The Ladykiller

by Martina Cole
The Ladykiller cover
Good Books rating 4.1
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9313
  • Added: 2025-12-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780755350711
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-12-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Ladykiller is the first book in the DI Kate Burrows series by Martina Cole, the 'undisputed queen of crime writing' (Guardian). This novel offers a unique perspective from the law enforcement side, delving into the complexities of Kate's investigation as she pursues a serial killer known as the Grantley Ripper. The stakes are raised when the killer targets the daughter of notorious gangster Patrick Kelly, entangling Kate's professional and personal life in a web of danger and intrigue. Cole's signature gritty style and deep understanding of London's criminal underworld bring this thriller to life. As Kate races against time to stop the Ladykiller, she must confront her own demons and decide where her loyalties lie. This gripping tale is a must-read for fans of crime fiction, with its intense action, complex characters, and a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
By the Letter Book Reviews · 2023-06-12
fantastic 4.80

The book is a massive, engrossing read that keeps the reader hooked throughout its 700+ pages. The writing is powerful and the characters are strong.

The reviewer from By the Letter Book Reviews found 'The Ladykiller' to be a massive and engrossing read, despite its length of over 700 pages. Every bit of the book was captivating, making it hard to put down. The writing style is original, polished, and strong, with well-developed characters that add depth to the story. The reviewer appreciated the powerful narrative and the way the author dives into the mind of a dangerous predator. Overall, it's a compelling and intense read that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    The Ladykiller by Martina Cole is a bit of a beast of a read at just over seven hundred pages, yet every bit of it was so engrossing that I couldn't put it down.

    The writing style was original, polished, and strong, and the characters were strong and bold.

    I absolutely love it! By the end of the book, I was completely hooked.

Becky's Book Blog · Becky · 2021-04-30
excellent 4.50

The book delivers its thrills through the chilling perspective of George Markham. The narrative is gripping and intense, making it a compelling read.

Becky found the book to be incredibly gripping and intense, particularly through the perspective of George Markham. The matter-of-fact segments from his point of view add a terrifying edge to the story. The narrative is well-paced and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. Becky appreciated the way the author delves into the mind of a dangerous predator, making the story both thrilling and unsettling. The character development is strong, and the plot is engaging, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    This book gives most of its thrills and chills through the terrifyingly matter of fact segments from George Markham's perspective.

    The narrative is gripping and intense, making it a compelling read.

    The character development is strong, and the plot is engaging.

Goodreads · 1993-07-22
good 3.00

The book is a gritty and dark read, characteristic of the 80s. The writing style, however, may not appeal to everyone.

The reviewer on Goodreads found 'The Ladykiller' to be a gritty and dark read, typical of the 80s. They noted that the book is politically incorrect by today's standards. The writing style, in particular, was not a favorite, indicating that it might not appeal to everyone. Despite these criticisms, the story is compelling and keeps the reader engaged. The character of George Markham is well-developed, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, it's a strong, albeit flawed, read.

Quick quotes

    It was gritty and dark. Definitely written in the 80s and absolutely politically incorrect now.

    Wasn't the biggest fan on the writing style if I'm being honest.

    The character of George Markham is actually very well developed throughout the novel.

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