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Jackman & Evans #5
The Stolen Boys
Listening Length 11 hours and 29 minutes
A MYSTERY WHICH WILL CAPTIVATE YOU TILL THE STUNNING ENDING
A crime wave has hit town. The target is a highly sought-after brand of streetwear called Hybird X, clothing that costs a fortune and resells for unbelievable prices. Houses are burgled, kids mugged on the streets . . . and finally a young man dies, all for the sake of his shoes.
Then another boy’s body is found in a pile of rubbish. Meanwhile illegal steroids are flooding the streets. And there are dark movements on the marshes.
CLOTHES THAT PEOPLE WILL KILL TO OWN
A shadowy figure called Darke and his teams of young criminals seem to be behind it all.
Detectives Jackman and Evans must take on a fiendish criminal, while still haunted by Alistair Ashcroft, the serial killer they never caught.
WHO IS DARKE AND WHAT DOES HE REALLY WANT?
Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Set in the atmospheric Lincolnshire Fens whose towns and isolated villages hide many dark secrets.
A MYSTERY WHICH WILL CAPTIVATE YOU TILL THE STUNNING ENDING
A crime wave has hit town. The target is a highly sought-after brand of streetwear called Hybird X, clothing that costs a fortune and resells for unbelievable prices. Houses are burgled, kids mugged on the streets . . . and finally a young man dies, all for the sake of his shoes.
Then another boy’s body is found in a pile of rubbish. Meanwhile illegal steroids are flooding the streets. And there are dark movements on the marshes.
CLOTHES THAT PEOPLE WILL KILL TO OWN
A shadowy figure called Darke and his teams of young criminals seem to be behind it all.
Detectives Jackman and Evans must take on a fiendish criminal, while still haunted by Alistair Ashcroft, the serial killer they never caught.
WHO IS DARKE AND WHAT DOES HE REALLY WANT?
Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Set in the atmospheric Lincolnshire Fens whose towns and isolated villages hide many dark secrets.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 9, 2018
4256 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
60 books2,426 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 416 reviews
January 22, 2019
Another gripping story in the Jackman and Evans series from Joy Ellis. In this instalment teens are being mugged for their designer wear, having it ripped off them in the streets or in their houses, and the thieves are gone in an instant. Then a mugging goes wrong and a boy ends up dead. Then another boy's body is found in a garbage pile. While investigating these boys deaths Jackman & Evans also have a batch of illegal steroids flooding the area. Then an arch nemesis of Evan's moves back into CID, causing more distress for the team. And always, in the background, is the threat of the serial killer that got away...
I love Joy Ellis' books, I always find I can't put them down. This one is no different, pulse-pounding suspense, all with the brooding Fens in the background. Recommended.
I love Joy Ellis' books, I always find I can't put them down. This one is no different, pulse-pounding suspense, all with the brooding Fens in the background. Recommended.
March 12, 2022
It’s been a while since I’ve been able to enjoy back to back books from the same series and I’d forgotten what a pleasure it is. The Stolen Boys takes up just a few months after The Guilty Ones and the team is still bothered by the one that got away. But they are also dealing with a theft ring involving high end designer duds and illegal steroids are flooding the streets.
It’s a fine line with police procedurals to match the crimes with enough of the personal lives of the team. Ellis walks the line perfectly. This time, the story shows more of Marie’s life, as a corrupt detective that previously made her life hell returns to the station. Also, Jackman is struggling with having broken off with Louise.
I don’t recommend reading this as a stand alone. It works much better if you have read the prior three books.
The book moves along at a nice strong pace with no downtime. This isn’t a super suspenseful book; that’s not Ellis’ style. But it will keep you engaged. I highly recommend this series to lovers of police procedurals.
Richard Armitage does a great job as the narrator of this series.
It’s a fine line with police procedurals to match the crimes with enough of the personal lives of the team. Ellis walks the line perfectly. This time, the story shows more of Marie’s life, as a corrupt detective that previously made her life hell returns to the station. Also, Jackman is struggling with having broken off with Louise.
I don’t recommend reading this as a stand alone. It works much better if you have read the prior three books.
The book moves along at a nice strong pace with no downtime. This isn’t a super suspenseful book; that’s not Ellis’ style. But it will keep you engaged. I highly recommend this series to lovers of police procedurals.
Richard Armitage does a great job as the narrator of this series.
October 10, 2018
DI Jackman & DS Evans #5
A young boy is murdered for the trainers he was wearing. It seems there's a new crime wave in Saltern-Le-Fen. It's for designer clothes, one offs that will make a mint when they are re-sold. People will do anything they can to get there hands on them. DI Jackman and his team are investigating this crime plus there is also an influx of steroids. Marie also has an old adversary foisted on her who had previously made her life hell. She is left feeling quite vunerable. The team are also trying to find Alistair Ashcroft, the man who had escaped them after nearly killing Jackman & Evans in the last book.
This is another series I'm quite enjoying just now. They are well written with lots of twists. The story is told in the third person with various points of view. The pace is fast. I like the characters of Jackman & Evans. They work well together, also their backgrounds build from book to book. Read this series from the start. It's good.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A young boy is murdered for the trainers he was wearing. It seems there's a new crime wave in Saltern-Le-Fen. It's for designer clothes, one offs that will make a mint when they are re-sold. People will do anything they can to get there hands on them. DI Jackman and his team are investigating this crime plus there is also an influx of steroids. Marie also has an old adversary foisted on her who had previously made her life hell. She is left feeling quite vunerable. The team are also trying to find Alistair Ashcroft, the man who had escaped them after nearly killing Jackman & Evans in the last book.
This is another series I'm quite enjoying just now. They are well written with lots of twists. The story is told in the third person with various points of view. The pace is fast. I like the characters of Jackman & Evans. They work well together, also their backgrounds build from book to book. Read this series from the start. It's good.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2022
Jackman and Evans are my favorite from Ms. Ellis. Don't get me wrong, because Nikki Galena is good also, but I do love Jackman! I was telling my mom about this series, and they asked their library to get it! I didn't much care for the last Ellis book, but that is going to happen. Funny thing is that this one kinda struck my fancy. I'm a woman who has a shoe fetish. Big surprise! I wear button fly Levis, cheap cotton tees, but my shoes. Dear lord, my shoes. Oh, were you expecting expensive heels? Um, no..I LOVE MY NIKE BASKETBALL KICKS! I've spent more on my b.b. shoes than I spend in clothes, make-up,etc...So this story struck my fancy. As always, Joy's tales have a few different investigations going on. Nothing is ever what it seems, but somehow it all comes.together. Also, the Fens? I must see this one day!
October 11, 2018
DI Jackman and DS Marie Evans are facing a crime wave, the likes of which they've never seen before.
Houses are being burgled, young men mugged on the streets. Who knew what fashion could cause. The target is a special brand of street wear, clothing that costs a fortune and resells for even more. A young man is killed .. for his shoes. And then another boy's body is found in a pile of rubbish.
On top of all this, illegal steroids have hit the streets. Are they connected in any way to the clothing heists? Jackman and Evans are searching for a man called Darke. They have a suspicion that he and his band of young criminals may be behind it all.
So who is Darke ... where did he come from .... what does he want?
As with all this author's books, they are sheer page turners with fast paced, action packed stories. The characters are finely drawn. I love how they've changed and matured since the inception of Book 1 in this series. Although this is the 5th book, this is easily read as a stand alone, However, I do recommend starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Book Promotions / Jill Burkinshaw for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Houses are being burgled, young men mugged on the streets. Who knew what fashion could cause. The target is a special brand of street wear, clothing that costs a fortune and resells for even more. A young man is killed .. for his shoes. And then another boy's body is found in a pile of rubbish.
On top of all this, illegal steroids have hit the streets. Are they connected in any way to the clothing heists? Jackman and Evans are searching for a man called Darke. They have a suspicion that he and his band of young criminals may be behind it all.
So who is Darke ... where did he come from .... what does he want?
As with all this author's books, they are sheer page turners with fast paced, action packed stories. The characters are finely drawn. I love how they've changed and matured since the inception of Book 1 in this series. Although this is the 5th book, this is easily read as a stand alone, However, I do recommend starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Book Promotions / Jill Burkinshaw for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 8, 2018
Joy Ellis writes a mean police procedural and this was no exception. Jackman and Evans are in the thick of it with a crime wave the likes of which the Lincolnshire fens have not seen before. There is a rash of burglaries and muggings, all to obtain rare editions of the exclusive Hybird X streetwear that can be onsold for thousands of pounds, there is a steroid epidemic and strange lights are seen at night on the fens. One of the muggings goes horribly wrong and the young victim dies, all for the sake of a flash pair of trainers. Then a youth's body is found with some trash. Are these events related?
We also follow the stories of Tommy and Mossy, young men desperate to escape their dysfunctional homes and willing to do some slightly shady things to achieve that. Despite them being from 'the wrong side of the tracks' you can't help liking these two as they are basically pretty decent kids who don't want to hurt anybody. Anyway. it seems the whole crime setup is being run by the mysterious Darke - a shadowy figure that no-one knows anything about. Things come to a head when a terrified and traumatised youth is found gibbering in a park. He had been horribly abused. Is this also down to Darke? Jackman's forces also take some hits as they battle to stop these crimes and prevent further damage to the kids in the area.
This is a lovely team of 'coppers', they work so well together and they have become so familiar to us. Marie Evans is facing a crisis however, as DS Vic Blackman is due to return to the station. He left years ago under a cloud after making Marie's life a misery with his bullying and vicious attacks. She dreads his return. How this pans out is really interesting. The next book promises to be a doozy as a vicious killer who had previously escaped their clutches, injuring Jackman and Evans in the process, makes it known that he is back and he has them in his sights.
We also follow the stories of Tommy and Mossy, young men desperate to escape their dysfunctional homes and willing to do some slightly shady things to achieve that. Despite them being from 'the wrong side of the tracks' you can't help liking these two as they are basically pretty decent kids who don't want to hurt anybody. Anyway. it seems the whole crime setup is being run by the mysterious Darke - a shadowy figure that no-one knows anything about. Things come to a head when a terrified and traumatised youth is found gibbering in a park. He had been horribly abused. Is this also down to Darke? Jackman's forces also take some hits as they battle to stop these crimes and prevent further damage to the kids in the area.
This is a lovely team of 'coppers', they work so well together and they have become so familiar to us. Marie Evans is facing a crisis however, as DS Vic Blackman is due to return to the station. He left years ago under a cloud after making Marie's life a misery with his bullying and vicious attacks. She dreads his return. How this pans out is really interesting. The next book promises to be a doozy as a vicious killer who had previously escaped their clutches, injuring Jackman and Evans in the process, makes it known that he is back and he has them in his sights.
February 10, 2023
My favourite so far. I'm glad I stuck with the series, as I am quite invested in this team now, and even though police/detective books aren't my preferred genre, these have been a good reminder that I do still enjoy them when I give them a chance.
This story was the most gripping so far, people committing serious crimes for street wear, which sounds trivial, it was intense, and was a worrying reminder of the lengths people will go to for something for an item that is limited edition.
There was other stuff happening too, and an undercurrent of fear and exhaustion from the events of the previous book.
Also pleasing to me was a character called Daisy and her German Shepherd called Sheba - as well as genuinely liking them as characters, my grandparents had a German Shepherd called Sheba, so everytime I read about 'book Sheba' , I pictured 'our Sheba', who was an absolutely lovely dog.
This story was the most gripping so far, people committing serious crimes for street wear, which sounds trivial, it was intense, and was a worrying reminder of the lengths people will go to for something for an item that is limited edition.
There was other stuff happening too, and an undercurrent of fear and exhaustion from the events of the previous book.
Also pleasing to me was a character called Daisy and her German Shepherd called Sheba - as well as genuinely liking them as characters, my grandparents had a German Shepherd called Sheba, so everytime I read about 'book Sheba' , I pictured 'our Sheba', who was an absolutely lovely dog.
October 7, 2018
I was very pleased to see this latest book in the brilliant Jackman and Evans series released. This is book 5 in the series and while it does work as stand alone I would recommend you read book 4 first as the events in The Guilty Ones are relevant to this book.
Jackman and his team are still recovering from the mental and physical injuries inflicted by Ashcroft and are using a crime lull to recharge. Nothing much is happening apart from illegal steroids and a few break ins.
I love Jackman's team they all care about each other and each have their area of expertise that all adds together to make a very effective team. Nobody wants that to change so when an nemesis from Marie Evans' past looks like becoming the fly in the ointment the whole team are on guard to protect her.
Things in Saltern le fen were never going to remain quiet for long and when the body of a boy turns up murder investigation is back on the agenda as the team dive in to remove more criminals from the streets.
This is very much an emotional roller coaster of a book with abuse and people trafficking intermingled with other side stories it makes for a totally gripping read. I particularly loved the part played by Sheba the German Shepherd.
Very much a psychological thriller with twists, turns and shocks all the way through. An excellent read as I would expect from the phenomenal Joy Ellis. Scores on the doors - 5 golden stars from me.
Jackman and his team are still recovering from the mental and physical injuries inflicted by Ashcroft and are using a crime lull to recharge. Nothing much is happening apart from illegal steroids and a few break ins.
I love Jackman's team they all care about each other and each have their area of expertise that all adds together to make a very effective team. Nobody wants that to change so when an nemesis from Marie Evans' past looks like becoming the fly in the ointment the whole team are on guard to protect her.
Things in Saltern le fen were never going to remain quiet for long and when the body of a boy turns up murder investigation is back on the agenda as the team dive in to remove more criminals from the streets.
This is very much an emotional roller coaster of a book with abuse and people trafficking intermingled with other side stories it makes for a totally gripping read. I particularly loved the part played by Sheba the German Shepherd.
Very much a psychological thriller with twists, turns and shocks all the way through. An excellent read as I would expect from the phenomenal Joy Ellis. Scores on the doors - 5 golden stars from me.
July 23, 2023
sort of an odd story line, I guess I never really realized the underbelly of expensive name brand items and the lengths people will go to make some cash.
January 17, 2019
3.5 stars
My less favourite in this series,
but still a decent suspense!
Looking forward to the next book.
I know they will catch and hopefully kill Alistair!
My less favourite in this series,
but still a decent suspense!
Looking forward to the next book.
I know they will catch and hopefully kill Alistair!
March 22, 2020
This is a 4.5 star read.
October 11, 2018
DI Jackman and DS Marie Evans are facing a crime wave, the likes of which they've never seen before.
Houses are being burgled, young men mugged on the streets. Who knew what fashion could cause. The target is a special brand of street wear, clothing that costs a fortune and resells for even more. A young man is killed .. for his shoes. And then another boy's body is found in a pile of rubbish.
On top of all this, illegal steroids have hit the streets. Are they connected in any way to the clothing heists? Jackman and Evans are searching for a man called Darke. They have a suspicion that he and his band of young criminals may be behind it all.
So who is Darke ... where did he come from .... what does he want?
As with all this author's books, they are sheer page turners with fast paced, action packed stories. The characters are finely drawn. I love how they've changed and matured since the inception of Book 1 in this series. Although this is the 5th book, this is easily read as a stand alone, However, I do recommend starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Book Promotions / Jill Burkinshaw for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Houses are being burgled, young men mugged on the streets. Who knew what fashion could cause. The target is a special brand of street wear, clothing that costs a fortune and resells for even more. A young man is killed .. for his shoes. And then another boy's body is found in a pile of rubbish.
On top of all this, illegal steroids have hit the streets. Are they connected in any way to the clothing heists? Jackman and Evans are searching for a man called Darke. They have a suspicion that he and his band of young criminals may be behind it all.
So who is Darke ... where did he come from .... what does he want?
As with all this author's books, they are sheer page turners with fast paced, action packed stories. The characters are finely drawn. I love how they've changed and matured since the inception of Book 1 in this series. Although this is the 5th book, this is easily read as a stand alone, However, I do recommend starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Book Promotions / Jill Burkinshaw for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 29, 2020
A top notch detective /crime / thriller book.
This was standard and then some... I want to read more in this series (adding to the immense list!).
It is very much character driven with a side note of excellent story...both detectives and criminals had their say... I love that :)
This was standard and then some... I want to read more in this series (adding to the immense list!).
It is very much character driven with a side note of excellent story...both detectives and criminals had their say... I love that :)
October 21, 2018
Saltern-Le-Fen has been hit by a crime wave that could have been ripped from the pages of a Charles Dickins novel. A modern day Fagan and his teams of young criminals are committing burglaries and mugging kids in the street. Not for their phones,wallets or jewellery but for a highly sought - after brand of clothing called Hybird X. Clothing that costs a fortune and sells for unbelievable prices. The muggings are swift and brutal,then one mugging goes wrong and a young man dies...all for the sake of his shoes.
