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DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime #5
House Arrest: Escape Can Be A Deadly Road: A DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thriller - Book 5
Escape Can Be A Deadly Road…In a remote moorland setting, ruthless secrets lurk beneath the surface.When DCI Finnegan's team is called to investigate the apparent suicide of a farmer's wife, DI Kumar suspects something more sinister is afoot.As she uncovers details of the woman's past, she finds herself immersed in a world of emotional coercion, servitude, and tawdry sexploitation.Unwilling to let the deceased woman become just another statistic, DI Kumar is determined to find the truth. But is she searching for a killer, or simply searching for justice?As personal revelations unfold, and the post-mortem report throws the investigation wide open, the team must confront unexpected twists, false trails, and a wall of silence from a close-knit community.As the noose tightens around their prime suspect, DI Kumar has a startling revelation.Could she be wrong?Immerse yourself in this dark, intense mystery whodunnit as you uncover the shocking truth in House Arrest, book 5 in the DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thriller Series.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2023
About the author
Ely North
21 books34 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 14, 2026
House Arrest by Ely North is a steady, atmospheric crime novel that earns a respectable three stars for its engaging premise and solid investigative work, even if it doesn’t fully stand out from others in the genre. The story centres on DCI Finnegan and his team, with much of the focus on DI Kumar, who becomes deeply involved in what initially appears to be a straightforward case: the suicide of a farmer’s wife on an isolated moorland farm. As Kumar looks closer, doubts begin to surface, and the case gradually opens up into something more complex and unsettling, touching on themes of control, secrecy, and the hidden lives people lead behind closed doors. The plot unfolds at a measured pace, revealing new details carefully and maintaining a sense of tension without giving too much away too quickly, which works well in avoiding spoilers while still keeping the reader curious about where things are heading.
The setting plays a big role in shaping the tone of the book, with the North Yorkshire moors providing a bleak, almost oppressive backdrop that mirrors the darker elements of the story. This sense of isolation adds to the mystery and helps create a feeling that something is not quite right from the very beginning. DI Kumar stands out as the most compelling character, portrayed as determined and thoughtful, someone who is willing to push beyond the obvious answers in pursuit of the truth. DCI Finnegan and the rest of the team contribute to the investigation, though some of the supporting characters feel less developed and occasionally blend into the background. The writing is clear and accessible, making it an easy read, and the mystery itself is interesting enough to keep the pages turning, even if experienced crime readers may find parts of it somewhat predictable.
Overall, the novel delivers a satisfying, if not particularly groundbreaking, crime story. It succeeds in building atmosphere and presenting a central mystery that holds attention, but it doesn’t quite achieve the depth or originality that would make it truly memorable. It’s the kind of book that works well as a comfortable, reliable read rather than a standout favourite, making it a decent choice for fans of British police procedurals who enjoy a moody setting and a character-driven investigation without expecting major surprises.
The setting plays a big role in shaping the tone of the book, with the North Yorkshire moors providing a bleak, almost oppressive backdrop that mirrors the darker elements of the story. This sense of isolation adds to the mystery and helps create a feeling that something is not quite right from the very beginning. DI Kumar stands out as the most compelling character, portrayed as determined and thoughtful, someone who is willing to push beyond the obvious answers in pursuit of the truth. DCI Finnegan and the rest of the team contribute to the investigation, though some of the supporting characters feel less developed and occasionally blend into the background. The writing is clear and accessible, making it an easy read, and the mystery itself is interesting enough to keep the pages turning, even if experienced crime readers may find parts of it somewhat predictable.
Overall, the novel delivers a satisfying, if not particularly groundbreaking, crime story. It succeeds in building atmosphere and presenting a central mystery that holds attention, but it doesn’t quite achieve the depth or originality that would make it truly memorable. It’s the kind of book that works well as a comfortable, reliable read rather than a standout favourite, making it a decent choice for fans of British police procedurals who enjoy a moody setting and a character-driven investigation without expecting major surprises.
January 25, 2024
A real who done it
As usual with this author you get a well written story and developed characters. A real crime of passion takes a while to solve, and who killed her? Plus Frank gets a shock.
As usual with this author you get a well written story and developed characters. A real crime of passion takes a while to solve, and who killed her? Plus Frank gets a shock.
February 11, 2025
E excellent story Frank funds out he has a son and grandson by his first girlfriend who is a gypsy he tells Meer and she kicks him out, Zak ends up at his colleagues flat a supposed suicide turns out to be murder .
A happy ending for all
A happy ending for all
June 1, 2025
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story by Ely North in the Yorkshire Crime series. Lots of interesting characters and a very good storyline. A well crafted ending.Looking forward to reading more
Another excellent story by Ely North in the Yorkshire Crime series. Lots of interesting characters and a very good storyline. A well crafted ending.Looking forward to reading more
June 20, 2025
a book you couldn’t put down
Well great to hear more about the teams families. What a topic you chose to write about. You excelled yourself again with the murder twist.well worth the read and off to get book6
Well great to hear more about the teams families. What a topic you chose to write about. You excelled yourself again with the murder twist.well worth the read and off to get book6
July 17, 2025
A freebie on Kindle Unlimited.
Frank and the team investigate what looks like a suicide but certain things don't add up.
I really liked this one perhaps because the story focused mainly on the one incident.
Frank and the team investigate what looks like a suicide but certain things don't add up.
I really liked this one perhaps because the story focused mainly on the one incident.
November 7, 2025
D.i kumar is investigating a apparent suicide (no spoilers), and frank is like overseeing the case. It all concerns a farm and people on it. Its a cracking storyline and has lots of twists and turns, so what are you waiting for get the book and ENJOY.
September 24, 2026
Excellent
My favourite so far, absolutely loved this book, I could barely put it down. Such a heart breaking story, but interspersed with humour throughout, and great teamwork. Great twist at the end, and excellent justice served 👍
My favourite so far, absolutely loved this book, I could barely put it down. Such a heart breaking story, but interspersed with humour throughout, and great teamwork. Great twist at the end, and excellent justice served 👍
December 27, 2024
Another strong 4 score for this 5th book in the Yorkshire Crime thriller series.
February 21, 2025
Not my cup of tea. Lots of mistakes in the text, boring unconvincing characters.
May 26, 2025
3.5 Stars, not my favourite so far. Again Prisha is star of the show and everyone else pales into insignificance. Decent story but not my favourite so far.
October 11, 2025
Enthralling
Maybe Finnigan is in the headline but Prisha is the star. Cattle are stolen and a suspicious suicide turns on to be murder. The evidence is not easy to find.
Maybe Finnigan is in the headline but Prisha is the star. Cattle are stolen and a suspicious suicide turns on to be murder. The evidence is not easy to find.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews