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Copy, Kill, Repeat: A BRAND NEW dark and gripping serial killer thriller
A Puppet Master. A Deadly Game. A Race Against Time.
London is gripped by terror as a mastermind recreates history’s most gruesome murders—without ever dirtying his hands. Paramedic Tom Freedman recruits his killers from the shadows of the internet, manipulating the broken and desperate to carry out his deadly vision.
Emotionally damaged criminologist Ethan Marshall is dragged into the case, tasked with stopping a predator who thrives on control and chaos. When Tom’s twisted game turns personal, Ethan receives chilling taunts and watches as the killer tightens his grip pulling him further into the nightmare.
To stop Tom, Ethan must outwit a mind that thrives on pain and suffering. But as the clock ticks down, Ethan realises this is more than a hunt for justice—it’s a battle for survival.
Dark, relentless, and packed with shocking twists, this is a thriller that fans of Chris Carter won’t be able to put down.
London is gripped by terror as a mastermind recreates history’s most gruesome murders—without ever dirtying his hands. Paramedic Tom Freedman recruits his killers from the shadows of the internet, manipulating the broken and desperate to carry out his deadly vision.
Emotionally damaged criminologist Ethan Marshall is dragged into the case, tasked with stopping a predator who thrives on control and chaos. When Tom’s twisted game turns personal, Ethan receives chilling taunts and watches as the killer tightens his grip pulling him further into the nightmare.
To stop Tom, Ethan must outwit a mind that thrives on pain and suffering. But as the clock ticks down, Ethan realises this is more than a hunt for justice—it’s a battle for survival.
Dark, relentless, and packed with shocking twists, this is a thriller that fans of Chris Carter won’t be able to put down.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
18 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Steve Cornwell
1 book6 followersGrew up in Stevenage and now lives with his wife and daughter in Letchworth. Initially attracted to writing in the form of screenplays, a pivot into the world of crime fiction novels has seen that develop into a secondary writing style. Lover of genres where thrills and suspense, without nonsensical filler, allow the characters to come alive and tell their stories.
Always been drawn to the darker side of fiction and movies, and keen to keep striving to achieve the levels set by personal favourites such as Brian Freeman and Chris Carter.
An avid sports fan, whenever given the option, can usually be found on the golf course, spending time with family and attending country music gigs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 25, 2025
if this is going to be a series, then it gets 4 stars. if it's a standalone I would give it 3. The book doesn't conclude, it merely ends; leaving us the readers with so very many questions.
I loved the macabre nature of this book- the serial killer doesn't do the work himself, instead he forces others to kill AND to kill in the style of previously caught killers. Even though we know who the Tutor is I cannot wait to see how the police put this together.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Steve Cornwell, and Dreamscape Media for my ARC of this audiobook.
I loved the macabre nature of this book- the serial killer doesn't do the work himself, instead he forces others to kill AND to kill in the style of previously caught killers. Even though we know who the Tutor is I cannot wait to see how the police put this together.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Steve Cornwell, and Dreamscape Media for my ARC of this audiobook.
May 20, 2025
This was a terrific read in what looks to hopefully be the first in a new series. I hope so anyway. Despite knowing who the main puppet master behind several killings is, I loved seeing his manipulation of his followers and the horrible nature of the murders. I also was hooked by the thrill of the chase involving Ethan Marshall who is brought in to consult with the police.
It was quite a page-turner and thoroughly enjoyable.
It was quite a page-turner and thoroughly enjoyable.
July 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 – 3.75 stars)
Audiobook ARC received via NetGalley. Narrated by Gareth Richards.
This thriller has a fantastic premise: a serial killer orchestrating murders inspired by real-life cases (like Bundy) without ever committing the crimes himself. Instead, he recruits people online, preying on the broken and desperate, and turns them into tools (pupils, cough cough) for his own twisted plans. That mix of criminal history and internet manipulation gave the whole thing a realistic, unsettling edge.
The opening felt a little slow, but once the story found its rhythm, it moved at a surprisingly brisk pace. For a 7-hour audiobook, it felt way,waaay shorter. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Ethan and Abbey. Their relationship brought a bit of realism to an otherwise dark setup.
However, while the concept is genuinely disturbing, the intensity never quite reached the level I was hoping for. I read a lot of dark thrillers, so I might be a bit desensitized; but I expected more grit, more tension. Some scenes felt like they were almost there emotionally, but didn’t fully push the dread or desperation.
As for the audiobook: Gareth Richards does a solid job. His voice is clean and steady, and he carries the story well. That said, I think this particular story could’ve benefited from either a dual narration or a performance with more range.... especially to capture the manipulative chill of the villain or the panic in higher-stakes scenes. Everything came across just a bit too composed.
Still, this is a fast-paced, high-concept thriller that’ll definitely hold your attention. If you’re into dark psychological games and enjoy stories that echo real-life crime in a tech-driven world, it’s worth checking out.
Audiobook ARC received via NetGalley. Narrated by Gareth Richards.
This thriller has a fantastic premise: a serial killer orchestrating murders inspired by real-life cases (like Bundy) without ever committing the crimes himself. Instead, he recruits people online, preying on the broken and desperate, and turns them into tools (pupils, cough cough) for his own twisted plans. That mix of criminal history and internet manipulation gave the whole thing a realistic, unsettling edge.
The opening felt a little slow, but once the story found its rhythm, it moved at a surprisingly brisk pace. For a 7-hour audiobook, it felt way,waaay shorter. I also really enjoyed the dynamic between Ethan and Abbey. Their relationship brought a bit of realism to an otherwise dark setup.
However, while the concept is genuinely disturbing, the intensity never quite reached the level I was hoping for. I read a lot of dark thrillers, so I might be a bit desensitized; but I expected more grit, more tension. Some scenes felt like they were almost there emotionally, but didn’t fully push the dread or desperation.
As for the audiobook: Gareth Richards does a solid job. His voice is clean and steady, and he carries the story well. That said, I think this particular story could’ve benefited from either a dual narration or a performance with more range.... especially to capture the manipulative chill of the villain or the panic in higher-stakes scenes. Everything came across just a bit too composed.
Still, this is a fast-paced, high-concept thriller that’ll definitely hold your attention. If you’re into dark psychological games and enjoy stories that echo real-life crime in a tech-driven world, it’s worth checking out.
July 5, 2025
First off, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.75⭐️. Copy, Kill, Repeat offers a chilling and clever premise that pulls you in from the start. The idea of a manipulative puppet master orchestrating real-life recreations of historic murders through vulnerable online recruits is both original and unsettling. Steve Cornwell does a great job building tension, and the dynamic between paramedic-turned-killer Tom Freedman and criminologist Ethan Marshall adds depth to the psychological game at play.
That said, the pacing didn’t fully hold my attention throughout. While the concept and characters were strong, there were moments where the plot felt stretched or slightly repetitive. Still, the taunting messages, the emotional toll on Ethan, and the race against time kept me invested enough to want to see how it all ended.
Overall, it's a solid psychological thriller with dark, creative twists and disturbing realism. It just didn’t completely hook me the whole way through—but fans of gritty crime thrillers will likely enjoy the ride.
3.75⭐️. Copy, Kill, Repeat offers a chilling and clever premise that pulls you in from the start. The idea of a manipulative puppet master orchestrating real-life recreations of historic murders through vulnerable online recruits is both original and unsettling. Steve Cornwell does a great job building tension, and the dynamic between paramedic-turned-killer Tom Freedman and criminologist Ethan Marshall adds depth to the psychological game at play.
That said, the pacing didn’t fully hold my attention throughout. While the concept and characters were strong, there were moments where the plot felt stretched or slightly repetitive. Still, the taunting messages, the emotional toll on Ethan, and the race against time kept me invested enough to want to see how it all ended.
Overall, it's a solid psychological thriller with dark, creative twists and disturbing realism. It just didn’t completely hook me the whole way through—but fans of gritty crime thrillers will likely enjoy the ride.
June 1, 2025
This is my first book by this author, and it won't be my last! A psychological thriller with plenty of action, twists, and intrigue.
I was hooked on Copy Kill Repeat from the start. The way Steve Cornwell writes just pulled me straight in. Told from multiple perspectives, which I always love because it gives you the fuller picture.
A copycat killer is on the loose, and the worst part is they don't even get their own hands dirty! Criminologist Ethan is brought into the case to attempt to bring a halt to the killings. The problem comes when the killer they are searching for hones in on Ethan. Will Ethan be able to catch him before Ethan himself is caught?
I really enjoyed this book and found myself reaching the end way too soon.
I was hooked on Copy Kill Repeat from the start. The way Steve Cornwell writes just pulled me straight in. Told from multiple perspectives, which I always love because it gives you the fuller picture.
A copycat killer is on the loose, and the worst part is they don't even get their own hands dirty! Criminologist Ethan is brought into the case to attempt to bring a halt to the killings. The problem comes when the killer they are searching for hones in on Ethan. Will Ethan be able to catch him before Ethan himself is caught?
I really enjoyed this book and found myself reaching the end way too soon.
May 19, 2025
One of my favourite books so far this year, really enjoyed this one.
To me this read like like a middle book in the series where all the characters are already well developed, and I was slightly but pleasantly surprised to discover it was a first book.
However, I'm really pleased to read there will be more to come as I really liked Ethan and Abbey as leads.
The plot had multi strands, yet all woven together easily.
A great read, would highly recommend.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for introducing me to this author and book.
To me this read like like a middle book in the series where all the characters are already well developed, and I was slightly but pleasantly surprised to discover it was a first book.
However, I'm really pleased to read there will be more to come as I really liked Ethan and Abbey as leads.
The plot had multi strands, yet all woven together easily.
A great read, would highly recommend.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for introducing me to this author and book.
May 14, 2025
I found this to be a slow burn to start with, but it soon picked up about a third of the way in and did not slow down until the end.
I liked the idea of a 'copycat' killer copying the murders of well-known killers. I also liked the aspect of a profiler being brought in to help the case.
Well written and short chapters.
I liked the idea of a 'copycat' killer copying the murders of well-known killers. I also liked the aspect of a profiler being brought in to help the case.
Well written and short chapters.
May 11, 2025
A great book, covering a copycat killer with a lovely twist at the end. The added touch of a profiler being called in was genius and added to the intrigue.
May 5, 2025
A very good story which focuses upon a killer mimicking crimes of past serial killers. I found the story engaging and easy to follow, more so once I got my head round the secondary characters. My one gripe with the narration was that a lot of the characters “snap” at each other and found this term used a little too frequently. Other than that a good read.
July 5, 2025
Finished reading: July 4th 2025
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Dreamscape Media in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
July 8, 2025
The first thing that caught my eye with this book was its cover. It gave me Criminal Minds vibes, and as the new season is almost done, I needed something to fill that gap for me—and this was a great way to spend a few hours.
This was my first read by Steve Cornwell, and while it didn’t blow the doors off, the premise is wickedly smart: a serial killer who never touches the crime scenes, never spills a drop of blood himself. Instead, he stalks the internet, finding the broken, the desperate, the disposable—and turns them into weapons. It’s manipulation at its coldest. The true crime influences (Bundy, especially) give it a chilling realism that lingers long after the chapter ends.
The beginning was slow, almost deceptively so, like the calm before something awful. But once the story hit its stride, it moved with a nasty kind of momentum. You don’t even realize how deep you’re in until it’s too late. For a 7-hour audiobook, it felt closer to five.
Ethan and Abbey’s relationship was a rare flicker of humanity in the dark—messy, honest, and necessary. Without them, the story might have felt too detached, too clinical.
Still, as much as I admired the setup, I kept waiting for it to get uglier. More vicious. It scratched the surface of dread but never went deep enough to make me squirm. I read a lot of dark thrillers, so maybe my threshold’s high—but I wanted scenes that made me feel complicit, scenes I’d want to look away from. It hovered just below that line.
Gareth Richards, the narrator, has a clean, controlled delivery, and he handles the material well. But this kind of story begs for something colder, sharper—maybe a dual narration or a voice that can twist, charm, and then snap. There were moments that needed more bite, more fear, more breathless tension.
The ending came quick—too quick. It felt like hitting a wall in the dark. I’m hoping this isn’t a standalone, because there’s definitely more to mine here. More darkness. More blood.
3.5 stars. But with potential to go darker—and better.
This was my first read by Steve Cornwell, and while it didn’t blow the doors off, the premise is wickedly smart: a serial killer who never touches the crime scenes, never spills a drop of blood himself. Instead, he stalks the internet, finding the broken, the desperate, the disposable—and turns them into weapons. It’s manipulation at its coldest. The true crime influences (Bundy, especially) give it a chilling realism that lingers long after the chapter ends.
The beginning was slow, almost deceptively so, like the calm before something awful. But once the story hit its stride, it moved with a nasty kind of momentum. You don’t even realize how deep you’re in until it’s too late. For a 7-hour audiobook, it felt closer to five.
Ethan and Abbey’s relationship was a rare flicker of humanity in the dark—messy, honest, and necessary. Without them, the story might have felt too detached, too clinical.
Still, as much as I admired the setup, I kept waiting for it to get uglier. More vicious. It scratched the surface of dread but never went deep enough to make me squirm. I read a lot of dark thrillers, so maybe my threshold’s high—but I wanted scenes that made me feel complicit, scenes I’d want to look away from. It hovered just below that line.
Gareth Richards, the narrator, has a clean, controlled delivery, and he handles the material well. But this kind of story begs for something colder, sharper—maybe a dual narration or a voice that can twist, charm, and then snap. There were moments that needed more bite, more fear, more breathless tension.
The ending came quick—too quick. It felt like hitting a wall in the dark. I’m hoping this isn’t a standalone, because there’s definitely more to mine here. More darkness. More blood.
3.5 stars. But with potential to go darker—and better.
July 4, 2025
✨Audiobook Review✨
📖 Copy, Kill, Repeat
✍️ Steve Cornwell
📅 Publication: July 8, 2025
🎤 Gareth Richards
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
London is paralyzed by fear as a brilliant manipulator orchestrates a string of brutal murders, each one a chilling echo of history’s darkest crimes. Paramedic Tom Freedman stays behind the scenes, using the anonymity of the internet to recruit society’s most vulnerable and desperate, turning them into his unsuspecting weapons.
Criminologist Ethan Marshall, still haunted by his past, is pulled into the case to stop a killer who thrives on chaos and control. As the investigation unfolds, the game becomes deeply personal. Ethan finds himself the target of Tom’s twisted taunts, with each move drawing him deeper into the killer’s web.
Now, it’s more than a search for justice; it’s a race against time. To stop Tom, Ethan must confront a mind fueled by cruelty and outsmart a predator who always seems one step ahead. The stakes are no longer just professional; they’re deadly personal
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
I see a lot of potential in this story, and I plan to give it another try in print once it’s released. For me, the audiobook didn’t quite work. Unfortunately, the narration didn’t work for the tone or style of this story. At times, it was hard to tell which character was speaking because the voices weren’t distinct enough.
The prologue also left me a little confused; it seemed to start with a text conversation, but that didn’t translate as clearly in audio as it might have on the page. That said, I’m still intrigued by the story and look forward to experiencing it in a different format where I think it will shine.
Thank You @Netgalley and @ Dreamscape Media for allowing me to review this ALC.
📖 Copy, Kill, Repeat
✍️ Steve Cornwell
📅 Publication: July 8, 2025
🎤 Gareth Richards
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
London is paralyzed by fear as a brilliant manipulator orchestrates a string of brutal murders, each one a chilling echo of history’s darkest crimes. Paramedic Tom Freedman stays behind the scenes, using the anonymity of the internet to recruit society’s most vulnerable and desperate, turning them into his unsuspecting weapons.
Criminologist Ethan Marshall, still haunted by his past, is pulled into the case to stop a killer who thrives on chaos and control. As the investigation unfolds, the game becomes deeply personal. Ethan finds himself the target of Tom’s twisted taunts, with each move drawing him deeper into the killer’s web.
Now, it’s more than a search for justice; it’s a race against time. To stop Tom, Ethan must confront a mind fueled by cruelty and outsmart a predator who always seems one step ahead. The stakes are no longer just professional; they’re deadly personal
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
I see a lot of potential in this story, and I plan to give it another try in print once it’s released. For me, the audiobook didn’t quite work. Unfortunately, the narration didn’t work for the tone or style of this story. At times, it was hard to tell which character was speaking because the voices weren’t distinct enough.
The prologue also left me a little confused; it seemed to start with a text conversation, but that didn’t translate as clearly in audio as it might have on the page. That said, I’m still intrigued by the story and look forward to experiencing it in a different format where I think it will shine.
Thank You @Netgalley and @ Dreamscape Media for allowing me to review this ALC.
July 5, 2025
Audiobook Review: Copy, Kill, Repeat by Steve Cornwell
Narrated by Gareth Richards
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and truly appreciate the opportunity to learn about new authors and leave reviews.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into Copy, Kill, Repeat. The premise gave off strong Criminal Minds vibes—which I normally love—and the story itself had potential with its dark, psychological thriller angle centered around a copycat killer. However, I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the audiobook.
I believe part of the disconnect for me came from the narration. While Gareth Richards clearly has a strong voice and did well with the pacing and tone, his accent was a bit thick for my ear, and I had trouble fully processing what was being said at times. As an American listener, this made it harder for me to immerse myself in the story. I typically listen at 1.5x speed, but even when I slowed it down to try and follow more closely, I still found myself missing things.
That said, this may just be a personal preference, and others who are more used to or comfortable with different accents might not have the same experience. The narration quality was still professional, and I appreciate the work that went into both the writing and performance.
Overall, while this book wasn’t quite for me, I’m still glad I had the opportunity to give it a try and expand my audiobook library. I’d be open to reading more from Steve Cornwell in the future—perhaps in print format instead.
Narrated by Gareth Richards
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and truly appreciate the opportunity to learn about new authors and leave reviews.
Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into Copy, Kill, Repeat. The premise gave off strong Criminal Minds vibes—which I normally love—and the story itself had potential with its dark, psychological thriller angle centered around a copycat killer. However, I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the audiobook.
I believe part of the disconnect for me came from the narration. While Gareth Richards clearly has a strong voice and did well with the pacing and tone, his accent was a bit thick for my ear, and I had trouble fully processing what was being said at times. As an American listener, this made it harder for me to immerse myself in the story. I typically listen at 1.5x speed, but even when I slowed it down to try and follow more closely, I still found myself missing things.
That said, this may just be a personal preference, and others who are more used to or comfortable with different accents might not have the same experience. The narration quality was still professional, and I appreciate the work that went into both the writing and performance.
Overall, while this book wasn’t quite for me, I’m still glad I had the opportunity to give it a try and expand my audiobook library. I’d be open to reading more from Steve Cornwell in the future—perhaps in print format instead.
June 3, 2025
Copy, Kill, Repeat: by Steve Cornwell was an excellent book that will have you hooked from the very beginning. WoW this book was so good I ended up reading it all day until I had finished! Superb especially as it was so addictive and gripping dark read about a serial killer.
A Puppet Master. A Deadly Game. A Race Against Time.
Give me more! and it did not disappoint!
London was gripped by terror as a mastermind recreates history’s most gruesome murders are happening and he doesn't even dirtying his hands. Paramedic Tom Freedman recruits his killers from the shadows of the internet, manipulating the broken and desperate to carry out his deadly vision of all the murders.
Emotionally and damaged criminologist Ethan Marshall is dragged into the case, he is tasked with stopping a predator who thrives on control and chaos. But, then Tom’s twisted game turns personal, when Ethan receives chilling taunts and watches as the killer tightens his grip pulling him further into the nightmare.
To stop Tom, Ethan must outwit him. . . . . . However, he has a mind that thrives on pain and suffering.
As the clock ticks down, Ethan realises this is more than a hunt for justice! It has now become it’s a battle for survival.
Will Ethan survive or will Tom catch him before the clock stops ticking?
Time is running out! Tick Tock, Tick Tock. . . . . . . . . .
WoW. . . . . . I highly recommend this book. 5 star read.
A Puppet Master. A Deadly Game. A Race Against Time.
Give me more! and it did not disappoint!
London was gripped by terror as a mastermind recreates history’s most gruesome murders are happening and he doesn't even dirtying his hands. Paramedic Tom Freedman recruits his killers from the shadows of the internet, manipulating the broken and desperate to carry out his deadly vision of all the murders.
Emotionally and damaged criminologist Ethan Marshall is dragged into the case, he is tasked with stopping a predator who thrives on control and chaos. But, then Tom’s twisted game turns personal, when Ethan receives chilling taunts and watches as the killer tightens his grip pulling him further into the nightmare.
To stop Tom, Ethan must outwit him. . . . . . However, he has a mind that thrives on pain and suffering.
As the clock ticks down, Ethan realises this is more than a hunt for justice! It has now become it’s a battle for survival.
Will Ethan survive or will Tom catch him before the clock stops ticking?
Time is running out! Tick Tock, Tick Tock. . . . . . . . . .
WoW. . . . . . I highly recommend this book. 5 star read.
July 10, 2025
"Steve Cornwell’s Copy. Kill. Repeat. is a gripping, high-octane thriller that plunges readers into a dark and unsettling world of copycat crimes, blurred realities, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for. With a pace that never lets up and a tone that evokes the psychological intensity of Criminal Minds or CSI, this novel is a standout in the modern thriller genre.
At the heart of the story is Ethan—a brilliantly crafted character whose intellectual quirks and analytical mind bring a refreshing depth to the narrative. His “nerdy” charm is not only relatable but also serves as a compelling lens through which the increasingly disturbing events unfold. Cornwell skillfully balances the cerebral and the suspenseful, creating a protagonist who feels both authentic and memorable.
The plot is tightly wound, full of twists that keep you questioning every motive and detail. As the mystery deepens, so does the tension, with moments that are as creepy as they are clever. Cornwell excels at building psychological suspense, all while weaving in character-driven moments that give the story emotional weight.
Copy. Kill. Repeat. is a chilling, well-crafted thriller that delivers on all fronts—fast-paced, smart, and impossible to put down. Steve Cornwell has laid the foundation for what could easily become a standout series, and readers will be eager to follow Ethan through whatever dark corridors come next."
At the heart of the story is Ethan—a brilliantly crafted character whose intellectual quirks and analytical mind bring a refreshing depth to the narrative. His “nerdy” charm is not only relatable but also serves as a compelling lens through which the increasingly disturbing events unfold. Cornwell skillfully balances the cerebral and the suspenseful, creating a protagonist who feels both authentic and memorable.
The plot is tightly wound, full of twists that keep you questioning every motive and detail. As the mystery deepens, so does the tension, with moments that are as creepy as they are clever. Cornwell excels at building psychological suspense, all while weaving in character-driven moments that give the story emotional weight.
Copy. Kill. Repeat. is a chilling, well-crafted thriller that delivers on all fronts—fast-paced, smart, and impossible to put down. Steve Cornwell has laid the foundation for what could easily become a standout series, and readers will be eager to follow Ethan through whatever dark corridors come next."
June 1, 2025
In a run-down part of London, someone has copied a very famous murder scene from history, meticulous in every detail. Except that the “victim” was already dead 3 days from a heart attack, and the blood used to recreate the grisly tableau came from other multiple unidentified sources. Supt Tony Meadows begs college lecturer Professor Ethan Marshall, one of the very best criminal profilers around, to help DI Abbey Swift with this bizarre and baffling case. Because one thing is sure – now he has their attention, what will the twisted tutor, recruiting and controlling his faithful followers on the web, produce next? And why is he doing this? They don’t have long until another crime scene is discovered. First Manson, then Bundy. And now the stakes are just about to be raised.
The reader also hears about the tutor, who he is and what he is but the suspense lies in watching and waiting for Marshall and Swift to make sense of what they are discovering. Both are great characters, as are also Meadows and pathologist Lucy. This is the sort of story you get immediately engrossed in and won’t want to put down at all until the final gripping pages. Highly recommended and I do hope this will be the start of a series!
The reader also hears about the tutor, who he is and what he is but the suspense lies in watching and waiting for Marshall and Swift to make sense of what they are discovering. Both are great characters, as are also Meadows and pathologist Lucy. This is the sort of story you get immediately engrossed in and won’t want to put down at all until the final gripping pages. Highly recommended and I do hope this will be the start of a series!
July 12, 2025
This story had a great premise and I really enjoyed not only getting Ethan's and Abby search for the killer that is recreating famous serial killer murders from Charles Manson to Ted Bundy and more but also the planning of said killer as he enacts his plan to go down in history with the greats, with the help of a few other like minded individuals. Luckily Ethan is a genius when it comes to getting into the minds of serial killers (the few bits of other cases he has solved were fascinating) and Abby is a top notch and quick thinking police officer and they work well together. I enjoyed listening to their race to catch the killer before he strikes again. Yes, it does have some graphic bits, what with the victims of those recreated murders but it gave the story grit and it fit well. I liked all of the story, except for the end which felt a bit rushed and did not give the right kind of climax to this serial killer who planned everything so carefully.
But it was a thrilling audiobook to listen to and the narrator, Gareth Richards, did a wonderful job in bringing the characters and story to life. I would not mind reading more cases that Ethan Marshall can solve in the nick of time!
But it was a thrilling audiobook to listen to and the narrator, Gareth Richards, did a wonderful job in bringing the characters and story to life. I would not mind reading more cases that Ethan Marshall can solve in the nick of time!
July 16, 2025
(ALC via NetGalley & Dreamscape Media — thank you!)
This one looked like it belonged in my usual masked-man/dark romance lane… but surprise! It’s actually a crime thriller. And that’s on me for not reading the blurb. 😅
The premise is undeniably intriguing — a serial deleter who doesn’t commit the crimes himself but manipulates others online to recreate real-life murders. That twist? Brilliant. But the execution fell a bit flat for me. It felt repetitive, low-tension, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged.
Audio thoughts: Only one narrator for a multi-POV story with a big cast was a bit rough. The voices didn’t differentiate enough, and the pacing was tricky (1.25x was too slow, 1.5x too fast on NetGalley’s player). Also, I didn’t realize some of the “dialogue” was meant to be online chats — a “bing” or some audio cue could’ve helped a LOT.
While this wasn’t for me (detective thrillers are just starting to feel a little same-same), I can see it appealing to those really into crime fiction and serial killer lore.
Not my usual genre — but always good to try something new, right?
This one looked like it belonged in my usual masked-man/dark romance lane… but surprise! It’s actually a crime thriller. And that’s on me for not reading the blurb. 😅
The premise is undeniably intriguing — a serial deleter who doesn’t commit the crimes himself but manipulates others online to recreate real-life murders. That twist? Brilliant. But the execution fell a bit flat for me. It felt repetitive, low-tension, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged.
Audio thoughts: Only one narrator for a multi-POV story with a big cast was a bit rough. The voices didn’t differentiate enough, and the pacing was tricky (1.25x was too slow, 1.5x too fast on NetGalley’s player). Also, I didn’t realize some of the “dialogue” was meant to be online chats — a “bing” or some audio cue could’ve helped a LOT.
While this wasn’t for me (detective thrillers are just starting to feel a little same-same), I can see it appealing to those really into crime fiction and serial killer lore.
Not my usual genre — but always good to try something new, right?
July 19, 2025
This is a fast paced, high energy, psychological thriller; very similar to the Dr. Evan Wilding series (which I adore). You have a brilliant criminologist, a headstrong female detective with something to prove, and a mastermind villain hiding in plain sight.
The story itself is gripping, and feels like you’re watching an episode of your favorite crime procedural. The chapters are short, so you genuinely feel like you are flying through the book and you could easily read this in one sitting.
As I was listening to the audiobook, I will say I became confused every so often with regards to whose POV I was in. I think the narrator did a wonderful job, but it definitely requires a bit of concentration to differentiate when you’re in the thick of it.
My only real gripe with the book is the alluding to a romantic connection. It felt simultaneously forced and out of nowhere. These people just met, but they’re already infatuated with each other?
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this as a quick read and I hope there’s more to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The story itself is gripping, and feels like you’re watching an episode of your favorite crime procedural. The chapters are short, so you genuinely feel like you are flying through the book and you could easily read this in one sitting.
As I was listening to the audiobook, I will say I became confused every so often with regards to whose POV I was in. I think the narrator did a wonderful job, but it definitely requires a bit of concentration to differentiate when you’re in the thick of it.
My only real gripe with the book is the alluding to a romantic connection. It felt simultaneously forced and out of nowhere. These people just met, but they’re already infatuated with each other?
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this as a quick read and I hope there’s more to come!
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 4, 2025
🎧ALC review🎧
You give me a book with a serial unaliver, and I’m going to eat it up. Then add in copycat cases of famous crime scenes, and you have my undivided attention. This book delivers all of that and more. If you like Criminal Minds, then you will LOVE this book! I did feel like the ending was super rushed. It just seemed like the big event happened, was lightly brushed over, and then bam, book over.
I loved the narration. It is a single narration, but it had me captivated. My only complaint is every chapter was a different pov, but that wasn’t stated before the chapter started. This led to me being confused a few times, and having to really focus until they mentioned who the chapter was about. It flipped between the killer and the investigators quite often, so it would get tricky to follow along. Other than that, I loved everything else about the audiobook. It sucked me in. Once I started it, I couldn’t stop listening.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the alc for my review.
You give me a book with a serial unaliver, and I’m going to eat it up. Then add in copycat cases of famous crime scenes, and you have my undivided attention. This book delivers all of that and more. If you like Criminal Minds, then you will LOVE this book! I did feel like the ending was super rushed. It just seemed like the big event happened, was lightly brushed over, and then bam, book over.
I loved the narration. It is a single narration, but it had me captivated. My only complaint is every chapter was a different pov, but that wasn’t stated before the chapter started. This led to me being confused a few times, and having to really focus until they mentioned who the chapter was about. It flipped between the killer and the investigators quite often, so it would get tricky to follow along. Other than that, I loved everything else about the audiobook. It sucked me in. Once I started it, I couldn’t stop listening.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the alc for my review.
July 13, 2025
A mystery crime thriller that gives off massive Criminal Minds vibes. I listened to this on audio, narrated by by Gareth Richards. I gave this book 3.25 stars. If you love crime shows and murder mystery, I would definitely recommend reading this book, but maybe not listening to it on audio.
This books is about a serial killer who copies the techniques of other serial killers. This book does has a slow start but once it picks up it sucks you right in. I think the biggest disconnect for me was the narrator of this book. He had a strong voice but I don't think he did this book justice. I think it would have been a lot better with dual narration or one that can really add the fear, terror, and suspense into their narration. If I would have eyeball read the book vs listened to it, I probably would have liked it a lot more.
That being said, this book does set itself up nicely for a series and it would be interesting to see where it goes.
Thank you Steve Cornwell, Dream Scape Media, and Netgalley for an audio ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
This books is about a serial killer who copies the techniques of other serial killers. This book does has a slow start but once it picks up it sucks you right in. I think the biggest disconnect for me was the narrator of this book. He had a strong voice but I don't think he did this book justice. I think it would have been a lot better with dual narration or one that can really add the fear, terror, and suspense into their narration. If I would have eyeball read the book vs listened to it, I probably would have liked it a lot more.
That being said, this book does set itself up nicely for a series and it would be interesting to see where it goes.
Thank you Steve Cornwell, Dream Scape Media, and Netgalley for an audio ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
July 22, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Copy Kill Repeat! If this is Steve Cornwell’s debut, he’s off to a really strong start. The story was fast-paced, engaging, and had a chillingly clever twist with the serial killer element especially the idea of one manipulative mastermind orchestrating others to do his bidding. It kept me hooked from beginning to end.
The pacing was strong, and the plot moved quickly without dragging, which made for an addictive read. I’m really hoping this turns into a series—or at least that his next book is somehow connected, because I’d love to explore more in this world or see some characters return. My only critique is the ending. The resolution around catching the leader of the group felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic. I would’ve loved a little more tension, dialogue, or psychological sparring during that final confrontation. It was over too quickly, which slightly dulled the payoff.
Still, this was a great thriller and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Steve Cornwell’s future books. Highly recommend for fans of fast, twisty thrillers with a dark edge.
The pacing was strong, and the plot moved quickly without dragging, which made for an addictive read. I’m really hoping this turns into a series—or at least that his next book is somehow connected, because I’d love to explore more in this world or see some characters return. My only critique is the ending. The resolution around catching the leader of the group felt a bit rushed and anticlimactic. I would’ve loved a little more tension, dialogue, or psychological sparring during that final confrontation. It was over too quickly, which slightly dulled the payoff.
Still, this was a great thriller and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Steve Cornwell’s future books. Highly recommend for fans of fast, twisty thrillers with a dark edge.
July 1, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Gareth Richards and while I had a hard time initially following the story, I stuck with the audio and got hooked. I will say that there should have been more variation in the voices as it was often hard to distinguish which character was speaking. However, this should be a must read as its very entertaining and I found myself pulled into the story.
Serial killers, murder, psychologist and detectives! All of the boxes are ticked with this one!!!
This is a well written story that follows a serial killer that mimics the past kills of infamous serial killers such as Bundy, Manson and BTK. He also enlists the help of "pupils" to do some of the kills as well. There are a couple of twists thrown in that make the story have more depth and interest for the reader. All in all, this one is a killer 5 star story that should not be missed!!!
Serial killers, murder, psychologist and detectives! All of the boxes are ticked with this one!!!
This is a well written story that follows a serial killer that mimics the past kills of infamous serial killers such as Bundy, Manson and BTK. He also enlists the help of "pupils" to do some of the kills as well. There are a couple of twists thrown in that make the story have more depth and interest for the reader. All in all, this one is a killer 5 star story that should not be missed!!!
July 9, 2025
Copy, Kill, Repeat is a dark, twisty thriller that kept me hooked from the start. The concept was gripping, with a killer mimicking past crimes in a calculated and chilling way. There were moments that truly had me on edge, especially as the layers of the story began to peel back.
The pacing was steady with bursts of intensity, and I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded piece by piece. Some scenes were a bit dense, but the intrigue kept me locked in. The characters were well-developed, and the tension between the investigators and the killer added just the right amount of pressure.
The audiobook narration was excellent and added a gritty realism that pulled me further into the story. This one is perfect for fans of crime thrillers with a psychological edge and a clever twist.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions as a NetGalley reviewer.
The pacing was steady with bursts of intensity, and I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded piece by piece. Some scenes were a bit dense, but the intrigue kept me locked in. The characters were well-developed, and the tension between the investigators and the killer added just the right amount of pressure.
The audiobook narration was excellent and added a gritty realism that pulled me further into the story. This one is perfect for fans of crime thrillers with a psychological edge and a clever twist.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions as a NetGalley reviewer.
July 12, 2025
A series of inexplicable and gruesome murders is taking place in London with very few clues as to the culprit. Not surprising, since the career profile of the criminal in question, with respect to his day job, is an unthinkable one. Luckily, college professor Ethan, who is helping out the police, is a skilled profiler and he has an able partner in policewoman Abby.
This one is worth reading but was a mixed bag for me. The serial killer element of the story is compelling, and the way that the killer hooks in vulnerable and angry young men as recruits is a good twist, as is the decision to recreate infamous serial killer cases. The violence is graphic as may be expected, but it was the ending where I felt a sense of letdown and felt the writer came to a somewhat abrupt conclusion that could have been delivered better. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This one is worth reading but was a mixed bag for me. The serial killer element of the story is compelling, and the way that the killer hooks in vulnerable and angry young men as recruits is a good twist, as is the decision to recreate infamous serial killer cases. The violence is graphic as may be expected, but it was the ending where I felt a sense of letdown and felt the writer came to a somewhat abrupt conclusion that could have been delivered better. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
July 28, 2025
Don't be fooled by the cover. This is not dark fantasy. It is a police procedural murder/thriller. Copy, Kill, Repeat is the story of a serial killer who copies different murders from different serial killers for each of their own kills. It's up to the London police, with the help of ex-criminologist Ethan Marshal to figure out who is behind it and stop them. I will say, the audio book was kind of hard to follow. It was often hard to tell when the narrator was switching characters and that threw me off on quite a few occasions. Other than that, the story was good. You as the reader know pretty early on who the killer is and follow their plot line as well as the detective's plot line concurrently. This was a quick read. Though I probably actually would have liked it to be just a little bit longer. This is a great book for lovers of true crime.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2025
This is the first book I've read by Steve Cornwell, and it won't be my last.
I was quickly enthralled in this first book involving Ethan, the profiler, and Abby, the detective, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
It's a well written gripping storyline and plot with clever twists and strong characters. I particularly liked the way Ethan and Abbey bounce of each others ideas and personality.
I enjoyed the criminal profiler and detective working together. It made an interesting change.
Although we know the mastermind behind creating the gruesome murderers. I like the way the Internet is used and historical characters. It's a different and interesting slant to the story.
This is a very thoroughly enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
I was quickly enthralled in this first book involving Ethan, the profiler, and Abby, the detective, and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.
It's a well written gripping storyline and plot with clever twists and strong characters. I particularly liked the way Ethan and Abbey bounce of each others ideas and personality.
I enjoyed the criminal profiler and detective working together. It made an interesting change.
Although we know the mastermind behind creating the gruesome murderers. I like the way the Internet is used and historical characters. It's a different and interesting slant to the story.
This is a very thoroughly enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more in the series.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
July 8, 2025
2.75 ⭐️
First off, thank you to NetGalley for early access to this thriller. I so badly wanted to get my hands on this audiobook & sadly, it just wasn’t for me. The storyline had so much potential but the narration made it seem flat.
London was impacted with a spree of copycat killers from previously famous serial killers. This alone immediately grabbed my attention. Mimicking famous serial killers with your own twist is brilliant. However, due to the narration not clicking with me, I just couldn’t vibe with the book.
I’d like to read the book once it becomes available and see if I can actually get into the story; giving a review a better shot. I’ve seen quite a lot of reviews stating the narration just wasn’t working. With that being said - do yourself a favor and snag the ebook version!
First off, thank you to NetGalley for early access to this thriller. I so badly wanted to get my hands on this audiobook & sadly, it just wasn’t for me. The storyline had so much potential but the narration made it seem flat.
London was impacted with a spree of copycat killers from previously famous serial killers. This alone immediately grabbed my attention. Mimicking famous serial killers with your own twist is brilliant. However, due to the narration not clicking with me, I just couldn’t vibe with the book.
I’d like to read the book once it becomes available and see if I can actually get into the story; giving a review a better shot. I’ve seen quite a lot of reviews stating the narration just wasn’t working. With that being said - do yourself a favor and snag the ebook version!
September 7, 2025
Copy, Kill, Repeat by Steve Cornwell
Something sinister is happening in London. Someone is recreating famous murders and staging them for the police. He isn’t even doing it himself… He finds others to do it for him. The police bring in criminologist Ethan Marshall to help bring the killer to justice.. But the clock is ticking.
It was interesting.. The gruesome parts were absolutely brilliant but the pacing and tone everywhere else was a tad bland. It felt like 2 different people were writing this one. I think it was done on purpose to bring maximum effect to the parts that mattered but it didn’t work so well for me on audio. I think had the author quickened the pace, it would have been the best book of the year for me but it just missed the mark.
I liked Ethan but again, he came across boring in spots and that really was a bummer.
3.5 stars
Something sinister is happening in London. Someone is recreating famous murders and staging them for the police. He isn’t even doing it himself… He finds others to do it for him. The police bring in criminologist Ethan Marshall to help bring the killer to justice.. But the clock is ticking.
It was interesting.. The gruesome parts were absolutely brilliant but the pacing and tone everywhere else was a tad bland. It felt like 2 different people were writing this one. I think it was done on purpose to bring maximum effect to the parts that mattered but it didn’t work so well for me on audio. I think had the author quickened the pace, it would have been the best book of the year for me but it just missed the mark.
I liked Ethan but again, he came across boring in spots and that really was a bummer.
3.5 stars
May 27, 2025
I have always had a particular interest in the psychology of serial killers, so to find a book that features a serial killer copy cat made me quite excited!
With each chapter alternating between the police, the profiler and the perpetrator, this was quite a quick and easy read for me. I enjoyed that multiple famous killers were copied and discussed, and I liked the inclusion of a criminal profiler, however the characters lacked some development. I would have liked to know more about them, and a more in depth look as to the motive for the killings would have rounded the book off nicely.
I do think it's a great start for a series and I would love to read about more cases that Ethan and Abbey could solve together!
With each chapter alternating between the police, the profiler and the perpetrator, this was quite a quick and easy read for me. I enjoyed that multiple famous killers were copied and discussed, and I liked the inclusion of a criminal profiler, however the characters lacked some development. I would have liked to know more about them, and a more in depth look as to the motive for the killings would have rounded the book off nicely.
I do think it's a great start for a series and I would love to read about more cases that Ethan and Abbey could solve together!
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