Death Stalks Kettle Street

by John Bowen

Some accidents are no accident.

Someone is murdering Greg Unsworth's neighbours and staging the deaths to look like accidents.

Greg knows the truth, but when he's grappling with OCD and simply closing his front door and crossing the road are a battle, how is he supposed to catch a serial killer?

From the internationally bestselling author of Where the Dead Walk, Vessel and Cold Sweats & Vignettes comes a cosy murder mystery with a difference...

Meet Greg Unsworth, afflicted with OCD, who begins to realize that a series of fatal accidents on his street are in fact a series of murders. After encountering Beth Grue at the scene of one such crime, the two bond over their shared fears and suspicions, and struggles: Beth has cerebral palsy. When the police repeatedly dismiss their concerns, they take matters into their own hands and attempt to discover the killer's identity and expose him...

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mental Health, Audiobook

376 pages, ebook

First published December 9, 2016

About the author

John Bowen is a multi genre thriller author who lives in the UK. When not playing video-games, reading, catching up on movies, going to the gym, and enjoying time with his wife and children, he occasionally finds time to write...

His debut novel supernatural suspense thriller WHERE THE DEAD WALK is an Amazon Top #100 Bestseller, his second novel, action adventure thriller, VESSEL a #1 Bestseller in Kindle Thriller and Mystery, his short story collection COLD SWEATS & VIGNETTES a #1 Bestseller in Short Fiction, and his most recent novel, murder mystery DEATH STALKS KETTLE STREET also an Amazon Top #100 Bestseller.

You're welcome to visit his site and sign up for news, promotional discounts and giveaways - and find out how to pick up a FREE book at:

https://johnbowenauthor.wordpress.com

Find him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/JohnBowenWrites

or contact him directly at:
johnybwrites@gmail.com

or visit him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnBowenWrites

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure what genre I would class this, it very differently to anthing I have read before........is it a cosy mystery? Is it a pastiche of a cosy mystery? What ever it is I thought it a good read.
We have a host of characters that live on Kettle Street. One by one the residents of Kettle Street are being murdered, but cleverly the killings are being framed to look like accidents!
All except one person believe that they are accidents ........that is Greg. Greg has extreme OCD and his life is very limited because of it.
When he realises he has clues to who the next victim is going to be, Gregs challenge to himself is to try to overcome his OCD to stop the next murder! With the help of his new friend Beth, who works at the local library, they put their amateur detective skills to the test.
Beth wants to be a writer and she has her own personal struggles as she has mild cerebral palsy.
Beth and Greg are an unusual duo, both lovingly portrayed. If you enjoy character based gentle thrillers with a sensitive side then you will love this book. I am divided on this one ........ probably 3.5⭐️

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a sucker for a great 'who dunnit' that keeps you guessing right until the end then this is definitely one for you - BUT this book is so much more than that!!

It is beautifully written and has the most wonderful lead characters; the delightfully endearing Greg faces numerous personal battles - his heartbreaking backstory being revealed as we go through the book - and Beth, a new friend to Greg who has challenges of her own to contend with. These leading roles are supported by a fabulous cast of other characters, not all of whom live to the end of the book.

Can Greg overcome the fears to save the day? Does the day need saving? Is anyone who or what they seem to be?

Fasten up and enjoy this character rich roller coaster ride - I definitely did, what a great escape from reality!! 5 big fat quirky stars from me :)

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was initially attracted to Death Stalks Kettle Street by its title and front cover, and I’m so pleased I was, as I thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery, with its intriguing plot and wonderful characters.

It’s hard to say what my favourite part of this book was, as I loved the whole storyline. Fabulous plot with regards to the murder mystery, perfect pace, and the chapters that focussed on how to write a murder mystery was a very clever touch too, making me think about the main plot of this story in more detail and question the characters and their motives in more depth.

I love the main characters, Greg and Beth, who are on a mission to find the Kettle Street killer. Both characters are very well developed. Greg is struggling through life with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Beth is trying to live as normal life as possible with Cerebral Palsy. It is impossible not to be touched by the lives they lead.

This is easily a 5 star read, and I strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys crime and murder mystery novels, as well as those who don’t. I’m not a huge fan of crime at all, but this was such an enjoyable read with great characters that will stay with me for some time.

[Tracy Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Stalks Kettle Street is so much more than your average whodunit. A spate of "fatal accidents" in Kettle Street brings Greg and Beth together to try to investigate and solve these gruesome crimes. Despite Greg's often debilitating OCD and Beth having CP, these two incredibly wonderful, loveable and funny characters bring the story to life. If you like your stories to have quirky characters, lots of dead bodies, a twisted serial killer and a hero who can't cross a road without counting backwards from 100 then I would highly recommend this book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg is very much the unlikely hero in this story. When people on his street start to die in what looks like tragic accidents, Greg starts to fear that something untowards is going on. He strikes up a friendship with want to be writer Beth, and they both start to take matters into their own hands.

This is a story where the characters are very unexpected. Greg has OCD which to a certain extent rules his life. Everything has to be in a certain place and at a certain angle. Even just going to the local shop sees him have to do everything in a certain way. He is quite odd yet readers are going to love him. He reminded me very much of Edward who is the main character in Craig Lancaster’s novels. If you loved Edward and love mystery and suspense then you will love this book as it is the perfect mixture.

Beth is yet another unlikely heroine. To be honest her and Greg actually compliment each other really well. They are both likeable characters that readers will love to get behind. As the police are certainly not taking the pair seriously, the amateur sleuths work well together in trying to piece all the evidence together and getting closer to who is behind it all.

This is one of those books where the story and characters are perfect for a television series. I think it would do so well.

Death Stalks Kettle Street is a unique and enjoyable read. With great characters, this is a book I would love to be turned into a series as I want to read more of Beth and Greg. Full of mystery and suspense, it is a story that will keep you guessing until the end.

My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely LOVED this book! I’m always looking to be surprised by the books that I read, I like something a little different-a twist on the norm. And this book had it all for me! It’s probably best described as a cosy mystery but don’t be afraid if that’s not your normal cup of tea as is SO much more than that!

As with any good murder mystery, it is the character or characters solving the crimes that can make or break a book. You need a charismatic figure to investigate-like Agatha Christie with Miss Marple or Poirot. But here the cosy mystery is brought bang up to date with the fabulous pairing of Greg and Beth. And I LOVED THEM! I thought these two were both brilliant character creations. Greg has a very severe case of OCD, he is having therapy but it doesn’t appear to be having much affect. Beth has mild Cerebral palsy and becomes involved in the Kettle Street murders after she delivers a library book to one of the victims. When she meets Greg, who seems to have been selected by the killer to receive clues as to who the victims will be, they come together in a  curious alliance to chase down the suspected murderer. With both of them having their own personal obstacles to overcome, the stage is set for one of the most ingenious and innovative “whodunit”s I have read in a long time.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It felt like a perfect storm where everything about it came together to make the perfect mystery thriller. It was intricately plotted and written with a dark humour I found compelling.  I found it totally gripping and unputdownable as I waded through a sea of red herrings and unsympathetic suspects, all the while willing Greg and Beth on to a satisfying conclusion to their detective skills. But did I guess the murderer? I was VERY close……. but NO I didn’t and I loved this book even more for that fact alone!

For any fans of the tv shows Case Histories, Death in Paridise or the Agatha Raison series, Death Stalks Kettle Street will not disappoint. But saying that, this book would itself make a brilliant Sunday night television series-it has an unusual edge that would make fascinating viewing.

This is definitely one of my favourite books of the year so far and I was left quite bereft when it finally came to an end. Just bloody brilliant from start to finish!

My thanks to the author for my review copy of Death Stalks Kettle Street which I have chosen to read and review.

[Joel Hames · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking the cosy mystery into the twenty-first century, this astonishing novel is an absolute must for fans of modern crime thrillers, lovers of Agatha Christie, and those who delight in characters that differ from the norm. So out with the hard-drinking anti-social detective with the haunted past and the trail of broken marriages, and a huge, happy welcome to Greg and Beth.

Greg's got OCD. And I don't mean "did I leave the hair-straighteners on" OCD, I mean utterly debilitating, life-changing OCD. Beth has cerebral palsy and a lifetime conditioned to the responses she expects to receive from people once they spot it. Not your average sleuths, not your average heroes. But so much better than anything you've come across before.
You'll get to live with these characters, to know and love them, to experience their bitter disappointments and rare triumphs as they race against time to convince the police there's a killer on the street, and figure out who that killer is before they strike again. You'll be turning mug-handles with Greg and delving into your own creative processes with Beth even while you're trying to finger the culprit. You'll tear through this book and finish it drained and thrilled in equal measure, enthralled with a book that's about humanity and its limitations as much as it's about murder and its execution.

I cannot praise this book highly enough. There's a month still to go, but for me, best book of 2016 is already closed and Death Stalks Kettle Street is walking away with the prize.

[Kaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just from the title of this novel....Death Stalks Kettle Street, I knew I was in for a fresh murder, mystery treat. John Bowen has written a fab novel that you will not want to put down. Greg is a treasure trove full of endearing and at times heartbreaking emotions, we see him battling every single day, living with severe OCD as he pushes himself to overcome the smallest task, most of us take for granted. Beth is just as lovely, an aspiring writer, who lives with Celebral Palsy, totally opposite to Greg , also misunderstood by sociaty, but they join forces when people are suddenly dying on their street, the police deem them as just accidents, but Greg and Beth are sure there is a killer at work, the only problem being no one believes them and their concerns are dismissed,.I just loved this novel, it brings two very sensitive subject matters into the open, opens our eyes to the struggle endured, but at the same time shows the strenght and depth of our 2 protagonists, they are a wonderful combination, supported by such lively characters, this is a true murder, mystery, it will keep you quessing as to who the killer is, I was routing for Greg and Beth as the killer got ever closer, holding my breath with a couple of red herrings, until finally, the moment was revealed in a true , well I never saw that one coming syle!!.. A must read.

[Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to the author for an ARC which I choose to review.

I loved the way this story was mainly set on “Kettle Street”, although references to the “City Centre” were noted throughout. Within the pages of this cosy murder mystery, the reader faces assumptions, judgements, the overcoming of fear/anxiety when lives are at stake as well as the seeking of truth and justice.

This book started off with a bang and immediately had me intrigued! The murders start from the get-go but the pace is perfect in terms of a gradual build-up, with the reader wanting to know more as each page is turned! I thought the plot was clever and kept me guessing as the storyline developed through the characters decisions, experiences and insights.

The reader gets a feel about the diverse group of individuals that inhabit “Kettle Street” through other character’s observations. There was a myriad of characters in this story, but two stood out the most for me.

Greg lives on Kettle Street and is an introvert in the main. His OCD and anxiety/panic attacks keep him fairly isolated unless he needs to do something that is part of his regular routine. He is a likeable character – his fears rule him, he is smart, witty, and struggles with socialising. But then he meets Beth. Adore her! She has cerebal palsy but does not let this rule her life. She is strong, determined and a wee bit sassy! Beth and Greg end up thrown together when they question one of the “accidents” and embark on a type cluedo deconstruction of the “crimes” – piecing together the mystery of death that is “stalking” Kettle Street. I don’t want to say much more, because it is the characters that really bring this story to life.

Don’t get me wrong, there are other characters that really add to this story and the author makes you question whether or not they could be the culprit. I was dead sure I had solved the mysetry, until the big reveal which I did not see coming.

So do I recommend this book? Hell yeah, I do! If cosy murder mysteries with a twist are what tickles your fancy, then head to amazon and try to solve the mystery of Kettle Street!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing like a good old fashioned who dunnit to keep you turning the pages and this novel is a compelling read.
Kettle Street is losing residents hand over fist, a series of unfortunate accidents or something more sinister? Greg, crippled by OCD, is receiving strange packages and phone calls but it's only when he teams up with Beth that they both begin to suspect that a killer is at work.
This is a well crafted crime novel with enough possible perpetrators to keep you guessing right to the end but it is the characters that lift the book to a different level. Greg is a wonderful observation, not only of the nightmare of living with OCD, but the distress so many people experience if they are less than 'normal'. He is such an endearing character and you are just willing him on, on the one hand hoping he can overcome his problems but on the other loving him because of them. If I'm honest I recognised some of his obsessions in myself, though not to the same degree.
Greg and Beth are two of the most likeable characters I've come across for a long time and I reached the end of this book with a huge sigh of satisfaction. I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
My thanks to TBC on FB and the author for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well deserved 5 stars for a brilliant book. I loved the main characters, Greg and Beth. It certainly keeps you on your toes until the very end. A must read book.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg suffers from OCD and it rules his life. He becomes involved in a strange situation in which, after people in his street die, apparently accidentally, he is send a 'clue' and receives a phone call with details of the house where the body can be found. With Beth, a local librarian with issues of her own, he tries to discover the murderer.

I enjoyed this story and felt involved in it. I had several different people in my sights but was wrong on each occasion. The plot was threaded through with the crime story Beth was working on in a novel-writing class at the library. It was an unusual idea and edged Beth into taking on the task of finding the murderer. It was great the way two people with their own difficulties managed to support one another. A really good story.

I received a review copy of this book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Stalks Kettle Street. By John Bowen

Gifted a free copy by the author via TBC on Facebook, I am pleased to say - What a corker of a book!

The planets aligned and the perfect combination of character, plot and structure were produced.

An OCD amateur sleuth, a mildly disabled female cohort. A brilliant setting and a quirkily staged set of murders.

Red Herrings and likely suspects season the dish, a street riven with clever deaths with the clues sent days ahead of the crime giving poor Greg a man unable to be spontaneous due to his affliction a terrible dilemma.

If this were just a cosy crime, it would be good.There are shades here of Agatha Christie here.However the brilliance of including device of a writer's course directing the reader to the clues and patterns of the genre to look out for and a veritable masterclass in how to actually Craft a cosy murder story is genius!

The draft of Beth’s draft novel is also…well novel and produces a kind of unwelcome but beautifully realised syncopation to the flow of the story.

For the first time in a long time, I did not cotton to the killer until our hero and that was a rather lovely bonus!

The most appealing thing about the book for me was the brilliant interplay between Greg and Beth Grue. The sensitive way both OCD and Cerebral Palsy were approached was the clincher for me. These two people generally dismissed by society are not only fully rounded and complex human beings but they find a synchronicity with each other that outweighs their physical and mental limitations allowing their gifts shine. A lovely partnership in all the words’s various connotations!

Fabulous, please buy it and then share it.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Stalks Kettle Street is an absolute joy of a book. You actually get two murder mysteries for the price of one. Greg Unsworth, plagued with anxiety and overwhelming OCD and Beth Grue with Cerebal Palsy, make for unlikely heroes, but heroes they are. The story is clever and intriguing and kept me intrigued the entire time. I couldn't put it down and when I woke up in the middle of the night with my kindle beside me in bed and my glasses still on my nose, instead of putting them to one side and going back to sleep, I sat up and continued reading. I thought the whole concept was brilliant and the author writes beautifully. You can't help but love the main protagonists, and that is what makes a successful book. You want them to succeed in their endeavours, you need to know what happens and what the outcome will be. A clever, funny and involving story that is a pleasure to read.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a few days ago and needed a little time to gather my thoughts. My conclusion - this book gets #allthestars from me, I absolutely loved it!

An interesting take on the classic whodunnit story; somebody is striking down the residents of Kettle Street whilst making them look like tragic accidents. Greg (OCD sufferer extraordinaire) is being sent cryptic clues as to who the next victim will be but is oblivious. Beth (who has cerebal palsy) works in the local library and has aspirations of becoming an author. They make an unlikely team but together attempt to solve the mystery.

Twice in the book I was convinced I had worked out who the culprit was but was wrong on both occasions - a sign of a good book for me. I really hope we see more from this unique crime fighting duo!

Thanks to TBC on Facebook for the opportunity to read this book.

[Jo Reason · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by John, an audio book offered for an honest review.

This is a great book, there are so many books out there on the market that are detective/crime novels and they are all very similar, but this one is different, first of all it is a who dunnit, but you don’t have a damaged detective with a past who is dealing with his or her own problems but real life people, ok, so these people also have their problems but the whole story if different, fresh and very good.

I really enjoyed the background details of both Greg, who is dealing with OCD and Beth who is dealing with cerebral palsy, the author has written great details and both characters have come alive and they both make a great team.

This is an intriguing book, very engaging and enjoyable. Highly recommended and well worth the read.

[Clare Wakelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. A real who dunnit that keeps you guessing right to the very end. I was pulled in from the very first page and kept on the edge of my seat the whole way through. But this is more than a murder mystery, this book gives you knowledge on medical conditions that unless you have someone close to you with these disabilities you really don't understand how hard life can be. The author has a brilliant way of making you understand the characters without forcing certain emotions or ideals on you. The characters are amazing, they flow together so well. This book is just bloody brilliant. Would like to thank TBC on FB for sending me this ARC to review. Got to be one of the best I've ever read

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, quirky and charming, I could go on and on. John Bowen has written and absolute corker of a book which I struggled to put down. The story follows Greg, a man who has his daily battles with OCD. Greg lives on Kettle Street which seems just the average place to live well that is until people start "accidentally" dying and Greg becomes part of the mystery. While the odd goings on are happening he becomes friends with Beth who is so intrigued to find out what it going on. They make it their mission to solve what they believe to be murders.
This book is so wonderfully written and John Bowen has managed to capure the characters perfectly. Really looking forward to see what John produces next

[Jackie Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Helen at TBC and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
I loved this book. It's a step above the usual murder/mystery.
I started reading it and struggled to put it down. It grabbed me from the first page and kept me guessing until the end.
Greg and Beth are 2 unlikely heroes. He battles with OCD, not being able to cross a road until he's counted to 100 and she has cerebral palsy. They are 2 brilliant characters, so well drawn. I'd love to think we'll meet up with them again.
I tried to guess who the "baddie" was but was totally off the mark.
I can't wait to read more of John Bowan's books.

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this a few months ago now and have been waiting patiently to be able to share just how good this book is. It is GOOD, very very GOOD.

As well as an unusual plot the book has great characters in both Greg and Beth who I really connected with as they both felt so real, mainly because the conditions written about are done so with feeling and superb attention to detail and it is clearly well researched. It builds at just the right pace, kept me engrossed and guessing all the way along.

Brilliant from start to finish. Coronation Street this is not..it's better.

[Colette Lamberth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh dear, my heart ached a little bit every time Greg had to cross a road and that was before I knew his tragic back story. I guess I do have a soft spot for quirky, oddball characters and Greg definitely fits that criteria. His pairing with Beth as the unlikely investigators of a series of murders was delightful. This will appeal to those who like cosy crime and reminded me of the Agatha Raisin books.

I received a free copy of Death Stalks Kettle Street and my thanks to THE Book Club on Facebook and the author John Bowen for that.

[Geeta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and read it really quickly! It had a different feel to it which kept me gripped.
Greg with his quirky OCD was endearing and Beth with her CP was likeable too. They made a great pair. They try to unravel the mysterious deaths on Kettle Street.
I was outsmarted in the end but that's a good thing.

[Pam Baddeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting crime novel in which the story is told through the viewpoints of two unusual protagonists: Greg has severe OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and Beth has mild cerebral palsy. Packages start arriving through Greg's letterbox, seemingly hand-delivered. Shortly afterwards, in each case, he gets a cryptic phone call which always begins with a number of minutes, then brief details about door colour, paving etc.

Beth works at the library and is concerned about one of the borrowers: an old lady with a drink problem who lives on the other side of the road to Greg. She goes to visit her and enlists Greg's help when she can't get in. The old lady has died - accidentally it seems - but it gradually becomes clear that the packages and phone calls are macabre indications of the next 'accidental' death among Greg's neighbours. It seems he is being challenged to get there in time to save the victim: a problem given his OCD which demands he count to one hundred before crossing the road - repeatedly if he doesn't feel he did it 'right'. When he and Beth go to the police they aren't taken seriously and are forced to investigate in person.

The characterisation of Greg and Beth is sensitively handled and explores the feelings and the impact on their lives of their particular 'conditions'. Beth refuses to let her disability prevent her from enjoying life to the full, and as well as working at the library she also drives a car. Greg has a very circumscribed routine and is concerned that he will eventually become a shut-in. Gradually, Beth helps him to see he can enjoy life too, though the book does not minimise the impact of his condition or feature some 'miracle' cure.

There are a number of red herrings as to the murderer: one is very obvious but others are much more credible candidates and I didn't manage to work out the killer's identity before it was revealed. I enjoyed the story, and thought it was much better than the other two books I've read by this author, which formed part of a series about a psychic investigation TV show, but a few niggles held it back from a full rating.

No one in the UK would call a policeman 'Detective' so-and-so, yet there are numerous references to Detective Dingle. I think he was actually a Detective Inspector, in which case 'Inspector Dingle' would have been the correct mode of address. I also found it odd that Greg is repeatedly stated to live in a flat. His neighbours are clearly pictured as living in houses with two floors, and the street is made up of buildings of some age, so it's odd that he lives in a council flat. It seems he must be living in a maisonette on the ground floor, given that he has his own front door and that it goes straight out onto the street. There were private builders in certain areas of London who built such 'flats' in Victorian times so maybe it is supposed to be like that, although it doesn't sound like the sort of thing or age of something a council would have built, but given that Greg is friendly enough with neighbours to pass the time of day, it's odd that he doesn't seem to have an immediate neighbour or hear any noise from upstairs.

The other niggle I had was I didn't think it necessary, whenever Greg was 'stuck' unable to cross the road, to spell out every number he says in his head before he can cross: surely to have him start with one hundred, ninety-nine and then follow with ellipses would have been sufficient. Presumably the aim was to make it clear how tedious and awful it is for him, but it was also too tedious to read and I skipped those pages each time which I'm sure other readers would. With these minor irritations taken into account therefore, I rate the book at 4 stars.

[Shell Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Bowen is certainly full of surprises with this latest novel. Having read Where The Dead Walk, a supernatural Thriller which I loved. Then turning his hand at a who done it mystery. This tells me straight away that the author is very talented knows and is brave enough to come out of their comfort zone and embark writing a story in different genre.....Massive high five from me for that!

Well I couldn't wait to get stuck into Death Stalks Kettle Street....what an original title. And the story itself is very unique and nothing like I have read before with some very interesting characters who make this book very quirky.

So in this story we meet Greg Unsworth who has terrible OCD and Beth who has cerebral Palsy. Greg lives in Kettle Street where someone is murdering his neighbors but making them look like Fatal accidents. Greg and Beth meet at the scene of one so called accident and bond over their fears and suspicions. The police repeatedly dismiss their concerns and they take matters into there own hands and attempt to discover the killers identity.

Having read this over a couple of days purely because life has got in the way. The authors style of writing is so captivating with wonderful descriptions I found it easy to pick up where I left off. John has certainly done his medical research with all the information that has been put into the story with the characters medical conditions. I have learnt things that I didn't know before.

I really do hope to read more about Greg and Beth in the future they are characters you cant help but love.

If you are looking for a different kind of murder mystery with a twist I highly recommend this giving it 4 stars.

Thank you to John Bowen for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Stalks Kettle Street
By: John Bowen
5 out of 5 stars

The story Death Stalks Kettle Street by John Bowen is a thrilling murder mystery. Greg Unsworth’s neighbors are being murdered and their deaths are staged to look like accidents. Greg, who is afflicted with OCD, begins to realize that a series of fatal accidents on his street are in fact murders. He encounters Beth Grue at the scene of one of the crimes and together they bond over their shared fears and suspicions. When they can’t get the police to believe them that start to investigate and attempt to find out the killers identity.

This is an awesome story! I have long loved murder mysteries and this book shows that there are authors out there that have the wonderful ability to weave a story that will leave you breathless. The attention to detail that is given is fabulous as it helps to further the story and gives background information on both the story and the characters. Beth and Greg are a wonderful team. They both have struggles, Beth has cerebral palsy and Greg OCD, however, they complement each other and add that much more heart to the story. I myself have been diagnosed with OCD and found that the subject is very accurately described and given the respect the subject deserves. The other characters all have their part to play in the story and I could not imagine the story without them.

If you love a good mystery with personality, intrigue, and two well-determined characters ever to solve the case, this book is for you. I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it

[Lou Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Stalks Kettle Street.

First and foremost let me start by saying this was completely unputdownable! Not your traditional who-dun-it, Death Stalks Kettle Street is a character fueled murder mystery, cleverly written, shining a comedic insight into the quintessential English street.
Each little character is given just enough time to allow you to get to know them, each main character is written in a way to make you fall in love with them. The one thing I loved about this book was that each of the main characters was flawed in their own way, and this in itself makes them perfect. Each character is real. You feel like you know then, you get the opportunity to get to know them as if you were meeting them in real life, bumping into new friends for coffee or at work until they become life long friends.
The author has managed to create enough atmosphere to keep you intrigued in the story, without rushing you too quickly from one plot point to another, as often happens with this type of story. It’s a story to read while eating cake and spying on your neighbours.

[Fiona Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the wonderful TBConFB for the opportunity to read this book as an arc.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a quirky cosy style murder mystery with great characters and a lot of heart.
Weird things are happening to the residents of Kettle Street, they are being killed off in a series of seemingly strange accidents. The police are convinced that these are purely accidents but resident Greg and friend Beth suspect foul play.
I love the characters of Greg, who is battling severe OCD and librarian Beth who has mild CP. Together they form a kind of crime fighting duo reminiscent of Jonathan Creek and his various sidekicks. There is a lot of humour in the book and some quite touching revelations about Greg's past.
Excellent book which I would highly recommend.

[Cal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to TBC and the publisher who gave me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

'Death Stalks Kettle Street' is a brilliant murder mystery that keeps you guessing right until the end. With lots of twists and wonderful character moments throughout this is a book I won't easily forget. Greg and Beth are fabulous characters who I fell in love with from the start and are the main reason why I loved this book so much!

One of the easiest 5 stars I've given this year, 'Death Stalks Kettle Street' has jumped straight into my top ten reads of 2016 and has made John Bowen a must read author for me. I honestly can't recommend this book highly enough.

An incredible 5 stars.

[Jacqui Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I liked Greg and Beth. Both had their problems Greg with his OCD and Beth with CP. the book moved along at a nice steady pace making it very easy to read. People are dying on kettle street in what seems to be accidents. However Greg starts to recvice parcels and phone calls regarding the deaths. They both decided to become amateur sleuths as the police are not taking them seriously. I kept changing my mind throughout the book as to who done it. I didn't get it right wasn't even close. I would recommend this book and look forward to seeing what else the author has written.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't really heard of the term cosy murder mystery before I read this book. I think I was expecting something akin to Agatha Raisin (who the more I read in that series the more she irritates me!) This book was not what I was expecting at all - it was clever, quirky and it kept me guessing right up until the end. I enjoyed Gregs storyline and his developing relationship with Beth. It was funny in places and had a cast of very well written characters - I am sure we all know people in real lie who are a bit like them. I will definately be reading more by this author. I would like to say thank you to TNC for my copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.