Jeopardy's Child

Detective Jim Ashworth #7

by Brian Battison

Two young girls go missing and DCI Jim Ashworth is plunged straight into a disturbing investigation which unearths a pedophile ring operating in the heart of Bridgetown. When the mutilated body of one of the missing girls is found, Ashworth and DS Holly Bedford are sickened by the depravity at work in the small town. As the grisly details unfold, all in CIA must dig deep within themselves to persevere with the nightmarish investigation.Then another child is abducted, and every second counts if they are to find her alive.

Genres: Crime

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1997

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

The Missing Girls is the seventh book in the Detective Jim Ashworth series by Brian Battison. It is a British Detective series that follows the investigations of Chief Inspector Jim Ashworth. With crime and investigation, mystery, suspense, interesting cases/scenarios, tension, intrigue, and a bit of a whodunnit feel.
When Ashworth is pulled into a case of two missing girls, it leads to a disturbing discovery.
Inspector Ainsworth is a bit of an ‘old-school’ detective, dedicated to his job, which involves many and varied investigations- from serial killers to pedophile rings, as well as dealing with gangsters, drug dealers, and even an extortionist. He is thrust into situations where he is in a race against time to uncover the truth, while personal dramas play out in the midst of it all.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Brian Battison!

[Steve Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all of Battison's books and have not been disappointed by any. This is one of his best. He doesn't bog things down with too much backstory, just gets on with telling the story at a fair old pace and fills it with lots of suspense. Ashworth and his colleagues are a likeable bunch and keep you reading. Battison was a much underrated writer who died far too young.

[suziebix · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, Battison has definitely saved the best till last with this gripping psychological thriller. This book gets right to the heart of the storyline without preamble or flowery build-up. Although an uncomfortable read in places, this book raises the readers awareness and certainly makes us want to keep our children very, very close.

[Victoria Slotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a light read due to the subject matter: child murder and rape. I have a love-hate relationship for the protagonist, Jim Ashworth, but that shows how well the author presents well-rounded characters. At times, though, Ashworth's flaws seem to predominate.

[Gill Appleyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best in the series in my opinion. Certainly not a comfortable subject with child abduction and abuse but very well written.

[Mrs Linda A Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This authors books just get better and better. This is the best one yet although I did the people right in this case. Great read which you will miss if you don’t get it.

[ROBERT GIRARDOT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent !
Really enjoyed it, his best yet !

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gripping. Knowing that you know who did it but not being able to prove it almost derails Jim Ashworth.

[Andrea Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, super creepy!

[mrs j busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting reading

Couldn't put this book down!Spent 2 days in hospital reading it and it made the days fly by !Great story trlling

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a GreT story. Twists and Turns and it keeps you guessing. This is a very Fine Police Series and Ashworth are Great

[SUE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best in the whole series that I have read so far! Difficult storyline but very well handled ...

[Mary Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a little creepy. A story of young missing girls, and a pedophile ring to blame. It was quite suspenseful!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eight year old Nicky Walden has been missing for three months. Next there is an attempted kidnapping, and a successful one. Can DCI Jim Ashworth and his team find the girls before it's too late.
Not a comfortable subject.
Originally published 1997

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant story.

Another story in the Detective Jim Ashworth series. I love Jim and his team Holly and Josh, a good story .

[ann pac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

Although the subject matter was a bit distasteful, the detective abilities of Ashworth and his crew was once again stellar. I really love this series. Only one book left. 😢

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sorry there aren’t anymore books.

I’ve enjoyed all 7 books with their twists at the end. Mr Battison did a great job and I’m sorry everything passed away.

[Margaret Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read.

Kept me guessing until the end. Great cast of characters! Well written. Looking forward to the next book in series.

[Ruth Courtright · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion the problem with this book is there is not another book to follow.
Extremely realistic writing, Brian Battison has become a firm favourite with me.

As I tend to read a book daily, I have been enthralled by the quality of the work available in Kindle.

Would love to see Jim Ashworth as a
TV series detective. Having spent much enjoyable time deciding on who would be the actor to portray him.

[Peggy J. Chambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait until the next book.