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Yorkshire Murder Mysteries #10
The Canal Murders
Life moves at a slower pace on the canals. But death always comes when you least expect it. The last thing DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter expected during their much-needed canal holiday was a murder. When retired folk musician Annie Shipton is found stabbed through the neck at the helm of her barge, the couple can’t help investigating the seemingly impossible crime. Nobody else boarded Annie’s boat—so how was she killed from behind? With the method a perplexing mystery, DCI Oldroyd is summoned from Harrogate, and it’s not long before the detectives have a long list of potential suspects with a motive to want Annie dead. There’s the young cyclist she argued with over access to the towpath, an ambitious and arrogant local developer she clashed with repeatedly, an estranged husband…and more than a few lingering issues with her former bandmates, most of whom live along the canal. When a second shocking murder sends shockwaves through the community, the locals start talking about a curse on the waterway. It seems the killer will go to any lengths to avoid detection. But can Oldroyd hunt them down before someone else becomes the next target?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2024
1531 people are currently reading
5272 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Ellis
31 books704 followersDuring a long career teaching English, I wrote plays for children and occasional ghost stories. I have always been fascinated by the paranormal and by mysteries, conspiracy theories and unexplained crimes.
My love of my native county is deep and the settings of my Yorkshire Murder Mysteries within Yorkshire's varied landscapes are important. I have made a study of the sub-genre of the Locked Room Mystery during the height of its popularity between 1930 - 1960 in the stories of writers such as John Dickson Carr, Clayton Rawson and Ellery Queen. I was an avid watcher of BBC's "Jonathan Creek" in its heyday. I believe the element of puzzle is essential to crime fiction and my novels contain a double mystery: the standard "who dunnit?" but also "how dunnit?!"
I avoid the dark and gruesome in my writing and I strive to include some humour and elegance in style, a vivid sense of place and a compelling mystery! My characters both innocent and guilty are mostly ordinary people.
I am a member of a writers' group in Otley which has inspired me to write poetry and various forms of short fiction.
My love of my native county is deep and the settings of my Yorkshire Murder Mysteries within Yorkshire's varied landscapes are important. I have made a study of the sub-genre of the Locked Room Mystery during the height of its popularity between 1930 - 1960 in the stories of writers such as John Dickson Carr, Clayton Rawson and Ellery Queen. I was an avid watcher of BBC's "Jonathan Creek" in its heyday. I believe the element of puzzle is essential to crime fiction and my novels contain a double mystery: the standard "who dunnit?" but also "how dunnit?!"
I avoid the dark and gruesome in my writing and I strive to include some humour and elegance in style, a vivid sense of place and a compelling mystery! My characters both innocent and guilty are mostly ordinary people.
I am a member of a writers' group in Otley which has inspired me to write poetry and various forms of short fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
April 10, 2024
The tenth and most recent book in the Yorkshire Murder Mysteries. I somehow seem to have missed #5 but I plan to go back and read it soon.
DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter are on holiday cruising the Yorkshire canals when they accidentally discover a murder. They decide that the investigation is worth delaying their holidays for and stay to help DCI Oldroyd solve the case.
I love all the fun facts the author adds about the history of this amazing system built originally to transport goods to the ports from the mills. I also very much enjoy the mention of places I know like Leeds, where I used to live and attended University, and Bradford where I worked.
A good, steady read with lots of police procedure and debate over who could have committed the crime. Lots of clues too so the reader can try and beat Oldroyd to the conclusion. Well worth reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter are on holiday cruising the Yorkshire canals when they accidentally discover a murder. They decide that the investigation is worth delaying their holidays for and stay to help DCI Oldroyd solve the case.
I love all the fun facts the author adds about the history of this amazing system built originally to transport goods to the ports from the mills. I also very much enjoy the mention of places I know like Leeds, where I used to live and attended University, and Bradford where I worked.
A good, steady read with lots of police procedure and debate over who could have committed the crime. Lots of clues too so the reader can try and beat Oldroyd to the conclusion. Well worth reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 25, 2024
The Yorkshire Murder Mysteries is a decent cozy police procedural series, although I’ve found the books to be uneven. This is the tenth in the series and was not one of the better books in the series. I had to overlook the preposterous premise that Oldroyd, an active police DCI, would be asked to consult for another district, along with his two DS’s who are there on holiday. But I’ve always had a thing for canal life and living on a narrow boat , so I wanted to see how this would play out. And Ellis does a good job of giving a true sense of life on the canal.
This time, a retired folk singer is stabbed and dies on her boat. She was standing at the tiller and there’s no evidence anyone else was on the boat. But she had made numerous enemies so the list of suspects is long.
I do like that Ellis always adds a little something at the start of each chapter. Usually, it’s a bit of history. In this book, he also included the “lyrics” of the fictional folk group.
Unfortunately, I found the story here to be slow and repetitive. Too many of the conversations sounded stilted. I did find the ending satisfying. I’ll definitely continue with the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
This time, a retired folk singer is stabbed and dies on her boat. She was standing at the tiller and there’s no evidence anyone else was on the boat. But she had made numerous enemies so the list of suspects is long.
I do like that Ellis always adds a little something at the start of each chapter. Usually, it’s a bit of history. In this book, he also included the “lyrics” of the fictional folk group.
Unfortunately, I found the story here to be slow and repetitive. Too many of the conversations sounded stilted. I did find the ending satisfying. I’ll definitely continue with the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.
February 23, 2024
The Canal Murders was a very good story. I really enjoyed it. Stephanie Johnson and Andy Carter are two detective sergeant on a vacation. They have rented a canal boat and are going down the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. They go through the many locks. They come to the town of Saltaire which consists of a canal basin and marina, chandlery/shop and the office of the River Trust and the Navigation pub where they will be spending the night. After dinner they go to Navigation Bar for a night cap. It is folk music that night.
Inside the bar owned by Phil Cunliffe are a group of people who use to be a folk singing group called The Rowen's. They were a popular group in their day. They are now living in Saltaire on canal boats. They are there to listen to the bands. Bob Anderson and Bridget Foster are a couple, Liz Aspinell is now single as her husband, Roger is deceased. Annie Shipton is divorced from her husband, Ben who now lives in a house in Oakworth. Their daughter, Brittanly is near by. Annie has gone home early as she is taking her boat to the shipyard in Skipton for repairs and plans to leave earlyl the next morning.
The next day Stephanie is on her deck having coffee. She sees a boat coming down the waterway. When passing her boat she sees a dead woman against the tiller with a lot of blood surrounding her. She wakes up Andy and they get the boat docked. The dead woman is Annie Shipton. They notify the police. Javed (Jav) Igbal, a detective sergeant, arrives and finds out that he had worked with Stephanie and Andy when they were young officers. He loved working with them and their boss, DCI Jim Oldroyd. He thinks that it would be great if Stephanie, Andy and Oldroyd would help him as his station is down officers. He contacts his boss, DCI Haigh who is happy to have them help them. Stephanie calls Jim Oldroyd to see if he is available and he is. He comes and set up a room at the Navigation Bar as their office.
Other people who have had run-ins with Annie are Gary Wilkinson, owner of the chandlery/shop that sells everything has told Annie that he will not give her anymore credit as she owes too much. Ros Collins, manager of athe Canal & River Trust. She also has had words with Annie about back rent for her boat. She has told Annie if she doesn't pay she will be evicted. Sam Wallace a cyclist who rides his bike on the tow path who has had a run in with Annie. Nicholas Spenser who is manager of the Mill Art Center as she is fighting him about the proposed new addition. Darren and Laura Ward who have run-in with Annie. Len Nicholson is an older man who does artwork and believes in the canal.
When looking into Annie's death the detectives find that Annie has made many enemies as they make up their suspect list.
There is so much going on in the story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the very surprising end.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC.
Inside the bar owned by Phil Cunliffe are a group of people who use to be a folk singing group called The Rowen's. They were a popular group in their day. They are now living in Saltaire on canal boats. They are there to listen to the bands. Bob Anderson and Bridget Foster are a couple, Liz Aspinell is now single as her husband, Roger is deceased. Annie Shipton is divorced from her husband, Ben who now lives in a house in Oakworth. Their daughter, Brittanly is near by. Annie has gone home early as she is taking her boat to the shipyard in Skipton for repairs and plans to leave earlyl the next morning.
The next day Stephanie is on her deck having coffee. She sees a boat coming down the waterway. When passing her boat she sees a dead woman against the tiller with a lot of blood surrounding her. She wakes up Andy and they get the boat docked. The dead woman is Annie Shipton. They notify the police. Javed (Jav) Igbal, a detective sergeant, arrives and finds out that he had worked with Stephanie and Andy when they were young officers. He loved working with them and their boss, DCI Jim Oldroyd. He thinks that it would be great if Stephanie, Andy and Oldroyd would help him as his station is down officers. He contacts his boss, DCI Haigh who is happy to have them help them. Stephanie calls Jim Oldroyd to see if he is available and he is. He comes and set up a room at the Navigation Bar as their office.
Other people who have had run-ins with Annie are Gary Wilkinson, owner of the chandlery/shop that sells everything has told Annie that he will not give her anymore credit as she owes too much. Ros Collins, manager of athe Canal & River Trust. She also has had words with Annie about back rent for her boat. She has told Annie if she doesn't pay she will be evicted. Sam Wallace a cyclist who rides his bike on the tow path who has had a run in with Annie. Nicholas Spenser who is manager of the Mill Art Center as she is fighting him about the proposed new addition. Darren and Laura Ward who have run-in with Annie. Len Nicholson is an older man who does artwork and believes in the canal.
When looking into Annie's death the detectives find that Annie has made many enemies as they make up their suspect list.
There is so much going on in the story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the very surprising end.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC.
February 3, 2024
DS Andy and DS Steph are on a canal boat holiday when they come across a murder. They decide to postpone their holiday and help out the force in the area. Annie, a folksinger who lives on a canal boat, has been stabbed. She apparently didn't get along with many people, so there are no shortage of suspects. Could the murder be related to drugs? Domestic violence? Something bad from the past? Then things get even more complicated when there is another murder. I enjoyed both the twisty mystery and learning about the canals in this British police procedural. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
March 20, 2024
The thing I like about J.R. Ellis is that he really knows how to set the scene. His descriptions make it possible for me to visualise the setting and the people. He also provides a history of the area in which each book is set.
The Canal Murders is the tenth book in this series and, as can be guessed by the title, murder is committed on a stretch of canal in Saltaire.
There are plenty of suspects to choose from, but who had the biggest motive. The narrow boat community provides some colourful, interesting characters. My favourite was old Len, who had lived on canal boats for most of his life.
There are two characters however, whom I have come to dislike; Steph and Andy. Their incessant hero worship of DCI Oldroyd has become a tad annoying.
Simpering detectives aside, this was an engaging, relaxing read.
Thanks to J.R. Ellis, Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Canal Murders is the tenth book in this series and, as can be guessed by the title, murder is committed on a stretch of canal in Saltaire.
There are plenty of suspects to choose from, but who had the biggest motive. The narrow boat community provides some colourful, interesting characters. My favourite was old Len, who had lived on canal boats for most of his life.
There are two characters however, whom I have come to dislike; Steph and Andy. Their incessant hero worship of DCI Oldroyd has become a tad annoying.
Simpering detectives aside, this was an engaging, relaxing read.
Thanks to J.R. Ellis, Thomas and Mercer and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2024
While on a narrowboat holiday on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, DS Stephanie Johnson, and DS Andy Carter witness an altercation at the pub between a woman named Annie Shipton and a newcomer named Laura Ward.
Earlier, Annie had written something unpleasant about Laura on Annie’s blog, criticizing the woman’s noisy lifestyle at the canal.
The next morning DS Steph discovers Annie’s body slumped in her narrowboat, floating down the canal. She was stabbed in the neck, apparently stabbed from behind. If she was the only one on the boat, how was killed from behind?
Meanwhile, DCI Jim Oldroyd and his partner have finally moved to their new place in the village of New Bridge, just outside of Harrogate.
When the investigating officer Javed Iqbal suggests that DCI Jim Oldroyd come over and unofficially lead the investigation, DCI Jim agrees but offers to help as a consultant. DS Steph and DS Andy have had to delay their holiday to assist in the investigation.
A few days later, another body is discovered floating in the canal by a dog walker. The victim had been struck in the head. Are their deaths related?
Now it’s up to DCI Jim Oldroyd and his team to try and find the person responsible.
Thank you to J. R. Ellis, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book
Earlier, Annie had written something unpleasant about Laura on Annie’s blog, criticizing the woman’s noisy lifestyle at the canal.
The next morning DS Steph discovers Annie’s body slumped in her narrowboat, floating down the canal. She was stabbed in the neck, apparently stabbed from behind. If she was the only one on the boat, how was killed from behind?
Meanwhile, DCI Jim Oldroyd and his partner have finally moved to their new place in the village of New Bridge, just outside of Harrogate.
When the investigating officer Javed Iqbal suggests that DCI Jim Oldroyd come over and unofficially lead the investigation, DCI Jim agrees but offers to help as a consultant. DS Steph and DS Andy have had to delay their holiday to assist in the investigation.
A few days later, another body is discovered floating in the canal by a dog walker. The victim had been struck in the head. Are their deaths related?
Now it’s up to DCI Jim Oldroyd and his team to try and find the person responsible.
Thank you to J. R. Ellis, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book
August 31, 2024
4.5/5. A cute cozy mystery. One of my favorite things this author does is he starts each chapter with a quote or item of interest. I always learn a lot.
October 12, 2024
Steph and Andy take a vacation on a narrowboat, they have only been gone a day or so when they stumble upon a murder. As the local constabulary is short of manpower they are happy to have DCI Oldroyd step in to investigate.
Another semi cozy police procedural set in Yorkshire. Nothing really wrong with the story, but I found part of the plot was almost an exact repeat of one of the previous books.
Another semi cozy police procedural set in Yorkshire. Nothing really wrong with the story, but I found part of the plot was almost an exact repeat of one of the previous books.
April 26, 2024
The last thing DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter expected during their much-needed canal holiday was a murder. When retired folk musician Annie Shipton is found stabbed through the neck at the helm of her barge, the couple can’t help investigating the seemingly impossible crime. Nobody else boarded Annie’s boat. DCI Oldroyd is summoned from Harrogate, and it’s not long before the detectives have a long list of potential suspects with a motive to want Annie dead. When a second murder sends shockwaves through the community, the locals start talking about a curse on the waterway.
The tenth book in this lovely series, whilst it could easily be read on its own I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jim, Stephanie & Andy throughout the series plus as a Yorkshire girl I love the locations. Another well written cosy mystery with twists, turns, red herrings & some surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed it & look forward to more
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The tenth book in this lovely series, whilst it could easily be read on its own I’ve enjoyed getting to know Jim, Stephanie & Andy throughout the series plus as a Yorkshire girl I love the locations. Another well written cosy mystery with twists, turns, red herrings & some surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed it & look forward to more
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 16, 2024
I don't normally read cozy mysteries but I do love the Inspector Oldroyd mysteries. These books always include a classic British locked door puzzle that only he can solve. In this book, the life of the people living on narrow boats in the canals is the subject of the mystery and the book, as always, includes history, culture and scenery from the Yorkshire Dales. The team is back and I love the catch up on the lives of the police and families that are in each book.
August 16, 2025
I've been a fan of J. R. Ellis and this series for a while. When I read each book I can't wait to read the next one. The Canal Murders is one of my favorites in the series. DS Andy Carter and DS Stephanie Johnson can't seem to get away from their work even while on vacation/holiday. A murder happens and their Boss DCI Oldroyd is asked by an old colleague to come assist with the murder of a folk singer found dead on her boat. Being intrigued Carter and Johnson offer to help as well. There are plenty of suspects but which one fits the profile? As the group tries to figure things out it seems as if the investigation does a lot of twisting and turning which is DCI Oldroyd expertise. I love the way ideas or conversations with others seem to trigger something in DCI Oldroyd when he's working a case. It always makes me chuckle. The Yorkshire Murder Mysteries is a cozy series and full of character in my opinion. DCI Oldroyd, DS Carter and DS Johnson seem to always have some kind of fun while solving a case.
March 15, 2025
Ellis always has about 10 different suspects for the crime at the end and his detective always knows the solution, being a brilliant detective. His team worship him as the expert, a celebrity in the local police department. OK I have now read all available books in this series. They were entertaining: a few dead bodies to make it spicy and lots of suspects with connections to the dead. An entertainig author, enjoyable reads.
November 28, 2024
An excellent book and kept me guessing until the end.
May 3, 2024
Captivating
Once again I have been pulled into the world of DCI Oldroyd. Born in Harrogate and having lived in Yorkshire most of my life and, currently living in Harrogate, I know and recognise all these places and landmarks.
Thank you J R Ellis for another captivating and enthralling read.
Once again I have been pulled into the world of DCI Oldroyd. Born in Harrogate and having lived in Yorkshire most of my life and, currently living in Harrogate, I know and recognise all these places and landmarks.
Thank you J R Ellis for another captivating and enthralling read.
July 4, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
This is a very good murder mystery, with interesting historical information well integrated into the story.
Set in Yorkshire in and around the canals and the canal boats. Interesting explanation of the locks and weirs that allow the boats to move up the canals. Also a very good narrator.
I didn’t give the full 4 stars because I found some of the dialogue corny. I am probably being too picky, and I might still buy the next book in the series.
This is a very good murder mystery, with interesting historical information well integrated into the story.
Set in Yorkshire in and around the canals and the canal boats. Interesting explanation of the locks and weirs that allow the boats to move up the canals. Also a very good narrator.
I didn’t give the full 4 stars because I found some of the dialogue corny. I am probably being too picky, and I might still buy the next book in the series.
February 24, 2024
This book begins with a couple on vacation, both of whom are detectives. A murder happens after the first night in their boat, and they team up with the local police to solve it.
This book (or perhaps the writing itself?) was a little weird. The dialogue especially seemed a little off, awkward and kind of “unnatural”. The characters would at times remind each other of things that, I assume, happened in previous books but logically the characters don’t need reminders of it. I realize it’s a way to let the reader know, but it was very strange to see a character remind another character of what they themselves did or said. The dialogue just felt very stale, and no matter their relationships everyone felt like they were strangers to one another.
Another thing that irked me was the quite extreme use of “sir” whenever the chief inspector was involved in the conversation. Literally every single sentence uttered to him, especially from the female detective, included the word “sir”.
I also found it very strange that pretty much everyone badmouthed the victim, including their own relatives. We find out that they weren’t the nicest person, but it still felt awkward to see every single person in this book talking ill of the dead as if it that’s perfectly normal. We also don’t really see anyone grieving, which isn’t necessary of course but still. It just enforced my feeling that this entire town hated the victim and didn’t care that they were murdered.
Apart from my issues with the dialogue, there were also quite a few times where the police and detectives crossed some lines, both moral and professional. I’m aware it’s fiction, but it felt very unrealistic and pulled me out of the story.
To name a few; they openly discussed the case with people, including suspects, they named all the suspects in the case to the press, they told details of the murder to people and the press, the chief inspector joked about the murder in the press. And in the last 30 pages when the big reveal is about to happen, the chief inspector makes quite a big mistake that really wasn’t okay at all.
Other than that, I did enjoy the story. The setting was very nice and cozy, the main plot was interesting and the big reveal was good.
Thank you to the author and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
This book (or perhaps the writing itself?) was a little weird. The dialogue especially seemed a little off, awkward and kind of “unnatural”. The characters would at times remind each other of things that, I assume, happened in previous books but logically the characters don’t need reminders of it. I realize it’s a way to let the reader know, but it was very strange to see a character remind another character of what they themselves did or said. The dialogue just felt very stale, and no matter their relationships everyone felt like they were strangers to one another.
Another thing that irked me was the quite extreme use of “sir” whenever the chief inspector was involved in the conversation. Literally every single sentence uttered to him, especially from the female detective, included the word “sir”.
I also found it very strange that pretty much everyone badmouthed the victim, including their own relatives. We find out that they weren’t the nicest person, but it still felt awkward to see every single person in this book talking ill of the dead as if it that’s perfectly normal. We also don’t really see anyone grieving, which isn’t necessary of course but still. It just enforced my feeling that this entire town hated the victim and didn’t care that they were murdered.
Apart from my issues with the dialogue, there were also quite a few times where the police and detectives crossed some lines, both moral and professional. I’m aware it’s fiction, but it felt very unrealistic and pulled me out of the story.
To name a few; they openly discussed the case with people, including suspects, they named all the suspects in the case to the press, they told details of the murder to people and the press, the chief inspector joked about the murder in the press. And in the last 30 pages when the big reveal is about to happen, the chief inspector makes quite a big mistake that really wasn’t okay at all.
Other than that, I did enjoy the story. The setting was very nice and cozy, the main plot was interesting and the big reveal was good.
Thank you to the author and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
February 16, 2024
While on a narrowboat holiday on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, DS Stephanie Johnson, and DS Andy Carter witness an altercation at the pub between a woman named Annie Shipton and a newcomer named Laura Ward.
Earlier, Annie had written something unpleasant about Laura on Annie’s blog, criticizing the woman’s noisy lifestyle at the canal.
The next morning DS Steph discovers Annie’s body slumped in her narrowboat, floating down the canal. She was stabbed in the neck, apparently stabbed from behind. If she was the only one on the boat, how was killed from behind?
Meanwhile, DCI Jim Oldroyd and his partner have finally moved to their new place in the village of New Bridge, just outside of Harrogate.
When the investigating officer Javed Iqbal suggests that DCI Jim Oldroyd come over and unofficially lead the investigation, DCI Jim agrees but offers to help as a consultant. DS Steph and DS Andy have had to delay their holiday to assist in the investigation.
A few days later, another body is discovered floating in the canal by a dog walker. The victim had been struck in the head. Are their deaths related?
Now it’s up to DCI Jim Oldroyd and his team to try and find the person responsible.
Thank you to J. R. Ellis, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book
Earlier, Annie had written something unpleasant about Laura on Annie’s blog, criticizing the woman’s noisy lifestyle at the canal.
The next morning DS Steph discovers Annie’s body slumped in her narrowboat, floating down the canal. She was stabbed in the neck, apparently stabbed from behind. If she was the only one on the boat, how was killed from behind?
Meanwhile, DCI Jim Oldroyd and his partner have finally moved to their new place in the village of New Bridge, just outside of Harrogate.
When the investigating officer Javed Iqbal suggests that DCI Jim Oldroyd come over and unofficially lead the investigation, DCI Jim agrees but offers to help as a consultant. DS Steph and DS Andy have had to delay their holiday to assist in the investigation.
A few days later, another body is discovered floating in the canal by a dog walker. The victim had been struck in the head. Are their deaths related?
Now it’s up to DCI Jim Oldroyd and his team to try and find the person responsible.
Thank you to J. R. Ellis, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of this book
September 5, 2024
A promising start but dragged down by every few pages by simplistic lectures on feminism, disability, poverty, etc.
July 16, 2024
#TheCanalMurders10
#NetGalley
The book starts with an article in a local newspaper from 15th January 1984 about an up and coming folk group Rowan. The band members and their style of music, then it goes onto saying that the groups youngest member Simon Anderson, who was only 19, was killed in an accident recently on the A1 late at night when the groups van veered off the road and crashed. The van was driven by Annie Shipton, one of the female vocalists.
☆☆☆☆☆
Present day and a body have been found drifting on a narrowboat going through the locks at Saltaire.
Stephanie Johnson and her boyfriend Andy are holidaying on the Leeds and Liverpool canal just below Saltaire, on the outskirts of Bradford in West Yorkshire. They are both detective sargeants in Harrogate, where they live in an apartment. This holiday is a bit of a learning curve to Andy. He assumed the locks were going to be operated by waterways staff, and he could spend the time relaxing with a beer. Steph had been on a boat before and revelled in teaching him what to do. Very soon, they are both part of a team to investigate the sudden death of Annie Shipton! There are quite a few people who didn't like Annie Shipton, both boat people, folk artists, and locals. She didn't like paying her bills and owed a lot of money to various people as well as upsetting people over petty issues. Annie was found on her boat, which was drifting along, slumped over, and apparently stabbed. Very soon, the list of suspects is growing steadily, and the police investigation is underway. Stephanie and her boyfriend Andy are asked to help with the investigation along with DCI Jim Oldroyd, who now lives just outside of Harrogate. The boating community living and working in the vicinity are the first to be questioned by the police, but apart from her not paying for bills, there doesn't seem to be any motive. The boating community and previous members of the folk group are the first to be questioned, but there are no leads from these people. Very soon, there are many accusations and questions going around as the police question everyone near the murder scene, and people are accusing each other and getting it wrong.
Part of the Yorkshire Murder Mysteries, but it can be easily read as a stand-alone book. It's easy to get into the storyline and hard to put down, and the characters were both likeable and believable.
What I liked in this book was the quotes and descriptions at the beginning of each chapter, I think it gave the story depth and meaning to someone who was not familiar with the English canal system. I personally have enjoyed the canals over many years and found this story set around Salts Mill in Saltaire extremely good. This was actually the first book in the series that I have read, I enjoyed it so much that I have now bought several more. A great five-star read.
#NetGalley
The book starts with an article in a local newspaper from 15th January 1984 about an up and coming folk group Rowan. The band members and their style of music, then it goes onto saying that the groups youngest member Simon Anderson, who was only 19, was killed in an accident recently on the A1 late at night when the groups van veered off the road and crashed. The van was driven by Annie Shipton, one of the female vocalists.
☆☆☆☆☆
Present day and a body have been found drifting on a narrowboat going through the locks at Saltaire.
Stephanie Johnson and her boyfriend Andy are holidaying on the Leeds and Liverpool canal just below Saltaire, on the outskirts of Bradford in West Yorkshire. They are both detective sargeants in Harrogate, where they live in an apartment. This holiday is a bit of a learning curve to Andy. He assumed the locks were going to be operated by waterways staff, and he could spend the time relaxing with a beer. Steph had been on a boat before and revelled in teaching him what to do. Very soon, they are both part of a team to investigate the sudden death of Annie Shipton! There are quite a few people who didn't like Annie Shipton, both boat people, folk artists, and locals. She didn't like paying her bills and owed a lot of money to various people as well as upsetting people over petty issues. Annie was found on her boat, which was drifting along, slumped over, and apparently stabbed. Very soon, the list of suspects is growing steadily, and the police investigation is underway. Stephanie and her boyfriend Andy are asked to help with the investigation along with DCI Jim Oldroyd, who now lives just outside of Harrogate. The boating community living and working in the vicinity are the first to be questioned by the police, but apart from her not paying for bills, there doesn't seem to be any motive. The boating community and previous members of the folk group are the first to be questioned, but there are no leads from these people. Very soon, there are many accusations and questions going around as the police question everyone near the murder scene, and people are accusing each other and getting it wrong.
Part of the Yorkshire Murder Mysteries, but it can be easily read as a stand-alone book. It's easy to get into the storyline and hard to put down, and the characters were both likeable and believable.
What I liked in this book was the quotes and descriptions at the beginning of each chapter, I think it gave the story depth and meaning to someone who was not familiar with the English canal system. I personally have enjoyed the canals over many years and found this story set around Salts Mill in Saltaire extremely good. This was actually the first book in the series that I have read, I enjoyed it so much that I have now bought several more. A great five-star read.
May 13, 2024
"The Canal Murders" is book #10 in the "Yorkshire Mysteries" by J R Ellis.
"Life moves at a slower pace on the canals. But death always comes when you least expect it. The last thing DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter expected during their much-needed canal holiday was a murder. When retired folk musician Annie Shipton is found stabbed through the neck at the helm of her barge, the couple can’t help investigating the seemingly impossible crime. Nobody else boarded Annie’s boat—so how was she killed from behind? With the method a perplexing mystery, DCI Oldroyd is summoned from Harrogate, and it’s not long before the detectives have a long list of potential suspects with a motive to want Annie dead. There’s the young cyclist she argued with over access to the towpath, an ambitious and arrogant local developer she clashed with repeatedly, an estranged husband…and more than a few lingering issues with her former bandmates, most of whom live along the canal. When a second shocking murder sends shockwaves through the community, the locals start talking about a curse on the waterway. It seems the killer will go to any lengths to avoid detection. But can Oldroyd hunt them down before someone else becomes the next target?"
My thoughts:
DCI Jim Oldroyd loves a puzzling mystery, so when his two DS's Andy and Stef discover a murder while on holiday, he jumps at the chance to find the answers and catch a killer. The trio is also joined by former colleague Jav who is now stationed in the area where the murder took place.
Suspects and potential motives are plentiful but who actually managed to pull of an almost perfect murder?
As intelligent and insightful as Jim Oldroyd is, he often gets an assist from everyday happenings. Observing a random act or hearing a comment can often trigger an idea that may well help lead him to the answers of a vexing case.
The story is told from multiple points of view - not just the officers, but also various suspects and people living near the canal. This gives a better perspective into the workings of both the community and the officers working the case. Readers are given a glimpse into the history and dynamics of the former folk group and how they came to the canals. We learn about the canals, some local folklore and a few of the locals who have had interactions with the deceased and members of the folk group over the years.
As always, we are also given a bit of an update on the personal lives of Jim, his partner Deborah, his sister Allison and his daughter Louise,
All in all this was an interesting read.
"Life moves at a slower pace on the canals. But death always comes when you least expect it. The last thing DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter expected during their much-needed canal holiday was a murder. When retired folk musician Annie Shipton is found stabbed through the neck at the helm of her barge, the couple can’t help investigating the seemingly impossible crime. Nobody else boarded Annie’s boat—so how was she killed from behind? With the method a perplexing mystery, DCI Oldroyd is summoned from Harrogate, and it’s not long before the detectives have a long list of potential suspects with a motive to want Annie dead. There’s the young cyclist she argued with over access to the towpath, an ambitious and arrogant local developer she clashed with repeatedly, an estranged husband…and more than a few lingering issues with her former bandmates, most of whom live along the canal. When a second shocking murder sends shockwaves through the community, the locals start talking about a curse on the waterway. It seems the killer will go to any lengths to avoid detection. But can Oldroyd hunt them down before someone else becomes the next target?"
My thoughts:
DCI Jim Oldroyd loves a puzzling mystery, so when his two DS's Andy and Stef discover a murder while on holiday, he jumps at the chance to find the answers and catch a killer. The trio is also joined by former colleague Jav who is now stationed in the area where the murder took place.
Suspects and potential motives are plentiful but who actually managed to pull of an almost perfect murder?
As intelligent and insightful as Jim Oldroyd is, he often gets an assist from everyday happenings. Observing a random act or hearing a comment can often trigger an idea that may well help lead him to the answers of a vexing case.
The story is told from multiple points of view - not just the officers, but also various suspects and people living near the canal. This gives a better perspective into the workings of both the community and the officers working the case. Readers are given a glimpse into the history and dynamics of the former folk group and how they came to the canals. We learn about the canals, some local folklore and a few of the locals who have had interactions with the deceased and members of the folk group over the years.
As always, we are also given a bit of an update on the personal lives of Jim, his partner Deborah, his sister Allison and his daughter Louise,
All in all this was an interesting read.
April 22, 2024
This is my first taste of this series and author JR Ellis, I listened to this on audio, approximately just over 8 hours and 30 minutes long, and narrated by Michael Page, who ably immersed me in the drama, canal life, the fascinating history of the area, sites, community and folklore. DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter are taking a much needed relaxing barge break on the canal, only for it to turn into a busman's holiday when waking up early, Stephanie comes across a meandering floating barge with its former folk singer owner, Annie Shipton, murdered, knifed through the neck, but impossibly there is no evidence that anyone ever boarded the dead woman's barge.
The local lead investigater, Javid Iqbal, is someone they know well, and before long they have cooked a way of bringing in the experienced DCI Jim Oldroyd, who has moved home to the country, surrounded by boxes that need to unpacked, his wife Deborah wanting his help to subdue their overgrown garden, particularly as his daughter, Louise, is expected to visit. Jim comes in from Harrogate as a consultant, what with the local police shortages, but in reality he is in charge, offering the joyous opportunity for old friends to reunite, and see Javid, Andy, and Steph benefit from his vast experience of murder inquiries. There is a second murder, but it takes a long time before Jim finally gets an inkling of who the killer might be, and I loved how a critical insight came from Iqbal's little daughter on a school trip to the canal.
The case gives the police team a wide range of suspects to trawl through, the victim was far from a likeable person, with an estranged husband, Ben, and daughter, Brittany, her attitudes, behaviour and history ensuring constant strife followed her throughout her life, especially after the termination of her singing career, meaning many had a potential motive to want to kill her. The murder mystery was interesting but I particularly enjoyed the informative background providing about the local canals, the past, and the darker folklore seen through the likes of Len, who has lived so long on the canal, right up to the present, seeing the newer additions to the community with their rivalries and more. I am glad to have finally become acquainted with this series, and I can definitely recommend the audio. Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing for an ALC.
The local lead investigater, Javid Iqbal, is someone they know well, and before long they have cooked a way of bringing in the experienced DCI Jim Oldroyd, who has moved home to the country, surrounded by boxes that need to unpacked, his wife Deborah wanting his help to subdue their overgrown garden, particularly as his daughter, Louise, is expected to visit. Jim comes in from Harrogate as a consultant, what with the local police shortages, but in reality he is in charge, offering the joyous opportunity for old friends to reunite, and see Javid, Andy, and Steph benefit from his vast experience of murder inquiries. There is a second murder, but it takes a long time before Jim finally gets an inkling of who the killer might be, and I loved how a critical insight came from Iqbal's little daughter on a school trip to the canal.
The case gives the police team a wide range of suspects to trawl through, the victim was far from a likeable person, with an estranged husband, Ben, and daughter, Brittany, her attitudes, behaviour and history ensuring constant strife followed her throughout her life, especially after the termination of her singing career, meaning many had a potential motive to want to kill her. The murder mystery was interesting but I particularly enjoyed the informative background providing about the local canals, the past, and the darker folklore seen through the likes of Len, who has lived so long on the canal, right up to the present, seeing the newer additions to the community with their rivalries and more. I am glad to have finally become acquainted with this series, and I can definitely recommend the audio. Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing for an ALC.
April 25, 2024
Detectives Steph and Andy are trying to enjoy a relaxing narrow boat holiday. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long body to be found. Not a couple to shy away from a case, they soon find themselves investigating the murder of one of the long-time residents. As the officers try to work out how a murder could have occurred on a boat with no signs of the a struggle, a second body appears.
This is book 10 of a long-running series of police procedurals set around Yorkshire. While there are recurring characters, this read fine as a stand alone. The characters were all well introduced, and I didn't feel lost. Unfortunately, I didn't really like the main characters. The officers all felt very two-dimensional. I didn't feel there was much to distinguish Steph, Andy and Jav as individuals. This is book 10, so maybe any character development has already happened, but it felt like they were only there to boost the ego of Inspector Oldroyd. On the other hand, the side characters were pretty solid. The main few are the ex-members of a folk group who decided to live together on the canal after retirement. These guys are fun and give off a hippy kinda vibe. We have Len, a traditional Yorkshireman who has lived his life on the canal. Sam was the most interesting, a troubled young man who is trying to do better but hides a difficult past.
The murder mystery itself was quite intuitive. I've not read something with this sort of set up before, and it definitely created a good puzzle. I didn't find this all that exciting though. I was curious about the murder, but the book seemed to just plod along once the main event happened. There was no tension or excitement to be had throughout the investigation, no police chases or lies uncovered. It felt very inevitable that this would be solved and life would carry on. Maybe police procedurals aren't for me - I haven't read a lot of them, but those that I have read definitely played up the tension and risk of the perp still at large a lot more.
One thing I really did like about this was the research that went in to it. Each chapter gives you some of the history of the canal and town of Saltaire. The scene is set beautifully, and I genuinely want to try a narrow boat holiday following reading this book. Murders aside, it sounds so relaxing and chill!
Overall, this was an easy read with a intriguing puzzle and great side characters.
This is book 10 of a long-running series of police procedurals set around Yorkshire. While there are recurring characters, this read fine as a stand alone. The characters were all well introduced, and I didn't feel lost. Unfortunately, I didn't really like the main characters. The officers all felt very two-dimensional. I didn't feel there was much to distinguish Steph, Andy and Jav as individuals. This is book 10, so maybe any character development has already happened, but it felt like they were only there to boost the ego of Inspector Oldroyd. On the other hand, the side characters were pretty solid. The main few are the ex-members of a folk group who decided to live together on the canal after retirement. These guys are fun and give off a hippy kinda vibe. We have Len, a traditional Yorkshireman who has lived his life on the canal. Sam was the most interesting, a troubled young man who is trying to do better but hides a difficult past.
The murder mystery itself was quite intuitive. I've not read something with this sort of set up before, and it definitely created a good puzzle. I didn't find this all that exciting though. I was curious about the murder, but the book seemed to just plod along once the main event happened. There was no tension or excitement to be had throughout the investigation, no police chases or lies uncovered. It felt very inevitable that this would be solved and life would carry on. Maybe police procedurals aren't for me - I haven't read a lot of them, but those that I have read definitely played up the tension and risk of the perp still at large a lot more.
One thing I really did like about this was the research that went in to it. Each chapter gives you some of the history of the canal and town of Saltaire. The scene is set beautifully, and I genuinely want to try a narrow boat holiday following reading this book. Murders aside, it sounds so relaxing and chill!
Overall, this was an easy read with a intriguing puzzle and great side characters.
March 22, 2024
DS Andy Carter and his partner DS Steph Johnson of the West Riding Police in Harrogate, Yorkshire are on a much needed vacation, on a canal boat on the Leeds to Liverpool canal. Stopping overnight at the small heritage village of Saltaire, they enjoy a visit to the nearby pub where a lively folk group is playing. While there they witness a young woman complaining to an older woman about what she wrote in her blog about newcomers to the boating community. The next morning Steph is up early and finds the older woman, Annie Shipton dead of a vicious head wound on her narrowboat which is floating down the canal.
With the local Bradford police currently short-staffed, Andy and Steph volunteer to put their holiday on hold and volunteer to pitch in to investigate Annie’s murder. The local police can find no sign that anyone else had been on the boat when she was killed, so they also manage to talk their boss DCI Jim Olroyd into volunteering his services, as they know this investigation will be right up his street.
Annie was one of a group of aging hippies who once played together in a popular folk group in the 90s and later decided to live together in a community of canal boats at Saltaire. Separated from her husband, also an ex folk group member, annie also had a number of disputes with local people and was known to be difficult so the police have their work cut out investigating a host of suspects.
I enjoyed the setting of the canals for this mystery as well as the communities and colourful characters that live on them. At first, I thought Ellis was going to give us a mystery that Andy and Steph solved on their own, using everything Olroyd had taught them. I find him a bit too ponderous at times so was looking forward to some young blood running the investigation their way and was a little disappointed that he stepped in to run the investigation in his own inimitable way. With an unknown motive and lots of suspects to investigate, the plot moves slowly and steadily until Olroyd cracks the case. Overall an enjoyable cozy mystery, although not my favourite in the series to date. 3.5★
With thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for a copy to read
With the local Bradford police currently short-staffed, Andy and Steph volunteer to put their holiday on hold and volunteer to pitch in to investigate Annie’s murder. The local police can find no sign that anyone else had been on the boat when she was killed, so they also manage to talk their boss DCI Jim Olroyd into volunteering his services, as they know this investigation will be right up his street.
Annie was one of a group of aging hippies who once played together in a popular folk group in the 90s and later decided to live together in a community of canal boats at Saltaire. Separated from her husband, also an ex folk group member, annie also had a number of disputes with local people and was known to be difficult so the police have their work cut out investigating a host of suspects.
I enjoyed the setting of the canals for this mystery as well as the communities and colourful characters that live on them. At first, I thought Ellis was going to give us a mystery that Andy and Steph solved on their own, using everything Olroyd had taught them. I find him a bit too ponderous at times so was looking forward to some young blood running the investigation their way and was a little disappointed that he stepped in to run the investigation in his own inimitable way. With an unknown motive and lots of suspects to investigate, the plot moves slowly and steadily until Olroyd cracks the case. Overall an enjoyable cozy mystery, although not my favourite in the series to date. 3.5★
With thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for a copy to read
April 28, 2024
Three and a half stars.
Steph and Andy are having a week's holiday on a canal boat, but the first morning Steph finds a drifting canal boat with a dead body on board while taking an early morning stroll along the canal path. The victim, Annie Shipton, was a former small-time folk singer in a band called Rowan. She and a few of her bandmates live on canal boats in the area. Steph and Andy are keen to get involved, especially because the local detective is an old friend, Jav, and because the team is short-staffed Jav ropes in DCI Oldroyd to lend a hand. The interesting thing about this case is that there is no evidence that anyone else was on Annie's barge when she was stabbed in the neck, and no signs of a struggle.
Annie Shipton seemed to have been a cantankerous old woman, even on the night before she died she got into a row with another woman who resented something Annie had said about her on her blog. Annie was also the spokesperson for a campaign to stop the redevelopment of a local mill and clashed with the guy leading the development. A divorcee with an adult daughter Annie owed money to almost everyone.
I enjoyed this mystery, I didn't guess the murderer, although I did wonder why they didn't tell the Police something ... well now I know :) The motive was understandable and the crime was well thought out.
When I got this ARC and realised it was the tenth in a series I started reading the earlier books on Kindle Unlimited, not wanting to miss any nuances from the previous books. However, at about the fourth book (and admittedly I was reading them one after the other) I felt they had become a bit same-same and Oldroyd's theatrical tendencies had become a bit tiresome. Nevertheless, I took a break, read a few rom-coms, something historical, then came back to this with a new zest. Although Oldroyd still has his idiosyncrasies, they were muted in this book and Steph in particular calls him out when he is tempted to indulge himself. Which is a long-winded way of saying I enjoyed this and will definitely be reading books five to nine in the series soon.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Steph and Andy are having a week's holiday on a canal boat, but the first morning Steph finds a drifting canal boat with a dead body on board while taking an early morning stroll along the canal path. The victim, Annie Shipton, was a former small-time folk singer in a band called Rowan. She and a few of her bandmates live on canal boats in the area. Steph and Andy are keen to get involved, especially because the local detective is an old friend, Jav, and because the team is short-staffed Jav ropes in DCI Oldroyd to lend a hand. The interesting thing about this case is that there is no evidence that anyone else was on Annie's barge when she was stabbed in the neck, and no signs of a struggle.
Annie Shipton seemed to have been a cantankerous old woman, even on the night before she died she got into a row with another woman who resented something Annie had said about her on her blog. Annie was also the spokesperson for a campaign to stop the redevelopment of a local mill and clashed with the guy leading the development. A divorcee with an adult daughter Annie owed money to almost everyone.
I enjoyed this mystery, I didn't guess the murderer, although I did wonder why they didn't tell the Police something ... well now I know :) The motive was understandable and the crime was well thought out.
When I got this ARC and realised it was the tenth in a series I started reading the earlier books on Kindle Unlimited, not wanting to miss any nuances from the previous books. However, at about the fourth book (and admittedly I was reading them one after the other) I felt they had become a bit same-same and Oldroyd's theatrical tendencies had become a bit tiresome. Nevertheless, I took a break, read a few rom-coms, something historical, then came back to this with a new zest. Although Oldroyd still has his idiosyncrasies, they were muted in this book and Steph in particular calls him out when he is tempted to indulge himself. Which is a long-winded way of saying I enjoyed this and will definitely be reading books five to nine in the series soon.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
April 26, 2025
In The Canal Murders, the tenth installment of J.R. Ellis’s Yorkshire Murder Mystery series, DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter are enjoying a canal holiday when they discover the body of retired folk musician Annie Shipton, stabbed through the neck at the helm of her barge. The perplexing nature of the crime—no signs of forced entry and no witnesses—leads to the involvement of DCI Jim Oldroyd.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that Annie had numerous conflicts: disputes with a young cyclist over towpath access, clashes with a local developer, tensions with her estranged husband, and unresolved issues with former bandmates from her folk group, The Rowans. The plot thickens when a second murder occurs, intensifying the urgency to solve the case.
The killer is revealed to be one of Annie’s former bandmates, driven by long-standing grievances and secrets from their shared past.
The Canal Murders presents an intriguing plot with a classic whodunit structure and a compelling twist at the end. The setting along the Yorkshire canals adds a unique atmosphere, and the historical tidbits interspersed throughout the chapters enrich the narrative.
However, the writing style can be repetitive, and some character interactions feel formulaic, particularly the unwavering admiration the junior detectives have for DCI Oldroyd. While the mystery itself is engaging, the prose occasionally lacks depth, which may detract from the overall reading experience.
Overall, it’s a decent read for fans of cozy mysteries, offering a solid plot but falling short in literary execution.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes evident that Annie had numerous conflicts: disputes with a young cyclist over towpath access, clashes with a local developer, tensions with her estranged husband, and unresolved issues with former bandmates from her folk group, The Rowans. The plot thickens when a second murder occurs, intensifying the urgency to solve the case.
The killer is revealed to be one of Annie’s former bandmates, driven by long-standing grievances and secrets from their shared past.
The Canal Murders presents an intriguing plot with a classic whodunit structure and a compelling twist at the end. The setting along the Yorkshire canals adds a unique atmosphere, and the historical tidbits interspersed throughout the chapters enrich the narrative.
However, the writing style can be repetitive, and some character interactions feel formulaic, particularly the unwavering admiration the junior detectives have for DCI Oldroyd. While the mystery itself is engaging, the prose occasionally lacks depth, which may detract from the overall reading experience.
Overall, it’s a decent read for fans of cozy mysteries, offering a solid plot but falling short in literary execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
The tenth book in the series, this was another enjoyable book.
DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter are on holiday, and enjoying a trip on a narrow boat on the canals. When they come across a musician found stabbed to death on her boat, they just had to start investigating.
Working to determine whether this was a murder, they realize that she was stabbed from behind, but it appears as no one else had been on her boat. How was the crime committed? They soon have a long list of suspects.
DCI Oldroyd is summoned to help them, and he continues in his usual fashion, with a very drole sense of humor, and a lot of stating the obvious! After a second murder, he works to find the killer before anyone else is hurt, and along the way manages to have his signature ‘aha’ moments. The two DS’s continue to almost worship their boss, and they can be simpering at times.
We get a lot of the history of the area, and of the canal system, in this novel and I enjoyed all these facts. I felt very much like I was there at the location. JR Ellis always does well with the descriptions of the location and the many local (and colorful) characters involved.
I have listened to most of the books in the series, and all of them have had the same narrator. I love that about listening to a series, as you feel like you are back with the voices of old friends. The narrator manages to give DCI Oldroyd a lot of gravitas. His female voice are not quite so well done, but I am used to that by now!
Another enjoyable book in this gentle, easy read series.
DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter are on holiday, and enjoying a trip on a narrow boat on the canals. When they come across a musician found stabbed to death on her boat, they just had to start investigating.
Working to determine whether this was a murder, they realize that she was stabbed from behind, but it appears as no one else had been on her boat. How was the crime committed? They soon have a long list of suspects.
DCI Oldroyd is summoned to help them, and he continues in his usual fashion, with a very drole sense of humor, and a lot of stating the obvious! After a second murder, he works to find the killer before anyone else is hurt, and along the way manages to have his signature ‘aha’ moments. The two DS’s continue to almost worship their boss, and they can be simpering at times.
We get a lot of the history of the area, and of the canal system, in this novel and I enjoyed all these facts. I felt very much like I was there at the location. JR Ellis always does well with the descriptions of the location and the many local (and colorful) characters involved.
I have listened to most of the books in the series, and all of them have had the same narrator. I love that about listening to a series, as you feel like you are back with the voices of old friends. The narrator manages to give DCI Oldroyd a lot of gravitas. His female voice are not quite so well done, but I am used to that by now!
Another enjoyable book in this gentle, easy read series.
February 7, 2025
As someone who lived next to a canal I could unfortunately immediately see how easily a person could be stabbed in the back of the head whilst standing on the tiny platform steering the boat., whilst no-one else was on the boat. This was a bit of a shame as the book then lost its shine for me!
However the two police officers who were on their boating holiday and who immediately volunteered to give up the rest of their venture to help their old friend Jav to solve the murder and even better if their boss DCI Olroyd came over from their station which was near to Jav's to help too. Now I can't really see his boss agreeing to this! Anyway he does and so Olroyd and Steph and Andy join up with Jav to solve the murder. I mean if I was standing next to them I could've told them how the stabbing happened, but...!!!
This book has the most beautiful cover I've ever seen! But then I'm a sucker for beautifully painted canal barges on canals moored up by a beautiful pub surrounded by a lot of greenery. If this book cover was a painting for sale, or a photograph I would be online buying it!
There are a plethora of suspects who could be the murderers and I had mentally narrowed it down to 3 and I was right for one of them, I'm thinking here should I have gone into police work, nah, was put off by having a policeman boyfriend who spent more time after hours working at the police station than he did with me. Not a life I fancied!! This is book 10 in the series and I think I read that there were 11/12? So I may not read any more then.
However the two police officers who were on their boating holiday and who immediately volunteered to give up the rest of their venture to help their old friend Jav to solve the murder and even better if their boss DCI Olroyd came over from their station which was near to Jav's to help too. Now I can't really see his boss agreeing to this! Anyway he does and so Olroyd and Steph and Andy join up with Jav to solve the murder. I mean if I was standing next to them I could've told them how the stabbing happened, but...!!!
This book has the most beautiful cover I've ever seen! But then I'm a sucker for beautifully painted canal barges on canals moored up by a beautiful pub surrounded by a lot of greenery. If this book cover was a painting for sale, or a photograph I would be online buying it!
There are a plethora of suspects who could be the murderers and I had mentally narrowed it down to 3 and I was right for one of them, I'm thinking here should I have gone into police work, nah, was put off by having a policeman boyfriend who spent more time after hours working at the police station than he did with me. Not a life I fancied!! This is book 10 in the series and I think I read that there were 11/12? So I may not read any more then.
March 13, 2024
I like the premise of this mystery: the surviving members of a popular-long-ago folk group now live in a larger narrow boat community in Yorkshire. When one of them is killed, it seems likely the roots of the crime are in the history of Rowan, the folk group. And DS Stephanie Johnson and DS Andy Carter just happen to be on their narrow boat holiday and at the scene of the crime. I like all of this, but...
Then they "persuade" DCI Oldroyd to come lead the investigation, even though it's not his jurisdiction. There are various rationales for this in the book, but it still feels incredibly farfetched. And Johnson and Carter's hero worship of Oldroyd gets old quickly to me. This is my first read in this series, but the plot and characterizations don't seem dependent on previous titles. But there's a lot of "They were familiar with this quirk of their boss..." and "They were used to their boss's various moods..." and that kind of thing.
The mystery and resolution work out neatly, and I enjoy the setting of a narrow boat community. And the characterizations of the various band- and community members have some depth and interest to them. Sometimes moreso than the main characters! I feel like Johnson and Carter are there simply to fawn over Oldroyd. I would've rather had Oldroyd out of the picture, really.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Then they "persuade" DCI Oldroyd to come lead the investigation, even though it's not his jurisdiction. There are various rationales for this in the book, but it still feels incredibly farfetched. And Johnson and Carter's hero worship of Oldroyd gets old quickly to me. This is my first read in this series, but the plot and characterizations don't seem dependent on previous titles. But there's a lot of "They were familiar with this quirk of their boss..." and "They were used to their boss's various moods..." and that kind of thing.
The mystery and resolution work out neatly, and I enjoy the setting of a narrow boat community. And the characterizations of the various band- and community members have some depth and interest to them. Sometimes moreso than the main characters! I feel like Johnson and Carter are there simply to fawn over Oldroyd. I would've rather had Oldroyd out of the picture, really.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2024
When I began writing my notes on the previous book in this series, I thought that I had been at fault for not continuing this delightful series. Since then I have discovered that I had read all the books that were available at that time. After finishing this book, I see that I have reached that point again. Lets hope my tracking system finds further books sooner this time.
This story takes us out of Harrogate and follows Andy and Steph onto the Leeds Liverpool canal near Saltaire where they have hired a narrowboat for a holiday afloat. When Steph wakes early on their first morning and discovers a dead body on a boat floating passed, their holiiday goes on hold. The D.I from Bradford who comes to take charge is their old colleague Javid Iqbal who, because of staff shortages is glad of their help and , bringing the old team together again, also coopts DCI Jim Oldroyd onto the investigation.
There were enough clues this time for even me to spot what was behind the death, although I did get the last bit wrong.
This is a series that suits me down to the ground. There is no sex or gratuitous violence, all of the books are set in well known Yorkshire locations of which I am familar and all of the main series characters are well described and the reader feels empathy with each.
Of course there is also good old Jim Oldroyd. I could almost imagine him as Jack Warner's PC49 George Dixon after a few promotions (for those old enough to remember the black and white BBC TV series)
This story takes us out of Harrogate and follows Andy and Steph onto the Leeds Liverpool canal near Saltaire where they have hired a narrowboat for a holiday afloat. When Steph wakes early on their first morning and discovers a dead body on a boat floating passed, their holiiday goes on hold. The D.I from Bradford who comes to take charge is their old colleague Javid Iqbal who, because of staff shortages is glad of their help and , bringing the old team together again, also coopts DCI Jim Oldroyd onto the investigation.
There were enough clues this time for even me to spot what was behind the death, although I did get the last bit wrong.
This is a series that suits me down to the ground. There is no sex or gratuitous violence, all of the books are set in well known Yorkshire locations of which I am familar and all of the main series characters are well described and the reader feels empathy with each.
Of course there is also good old Jim Oldroyd. I could almost imagine him as Jack Warner's PC49 George Dixon after a few promotions (for those old enough to remember the black and white BBC TV series)
April 18, 2024
I rarely ( as in almost never} read a series out of order, but I had an opportunity to read this 10th outing in J R Ellis' Yorkshire Murder Mysteries series and took it. I am glad that I did. This is a British police procedural that will appeal to readers of Elizabeth George's Inspector Linley and Caroline Graham's Midsomer Murders series, but it is more than that. It is obvious from the start that the central characters have history with and respect for each other, giving the story the heart that can separate a dry procedural from an entertaining read. Mr. Ellis further engages readers with interesting insights into the history of the canal system, as well as chapter introductions with folk music lyrics relevant to the storyline. Atmosphere, personalities, and procedures aside, this is a well crafted mystery that compels readers to puzzle out not only who did it but why and how. I confess that I did not solve any of the questions before they were revealed. I highly recommend this book to fans of the series but also to any who enjoy a good British whodunit with professional sleuths (a/k/a police officers).
The narration was excellent.
My thanks to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an opportunity to read and review this audiobook.
The narration was excellent.
My thanks to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an opportunity to read and review this audiobook.
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