What do you think?
Rate this book
DS Tomek Bowen #10
Death's Past: A Gripping Essex Murder Mystery Novel
When a powerful tidal surge churns up a set of bones deep in the marshes of South Essex, DS Tomek Bowen’s hopes for a quiet winter are quickly washed away.
Forensic examination reveals the remains belonged to a young child who died more than thirty years before.
Who was the victim? Why was he killed? And why does his death bear such striking resemblance to Tomek’s brother’s?
This Christmas, Tomek could get one or two more presents than he bargained for.
Death’s Past is the enthralling tenth book in the DS Tomek Bowen Essex Murder Mystery series by Jack Probyn. If you love fast-paced British police procedurals filled with memorable characters, mind-bending twists that will keep you guessing to the last page, and oodles of black humour, you'll love this series. Fans of Rhys Dylan, TG Reid and Wes Markin can't put this book down. Tap the buy button to read today!
___________________________________________________________________________________
THE SETTING
Southend-on-Sea, a coastal town in Essex, hides a darker side beneath its cheerful seaside veneer. The world's longest pleasure pier stretches like a skeletal hand into murky waters, where mist clings to centuries of forgotten secrets. The surrounding area, with its quiet, winding roads through bleak marshes and flat farmland, holds a history of disappearances and whispered rumours. From the cobbled beaches to the unforgiving marshlands, murder and mystery lurk deep within the South Essex identity, and come and go as frequently as the tide.
___________________________________________________________________________________
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Now on the wrong side of forty, DS Tomek Bowen has begun to worry more about the little things. Like the food he puts in his body, how many pints he can have without feeling too hungover, and what beard dye to use for his increasingly greying hair. All the important things. But when it comes to work, everything changes. He's driven, dogged, and isn't afraid to say what he thinks. Nor is he afraid to let others know when they're wrong. A man who keeps his cards close to his chest, he likes to think he's a hard nut to crack. But that won't stop the criminals and villains he finds along the way from trying.
Forensic examination reveals the remains belonged to a young child who died more than thirty years before.
Who was the victim? Why was he killed? And why does his death bear such striking resemblance to Tomek’s brother’s?
This Christmas, Tomek could get one or two more presents than he bargained for.
Death’s Past is the enthralling tenth book in the DS Tomek Bowen Essex Murder Mystery series by Jack Probyn. If you love fast-paced British police procedurals filled with memorable characters, mind-bending twists that will keep you guessing to the last page, and oodles of black humour, you'll love this series. Fans of Rhys Dylan, TG Reid and Wes Markin can't put this book down. Tap the buy button to read today!
___________________________________________________________________________________
THE SETTING
Southend-on-Sea, a coastal town in Essex, hides a darker side beneath its cheerful seaside veneer. The world's longest pleasure pier stretches like a skeletal hand into murky waters, where mist clings to centuries of forgotten secrets. The surrounding area, with its quiet, winding roads through bleak marshes and flat farmland, holds a history of disappearances and whispered rumours. From the cobbled beaches to the unforgiving marshlands, murder and mystery lurk deep within the South Essex identity, and come and go as frequently as the tide.
___________________________________________________________________________________
MEET THE DETECTIVE
Now on the wrong side of forty, DS Tomek Bowen has begun to worry more about the little things. Like the food he puts in his body, how many pints he can have without feeling too hungover, and what beard dye to use for his increasingly greying hair. All the important things. But when it comes to work, everything changes. He's driven, dogged, and isn't afraid to say what he thinks. Nor is he afraid to let others know when they're wrong. A man who keeps his cards close to his chest, he likes to think he's a hard nut to crack. But that won't stop the criminals and villains he finds along the way from trying.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2025
39 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Jack Probyn
171 books101 followersI’m Jack Probyn, and I write murder mysteries and crime thrillers set in England. I studied Creative Writing at the University of Surrey and have always been fascinated by storytelling, particularly the dark and twisty kind.
I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.
I’m the author of the DC Jake Tanner series and the DS Tomek Bowen series, both packed with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists. When I’m not writing, I enjoy building LEGO, solving sudoku puzzles, and occasionally going snowboarding. I live in England with my partner and our British Shorthair cat, Tommy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 13, 2025
Yet another excellent read from Jack Probyn. A gripping storyline, developing the relationship between father and daughter, but also tying up many loose ends. What next Jack?
November 13, 2025
It was great to be offered the next instalment of this series as an ARC, having been with Tomek from the start and his journey with his daughter and his job, I have grown very fond of the characters.
This book however, is the best yet, it so fast moving, the pace relentless and the reader barely has time to draw breath.
Some bones of a young child appear in the marshes, due to a tidal surge, that may never have been recovered, and the resemblance to his brother’s death are uncanny and set off a chain of events for Tomek and his team.
All the old adversaries appear, Nathan being one of them having just been released from prison. As soon as he re-appears you just know there’s going to be trouble. He has to be one of the most despicable characters in the book and his reach in the criminal world has no bounds.
Kasia is a law unto herself and manages to cause mayhem as usual, she really is a pain in the proverbial.
To add to his woes poor Tomek doesn’t have a good time at Christmas at all! I don’t think that was his idea of celebrations.
My thanks to Jack for the ARC.
This book however, is the best yet, it so fast moving, the pace relentless and the reader barely has time to draw breath.
Some bones of a young child appear in the marshes, due to a tidal surge, that may never have been recovered, and the resemblance to his brother’s death are uncanny and set off a chain of events for Tomek and his team.
All the old adversaries appear, Nathan being one of them having just been released from prison. As soon as he re-appears you just know there’s going to be trouble. He has to be one of the most despicable characters in the book and his reach in the criminal world has no bounds.
Kasia is a law unto herself and manages to cause mayhem as usual, she really is a pain in the proverbial.
To add to his woes poor Tomek doesn’t have a good time at Christmas at all! I don’t think that was his idea of celebrations.
My thanks to Jack for the ARC.
November 17, 2025
The Tomek Bowen series has been great, but this book is even better than those that preceded it.
I think that new readers should start with book 1 and follow the story from the beginning - it has been good to get to know Tomek, Kasia, his work colleagues and his family. Not so much fun getting to know the man who killed Tomek’s brother though.
I think that new readers should start with book 1 and follow the story from the beginning - it has been good to get to know Tomek, Kasia, his work colleagues and his family. Not so much fun getting to know the man who killed Tomek’s brother though.
November 15, 2025
If you have started this series you need to catch up so you can read this installment, it's the best yet. I've grinned, I've winced and I've cheered them all on!
I don't want to spoil it, but it's a very satisfying (and fun) ending.
I don't want to spoil it, but it's a very satisfying (and fun) ending.
November 22, 2025
Tomek’s nightmares featuring Nathan Burrows, the killer of his brother Michal, look set to become a reality as he demands his return favour from the detective, that being to put in a glowing report at the impending parole hearing. After 30 years in prison, Nathan could get his freedom but Tomek just cannot bring himself to do it, and begs them to keep the monster where he belongs. He gets out anyway and now Tomek has put himself and his family squarely in Nathan’s sights. Meanwhile Southend’s Major Investigation Team, which includes DCI “Nasty Nick” Cleaves, DI Victoria Orange, DS Sean Campbell, and DCs Chey Carter, Rachel Hamilton, Oscar Perez, Anna Kaczmarek and Martin Brown have the bones of a teenage boy washed up on Pitsea Marshes to identify and a murderer to catch. The boy, Mason, disappeared 30 years ago. Who were his new friends and did they have anything to do with his death? As Tomek tries to dodge Nathan and his bald mate with the teardrop tattoo, alarming similarities start to appear between the horrifying deaths of Mason and Michal. Pushing away everyone he cares about, if only for their own safety, the shadow of Nathan constantly looms over Tomek. Will the past catch up and finally destroy Tomek’s world?
This series gets better with every new story and this one is possibly the most twisty and shocking yet, as Tomek finally gets to go head-to-head with Michal’s killer and put the ghosts of the past to rest. He might think he’s on his own but the members of the close and loyal team really pull together in a story with a tense and gripping pace and an absolutely breathtaking ending.
This series gets better with every new story and this one is possibly the most twisty and shocking yet, as Tomek finally gets to go head-to-head with Michal’s killer and put the ghosts of the past to rest. He might think he’s on his own but the members of the close and loyal team really pull together in a story with a tense and gripping pace and an absolutely breathtaking ending.
November 17, 2025
Wow, and wow another brilliant read from author Jack Probyn.
When remains of a teenage boy are found on the marshes, they discover that they are of a boy that disappeared over thirty years ago. As Tomek realises they have similar wounds on his body that were on his brother Micheals body when he was murdered by Nathan Burrows. Is the discovery connected? Tomek starts an investigation that will have fatal consequences.
Death’s Past is another brilliant addition to the DS Tomek Bowen crime thriller series. If you have read any of these books You don’t know what you are missing. This is a roller coaster of a ride. Not only for Tomek’s work life but his personal one too. As he has heard that Nathan Burrows is out of prison and looking for revenge. Tomek is trying to protect his family, but he feels that he is alienating himself and his friends in the process. They are lots of thrills and spills along the way, especially the last few chapters of this book. Big fat 5 stars from me.
When remains of a teenage boy are found on the marshes, they discover that they are of a boy that disappeared over thirty years ago. As Tomek realises they have similar wounds on his body that were on his brother Micheals body when he was murdered by Nathan Burrows. Is the discovery connected? Tomek starts an investigation that will have fatal consequences.
Death’s Past is another brilliant addition to the DS Tomek Bowen crime thriller series. If you have read any of these books You don’t know what you are missing. This is a roller coaster of a ride. Not only for Tomek’s work life but his personal one too. As he has heard that Nathan Burrows is out of prison and looking for revenge. Tomek is trying to protect his family, but he feels that he is alienating himself and his friends in the process. They are lots of thrills and spills along the way, especially the last few chapters of this book. Big fat 5 stars from me.
November 23, 2025
D.S. Tomek Bowen Crime Thrillers series book 10.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, brilliant written book from the very first page to the last. I was totally captured into a well written, gripping, captivating edge of seat, fast-paced storyline, and plot.
It has a roller-coaster of revelations and twists and turns, leading to a gob smacking conclusion.
There are strong, interesting characters, and I particularly liked the character of Tomek and how he progressed through the series. In the first book, I had a love-hate reaction, especially with all the swearing. But over the series, as you became aware of his life and how it was affected, I soon warmed and loved the character.
Where will the author go from here, I wonder!
This is a book I would definitely recommend to others, and I can honestly say you won't be disappointed.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review of the book.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, brilliant written book from the very first page to the last. I was totally captured into a well written, gripping, captivating edge of seat, fast-paced storyline, and plot.
It has a roller-coaster of revelations and twists and turns, leading to a gob smacking conclusion.
There are strong, interesting characters, and I particularly liked the character of Tomek and how he progressed through the series. In the first book, I had a love-hate reaction, especially with all the swearing. But over the series, as you became aware of his life and how it was affected, I soon warmed and loved the character.
Where will the author go from here, I wonder!
This is a book I would definitely recommend to others, and I can honestly say you won't be disappointed.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review of the book.
November 25, 2025
O.M.G. This was so so good! Tomek and the team are back in this thrilling and suspenseful addition that had me glued to the pages and on the edge of my seat. Trouble is always on the horizon for our DS and friends and it is no different in this 10th book. The past is definitely coming back to haunt them and we are slowing piecing the puzzle together and getting the answers that we have needed for so long and it does not disappoint plus we get to see some old friends from Surrey as they come to assist! Gripping, enthralling, this is much darker and much more grittier and had me captivated as the author throws many twists and surprises in our path and that ending OMG, once finished I just sat there stunned and yup I even shed a few tears as I tried to take on board all that had happened. It’s an incredible read that definitely brings us some closure to an haunting storyline and I for one cannot wait to see where the author takes us next. So so good!
December 15, 2025
The 10th instalment in the DS Tomek Bowen series and this one is a belter!
Despite Tomek trying to get it stopped his brother’s killer Nathan is released from prison.
Tomek is consumed with trying to keep his family safe and still worries that a second killer was never caught. Meanwhile the team are brought in to investigate a body that had been found and looks to have been murdered decades ago.
Can Tomek keep his family safe and ultimately put his nemesis back behind bars?
The twists and turns in this are unreal and oh my what an ending! A must read!
November 17, 2025
Wow! What an amazing book. This book continues with a very difficult time for Tomek and his family
It was such a heart touching read. I promise you will be feeling everything that Tomek and his daughter are feeling. Bringing in his whole family.
Apart from saying you really do need to get this awesome book to bring the storyline to an unexpected conclusion, I won't give any spoilers.
It's such a brilliant read from an amazing author.
Thank you Jack.....X
It was such a heart touching read. I promise you will be feeling everything that Tomek and his daughter are feeling. Bringing in his whole family.
Apart from saying you really do need to get this awesome book to bring the storyline to an unexpected conclusion, I won't give any spoilers.
It's such a brilliant read from an amazing author.
Thank you Jack.....X
November 22, 2025
Book 10 and another belter of a read in the Tomek series. Tomek is still battling the demons of the past in the shape of Nathan Burrows, Nathan is calling in a favour from Tomek but it goes against every grain of Tomek’s integrity. Will Burrows be released from prison after having served 30 years for the brutal killing of Tomek’s brother. This was a grab you from the start and didn’t let go till the end kind of read, just how I like them.
November 29, 2025
Just when you think this author could not get any better with his story telling, he proves you wrong.
This is, in my opinion, the absolute best book of this series -- and I thought the other were great.
The action is edge-of-seat and plot lines from previous books are nicely tied up by the (surprise>) end.
If there is not another book to come in this series, I would be satisfied, but here's hoping our intrepid Detective Sergeant has more adventures and investigations to share!!!
This is, in my opinion, the absolute best book of this series -- and I thought the other were great.
The action is edge-of-seat and plot lines from previous books are nicely tied up by the (surprise>) end.
If there is not another book to come in this series, I would be satisfied, but here's hoping our intrepid Detective Sergeant has more adventures and investigations to share!!!
November 16, 2025
The tenth book in the Tomek Bowen series and the best yet.
Bones are found in the marshes and forensics prove that they are 30 years old. Could this death be connected to Tomek's brother death. A rollercoaster ride follows as he tries to protect his family and solves the crime.
An interesting connection and a satisfying end.
Thank you to Jack for the ARC, well worth it.
Bones are found in the marshes and forensics prove that they are 30 years old. Could this death be connected to Tomek's brother death. A rollercoaster ride follows as he tries to protect his family and solves the crime.
An interesting connection and a satisfying end.
Thank you to Jack for the ARC, well worth it.
November 20, 2025
Holy moly that was a gooder. Finally some evil dealt with and some very intense moments and some tears at the end but what a read that was! This series just gets better and better with each book and I'm looking forward to the next chapter for Kasia and Tomek, the Bowen family and of course the next crazy case they are working on. Keep em coming Jack!!
November 23, 2025
This is the best Tomek book yet. It brings together threads from the previous books and this leads to a surprising investigation and conclusion for Tomek. The series could end here but the author says that he is going to continue the series. It will be interesting to see where the next book in the series goes.
December 1, 2025
A teenagers bones are found on Pitsea Marshes and Nathan Burrows, the monster who killed DS Tomek Bowens’s brother, is released from prison. Are these two things linked….
I found this book, the tenth in the Tomek Bowen series, very absorbing and hard to put down (as the previous nine have been). It answers some questions and I wonder…what’s next for DS Bowen?
I found this book, the tenth in the Tomek Bowen series, very absorbing and hard to put down (as the previous nine have been). It answers some questions and I wonder…what’s next for DS Bowen?
December 6, 2025
The 10th book in the Tomek Bowen series.
When the remains of a child who died more than 30 years ago are washed up, the death bears some similarities to Tomek’s brother.
With the ongoing battle with Victoria and the parole hearing decision for Nathan Burrows imminent Tomek has his plate more than full.
Totally gripping - a real page turner!
When the remains of a child who died more than 30 years ago are washed up, the death bears some similarities to Tomek’s brother.
With the ongoing battle with Victoria and the parole hearing decision for Nathan Burrows imminent Tomek has his plate more than full.
Totally gripping - a real page turner!
November 20, 2025
Bones of a young child washes up that reveal a 30-year-old crime. Similar what happened to DS Tomek Bowen's brother with similar markings on the body. A lot of twists and turns in this thriller. A nemesis of Tomek's is released from prison adding to the drama. A great page turner in this series.
November 27, 2025
This is another great book in the DS Tomek Bowen series. I devoured this book. Even though this could be read as a stand alone, I recommend reading the whole series. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
November 12, 2025
This book is so well worth reading.
November 21, 2025
This is the 10th book in the tomek series, and is easily the best to date. Well worth s read. Highly reccommended.
November 27, 2025
Amazing
Omg Tomek can breath and start again.
Excellent story all through totally submerged in every book.
Without doubt the best series ive ever read!
Omg Tomek can breath and start again.
Excellent story all through totally submerged in every book.
Without doubt the best series ive ever read!
November 29, 2025
Oh wow! I can definitely say my favourite author this year is Jack Probyn and his DS Tomek Bowen series.
December 2, 2025
By far the best book of the series so far. The action, the tension, the surprises. I read the last 50% in one night because I couldn’t stop reading. Just brilliant! 👏🏻
Read
December 5, 2025Totally loved it! Best book yet.
December 16, 2025
DS Tomek’s hope of a quiet winter doesn’t seem to be happening. Remains from long ago are found, who does it belong to and how did they die. Full of suspense and secrets to keep you intrigued.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews