Sleepyhead by Mark Billingham. A Tom Thorne Mystery. First Appearance: August 2001.
Earlier this year, Encore aired made-for-television adaptations of Mark Billingham's first two books in the "Tom Thorne" series, which led us to take a second look at these mystery novels.
Tom Thorne is a Detective Inspector in London and his first case is an unusual twist on the serial killer storyline. "Serial" yes; "Killer" no. At least not intentionally. And that is the ultimate clue that leads Thorne to the identity of the culprit.
Billingham followed up Sleephead with Scaredy Cat, another serial killer thriller with a twist. This novel was subsequently nominated for the CWA Gold Dagger.
There are currently nine books in the series, the most recent being The Demands (Mulholland Books, June 2012 hardcover, audiobook and ebook formats), which was published in the UK as Good as Dead.
The first two "Tom Thorne" books are long out of print here in the US, but they have recently been reissued as ebooks by InkWell Publishing, and are currently available for just $2.99 each.
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Sleepyhead
Mark Billingham
A Tom Thorne Mystery
InkWell Publishing, June 2012 ebook
Alison Willetts is unlucky to be alive. She has survived a stroke, deliberately induced by a skilful manipulation of pressure points on the head and neck. She can see, hear and feel; she is aware of everything going on around her, but she is completely unable to move or communicate. It's called Locked-In Syndrome. In leaving Alison Willetts alive, the police believe the killer's made his first mistake.
Then D.I. Tom Thorne discovers the horrifying truth; it isn't Alison who is the mistake, it's the three women already dead. ‘An appropriate margin of error' is how their killer dismisses them, and Thorne knows they are unlikely to be the last. For the killer is smart, and he's getting his kicks out of toying with Thorne as much as he is pursuing his sick fantasy …
Thorne knows immediately he's not going to catch the killer with procedure. But with little more than gut instinct and circumstantial evidence to damn his chief suspect, anaesthetist Jeremy Bishop, his pursuit of him is soon bordering on the unprofessional. Especially considering his involvement with Anne Coburn, Alison's doctor and Jeremy's close friend.
Thorne must find a man whose agenda is terrifyingly unique, and Alison, the one person who holds the key to the killer's identity, is unable to tell anybody …
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Scaredy Cat
Mark Billingham
A Tom Thorne Mystery
InkWell Publishing, June 2012 ebook
It was a vicious, calculated murder. The killer selected his victim at Euston station, followed her home on the tube, strangled her to death in front of her child. At the same time, killed in the same way, a second body is discovered at the back of King's Cross station. It is a grisly coincidence that eerily echoes the murder of two other women, stabbed to death months before on the same day.
It is DI Tom Thorne who sees the link and comes to the horrifying conclusion. This is not a serial killer the police are up against. This is two of them. Finding the body used to be the worst part of the job. Not any more. Now each time a body is found, Thorne must live with the knowledge that somewhere out there is a second victim, waiting to be discovered.
But whilst the methods might be the same, the manner of the killings is strikingly different and Thorne comes to realise that he is hunting two very different killers. One is ruthless and in control, while his partner in crime is submissive, compliant, terrified.
Thorne must catch a man whose need to manipulate is as great as his need to kill; a man who will threaten those closest to Thorne himself; a man, who will show him that the ability to inspire terror, is the deadliest weapon of all …
Important Note: Any prices mentioned above were correct as of the date and time of this post. Prices are subject to change without notice. The price displayed on the vendor website at the time of purchase will be the price paid for the book. Please confirm the price of the book before completing your transaction.
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