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The Magpies #2
A Murder of Magpies
The terrifying sequel to the #1 bestseller The Magpies.
Five years ago Jamie Knight lost everything: his home, his wife and their unborn child. But at least the woman responsible, ‘Dark Angel’ Lucy Newton, was in prison, and slowly Jamie was able to rebuild his life.
But now Lucy has been freed on appeal, and before long Jamie receives a message from a desperate stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks—ruining lives for fun.
Jamie agrees to help. But once again, he has no idea what he is getting himself into…
A short story.
Five years ago Jamie Knight lost everything: his home, his wife and their unborn child. But at least the woman responsible, ‘Dark Angel’ Lucy Newton, was in prison, and slowly Jamie was able to rebuild his life.
But now Lucy has been freed on appeal, and before long Jamie receives a message from a desperate stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks—ruining lives for fun.
Jamie agrees to help. But once again, he has no idea what he is getting himself into…
A short story.
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
About the author
Mark Edwards
32 books5,191 followersMark Edwards writes psychological thrillers in which scary things happen to ordinary people.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 4 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The House Guest. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His latest book is Keep Her Secret (May 2023).
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
He loves hearing from readers and always responds. Mark can be contacted in the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
Twitter @mredwards
Facebook/Instagram: @markedwardsauthor
You can download a free box set of 'Short Sharp Shockers' by visiting www.markedwardsauthor.com/free
Mark has sold over 4 million books since his first solo novel, The Magpies, was published in 2013 and has topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His other novels include Follow You Home, Here To Stay and The House Guest. He has also published six books co-authored with Louise Voss. His latest book is Keep Her Secret (May 2023).
Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their three children, two cats and a golden retriever.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 449 reviews
February 9, 2020
Jamie Knight (now living in Australia) receives a message from an online message board from a girl named Anita asking for his help. Anita is convinced Lucy Newton (insane woman from "The Magpies") is living next door to her and is making her life miserable. Jamie decides to help...
A fun, exciting, follow-up short-story to "The Magpies". I did guess where this story was heading but I found it captivating and engrossing anyway. Jamie was still making stupid mistakes. Lucy was still crazy. The story had some creepy, thrilling moments.
Another great read by Mark Edwards.
A fun, exciting, follow-up short-story to "The Magpies". I did guess where this story was heading but I found it captivating and engrossing anyway. Jamie was still making stupid mistakes. Lucy was still crazy. The story had some creepy, thrilling moments.
Another great read by Mark Edwards.
August 19, 2019
In this stunning sequel to "The Magpies" we find Jamie, alone and living in Western Australia, trying to get his life together after the events from that book. He's attempt to put the past behind him is thwarted, however, when he receives an impassioned plea from a woman back in the UK. She has recently moved in to a duplex farmhouse building, but is experiencing similar terrors to what Jamie did when he and his former wife Kirsty lived upstairs from the Newtons. Jamie races back to the UK to her aid, and the nightmare starts all over again, but this time will Jamie win? Or will he even survive?
This wonderful novella brings back all the terror and dread of The Magpies, sucking you in then spitting you out breathless at the end. Mark Edwards never fails to send chills up your spine.
This wonderful novella brings back all the terror and dread of The Magpies, sucking you in then spitting you out breathless at the end. Mark Edwards never fails to send chills up your spine.
March 3, 2018
Mark Edwards made his fans wait for a time, but the delay only churned up excitement for the formal sequel to his debut novel. After the horrors that befell him in his London flat, Jamie Knight fled the country and the long-reaching grasp of Lucy Newton. Now in Australia, Jamie is trying to piece his life back together. After running into an acquaintance and sparking a renewed interest in all things Lucy Newton, Jamie receives a message on a fan page from a distressed woman, someone who seems to be suffering the same plight as he did. Might Lucy be back at it, now that her charges have been dismissed? Jamie takes the plunge and travels back to the UK, seeking to help Anita with her neighbour issue, while also trying to reconnect with his former partner, Kirsty. Jamie can only hope that Kirsty has forgiven him for all the horrors they went through at the hands of that wretch, Lucy. After arriving and trying to help Anita coax Lucy out of her safe cocoon, Jamie realises that this will be just as difficult the second time around. Armed with new ideas and a stronger intuition, Jamie forges ahead, but Lucy Newton is not one to be messed with lightly. She is hungry for revenge, and Jamie is the ideal target. Edwards jams so much into this short story that the reader will barely have time to breathe. A sensational piece that will sate fans of The Magpies, while leaving them wondering.
Edwards has done it again, piquing the interest of his readers with this stellar piece of writing. I flipped back and confirmed that the first in this series (if one can call it that) was my first attempt at reading Mark Edwards. I loved it then and continue to enjoy the intricacies that are found within the story and narrative. While a shorter piece, Edwards is still able to imbue his characters with some wonderful attributes, especially as Jamie is saddled by the guilt of the original Lucy Newton debacle. Jamie is also seen to be that eternal superhero, helping both Anita and working to build on his past relationship with Kirsty, for what it’s worth. Lucy is, as many Edwards fans remember her, a wicked woman whose constant plotting and conniving had be seen with everything she does. The story earns some of its eerie nature as the renewed Jamie-Lucy clash is presented, though adding the likes of Anita into the mix only thickens the plot more. The story might be brief, but there is much to enjoy within the fourteen chapters, as the narrative forges onward through to a climactic ending. In true Edwards fashion, there is a dangling thread and fans can only hope that it is not forgotten or left blowing around for another five years. Those readers interested in this piece are encouraged to try The Magpies for the full effect. I became a quick fan of Mark Edwards by doing so and am sure many readers will follow in my footsteps.
Kudos, Mr. Edwards, for another brilliant piece. I cannot wait for your next novel and anything else you may have in the works!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Edwards has done it again, piquing the interest of his readers with this stellar piece of writing. I flipped back and confirmed that the first in this series (if one can call it that) was my first attempt at reading Mark Edwards. I loved it then and continue to enjoy the intricacies that are found within the story and narrative. While a shorter piece, Edwards is still able to imbue his characters with some wonderful attributes, especially as Jamie is saddled by the guilt of the original Lucy Newton debacle. Jamie is also seen to be that eternal superhero, helping both Anita and working to build on his past relationship with Kirsty, for what it’s worth. Lucy is, as many Edwards fans remember her, a wicked woman whose constant plotting and conniving had be seen with everything she does. The story earns some of its eerie nature as the renewed Jamie-Lucy clash is presented, though adding the likes of Anita into the mix only thickens the plot more. The story might be brief, but there is much to enjoy within the fourteen chapters, as the narrative forges onward through to a climactic ending. In true Edwards fashion, there is a dangling thread and fans can only hope that it is not forgotten or left blowing around for another five years. Those readers interested in this piece are encouraged to try The Magpies for the full effect. I became a quick fan of Mark Edwards by doing so and am sure many readers will follow in my footsteps.
Kudos, Mr. Edwards, for another brilliant piece. I cannot wait for your next novel and anything else you may have in the works!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
November 22, 2018
Five years ago Jamie Knight lost everything: his wife and their unborn child. But at leat the woman responsible, "Dark Angel" Lucy Newton, was in prison and Jamie was able to rebuild his life. But now Lucy has been released on appeal and Jamie receives a message from a stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks again. Jamie agrees to help the woman but what is he getting himself into?
We have waited a while for the sequel to the magpies and I have finally found time in my busy reading schedule to slot it in. But it's been worth the wait. Even though this is a short story, Mark Edwards has managed to pack a lot into it. The pace is fast and the plot gripping. I was hooked from the beginning. There's not much else I can say about this book except I would read The Magpies first (if you haven't already read it) before you read this marvellous short story!!
We have waited a while for the sequel to the magpies and I have finally found time in my busy reading schedule to slot it in. But it's been worth the wait. Even though this is a short story, Mark Edwards has managed to pack a lot into it. The pace is fast and the plot gripping. I was hooked from the beginning. There's not much else I can say about this book except I would read The Magpies first (if you haven't already read it) before you read this marvellous short story!!
May 5, 2018
WOW what a awesome sequel to The Magpies, I loved every minute it was a short read 93 pages but as only Mark does it packed a punch he crammed so much into this that I could not put it down the tension was enormous & never missed a beat.
5 years ago Jamie Knight lost everything his house, Kristy & his unborn child now living in Freemantle Perth western Australia he is a broken man with the bottle as his only friend knowing that Lucy is in jail for life after killing 18 people.
NOW he hears that lucy has been released it sends shivers up his spine he keeps looking at a website Dark Angels Murder.org where murderers are filed it was put up after Lucy's trial, he keeps looking at it & finds red dots which is a personal message he is not sure if he should open it but does its from Anita 82 the letter says she is being pushed out by her neighbour, hoax parcels sent baby's crying even though there is no baby's around hearing noises but things get worse sinister triggers go into Jamie's head he decides to answer it so he books a flight to England.
He gets to Ludlow where Anita lives & they devise a plan to get Lucy?
But its when Jamie has a one night stand with Anita the tide starts to turn.
What happens now I cant divulge as I don't want to give away spoilers lets just say there is an almighty twist in the book I didn't see coming.
TRIGGER WARNING
There is references to spiders in this book so if you do not like creepy crawlies skip this book.
If you have read & loved the magpies as i have you will love The Murder Of The Magpies.
5 years ago Jamie Knight lost everything his house, Kristy & his unborn child now living in Freemantle Perth western Australia he is a broken man with the bottle as his only friend knowing that Lucy is in jail for life after killing 18 people.
NOW he hears that lucy has been released it sends shivers up his spine he keeps looking at a website Dark Angels Murder.org where murderers are filed it was put up after Lucy's trial, he keeps looking at it & finds red dots which is a personal message he is not sure if he should open it but does its from Anita 82 the letter says she is being pushed out by her neighbour, hoax parcels sent baby's crying even though there is no baby's around hearing noises but things get worse sinister triggers go into Jamie's head he decides to answer it so he books a flight to England.
He gets to Ludlow where Anita lives & they devise a plan to get Lucy?
But its when Jamie has a one night stand with Anita the tide starts to turn.
What happens now I cant divulge as I don't want to give away spoilers lets just say there is an almighty twist in the book I didn't see coming.
TRIGGER WARNING
There is references to spiders in this book so if you do not like creepy crawlies skip this book.
If you have read & loved the magpies as i have you will love The Murder Of The Magpies.
March 19, 2018
This is a short story, a sequel to this author's debut novel, THE MAGPIES. The title is well deserved as magpies are known for destroying nests of other birds.
And Lucy Newton, also known as Dark Angel, could certainly be considered a human magpie. Lucy spent some time in prison before being released on appeal. Her partner, Chris, was killed in a fire started by Jamie Knight.
Lucy and Chris were two psychopaths who never should have met. They fed off of each other and was responsible for a lot of murder and mayhem. They liked nothing better than being known as the Neighbors From Hell. They tormented people for the sheer pleasure of annihilating them and their lives.
Jamie Knight lost his wife and unborn child because they were unlucky enough to live next door to Lucy and Chris. It's been 5 years and he still harbors a deep hatred of the people who caused his loss.
Today he has received a text from a woman who is sure that Lucy is her next door neighbor. She reports that strange things ... awful things ... have been happening and she winds up asking Jamie to please come help.
Revenge is sweet but paybacks are hell. And Jamie is about to find that out all by himself.
Not having read THE MAGPIES, I have no frame of reference for the on-going character of Lucy. From this short sequel, Lucy is a violent, dangerous person. Jamie is a man who was cheated out of his life by this vicious woman and is hellbent on revenge.
This was an okay read, but the ending is somewhat of a cliff hanger. I didn't find it terribly suspenseful, but it was an entertaining read.
March 1, 2018
A MURDER of MAGPIES is the sequel to Mark Edwards debut solo novel The Magpies. It's been a long wait - five years since the first book came out, and I can't wait to get reacquainted with Jamie, Kirsty and – of course – Lucy again.
I loved The Magpies and was really excited when I heard about the sequel.
The Magpies is a psychological thriller by Mark Edwards, giving new meaning to the phrase, “Neighbors from Hell". First, I liked the title choice, as magpies are birds known for destroying the nests of other birds. And so, begins a nightmarish tale, where a young couple's life is tested to the extremes...to force them out of their home. This book had me sitting on the edge of the seat, flipping the pages, with apprehension, to see what would happen next. Very creepy!
Jamie and Kirsty, a young couple, are excited about buying their first home, a new life, a plan to get married and have a family.
Lucy and Chris, the "Neighbors from Hell" live in the Garden Flat/Basement. Jamie and Kirsty had moved into the ground floor flat, Mary, a herbalist/witch lived on the first floor and Brian and Linda lived on the top floor. Most of the women worked in the Healthcare field, while the men shared similar jobs in the IT field.
Five years ago, Jamie Knight lost everything: his home, his wife and their unborn child. But at least the woman responsible, ‘Dark Angel’ Lucy Newton, was in prison, and slowly Jamie was able to rebuild his life.
But now Lucy has been freed on appeal, and before long Jamie receives a message from a desperate stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks—ruining lives for fun.
Jamie agrees to help. But once again, he has no idea what he is getting himself into…
I have to admit it didn't feel like a short story. I was hooked right from the beginning until the last page.
A Murder of Magpies was a gripping and sometimes unnerving read. I would recommend reading the full-length novel before starting the sequel for full satisfaction.
I’m not going to say much about the plot; this isn’t a long read, for risk of spoilers.
A lot was packed into this short sequel and I hope there is going to be another episode. The ending is left open for a third instalment…
Another winner Mark!
I loved The Magpies and was really excited when I heard about the sequel.
The Magpies is a psychological thriller by Mark Edwards, giving new meaning to the phrase, “Neighbors from Hell". First, I liked the title choice, as magpies are birds known for destroying the nests of other birds. And so, begins a nightmarish tale, where a young couple's life is tested to the extremes...to force them out of their home. This book had me sitting on the edge of the seat, flipping the pages, with apprehension, to see what would happen next. Very creepy!
Jamie and Kirsty, a young couple, are excited about buying their first home, a new life, a plan to get married and have a family.
Lucy and Chris, the "Neighbors from Hell" live in the Garden Flat/Basement. Jamie and Kirsty had moved into the ground floor flat, Mary, a herbalist/witch lived on the first floor and Brian and Linda lived on the top floor. Most of the women worked in the Healthcare field, while the men shared similar jobs in the IT field.
Five years ago, Jamie Knight lost everything: his home, his wife and their unborn child. But at least the woman responsible, ‘Dark Angel’ Lucy Newton, was in prison, and slowly Jamie was able to rebuild his life.
But now Lucy has been freed on appeal, and before long Jamie receives a message from a desperate stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks—ruining lives for fun.
Jamie agrees to help. But once again, he has no idea what he is getting himself into…
I have to admit it didn't feel like a short story. I was hooked right from the beginning until the last page.
A Murder of Magpies was a gripping and sometimes unnerving read. I would recommend reading the full-length novel before starting the sequel for full satisfaction.
I’m not going to say much about the plot; this isn’t a long read, for risk of spoilers.
A lot was packed into this short sequel and I hope there is going to be another episode. The ending is left open for a third instalment…
Another winner Mark!
March 30, 2020
"Looking for a fellow cold-blooded killer to team up with. Likes: cats, torturing people, murder. Dislikes: empathy, prison, happy couples. Must have no sense of humour."
This is why Mark Edwards has quickly become 1 of my favorites! He doesn't take himself too seriously. He writes about these incredibly average people put into these outrageous situations, & as you read its just like oh man, what if that happened to me??
Ok! If you read The Magpies, then you'll definitely enjoy this update on everyone's lives. Jam packed with crazy straight through, I'm so glad he chose to write this as a novella. It doesn't read as an excerpt, it's an entire story packed into a 2 hr 45 min audio & i ate it up! So if you want to see how Jamie and Kirsty wound up, or you're just dying for some more of "the dark angel," you should definitely gobble this up... & now i can't wait to read the conclusion!
*1 thing i do want to mention is if you haven't read part 2 yet, plz don't read the description to part 3. It describes an aspect of 2 that you should discover yourself when you read it!
This is why Mark Edwards has quickly become 1 of my favorites! He doesn't take himself too seriously. He writes about these incredibly average people put into these outrageous situations, & as you read its just like oh man, what if that happened to me??
Ok! If you read The Magpies, then you'll definitely enjoy this update on everyone's lives. Jam packed with crazy straight through, I'm so glad he chose to write this as a novella. It doesn't read as an excerpt, it's an entire story packed into a 2 hr 45 min audio & i ate it up! So if you want to see how Jamie and Kirsty wound up, or you're just dying for some more of "the dark angel," you should definitely gobble this up... & now i can't wait to read the conclusion!
*1 thing i do want to mention is if you haven't read part 2 yet, plz don't read the description to part 3. It describes an aspect of 2 that you should discover yourself when you read it!
December 11, 2020
This is a sequel to The Magpies, a disturbing and dark psychological thriller.
I don't want to give too much away and spoil the story for the readers who haven't yet read the first book. Suffice it to say it provides a great premise for the third installment.
I don't want to give too much away and spoil the story for the readers who haven't yet read the first book. Suffice it to say it provides a great premise for the third installment.
November 4, 2021
I read The Magpies back in 2016 and I really enjoyed it, I was gripped and really bonded with the characters. When I heard recently that this was now a trilogy I was excited.
But my excitement didnt last.
I feel disappointed as book one was 400 pages. This book is less than 100 pages and book three is also less than 100 pages, which would you give you the impression that this is a pointless effort at a trilogy, and you would be correct.
On the whole this book would have been a good sequel however its rushed, I didnt have time to rebond with anyone, it was over before it started.
I will read book three however I will go into it with more realistic expectations.
At time of posting this trilogy is available on Kindle Unlimited.
But my excitement didnt last.
I feel disappointed as book one was 400 pages. This book is less than 100 pages and book three is also less than 100 pages, which would you give you the impression that this is a pointless effort at a trilogy, and you would be correct.
On the whole this book would have been a good sequel however its rushed, I didnt have time to rebond with anyone, it was over before it started.
I will read book three however I will go into it with more realistic expectations.
At time of posting this trilogy is available on Kindle Unlimited.
February 17, 2020
Despite everything, it was impossible to resist this chance to stroke his favorite scar.
A Murder of Magpies (The Magpies, #2)
by Mark Edwards
Not going to say to much. I just finished. It is pretty short, not a full length book and is the second installment in The Magpies.
I was a bit let down. I was. It was not bad. I am not sure this writer COULD write anything bad. But it did not have the depth of the first one and it was totally unrealistic. Maybe that is because it was written as a short. But it in no way packed the punch of The Magpies.
If that is what you are seeking you maybe a bit let down. Or not. I see some did love it.
When the author wrote the first Magpies, he spoke in the afterword about keeping it realistic. Now maybe there was to much demand so he had to get it out quickly. I can see why. Magpies 1 is incredible and I myself who does not usualy email writers out of the blue was myself going to email him to ask for a part two. Magpies is THAT GOOD.
But it was foreboding. And the dread was slow to build but was omnipresent. It was remarkable.
This was fun to read but could have been any thriller. And you kind of..sorry but you kind of..always knew you were reading a book. And it was so short..
