This Little Piggy
A Spellbinding Serial Killer Thriller
by Rob Ashman
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Pub Date Jun 19 2018 | Archive Date Jul 03 2018
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Description
When a serial killer targets victims on the west coast of England, a detective must track him down while battling her own demons in this crime thriller.
Kevin Palmer is a regular sort of guy until his life suddenly shatters before his eyes. His wife, his business, and his reputation are all taken from him in one fell swoop. Trying to fight back only lands himself in prison. But he’s not done fighting yet.
In the confines of his cell, Kevin concocts elaborate fantasies to wreak vengeance on those who’ve wronged him. When he is sent to work in an abattoir, the final piece of the jigsaw falls into place with chilling consequences. Then a cruel twist of fate changes everything.
When she cracks the macabre pattern of murders, Kray has Palmer squarely in her sights. But can she stop him before he takes revenge on his final victim?
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781912604463 |
PRICE | $15.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Kevin Palmer is a normal, hardworking husband until the night of the Chamber of Commerce dinner when the bottom of his world falls out. He loses everything, first his wife and family, his home and finally his business. He can go no lower and finally spends time in jail.
When he is in prison he spends everyday, every working hour thinking how he can REVENGE on those who caused his downfall. One day he is taken out on day release to a farm and this is where he learns the method of his REVENGE. This is the second in the D I Kray series. I loved the first one but this book I devoured. From page one I was hooked, it was gory, full of blood and I loved it.
I would like to thank the author Rob Àshman, Bloodhound books and Net.galley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for giving an honest review.
This little piggy went to market,
This little piggy stayed home,
This little piggy had roast beef,
This little piggy had none.
This little piggy went ...
Wee, wee, wee,
all the way home!
This is one of the most diabolical serial killers out there. Kevin Palmer has lost his wife, children, his business, his money, and his reputation. Trying to fight what has happened to him, he winds up in prison where he plans elaborate plans to get back at the people who ruined him in one way or another.
DI Rosalind Kray is battling her own demons having returned to work following a brutal attack which left her stabbed multiple times. She was lucky.. she survived. Her husband did not. Her boss wonders if she's up to the task of investigating this particular twisted killer. But she's thorough and dedicated, if nothing else.
Kray has Palmer squarely in her sights. But he has other ideas … Can Kray stop him in time to save his last little piggy?
This is not for the faint of heart. If you have a hard time with the butchering of pigs, as well as copying those movements with humans, you may not want to read this. It's graphic, it's gruesome, it's grisly, it's ghastly.
The book is well written .. with alternating chapters told by the voices of Kray ... and the killer. The reader is treated to Kevin's backstory ... the things that put him here, today.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the advance digital copy of this crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This book is interesting with lots of twists to it. You know a lot about the killer, but not all. Some you can guess, but it doesn't detract from the story. A good book, well worth reading
Oh My Goodness. This was one heck of a read for me. With a killer (see what I did there) first chapter which pretty much sets the tone for the rest of what follows, this book gripped me from the off and held me hostage until I had to put it down when life intruded and I had to go score a cricket match. Luckily, we trounced our opposition and I had an early finish. Getting straight back into it was an absolute relief and I read the last two thirds in just one sitting.
I said in my review for Faceless, the first in this series and well worth a read, that I had a bit of trouble initially connecting with Roz. In this, her second outing, we clicked right from the off with absolutely no sign of there even being a problem. I love the way that she works. Yes, she's still a bit gung ho, and has a different kind of respect for authority, but it works, and some of her "inner dialogue" just has me in stitches and made me love her all the more.
In this book she is on the case of a really rather nasty killer who inflicts all sorts of horrible things on his victims. Unlike most books, we know who he is from the off, there is no secret there, but the joy of the book is watching him commit his crimes and then follow as Roz and her team tries to piece it all together and figure out the who and why. We follow both Roz and the killer, Kevin, in alternating chapters with Kevin's also containing flashbacks to his past. Giving insight into how things escalated for him and made him what he is today.
With the killer known from the start, it must be hard to keep the reader interested. Obviously not everything can be taken quite at face value but the beauty of this book was that there was enough kept back to keep the intrigue level high enough for me to keep reading. It's hard to explain without giving stuff away but believe me, its the journey not the destination that was key for me in this book. And with a killer so brilliant as Kevin, it was a wild old ride. If I am allowed to be in awe of someone so heinous, then I admit it. He impressed me no end. But then on the other side, his careful plotting and planning was expertly unravelled by Roz who completely excelled herself with her insight and lateral thinking, dedicated and determined all the way, up until she hit a big brick wall in her investigation. To find out what happens next you'll just have to read the book but believe me, it's one great ending!
I'm not usually one for giving warnings about books but this one is particularly grisly. Luckily, as already mentioned, the tone is set in the first chapter so, if you are unsure of your comfort level, you would do well trying the sample first. Me, I'm hard core, the nastier the better. So hard core in fact, I'm having sausages for my tea tonight!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This Little Piggy is the second book in the DI Rosalind Kray series. Whilst the author does give enough background I would still advise reading them in order, especially as this is one dark and twisted series you won't want to miss.
Having read and absolutely loving Faceless the first book in the series, I was very eager to read the authors next book. My only concern was how could he even come close to how brilliant the first book wass? Well I needn't have worried as yet again the author has delivered a first class read that delivered thrills and chills a plenty.
The story flicks between Roz and her team investigating the case and the killer himself. It was quite weird getting inside the killers head as I was disgusted with what he was doing and yet I had a certain empathy for him. Not that of course that made what he was doing right, as far from it but my goodness it makes for some exciting reading.
This Little Piggy is yet another adrenaline filled, nail biting read that had me on the edge of my seat. The author is fast earning himself the title of king of creating the most sick and twisted serial killers. Another cracker of a read that the most die hard fans of serial killers are going to devour.
If you like dark twisted and disturbing then this book is for you . Just completely amazing fast paced and gripping you can't ask for any more then that from a book .
I have to start off by saying WOW! Rob Ashman has excelled himself with This Little Piggy. This is the second in the series and we get to know a little more about Roz Kray and some of her team. Right from the start, this story leaves you wide eyed and gobsmacked at the depravity used on the victims. I love how Krays mind works to reveal the clues that no-one else sees. She is a force to be reckoned with and does not suffer fools - at all! I am now left wanting to read more in this series. This book is an intense and gritty crime thriller. It is gruesome, gory and downright sickening, I loved it!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
Wow wow wow, what a follow up, love Roz, the what she's thinking and what she actually says creased me up, great storyline, didn't think Rob Ashman could improve on the mechanic series but this shows he certainly can, can't wait for the next one
Thankyou to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books and Rob Ashman for the opportunity to read this book.
I really enjoyed the story. The storyline was fast paced and keeps the reader enthralled until the ultimate twist at the end. Would definitely recommend this book.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of This Little Piggy, the second novel to feature Acting DCI Roz Kray of the Blackpool Police.
Roz and the team are called out to a particularly gruesome murder scene where it soon becomes apparent that this is not the first body nor likely to be the last. The hunt is and it's not long before she has a suspect in her sights, but proving it will be a different matter.
I found This Little Piggy to be a bit of a mixed bag. The first half of the novel is fairly standard for the genre and just OK but the second half is much tenser and has several good twists, although some of the plotline is repetitive of the first novel, Faceless, (I can't say what without spoilers).
The killer, Kevin Palmer, is no secret to the reader as the novel opens with his statement of exculpation so the narrative switches between him and his actions and Roz's investigation. It's not an approach that appeals to me so Kevin's sorry back story and gruesome acts did nothing for me - seen it and read it all before with minor variations - and I skim read the unnecessary details of how a slaughterhouse works as they affected me more than the murders. I also don't find it an interesting read watching the investigation catch up with information I already have. The second half of the novel is much more interesting as it becomes more a game of cat and mouse with Roz having to overcome several hurdles, not least lack of evidence, to get an arrest. I could take or leave the first half but the second half had me glued to the pages.
Roz is a bit of a puzzle to me. She carries the physical wounds of an attack that injured her and killed her husband but she is also a troubled woman who seems to survive on wine, chocolate and coffee. How she manages to work and think so smartly with these problems is beyond me but she does and is a likeable, intuitive protagonist.
This Little Piggy is worth a read for the second half. 3.5*
This author knows how to blow your socks off .......... I've read all of Rob's books and they just keep getting better and better. Roz Kray is a brilliant character, she doesn't hold back and says exactly what she thinks. A dark, twisted, disturbing and utterly amazing book.
I loved this. Dark & gritty & my introduction to Roz.
A little slow in the first half however the ending? Thoroughly enjoyed it hence reading at 5am before I go to work!
4.5 stars from me.
I’m looking forward to going back and reading the 1st in the series.
Well, my first book by Rob Ashman was pretty fab! The synopsis is one of the best, I knew from that point that this was something I had to read. It didn't disappoint! I plan to go back and read the first one before the next in the series comes out, just to add to my knowledge of Kray, in particular. I do feel that this is perfect as a standalone too, I had no issues despite having never read the first in the series.
"This Little Piggy" is the second in the Rosalind Kray series, where Kray finds herself on the trail of a sick and twisted killer who, while in prison, had concocted elaborate fantasies to wreak vengeance for his time spent inside. But can he put them in motion? If so, can he be stopped?
This was full or gore and blood, which I loved. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted. It is graphic, grisly and gruesome and features the butchering of pigs as well as humans. The book is well written and engaging from the very beginning. The chapters alternate between Kray and the killer, giving alternative perspectives. Ashman provides the killer's backstory which goes some way to explaining his thoughts and behaviours.
In this book, the killer is known from the start, making it difficult for the author to keep the reader interested and invested in the outcome. Ashman has done a fantastic job in this respect. I thoroughly enjoyed "This Little Piggy" and recommend it to those into graphic thrillers.
Many thanks to Bloodhound Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I love this series. Again we are faced with a serial killer. And the human foibles of the police attempting to solve the crime make these books very real. I have read both books in this series but this book will read as a stand alone too. Kray is now acting DCI but continues to clash with those around her. She also takes note of her gut reactions when others laugh at her ideas. But you know to follow Kray as she tends to be right. This book kept me engaged right to the end. What an emotional rollercoaster! Thank you. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series!
After reading and devouring Faceless, book number one in the Roz Kray series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on book two, and what a book it is!
Fast-paced, compelling, grisly and well written, it held my attention from the very first page to the last. In fact I sat and read it in one sitting as I was loathe to put it down.
Well deserved 5 stars and highly recommended!
This is the second book in the DI Kray series and I really enjoyed it.
A body is found and it seems he’s been tortured and one of his toes is missing. Kray and the team are working together to try and find the killer when another body is found.
Quade is still on Kray’s back but seems to be a bit more pleasant - at first.
The story also has chapters told from the killer’s point of view and it’s interesting to find out what made him seek revenge on these people.
He works in an abattoir and some of the descriptions were a bit too gory for me so I found myself skipping some of those bits!
This books certainly puts a new spin on the rhyme, “This little piggy went to market...”
I really like this series and look forward to the next book.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Who would have thought a nursery rhyme could be so dark and twisted? I absolutely loved this 2nd book in the DI Rosalind Kray series -- I am completely hooked! I can't wait to read the next one in this series and the one after that and the one after that ... You are completely hooked from the beginning.
Thank you #Netgalley and #bloodhoundbooks for the eARC.
As a reader I could see where the killer was coming from. I could physically feel his rage run through my body, but what he did left me shaken to the core.
Kevin Palmer is an ineffectual man who has been sold down the river and stabbed in the back by his wife, his business partner. His dysfunctional protestations are met with scorn that serve to fuel his anger. Thus a serial killer is born. Palmer is a complex character, who develops newfound strength, confidence and attitude.
Acting DCI Rosalind Kray stands firm when challenged by insubordination from a member of her team, and clashes with her boss who has her own agenda.
The plot was pure genius with some unexpected twists.
I haven't red the first DI Rosalind Kray, but I most certainly will now.
This is my first book from author, Rob Ashman. You can say it was a smash hit with me. It is gritty and dark without being too gory. Although, I am not against gore. Yet, the fact that there is just enough details about the murders without being too in depth is great. It allows my mind to go into over drive.
Then there are the main leads, Kray and Tavener. I say leads as both Kray and Tavener worked really well together. Additionally, I felt that they had equal parts in this book. Although, I am more partial towards Kray. Just because she is tough as nails and smart too. Plus, she has a bit of a mouth on her and she is not afraid to speak her mind.
I don't know if I will think of the rhyme about the "Three Little Pigs" in the same way after reading this book. I look forward to reading the next book but while I wait I am going to go back and check out the first one. This book is a must read.
I read book one Faceless from the DI Rosalind Kray series and I loved it. This is another brilliant read from the author.
Roz and her team are thrown into a murder investigation when a body is found.
We also get the point of view of the killer which I found very intriguing. As we know the killer from the start I love how the author kept me interested throughout the story.
I thought this was a fantastic read. The storyline was well thought out, in fact it was an epic storyline that sucked me right in from start to finish.
If your looking for a gritty crime thriller then I highly recommend you read this.
Today you're getting a double whammy- Two reviews in one post. The first and second books in Rob Ashman's very creepy Detective Roz Kray series: Faceless and This Little Piggy
So, I joke you not, these books should come with not one, but three warnings ... a warning not to have anything else planned for the rest of the day. A warning to makes sure you're not home alone when reading them and, perhaps the most important warning of all - a warning to avoid hot drinks at crucial points in the book. Rob Ashman, a bill is in the post for the dry cleaning of my trousers (No - it was only a coffee spill - not the other - although that was a close call) and for the purchase of various scald remedies. After his thrilling and ever so very warped Mechanic series, Ashman has done the impossible and damn well out done himself. the new series is great. read on for my reviews of the first two books. I believe the third will be released later in the year - I for one am waiting with bated breath.
Faceless
As, I quipped on Facebook , this book could equally have been called Sleepless because that's what I
was after reading it. Seriously though, the title is fab and very, very apt - we're talking about a book entitled Faceless and a serial killer - I'll let you join the dots.
Ashman's new character Roz is inspired. Vulnerable yet tough, with a backstory to leave you bawling for hours, Roz Kray is well rounded and believable. You'll love her!
I loved the way Ashman gets right into the killer's mind and juxtaposes that with fantastic insights into Roz and her story. I'm not going to go into the plot too much as I know you'll all rush off to read it anyway, but it is quite unique. Don't think I'll ever look at an Iced Slice in quite the same way again. As well as Rosalind Kray, Ashman has created a cast of subsidiary characters that are believable and very distinct form each other. You have the lazy copper, the cover your back copper, the I don't know what I'm doing but i'm the boss copper and the trusty side kick. Alongside that, Ashman isn't afraid to take us to the brink with his creative choices. There were a few moments when I could cheerfully have throttled him for his decisions, whilst knowing deep down that he, as the author, did the right thing. If you can provoke a visceral reaction in your reader then you're doing a grand job ... and Rob Ashman certainly did a grand job. He's upped his game with Roz Kray and I couldn't wait to read on.
This Little Piggy (released 19th June 2018)
This Little Piggy is a play on the children's nursery rhyme and , of course, this immediately sets your hairs on end. however, Ashman did something very clever in writing the sequel to Faceless. He shifted gears a little. He's extremely good at creating serial killers that make your heart thud and your skin crawl and he still does that. however, this serial killer is a completely different kettle of fish from The mechanic and the Faceless killer. There I was expecting more of the same, and although I got something different , I wasn't disappointed.
In This Little Piggy, Roz is called into a vicious murder where the body is suspended upside down after being tortured and covered in boiling water.b A surprise discovery at the scene, tells Roz that this victim is not the first. In an edge of the seat cat and mouse we see Roz get inside the head of the killer, following her instincts and sticking with them even when her beliefs seem impossible.
Again, the suspense is high, but for me it is Ashman's attention to the detail of his characterisation that raises his writing high ... well that and the twist near the end - truly inspired and despite the amount of literature i consume, i didn't see it coming. you truly are an evil man Rob Ashman! (But in a good way)
So advice to the reader -
1 - Buy Faceless today and read it now!
2/ Then you'll be right on time to download This Little Piggy tomorrow when it's released.
This Little Piggy is the second book in the DI Roz Kray series. Another fantastic book from Rob Ashman. The plot gripped me from start to finish. Something that stands out for me is the emotional aspect alongside the gory and gruesome acts, which has occurred in all of Rob Ashman's books. Each book is excellent storytelling. The intriguing plot and circumstances lead to dire consequences in this thrilling read. I had no idea what the outcome would be and certainly did not expect the shocking finale! Great characters of Acting DCI Roz Kray and DS Duncan Taverner, a team I hope to read more of in many more future books.
)
This Little Piggy ( D.I. Rosalind Kray Book 2 ) by Rob Ashman published tomorrow!by Bloodhound books
So, literally on the heels of ‘Faceless’ a mere 3 weeks later comes Rob Ashman’s new book and the second in the series featuring D.I.Rosalind Kray.....firstly having such a quick release of the second book worked, well it did for me, the Police characters from Faceless were still fresh in my mind and so was good to ‘see’ them again and especially Roz and her sidekick Taverner, it was almost like you were settling down to the second in a TV series and I loved rhe familiarity of it all
The story this time centres around Kevin whose whole ‘normal’ life is turned upside down after a New Years party and the poor bloke loses everything.....he then has his Revenge....and boy does he take it....watch out anyone who crossed him and contributed to his demise
The story is told, chillingly yet almost caringly by Kevin and also by Roz in her usual spitfire and ‘take no prisoners’ way, I love her, her attitude, her faults and her determination, shes ace!
The story is graphic! Some parts I winced at, theres no getting away from that, it is, but it is brilliantly written and like a good tv series chapters end on a cliffhanger that lets you think out what has happended and try and work it out.....some of it I was right, some wrong!
A great book that I felt gave the reader the chance to be a bit of an investiagtor and involved you , really enjoyed it and look forward to book 3 😃
10/10 5 stars
This Little Piggy is the second instalment in the DI Rosalind Kray series by Rob Ashman.
Again Ros is on the hunt for a serial killer. She’s only recently returned to work following a brutal assault on her and finds herself on the trail of a sick and twisted killer. Told in alternating chapters from Ros’s and the killer’s point of view, it gives the reader an insight into the mind of Kevin Palmer. A man who’s life has fallen apart so he sets to wreak revenge.
This book is gruesome, graphic and a compelling read. I loved the first book but this is even better. Thank you to NetGalley, Bloodhound Books and he author for the chance to review.
A second thrilling novel featuring DI Roz Kray and her team, the sequel to Faceless (which I would suggest you read first to get a feel of the characters), and another absolute pleasure to read and review. A dark and fast paced story of a serial killer, parts of it are related by the killer himself giving a lot of insight into the motives for such sick crimes. It’s gruesome – I’m glad I’m vegetarian after reading some of the slaughter scenes! - yet there are lighter touches too, like the little “asides” Roz mutters to herself which bring a certain humour. Overall I had a certain amount of sympathy for the killer and very little for any of the victims which I think is a measure of how cleverly the book is written. I am becoming a big fan!! Highly recommended!
Number 2 in the DI Rosalind Kray series and once again Rob Ashman has written a book I couldn`t put down.
We find Roz is currently acting DCI and though still coming to terms with the death of her husband in an attack that left her with multiple injuries she is functioning well in the roll.
Along with her team she is called out to the discovery of a man killed in the most horrific way.
As the bodies start to mount up they realise they are dealing with a diabolical serial killer with a predilection for nursery rhymes.
Told both from Roz`s side and that of the killer, one Kevin Palmer. A man who following his wife`s affair loses not only his marriage, family, business and friends but ultimately his liberty when he is sentenced to prison.
Once incarcerated he fills his time making elaborate plans to have his revenge on the people he blames for his being there.
This mans imagination is astounding and following his release he carries his plans out so successfully Roz and her team seem unable to find the final clue in order to charge him.
Roz isn`t someone to give in easily and even when another is in the frame she continues her quest for the truth.
I dont want to give anything away but suffice it to say this is an intriguing plot which kept me turning the pages long into the night.
A sinister tale with graphic descriptions of the crimes, a host of excellent characters too. A killer twist at the end.
What more could anyone want!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloodhound books for the chance to read this as an ARC.
4.5 This Little Piggy Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
... and this little piggy cried wee wee wee all the way home!
A serial killer obsessed with vengeance and a nursery rhyme... a damaged detective consumed with justice... a perfect recipe for a wonderfully dark crime thriller....
This was one dark and twisted book! Told from the point of view of both Rosalind the detective and Kevin the killer.... Rosalind is damaged having just survived a brutal stabbing and the loss of her husband... Kevin has lost everything his wife, his business, his pride, and now he is set on revenge.... oh what a crazy twisted ride he took us on! Murders mimicking the popular nursery rhyme.... down to the eating of the roastbeef, and the collecting of the toes.... this book is definitely not for the faint of heart, there is a splash of gore throughout.... The way the victims are murdered emulates the slaughtering of a pig... not a pretty sight....
Really loved the investigation in this book, and the twists and turns it took.... I really thought for a hot minute were heading in an entirely different direction.... I also always love being in the mind of the killer... and Kevin was exceptionally twisted, and yet sympathetic.... The only very minor complaint I have about the book is I would have liked to have established a better connection with Rosalind... but perhaps in a future book? Can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next....
Strongly recommend to fans of a dark crime thriller with an exceptionally manipulative serial killer...
*** many thanks to Bloodhound Books for my copy of this book ***
rob Ashman has a great new sreie with this character this book was suspense and was great read would read more by this author
Now seriously if you think Rob Ashman’s newest book from his trilogy is about lovely pink piggy’s with curly tails, you are so going to be disappointed, on the other hand if your looking for the ultimate make you squeal plotline then this it, Rob Ashman certainly made me squeal over and over again.
This Little Piggy is the second book in a trilogy that Rob Ashman has written surrounding DI Rosalind Kray. The first book Faceless was a major hit with myself and many other readers. This Little Piggy has quadrupled my intense satisfaction for a high octane story which delves deep inside my very imagination, routing around snorting, squealing with fierce determination that This Little Piggy isn’t going to make me squeal all the way home…….
A family man who has lost everything, seeking vengeance upon persons who have wronged him, Kevin Palmer, a man with a dark disturbing side with high intellect, conspires to lead DI Roz Kray a merry dance, the answers in plain sight but forever reaching beyond her grasp.
A body is found, its the beginning, the start of a gruesome ride, a toe is missing, a nursery rhyme…………..would you ever want to play the game again.
This Little Piggy is narrated from the view points of DI Roz Kray and the killer, Kevin Palmer, running alongside each other in equal measures, a game of tug of war, an absolutely spell binding, heart crunching, adrenaline filled plot which with every scenario falls deeper and deeper into the darkness.
I loved the way Rob seemed to pit the wits of Roz and Kevin against each other it was a game of cat and mouse, ever changing, flitting between each other with Kevin taunting Roz, trying to fool Roz into believing he wasn’t complicit with any of the murders he was a victim, he is being set up… What Kevin doesn’t seem to realise is that Roz is like a dog with a bone, gnawing away at the evidence, looking, examining, finding……..
This Little Piggy Cried Wee, Wee, Wee ….All The Way Home
For an exhilarating, fast paced, insatiable desire that This Little Piggy creates with a rapid succession of page turning, no pause for breath, times ticking, brakes on……….This Little Piggy finished, sigh, breathe and OMG my brain is defunked.
Many thanks go to Bloodhound Books, Rob Ashman and Sarah Hardy for the opportunity to read and review This Little Piggy for my spot on the Blog Blitz, all points of view are my own and are completely unbiased. Thanks Sarah sign me up for the next…
What a crackling book This Little Piggy by Rob Ashman was. This is the Second instalment of DI Rosalind Kray.
I was very lucky to read Faceless and then this book and I was not disappointed.
DI Rosalind Kray is now acting DCI and is called to a particularly gruesome murder scene. and soon becomes apparent that this is not the first body nor likely to be the last.
DCI Kray and her team set out to solve these murders before they kill again.........
Rob Ashman's book are gritty, dark and fast paced story, parts of this book is gruesome, especially reading about the slaughter scenes, it will give you an insight of the motive on why they killed the victims.
The last few chapters were the best ending I have read in a book in long time. It left me saying OMG! Excellent.......
This book was just Brilliant. If I could gibe it 10/10 I would.
Excellent read.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of This Little Piggy,
🐷 🐷 🐷 🐷 4 pig stars
Brilliant. A book with a main character you love to hate. You are almost willing the baddie to do the horrible deeds because of how badly they have been treated.
A tad slow to start but once it gets going you can’t put it down. Loved how it all came together at the end and loved the chapters from the baddie’s point of view (less so those from Kray’s point of view)
Recommended
(PS. Note to author for next book - less of the burning/itching/tingling scars!?!)
Told from almost alternate perspectives of Roz and Kevin, this story zooms along with twists and revelations aplenty. Although we know that Kevin is the killer almost from very early on, the full details are held back and we find out as and when Roz does.
Another brilliantly done tale from Rob. The murdery side is as grisly and graphic as ever and Roz is as intuitive and ballsy as before. Can’t wait for no.3!
This little piggy went to market.
This little piggy stayed home.
This little piggy had roast beef.
But this little piggy had none.
And this little piggy went
“Wee, wee, wee”
All the way home!
I used to sing this nursery rhyme for my baby, but not anymore! Guess why?
A twisted, cunning and sadistic serial murderer is in town, killing in a most horrendous way. The victims who are all connected to Kevin Palmer have been the cause of his undoing in one way or another. So it is natural for the police to suspect him. But there is a problem. He has rock solid alibis for each and every murder. Is he guilty? Or is he being framed by an ingenious psychopath?
Reading This Little Piggy was like having a ride on an unstoppable roller coaster. It was creepy, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Thanks to Rob Ashman, Bloodhound books and the NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
i choose this as my next read as i was at a bit of a loss on what to read next. having read the 1st one and enjoyed it, this seemed to be the best choice. every chapter ends on a cliff hanger and you just cant wait to read more. you have a fight with yourself over if you should continue or not.
i cannot wait to see what Rob comes up with next.
This book is definitely not for the squeamish. It’s packed with gore and guts – even I had to stop for breath and I thought I was inured to horrendous (fictional) murders by now. This Little Piggy was just how I like my thrillers: racing along, each chapter leaving me desperate for more. Rob Ashman plunges us straight into a particularly gruesome scene as a man is tortured and killed in the hallway of his beautiful home. The story is cleverly constructed as we know who the killer is quite early on. It’s fascinating to watch the cat and mouse game between the killer and the police as we’re able to watch both sides as the story unfolds. We know more than Acting DCI Roz Kray as she tries to track the murderer down, which added enormously to the suspense and my enjoyment of This Little Piggy. I also really loved how the nursery rhyme was woven into the story (or was the story dictated by the nursery rhyme?). There are some wonderful, vivid characters. DCI Roz Kray herself is totally wonderful – tough, clever and flawed – and I loved her relationship with her favourite team member, Tavener, and her totally awful boss, ACC Quade. Highly recommended! This was the second in the DI Rosalind Kray series. I’m definitely going to buy the first and cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Roz Kray is back to work after her last grizzly case and is now acting DCI after her boss’s removal. This new case is following the nursery rhyme ‘this little piggy’ and each person is linked somehow but can Roz work it out?
The characters were well established from Faceless and I can see this series continuing as it ticks all the boxes for gritty police drama! Absolutely loved it! Please hurry with book 3!
First of all thank you to Bloodhound Books and Net Galley for this copy of the latest Rob Ashman book. Wow... what can I say. He has only bloody gone and done it again. An absolute screamer of a book. Crime, gory bits and humour all rolled up into an amazing bundle of joy that is called "This Little Piggy". DI Roz Kray is back with her "take no prisoners nor sh** off anyone" attitude. This gal is quickly becoming one of my favourite literary characters.. Her relationship with Taverner is great. A brill double act. Roll on the next one. Thank you Rob Ashman.. Wish it was possible to give more than 5 stars because believe me I certainly deserves it.
I very much enjoyed the Mechanic trilogy but this series promises to be even better. Faceless got the series off to a terrific start and the follow-off surpasses it! DI Ros Kray, the wine and chocolate consuming heroine, is one feisty and fearless cop who gets results in spite of the obstacles placed in her way. This is a very clever story of a string of killings which Roz must somehow connect and solve. Violent, yes, but gripping.
Perfectly executed story that twists and turns and keeps its readers at the edge of their seat. Refreshingly original storyline. However, if you don't like gory and sadistic, then this one isn't for you. The reason for the four rather than five stars, is that I found it a little slow to get going. Otherwise, another stonking read from the new master of mystery and thriller.
Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.
This is such a wonderful series! Absolutely amazing, so fast paced and gripping you can't ask for any more than that from a book . I am already looking forward to the next one in this series!
Thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book - brilliant!
Fantastic read and as I keep saying the best thing I ever did was to Join TBC as I have discovered tons of new authors. I know it's the second book in the series but it gave hints of what happened in the first one without rehashing the story completely and now I am going to download it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for approving me to read it. #thislittlepiggy
Wow I loved this book. The second in the Roz Kray series and it had me on the edge of my seat. Not for the faint hearted, it’s full or gore, very sadistic and some of the descriptions were far too visual!! A 5* read, can’t wait for another installment
This is DI Rosalind Kray's second outing and it was as excellent and enjoyable as Faceless. Kevin Palmer is a regular sort of guy, with a wife, two children and a partner in his own business. On the glittering night of the black tie Chamber of Commerce dinner his world starts to fall apart. First he loses his wife, then his children and finally his job and if that weren't enough he lands himself in jail on an assault charge. Throughout his incarceration he plots and plans and ensures his revenge is meticulous and foolproof. When we meet Roz again she is now acting head of serious crimes and is once again side lined by her superior. But as we've seen before, Roz will not let anything go and she is determined to catch the killer,especially as she has made the connection, sees the links between the murders and is determined that no more 'little piggies' are being removed.
Rob Ashman's style of writing is so easy and graceful that you cannot help but be drawn in the moment you open the fist chapter. This novel gives you all you expect from a psychological thriller: excitement, terror, suspense and a whole heap of gruesomeness, all bound together by incredible characters. I cannot wait to see what this author writes next.
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
This is the second in the Roz Kray series and she is a serious contender for my favourite ballsy female detective. We are introduced to our killer very early on and get to witness his work in an abattoir slaughtering pigs hence the title. Ok I will be honest these parts of the book are gruesome and not for the faint hearted. Having said that I am a meat eater and and therefore I am honest with myself that that steak on my plate didn't magically appear without the due process.
This story is told in alternate chapters between Kevin and his journey from a happy family man to the gruesome killer he has become and Roz and her team and the subsequent investigation into the killings.
This is another gritty, dark and twisted book by this very talented author and I thought it was fanpiggintastic. This book is not for the fainthearted with the descriptions of the slaughtering of pigs and murders of humans but it is not done just for shock value but realism in this violent world we live in. Can't wait for No3
This was a cracking, brilliant read from Rob Ashman. A very good serial killer and thriller. I love Roz, the lead character and I hope there is another book soon. An author to follow. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. Reviewed on Amazon, Facebook and Goodreads.
A bloody good book!!!
Kevin Palmer had what he thought was a happy life. He was married with children, had a good job, and home. Then he and his wife attended a New Year’s Eve party and she met another man and Kevin's happy life is shattered. Learning of his wife's betrayal, Kevin beings so spiral out of control until he has lost it all - his marriage, his job and even the ability to see his children. Even worse, he ends up in jail, his reputation ruined. There he begins to think, plot and scheme.
Detective Rosalind Kray is back at work following a brutal attack. She is immediately called to a murder scene where a man has been brutally tortured and killed. Soon the bodies begin to pile up and they all seem to point back to one person - Kevin Palmer. But Palmer seems to have an alibi, yet DI Kray KNOWS Kevin is the killer. If only she can prove it. After all, each one of the victims had a hand in Kevin's downfall. Every victim caused him pain and humiliation. Kevin had a motive to kill each one of them.
This book is told through both Kevin and Kray's POV. In this book, the reader quickly learns the identity of the killer. This does not take away from the enjoyment of this book at all. As much as I enjoy trying to figure out the identity of the bad guy in books, I really enjoyed knowing who the killer was and watching and waiting to see what would happen next, would the killer be caught, would the killer get away with murder, etc. This book was like watching a cat and mouse game, wandering who would win, would be cleverer, smarter and craftier. Would Kray nab the killer or would the killer go free?
Be warned - this book is not for the faint of heart. The first murder we read about in the book is gruesome and horrific. Not only do we see someone get tortured, there is also the slaughter of pigs in a slaughter house. This book is gritty, grisly and bloody. It is also well written, riveting and had me turning/swiping page after page. I just had to keep reading to find out what would happen next.
This Little Piggy is the second in a series but worked very well as a stand-alone novel for me. I did not feel as if I was missing anything from not having read the first book in the series.
Thank you to Bloodhound books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
It is said that there are certain triggers in our lives that push the stress levels way above normal but dealing with more than one of them at a time just of course elevates it even more. Losing your job, moving house, the death or loss of a child and divorce are prime examples and well easy-going Kevin Palmer was a prime example of what happens when he ticked all the boxes! And at this point, this little piggy went, eek, eek, eek, all the way under the bed covers!
There was no holding author Rob Ashman back as he went straight into a shocking opening chapter. Now I have said this before, I hate masks but believe me Palmer is just as scary with or without his mask. He was clinical and that made my blood judder through my veins. This man was on a mission and as a reader I couldn’t connect with him, he wasn’t a psychopath, there was something else, like an emptiness where something had once been.
The Killings are shared with every gruesome detail explained, a process that had obviously been done before but with mental notes to make adjustments next time to improve different methods. There was going to be more, that was for sure and as Rob Ashman had taken me inside the mind of this cold and calculated killer, I would find out how the past had made a monster.
This is the second book in the D.I. Rosalind Kray series and although it can be read as a stand alone she is a rather complicated lady which only surface brushes on her past in this book. Now the killer is one hell of a complicated character but Kray is one very unstable detective, cracking at her job without a doubt, but a bit like a bottle of pop that you have shaken for 5 minutes and put back. It looks ok but boy is it going to go when the bottle top is undone!
Another superb story from this author but be prepared for different images in your mind the next time you sing, “This little piggy went to market”.
Absolutely brilliant. Twisty, turning, gripping edge of your seat thriller!! Loved it!! Brilliant story, and will add Rob Ashman to my must read authors.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gory, frightening thriller. Some descriptions were, maybe a little gory, however it just added to the suspense and chills
This was my first book by Rob Ashman and I felt I didn't need to read the first book of this character (Roz). I was very impressed with the story and writing and will definitely be reading more.
This Little Piggy is the second book in Rob Ashman's DI Rosalind Kray series. Roz is returning to work after the events of book one. Like the first book, this isn't a mystery. We know who the killer is and it is narrated alternatively by Kray and Kevin Palmer. The bigger mystery is really, "How does Kray tolerate her so called "superiors?" I will say though, she does not pass out in a bathtub drinking wine quite so much in this novel, so progress. :)
The author does a great job narrating for Kevin. The scenes are told in gruesome detail, not for the faint of heart.
While there isn't much mystery in this book, it's still a great read as the department unravels lead after lead, seeing where it takes them. I look forward to reading more about Roz and her team.
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