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Wild Fens #11
Her Dying Mind
Reality is a deadly affair...
When the body of an elderly woman is discovered propped against her bedroom door clutching her heart, locals are saddened but not surprised.
But when the body of a man is discovered in the house, it falls to Freya Bloom and her team to investigate the suspicious deaths. However, piecing together the life of a woman who neighbours refer to as Mad Alice will not be an easy job, and if Freya is to solve the mystery she must question her own sense of reality.
Her Dying Mind is the unforgettable eleventh book in the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series by Jack Cartwright. Filled with twists, peppered with romance, and flavoured with humour, the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series is perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, JM Dalgliesh, Ann Cleeves, and Rachel McClean.
When the body of an elderly woman is discovered propped against her bedroom door clutching her heart, locals are saddened but not surprised.
But when the body of a man is discovered in the house, it falls to Freya Bloom and her team to investigate the suspicious deaths. However, piecing together the life of a woman who neighbours refer to as Mad Alice will not be an easy job, and if Freya is to solve the mystery she must question her own sense of reality.
Her Dying Mind is the unforgettable eleventh book in the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series by Jack Cartwright. Filled with twists, peppered with romance, and flavoured with humour, the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series is perfect for fans of Joy Ellis, JM Dalgliesh, Ann Cleeves, and Rachel McClean.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2023
1261 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 18, 2023
I did enjoy the story, hence the three stars but blimey, Freya Bloom ranks as one of the most annoying female detectives ever created; she's actually a real horror. Clearly created by a man...her clothes!!
None of the female characters are particularly believable and the blokes are equally stereotypical. Now that I've written that, I'm not quite sure why I'm continuing to read the series! Kindle Unlimited... And as for Freya's special meal for Ben: chicken fricassee with a red wine jus?! Somebody doesn't cook.
None of the female characters are particularly believable and the blokes are equally stereotypical. Now that I've written that, I'm not quite sure why I'm continuing to read the series! Kindle Unlimited... And as for Freya's special meal for Ben: chicken fricassee with a red wine jus?! Somebody doesn't cook.
January 23, 2024
confused
When Freya was moved up to Grainger’s job and Ben to replace her, how come she’s still doing all the brain work and Ben is left to be her follower. His job apparently hasn’t changed, she’s still taking all the glory.
When Freya was moved up to Grainger’s job and Ben to replace her, how come she’s still doing all the brain work and Ben is left to be her follower. His job apparently hasn’t changed, she’s still taking all the glory.
January 18, 2024
Pretty terrible. Characters get more and more unlikable with each book published.
March 6, 2025
I enjoyed this British crime thriller where the team are faced with a tangled plot and more that one dead body.
Freya is an unconventional strong woman with strengths and weaknesses though tries to keep her vulnerabilities hidden. Her past contains enigmas and Ben is curious about the mystery and their relationship is complicated. She is not necessarily likeable but there are glimpses of something softer. She certainly gets the job done and is loyal to her team.
This story was a mix of mystery rooted in the past and today's lifestyle and societal pressures. The writing style was good (except for 'off of', which should be either just 'off' or 'from'). It was fast-paced with great characters and sense of place. I also enjoyed the humour.
Recommended.
Freya is an unconventional strong woman with strengths and weaknesses though tries to keep her vulnerabilities hidden. Her past contains enigmas and Ben is curious about the mystery and their relationship is complicated. She is not necessarily likeable but there are glimpses of something softer. She certainly gets the job done and is loyal to her team.
This story was a mix of mystery rooted in the past and today's lifestyle and societal pressures. The writing style was good (except for 'off of', which should be either just 'off' or 'from'). It was fast-paced with great characters and sense of place. I also enjoyed the humour.
Recommended.
November 29, 2023
I’ve finished this series. I admit it was disappointing.
In too many of the series the author didn’t keep the names of his characters straight, and that’s a bare minimum as far as I’m concerned. It’s as if there is no editing. Plus I really don’t like Freya Bloom. She’s not a woman any woman would want for a friend.
All done.
Next?
In too many of the series the author didn’t keep the names of his characters straight, and that’s a bare minimum as far as I’m concerned. It’s as if there is no editing. Plus I really don’t like Freya Bloom. She’s not a woman any woman would want for a friend.
All done.
Next?
October 1, 2023
One of the best so far!
What can I say? I’m very very happy having read this book in the series! I won’t give away the story but it ended the way I hoped it would! Stayed up way past my bedtime reading it! - something that’s a given for Jack Cartwright’s books! Keep them coming!
What can I say? I’m very very happy having read this book in the series! I won’t give away the story but it ended the way I hoped it would! Stayed up way past my bedtime reading it! - something that’s a given for Jack Cartwright’s books! Keep them coming!
August 22, 2024
So I'm confused 😕 when Will Granger was DCI he oversaw the team with the DI usually running the show, this was also the situation when Standing was promoted to DCI and although he had his own motives for butting in, he still basically worked in his own office and let the DI run the investigations. Now Freya is DCI and she still runs the investigations which really Ben now a DI should be doing 🤔
I have never come across a more manipulative, controlling, egotistical, arrogant, self centered and self serving crock of a character as Freya Bloom, I was so hoping that she would not feature as prominently going forward and that Ben and the team would flourish without her. She totally ruins what could have been an okay series with potential growth....