Then another boy's body is found in a pile of rubbish,illegal steroids are flooding the streets and there appears to be suspicious,dark movements at night on the marshes.
Are the cases connected? Who is the mysterious person known only as Darke? Why are young boys mysteriously disappearing?
Jackman and his team must work fast and figure out the identity of the fiendish mastermind before anyone else dies.
DI Jackman,Marie Evans and the rest of the team are still struggling with the physical and mental damage that was inflicted on them during the Alistair Ashcroft case and the fact that they never caught him. They have vowed that they will do everything in their power to find him and are devoting as much time that they can spare into the search.With dead bodies,burglaries,muggings,illegal steroids,smuggling,missing people,no clues to the identity of their sinister adversary and Alistair Ashcroft constantly lurking at the back of their minds,the team are pushed to their limits.Even the normally unflappable Rory Wilkinson is affected by certain aspects of the investigations.Then to Marie's horror a ghost from her past reappears,hell bent on seeking revenge and making her life as hell as possible.One of the things I love about this series is the camaraderie and banter between all the members of the team.They are friends as well as colleagues,care about each other and work well together as a team.I love how each member of the team has the opportunity to contribute their own input into the investigations.I also like Rory Wilkinson the pathologist,I love his witty humour and sarcastic quips.
This gripping thriller has loads of twists and turns,keeps the reader guessing and has a unexpected twist at the end. Although this is the fogth book in the series and despite there being some references to events from the previous book,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I love this series and can't wait to find out what Joy Ellis has planned for Jackman and his team's next investigation.
Many thanks to Jofee Books and Jill Burkinshaw for a arc of this book in exchange for a honest review
Then another boy's body is found in a pile of rubbish,illegal steroids are flooding the streets and there appears to be suspicious,dark movements at night on the marshes.
Are the cases connected? Who is the mysterious person known only as Darke? Why are young boys mysteriously disappearing?
Jackman and his team must work fast and figure out the identity of the fiendish mastermind before anyone else dies.
DI Jackman,Marie Evans and the rest of the team are still struggling with the physical and mental damage that was inflicted on them during the Alistair Ashcroft case and the fact that they never caught him. They have vowed that they will do everything in their power to find him and are devoting as much time that they can spare into the search.With dead bodies,burglaries,muggings,illegal steroids,smuggling,missing people,no clues to the identity of their sinister adversary and Alistair Ashcroft constantly lurking at the back of their minds,the team are pushed to their limits.Even the normally unflappable Rory Wilkinson is affected by certain aspects of the investigations.Then to Marie's horror a ghost from her past reappears,hell bent on seeking revenge and making her life as hell as possible.One of the things I love about this series is the camaraderie and banter between all the members of the team.They are friends as well as colleagues,care about each other and work well together as a team.I love how each member of the team has the opportunity to contribute their own input into the investigations.I also like Rory Wilkinson the pathologist,I love his witty humour and sarcastic quips.
This gripping thriller has loads of twists and turns,keeps the reader guessing and has a unexpected twist at the end. Although this is the fogth book in the series and despite there being some references to events from the previous book,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I love this series and can't wait to find out what Joy Ellis has planned for Jackman and his team's next investigation.
Many thanks to Jofee Books and Jill Burkinshaw for a arc of this book in exchange for a honest review
March 30, 2020
Gaah, I'm excited for the next (and sadly last) one (for now)!
April 21, 2025
Jackman and Evans series is just brilliant. The stories, the characters, the execution, Joy Ellis created a series that's absolutely brilliant and fully addictive.
The Stolen Boys is the fifth book in the series and it's as good as the previous ones. Intense story, clever and engaging plot delivered really well. It's great to see the whole team working together so well, it's great to have more of their individual stories come through.
Joy Ellis writes not just great crime stories but also great characters. I'm all for it.
Looking forward to reading more in that series.
The Stolen Boys is the fifth book in the series and it's as good as the previous ones. Intense story, clever and engaging plot delivered really well. It's great to see the whole team working together so well, it's great to have more of their individual stories come through.
Joy Ellis writes not just great crime stories but also great characters. I'm all for it.
Looking forward to reading more in that series.
October 12, 2023
3 zvaigznes sižetam un +1 Ričarda Armitidža lasījumam.
Tas, ka angļu salīdzinoši mazās pilsētas ir ārkārtīgi bīstamas vietas, kur dzīvot, jau sen ir skaidrs. Tur nekad nav trūcis ne tikai zagļu, laupītāju un pat slekavu, bet arī visādu raudžu sadistu. Man patika, ka autore radot ielasbērnu bandu, kuru laupīt apmāca kāds džentelmenis, pati atzina aitauci uz Dikensu. Taču šoreiz likās mazāks uzsvars uz pašiem izmeklētājiem un tieši viņi ir tie, kas mani galvenokārt intersē šajā sērijā.
Tas, ka angļu salīdzinoši mazās pilsētas ir ārkārtīgi bīstamas vietas, kur dzīvot, jau sen ir skaidrs. Tur nekad nav trūcis ne tikai zagļu, laupītāju un pat slekavu, bet arī visādu raudžu sadistu. Man patika, ka autore radot ielasbērnu bandu, kuru laupīt apmāca kāds džentelmenis, pati atzina aitauci uz Dikensu. Taču šoreiz likās mazāks uzsvars uz pašiem izmeklētājiem un tieši viņi ir tie, kas mani galvenokārt intersē šajā sērijā.
March 2, 2025
The case of the stolen clothing. Someone is stealing rich kids clothing. Expensive clothing that is worth alot of money.
They're even getting killed for it.
Dark is a man that hires and trains young theives. Specially for this brand of running shoes and jackets.
These kids are usually poor and don't know what they're getting into.
Jackman and Evans are on the case. Marie Evans old partner also makes an appearance. A man she doesn't like or trust.
Lots going on in this book. I think this series should be read in order to follow main characters lives.
Great detective series
They're even getting killed for it.
Dark is a man that hires and trains young theives. Specially for this brand of running shoes and jackets.
These kids are usually poor and don't know what they're getting into.
Jackman and Evans are on the case. Marie Evans old partner also makes an appearance. A man she doesn't like or trust.
Lots going on in this book. I think this series should be read in order to follow main characters lives.
Great detective series
January 7, 2019
Every character - the police officers, the near-feral street kids, the rich boys trying to impress each other with their style - speaks with the same voice.
The plot about highly desirable fashion items struck me as completely overblown. It might well be there's a market for brand-name items sold and resold at vastly inflated prices making theft a worthwhile enterprise - but on the scale as described in this book in a piddling little village it was as plausible as the murder rates in Midsomer or Murder She Wrote.
The police officers & their love lives were completely uninteresting to me and the baddie coming back from the past to haunt a fellow officer was just a pantomime villain. And the denouement of that plot line rang completely false - maybe it works if you've read the others in this series.
The plot about highly desirable fashion items struck me as completely overblown. It might well be there's a market for brand-name items sold and resold at vastly inflated prices making theft a worthwhile enterprise - but on the scale as described in this book in a piddling little village it was as plausible as the murder rates in Midsomer or Murder She Wrote.
The police officers & their love lives were completely uninteresting to me and the baddie coming back from the past to haunt a fellow officer was just a pantomime villain. And the denouement of that plot line rang completely false - maybe it works if you've read the others in this series.
May 27, 2022
Not my favorite of this series - I just found the whole "streetwear" storyline to be dull and dumb and the Vic/Marie conflict didn't resonate with me at all. But I needed to finish this one so I can move onto #6, which will hopefully be back to the Jackman & Evans that I love.
July 20, 2024
Setting: Lincolnshire Fens, England; modern day.
In this fifth book in the series featuring D.I. Rowan Jackman and D.S. Marie Evans, the team are still reeling from the actions of a vindictive killer who managed to escape after nearly killing both Jackman and Evans - and the duo are determined to find out what happened to him. But then they are sidetracked by a string of house robberies and muggings that target young men who own or are wearing a particular brand of sportswear, some examples of which are of such limited edition that their resale value is almost unbelievable. As evidence mounts, it appears that the crimes are being committed by young men who seem to be under the direction of a Fagin-type figure...
It has been some years since I read the previous book in this series but I was soon hooked and back into the swing of crime in the Lincolnshire Fens! The author's stories are always gripping and unputdownable and the characters are well-developed and believable. This is even the case with the characters of some of the young men committing the crimes and their mentors as they work away for their 'Mr Big'. Another excellent instalment and looking forward to reading the next in the series shortly - 9/10.
In this fifth book in the series featuring D.I. Rowan Jackman and D.S. Marie Evans, the team are still reeling from the actions of a vindictive killer who managed to escape after nearly killing both Jackman and Evans - and the duo are determined to find out what happened to him. But then they are sidetracked by a string of house robberies and muggings that target young men who own or are wearing a particular brand of sportswear, some examples of which are of such limited edition that their resale value is almost unbelievable. As evidence mounts, it appears that the crimes are being committed by young men who seem to be under the direction of a Fagin-type figure...
It has been some years since I read the previous book in this series but I was soon hooked and back into the swing of crime in the Lincolnshire Fens! The author's stories are always gripping and unputdownable and the characters are well-developed and believable. This is even the case with the characters of some of the young men committing the crimes and their mentors as they work away for their 'Mr Big'. Another excellent instalment and looking forward to reading the next in the series shortly - 9/10.
November 9, 2019
This is another Jackman novel by Ellis and I think she keeps getting better and better. It might help that RA is narrating the story, so it was easy to get into the story.
What started out as burglary investigation into a thief ring stealing high end clothing, highly saute out by collectors. Houses are being burgled and people hijacked on the street for their clothing, then a boy ends up dead.
Ellis delves into the world of neglected teens who are looking for a way to make money to get out of the hell at home. Unfortunately, they find themselves working for a larger evil.
Ellis' books are written in semi chronological style. We are familiar with everyone that works in the squad room and most of their back stories. The reader gets to jump right into the story with having to reread a lot of character backstory.
What started out as burglary investigation into a thief ring stealing high end clothing, highly saute out by collectors. Houses are being burgled and people hijacked on the street for their clothing, then a boy ends up dead.
Ellis delves into the world of neglected teens who are looking for a way to make money to get out of the hell at home. Unfortunately, they find themselves working for a larger evil.
Ellis' books are written in semi chronological style. We are familiar with everyone that works in the squad room and most of their back stories. The reader gets to jump right into the story with having to reread a lot of character backstory.
October 21, 2018
DI Jackman and DS Evans are still haunted from their previous case when they are tasked to investigate a spat of organised robberies involving a designer brand called Hybird X. The case takes a darker turn when a boy is killed after his trainers are stolen.
Another boy is found in a pile of rubbish, with no identifying traits and seemingly nobody looking for him.
If that didn’t keep them busy enough illegal steroids are flooding the streets. Will Jackman, Evans and their team figure out what’s going on?
So this is the fifth in Jackman and Evans series and to be honest you could read it as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading the previous book, The Guilt Ones, just because some elements of the story line do carry over.
Poor Jackman and Evans, they are really struggling! Jackman is suffering from low spirits after the escape of Alastair Ashcroft and compounded by the break up of his relationship. Evans is still struggling with her leg injury and to make matters worse an old nemesis who she thought she’d seen the last of pops up again, intent on making her life a misery.
There’s several different perspectives in the book including a runaway by the name of Mossy who’s story I found the most compelling. He’s smart but also neglected and thinks the only way he can help his friend Alice out of an abusive situation is to join a gang.
I have to be honest this started off a little slower in pace than the previous book. Also while I thought the designer clothes theft angle is original it just takes a little bit of time to wrap my head around (which Joy Ellis does make clear at the beginning of the book!) especially when I didn’t realise the clothes were called Hybird X not Hybrid X until about ten chapters in even though it was mentioned several times.
Overall The Stolen Boys is an original and engaging story with character you can’t help caring about, that will take you on a surprisingly emotional journey.
Another boy is found in a pile of rubbish, with no identifying traits and seemingly nobody looking for him.
If that didn’t keep them busy enough illegal steroids are flooding the streets. Will Jackman, Evans and their team figure out what’s going on?
So this is the fifth in Jackman and Evans series and to be honest you could read it as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading the previous book, The Guilt Ones, just because some elements of the story line do carry over.
Poor Jackman and Evans, they are really struggling! Jackman is suffering from low spirits after the escape of Alastair Ashcroft and compounded by the break up of his relationship. Evans is still struggling with her leg injury and to make matters worse an old nemesis who she thought she’d seen the last of pops up again, intent on making her life a misery.
There’s several different perspectives in the book including a runaway by the name of Mossy who’s story I found the most compelling. He’s smart but also neglected and thinks the only way he can help his friend Alice out of an abusive situation is to join a gang.
I have to be honest this started off a little slower in pace than the previous book. Also while I thought the designer clothes theft angle is original it just takes a little bit of time to wrap my head around (which Joy Ellis does make clear at the beginning of the book!) especially when I didn’t realise the clothes were called Hybird X not Hybrid X until about ten chapters in even though it was mentioned several times.
Overall The Stolen Boys is an original and engaging story with character you can’t help caring about, that will take you on a surprisingly emotional journey.
October 9, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Stolen Boys, the fifth novel to feature DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans set in the Lincolnshire Fens.
It’s all quiet at the Saltern-le-Fen nick so Jackman arranges for his team to have a go at finding Alistair Ashcroft, the one who escaped them in a previous novel but before they can start a youth is murdered for his Hybird X designer trainers, part of a crime wave targeting the exclusive brand. Current cases take priority so with the clothing thefts, a second murder and steroid smuggling the team have their hands full and the hunt for Ashcroft has to go on the back burner.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Stolen Boys which, as with all Ms Ellis’s novels, is an exciting and absorbing read with plenty of twists and turns. I really admire her skill in drawing all the disparate threads of her narrative into a cohesive whole. It should be noted, however, that it is, at points, a violent, brutal novel with some stomach churning scenes. I’m not normally squeamish but I found some of the cruelty implied sickening. Unfortunately most of it is very believable and none of it gratuitous as Ms Ellis allows the reader’s imagination to fill in the detail. I like the way the novel starts with a fairly “routine” crime and broadens out into something much darker as the team investigate.
The novel is told in the third person from various points of view, giving the reader a much wider perspective than the police have. Mostly I’m not a fan of this approach, finding it distracting and sometimes confusing, but in this novel it works extremely well as each character has their own story and angle and such is the pacing of the novel that the reader is pulled in quickly to the intrigue of each character’s situation and then desperate to know what will come next.
Ms Ellis makes the point at the start of the novel that it may strain the reader’s credulity that designer clothes could be worth stealing but I have to say it all seems plausible to me in our mad, modern world and she certainly makes a good case for it, my only quibble being that I could see it more in a big city than a rural setting where money is often tight.
As usual the author incorporates the personal life of her protagonists into the novel so Marie Evans is in for a rough time when a ghost from her past reappears. I liked the drama of the scenario and think that it is well done but found the resolution trite and unconvincing.
The Stolen Boys is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
It’s all quiet at the Saltern-le-Fen nick so Jackman arranges for his team to have a go at finding Alistair Ashcroft, the one who escaped them in a previous novel but before they can start a youth is murdered for his Hybird X designer trainers, part of a crime wave targeting the exclusive brand. Current cases take priority so with the clothing thefts, a second murder and steroid smuggling the team have their hands full and the hunt for Ashcroft has to go on the back burner.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Stolen Boys which, as with all Ms Ellis’s novels, is an exciting and absorbing read with plenty of twists and turns. I really admire her skill in drawing all the disparate threads of her narrative into a cohesive whole. It should be noted, however, that it is, at points, a violent, brutal novel with some stomach churning scenes. I’m not normally squeamish but I found some of the cruelty implied sickening. Unfortunately most of it is very believable and none of it gratuitous as Ms Ellis allows the reader’s imagination to fill in the detail. I like the way the novel starts with a fairly “routine” crime and broadens out into something much darker as the team investigate.
The novel is told in the third person from various points of view, giving the reader a much wider perspective than the police have. Mostly I’m not a fan of this approach, finding it distracting and sometimes confusing, but in this novel it works extremely well as each character has their own story and angle and such is the pacing of the novel that the reader is pulled in quickly to the intrigue of each character’s situation and then desperate to know what will come next.
Ms Ellis makes the point at the start of the novel that it may strain the reader’s credulity that designer clothes could be worth stealing but I have to say it all seems plausible to me in our mad, modern world and she certainly makes a good case for it, my only quibble being that I could see it more in a big city than a rural setting where money is often tight.
