“The Ordinary Man,” by Christie J. Newport (ASIN: B0CQKFVWLS), Publication Date: 8 February 2024), earns four stars.

This book is part of a series and unknowingly, I read this volume (the second in the series) first, which caused me to initially struggle a bit to understand context, etc., an understanding which would’ve enhanced my reading experience at the start of the book. However, the author’s writing allowed me to quickly figure out the background, after which so I was able to proceed nicely. Other readers would benefit from reading the predecessor volume first, which I recommend.

“The Ordinary Man” is a well-crafted story. The author deftly tells the tale via multiple points of view, which really adds to the suspense of the story and made it more interesting for this reader. It also made my own “detective work” more challenging and rewarding. If you like reading about police procedure (I do), you’ll especially like this story. The various points of view offered an informative and welcome complexity, which heightened my fascination with this story—especially when it was told from the point of view of the killer.

Sincere thanks to the author, and Joffe Books Mystery, for granting this reviewer the opportunity to read this Advance Reader Copy (ARC), and thanks to NetGalley for helping to make that possible.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. It took me a while to get my hands on the first book and finish before reading this book. The series is well done and I ma looking forward to more from this author.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Christie J. Newport

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

This story follows on from book one which I recommend you read first as there’s quite a lot of back story which is important to understand. Otherwise the first chapters of this book are confusing as it jumps straight into the story without some kind of summary of past events which would have been useful, even for those of us who have read book one. DCI Bethany Fellows has got through her disciplinary hearing and just has to convince Det Supt Dillon West that she’s ready to return to work at the Major and Serious Crimes Northwest Division in Preston. She needs this if she is to catch her brother Tom. DC Tom Spencer, the man she worked alongside for years without knowing they shared DNA, spawned by the same monster Stanley Baker and still taunting her. She’s already been warned about keeping evidence to herself but straight off there she goes again, staying quiet about Tom’s postcards. Beth is allowed back on two conditions - that she sees a counsellor and also that she will work under Amer Anwar who has been promoted to DCI and who will be the deputy SIO in her place. She also has a lot of making up to do to her best friend Millie, DC Millicent Reid, and Aunt Margie, both of whom she has shut out recently. It’s not long before she’s back on her first big case, that of a young woman’s body found by a cycle path, dragged there and bludgeoned to death. She is soon identified. The reader is privy to how she was taken by a very ordinary man with a very ordinary life. The post mortem reveals the level of anger and brutality involved in the girl’s death. One thing stands out – someone who can do that will not stop at one victim and Beth cannot help fearing Tom is responsible. The shadow of the Brander case also still looms large, with Beth being needed to help as her biological father Stanley, now in custody, will only speak to her and with twenty-eight skin brands meaning twenty-eight unidentified victims, her input is vital. Is she strong enough to cope with a chilling new case and these demons from the past?
Beth is a very driven character, stemming from the murder of her mother when she was a young child. She can’t help herself, often taking risks and going it alone but it comes from a good place and she is determined to help other victims of terrible crimes. I really liked her, Amer, Dillon, Aunt Margie and Millie, all great characters and easy to envisage. The plot is clever and well executed, easily gripping my attention throughout right up to the exciting conclusion as the story is told from both Beth’s view and a narrative of the killer’s movements. With another shocking ending, this story is far from over – looking forward to book three!!

I like to read crime fiction and I always try and read a book that is set locally. When I heard last year that a new book would be set where I live I couldn’t wait to read it. I enjoyed that book a lot so pre ordered this follow up as soon as I heard about it.

This really is a series that you would benefit from by reading in order. The events that happened in book one are still impacting on Beth and her team and it would mean more to the reader if they knew what they were.

The story line on this book is a chilling one, seem through the eyes of Beth and the killer, very much the ordinary man as the title suggests. To see what he was thinking whilst going about his everyday life was nothing I had read before and at times it was unsettling. I thought it was very well done. In particular, the scenes with his family where I could see both sides of his character. Loving most of the time but the venomous levels increased as the novel progressed.

Even though I do enjoy reading a book where I recognise places it does feel weird. A lot of the places mentioned I see regularly and it felt different, more personal somehow. And a little eerie. Other areas were unidentified, I was laughing at myself for feeling relief that it wasn’t where I lived because the bin day was different!

Whilst the events in the novel were at times graphic and upsetting, they paled into significance with the ending. This was a huge shock to me and I’m now eager for a follow up. I really need to know that that the situation could be resolved

I liked this book, but I wish I'd know to read book 1 in the Preston Murder series first --not because I needed the information to follow the story in book 2, but because book 2 seems to give pretty much everything about the first book away. In fact, DCI Beth Fellows is suffering PSTD and has been on leave as a result of book 1's events, and at the start of book 2 she is meeting with her boss to convince them that Beth is ready to be reinstated. Beth ends up back to work even earlier than expected after a young woman is found brutally murdered. Most chapters are told from Beth's POV, focusing not only on the case at hand but also loose ends from book 1, but some chapters are told from the perspective of The Ordinary Man, responsible for the new case. Beth's chapters are almost stream of consciousness of what she is thinking as well as what's going on around her, while The Ordinary Man chapters give us insight into his mind and motivations. As I said, I liked the book, but all the spoilers about book 1 and the cliffhanger ending left me a bit disgruntled, and I never really connected with the main character.

Mystery’s and intrigue..realistic characters..red herrings…guessing…guessing the end is not easy…from Netgalley

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Ordinary Man, the second novel to feature DCI Bethany Fellowes, set in Preston.

Beth’s first case back on the job after a suspension is another murder investigation. A young woman has been found battered to death and the level of rage and violence makes Beth think that there will be other victims.

I thought that the first novel in the series, The Raven’s Mark, was a mixed bag of good and not so good and I think that The Ordinary Man is the same. It doesn’t flow as has so much going on the reader’s attention is pulled in too many ways. I would also recommend reading the series in order and close together as one seeps into the next.

Beth was suspended for not being open about everything she knew in the last case and the ramifications of that and what was finally discovered play an outsize role in this novel. I must admit that I have forgotten many of the previous events so some of the current references were confusing. This is why I hate ongoing threads and prefer self contained novels. I can also say that I can’t be bothered with Beth as there is too much drama and trauma in her life. It is very difficult to identify with her or her troubles, which are too outlandish to come even close to believability.

The actual murder plot is good, with a supposedly ordinary man picking up young girls in his car and then savagely attacking them. The author is quite graphic in her descriptions, but I think it brings some realism to the novel. I like the concept and I like the way the investigation is carried out, with few clues initially or a direction to head in until hard work moves them forward. I also like the glimpses of dissent and interpersonal strife. I was less keen on the many chapters told from the killer’s point of view, just another psychopath displaying his misogyny. I also think that the constant switching of perspective makes the novel less than immersive.

The novel is slow to start as it has so many strands to cover, but it gets quite tense in the last quarter as the killer eyes up his next target and the team start to make some headway. It should be noted that it ends in a cliffhanger, ensuring that the thread continues.

The Ordinary Man is a mixed bag, which to me feels too busy.

I read the first book in the series, The Ravens Mark, and I enjoyed it but, in my opinion, it felt a little lacking in descriptive writing. Having just finished this book, what an amazing transformation the author has made. As a constructive criticism, I think of book 1 as similar to watching something on a small black and white TV, the second book is like watching something in a modern HD and all the extra massive cinema. The writing was much more descriptive and the emotion, fears and characterisation flowed off the pages.
I think readers starting out on Book 2 may struggle getting their head around what has happened in the past so I would definitely recommend reading book 1 first as it will give a good background to the characters.
My only fault, if you can call it that, is that I would like more character to be made of the story location. The series is called The Preston Murders for a reason and I currently feel that the books use Preston locations but they do not really get into the character of the city. Named places feel that they could be in any town or city so I am hoping that this is something the author makes more personal in future books.
This book really does set the standard high. It is only February but it is already in contention for one of my reads of 2024. The book ends on a little of a cliff-hanger and so I am looking forward to see what book 3 will bring, not just for the storyline but also to see the author progression.
Christie J Newport has had a difficult few years in her personal life. She has done well to overcome health difficulties, etc but her writing is blossoming and she is becoming a big hit in the world of UK crime fiction.
Many thanks to Joffe Books, NetGalley and the author for providing me with an advanced electronic review copy of the book in return for a honest and unbiased review.
The book is published today and is available in paperback and e-book formats. You will not find many bargains today as good as this with the e-book provided so much entertainment for the release price of just 99p

Thank you NetGalley, Joffe Books and Christie J Newport for this ARC in exhange for a honey review.

The second book in The Preston Murders series, and it didn't disappoint!
We jump straight back in with DSIO Beth Fellows, finding out how she is dealing with all things from Book 1. The strong FMC again keeps you on the edge of your seat as the case goes on, and more and more twists from the past play their part.

Full of more twists and cliffhangers, I can't wait for the next one! Hooked from the first chapter, but make sure you have read The Raven's Mark first!

The Ordinary Man opens a few months after The Raven’s Mark closes. DCI Bethany Fellows and the other characters are still dealing with the ramifications of the Brander case.

Beth is still very much struggling to come to terms with what she has discovered. Both her home life and career are on the brink of tipping over the edge of a cliff. This new case is equally as troubling and disturbing as the Brander’s. The opening chapter of the book leaves the reader in no doubt of how much danger she is in.

The Ordinary Man is gritty, the crimes committed are shocking, horrifying. They cause ripples of devastation through the grieving families and the investigating team. The intensity of the book is palpable. For me, it stems from Beth, she is a woman, and detective who doesn’t do anything by halves. Her mistrust permeated through the pages, and had me doubting many of the character’s motives.

The characterisation is rich and deep, each are distinct and wonderfully flawed individuals. I loved getting to know the characters in more depth.

The dedication at the start of this book is so lovely. It says so much for Christie’s fortitude, and for her family and friends’ support. I especially love that Ben’s ponytail had a mention. The acknowledgment left a lump in my throat too.

It’s hard to believe that this gripping book is just Christie’s second book, it reads like the work of a seasoned author. The cliffhanger she has left us on is huge, and absolutely guarantees that I will be reading book 3, as soon as I possibly can. Without doubt, this is a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book for me.

This is a suspenseful read and the ordinary man made me really uncomfortable! If you enjoy a gritty, crime filled suspense with lots of interpersonal drama, grab this book. It does contain coarse language and prominent LBGTQ relationships.

In my mind, The Ordinary Man is pornography. It's not the sex, it's the violence. Author Christie J. Newport seems to want the most sick portrayals of death that she can imagine, and then sends them to us as entertainment. The violence in this novel is extraordinary. It could still have been a good story without the extremes.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

I read (and really enjoyed!) the first book in The Preston Murders series, The Raven's Mark, so I was excited to receive an ARC of the sequel. In this dark and unsettling book, a killer, known only as the 'ordinary man'; a man with a wife and child and an ordinary job, who is picking off his victims one by one, capturing and murdering each young woman with escalating violence. Chapters from his perspective give us an insight into his world, his thoughts and his motivations. Then we have DCI Beth Fellows, who is everything you want in a protagonist - likeable yet flawed, smart, determined, passionate, a little bit stubborn and more than willing to bend the rules for justice. She's on the case but also dealing with the aftermath of what happened in her past, and in the first book of the series (which I highly recommend you read first!). I absolutely love how diverse the cast of characters are - we are a long way from a police force of straight white men in this book, and I applaud that. The plot is tightly plotted, pacy and exhilarating, with plenty of twists, turns and reveals. Graphic at times, but also full of emotion - the perfect balance for a gritty crime thriller. I found myself racing towards the dramatic ending, leaving me desperate to read the next in the series. Christie Newport is an excellent storyteller and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Second in a series and you definitely need to read the first before. I hadn't and found it took a long time to work out who people were and how they fitted into Beth's life. She's a very troubled police woman, DCI so quite senior. She's just back to work after an apparently horrendous case. She has family issues - she's the result of her mother being raped (I think), said mother then murdered in front of her when she was 4, possibly by the biological father, now in gaol for possibly other crimes but wanting to "tell all" to Beth. There was Millie who may or may not have been Beth's life partner but has been ignored during Beth's recent trauma and on and on. The current case is narrated by the murderer 'the invisible man' as well as by Beth. The crimes against the young women are horrific and graphic. On top of this Beth is paranoid about Tom, an ex policeman, possible relative, and clearly a main part from the first in the series. She and Millie, a fellow police officer too, keep feeling they're being watched and then there's the other member of Beth's team, Amer, and his ever more complex romances. Overall, too messy, too many loose ends, not enough background, a rushed ending, no motive, not to mention a possible cliff-hanger regarding the stalker with another no apparent motive. Sorry, not for me. After now reading other review I begin to wonder if I read the same book but there are too many characters/scenarios in common for this. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

This is the Preston Murders second book, and we follow DCI Bethany Fellows once more. I felt like it can be read as a standalone and it’s possible to pick up the bits that might have been off without the first one. However, you might want to read the Raven’s Mark to get some more context.

It’s a dual POV since the chapters alternate between The Ordinary Man and DCI Bethany, but it’s quite easy to follow the story anyways. The story is a fast paced one and it’s full of exciting police procedurals. We have a new story but at the same time Beth’s character is still being developed where we left, and we get to see the evolution of her personal story.

One of the positive points were the storytelling and the atmosphere it created that can leave you unsettle. It was a bit too graphic for me but for those who enjoy a good graphic thriller it’ll be a great choice.

Thank you, NetGalley & the publisher, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.

The Preston Murders Book 2

He seems like such a nice man. Nothing about him says that you should be on your guard. He's just an ordinary man. Driving an ordinary car. Telling you to get in. And he's the last person you'll ever see alive.

The chapters alternate between The Ordinary man and DCI Beth Felloes. Beautiful young women are missing, then turn up dead. The perpetrator is one sick and evil man. There are some p;arts to this story that are quite graphic, so it's not for the faint-hearted. I like when we get the perpetrator's perspective in a book, as it can make the story more interesting. I was pulled into this twisted story by the end of the first chapter. We get some character development. This book could be read as a standalone, but I wish I had read the first book in the series, The Raven's Mark, as I think we have still missed out on some of the background story.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #ChristieJNewPort for my ARC of #TheOrdinaryMan in exchange for an honest review.

WOW 🤯

Last year I enjoyed reading the “Ravens Mark” my first ever crime thriller, It had me hooked and I couldn’t wait to read more. So when I had the chance to read the next book of the series early, I jumped at the chance.

I was not disappointed. Following on how Beth copes with the trauma of her life and how she becomes aware of who she can and can not trust, all while working as a DCI on an active murder investigation.
Being set in my home town of Preston and with Christie’s attention detail helped me feel I was apart of the story, I felt I was in the room with the characters as the story unfolded around me.
The last few chapters especially had my attention I couldn’t stop reading! Wow just wow!!

I didn't read the 1st book but OMG!!! This blew me away. Everything is perfect, the writing style, the double pov, the characters are so realistic, the threat and danger literally is jumping off the page!! This actually had me checking out the windows more than once because of how much tension and unease the book creates. It's all just perfect and everything you want in a domestic noir/ police procedural. Absolutely flawless

My thoughts about Christie J Newport’s The Ordinary Man dishes out plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked throughout, just like its predecessor. Writer Christie J Newport’s The Ordinary Man has held its ground very firmly and the writer has done a phenomenal job! The story, the build-up is superb. It’s a must must read. I Loved it! The book doesn’t loose its pace even once. The story just keeps at the edge of our seats. Right from the opening scene, each frame was well connected. The detailing for each chapter was simply mind-blowing to read. Most of the characters played in the first version were retained and only few new faces played their part in the sequel. All the new characters introduced in the sequel were perfectly synced with the plot. Writer Christie J Newport justified brilliantly introduces the new characters that contributes for the twist and turns in the storyline is quite amazing. Moreover, that build up is needed to create that tension atmosphere in the minds of the readers. Christie J Newport’s The Ordinary Man story starts of with a killer introduction He seems like such a nice man. Nothing about him tells you, you should be on your guard.
He’s just an ordinary man. Driving an ordinary car. Telling you to get in. And he’s the last person you’ll ever see alive. Beth is no stranger to violent death. When she was four, she witnessed her mum’s murder. The killer was never caught and that injustice is what propelled her to join the police. Now everyone Beth loves is placed in the firing line as she goes head-to-head with a ruthless killer. Story set in the Nestled on the banks of the River Ribble, Preston has faced its challenges but is once again a thriving Northern city, with a vibrant multicultural population. It is a beautiful place but there are dark alleys where the worst human impulses go unchecked. The best part about The Ordinary Man is the story of DCI Beth Fellows who goes up against a ruthless killer again is brilliant. Overall Christie J Newport’s The Ordinary Man perfect edge-of-the-seat police procedural thriller shows how it’s done and is a power-packed book marinated in suspense and jaw-dropping thrills. I would like to say a big thank you to writer Christie J Newport, and publishers Joffe Books, for kindly letting me read and review this brilliant book on netgalley. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