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DCI Matt Ballard #6
The Bag of Secrets
Matt and Liz may have retired from the police, but that doesn’t guarantee a quiet life.
An abandoned carpet bag full of mysterious handwritten notes. A body in a marshy lagoon.
Matt is intrigued when his partner Liz brings home an old carpet bag she found dumped in the local library. It contains a pile of mysterious handwritten notes. Liz is convinced the bag belongs to Old Molly, a local woman who lives on the streets.
The following day, a body is discovered in a marshy lagoon. It’s Old Molly. Suffocated with an expensive men’s handkerchief.
Molly clearly knew something that got her killed. Liz believes she was trying to tell them something important. She calls on her nephew David to help decipher the carpet bag notes.
Meanwhile Matt is hired to find teenage runaway Liam Cooper. Liam has been missing for ten days now, and Matt has a very bad feeling about him.
A few days later, a second body is discovered in an old barn out on the fens.
Matt and Liz must piece together the cryptic clues Molly has left for them before more people die. The answers lead to the remote fenland village of Marshdyke-St-Mary — and a series of shocking secrets stretching back many years.
An abandoned carpet bag full of mysterious handwritten notes. A body in a marshy lagoon.
Matt is intrigued when his partner Liz brings home an old carpet bag she found dumped in the local library. It contains a pile of mysterious handwritten notes. Liz is convinced the bag belongs to Old Molly, a local woman who lives on the streets.
The following day, a body is discovered in a marshy lagoon. It’s Old Molly. Suffocated with an expensive men’s handkerchief.
Molly clearly knew something that got her killed. Liz believes she was trying to tell them something important. She calls on her nephew David to help decipher the carpet bag notes.
Meanwhile Matt is hired to find teenage runaway Liam Cooper. Liam has been missing for ten days now, and Matt has a very bad feeling about him.
A few days later, a second body is discovered in an old barn out on the fens.
Matt and Liz must piece together the cryptic clues Molly has left for them before more people die. The answers lead to the remote fenland village of Marshdyke-St-Mary — and a series of shocking secrets stretching back many years.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2023
1847 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
63 books2,462 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
November 19, 2023
The Bag of Secrets is the 6th in the Matt Ellis series. I enjoyed this more than some of the recent books in the series. Matt is working on the case of a missing teenager. The boy has gone missing before, so the police don’t expend a lot of effort in the case. Meanwhile, Liz is given a carpet bag left in the library. The bag belonged to a homeless woman who had gone missing. Soon enough, her body is found and she’s been murdered.
Both stories were equally engaging. And I adored that the investigation became almost a community effort, that so many people (and dogs) were committed to bringing the murderer to justice. This was just a feel good story. But it’s also a darn good, fast paced plot. One part of the story is left hanging, which has me wondering if it will pop up again in a later book.
I love that Joy Ellis shares characters across her series. So one of my favorites, pathologist Rory Wilkerson, makes an appearance here and is his normal charming self.
Although part of a series, I feel this could be read as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of this book.
Both stories were equally engaging. And I adored that the investigation became almost a community effort, that so many people (and dogs) were committed to bringing the murderer to justice. This was just a feel good story. But it’s also a darn good, fast paced plot. One part of the story is left hanging, which has me wondering if it will pop up again in a later book.
I love that Joy Ellis shares characters across her series. So one of my favorites, pathologist Rory Wilkerson, makes an appearance here and is his normal charming self.
Although part of a series, I feel this could be read as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of this book.
December 5, 2023
Joy Ellis never disappoints!
This was a gripping thriller, with a well thought out plot and complimented by the author's astute twist at the end of the story. A homeless down and out "bag lady" is found dead and a troubled teenager goes missing from home. The police are not particularly interested but, a former DCI turned private investigator delves deeper into these apparently unconnected mysteries. The "bag lady" had a remarkable history and was in fear of her life, with good reasons. Close knit communities with dark secrets were at the core of this mystery. All in all another excellent and fast moving tale from the pen of Joy Ellis.
This was a gripping thriller, with a well thought out plot and complimented by the author's astute twist at the end of the story. A homeless down and out "bag lady" is found dead and a troubled teenager goes missing from home. The police are not particularly interested but, a former DCI turned private investigator delves deeper into these apparently unconnected mysteries. The "bag lady" had a remarkable history and was in fear of her life, with good reasons. Close knit communities with dark secrets were at the core of this mystery. All in all another excellent and fast moving tale from the pen of Joy Ellis.
November 9, 2023
Detective Matt Ballard #6
Matt and Liz may have retired from the police, but that doesn't guarantee them a quiet life.
Matt is intrigued when Liz brings home an old carper bag she found dumped in the local library. It contains a pile of mysterious handwritten notes. Liz is convinced the bag belonged to Old Molly, a local woman who lives on the streets. The following day, a body is discovered in a marshy lagoon. It's Old Molly. Suffocated with an expensive handkerchief.
I was quickly pulled into this story. I like Matt and Liz, they work well together. They're trying to decipher the cryptic notes left in a carpet bag belonging to Old Molly, a homeless woman. The bag was filled with these notes. They think Molly was hiding something. There is also a missing teenager that Matt is trying to find. I quite enjoy this series. The characters are likable, the pace is fast, and I like the author's writing style. This book can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JoyEllis for my ARC of #TheBagOfSecrfets in exchange for an honest review,
Matt and Liz may have retired from the police, but that doesn't guarantee them a quiet life.
Matt is intrigued when Liz brings home an old carper bag she found dumped in the local library. It contains a pile of mysterious handwritten notes. Liz is convinced the bag belonged to Old Molly, a local woman who lives on the streets. The following day, a body is discovered in a marshy lagoon. It's Old Molly. Suffocated with an expensive handkerchief.
I was quickly pulled into this story. I like Matt and Liz, they work well together. They're trying to decipher the cryptic notes left in a carpet bag belonging to Old Molly, a homeless woman. The bag was filled with these notes. They think Molly was hiding something. There is also a missing teenager that Matt is trying to find. I quite enjoy this series. The characters are likable, the pace is fast, and I like the author's writing style. This book can be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JoyEllis for my ARC of #TheBagOfSecrfets in exchange for an honest review,
November 22, 2023
Many thanks to both Joffe Books Ltd and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review a copy of The Bag of Secrets. This book is #6 in the DCI Matt Ballard series.
Molly clearly knew something that got her killed. Liz believes she was trying to tell them something important. She calls on her nephew David to help decipher the carpet bag notes.
I jumped into this series with #6 but I feel it can be read as a standalone. When I first started The Bag of Secrets, it felt like a bit of a folksy, slow burn of a novel. However, the more I read, the more I found myself caring about all of the characters. I also found England’s rural fenland to be a fascinating place, with its never-ending fields and winding tracks.
The Bag of Secrets is a puzzle ... and one that is loaded with mysterious clues!
Molly clearly knew something that got her killed. Liz believes she was trying to tell them something important. She calls on her nephew David to help decipher the carpet bag notes.
I jumped into this series with #6 but I feel it can be read as a standalone. When I first started The Bag of Secrets, it felt like a bit of a folksy, slow burn of a novel. However, the more I read, the more I found myself caring about all of the characters. I also found England’s rural fenland to be a fascinating place, with its never-ending fields and winding tracks.
The Bag of Secrets is a puzzle ... and one that is loaded with mysterious clues!
November 25, 2023
A new author for me and I loved it. It didn't matter that I hadn't read any of the others in this series as it read as a stand alone book. I loved the affection between the two main characters and the story was so good. I will definitely be reading more of hers in the future. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 30, 2024
What Joy! Having read a few ‘heavy’ books recently it was lovely to read a straight forward detective story. I always enjoy Joy Ellis’s books.
November 23, 2023
A superb read - and a great addition to this series!
When Liz comes home from the library with a carpet bag full of old scraps of paper, Matt is intrigued. Liz is sure the bag belongs to Old Molly, a homeless woman they both know. The very next day, Molly's body turns up - she's been murdered. It seems she knew something important and has left a series of clues - but can they unravel them?
I love characters of Matt & Liz, so I'm always thrilled when there's a new book in this series. This is a particularly enigmatic read with lots going on and it's not cleared up until the very final few pages. Beautifully written, as always, from Joy Ellis, and certainly my favourite of this series so far. 5* and my highest recommendation.
When Liz comes home from the library with a carpet bag full of old scraps of paper, Matt is intrigued. Liz is sure the bag belongs to Old Molly, a homeless woman they both know. The very next day, Molly's body turns up - she's been murdered. It seems she knew something important and has left a series of clues - but can they unravel them?
I love characters of Matt & Liz, so I'm always thrilled when there's a new book in this series. This is a particularly enigmatic read with lots going on and it's not cleared up until the very final few pages. Beautifully written, as always, from Joy Ellis, and certainly my favourite of this series so far. 5* and my highest recommendation.
February 21, 2024
I got bored reading it. Lots of repetition to events. The book could have been much smaller. The story is a bit unbelievable. Didn't enjoy it like Ellis's other books
December 30, 2023
In a nutshell, “The Bag of Secrets” by Joy Ellis is a reasonably written novel and easy to read. However, the many inconsistencies, implausible plot lines and ingratiating, syrupy-sweet characters detracted from my overall enjoyment.
Therefore, I could only give the book a score of 3.2 out of 5 (rounded down to 3 stars).
Following are some notes/comments I made while reading:
- Certainly not a detracting element of the novel but I did find myself guessing the intent of some words/phrases and, at other times, looking online for the meanings as there was a peppering of UK terms/slang (including rhyming) such as:
* “pasting” = beating,
* “half-inched” = steal
* “brown bread” = dead
* “lawk” = expression of surprise
* “Real old Yellowbellies” = a nickname for people from the Lincolnshire Fens
- All sounded rather convenient with Jeff, David’s friend, who not only could have been a pro footballer, was a martial arts expert and a whizz at parkour (or similar) but was also available to come to Matt and Liz’s house the next day.
- In the first few chapters of reading, I couldn’t quite get out of my head “The Famous Five Does Dorset”!!!
- Characters are lovely but just too syrupy nice.
- There was no mention of how Matt and Liz were paid (nor any of the other characters who aided the case) … most people don’t do work pro bono - I wondered how all these people survived in this modern world of consumerism!
- Made little sense why ‘Smokey Joe’ didn’t go to the police when he knew Molly had been murdered especially since people were also after him - this also didn’t ring true to me since ‘Smokey Joe’ had been previously in the army so should be comfortable with the authorities and their abilities.
- The whole Bunker induction program in a quiet little English village construct seemed rather preposterous. And the thread regarding selecting wayward teenagers for some nefarious program was never explained by the end of the book and again, was quite a ludicrous construct.
- Though even more unlikely was the idea being the original construction of the bunker around WWII by the 3 wealthy families of the village: which was to dispose of bodies from that date and continued up until the present day (so 80 years) - come on, really?
- And everyone seems to know everyone else or be connected in some way - all rather incestuous … let alone the incestuous angle that was stated had been happening for decades within the 3 main families!
- The letter that Molly had secreted in a sleeping backpack was not very plausible for someone to do who was in fear of her life. And then to spend an inordinate amount of time concocting riddles and hiding clues in a library book and secreting further messages in places mostly owned by the people who were responsible for the illegal/illicit activities (and the ones she feared) rather than simply going to the police or keeping multiple documents with numerous people or even just confiding in others.
- The autistic/retarded/inbred child was a very weak character and not believable that he acted on instruction by his father to hurt (even kill people). Not very likely to be a targeted killer given his mental state. As well as that same father murdering his wife because the stirring of a spoon in her tea cup which just set him off. Given they had been married for decades and had two adult children, why did he shoot her in cold blood now rather than years before?
Therefore, I could only give the book a score of 3.2 out of 5 (rounded down to 3 stars).
Following are some notes/comments I made while reading:
- Certainly not a detracting element of the novel but I did find myself guessing the intent of some words/phrases and, at other times, looking online for the meanings as there was a peppering of UK terms/slang (including rhyming) such as:
* “pasting” = beating,
* “half-inched” = steal
* “brown bread” = dead
* “lawk” = expression of surprise
* “Real old Yellowbellies” = a nickname for people from the Lincolnshire Fens
- All sounded rather convenient with Jeff, David’s friend, who not only could have been a pro footballer, was a martial arts expert and a whizz at parkour (or similar) but was also available to come to Matt and Liz’s house the next day.
- In the first few chapters of reading, I couldn’t quite get out of my head “The Famous Five Does Dorset”!!!
- Characters are lovely but just too syrupy nice.
- There was no mention of how Matt and Liz were paid (nor any of the other characters who aided the case) … most people don’t do work pro bono - I wondered how all these people survived in this modern world of consumerism!
- Made little sense why ‘Smokey Joe’ didn’t go to the police when he knew Molly had been murdered especially since people were also after him - this also didn’t ring true to me since ‘Smokey Joe’ had been previously in the army so should be comfortable with the authorities and their abilities.
- The whole Bunker induction program in a quiet little English village construct seemed rather preposterous. And the thread regarding selecting wayward teenagers for some nefarious program was never explained by the end of the book and again, was quite a ludicrous construct.
- Though even more unlikely was the idea being the original construction of the bunker around WWII by the 3 wealthy families of the village: which was to dispose of bodies from that date and continued up until the present day (so 80 years) - come on, really?
- And everyone seems to know everyone else or be connected in some way - all rather incestuous … let alone the incestuous angle that was stated had been happening for decades within the 3 main families!
- The letter that Molly had secreted in a sleeping backpack was not very plausible for someone to do who was in fear of her life. And then to spend an inordinate amount of time concocting riddles and hiding clues in a library book and secreting further messages in places mostly owned by the people who were responsible for the illegal/illicit activities (and the ones she feared) rather than simply going to the police or keeping multiple documents with numerous people or even just confiding in others.
- The autistic/retarded/inbred child was a very weak character and not believable that he acted on instruction by his father to hurt (even kill people). Not very likely to be a targeted killer given his mental state. As well as that same father murdering his wife because the stirring of a spoon in her tea cup which just set him off. Given they had been married for decades and had two adult children, why did he shoot her in cold blood now rather than years before?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2023
The Bag of Secrets by Joy Ellis is a new crime thriller that has an interesting storyline, good suspense, and interesting characters. The author writes in a way that immerses the reader in the scenes and locale.
The book's premise is that Matt and Liz may have retired from the police, but that doesn’t guarantee a quiet life. An abandoned carpet bag full of mysterious handwritten notes. A body in a marshy lagoon.
Matt is intrigued when his partner Liz brings home an old carpet bag she found dumped in the local library. It contains a pile of mysterious handwritten notes. Liz is convinced the bag belongs to Old Molly, a local woman who lives on the streets.
The following day, a body is discovered in a marshy lagoon. It’s Old Molly. Molly clearly knew something that got her killed. Liz believes she was trying to tell them something important. Matt and Liz must piece together the cryptic clues Molly has left for them before more people die.
I was able to read this book in one sitting. It held my interest and I liked getting to know these characters.
I will need to go and check out more books by this author and her other series.
#THEBAGOFSECRETS #NetGalley @JoffeBooks
The book's premise is that Matt and Liz may have retired from the police, but that doesn’t guarantee a quiet life. An abandoned carpet bag full of mysterious handwritten notes. A body in a marshy lagoon.
Matt is intrigued when his partner Liz brings home an old carpet bag she found dumped in the local library. It contains a pile of mysterious handwritten notes. Liz is convinced the bag belongs to Old Molly, a local woman who lives on the streets.
The following day, a body is discovered in a marshy lagoon. It’s Old Molly. Molly clearly knew something that got her killed. Liz believes she was trying to tell them something important. Matt and Liz must piece together the cryptic clues Molly has left for them before more people die.
I was able to read this book in one sitting. It held my interest and I liked getting to know these characters.
I will need to go and check out more books by this author and her other series.
#THEBAGOFSECRETS #NetGalley @JoffeBooks
March 17, 2024
I don't know how Joy Ellis does it. Few authors manage to write three crime series simultaneously and keep up a consistent 5 star story but she seems to do it seamlessly. Every time I read one of her books I think this is my favourite series so it goes without saying that the Haynes/Ballard books are foremost in my mind at the moment. I love a good mystery and have pretty good organisational skills so the idea of going through Old Molly's bag of what seems to be the musings of an homeless woman really appealed to me. I was very happy to see the return of Liz's nephew David in this book. He's a really likeable character and I love the way he looks after Liz. The addition of his mate Jeff who is working on a separate case with Matt was an added bonus. The jewel in the crown of Joy's work is of course senior pathologist Rory Wilkinson. He doesn't feature in every book but as soon as he appears in his ancient Citroen it puts a smile on my face. Cleverly the author left a couple of minor loose ends in this book which has me wondering just what direction she will take with them and looking forward to finding out.
December 10, 2023
I'm late to the party on this series, but I loved this one anyway.
Matt was a DCI and Liz was a DS until they were invalided out because of things that happened On The Job and now are working together as private investigators. They are motivated to due diligence to serve justice no matter who the victim was, but they are paired with a self-serving self-entitled as their liaison with the police (who are stretched way too far). The cases are very complex. Who was the homeless woman, really, and why did she fear exposure? What happened to the self-absorbed teenager who ran away AGAIN but didn't return this time?
Excellent plot, investigations, twists, characters, and the ability to keep me reading on into the night! Now I want to go back in series to find out more of the detectives' backstories!
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Matt was a DCI and Liz was a DS until they were invalided out because of things that happened On The Job and now are working together as private investigators. They are motivated to due diligence to serve justice no matter who the victim was, but they are paired with a self-serving self-entitled as their liaison with the police (who are stretched way too far). The cases are very complex. Who was the homeless woman, really, and why did she fear exposure? What happened to the self-absorbed teenager who ran away AGAIN but didn't return this time?
Excellent plot, investigations, twists, characters, and the ability to keep me reading on into the night! Now I want to go back in series to find out more of the detectives' backstories!
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
April 26, 2024
Really enjoyed this latest installment in the Matt Ballard series. What a story, the thing with Joy Ellis is she weaves a fantastic yarn with fabulous a family of characters as they investigate all manner of things.
April 2, 2025
I did enjoy this book. More like a 4.5.
November 8, 2023
Liv brings home a carpet bag full of written notes left at the library by Molly, an old homeless lady. She shows it to Matt who's busy trying to find a missing boy after his parents hired the Detective Agency.
Liz is determined to find out what Molly has written on all the random pieces of paper. especially when Molly is found murdered.
Together with the team of good friends they manage to solve both cases in a very thrilling book. I have subsequently downloaded 3 more in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Liz is determined to find out what Molly has written on all the random pieces of paper. especially when Molly is found murdered.
Together with the team of good friends they manage to solve both cases in a very thrilling book. I have subsequently downloaded 3 more in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
February 23, 2024
Ex-Chief Inspector Matt Ballard and his partner ex-DS Liz Haynes now run a Private Detective Agency. Currently they have more work than they can handle. A case of shoplifting, and trying to locate teenager Liam Cooper, who has been missing for ten days. But when Liz returns home with a carpet bag bulging with papers, handwritten on odd bits of paper, handed to her by librarian Chris Lamont, who is certain it was left by Old Molly, the bag lady, who is homeless and who has not been seen since> Like Liz his interest is aroused. The contents are random notes, but their content is disturbing, whoever wrote them, is very afraid. Because of their current workload, Liz contacts her nephew David, who is delighted to come and help decipher the miscellaneous scraps of paper.
When a body is discovered lying in a lagoon of brackish water PC Jack, ‘Swifty’ Fleet recognises the bundle of rags as Old Molly. It doesn’t take their old friend pathologist Professor Rory Wilkinson long to establish that she has been murdered.
As David painstakingly works his way through the bundles of notes on scrappy bits of paper, some on old birthday cards that have obviously been pulled from a bin, it becomes abundantly clear that Molly was frightened, and was leaving clues in case she was found and killed by whoever was after her.
Because the police are currently so overstretched DCI Charley Anders, Matts ex-boss, has cleared them to work on the murder and gives them DC Darren Norton as official help. Darren is about as much use as a chocolate teapot, as the grandson of chief Superintendent Ewin Norton, he doesn’t think investigating the murder of an old bag woman is worth his time.
While Liz is seeking people who knew Molly, she finds Clem and his dog Gunner. Clem is distraught as Molly gave him something to keep safe for her and he has lost it. Matt is talking to Jaxon, one of Liam’s friends, it’s like pulling teeth but finally he says that Liam keep talking about a place called the Bunker, he wouldn’t tell me where it is, but said it was zero cool! As Matt continues his search for Liam he hears further references to the Bunker, but no one knows where it is or what happens there.
Then a second body is found in a barn out on the fens.
The trail leads them to the remote fenland village of Marshdyke-St-Mary. Matt and Liz must piece together the cryptic clues Molly has left for them before more people die. The answers lead to some shocking secrets stretching back many years.
As in all Joy’s books there are some marvellously fleshed out character’s Smokey Joe, George Miles, Clem and his dog Gunner, and Jeff, what a great character is young Jeff. I wanted to meet them all.
I could not put this book down. Intricately plotted the strands of the two investigations slowly come together providing an enthralling mystery. Most highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
When a body is discovered lying in a lagoon of brackish water PC Jack, ‘Swifty’ Fleet recognises the bundle of rags as Old Molly. It doesn’t take their old friend pathologist Professor Rory Wilkinson long to establish that she has been murdered.
As David painstakingly works his way through the bundles of notes on scrappy bits of paper, some on old birthday cards that have obviously been pulled from a bin, it becomes abundantly clear that Molly was frightened, and was leaving clues in case she was found and killed by whoever was after her.
Because the police are currently so overstretched DCI Charley Anders, Matts ex-boss, has cleared them to work on the murder and gives them DC Darren Norton as official help. Darren is about as much use as a chocolate teapot, as the grandson of chief Superintendent Ewin Norton, he doesn’t think investigating the murder of an old bag woman is worth his time.
While Liz is seeking people who knew Molly, she finds Clem and his dog Gunner. Clem is distraught as Molly gave him something to keep safe for her and he has lost it. Matt is talking to Jaxon, one of Liam’s friends, it’s like pulling teeth but finally he says that Liam keep talking about a place called the Bunker, he wouldn’t tell me where it is, but said it was zero cool! As Matt continues his search for Liam he hears further references to the Bunker, but no one knows where it is or what happens there.
Then a second body is found in a barn out on the fens.
The trail leads them to the remote fenland village of Marshdyke-St-Mary. Matt and Liz must piece together the cryptic clues Molly has left for them before more people die. The answers lead to some shocking secrets stretching back many years.
As in all Joy’s books there are some marvellously fleshed out character’s Smokey Joe, George Miles, Clem and his dog Gunner, and Jeff, what a great character is young Jeff. I wanted to meet them all.
I could not put this book down. Intricately plotted the strands of the two investigations slowly come together providing an enthralling mystery. Most highly recommended.
------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
November 20, 2023
"The Bag of Secrets" unfolds a riveting mystery that pulled me into a world where retired detectives Matt and Liz are drawn back into a whirlpool of suspense and intrigue. It initially began with the innocuous discovery of an abandoned carpet bag filled with cryptic notes that quickly escalated into a haunting series of events. Joy Ellis blends the ordinary with the extraordinary.
The discovery of Old Molly’s body in the marshy lagoon sparked a chain of events, signaling danger and the urgency to decode the secrets concealed within the bag. Ellis constructed a narrative labyrinth where the pieces of this cryptic puzzle seemed to converge and diverge simultaneously. The stakes heightened as Matt was faced with the task of finding the missing teenager, Liam Cooper.
As the investigation progressed, each revelation deepened the intrigue, leading Matt, Liz, and her nephew, David, down a trail of clandestine notes and hidden truths. The atmosphere Ellis created is thick with suspense, suspicion, and eerie undertones. The remote village of Marshdyke-St-Mary is the setting for a sinister series of revelations, unveiling a hidden past shrouded in secrecy.
Ellis immerses readers in a world where every twist and turn uncovers another layer of the chilling truth. The unraveling of secrets kept me engaged, creating an irresistible allure that gripped me from start to finish.
"The Bag of Secrets" captivates with its well-drawn plot and an intricately constructed puzzle of mysterious clues. Ellis was successful in keeping me on the edge of my seat, eagerly unraveling the web of secrets, and yearning for the next revelation. This book promises a journey through a labyrinth of secrets and suspense.
"A gripping and atmospheric mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end."
"Ellis spins a web of intrigue and suspense, drawing readers into a world of hidden secrets."
"An intricately woven tale of cryptic clues and sinister revelations."
"Immersive and chilling, a compelling journey through a landscape of suspense."
"A masterful blend of ordinary lives entangled in an extraordinary mystery."
"With palpable tension and eerie undertones, Ellis delivers an unforgettable mystery."
"A captivating narrative filled with suspenseful twists and haunting discoveries."
"Ellis crafts a labyrinth of secrets that will keep you hooked from start to finish."
"Enigmatic and compelling, each revelation deepens the mystery's allure."
"A gripping whodunit that unfolds against a setting of hidden truths and suspense."
The discovery of Old Molly’s body in the marshy lagoon sparked a chain of events, signaling danger and the urgency to decode the secrets concealed within the bag. Ellis constructed a narrative labyrinth where the pieces of this cryptic puzzle seemed to converge and diverge simultaneously. The stakes heightened as Matt was faced with the task of finding the missing teenager, Liam Cooper.
As the investigation progressed, each revelation deepened the intrigue, leading Matt, Liz, and her nephew, David, down a trail of clandestine notes and hidden truths. The atmosphere Ellis created is thick with suspense, suspicion, and eerie undertones. The remote village of Marshdyke-St-Mary is the setting for a sinister series of revelations, unveiling a hidden past shrouded in secrecy.
Ellis immerses readers in a world where every twist and turn uncovers another layer of the chilling truth. The unraveling of secrets kept me engaged, creating an irresistible allure that gripped me from start to finish.
"The Bag of Secrets" captivates with its well-drawn plot and an intricately constructed puzzle of mysterious clues. Ellis was successful in keeping me on the edge of my seat, eagerly unraveling the web of secrets, and yearning for the next revelation. This book promises a journey through a labyrinth of secrets and suspense.
"A gripping and atmospheric mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end."
"Ellis spins a web of intrigue and suspense, drawing readers into a world of hidden secrets."
"An intricately woven tale of cryptic clues and sinister revelations."
"Immersive and chilling, a compelling journey through a landscape of suspense."
"A masterful blend of ordinary lives entangled in an extraordinary mystery."
"With palpable tension and eerie undertones, Ellis delivers an unforgettable mystery."
"A captivating narrative filled with suspenseful twists and haunting discoveries."
"Ellis crafts a labyrinth of secrets that will keep you hooked from start to finish."
"Enigmatic and compelling, each revelation deepens the mystery's allure."
"A gripping whodunit that unfolds against a setting of hidden truths and suspense."
November 26, 2023
Private detectives ex-DCI Matt Ballard and his partner in everything ex-DS Liz Haynes, working at Cannon Farm in Tanners Fen, already have their hands full with two cases, shoplifting and a missing teenager Liam Cooper, when Liz is given an old carpet bag left at the library. Retired copper and now librarian Chris Lamont is convinced it was left behind by Molly the Bag Lady for him to find and has passed it onto a very intrigued Liz. It contains a mass of bits of scrap paper on which Molly has made some very disturbing notes. A puzzle perfect for Liz’s nephew David, especially as his holiday has fallen through and he’s at a loose end, and David is more than happy to help. A dog walker discovers a body washed up by the river and PC Jack Fleet (Swifty) recognises Molly. Unfortunately it’s soon shown to be a case of murder and Molly’s friend Smokey Joe is also missing. Could Molly’s bag hold the key to her death and possibly something much older and darker? While Matt concentrates on finding Liam, concerned that the boy is in real trouble this time, Liz and David, together with some unofficial help from their old friend the absolutely wonderful pathologist Prof Rory Wilkinson and less help from their official contact, DC Darren Norton, probe into Molly’s life and soon discover that an item left for safe keeping with a homeless veteran has been stolen, leading them to wonder if another life is in danger. Meanwhile some other residents of the marshes are also very worried about their situations and the secrets they are keeping. And then a second body is discovered.
The Fenland setting is perfect for this murder mystery, full of remote insular villages, hard to find locations and buried secrets. Matt and Liz are not only a really lovely couple but also were highly respected experienced and intuitive officers, so it’s no surprise that they have so many great links in the community and that the majority of serving officers in the Fenland Constabulary positively welcome their help with active cases. These and other beautifully crafted characters, such as Tilly, Hazel, Swifty, Joe, Clem and Jeff, are effortlessly created by the author in an intricate web of strands that are cunningly woven together until the whole dark horrific picture is displayed in a superbly clever story simply brimming with tension and twists. Of course, the star for me is Gunner! Another surefire hit for this master storyteller!
The Fenland setting is perfect for this murder mystery, full of remote insular villages, hard to find locations and buried secrets. Matt and Liz are not only a really lovely couple but also were highly respected experienced and intuitive officers, so it’s no surprise that they have so many great links in the community and that the majority of serving officers in the Fenland Constabulary positively welcome their help with active cases. These and other beautifully crafted characters, such as Tilly, Hazel, Swifty, Joe, Clem and Jeff, are effortlessly created by the author in an intricate web of strands that are cunningly woven together until the whole dark horrific picture is displayed in a superbly clever story simply brimming with tension and twists. Of course, the star for me is Gunner! Another surefire hit for this master storyteller!
November 22, 2023
I'm a bad person who doesn't always practice what she preaches! But hey... we all got to be rebels sometime - innit!?
So, this is book 6 in this series featuring retired police Matt and Liz, and, where I am fully up to date with this author's Jackman and Evans series and playing catch-up with the Nikki Galena one (currently on book 4) I have to admit that this is my first in this series. I know... :( But, although I will go back and read/listen to the previous ones, I have to admit that I absolutely loved this book, despite going into the characters cold. I think it helped that it is set in the same world as the other two and does have a bit of a crossover with the inclusion of a familiar well loved character...
So... Matt's interest is piqued when Liz brings home an old carpet bag that had been abandoned at the local library. It belongs to Old Molly, a local street woman who everyone around is familiar with. But why has she abandoned her bag. And, more importantly, where is she? On investigation, the bag contains lots of handwritten notes on various bits of paper, some pristine, others just scraps she must have found. When Molly's body is soon discovered suffocated, the interest steps up a gear and Liz calls in her nephew David to help. She needs it as Matt has a case of his own - that of serial runaway Liam Cooper who has excelled himself this time...
And so begins a double investigation, both of which really did hold me captive throughout my time with the book. Switching between seamlessly even with the two rather convoluted plots...
As with the other two series that I am more familiar with, this book exceeded all expectations. The plots are tight and well executed and contain all you need for this genre book. Secrets, lies, red herrings, twists and turns. But the plot would be nothing if it didn't have the characters to play it out and here the author also does a bang up job! Pacing is consistent and matches the narrative all the way through, ramping up towards the end, which also left me satisfied. And with scant waffle or padding it gets on with itself very well. All in all another cracker from an author who despite me only discovering recently has catapulted herself into my top 10. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So, this is book 6 in this series featuring retired police Matt and Liz, and, where I am fully up to date with this author's Jackman and Evans series and playing catch-up with the Nikki Galena one (currently on book 4) I have to admit that this is my first in this series. I know... :( But, although I will go back and read/listen to the previous ones, I have to admit that I absolutely loved this book, despite going into the characters cold. I think it helped that it is set in the same world as the other two and does have a bit of a crossover with the inclusion of a familiar well loved character...
So... Matt's interest is piqued when Liz brings home an old carpet bag that had been abandoned at the local library. It belongs to Old Molly, a local street woman who everyone around is familiar with. But why has she abandoned her bag. And, more importantly, where is she? On investigation, the bag contains lots of handwritten notes on various bits of paper, some pristine, others just scraps she must have found. When Molly's body is soon discovered suffocated, the interest steps up a gear and Liz calls in her nephew David to help. She needs it as Matt has a case of his own - that of serial runaway Liam Cooper who has excelled himself this time...
And so begins a double investigation, both of which really did hold me captive throughout my time with the book. Switching between seamlessly even with the two rather convoluted plots...
As with the other two series that I am more familiar with, this book exceeded all expectations. The plots are tight and well executed and contain all you need for this genre book. Secrets, lies, red herrings, twists and turns. But the plot would be nothing if it didn't have the characters to play it out and here the author also does a bang up job! Pacing is consistent and matches the narrative all the way through, ramping up towards the end, which also left me satisfied. And with scant waffle or padding it gets on with itself very well. All in all another cracker from an author who despite me only discovering recently has catapulted herself into my top 10. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
April 19, 2024
Engrossing thriller
I enjoy the Matt Ballard series because the two main characters, Matt and his partner Liz, are kind, likeable and actually quite believable in their roles as retired police officers turned detectives.
In this thriller, it seems Matt and Liz are absorbed in two different cases: the disappearance of a wayward young man from the local Fen area and the murder of a homeless woman. But are they different or is there a connection? And what would the connection be?
In the course of the book they are joined a group of equally likeable, quite disparate characters: two young men, a nephew of Liz’s and his parkeuring (had to look THAT up) friend, an ex police officer turned librarian, another ex police officer who looks after her aged grandmother, a homeless vagabond who, the author writes in a postscript, is based on someone she knew as a child, a musician and a man who has had to disappear, terrified for his life because of what the mysterious murderer of the homeless woman thinks she told him before she died. Oh and there are several dogs as well. Overarching it all is the figure of the woman herself, who turns out to have been much more than “just another homeless bag lady.”
The review title says there is a “huge twist” but I confess I am not sure what the publicists see as the HUGE twist. There are a few twists along the way but I didn’t consider the ending to be huge because one of the last reveals in the book about one of the minor characters. It’s a bit of a surprise but since that character wasn’t fully fleshed out in the novel, and since there’s no BIG role for the character even at the end, it’s more of a “oh, that’s interesting” and a way for one of the other minor characters to redeem himself.
All in all, it was a very satisfying read and I am now going to poke around and see if there’s a Book 7 in the series yet.
I enjoy the Matt Ballard series because the two main characters, Matt and his partner Liz, are kind, likeable and actually quite believable in their roles as retired police officers turned detectives.
In this thriller, it seems Matt and Liz are absorbed in two different cases: the disappearance of a wayward young man from the local Fen area and the murder of a homeless woman. But are they different or is there a connection? And what would the connection be?
In the course of the book they are joined a group of equally likeable, quite disparate characters: two young men, a nephew of Liz’s and his parkeuring (had to look THAT up) friend, an ex police officer turned librarian, another ex police officer who looks after her aged grandmother, a homeless vagabond who, the author writes in a postscript, is based on someone she knew as a child, a musician and a man who has had to disappear, terrified for his life because of what the mysterious murderer of the homeless woman thinks she told him before she died. Oh and there are several dogs as well. Overarching it all is the figure of the woman herself, who turns out to have been much more than “just another homeless bag lady.”
The review title says there is a “huge twist” but I confess I am not sure what the publicists see as the HUGE twist. There are a few twists along the way but I didn’t consider the ending to be huge because one of the last reveals in the book about one of the minor characters. It’s a bit of a surprise but since that character wasn’t fully fleshed out in the novel, and since there’s no BIG role for the character even at the end, it’s more of a “oh, that’s interesting” and a way for one of the other minor characters to redeem himself.
All in all, it was a very satisfying read and I am now going to poke around and see if there’s a Book 7 in the series yet.
November 6, 2023
When the body of a homeless woman is found, the police can't make it a priority as they have their hands full with the living and assign it to a rather arrogant DC who has much to learn, both in life and the job. Matt and Liz are handed a bag belonging to Molly, the deceased and it appears she may have been hiding something and they get the green light to investigate further. She wasn't who she first appeared to be and another homeless man knows there is another clue if only he can find it. There is also a teenager missing, one who has gone AWOL before but this time there’s something rather more about it. There’s a clue of “ The Bunker” and it's hard to find out exactly what this is as it's a well kept secret and those in the know are under pressure for it to remain so. What on earth is going on in the fens and why?
I love this series (they do stand alone). There’s a wonderful camaraderie between Matt and Liz, and of course Rory the pathologist who is larger than life in his clever wit and exuberance. Joy has the masterful skill of bringing the characters to life and Rory is one I’d love to meet if he was real! It's a very well crafted and carefully thought out plot ( as ever with Joy’s books) and I'm learning things about the area through reading these books, even though I live here- they are meticulously researched and calculated. A stunningly captivating read. I'm in awe of this. Wow, just wow!
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog
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I love this series (they do stand alone). There’s a wonderful camaraderie between Matt and Liz, and of course Rory the pathologist who is larger than life in his clever wit and exuberance. Joy has the masterful skill of bringing the characters to life and Rory is one I’d love to meet if he was real! It's a very well crafted and carefully thought out plot ( as ever with Joy’s books) and I'm learning things about the area through reading these books, even though I live here- they are meticulously researched and calculated. A stunningly captivating read. I'm in awe of this. Wow, just wow!
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog
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November 11, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Bag of Secrets, the sixth novel to feature former DI turned PI Matt Ballard and his partner, former DS Liz Haynes, set in the Lincolnshire fens.
Liz comes home with a bag full of papers left in the library by Molly, a homeless woman who has disappeared. The next day Molly is found murdered and Liz is convinced that the clues lie in her papers. She enlists the help of her nephew, David, to go through them, while Matt continues with their other job, looking for missing teenager Liam Cooper.
I enjoyed The Bag of Secrets, which has a convoluted plot with plenty of twists and turns. I was less enthusiastic about the ending, which, I confess, I didn’t really understand and, I felt, left too many loose ends, fodder, perhaps, for a future novel in the series. Still, the journey to get there was interesting and held my attention.
There are two plots, the hunt for the motive behind Molly’s murder, which, in turn, should lead to the murderer and the hunt for Liam Cooper, a habitual runaway who has vanished without leaving his usual clues. Each plot is highly unlikely, but entertaining nonetheless, so who cares? Molly has left a series of opaque clues that they must follow, while Liam’s disappearance is shrouded in rumour and innuendo. Both are big cases and the police have no manpower to spare, so they enlist an assortment of helpers, all with different skills and backgrounds. It works well with the additional characters and skills.
The Bag of Secrets is a good read that I can recommend.
Liz comes home with a bag full of papers left in the library by Molly, a homeless woman who has disappeared. The next day Molly is found murdered and Liz is convinced that the clues lie in her papers. She enlists the help of her nephew, David, to go through them, while Matt continues with their other job, looking for missing teenager Liam Cooper.
I enjoyed The Bag of Secrets, which has a convoluted plot with plenty of twists and turns. I was less enthusiastic about the ending, which, I confess, I didn’t really understand and, I felt, left too many loose ends, fodder, perhaps, for a future novel in the series. Still, the journey to get there was interesting and held my attention.
There are two plots, the hunt for the motive behind Molly’s murder, which, in turn, should lead to the murderer and the hunt for Liam Cooper, a habitual runaway who has vanished without leaving his usual clues. Each plot is highly unlikely, but entertaining nonetheless, so who cares? Molly has left a series of opaque clues that they must follow, while Liam’s disappearance is shrouded in rumour and innuendo. Both are big cases and the police have no manpower to spare, so they enlist an assortment of helpers, all with different skills and backgrounds. It works well with the additional characters and skills.
The Bag of Secrets is a good read that I can recommend.
December 5, 2023
I really do love Joy Ellis’s stories. She tells them so well and has a fantastical imagination. Her books, which are all set on the Fens, have a kind of magical, mystical feel to them and the paths she weaves in this beautiful part of the country are so delightful, despite being quite horrific at times. This one was no exception. It was wonderful to be reunited with Matt and Liz, and then having Liz’s nephew David join them once more was even better. The number of characters who help solve this intricate and complicated case gradually grew and it was as if we were collecting a large cast of actors all stepping up to play their parts. I get the feeling that we will be seeing more of at least two of them in the next episode of this wonderful series. The plot itself was extremely well thought out and carefully crafted. The number of twists involved kept me guessing most of the way through, although I did have a small idea of what might be going on as we got closer to the ending, although even that delivered up a few surprises. I really look forward to the next in this series and the icing on the cake for me was the author’s note at the end about Smokey Joe, which brought a small tear to my eyes. Thank you Joy, you have been one of my favourite authors for a long time now and I know this will always be the case.
November 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the Matt Ballard series. As usual, there’s a lot going on and it’s all fabulous! The focus of the story involves a bag lady named Old Molly, well known around town, whose body is found washed up on the shore. There are signs of foul play, but everyone knows how low this will be on the police’s list of inquiries. But our favorite PI couple has put her right at the top of their list!
Matt and Liz are eager to investigate the case, as just the day before, her carpet bag was left in the library, almost as if she knew something was going to happen to her. It was stuffed full of scraps of paper with notes, every piece she could find was used to keep a written record of something of great importance to her. It’s no coincidence that she left the bag at the library, as she knew one of the workers was a retired officer. But what caused her to fear for her life? Matt and Liz realize they know nothing of her life before she took to the streets, and what they discover is completely unexpected!
They are also on the case of a missing teenager named Liam. A habitual runaway, his case isn’t being taken too seriously by the local police, but his parents are at their wit's end, certain that this time, something dangerous has actually happened. Matt can’t bear to let Liam’s parents down, as any missing child is important in his eyes. They try to balance working on both cases equally and it helps that Liz’s nephew, David, comes to stay with them and helps pitch in.
It's a really engaging story and even though there’s quite a bit happening, it’s easy to keep track of everyone involved. Every book of this author’s is a guaranteed page-turner and I already am looking forward to the next one!
Matt and Liz are eager to investigate the case, as just the day before, her carpet bag was left in the library, almost as if she knew something was going to happen to her. It was stuffed full of scraps of paper with notes, every piece she could find was used to keep a written record of something of great importance to her. It’s no coincidence that she left the bag at the library, as she knew one of the workers was a retired officer. But what caused her to fear for her life? Matt and Liz realize they know nothing of her life before she took to the streets, and what they discover is completely unexpected!
They are also on the case of a missing teenager named Liam. A habitual runaway, his case isn’t being taken too seriously by the local police, but his parents are at their wit's end, certain that this time, something dangerous has actually happened. Matt can’t bear to let Liam’s parents down, as any missing child is important in his eyes. They try to balance working on both cases equally and it helps that Liz’s nephew, David, comes to stay with them and helps pitch in.
It's a really engaging story and even though there’s quite a bit happening, it’s easy to keep track of everyone involved. Every book of this author’s is a guaranteed page-turner and I already am looking forward to the next one!
November 28, 2023
Book 6 in the DCI Matt Ballard series and now retired from the police force Matt and his partner Liz are running a Private Investigation firm and they have two very different cases to solve. Matt is searching for a missing teenager and Liz has been given a bag full of notes left by Molly, a bag lady, in the local library but this becomes a murder investigation when Molly’s body is found. This is such a good series and I loved this instalment the two threads run alongside each other brilliantly without any confusion.
Briefly, with a team of friends and family, and the agreement of the police, Matt and Liz make good headway with both cases, in fact much better than the police with the officer that is supposed to liaise with them being worse than useless! Luckily the chief pathologist is on their side and feeds them information.
Quite a complex story but brilliantly executed. Fast paced with lots of twists and turns keeps the story moving apace. With all roads leading to a small village, Marshdyke-St-Mary, the tension levels are high as old secrets are revealed and it looks as though both cases are close to being solved. A very enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next one.
Briefly, with a team of friends and family, and the agreement of the police, Matt and Liz make good headway with both cases, in fact much better than the police with the officer that is supposed to liaise with them being worse than useless! Luckily the chief pathologist is on their side and feeds them information.
Quite a complex story but brilliantly executed. Fast paced with lots of twists and turns keeps the story moving apace. With all roads leading to a small village, Marshdyke-St-Mary, the tension levels are high as old secrets are revealed and it looks as though both cases are close to being solved. A very enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next one.
December 9, 2023
This may be the 6th book in the DCI Matt Ballard series however I think it is the best yet.
Matt and his partner Liz may now be retired from the force but life is still sending investigations their way in their new career as private investigators.
This time around they find themselves looking into the death of a homeless woman, "Old Molly".
It becomes clear that Molly was murdered and when her old carpet bag turns up at the library filled with notes written on numerous scraps of paper.
As they set about following the clues she has left it becomes apparent that Molly was terrified of someone and had lived in fear for her friends as well as herself.
They know nothing about her life before she lived on the streets , what they discover is a totally not what they expected.
Matt is also currently on the case of a missing teenager. Liam Cooper.
He has run away before, somehow it seems different this time.
Little do they know their investigations will lead them to the exact same spot. Fantastic characters in a tale jam packed with tension and twists that is entertaining. a compulsive read you do not want to miss.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Matt and his partner Liz may now be retired from the force but life is still sending investigations their way in their new career as private investigators.
This time around they find themselves looking into the death of a homeless woman, "Old Molly".
It becomes clear that Molly was murdered and when her old carpet bag turns up at the library filled with notes written on numerous scraps of paper.
As they set about following the clues she has left it becomes apparent that Molly was terrified of someone and had lived in fear for her friends as well as herself.
They know nothing about her life before she lived on the streets , what they discover is a totally not what they expected.
Matt is also currently on the case of a missing teenager. Liam Cooper.
He has run away before, somehow it seems different this time.
Little do they know their investigations will lead them to the exact same spot. Fantastic characters in a tale jam packed with tension and twists that is entertaining. a compulsive read you do not want to miss.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
December 3, 2023
Liz and Matt, former police officers in their British town now run a private detective agency with their dining room as their situating room. This is a recent entry in a series I have not read and I really enjoyed it. Another former officer, Chris, asks them to look into a bag of papers that a street-living woman Molly left at the library. Matt is totally caught up in a missing teen case that looks serious this time. The kid has always been found/come home before. When a related death occurs, Liz brings in her nephew David to help go through Molly's papers and try to make some sense of them. Ultimately, a cast of former officers, friends of Molly's from her pre-street days, other street-living people and some villagers from a very insular town get involved in a mystery that the papers hint at. An inexperienced and large headed young police officer causes some trouble as their liaison. Nepotism.
I appreciate how well Ellis makes this readable as a stand alone book, giving me sufficient information to understand the various relationships without boring me or giving spoiler information. I expect I'll read more about the Ballards.
I appreciate how well Ellis makes this readable as a stand alone book, giving me sufficient information to understand the various relationships without boring me or giving spoiler information. I expect I'll read more about the Ballards.
November 17, 2023
An abandoned carpet bag, a pile of handwritten notes, the clues in the notes hold shocking secrets that go back many years ago to give readers the most disturbing fascinating read ever from this best selling author.
DCI Matt Ballard book six.
Private detective Matt and Partner Liz Haynes who found the bag find they are owned By Homeless poor old Molly who is found dead. In the remote village Marshdyke-st-Mary with a runaway teenager again Liam Cooper, and another dead body found on the Fens, these two are kept far to busy in their retirement and Liz calls in her nephew David.
OH WOW I was hooked a lot of bends a lot of clues, a lot of turn arounds, the book is packed with so much going on as you start every chapter.
Very Very clever work has gone into this book that the author once again strives, to become better and better, it's like a addiction for me, every time I find a new book coming she certainly never lets down her readers. Another best selling book in the making in all that she will achieve with her talent.
DCI Matt Ballard book six.
Private detective Matt and Partner Liz Haynes who found the bag find they are owned By Homeless poor old Molly who is found dead. In the remote village Marshdyke-st-Mary with a runaway teenager again Liam Cooper, and another dead body found on the Fens, these two are kept far to busy in their retirement and Liz calls in her nephew David.
OH WOW I was hooked a lot of bends a lot of clues, a lot of turn arounds, the book is packed with so much going on as you start every chapter.
Very Very clever work has gone into this book that the author once again strives, to become better and better, it's like a addiction for me, every time I find a new book coming she certainly never lets down her readers. Another best selling book in the making in all that she will achieve with her talent.
November 22, 2023
I read this as an advanced review copy and was concerned that I wouldn't enjoy it as I've not read the other books in the Matt Ballard series (I prefer to read books in order). I needn't have worried Joy had explained things from the past that were important to the story e.g. Liz had been seriously injured in her work as a police officer but had given no spoilers, so I will be able to read the first five books not knowing what is going to happen. I really enjoyed this book and it's original idea about the Bag of Secrets and I didn't guess the end at all. It was lovely that Joy kept the same pathologist from her other two series as it kept continuity and the brief mention of one of her other protagonists helps to see the Fens as a whole. I did find that they always had someone they could contact for expert knowledge a little too convenient at times though. This book was definitely not as gritty as her other two series, but did keep my brain engaged trying to fit the clues together and the characters are fabulous.
November 19, 2023
Matt has a case where a young boy has gone missing. It has happened before, but this time he seems to have disappeared. Meanwhile, Liz has been given a bag of papers which were left at the library by Molly, a bag lady. They seem to be about missing people. When Molly is found dead on the fens, the police don't seem to have time to do anything. Liz's nephew David comes to help them, and then Jeff, David's friend. Something seems to be happening at the bunker which appears at first to be a place where young folks with problems can come and exercise and learn.
When another person, a homeless man, is found dead on the fens, Matt and Liz know they have a very difficult case. The police man who is supposed to be a liaison to the police is pretty useless, but Liz and Matt with with an old friend of Molly and another ex police woman all get together, clues gradually appear.
This book is a great addition to a very exciting series.
When another person, a homeless man, is found dead on the fens, Matt and Liz know they have a very difficult case. The police man who is supposed to be a liaison to the police is pretty useless, but Liz and Matt with with an old friend of Molly and another ex police woman all get together, clues gradually appear.
This book is a great addition to a very exciting series.
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