The Mathematician (The Mathematician Trilogy, #1)
Jeff Scott
Reader Reviews
4.0
3 ratings
Karen B.
Feb 25, 2026
The Mathematician
-Jeff Scott
Faced with an onslaught of brutal murders, detective Frank Griffin and partner Sarah Collins are tasked to solve what has been dubbed “The Mathematician” murders due to the complex mathematic formulas left at the scene of each murder. As time progresses and leads dry up, Griffin is reminded by Captain Joe Hogan why this case is so crucial - his niece was one of the victims of The Mathematician - because not only is it their city, it is personal.
As the book goes on, leads come and go, the team is no more closer to identifying The Mathematician than they were in the beginning. Professor Wolfgang Einstein is brought into the mix to help solve the equations and hopefully bring them closer to catching a killer. In the meantime, Olivia Brooks, medical examiner, joins the team by identifying patterns in the formulas left by The Mathematician through clues in the victim files giving what they believe to be a leg up on the investigation.
While the basis of the story is well thought out, the plot is great, I felt a disconnect with flow in this book. Things felt rushed in areas that I felt needed more focus and time devoted while I felt there was more time and fluff in areas that really weren’t needed for the story to be told. I enjoyed the love connection aspect as well but honestly, it felt dull and lifeless - the spark described wasn’t felt outside the book to me. I really think that the development of the love interest could have been a novella between books one and two and would have given more fulfillment for me than trying to complete it in book one - the build up in book one, novella to complete and then carry on with book two. Just my personal opinion on the development of their relationship.
Overall, this was a good read. It kept me interested enough to keep going because I had to find out if The Mathematician was who I thought it was or if there was this great plot twist that would spice things up and make the book a better overall read for me - I had it figured out. I do recommend this for anyone who loves a good old school feeling detective read. I look forward to seeing the growth of Jeff’s writing in books two and three as I feel he has amazing potential as a story teller.
As always, all reviews and opinions are of my own volition with no compensation promised by the author, present or future.
-Jeff Scott
Faced with an onslaught of brutal murders, detective Frank Griffin and partner Sarah Collins are tasked to solve what has been dubbed “The Mathematician” murders due to the complex mathematic formulas left at the scene of each murder. As time progresses and leads dry up, Griffin is reminded by Captain Joe Hogan why this case is so crucial - his niece was one of the victims of The Mathematician - because not only is it their city, it is personal.
As the book goes on, leads come and go, the team is no more closer to identifying The Mathematician than they were in the beginning. Professor Wolfgang Einstein is brought into the mix to help solve the equations and hopefully bring them closer to catching a killer. In the meantime, Olivia Brooks, medical examiner, joins the team by identifying patterns in the formulas left by The Mathematician through clues in the victim files giving what they believe to be a leg up on the investigation.
While the basis of the story is well thought out, the plot is great, I felt a disconnect with flow in this book. Things felt rushed in areas that I felt needed more focus and time devoted while I felt there was more time and fluff in areas that really weren’t needed for the story to be told. I enjoyed the love connection aspect as well but honestly, it felt dull and lifeless - the spark described wasn’t felt outside the book to me. I really think that the development of the love interest could have been a novella between books one and two and would have given more fulfillment for me than trying to complete it in book one - the build up in book one, novella to complete and then carry on with book two. Just my personal opinion on the development of their relationship.
Overall, this was a good read. It kept me interested enough to keep going because I had to find out if The Mathematician was who I thought it was or if there was this great plot twist that would spice things up and make the book a better overall read for me - I had it figured out. I do recommend this for anyone who loves a good old school feeling detective read. I look forward to seeing the growth of Jeff’s writing in books two and three as I feel he has amazing potential as a story teller.
As always, all reviews and opinions are of my own volition with no compensation promised by the author, present or future.
Brittany F.
Feb 8, 2026
Intriguing and unique. Being Scott's first book he did a wonderful job at standing out from the crowd with this one.
There were repetitive statements that did stand out and drive me a bit batty but the overall concept and plot of this book makes it worth reading. The fast pace and short chapters are always a bonus in my eyes. I also really enjoy the personal life outside the precinct and that time genuinely felt extended without dragging on. I have no doubt book two and three will only improve and be just as unique as the first. I look forward to reading more by Jeff.
There were repetitive statements that did stand out and drive me a bit batty but the overall concept and plot of this book makes it worth reading. The fast pace and short chapters are always a bonus in my eyes. I also really enjoy the personal life outside the precinct and that time genuinely felt extended without dragging on. I have no doubt book two and three will only improve and be just as unique as the first. I look forward to reading more by Jeff.
Keeley W.
Feb 8, 2026
Killers obsessed by mathematical equations, using the heinous act of slaughtering men and women to bring order to the world. Each horrific crime scene taunts the investigating team with complex clues. Experts are brought in to help solve the cases and fall under suspicion themselves. Each killer is just a pawn in the game led by the mathematician, who kills young women in the most brutal fashion, leaving them posed with ever more complex equations and phrases to mislead the investigation.
The lead detective, Griffin, nearing retirement, is determined to bring the killer in. The mathematician has made it personal, spurring Griffin in his tenacity to see this through to the bitter end. Scott does an excellent job of doing what no maths teacher before him has ever done for me in that he explains the complex equations in simple English.
It's an interesting plot and a complex case. The first 50% felt a little rushed in terms of finding perpetrators and not enough getting to know the characters; however, at the 45-50% mark, the lead detective and chief medical examiner take a holiday, and I feel this is where the author brings us an insight into some of his personal loves. This made me feel more connected to the story as it ebbed and flowed beautifully depicting the scenery.
No spoilers from me as to whether or not Griffin gets his man/woman. Read it yourself to find out.
The lead detective, Griffin, nearing retirement, is determined to bring the killer in. The mathematician has made it personal, spurring Griffin in his tenacity to see this through to the bitter end. Scott does an excellent job of doing what no maths teacher before him has ever done for me in that he explains the complex equations in simple English.
It's an interesting plot and a complex case. The first 50% felt a little rushed in terms of finding perpetrators and not enough getting to know the characters; however, at the 45-50% mark, the lead detective and chief medical examiner take a holiday, and I feel this is where the author brings us an insight into some of his personal loves. This made me feel more connected to the story as it ebbed and flowed beautifully depicting the scenery.
No spoilers from me as to whether or not Griffin gets his man/woman. Read it yourself to find out.