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STEVE PARKER
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THEIR LAST WORDS an absolutely gripping serial killer thriller with a huge twist (Detectives Paterson and Clocks Book 1) Kindle Edition

by STEVE PARKER (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 6,177 ratings
Discover a crime thriller full of shocking twists by one of the most exciting new authors you’ll read this year.

Please note this is a heavily revised edition of a book first published as The Sky is Crying.

A VICTIM. A MUTILATED BODY. A SINGLE WORD.

A young woman is found dead on the streets of London. Her throat slashed, her body mutilated, and one word carved into her flesh: “DON’T.”

Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson is assigned to the case. Young, handsome, and from a wealthy background, he’s tipped for the top. He joins a team based out of Bermondsey, South London. It’s meant to be a stepping stone to his next promotion, but this case will threaten to bring down his career and everything he thought he knew about policing.

Paterson is put in charge of the dead girl's investigation and quickly discovers he must rely on his friend and mentor, Detective Sergeant Dave Jordan to guide him through.

THEN ANOTHER BODY IS DISCOVERED. ANOTHER WORD CUT INTO THE VICTIM’S CHEST.

The police realise they may have a depraved serial killer on their hands. The murderer is trying to send them a message carved in his victims’ bodies. But who’s the message really for?

How many more must die? Detective Paterson may be the only man who can stop this vile killer . . . if he can survive long enough.

This is the first in a series of action-packed, edge-of-your-seat crime thrillers, with an ending that will have your heart in your mouth.

Perfect for fans of Kimberley Chambers, Damien Boyd, Rachel Abbott, Patricia Gibney or Martina Cole.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THEIR LAST WORDS:

“There is also a totally unexpected twist that leaves you gasping with shock.” Maggie

“Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.” Nerys

“A fast-paced, at times almost heart-stopping mystery. I couldn’t put it down.” Barbara

“The end was brilliant.” Carole

“I cannot recommend this book highly enough a true one-sitting read.” Lesley

TWO DETECTIVES WHO HATE EVERYTHING ABOUT EACH OTHER MUST WORK TOGETHER.

Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson is a young and (thanks to family money) wealthy womaniser, separated from his model wife and tipped to be the youngest ever commissioner of police. He knows he’s weak when it comes to practical policing and struggles to find a place among his peers, desperate to be a good policeman and not just a 'climber'.

Detective Sergeant Johnny Clocks is a foul-mouthed, working-class officer. He grew up surrounded by rogues and villains to become a first-class thief taker with the Met police. However, his childish attitude has short-circuited his career and he spends his days antagonising as many people as he can.

THE SETTING
Bermondsey is an area of London nestled on the banks of the River Thames. It once had a reputation for housing more armed robbers, murderers and career criminals than anywhere else in the country. Now one of the most upmarket places to live and work in London, it has all but severed itself from its working-class roots. Home to the iconic Tower Bridge and crammed with expensive apartments, art galleries, fancy restaurants and famous residents. But for the police, those who truly know, Bermondsey never lost its roots . . . or its reputation.

DETECTIVE RAY PATERSON
Book 1: THEIR LAST WORDS
Book 2: THE LOST CHILDREN
Book 3: THE BURNING MEN
Book 4: YOU CAN’T HIDE
Book 5: THEIR DYING BREATH
Book 6: CHILD BEHIND THE WALL
Book 7: HIS MOTHER’S BONES
Book 8: DEAD ON DELIVERY
Book 9: SLAUGHTERED AS THEY SLEPT
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  1. Book 1 of 10
    Detectives Paterson and Clocks
  2. Print length
    260 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    June 18, 2018
  6. File size
    1.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Steve Parker is an author, editor and consultant specializing in illustrated information books on the natural world. Steve is a Senior Scientific Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and has worked on the staff of London's Natural History Museum. He is based in Suffolk, UK, and has written over 250 books, including dinosaur titles such Extreme Dinosaurs.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07DVKVVGF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Joffe Books crime, thriller and mystery
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 18, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 260 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1789310207
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 10 ‏ : ‎ Detectives Paterson and Clocks
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 6,177 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
STEVE PARKER

STEVE PARKER

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Steve Parker was born and raised in south east London (Camberwell and Peckham). At age twenty-one he joined the Metropolitan Police where he served for twenty years in numerous high profile squads before being pensioned out with a serious back injury.

Thankfully, he was blessed with a complete lack of DIY skills so was legitimately able to get away with swanning around the house doing bugger all, all day long. Finding himself with plenty of spare time and a deep desire to never work for anyone again, he dug out an old screenplay he'd written when he was still a policeman and set himself a challenge to turn it into a book which eventually became his debut novel 'Their Last Words' introducing Detectives Paterson & Clocks.

Currently, there are ten books in the DETECTIVES PATERSON & CLOCKS series:

Book 1: THEIR LAST WORDS

Book 2: THE LOST CHILDREN

Book 3: THE BURNING MEN

Book 4: YOU CAN'T HIDE

Book 5: THEIR DYING BREATH

Book 6: CHILD BEHIND THE WALL

Book 7: HIS MOTHER'S BONES

Book 8: DEAD ON DELIVERY

Book 9: SLAUGHTERED AS THEY SLEPT

Book 10: THROWN UNDER THE BUS

DETECTIVES PATERSON & CLOCKS BOOKS 1–8 now available as a box set.

STANDALONE:

JACK KNIFE

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
6,177 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enthralling from the first page and appreciate its suspense-filled plot with a great twist. The pacing is exciting and fast-paced, though some find it difficult to follow all the characters. The writing receives mixed feedback, with some praising it while others find it poorly executed. Customers express concerns about the violence level, noting the gruesome murders and sadistic content.

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47 customers mention "Enthralling read"39 positive8 negative

Customers find the book enthralling, describing it as extremely fascinating and keeping them engaged from the first page.

"THEIR LAST WORDS Is an edge of your seat, one sitting read...." Read more

"...Well done and recommended." Read more

"...murder mysteries are not my favorite type of story but this book was excellent...." Read more

"A really interesting story. Loved the characters and fact they had faults. The main character was an interesting choice because of his faults...." Read more

32 customers mention "Plot"24 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as an amazing and suspense-filled thriller with a great twist, and one customer notes it features England with several twists and turns.

"...The intricate and labyrinthine plot will keep you mystified and holding your breath until the very end. THEIR LAST WORDS MUST NOT BE..." Read more

"...Their Last Words is a gripping thriller that is hard to put down. I had to read it all after I started...." Read more

"...The book features an excellent plot which is revealed by a strong story...." Read more

"...Story line was ok" Read more

15 customers mention "Pacing"12 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as an exciting fast read that's hard to put down.

"THEIR LAST WORDS Is an edge of your seat, one sitting read. This fast paced, heart racing, suspense filled, mystery, crime thriller will have you..." Read more

"...Their Last Words is a gripping thriller that is hard to put down. I had to read it all after I started...." Read more

"...The British slang was a little difficult, but manageable. I will definitely read more from this author." Read more

"...It will glue you to your seat. Great, fast read." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"7 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development in the book, with some finding them well developed while others note they may be flawed and hard to follow.

"...The characters may be a bit flawed but you understand why and you will find yourself getting attached to them. Love it!" Read more

"A really interesting story. Loved the characters and fact they had faults. The main character was an interesting choice because of his faults...." Read more

"...I ended up with no respect or compassion for Patterson and convinced he should never have been a police officer. I did finish the book...." Read more

"...I also liked how he allowed his characters to be realistic with human feelings, and not try to be superheroes." Read more

13 customers mention "Language"5 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the language in the book, with some praising the writing while others find it poorly executed.

"...The British slang was a little difficult, but manageable. I will definitely read more from this author." Read more

"...The writer makes his words come alive as if one was part of the action. Well done and recommended." Read more

"Too vulgar, with a four letter word in every line of speech, adultery, killer hiding in masquerade, brutality and inefficiency in policing...." Read more

"Excellent if a bit sadistic, also rather British in the use of slang and abbreviations. Glossary helps, but only after you finish the book" Read more

9 customers mention "Violence level"0 positive9 negative

Customers find the violence level of the book excessive, with multiple reviews noting the gruesome murders and sadistic nature of the content.

"Unbelievable violence and lack of admiration for any of the characters. Do not waste your time to read this book." Read more

"...care for most of the main characters, who can be described as spoiled, amoral, entitled, obnoxious, inappropriate, and those are the good word I..." Read more

"A bit gory. Why can’t anyone write a book without the f bomb every other sentence. Story line was ok" Read more

"Too vulgar, with a four letter word in every line of speech, adultery, killer hiding in masquerade, brutality and inefficiency in policing...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars MIND BOGGLING
    Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    THEIR LAST WORDS Is an edge of your seat, one sitting read. This fast paced, heart racing, suspense filled, mystery, crime thriller will have you speeding through the pages.
    Every time you think you know what's going on, think again. The intricate and labyrinthine plot will keep you mystified and holding your breath until the very end.
    THEIR LAST WORDS MUST NOT BE MISSED!

    WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN STEVE PARKER?! I am looking forward to his next book!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Avid Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Series
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It took me a while to get into this book and I am glad I did! I'm working my way through the series and find each book better than the last. The characters may be a bit flawed but you understand why and you will find yourself getting attached to them.
    Love it!
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scary and extremely shocking!!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Okay, it’s scary and extremely shocking at times, but once you get into it, you won’t be able to put it down!! In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. In the end, I really enjoyed it, gore and all!!!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Larry
    3.0 out of 5 stars Gave it 3 stars cause I finished it.
    Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Not a big fan. Sorry Mr. Parker. I do admire the work an author puts into his work but this is not my favorite. The story is moving along and then we come to the middle part and the death of Lisa and the self destruction of Patterson. For me too much time was spent on it and it broke the flow of the story. I ended up with no respect or compassion for Patterson and convinced he should never have been a police officer. I did finish the book. The ultimate negative critique for me is to not finish.
    19 people found this helpful
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  • Dee Cash
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Right Gastly Tale
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I have repeatedly voiced my dislike for Great Britain based books. I guess I'm getting accustomed to the language. Their Last Words is a gripping thriller that is hard to put down. I had to read it all after I started. It is a bloody novel so if you don't like that sort of thing, give it a pass.
    Helpful
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  • Victor M Melendez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding thriller.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    From the first word to the last, a page turner that makes one want to get to the end. The writer makes his words come alive as if one was part of the action. Well done and recommended.
    Helpful
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  • theraven
    5.0 out of 5 stars English police murder mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    English police murder mysteries are not my favorite type of story but this book was excellent. The book features an excellent plot which is revealed by a strong story. The story while complex does not get bogged down in personal detail about the lives of the people involved but rather features just the elements of their lives that are relevant to the story. This book is well worth your money and time.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • JimF
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well done mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I can honestly say that this one surprised me, in a good way. The British slang was a little difficult, but manageable. I will definitely read more from this author.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Better than thought
    Reviewed in Italy on November 7, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    At the start I think thought that I already knew this story. It's very much like Whitechapel meets Elizabeth George but then the characters developed a life and story of their own and it's a dawn good read. Evil serial killer up against the Met, a fight to the finish. Found it difficult to put down towards the end as I really wanted to discover what happens.
    Recommend this book for people who like a good British police story. Nice banter between the characters and the overall feel is realistic indeed.
    Will read more by this author.
    Report
  • Mrs J E-P
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling reading
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Paterson is a fast-tracked copper with little actual experience and he is aided by his friend detective Dave Jordan. Faced with a serial killer, they have to work with new colleagues, to track the killer down, putting them both at risk and throwing their worlds upside down.
    Action is fast, the plot has many twists and characters have their faults. Got halfway through and thought it was nearing the end but tension was cranked up and new twists pushed the action on. Recommended.
    Report
  • Brett Turner
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good bed-time reading
    Reviewed in Australia on May 31, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the book, interesting story, the twist comes early, which is good because it also provides some time for the consequences of the twist to be explored. The characters are not well developed somewhat caricatures. Very heavy and dark topic, but light reading with lots of action to keep you engaged
    Report
  • Mme Hustwayte
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely ace!!!
    Reviewed in France on September 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    My goodness, what an absolutely cracking story! It was exciting, terrifying and an absolute spellbinder. No boring spots, a real page turner!!
    Report
  • MrRoo
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cutting I'd say so (sick)
    Reviewed in Spain on January 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A good read and at the very end there is a guide to UK slang for the American market which is great fun to read
    Report

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