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Jackman & Evans #7
They Disappeared
A gripping crime thriller full of stunning twists and turns.
When DI Rowan Jackman and DS Evans are told that the IT boss has disappeared, they soon suspect foul play. Orla Cracken, known as Orac, is no ordinary techie; she was once a field agent traveling abroad undercover, working for the government.
Meanwhile DC Robbie Melton discovers that two people, both urban explorers, have mysteriously disappeared whilst out exploring abandoned buildings. One went missing at a disused airfield, but was it a military base, or was it civilian?
The gruesome discovery of their decaying bodies found hanging in ancient church ruins bursts the case wide open, and Jackman and Evans are under pressure to find the killer. With Orac safely back in the picture following a secret journey to Ireland to try and find her long-lost sister who went missing as a child, the hunt is now on to find the killer before he hangs his next victim.
It soon becomes clear that the killer is targeting urban explorers, but why is he determined to track down and torture these innocent people, and how is the case connected to Orac’s mysterious past, still shrouded in secrecy?
The latest gritty crime thriller by Joy Ellis, set in the Lincolnshire Fens, will keep you guessing – and your pulse racing – until the very end.
When DI Rowan Jackman and DS Evans are told that the IT boss has disappeared, they soon suspect foul play. Orla Cracken, known as Orac, is no ordinary techie; she was once a field agent traveling abroad undercover, working for the government.
Meanwhile DC Robbie Melton discovers that two people, both urban explorers, have mysteriously disappeared whilst out exploring abandoned buildings. One went missing at a disused airfield, but was it a military base, or was it civilian?
The gruesome discovery of their decaying bodies found hanging in ancient church ruins bursts the case wide open, and Jackman and Evans are under pressure to find the killer. With Orac safely back in the picture following a secret journey to Ireland to try and find her long-lost sister who went missing as a child, the hunt is now on to find the killer before he hangs his next victim.
It soon becomes clear that the killer is targeting urban explorers, but why is he determined to track down and torture these innocent people, and how is the case connected to Orac’s mysterious past, still shrouded in secrecy?
The latest gritty crime thriller by Joy Ellis, set in the Lincolnshire Fens, will keep you guessing – and your pulse racing – until the very end.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2020
About the author
Joy Ellis
54 books2,220 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 353 reviews
November 18, 2020
I always enjoy Joy Ellis’s books and have read the whole Jackman and Evans series. This book (no. 7) could be the best yet! In this story we enter the world of urbexers (urban explorers) who love to explore (usually at night) abandoned or derelict buildings and other sites and share photos of their exploits. This is called decay photography. I really enjoyed learning about this obscure hobby. I have to say it sounds rather fun and something I may have enjoyed when I was a lot younger (I always had a ‘naughty’ streak)!
In this book DC Robbie Melton, who recently transferred to Salern-Le-Fen, catches up with his former sargeant, DS Stella North. Stella retired from police work after a nasty injury but she was also a keen urbexer and is still into ‘the scene’. She raises concerns with Robbie about a couple of urbexers who mysteriously disappeared while exploring. With others! They apparently just vanished leaving all their equipment, including their precious cameras, behind. Robbie agrees to make some enquires but is met with a blank wall in Fenchurch constabulary. Soon another urbexer disappear on his own patch so Robbie is given carte blanche to follow this up.
At the same time Orac (Orla Cracken), their brilliant but strange cyber expert also does a disappearing act. She has a very murky past in national security and the powers that be are most concerned for her. There are also some questions about the disappearance of one of the urbexers from Randleby Airfield. On paper the base does not exist and any queries into the matter are met with a blank wall. Very mysterious! So how do urbexers, a missing Orac and an abandoned airfield tie together. It is very interesting to find out. I really enjoyed this book. Joy Ellis writes in an easy engaging manner and brings her characters to life. This time we learn a lot more about the mysterious Orac. There was also plenty of suspense and the pace, while not frenetic, was certainly fast enough. I couldn’t put this down! This book will appeal to all those who enjoy a crime mystery and/or thriller. Many thanks to Netgalley, Joffe Books and Joy Ellis for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
In this book DC Robbie Melton, who recently transferred to Salern-Le-Fen, catches up with his former sargeant, DS Stella North. Stella retired from police work after a nasty injury but she was also a keen urbexer and is still into ‘the scene’. She raises concerns with Robbie about a couple of urbexers who mysteriously disappeared while exploring. With others! They apparently just vanished leaving all their equipment, including their precious cameras, behind. Robbie agrees to make some enquires but is met with a blank wall in Fenchurch constabulary. Soon another urbexer disappear on his own patch so Robbie is given carte blanche to follow this up.
At the same time Orac (Orla Cracken), their brilliant but strange cyber expert also does a disappearing act. She has a very murky past in national security and the powers that be are most concerned for her. There are also some questions about the disappearance of one of the urbexers from Randleby Airfield. On paper the base does not exist and any queries into the matter are met with a blank wall. Very mysterious! So how do urbexers, a missing Orac and an abandoned airfield tie together. It is very interesting to find out. I really enjoyed this book. Joy Ellis writes in an easy engaging manner and brings her characters to life. This time we learn a lot more about the mysterious Orac. There was also plenty of suspense and the pace, while not frenetic, was certainly fast enough. I couldn’t put this down! This book will appeal to all those who enjoy a crime mystery and/or thriller. Many thanks to Netgalley, Joffe Books and Joy Ellis for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
May 18, 2023
Ellis’ unique storylines, full character development of all characters, and direct prose fully engage all my senses while listening (Richard Armitage narrates) to her books.
I find her books difficult to describe because on one hand they’re “nice” detectives, with almoat a cozy mystery feel, but then she gets to the murders, or the victims and I FEEL the chill in my bones. They Disappeared was GRUESOME .. yet Ellis didn’t make it gory.
The horrifying acts makes me wish I could handle chipmunk 🐿️ speed (Matthew I’m looking at you!) to get to the end.
Ellis rubs several story lines within each book and they always converge. It could lead to predictability but she’s adept at keeping us on our toes, furthering other storylines so you push characters to the back burner and then go “OH!!!”
I even smile when the characters feel things like a flutter of love or happiness. I gasp when they gasp and even hold my breath when they do. 😁
I couldn’t say if this series is for everyone because I’ll never assume someone’s likes or dislikes but I am throughly enjoying this series.
It’s available in the Audible Plus catalogue & the books are also available on KU. I HIGHLY recommend the audio !!!
I find her books difficult to describe because on one hand they’re “nice” detectives, with almoat a cozy mystery feel, but then she gets to the murders, or the victims and I FEEL the chill in my bones. They Disappeared was GRUESOME .. yet Ellis didn’t make it gory.
The horrifying acts makes me wish I could handle chipmunk 🐿️ speed (Matthew I’m looking at you!) to get to the end.
Ellis rubs several story lines within each book and they always converge. It could lead to predictability but she’s adept at keeping us on our toes, furthering other storylines so you push characters to the back burner and then go “OH!!!”
I even smile when the characters feel things like a flutter of love or happiness. I gasp when they gasp and even hold my breath when they do. 😁
I couldn’t say if this series is for everyone because I’ll never assume someone’s likes or dislikes but I am throughly enjoying this series.
It’s available in the Audible Plus catalogue & the books are also available on KU. I HIGHLY recommend the audio !!!
November 30, 2020
Orla Cracken (Orac) has disappeared. She is the IT boss and when she doesn't showup for work everyone panics. She has never not shown up for work. It's all the more worrisome because of her background ... she once worked for the government, undercover.
Detectives Rowan Jackman and Marie Evans, a long with colleague DC Robbie Melton are told that two urban explorers have gone missing .... from the sites they were exploring. Neither of them were known to just up and vanish ...especially leaving their expensive cameras behind.
When their bodies are found hanging in ancient church ruins, having been left after being tortured. Jackman and Evans go into overdrive to find a killer ... and to see if this case is connected to their missing IT person.
As with all the books in this series, this is well-written, with twists and turns that rival a roller coaster ride. The suspense starts on the very first page and doesn't let up until the last sentence on the last page. I really enjoyed how the author brought in urban exploration of old buildings, in the middle of the night ... added suspense on top of suspense.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books N All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 2, 2020
Jackman and Evans #7
Orla Cracken has disappeared. She's the head of IT. When she doesn't turn up for work, everyone is concerned. She had once worked undercover for the government.
Jackman and Evans are told that two Urban explorers have gone missing from the sites where they were working from. Neither of the men were known to just walk off a job and disappear. DC Robbie Melton is helping Rowan and Marie to investigate.
This is a cleverly crafted and engaging read. The more you read, the more the plot thickens. There's a lot of secrecy surrounding the abandoned military site. No one will talk about it. The two stories eventually link. It was nice to learn a little more of Orac's background. Another great installment to this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks and the author #JoyEllis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Orla Cracken has disappeared. She's the head of IT. When she doesn't turn up for work, everyone is concerned. She had once worked undercover for the government.
Jackman and Evans are told that two Urban explorers have gone missing from the sites where they were working from. Neither of the men were known to just walk off a job and disappear. DC Robbie Melton is helping Rowan and Marie to investigate.
This is a cleverly crafted and engaging read. The more you read, the more the plot thickens. There's a lot of secrecy surrounding the abandoned military site. No one will talk about it. The two stories eventually link. It was nice to learn a little more of Orac's background. Another great installment to this series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #JoffeBooks and the author #JoyEllis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2023
This series is a lot of fun, although they've blurred into one big overall story in my head now, making it difficult to review (a good reminder to write out a review within a day or two). Still, I've listened to nine of them, which is a strong recommendation! 📚
November 20, 2020
They Disappeared is the seventh instalment in the DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans series, set in the small town of Saltern-le-Fen, Lincolnshire. It begins with the team’s concern quickly turning to distress when they ask new CID member DC Kevin Stoner to take a laptop, containing sensitive material to help in the Kirby investigation, down to IT and hand it over directly to IT expert and undeniable genius Orla Cracken, referred to as Orac, but he comes back and informs them that she isn't in today, which is odd because she is always hidden away there in her basement kingdom. Orac is a former undercover agent with a count of her head so the government also become alarmed when they discover she is missing. Has her past finally caught up with her? Meanwhile, elsewhere, DC Robbie Melton, a recent transferee to the station, is contacted by a former colleague, DS Stella North, regarding the disappearance of a young urbexer (urban explorer) who vanished one evening after trying to infiltrate the old, disused airfield buildings at Randleby to take photographs. She also tells him of another urbexer called Anthony Hood, who went missing from an old cinema in Greenborough less than a month ago.
Then two decaying bodies are discovered inside the part ruined, part intact church in the village of Hallows Fen and the team realise they have a deranged and dangerous killer on their hands. This is a compulsive and absorbing crime caper and held my attention easily from start to finish. The writing is immersive and straight to the point, which makes it impossible not to get sucked into the excitement of the plot. I love the team dynamic and we finally get a lot more backstory for the individual members, including Rowan and Marie, and I found it all added to the compelling nature of the story. The plotline with Orac vanishing was an ingenious method of allowing us to learn more about her, as she's quite a mysterious figure up till now. It all gels and makes for an interesting read. I had no idea about the urban exploring subculture where adrenaline junkies venture into abandoned buildings and take photos, known as decay photography. Because of the frowned-upon nature of this hobby, those involved are usually only referred to by their tag and not by name. With an addictive, atmospheric and well crafted dual plotline, this is a pacy and suspenseful page-turner I highly recommend.
Then two decaying bodies are discovered inside the part ruined, part intact church in the village of Hallows Fen and the team realise they have a deranged and dangerous killer on their hands. This is a compulsive and absorbing crime caper and held my attention easily from start to finish. The writing is immersive and straight to the point, which makes it impossible not to get sucked into the excitement of the plot. I love the team dynamic and we finally get a lot more backstory for the individual members, including Rowan and Marie, and I found it all added to the compelling nature of the story. The plotline with Orac vanishing was an ingenious method of allowing us to learn more about her, as she's quite a mysterious figure up till now. It all gels and makes for an interesting read. I had no idea about the urban exploring subculture where adrenaline junkies venture into abandoned buildings and take photos, known as decay photography. Because of the frowned-upon nature of this hobby, those involved are usually only referred to by their tag and not by name. With an addictive, atmospheric and well crafted dual plotline, this is a pacy and suspenseful page-turner I highly recommend.
December 2, 2020
Oh my goodness! What a whirlwind this book has been!
I found myself holding my breath several times!
The author manages to make the reader feel so immersed in the story, I felt that I was walking up the stairs, the fear was palpable.
The main characters were incredibly likeable, the story was believable and the author had obviously done a lot of research and I felt as though I knew a lot about urbexers once I had finished.
Absolutely amazing writing, one of my top reads this year.
I found myself holding my breath several times!
The author manages to make the reader feel so immersed in the story, I felt that I was walking up the stairs, the fear was palpable.
The main characters were incredibly likeable, the story was believable and the author had obviously done a lot of research and I felt as though I knew a lot about urbexers once I had finished.
Absolutely amazing writing, one of my top reads this year.
March 14, 2024
Iesāku šo sēriju tikai un vienīgi tāpēc, ka to lasa Ričards Armitidžs, bet paliku (t.i. turpinu) pašu stāstu pēc. Šajā daļā atkal ir mazāk par Džekmenu un Evansu kā cilvēkiem, bet Orla Krakena bija gana interesanta izvēle, uz kuru vairāk fokusēties. Bradātāju (cik zinu tā latviešu valodā sauc "urbexers" pasaule likās ļoti laba izvēle, uz kā fona būvēt noziegumu līniju. Nav ne jausmas, cik precīzi attēlota, bet tādam, kas par to gandrīz neko nezina - ļoti interesanta. Patika morga darbinieka jociņš, ka ja šādi turpināsies, viņam labāk pārcelties uz Midsomeru, tur esot mierīgāk. Jā, un arvien priecājos, ka var būt grāmata par pretējā dzimuma policistiem, kas strādā kopā, bet viņu starpā nav romantiskās līnijas.
November 8, 2021
My thanks to Joffe Books, Joy Ellis and Netgalley. Joy Ellis is one of those few authors whose books I love, even though everyone is exceedingly nice! Her tales are by no means "cozy." But, the characters are comforting. At least to me! I thought I'd love this one, but I just didn't. From around the age of 7, and up until my mid 30's, I loved exploring old places. I'd usually drag a friend along, but occasionally my sister. Eventually I had to grow up! Ha, LOL! Anyhow.. So, turns out that I was an Urban explorer! This is maybe the second or third book of Joy's that I just didn't get into. Though I did love the Orac storyline! Sadly, it took me ages to finish this book. I will say that the ending picked up! Unfortunately, I want all the book to be that great. Otherwise, if just read the last 25% of every book. No worries. The next will be good. I'm already looking forward to it!
September 24, 2021
There's a lot more levity in this one than the last several instalments. And it's great to learn more about Orac.
I love that Ellis doesn't feel the need to always give the breakthrough to her main detective, which so many mystery writers do, and I'm really interested to see where she's taking Marie Evans as of this book.
I love that Ellis doesn't feel the need to always give the breakthrough to her main detective, which so many mystery writers do, and I'm really interested to see where she's taking Marie Evans as of this book.
August 4, 2020
Enjoyable but not as good as the previous ones in my opinion, the story was less compelling, dialogue and voices a little twee. Still listened to it all (audiobook version).
August 5, 2020
Even better than the other ones!
November 16, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of They Disappeared, the seventh novel to feature DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans, set in the Lincolnshire town of Saltern-le-Fen.
It is a quiet time in Saltern when IT ace Orla Cracken, known as Orac, doesn’t turn up for work. This is extremely alarming to not just the station but also various government departments because Orac used to be an undercover agent and has a price on her head. In the meantime DC Robbie Melton is contacted by a former colleague about two missing urbexers who went out exploring at different times and vanished into thin air. Then bodies are found in a very distressing condition and the hunt is on for a deranged killer.
I enjoyed They Disappeared which is an interesting read that held my attention throughout despite a certain scepticism about the plot. The author has a very inviting writing style that draws the reader in, no matter what. The Orac plot line, which is initially the main line of concentration, doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, in terms of likelihood and plausibility, but is relevant to unveiling some of Orac’s past and for developments in the other case, which I found much more appealing. Urban exploring is a whole subculture I know little about and the author really brings it to life. Its exponents, known as urbexers, are adrenaline junkies, so prime candidates for putting themselves in danger and in this novel, ripe for picking off by an unidentified killer. The descriptions of creepy old buildings in the middle of the night are atmospheric and nerve jangling. This plot line is much more my thing with the initial mystery slowly revealing itself as the team investigate.
They Disappeared is a good read that I can recommend.
It is a quiet time in Saltern when IT ace Orla Cracken, known as Orac, doesn’t turn up for work. This is extremely alarming to not just the station but also various government departments because Orac used to be an undercover agent and has a price on her head. In the meantime DC Robbie Melton is contacted by a former colleague about two missing urbexers who went out exploring at different times and vanished into thin air. Then bodies are found in a very distressing condition and the hunt is on for a deranged killer.
I enjoyed They Disappeared which is an interesting read that held my attention throughout despite a certain scepticism about the plot. The author has a very inviting writing style that draws the reader in, no matter what. The Orac plot line, which is initially the main line of concentration, doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me, in terms of likelihood and plausibility, but is relevant to unveiling some of Orac’s past and for developments in the other case, which I found much more appealing. Urban exploring is a whole subculture I know little about and the author really brings it to life. Its exponents, known as urbexers, are adrenaline junkies, so prime candidates for putting themselves in danger and in this novel, ripe for picking off by an unidentified killer. The descriptions of creepy old buildings in the middle of the night are atmospheric and nerve jangling. This plot line is much more my thing with the initial mystery slowly revealing itself as the team investigate.
They Disappeared is a good read that I can recommend.
December 17, 2020
I am always ready to smile when a Joy Ellis book is released as I am guaranteed a good read and I wasn't disappointed with this one.
Now the books do work well as stand alone but you will enjoy this book more if you have read the earlier books to understand the hell Alistair Ashcroft put the team through. However, you will really enjoy this book either way.
Strangely, I had never heard of Urbexing (or decay photography) before reading Guide Star (which is another Joy Ellis book) so I was very excited to realise that characters from that book were making an appearance.
Urbexers are disappearing and Stella turns to her old partner, Robbie to help. The problem is the deaths are not in Jackman's area so his hands are pretty tied. However, it is fairly quiet at present so Jackman gives Robbie the go ahead to do some investigating. Then another Urbexer disappears and this time it is on Jackman's patch so the whole team are tasked with investigating. Urbexers are harmless individuals who creep around derelict buildings taking photos and damaging nothing so why would someone abduct them? And how does a person simply disappear? This is the conundrum that faces the team and as we know Jackman's team like nothing more than a tangled web to slowly untangle.
I love the way Jackman takes a back seat in this investigation with Robbie and Orac being more of the focus. I also love the way Joy has described the 'Bimbles' with such skill that I could really envisage these places which really helped with the realism of the story.
A lot of intrigue, secrets from the past, military cover-ups, a hunt for a missing sister and so many more strands make up this very intriguing and gripping book that had me turning page after page all the way to the jaw-dropping ending.
Absolutely brilliant!
Now the books do work well as stand alone but you will enjoy this book more if you have read the earlier books to understand the hell Alistair Ashcroft put the team through. However, you will really enjoy this book either way.
Strangely, I had never heard of Urbexing (or decay photography) before reading Guide Star (which is another Joy Ellis book) so I was very excited to realise that characters from that book were making an appearance.
Urbexers are disappearing and Stella turns to her old partner, Robbie to help. The problem is the deaths are not in Jackman's area so his hands are pretty tied. However, it is fairly quiet at present so Jackman gives Robbie the go ahead to do some investigating. Then another Urbexer disappears and this time it is on Jackman's patch so the whole team are tasked with investigating. Urbexers are harmless individuals who creep around derelict buildings taking photos and damaging nothing so why would someone abduct them? And how does a person simply disappear? This is the conundrum that faces the team and as we know Jackman's team like nothing more than a tangled web to slowly untangle.
I love the way Jackman takes a back seat in this investigation with Robbie and Orac being more of the focus. I also love the way Joy has described the 'Bimbles' with such skill that I could really envisage these places which really helped with the realism of the story.
A lot of intrigue, secrets from the past, military cover-ups, a hunt for a missing sister and so many more strands make up this very intriguing and gripping book that had me turning page after page all the way to the jaw-dropping ending.
Absolutely brilliant!
April 24, 2021
Joy Ellis at her best. Urbexers, a new one on me, are people who investigate derelict buildings. It is dangerous and trespassing and therefore illegal but it is a pastime that has a dedicated following. Unfortunately three of them are murdered and left hanging upside down so the hunt is on for the killer. It was certainly a different and intriguing plot.
February 28, 2023
Eh. I have enjoyed the other Jackman and Evans books. This one- not so much. It was a bit underwhelming. A lot of mansplaining, and more mansplaining… whining by our main guy (Jackman). This book is making me question my judgment for reading all the previous books in this series. This book is “okay-ish.” Perhaps we all (the author, me, and maybe other fans) need some time to bounce back from the wrap up and big finale of the previous book, “The Patient Man.” This is the book that has made it clear that Jackman is the character I enjoy the least. I like every other character more- especially our fav IT expert. That is one of the reasons that I am so disappointed in this near miss regarding the storyline about O. Cracken. I was hoping for more. So- rating of “eh.”
It was porridge when I was hoping for a full English breakfast.
It was porridge when I was hoping for a full English breakfast.
June 17, 2021
An okay read
A bit disappointed with this book. I have read the others in the series and am now getting fed up with the main characters. The storyline is very weak and it certainly is not the gripping crime thriller it promised to be. I shall be taking a holiday from Joy Ellis for a while now.
A bit disappointed with this book. I have read the others in the series and am now getting fed up with the main characters. The storyline is very weak and it certainly is not the gripping crime thriller it promised to be. I shall be taking a holiday from Joy Ellis for a while now.
June 27, 2023
The deeper into the Jackman and Evans series I go, the more I love the characters and Ms. Ellis's ability to weave a suspenseful and engaging story. I'm already eager for the next one.
November 30, 2021
I never know if audiobooks should be kept on my Goodreads page. This one has been playing since last Friday while I was working on some tapestry work and in the end, it has been included. Previously I have read a number of Joy Ellis's DI Niki Gallena novels also set in the fenlands of Lincolnshire in the East of England.
Di Jackman and Marie Evans begin the investigation following the disappearance of a member of the urban explorers' group, who like to get into derelict buildings. Tragedy strikes as the body count rises and the investigation is hampered by the sudden departure of their IT expert Orla.
Lots of sidetracks that slow the search that encompasses lots of old disused buildings and airfields. Good action and characters although DI Jackman came over as a gruff older man and not as I envisaged him.
Good 4 stars for those that listen to crime fiction.
Di Jackman and Marie Evans begin the investigation following the disappearance of a member of the urban explorers' group, who like to get into derelict buildings. Tragedy strikes as the body count rises and the investigation is hampered by the sudden departure of their IT expert Orla.
Lots of sidetracks that slow the search that encompasses lots of old disused buildings and airfields. Good action and characters although DI Jackman came over as a gruff older man and not as I envisaged him.
Good 4 stars for those that listen to crime fiction.
December 5, 2020
I enjoy Joy Ellis's police procedurals and have listened to all her Jackman & Evans series with my favorite narrator, Richard Armitage, as well as a couple of Nikki Galena and Matt Ballard. This was a really interesting plot, with a focus on Orac, the IT genius at Salton the Fenn, and a very unique and gruesome crime mystery for Jackman & Evans to solve. I saw some of the ultimate ending coming, but enjoyed seeing how we got there and some of the other fun side plots and a couple red herrings. The vocal performance is great as always, and if you're a fan of this genre, especially British, I think you'll enjoy it.
February 18, 2022
This could be the best one yet.
One after another young men disappear while exploring derelict buildings. There appears to be no connection between them and even people who are with them at the time can give no clues as to how they disappeared. Could there be a connection to an old air field that is being protected? No one is allowed to ask questions or set foot on it without being warned off.
Yes, I did guess who was behind the disappearances long before the end but even then I wasn't sure and it didn't matter because the suspense continued right to the very end.
One after another young men disappear while exploring derelict buildings. There appears to be no connection between them and even people who are with them at the time can give no clues as to how they disappeared. Could there be a connection to an old air field that is being protected? No one is allowed to ask questions or set foot on it without being warned off.
