Ragdoll by Daniel Cole

Ragdoll (Ragdoll, #1)

by Daniel Cole

'Superb thriller writing' Peter Robinson

* * * * *

SHORTLISTED FOR CWA JOHN CREASY AWARD BEST DEBUT NOVEL

A body is discovered with the dismembered parts of six victims stitched together, nicknamed by the press as the 'Ragdoll'. Assigned to the shocking case are Detective William 'Wolf' Fawkes, recently reinstated to the London Met, and his former partner Detective Emily Baxter. The 'Ragdoll Killer' taunts the police by releasing a list of names to the media, and the dates on which he intends to murder them.

With six people to save, can Fawkes & Baxter catch a killer when the world is watching their every move?

* * * * *

'The best debut I've ever read.' Rachel Abbott

'A brilliant, breathless thriller' MJ Arlidge

'A high concept solution to a mystery' Sophie Hannah

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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Five reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to RAGDOLL


  • Cole delivered an original plot. A murdered body is discovered, but on closer inspection, the officers realize the body is composed of six different victims stitched together to form one. William Fawkes, dubbed "the Wolf" and his former partner Detective Emily Baxter work this case known in the press as the Ragdoll Killer. This case will push everyone to the limit as this ruthless killer raises the stakes and body count. It will test them both.


  • The characters are complex, and each is fully developed allowing readers to slip into their circle. Love them or hate them, you will be drawn towards them. Fawkes was such an interesting and tormented character. We learn about his prior case, the fallout and the long reaching repercussions making his actions, dedication and suffering feel authentic. As Cole peeled back his layers, you see how unpredictable and driven he is. I liked Baxter even if I found her vulnerable where Fawkes is concerned. She is a dedicated officer and takes the job home with her. Edmund, a colleague, was interesting and quite brilliant. Secondary characters highlighted the intensity, the media, and political pressures of high-profile cases.


  • The case was freaking fantastic, well sick, but totally intense and perfect for the big screen. The timeline and countdown to each victim's death had me on edge. The methods of murder, and trying to connect the pieces combined with some surprise twists created a fast moving and intense plot that will keep listeners guessing. Just when I thought I had it all pieces together the author threw me down another rabbit hole. Clever. I was particularly impressed at how Cole provided the full picture from victims to the media. He weaved in the day to day obstacles each character faced. He did so seamlessly allowing us a panoramic experience. He allowed the readers to become part of the case and allowed them to inside the characters minds.


  • Darkness and light filled the pages of this tale. The banter, wit, and dialogue between characters delivered humor, and the ticking timeline provided plenty of darkness as the killer appears to be winning. One moment was holding my breath thinking "we all gonna die" and the next I was laughing st something Baxter said. This created a great ebb and flow allowing me to listen for hours.


  • Alex Wyndham with his gritty accent offered the perfect narration for RAGDOLL. I found his portrayal of Fawkes to be pure perfection. I hope that he continues the series. Rises and drops in his pitch intensified the suspense and made listening to it a pleasure.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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  • 6 April, 2017: Reviewed