There’s a serial killer on the loose.
When bodies start washing up along the banks of the River Thames, DI Henley fears it is the work of Peter Olivier, the notorious Jigsaw Killer. But it can’t be him; Olivier is already behind bars, and Henley was the one who put him there.
The race is on before more bodies are found.
She’d hoped she’d never have to see his face again, but Henley knows Olivier might be the best chance they have at stopping the copycat killer. But when Olivier learns of the new murders, helping Henley is the last thing on his mind . . .
Will it take a killer to catch the killer?
Now all bets are off, and the race is on to catch the killer before the body count rises. But who will get there first – Henley, or the Jigsaw Killer?
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I was hooked from the start. It’s really smart, quick-paced and intriguing. Not for those that don’t like a good crime book as it is a little dark. – Kim, NSW, 5 Stars
What a read?! This book had me absolutely hooked from the get-go. When I was reading it I was loving it and when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it and wanting to read it. It did get rather gruesome at times, I even had to put it down for a while, but once I got past that, it was great. I would definitely recommend this book! – Emily, VIC, 5 Stars
Nadine Matheson’s The Jigsaw Man is gritty, raw, authentic and at times hideously gruesome, a fabulous plot with its fair share of unexpected twists and dark turns. Not for the faint-hearted, this is a rip-roaring murder thriller mystery with a fantastic strong yet flawed female lead character. Highly recommended! Thanks to Better Reading and Harper Collins for the introduction to this gripping read, The Jigsaw Man. Can’t wait for Matheson’s next book. – Jason, VIC, 5 Stars
I love British Crime stories and The Jigsaw Man was no exception. Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley of the Serial Crimes Unit returns to active duty after a horrific incident with serial killer Peter Olivier, nicknamed The Jigsaw Man. DI Henley finds herself partnered with the new Trainee Detective Constable Salim Ramouter on her first day back. They are called to a gruesome crime scene that resembles Peter Oliver’s crimes. With The Jigsaw Man safely behind bars there now seems to be a copycat killer on the loose. With thanks to Better Reading Preview for my advanced readers copy of Nadine Matheson’s book. – Sharah, QLD, 5 Stars
A great read that keeps wanting more. It is well written and moves at a fast pace. It is a great read to lose the afternoon to, with you wondering what is going to happen next It a bit gruesome in parts but that is all part of the story and helps to set the scene for you the reader. A great debut novel and hoping there is more to come !!! – Bernadette, NSW, 5 Stars
Although it is very grim and gritty I really enjoyed this book. The characters are skillfully crafted and the dialogue rings true – not always the case in murder mysteries. Great plot – and very cleverly developed. The glimpses into the out-of- work lives of the main characters were tantalising- makes me hope there will be a sequel! The ending was unexpected, a little unsatisfactory but totally real- no frantic attempts at tying up loose ends here. Highly recommend this. – Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars
When DI Anjelica Henley returns to work after a leave of absence body parts start to turn up on the banks of the River Thames. These killings are reminiscent of her last case, but the killer, Perter Olivier, dubbed the Jigsaw Man is in prison. After a visit to Olivier more bodies are found. So who is ding this? Is it Olivier giving directions from a prison cell, and if so how and are these victims connected to him? Or are they the work of a copy cat? is Olivier playing a cat and mouse game with Henley and her partner TDC Salim Ramouter As more bodies are found Henley, while trying to sort out her Private life, together with Remouter and the rest of the team are under pressure to find the killer before more killings take place. if you enjoy a good phycological thriller this is definitely for you and it will keep you in thrall from page 1. Hopefully, we will hear more from Nadine Matheson in the future. – Elizabeth, VIC, 5 Stars
Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley carries both physical and psychological scars after investigating and arresting the Jigsaw Man. Two years later, her job is taking precedence over her adoring husband and toddler daughter as a series of disturbingly similar crimes begins right in Henley’s Deptford neighbourhood. What is the connection? What is the new killer’s motivation? Henley has no choice but to interview Peter Olivier, the monster responsible for her PTS. Perhaps she can see into the mind of one depraved killer for clues as to the plans and identity of another. This debut novel has a perfect balance of police procedure and gruesome crime scene detail. It is gritty, believable and cinematic, exploring the bonds between colleagues who are forced to witness the very worst of humanity. I will definitely watch out for more from Nadine Matheson! – Heidi, VIC, 5 Stars
Loved this book was a thrilling read couldn’t put it down. – Beth, TAS, 5 Stars
Right from the start I was hooked on this case. I could feel every plot twist and decision that Henley had to face. I was right there with her- confused, scared, lonely and determined to catch this killer. Loved it right to the very end! – Kerrie, VIC, 5 Stars
5 brilliant stars! I absolutely loved this! And if you love your thrillers gory with real, flawed and relatable characters, then you’ll love it too. Henley is back on the street as an Inspector after a case scarred her mentally and physically. Add to that some family drama, a rookie detective, and a psychopathic killer and copycat and you’ve got a fantastic book. And my joy when I googled Nadine and discovered she was black, well I was grinning reading a thriller! What a great debut, absolutely loved it. – Hanadi, NSW, 5 Stars
Fans of Chris Carter and MJ Arlidge… attention please. You need to read The Jigsaw Man and you need to read it now. It is dark, brutal and very, very disturbing. And saying all that, I loved it! When body parts are discovered on the banks of the Thames early one morning, DI Henley is called back to the active investigation. She is teamed up with TDC Ramouter which she is not happy about, but she’s is happy to be off desk duty. But this case feels familiar… it can’t be the Jigsaw Man, she caught him and he is behind bars. All the signs are there though, could it be a copycat? The body parts are not from the same body and they are incomplete. They have their work cut out for them both professionally and personally. Can they stop this killer and link the victims before more bodies are found? I loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters, the investigating officers. They are worlds apart and yet have a lot in common. I hope that we will hear more from them in future books… a series would be great. It is a long book but it kept my interest right the way through. I was desperate to find out what would happen next. The author does not hold back on the description so not for those with a weak stomach. It definitely kept me guessing and the ending was surprising. An amazing debut novel and I look forward to what comes next. Thanks to Harper Collins Australia and Better Reading for my advanced copy of this book to read. – Mandy, NSW, 5 Stars
The only thing more terrifying than a serial killer on the loose – two serial killers on the loose! Nadine Matheson’s The Jigsaw Man is a twisty, turny crime thriller packed full of intensity. The suspense is palpable as readers are sucked into a labyrinth of intriguing characters and convoluted storylines that seamlessly mesh to form an excellent narrative. A must-read for crime buffs! Thanks Harper Collins and Better Reading for the advanced copy! – Sarah, VIC, 5 Stars
An epic roller coaster ride, nail-biting thrills and escalating tension made this novel a true page-turner. New murders are now occurring frequently and worryingly have a similar MO and pattern to those of the imprisoned Jigsaw Killer. Detective Investigator Angela Henley finds herself in a race against time – will she apprehend the copy cat killer before the notorious Jigsaw Killer or will he beat her to it? – Catherine, NSW, 5 Stars
Fans of Chris Carter and MJ Arlidge… attention, please. You need to read The Jigsaw Man and you need to read it now. It is dark, brutal and very, very disturbing. And saying all that, I loved it! When body parts are discovered on the banks of the Thames early one morning, DI Henley is called back to the active investigation. She is teamed up with TDC Ramouter which she is not happy about, but she’s is happy to be off desk duty. But this case feels familiar… it can’t be the Jigsaw Man, she caught him and he is behind bars. All the signs are there though, could it be a copycat? The body parts are not from the same body and they are incomplete. They have their work cut out for them both professionally and personally. Can they stop this killer and link the victims before more bodies are found? I loved the chemistry between the 2 main characters, the investigating officers. They are worlds apart and yet have a lot in common. I hope that we will hear more from them in future books… a series would be great. It is a long book but it kept my interest right the way through. I was desperate to find out what would happen next. The author does not hold back on the description so not for those with a weak stomach. It definitely kept me guessing and the ending was surprising. An amazing debut novel and I look forward to what comes next. – Mandy, NSW, 5 Stars
Oh. My. God. The best crime thriller I have ever read!!! Detective Inspector Henley is the lead police officer in this thriller, investigating the gruesome deaths of people who had served on a jury that was dismissed in a murder trial. Then the prisoner convicted ultimately of murder in his second trial escapes jail and starts looking for a “copycat” killer who killed the jury members. A prison officer helps this criminal along the way as well. Very gruesome in parts, romance involved as well in parts. Really gripping book. I was captivated from the very first few sentences with this book. Details the work of a Serious Crime Unit working together looking for the killer/s. I felt I was reading a police brief of evidence during the whole book. Details how a police officer struggles with home/family life and their police work, and how their partner/family find it hard to understand/accept the work that detectives do daily. A really engrossing book. If you love crime thrillers, this book is for you. A warning though – it is really gruesome at times. Cannot wait to read the next book Nadine Matheson writes, as this is her first novel. Well done, Nadine. – Glenice, VIC, 5 Stars
Jigsaw Man is a dark crime novel that you will want to get your hands on! This debut novel is one you can really sink your teeth into. DI Henley is back on her first active case after being on office duties and she is assigned to work with trainee detective inspector Ramouter. The case is a shocker…a serial killer is dropping dismembered body parts all over the city. The case brings back painful memories for Henley and is eerily similar to the last case she worked on where she was seriously injured and a serial killer was put behind bars. This book is disturbing and a bit grisly in parts but if you love a good crime book you’ll love it. The author builds the story well and by halfway I couldn’t put it down. I especially enjoyed the working relationship between the two inspectors, Henley who originally resented having to work with a trainee finds she actually has a lot in common with Ramouter as the story goes on. I can’t wait to read the author’s next novel. Thank you Harper Collins and Better Reading for the opportunity to preview this book. – Kim, VIC, 5 Stars
Still recovering from the psychological and physical injuries inflicted by Peter Olivier, The Jigsaw Man, two years earlier, Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley from the Serial Crime Unit is again in a race against time when victims of a copycat killer are found in and around London. Who is doing these heinous crimes and why, and is there a connection between the victims? Henley and her new partner, Trainee DC Salim Ramouter, don’t get off to a great start but as they try to piece together the pieces of this challenging puzzle make a formidable team. They interview the original killer to help find his follower but Olivier doesn’t make things easy for them or anyone else who gets in the way of his own freedom as he, too, is determined to find whoever is taunting him with every victim. I was hooked right from the opening pages of this debut crime novel by Nadine Matheson and couldn’t put it down. The story is fast-paced and thrilling from start to finish. The characters have flaws and strengths and plenty of dramas at home and on the job. I hope there will be more thrillers featuring DI Henley and her colleagues. – Sarah, 5 Stars
What a surprise this book was. The first chapter does not do this book justice, luckily, it got better and better with each page. A thrilling story emerges that keeps you reading. A great first novel for a new female writer in this genre. I would love to read a follow-up – especially a “prequel” – to this storyline involving the great characters. – Lisa, NSW, 4
Thanks to Better Reading for my copy. The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson was a gruesome but riveting story of an imprisoned serial killer, a copycat killer and the inspector who worked the original case and is now out to stop the copycat. DI Henley has not fully recovered from her ordeal in capturing serial killer Peter Olivier, when it is obvious that there is another serial killer copying Olivier’s modus operandi. As the body count mounts Henley and the CSU race to identify the killer. Matheson keeps the reader enthralled with a pacey plotline. The backstory is gradually disclosed as we follow Henley and TDC Ramounter investigating the murders. The murders are harrowing and the suspense is high. This is definitely not a read for the faint-hearted. Despite this, it is an excellent debut novel. Matheson has a real knack for captivating the reader. It was hard to put the book down. If you like gritty murder mysteries this is for you. I shall be looking out for her next novel. – Annette, ACT, 4 Stars
