I have read all of Daniel Cole’s books and loved them all, particularly the Ragdoll series. So this has been quite a delightful surprise. It was much less gory (not that that bothered me) and although it was serial killery, it wasn’t a serial killer as such. So I thoroughly enjoyed and can’t wait to see if there is a second series. Well done!

Loved the ‘Ragdoll’ series
Found this to be akin to that with the authors same witty writing and quick snappy and well titled chapters
Not keen on Scarlett,liked Henry better and Frank even miore
The plot was intriguing and sets the course for the rest of the series

When a social media post is viewed of a ‘body’, DC Scarlett Delaney is called to the scene. The crime has been committed by a serial killer called Jackdaw known for taking little shiny trophies.
Teaming up with Henry, a criminal with his own reasons to be interested in the case. Can they work together?
This was a total popcorn read from start to finish. Really engaging characters and there is a wit about the characters that made it really enjoyable.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Detective Constable Scarlett Delaney and Detective Sergeant Frank Ash are called to a murder scene - a young female celebrity has been murdered in her own apartment during a party - pictures of her body posted online. The murder is the work of a killer who has already claimed two high profile victims already - an actress and a pop star- and who has been dubbed the Jackdaw by the media as each victim has five scratch marks on her face and an item of her jewellery is missing. When Delaney discovers the handsome private investigator Henry Devlin in the theatre where the actress was murdered she accepts his offer to help with the investigation.

Don't want to risk spoilers so I won't add anymore about the plot.

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all of Daniel Cole's previous books and this new one certainly didn't disappoint. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Daniel Cole for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

A darkly fascinating story of a serial killers daughter turned detective. Detective Delaney is caught up in a game of cat and mouse when the serial killer nicknamed 'Jackdaw' carries out a series of horrific murders. She is then contacted by an assassin who promises her he will lead her to the Jackdaw. But can she trust him?
I enjoyed this story and it kept me engaged throughout. Some scenes are quite horrific but also maybe a little far fetched. However I would still recommend this book. I warmed to the characters.

Yet another Daniel Cole thriller where I had no idea how it was going to end. Thrilling, unpredictable and incredibly clever. I can't wait to see what Scarlett and Henry do next. I loved it, like all Daniel Cole books. Making a character very (openly) dark and untrustworthy and yet believable at the same time is a talent I haven't seen in many writers,

Jackdaw offers an entertaining and thrilling experience. To be candid, there are moments in the book that verge on the absurd, but this very quality contributes to its greatness. It skillfully navigates the boundaries of rationality while remaining entirely believable. The writing is superb, featuring a cleverly crafted plot and memorable characters.

The book intentionally leaves several questions unanswered, which is understandable given the promise of future installments. Personally, I'm eagerly anticipating the next book.

I want to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with a review copy.

Detective Constable Scarlett Delaney and her partner Detective Sergeant Frank Ash share more than a professional life, their history goes back much further. As the officer responsible for the take down of the Four Leaf Cleaver serial killer, thus leaving Scarlett an orphan, Frank has felt it’s his duty to take care of her and make sure she comes to no harm. As Scarlett is a loose canon this takes some doing.

This is the first Cole book I have read, so have nothing to compare it to. What is destined to be the start of a new detective series, this offering certainly started with an action packed romp around London.

It is a well written and fast paced book. Though one of my favourite genres, the story didn’t totally grab me, and I disliked Scarlett immensely, though the humour was well received. I feel that the series will struggle with Scarlett and Henry as the MCs, though there is potential for their characters to grow.

The author’s goal in writing something that was “a joyful slice of irreverent escapism”, certainly came some way to fruition, and I have no doubt that his many fans will love it.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm.

Detective Constable Scarlett Delany and her mentor Frank Ash are on the hunt for a serial killer dubbed the Jackdaw and form an unorthodox alliance with Henry Devlin, a charismatic assassin, who quickly became my favorite character. I love the complicated relationship between Henry and Scarlet. As they say, may the best deceit win.

This story is based in the UK and is written in British slang which could be off-putting for some US-based readers but I enjoyed learning new terminology, including Jackdaw which is a crow-like black bird. The story was fast-paced, with some edge-of-your-seat moments and a touch of humor sprinkled throughout. If you prefer believable realistic plots, then this may not be for you. I personally loved the craziness of it all. If you love movies like John Wick, Jason Bourne, or The Hitman then this is a must-read. I can see this being made into an action movie!

I look forward to the next book in this series which the author confirmed is in the works. In the meantime, I'll be adding all of Daniel Cole’s other books to my reading list.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC in return for my voluntary and honest review.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Having loved previous books by this author I was looking forward to reading this one and I wasn't disappointed. A fabulous story with lots of twists and turns, I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

A gripping tale that is difficult to put down. We follow the escapades of Henry and Scarlett with much intrigue. Looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks as always to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read this book prior to publication. As with most books Storm publish great praise from the author and me for the excellent editing.

The first book in a new series from Daniel cole and what a start dark and gripping from the off with a dose of dark humour thrown in makes for another great read from this author who's books I can't get enough of. I enjoyed the unusual relationship between DC Scarlett Delaney and hitman Henry Devlin and I'm looking forward to reading more about them both in the next book which the author has already confirmed will be coming(CAN'T WAIT)
A strong captivating read for lovers of addictive crime fiction.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

Omg!! This was just such a pleasure to read, in a dark and twisted way! It's such a breath of fresh air and so original. It's worlds apart from other thriller/ serial killer stories that are out. The characters are so well written and the plot is so cleverly through out and well paced. It starts with a bang and never let's up. I spent the whole book as confused as the characters and it all came together so perfectly. If only all books could be to this standard! Amazing

An ingenious serial killer pulling off kills worthy of a top magician, this book will have you as baffled as the police on the hunt for the killer!
The Jackdaw has struck again in yet another ‘how’s it possible’ murder, leaving just his trademark severed head, scratches on the face, a shiny item missing and a completely vanished body all accomplished with no witnesses in the middle of a party.
The case to finding The Jackdaw is down to Detective Constable Scarlett Delaney and her mentor and friend, Detective Sergeant Frank Ash.
Also on the hunt for The Jackdaw is devilishly handsome Henry Devlin who has been hired by the victim’s billionaire father in finding his daughters killer.
With his good looks, charm offensive and his certain skills set becomes secretly involved, off the record in Scarlets investigation.
Can a detective hold off arresting ‘a fixer’ as Henry describes himself long enough for the pair to work together in bringing down The Jackdaw?
This is a high action, extremely clever whodunnit that has you hooked from the very start.
The characters are brilliantly written and you soon become invested in all three main characters, Scarlet, Frank and Henry as they not only try to find out who the killer is but how the murders are being pulled off in such dramatic fashion.
Not only is the plot excellent, but the cleverness is on another level and will certainly keep you reading late into the night, or even in my case, right through the night.
It’s not very often you get a book so compelling that it refuses to let you put it down and sleep but this is one such book!
I am also happy I read the authors notes at the end of the book because he has confirmed he is already working on a follow up book because I am not ready to say goodbye to Detective Constable Scarlett Delaney just yet! If I hadn’t read that I would be crying out for more! I already can’t wait to see where the next book takes us and if it is as good as this one I will be well prepared to loose another nights sleep to it, whereas this one took me by surprise as to how good and addictive it was going to be!
If you enjoy a clever, riveting, gruesome serial killer thriller than this is the book for you and not to be missed.

An ingenious serial killer pulling off kills worthy of a top magician, this book will have you as baffled as the police on the hunt for the killer!
The Jackdaw has struck again in yet another ‘how’s it possible’ murder, leaving just his trademark severed head, scratches on the face, a shiny item missing and a completely vanished body all accomplished with no witnesses in the middle of a party.
The case to finding The Jackdaw is down to Detective Constable Scarlett Delaney and her mentor and friend, Detective Sergeant Frank Ash.
Also on the hunt for The Jackdaw is devilishly handsome Henry Devlin who has been hired by the victim’s billionaire father in finding his daughters killer.
With his good looks, charm offensive and his certain skills set becomes secretly involved, off the record in Scarlets investigation.
Can a detective hold off arresting ‘a fixer’ as Henry describes himself long enough for the pair to work together in bringing down The Jackdaw?
This is a high action, extremely clever whodunnit that has you hooked from the very start.
The characters are brilliantly written and you soon become invested in all three main characters, Scarlet, Frank and Henry as they not only try to find out who the killer is but how the murders are being pulled off in such dramatic fashion.
Not only is the plot excellent, but the cleverness is on another level and will certainly keep you reading late into the night, or even in my case, right through the night.
It’s not very often you get a book so compelling that it refuses to let you put it down and sleep but this is one such book!
I am also happy I read the authors notes at the end of the book because he has confirmed he is already working on a follow up book because I am not ready to say goodbye to Detective Constable Scarlett Delaney just yet! If I hadn’t read that I would be crying out for more! I already can’t wait to see where the next book takes us and if it is as good as this one I will be well prepared to loose another nights sleep to it, whereas this one took me by surprise as to how good and addictive it was going to be!
If you enjoy a clever, riveting, gruesome serial killer thriller than this is the book for you and not to be missed.
The Jackdaw by Daniel Cole will be published on 10 Oct. 2023 and is available to preorder now

Omg what can I say. From the first to last page I was hooked.Fast paced, action packed, original and so good. Hilarious at times and a story line that just keeps on giving. An explosive ending and hopefully the start of a new series. I loved the Rag doll series and this looks like another hit. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the Arc in return for an honest review.

Jackdaw is proof at least one good thing came out of the COVID lockdown. Daniel Cole used that period of time to craft a terrific thriller. I've enjoyed all of his books but this one reaches new heights. What happens when the daughter of a serial killer teams up with an assassin to hunt a serial killer? You'll find out in Jackdaw. The chemistry between Scarlett and Henry is fascinating, but Frank Ash is the standout for me. You can't overstate how important his relationship with Scarlett is. This is a well-written book which you won't put down. It's a clever mystery populated by interesting characters. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advance reading copy in exchange for my honest opinion. #Jackdaw

There are a number of UK crime fiction authors I think deserve to be much better known and far more widely read in the US than they are now. Steve Cavanagh, Chris Carter, Tony Parsons, and Daniel Cole are at the top of that list for me.

That said, I thought, JACKDAW fell far short of Cole's wonderful RAGDOLL series. Instead of the tight, laser focus of the narratives in that series, JACKDAW was sometimes flabby and muddled. I found myself scanning when I should have been completely absorbed.

Worse, it was hard to connect with the characters. The primary protagonist, in particular, came across to me as a frequently silly young woman who blundered around in an adolescent haze when she should have shown far more toughness and professionalism.

I can see that Cole thinks she's a sympathetic and relatable character on whom he can build an entirely new series.

I don't.

Jackdaw is the first in a new crime series by the author, Daniel Cole. I’ve recently read the first two books in his gripping Ragdoll trilogy which had a unique (and gruesome) crime and complex and morally-grey characters, so I was excited to read this latest book. The authors reputation for writing unique crimes didn’t disappointment with one and we are presented with a killer who leaves claw-like scratches on the victim’s face and a propensity to take shiny objects leading to the aptly named Jackdaw Killer. I’ll confess I did have to Google what a jackdaw was which gave me more insight into the symbolism of this in the story.

This book would appeal to fans of police procedural and serial killer genres. I couldn’t help but draw similarities of the two main characters in this series to Fawkes and Baxter in the Ragdoll trilogy. This made the story for me feel a bit repetitive but there were enough unique aspects to this that shows us the author’s style and ability to create engaging protagonists. I’m planning to read Mimic next, while I eagerly await future books by this author.

What a great read! I’ve never read anything by this author, but I did see the tv show that his Ragdoll trilogy was based on. I was a big fan of that so I wanted to pick up this ARC the second it was available. It did not disappoint! I love the way this author’s mind works. Brilliantly written and so many twists, it will keep you on your toes until the very end! I can’t wait to read the sequel!

Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!