As usual the author incorporates the personal life of her protagonists into the novel so Marie Evans is in for a rough time when a ghost from her past reappears. I liked the drama of the scenario and think that it is well done but found the resolution trite and unconvincing.
The Stolen Boys is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 20, 2020
DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans had been injured on duty several months earlier and, although they were grateful they had survived relatively intact, the fact the killer had escaped was never far from their thoughts. Just as they were about to launch another initiative to try and track him down a couple of new crime waves hit Saltern-le-Fen.
There is suspicious activity on the marshes and illegal steroids are flooding the streets. There’s a huge market for the drugs and it was quickly becoming very big business.
Alongside the drugs case are a spate of burglaries and muggings. A sinister figure called Darke and his team of spotters and muggers are targeting young men who own a much sought after brand of street wear called Hybird X. The high end range of clothing costs a small fortune and sells for huge amounts. Darke’s team have it down to a fine art, whether it’s mugging on the street or house burglary, until a teenager is found fatally injured, minus his trainers and the possibility of much more sinister happenings begin to emerge.
Added in to the mix are Mossy and Tommy, two neglected kids with disintegrating home lives who allow themselves to get caught up in Darke’s network for different reasons. Two boys who can’t see another way out.
"Mossy had no idea what love was. There had certainly been no love in his life so far. His parents showed no evidence of it."
The narrative comes from several third person perspectives so the reader, or listener, has a rounded view of events, which works very well as there’s quite a lot going on. Well plotted, with several storylines running concurrently, The Stolen Boys is an engaging listen. I’m not sure if a CID division would get on so well and care about each other to this extent in the real world but nevertheless it’s a nice change to have such camaraderie and compassion between the characters with no issues or deep, dark secrets. One of the story threads is still unresolved and carries through into the next book.
There is suspicious activity on the marshes and illegal steroids are flooding the streets. There’s a huge market for the drugs and it was quickly becoming very big business.
Alongside the drugs case are a spate of burglaries and muggings. A sinister figure called Darke and his team of spotters and muggers are targeting young men who own a much sought after brand of street wear called Hybird X. The high end range of clothing costs a small fortune and sells for huge amounts. Darke’s team have it down to a fine art, whether it’s mugging on the street or house burglary, until a teenager is found fatally injured, minus his trainers and the possibility of much more sinister happenings begin to emerge.
Added in to the mix are Mossy and Tommy, two neglected kids with disintegrating home lives who allow themselves to get caught up in Darke’s network for different reasons. Two boys who can’t see another way out.
"Mossy had no idea what love was. There had certainly been no love in his life so far. His parents showed no evidence of it."
The narrative comes from several third person perspectives so the reader, or listener, has a rounded view of events, which works very well as there’s quite a lot going on. Well plotted, with several storylines running concurrently, The Stolen Boys is an engaging listen. I’m not sure if a CID division would get on so well and care about each other to this extent in the real world but nevertheless it’s a nice change to have such camaraderie and compassion between the characters with no issues or deep, dark secrets. One of the story threads is still unresolved and carries through into the next book.
November 23, 2019
I think that I was a little bit sceptical about this books premise, so I didn't exactly jump on it when it first came out, a week or so ago... But ever since then, it's been calling to me by My First Name. Who was I kidding?!?? It's a Joy Ellis novel, and a DI Jackman/DS Evan's police procedural thriller!!
I already knew how much I enjoyed Ellis' twisty, plot driven writing, and I'd already fast-tracked her to the top, as one my favorite mystery authors! Another plus? I love all the characters so much so that I almost feel like we're old friends! True to form Audible chose Richard Armitage to tell us this story, and I Looooove Richard Armitage voice acting, he's just a master at his craft, and as far as I'm concerned he is DI Jackman! (It's such a good partnership, Ellis and Armitage). So inspite of any misgivings, I had about the blurb, I took the plunge, and got it! Upon "opening" the audio book, I immediately felt as if I were being embraced by Richard Armitage's warm voice, and I was welcomed back by this close knit group of investigators, like a family member, or at least a close friend, whose always invited to ride along! I Loved, the Book! This story, takes off right where the last book ends, where the team is still feeling the effects of not quite being able to collar the slippery perp, and in fact I think that Ellis may actually be grooming us to accept that character as a Moriarty type arch-villian. There's also plenty of other cases to keep them busy, and us guessing. So grab the Audio book and see if you don't become a member of the Ellis/Armitage fan club! Lol
I already knew how much I enjoyed Ellis' twisty, plot driven writing, and I'd already fast-tracked her to the top, as one my favorite mystery authors! Another plus? I love all the characters so much so that I almost feel like we're old friends! True to form Audible chose Richard Armitage to tell us this story, and I Looooove Richard Armitage voice acting, he's just a master at his craft, and as far as I'm concerned he is DI Jackman! (It's such a good partnership, Ellis and Armitage). So inspite of any misgivings, I had about the blurb, I took the plunge, and got it! Upon "opening" the audio book, I immediately felt as if I were being embraced by Richard Armitage's warm voice, and I was welcomed back by this close knit group of investigators, like a family member, or at least a close friend, whose always invited to ride along! I Loved, the Book! This story, takes off right where the last book ends, where the team is still feeling the effects of not quite being able to collar the slippery perp, and in fact I think that Ellis may actually be grooming us to accept that character as a Moriarty type arch-villian. There's also plenty of other cases to keep them busy, and us guessing. So grab the Audio book and see if you don't become a member of the Ellis/Armitage fan club! Lol
October 15, 2018
The Stolen Boys by Joy Ellis is another compelling mystery featuring DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans.
Young men are being attacked and their expensive designer clothing items stolen and resold. Hybird X street designs fetch thousands of pounds and stolen resale items fetch even more. When one of these attacks results in the unintentional death of a young man wearing Hybird X street clothes, Jackman's team is all in. At the same time an influx of illegal steroids has become a problem in the area.
There are many strands woven into this latest Saltern-le-fen installment: the above two investigations, the Fagin-like use of young people as both spotters and thieves, human trafficking, a resurgence of enthusiasm to locate Alistair Ashcroft, and the addition to the force of an old enemy of Marie Evans. Somehow it all works.
As usual, Ellis makes the most of her characters. Members of the Jackman team, no matter how minor, always feel genuine. Minor characters like Tommy, Mossy, and Daisy Cotterhill are fleshed-out and engaging, and make you worry about their fates.
Joy Ellis is one of my favorite mystery/detective fiction writers for both this series and her series featuring Nikki Galena. Both are set in the fens which always becomes a minor character.
NetGalley/Joffe Book
Mystery/Thriller. Oct. 12, 2018. Print length: 305 pages.
Young men are being attacked and their expensive designer clothing items stolen and resold. Hybird X street designs fetch thousands of pounds and stolen resale items fetch even more. When one of these attacks results in the unintentional death of a young man wearing Hybird X street clothes, Jackman's team is all in. At the same time an influx of illegal steroids has become a problem in the area.
There are many strands woven into this latest Saltern-le-fen installment: the above two investigations, the Fagin-like use of young people as both spotters and thieves, human trafficking, a resurgence of enthusiasm to locate Alistair Ashcroft, and the addition to the force of an old enemy of Marie Evans. Somehow it all works.
As usual, Ellis makes the most of her characters. Members of the Jackman team, no matter how minor, always feel genuine. Minor characters like Tommy, Mossy, and Daisy Cotterhill are fleshed-out and engaging, and make you worry about their fates.
Joy Ellis is one of my favorite mystery/detective fiction writers for both this series and her series featuring Nikki Galena. Both are set in the fens which always becomes a minor character.
NetGalley/Joffe Book
Mystery/Thriller. Oct. 12, 2018. Print length: 305 pages.
October 19, 2018
This is the fifth in the Jackman and Evans series by Joy Ellis and I would recommend reading all of them in order, not because they don't work as stand alones but because they are such wonderful books. It is no secret that I am a massive fan of Joy Ellis' writing and I'd queue outside a bookshop to buy her shopping lists, never mind her novels.
Having seen my grandson as he attempts to buy this type of designer clothing on release days, I can fully understand the storyline in this novel, that wearers could be attacked by gangs wanting to steal trainers, tops etc for resale. It is only when one young man is murdered during a theft that the subject is brought before Jackman and he and his team set about investigating the murder.
The story is told in the third person and from various angles, giving the reader insights into the workings of the various minds on display, before it brings them all together at the end, leaving one wanting more, much more! Terrible things happen to the various characters but there is never too much gore, although there are times when the reader has to wonder about the depths of human depravity when people can even contemplate doing wicked deeds, never mind carrying them out.
I would recommend to all lovers of police procedurals but, be warned, you will want to read them all!
Having seen my grandson as he attempts to buy this type of designer clothing on release days, I can fully understand the storyline in this novel, that wearers could be attacked by gangs wanting to steal trainers, tops etc for resale. It is only when one young man is murdered during a theft that the subject is brought before Jackman and he and his team set about investigating the murder.
The story is told in the third person and from various angles, giving the reader insights into the workings of the various minds on display, before it brings them all together at the end, leaving one wanting more, much more! Terrible things happen to the various characters but there is never too much gore, although there are times when the reader has to wonder about the depths of human depravity when people can even contemplate doing wicked deeds, never mind carrying them out.
I would recommend to all lovers of police procedurals but, be warned, you will want to read them all!
March 19, 2025
Perhaps not as good as the last book, but still a solid and engaging addition to the series.
I love every interaction of the team. I LOVE that Jackman and Evans are perfect, platonic partners. No messy love triangles, thank you, Joy!
The mystery was GOOD. And so tragic. I was rooting for Mossy from the start, the lovable scamp.
However, I didn’t buy in to the Vic storyline. I’m not sure what fell flat there, but the build-up had me expecting more. The conclusion felt… rushed? Cheap? I kept thinking “is that it?” “Is there going to be another twist?”
The ending left me feeling the same as a season finale cliffhanger to a favorite TV show. Time to stay up late and watch the next five episodes. Or read the whole next book :)
I love every interaction of the team. I LOVE that Jackman and Evans are perfect, platonic partners. No messy love triangles, thank you, Joy!
The mystery was GOOD. And so tragic. I was rooting for Mossy from the start, the lovable scamp.
However, I didn’t buy in to the Vic storyline. I’m not sure what fell flat there, but the build-up had me expecting more. The conclusion felt… rushed? Cheap? I kept thinking “is that it?” “Is there going to be another twist?”
The ending left me feeling the same as a season finale cliffhanger to a favorite TV show. Time to stay up late and watch the next five episodes. Or read the whole next book :)
October 31, 2018
I am one of Joy Ellis's newer fans. I enjoy the Jackman/Evans stories and find them much more suited to my taste than those that feature Nikki Galena. I find her a little abrasive and it is interesting to compare her to the character of DS Evans, whom I quite like. What makes the difference?
I enjoy the author's writing,, and find it no effort to keep reading late into the night. However, I am beginning to wonder at the number of books which end with a discovery of bodies in an underground cavern set in the Norfolk countryside. Apart from that, I shall go on reading.
I enjoy the author's writing,, and find it no effort to keep reading late into the night. However, I am beginning to wonder at the number of books which end with a discovery of bodies in an underground cavern set in the Norfolk countryside. Apart from that, I shall go on reading.
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