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Wie fängt man einen Mörder, den es nicht gibt?

Nach zwanzig Jahren bei der Polizei glaubt Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan, schon alles erlebt zu haben.

Doch er irrt sich.

Als eine Krankenschwester auf dem Heimweg von der Nachtschicht ermordet wird, machen sich Jack und sein Team auf die Jagd nach ihrem Mörder.

Als weitere Opfer entdeckt werden, stellt sich heraus, dass Jack einem Mörder auf der Spur ist, der von einer einzigartigen Psychose befallen ist – einer Psychose, die ihn verstümmeln und töten lässt, ohne einen Funken Schuld oder Reue zu verspüren.

DCI Jack Logan steht einer neuen Art von Mörder in einer ihm unvertrauten Stadt gegenüber und wird von einem Feind, den er unmöglich verstehen kann, an seine Grenzen gebracht.

Der Todescode ist der dritte DCI Jack Logan-Krimi und perfekt für Fans von Ian Rankin, Chris Brookmyre und LJ Ross.

354 pages, Paperback

First published August 23, 2019

2600 people are currently reading
1823 people want to read

About the author

J.D. Kirk

48 books1,654 followers
JD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.

JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.

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5 stars
9,140 (54%)
4 stars
6,021 (35%)
3 stars
1,435 (8%)
2 stars
193 (1%)
1 star
86 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews
Profile Image for Pat.
2,310 reviews499 followers
July 28, 2020
It has been a while since I read the first two books in the series, and I do remember enjoying them, so with a bit of spare time on my hands it was time to get back to it.

In this story the police are baffled as a series of rapes and slashing murders grips Inverness. We hear the killer’s voice at odd intervals throughout the book and it is clear he is seriously deranged as he rambles on about how nothing matters as none of it is real. He says this to his victims too. Of course DCI Jack Logan doesn’t buy into this rubbish, he thinks the killer is just the usual “wee gobshite” who can’t get laid and is using his psychosis to do whatever the hell he wants.

The police soon note that the killings seem to centre around a certain institution and try to zero in on the killer that way. But the killer is clever, he is very skilled in the use of technology and this makes the job harder for those set on catching him. These books are gripping, dramatic and very easy to read. The characters are well fleshed out and the yucky bits are well interspersed with humour. DCI Jack Logan is a curmudgeonly old copper with a big heart who really looks out for his troops.
Profile Image for Terence M - [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!].
684 reviews341 followers
January 9, 2024
3-Stars - "I Liked It", but it could have been 4-Stars😐
JD Kirk - DCI Logan #3 - The Killing Code
Audiobook: 10:07 Hours - Narrator: Angus King
3-Stars for a book that was heading for 4-Stars until the birthday party in chapter 44, a little over an hour before the end of the audiobook. Until this point, the story was enjoyable and appeared to be on track for a satisfactory finale, then it seemed like the author lost his way and couldn't quite decide how or where the killer should be caught, or if he should be caught at all. A disappointing, somewhat confused and padded finish.

I have ten more audiobooks in this series, so I definitely intend to continue listening to the DCI Logan Thrillers. They are proper police procedurals and my hope is that my future hearings will rate closer to the 4-Stars+ mark than did this one :)

Angus King is an excellent narrator and and his Scottish accents and interpretations sound pretty authentic to my uneducated ear.

Finished 11:15 pm - Tue 2 Jan 2024
Profile Image for Sam.
138 reviews7 followers
August 13, 2020
I think I have become caught up in the easy going reads of J D Kirk😁. A nice easy read in the evenings.
Profile Image for Natalie M.
1,392 reviews72 followers
March 12, 2023
Holy Sh*!#!

Now that is a thriller. An added bonus happens to be the brilliant characters, pace and tension.

What a brilliant read!
Profile Image for Effie Saxioni.
722 reviews132 followers
September 30, 2020
Πολύ ωραίο,με την αγωνία του και με τα όλα του,όμως τούτη τη φορά του την έφερα του Τζακ-τον βρήκα τον ένοχο με το που εμφανίστηκε!Και η τελική ανατροπή σαν να αχνοφαινόταν στον ορίζοντα 🤔
Δεν άγγιξε την τελειότητα αν και την πλησίασε, γι'αυτό 4⭐
Profile Image for Daniel Ray.
448 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2025
(Audiobook) This is a great series if you like murder mysteries. The stories are solid. The characters are memorable, especially Logan. And the books are so conversational and entertaining as hell.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
4,967 reviews597 followers
July 24, 2021
The Killing Code is the third book in J.D. Kirk’s DCI Logan series, and it was another addictive addition to the series. Although this one kept me hooked and made for easy reading, it was my least favourite of the series thus far.

There is no doubt The Killing Code was an easy ready, gripping hard enough to ensure you’re happy to power through it, yet there was something missing with this one. It felt a bit flat in places, and there were details introduced that seemed to exist solely for the purpose of prolonging these elements throughout the series. They were not gripping enough alone and took away from the aspects of the story that did interest me. Fortunately, things picked up later in the book and had me unable to put it down.

It’s certainly worth it for fans of the series, and I’m eager to see what comes next, but it’s not a favourite.
Profile Image for Julia.
206 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2023
I loved the plot of this book and the flow which very fast. The humour of the author comes through in the main character again which I really like I think it adds a lot to the book as a whole too.
I’m starting to get a clearer mental picture of what DCI Jack Logan looks like. I like the believable down to earth supporting cast which are starting to build up their own stories.

Early on there’s some insight into the murderers psyche, what they could be thinking and their processes. I would have liked a lot more of this throughout the story as I found it added a bit of creepiness.

Overall a very enjoyable story with an adrenaline fuelled ending. Packed full of great characters, sarcasm and a brilliant plot. Really looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Kathy.
3,820 reviews287 followers
September 22, 2019
This third book in the DCI Logan series was another fast-paced investigation of heinous murders by a seriously impaired individual who manages to stay under the radar for too long. The interaction between the members of Logan's investigation team are lively, peppered with generous portions of humour that helps the mood considerably. Otherwise, I would not sign up to read of brutal rape/slash crimes. This author packages the action within the police procedural frame efficiently and I will stay on this bus as long as it keeps going.
This one has an interesting programming theme as the murderer claims nothing is real, just simulated.

Kindle Unlimited

Profile Image for Kexx.
2,265 reviews94 followers
July 13, 2023
Number 3 completed: I only hope the murders don’t get more and more violent, more and more unrealistic. Scrapped a 5, but I fear for the rest….
Profile Image for Мартин Колев.
408 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2024
Убийствен код - Дж.Д.Кърк

Трета книга от поредицата за инспектор Джак Логан - новодошъл,но вече свикнал с обстановката в уж спокойния и безопасен Инвърнес . Прескочих втората,но приятното усещане за четене на един дъх,за комбинация между поредния брутален психопат ,решил ,че няма проблеми да убива за кеф и моменти в диалозите между Логан и неговите колеги ,най-вече Форд и Нийш,които да те накарат да се засмееш . Интересна комбинация ,но важното е,че анонимните телефонни обаждания към инспектора обещават интересно продължение,което да очакваме от Артлайн .

А самият случай представлява мистериозен убиец,който не оставя никакви следи,а убива невинни жени ,обезобразява ги и оставя по тях надпис ,който озадачава всички инспектори без един,който вече се е сблъсквал с подобен случай . Дали ще успеят да го разрешат ,докато ситуацията не стане лична...И впечатление ми направи теорията за симулацията,а именно,че е възможно да живеем в симулация , създадена от чужд разум и дори да не осъзнаваме това,щом ние самите можем да създадем такава . Интересно твърдение,но все пак не е повод да убиваш безнаказано.
276 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2022
I rated #1 3 stars and #2 2 stars with the comment that I'd give the series one more try.

This was better, much better. 3.5 stars. The story was more rounded, and whilst the identity of the ultimate protagonist came to light earlier than expected it flowed well. Definitely enough to continue reading.

The one aspect I can't quite correlate is the massively high ratings for this series. I mean the majority of readers are giving these books 5 stars (and the sample size is considerable). The series is getting better and DCI Logan does possess those formidable qualities that do intrigue the reader but I'm not getting anywhere near the perfect ratings yet.

But then again, I'm still reading and they are getting better.....
Profile Image for Cheryl Beaton.
39 reviews11 followers
May 19, 2020
The third book in the DCI Logan series and, yes, I am reading them in order. I really enjoyed this book and was thinking 4 1/2 stars, as I was so gripped, especially towards the end of the book. Familiarity with the characters helped and nice to see developments in the younger ones. Gritty story (as always) set in North of Scotland, good moments of humour, and a cracking tale of a serial killer with a super ending. Cant wait for the next book in this series! Well done J.D Kirk!
Profile Image for LenaRibka.
1,462 reviews433 followers
Read
March 12, 2021


I put it aside for so long that I forgot what the case was about. Though the fact that I didn't DNF it earlier means I wanted to keep on reading, so it was not bad but probably was not the right book for my mood at that moment. Maybe I' ll come to it later, when I completely erase it from my mind. The series looks still promising to me.
Profile Image for Lamis.
242 reviews11 followers
December 16, 2021
2 stars
My least favourite out of the first three in the series, the motive didn’t make sense, his last victim didn’t make sense, the plot overall was weak in this one
Profile Image for ЙОАНА МАНДЖУКОВА.
196 reviews11 followers
July 29, 2025
Третата книга е една идея по-слаба от предните две,но е все така интересна,динамична и кървава.Сериен убиец отвлича жени,запушва им устата,извършва сексуално насилие,но не лично,а с парче дърво.После издълбава със скалпел думата "ФАЛШ" върху кожата,докато са живи и им прерязва гърлата. Логан,заедно с познатите ни вече герои-Бен Форд,младшите инспектори, а и Хун с неговия вулгарен език(много се смея с него),както и мафиота Боско, който този път,макар и за кратко,помага на Логан,ще трябва да намерят убиеца,който живее в някакъв свой,нереален свят.Точно причината на убийствата,която не ми прозвуча много убедителна,ме накара да сваля една ⭐️.А финала дава препратка към първата книга и е малко обезпокоителен 😁
Profile Image for Julie Lacey.
1,983 reviews128 followers
August 17, 2023
Another great crime thriller from JD Kirk.
A nurse is found badly stabbed just a few metres from the hospital but unfortunately her life cannot be saved.
Another woman is soon found stabbed to death but this time the killer had more time and cut the word ‘fake’ into her body.
DCI Jack Logan and the team realise they are on the hunt for a disturbed individual but when the killer streams a video of one of the murders, they know they need to catch them quickly.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
Profile Image for Claire Chibi.
593 reviews90 followers
January 3, 2025
I'm so grateful to the rando on reddit who recommended this series to me! This is my newest favourite crime thriller series as I impatiently wait for new instalments on my other favourite series 🥰

The sense of humour and all the little characterisation details really make this series memorable (and the interesting cases, obviously), and I'm 100% on the Tyler and Sinead ship, they're cute uwu
18 reviews
August 30, 2025
A good page-turner of a crime thriller. Nothing too complicated, just a good whodunit. Will definitely look for more books by this author.
Profile Image for Joanne Farley.
1,137 reviews30 followers
May 26, 2023
I am really beginning to enjoy these novels. The characters are so well written you feel like you know them and I am actually starting to really become invested in them. The murders themselves are really convincing and so are the bad guys.

This series is well worth picking up and reading.
Profile Image for Steven R. McEvoy.
3,726 reviews164 followers
May 9, 2022
This is the fourth volume from J.D. Kirk that I have read in the last few months. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. And having ripped through both of their series and slowing working through all of Mayhew’s others works I decided to give Kirk’s a try. These definitely are Scottish Detective Mysteries, and I can see the comparisons with both Smith and Mayhew’s works. I would set this story right in the middle, Smiths are darker and more brutal, and Mayhew’s typically focused a little more on the mystery. This one is another good mix of both.

The description of this novel is:

“What would you do if there weren't any consequences?

After twenty years on the force, Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan thinks he has seen it all.

He is wrong.

When a nurse is murdered on her way home from nightshift, Jack and his team go on the hunt for her killer.

As more victims are uncovered, Jack finds himself tracking a murderer afflicted by a unique psychosis - one that leaves him free to maim and kill without a shred of remorse.

Facing a new type of killer in an unfamiliar city, DCI Jack Logan is about to be pushed to his limits, before being forced to realise just how little he truly knows.”

There are some characters I have encountered in Kirk’s other writings, specifically Detective Superintendent Hoon who I have encountered in Northwind and the Family Liaison Officer, Sinead from Bones. I am enjoying these books so much, I picked up the remainder of volumes in the DCI Logan Series, and Hoon book. And have pre-ordered DCI Logan books 14 and 15 and Hoon book 3. I plan on about a book a week until I have got caught up in both series.

This story has less action than some of the others in the series, some misdirection, and a very interesting theory. The premise the killer is going on is that we are just constructs in a computer system, sort of a AI or NPC. A cross between the Matrix and the Sims. I had figured out most of it before the reveals, but even after I had it solved it was great watching Logan figure it out and put the pieces together, and watching the officer’s work to capture the culprit. I will be honest at first I really suspected a different character. I have stated before that the characters are believable, and the events unfortunately are also. I do not like that Logan asked a favour of Bosco, the Russian crime lord, I am certain it will exact a toll in future stories.

After having read the first three DCI Logan books and the first in the Robert Hoon Series I know I will be reading all the books published buy this author under the pen name J.D. Kirk. Like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under various names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He is coming up on 175 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. For now I will try and read the remaining books published as Kirk. I am aiming for a book a week until I finish this series and then will see where it goes. This is an excellent if you love crime procedural books, or books along the lines of the TV Series The Commander or Wired in the Blood, this would be a great story to pick up. It is an excellent crime thriller and a great mystery and I love that it is set in Scotland! It is a good read in an excellent series. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Scott Kalas.
536 reviews11 followers
May 12, 2021
Series had promise but it’s fading fast

I’m no great mystery detective it was quite obvious who the bad person was from very early on. Again just how it was going to play out. It didn’t play out well.

The killer’s motives or thinking is silly. Logan never sleeps. The climatic end is just another yawner. It was predictable that it would happen but of course no doubt are damsel in distress would survive. Then the last few lines pretty much told me this storyline of a nemesis is like again so many other series boring and stupid.

I’m disappointed I had reasonable hopes for DCI Logan but there is no originality. Protagonist is an alcoholic, broken marriage, estranged from kids, an old case that never ends, the crime boss who is nothing more than a thorn in the flesh, blah, blah blah.

Why can’t more writers just keep things simple. There’s a Murder or two and our protagonist is just an average Joe or Jane who has to solve it and there are no rehashed storylines (see above). Simple is good mystery and suspense.
Profile Image for Dee (readaholic_dee).
325 reviews14 followers
July 17, 2020
Absolutely the best books. I can't get across how much I have enjoyed reading J D Kirk's series. DCI Jack Logan is one in a million! These books keep me gripped from the very first page. I love getting to know the characters and see how each one is developing as the series continues, absolutely brilliant. Top notch writer, highly recommend.
246 reviews4 followers
March 18, 2020
My new potato chips. Tossing ‘em back. Just Scottish enough without being unintelligible to this average American. Not in love with the main characters in jeopardy thread I’m seeing, but I’m sticking with it for now.
97 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2023
Kirk continues to build on his portfolio of relatable and likeable characters, whilst telling one of his most gripping stories yet. Excited for what’s next
Profile Image for Melissa.
69 reviews
December 3, 2024
I was kind of hoping to take a break from this series... not because it wasn't phenomenal, like the previous two, as it really was.. I just have so many other books to read too!! But then the very last page... literally the last two sentences... pulls you right back in and now I need to read the next one... figures, lol.

4.7 🌟
Profile Image for ☼Bookish in Virginia☼ .
1,308 reviews66 followers
dnf
May 5, 2023

Might try this later as it all the whining at the beginning just did not grab my attention. I also thought the writing wasn't as good as the second book. Meh.
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