Not much character development and other reviewers are spot on..Lucy devolves into your typical psycho. There is nothing subtle ab out her anymore. That is just not present.
I am glad I read it and look forward to the final installment. I do wish this had been full length but am just glad he did a follow up at all. Three stars from me.
A Murder of Magpies (The Magpies, #2)
by Mark Edwards
Not going to say to much. I just finished. It is pretty short, not a full length book and is the second installment in The Magpies.
I was a bit let down. I was. It was not bad. I am not sure this writer COULD write anything bad. But it did not have the depth of the first one and it was totally unrealistic. Maybe that is because it was written as a short. But it in no way packed the punch of The Magpies.
If that is what you are seeking you maybe a bit let down. Or not. I see some did love it.
When the author wrote the first Magpies, he spoke in the afterword about keeping it realistic. Now maybe there was to much demand so he had to get it out quickly. I can see why. Magpies 1 is incredible and I myself who does not usualy email writers out of the blue was myself going to email him to ask for a part two. Magpies is THAT GOOD.
But it was foreboding. And the dread was slow to build but was omnipresent. It was remarkable.
This was fun to read but could have been any thriller. And you kind of..sorry but you kind of..always knew you were reading a book. And it was so short..
Not much character development and other reviewers are spot on..Lucy devolves into your typical psycho. There is nothing subtle ab out her anymore. That is just not present.
I am glad I read it and look forward to the final installment. I do wish this had been full length but am just glad he did a follow up at all. Three stars from me.
March 3, 2018
On inspecting all the books I am behind on I gladly realised there was a sequel to "The Magpies" by Mark Edwards.
Okay, a short book but still 93 pages...
Time enough to fit a great story, a great update to the surviving characters.
Five years ago Jamie Knight lost everything: his home, his wife and their unborn child. But at least the woman responsible, ‘Dark Angel’ Lucy Newton, was in prison, and slowly Jamie was able to rebuild his life.
But now Lucy has been freed on appeal, and before long Jamie receives a message from a desperate stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks—ruining lives for fun.
Jamie agrees to help. But once again, he has no idea what he is getting himself into…
Great to get a suspenseful story, gripping and quite shocking in this short book.
Really enjoyed this. Four stars
Okay, a short book but still 93 pages...
Time enough to fit a great story, a great update to the surviving characters.
Five years ago Jamie Knight lost everything: his home, his wife and their unborn child. But at least the woman responsible, ‘Dark Angel’ Lucy Newton, was in prison, and slowly Jamie was able to rebuild his life.
But now Lucy has been freed on appeal, and before long Jamie receives a message from a desperate stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks—ruining lives for fun.
Jamie agrees to help. But once again, he has no idea what he is getting himself into…
Great to get a suspenseful story, gripping and quite shocking in this short book.
Really enjoyed this. Four stars
September 15, 2019
Audio 4.5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
Story 3.5 stars
May 27, 2018
This short story is a sequel to Mark Edwards bestseller 'The Magpies'. I am already an avid follower of this authors work so was keen to read this and although I found it a good read, it suffers for me because I am not keen on short books.
Five years ago Jamie Knight lost everything, his home, his wife and their unborn child. The woman responsible, Lucy Newton was in prison leaving Jamie to slowly rebuild his life. But his peace is shattered when Lucy is freed on appeal, and it is not long before Jamie receives a message from a desperate stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks, ruining lives for fun.
I would highly recommend reading 'The Magpies' before reading this sequel for full enjoyment. I am probably being a little bit mean by only scoring this sequel 3 stars, there is a lot packaged into this 92 page book.
Five years ago Jamie Knight lost everything, his home, his wife and their unborn child. The woman responsible, Lucy Newton was in prison leaving Jamie to slowly rebuild his life. But his peace is shattered when Lucy is freed on appeal, and it is not long before Jamie receives a message from a desperate stranger. Lucy is up to her old tricks, ruining lives for fun.
I would highly recommend reading 'The Magpies' before reading this sequel for full enjoyment. I am probably being a little bit mean by only scoring this sequel 3 stars, there is a lot packaged into this 92 page book.
March 24, 2018
Too short Mr Edwards... but oh so good!! Please let there be a 3rd book.. it can't end like that. A very enjoyable short story!
April 3, 2018
The Magpies was the first book I read by Mark Edwards way back in 2013 and it’s one that often springs to mind as at the time it was one of the best psychological thrillers I had read in a long time, and it’s still one of my favourite books today. So of course I had to read the sequel A Murder Of Magpies, I should point out it’s a short story and not a full length novel, but don’t let that put you off the author manages to pack a lot into this extremely terrifying sequel, and remember the old adage “good things come in small packages” well in the case of this book it’s very true.
