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DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime #4
Whitby Toll: The Bell Rings... but For Whom?
When a police officer is gunned down in cold blood, and left on life support, DCI Finnegan and his right-hand man, DS Stoker, are in no mood to tread lightly. With emotions running high, and Finnegan’s brightest officer, DI Kumar, suspended pending an external investigation, the unprovoked shooting is proving baffling. While Finnegan and Stoker lean on old-fashioned methods to solve the case, DI Kumar uses her intuition to uncover a neo-Nazi link leading to stolen WWII relics. The three officers must hunt for the unknown assassin to unravel a mysterious web of lies involving a jeweller, a retired history professor, and a Lord of the Manor. As the bells of Whitby toll, signifying a tragic event, a killer lurks in the shadows with murderous intent. Can they track him down before he kills again? Or will he slip through the net? And… what turns a good man bad? Start reading today and enter the brooding atmosphere of a North Yorkshire, whodunnit, crime thriller! Book 4 in the DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thriller Series.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2023
About the author
Ely North
22 books33 followersEly North writes British crime fiction the way his detectives drink—steadily, seriously, and with the occasional lapse in judgement.
He is the author of the DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thrillers and the DI Prisha Kumar Yorkshire Cold Case Mysteries, fast-paced police procedurals set in Whitby and across North Yorkshire. His books have amassed tens of millions of pages read on Kindle Unlimited, with readers across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Europe and beyond.
Ely writes about Whitby because it is the most beautiful and atmospheric place he knows—and he has never trusted anywhere that pretty.
At the centre of the DCI Finnegan series is Frank Finnegan—old, old-school, and not remotely bothered about either. Raised on The Sweeney and seventies cop shows, he still thinks Regan and Carter had the right idea about most things. Finnegan doesn't have much time for procedure, feelings or technology. He'd rather get on with the bit that matters—catching the bastards.
The setting matters almost as much as the murders. Whitby brings the harbour, the abbey, the 199 Steps, sea fret rolling in off the North Sea, cobbled streets, narrow alleys and hidden-away yards. Bodies are supplied courtesy of Ely. Readers have been known to follow the investigations on Google Maps, and a few have even booked holidays inspired by the books. None, so far, have been found unresponsive on the beach—touch wood.
Ely doesn't write cosy crime, but neither does he dwell on gore for the sake of it. He writes about coppers who are good at their jobs and bad at most other things, villains who believe they're the hero, and the kind of gallows humour that gets you through a twelve-hour shift—or a long-running series.
If you grew up with Taggart, Morse, Columbo, Heartbeat and The Professionals, and have spent the years since wondering where all the proper coppers went, you may just have found them.
When he isn't killing people on paper, Ely cooks. Badly, according to his wife. Enthusiastically, according to him. The cats—of which he has none—have refused to comment, as have his daughters, of which he has two.
He is the author of the DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thrillers and the DI Prisha Kumar Yorkshire Cold Case Mysteries, fast-paced police procedurals set in Whitby and across North Yorkshire. His books have amassed tens of millions of pages read on Kindle Unlimited, with readers across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Europe and beyond.
Ely writes about Whitby because it is the most beautiful and atmospheric place he knows—and he has never trusted anywhere that pretty.
At the centre of the DCI Finnegan series is Frank Finnegan—old, old-school, and not remotely bothered about either. Raised on The Sweeney and seventies cop shows, he still thinks Regan and Carter had the right idea about most things. Finnegan doesn't have much time for procedure, feelings or technology. He'd rather get on with the bit that matters—catching the bastards.
The setting matters almost as much as the murders. Whitby brings the harbour, the abbey, the 199 Steps, sea fret rolling in off the North Sea, cobbled streets, narrow alleys and hidden-away yards. Bodies are supplied courtesy of Ely. Readers have been known to follow the investigations on Google Maps, and a few have even booked holidays inspired by the books. None, so far, have been found unresponsive on the beach—touch wood.
Ely doesn't write cosy crime, but neither does he dwell on gore for the sake of it. He writes about coppers who are good at their jobs and bad at most other things, villains who believe they're the hero, and the kind of gallows humour that gets you through a twelve-hour shift—or a long-running series.
If you grew up with Taggart, Morse, Columbo, Heartbeat and The Professionals, and have spent the years since wondering where all the proper coppers went, you may just have found them.
When he isn't killing people on paper, Ely cooks. Badly, according to his wife. Enthusiastically, according to him. The cats—of which he has none—have refused to comment, as have his daughters, of which he has two.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 24, 2024
2.5 stars. This book is a good procedural. The plot is interesting, but unfortunately, unlike the last book (where ALL the characters were part of the story), we’re now back to all Prisha, all the time. I’m not sure what the author was thinking when he wrote this character, but if ‘insufferable, condescending, arrogant piece of work’ was his goal, then he hit the nail on the head. I’ve got the next two, but it’s time to take a break from the series, and possibly pick it up later. Disappointing.
April 21, 2026
Whitby Toll is a slow-burn, atmospheric novel that builds its appeal more through mood and suggestion than through a tightly driven plot. The story is set around Whitby, and the sense of place is easily the strongest element—the coastal setting, the shifting weather, and the quiet isolation all contribute to a tone that feels slightly eerie without ever becoming outright horror. There’s a persistent feeling that something is off beneath the surface, though the book is more interested in tension and ambiguity than clear answers.
The plot itself is deliberately understated. It follows a central perspective character returning to or moving through Whitby, gradually becoming entangled in the town’s rhythms, its people, and a sense of something unresolved tied to the place. Rather than a clear mystery with defined stakes, the narrative unfolds in fragments—conversations, observations, and small discoveries that slowly build a picture of the past and its lingering effects. It’s less about what happens in a conventional sense and more about what is revealed over time, often indirectly.
The characters are drawn with restraint. The protagonist is introspective and somewhat distant, which works for the tone but can also make it harder to fully connect with them. Supporting characters feel intentionally elusive; they seem to carry histories and motivations that are only partially shared, which adds to the atmosphere but occasionally leaves interactions feeling a bit vague. This ambiguity will work for some readers, especially those who enjoy filling in gaps, but others might find it frustrating.
Where the book really succeeds is in its writing style. Ely North keeps the prose controlled and understated, avoiding melodrama and letting small details do the heavy lifting. The descriptions of Whitby and its surroundings are particularly effective, creating a strong sense of immersion. There’s a quiet confidence in the way scenes are allowed to unfold without over-explanation, and that restraint gives the story its distinctive tone.
That said, the pacing is undeniably slow, and not everyone will find the payoff worth the patience it requires. Because the plot is so subtle and the narrative so focused on mood, it can feel like it drifts at times, especially if you’re looking for a clearer sense of direction or resolution. The ambiguity that defines the book is both its strength and its limitation—it creates intrigue, but it also means that some threads feel only partially developed.
Overall, Whitby Toll lands comfortably at a three-star level: thoughtfully written, rich in atmosphere, and interesting in its approach, but held back by its lack of narrative momentum and emotional immediacy. It’s the kind of novel that will resonate more with readers who appreciate tone and subtlety over plot, and less with those who want a more structured, character-driven story with clear stakes.
The plot itself is deliberately understated. It follows a central perspective character returning to or moving through Whitby, gradually becoming entangled in the town’s rhythms, its people, and a sense of something unresolved tied to the place. Rather than a clear mystery with defined stakes, the narrative unfolds in fragments—conversations, observations, and small discoveries that slowly build a picture of the past and its lingering effects. It’s less about what happens in a conventional sense and more about what is revealed over time, often indirectly.
The characters are drawn with restraint. The protagonist is introspective and somewhat distant, which works for the tone but can also make it harder to fully connect with them. Supporting characters feel intentionally elusive; they seem to carry histories and motivations that are only partially shared, which adds to the atmosphere but occasionally leaves interactions feeling a bit vague. This ambiguity will work for some readers, especially those who enjoy filling in gaps, but others might find it frustrating.
Where the book really succeeds is in its writing style. Ely North keeps the prose controlled and understated, avoiding melodrama and letting small details do the heavy lifting. The descriptions of Whitby and its surroundings are particularly effective, creating a strong sense of immersion. There’s a quiet confidence in the way scenes are allowed to unfold without over-explanation, and that restraint gives the story its distinctive tone.
That said, the pacing is undeniably slow, and not everyone will find the payoff worth the patience it requires. Because the plot is so subtle and the narrative so focused on mood, it can feel like it drifts at times, especially if you’re looking for a clearer sense of direction or resolution. The ambiguity that defines the book is both its strength and its limitation—it creates intrigue, but it also means that some threads feel only partially developed.
Overall, Whitby Toll lands comfortably at a three-star level: thoughtfully written, rich in atmosphere, and interesting in its approach, but held back by its lack of narrative momentum and emotional immediacy. It’s the kind of novel that will resonate more with readers who appreciate tone and subtlety over plot, and less with those who want a more structured, character-driven story with clear stakes.
June 4, 2023
Whitby Toll the bell rings.
This book was really good and I loved the characters the story and the banter. One particular chapter made me cry as it was so well written. I can't wait to read the next book. Ely North is a top author who deserves more recognition.
This book was really good and I loved the characters the story and the banter. One particular chapter made me cry as it was so well written. I can't wait to read the next book. Ely North is a top author who deserves more recognition.
March 25, 2024
Loving all these books. They're set in my part of the country. Quite a complex story towards the end and did get a bit lost with who was who at one point but really enjoyed it. Love the characters. Very bitter sweet story. On to the next book in the series now!
July 14, 2025
A freebie on Kindle Unlimited.
In Whitby with Frank and the team. They are trying to find the person who shot Cartwright.
Really enjoyed this one. Yes it's a bit daft at times and the humour can be eye-rolling but it was a solid and fast-paced story.
Just needs an edit.
In Whitby with Frank and the team. They are trying to find the person who shot Cartwright.
Really enjoyed this one. Yes it's a bit daft at times and the humour can be eye-rolling but it was a solid and fast-paced story.
Just needs an edit.
November 7, 2025
This no 4 in the series and carries on from book3 with an investigation into cartwrights death, we have prisha to the forefront in this case and frank is in the background. So get out and buy the book and ENJOY.
June 15, 2023
So book 4 of a very entertaining series.
These books are getting better and better
Looking forward to number 5
These books are getting better and better
Looking forward to number 5
July 25, 2023
The story keeps on rolling along
The story carries on at a fair rate, getting more connection with the characters with every book, just what will happen next??
The story carries on at a fair rate, getting more connection with the characters with every book, just what will happen next??
August 11, 2023
Big case
Franks team takes a loss and struggles finding the murderer. Well thought out and works great as a copper case. As always plenty of proper English smut
Franks team takes a loss and struggles finding the murderer. Well thought out and works great as a copper case. As always plenty of proper English smut
December 26, 2024
Another strong 4 for this 4th episode in this Yorkshire Crime series.
February 3, 2025
A very sad story losing the detective, I cried reading it,plenty of action
I hope Zak doesn't get dude tracked after killing ghe killer it will spoil the rest of the series
I hope Zak doesn't get dude tracked after killing ghe killer it will spoil the rest of the series
May 26, 2025
Enjoyed this but not sure why they are DCI Frank Finnegan books when Prisha seems to take centre stage with everything.
June 17, 2025
another page turner
Interesting story and how it weaved it way to the end. A good read and the usual good workings out of Prisha. Off for book 5
Interesting story and how it weaved it way to the end. A good read and the usual good workings out of Prisha. Off for book 5
October 9, 2025
Good
Prisha witnesses Cartwright murder. The search for the murderer results in links to another case and a dodgy antique dealer.
Prisha witnesses Cartwright murder. The search for the murderer results in links to another case and a dodgy antique dealer.
February 1, 2026
Excellent
Brilliant read looking forward to the next book the story lines grows with each chapter and book Can’t wait to read book five
Brilliant read looking forward to the next book the story lines grows with each chapter and book Can’t wait to read book five
February 15, 2026
Really good read but getting fed up with Pasha being at the front and frank and team in the background ,was hoping she would meet her end and get back to Frank being in charge
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews