Absolutely loved Ray and his bunch of Chemotherapy chums. They were so loyal to each other under such difficult circumstances. Some of the humour here was laugh put loud. Also loved Ray's relationship with his daughter which felt warm and protective.
Such a thought-provoking, hilarious and poignant storyline that had a few twists along the way and an ending that ultimately felt uplifting and wise.

A bit of a slow burn at the start but comes together and then becomes engrossing.
Will justice be served? Is killing ever justified? When you have your own life sentence due to illness can you kill without remorse? Four strangers meet for their chemotherapy sessions and become friends.
Hearing their history they support eachother.
Enjoy I did

He’s done it again!
Another absolute cracker of a read, I adored his debut novel Call Time and I was delighted to read Terminally kill ahead of publication next month via NetGalley.

It was just a complete joy to have his writing back in my hands again, this was a great mix of thriller, police investigative, dark humour and lots of heart!. Ray is such a brilliant character, and the accompanying characters at the treatment clinic each brought something special to the table.

I love the questions it brings up, and a focus having a main character as someone who is facing the end of their life, who then takes morality and the knife edge of right and wrong into play , it was so interesting, I loved the whole premise and thought it was executed perfectly making a unique and engaging read. It flicks from scenes that had me on the edge of my seat, front row of a gripping thriller/horror film style, and then the next would have me laughing at the dark humour that came from heartbreaking situations out there to be a balm on the pain. From start to the very end, it was just a complete box ticker of what I hoped from a second novel from @stevejones.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading Steve Jones debut Call Time then I can’t recommend it any higher, and then you need to get onto this one because he is a brilliant natural writer and these 2 are something special for sure!

‘First rule of Chemo Club ….’

Ooh interesting premise this one! I went in blind without reading the synopsis and just thought, what a twisty start!

An ex cop and ex soldier Ray Leonard, kills a man who is trying to mug him whilst attempting to disarm him. It’s a bit of a kill or be killed situation, plot twist, he is undergoing chemo for stage 3 cancer (not a spoiler, it’s there from the start), his wife was murdered and the killer still free and unknown, he wants to find him. His BIL is also a DI and I’m thinking how he this going to pan out, will he be discovered?….

It’s a bit of a twisty clever one this and really held my attention from the off. I questioned my feelings over this one and was rooting for Ray, even though he’s killed someone. The right and the wrongs of what he’s done are front and centre. I rattled through it, loved the characters, grumpy Rose is sublime and I had such a soft spot for gentle giant Gog. It’s funny, witty, dark and just a darn good read!

I really didn’t know what I was expecting when I started this book but it certainly wasn’t what I got.
This book was emotional, funny, sweet and devastating in equal measure.
A real page turner with such an unexpected ending. Loved it.

Four people meet during Chemo. One is an ex detective Inspector called Ray Leonard.
Ray's wife was killed 2 years before his treatment and he would like to find the killer.
There follows a series of events where the four cancer patients open up to each other.
Ray is involved in a mugging that goes wrong but needs to stay out of jail to support his step daughter who is still getting over the death of her mother.
Ray opens up about the mugging in the 'Chemo club'.
What is said in 'Chemo club' stays in 'Chemo club' even though Ray's brother in law, another detective suspects he is connected to the mugging that went wrong.
Cant wait to see what happens in the next book.

Terminally Kill is a masterfully crafted novel that balances dark humour with a profound exploration of cancer's impact on individuals and their relationships. The narrative delves into the complexities of life with a terminal illness, presenting a compelling story that resonates on multiple levels.

At the heart of the novel are its richly developed characters. Ray, a former soldier, stands out as a particularly memorable protagonist. His journey is intertwined with those of his newfound friends: Rose, a spirited and resilient woman; Gog, whose gruff exterior hides a deep well of compassion; and Luke, a character whose presence adds layers of intrigue and warmth to the story. These characters are more than their medical conditions; they are vibrant individuals whose lives encompass much more than their treatments.

As the story unfolds, the initial focus on illness expands to include elements of mystery and humour, weaving a narrative that is both engaging and unpredictable. The author skillfully balances moments of levity with the gravity of the characters' situations, creating a nuanced portrayal that avoids clichéd depictions of terminal illness. The wit and cleverness of the writing shine through, making even the darkest moments bearable through a lens of humour and humanity.

The evolving dynamics between Ray and his friends add depth to the plot, revealing the importance of camaraderie and support in the face of life's greatest challenges. Each character's backstory is intricately crafted, providing insights that enhance the reader's understanding and empathy. The interactions between them are marked by a blend of sardonic humour and genuine affection, highlighting the author’s talent for creating authentic and relatable relationships.

3.5/5.

Terminally Kill is darkly humorous and a profound acknowledgment of cancer, to generalise it.
Whereas, the niche are the characters in this book, former soldier Ray, and the people he befriends like Rose, Gog, and Luke.
Treatment is not the only aspect of these characters’ lives, and as the book progresses mystery and humour become more prominent.
I enjoyed the author’s witty style and characterisation.

What a brilliantly researched book, the description of the disease was so accurate, the tiredness, always being cold, the unknown. I know because I’ve been there and come out, what I would say no one in my chemo group became a killer (not that I know of anyway). This is the second book written by this author and both of them have been dark and looking at human nature, of people wanting to make things right and the consequences of that. This is an excellent read, well researched and full of twists and I had to ration myself to make it last three days.

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.