Lucy aka ‘Dark Ange’ has been released from Prison and Jamie, despite moving half way across the world to start a new life is drawn back into her web, when he receives a desperate message from a stranger. As this is a short story Mark Edwards wastes no time in hurling the reader into Jamie’s world, from the start his hatred for his old adversary Lucy is palatable. As for Lucy she’s a psychopath without a doubt, she’s a character you would definitely not want as a neighbour, she’s calculating, manipulative and downright chilling but at the same time you can’t help being fascinated by her.
Shrouded in malice A Murder Of Magpies manages to pack a punch, it’s packed to the brim with tension, something that I find can sometimes be lacking in a short read. After reading both books there’s a lot to be said for living in a detached house, Neighbours can be your best friends or your worse enemy. I really enjoyed this sequel and meeting up with Jamie and Lucy again, but I only wish it had been a full length novel, so if you just happen to stumble across this review Mr Edwards “more Magpies please”.
Lucy aka ‘Dark Ange’ has been released from Prison and Jamie, despite moving half way across the world to start a new life is drawn back into her web, when he receives a desperate message from a stranger. As this is a short story Mark Edwards wastes no time in hurling the reader into Jamie’s world, from the start his hatred for his old adversary Lucy is palatable. As for Lucy she’s a psychopath without a doubt, she’s a character you would definitely not want as a neighbour, she’s calculating, manipulative and downright chilling but at the same time you can’t help being fascinated by her.
Shrouded in malice A Murder Of Magpies manages to pack a punch, it’s packed to the brim with tension, something that I find can sometimes be lacking in a short read. After reading both books there’s a lot to be said for living in a detached house, Neighbours can be your best friends or your worse enemy. I really enjoyed this sequel and meeting up with Jamie and Lucy again, but I only wish it had been a full length novel, so if you just happen to stumble across this review Mr Edwards “more Magpies please”.
May 14, 2019
Oh I'm glad I decided to download this book,as wasn't sure as loved reading the magpies was it going to spoil the original book and after reading the last three books from this author I was disappointed as love the thriller and twists and this book was brilliant and hope to see more of this in his books.reading book three.a must to read the first book.highly recommend.
April 27, 2019
Quick shortie picking up years after The Magpies finished.
Definitely need to have read book one for this one to make sense.
Edwards does a nice job filling in the years and bringing things to present day, leading with the main protagonist Jamie Knight.
Where this fell short for me was with the reintroduction of the antagonist Lucy. This was a much milder version of the crazy psycho from book 1. With under a 100 pages, Edwards just wasn’t able to capture that intense, nail biting page turner feeling that held me captive In The Magpies.
Of course I’m heading off to read the last and final book in the series Last of the Magpies, I have too much invested to walk away now. But it looks to be another shortie, so🤞🏼!
February 28, 2018
It's hard to believe I actually read The Magpies over three years ago now. Even though it's a while ago since I read it, the story and characters have very much stayed with me. Of course when I found out that the author was releasing a short sequel, well obviously I had to read it.
I have to admit it didn't feel like a short story. Right from the very first page I was well and truly hooked and din't put it down until I had got to the very last page.
Fans of The Magpies will not be disappointed. It is great to see what happens next Where the characters are now and how they have coped with events from the past. Jamie, I have to say hasn't faired that well and if I could have envisioned what was in store for him on his return to the UK, I would have been screaming at him to stay exactly where he was!
A Murder of Magpies was a thrilling and sometimes horrifying read. There is one part that I am sure will give you the heebie jeebies. That was something I certainly will not forget in a hurry and was literally freaking out when I read it. Brilliant book though and would recommend reading the full length novel before embarking on the sequel for full enjoyment.
I have to admit it didn't feel like a short story. Right from the very first page I was well and truly hooked and din't put it down until I had got to the very last page.
Fans of The Magpies will not be disappointed. It is great to see what happens next Where the characters are now and how they have coped with events from the past. Jamie, I have to say hasn't faired that well and if I could have envisioned what was in store for him on his return to the UK, I would have been screaming at him to stay exactly where he was!
A Murder of Magpies was a thrilling and sometimes horrifying read. There is one part that I am sure will give you the heebie jeebies. That was something I certainly will not forget in a hurry and was literally freaking out when I read it. Brilliant book though and would recommend reading the full length novel before embarking on the sequel for full enjoyment.
February 4, 2023
Lucy is one scary, psycho B***ch! Wow. Hard to imagine there could be people as demented as she is in this world. Love her character in this series because she makes it exceptionally terrifying and wonderfully unpredictable. Like a spider...she patiently waits for her prey and when the time is just right - she strikes - spinning one gnarly web around her unprepared victims. . .
February 5, 2018
I often recommend Mark Edward’s psychological thriller THE MAGPIES as I think it’s one of the best books I’ve read which gets under your skin and freaks you out, so I was over the moon to be given the chance to read A MURDER OF MAGPIES which is a novella follow up.
It took me an hour to read and that 60 minutes was absolutely gripping. This book is thrilling, exciting and typically scary and annoying it left me wanting MORE. Highly recommended for fans of the first book.
It took me an hour to read and that 60 minutes was absolutely gripping. This book is thrilling, exciting and typically scary and annoying it left me wanting MORE. Highly recommended for fans of the first book.
August 6, 2018
I enjoyed this thriller. Definitely recommend it to those who enjoyed The Magpies, especially if you want to know what happened next.
I borrowed this through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
I borrowed this through Amazon Kindle Unlimited.
April 7, 2018
I loved The Magpies and I was excited to get the chance to revisit! I am so glad that Mark Edwards . I do hope we get a third installment, as long as he doesn't . Well done, Mark Edwards! Thank you for bringing us back to this world!
September 7, 2024
The premise is all right, but this one quickly becomes predictable and cartoonish. Was interested to find out what happened to the original characters. I realize it's only a novella, but really could have done without it. It lacks the creepy atmosphere of the first book and quickly devolves into utter absurdity.
January 21, 2018
Review to follow. But I LOVED this. The Magpies was one of my favourite books of its year and to return to that world is incredible. Plus it's bloody good!
March 10, 2018
There are some things in life that should be longer.
1. Time in the day do everything.
2. A good sleep.
3. Insert witty and inappropriate joke here...
And also Mark Edwards books. When I saw there was going to be a sequel for one of my favorite books ever The Magpies I obviously had to get it ASAP.
Our favorite she devil Lucy is back and more crazy than ever. Like seriously lady, there is not enough Midol in the world to cure your irritability.
Even though this was a super short book, I was a tense ball of stress for about an hour or two because just like the books successor, this was a SUPER creepy book!
Semi spoilers below! Read at your own risk my thoughts while reading.
"No you dumb idiot...don't do that....or that....or that!" Speaking to Jamie
"I KNEW it!"
"If anything happens to the cat...I swear I might have to quit reading!" (Crazy cat lady here).
"B*itch is crazy."
"Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.... unrequited love stinks!"
In the afterword Mark asked if we would like to see another one...a final showdown. All I have to say:
Ha yes...had to end it with that GIF. Read it people!
1. Time in the day do everything.
2. A good sleep.
3. Insert witty and inappropriate joke here...
And also Mark Edwards books. When I saw there was going to be a sequel for one of my favorite books ever The Magpies I obviously had to get it ASAP.
Our favorite she devil Lucy is back and more crazy than ever. Like seriously lady, there is not enough Midol in the world to cure your irritability.
Even though this was a super short book, I was a tense ball of stress for about an hour or two because just like the books successor, this was a SUPER creepy book!
Semi spoilers below! Read at your own risk my thoughts while reading.
"No you dumb idiot...don't do that....or that....or that!" Speaking to Jamie
"I KNEW it!"
"If anything happens to the cat...I swear I might have to quit reading!" (Crazy cat lady here).
"B*itch is crazy."
"Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.... unrequited love stinks!"
In the afterword Mark asked if we would like to see another one...a final showdown. All I have to say:
Ha yes...had to end it with that GIF. Read it people!
March 30, 2022
*Thrilling*
The terror continues in this short sequel. This is book 2 of 3
Jamie knight lost everything that he loved due to his obsession that took him to the edge. 5 years on we see him in Australia after roughing it finally trying to piece his life together.
Just as he thinks he can move forward the person he most despises Lucy is no longer detained and is starting afresh elsewhere.
Online he had been communicating with Lucy’s haters and supporters and one person is asking for his help. He should really walk away……
He is on a plane to the U.K. and far too late he discovers his error……
This is a short sequel but it packs a punch
The terror continues in this short sequel. This is book 2 of 3
Jamie knight lost everything that he loved due to his obsession that took him to the edge. 5 years on we see him in Australia after roughing it finally trying to piece his life together.
Just as he thinks he can move forward the person he most despises Lucy is no longer detained and is starting afresh elsewhere.
Online he had been communicating with Lucy’s haters and supporters and one person is asking for his help. He should really walk away……
He is on a plane to the U.K. and far too late he discovers his error……
This is a short sequel but it packs a punch
April 21, 2019
This novella is a bridge between Edwards’ best-selling first novel, The Magpies, which I read last week, and the sequel, The Last of the Magpies, which comes out at the end of the month, and for which I was fortunate to receive an arc. It’s only about an hours read, but fits a lot in. It only really works if you already know the characters.
Set five years after the end of The Magpies, Jamie Knight, who lost everything due to the psychopathic Newtons, is living in Australia and rebuilding his life, but a chance encounter with former neighbour Brian rekindles his obsession with the Dark Angel, Lucy Newton, who has been released from prison on appeal. When a young woman guesses who he is from his posts on a website about the case, she begs for his help as she is experiencing the same torment that he and Kirsty went through. Returning to Britain, they hatch a plan to catch Lucy in a criminal act and put her away for good, but will she be too clever for him this time?
Edwards has published several other books since his debut, and his writing and plotting has improved immeasurably. While Jamie is still impulsive, selfish and idiotic, the short format meant he didn’t get a chance to be too annoying. There is the same sense of impending dread as things start to go wrong for him, and some creepy scenes. I was most worried about the cat, and thought what Kirsty did was unforgivable, even if it worked.
I’m glad I am able to move on to the final book soon, as had this ended without knowing if or when a resolution was coming I might have felt short-changed, whereas I’ll get to complete the story before I can forget what happened.
Set five years after the end of The Magpies, Jamie Knight, who lost everything due to the psychopathic Newtons, is living in Australia and rebuilding his life, but a chance encounter with former neighbour Brian rekindles his obsession with the Dark Angel, Lucy Newton, who has been released from prison on appeal. When a young woman guesses who he is from his posts on a website about the case, she begs for his help as she is experiencing the same torment that he and Kirsty went through. Returning to Britain, they hatch a plan to catch Lucy in a criminal act and put her away for good, but will she be too clever for him this time?
Edwards has published several other books since his debut, and his writing and plotting has improved immeasurably. While Jamie is still impulsive, selfish and idiotic, the short format meant he didn’t get a chance to be too annoying. There is the same sense of impending dread as things start to go wrong for him, and some creepy scenes. I was most worried about the cat, and thought what Kirsty did was unforgivable, even if it worked.
I’m glad I am able to move on to the final book soon, as had this ended without knowing if or when a resolution was coming I might have felt short-changed, whereas I’ll get to complete the story before I can forget what happened.
February 28, 2018
SHE`S BACK - Lucy Newton,aka The Dark Angel,100% psychopathic crazy lady. She has recently been freed on appeal and released from prison and has apparently already found a new victim and is up to her old tricks again.
Five years ago Lucy Newton ruined Jamie Knight's life,it was because of her despicable campaign of hate that he lost his
home,wife and their unborn child. When Lucy`s latest victim contacts Jamie and asks for his help,he knows deep down that he really shouldn't get involved. But like a moth to a flame Jamie finds himself drawn back into another battle of wits against his nemesis. But once again he has no idea what he is getting himself into.
Poor deluded Jamie,still making stupid decisions,still thinking he can outsmart cunning,twisted Lucy. Us humans,we make mistakes but we do normally try to learn something from them. Jamie doesn't seem to have learnt anything from the mistakes that he made five years previously despite the guilt that he carries around with him. Lucy is just as despicable,conniving and unlikable as she was in The Magpies.
Although this is only a short story,there is certainly a lot packed into the 93 pages. As usual Mark Edwards words flow with ease,no parts of the story feel like padding,the story held me captive from the first page right through to the OMG final sentence. You don't have to have read The Magpies to enjoy this gripping,twist packed,page turner, the first chapter is a rundown of the life and crimes of Lucy Dawson and the methods that Lucy used to terrorise Jamie in The Magpies are mentioned throughout the story although unfortunately the Martians don't get a mention this time.There is even a quest appearance by one of Mark Edwards other colourful characters. I really enjoyed this second encounter between Jamie and Lucy and would really love to read a third instalment, one final face off between Jamie and Lucy. Please make it happen Mr Edwards,pretty,pretty please
Five years ago Lucy Newton ruined Jamie Knight's life,it was because of her despicable campaign of hate that he lost his
home,wife and their unborn child. When Lucy`s latest victim contacts Jamie and asks for his help,he knows deep down that he really shouldn't get involved. But like a moth to a flame Jamie finds himself drawn back into another battle of wits against his nemesis. But once again he has no idea what he is getting himself into.
Poor deluded Jamie,still making stupid decisions,still thinking he can outsmart cunning,twisted Lucy. Us humans,we make mistakes but we do normally try to learn something from them. Jamie doesn't seem to have learnt anything from the mistakes that he made five years previously despite the guilt that he carries around with him. Lucy is just as despicable,conniving and unlikable as she was in The Magpies.
Although this is only a short story,there is certainly a lot packed into the 93 pages. As usual Mark Edwards words flow with ease,no parts of the story feel like padding,the story held me captive from the first page right through to the OMG final sentence. You don't have to have read The Magpies to enjoy this gripping,twist packed,page turner, the first chapter is a rundown of the life and crimes of Lucy Dawson and the methods that Lucy used to terrorise Jamie in The Magpies are mentioned throughout the story although unfortunately the Martians don't get a mention this time.There is even a quest appearance by one of Mark Edwards other colourful characters. I really enjoyed this second encounter between Jamie and Lucy and would really love to read a third instalment, one final face off between Jamie and Lucy. Please make it happen Mr Edwards,pretty,pretty please
May 1, 2018
oh wow what a sequel!!! bravo!
it was so easy to get back to the charakters and find out how their lives went in!
i enjoyed this as much as the first part and hope the story will go on😀
it was so easy to get back to the charakters and find out how their lives went in!
i enjoyed this as much as the first part and hope the story will go on😀
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