The Butcher

A sadistic and surgically precise serial killer is wreaking havoc on the streets of Philadelphia. After six murders lead detective, John Harley, is struggling to crack the case and bring the killer, nicknamed the ‘Butcher', to justice. As the body parts pile up, and the messages left at the crime scenes by the killer get more personal, Harley is stretched to breaking point. Rookie reporter, Ellen Turner, begins investigating the crime and inadvertently becomes the Butcher's next target. She and Harley must work together in order to trap the murderer and put a stop to the bloodshed. Will they be able to overcome past traumas, personal prejudices, and their own complicated relationship before it's too late?




Genre: Mystery

"Grips you in its spell from the very first page Ely is one to watch. The Butcher is a suspense smorgasbord with a tasty villain and heaping helpings of horror. Recommended." - Jay Bonansinga

"A tense, brutal and horrific story that engages the reader in following two interesting characters, reporter Ellen Turner and detective John Harley as their lives are changed forever." - Carl Brookins

"The tone of this novel is established on page one. In The Butcher, Peter Ely lures the reader inside the distorted world of a brutal killer, the psyche of a troubled, yet determined heroine, and introduces a dedicated, though somewhat headstrong detective, who is clearly intent on putting an end to the madness. While weaving a suspenseful tale of heinous cruelty, Ely skillfully explores the psyche of his two resolute pursuers, exposing the quagmire inherent in delving into raw emotion. Well done!" - Thomas O'Callaghan