Detectives Scarlett Delaney and her partner, and father figure, Detective Frank Ash are in pursuit of The Jackdaw, a notorious killer who commits closed door murders, taking with him a keepsake before vanishing without a trace. Then Delaney happens upon Henry Devlin, a dangerous, yet charming, criminal who is also looking for The Jackdaw, but is there more to Devlin than meets the eye, and is Delaney putting herself in more danger by associating with him?

This latest thriller by Cole is fast paced, full of action and with lots of dark humour thrown in, a common trait in this author's work. There are lots of characters, making it a very busy story and one you need concentrate on to follow the plot, which is very far fetched at times, be prepared to suspend belief with a lot of it. The main characters are great and I particularly loved the close relationship between Ash and Delaney and the way he always had her back. The developing association with Devlin was also interesting to watch and, as this is the first in a new series, I'm intrigued to see how that pans out in book two.

I'd like to thank Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads and Amazon.

BOOK: THE JACKDAW (3.5 stars)
AUTHOR: DANIEL COLE
PUB DATE: OCTOBER 2023
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
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I loved this storyline, it was not what I expected, but in a good way. I loved the thriller, the crime solving, it was perfect. But, as amazing as the storyline was, I did not like the main characters, hence the 3.5 stars
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Scarlett was a stupid cop and a selfish partner. I tried to like her, but it was not possible. She made several mistakes and was still rooting for the perp(kinda).
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Henry, assassin extraordinaire, I liked him better when I thought he only killed bad people, boy, was I wrong! I hope he meets a gruesome end
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This book was very good, fast paced and will keep you at the edge of your seat. You might like it!

Absolutely cracking read!
There was nothing not to love about this...fast paced, excellent characters, believable backstories and just a smidgen of romance!

This book wasn’t what I was expecting. I had a bit of a hard time getting into it. I felt the relationship between Scarlet and Henry to be unlikely but I found myself enjoying their little cat and mouse game. Their relationship seemed very superficial for Henry to randomly start becoming her protector.

I did predict the ending almost from the get go. About halfway through the book I was internally screaming at Scarlet because of her naiveness.

Once I got through about 50% of the book, I really did start to enjoy it even if it was predictable.

Overall, it was a decent read. It’s definitely worth reading if you’re more into assassin style crime novels.

Loved it!!! Scarlett and Henry are fantastic characters. The mystery is full of suspense, action, and twists. My jaw dropped several times. I read it in one sitting. Totally worth losing sleep for! I loved the humor as well. And the best of all was reaching the end and finding out there's a sequel coming.

I've read a few books by Daniel Cole and just like the other books, this book is an absolute roller coaster of a thriller that I just couldn't put down and I had to finish. I received a copy from Storm Publishing via NetGalley and it is out today, the 10th of October.

Detective Scarlett Delaney has the lead in a mysterious new case. Three murders that seem quite impossible to have been committed but nonetheless with a body. Absolutely no trace is found of how the murders could have been committed. She then meets Henry Devlin who claims to be a private investigator working the case as well. Drawn together to solve this case, Delaney is under threat. Will she be able to catch this seemingly ghost of a serial killer?

I've read Ragdoll and Hangman by this author and just like these two books, this book, Jackdaw, is an absolutely unputdownable thriller. It flows so easily from the pages that you just keep on reading and that's also something you want because you need to know what happened and what's going to happen and who actually did it and how it's going to end. There are quite some twists and turns that'll keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. And the ending... I can't wait to read more about detective Scarlett Delaney.

5/5 ⭐!

As a huge fan of Daniel Cole‘s Ragdoll series, I was so excited to read Jackdaw and it absolutely did not disappoint! I loved the character of Scarlett Delaney. I found her hugely engaging and relatable, despite some of her quirkier decisions, and I really enjoyed her relationship with her mentor and colleague, DS Frank Ash, as well as that with charming and thoroughly untrustworthy Henry (Cavill, I thought – I don’t know about anyone else??)

Jackdaw is an enjoyable rollercoaster of a ride from page one and is full of Daniel Cole‘s trademark sense of dark humour and love of the macabre. The gory, if not impossible, locked room murders are inventive and I loved the little diagram of one (you’ll see). The explanations are truly inspired!

The thrills and pace both increase as Scarlett and Frank close in on their goals and I was really torn between racing to the conclusion and trying not to finish it too quickly. The ending is great and I was so pleased to see that Book 2 is already in the works and I can’t wait to read it

Matthew Lewis has a cracking, but I imagine very hard, job. He monitors social media for offensive content and then deals with it. When we first meet him, he has just found something quite disturbing and he immediately alerts the authorities. Enter Det Scarlett Delaney to investigate and she does so with gusto. Maybe too much as she does get a bit involved. Especially when she appears to go a bit rogue when she meets and teams up with Henry Devlin who is a self confessed hitman. Yes, I know! But stick with it...
The case is very nasty. The Jackdaw... so named cos they remove a key item of jewellery from their victims. Once they have brutally murdered them, that is. And also leaving absolutely no trace, or discernible method on occasion. Scarlett is teamed up with Frank, her mentor, and the man who saved her from her own complex past. But I'll leave you to discover that for yourself.
It's all a bit over the top...
But I think it is meant to be... And if you have read the Ragdoll series, you will know what you are getting into. It does verge on to the bonkers side of over the top but in a really good way!
And it's also very funny on occasion... Especially some of Henry's escapades! Sometimes quite dark...
It's also brutal - but you'll know that if you have read his previous books. It's not for the faint hearted! But you do also need your wits about you following all the delicious twists and turns you'll find along the way.
But... in my opinion, the best thing about this book is that it is the start of a series (or trilogy, not sure yet) and that is too exciting for words. But sad also cos I have to be patient for book two...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This book had me staying up way too late at night to keep reading just so I could figure out what was going to happen next! I loved this book. I’ve loved every book by Daniel Cole that I’ve read and I was so excited to read that there will be a second book. This book is about the hunt for the Jackdaw killer. They are brutal and unforgiving. This was truly a thrill ride the entire time and I loved every page of it.

I’ll admit I’ve never read any of Daniel Cole’s work previously but I’ve heard a lot of praise for his Ragdoll trilogy. Unfortunately I wasn’t super thrilled with his latest thriller. Jackdaw sees professional assassin Henry Devlin and detective Scarlett Delaney (who just happens to be the daughter of a serial killer with a humongous chip on her shoulder) trying to hunt down a notorious serial killer known as the Jackdaw.

The book is fine, as far as pulpy thrillers go I would say it is average. Not terrible, but not particularly outstanding. My main quibble is that twists and turns are predictable 97% of the time, including all three epilogues - which resulted in what was supposed to be a surprisingly revelation often falling a little flat. That and there were some points in the narrative when I would visibly cringe. One such instance was:

‘He kind of looked like if you took Superman and Mr Darcy and mashed them together and then sprinkled some Edward Cullen on top for good measure’

I’m not sure what the author was trying to show with this but I can only guess it’s that he’s not spoken to anyone under the age of forty in a very long time because I’ve never met anyone who would use those words in that order in conversation.

A very well written action packed mystery thriller! I had never heard of Daniel Cole and now I can't want to read all of his books. The connections and chemistry between the characters was great. Finding out the identity of The Jackdaw was jaw-dropping.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for my ARC!

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This is a good crime thriller.
Detective Scarlett Delaney is called when a woman is found decapitated in a hotel room. She has been left with scratches on her face and her earrings taken so the team know this is the work of a serial killer they are hunting - The Jackdaw.
Whilst investigating the murder Scarlett is approached by a man who says he also wants to catch The Jackdaw. Henry is intriguing to Scarlett and she wonders if she can trust him.
Her partner Frank is concerned that Scarlett is hiding things from him and she struggles to keep her meetings with Henry a secret.
This is an original crime thriller that I enjoyed.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Detective Scarlett Delaney and her partner, Detective Frank Ash were following a mystifying and brutal case, where the Jackdaw would kill, beheading the victim and removing the body, leaving the head in a prominent place. Frank was at the end of his career while Scarlett was at the beginning of hers, and Frank kept a weathered eye on his protégé, knowing he'd do anything to have her back.

When Scarlett met the enigmatic Henry Devlin, himself a criminal, she discovered Henry was also after the Jackdaw. Forming an uneasy alliance, and neglecting to mention it to Frank, Scarlett found the reasoning of the case, the systematic working out of the Jackdaw's steps as she and Henry investigated, helped her with her superiors. Were they getting closer to discovering who had the city on edge?

Jackdaw is the 1st in the Jackdaw series by Daniel Cole and is a fast paced thriller, with plenty of action. Scarlett is a fairly naive character, and I liked Frank very much. And Henry - smooth, sophisticated, charming - turned heads, especially those of the ladies! The novel was complex, with a lot of characters to keep track of, and I found myself wondering who "that" was occasionally! But all in all, it was an enjoyable read; a gripping thriller. Recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

So exciting and a great return for Daniel Cole who had such great success with the Ragdoll trilogy. Fast paced and one of those books where you have to keep reading. A good sign!!

Good characters, good plot, plenty to keep you hooked in, would recommend without hesitation! Bring on the next book from this inventive author.

I really enjoy Daniel Cole’s books because his twisted mind matches mine! Murders are happening but with the twist of no body left behind, only a severed head but to add to the bizarreness, this all happens with loads of people being close by and no one sees the torso removal. Jackdaw did not disappoint as it was as brilliantly written as Daniel Cole’s previous books. The pace keeps you up all night and the tension is superbly judged. Can’t wait for his next one.

Loved this.

Pacy and completely mad with great characters who do all the crazy things plus a great central killer plot.

Utterly entertaining and surprisingly feel good given the subject matter.

Recommended

I’d like to thank Storm Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Jackdaw’ written by Daniel Cole in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Detective Constable Scarlett Delaney is working with Detective Sargeant Frank Ash in the pursuit of the Jackdaw who leaves scratches on victims and always takes a keepsake.

‘Jackdaw’ is an involving thriller that’s tense, suspenseful, intriguing, and one of those novels that’s once started is impossible to put down. The plot is completely different to the usual police thrillers with characters so devious it’s hard to know who to trust and scenes that are unbelievably gruesome but work well in the scheme of things. The conclusion is left open-ended leaving me wanting more.

I absolutely loved "Jackdaw"! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

From the very first page, this heart-pounding thriller had me hooked and kept me up all night, eagerly turning each page. Detective Scarlett Delaney is a brilliantly complex protagonist, and her background as the daughter of a notorious murderer adds a fascinating layer to her character. Her determination and intelligence make her an incredibly relatable and compelling lead.

The enigmatic killer known as "Jackdaw" is one of the most intriguing and chilling antagonists I've come across in a thriller. The calling-card scratches left behind at each murder scene added a sinister touch that sent shivers down my spine.

Henry Devlin, the charismatic but dangerous criminal, adds a unique dynamic to the story. The uneasy alliance formed between Scarlett and Henry kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering if they could truly trust each other or if their own agendas would lead to betrayal.

The suspense and tension in "Jackdaw" are masterfully crafted, and I found myself constantly guessing and second-guessing the identity of the killer. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end.

If you're a fan of gripping thrillers like "Thirteen" by Steve Cavanagh, "The Chain" by Adrian McKinty, or anything by Jennifer Hillier, you absolutely must read "Jackdaw." It's a five-star masterpiece that I couldn't put down, and I can't wait for more from this talented author! 🔥📚 #Thriller #MustRead

When I see a new Daniel Cole I literally scream!
His books are awesomeness on paper and boy oh boy was this a ride!
This is the start of a new series and I can't wait for the next installment.

Scarlett a Delaney is a homicide detective but she is also the daughter of a serial killer called the Four-Leaf Cleaver and because of this she is not very popular with her colleagues.
DS Frank Ash is her partner but also at times her partner in crime.
To make things even more complicated he was also the guy who brought down her father and who is now a father figure to Scarlett.
They are on the case of the Jackdaw killer. A serial killer who decapitates his victims and only leaves the head behind and takes trinkets.
But how is the serial killer able to do this and vanish into thin air?
Is this the case that will make or break Scarlett and Frank?
Then in step Henry, a man of mystery. Is he friend or foe and what is his connection to the mysterious woman he meets at the Museum?

What I loved about the story is the fact that all the characters are flawed in 1 way or another and you can't but not like even the bad ones.

A Brilliant read that I can highly recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

What a fun, escapist and fast paced read! I’ve read Daniel Cole’s previous series so I was excited to see this one pop up to review.
Featuring a clever serial killer known as the Jackdaw, a flawed Detective called Scarlett and the enigmatic Henry, an ice cold assassin who teams up with Scarlett to try and catch the Jackdaw, this is a real romp of a read with some very ingenious murders that need solving.
However it is completely unclear whether Henry is to be trusted or indeed whether Detective Scarlett should believe anything that comes out of his mouth.
Henry obviously has his own agenda and despite his charm and his obviously burgeoning feelings for Scarlett, the reader is unsure what is really behind his offer to help her.
I really liked this book- Scarlett is a great character, flawed with a dark background but determined to prove to the Detective team that she is capable of solving the murders, hence her alliance with Henry.
Her boss and mentor, Frank, is also interesting, coming to the end of his career, he does everything to protect his mentee, realising she might have made a deal with the Devil..
I was so pleased to read a note at the end from the author to say that he has already started writing the next book in the series. I will definitely be first in the queue!
Recommended to all crime thriller fans who enjoy escapist but compelling reads!,
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.