Like all good mysteries, this book starts with a few pieces of the gorey puzzle, literally, body parts are found around London and as the reader, you are easily hooked in needing to know more. We get glimpses into the personal lives of the investigating team and this enriches the depth of characters and your attachment to them builds. As they track the killer there are echoes of a prior case that part of the investigating team are affected by leading them to contact the Jigsaw killer, Peter Olivier, involved. This dredges up more old wounds but to catch this new killer they need help from the previous killer. A game of cat and mouse commences between the two serial killers and our investigation team need to solve the puzzle before too many bodies stack up! DI Henley is returning to active duty and this new case becomes personal to her, it not only dredges up old wounds but also affects her family life. Her character is difficult to connect with in the beginning but you soon realise why she is the way she is. I enjoyed Ramouter’s, the Trainee detective, character in this book. He too had personal issues playing out in the background but was a great addition to the investigating team. Each character has a perfect placement throughout the story and the Thrilling yet Horrific crimes have differing impacts on them all. The Short chapters means you are quickly flying through the storytelling yourself ‘go on, just one more page’. This book would be easily adaptable into a crime TV series and has the potential for the story of each character to be explored further. I do hope that Nadine Matheson continues this investigating team into a series of novels to solve further crimes, especially with the gripping ending! – Alli, VIC, 4 Stars
Rounded this book up to 4 stars as it was very enjoyable though not without its flaws. Well-paced and very moreish, I definitely had to slow myself down a few times as I got caught up in the plot and really wanted to dash through it. The Hannibal Lecter-esque villain was a bit too superhuman for my liking, able to deduce facts, manipulate people into horrible acts and defeat police officers with ease. There were also a lot of peripheral characters who became quite important later on. Not sure if they weren’t very well described or I wasn’t paying enough attention but I had to go back on more than one occasion to refresh my memory. This definitely delayed some of my later shocks at plot twists when I couldn’t remember who was who. Had the feel of book two or three in a series. Like the world and characters had already been established and the reader was coming in mid-way through. This was both a strength and a weakness. In summary, great plot, great pacing and a real sense of peril throughout. – Richard, VIC, 4 Stars
When dismembered murder victims begin being left to be discovered in public areas, Inspector Henley is assigned to the case. But this spate of murders strangely feels similar to those committed by Olivier, the serial killer dubbed The Jigsaw Man. As Inspector Henley and TDC Ramouter race to find the copycat killer before any further murders are committed, it has to be asked, will it take a killer to find the killer? This debut novel hits all the right notes – it’s well-written with mountains of suspense, a great back-story which almost makes this novel read as a sequel and enough underlying themes to ensure the story has enough depth to keep you captivated until the end. – Tamara, VIC, 4 Stars
This was a great read! If your a fan of Hannibal Lector then you will love it. Every scene in this book was very well described and it felt like you were there. The characters were very realistic and interesting. The best detectives in novels are always flawed in some way, which adds more to the story, and this novel achieves this as well. It was exciting and suspenseful. One of those books that you find you can’t put down until it is finished. An intriguing crime novel with great characters and thrilling moments. Well done to the author for this thrilling book! I am now a fan of Nadine Matheson and I hope this book does well so I can hopefully read more of her novels in the future! Fantastic. – Raymond, WA, 4 Stars
A fast-paced thriller mystery that keeps its secrets until late in the book. The contrast between Angelica, caring and determined but scarred, and the smooth, charming and amoral jigsaw killer is well written. Kathy Reichs will enjoy the book as will those who don’t like the gory details quite so much. While the murders are grizzly, most of the details are left to your imagination. The book balances the themes of revenge, idolisation, PTSD and duty vs family well. The characters are realistic and well thought out. I enjoyed the way the jigsaw killer manipulated people so smoothly, even those who should know better. – Katie, NSW, 4 Stars
When I first started reading this, I thought I had missed out on a previous book and this was the second in a series but it isn’t: this gruesomely gritty, gory novel is Nadine Matheson’s debut book. It tells the story of a flawed black female detective in the Serial Crimes Unit (to whom I personally could not relate as I considered her to be unlikeable) who has been on restricted duties but who is suddenly thrust back into the fray as Senior Investigating Officer as body parts are found in a rough part of South London. As the number of body parts mount up it seems as if the murderer has the same modus operandi as a serial killer, Peter Olivier, known as the Jigsaw Killer, but he is imprisoned serving life, so what is the connection? Is it someone acting on his behalf or a copycat? Either way, Olivier seems unimpressed with the handiwork. I suspect this won’t be the last we will see of DI Anjelica Henley and some of the other characters. Thanks to Better Reading for the opportunity to read this graphic, grisly police procedural with plenty of backstories. – Pamela, SA, 4 Stars
Kirsten Meares NSW “The Jigsaw Man” by Nadine Matheson is an excellent debut novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. Matheson has incorporated her experiences of growing up in South London and the knowledge that comes with her role as a Criminal Solicitor to create an authentic and believable narrative. Although intense and gory at times, I found “The Jigsaw Man” to be an accessible read for someone who only casually explores the crime fiction genre. The protagonist, DI Henley, was a strong female lead who displayed wit, strength and composure while investigating the serial killings. Olivier was a dark and well-rounded character who added a layer of complication to the narrative. Overall, an exciting read. I am looking forward to Matheson’s future works. – Kirsten, NSW, 4 Stars
This book did not seem like a debut novel. It got my attention from the first page. The characters were interesting and complex. The storyline had all the gruesome descriptions and twists that I love in a good crime thriller. DI Andelica Henley returns to active duty following injuries she sustained from a notorious serial killer Peter Oliver who she previously helped put behind bars. She is teamed up with Trainee DC Ramouter. The pair develop a unique relationship. The discovery of body parts from multiple victims leads to a race to identify the victims and the hunt to catch a copycat killer. DI Henley’s encounters with Oliver had definite Hannibal Lector overtones. Her powerful character comes out as she faces the danger she is in. The ending definitely makes me think there will be a follow up book which I would look forward to reading. – Gail, WA, 4 Stars
Similar to a jigsaw just waiting to place that final piece this novel, ‘The Jigsaw Man’ by Nadine Matheson follows much intense crime drama and the constant plot twists and turns of Henley – a strong female, leading lady, detective inspector. As the pages turn the missing puzzle pieces fall into place. Including an unexpected conclusion – that perhaps feels like this journey won’t end with the last page. The author, who herself is a criminal lawyer brings her knowledge which serves to add an edgy brilliance and crime based macarbe to the writing. The main characters stories become intertwined throughout the plot dipping into both the past and present. This creates both an instant connection with the characters and an imaginative depth to the storyline. Overall, ‘The Jigsaw Man’ is gruesome, is filled with complex and twisted characters and incredible criminal escapes – which will have you astutely questioning till the end. – Cathy, QLD, 4 Stars
The Jigsaw Man is about a DI Angelica Henley who is called to a crime scene of dismembered bodies along the riverbank of the Thames. Teamed up with notorious Jigsaw Killer, Peter Oliver who has been behind bars for two years is keen to take matters into his own hands when he learns of the gruesome copycat killer. In a race to catch the killer, can DI Angelica Henley find the killer before Oliver manages to get a hold of him first? Nadine Matheson creates a gruesome and eerie atmosphere for this page-turning thriller that ends in a cliff hanger making the reader crave more. – Rhiannon, WA, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed this fast-paced thriller. I felt quite connected to Henley and Ramouter, and felt their backstories fitted in well in the storyline, with each having a unique personality. The story was a bit gory in places, and the chapters at time seemed out if order (why did chapter 94 come before 95?). However it was a compelling read, and I found it hard to put down. It was a great debut novel! I look forward to reading more Anjelica Henley novels! – Zena, SA, 4 Stars
I found this book a little slow to start with, there are a lot of characters with complex backgrounds to come to terms with, but if you persevere it’s all worth it in the end. I think the main protagonist DI Anjelica Henley is the strongest element in the book: ‘Death was her adrenalin and it scared her’. She’s an intriguing character, I think most people will find something to relate to in her backstory & you do start to care what happens to her. She’s definitely worthy of a crime series! The author creates an oppressive atmosphere that works really well-using imagery of a suffocating heatwave in the city of London combined with the increasing pressure on the London Serious Crime Squad to solve the case. Once the action starts this thriller turns into a real page-turner with a magnetic adversary, twists, turns, surprise reveals and a killer ending. This is a well-written book & I would try another title by this author. Fingers crossed for a sequel! – Vicky, WA, 4 Stars
A well deserved 4 stars for this debut novel by Nadine Matheson. From the moment you read the prologue, you are drawn into the nonstop action, which does not let up until the last pages. After being on restricted duties for six months a horrific series of murders draw DCI Angelica Henley back into conflict with the man who tried to kill her. Twists and turns keep you guessing as to who is responsible for these new copycat style killings She is surrounded by a likeable cast of characters including her trainee offsider Salim Ramouter who, is eager to please but, has his own set of problems and her immediate boss Pellacia who is in love with her. Plus others who I could see developing well in a subsequent series If you enjoy a heart-pounding read and you are not put off by a bit of explicit gory action you will love The Jigsaw Man. – Sue, NSW, 4 Stars
A copycat serial killer is leaving body parts across London, in imitation of serial killer Peter Olivier, known as ‘The Jigsaw Killer,’ in prison for life thanks to DI Anjelica Henley from the SCU. Past and present are unveiled concurrently and as the copycat killer case unfolds, we learn more of Olivier’s rampage and DI Henley’s past. DI Henley and partner TDC Ramouter make a great team. I enjoyed how the story delved into their personal lives, revealing how ‘The Jigsaw Killer’ case has affected DI Henley physically and mentally and the stigma she regularly experiences for being a black woman in a position of power. TDC Ramouter struggles with a complicated home life and is thrust into his first-ever case where his inexperience and naivety put him a little out of his depth. Peter Olivier is such an overwhelming presence from the second he is introduced and the absolute power he commands is both incredible and terrifying. This was a cleverly written and gruesome thriller. I enjoyed the pacing and loved reading how the plot of this fantastic page-turner unfolded. – Christine, VIC, 4 Stars
I enjoyed reading The Jigsaw Man. The book is fast-paced and every page was riveting and made it hard to put down. I found the characters were diverse, from Henley being a strong, courageous woman to the evil and disturbing Olivier. Sometimes the writing was a bit too graphic for me, but it was needed. I think this book would make a great movie. – Tracy, WA, 4 Stars
I love a gory gritty serial killer novel so I couldn’t wait to have my stomach turned by The Jigsaw Man. And gruesomely turned it was, with an intriguing plot taking me for the ride. I also like to get to know my characters, and this is when I wanted more; more detail about DI Henley and trainee DI Ramouter, who actually felt very competent for a trainee. I also got a little overwhelmed keeping track of the many ‘passing through’ minor characters. That said, I felt I knew the horrific antagonist Olivier well, and the relationship between Henley and Olivier was definitely my favourite aspect of the story. The novel starts a little slow and is a long read, but as it progresses is gets meatier (pun intended) and once Olivier is going head to head to Henley, the story grips you right to the end. You won’t want to put it down. – Kim, WA, 4 Stars
The Jigsaw Man is an exciting thriller that does not shy away from the gruesome details. The story revolves around Angelica Henley a Detective Inspector who has recently returned to active duty and Salim Ramouter a trainee. The characters grow on you as the book develops and by the end of the book, I found myself quite fond of them. The story involves trying yo find a copycat serial killer from a previous investigation that Henley was involved the Jigsaw killer. The dynamics between Henley and the Jigsaw killer keep you guessing to the end. A great book that just got better and better the further you read. – Meaghan, ACT, 4 Stars
Kerrie Armstrong NSW The Jigsaw Man was an enjoyable read. It will certainly appeal to fans of the serial killer/psychological thriller genre. Although in a market flooded with similar tropes, I’m not sure if Jigsaw Man will stand the test of time. It wasn’t hard to look past the shortfalls of some of the characters, as they were interesting and mostly entertaining. However, it was the gaps in the plotline that left me most unsatisfied, particularly the reasoning behind why the copycat killer began killing in the first place. I don’t mind a cliffhanger for an ending, and the Jigsaw Man certainly leaves you wondering (no doubt a sequel is already in the works), I’m just not sure if I loved it enough to commit to another 400-500 pages. – Kerrie, NSW, 3 Stars
With a title like The Jigsaw name, it’s pretty indicative that this novel may not be for the squeamish. However, it slowly reels you into a dark and twisty tale of understaffed and under-resourced police, all battling their own demons while trying to keep killers off the streets, in jail, and punished by law: A process that will make its own victims. Engaging, relatable characters, all with their own secrets, and fallibility will have you cheering and squirming as the race is on to save a life, and catch a killer. – Jacq, TAS, 3 Stars
The Jigsaw Man, by talented debut author Nadine Matheson, is not for the faint-hearted. It’s an unsettling, grisly crime thriller that crawls underneath your skin and reminds you that those sensitive hairs at the base of your neck are excellent danger-alert indicators. Peter Olivier, AKA The Jigsaw Killer, is in prison. But, when body parts begin washing ashore along the River Thames, Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley is nervous. She knows it can’t be Olivier — but these new killings share some alarming similarities. Soon Henley and her partner, Trainee Detective Constable Salim Ramouter conclude they’re dealing with either a copycat killer or, Olivier is orchestrating the killings from inside prison… The plot is well-paced and intricate. It’s a fast read and I found it impossible to put down, even when my heart thudded from the graphically horrific descriptions. Olivier’s character is disturbingly well crafted, as is TDC Salim Ramouter. DI Henley didn’t really convince me, however; I couldn’t connect to her and felt she lacked genuine depth. Although the plot fell short on originality, it did hold some cleverly concealed surprises. I felt I was reading the book version of a highly entertaining blockbuster movie that I’d seen before. – Linda, QLD, 3 Stars
The Jigsaw Man is as dark and gritty as they come. Detective Inspector Henley is still haunted by her near-miss at the hands of serial killer Peter Oliver (the Jigsaw Man) when she suddenly finds herself thrown back into the thick of the chase as a copycat killer emerges. It’s well written with strong Hannibal Lector vibes, although the intense backstory was distracting at times, this is a great debt for Nadine Matheson. – Renee, NSW, 3 Stars
The Jigsaw Man is not a book to read before bed. It starts with the finding of severed body parts, continues with the investigation of not one, but two, serial killers, and is nonstop in its goriness from go to woe. I enjoy serial killers {in the written form} and loved the investigation process into the identification of the present one, using the modus operandi of the past one. The lives of the investigating officers are complicated and intertwined, which made for interesting reading. The detectives were not there to move the story along, they were fully formed and part of the story too. Overall, The Jigsaw Man was an unsettling read. The thought of such killers, out in the world, without a Dexterish moral imperative, is nightmare-inducing. Do not read this novel at night! – Daniella, QLD, 3 Stars
If you like cosy books that centre around quiet country villages and cups of tea then I suggest you bypass The Jigsaw Man. This is a book that starts as it means to continue – with a gruesome murder, described in macabre, graphic detail. From the first murders, there is a race around the clock to find the killer (or is that killers plural?) in order to halt the ever-growing list of corpses. Leading the investigation is Anjelica Henley, a woman whose troubled past is revealed as the story progresses. Henley is a standout detective, but will the unresolved issues in her past derail her capacity to solve the crimes? Henley is inexorably linked to the one person who can help solve the crime – a killer who is behind bars for the murder of seven people. Nadine Matherson’s writing perfectly portrayed the tension and pressure experienced by an under-resourced police department hell-bent on solving the crime in order to halt the slaying of innocent victims. As the tension builds you will struggle to put this book down – I lost count of how many times I said ‘just one more chapter!’ The end will leave you wanting more. – Kate, VIC, 3 Stars
Thank you for the ARC of this book. A gruesome crime thriller that is well executed and a page-turner that keeps you guessing. In some ways, it felt like a 2nd book in a series as there was a lot of back story between characters that wasn’t explained and that I would have liked, but I’m guessing that is for the next book! – Pamela, QLD, 3 Stars
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