a woman’s body laid out carefully on the altar, with a note on the body… addressed to Bec. When they arrive at the victim’s home, they discover a small surveillance camera filming everything.
Then it happens again – the carefully placed body of a woman, a note addressed to Bec, and a surveillance camera in the victim’s home. It seems that Bec is the only thing that the two dead women have in common. Bec has to investigate her own life to find out how she’s involved in these murders, and she has to work swiftly before there are any more murders.
Brilliantly written and kept me firmly gripped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
Shortly after arriving home at the end of the day, DCI Bec Pope is called out to a crime scene. She arrives at the church in Deptford to find a woman’s body laid out carefully on the altar, with a note on the body… addressed to Bec. When they arrive at the victim’s home, they discover a small surveillance camera filming everything.
Then it happens again – the carefully placed body of a woman, a note addressed to Bec, and a surveillance camera in the victim’s home. It seems that Bec is the only thing that the two dead women have in common. Bec has to investigate her own life to find out how she’s involved in these murders, and she has to work swiftly before there are any more murders.
Brilliantly written and kept me firmly gripped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.
April 22, 2024
A Good Start To A New Series
DCI Bec Pope is called to a church where the body of a woman has been found. There is also a note near the body addressed to Bec. It is not long before another body is found, also with a note. This feels personal but Bec has no idea who the murderer could be or why they want her attention. Things at home are not going too well either. Bec lives with her partner Alex, and his two daughters. Alex is very keen for her to change her job to something less stressful, but being a detective is her life. I really wanted to get hold of Alex and shake him. What if he had been the detective, and Bec wanted him to give up his much loved job? I suspect things would have been very different. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
DCI Bec Pope is called to a church where the body of a woman has been found. There is also a note near the body addressed to Bec. It is not long before another body is found, also with a note. This feels personal but Bec has no idea who the murderer could be or why they want her attention. Things at home are not going too well either. Bec lives with her partner Alex, and his two daughters. Alex is very keen for her to change her job to something less stressful, but being a detective is her life. I really wanted to get hold of Alex and shake him. What if he had been the detective, and Bec wanted him to give up his much loved job? I suspect things would have been very different. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 3, 2022
THE DEPTFORD MURDER by Jez Pinfold.
Dear Rebecca. You’re invited . . .
Meet Detective Rebecca Pope. Between trying to maintain an uneasy peace at home and negotiating a relationship with her estranged father, Bec Pope’s got enough on her plate. And then the murders begin.
It’s rush hour. Bec has been home for just twenty minutes when she has to race back out to a crime scene.
The body of a woman has been found in a quiet Deptford church, placed carefully on the altar. There’s a note on the body, addressed to Bec. And in the victim’s home, they find a small surveillance camera.
The killer is watching.
Brilliant read. Loved the story. 5*.
Dear Rebecca. You’re invited . . .
Meet Detective Rebecca Pope. Between trying to maintain an uneasy peace at home and negotiating a relationship with her estranged father, Bec Pope’s got enough on her plate. And then the murders begin.
It’s rush hour. Bec has been home for just twenty minutes when she has to race back out to a crime scene.
The body of a woman has been found in a quiet Deptford church, placed carefully on the altar. There’s a note on the body, addressed to Bec. And in the victim’s home, they find a small surveillance camera.
The killer is watching.
Brilliant read. Loved the story. 5*.
December 3, 2022
If there's one thing I really enjoy, it's getting in at the beginning of a new series - and this one promises to be well worth following!
Bec Pope is now a seasoned police detective but she would be the first to admit that there were mistakes made while she learned her job. Nowadays, she knows what she's doing work-wise but has a precarious marriage, always trying to keep the peace between her husband and her two stepdaughters. Of course, with impeccable timing as always, that when her workload cranks up with the discovery of the first body - and more to follow. This is a strange one .. the murderer places surveillance cameras in the home of his victim and watches them before he gets around to killing them off; can Bec and her team stop them?
For me, in any series, I have to like the main character and Bec comes across as a person with her feet firmly on the ground. This is a different scenario, I've never come across such a brazen murderer before and I had a couple of ideas of 'whodunnit' - which adds to the tension of course. Well written, this is one to keep you wondering and the author is definitely one I will look out for in future. A thoroughly gripping read and one I thank the publisher for my arc. Easily merits all five glowing stars. *****
Bec Pope is now a seasoned police detective but she would be the first to admit that there were mistakes made while she learned her job. Nowadays, she knows what she's doing work-wise but has a precarious marriage, always trying to keep the peace between her husband and her two stepdaughters. Of course, with impeccable timing as always, that when her workload cranks up with the discovery of the first body - and more to follow. This is a strange one .. the murderer places surveillance cameras in the home of his victim and watches them before he gets around to killing them off; can Bec and her team stop them?
For me, in any series, I have to like the main character and Bec comes across as a person with her feet firmly on the ground. This is a different scenario, I've never come across such a brazen murderer before and I had a couple of ideas of 'whodunnit' - which adds to the tension of course. Well written, this is one to keep you wondering and the author is definitely one I will look out for in future. A thoroughly gripping read and one I thank the publisher for my arc. Easily merits all five glowing stars. *****
December 3, 2022
What a terrific read this was. It's full of tension for Bec Pope, both at work where a killer is strangling women and leaving a note addresses to Bec at each scene, and at home where her husband doesn't appreciate her spending all her time at work.
The plotting was good and I read it very quickly as it was a real page-turner for me. There are several twists and I did was so wrong with my idea of who the killer was. I can't wait to read more in this series.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this, and this is my honest review.
The plotting was good and I read it very quickly as it was a real page-turner for me. There are several twists and I did was so wrong with my idea of who the killer was. I can't wait to read more in this series.
My thanks to Joffe Books for an advance copy of this, and this is my honest review.
December 7, 2022
Overall 4.5*
A great start to a new series and a new author for me too. Murders in Deptford begin to happen however they are personalised with notes being left addressed to Detective Pope. Along with her team, they try to figure out who this might be by looking into her old cases so the story takes you on a roller coaster ride until you reach the bid twist in this tale as to who it is on the killing spree. Good pace throughout the story and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Joffe books for the ARC to review.
A great start to a new series and a new author for me too. Murders in Deptford begin to happen however they are personalised with notes being left addressed to Detective Pope. Along with her team, they try to figure out who this might be by looking into her old cases so the story takes you on a roller coaster ride until you reach the bid twist in this tale as to who it is on the killing spree. Good pace throughout the story and I look forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Joffe books for the ARC to review.
May 6, 2024
I was very disappointed in this book. For a first book there didn’t seem to be any friendliness between the police. Everyone was referred to by their surnames. Even in Popes home, it would appear the author had forgotten he had given people a first name.
You have no idea, when you start reading why she is a stepmother.
The story line itself was quite good, it did have you guessing who the murderer was.
I will read book 2 and hope there is more warmth.
It took me longer than normal to read this book. Usually the police etc become my “friends” in this book they didn’t.
You have no idea, when you start reading why she is a stepmother.
The story line itself was quite good, it did have you guessing who the murderer was.
I will read book 2 and hope there is more warmth.
It took me longer than normal to read this book. Usually the police etc become my “friends” in this book they didn’t.
July 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book. Engaging narrative, well told and - even though it's improbable - a plot that twisted and turned enough to keep me wanting to read to the end.
One niggle, and this is with the publisher:
The book is not "absolutely gripping", nor is there a "massive twist". I'll often pass over books with this much 'publisher puff', thinking there must be something lacking between the covers to warrant so many words on the front. This however was worth reading, and the clues the author included were enough for me to work out what the twist would be.
One niggle, and this is with the publisher:
The book is not "absolutely gripping", nor is there a "massive twist". I'll often pass over books with this much 'publisher puff', thinking there must be something lacking between the covers to warrant so many words on the front. This however was worth reading, and the clues the author included were enough for me to work out what the twist would be.
September 15, 2025
My second read with detective Bec and her team. Good to see how the team work together with the usual conflict with the 'boss'
who wants quick results for his ego boost.
There are various threads that hint who the murderer is, so the suspense over whether Bec herself is a target lingers through the story. There is also her home conflict with a partner who wants her to be on a 9-5 timetable.
I think the ending could have had more development ie the reactions of work colleagues to her connection to the murderer and the 2 step daughters attitude after the event.
An enjoyable read
who wants quick results for his ego boost.
There are various threads that hint who the murderer is, so the suspense over whether Bec herself is a target lingers through the story. There is also her home conflict with a partner who wants her to be on a 9-5 timetable.
I think the ending could have had more development ie the reactions of work colleagues to her connection to the murderer and the 2 step daughters attitude after the event.
An enjoyable read
January 3, 2026
Always beware of a review the States "a massive twist"
I have been a keen crime mystery reader since starting my first Agatha Christie novel over 40 years ago. So by now I should realise that there are few books in this genre that really do have plot twists that care not clearly signposted. I still enjoyed The Deptford Murder, it is well structured and has a good pace to it. Some of the minor character were a little generic but there is certainly room for them to develop and grow as the series continues.
I have been a keen crime mystery reader since starting my first Agatha Christie novel over 40 years ago. So by now I should realise that there are few books in this genre that really do have plot twists that care not clearly signposted. I still enjoyed The Deptford Murder, it is well structured and has a good pace to it. Some of the minor character were a little generic but there is certainly room for them to develop and grow as the series continues.
November 23, 2022
Action packed and compelling. Lots of tension - both at home and away for DCI Bec Pope. With a sixteen year old stepdaughter there were bound to be problems. A murderer leaving messages with her name on doesn't help the mix. The big twist is... Well big and very twisty - I didn't see that coming.
A thoroughly good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
A thoroughly good read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
December 3, 2022
I found this book a bit of a struggle in place, but on the whole a good read. A woman's body is found in a church in London, she has been strangled. The next day another woman's body is found. Do Bec Pope and her team have a serial killer on their hands?
There are a lot of twists and turns along the way, you get to know Bec and her family and the pace of the story does not drop.
A very unexpected twist at the end. All in all a good read.
There are a lot of twists and turns along the way, you get to know Bec and her family and the pace of the story does not drop.
A very unexpected twist at the end. All in all a good read.
August 6, 2023
Sad to have finished this! A fun and gripping page turner from Jez Pinfold. Well paced, well written and well researched - as a police procedural enthusiast I was pleased to learn little details I hadn’t known before. The tension in Bec’s home life is all too real and really gives depth to her characterisation - I look forward to reading more about Bec Pope!
Plenty more good things to say but I don’t want to risk spoilers - a deserved 5 stars.
Plenty more good things to say but I don’t want to risk spoilers - a deserved 5 stars.
September 21, 2025
Slow going
I didn't realize with the fi st murder that this would be another story about serial killers. I've tried of them and had to keep talking myself into picking up the story again. By the time I got to the major twist which certainly spiced up the story, I just plowed through it so I could go on to my next read. Had I been eager to continue actually reading I believe this was the more exciting writing. But for me it was too late.
I didn't realize with the fi st murder that this would be another story about serial killers. I've tried of them and had to keep talking myself into picking up the story again. By the time I got to the major twist which certainly spiced up the story, I just plowed through it so I could go on to my next read. Had I been eager to continue actually reading I believe this was the more exciting writing. But for me it was too late.
July 29, 2023
Hmm!!
Gripping stuff and well written. But the plot is too far fetched for me. First, it would be usual for Pope to be taken off the case as soon as it became personal. There would at least be discussion before she was allowed to remains SIO. Second, her own father a serial killer? Sorry, just a stretch too much for me. Couldn't put it down though! Very readable.
Gripping stuff and well written. But the plot is too far fetched for me. First, it would be usual for Pope to be taken off the case as soon as it became personal. There would at least be discussion before she was allowed to remains SIO. Second, her own father a serial killer? Sorry, just a stretch too much for me. Couldn't put it down though! Very readable.
April 28, 2024
Staged killings? Serial killer in London?
DCI Pope finds herself trying to solve a murder where body has been staged in a church. Then another the next day. Spy cameras found at scenes make press dub this as Camera Killer. Then breakthrough - a victim who escaped to hospital. But before she can give detailed info, the killer finishes her off. Real twist coming. No spoilers!
DCI Pope finds herself trying to solve a murder where body has been staged in a church. Then another the next day. Spy cameras found at scenes make press dub this as Camera Killer. Then breakthrough - a victim who escaped to hospital. But before she can give detailed info, the killer finishes her off. Real twist coming. No spoilers!
August 19, 2024
Fine example of it's kind
I am a total sucker for a London based police procedural and this was a fine example. I have to say that I guessed who the killer was as soon as they were introduced but that by no means detracted from my enjoyment of reading it. Looking forward to the next one and hopefully more to come.
I am a total sucker for a London based police procedural and this was a fine example. I have to say that I guessed who the killer was as soon as they were introduced but that by no means detracted from my enjoyment of reading it. Looking forward to the next one and hopefully more to come.
June 7, 2025
I am not usually the detective murder mystery type reader but I came across a daughter advertising her Dads novel, the Deptford murder and felt curious to check it out.
An excellent, gripping novel that is superbly written with an amazing plot twist at the end! A great read 5/5. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
An excellent, gripping novel that is superbly written with an amazing plot twist at the end! A great read 5/5. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2025
Gripping and enjoyable serial killer book with a team I look forward to getting to know more.
A ritualistic killing with a body left posed in a church makes this a high profile case for DCI Bec Pope and her team... but then it becomes personal when the killer leaves messages for her at the site.
Fast paced, edgy and ominous
A ritualistic killing with a body left posed in a church makes this a high profile case for DCI Bec Pope and her team... but then it becomes personal when the killer leaves messages for her at the site.
Fast paced, edgy and ominous
December 2, 2022
Gripping.
The characters are clearly defined and relatable, the story is deep and all too possible, the red herrings are sneaky.
That twist really is diabolical!
I requested and received a free EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
The characters are clearly defined and relatable, the story is deep and all too possible, the red herrings are sneaky.
That twist really is diabolical!
I requested and received a free EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
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