Yes, I did guess who was behind the disappearances long before the end but even then I wasn't sure and it didn't matter because the suspense continued right to the very end.
November 22, 2020
In the seventh of the DI Jackson and DS Marie Evans series the focus on missing urban explorers. Learned about urbexers (urban explorers) and their fascination with old abandoned sites which was new to me. More interesting background insights into Orac's and Marie's pasts. The series keeps getting better. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
December 8, 2020
So pleased I discovered the Jackman & Evans novels a few weeks ago. Hadn’t read any Joy Ellis before so wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Having now read all seven in the series I can’t wait for the next one. The stories are highly original, well plotted, with great characters and a welcome change of scenery from inner city sink estate noir. Couldn’t fault them really so rather boringly have given every one 5 stars! 🙏
November 25, 2020
Another brilliantly exciting, nail-biting read from Joy Ellis, full of suspense along with such an interesting storyline introducing us to the hobby of Urbexing. I love the main characters, the setting in the fens and the unique plots this author produces. A top class writer who never fails to thrill. Thanks to Joffe Books and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
December 30, 2023
Excellent, excellent addition to the series
I am a huge fan on the Jackman & Evans’ series although, as always with book series, I’ve felt some to be weaker than others. I loved this one though. Although the murders were gruesome, and I skimmed over much of the details, there were many fascinating parts to it: I’d never heard of urban exploring or decay photography and I so admire Ellis’ ability to research and incorporate this hobby/passion. I can’t find any fault with her plotting on the story either—all of the red herrings and “twists” come together and make sense in the end.
If you don’t like gruesome murders, I’d still recommend this book. The yucky details are easy to skim over and the rest of the story is fascinating, the characters well developed and appealing.
I am a huge fan on the Jackman & Evans’ series although, as always with book series, I’ve felt some to be weaker than others. I loved this one though. Although the murders were gruesome, and I skimmed over much of the details, there were many fascinating parts to it: I’d never heard of urban exploring or decay photography and I so admire Ellis’ ability to research and incorporate this hobby/passion. I can’t find any fault with her plotting on the story either—all of the red herrings and “twists” come together and make sense in the end.
If you don’t like gruesome murders, I’d still recommend this book. The yucky details are easy to skim over and the rest of the story is fascinating, the characters well developed and appealing.
October 25, 2020
Full of twists. Book Seven.
This author never fails her reader's.
D.I. Rowan Jackman and D.S. Marie Evans Saltern-Le-Fen police station.
Orla Cracken ( Orac) has not turned into to work and it's chaos down in the IT room, the two detectives go to her address not two minutes away from the station its a top security building but find nothing she's gone and her car is missing, this is not normal for her she's never away from work, but there's a lot they don't know about her past, and they fear for her life.
this book will blow your mind, and my god this book certainly has a whole lot of twists unfolding as you read and it turns the crew stir crazie.
An excellent story to keep you well on your toes, I very much doubt that this book won't disappoint. The author is an amazing story teller that never runs out of plots to entertain, leaving her reader's with high emotions.
A great end to this one and looking forward to the next.
This author never fails her reader's.
D.I. Rowan Jackman and D.S. Marie Evans Saltern-Le-Fen police station.
Orla Cracken ( Orac) has not turned into to work and it's chaos down in the IT room, the two detectives go to her address not two minutes away from the station its a top security building but find nothing she's gone and her car is missing, this is not normal for her she's never away from work, but there's a lot they don't know about her past, and they fear for her life.
this book will blow your mind, and my god this book certainly has a whole lot of twists unfolding as you read and it turns the crew stir crazie.
An excellent story to keep you well on your toes, I very much doubt that this book won't disappoint. The author is an amazing story teller that never runs out of plots to entertain, leaving her reader's with high emotions.
A great end to this one and looking forward to the next.
April 19, 2023
How have I not found this series before? It's really quite good. I did find the "twist" a bit unlikely, but I enjoyed the book enough not to mind too much. I've already picked up the first novel in the series.
August 8, 2022
Lover this series - but nearing the end. Will need to embark on Joy Ellis' other series.
January 6, 2023
Loving this series. I look forward to seeing the proposed TV series.
April 17, 2023
Another great book in the series. Especially after the previous one being a bit disappointing, it's good to have the excited hype back!
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