Death's Touch: Book 3

When the fog clears one December morning in Essex, the body of a teenage girl is discovered lying face down in a field.

The victim, Lily Monteith, was murdered in a peculiar and unique way — so unique that it could have only happened to her.

As a result, the case quickly lands on DS Tomek Bowen’s desk who, while trying to juggle his newfound life as a single parent to a thirteen-year-old daughter, must unearth the deadly sequence of events and bring the truth to light.

But as soon as the investigation begins, Tomek discovers Lily’s death may be linked to a killing spree that has lain dormant for many years — with no one ever being brought to justice for it.

And, if that’s the case, he fears another killing spree, this time years in the making, is yet to come.

Death’s Touch is the memorable third book in the DS Tomek Bowen Essex Murder Mystery series by Jack Probyn. Filled with twists, peppered with romance, and flavoured with ounces of dark humour, this fast-paced British detective novel will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, TG Reid, Simon McCleave and Rachel Mclean.

A Gritty Descent into Essex Noir - Death’s Touch is the explosive third instalment in the DS Tomek Bowen series. It weaves authentic police procedure with deep psychological trauma, set against the salt-air and grey skies of the Essex coast.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:

• Gritty UK Police Procedurals: Mark Billingham, JD Kirk, and MW Craven.
• Flawed, Psychological Detectives: Michael Connelly’s realism and Angela Marsons’ psychological depth.
• Fast-Paced British Thrillers: Daniel Cole and Mo Hayder.
• Atmospheric Regional Crime: Authentic Southend-on-Sea settings, from the sprawling pier to the silent marshes.

What Makes Tomek Bowen Distinctive:

• Endearing Human Flaws: He’s an endearing man-child who dyes his beard to hide the gray and struggles with the isolation of his past.
• The Ultimate Revelation: Amidst the hunt for a serial killer, Tomek discovers a daughter he never knew existed—a bombshell that redefines his fight for justice.
• Unresolved History: While the primary case closes, Tomek’s hunt for his brother’s second killer — the ghost named "Charlie" — is just beginning.

Story Details:

• Genre: British Police Procedural / Murder Mystery.
• Mood: Tense, Gritty, Emotional, Atmospheric.
• Format: Full-length novel.
• Setting: Southend-on-Sea and Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, UK.
• Series Entry: Book 3 of the DS Tomek Bowen Crime Thriller Series.

Reader Reviews:

• "I liked Tomek as a character. He feels totally real and flawed. Riveting and enjoyed the many twists as things progressed." — Reader Review
• "A classic police thriller, very well composed. Investigate by very real people with normal human flaws." — Reader Review

Key Facts:

• Protagonist: Detective Sergeant Tomek Bowen.
• Primary Conflict: A vigilante targeting released offenders in the Essex community.
• Themes: Vigilante justice, childhood trauma, and long-buried family secrets.
• ISBN-13: 978-1-80520-041-3.
• Dimensions: 5.06in x 7.81in.
• Price: £8.99.