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Charlie Priest #3
False Prophet
FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE MAYFLY COMES ANOTHER COMPULSIVE THRILLER.
Some things are meant to be forgotten . . .
What starts out like any other major libel trial for prolific lawyer Charlie Priest turns into a legal train wreck when the defence's star witness turns up murdered. While the defence stalls for time, Priest is determined to find out who is responsible, but as the bodies begin to pile up, Priest realises that he's caught in a web of deceit and corruption that protects a deadly secret: one that threatens to tear him and those he loves apart.
FOR FANS OF ROBERT BRYNDZA AND M. J. ARLIDGE, THE ASH DOLL IS CHARLIE PRIEST AT HIS MOST IRREPRESSIBLE.
Some things are meant to be forgotten . . .
What starts out like any other major libel trial for prolific lawyer Charlie Priest turns into a legal train wreck when the defence's star witness turns up murdered. While the defence stalls for time, Priest is determined to find out who is responsible, but as the bodies begin to pile up, Priest realises that he's caught in a web of deceit and corruption that protects a deadly secret: one that threatens to tear him and those he loves apart.
FOR FANS OF ROBERT BRYNDZA AND M. J. ARLIDGE, THE ASH DOLL IS CHARLIE PRIEST AT HIS MOST IRREPRESSIBLE.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2019
8 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
James Hazel
7 books109 followersBefore turning his hand to writing, James Hazel was a lawyer in private practice specialising in corporate and commercial litigation and employment law.
He was an equity partner in a regional law firm and held a number of different department headships until he quit legal practice to pursue his dream of becoming an author.
He has a keen interest in criminology and a passion for crime thrillers, indie music and all things retro.
James lives on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds with his wife and three children.
He was an equity partner in a regional law firm and held a number of different department headships until he quit legal practice to pursue his dream of becoming an author.
He has a keen interest in criminology and a passion for crime thrillers, indie music and all things retro.
James lives on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds with his wife and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 5, 2019
This is the latest addition to the terrific Charlie Priest series by James Hazel, an action packed twisted thriller about deadly secrets from ancient times bringing madness, mayhem and murders into the present. Charlie finds himself the supervising solicitor implementing a high court order with the recovery of the Book of Janus, part of the Dead Sea Scrolls, from the home of Professor Norman Owen for the owner, the reclusive Elisha Capindale, an antique dealer specialising in Christian Antiquities. Feeling the desperation and fears of Owen, that to him seem credible, Charlie prevents the taking of the book on a technicality. DCI Tiff Rowlinson has moved from Wales to a more permanent posting in the London Met, he and his ambitious team member, DS Fay Westbrook, are at the scene of a gruesome murder of an award winning photographer, Emma, at her home.
Tiff is a worried man, the MO is the same as that of the earlier murder of Jane Vardy in her hotel room, with its traces of salt and the symbol of a cross entwined with a snake. It is all beginning to look like they have a serial killer on their hands. His boss, Detective Superintendent John Eaton insists on foisting a profiler on him, Ethan Grey, a smug, arrogant and egotistical man. With no clues and a intelligent killer that seems to be several steps ahead of the police, and determined to continue his killing spree, Tiff brings in the only man he knows with experience of serial killers, Charlie. Charlie's brother is the notorious serial killer, Dr William Priest, incarcerated at the secure Fen Marsh, whose powers remain undiminished in a world where networks prove to be more enduring than hierarchies. Charlie turns to William for help in the frantic hunt for a killer that is coming dangerously close to those near and dear to him just as the connections between the Book of Janus and the killer begin to emerge.
Hazel has a unusual central protagonist in Charlie Priest, a man who once worked for the police, only to quit to become a much sought after lawyer with his own firm, Priest & Co, with his associates, Vincent Okoro, Georgie Someday and Solly, the socially awkward legally trained forensic accountant. Charlie is afflicted with an odd condition known as DPD, a depersonalisation disorder that brings inordinate difficulties into his everyday life, often at the most inopportune of moments. This is a fantastic, fast paced and entertaining thriller with a compulsive and riveting narrative. I can see many crime and thriller readers loving this! Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
Tiff is a worried man, the MO is the same as that of the earlier murder of Jane Vardy in her hotel room, with its traces of salt and the symbol of a cross entwined with a snake. It is all beginning to look like they have a serial killer on their hands. His boss, Detective Superintendent John Eaton insists on foisting a profiler on him, Ethan Grey, a smug, arrogant and egotistical man. With no clues and a intelligent killer that seems to be several steps ahead of the police, and determined to continue his killing spree, Tiff brings in the only man he knows with experience of serial killers, Charlie. Charlie's brother is the notorious serial killer, Dr William Priest, incarcerated at the secure Fen Marsh, whose powers remain undiminished in a world where networks prove to be more enduring than hierarchies. Charlie turns to William for help in the frantic hunt for a killer that is coming dangerously close to those near and dear to him just as the connections between the Book of Janus and the killer begin to emerge.
Hazel has a unusual central protagonist in Charlie Priest, a man who once worked for the police, only to quit to become a much sought after lawyer with his own firm, Priest & Co, with his associates, Vincent Okoro, Georgie Someday and Solly, the socially awkward legally trained forensic accountant. Charlie is afflicted with an odd condition known as DPD, a depersonalisation disorder that brings inordinate difficulties into his everyday life, often at the most inopportune of moments. This is a fantastic, fast paced and entertaining thriller with a compulsive and riveting narrative. I can see many crime and thriller readers loving this! Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.
September 21, 2019
This was one wicked ride, the story brought a zing to my blood and made me read it faster than the speed of light. I used to love such thrillers years ago, and this book brought that love to life. It evoked my passion with its darker and convoluted overtones, mixing the ancient scriptures with the modern murders.
A police investigation into the murders occurring across town was the core of the story. To this the author gave a twisted backstory about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Janus. Charles Priest was the supervising solicitor overlooking the search. Professor Owen had it. Elisha Capendale wanted it. And someone was murdering people, believing those lancient texts. The author did not stop there. He decided to add another tasty bit. Charles Priest's brother was a serial killer and currently locked up.
This book by author James Hazel was a pure adrenaline rush. The book did not stop even when I wanted to. It kept revealing those secrets which lured me down the dark pathways where the lights kept blinking hypnotically.
The characters all had an edge to them, firing up my enthusiasm. There was a live energy around them. The twisted, winding plot of the book demanded that I read it at one go. Such was the compelling writing of the author James Hazel. A rocking ride!!
A police investigation into the murders occurring across town was the core of the story. To this the author gave a twisted backstory about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Book of Janus. Charles Priest was the supervising solicitor overlooking the search. Professor Owen had it. Elisha Capendale wanted it. And someone was murdering people, believing those lancient texts. The author did not stop there. He decided to add another tasty bit. Charles Priest's brother was a serial killer and currently locked up.
This book by author James Hazel was a pure adrenaline rush. The book did not stop even when I wanted to. It kept revealing those secrets which lured me down the dark pathways where the lights kept blinking hypnotically.
The characters all had an edge to them, firing up my enthusiasm. There was a live energy around them. The twisted, winding plot of the book demanded that I read it at one go. Such was the compelling writing of the author James Hazel. A rocking ride!!
May 2, 2020
One series I’m so glad I didn’t give up on!
Book #3, in the James Hazel, Charlie Priest series was absolutely brilliant. The quirkinesses of Priest, his serial-killer brother, and his equally interesting colleagues, made for a fantastic crime thriller.
The plot reminded me of Dan Brown’s ‘Da Vinci Code.’ The Book of Janus, purportedly containing information from the Book of Genesis, which if revealed will change the course of history, is the basis for the start of the novel. This sets off cat and mouse games which lead to a fast-faced, plot-centred read.
Despite not enjoying Book 2 (easily skipped), I loved this instalment and with the cliffhanger plot/character ending I will be first in line for book number four!
Book #3, in the James Hazel, Charlie Priest series was absolutely brilliant. The quirkinesses of Priest, his serial-killer brother, and his equally interesting colleagues, made for a fantastic crime thriller.
The plot reminded me of Dan Brown’s ‘Da Vinci Code.’ The Book of Janus, purportedly containing information from the Book of Genesis, which if revealed will change the course of history, is the basis for the start of the novel. This sets off cat and mouse games which lead to a fast-faced, plot-centred read.
Despite not enjoying Book 2 (easily skipped), I loved this instalment and with the cliffhanger plot/character ending I will be first in line for book number four!
September 12, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advance copy of False Prophet, the third novel to feature London lawyer Charlie Priest.
A serial killer is killing apparently random victims leaving no trace of himself except a strange drawing. The SIO, Tiff Rowlinson, asks Charlie, a former Homicide detective and serial killer expert, to assist in the hunt.
I thoroughly enjoyed False Prophet which is a high octane thriller with some good twists. The premise, the hunt for a killer with a religious bent, is almost too silly to take seriously but to paraphrase Charlie, it’s not the content but the belief in it that they have to fight. I imagine Mr Hazel had loads of fun on the conspiracy sites as he constructed his premise. It certainly made my jaw drop so I am in deep admiration of his imagination and how he makes it work. He opens the novel with a tale from a lost Dead Sea scroll and that immediately piques the curiosity so I was hooked. The rest of the novel is told in the third person from the investigative point of view, mostly Charlie’s with a few first person chapters from the killer. I don’t always like to hear from the killer but this paints a vivid picture of a motivated, intelligent, organised but delusional man.
I was hooked from the opening chapter but Mr Hazel keeps it going with a steady flow of reveals, twists and action scenes so I never knew what was coming next. It is extremely well done and all written in an easy, inviting style. It’s a fun read.
Charlie Priest is an extremely likeable protagonist, smart, strategic and dedicated to the task in hand. He also has a serial killer for a brother and a debilitating condition, Depersonalisation disorder (DPD) which can strike at any time. I think that these rather extreme quirks fit nicely with the larger than life plot.
False Prophet is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
A serial killer is killing apparently random victims leaving no trace of himself except a strange drawing. The SIO, Tiff Rowlinson, asks Charlie, a former Homicide detective and serial killer expert, to assist in the hunt.
I thoroughly enjoyed False Prophet which is a high octane thriller with some good twists. The premise, the hunt for a killer with a religious bent, is almost too silly to take seriously but to paraphrase Charlie, it’s not the content but the belief in it that they have to fight. I imagine Mr Hazel had loads of fun on the conspiracy sites as he constructed his premise. It certainly made my jaw drop so I am in deep admiration of his imagination and how he makes it work. He opens the novel with a tale from a lost Dead Sea scroll and that immediately piques the curiosity so I was hooked. The rest of the novel is told in the third person from the investigative point of view, mostly Charlie’s with a few first person chapters from the killer. I don’t always like to hear from the killer but this paints a vivid picture of a motivated, intelligent, organised but delusional man.
I was hooked from the opening chapter but Mr Hazel keeps it going with a steady flow of reveals, twists and action scenes so I never knew what was coming next. It is extremely well done and all written in an easy, inviting style. It’s a fun read.
Charlie Priest is an extremely likeable protagonist, smart, strategic and dedicated to the task in hand. He also has a serial killer for a brother and a debilitating condition, Depersonalisation disorder (DPD) which can strike at any time. I think that these rather extreme quirks fit nicely with the larger than life plot.
False Prophet is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 27, 2019
I adore Charlie Priest as a character, he is uniquely placed in my reading life and I adored False Prophet – it was dark and dangerous, edgy and compelling with great writing and an atmospheric, often creepy storyline.
Charlie’s serial killer brother is also a terrific character so I was more than happy to find him lurking in the pages too – the story itself is focused on a found religious text that changes assumptions and sets off a terrifying chain of events. Charlie et al get all caught up in it and this is a right proper page turner that will make your dreams a bit screwy.
I loved it. This series gets better and better, unpredictable and intelligent each time and I’d love to see it hit the big time.
Highly Recommended.
Charlie’s serial killer brother is also a terrific character so I was more than happy to find him lurking in the pages too – the story itself is focused on a found religious text that changes assumptions and sets off a terrifying chain of events. Charlie et al get all caught up in it and this is a right proper page turner that will make your dreams a bit screwy.
I loved it. This series gets better and better, unpredictable and intelligent each time and I’d love to see it hit the big time.
Highly Recommended.
June 16, 2020
I loved this book. I am looking forward to reading the first two books of this series.
September 18, 2019
This starts with a Book…..Professor Owen has an ancient text, one of the Dead Sea scrolls that holds a secret, a secret he is willing to die to keep….
Charlie Priest is a supervising solicitor, to monitor the police search of Owen’s home for the Book….Elisha Capendale wants her property…
Alongside this is a murder case, victims found with an eight inch nail in their brains and a religious symbol left at the scenes….and the words ‘Kill the Giants’.
What is the link to the book? Are the defendants of the nephilim roaming the earth?
As the case gets dark and someone close to Charlie is in danger, he goes to visit his brother William, whose a serial killer himself and in a secure unit. Can William offer any help?
There is a really creepy killer, religious tales and symbolism all in a clever mix of police procedural and dark thriller. The characters are so well developed, with their own personal problems and mixed up lives, which adds to the tension. Utterly compelling from start to nail biting finish….. If you like a thriller on the dark side, you’ll love this…
Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Charlie Priest is a supervising solicitor, to monitor the police search of Owen’s home for the Book….Elisha Capendale wants her property…
Alongside this is a murder case, victims found with an eight inch nail in their brains and a religious symbol left at the scenes….and the words ‘Kill the Giants’.
What is the link to the book? Are the defendants of the nephilim roaming the earth?
As the case gets dark and someone close to Charlie is in danger, he goes to visit his brother William, whose a serial killer himself and in a secure unit. Can William offer any help?
There is a really creepy killer, religious tales and symbolism all in a clever mix of police procedural and dark thriller. The characters are so well developed, with their own personal problems and mixed up lives, which adds to the tension. Utterly compelling from start to nail biting finish….. If you like a thriller on the dark side, you’ll love this…
Thank you to Tracy and Compulsive Readers for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
September 22, 2019
James Hazel's Priest series proves itself yet again. False Prophet is a dark, menacing and thoroughly entertaining serial killer mystery, with a fascinating biblical story influencing events from the outset. Lawyer and investigator Priest is such an intriguing hero and so too is his team, especially Georgie. But I particularly enjoyed Priest's relationship with DCI Tiff Rowlinson. These books are gory but they're also very smart and I look forward to more. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
November 6, 2019
Loved it. I’m so glad that I came across James Hazel’s first book in 2017 – ‘The Mayfly’ I really enjoyed it, and then the second book in the series ‘The Ash Doll’ was just as good. So, I was pretty thrilled when book 3 hit the shelves and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Charlie Priest is such a great character, and I like the situations he gets himself into. The story has a few things going on which made this an exciting book to read.
Charlie Priest thought the job of overseeing an Anton Pillar Order on Professor Owen was going to be relatively easy as far as work went. However, getting the Professor to give up the book of Janus that supposedly belonged to Elisha Capindale was much harder than he expected. Another serial killer running around London has certainly put the police on edge, especially how quickly the bodies are starting to turn up. This really is a book worth reading. 5/5 Star Rating.
Charlie Priest thought the job of overseeing an Anton Pillar Order on Professor Owen was going to be relatively easy as far as work went. However, getting the Professor to give up the book of Janus that supposedly belonged to Elisha Capindale was much harder than he expected. Another serial killer running around London has certainly put the police on edge, especially how quickly the bodies are starting to turn up. This really is a book worth reading. 5/5 Star Rating.
April 5, 2022
3rd in the series and probably the best…..I’ll be straight on the next one when it comes out
This follows Charlie Priest, ex police turned lawyer. His investigative team include Georgie Someday and Solly then we also have his on off girlfriend Jessica, sister Sarah and friend Tiff, not forgetting his brother William who is a serial killer, who make appearances in most of his books. They all add value and show the complex personality of Charlie
When I read the synopsis I thought it wasn’t my cup of tea - biblical and symbols - but this story was ace and so detailed. I loved it. Super fast paced, yes you could not pick that he avoids death way too much but jeez this is good I love the gruesome descriptions and of course I love Charlie Priest!
This follows Charlie Priest, ex police turned lawyer. His investigative team include Georgie Someday and Solly then we also have his on off girlfriend Jessica, sister Sarah and friend Tiff, not forgetting his brother William who is a serial killer, who make appearances in most of his books. They all add value and show the complex personality of Charlie
When I read the synopsis I thought it wasn’t my cup of tea - biblical and symbols - but this story was ace and so detailed. I loved it. Super fast paced, yes you could not pick that he avoids death way too much but jeez this is good I love the gruesome descriptions and of course I love Charlie Priest!
September 22, 2024
I've made no secret of having some pretty big expectations for this 3rd book in the Charlie Priest series. Did it live up to them and make it worth spending time with the first two books?
In short: Yes, I think it did.
This book had an edge the previous two didn't. It was cleverer and darker in a way that's hard to describe, but felt more compelling. Tighter. More driven.
If this book is to set the new tone of the series, then heck yes! Bring it on! More books, please!
In short: Yes, I think it did.
This book had an edge the previous two didn't. It was cleverer and darker in a way that's hard to describe, but felt more compelling. Tighter. More driven.
If this book is to set the new tone of the series, then heck yes! Bring it on! More books, please!
June 18, 2025
thought I knew who killed was but was no where near close really enjoyed it
September 18, 2019
This starts with a Book…..Professor Owen has an ancient text, one of the Dead Sea scrolls that holds a secret, a secret he is willing to die to keep….
Charlie Priest is a supervising solicitor, to monitor the police search of Owen’s home for the Book….Elisha Capendale wants her property…
Alongside this is a murder case, victims found with an eight inch nail in their brains and a religious symbol left at the scenes….and the words ‘Kill the Giants’.
What is the link to the book? Are the defendants of the nephilim roaming the earth?
As the case gets dark and someone close to Charlie is in danger, he goes to visit his brother William, whose a serial killer himself and in a secure unit. Can William offer any help?
There is a really creepy killer, religious tales and symbolism all in a clever mix of police procedural and dark thriller. The characters are so well developed, with their own personal problems and mixed up lives, which adds to the tension. Utterly compelling from start to nail biting finish….. If you like a thriller on the dark side, you’ll love this…
Thank you to The Author, the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Charlie Priest is a supervising solicitor, to monitor the police search of Owen’s home for the Book….Elisha Capendale wants her property…
Alongside this is a murder case, victims found with an eight inch nail in their brains and a religious symbol left at the scenes….and the words ‘Kill the Giants’.
What is the link to the book? Are the defendants of the nephilim roaming the earth?
As the case gets dark and someone close to Charlie is in danger, he goes to visit his brother William, whose a serial killer himself and in a secure unit. Can William offer any help?
There is a really creepy killer, religious tales and symbolism all in a clever mix of police procedural and dark thriller. The characters are so well developed, with their own personal problems and mixed up lives, which adds to the tension. Utterly compelling from start to nail biting finish….. If you like a thriller on the dark side, you’ll love this…
Thank you to The Author, the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
November 9, 2019
Charlie Priest is an ex-cop turned lawyer who sometimes helps the police with cases. When a serial killer with a religious bent starts hammering nails into people's skulls, Priest is asked to provide his own unique insight into the case. This started off a bit slow for me and it probably didn't help that I hadn't read the earlier books in the series. But I soon got into the plot and the characters and really enjoyed how it all came together. Will go back to the beginning now to see how Priest's arc started off.
June 28, 2023
Quotes:
'above him, Satan smiled. His plan had worked. It would not be long before Janus spread his demonic seed. Soon, the age of the demon would be born again'
'The last thing she remembered seeing was the moon through the skylight, igniting the cloudless sky with pale light. Then a strange sensation of floating as her assailant took a hammer and, with one life ending strike, drove an eight inch galvanised nail into her skull'
'He approached all crime scenes with the same basic rule. ABC: assume nothing, believe no one, challenge everything'
'Rowlinson looked close. there were little crystals dotted around, stuck in the dried blood. salt.'
'A symbol, drawn on the wall in the victims blood. Rowlinson shuddered. The symbol stared at him mockingly form the back of the bedroom, the deep red blood stood out in perfect contrast to the crisp white walls. This time the killer had been more extravagant: the symbol was almost five foot tall, much bolder and more deliberate. A cross entwined with a sinuous line, like the tilde on a keyboard. It meant nothing, and yet, here and now to Rowlinson, it meant everything.'
'Mr Priest, if I have to, I'll die to keep the book secret'
'The man looked like he was newly qualified; the kind of person that still got ID'd buying glue at the supermarket.'
'The man was genuinely afraid. But what secret was he really hiding? What was so explosive that it had to remain hidden from the world at all costs'
'Set out in that book is a roadmap which will lead you to an evil greater than you can possibly imagine'
'Remember: the world is in debt to Christ and one day He will call in that debt and we will pay. In blood. This book contains the key to a redemption that has been thousands of years in the making and which will be as savage and cruel as it is glorious'
'He reminded her too much of what happened, the evil that almost destroyed her. He could see it in her eyes now, the barrier that could never be overcome, and the lust that tempted them again and again.'
'She couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that something was about to happen. Something bad. Something that would change everything irreversibly'
'She said the last part with venom, her true anger seeping through. A glimpse of the vast depth of the betrayal she felt. It was a yawning well, black as night wherein she had buried everything. For now.'
'Judeo-Christians believe that salt is a purifier, so it is often used in folklore to ward off evil spirits and demons. its one of the few substances that can be found almost everywhere on the Earth'
'I know it's hard to understand, but Dr William priest killed a lot of people. But they were the lucky ones. The unlucky ones killed themselves.'
'Georgie had climbed a long, steep ladder to leave it behind. She had taken control of her life, reestablished her confidence and found a new outlet through her work that would help her move on. Not that the incident had been forgotten, it never would. But it didn't define her, it didn't weaken her, it made her stronger'
'Sounds like a sh*tty biblical thing'
'Serial killers do what they do for one of 4 reasons; because a mental illness tells them to; because they're on a mission, usually from god; because they want something, could be money but could easily just be the thrill of killing; and finally because killing is all they knw, death is the only release, and murder is the ultimate expression of power and control'
'Yael murders Sisera while he's sleeping, by driving a nail into his head with a hammer'
'His instinct was to look away, repulsed. The smell was overwhelming, it griped the inside of his throat and stung his eyes, made his stomach churn. But he looked. Long and hard, knowing that sometimes when he closed his eyes at night, he saw bodies from his past circle around his mind like vultures. This was another one he'd never forget'
'No man did this, Charles. A monster did this. Remember: there is no greater danger than someone who thinks that he's doing Gods work'
'To catch this snake, brother, you might have to become one'
'... a cavity had suddenly opened up inside of him. A hole. For that is what loss is: emptiness, and the absence of colour'
'Killers didn't have horns, or tails, they didn't carry tridents. They just looked like ordinary people'
'Copperhead could have been anybody, or nobody at all'
'More writing on the wall, in red paint not blood, he was sure. Not a message to him, nor the Janus symbol, just something that seemed at odds with what he understood copperhead to be.....It didn't make sense. The words stared back at him. God is dead.'
'above him, Satan smiled. His plan had worked. It would not be long before Janus spread his demonic seed. Soon, the age of the demon would be born again'
'The last thing she remembered seeing was the moon through the skylight, igniting the cloudless sky with pale light. Then a strange sensation of floating as her assailant took a hammer and, with one life ending strike, drove an eight inch galvanised nail into her skull'
'He approached all crime scenes with the same basic rule. ABC: assume nothing, believe no one, challenge everything'
'Rowlinson looked close. there were little crystals dotted around, stuck in the dried blood. salt.'
'A symbol, drawn on the wall in the victims blood. Rowlinson shuddered. The symbol stared at him mockingly form the back of the bedroom, the deep red blood stood out in perfect contrast to the crisp white walls. This time the killer had been more extravagant: the symbol was almost five foot tall, much bolder and more deliberate. A cross entwined with a sinuous line, like the tilde on a keyboard. It meant nothing, and yet, here and now to Rowlinson, it meant everything.'
'Mr Priest, if I have to, I'll die to keep the book secret'
'The man looked like he was newly qualified; the kind of person that still got ID'd buying glue at the supermarket.'
'The man was genuinely afraid. But what secret was he really hiding? What was so explosive that it had to remain hidden from the world at all costs'
'Set out in that book is a roadmap which will lead you to an evil greater than you can possibly imagine'
'Remember: the world is in debt to Christ and one day He will call in that debt and we will pay. In blood. This book contains the key to a redemption that has been thousands of years in the making and which will be as savage and cruel as it is glorious'
'He reminded her too much of what happened, the evil that almost destroyed her. He could see it in her eyes now, the barrier that could never be overcome, and the lust that tempted them again and again.'
'She couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that something was about to happen. Something bad. Something that would change everything irreversibly'
'She said the last part with venom, her true anger seeping through. A glimpse of the vast depth of the betrayal she felt. It was a yawning well, black as night wherein she had buried everything. For now.'
'Judeo-Christians believe that salt is a purifier, so it is often used in folklore to ward off evil spirits and demons. its one of the few substances that can be found almost everywhere on the Earth'
'I know it's hard to understand, but Dr William priest killed a lot of people. But they were the lucky ones. The unlucky ones killed themselves.'
'Georgie had climbed a long, steep ladder to leave it behind. She had taken control of her life, reestablished her confidence and found a new outlet through her work that would help her move on. Not that the incident had been forgotten, it never would. But it didn't define her, it didn't weaken her, it made her stronger'
'Sounds like a sh*tty biblical thing'
'Serial killers do what they do for one of 4 reasons; because a mental illness tells them to; because they're on a mission, usually from god; because they want something, could be money but could easily just be the thrill of killing; and finally because killing is all they knw, death is the only release, and murder is the ultimate expression of power and control'
'Yael murders Sisera while he's sleeping, by driving a nail into his head with a hammer'
'His instinct was to look away, repulsed. The smell was overwhelming, it griped the inside of his throat and stung his eyes, made his stomach churn. But he looked. Long and hard, knowing that sometimes when he closed his eyes at night, he saw bodies from his past circle around his mind like vultures. This was another one he'd never forget'
'No man did this, Charles. A monster did this. Remember: there is no greater danger than someone who thinks that he's doing Gods work'
'To catch this snake, brother, you might have to become one'
'... a cavity had suddenly opened up inside of him. A hole. For that is what loss is: emptiness, and the absence of colour'
'Killers didn't have horns, or tails, they didn't carry tridents. They just looked like ordinary people'
'Copperhead could have been anybody, or nobody at all'
'More writing on the wall, in red paint not blood, he was sure. Not a message to him, nor the Janus symbol, just something that seemed at odds with what he understood copperhead to be.....It didn't make sense. The words stared back at him. God is dead.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2021
This is the third book in the Charlie Priest series, but the first one for me; however, during the book, things that happened previously are explained or recounted, so the reader can understand the context of several events during the narrative.
This is a truly engrossing and action-packed serial-killer story that we follow along with Charlie Priest, who is a truly unique character, kind of troubled already while he has to deal with others’ problems too.
Without giving too much about the story, I must say I really enjoyed the book, even though it had some story tropes that must be already well-known for people who enjoy thrillers: the hero or the hero’s family or loved one in distress, the killer revealed only in the last few pages, some investigative activities that the reader just gets to know in the last paragraphs as this is explained to someone who is usually adjacent but not involved in the investigation, and so on, also, there are some suggested subplots that could have been developed more (like Andy and Li, who are never mentioned again), but I guess the book would have been extremely long and maybe this little things will appear in some future stories.
All in all, this is a great read, like stated before, and recommended for anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
This is a truly engrossing and action-packed serial-killer story that we follow along with Charlie Priest, who is a truly unique character, kind of troubled already while he has to deal with others’ problems too.
Without giving too much about the story, I must say I really enjoyed the book, even though it had some story tropes that must be already well-known for people who enjoy thrillers: the hero or the hero’s family or loved one in distress, the killer revealed only in the last few pages, some investigative activities that the reader just gets to know in the last paragraphs as this is explained to someone who is usually adjacent but not involved in the investigation, and so on, also, there are some suggested subplots that could have been developed more (like Andy and Li, who are never mentioned again), but I guess the book would have been extremely long and maybe this little things will appear in some future stories.
All in all, this is a great read, like stated before, and recommended for anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
December 10, 2021
Ein Mörder zieht durch London. Seine Opfer wählt er scheinbar wahllos aus. Doch sein Vorgehen ist immer gleich: ein langer Nagel wird durch den Schädel des Opfers getrieben. Anwalt Charlie Priest wird von der Polizei angefordert und begibt sich damit auf eine grausame Reise in den Kopf des Täters…
„Die Schlange“ ist der dritte Fall für Charlie Priest und hat mich restlos begeistert. Die Story ist spannend, mitreißend, teils sehr grausam und die Hauptfigur besticht durch seinen Humor.
Die Fallstricke in der Geschichte sind geschickt gelegt und ich hatte bis zum Schluss keine Idee, wer hinter den Morden steckt.
Obwohl der Roman in sich abgeschlossen ist, empfiehlt es sich die Reihe in korrekter Reihenfolge zu lesen. So kann man das Vorgehen der Figuren besser nachvollziehen.
„Die Schlange“ ist der dritte Fall für Charlie Priest und hat mich restlos begeistert. Die Story ist spannend, mitreißend, teils sehr grausam und die Hauptfigur besticht durch seinen Humor.
Die Fallstricke in der Geschichte sind geschickt gelegt und ich hatte bis zum Schluss keine Idee, wer hinter den Morden steckt.
Obwohl der Roman in sich abgeschlossen ist, empfiehlt es sich die Reihe in korrekter Reihenfolge zu lesen. So kann man das Vorgehen der Figuren besser nachvollziehen.
August 12, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
August 18, 2020
Thank you Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for this book.
I didn't realise False Prophet was the third book in the Charlie Priest series but it didn't stop me reading it and I now need to read the two before. It is a definite page turner and great thriller and kept me interested from the beginning to the end.
I would highly recommend this and just need to find the other two. Please keep writing.
I didn't realise False Prophet was the third book in the Charlie Priest series but it didn't stop me reading it and I now need to read the two before. It is a definite page turner and great thriller and kept me interested from the beginning to the end.
I would highly recommend this and just need to find the other two. Please keep writing.
November 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Didn't matter that I started with the third story in the series, as the references to previous books did not detract from the flow of this narrative. I didn't want to stop reading it. Plenty of action, lots of violence and quite a few suspects to sort through. I was really sorry to finish it, I really lost myself in it.
August 19, 2020
Very enjoyable
The book is well plotted and there are enough twists to keep anyone interested. I had not come across this series of books before, but I will certainly seek out others in the Charlie Priest series.
The book is well plotted and there are enough twists to keep anyone interested. I had not come across this series of books before, but I will certainly seek out others in the Charlie Priest series.
January 29, 2020
4.5*....
December 24, 2020
I cannot get enough of Priest, his family and the crimes be manages to get involved with. I cannot wait to find out what happens next
June 2, 2021
What a ride!
The third book in the Charlie Priest Thrillers. They just keep getting better & better. I NEED MORE!!
The third book in the Charlie Priest Thrillers. They just keep getting better & better. I NEED MORE!!
September 20, 2021
This was fantastic! A perfect blend of mythology and murder!
December 6, 2022
Amazing, such a great book. The Author is very talented and keeps you guessing all the way. Some mad ideas that just keep you gripped.
December 2, 2025
This is the final book in the Charlie Priest series. I started this series only because it was on my step mum's kindle and I wanted to read a mystery. These books are very dark but also quite comedic with very distinct returning characters. The writing is very standard for a mystery, not overly flowery, but is very effective in keeping the tension.
February 16, 2020
Looking forward to reading other books in this series.
December 3, 2019
This started brilliantly. Ancient Biblical text found and for sale in London. Maybe did not quite sustain to the end. Note this is third in a series and suspect reading the other two would have helped.
September 15, 2019
This is the third in the Charlie Priest series and, although the main story is self-contained, to get the best from the book in terms of backstory and character development, you should really read The Mayfly and The Ash Doll first.
Charlie Priest is an ex-detective who now practises as a Lawyer. His brother is a serial killer so, to say he is a very interesting character would be a bit of an understatement! In this book he is tasked with supervising the implementation of a court order which requires a Professor to turn over a certain religious document. Sounds relatively easy doesn't it?! But, it would be a very short book indeed if it was. The document in question contains certain information, the wider knowledge of which could have serious repercussions. Luckily Charlie finds a technical loophole which allows him to take temporary possession of said document.
Meanwhile, Detectives Tiff and Fay are investigating the gruesome death of a photographer. The murder scene contains certain elements that appear strange. Then there's a second murder and they still have no leads. Tiff shies away from the profiler who has been foisted onto him and consults Charlie to assist, well, he has personal knowledge of serial killers after all...
Wow! I raced through this book at a rate of knots. It held my attention right from the very first page and didn't let go until the last. I connected with Charlie as a character in his first outing and our relationship is only getting stronger with each subsequent book. Apart from his brother, he also has some issues of his own but I'll leave you to discover what and how it affects him. This book especially pleased me as Georgie Someday, Charlie's associate, gets a bigger role and she is just amazing!
The plot is intricate and, as with the previous books, very clever. It also gets on with itself nicely as there is no superfluous waffle to distract along the way. I tried to figure out what was going on but I failed as much as I succeeded (that does make sense) but the whole was definitely more than the sum of its parts and, as I turned the last page, I got that wonderful feeling of satisfaction that I crave from a good read.
All in all, a great addition to an already fantastic series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Charlie Priest is an ex-detective who now practises as a Lawyer. His brother is a serial killer so, to say he is a very interesting character would be a bit of an understatement! In this book he is tasked with supervising the implementation of a court order which requires a Professor to turn over a certain religious document. Sounds relatively easy doesn't it?! But, it would be a very short book indeed if it was. The document in question contains certain information, the wider knowledge of which could have serious repercussions. Luckily Charlie finds a technical loophole which allows him to take temporary possession of said document.
Meanwhile, Detectives Tiff and Fay are investigating the gruesome death of a photographer. The murder scene contains certain elements that appear strange. Then there's a second murder and they still have no leads. Tiff shies away from the profiler who has been foisted onto him and consults Charlie to assist, well, he has personal knowledge of serial killers after all...
Wow! I raced through this book at a rate of knots. It held my attention right from the very first page and didn't let go until the last. I connected with Charlie as a character in his first outing and our relationship is only getting stronger with each subsequent book. Apart from his brother, he also has some issues of his own but I'll leave you to discover what and how it affects him. This book especially pleased me as Georgie Someday, Charlie's associate, gets a bigger role and she is just amazing!
The plot is intricate and, as with the previous books, very clever. It also gets on with itself nicely as there is no superfluous waffle to distract along the way. I tried to figure out what was going on but I failed as much as I succeeded (that does make sense) but the whole was definitely more than the sum of its parts and, as I turned the last page, I got that wonderful feeling of satisfaction that I crave from a good read.
All in all, a great addition to an already fantastic series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
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