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DCI Isaac Cook #3
Murder is Only a Number
Before she left she carved a number in blood on his chest. But why the number 2, if this was her first murder?
A woman stalks London. She kills at will. Her targets are men who have wronged her, or have they?
What is behind her hatred and why is she keeping count?
DCI Cook and his team know who she is, at least after she has killed the first four, but the woman disappears in plain sight. The pressure’s on to stop her, but she’s always one step ahead.
And this time, DCS Goddard can’t protect his protégé, Isaac Cook, from the wrath of the new commissioner at the Met.
A woman stalks London. She kills at will. Her targets are men who have wronged her, or have they?
What is behind her hatred and why is she keeping count?
DCI Cook and his team know who she is, at least after she has killed the first four, but the woman disappears in plain sight. The pressure’s on to stop her, but she’s always one step ahead.
And this time, DCS Goddard can’t protect his protégé, Isaac Cook, from the wrath of the new commissioner at the Met.
- GenresMystery
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2017
185 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Phillip Strang
142 books82 followersPhillip Strang is a well-travelled writer who has spent considerable time in many remote and exotic parts of the World installing telecommunication networks.
A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.
He is married and lives in Australia.
A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.
He is married and lives in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 3, 2023
Murder is Only a Number is book three in the DCI Isaac Cook series by Phillip Strang. Detective Sarah Stanforth caught a case of the brutal killing of a husband and attempted killing of his wife. Detective Inspector Sarah Stanforth and her team thought that knowing who the killer was would make it easy to find the killer. However, Detective Inspector Sarah Stanforth was wrong, and it became a cold case. However, this changed when Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Cook caught a case three years later and asked for Detective Inspector Sarah Stanforth's help. The case for the serial killer started again. The readers of Murder is Only a Number will continue to follow Detective Chief Inspector Isaac Cook and Detective Inspector Sarah Stanforth's investigation to discover what happens.
Murder is Only a Number is the first book I read by Phillip Strang, and I picked it to finish one of my book challenges. I did enjoy reading Murder is Only a Number because it was different from my usual crime books. I love Phillip Strang's portrayal of his characters and their interaction throughout this book. Murder is Only a Number is well-written and researched by Phillip Strang. I like Phillip Strang's description of the settings of Murder is Only a Number, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Murder is Only a Number will learn about the meaning of sycophant and ingratiated and how it affects everyone. Also, the readers of Murder is Only a Number will know what happens when law enforcement officers do not close a critical case.
Murder is Only a Number is the first book I read by Phillip Strang, and I picked it to finish one of my book challenges. I did enjoy reading Murder is Only a Number because it was different from my usual crime books. I love Phillip Strang's portrayal of his characters and their interaction throughout this book. Murder is Only a Number is well-written and researched by Phillip Strang. I like Phillip Strang's description of the settings of Murder is Only a Number, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Murder is Only a Number will learn about the meaning of sycophant and ingratiated and how it affects everyone. Also, the readers of Murder is Only a Number will know what happens when law enforcement officers do not close a critical case.
August 3, 2017
"The killer must be caught, or there could be too many Cooks!"
Excellent police procedural that rattles along at a great pace. The police aren't baffled as to 'whodunit', they know exactly who's responsible, but can they catch her? Not on your life. Well, several lives in fact. Plus several careers at stake. This has all the ingredients to keep things interesting right to the last page. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, and I think you will too.
Excellent police procedural that rattles along at a great pace. The police aren't baffled as to 'whodunit', they know exactly who's responsible, but can they catch her? Not on your life. Well, several lives in fact. Plus several careers at stake. This has all the ingredients to keep things interesting right to the last page. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, and I think you will too.
July 31, 2017
‘Ingrid came forward, her eyes ablaze, her mouth grimacing, as she thrust the knife forward, again and again.’
Australian author Phillip Strang has gained his platform as an adventure writer through his career installing telecommunications networks in many remote and exotic parts of the globe, including time spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan - an experience that allowed him to gain direct insights in to the ongoing conflicts there. He has also spent considerable time in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea. It is this direct contact with troubled countries that gives his books intense credibility: he has first hand contact with the events he shares in his books such as DCI Cook Thriller Series, of which this is Book 3 – the first two books are MURDER IS A TRICKY BUSINESS, MURDER HOUSE, MURDER WITHOUT REASON, and now MURDER IS ONLY A NUMBER.
But it takes more than on the spot witness to bring the story Phillip has written to life in the format of a book - and that is where he towers above others creating novels with similar storylines. To bring a story of this magnitude into focus it is imperative that the foundation of the place and the people are presented accurately in order to bring the terror that is to come to meaningful life. Phillip sets his stage well form the very first page: ‘Stephanie Chalmers realised that her life was not as it should be. On the one hand, she had a husband who loved her; on the other, he was a lecherous bastard who would chase anyone half decent in a skirt. It was not as though she was beaten, or impoverished, or even neglected. Gregory Chalmers, she knew, had been a good catch when she had met him ten years previously. He had only been thirty-two then, two years older than her. Already, he had his own legal practice and was doing well. He had an easy way with words and an attractive physique with a full head of black hair. Sure, she had heard about his reputation, but she was confident she could tame him, the same way she had tamed a previous boyfriend, but that damn fool went and got himself killed in a motor accident. A tragedy as she saw it, considering all the effort she had put into the relationship. She had loved the previous boyfriend with the all-consuming passion reserved for the young and susceptible; she had no intention of repeating that mistake by falling for Gregory, her future husband, only ultimately to be disappointed. It had taken six months before he proposed to her, wed her, and then bedded her, but not necessarily in that order. She knew that he would continue to love her intensely; she knew how to do that, but she would only feel a strong affection. Still, she had reasoned, it was a good arrangement, and for nine of the ten years they had been fine.’ Scene set with only a hint of what is to come.
The story is distilled well in Phillip’s synopsis: ‘Before she left she carved a number in blood on his chest. But why the number 2, if this was her first murder? A woman stalks London. She kills at will. Her targets are men who have wronged her, or have they? What is behind her hatred and why is she keeping count? DCI Cook and his team know who she is, at least after she has killed the first four, but the woman disappears in plain sight. The pressure’s on to stop her, but she’s always one step ahead. And this time, DCS Goddard can’t protect his protégé, Isaac Cook, from the wrath of the new commissioner at the Met.’
Elegant writing and a keen sense of suspense – this is another Phillip Strang winner!
Australian author Phillip Strang has gained his platform as an adventure writer through his career installing telecommunications networks in many remote and exotic parts of the globe, including time spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan - an experience that allowed him to gain direct insights in to the ongoing conflicts there. He has also spent considerable time in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea. It is this direct contact with troubled countries that gives his books intense credibility: he has first hand contact with the events he shares in his books such as DCI Cook Thriller Series, of which this is Book 3 – the first two books are MURDER IS A TRICKY BUSINESS, MURDER HOUSE, MURDER WITHOUT REASON, and now MURDER IS ONLY A NUMBER.
But it takes more than on the spot witness to bring the story Phillip has written to life in the format of a book - and that is where he towers above others creating novels with similar storylines. To bring a story of this magnitude into focus it is imperative that the foundation of the place and the people are presented accurately in order to bring the terror that is to come to meaningful life. Phillip sets his stage well form the very first page: ‘Stephanie Chalmers realised that her life was not as it should be. On the one hand, she had a husband who loved her; on the other, he was a lecherous bastard who would chase anyone half decent in a skirt. It was not as though she was beaten, or impoverished, or even neglected. Gregory Chalmers, she knew, had been a good catch when she had met him ten years previously. He had only been thirty-two then, two years older than her. Already, he had his own legal practice and was doing well. He had an easy way with words and an attractive physique with a full head of black hair. Sure, she had heard about his reputation, but she was confident she could tame him, the same way she had tamed a previous boyfriend, but that damn fool went and got himself killed in a motor accident. A tragedy as she saw it, considering all the effort she had put into the relationship. She had loved the previous boyfriend with the all-consuming passion reserved for the young and susceptible; she had no intention of repeating that mistake by falling for Gregory, her future husband, only ultimately to be disappointed. It had taken six months before he proposed to her, wed her, and then bedded her, but not necessarily in that order. She knew that he would continue to love her intensely; she knew how to do that, but she would only feel a strong affection. Still, she had reasoned, it was a good arrangement, and for nine of the ten years they had been fine.’ Scene set with only a hint of what is to come.
The story is distilled well in Phillip’s synopsis: ‘Before she left she carved a number in blood on his chest. But why the number 2, if this was her first murder? A woman stalks London. She kills at will. Her targets are men who have wronged her, or have they? What is behind her hatred and why is she keeping count? DCI Cook and his team know who she is, at least after she has killed the first four, but the woman disappears in plain sight. The pressure’s on to stop her, but she’s always one step ahead. And this time, DCS Goddard can’t protect his protégé, Isaac Cook, from the wrath of the new commissioner at the Met.’
Elegant writing and a keen sense of suspense – this is another Phillip Strang winner!
July 30, 2017
Murder is only a Number book #3 by Phillip Strang Review 7/30/17
Numbers mean something to everyone, even in MURDER?
Before she left she carved a number in blood on his chest. But why the number 2, if this was her first murder? A woman stalks London. She kills at will. Her targets are men who have wronged her, or have they? What is behind her hatred and why is she keeping count? DCI Cook and his team know who she is, at least after she has killed the first four, but the woman disappears in plain sight. The pressure’s on to stop her, but she’s always one step ahead. And this time, DCS Goddard can’t protect his protégé, Isaac Cook, from the wrath of the new commissioner at the Met.
What did I like? This was such a good book, Cook, and his group is so befuddled in trying to catch this killer and the action is amazing. Even knowing who was making it even harder to solve the case. None of the normal police work was helping and in fact, it was making it harder. Normally, I like the lead character in a book but this time in addition to Cook, the murder had lots of appreciation. She was cunning and smart, even if she was really dumb. Or at least in my opinion.
What will you like? The storyline will blow you away, from page one to the last. Characters so intriguing and mysterious but natural. Action, murder, quick thinking, mystery, pure dumb luck, details and excellent descriptions. Book number three has excelled beyond the previous two with more actions and mystery. DCI Cook is one of my new guys to follow. I don’t think book three will the last we hear of him either. I received this as an Advanced Readers Copy from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
Numbers mean something to everyone, even in MURDER?
Before she left she carved a number in blood on his chest. But why the number 2, if this was her first murder? A woman stalks London. She kills at will. Her targets are men who have wronged her, or have they? What is behind her hatred and why is she keeping count? DCI Cook and his team know who she is, at least after she has killed the first four, but the woman disappears in plain sight. The pressure’s on to stop her, but she’s always one step ahead. And this time, DCS Goddard can’t protect his protégé, Isaac Cook, from the wrath of the new commissioner at the Met.
What did I like? This was such a good book, Cook, and his group is so befuddled in trying to catch this killer and the action is amazing. Even knowing who was making it even harder to solve the case. None of the normal police work was helping and in fact, it was making it harder. Normally, I like the lead character in a book but this time in addition to Cook, the murder had lots of appreciation. She was cunning and smart, even if she was really dumb. Or at least in my opinion.
What will you like? The storyline will blow you away, from page one to the last. Characters so intriguing and mysterious but natural. Action, murder, quick thinking, mystery, pure dumb luck, details and excellent descriptions. Book number three has excelled beyond the previous two with more actions and mystery. DCI Cook is one of my new guys to follow. I don’t think book three will the last we hear of him either. I received this as an Advanced Readers Copy from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
September 12, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, for some reason looking at his books on amazon today it isn't showing this particular set, just the individual books, so had to go to goodreads then click to come here which obviously does pull it up that way. The 3 as a set was nice, but I had forgotten just how much in general I dislike thrillers, and still not quite sure why this one as under 'thriller', seemed more of a murder mystery type in general, but not a cozy. Nice to have 3 books together so the kindle cloud doesn't crash, but because having to use the cloud for couple days it's bad on my eyes {vision issues}, and maybe would have been different if I personally could have spaced the reading out.
Murder is Only a Number (Book 3) - Before she left she carved a number in blood on his chest. But why the number 2, if this was her first murder? And why is she keeping count? The woman prowls London. She kills at will. Her targets are men who have wronged her, or have they? DCI Cook knows who she is, at least after she has killed the first four, but the woman disappears in plain sight. The pressure’s on to stop her, but she’s always one step ahead.
Murder is a Tricky Business (Book 1)
Murder House (Book 2)
Murder is Only a Number (Book 3)
The DCI Isaac Cook Thriller Series: Books 1 -3: Murder
Murder in Little Venice (Book 4)
Murder Without Reason (Book 5)
Murder is Only a Number (Book 3) - Before she left she carved a number in blood on his chest. But why the number 2, if this was her first murder? And why is she keeping count? The woman prowls London. She kills at will. Her targets are men who have wronged her, or have they? DCI Cook knows who she is, at least after she has killed the first four, but the woman disappears in plain sight. The pressure’s on to stop her, but she’s always one step ahead.
Murder is a Tricky Business (Book 1)
Murder House (Book 2)
Murder is Only a Number (Book 3)
The DCI Isaac Cook Thriller Series: Books 1 -3: Murder
Murder in Little Venice (Book 4)
Murder Without Reason (Book 5)
August 26, 2017
As psychological thrillers come and go, this was a good yarn, but it didn't grab me as much as I thought it would. I thought the premise of a young woman, Charlotte Hamilton, seeking revenge for having been institutionalized for killing her brother had its moments, but most of the story seemed contrived and cliche. At one point the author, who describes Hamilton's behavior writes, "her mood was whimsical, whereas her intent was malevolent." This kind of description didn't seem to fit with the overall tone of the story nor the psychological makeup of the character. In another scene, when the protagonist Issac Stone is contemplating how crucial it is to catch Charlotte, the author writes, "He had to catch her and ensure she was put behind bars; no doubt hospital bars as it was clear she was criminally insane." Ouch.
Although the story at times plodded along too much (the author has the tendency to repeat a lot of background information), there is enough suspense here to keep you turning the pages. After all, we do want to find out what happens to Charlotte: if she will kill again and if the police will stop her before she does.
Jeffrey Miller,
Bureau 39
Although the story at times plodded along too much (the author has the tendency to repeat a lot of background information), there is enough suspense here to keep you turning the pages. After all, we do want to find out what happens to Charlotte: if she will kill again and if the police will stop her before she does.
Jeffrey Miller,
Bureau 39
August 16, 2017
DCI Isaac Cook and his team are after a woman who is stalking London, killing men, and carving a number in each victim’s chest. They know the identity of the killer, but are unable to ascertain her motive, or find her. Cook is on the hot seat, at odds with a new commissioner at the Met, who is after him as much as the killer.
Murder is only a Number by Phillip Strang is the third book in the DCI Cook thriller series. The author takes the reader step-by-bloody-step through a chilling tale of murder and revenge, with a background of bureaucratic intrigue, that will keep you flipping pages until the end.
This is a bit more disturbing than the first two books in the series, but it provides more background on the main protagonist, as it explores his struggles with balancing his professional and personal lives. The antagonist is chillingly portrayed, but with a measure of empathy that makes her supremely real—and, all the more frightening.
I give this one four stars.
Murder is only a Number by Phillip Strang is the third book in the DCI Cook thriller series. The author takes the reader step-by-bloody-step through a chilling tale of murder and revenge, with a background of bureaucratic intrigue, that will keep you flipping pages until the end.
This is a bit more disturbing than the first two books in the series, but it provides more background on the main protagonist, as it explores his struggles with balancing his professional and personal lives. The antagonist is chillingly portrayed, but with a measure of empathy that makes her supremely real—and, all the more frightening.
I give this one four stars.
August 2, 2017
"Hide And Seek ...A Thrilling Police Procedural Novel"
In this third thrilling novel of this series, a woman is stalking and killing men in London. Did she have history with any of these victims? And, she also leaves a clue on each body ... a number carved into their chests. DCI Cook and his team learn who she is after finding her fourth victim. But she's not easy to find, always ahead of the police. The new commissioner is going to bring down DCS Goddard's protege, Isaac Cook, if the investigation doesn't proceed rapidly to capture her. Excellently written, well developed story line, and a fast, enthralling thriller. Highly recommend.
In this third thrilling novel of this series, a woman is stalking and killing men in London. Did she have history with any of these victims? And, she also leaves a clue on each body ... a number carved into their chests. DCI Cook and his team learn who she is after finding her fourth victim. But she's not easy to find, always ahead of the police. The new commissioner is going to bring down DCS Goddard's protege, Isaac Cook, if the investigation doesn't proceed rapidly to capture her. Excellently written, well developed story line, and a fast, enthralling thriller. Highly recommend.
March 14, 2019
Stephanie a love that was now lost forever , she married Gregory, a womanizer, she couldn’t tame. She had an interior design business and two children that kept her busy. A nanny was hired and then the affair, now telling Gregory that was the only reason she took the job. She was too young and trouble, and he loved his wife, and would not leave her.
She lost control, and again when Stephanie walked in. A call to police of a child saying mommy and daddy are dead. The police know who see is. It has been men who have done her wrong. She is always head of them, and yet to be caught. Good plot that keeps one reading to figure it out.
She lost control, and again when Stephanie walked in. A call to police of a child saying mommy and daddy are dead. The police know who see is. It has been men who have done her wrong. She is always head of them, and yet to be caught. Good plot that keeps one reading to figure it out.
March 17, 2019
Detectives pursue a psychotic, but clever killer
Detectives in greater London deal with a killer. A note to Scotland Yard: your detectives should be armed ! fascinating look at a criminal evading the police, and their eventual success.
Detectives in greater London deal with a killer. A note to Scotland Yard: your detectives should be armed ! fascinating look at a criminal evading the police, and their eventual success.
October 23, 2019
Why does she write number 2 on her kill, who was the first. The police know her name but she seems to disappear before their eyes. How many will she kill before they stop her, if they can.
An enjoyable read
An enjoyable read
August 7, 2017
This a a great DCI Cook Thriller. The murderer is smart and manages to slip away time and again. The book moves at a great pace that holds your interest to the very last page. I loved it!
February 13, 2019
3.5 stars. This book is a bit unusual as the first 40 percent or so take place 3 years before DCI Cook is involved in the case and features another detective. I thought the ending was very abrupt.
May 14, 2020
Good read
Intriguing and hard to put down. Keeps you wanting to read more until it’s done. Looking forward to next book.
Intriguing and hard to put down. Keeps you wanting to read more until it’s done. Looking forward to next book.
July 29, 2020
Complex characters in a heart-wrenching story of loss and betrayal. Twisted and tragic, a page-turner you can't put down. Recommended
Free from the author, this is my honest review.
Free from the author, this is my honest review.
August 9, 2020
Another great story in this series. I have read a half dozen of these in random order and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Great mysteries well told.
July 30, 2021
Good book
Loved the characters and the story line. Was not the same as you read every day. Personally I wished there was more at the end.
Loved the characters and the story line. Was not the same as you read every day. Personally I wished there was more at the end.
August 26, 2021
Great series.
November 8, 2023
Really good read!!! Makes you wonder about other murders that have taken place where they couldn't find the person responsible.
October 8, 2017
This book was offered to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. I was unaware that "Murder is only a Number" is part of a series but it did well on its own. I did have some confusion about the characters popping up at the beginning without knowing them, but now understand that their presence in previous books already introduced them to readers of the series.
Ingrid, Charlotte or whatever else she was called was a cunning adversary with a mental illness. She continues to have flashbacks to times in an institution when a doctor conducted experiments on her. She blames her parents and feels the doctor is the cause for her sordid life and wants to get revenge. The subplots include Charlotte in various stages of her life - the best part of it was when she lived with a kind old lady and a cat who took her in for three years. She felt at peace there and could have stayed there forever, but the old gal died of a heart attack. Later, she had a decent roommate once, but Charlotte hated her boyfriend and soon plotted his demise. Her frame of mind changed like a light switch...she was devious and cold-hearted...intent to complete her missions of death and keep the numbers growing.
So far, she's only killed men - luring them into a sex act and then sticking a knife into their hearts when they ejaculate - she'd then slice through their jugular vein just to be sure they were dead. And finally, the killer carved out a number on the dead body. She'd then take a shower, change clothes and clean the bathroom before leaving. No guilt! No regrets!
Charlotte is also a master of disguise causing DCI Cook and his team to miss her even in plain sight. Cook and his boss are getting berated by the commissioner who threatens them with their jobs if they don't stop the killings. They know who the killer is and what she's supposed to look like. After killing #7, Charlotte already knew who the next three had to be. She is obsessed with killing the doctor first which causes her to get sloppy and make mistakes.
Can she be caught before carving #8 on the next victim? Losing face, the commissioner brings in his own man to replace DCI Cook - will he become the hero of London?
The last third of the book is difficult to put down because there's so much going on. The story can stand on its own and is well worth the read to get your blood pumping! Great job Mr. Strang!
John Podlaski, author
'Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel' and 'When Can I Stop Running?'.
Ingrid, Charlotte or whatever else she was called was a cunning adversary with a mental illness. She continues to have flashbacks to times in an institution when a doctor conducted experiments on her. She blames her parents and feels the doctor is the cause for her sordid life and wants to get revenge. The subplots include Charlotte in various stages of her life - the best part of it was when she lived with a kind old lady and a cat who took her in for three years. She felt at peace there and could have stayed there forever, but the old gal died of a heart attack. Later, she had a decent roommate once, but Charlotte hated her boyfriend and soon plotted his demise. Her frame of mind changed like a light switch...she was devious and cold-hearted...intent to complete her missions of death and keep the numbers growing.
So far, she's only killed men - luring them into a sex act and then sticking a knife into their hearts when they ejaculate - she'd then slice through their jugular vein just to be sure they were dead. And finally, the killer carved out a number on the dead body. She'd then take a shower, change clothes and clean the bathroom before leaving. No guilt! No regrets!
Charlotte is also a master of disguise causing DCI Cook and his team to miss her even in plain sight. Cook and his boss are getting berated by the commissioner who threatens them with their jobs if they don't stop the killings. They know who the killer is and what she's supposed to look like. After killing #7, Charlotte already knew who the next three had to be. She is obsessed with killing the doctor first which causes her to get sloppy and make mistakes.
Can she be caught before carving #8 on the next victim? Losing face, the commissioner brings in his own man to replace DCI Cook - will he become the hero of London?
The last third of the book is difficult to put down because there's so much going on. The story can stand on its own and is well worth the read to get your blood pumping! Great job Mr. Strang!
John Podlaski, author
'Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel' and 'When Can I Stop Running?'.
December 10, 2017
This was my first time reading this author. Let me just say this us the kind of murder mystery book I love! Lots of details and lots of action. Even though they know who the murderer is they have a hard time finding her.. she is crazy yet really good at disguises. She frustrates the police and makes them look like fools. She takes a 3 yr break after her first "spree" of killing strangers who she thinks wronged her. She has a peaceful 3yrs before old urges kick in. With a new DCI on the case the chase continues. It's a very fast paced book. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read others by this author.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews