Rating: 3.8/5

Setting a novel around a group of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment may seem like an odd choice, but author, Steve Jones, does explain in his acknowledgements where the idea for the book came from. Given that the subject of cancer does form a significant amount of the content, this novel may well not sit comfortably with a number of people. Anyone who hasn't been through cancer treatment themselves, or had someone very close to them experience it, is unlikely to really get the full gist of the story. Those who have experienced it first hand may find too raw at times to make for comfortable reading. As someone who has been through it and still lives with the long-term consequences of the treatment, I can very much relate to the central characters in "Terminally Kill" and appreciate the efforts of the author in the way that he has presented this awkward topic.

I don't often pass comment in my reviews on the cover of books, which, given that it is usually the first element a reader is presented with, is perhaps something of an oversight on my part. In this case, however, I will share my views. My impression from seeing the cover of "Terminally Kill" is that this would lean heavily towards the humorous end of the scale - but that is a little misleading. That is not to say that there isn't plenty of humour - there certainly is - but it mostly comes from those dark places that the cancer patients find themselves in and as a coping mechanism for their predicaments. Although the comedic comments and attitudes of the protagonists resonated with me, as they conjured up my own (not always fond) memories, they may not land with everyone.

In spite of what I have written thus far, "Terminally Kill" isn't just a story of coping with "the big C". There are facets of police procedural, action thriller, mystery, horror, family drama, humour and a fair degree of poignancy. This eclectic mix works well most of the time, although there are times when it feels a touch disjointed. Essentially, though, the storyline is character-driven and it is that fact which ultimately manages to bind the whole narrative together. The protagonists are well-drawn and appealing, which enable them to carry the story. The balance that Steve Jones has tried to achieve in "Terminally Kill" is a tricky one, but overall, it is one that he manages to pull off.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

T/W for cancer.

Steve Jones second novel, the first being ‘Call Time’ which I think is one heck of a read!

4+
A tale of mortality.
Former soldier and ex Detective Inspector Ray ‘Sugar’ Leonard has had more than his fair share of bad, if not tragic, breaks but now faces the fight of his life against the deadly whims of cancer. He shares his chemo sessions with three others. There’s God fearing Welsh bouncer Gog, aka Paul, Rose, a cantankerous older lady with a colourful grasp of language and flashy Luke, a wannabe Jordan Belfort style financial wizard with the requisite ruthless streak. The be fateful day after leaving his chemo session, Ray acts in self defence against a vicious attacker who wants to rob him, taking the only action he can and justifying it in his head. However, will his intuitive brother-in-law DI John Facey figure it out? Ray is on a mission and the next one is for his much loved stepdaughter Chaynnie. He reckons without the incisive instincts of his chemo chums and their first rule is, what’s said in the chemo room, stays in the room.

I thoroughly enjoy this latest offering from the talented Steve Jones. I love the blend of dark humour with an investigation and the emerging secrets of the gang formed in scary circumstances. The premise is great, it’s well written with a storyline that flows, it’s a clever and never a dull moment read. It’s darkly funny in places, in one such I’m taking an ill advised swig of coffee - all thanks to Gog, the Mr Malaprop of the room. They’re all likeable quirky characters being colourful in their different ways and there’s terrific dialogue between them. There’s growing friendship, reliance and trust between them. As for Ray, what a guy. I love the relationship between him and Chaynnie which brings the odd tear to my eye.

As the book progresses, it gets grittier and there are some really good twists that I definitely don’t see coming.

Overall, it’s a gripping read with a well thought out storyline and a good blend of the sad and moving combined with humour and plenty of action.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

That’s to PRH for the early copy. Having really enjoyed Call Time I was keen to get my hands on this new one from Steve as soon as I could. The premise is all about a group of cancer patients in chemotherapy who know they may not survive so start to think of the justice they could serve up before they go. A great premise with enjoyable characters and a decent plot. Looking forward to seeing this one published in 2024!

I actually asked the publisher if I could read this book because I adored Call Time.
Ray was such a brilliant, brilliant character. I loved him from the start.
I don’t know how to describe Terminally Kill other than it’s fantastic.
Ray has cancer and he’s getting chemotherapy with a motley crew of people, Rose, Gog etc
Ray accidentally changes his life irrevocably one day but the way in which the characters get on, it actually felt like we were there with them in the room.
All I can really say without spoilers is that you should definitely read this book because it’s ace and I hope Steve Jones writes another one. I just reviewed Terminally Kill by Steve Jones. #TerminallyKill #NetGalley

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! I absolutely love this book. It was beautifully written with excellent punctuation and grammar. I couldn’t fault it. It was just so sad that the main character went when he did that was a bit of a shock, because we all thought he was getting better.

But anyway, I thoroughly implore that you read this book, you will enjoy no end it is long but well put together.

This is the second book I've read by this author. His first (and debut) book was Call Time which I absolutely loved, so I knew I just had to read this one. We meet Ray "Sugar" Leonard, ex Forces and recently retired police officer. Ray has cancer and forms a friendship with three other people he meets during his chemotherapy sessions. Ray's had a lot happen in his life so to be dealt the hand of his cancer diagnosis just tops everything. When a chance encounter with a mugger changes how Ray thinks about everything that's happened, he begins to wonder who else deserves his form of justice.

This was an absolutely fantastic read. I loved the previous book and thought that was cleverly written, and this book is definitely up there on that same level with a very well thought out story, great characters and an ending to make you cry! I loved Ray's character, so likeable and you really felt for him. I also loved his cancer group friends - Rose, a cantankerous old woman; Luke, a young wide boy with a flashy Range Rover and Gog, a giant Welsh churchgoer! Their sessions together made me laugh, sometimes for the wrong reasons, and how the relationship built between them was wonderfully done.

The storyline flows superbly and we find Ray, who feels he has nothing left in life, becoming a form of vigilante, dispensing justice to those he felt deserved it. It does unexpectedly twist and turn throughout and definitely throws some curveballs into the story. I have to admit to being a bit hesitant with the cancer storyline as I usually find these quite upsetting, but the dark humour surrounding it was a welcome change. The writing was amazing and I found myself hooked into Ray's storyline from the very first page. A mixture of life lessons and friendships with some murders, tears and laughter thrown in for good measure. If you're going to read any book, make it this one!

This is my first time reading this author and I wasn’t disappointed at all I would read this author again in the future. The premise of the story is really good and it’s such an intriguing and interesting take on thriller. The writing style I wasn’t a huge fan of but I managed to still enjoy the book. Some of the characters could of been better written apart from that a very enjoyed read xx

I couldn’t wait to start this book after loving Steve Jones first novel and it did not disappoint.
Ex policeman Ray has cancer and meets some unusual friends while going through chemotherapy.
I loved the characters that Ray meets and I really felt like I knew them and was part of the group. My favourite character was Gog.
It was a really interesting clever story with some unexpected twists.
While the story was heartbreaking I really enjoyed this book and it definitely showed how life can change in the blink of an eye and the true meaning of friends and family.
Thanks to NetGalley, Steve Jones and Michael Joseph,Penguin Random House for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

The premise of the story is really good and an interesting take on a thriller however I didn't actually enjoy the writing. The writing style weren't for me and I also thought it could've had a bit more involvement from the other members.

I recieved a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I saw a quote stating that this book 'read like a Richard Osman book, but with more blood' and it was spot on. This book was a super easy page turner.

Terminally Kill is about Ray, a retired guy with cancer and yes, the title suggests what happens in the book.

There were a few twists later on that i didn't see coming, but there was no supsense to them. There are some dark topics in the book, but I didn't find the book dark or deep.