The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson
3.5 Stars
My Review
The Jigsaw Man was a gripping and thrilling serial killer detective story that kept me hooked from the start. The plot centers around a chilling copycat killer and the original murderer—both fixated on Detective Angelica Henley. This was my first book by Nadine Matheson, and it was an excellent introduction to her writing. Her style is sharp, vivid, and cinematic—it truly felt like watching an intense crime TV series unfold on the page.
This story is definitely graphic, with the crimes and the condition of the bodies described in vivid, sometimes unsettling detail. The level of realism in the forensic and investigative details made it both disturbing and fascinating, giving the story a dark authenticity that fans of crime fiction will appreciate.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the use of multiple points of view. We don’t just follow Detective Henley—we also get chapters from Detective Ramouter, other members of the investigative team, the original serial killer Oliver, and even the copycat killer. There are also haunting scenes told from the perspective of some of the victims, which made the story even more chilling and emotionally powerful. Seeing the investigation unfold through so many different lenses added tension, depth, and a layered sense of realism to the narrative.
I also appreciated how Matheson explored Detective Henley’s personal trauma—we see how deeply she was affected by capturing the original killer earlier in her career, alongside a former partner who’s no longer in the picture. That emotional backstory added weight to her actions and made her a more complex and relatable protagonist.
The team dynamic was another highlight. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the detectives—how they worked together, supported one another, and added bits of humor and heart to such a dark story. It almost felt like a small, close-knit family that brought balance to the gruesome nature of the case.
Detective Ramouter especially stood out to me. He really grew on me as the story went on, and I loved his partnership with Henley. The only character I didn’t really care for was Henley’s husband, but that just shows how well-developed and realistic the characters were across the board.
Overall, The Jigsaw Man was an intense, graphic, and emotionally rich thriller filled with multiple perspectives, compelling characters, and shocking twists. It’s also the first book in a trilogy, which makes me even more excited to continue following Detective Henley and her team in the next installments. If you enjoy crime shows packed with forensics, complex detectives, and deeply psychological storytelling, this book will be right up your alley.
“I always find it odd when people say that of the dead. They had their whole life ahead of them. Clearly, they didn’t because they’re dead. We may not like the method of disposal but when it’s your time to go, then it’s your time to go.”
Nadine Matheson
Other Books by the Author
Some of the author’s other beloved titles include The Shadow Carver, The Sisters, and the Inspector Anjelica Henley series.
Literary Pairing
The Echo Man by Sam Holland features the same intensity and multiple POVs as The Jigsaw Man (detectives, victims, killers). The Echo Man delivers a similarly layered viewpoint structure and keeps the tension high.
Shelf To Table
Red Velvet Cupcakes: A rich, moist, and lightly chocolatey with a hint of tang. Topped with smooth cream cheese frosting
“And nothing stays buried forever. Secrets have a way of coming out.”
Nadine Matheson