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Jackman & Evans #9
Solace House
An isolated house with a terrible past. Is history repeating itself for the new family living there?
Holly Stewart moved into Solace House wanting a fresh start for her and her family. She knew a tragic murder had taken place there, but she didn’t know the full ghastly history of the house.
Now, her husband has lost his job, the children are bullied at school, and someone is prowling around the garden at night. Someone who wants them gone.
Detective Jackman wants to help. Instead he’s been pulled into a twenty-year-old cold case. The gruesome murder of a young woman whose head was never found. A new witness comes forward. He claims to have crucial evidence on what really happened that night.
Days later, a group of litter-pickers uncover black sacks containing dismembered human limbs. Attending the scene, DS Marie Evans is shocked to see a strange symbol carved into the victim’s flesh: the same symbol found on the headless girl all those years ago.
The murders must be connected. But why has the killer struck again — after twenty years?
As the threats to the Stewart family escalate, Jackman must choose between helping people in the present and solving the crimes of the past.
Holly Stewart moved into Solace House wanting a fresh start for her and her family. She knew a tragic murder had taken place there, but she didn’t know the full ghastly history of the house.
Now, her husband has lost his job, the children are bullied at school, and someone is prowling around the garden at night. Someone who wants them gone.
Detective Jackman wants to help. Instead he’s been pulled into a twenty-year-old cold case. The gruesome murder of a young woman whose head was never found. A new witness comes forward. He claims to have crucial evidence on what really happened that night.
Days later, a group of litter-pickers uncover black sacks containing dismembered human limbs. Attending the scene, DS Marie Evans is shocked to see a strange symbol carved into the victim’s flesh: the same symbol found on the headless girl all those years ago.
The murders must be connected. But why has the killer struck again — after twenty years?
As the threats to the Stewart family escalate, Jackman must choose between helping people in the present and solving the crimes of the past.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2022
1633 people are currently reading
860 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
60 books2,427 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 388 reviews
September 20, 2022
My thanks to Joffe Books, Joy Ellis and Netgalley.
It's just a fact. I love Jackman and Evans, and the whole damned team!
It's a funny thing, because these people don't cuss...much! They all like/love and respect each other. We never find the angst that is often so prevalent in other books of this type. They are a wonderfully cohesive unit.
Almost sounds like a cosy doesn't it? Sounds like something I would hate!
What Joy actually deals in is some messed up murders. Gruesome really.
Sadly, in this outing a beloved secondary character dies. I personally was crushed. It's just so difficult getting over this kind of loss.
Yet, I honestly can't complain. I think this was one of Joy's best books.
I always hate to see someone die, but I do love when an author isn't afraid of killing a character off.
It's just a fact. I love Jackman and Evans, and the whole damned team!
It's a funny thing, because these people don't cuss...much! They all like/love and respect each other. We never find the angst that is often so prevalent in other books of this type. They are a wonderfully cohesive unit.
Almost sounds like a cosy doesn't it? Sounds like something I would hate!
What Joy actually deals in is some messed up murders. Gruesome really.
Sadly, in this outing a beloved secondary character dies. I personally was crushed. It's just so difficult getting over this kind of loss.
Yet, I honestly can't complain. I think this was one of Joy's best books.
I always hate to see someone die, but I do love when an author isn't afraid of killing a character off.
October 26, 2022
What a delight! It is a bit of work to keep the many characters straight and the plot becomes at times difficult to follow, but it is well worth it. Great character descriptions that make them come alive. If you spend time on this you will not be sorry.
September 25, 2022
I was slow to warm to the Jackman and Evans series, but I’ve been truly engaged by the last few. This, the ninth in the series, starts with Jackman taking on the role of Guardian Angel for a new family that have moved into a house with a dark past. In addition to helping the family, he and Marie take an interest in unraveling the stories of murder in the house’s past.
Thanks to some quiet time at the station, they begin to investigate a cold case involving a ritualistic murder. And then, Bam! body parts are found along the roadside with similar markings to that of the cold case.
Ellis does a great job of weaving all the different stories together along with some historical facts about baby farming and Victorian child rearing. By alternating between the different investigations, Ellis keeps a fast pace going throughout the book.
As with her Nikki Galena series, I’ve really become enchanted by the team here. They come off as real people I’d like to know (even Orac). That made a turn in this book especially painful.
My thanks to Netgalley and Joffre Books for an advance copy of this book.
Thanks to some quiet time at the station, they begin to investigate a cold case involving a ritualistic murder. And then, Bam! body parts are found along the roadside with similar markings to that of the cold case.
Ellis does a great job of weaving all the different stories together along with some historical facts about baby farming and Victorian child rearing. By alternating between the different investigations, Ellis keeps a fast pace going throughout the book.
As with her Nikki Galena series, I’ve really become enchanted by the team here. They come off as real people I’d like to know (even Orac). That made a turn in this book especially painful.
My thanks to Netgalley and Joffre Books for an advance copy of this book.
November 25, 2022
There was much that I enjoyed, but the death of Laura just didn’t fit in right and Jackman’s response was so shallow. Even trying to fix that with his mother saying they’d mourn when the case was solved didn’t help. At first I thought it was staged and any moment she’d show up again. And the unknown running throughout the book was overly distracting. Just my thoughts and feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
Wow wow wow !!!!
I DEVOURED all 9 books in this series in 8 weeks.
Richard Armitage is my favorite narrator so I stumbled onto author Joy Ellis after an Audible search of his narration.
SOLACE HOUSE ripped my heart out and tried to out it back together again. I simply adore Jackman & Evans but Ellis quickly became a new favorite! She writes of the most gruesome crimes with original perspectives and unique angles.
I LOVE ROOTING FOR CHARACTERS !!!
Why there’s this trend of books complete with unlikable characters I’ll never understand. Ellis fully develops her characters, even the minor ones. The plots always make sense and left no stone unturned.
She even left me intrigued with miscellaneous chapters about Jonathan and Janet.
Now all I can do is wait until book 10 releases this fall.
What a pleasure it’s been to listen to this weird series!!
I DEVOURED all 9 books in this series in 8 weeks.
Richard Armitage is my favorite narrator so I stumbled onto author Joy Ellis after an Audible search of his narration.
SOLACE HOUSE ripped my heart out and tried to out it back together again. I simply adore Jackman & Evans but Ellis quickly became a new favorite! She writes of the most gruesome crimes with original perspectives and unique angles.
I LOVE ROOTING FOR CHARACTERS !!!
Why there’s this trend of books complete with unlikable characters I’ll never understand. Ellis fully develops her characters, even the minor ones. The plots always make sense and left no stone unturned.
She even left me intrigued with miscellaneous chapters about Jonathan and Janet.
Now all I can do is wait until book 10 releases this fall.
What a pleasure it’s been to listen to this weird series!!
December 11, 2025
*Grand illusions*
Solace House, seemingly idyllic, is actually far from Solace. Holly Stewart and her family crave a fresh start and are drawn to its bargain price despite its tragic past. However, their hopes are dashed as their children are bullied and her husband loses his job. Strange occurrences begin, clearly designed to drive them out.
Detective Inspector Jackman believes he can help but soon discovers a much deeper mystery. Dismembered bodies start appearing, raising questions about a possible link or something more sinister.
Meanwhile, DI Jackman faces a personal tragedy and his loyal sidekick DS Marie Evans steps in to take over.
However, there’s someone far more dangerous who appears completely ordinary. He’s delusional and grandiose – can he be stopped?
WARNING: TRIGGERS
*Dismembered bodies
*Cult activity
Solace House, seemingly idyllic, is actually far from Solace. Holly Stewart and her family crave a fresh start and are drawn to its bargain price despite its tragic past. However, their hopes are dashed as their children are bullied and her husband loses his job. Strange occurrences begin, clearly designed to drive them out.
Detective Inspector Jackman believes he can help but soon discovers a much deeper mystery. Dismembered bodies start appearing, raising questions about a possible link or something more sinister.
Meanwhile, DI Jackman faces a personal tragedy and his loyal sidekick DS Marie Evans steps in to take over.
However, there’s someone far more dangerous who appears completely ordinary. He’s delusional and grandiose – can he be stopped?
WARNING: TRIGGERS
*Dismembered bodies
*Cult activity
April 11, 2025
Excellent series. Rowan Jackman and Marie Evans are great characters. They both had own personal tragic stories especially in this book.
Richard Armatige couldn't be a better narrator for this series. He takes on many British accents.
Rory who is the lead forensics investigator is a brilliant and quite funny character.
All stories take place in The Fens England. I looked it up and it's a huge marsh on the Eastern coast. It mimics The Netherlands with it's windmills and canals.
This story focuses on Solace house. Known by the town as being haunted as people had previously been murdered there.
Holly and Hugh are occupants of the house with their two children and had no idea of it's history until DSI Jackman stops by.
This story delves into victorian nurseries and cults.
Truly recommend this series to any detective buff.
Joy Ellis is an underrated author. Glad I decided to read this
Richard Armatige couldn't be a better narrator for this series. He takes on many British accents.
Rory who is the lead forensics investigator is a brilliant and quite funny character.
All stories take place in The Fens England. I looked it up and it's a huge marsh on the Eastern coast. It mimics The Netherlands with it's windmills and canals.
This story focuses on Solace house. Known by the town as being haunted as people had previously been murdered there.
Holly and Hugh are occupants of the house with their two children and had no idea of it's history until DSI Jackman stops by.
This story delves into victorian nurseries and cults.
Truly recommend this series to any detective buff.
Joy Ellis is an underrated author. Glad I decided to read this
April 13, 2023
Excellent again, and building towards a tragedy that I expected, the cause of which I did not.
Poor Jackman... Poor Laura...
Maybe in the next book he should get another horse. 🐴(I mean that seriously by the way. It's interesting to me that Marie maintains her passion for motorcycles, whereas Jackman delays his own love of horses until a time when he is no longer a cop. Don't put it off!)
Poor Jackman... Poor Laura...
Maybe in the next book he should get another horse. 🐴(I mean that seriously by the way. It's interesting to me that Marie maintains her passion for motorcycles, whereas Jackman delays his own love of horses until a time when he is no longer a cop. Don't put it off!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2023
Audible Original 11 hours 56 min. Narrated by Richard Armatige (A)
Crime fiction I stumbled across in the midst of my war with Covid. I must be one a few readers to whom this series is unknown. Joy Ellis is a captivating writer, and Richard Armatige is the perfect reader of this English crime fighting team.
Crime fiction I stumbled across in the midst of my war with Covid. I must be one a few readers to whom this series is unknown. Joy Ellis is a captivating writer, and Richard Armatige is the perfect reader of this English crime fighting team.
September 15, 2022
DI Rowan Jackman has a lull. Sshh!! This has led him to follow up on a cold case where a part of a body was found but little else. Whilst out one day he meets a new local and feels he could put some help their way. They have moved into the Solace house and are finding things tough one way or another and Rowan makes a few calls for which they are extremely grateful. Things change when it appears someone wants them out of the house and lets them know in no uncertain terms. In the cold case a new witness appears who is desperate to get something off his chest- information he has carried for twenty years- information others will do anything to stop him telling. The case and the house look like they are linked. Who is out to get the family and the informant and why?
Oh I so love Joy’s books. There is a warmth of storytelling and characters from a master of words and so much more. I almost race through wanting to find out what happens and at the same time not wanting it to end. I can't help but love Jackman and Marie as they have the tenacity and determination whilst maintaining that emotive, empathetic side of human nature. A twist towards the end that stopped me in my tracks and a story that left me reeling thinking wow!. One stunning read. 10* if I could
Oh I so love Joy’s books. There is a warmth of storytelling and characters from a master of words and so much more. I almost race through wanting to find out what happens and at the same time not wanting it to end. I can't help but love Jackman and Marie as they have the tenacity and determination whilst maintaining that emotive, empathetic side of human nature. A twist towards the end that stopped me in my tracks and a story that left me reeling thinking wow!. One stunning read. 10* if I could
September 15, 2022
Solace House? There’s NO Solace in this house.
Holly and Hugh Stewart and their children move into this house and terrible things start to happen. Someone doesn’t want them there.
DI Jackman and team investigate while investigating a cold case of a headless corpse.
This is the ninth book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I give many thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author for this ARC!
Holly and Hugh Stewart and their children move into this house and terrible things start to happen. Someone doesn’t want them there.
DI Jackman and team investigate while investigating a cold case of a headless corpse.
This is the ninth book in the series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I give many thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author for this ARC!
June 1, 2025
Cases old and new collide, Jackman and Evans have their hands full. Is the current case connected to the old one and if yes how? Joy Ellis takes us on yet another thrilling ride in search of the culprits and what a ride it is.
Fast, gripping, brillianly told, Solace House is a fantastic outing for Jackman and Evans and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
Fast, gripping, brillianly told, Solace House is a fantastic outing for Jackman and Evans and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
August 15, 2023
Omg.
I am so torn between a 2 star and a 3. I feel my enjoyment for a chunk of this series made me lean to the 3 star, but it wasn't fast set that is certain.
I am not sure if I can properly write a review as I just finished the book, but want to be true to the feelings I feel now before they diminish over time.
Now, these feelings are those of being moved by a gripping story with twists and turns, highs and lows, with wanting and loss. No! It's frustration as the book in whole!
Be warned now as for I cannot help but give away spoilers here.
So. The series to me went down a notch when Jackman and Evans began dating. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But it was so hallmark it made me sick! There were no major disagreements or compromises needed- just people who naturally fell into such amazing synce with one another they did nothing but yearn and love the other and was always in line with them. If an opposing suggestion or thought was given it was always a quick response of " why yes of course dear, but please do be careful " or something along those lines.
Now, with the romance that gives me the other bolder to drop on this book.
First. And a huge major spoiler. Laura dies. Boo hoo.
And I mean that in the most heartless and unfeeling way possible.
Since that is how it is handled! Literally everyone is okay! It was as if Laura's death was suppose to move only us? And not deter Marie or Jackman- tho the job was an excuse. Lame. It wasn't even used for any major moving parts to the story! I'm certain maybe an echo of her passing would use as a purpose in the following book. But honestly I cringed through rhe epilog- where I had rightly assumed it would be addressed in full. They finally have the funeral- its mentioned not even gone to in depth. Jackman has shed not 1 tear since her death and just went about his day to day. Sam moves in with Jackman now that Laura's dead and he's not butting in on their new relationship. They share a brandy or something. Cheers. Jackman will be able to keep going on by engulfing himself in his work, he assures himself, because Marie had done it. End of story.
Literally that was the end!
Oh and ds Evans has her boyfriend move in. They just decide it. They know their soul mates. But that was the bomb drops several chapters prior. [Please realize that is sarcasm]
Normally I can overlook the hallmark moments throughout these books. But they are becoming the majority of the book! And if anything bad befalls anyone everyone is so willing ready and able to step up to help there really seems to be no suffering or struggle at all- for anyone! No one is really a complex written character - there had been hope earlier on in these books but I feel it drowned at the attempt at romance. Which is what these books are trying to focus on.
Which, oh right murder. There are Murders! And mystery! But really it's mostly lost in the romantic attempt of ALL the characters their endeavors become a large focus.
Mystery was okay. Not the best out of what these books have provided in the past.
Right now I'm leaving this story super frustrated. Wish we could see the sort of mystery that we saw in 4 5 and 6. Where the team actually had changes in their dynamic and no certainty on where the control was. Thr hallmark was toned way down and rhe way Evans and Jackman pretty much can tell what the other is thinking telepathically was tolerable.
I listened to this on audible, so it helped Richard Armitage read it. I feel he gave life to the characters who became so flat. I hope the sequel could save the series, but as it stands I'm sad to think I won't be reading these stories for much longer. I hope there is character development and I hope that there would be tension. Human controversy. Just human action! Not everyone living in a murderous lala land of hallmark mystery.
I'm glad others enjoyed it. Because near the end I skipped parts to avoid the ongoing droning of things need not be repeated.
I am so torn between a 2 star and a 3. I feel my enjoyment for a chunk of this series made me lean to the 3 star, but it wasn't fast set that is certain.
I am not sure if I can properly write a review as I just finished the book, but want to be true to the feelings I feel now before they diminish over time.
Now, these feelings are those of being moved by a gripping story with twists and turns, highs and lows, with wanting and loss. No! It's frustration as the book in whole!
Be warned now as for I cannot help but give away spoilers here.
So. The series to me went down a notch when Jackman and Evans began dating. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But it was so hallmark it made me sick! There were no major disagreements or compromises needed- just people who naturally fell into such amazing synce with one another they did nothing but yearn and love the other and was always in line with them. If an opposing suggestion or thought was given it was always a quick response of " why yes of course dear, but please do be careful " or something along those lines.
Now, with the romance that gives me the other bolder to drop on this book.
First. And a huge major spoiler. Laura dies. Boo hoo.
And I mean that in the most heartless and unfeeling way possible.
Since that is how it is handled! Literally everyone is okay! It was as if Laura's death was suppose to move only us? And not deter Marie or Jackman- tho the job was an excuse. Lame. It wasn't even used for any major moving parts to the story! I'm certain maybe an echo of her passing would use as a purpose in the following book. But honestly I cringed through rhe epilog- where I had rightly assumed it would be addressed in full. They finally have the funeral- its mentioned not even gone to in depth. Jackman has shed not 1 tear since her death and just went about his day to day. Sam moves in with Jackman now that Laura's dead and he's not butting in on their new relationship. They share a brandy or something. Cheers. Jackman will be able to keep going on by engulfing himself in his work, he assures himself, because Marie had done it. End of story.
Literally that was the end!
Oh and ds Evans has her boyfriend move in. They just decide it. They know their soul mates. But that was the bomb drops several chapters prior. [Please realize that is sarcasm]
Normally I can overlook the hallmark moments throughout these books. But they are becoming the majority of the book! And if anything bad befalls anyone everyone is so willing ready and able to step up to help there really seems to be no suffering or struggle at all- for anyone! No one is really a complex written character - there had been hope earlier on in these books but I feel it drowned at the attempt at romance. Which is what these books are trying to focus on.
Which, oh right murder. There are Murders! And mystery! But really it's mostly lost in the romantic attempt of ALL the characters their endeavors become a large focus.
Mystery was okay. Not the best out of what these books have provided in the past.
Right now I'm leaving this story super frustrated. Wish we could see the sort of mystery that we saw in 4 5 and 6. Where the team actually had changes in their dynamic and no certainty on where the control was. Thr hallmark was toned way down and rhe way Evans and Jackman pretty much can tell what the other is thinking telepathically was tolerable.
I listened to this on audible, so it helped Richard Armitage read it. I feel he gave life to the characters who became so flat. I hope the sequel could save the series, but as it stands I'm sad to think I won't be reading these stories for much longer. I hope there is character development and I hope that there would be tension. Human controversy. Just human action! Not everyone living in a murderous lala land of hallmark mystery.
I'm glad others enjoyed it. Because near the end I skipped parts to avoid the ongoing droning of things need not be repeated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2022
It was boring for me. Plain undeveloped characters. They all talked to each other like they were part of symposium with telepathic availabilities to guess each other minds rather than a team of detectives.
April 8, 2023
Fast Paced
Once the plot kicks in, the novel takes hold of you and won't let go. The suspense is well maintained, though the characters are not as dimensional as I would have liked.
Once the plot kicks in, the novel takes hold of you and won't let go. The suspense is well maintained, though the characters are not as dimensional as I would have liked.
October 5, 2022
Jackman and Evans are back in this stunning addition to the series. The books do work well as stand-alone but you will enjoy them all the more if you read them in sequence.
Things are pretty quiet on the crime front for a change so Jackman is tasked with looking into a cold case from many years ago. This involves liaising with Ashley from Locksford which brings new characters into the book adding interest and intrigue. A man has contacted Locksford with information can this be the key to solving the cold case? Or is it another attention seeker wasting police time? The answer is mind blowing.
There is also another story running alongside. Solace, a house with a very dark history has been bought and is now occupied by a family. When Jackman bumps into the owner, Holly he finds himself wanting to do everything he can to help this young family who have bought a whole lot of heartache. Someone wants them out but who? And why?
As the stories progress it becomes clear that the team are dealing with evilness on both fronts, an evilness the likes of which they have never seen and hope to never see again.
This is a gripping, page-turner of a book that had me gripped from the very first page. The suspense continues to ramp up all the way through and there are so many red herrings and twists and turns that you cannot fail to be totally hooked on the stories.
And the ending..... WOW just WOW I certainly didn't see that coming.
An absolutely stunning book with a mind blowing ending this book is everything a crime thriller should be. Definitely 5 golden stars from me.
Things are pretty quiet on the crime front for a change so Jackman is tasked with looking into a cold case from many years ago. This involves liaising with Ashley from Locksford which brings new characters into the book adding interest and intrigue. A man has contacted Locksford with information can this be the key to solving the cold case? Or is it another attention seeker wasting police time? The answer is mind blowing.
There is also another story running alongside. Solace, a house with a very dark history has been bought and is now occupied by a family. When Jackman bumps into the owner, Holly he finds himself wanting to do everything he can to help this young family who have bought a whole lot of heartache. Someone wants them out but who? And why?
As the stories progress it becomes clear that the team are dealing with evilness on both fronts, an evilness the likes of which they have never seen and hope to never see again.
This is a gripping, page-turner of a book that had me gripped from the very first page. The suspense continues to ramp up all the way through and there are so many red herrings and twists and turns that you cannot fail to be totally hooked on the stories.
And the ending..... WOW just WOW I certainly didn't see that coming.
An absolutely stunning book with a mind blowing ending this book is everything a crime thriller should be. Definitely 5 golden stars from me.
October 24, 2022
[IN PROGRESS]
Solace House is an intriguing police procedural mystery set in rural Lincolnshire.
Solace House is an intriguing police procedural mystery set in rural Lincolnshire.
December 14, 2022
It was an okay listen. I was able to guess the twist about Martin almost from the start, so his reveal wasn’t a surprise. He was taken down pretty ignominiously at the end, which was a let down.
Poor Laura, to die of a seizure of all things. Tbh, I found her and her relationship with Jackman pretty bland. So, I’m not sad that she’s gone. I always felt there was more spark between Jackman and Evans, but Evans seems to be paired off with Ralph for keeps. Oh well…
The side-plot about this Stephen guy didn’t turn out to be relevant to the case at all. It’s likely settling up the next book. But, I was pretty miffed we didn’t even get a hint of what that was all about.
Poor Laura, to die of a seizure of all things. Tbh, I found her and her relationship with Jackman pretty bland. So, I’m not sad that she’s gone. I always felt there was more spark between Jackman and Evans, but Evans seems to be paired off with Ralph for keeps. Oh well…
The side-plot about this Stephen guy didn’t turn out to be relevant to the case at all. It’s likely settling up the next book. But, I was pretty miffed we didn’t even get a hint of what that was all about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
The best Jackman & Evans yet! Richard Armitage, once again, is absolutely brilliant as narrator. Salter-on-the-Fens is like Three Pines, in that it seems to attract more than its fair share of psychotics.
I do enjoy this series and coming back to a familiar cast of characters. I especially like DI Marie Evans. The relationships between members of Jackman’s team seems real. In fact, all the characters do. Brave, clever and oh so human. The support they give each other lends to that cheering effect this series brings out in its readers.
This ninth installment is centered around an evasive, dangerous cult as mysterious as it is terrifying!
I do enjoy this series and coming back to a familiar cast of characters. I especially like DI Marie Evans. The relationships between members of Jackman’s team seems real. In fact, all the characters do. Brave, clever and oh so human. The support they give each other lends to that cheering effect this series brings out in its readers.
This ninth installment is centered around an evasive, dangerous cult as mysterious as it is terrifying!
November 10, 2023
Original 12/2022 review-Well, I think I'm thoroughly done with mysteries for a while 🤢😱. That was highly disturbing, horrifying, appalling, brutal, vile, atrocious, ghastly, gruesome, etc...
Also, how could they
Also, how could they
September 27, 2022
Solace House || Joy Ellis
Solace House is the 9th book in the widely acclaimed crime thriller series featuring DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans. While it’s not strictly necessary to read the other books in the series before this one, I’d recommend it as it provides the backstory for the characters, and it’s just a really fantastic series.
Set in the Fens, this book follows Jackman and Evans who during a rare slow period look into who is harassing and trying to drive a young family away from their newly purchase home, Solace House. Solace House was home to some gruesome murders both in the recent past and historically. When the dismembered body of a young women turns up with links to a cold case, Jackman and Evans must once again put their skills to the test and get to the bottom of what is happening and how these crimes all tie together.
If you’re a fan of English crime or police procedurals then this one will be right up your alley. Featuring a cast of easy to relate to characters, and an easy to become engrossed in story, this crime mystery will entertain and leave you wanting more.
Thank you to Netgalley, Joy Ellis and Joffe Books for an advanced copy of this novel.
Solace House is the 9th book in the widely acclaimed crime thriller series featuring DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans. While it’s not strictly necessary to read the other books in the series before this one, I’d recommend it as it provides the backstory for the characters, and it’s just a really fantastic series.
Set in the Fens, this book follows Jackman and Evans who during a rare slow period look into who is harassing and trying to drive a young family away from their newly purchase home, Solace House. Solace House was home to some gruesome murders both in the recent past and historically. When the dismembered body of a young women turns up with links to a cold case, Jackman and Evans must once again put their skills to the test and get to the bottom of what is happening and how these crimes all tie together.
If you’re a fan of English crime or police procedurals then this one will be right up your alley. Featuring a cast of easy to relate to characters, and an easy to become engrossed in story, this crime mystery will entertain and leave you wanting more.
Thank you to Netgalley, Joy Ellis and Joffe Books for an advanced copy of this novel.
December 21, 2022
3.5 stars
This is a return to a familiar place and characters, the detective team that’s a poster-worthy example of compassion and cooperation, the healing journeys, the grisly murders, the edgy-weird bad guys, and the unexpectedly tragic twists that bring ongoing pain to the team or key characters. It’s a formula that Ellis uses pretty well.
This is a return to a familiar place and characters, the detective team that’s a poster-worthy example of compassion and cooperation, the healing journeys, the grisly murders, the edgy-weird bad guys, and the unexpectedly tragic twists that bring ongoing pain to the team or key characters. It’s a formula that Ellis uses pretty well.
October 1, 2022
Joy Ellis writes such brilliant books and this is no exception.
The ninth in the Jackman and Evans and there’s lots going on. Two cases present themselves to the team, one official and one off the books as Jackman tries to help a family who have moved into the very unwelcoming Solace House. As both cases gain momentum the plots hurtle along as time runs out to catch the villains. The subplot is bubbling along nicely or so it seems until there’s unbelievable developments in that too. All the while both Jackman and Evans are being watched and we’re left with the knowledge that troubles never too far away in the future
As usual an engrossing unputdownable read
The ninth in the Jackman and Evans and there’s lots going on. Two cases present themselves to the team, one official and one off the books as Jackman tries to help a family who have moved into the very unwelcoming Solace House. As both cases gain momentum the plots hurtle along as time runs out to catch the villains. The subplot is bubbling along nicely or so it seems until there’s unbelievable developments in that too. All the while both Jackman and Evans are being watched and we’re left with the knowledge that troubles never too far away in the future
As usual an engrossing unputdownable read
October 4, 2022
With a lull at the Saltern-le-Fen police station DI Jackman and his team are given two cold cases to investigate. When a newly local family living at Solace House start being terrorised Jackman feels the need to help. But then a body is discovered. Is there a connection with the cases and the house. The cases just get more complicated.
An entertaining well-written and well-plotted modern mystery. With its likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining well-written and well-plotted modern mystery. With its likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Generally I really like Joy Ellis' books, but for some reason I couldn't get into this book and liked it just mildly.
I thought the book would be more gothic than it actually was. It's a police procedural with at it's centre a house that makes everyone who enters it feel uneasy. The people who bought it are very unhappy and Detective Jack man feels for them and goes out of his way to help them. I guessed the gruesome perpetrator quite quickly.
Generally I really like Joy Ellis' books, but for some reason I couldn't get into this book and liked it just mildly.
I thought the book would be more gothic than it actually was. It's a police procedural with at it's centre a house that makes everyone who enters it feel uneasy. The people who bought it are very unhappy and Detective Jack man feels for them and goes out of his way to help them. I guessed the gruesome perpetrator quite quickly.
March 7, 2023
I’ve listened to all the Joy Ellis books and particularly like Richard Armitage as a narrator for the Jackman series. This book was interesting due to the historical and cult aspects. That said, Jackman’s reaction to the death of Laura was off despite his profession. The “twist” was also no shock to me. The complaint I have with the Jackman and Galina series are their relationships, which seem either unrealistic or too stiff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2022
The other books in this series I have listened to rather than read. I think Richard Armitage brings them to life better, than my own imagination. Seems to be too many repetitions in the story lines and it is often leading you into the next book. Not a fan this time.
December 31, 2022
tried it, not my taste
Well I was happy to try a new author. But found it quite mechanically written and I figured out the “stunning” twist less than halfway through. Disappointing. Won’t be reading more of these.
Well I was happy to try a new author. But found it quite mechanically written and I figured out the “stunning” twist less than halfway through. Disappointing. Won’t be reading more of these.
January 20, 2023
Decent crime story but my god these are some of the dullest characters in literature, especially Jackman who is basically a cardboard cutout of a “good cop”. About 3/4s of this book consists of very stilted, wooden, exposition-laden dialogue with absolutely no personality.
March 4, 2023
I loved the story and characters but felt it was very unnecessarily drawn out- I truly think it could have been consolidated to half the pages. To the point where it felt like work to finish it, but to the storylines credit, I did finish it- I had to know how it ended!
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