This is is the second book in the DI Barton series, but the first I had read. I will definitely be going back and reading he first book! The author takes atypical tack of telling things from the killer's perspective, as well as Barton's. But he never gives you enough info to figure out for sure who the suspect is until about 3/4s of the way through the book, and then you want to finish reading to see how Barton will figure it out, and what the finale body count will be! It's a great series for those who love British police procedures!

The Soul Killer is the second book in Ross Greenwood's DI Barton trilogy but the first I have read. There are plenty of mentions of the previous case - and book - The Snow Killer included without interrupting the flow of the plot meaning new readers are soon up to speed without frustrating those returning to the series - I'm now very curious to find out more so I know I'll definitely be reading it at some point!
The Soul Killer follows two characters throughout; the killer and the detective. The start of the book takes us back to the villain's youth and as is so often the case, it's not a happy one. A quick trip through his formative years, from his early school days through to his first steps in the adult world reveals a troubled past which helps explain his gradual descent into madness. It's actually a rather sad tale in many ways and although his chilling voice means it's not really easy to empathise with him, it is at least possible to question whether he is driven by nature or nurture.
The chapters featuring DI John Barton and his team finds them still coming to terms with the aftermath of The Snow Killer. The pressures of their job are shown to weigh heavily on them throughout the book, particularly on Barton himself, with the impact exerting its toll on his family too. I really enjoyed the interplay between the officers, especially the mentoring role that Barton naturally inhabits when working with the talented, fiercely ambitious yet rather artless Clavell.
As the novel progresses, the disturbing identity of the killer is finally revealed to readers but it's not until much later that the police work out the truth. In the meantime, they are continually outsmarted by this clever but increasingly deranged murderer. It's clear that his actions will eventually catch up with him but the rising death toll makes for a tense and exciting thriller with the killer's next move never obvious. Although serial killers are obviously not as common in real life as they are in fiction, Ross Greenwood's knowledgeable descriptions of a murder investigation and the gruesomely accurate post-mortem details ensure The Soul Killer always has an authentic feel to it.
The Soul Killer is a shocking account of how religion and faith can become twisted and the killer's belief that his actions here will grant him everlasting life in heaven, coupled with his obsessive love for his girlfriend means he is a memorably horrifying character. The well-structured plot is fast-paced and compelling with some genuinely jaw-dropping scenes. Gripping, dark and addictive - I can't wait to read The Ice Killer when it's released later this year!

Crime books are always a firm favourite of mine and this one was definitely no exception. The story is told from the alternating points of view of the killer and DI John Barton and begins with the killer as a child when we witness his first murder. This book is clever, twisty and full of suspense. I stayed up far later than I should have the last two nights reading it as I couldn’t put it down. This is book 2 in the series but can be read as a stand-alone, (though there are a few spoilers for the first book). Despite that I’ll definitely go back and read the first one now as I loved Barton and his team and I can’t wait till the next installment is released. A great read for those who enjoy crime/police procedural books.

A really good thriller. Really well thought out plot with believable characters. I read this book in one sitting and really liked the build up of suspense and the writing style.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

The Soul Killer is the second instalment in the Detective Inspector John Barton series based in and around the city of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, and boy does it really pack a powerful punch. I loved The Snow Killer but must say that the sequel is even better; it's a masterclass in thriller writing and therefore an absolute must-read for those who like their crime brutal and no-holds-barred. The story opens with an apparent suicide in which the victims family find it so hard to believe that they beg and implore the police to re-investigate and do so in a more thorough manner. The police do so to try to bring the family some peace and come to the same conclusion; there was no foul play involved and the case is once again closed much to the relatives’ dismay. But when a skeletonised body is discovered the police get the feeling that all is not what it seems and they begin a comprehensive investigation with DI Barton and colleagues at the helm. More and more accidental looking deaths come to light so who exactly is behind them and what is the motive for committing serial murder?

This is a compulsive and completely riveting thriller that'll score highly with fans of the genre provided you are not of faint heart. The way it is written sets it apart from many of the rest as the author alternates between the perspective of DI Barton and the unnamed killer, and I tend to always enjoy the murderer's point of view if it is done well as it is here. I flew through it soaking up the thrills, chills and spills that filled the pages. From the beginning, this is a captivating and wild ride with enough drama, danger and mystery to keep the fussiest reader entertained and engaged. There was perhaps a little too much going on at times, which can often be offputting, but this is such an addictive and well-written story that it wasn't a major problem for me. Going forward I hope Greenwood pares it back as he's a superb writer but appears to be throwing everything but the kitchen sink into one novel when less is most definitely more. Overall, an entertaining read with great characterisation and a solid plot. Many thanks to Boldwood Books for an ARC.

The Soul Killer was one messed up read. I read a lot of thillers, mystery and crime books but this one had me saying what!!! Why aren't the police picking up on all this. I found this one to be a fast paced read, I needed to know what was going to happen and if the soul killer would ever be discovered and caught. I did find the storyline a little unbelievable as I'm not sure that all the murders could happen as described and go as little uninvestigated as they were. I also found that nearing the end it became way more unbelievable then the beginning. Overall it was a good fast paced read.

Wow! What a zinger. Get ready for a dark psychological thriller that will leave you stunned!
This book dips into every sphere of human emotion, from childhood experiences, to adolescent taunts all the way to the spiritual aspect of what really happens when we die.
Highly recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

An excellent thriller, well written and gripping.
I loved the well thought cast of characters and the solid mystery, fast paced and full of twists, that kept me on the edge till the last page.
It's the second in a series but it can be read as a standalone.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

This is my style of book.  A gritty and harder hitting book than what I generally get my hands on. 

DI Barton is such a strong character and one that i think would be great for a TV series adaptation.

A powerful story full of misdirection that I won't forget anytime soon.

I really think that this author can write a crime book and make it sound believable as well as entertaining.  There is a lot of police work that is dull but this book makes it shimmer and shine so that you see the exciting parts of the job.

Wonderful novel and am looking forward to reading more from this author.

What can I say? Nobody, but nobody, does the killer's voice quite like Ross Greenwood. The Soul Killer is the second of his DI Barton series. I read the first, The Snow Killer, last year and loved it. I am delighted to say that this series just goes from strength to strength with The Soul Killer giving the Snow Killer a run for his money in terms of chills, thrills and spills.
Well - where to begin? I've already mentioned the killer's voice and I want to stick with that for a moment. Ross has two narrative strands - the ongoing police investigation and the killers inner thoughts and actions. The way in which we have access to the killer's motivations, his actions and his views just helps to ratchet up the tension. But, what is even more chilling is the backstory that Greenwood provides for this character. Reading the sections written from his point of view was a rollercoaster of dread, sympathy, horror and complete gobsmackedness (yeah, I know that'snot really a word, but who cares). Greenwood must have spent some seriously long hours in the head of this chilling murderer. What made it more tense was that although we know so much about the killer we're not 100% sure who he is ... and then the clues start to drip in and the thrill factor accelerates.
In terms of Barton and his team of officers - I really love the interplay between the detectives. I love Barton's 'normality'. He's not an alcoholic. He doesn't always put the job first and he is a team player. The friendships within the team, made me invested in the investigation.
The Soul Killer is a gritty read, no doubt about that. It's also a very human read. I flew through it, loving every minute. Greenwood's characterisation makes you invest in the story all the more and even if you don't like your reads too gritty - (there was one scene that really made me blanche - in a good way) - I think the adept plotting and characterisation will make you love this ... I know I did.

This is the second in the series and I have not yet read the first but this book worked as a stand-alone. It is alternating chapters with the killer and their backstory in one set and the police investigation in the other. DI Barton and his crew are an interesting bunch and I would have enjoyed a bit more character development for them. The Soul Killer had that development and became more and more unhinged as the story progressed. overall, an enjoyable read.

I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Ross Greenwood proved his mettle in writing police procedurals by giving another solid story. The author had a deft hand at giving me the creepiest of villains. This one had no soul.

A child misled by the mother, a few deaths and dual POV made this a chilling read. Another evil antagonist the cops DI Barton and his team had to battle against who continued to baffle them initially. This one had an added twist which neither the cops nor I saw it coming.

The chapters nearly alternated between the Soul Killer and DI Barton which gave me the complete view of the crimes from all angles. The story was quite slow and long winding which did reveal the killer mid way, and all that remained was a cat and mouse chase between the two.

A well plotted book which showed the family life of the cop and killer, the stroy kept me entertained over a lazy evening.

How refreshing to meet a cop who is not in therapy or at odds with his colleagues or surrounded by ghosts of the past! Step forward DI John Barton, good husband and father and, above all, damn good cop. The Soul Killer is the sequel to the excellent Snow Killer and it is equally gripping. Set around Peterborough and Cambridge, the characters and the setting are very well described. The eponymous villain is determined to take revenge on those who have wronged him and John and his colleagues have their work cut out to solve this fascinating mystery.

A very cleverly written book, filled with excitement, murder and action. The second book in the series to feature DI Barton is a very solid read. The body count just keeps rising as the team race to find a ruthless killer. Great characters and a fantastic plot. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

The Soul Killer is a dark and deviously twisted crime thriller with a great psychological twist. It is the second in the DI Barton trilogy, and somehow I have missed reading the first book, so I can honestly say that this one works well as a stand-alone.

The story starts from the perspective of a young boy, he has a horrible home life. This is one of the two perspective that the story is told from. The second story-line is from the investigating team of Di Barton as he and fellow officers are brought into a suicide.

The story moves along at a good pace, and I love the way you get into the killers head. The author leaves a trail that eventually leads the reader to wonder who the killer is, there are little clues until the killer is finally named.

The investigation that starts with a suicide then moves on as an unfortunate accident hits the same family. Suspicions, accusations and questions run amok as the story-line gets deeper and darker. Twists a plenty for this story and it is such an addictive read. It had me guessing and double guessing and changing my mind.

The main characters are so well developed, and I soon had favourites, as well as the odd one I wasn’t too fussed about. The killer is definitely memorable and yes he is a baddies, but the author has twisted him into a person who thinks what he is doing is for the best.

This is dark, it is addictive and it is a wonderfully captivating read and one that I would definitely recommend.

3.5 stars rounded up.
I read this book shortly after finishing the first in this series, The Snow Killer, this book being its sequel. I was playing catch-up and I do recommend you do likewise.
We start with a suicide which the victim's family find very hard to come to terms with. So much so that they ask the police to re-investigate. They do, find nothing untoward and re-close the case. But then there's an accident which rocks the same family and a skeletonised body which causes the police to look a little closer. Enter DI Barton and his team. Accidental deaths keep coming and soon the police realise that things are not as simple as they seem and go all in to try and work out what on earth is happening.
This book is very busy, maybe too busy and also a bit over-convoluted. And at times all rather implausible. It's almost like the author is trying too hard and throwing everything possible at the book rather than relying on less is more and concentrating on the basics. Pacing is pretty slow for the majority of the first part of the book - plodding about racking up the "accidents" and "suicides" an other related crimes which are mostly written off and, if I hadn't already read the previous book and had a modicum of faith in the author, I might have been tempted to write the whole thing off. But things did take an upward curve towards the end, almost but not quite degenerating into farce, and the book recovered well at the end.
Reading other reviews I see that opinions are divided on this book, my own are definitely that too! I've been toying between rounding up and down my half star. I rounded up as the end was worth it and a lot of my quibbles are my own personal taste.
Will I go on and read more of this series? Not sure. I will probably wait and see what my peers think first. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This was a very good read. It gave the reader a good insight into the mind of a psychopath. Second book in a series which I read as a standalone. In know way did the back story detract from my enjoyment of the book. I will read more in this series and anything else this author has writtenx

Yesss, was really looking forward to this after reading the snow killer, this book exceeded all my expectations, absolutely brilliant read, you won't be able to put down, I'm now going to hope there's another on the way.

I had no idea of what this book would be like and I have to say I was pleasantly suprised!
I really like the fact that the protagonist in this is so well drawn. Too often we get just a bare bones impression of a killer but this goes into real depth which I enjoyed.

The Soul Killer is the second book in the Peterborough set DI John Barton series. Taking place a short time after the events of The Snow Killer the book opens with all the same flair and intrigue as its predecessor and holds your attention from the first place to the last. With a killer every bit as complex and devious as book one, Ross Greenwood has served up another slice of serial killer heaven.

As with book one, the story is told from two perspectives - that of the investigative team, specifically, DI Barton, and, more importantly, the eponymous Soul Killer. Again, from a very early point in the story we are given a real insight into the character's motivation and the reasons why they might be operating a little on the darker side of life and morality. The chapters told from the killer's perspective are quite dark, their logic seemingly obvious, at least to them, but still chilling to read. The author uses them to great effect, giving the reader clues as to who the person might be, whilst still hiding them in plain sight. Suspicion moves from one to another of the characters, but when the big reveal comes you realise which subtle clues it was that you missed along the way. When it comes to the police investigation you are treated to scenes of frustration in which evidence, motive and suspects are all greatly lacking. This is not a case which is solved in a matter of days, in fact it is not entirely clear to the Detectives if they have a case at all. They don't know what we know ...

The murders vary in both style and depravity, making it even harder for any link to be made between the murders that we know are happening. From the routine suicide of a dying man to the violent murder of a woman in Cambridge, the most severe murders take place off the page, but their aftermath is detailed enough for readers to be left in no doubt as to what has happened. It was a strange feeling reading the book as although you can't condone the actions of the killer, I did kind of understand them. The killer has a very complex outlook, a very skewed view of life, but to their mind it made perfect sense and their actions were driven by a sense of destiny which played out clearly on the page. They aren't infalible though, catching the attention of more than one person for all the wrong reasons and seeing the conflicts build to a head leads to an increase in both pacing and tension.

The characters in the book are well fleshed out. We get to know a little bit more about DI Barton and his team, all of whom, in their way, are battling to move on from events of the first book. I do like Barton as a character. He's a family man for sure, but also dedicated to his job. This time he seems to be feeling the strain a little, perhaps a little jaded and weary after all that has happened, but he leads the team well and is a great character to root for. He's not billed as a genius or some kind of super sleuth - he goes where the evidence leads, even if that appears to be frequently into danger. I have to be honest - I'm not sure I'd feel entirely safe working for Barton. Bad things seem to happen to the people involved in these investigations. He does a great job of mentoring his younger, more inexperienced colleagues, but he is backed up by a great team that it is easy to like, especially Zander and Kelly, who are Barton's two closest colleagues. I've really enjoyed getting to know them all and look forward to reading more in the future.

I really liked the way in which Ross Greenwood brings the setting to life too. From the wilds(?) of Norfolk to the streets of Cambridge and through to Peterborough and the surrounds, he really manages to capture the feel of the area and the stark differences between the killer and those he is targeting. I have a vague idea of the area that Barton and co police, but was able to picture everywhere really clearly from the way in which the author painted the scenes on the page. The set up for each murder was used to good effect too, an almost perfect clash in one scene between the preparations for a family Christmas used as a backdrop to a merciless killing.

A real treat for fans of the crime thriller/Detective thriller genre and heartily recommended.