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Jackman & Evans #6
The Patient Man
Jackman and Evans’ most dangerous enemy is back to finish things off
The domestic bliss of Detective Inspector Rowan Jackman> of Fenland Constabulary doesn’t last long. His nemesis, serial killer Alistair Ashcroft, is back in town and ready to tidy up unfinished business.
Ashcroft sends a sinister text to DS Marie Evans. His opening move in what will prove to be a lethal game of cat-and-mouse. Yet for all his taunts, where is he? In a county crawling with police on the lookout for him, Ashcroft is nowhere to be found.
Everyone Jackman cares about is in danger
Alongside the hunt for Ashcroft, normal police work must continue. The separate thefts of guns, six pigs, a thoroughbred stallion and some oil lead Jackman’s crew to the notorious Lorimer family, ruled over on their farm by the fearsome matriarch Rachel.
Meanwhile, a seemingly routine break-in at the home of gun-club owner Kenneth Harcourt quickly becomes more complicated when the man long held responsible for having killed Harcourt’s young daughter in a hit-and-run is shot dead in a carpark — by a sniper.
A killer is on the loose in the quiet streets of Saltern-le-Fen and he isn’t going to stop at claiming one life. But why is he focusing on young Kevin, so close to promotion to detective?
A lethal game with a very patient man
And the sniper, like Ashcroft, takes to taunting the police: they’ll never catch him, they need to respect him, they shouldn’t be side-tracked looking for their old adversary. In a stunning conclusion, Jackman and Evans race against time to catch the sniper and track down their deadly adversary.
Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Set in the atmospheric Lincolnshire Fens whose towns and isolated villages hide many dark secrets.
Can they finally stop Alistair Ashcroft?
The domestic bliss of Detective Inspector Rowan Jackman> of Fenland Constabulary doesn’t last long. His nemesis, serial killer Alistair Ashcroft, is back in town and ready to tidy up unfinished business.
Ashcroft sends a sinister text to DS Marie Evans. His opening move in what will prove to be a lethal game of cat-and-mouse. Yet for all his taunts, where is he? In a county crawling with police on the lookout for him, Ashcroft is nowhere to be found.
Everyone Jackman cares about is in danger
Alongside the hunt for Ashcroft, normal police work must continue. The separate thefts of guns, six pigs, a thoroughbred stallion and some oil lead Jackman’s crew to the notorious Lorimer family, ruled over on their farm by the fearsome matriarch Rachel.
Meanwhile, a seemingly routine break-in at the home of gun-club owner Kenneth Harcourt quickly becomes more complicated when the man long held responsible for having killed Harcourt’s young daughter in a hit-and-run is shot dead in a carpark — by a sniper.
A killer is on the loose in the quiet streets of Saltern-le-Fen and he isn’t going to stop at claiming one life. But why is he focusing on young Kevin, so close to promotion to detective?
A lethal game with a very patient man
And the sniper, like Ashcroft, takes to taunting the police: they’ll never catch him, they need to respect him, they shouldn’t be side-tracked looking for their old adversary. In a stunning conclusion, Jackman and Evans race against time to catch the sniper and track down their deadly adversary.
Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Set in the atmospheric Lincolnshire Fens whose towns and isolated villages hide many dark secrets.
Can they finally stop Alistair Ashcroft?
314 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2020
2871 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
59 books2,370 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
June 6, 2020
Alistair Ashcroft, the serial killer is back in Saltern. DI Rowan Jackman plays a cat and mouse game with his nemesis as Ashcroft taunts him and DS Marnie Evans in a number of deadly ways. Added into the mix are a series of thefts that link to the renowned Lorimer family, in addition there’s a sniper on the loose and a rising death toll. How do these crimes connect?
First of all, I really like the Fenland setting which always adds a good atmospheric backdrop especially to a crime drama. The characters are well portrayed and I like the camaraderie between the police team especially Jackman and Evans. The pace of the book is steady rather than fast which doesn’t really match the events although this picks up in the conclusion which is good.
However, I find this book is too far fetched, a bit lacklustre with insufficient suspense. Some of the dialogue doesn’t ring true and is sometimes superfluous and gets in the way of the plot. It’s also unnecessary to keep repeating that Ashcroft is the Patient Man - message received and understood!!
Overall, this is a mixed bag as there are parts I like and enjoy and sections I don’t. This should have been a very exciting story as the premise is good but apart from a few places the slow burn holds it back.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffre Books for the ARC
First of all, I really like the Fenland setting which always adds a good atmospheric backdrop especially to a crime drama. The characters are well portrayed and I like the camaraderie between the police team especially Jackman and Evans. The pace of the book is steady rather than fast which doesn’t really match the events although this picks up in the conclusion which is good.
However, I find this book is too far fetched, a bit lacklustre with insufficient suspense. Some of the dialogue doesn’t ring true and is sometimes superfluous and gets in the way of the plot. It’s also unnecessary to keep repeating that Ashcroft is the Patient Man - message received and understood!!
Overall, this is a mixed bag as there are parts I like and enjoy and sections I don’t. This should have been a very exciting story as the premise is good but apart from a few places the slow burn holds it back.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffre Books for the ARC
May 16, 2022
The fifth book in the Jackman and Evans series ended with the escape of Alistar Ashcroft. In this book, he returns, determined to finish off the job of killing them. While it’s not necessary to have read all the previous five books, it definitely makes sense to have at least read the immediate predecessor, The Stolen Boys.
The book begins with a series of weird thefts, but also the death of a young man by a sniper’s bullet. We are introduced to the Lorimer family, who live secluded on the Fens. The sons all have learning issues but seem adept at petty crime.
This is a fast paced mystery with lots of twists. Ashcroft has numerous tricks up his sleeve and the police force seems perpetually two steps behind as the body count keeps increasing. Some of Ashcroft’s tricks seem rather unbelievable, but work to keep the action moving forward.
This is an entertaining series. It’s got the perfect mix of the personal lives of the characters mixed in with the police procedural drama. The team is composed of multiple interesting characters and Ellis works hard to flesh them all out.
This is a great series to listen to as it keeps you fully engaged. Richard Armitage is the perfect narrator.
The book begins with a series of weird thefts, but also the death of a young man by a sniper’s bullet. We are introduced to the Lorimer family, who live secluded on the Fens. The sons all have learning issues but seem adept at petty crime.
This is a fast paced mystery with lots of twists. Ashcroft has numerous tricks up his sleeve and the police force seems perpetually two steps behind as the body count keeps increasing. Some of Ashcroft’s tricks seem rather unbelievable, but work to keep the action moving forward.
This is an entertaining series. It’s got the perfect mix of the personal lives of the characters mixed in with the police procedural drama. The team is composed of multiple interesting characters and Ellis works hard to flesh them all out.
This is a great series to listen to as it keeps you fully engaged. Richard Armitage is the perfect narrator.
June 10, 2020
DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans are back in their most dangerous outing yet. While Saltern-Le-Fen is being plagued by a string of random (or not so random) robberies and PC Kevin Stoner keeps having people shot dead in front of him, Jackman and Evans are being taunted by their arch-nemesis, Alistair Ashcroft. Ashcroft is a psychotic and ruthless killer who has tangled with them before but they were unable to capture him. It seems that this time he is back to kill them. Of course the police are determined to arrest him before that can happen. But first they have to find him which is proving particularly difficult.
This was a great story. There was so much happening - so much danger and so many shootings and, and...it sounds great doesn’t it? But this time the writing just didn’t hold me captive. I have read most of Joy Ellis’s books and really recommend them. Unfortunately this one didn’t deliver enough drama and suspense for my liking. I didn’t get that bated breath and that slightly elevated pulse that normally accompany a Joy Ellis story.
This was a great story. There was so much happening - so much danger and so many shootings and, and...it sounds great doesn’t it? But this time the writing just didn’t hold me captive. I have read most of Joy Ellis’s books and really recommend them. Unfortunately this one didn’t deliver enough drama and suspense for my liking. I didn’t get that bated breath and that slightly elevated pulse that normally accompany a Joy Ellis story.
May 5, 2023
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series. I love the narration and the characters as written. It was very enjoyable and while it is drawn out, Ellis leaves no gaps in her story. I love strong main characters and rooting for the good people.
February 12, 2023
Review soon!
April 27, 2025
The Patient Man sees the return of the greatest and most evil foe that DI Jackman and DS Evans have ever faced. Several different crimes occur and Jackman and his team are well and truly thrown back into a race against time to discover how it all connects and to try and survive. Because it all turns into the most terrifying survival game.
I loved that story. So well written, gripping and engaging from to start to finish. Joy Ellis is a true master and I'm completely in love with those books. Looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series.
I loved that story. So well written, gripping and engaging from to start to finish. Joy Ellis is a true master and I'm completely in love with those books. Looking forward to reading the next instalment in the series.
June 22, 2020
The Patient Man is the sixth instalment in the Detective Inspector Rowan Jackman and Detective Superintendent Marie Evans series set in the fictional small town of Saltern-le-Fen. I'd recommend reading the previous books beforehand as this is a direct continuation of events from those. There is probably just enough background given to allow those who can not stop themselves from wanting to dive in at book number five although you'll likely end up going back and reading from the beginning chronologically once you realise how much you enjoyed it.
Serial killer, terroriser and DI Jackman’s personal nemesis, Alistair Ashcroft, returns with nothing but vengeance on his murderous mind and so a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues between him and police dragging the ordinary peace-loving townsfolk into the melee in the process. Taunts and threats are the name of the game and if there had ever been any doubt that they were dealing with a full-blown and extremely dangerous psychopath then there certainly isn't now. As if this wasn't enough, there is also a spate of bizarre and baffling minor crimes having just begun in earnest in the immediate area. There is a string of strange thefts too: amongst the stolen items is a rifle which soon appears nursed in the arms of a ruthless and elusive sniper, but what, if anything, links the crime and/or the perpetrators?
This is a taut and tightly woven cross between a serial killer thriller and a police procedural with a plot that is high-octane, action-packed and rollicks along giving you barely a moment to catch a breath. With the whole of society at risk due to Ashcroft having a slate off, this makes for an intense and utterly riveting read from the BANG of the opening few pages, to the heart-pounding, nail-biting thrills of the closing few as the team pray to God he can't escape them, and justice, again. Some of Joy Ellis’s novels verge closer to cosy mysteries but this is one of the most thrilling and compulsive pull no punches ”full-bodied” thrillers I've picked up in ages. Unreservedly recommended. Enjoy the seemingly endless exciting and crazy ride! Palpitation-inducing in places. More, please. Many thanks to Joffe for an ARC.
Serial killer, terroriser and DI Jackman’s personal nemesis, Alistair Ashcroft, returns with nothing but vengeance on his murderous mind and so a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues between him and police dragging the ordinary peace-loving townsfolk into the melee in the process. Taunts and threats are the name of the game and if there had ever been any doubt that they were dealing with a full-blown and extremely dangerous psychopath then there certainly isn't now. As if this wasn't enough, there is also a spate of bizarre and baffling minor crimes having just begun in earnest in the immediate area. There is a string of strange thefts too: amongst the stolen items is a rifle which soon appears nursed in the arms of a ruthless and elusive sniper, but what, if anything, links the crime and/or the perpetrators?
This is a taut and tightly woven cross between a serial killer thriller and a police procedural with a plot that is high-octane, action-packed and rollicks along giving you barely a moment to catch a breath. With the whole of society at risk due to Ashcroft having a slate off, this makes for an intense and utterly riveting read from the BANG of the opening few pages, to the heart-pounding, nail-biting thrills of the closing few as the team pray to God he can't escape them, and justice, again. Some of Joy Ellis’s novels verge closer to cosy mysteries but this is one of the most thrilling and compulsive pull no punches ”full-bodied” thrillers I've picked up in ages. Unreservedly recommended. Enjoy the seemingly endless exciting and crazy ride! Palpitation-inducing in places. More, please. Many thanks to Joffe for an ARC.
June 18, 2020
Alistair Ashcroft is back! He's been the most dangerous nemesis for a long, long time. He loves playing cat and mouse and this time around Detective Jackman and DC Marie Evans are just waiting to catch him in their trap.
Ashcroft is hiding, perhaps he's changed his appearance, and no one claims to have seen him, Yet he's there ....
Other cases must be investigated ... a house broken into and only two guns of many are taken. One of those guns has been linked to a previous killing, Six pigs are taken from another farm .. and a valuable thoroughbred is stolen from another. And oil from yet another. Investigation into these cases lead to a notorious local family.
A new man thisclose to his promotion is targeted by a sniper. Ashcroft has sworn to kill everyone around Jackman .... is he now taking aim at Jackman's team?
One thing for sure ... Ashcroft is roaming the streets and will not stop with one killing. And the game isn't over until Jackman and Evans are dead.
This one is well written, full of twists and turns that will keep the reader turning the pages until the very shocking, unexpected ending. Although 6th in the series, this can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend starting at the very beginning. The characters are finely drawn. Set in the atmospheric Lincolnshire Fens whose towns and isolated villages hide many dark secrets.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books . Books 'n All Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction/thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 21, 2020
The Patient Man is the best book that I have read this year - and I have read some fantastic books! This book is just superb and has everything that I like within a story.
DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans are on their toughest case to date and they need to be fully on their guard as an old nemesis of theirs is getting closer! Can they overcome him once and for all?!
The imagination that the author had when plotting this story is beyond impressive.
The characters could be people that you know, they are THAT believable!
Even the setting got my emotions bubbling over with fright and you never know when a sniper will next pull the trigger.
One member of the team working the case always happens to be right in the thick of it each time - why are they being singled out by the villain? Is it someone who they know?!
I needed a lot of answers and as I read through each scene I became more and more intrigued! Is Jackman and Evans' nemesis working alone or are there two criminals at large?
I'll tell you now, my whole journey following this story was very eventful and I was fully absorbed with what was happening. I hated being distracted!
I finally got all of my answers; all was revealed to me and it made perfect sense.
The ending was shockingly good! And it makes it all the more exciting when you DON'T know what will happen or how it will end!
I cannot recommend this book enough, it is absolutely brilliant!
My thanks to Joffe books via NetGalley, and to Books 'n' all Promotions for my arc copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans are on their toughest case to date and they need to be fully on their guard as an old nemesis of theirs is getting closer! Can they overcome him once and for all?!
The imagination that the author had when plotting this story is beyond impressive.
The characters could be people that you know, they are THAT believable!
Even the setting got my emotions bubbling over with fright and you never know when a sniper will next pull the trigger.
One member of the team working the case always happens to be right in the thick of it each time - why are they being singled out by the villain? Is it someone who they know?!
I needed a lot of answers and as I read through each scene I became more and more intrigued! Is Jackman and Evans' nemesis working alone or are there two criminals at large?
I'll tell you now, my whole journey following this story was very eventful and I was fully absorbed with what was happening. I hated being distracted!
I finally got all of my answers; all was revealed to me and it made perfect sense.
The ending was shockingly good! And it makes it all the more exciting when you DON'T know what will happen or how it will end!
I cannot recommend this book enough, it is absolutely brilliant!
My thanks to Joffe books via NetGalley, and to Books 'n' all Promotions for my arc copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
April 2, 2020
I'm already missing Jackman and his team. :(
March 6, 2025
4 Stars
Allistar Ashcroft is still on loss. Jackman and Evans never know when he'll strike again.
Ashcroft uses a disguise to pose as a family friend of a low income family.
He makes false promises to this family and ends up with more murders under his belt.
While Jackman and Evans are looking for him someone confesses to a hit and run in which his latest friend was blamed.
Not bad but not my favourite in this series.
Allistar Ashcroft is still on loss. Jackman and Evans never know when he'll strike again.
Ashcroft uses a disguise to pose as a family friend of a low income family.
He makes false promises to this family and ends up with more murders under his belt.
While Jackman and Evans are looking for him someone confesses to a hit and run in which his latest friend was blamed.
Not bad but not my favourite in this series.
June 4, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Patient Man, the sixth novel set in the fictional town of Saltern-le-Fen to feature DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans.
Jackman and the team are dealing with a spate of nonsensical thefts, a stallion, six pigs and some red diesel and the more serious theft of guns when their nemesis Alistair Ashcroft announces his return to Saltern. It’s hard not to link this to the gun theft and the sudden appearance of a deadly sniper.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Patient Man which is an action packed read with a few good twists. It is mostly told from Jackman and Evans’ points of view with some switches to other characters as and when required. Often this switching can be distracting but in this case it adds to the power of the narrative.
Alistair Ashcroft is a suitably evil individual which allows the reader to overlook the improbability of his many manoeuvres and manipulations, his omniscience and his multiple backup plans. It doesn’t ring true but makes for a good read. There is nothing like the goodies winning against clever baddies to give the reader a sense of satisfaction. It might be my mood but I couldn’t quite read the book in this lighthearted vein. I felt it sagged at bits and was overly long as it doesn’t have the oomph the synopsis and my comments suggest. Yes, there are multiple deaths and close calls, a couple of twists, a large dose of fear and some strange characters but it doesn’t get exciting until the showdown at the end.
The Patient Man is a good read but not the best in the series.
Jackman and the team are dealing with a spate of nonsensical thefts, a stallion, six pigs and some red diesel and the more serious theft of guns when their nemesis Alistair Ashcroft announces his return to Saltern. It’s hard not to link this to the gun theft and the sudden appearance of a deadly sniper.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Patient Man which is an action packed read with a few good twists. It is mostly told from Jackman and Evans’ points of view with some switches to other characters as and when required. Often this switching can be distracting but in this case it adds to the power of the narrative.
Alistair Ashcroft is a suitably evil individual which allows the reader to overlook the improbability of his many manoeuvres and manipulations, his omniscience and his multiple backup plans. It doesn’t ring true but makes for a good read. There is nothing like the goodies winning against clever baddies to give the reader a sense of satisfaction. It might be my mood but I couldn’t quite read the book in this lighthearted vein. I felt it sagged at bits and was overly long as it doesn’t have the oomph the synopsis and my comments suggest. Yes, there are multiple deaths and close calls, a couple of twists, a large dose of fear and some strange characters but it doesn’t get exciting until the showdown at the end.
The Patient Man is a good read but not the best in the series.
June 19, 2020
Kindle format review of this awesome book
This book gives the reader an adrenaline boost at the very beginning and it doesn't let up I devoured every page making myself take my time reading to really savour the story.
Alistair Ashcroft first appeared in The Guilty Ones and so I have been waiting for him to make a reappearance and I wasn't disappointed. He is evilness personified and all Jackmans team were affected by his actions but Marie and Jackman have not only been injured but have also had loved ones taken away from them by him. The team was devastated when he escaped capture and now he is back!!
Everyone is on high alert but nobody more than Jackman. Haunted by a nightmare he is in danger of cowering under the pressure to catch this elusive psychopath. At risk of allowing his emotions to distract him from tracking down Ashcroft, Jackman reaches deep inside himself to find the strength to stand up and do what he does best - track down a viscous murderer.
Each member of the team has so much to live for and so much to lose and Ashcroft uses this to his advantage to torment them. I love the way Jackman's team interacts and cares about each other and it is that strength that keeps them focussed but is that also a weakness that will leave them vulnerable?
The Lorimer family play a major part in this and I don't want to put in any spoilers so I won't say much about them other than Joy has created these characters realistically giving each a special characteristic to offset their issues and the whole family and their issues is handled sympathetically and with enormous skill - hat off to the author.
So with a sniper on the loose and an innocent family caught up in the mayhem will Jackman and his team crack the case and bring down Ashcroft or will he escape again leaving devastation behind him? You will have to read the book to find out.
An absolutely gripping pageturner full of twists and turns. 5 golden stars from me
This book gives the reader an adrenaline boost at the very beginning and it doesn't let up I devoured every page making myself take my time reading to really savour the story.
Alistair Ashcroft first appeared in The Guilty Ones and so I have been waiting for him to make a reappearance and I wasn't disappointed. He is evilness personified and all Jackmans team were affected by his actions but Marie and Jackman have not only been injured but have also had loved ones taken away from them by him. The team was devastated when he escaped capture and now he is back!!
Everyone is on high alert but nobody more than Jackman. Haunted by a nightmare he is in danger of cowering under the pressure to catch this elusive psychopath. At risk of allowing his emotions to distract him from tracking down Ashcroft, Jackman reaches deep inside himself to find the strength to stand up and do what he does best - track down a viscous murderer.
Each member of the team has so much to live for and so much to lose and Ashcroft uses this to his advantage to torment them. I love the way Jackman's team interacts and cares about each other and it is that strength that keeps them focussed but is that also a weakness that will leave them vulnerable?
The Lorimer family play a major part in this and I don't want to put in any spoilers so I won't say much about them other than Joy has created these characters realistically giving each a special characteristic to offset their issues and the whole family and their issues is handled sympathetically and with enormous skill - hat off to the author.
So with a sniper on the loose and an innocent family caught up in the mayhem will Jackman and his team crack the case and bring down Ashcroft or will he escape again leaving devastation behind him? You will have to read the book to find out.
An absolutely gripping pageturner full of twists and turns. 5 golden stars from me
February 5, 2021
This should have been interesting and in some ways an epic concussion to the Alistair Ashcroft saga. Instead, it's a hot mess. Alistair Ashcroft has gone from a clever killer in previous books to super villain in this one. One who can disguise himself as anyone, become a crack sniper shot in just weeks, make elaborate plans for revenge, while still finding time to go to church and do charity work. Sigh. What a waste of setup from The Guilty Ones. From an interesting psychological character study of villainy to this inane killer who likes to taunt. I think Joy Ellis wrote herself into a corner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2020
oh, boy! where do I begin...
this was, probably, the worst of the DI Jackman & DS Evans series. Too stretched, too repetitive and too predictable. At times, I found myself scanning through the pages, searching for action, twists and turns that were promised in the blurb. Very disappointed.
this was, probably, the worst of the DI Jackman & DS Evans series. Too stretched, too repetitive and too predictable. At times, I found myself scanning through the pages, searching for action, twists and turns that were promised in the blurb. Very disappointed.
February 9, 2022
Literally the only book in which the main characters worries about what would happen to their 'team' if the worst happened was warranted and NONE of the main or even semi recurring characters was killed off! No one that any reader could have had a vested emotional interest in died.
Characters that had been recurring up until a couple of books ago were worked back in, for no good reason, an interesting character from the previous book who would've provided an interesting part of the story was ignored. I honestly don't think this writer has a clue about what she's doing with anything in these books.
Literally the only things that makes these books worth while listening to is their cheapness on the daily deal and Richard Armitage reading them, fine if you can turn your brain off.
Characters that had been recurring up until a couple of books ago were worked back in, for no good reason, an interesting character from the previous book who would've provided an interesting part of the story was ignored. I honestly don't think this writer has a clue about what she's doing with anything in these books.
Literally the only things that makes these books worth while listening to is their cheapness on the daily deal and Richard Armitage reading them, fine if you can turn your brain off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2022
I love this series, especially with Richard Armitage's amazing narration. There was something lacking from this one though. Not enough suspense, not enough "God what's gonna happen next!".
October 13, 2024
Setting: Lincolnshire, England; modern day.
This is the sixth book in the series featuring D.I. Rowan Jackman and his sidekick, D.S. Marie Evans, and the pair are once again under attack from their nemesis, Alistair Ashcroft, who has vowed to take vengeance on the officers after they thwarted his previous murderous spree.
A robbery at the home of a gun club owner, during which several weapons are stolen, is followed by a number of sniper shootings. There are other distractions for the team including the theft of several pigs, a quantity of red diesel and a prize stallion from farms in the area - which all seem to be the work of the same team of almost incompetent burglars.
As the body count and the threat level to the police mounts, Jackman and his team have to try to find both the sniper and their nemesis, who is threatening their very existence....
Another gripping read in this excellent series with tense action and interesting and well-developed characters - 9/10.
This is the sixth book in the series featuring D.I. Rowan Jackman and his sidekick, D.S. Marie Evans, and the pair are once again under attack from their nemesis, Alistair Ashcroft, who has vowed to take vengeance on the officers after they thwarted his previous murderous spree.
A robbery at the home of a gun club owner, during which several weapons are stolen, is followed by a number of sniper shootings. There are other distractions for the team including the theft of several pigs, a quantity of red diesel and a prize stallion from farms in the area - which all seem to be the work of the same team of almost incompetent burglars.
As the body count and the threat level to the police mounts, Jackman and his team have to try to find both the sniper and their nemesis, who is threatening their very existence....
Another gripping read in this excellent series with tense action and interesting and well-developed characters - 9/10.
March 3, 2023
In the past I have enjoyed reading all of the Nikki Galena series by this author and so picked up this book in the library to try it. I found it everything I wanted in a crime book: lots of twists, bodies, "red herrings " and a team of detectives which I quickly got to know. I am pleased to see that there are more in the series so will be looking for the back catalogue and future books, a real find. I do enjoy following a team of detectives especially when the setting is familiar.
February 12, 2022
The Patient Man aka Alistair Ashcroft, returns to finish his vendetta against Jackman and Ellis. Along the way he dupes so many people including a vulnerable, not too bright family, ex military personnel, a priest, serving police officers and more, often with fatal results. A master of disguise and full of charismatic charm when he wants to be he terrorises Saltern Le Fen.
Jackman and Evans are his prey. Everyone else collateral damage. Eventually they accept Ashcroft's invitation to meet fully aware that neither of them may survive but two women have disappeared and this may be the only chance to save them.
Jackman and Evans are his prey. Everyone else collateral damage. Eventually they accept Ashcroft's invitation to meet fully aware that neither of them may survive but two women have disappeared and this may be the only chance to save them.
October 23, 2021
Ashcroft is back! An exciting installment in the series, in which the action starts to hit very close to home for Jackman & Evans. Enjoyed this one.
April 3, 2023
I did enjoy this book but I was not super into it. I think I was over Ashcroft and all his shenanigans. I don't understanding his obsession with Jackman and Evans.
I enjoyed the little side plot of the isolated family who grew up loners and kind of weird. They tied in well with the story.
In all reality I was getting fed up with Ashcroft. I did enjoy his disguised characters. Especially because it is true that you can hide in plain sight and walk in front of the police looking for you without them noticing you. I mean, Pablo Escobar took a photo in front of the white house, not wearing a disguise, and while being in the top ten FBIs most wanted lol. So it's plausible.
The ending was not what I hoped. I wanted it to be a definite ending, but it seems to have been set up to continue at some point in the future.
I enjoyed the little side plot of the isolated family who grew up loners and kind of weird. They tied in well with the story.
In all reality I was getting fed up with Ashcroft. I did enjoy his disguised characters. Especially because it is true that you can hide in plain sight and walk in front of the police looking for you without them noticing you. I mean, Pablo Escobar took a photo in front of the white house, not wearing a disguise, and while being in the top ten FBIs most wanted lol. So it's plausible.
The ending was not what I hoped. I wanted it to be a definite ending, but it seems to have been set up to continue at some point in the future.
June 24, 2020
Book six in the Jackman and evans series Rowan and marie working for saltern-le-fen police . Rowan wakes up from a bad dream marie is covered in a scarlet stain across her blouse in a distant a man gives a salute it was Alastair Ashcroft that man is out there somewhere a wanted killer is this dream a sign of things to come? They get c call from the fenside gun club after a break in and only two are missing from the cabinet confusing and things start occurring. A professed patient man, vowing to come back, the feeling of him lurking around playing cat and mouse, someone has to be hiding him. So what is next in store? All the characters come to life by this author that you sharp get to love or hate, gripping, addictive, compulsive reading, that gave me goosebumps of whats going to happen next. Love this author's work and love this book from start to finish. I will leave it in your hands to read and find out. It wont disappoint.
November 10, 2021
My thanks to Joffe, Joy Ellis and Netgalley.
I absolutely love Joy Ellis. And most of all, I have loved Jackman and Evan's. I love all her books, character's and Fens.
I was so frustrated by this book though. So much that I may have a slight clue about the ending. Only if I stop and think about it. What really annoyed me is the fact that although some people cussed, they didn't actually use cuss words.
If you say frig, because you don't want to say the F word? Don't say it at all. The word may be different, but when the intention is the same, then it's pointless.
I cuss! But, I know people who don't. Thing is that they don't substitute other words for a cuss word! I never really notice until I'm home and think to myself..huh! I cuss constantly in my reviews.. I like to think that if someone has read my profile page then they know I'm rude, crude and definitely profane!
I couldn't lose myself in the happenings in this book. I tried. I especially was looking forward to Evan's on her new bike!
Please, Ms. Ellis. Shit or get off the pot! I need true cuss words, or none at all.
I absolutely love Joy Ellis. And most of all, I have loved Jackman and Evan's. I love all her books, character's and Fens.
I was so frustrated by this book though. So much that I may have a slight clue about the ending. Only if I stop and think about it. What really annoyed me is the fact that although some people cussed, they didn't actually use cuss words.
If you say frig, because you don't want to say the F word? Don't say it at all. The word may be different, but when the intention is the same, then it's pointless.
I cuss! But, I know people who don't. Thing is that they don't substitute other words for a cuss word! I never really notice until I'm home and think to myself..huh! I cuss constantly in my reviews.. I like to think that if someone has read my profile page then they know I'm rude, crude and definitely profane!
I couldn't lose myself in the happenings in this book. I tried. I especially was looking forward to Evan's on her new bike!
Please, Ms. Ellis. Shit or get off the pot! I need true cuss words, or none at all.
February 24, 2020
This series has become a hot mess. I really did not enjoy the previous entry and hoped with the continuation of the storyline from The Guilty Ones the series would improve. It has not.
I love Richard Armitage's narration and that was truly the only factor that kept me until the end.
I miss Rory. I want more Rory.
I love Richard Armitage's narration and that was truly the only factor that kept me until the end.
I miss Rory. I want more Rory.
March 8, 2022
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but I just could not. This was a very odd story and the idea that Moriarty would be great at everything just because he was bright, not to mention the gun training club not going "hmmm, this guy is pretty serious, maybe we should tell someone about his love of firearms...". Also trying to create a Moriarty for Jackman, really just did not enjoy that crossover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2023
The finish for Ashcroft was a little too easy, although I did like how it was accomplished. Enjoyable overall.
March 10, 2020
Audiobooks are very new to me, so new this is my second book but also the reason I decided to dip my toes in the water of audiobooks as this one has been released in audio format several months before the Kindle and paperback versions and it is a Joy Ellis book so I couldn't wait could I? It is also narrated by Richard Armitage and I have heard great things about his narration.
Alistair Ashcroft is Jackman's nemesis well he is the nemesis of the whole team. All have been affected by his action but Marie and Jackman have not only been injured but have also had loved ones taken away from them by him. The team was devastated when he escaped capture and now he is back!!
Everyone is on high alert but nobody more than Jackman. Haunted by a nightmare he is in danger of cowering under the pressure to catch this elusive psychopath. At risk of allowing his emotions to distract him from tracking down Ashcroft, Jackman reaches deep inside himself to find the strength to stand up and do what he does best - track down a viscous murderer.
Each member of the team has so much to live for and so much to lose and Ashcroft uses this to his advantage to torment them. I love the way Jackman's team interacts and cares about each other and it is that strength that keeps them focussed but is that also a weakness that will leave them vulnerable?
This book kicks off the adrenaline boost at the very beginning and it doesn't let up I devoured every page making myself take my time reading to really savour the story.
The Lorimer family play a major part in this and I don't want to put in any spoilers so I won't say much about them other than Joy has created these characters realistically giving each a special characteristic to offset their issues and the whole family and their issues is handled sympathetically and with enormous skill - hat off to the author.
So with a sniper on the loose and an innocent family caught up in the mayhem will Jackman and his team crack the case and bring down Ashcroft or will he escape again leaving devastation behind him? You will have to listen to the book to find out.
The narration is everything I expected although I have to admit I had imagined Jackman to have a different voice so was a little thrown at first but I wasn't very far in before I realised that Richard had got it right and the voice worked perfectly as did the others. I found listening to such a brilliant book while out walking in the Derbyshire countryside was a very enjoyable experience so I will be listening to more audiobooks.
Another 5 golden stars to Joy Ellis for another brilliant addition to an awesome series.
Alistair Ashcroft is Jackman's nemesis well he is the nemesis of the whole team. All have been affected by his action but Marie and Jackman have not only been injured but have also had loved ones taken away from them by him. The team was devastated when he escaped capture and now he is back!!
Everyone is on high alert but nobody more than Jackman. Haunted by a nightmare he is in danger of cowering under the pressure to catch this elusive psychopath. At risk of allowing his emotions to distract him from tracking down Ashcroft, Jackman reaches deep inside himself to find the strength to stand up and do what he does best - track down a viscous murderer.
Each member of the team has so much to live for and so much to lose and Ashcroft uses this to his advantage to torment them. I love the way Jackman's team interacts and cares about each other and it is that strength that keeps them focussed but is that also a weakness that will leave them vulnerable?
This book kicks off the adrenaline boost at the very beginning and it doesn't let up I devoured every page making myself take my time reading to really savour the story.
The Lorimer family play a major part in this and I don't want to put in any spoilers so I won't say much about them other than Joy has created these characters realistically giving each a special characteristic to offset their issues and the whole family and their issues is handled sympathetically and with enormous skill - hat off to the author.
So with a sniper on the loose and an innocent family caught up in the mayhem will Jackman and his team crack the case and bring down Ashcroft or will he escape again leaving devastation behind him? You will have to listen to the book to find out.
The narration is everything I expected although I have to admit I had imagined Jackman to have a different voice so was a little thrown at first but I wasn't very far in before I realised that Richard had got it right and the voice worked perfectly as did the others. I found listening to such a brilliant book while out walking in the Derbyshire countryside was a very enjoyable experience so I will be listening to more audiobooks.
Another 5 golden stars to Joy Ellis for another brilliant addition to an awesome series.
July 16, 2020
Although this is the first book in this series that I have read, I did not feel left behind even though the real villain is resurfacing after having gotten away some time ago. This time he continues to target their entire department but especially toying with DI Jackman and DS Evans. At the same time the department is dealing with several poorly done thefts and an alarming sniper whose targets are somewhat unconnected except that a police colleague who has just been promoted is right next to each of the victims. There are other families involved and a bit of backstory on the major detectives in the piece. Very tight suspense in a very good story with some incredible details on firearms.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley and then purchased an audio copy because I wanted to reread it again sometime.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley and then purchased an audio copy because I wanted to reread it again sometime.
April 14, 2025
Something was different about the writing in this one. Ellis forgot to show instead of tell - old adage though it may be - which created a clunky and heavy handed feel. This affected the start of the novel more than the end, I think, as I warmed up to the narrative as the story progressed. The characters suffered from the loss of writing style, they felt more lifeless at the beginning than in any previous book in the series. Perhaps Ellis built up Ashcroft’s character arc and nemesis journey for too long?
However, the story itself was very satisfying, especially that ending! The new characters and the poetic Justice of the ultimate showdown made me so content.
A lot of wonderful elements, and I still really enjoyed it, but the writing style definitely took a dip on this particular one. I hope the next book is back to the previous glory of the series!
However, the story itself was very satisfying, especially that ending! The new characters and the poetic Justice of the ultimate showdown made me so content.
A lot of wonderful elements, and I still really enjoyed it, but the writing style definitely took a dip on this particular one. I hope the next book is back to the previous glory of the series!
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