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DCI Andrew Fenwick #5
Dead of Winter
“A cold coming they had of it, at this time of year;
just, the worst time of year, to take a journey, and a specially long journey, in. The ways deep, the weather sharp, the days short, the sun farthest off in solstitio brumali, the very dead of winter.”
Lancelot Andrewes, 1555-1626
The South of England is held in the icy grip of winter, blizzards are forecast and roads are virtually impassible. Yet in the middle of the night, seventeen year old Isabelle Mathias vanishes. And she's no ordinary girl; the gifted, disturbed daughter of a dead rock musician and artist mother recently remarried to Bill Saxby, whose press empire includes the UK's most-read newspaper, The Daily Enquirer. As winter closes in on the town and the search unfolds, Chief Superintendent Andrew Fenwick is brought in to help and the dark secrets of Issie's life come stumbling into the light.
just, the worst time of year, to take a journey, and a specially long journey, in. The ways deep, the weather sharp, the days short, the sun farthest off in solstitio brumali, the very dead of winter.”
Lancelot Andrewes, 1555-1626
The South of England is held in the icy grip of winter, blizzards are forecast and roads are virtually impassible. Yet in the middle of the night, seventeen year old Isabelle Mathias vanishes. And she's no ordinary girl; the gifted, disturbed daughter of a dead rock musician and artist mother recently remarried to Bill Saxby, whose press empire includes the UK's most-read newspaper, The Daily Enquirer. As winter closes in on the town and the search unfolds, Chief Superintendent Andrew Fenwick is brought in to help and the dark secrets of Issie's life come stumbling into the light.
350 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2013
5 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Corley
13 books29 followersElizabeth Corley was born and brought up in West Sussex. Married with a stepdaughter, she manages to balance her crime-writing with a position as Chief Executive, Europe for a global investment company. A one-time committee member and vice-chairperson of the Crime Writers' Association, she is still an active member, while finding time to pursue her outside interests of travel, gardening and music.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 7, 2015
Finishing a novel is one of the most satisfying feelings ever. Not only have you achieved something in reading a book, but you have had a – hopefully – enjoyable experience as well. Therefore one of my ‘reading-pet-hates’ is not being able to finish a book, even if the reading the novel seems like one of Hercules mighty tasks, I still like to try and finish. Therefore when I cannot complete a novel, I know that something is entirely lacking, whether the writing skill or the interest level.
For me, ‘Dead of Winter’ was a very well-written novel, as other reviews have stated, the setting was almost tangible it was described with such talent. So too were the lead characters such as Fenwick/Issie/Steven and the supporting cast. Characters were well-developed and likable.
Unfortunately I thought that the plot was the aspect that was lacking. The plot was a standard for Detective Crime Novels and not dissimilar to the many others of this genre that I have read before, so it wasn't 'exceptional' or 'stand-out'.
Further, with a book this length there really needs to be a mystery or series of twists that constantly renew the interest. Like a rollercoaster, with peaks amidst the lows and then a sudden loop thrown in just to keep you on edge… This novel just… progressed.
There was no mystery because from pretty much the start, we were told where Issie was, who she was with and why, and what was happening to her. After 300 pages of reading, nothing extraordinary had happened, and I was bored to my boots. When the novel fell off the sofa in a last ditch attempt to regain my attention, and my bookmark fell out, I took it as a sign that there were more interesting books in my future and I stopped. I took it back to the library without a backward glance, not a care about what happened in the last 200 pages of the novel.
Maybe this novel did get better, but it was so much work to even get to the 300 page mark that I couldn’t face another 200.
For me, ‘Dead of Winter’ was a very well-written novel, as other reviews have stated, the setting was almost tangible it was described with such talent. So too were the lead characters such as Fenwick/Issie/Steven and the supporting cast. Characters were well-developed and likable.
Unfortunately I thought that the plot was the aspect that was lacking. The plot was a standard for Detective Crime Novels and not dissimilar to the many others of this genre that I have read before, so it wasn't 'exceptional' or 'stand-out'.
Further, with a book this length there really needs to be a mystery or series of twists that constantly renew the interest. Like a rollercoaster, with peaks amidst the lows and then a sudden loop thrown in just to keep you on edge… This novel just… progressed.
There was no mystery because from pretty much the start, we were told where Issie was, who she was with and why, and what was happening to her. After 300 pages of reading, nothing extraordinary had happened, and I was bored to my boots. When the novel fell off the sofa in a last ditch attempt to regain my attention, and my bookmark fell out, I took it as a sign that there were more interesting books in my future and I stopped. I took it back to the library without a backward glance, not a care about what happened in the last 200 pages of the novel.
Maybe this novel did get better, but it was so much work to even get to the 300 page mark that I couldn’t face another 200.
February 1, 2026
2.5 rounded up.
It was far too long I think, with a lot more rambling than was needed, but I think its cause I like my action faster paced
It was far too long I think, with a lot more rambling than was needed, but I think its cause I like my action faster paced
July 28, 2018
Isabelle Mattias disappeared from St Anne's that was a popular school which parents thought they could trust the staff to care for and educate their children.
It appears that Isabelle took no money or clothes and her passport was still in the school safe.
There is also Isabelle's unsettling past that surface which makes Superintendent Fenwick even more concerned for the girl's saftey.
I really enjoyed reading this novel.
It appears that Isabelle took no money or clothes and her passport was still in the school safe.
There is also Isabelle's unsettling past that surface which makes Superintendent Fenwick even more concerned for the girl's saftey.
I really enjoyed reading this novel.
October 28, 2021
One of the finest
I enjoy this genre, following numerous authors and others writing spy and similar stories. I think this has gripped me more than any other save Seymour’s Harry’s Game (which caused my wife while reading it in listening to the Radio 4 News at One to listen out for news of Harry until she realised her confusion of fiction with perhaps another form of edited material), and Wire in the Blood.
I’ve no idea how someone filling such a demanding job as Elizabeth Corley can combine it with writing so well, but I’m entirely grateful that she does
I enjoy this genre, following numerous authors and others writing spy and similar stories. I think this has gripped me more than any other save Seymour’s Harry’s Game (which caused my wife while reading it in listening to the Radio 4 News at One to listen out for news of Harry until she realised her confusion of fiction with perhaps another form of edited material), and Wire in the Blood.
I’ve no idea how someone filling such a demanding job as Elizabeth Corley can combine it with writing so well, but I’m entirely grateful that she does
March 3, 2025
I re-read and I now see this a bit differently. Okay Nightingale has been in love with Fenwick for 7 years and he has avoided her for that whole time. Using the "it's not you it's me". I get it that Fenwick is the Alpha; but in a sensitive way. He will die to save someone. It becomes total obsession. His children who have had a life of trauma are being basically raised by his mother and a Nanny. I hoped Corley would finished this, but I guess not. So I guess Nightingale will just wander the earth as a female Heathcliff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2021
As the author described in detail, I could vividly picture Izzie's plight, her pain, the slow descend of her condition. Corley paints a picture so well, it is not possible to read her book without having it stir up some feeling, emotional response. Anger, disgust, futility, hope, urgency, I felt all of these, and would gladly do it again with another of her works.
August 10, 2016
It is quite possible that finishing this book was one of my best personal achievement. But for the sake of being objective, I will try to be more constructive and fair.
The plot is about a girl, who comes from a multimillionaire family, an upper class whose biggest challenge was placed in a safari in Africa. This girl thinks that it would be the best possible thing to have some romantic relationship with the married janitor of the school. Afterwards, things go south and she (kind of?) ends up being kidnapped. Moreover there is also a plotline which is abondened, where the girl gets (possibly?) raped by her step uncle.
The second plot line, although, is about this another girl whom you can relate just like one of the main characters, Fenwick did. Sadly, it makes you feel betrayed.
Then there is the background story of the Fenwick's mother. In this case, it contributes nothing at all to story and stands very artificial.
And last but not least the story of Bernstein who (as I understood) hates his children (exaggerating! ), himself and possibly obsessed with an under aged girl who happens to be the main character he literally saw once at the end of the book.
After quick scope to the book, I believe that either the writer lives in 90s or she does not give any attention to details. She states that the girl was put in the situation of kidnapping by the officers but none of her belongings such as credit/debit cards or mobile phone is being followed. Not to mention even with the right info you can follow every mobile phone via your laptop in no matter of time with the inaccuracy of 100 metres. Moreover, She states that Issie's mother have supernatural powers where she can detect her child while sleeping. At that moment I have to say that I just closed the book, brushed my teeth and went for a good night sleep because I did not want to read any more of that gibberish. Next, Mariner is the mastermind in the book, who escapes from police for more than 2 weeks, despite being posted on every wall in England. He is calm, sneaky and clever; not Issie, Issie is not so smart, she is light hearted and can not compromise with fatal situations. The worst part is her "good qualities" and "importance" were repeated almost in every chapter after the first half of the book. Another issue is that, Mariner is a smoker, who must have a lighter (and according to book he does), but while escaping in the middle of the blizzard, Issie thinks that matches would be more useful (perfect!).
Despite being quite incapable book, I could have still liked it, but when the writer clearly showed that, if you are rich/wealthy, your life is more meaningful theme in the background, I instantly hated the book, despised the writer. However, the writer did not put anything new to art of literature, so congratulations on that! I am glad that I bought this book as a second hand and did not contribute anything to this garbage.
The plot is about a girl, who comes from a multimillionaire family, an upper class whose biggest challenge was placed in a safari in Africa. This girl thinks that it would be the best possible thing to have some romantic relationship with the married janitor of the school. Afterwards, things go south and she (kind of?) ends up being kidnapped. Moreover there is also a plotline which is abondened, where the girl gets (possibly?) raped by her step uncle.
The second plot line, although, is about this another girl whom you can relate just like one of the main characters, Fenwick did. Sadly, it makes you feel betrayed.
Then there is the background story of the Fenwick's mother. In this case, it contributes nothing at all to story and stands very artificial.
And last but not least the story of Bernstein who (as I understood) hates his children (exaggerating! ), himself and possibly obsessed with an under aged girl who happens to be the main character he literally saw once at the end of the book.
After quick scope to the book, I believe that either the writer lives in 90s or she does not give any attention to details. She states that the girl was put in the situation of kidnapping by the officers but none of her belongings such as credit/debit cards or mobile phone is being followed. Not to mention even with the right info you can follow every mobile phone via your laptop in no matter of time with the inaccuracy of 100 metres. Moreover, She states that Issie's mother have supernatural powers where she can detect her child while sleeping. At that moment I have to say that I just closed the book, brushed my teeth and went for a good night sleep because I did not want to read any more of that gibberish. Next, Mariner is the mastermind in the book, who escapes from police for more than 2 weeks, despite being posted on every wall in England. He is calm, sneaky and clever; not Issie, Issie is not so smart, she is light hearted and can not compromise with fatal situations. The worst part is her "good qualities" and "importance" were repeated almost in every chapter after the first half of the book. Another issue is that, Mariner is a smoker, who must have a lighter (and according to book he does), but while escaping in the middle of the blizzard, Issie thinks that matches would be more useful (perfect!).
Despite being quite incapable book, I could have still liked it, but when the writer clearly showed that, if you are rich/wealthy, your life is more meaningful theme in the background, I instantly hated the book, despised the writer. However, the writer did not put anything new to art of literature, so congratulations on that! I am glad that I bought this book as a second hand and did not contribute anything to this garbage.
February 8, 2017
Very good read
April 17, 2015
Excellent, gripping novel. Corley is an absolute master storyteller. The story is of Andrew Fenwick's search for the missing girl. Fenwick and the police team are all very well drawn characters. Issie, the missing girl, and even minor characters are flesh and blood people.
I have read all the books in this series and have truly enjoyed all. The only thing I wish is that I don't have to wait so long between the next book.
I have read all the books in this series and have truly enjoyed all. The only thing I wish is that I don't have to wait so long between the next book.
June 27, 2015
Book was great! Very interesting characters and edgy plot. You could feel the winter cold while reading it. It was not a mystery as pretty much from the beginning it was obvious who the villain was. However it still managed to keep me interested until the last page. Definitely recommend this book.
March 12, 2015
This is formulaic in some ways. A police hunt is mixed up with the complicated private lives of the police officers. A short prologue leaves us wondering how this is relevant to the plot. But the plot is reasonably original and well constructed, and the writing is good. I remain dubious about the snow storm, however.
December 30, 2013
This is the fifth book of a series by Elizabeth Corley which I found at the local library. Detective Fenwick is believable and the novel which is set in the winter time just before Christmas when a student from a school goes missing.
August 3, 2016
One of those books I didn't want to end, but couldn't stop reading (to the detriment of the housework and other things I ought to have been doing.) Looking forward to the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews