This was a good story which kept me turning the pages throughout the night. Great mystery, writing and plotting will recommend to all my friends who love this genre.

Jack the Knife has alluded now retired DCI Roach for the 50 years of his detective career , but now in his eighties and in a care home is policemans nose is still as sharp as ever and when residents die quicker than is usual he decides old habits die hard and he starts to investigate

Well worth the read

I am a massive fan of Steve Parker's Paterson & Clocks series so the idea of a standalone thriller had me really intrigued. I wasn't disappointed. There was the type of sharp witted dialogue usually attributed to Johnny Clocks so I was in my element here. There were also a multitude of twists and forks in the story that really had me on my toes. All leading to a truly shocking climax. I don't know where the author gets his ideas from but as long as he keeps them coming I'll be happy

I absolutely loved this book and read it in one go.
It has a dual timeline between now and 1975.
It concerns Bill Roach who in 1975 failed to catch the murdered known as Jack the Knife.
Fast Forward to now, he is 80 and sitting with another elderly resident who passes away.
The post mortem shows she didnt die of old age and Jack decides that it is up to him to catch this killer before he strikes again.

The story is fast paced and keeps going.
Steve Parker is really good at building an atmosphere, and the characters are easy to connect with.
I was sorry to finish reading this, and will recommend it to everybody who loves a good thriller.

*4.5 stars*

In 1975 a young girl was brutally murdered and sexually assaulted. Her body was found in a lay-by on the A2. William Roach was a DI at the time and had a glowing reputation. Over the next 20 years the same attacker claimed another 32 lives, but despite Roach’s pledge that he would bring the perpetrator to justice, it never happened. Roach had never failed before but this was the one that got away, the one that would haunt him for the rest of his days.

In the present day, Bill Roach is now in his eighties and living in a care home. Roach and resident Charlie are good friends, Charlie’s a mischievous character, whilst Bill is quiet, polite and caring - until someone pushes his buttons! And one of those who pushes his buttons is carer Jackie Draper. Draper is a really mean and spiteful person, who loves to make everyone’s life a misery, but she particularly has it in for Bill, she is your archetypal bully! On the other hand, another carer, Susan, makes a fuss of Bill and the residents in general, and he thinks the world of her.

Once a copper always a copper, and when residents begin dying at a much higher rate than normal, Bill’s nose for trouble comes into play and he decides to investigate. I won’t say any more than that, but do read it, it has the most fantastic twist, and a shocker of a finish! Highly recommended.

Detective Bill Roach is a man haunted by shadows from his past, and Steve Parker's gripping crime thriller, "Jack Knife," brings those shadows into stark, horrifying light. This pulse-pounding British crime thriller isn't just a journey into the dark heart of a twisted killer; it's a workshop in storytelling.

The novel shifts between two timelines, 1975 and the present day, connecting a decades-old cold case to a present-day murder in a retirement home. Parker expertly weaves the threads of these two eras, creating a narrative that's as complex as it is compelling.

As readers are transported back to the gritty streets of 1970s Britain, we meet Detective Bill Roach in the early days of his career. The chilling murder of a young woman sets the stage for a relentless pursuit of a killer known as "Jack the Knife." Parker's descriptive proficiency plunges us into the investigation, where every gruesome detail and chilling discovery is rendered with heart-pounding intensity.

But it's not just a murder case; it's a race against time, as Bill Roach's character is brilliantly fleshed out. His dogged determination to bring justice, even if it takes decades, showcases the tenacity of a true detective. Roach is a character readers will root for, empathize with, and, ultimately, never forget.

Fast forward to the present day, where Roach is an octogenarian at the Crown Woods Retirement Home. His act of kindness to comfort a dying friend, Gillian Lake, transforms into a mind-bending mystery as her death unveils dark secrets that refuse to stay buried. The tension builds as Bill Roach rekindles his hunt for justice, for Gillian and for the killer who eluded him for so long.

The final twist is a true jaw-dropper, revealing a truth so shocking that it reverberates throughout the narrative, challenging readers to reevaluate everything they thought they knew. "Jack Knife" is not just a thriller; it's a brilliantly executed, emotionally charged journey into the depths of the human soul, where the past and present collide in a haunting crescendo.

For fans of crime thrillers, "Jack Knife" is a must-read. Steve Parker delivers a brilliantly crafted story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, long after you've turned the final page.

"A riveting crime thriller with a detective haunted by his past and a killer who will keep you guessing until the shocking end."

"Steve Parker weaves past and present in a tale of redemption, revenge, and relentless pursuit. 'Jack Knife' will leave you breathless."

"A gritty journey through time and crime, 'Jack Knife' is an unputdownable page-turner that lingers in your mind long after the last page."

"Detective Bill Roach's quest for justice in the face of his own demons is both heart-wrenching and pulse-pounding. A must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers."

"Steve Parker delivers a mind-bending twist that will leave you reeling. 'Jack Knife' is a spine-tingling ride into the dark heart of a decades-old mystery."

"In 'Jack Knife,' Parker brilliantly resurrects the past and confronts it with the present. A chilling thriller that explores the human psyche and the cost of unearthing secrets."

"A complex narrative that hooks you from the start, 'Jack Knife' is a crime thriller that blurs the lines between right and wrong, past and present."

"Steve Parker's writing is a breath of fresh air in the crime genre. 'Jack Knife' is a gripping novel that defies expectations at every turn."

"With its relentless pacing and unforgettable characters, 'Jack Knife' is a modern crime classic that demands a top spot on your reading list."

"A gripping blend of history, mystery, and suspense, 'Jack Knife' is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and revelations. You won't see the final twist coming."

Wow! Steve Parker you nailed it.
I have read the Detectives Paterson and Glocks series of books and they were really really good. This book was definitely worth more than 5 stars.

DCI Roach tried to arrest Jack the Knife for nearly 50yrs of his detective life but never arrested him as nothing to charge him for.
Always close yet so far. What a brilliant twist to the story without revealing too much and spoiling it for others. Absolutely brilliant!

Thank you to Netgalley

local-law-enforcement, care-home, dual-time-frames, due-diligence, suspense, multiple-murder****

Good expose of the problems facing staff and residents of care homes in any country (my experience is in the US).
The story is dual, starting off in 1975 and alternating with present day also in England. The first murder is recounted at the beginning and then alternates with about fifty years later as the police investigator finally has the kind proof he searched for all the years he was on the force. Interesting.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley.

Having heard really good things about the author and his books I decided to give this standalone a try and I was very pleased I did,the story has everything you want in a crime thriller it was a good read from start till finish and the style of writing was very well paced..
You can't beat a nice little twist to the end of a well written story and that's what we get here it made me go WOW I loved it. I'll look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC..

I keep seeing this author pop up on me new books feed but, with 9 books already in his series, and a TBR a mile long already, I have never really made much effort to get to read his books. So you can imagine my delight when I spied this book, a standalone, could this be my in... Well, after finishing it, I can definitely say that I will make a concerted effort to try and sneak a few of his series books in - starting at the beginning, of course.
So... Det Bill Roach (anyone who doesn't imagine Ken Barlow at this point deserves a talking to) was a young copper when the notorious killer Jack the Knife terrorised the neighbourhood. Eviscerating women in a most vile way, leaving behind a tape playing Mack the Knife over and over again. Hence the moniker. This was in the 70s and, to this day, the killer has never been caught.
Back in the present and Bill is now retired, in his 80s and residing in a care home. The fact that he never caught his nemesis still bugs him but he tries to live a calmer life now. He spends his time in quieter pursuits and also, cos there is often no one else, sits vigil at fellow residents last moments. But, ever the cop, he starts to see a pattern in the deaths... and, again as the good cop he was, he is duty bound to say something...
But what happens next is not something anyone could have predicted... and I'm leaving you to discover all the juicy details for yourself...
At this point, I'll put my hands up and say that I never saw any of that coming. And I read this genre ALL the time, many hundreds of books a year and I never in a million years thought we were going there... Never crossed my mind. So yeah, big standing ovation for the author there...
So yeah, brilliant plot, well crafted and expertly executed. A cracking cast of well created characters all playing their parts with aplomb and a narrative that gets on with itself without any need for padding or waffle to distract. Practically everything i want from a good book and need to make it a GREAT book. Now all I want is some extra time to sneak in all his series books, as if they are even a patch on this one, I feel I am definitely missing out on something special.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

4.5 Stars. This was different than I expected. Previous crime stories I have read involving senior citizens fell into the cozy mystery category. They were relaxing and laced with humour. This well-crafted book by Steve Parker has a dark, grim, and gritty attitude, excellent characterization, and suspense. Be prepared for a clever plot, a stunning twist, and gut-wrenching action.

The story revolves around Bill, a Care home resident for the elderly. He is a popular man in his eighties who shows compassion to others. Other characters we get to know are Charlie, a fellow resident and friend; Susan, a young caretaker who is devoted to Bill; and the kindly matron of the home, Ms. Dunbar. Then there is the vicious Jackie Draper, a caretaker who is cruel and insulting to residents. She enjoys terrorizing and threatening the feeble Bill, who has mobility, balance issues and diabetes.

We learn that Bill had been a much-honoured and respected police detective. Fifty years earlier, women were being eviscerated and murdered, and a tape had been left with a body repeatedly playing 'Mack the Knife.' Bill was in charge of the investigation, which became a hunt for a serial killer, nicknamed Jack Knife, who continued his murderous rampage for years. This was the one killer that evaded him, and the case still haunts him.

More elderly, sick patients are dying at a higher rate than usual. Bill's experience and sharp mind lead him to suspect the doctor. They seem to die within one or two days after his visits. Is he killing them, and could the doctor be in league with the dreadful J. Draper?

A well-written and clever crime drama with emotional impact. Recommended! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early chance to read this intriguing book. Publication is due October 5.

Really fantastic read, couldn’t put this down. Perfect for anyone looking for a good psychological thriller that keeps u on the edge of your seat. Fantastic plot, fantastic characters.
5 stars

As someone who doesn’t enjoy thrillers because any amount of scary is too scary for me, this was absolutely perfect. It provided a sense of unease—it connected me to the characters, and made me scared and anxious for their lives, without ever scaring the reader.
I’m usually quite good at guessing twists, and while I did pick up on part of it I was absolutely shocked by the ultimate reveal. (I guessed who Jack the Knife was, just didn’t guess any of the reasons behind it, and there was so much more to it than I expected!) Honestly, it was really satisfying - I love a book that lets you start to guess the basics of a twist and then knocks you out of the park by revealing the whole thing.
4.8/5 only because towards the end I thought the word “bitch” was being rather overused on like two pages, but other than that… a really good read, I’ll absolutely be recommending this one! Genuinely still reeling from the twist, which is exactly how I want to feel after reading a crime/mystery!

An excellent read! This book just flows so well and at times feels like a cosy murder mystery - don't be fooled! Fabulous characters and the underlying back story from the 1970s may seem irrelevant at times but is necessary. Definitely worth a read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this eARC.

I thought I might like this book from the description, being a fan of crime fiction. I really wasn't sure what to make of Jack Knife at first - it felt more like a cozy mystery which I'm not a huge fan of and at one point I was ready to give up thinking this isn't for me. I'm so glad I didn't and persevered with this book - I've just reached the end and what a roller coaster of a read this became! Even though I felt the story was slow at the beginning and took time to get going I'm glad I carried on reading this. The story has mostly likeable characters with the exception of one who I loathed with a passion. I found myself caring and rooting for the likeable ones and desperate for the one I hated to be found out. I liked the authors writing style, and that the story flowed easily even though in my opinion it didn't pick up pace until over half way in. And when it did - I loved how the plot went off in an unexpected direction that totally threw me and I felt I was unwrapping secret after secret which turned this into a very absorbing read. I thought I'd sussed everything out and was completely wrong. Overall despite its slow start this became a good read and one that I'd recommend.

I think I'd read other books by this author when I can.

This stand-alone crime thriller from Steve Parker kept me guessing to the end. Set in a British retirement home, the main character is former detective Bill Roach, a man in his eighties. Bill is enjoying a quiet retirement when he realizes too many of his fellow residents are dying in the Crown Woods Retirement Home. He and his 2 octogenarian pals start investigating what he believes are murders. A former Detective Chief Inspector, Bill had a storied career except for the one who got away, Jack the Knife. The backstory of Jack the Knife is a significant influence on Bill's current life. Bill and his pals have plenty of suspects to investigate including the home’s doctor, the owner, and various staff members.

There is plenty of action and a very twisty ending to this story to keep you guessing. I loved the old codgers and their very compassionate caregiver, Susan. Try this mystery, I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did!

This book what can I say? a massive massive massive twist that you wont ever see coming so be prepared. This author is so so good.
As I started reading this book I though this is different.
William Roach (Bill) a retired detective chief inspector living in Crown Woods retirement home, looking back to fifty years ago girls were murdered and everyone had a tape of the song Mack the knife by Bobby Darin, the Killer was named as Jack the knife and was never caught, although Bill did have a suspect Leonard Clifford.
Bill a chip off the old block has been in the home for five years, good pals with Charlie and cared for all the other residences, but someone wasn't right to the old man and that was Dr Sean Cooper every time he treated a patient they died a couple of days later and he voiced his concerns.
this book blows everything around as you read, the staff under Mrs Julie Dunbar, Bill's favourite Susan Johnson, and the nasty piece of work Jackie Draper. Its hard work to keep the home running with limited staff, and Bill keeping his job a secret soon comes to light with the staff and the police force.

What really can I say about this story, very different in many ways, what is not to love about Bill?
As I carried on reading I soon found out.
Jack Knife is twisted, mind blowing and above all a book to be read.
Excellent all the way through.

This has to be one of the best psychological thriller’s that I’ve read in a long time. So interesting, exciting and enthralling in my opinion. The ending even brought tears to my eyes. Then there was yet another twist…

Loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

Absolutely amazing! This is what all other thrillers aspire to be. The writing is just faultless, the pacing is perfect, the characters well written and believable. It's so vividly brought to life that you are right there is the middle of it with the characters and when I say your jaw will drop..... trust me, that's not an exagaration!! Must read

This is one book which lives up to the blurb, "unexpected twist at the end". With clever plotting, wonderful characterisation and excellent writing from Steve Parker, it has to be one of my favourite reads of the year. This is a very well crafted piece of writing, full of suspense, which can be read as a stand alone and one I can highly recommend. An easy 5* from me. Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC.