Broken Dolls
James Carol
Ex-FBI star profiler Jefferson Winter is no ordinary investigator. An eccentric genius and self-described geek with a passion for Mozart, he is haunted by the legacy of his notorious serial killer father . . . and not likely to admit this may be why he has such a phenomenal insight into the psychology that drives the criminals he hunts.
The former G-man is now a sought after freelance consultant, jetting around the globe helping local law enforcement agencies with their toughest cases. When Detective Inspector Mark Hatcher calls from Scotland Yard about a particularly disturbing case, Winter leaves his native California for the chilly streets of London to help track down a sadistic serial kidnapper.
Four victims, all young women, all tortured and then lobotomised. None of them able to tell the police the name of their attacker. None of them able to live normal lives again. Just broken dolls, played with then discarded.
When another young woman goes missing, Winter has to race against the clock to identify the attacker and find the latest victim before it's too late.
WOW! Every now and then you pick up a debut novel and finish it wondering how the hell they haven’t already written a few Bestsellers already. Luke Delaney was the most recent author I discovered this was and I can promise you that James Carol is now added to that list. This author is certainly one to watch! The synopsis features Jefferson Winter who has his own business working for numerous agencies. He also is an ex FBI man who happens to be haunted by the legacy of his father who was a notorious serial killer.
First off the character of Jefferson Winter is bloody great! He’s clearly a character that leaves an impression as he has a shock of white hair and has an exceedingly high IQ, and that’s just to name a couple of things. He’s been called in by Inspector Mark Hatcher to help on a case where women are being tortured and then lobotomised. The story is split and we see one case where the most recent woman has been snatched and you literally feel her torture. On the other side we see just how Jefferson works and how he tries to work out the killers next move.
From around the third chapter I was completely engrossed and frankly wasn’t willing to put this down for anything. I am very shocked that this is his debut as it’s written with the finesse of a seasoned author. From start to finish it’s packed to the brim full of clever plot twists, brilliant characters and quite frankly scenes that will give me sleepless nights. I finished the book and within around 4 minutes had pre-ordered the second book in the series entitled ‘Watch Me’, out 5th August 2014.
This debut novel is one of the best I have read since Luke Delaney’s debut last year. This book will have you reading well into the night and will I promise leave you breathless with anticipation for his next case. A highly recommended book, which I think most people, will absolutely love.
Review by Katherine Everett, Best Crime Books
Watch Me (Jefferson Winter 2) out Aug 5th is now available on Kindle for just £1.49 as a pre-order.
About James Carol:
James Carol was born in Scotland in 1969, where he spent his early years. He moved to England in the eighties and has lived there ever since. At various times he has worked as a guitarist, sound engineer, guitar tutor, journalist, and a horse riding instructor.
When he’s not writing, James spends his time training horses and riders. He relaxes by writing and recording music. He lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and two children.