Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Thank you Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for this book.
I didn't realise False Prophet was the third book in the Charlie Priest series but it didn't stop me reading it and I now need to read the two before. It is a definite page turner and great thriller and kept me interested from the beginning to the end.

I would highly recommend this and just need to find the other two. Please keep writing.

False Prophet by James Hazel

Charlie Priest has been appointed supervising solicitor in a most curious case. Professor Norman Owen has been ordered by the High Court to return an ancient Biblical text, one of the Dead Sea Scrolls, to the elusive Elisha Capindale, a collector of Christian antiquities. Priest is supposed to supervisor Owen’s surrender of the text but the Professor sits Charlie Priest down and tells him an incredible story, one that goes back beyond Christianity to the Old Testament and the origins of man. This ancient text, he argues, holds the key to a past that some people would kill to conceal. Priest decides to win more time for the Professor and takes the document into his own custody, an action that will have deadly consequences.

Meanwhile, Priest’s close friend DCI Tiff Rowlinson is investigating the gruesome murder of an award-winning photographer. By the side of the body can be found salt and symbols, painted in the dead woman’s blood. More murders follow and Tiff must work with Priest to hunt down a serial killer whose motivation seems to be nothing like those of any killer they’ve come across before. And Priest should know – or rather his brother Will should, one of the most infamous serial killers of the century.

False Prophet is the third novel in James Hazel’s excellent and very chilling Charlie Priest series but it stands alone well. These are disturbing books, often gruesome, and they’re riveting, largely because of the character of Priest himself and also for his assistant, Georgie Someday. I’m a big fan of Priest’s techie expert, Solly, but Solly plays less of a role here than he did in the first novel. He remains, though, a scene stealer. Priest is an intriguing man. He has a dissociative order, which pops up at the most inconvenient times, and keeps him emotionally separate from the world around him, and from himself, despite his conscious efforts to bridge the gap. Georgie helps. She is utterly endearing while also being vulnerable and extraordinarily brave and resilient.

The good news is that Priest’s brother plays an important role in False Prophet. He’s an extraordinary individual – half monster, half man. His relationship with Priest and with their sister is explored in the novel and I think is quite possibly what I enjoyed the most. This is so well done. James Hazel is a master at manipulating our opinions as he immerses us in a tale populated by charismatic and dangerous people.

Then there’s the mystery itself, which is bloody and horrifying. You do need to suspend your powers of disbelief but what matters here is what the killer believes, rather than what the manuscript says. Perhaps! Strangely, this is the second novel in just one week that I’ve read on the same biblical subject (the other being the action thriller The Resurrection Key by Andy McDermott)! I did find the mystery more satisfying than I did the one in The Ash Doll, the previous novel, and it reminded me much more of the power and suspense of the first, The Mayfly.

In False Prophet, the characters have really come into their own. Priest and Someday are now very well established. We’ve learned a little bit more about them and, as a result, I feel very loyal to both of them. Priest is a fantastic creation, who thinks a little differently and can act completely unexpectedly. The atmosphere is dark and frightening – there is a distinct horror feel to this crime novel at times. Dark it might be but it’s certainly entertaining and I most definitely look forward to more.

Other reviews
The Mayfly
The Ash Doll

I always like a good crime related with the past, but if it has connection with a mysterious book, I am totally in!
This had been a twisted and compelling read, the case is dark and the killer gruesome; lucky for us we will have the brave and intelligent lawyer that is ready to discover the truth, Charlie Priest. Because this serial killer doesn’t leave any traces behind and there doesn’t seem to be any connection between the victims, so it will be really difficult to catch.
There are so many interesting and addictive stories in this case that I couldn’t put it down! Priest has a very interesting background, his brother is a serial killer too, so he will have to ask for some help…
This is the third book of the series, I am really sad that I haven’t started the series from the beginning, you can read it as standalone, yes, but I really liked the main character and how all the case was directed, I should had started from the beginning!
This is a book for any thriller lover, the writing is addictive and the plot is interesting and gripping, sometimes this is what you need, something to disconnect and let the killer abduct your mind while the police try to catch them!
Ready for The False Prophet?

False Prophet is the third novel featuring detective Charlie Priest, but, if, like me, you still haven’t had the pleasure to read the first two books, you won’t have any problem reading it as a stand-alone. There is a serial killer on the loose in London. Three bodies have been found with a nail on their heads and religious symbols, so detective Tiff Rowlinson has no choice but to involve his old friend Charlie Priest, a former detective now working on his own. As Charlie investigates, the case takes a darker and more twisty turn until things get very personal for him.

Why did I enjoy this novel? Well, the tension is high from the very first page and it keeps building up until the end. There is murder, religious fanaticism, conspiracies, and serial killers that fit with the dark and claustrophobic atmosphere of the story. And then the author created a cast of very complex characters. Charlie Priest, the protagonist, is likable and smart and, like every hero in thriller novels, he has a knack for getting himself in trouble and in the path of the killer. He doesn’t stop until he finds out the truth and his life is often in danger. I enjoyed reading about his relationship with his family, from his adorable young niece to his notorious serial killer brother. The author also gives us glimpses of the killer’s mind and it is twisted, sinister, and scary.

False Prophet is a compelling, thrilling, unpredictable and tense novel that will give you goose bumps and will make you check your door is locked at night… so it’s definitely worth reading it!

This starts with a Book…..Professor Owen has an ancient text, one of the Dead Sea scrolls that holds a secret, a secret he is willing to die to keep….

Charlie Priest is a supervising solicitor, to monitor the police search of Owen’s home for the Book….Elisha Capendale wants her property…

Alongside this is a murder case, victims found with an eight inch nail in their brains and a religious symbol left at the scenes….and the words ‘Kill the Giants’.

What is the link to the book? Are the defendants of the nephilim roaming the earth?

As the case gets dark and someone close to Charlie is in danger, he goes to visit his brother William, whose a serial killer himself and in a secure unit. Can William offer any help?

There is a really creepy killer, religious tales and symbolism all in a clever mix of police procedural and dark thriller. The characters are so well developed, with their own personal problems and mixed up lives, which adds to the tension. Utterly compelling from start to nail biting finish….. If you like a thriller on the dark side, you’ll love this…

Thank you to The Author, the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.

This is the third in the Charlie Priest series and, although the main story is self-contained, to get the best from the book in terms of backstory and character development, you should really read The Mayfly and The Ash Doll first.
Charlie Priest is an ex-detective who now practises as a Lawyer. His brother is a serial killer so, to say he is a very interesting character would be a bit of an understatement! In this book he is tasked with supervising the implementation of a court order which requires a Professor to turn over a certain religious document. Sounds relatively easy doesn't it?! But, it would be a very short book indeed if it was. The document in question contains certain information, the wider knowledge of which could have serious repercussions. Luckily Charlie finds a technical loophole which allows him to take temporary possession of said document.
Meanwhile, Detectives Tiff and Fay are investigating the gruesome death of a photographer. The murder scene contains certain elements that appear strange. Then there's a second murder and they still have no leads. Tiff shies away from the profiler who has been foisted onto him and consults Charlie to assist, well, he has personal knowledge of serial killers after all...
Wow! I raced through this book at a rate of knots. It held my attention right from the very first page and didn't let go until the last. I connected with Charlie as a character in his first outing and our relationship is only getting stronger with each subsequent book. Apart from his brother, he also has some issues of his own but I'll leave you to discover what and how it affects him. This book especially pleased me as Georgie Someday, Charlie's associate, gets a bigger role and she is just amazing!
The plot is intricate and, as with the previous books, very clever. It also gets on with itself nicely as there is no superfluous waffle to distract along the way. I tried to figure out what was going on but I failed as much as I succeeded (that does make sense) but the whole was definitely more than the sum of its parts and, as I turned the last page, I got that wonderful feeling of satisfaction that I crave from a good read.
All in all, a great addition to an already fantastic series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Firstly thank you to Bonnier Zaffre and NetGalley for this advanced copy of the 3rd James Hazel book in the Charlie Priest series and what a welcome addition. This story hurtles along and is literally a page turner of a book. You are totally drawn into the story and you are not thrown out until the last page. All the characters are there and as each book has come along, each of the characters are developing more and more. These stories are so well written and grab your attention from the off. I have no hesitation in recommending this book or the series. Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy. Sheer brilliance.

This is the third book in this series of books including prolific lawyer and ex homicide detective Charlie Priest who is a likeable character who is dedicated to the task he is set, he plans things out and is obviously very smart. He may have an advantage having a serial killer as a brother who we see a few times in the book. I think I would have been happier if I had read the first two books first as I would feel more comfortable with the way Charlie works.

There were parts that didn’t really grab me, then other bits that were more action and high Octane thrills. There is a serial killer on the loose who is just killing random people he leaves no trace of himself behind except for a strange drawing. Tiff Rowlinson is the SIO on the case and approaches Charlie Priest and asks him if he will assist in the hunt for the serial killer.

There were a few conspiracy theorist moments in the book, which will either work for you or not , but it does certainly show the writers imagination.

The story is mostly written in the third person with Charlie’s investigating , but there is a bit of first person from the serial killer.

Overall I enjoyed this book but definitely think I need to go back and read the first two books The Mayfly and The Ash but I know that is just my personal opinion.

Thank you to netgalley and Bonnie Zaffre for giving me an ARC of this novel in exchange for a fair, unbiased and honest review.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bonnier Zaffre for an advance copy of False Prophet, the third novel to feature London lawyer Charlie Priest.

A serial killer is killing apparently random victims leaving no trace of himself except a strange drawing. The SIO, Tiff Rowlinson, asks Charlie, a former Homicide detective and serial killer expert, to assist in the hunt.

I thoroughly enjoyed False Prophet which is a high octane thriller with some good twists. The premise, the hunt for a killer with a religious bent, is almost too silly to take seriously but to paraphrase Charlie, it’s not the content but the belief in it that they have to fight. I imagine Mr Hazel had loads of fun on the conspiracy sites as he constructed his premise. It certainly made my jaw drop so I am in deep admiration of his imagination and how he makes it work. He opens the novel with a tale from a lost Dead Sea scroll and that immediately piques the curiosity so I was hooked. The rest of the novel is told in the third person from the investigative point of view, mostly Charlie’s with a few first person chapters from the killer. I don’t always like to hear from the killer but this paints a vivid picture of a motivated, intelligent, organised but delusional man.

I was hooked from the opening chapter but Mr Hazel keeps it going with a steady flow of reveals, twists and action scenes so I never knew what was coming next. It is extremely well done and all written in an easy, inviting style. It’s a fun read.

Charlie Priest is an extremely likeable protagonist, smart, strategic and dedicated to the task in hand. He also has a serial killer for a brother and a debilitating condition, Depersonalisation disorder (DPD) which can strike at any time. I think that these rather extreme quirks fit nicely with the larger than life plot.

False Prophet is a great read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

False Prophet is the third book in the Charlie Priest series by James Hazel and it is another page turning non stop thriller that kept me hooked from the beginning to the end.

The author knows how to write to keep a reader entertained and ensures that a good pace is maintained throughout.

All the main characters return however it is Priest and his family who are the main focus of the story.

This is one of my favourite series and False Prophet is thoroughly recommended

This is the third book in Charlie Priest series and I am loving it. First there was The Mayfly, then The Ash Doll and now this rollercoaster of a read. Just to give you a taster Dead sea scrolls, an evil and very devious serial killer with an adgenda. Charlie's brother William and a warped mastermind. If you want gory, heart in your mouth moments, heart racing and a book you can't put down then this read is for you. I read this book in one sitting and finally turned the last page at 2.am. IT IS THAT GOOD!!!! I can't wait to read more about the Priest brothers. Loved loved it!!!!!. An easy five stars and so Highly Recommended.
I would like to thank the author, Bonnier Zaffre and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

This is the latest addition to the terrific Charlie Priest series by James Hazel, an action packed twisted thriller about deadly secrets from ancient times bringing madness, mayhem and murders into the present. Charlie finds himself the supervising solicitor implementing a high court order with the recovery of the Book of Janus, part of the Dead Sea Scrolls, from the home of Professor Norman Owen for the owner, the reclusive Elisha Capindale, an antique dealer specialising in Christian Antiquities. Feeling the desperation and fears of Owen, that to him seem credible, Charlie prevents the taking of the book on a technicality. DCI Tiff Rowlinson has moved from Wales to a more permanent posting in the London Met, he and his ambitious team member, DS Fay Westbrook, are at the scene of a gruesome murder of an award winning photographer, Emma, at her home.

Tiff is a worried man, the MO is the same as that of the earlier murder of Jane Vardy in her hotel room, with its traces of salt and the symbol of a cross entwined with a snake. It is all beginning to look like they have a serial killer on their hands. His boss, Detective Superintendent John Eaton insists on foisting a profiler on him, Ethan Grey, a smug, arrogant and egotistical man. With no clues and a intelligent killer that seems to be several steps ahead of the police, and determined to continue his killing spree, Tiff brings in the only man he knows with experience of serial killers, Charlie. Charlie's brother is the notorious serial killer, Dr William Priest, incarcerated at the secure Fen Marsh, whose powers remain undiminished in a world where networks prove to be more enduring than hierarchies. Charlie turns to William for help in the frantic hunt for a killer that is coming dangerously close to those near and dear to him just as the connections between the Book of Janus and the killer begin to emerge.

Hazel has a unusual central protagonist in Charlie Priest, a man who once worked for the police, only to quit to become a much sought after lawyer with his own firm, Priest & Co, with his associates, Vincent Okoro, Georgie Someday and Solly, the socially awkward legally trained forensic accountant. Charlie is afflicted with odd condition known as DPD, a depersonalisation disorder that brings inordinate difficulties into his everyday life, often at the most inopportune of moments. This is a fantastic, fast paced and entertaining thriller with a compulsive and riveting narrative. I can see many crime and thriller readers loving this! Many thanks to Bonnier Zaffre for an ARC.

Excellent read. Fast paced and utterly enthralling
Well written and complicated enough to keep you guessing

Excellent rollercoaster of twistsandturns . Felt as though I was going through the same emotions and feelings as the main character as he was so well portrayed.
Cannot wait for the next one......

I adore Charlie Priest as a character, he is uniquely placed in my reading life and I adored False Prophet – it was dark and dangerous, edgy and compelling with great writing and an atmospheric, often creepy storyline.

Charlie’s serial killer brother is also a terrific character so I was more than happy to find him lurking in the pages too – the story itself is focused on a found religious text that changes assumptions and sets off a terrifying chain of events. Charlie et al get all caught up in it and this is a right proper page turner that will make your dreams a bit screwy.

I loved it. This series gets better and better, unpredictable and intelligent each time and I’d love to see it hit the big time.

Highly Recommended.