Also for the author I appreciate that you have done some good research into the areas where the crimes are set which is great, but in the UK we refer to washrooms as
bathrooms please,
I have never come across a more manipulative, controlling, egotistical, arrogant, self centered and self serving crock of a character as Freya Bloom, I was so hoping that she would not feature as prominently going forward and that Ben and the team would flourish without her. She totally ruins what could have been an okay series with potential growth....
Also for the author I appreciate that you have done some good research into the areas where the crimes are set which is great, but in the UK we refer to washrooms as
bathrooms please,
October 4, 2023
It's a long road....
from ITU to home, but not nearly as long as waiting for Bloom and Savage' next appearance in print.
Began my journey with this series whilst in hospital, sometimes the murderer is obvious, but the motive not so easily wrinkled out. This predominantly female Major Crime Team gets fleshed out with each book and are growing within their roles as you would expect and it's glorious. Gillespie slowly transforming from team enforcer, to still the guy who wears his clown's mask yet occasionally shows compassion and goes the extra mile with victims and vulnerable witnesses.
So this time around I got the who and why, but the how stumped me.
Excellent Mr Cartwright, looking forward to the next ☝🕵
from ITU to home, but not nearly as long as waiting for Bloom and Savage' next appearance in print.
Began my journey with this series whilst in hospital, sometimes the murderer is obvious, but the motive not so easily wrinkled out. This predominantly female Major Crime Team gets fleshed out with each book and are growing within their roles as you would expect and it's glorious. Gillespie slowly transforming from team enforcer, to still the guy who wears his clown's mask yet occasionally shows compassion and goes the extra mile with victims and vulnerable witnesses.
So this time around I got the who and why, but the how stumped me.
Excellent Mr Cartwright, looking forward to the next ☝🕵
October 16, 2023
Good detective story.
A very good detective story that has the detectives involved trying to uncover who the body is of a man behind a bedroom door which in turn a female on opposite side has died from a heart attack. With no suspects and farm labourers one of which went missing five years previously linked into local burglaries it transpired that a local businessman with overseas connections had an affair resulting in the birth of a son brought up by the husband of the women who came in search of his father. Plenty of twists and turns until the end.
A very good detective story that has the detectives involved trying to uncover who the body is of a man behind a bedroom door which in turn a female on opposite side has died from a heart attack. With no suspects and farm labourers one of which went missing five years previously linked into local burglaries it transpired that a local businessman with overseas connections had an affair resulting in the birth of a son brought up by the husband of the women who came in search of his father. Plenty of twists and turns until the end.
May 2, 2024
Freya Bloom is such an arrogant, snobby, judgmental and insufferable character. Genuinely cannot believe after ‘nearly a year’ (which it’s been for the past several books) she’s not stopped being such an absolute prick. Never has a character in a crime novel been so absolutely unlikeable. The series would be 100% better if they killed her off
Overall, writing is okay. Plot is good and intriguing. Other characters get air time and small developments. Definite improvements could be made but, aside from Freya, the characters are endearing
Overall, writing is okay. Plot is good and intriguing. Other characters get air time and small developments. Definite improvements could be made but, aside from Freya, the characters are endearing
May 17, 2024
The Wild Fens series is so enjoyable. The characters are well described and the pace of the action keeps the reader engaged.
Her Dying Mind has a surprise or two as well, woven into a rather complex ending.
But I came away feeling the book was overlong once more. Jack Cartwright is a fine author, but sometimes it feels that he is adding a couple of dozen pages to his books by repeating information. Maybe this helps to refresh the memories of casual readers.
A good read, but with a couple of reservations.
Her Dying Mind has a surprise or two as well, woven into a rather complex ending.
But I came away feeling the book was overlong once more. Jack Cartwright is a fine author, but sometimes it feels that he is adding a couple of dozen pages to his books by repeating information. Maybe this helps to refresh the memories of casual readers.
A good read, but with a couple of reservations.
November 29, 2024
So newly promoted to DCI the obnoxious bloom is still doing the job a a DI while her newly promoted DI wimpy savage is still doing a sergeant's job. The previous DCI was in charge of CID as well as Major Investigations so why is she not?
The background investigations keep me reading this series but it is more about the teams personal lives. Maybe the author would be happier writing soft porn than crime stories?
The background investigations keep me reading this series but it is more about the teams personal lives. Maybe the author would be happier writing soft porn than crime stories?
August 4, 2025
Back on track.
I'm very happy that things are back to normal with the team. Though I am confused that despite two promotions everyone is doing the same job as before!? Freya is 100% hands on and Ben is still her gopher. I am predicting that Standing has friends in Lincoln HQ that he's enlisted to trash Freya's career and I hope she crushes them asap. Ben maybe looking at Freya's uncle wrongly, or is he?
I'm very happy that things are back to normal with the team. Though I am confused that despite two promotions everyone is doing the same job as before!? Freya is 100% hands on and Ben is still her gopher. I am predicting that Standing has friends in Lincoln HQ that he's enlisted to trash Freya's career and I hope she crushes them asap. Ben maybe looking at Freya's uncle wrongly, or is he?
December 17, 2023
gripping as usual
I love the Jack Cartwright series of books. I love the developing characters and getting to know them all more deeply with each book. As well as once again enjoying the twist and turns in the story. I am usually good at working out early on who may be the murderer but Jack Cartwright keeps me on my toes.
I love the Jack Cartwright series of books. I love the developing characters and getting to know them all more deeply with each book. As well as once again enjoying the twist and turns in the story. I am usually good at working out early on who may be the murderer but Jack Cartwright keeps me on my toes.
February 20, 2024
Such a disappointment after reading all the previous books in the series. Despite the promotions it’s as if nothing has changed! The team previously reacted against DCI Standing’s micro management but here is newly promoted DCI Bloom doing exactly the very same! And why is Ben still in her shadow when he has been promoted to DI? A couple of books too many in this series I think!
March 13, 2024
Her Dying Mind: A British Murder Mystery ( The Wild Fens Murder Mystery Series Book 11)
I enjoyed this book, but you don’t know what is going on right until the end, it is worth reading until the end though! I would recommend this as a holiday read to relax and digest it thoroughly.
I enjoyed this book, but you don’t know what is going on right until the end, it is worth reading until the end though! I would recommend this as a holiday read to relax and digest it thoroughly.
December 21, 2024
ProMotion and intrigue!
Freya is now DCI and Ben Inspector.it is their first murder since their promotions and as always it has twists and turns. Someone who is supposed to be dead proves otherwise and the team sort through all the lies and intrigue to get to the true murderer. Great read.
Freya is now DCI and Ben Inspector.it is their first murder since their promotions and as always it has twists and turns. Someone who is supposed to be dead proves otherwise and the team sort through all the lies and intrigue to get to the true murderer. Great read.
February 17, 2024
jolly good read as always!
As I live in Lincolnshire and quite close to Navenby I could place myself easily in all of the locations in this book. It was really true to life. Certainly the twist at the end was unexpected, can’t wait for the next one!
As I live in Lincolnshire and quite close to Navenby I could place myself easily in all of the locations in this book. It was really true to life. Certainly the twist at the end was unexpected, can’t wait for the next one!
October 5, 2024
So many twists and turns it was hard to keep up with. (This is not a criticism, it made good reading). It sounds like some of the characters are heading for a happy ever after, we shall see. As for Freya and Ben, I think there is an almighty storm ahzad which could affect the whole team.
November 10, 2024
Another great story centring on Freya and Ben. A complex case, well written and at the end romance seems to be in the air for almost everyone! Can't wait for the next one.
Julian Tremahne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremahne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
January 22, 2025
Murder, most excellent!
Jack Cartwright is the master of red herrings and double bluff. If one doesn't derail your careful sleuthing the other will. A very solid 4-star read! Murder, most excellent indeed!
Jack Cartwright is the master of red herrings and double bluff. If one doesn't derail your careful sleuthing the other will. A very solid 4-star read! Murder, most excellent indeed!
August 31, 2025
DCI Bloom and DS Savage are leading the team now and what looks like an old lady who suffered a heart attack ends up being murder. Also love is in the air all over the place for the ladies, but the men maybe not so much. Much better without Standing and Michaela.
February 18, 2026
Good reading. Quite convoluted but all comes together. Team dynamics are definitely growing on me and always enough conflict to keep the interest going. The Fens are definitely a dangerous place to live with all the murders but always comes back to family feud's.
February 22, 2026
Progress seems to be slow going.
Lots of twists and turns, but too many seem to lead to dead ends. In the end, some light does shine through,.. but is it enough to bring a satisfying outcome for the team?
Lots of twists and turns, but too many seem to lead to dead ends. In the end, some light does shine through,.. but is it enough to bring a satisfying outcome for the team?
April 22, 2026
Her Dying Mind
Great read! Once again I couldn't determine "who done it"! This one was educational. It provided international connections and rules for exhuming bodies. Interesting!
Great read! Once again I couldn't determine "who done it"! This one was educational. It provided international connections and rules for exhuming bodies. Interesting!
October 5, 2023
This was complex, the characters evolved, and the mystery was interesting. Can’t wait for the next one!
October 16, 2023
not a favorite
It took quite a while to get into the story. I don’t like how they make police look childish and like idiots
It took quite a while to get into the story. I don’t like how they make police look childish and like idiots
November 26, 2023
Hmmm. 3.5 stars because I didn't lose interest, but the Ben and Freya developments didn't work as well for me. Don't get me wrong, I'll be into the next one with interest.
February 6, 2024
Absolutely brilliant as always, I highly recommend this series bring on April when number 12 is due out !
April 6, 2024
Intrigue
A clandestine twist on an old case leading to a pair of families in turmoil trying to cover the tracks. A bit sad.
A clandestine twist on an old case leading to a pair of families in turmoil trying to cover the tracks. A bit sad.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews