Torment

A Harper Jones Novel

Fiction - Mystery - Murder
342 Pages
Reviewed on 07/20/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

What a humdinger of a story Jeffrey Butler brings us in Torment! He puts a clever cop who won’t do as he’s told on the path of a cruel psychopathic serial killer with a sad history of child abuse. Then he throws in a second killer, who you won’t suspect is hell-bent on revenge, to keep readers in even more suspense. Then he weaves all three of them into a plot that keeps readers turning pages faster than they can absorb it all. This novel is one deliciously tormenting treat for fans of mystery murders.

The action takes place in the aptly named Wolf Hollow, a sleepy little seaside town not far from the mountains, the kind of town you visit to get away from it all…except you don’t. From the repulsive opening scene where someone not only digs up a coffin to further violate the deceased young woman inside, to learning about a psychopath’s history of abuse by his alcoholic mother, to the fiery first climax…yes, there’s a second one…readers are on the edge of their seats. Yet, amid all that action, there’s a time-out that captures the heartache and sensitivity of the protagonist, Detective Harper Jones. It reminds readers that even tough cops are human, get hurt, and love deeply, all making for a finely crafted novel. Jeffrey Butler’s style is fast-paced with lots of dialogue, but along the way, he provides readers with beautifully descriptive settings that contrast sharply with the violence of the plot. His characters, both victims and villains, are realistic. Fans of the genre will love Torment. Be amongst the first to read this one!

Rabia Tanveer

Torment by Jeffrey Butler is set in the dark and mysterious Wolf Hollow, a seemingly peaceful oceanside town shaken by the monstrous desecration of a young murder victim’s grave. Detective Harper Jones, still haunted by the unresolved murder of Alison Newton six months prior, is called back into the heart of a nightmare. Joined by his sharp and determined new partner, Medora Dunning, Harper soon uncovers a chilling pattern that suggests a serial killer is at work. As more layers are peeled back, it becomes evident that the town’s idyllic facade hides disturbing secrets. The killer may be closer than anyone realizes, and it is up to Harper to figure out who it is before it is too late.

Author Jeffrey Butler’s narrative style is perfect for this novel. It takes the readers into a character-driven story filled with tension and dread. Harper is a classic protagonist. He is world-weary, driven by justice, and haunted by his failures. His chemistry with Medora adds emotional depth and a fresh dynamic to the investigation, creating a compelling duo whose bond strengthens as the stakes rise. What sets Torment apart is its attention to detail and the eerie, creeping sense that no one in Wolf Hollow is entirely innocent. The pace is fast, allowing suspense to build naturally without sacrificing the momentum needed in a gripping thriller. Butler masterfully balances the mysterious with the psychological, delivering a story that is as much about trauma and redemption as it is about hunting a killer. Torment is an intense, gritty novel that will leave readers eager for more, and I highly recommend it!