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Michael Leese
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THE CASE OF THE HEADLESS BILLIONAIRE a totally gripping, breathlessly twisty crime mystery (Detective Roper and Hooley Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by MICHAEL LEESE (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,777 ratings
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Michael Leese has created a fascinating new character in Jonathan Roper as the hero of what promises to be an intriguing new series.” Ricky

MEET YOUR NEW FAVOURITE DETECTIVE ODD COUPLE: DCI BRIAN HOOLEY AND CONSULTING INVESTIGATOR JONATHAN ROPER

Please note this was previously published as Going Underground.

Billionaire philanthropist Sir James Taylor has been missing for three weeks.

Then his headless torso turns up in the basement of a disused East London warehouse.

How could someone so rich and famous disappear without a trace? And who would want to tear him limb from limb?

Chief Inspector Brian Hooley knows his Special Investigations Unit needs help if they’re to have any chance of catching this depraved killer.

Enter Jonathan Roper.

Roper is one of Scotland Yard’s top investigators — exceptionally clever and doggedly determined. His autism means he sees the world differently, and he’s always spotting things that no else can.

Hooley knows Jonathan Roper is the only man for the job. Roper swiftly unearths a gruesome snuff video from the dark web showing Sir James’s death in horrifying detail.

Then Roper is beaten to a bloody pulp on his own doorstep. It’s a deadly warning from those who want their secrets kept hidden . . .

A FAST-PACED, TWISTING DETECTIVE MYSTERY THAT WILL HAVE YOU HOOKED.

If you like Sherlock, Elementary, Monk or The Bridge, you will love Michael Leese’s unique new detective odd couple. And if you enjoy David Baldacci, Ian Rankin, Angela Marsons, J.D. Kirk and Steve Parker, then this series is definitely for you.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CASE OF THE HEADLESS BILLIONAIRE:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was a hard book to put down. The story begins with an explosion, and the action keeps exploding throughout.” Ron

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It’s one of the best books I’ve read; loved the characters, totally believable. The way the story was built up kept the pages turning. Loved the unseen twist near the end.” Susan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Leese has created a genuinely fascinating — and appealingly new — kind of detective in Jonathan Roper. [Roper and Hooley] offer a nice — and again, new — twist on the familiar ‘odd couple’ detective formula.” M. Johnstone

MEET THE DETECTIVES:
CONSULTING INVESTIGATOR JONATHAN ROPER
Ask Jonathan Roper how he is and he will either ignore you because he’s busy working or respond with a comprehensive list of aches and pains. He plays an integral part in the Special Investigations Unit and can consume vast quantities of data and see patterns where no one else can. Roper’s formidable intelligence and ability to concentrate can sometimes see him disappear down rabbit holes in pursuit of the truth. But Hooley is always there to pull him back out.

DCI BRIAN HOOLEY
You would be forgiven for thinking that this grumpy, middle-aged copper has seen it all and thinks he has nothing left to learn. But in fact, Brian Hooley always has time for his team, and his sense of duty is just as strong today as when he first started out. Working with Roper means he has to withstand a barrage of bracingly direct personal comments. Despite this, the DCI knows Roper is the man to turn to when everyone else has given up.

THE SETTING
From Sloane Square to the west, Streatham to the south, the Post Office Tower to the north and Canary Wharf to the east, Roper and Hooley pound pavements across every inch of London in search of wrongdoing.

DETECTIVES ROPER AND HOOLEY MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE CASE OF THE HEADLESS BILLIONAIRE
Book 2: THE CASE OF THE MISSING FACES
Book 3: THE CASE OF THE DIRTY BOMB
Book 4: THE CASE OF THE EXPLODING SHOP
Book 5: THE CASE OF THE KILLER GAMESHOW
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  1. Book 1 of 5
    Detective Roper and Hooley Mysteries
  2. Print length
    233 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    August 18, 2021
  6. File size
    5.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

MEET YOUR NEW FAVOURITE DETECTIVE ODD COUPLE: DCI BRIAN HOOLEY AND CONSULTING INVESTIGATOR JONATHAN ROPER

If you like Sherlock, Elementary, Monk or The Bridge, you will love Michael Leese’s unique new detective odd couple. And if you enjoy David Baldacci, Ian Rankin, Angela Marsons, J.D. Kirk, Steve Parker and Alex Shaw, then this series is definitely for you.

THE CASE OF THE HEADLESS BILLIONAIRE
THE CASE OF THE MISSING FACES
THE CASE OF THE DIRTY BOMB
THE CASE OF THE EXPLODING SHOP
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Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,777
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,345
4.4 out of 5 stars 909
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,238
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09BZYWQTM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Joffe Books crime thriller, mystery and suspense
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 18, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 233 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1789319217
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Detective Roper and Hooley Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,777 ratings

About the author

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Michael Leese

Michael Leese

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Michael Leese was a senior news executive who had a ringside seat for the most extra-ordinary stories that happened during a twenty-five-year career as a British national newspaper journalist.

From the death of Princess Diana and two Gulf wars to the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9/11 he was leading the teams bringing the first news to a wider public. Most of his career was spent at the London Evening Standard. His time in journalism has left him with an indelible passion for news and current affairs and he tries to replicate that in his crime thriller series, Jonathan Roper investigates.

His son is profoundly autistic. It was thinking about him and how he fits into this complicated world was the inspiration for the Roper character. Who is highly intelligent, passionate, hard-working and autistic which can make him a bit hazy about social boundaries.

Leese reasoned that Roper gave him a great way to challenge perceptions, but also show some of the humour that can arise from the inevitable misunderstandings when someone on the autistic spectrum hits the world at full steam.

He was brought up in the West Midlands and can reveal a major celebrity connection, both he and Prince Williams are Aston Villa fans, although they have never met or discussed their personal affinity.

Growing up he had an ambition to be an elite athlete but gave that up by the age of nine on the grounds of having no talent. He often speculates that it is just as well as he enjoys creating characters for his books and probably wouldn’t have survived long in the corporate world.

He lives in Dorset with his wife Maria.

If you would like to contact Michael, you can either send him an email at hello@michael-leese.com or through his Facebook Page Jonathan Roper Investigates.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,777 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and fast-paced, describing it as a cracking good mystery with an interesting plot. They appreciate the use of autism in the story, with one customer noting it provides a better understanding of the syndrome. The character development receives mixed reactions, with some praising the characters while others find them lacking.

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ReadabilityPlotAutismPacingCharacter developmentInsight
21 customers mention "Readability"18 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well-written and engaging, keeping their interest throughout.

"...I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, smooth-flowing page turner. Although it has a very satisfactory ending, I was sad that it ended...." Read more

"...It holds your interest well. I liked it enough to buy the rest of the series before finishing this one. Enjoy." Read more

"This is the first book from this author that I read. Excellent, fast-paced thriller set in London, UK from start to finish...." Read more

"This was a fast-paced and exciting murder mystery that kept my interest...." Read more

19 customers mention "Plot"15 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, finding it interesting with a good story arch, and one customer describes it as a fast-paced thriller with many twists.

"A fascinating, enjoyably twisted, and complex tale...." Read more

"...That said, it's a cracking good mystery with likable characters. It holds your interest well...." Read more

"This is the first book from this author that I read. Excellent, fast-paced thriller set in London, UK from start to finish...." Read more

"...thinking and the influence of autism in his reasoning was fun and intriguing. But I thought sometimes his deductions were not realistic...." Read more

3 customers mention "Autism"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the positive portrayal of autism in the book, featuring an autistic detective, with one customer noting it provides a better understanding of the syndrome.

"...of Roper and the insights into his thinking and the influence of autism in his reasoning was fun and intriguing...." Read more

"This is the third book I have read recently that features an autistic detective. Autism seems to be "in", and this is good...." Read more

"Very interesting use of autism in one of the detectives..." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fast-paced and easy to follow.

"This was a fast-paced and exciting murder mystery that kept my interest...." Read more

"...Not great literature, not a very realistic plot - but a fast read and enjoyable for the most part." Read more

"...Roper and Hooley are a great team, the plot is riveting. It’s fast-paced, well-written with many twists and surprises." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"6 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book.

"...That said, it's a cracking good mystery with likable characters. It holds your interest well...." Read more

"...or even interesting plot, but it does have an interesting character in the autistic Roper who essentially figures out whatever mystery there is all..." Read more

"...or tension to the narrative, and other than Roper, little attention to character development...." Read more

"...The characters in this book were likeable and interesting. A great read." Read more

5 customers mention "Insight"3 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the book's insights, with some finding them incredibly insightful, while others find them difficult to follow and not always clear.

"...The character of Roper and the insights into his thinking and the influence of autism in his reasoning was fun and intriguing...." Read more

"...There are a few issues. First, no reasonable explanation is ever given for why the billionaire was killed in such a bizarre fashion, rather than..." Read more

"The pairing of these two is just awesome and incredibly insightful. Emotional coupled with detached observations is a great duo recipe...." Read more

"...Fascinating though not always clear. It is tough to describe how one thinks even when describing oneself...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cheryl
    5.0 out of 5 stars The power of being different
    Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A fascinating, enjoyably twisted, and complex tale. This story follows a DI who trusts and believes in a consultant that was recently discharged from the force. The reason he was discharged? Because he was different and difficult for people to understand. However, the DI has spent time trying to understand him and his ways. So, he helps bring him back on board because, although his ways are unusual and mysterious, the consultant can establish the vaguest of connections and gets the bad guys. In this case, the consultant’s abilities are known to the bad guys and they try to put him out of commission. I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, smooth-flowing page turner. Although it has a very satisfactory ending, I was sad that it ended. Will be looking for more tales from this author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Steve48
    4.0 out of 5 stars Almost five star
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    So why isn't it five star? There are a few issues. First, no reasonable explanation is ever given for why the billionaire was killed in such a bizarre fashion, rather than simply being killed and the body disposed of. Reason- yes. Reasonable- no. Second, the focus is mainly on the two protagonists, leaving the rest of the force in the background. Third, and the really important issue, a prime suspect is allowed to simply disappear when he's supposed to be under continuous surveillance. It is barely mentioned and never explained, making the whole force appear to be incompetent. It's a major flaw, perhaps to set up a sequel, since he's never captured.

    That said, it's a cracking good mystery with likable characters. It holds your interest well. I liked it enough to buy the rest of the series before finishing this one. Enjoy.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Some people will do anything to make trillions
    Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A solicitor is shot by his devoted secretary of 25 years. What did he do to turn her against him? The headless body has been identified as that of a missing millionaire. He is known to be a decent man who used his wealth for good. Why would anyone want to kill him? A scientist disappears. Her family is wealthy. Will a ransom request be forthcoming?

    It's up to DCI Hooley and his autistic colleague Roper to put all these seemingly unrelated incidents together. Because all these happenings are just the tip of an exceedingly ugly plot by vicious, ugly men who will do anything, no matter how disgusting and reprehensible to get what they want. Fascinating how Roper sifts through all the pieces and parts to come up with the ultimate solution.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Keshavamurthy Ramamurthy
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Case of the Headless Billionaire
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is the first book from this author that I read. Excellent, fast-paced thriller set in London, UK from start to finish. DCI, Deputy Chief Inspector, Brian Hooley aided by his autistic, but brilliant assistant Jonathan Roper seem to make a lovely pair in solving a series of major crimes perpetrated by a team of people some of whom are still evading capture at the end of the story. I am eager to read the next book from this author.
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  • Colorado Cowgirl
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting plot and autistic detective, but flawed
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a fast-paced and exciting murder mystery that kept my interest. The character of Roper and the insights into his thinking and the influence of autism in his reasoning was fun and intriguing. But I thought sometimes his deductions were not realistic. There were many characters and bad guys to keep track of in this story and the plot was innovative but complex. There were supposedly other detectives in this Special Cases force in the background but the whole story revolved around just the DCI and Roper. The other detectives did not enter into the investigation but were in the background. I thought that was unrealistic. The story focused a lot on what the main characters ate too. What's with that. Overall it was an interesting story but flawed.
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  • Walter P. Roura
    3.0 out of 5 stars An Uncomplicated Fast Read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story has no intricate or even interesting plot, but it does have an interesting character in the autistic Roper who essentially figures out whatever mystery there is all by his lonesome. The story is not "gripping, breathless or twisty" as the sub-title suggests, but it is a fast read and easy to follow (not an interminable list of characters that requires the reader to write their names down or lose the thread). The villains are villainous and nasty to an extreme but the story itself was fantastical and mostly unbelievable. However, Roper made it a worthwhile read after all. Not great literature, not a very realistic plot - but a fast read and enjoyable for the most part.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • deecee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Murder Because Greed Wins
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    If someone had an idea that could result in making billions of dollars, killing people to get to that result would justify some evil characters into doing just that. The characters in this book were likeable and interesting. A great read.
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  • kcnipper
    5.0 out of 5 stars great read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I throughly enjoyed this book. it was well written and definitely a good page turner. if you enjoyed the TV show Monk, then read this story.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a great read!
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on September 20, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A great whodunit. Written well, great main characters. A real page turner. Ready to read more Roper and Hooley mysteries.
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Eternal life at what cost
    Reviewed in Germany on March 2, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It really goes to show the extremites people would go to, to achieve longer lasting life. Really enjoyed the working of Ropers mind. Great use of the SAS as well.
    Report
  • L.D. Lil
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in France on January 8, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book has you gripped from the beginning. A real page turner with a different approach to solving crimes that I found fascinating . Highly recommend and look forward to reading more books, hopefully with the same characters, by this author.
    Report
  • Carole
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great new series - can’t wait to read the next one !
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really enjoyed this, even if the title was a bit off putting. Loved the characters and their interactions, even if it was a bit unrealistic in parts. Plot was good, and did have a few twists. It’s really interesting to explore the gifts autistic people can bring to solving crimes. There have been a few recent TV series on the same lines, and I suspect this would make good viewing too. Great start to a new partnership, easy to read and am going to download next one now!
    Report
  • Peter Leach
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable from beginning to end
    Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Another enjoyable Roper and Hooley case. Great characters and plots in this series.
    Report

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