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The Heart Collector
London, England.
A woman’s body is discovered in a home-made grave in a church cemetery. Her torso has been mutilated beyond recognition, and a hole has been cut in her chest to expose her motionless heart.
The murder echoes the crimes of a legendary, uncaptured serial killer known as the Heart Collector.
Private detective Alex Rainer believes this to be a copycat killer attempting to strike fear throughout London. However, there’s one problem.
The heart inside the victim’s chest doesn’t belong to her. It belongs to the Heart Collector’s last known victim, killed thirty years prior.
In order to track down the killer, Alex must navigate a bizarre, underground world of collectors and serial killer enthusiasts to track down the perpetrator. He must locate the detectives who worked on the original case three decades ago to uncover secrets which have been lost to the ages. It seems that a long-dead mystery has returned to life.
Alex finds himself on the trail of an elusive, walking obscurity with the ability to simply disappear into the shadows. A brutal, sadistic monster who literally toys with women’s hearts. A killer for whom love and hate are the same.
A woman’s body is discovered in a home-made grave in a church cemetery. Her torso has been mutilated beyond recognition, and a hole has been cut in her chest to expose her motionless heart.
The murder echoes the crimes of a legendary, uncaptured serial killer known as the Heart Collector.
Private detective Alex Rainer believes this to be a copycat killer attempting to strike fear throughout London. However, there’s one problem.
The heart inside the victim’s chest doesn’t belong to her. It belongs to the Heart Collector’s last known victim, killed thirty years prior.
In order to track down the killer, Alex must navigate a bizarre, underground world of collectors and serial killer enthusiasts to track down the perpetrator. He must locate the detectives who worked on the original case three decades ago to uncover secrets which have been lost to the ages. It seems that a long-dead mystery has returned to life.
Alex finds himself on the trail of an elusive, walking obscurity with the ability to simply disappear into the shadows. A brutal, sadistic monster who literally toys with women’s hearts. A killer for whom love and hate are the same.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2017
382 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Turner
55 books14 followersLibrarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 27, 2017
I'm probably throwing in an extra half star here by virtue of this very decently written crime thriller being a free download, as well as it having a little more to it than several others of the genre I have downloaded to my phone and read 'in case of emergency' when left without something to read on my commute.
Firstly there was none (that I noticed) of the odd little spelling/grammar errors that I have noticed are more common in ebooks than those published in print and/or of established authors, and likewise there was none of the strange aspects of throwing in a bit of quaint history and romance to perhaps appeal to a slightly wider audience. What we had was a cleverly plotted and exciting little British crime novel with characters of realistic flaws and who spoke like normal folk do. The bad language and the amount of gore might put some readers off, but for me it felt a bit more creative and mixed with a bit of comic wit to balance. I will keep an eye out for J.T. Turner in future.
Firstly there was none (that I noticed) of the odd little spelling/grammar errors that I have noticed are more common in ebooks than those published in print and/or of established authors, and likewise there was none of the strange aspects of throwing in a bit of quaint history and romance to perhaps appeal to a slightly wider audience. What we had was a cleverly plotted and exciting little British crime novel with characters of realistic flaws and who spoke like normal folk do. The bad language and the amount of gore might put some readers off, but for me it felt a bit more creative and mixed with a bit of comic wit to balance. I will keep an eye out for J.T. Turner in future.
April 20, 2019
"Confused"
A British detective story with American spelling and vocabulary? That confused matters from the beginning. Also, there were passages relating to Jack The Ripper and well-documented serial killers of the modern era where the writing style was at odds with the rest of the book. As an attempt to give context to the murders they were investigating the whole thing felt contrived. I gave up around two-thirds of the way through I'm afraid.
A British detective story with American spelling and vocabulary? That confused matters from the beginning. Also, there were passages relating to Jack The Ripper and well-documented serial killers of the modern era where the writing style was at odds with the rest of the book. As an attempt to give context to the murders they were investigating the whole thing felt contrived. I gave up around two-thirds of the way through I'm afraid.
August 27, 2017
"The Heart Collector" is one of the best books I've read this year! It had a gruesome serial killer, thrills, engaging characters and even a dash of humor. I was hooked from the beginning and it left me wanting more Alex Rainer stories at the end. At only 159 pages it is a fairly quick read but I was totally engrossed by the characters and the journey to catch the killer.
August 25, 2017
Terrific Book!
This story kept me enthralled throughout. Alex is quiet a character, and the droll banter between him and Casey is quite amusing. The villain was somewhat pitiful insofar as the reasons for his heinous albeit inexcusable acts. However, I cheered for Alex and Casey to catch him. The story was set up nicely and flowed well - very well-written! Am quite looking forward to follow this pair of detectives through their next adventure!
This story kept me enthralled throughout. Alex is quiet a character, and the droll banter between him and Casey is quite amusing. The villain was somewhat pitiful insofar as the reasons for his heinous albeit inexcusable acts. However, I cheered for Alex and Casey to catch him. The story was set up nicely and flowed well - very well-written! Am quite looking forward to follow this pair of detectives through their next adventure!
August 18, 2018
I downloaded a copy of this E-Book while it was free on Amazon. This is my personal Review
Book Notes:
Format: E-book
Title: The Heart Collector -I like it.
Cover: Black and white photo, large orange lettering -I Like it.
About the Book:
Thirty years ago, the Heart Collector terrorized the streets of London by collecting the hearts of his victims. Then, the murders stopped and the case went cold. But Alex Rainer, freelance detective, gets the call about a copycat case. The investigation is reopened and its up to Alex and his partner, Casey, to figure out what really happened.
My Review:
When every word counts because it connects to something later in the story, usually makes for a good book. And, this book was it. That's not to forget that the author knew their stuff. I expected the infamous murderers like the usual: Jack the Ripper or Charles Manson to be included, but I was surprised to see the names of some of the lesser known murderers, like Albert Fish, to be mentioned because it showed that the author wasn't using just the "stock" murderers, they were interested in their genre of writing.
Anyway, the story was good. It was easy to follow, there wasn't any useless "filler" and the things, like protocol, was explained well. The details weren't overly-descriptive but still kept things interesting . There were a few twists and turns that made it worth reading.
Most of the characters were funny or interesting without getting to annoying. Alex, the main character, was a freelance private detective who was called in on the case. He was sarcastic and witty, but he knew his stuff. I thought it was cute that he was approaching forty but . However, his partner, Casey picked up where Alex fell short, they were good together.
Still, I had a two complaints about the story. First, I didn't care or feel for the budding romance, there really wasn't any connection between the two. Second, a few of their actions were questionable: But, it didn't affect the story as a whole, every book has a few flaws.
With that being said, I am definitely interested in the next book but i hope that the author explains the Hangman case since it was referenced a lot in this one.
Quote that best sums up the story (There were a lot of good ones especially the comebacks and love of the library) :
Book Notes:
Format: E-book
Title: The Heart Collector -I like it.
Cover: Black and white photo, large orange lettering -I Like it.
About the Book:
Thirty years ago, the Heart Collector terrorized the streets of London by collecting the hearts of his victims. Then, the murders stopped and the case went cold. But Alex Rainer, freelance detective, gets the call about a copycat case. The investigation is reopened and its up to Alex and his partner, Casey, to figure out what really happened.
My Review:
When every word counts because it connects to something later in the story, usually makes for a good book. And, this book was it. That's not to forget that the author knew their stuff. I expected the infamous murderers like the usual: Jack the Ripper or Charles Manson to be included, but I was surprised to see the names of some of the lesser known murderers, like Albert Fish, to be mentioned because it showed that the author wasn't using just the "stock" murderers, they were interested in their genre of writing.
Anyway, the story was good. It was easy to follow, there wasn't any useless "filler" and the things, like protocol, was explained well. The details weren't overly-descriptive but still kept things interesting . There were a few twists and turns that made it worth reading.
Most of the characters were funny or interesting without getting to annoying. Alex, the main character, was a freelance private detective who was called in on the case. He was sarcastic and witty, but he knew his stuff. I thought it was cute that he was approaching forty but . However, his partner, Casey picked up where Alex fell short, they were good together.
Still, I had a two complaints about the story. First, I didn't care or feel for the budding romance, there really wasn't any connection between the two. Second, a few of their actions were questionable: But, it didn't affect the story as a whole, every book has a few flaws.
With that being said, I am definitely interested in the next book but i hope that the author explains the Hangman case since it was referenced a lot in this one.
Quote that best sums up the story (There were a lot of good ones especially the comebacks and love of the library) :
“That you're Alex Rainer, a poor man's Sherlock Holmes.” (Kindle Location 2639)
August 28, 2017
A Detective with a difference.
I really enjoyed this, it seamed to go very quickly and that's probably because I couldn't put it down and read it in a few hours.
There is a real quality to the charachters and the story has everything needed to make a good psychological/detective thriller. Alex being a private detective who often works with the police and has keen observational and profiling skills to throw into the mix when on a case.
The book is fast paced, with plenty of tension, interspersed with moments of spontaneous belly laughter. His dry and often inappropriate humour really appealed to me. The scene with ' Your Tube ' (no spoilers will say no more) in particular, still has me cracking up.
A good foundation for a new kinda series and in looking forward to more from this author x
I really enjoyed this, it seamed to go very quickly and that's probably because I couldn't put it down and read it in a few hours.
There is a real quality to the charachters and the story has everything needed to make a good psychological/detective thriller. Alex being a private detective who often works with the police and has keen observational and profiling skills to throw into the mix when on a case.
The book is fast paced, with plenty of tension, interspersed with moments of spontaneous belly laughter. His dry and often inappropriate humour really appealed to me. The scene with ' Your Tube ' (no spoilers will say no more) in particular, still has me cracking up.
A good foundation for a new kinda series and in looking forward to more from this author x
August 30, 2017
I actually very much enjoyed this book. For a free download it's even better and I will be signing up to be informed for the next release.
Although it wasn't the best writing I've ever read and there were a few sentence/grammar mistakes the story itself does pull you in so you do skim over them.
I found the two detectives a wonderful duo and I really enjoyed the banter between them.
Apart from the editing issues my only issue was finding out who the culprit was just a little too soon. I would have enjoyed it more if you had discovered their identity just a little more towards the end.
I am excited to read more from this author especially regarding these characters.
Although it wasn't the best writing I've ever read and there were a few sentence/grammar mistakes the story itself does pull you in so you do skim over them.
I found the two detectives a wonderful duo and I really enjoyed the banter between them.
Apart from the editing issues my only issue was finding out who the culprit was just a little too soon. I would have enjoyed it more if you had discovered their identity just a little more towards the end.
I am excited to read more from this author especially regarding these characters.
April 5, 2018
Dynamite 5 Stars! One amazing mystery that you won’t wanna miss!
This was an amazing mystery and suspense, I absolutely love the team of Alex Rainer, a private detective and his friend and partner, Casey who works for the London metro police.
A killer, known as the Heart collector, once thought gone, has mysteriously reappeared and is killing young women and leaving previous victims hearts in their torso’s.
This book takes you on some freaky and wild turns and leaves you guessing at every turn. You won’t believe who the heart collector really is! I highly recommend this book!
This was an amazing mystery and suspense, I absolutely love the team of Alex Rainer, a private detective and his friend and partner, Casey who works for the London metro police.
A killer, known as the Heart collector, once thought gone, has mysteriously reappeared and is killing young women and leaving previous victims hearts in their torso’s.
This book takes you on some freaky and wild turns and leaves you guessing at every turn. You won’t believe who the heart collector really is! I highly recommend this book!
August 25, 2017
Characters not well drawn
I liked that the detective was a man. I disliked that the author was unable to give the story a British feel even though it was set in England. I also disliked the use of the f word so much in one portion of the story. I thought the characters could have been better drawn.
I liked that the detective was a man. I disliked that the author was unable to give the story a British feel even though it was set in England. I also disliked the use of the f word so much in one portion of the story. I thought the characters could have been better drawn.
September 23, 2017
Heart Collector
Worst writing, grammar and mistakes I have ever seen! The story wasn't too bad but the corrections in the book were ridiculous. If they were meant to be left in there, then, that was a stupid decision! It was like I was reading a draft that hadn't been edited yet. I rated it one star because there wasn't anything lower.
Worst writing, grammar and mistakes I have ever seen! The story wasn't too bad but the corrections in the book were ridiculous. If they were meant to be left in there, then, that was a stupid decision! It was like I was reading a draft that hadn't been edited yet. I rated it one star because there wasn't anything lower.
June 3, 2018
Besides a few small flaws like getting one guy of the hook for murder because he has stomach cancer or letting the involvment of a retired detective out, even that they know he killed his own partner in the force. It is a great story, some love, sex, friendship, skilled detectives and a mostly perfect ending.
I liked the humor between Alex and his partner Casey !
I liked the humor between Alex and his partner Casey !
February 14, 2019
I was really impressed with this book. It was a fast paced thriller that has absolutely no boring moments. I love how the author writes and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved his plot and the characters in the book. I am going to start following this author. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work. I am glad I read this book!
May 4, 2020
This certainly made a change from the cozy mysteries that I normally read! I had some trouble with the British colloquialisms. Of course there were the usual typos that seem standard in every ebook currently on the market. The plot had some twists and the story grabbed me from the get-go. Worth the read!
September 5, 2017
Brilliant murder mystery
A damn good read. A real page turner, you don't see what's coming. Can't wait to read book 2. This book will have you on the edge of your seat, I couldn't wait to finish it, wanting to know what happened to the bone collector.
A damn good read. A real page turner, you don't see what's coming. Can't wait to read book 2. This book will have you on the edge of your seat, I couldn't wait to finish it, wanting to know what happened to the bone collector.
September 27, 2017
A heart stopper (pun intended)
This novel is a serious rollercoaster ride. Alex comes to the rescue of the London Metro Police in this grizzly who dunit. Fast moving and satisfying.
This novel is a serious rollercoaster ride. Alex comes to the rescue of the London Metro Police in this grizzly who dunit. Fast moving and satisfying.
October 27, 2017
Ok just ok
The story was ok. Moved along at a decent pace. I know the setting was in London but there were a lot of American references. For instance, why would someone refer to UK money as Benjamins? Too much unnecessary profanity and lots of typos.
The story was ok. Moved along at a decent pace. I know the setting was in London but there were a lot of American references. For instance, why would someone refer to UK money as Benjamins? Too much unnecessary profanity and lots of typos.
February 10, 2018
Wow, what a story. This story grabs you and doesn't let go. Loved Alex and the other characters. If you want a mystery that has you biting your nails this is it. I will be reading more of the Alex Rainer mysteries.
October 10, 2018
A good easy read.
It was light and exciting without getting into the gore associated with the murders. I found the text incorrect at some points, either I got lost for a short period or another proof read before publication would help.
I may look up another book in this series....
It was light and exciting without getting into the gore associated with the murders. I found the text incorrect at some points, either I got lost for a short period or another proof read before publication would help.
I may look up another book in this series....
July 25, 2023
A ‘funny’ murder story. Funny because the protagonist has funny repartee. The heart collector is a horrific story. Very bent cop, isn’t that always the case? It takes place in London and around.
August 20, 2017
Excellent!
Gripping read that kept me engaged from start to finish. Great storyline and great characters. Will definitely be reading more from J T Turner.
Gripping read that kept me engaged from start to finish. Great storyline and great characters. Will definitely be reading more from J T Turner.
August 26, 2017
Excellent book
What a great read. Kept me turning page after page. Would recommend this book to read. Love me a great thriller. Want to read more from this author.
What a great read. Kept me turning page after page. Would recommend this book to read. Love me a great thriller. Want to read more from this author.
August 27, 2017
Good main character but kind of boring. Not enough info on many of the characters. Plot interesting, kind of.....
August 29, 2017
Jolly good read
Despite a large number of editorial errors the book was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. The theme is a bit grisly but overall very well written.
Despite a large number of editorial errors the book was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. The theme is a bit grisly but overall very well written.
September 1, 2017
I enjoyed this book immensely, the interaction between Alex and Casey was good and the plot was excellent, look forward to a sequel
September 15, 2017
Loved, read it in one sitting. Good story, well told. Really liked the main character. Can't wait for book two
September 19, 2017
Great detective story
Excellent read, easy to read, good humour in between the story lines - looking forward to see what Alex gets up to in the next one.
Excellent read, easy to read, good humour in between the story lines - looking forward to see what Alex gets up to in the next one.
September 30, 2017
Great read
Fast-paced well written good plot you cannot put it down because you want to see what happens don't miss this book
Fast-paced well written good plot you cannot put it down because you want to see what happens don't miss this book
November 12, 2017
A serial killer returns. And someone who knows his identity is also guilty of murder and more. A twisted tale.
February 28, 2018
Bloody good book. Interesting characters, well written and a page turner.
July 21, 2018
Heart collections.
Pretty good read but Gory. The collector leads London detecrives on a mysterios chase but youll nevrr guess who the unsub is.
Pretty good read but Gory. The collector leads London detecrives on a mysterios chase but youll nevrr guess who the unsub is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews