What do you think?
Rate this book
DCI Cook Murder Mystery #1
A Winter of Blood
A terrible past, a chilling present, and a deadly future...
In the frigid aftermath of a Boxing Day tragedy, ageing DCI Charles Cook faces a sinister conundrum - the lifeless body of eight-year-old Harry Dickens is found lying in a quiet country road, while his Aunt Janice, fourth in line to inherit the family business, is reported missing. The crimes become the catalyst for an investigation poised to shatter the rural Lincolnshire community.
But there is no time to let the dust settle. The wealthy Dickens family are coming to terms with their loss when a grisly Christmas package is delivered, along with a deadly ransom - end their centuries-old dynasty or Janice Dickens dies.
Memories that Cook had suppressed for a decade intertwine with the bloody case, sending him spiralling him into a nightmare, offering DC Devon the chance to step up and finally show him what she’s capable of.
However, as Cook and Devon form their uneasy father-daughter alliance, the investigation unearths the family’s horrific past, casts deadly shadows on their present, and reveals a cold and barren future for all involved.
Will Cook put his past behind him long enough to untangle the web, will Janice Dickens be found before the killer strikes again, or will the winter frost claim more than just a child's innocence?
From the USA Today bestselling author of the Wild Fens Murder Mysteries, A Winter of Blood inaugurates the DCI Cook Murder Mystery series, and is perfect for fans of rural crime series such as JM Dalgliesh, LJ Ross, Simon McCleave, Ann Cleeves, and Val McDermid.
A breath-taking murder mystery dubbed a delightful, modern take on a Charles Dickens classic, that will keep you turning the pages through the long, cold winter nights.
In the frigid aftermath of a Boxing Day tragedy, ageing DCI Charles Cook faces a sinister conundrum - the lifeless body of eight-year-old Harry Dickens is found lying in a quiet country road, while his Aunt Janice, fourth in line to inherit the family business, is reported missing. The crimes become the catalyst for an investigation poised to shatter the rural Lincolnshire community.
But there is no time to let the dust settle. The wealthy Dickens family are coming to terms with their loss when a grisly Christmas package is delivered, along with a deadly ransom - end their centuries-old dynasty or Janice Dickens dies.
Memories that Cook had suppressed for a decade intertwine with the bloody case, sending him spiralling him into a nightmare, offering DC Devon the chance to step up and finally show him what she’s capable of.
However, as Cook and Devon form their uneasy father-daughter alliance, the investigation unearths the family’s horrific past, casts deadly shadows on their present, and reveals a cold and barren future for all involved.
Will Cook put his past behind him long enough to untangle the web, will Janice Dickens be found before the killer strikes again, or will the winter frost claim more than just a child's innocence?
From the USA Today bestselling author of the Wild Fens Murder Mysteries, A Winter of Blood inaugurates the DCI Cook Murder Mystery series, and is perfect for fans of rural crime series such as JM Dalgliesh, LJ Ross, Simon McCleave, Ann Cleeves, and Val McDermid.
A breath-taking murder mystery dubbed a delightful, modern take on a Charles Dickens classic, that will keep you turning the pages through the long, cold winter nights.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2023
1154 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 28, 2024
Yeh I did like bits of it because I like a crime book but it definitely wasn't executed as well as it could have been. A lot of grammar and spelling mistakes. And referring to Charles Cook as both Charles and cook is really confusing the author should stick to one. But I did like the story line somewhat but it did get quite silly at points.
May 13, 2024
A good start to a new series, but it was definitely rough around the edges and even with 5he crime solved, it wasn’t.
As I like this author, I am sure the next one will be better, not needing to fill in the back story between the 2 main characters and start on development of the team.
As I like this author, I am sure the next one will be better, not needing to fill in the back story between the 2 main characters and start on development of the team.
January 18, 2025
DCI Cook is an old school detective, and along with his partner DC Devon, make an interesting pairing... both have their own secrets, which, by the end of the book, they are beginning to share with each other.
We are drawn into all the twists and turns of the case and it keeps you guessing as to 'who dun it?' Almost to the last few pages. A brilliant book 📖 that kept me turning the pages until the end .. I can't wait to read the next one in the series, to see how this pair will rub together in solving their next case .. a worthy 5 🌟
We are drawn into all the twists and turns of the case and it keeps you guessing as to 'who dun it?' Almost to the last few pages. A brilliant book 📖 that kept me turning the pages until the end .. I can't wait to read the next one in the series, to see how this pair will rub together in solving their next case .. a worthy 5 🌟
April 30, 2025
Excellent series
All three series of Jack Cartwright’s books are excellent and some of the best I’ve ever read. I’ve now read all of them and am eagerly awaiting the next releases.
There are however numerous errors in all of these books. Missing words, words with missing letters, wrong words used in a sentence as well as extra words that don’t belong.
Also editing errors. For example in this book Susie was introduced as Jeffrey’s wife in the first chapter then later as his girlfriend in the same chapter.
These books are too good to have these types of issues. Please get a new proofreader!!
All three series of Jack Cartwright’s books are excellent and some of the best I’ve ever read. I’ve now read all of them and am eagerly awaiting the next releases.
There are however numerous errors in all of these books. Missing words, words with missing letters, wrong words used in a sentence as well as extra words that don’t belong.
Also editing errors. For example in this book Susie was introduced as Jeffrey’s wife in the first chapter then later as his girlfriend in the same chapter.
These books are too good to have these types of issues. Please get a new proofreader!!
December 30, 2023
This started in quite a promising way but drove me mad with all the plot twists by the end. And parts of it read like they were written by someone on a creative writing course, even though I gather he’s written multiple other books. The wrap up was ludicrous and actually quite disappointing. And also it’s a lift not an elevator in the UK.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2023
This is a very promising start to a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed the “getting to know you” relationship building between the two officers, through all its ups and downs. I also liked the perspicacity of the senior officer who, having observed some elements of misbehaviour amongst lower ranks, gave some the opportunity to deal with it and others enough time to either stop it or get themselves deeper into the mud but then dealt with it in a subtle manner.
I found the interactions of the two main detectives more congruent than many other pairings. They mostly got on well and the senior officer was mostly open to ideas and suggestions from the junior officer except for the times when he was not sure that she was being entirely open with him - not forgetting that they were very fatigues having worked for over 20 hours straight on one day and long hours on the others. That they were not always as congenial to one another as usual is entirely authentic in the circumstances and added much to the story for me at least.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series
I found the interactions of the two main detectives more congruent than many other pairings. They mostly got on well and the senior officer was mostly open to ideas and suggestions from the junior officer except for the times when he was not sure that she was being entirely open with him - not forgetting that they were very fatigues having worked for over 20 hours straight on one day and long hours on the others. That they were not always as congenial to one another as usual is entirely authentic in the circumstances and added much to the story for me at least.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series
December 17, 2025
Plenty of personal drama in this first episode of Jack Cartwright’s DCI Cook series. The chief and his newly met DC have plenty of issues from their past, which cause several arguments between the two along the narrative. DC Devon is being bullied by colleagues for her looks and she surely lacks in self-esteem, the chief lost his family years before because of a terrible misunderstanding and false rumors that led to the death of his child. They now investigate a wealthy family falling totally apart when one member dies and another is abducted on Christmas Day. They look perfect on the outside, but they hide plenty of dirty secrets, dating back to their ancestors and the beginning of their fortune, and nobody is as they seem. The solution of the case has an unexpected twist in the end, so it isn’t as obvious as it may have seemed at the beginning. Not bad, all considered, worth a reading.
June 27, 2024
I feel uncertain about how to review this book.
I liked the author's Wild Fens series very much. But there are only two main characters in A Winter Of Blood. Somehow the eventual ending seemed contrived. There isn't any humour to speak of. And, as usual with crime thrillers, the author insists on repeating information (either to remind readers or to pad out the book - I know not which).
DCI Cook and his DC, Devon, are well-drawn characters, both with backgrounds that haunt them (which detective thriller character hasn't?). They bounce ideas off each other and Devon rebuilds her self-confidence.
I have only awarded four stars because this is the first book in a series. Obviously Jack Cartwright intends to begin a series, and he has introductory work to do. I'm not at all sure if I'll be reading any more of DCI Cook however.
I liked the author's Wild Fens series very much. But there are only two main characters in A Winter Of Blood. Somehow the eventual ending seemed contrived. There isn't any humour to speak of. And, as usual with crime thrillers, the author insists on repeating information (either to remind readers or to pad out the book - I know not which).
DCI Cook and his DC, Devon, are well-drawn characters, both with backgrounds that haunt them (which detective thriller character hasn't?). They bounce ideas off each other and Devon rebuilds her self-confidence.
I have only awarded four stars because this is the first book in a series. Obviously Jack Cartwright intends to begin a series, and he has introductory work to do. I'm not at all sure if I'll be reading any more of DCI Cook however.
November 15, 2024
The Dickens family is quite notorious in rural Lincolnshire, where they live and work. They are stinking rich and completely dysfunctional. They all work in a family firm that has been in existence for generations, but the various family members hate each other.
After a fractious Christmas meal, Janice Dickens decides to leave early the next morning. This decision has disastrous consequences when the 8-year-old grandson of the family is killed in a hit-and-run, and Janice is missing, presumably kidnapped.
Enter, the police partnership of DCI Cook and his assistant Devon, who need to solve the crime, while having a raft of secrets and issues of their own.
This is a really involving police procedural. I like the characters of Cook and Devon. The only criticism is that the book is overly long and feels slightly padded out.
Other than that, a first-class story.
After a fractious Christmas meal, Janice Dickens decides to leave early the next morning. This decision has disastrous consequences when the 8-year-old grandson of the family is killed in a hit-and-run, and Janice is missing, presumably kidnapped.
Enter, the police partnership of DCI Cook and his assistant Devon, who need to solve the crime, while having a raft of secrets and issues of their own.
This is a really involving police procedural. I like the characters of Cook and Devon. The only criticism is that the book is overly long and feels slightly padded out.
Other than that, a first-class story.
December 2, 2025
A Winter Of Blood by Jack Cartwright is the first book in a new series, where we get to meet the tenacious DCI Cook and his new recruit DC Devon. This is a pairing that I have really enjoyed getting to know, and I look forward to seeing their relationship develop.
It's Christmas, and DCI Cook receives a call from his estranged daughter asking to meet him. He is delighted and agrees to meet her in Cambridge, but a hit and run that very soon becomes a tangled web of kidnap and murder within a very dysfunctional family puts those plans on hold. Will DCI Cook finally get to see his daughter after a decade, or will this crime destroy his hope?
Have they caught their man, or is it even darker than you can imagine? Are the men in this family as greedy and deceitful as they appear, or will Cook & Devon find the truth before it's too late?
Full of twists and turns, this is a must-read book.
It's Christmas, and DCI Cook receives a call from his estranged daughter asking to meet him. He is delighted and agrees to meet her in Cambridge, but a hit and run that very soon becomes a tangled web of kidnap and murder within a very dysfunctional family puts those plans on hold. Will DCI Cook finally get to see his daughter after a decade, or will this crime destroy his hope?
Have they caught their man, or is it even darker than you can imagine? Are the men in this family as greedy and deceitful as they appear, or will Cook & Devon find the truth before it's too late?
Full of twists and turns, this is a must-read book.
August 7, 2024
If you love dysfunctional families....
I took this book to bed with me intending to read a couple of chapters before going to sleep. Thirty chapters later I was able to put it down, but only because my eyes were crossing. After a brief nap I gobbled down the other thirty-one chapters.
I love me a good dysfunctional family story and this fits the bill. There is dysfunction at all levels. The family of the victims, the family of the MMC, and the "family" of the newly formed police investigative squad.
Everybody has secrets. Some benign, some scandalous, and some quite dark. The trick is to ferret out what any one of the characters would be willing to do to protect those secrets.
I'm looking forward to to the next book in this new series.
I took this book to bed with me intending to read a couple of chapters before going to sleep. Thirty chapters later I was able to put it down, but only because my eyes were crossing. After a brief nap I gobbled down the other thirty-one chapters.
I love me a good dysfunctional family story and this fits the bill. There is dysfunction at all levels. The family of the victims, the family of the MMC, and the "family" of the newly formed police investigative squad.
Everybody has secrets. Some benign, some scandalous, and some quite dark. The trick is to ferret out what any one of the characters would be willing to do to protect those secrets.
I'm looking forward to to the next book in this new series.
December 19, 2023
A Winter of Blood by Jack Cartwright is the first book in a new series, the DCI Cook series. It is the first book by this author I have read, although I have quite a few of his Wild Fens series on my tbr pile. I read this one as it is the first in the series and I could get in on the ground floor so to speak. It is set around Christmas so that was a bonus too. I can’t wait to read more books by Jack. Loved this book. The main 2 characters, Cook and DC Devon, were a bit different, both with their issues of course. They have both blended into the background up until the case they become involved in. Would recommend this author.
June 13, 2024
Goodness, nothing like the Wild Fens series, apart from location. Very disappointing. Bit of a crazy plot, totally unrealistic, as were the characters. I read it on Kindle, which is always a mistake - it was as though it had been written for a completely American readership, and the editing staff knew absolutely noting about England, or its history. The 'slavery' background really put me off, too - we don't need to drag that in and start weeping and wailing about our past; it was un-necessary. Not sure why I continued to read to the end of the book!
July 20, 2024
This is a very good start to a new series. As expected, we get to see a new partnership in the police and finally at the end get to know a bit about their background. I look forward to seeing how this duo of Cook and Devon develop in future books.
As for the story, I found it quite riveting. The Dickens are really a horrible family and when there is a kidnapping and a killing, I found their behaviour despicable. Just when I thought everything was sorted, the reveal at the end caught me by surprise. Roll on the next book.
As for the story, I found it quite riveting. The Dickens are really a horrible family and when there is a kidnapping and a killing, I found their behaviour despicable. Just when I thought everything was sorted, the reveal at the end caught me by surprise. Roll on the next book.
March 17, 2025
I enjoyed this British crime thriller because it was twisty and described well. Although it was well-written, there were errors such as 'off of' (should be just 'off' or 'from') and American words rather than British. However, it was fast-paced and engaging.
I liked the two main characters, the rest are yet to be developed, but the pathetic bullying was disgusting - how do these people keep their jobs? Terrible atmosphere and unprofessional.
The plot was cleverly portrayed with plenty of surprises.
Recommended.
I liked the two main characters, the rest are yet to be developed, but the pathetic bullying was disgusting - how do these people keep their jobs? Terrible atmosphere and unprofessional.
The plot was cleverly portrayed with plenty of surprises.
Recommended.
April 9, 2025
a Winter of Discontent & Dysfunction
Meet DCI Charles Cook, who is a man haunted by his past. He is suddenly given a new, and very insecure, partner on Christmas Day. Together they have to unravel a series of mysteries and crimes that would challenge Poirot and Miss Marple combined.
The Dickens family are all worthy of a place in a Charles Dickens story. But who is guilty and who is simply misunderstood?!?
Really good characters, plot, and writing. I’m looking forward to the sequel.
Meet DCI Charles Cook, who is a man haunted by his past. He is suddenly given a new, and very insecure, partner on Christmas Day. Together they have to unravel a series of mysteries and crimes that would challenge Poirot and Miss Marple combined.
The Dickens family are all worthy of a place in a Charles Dickens story. But who is guilty and who is simply misunderstood?!?
Really good characters, plot, and writing. I’m looking forward to the sequel.
December 17, 2023
I am in awe of this book. I have felt every emotion this side of the moon. A dysfunctional family spinning out of control. A Christmas filled with grief. Characters, scenes, and plots that are superbly written. Gut-wrenching, scary, sadistic, anguishing, and every word flawlessly composed. A stunning work of written art. If only it was allowed, this would be a 10 star review.
Very Highly Recommended.
Very Highly Recommended.
January 12, 2024
Gripping drama
Living in Lincolnshire I enjoyed being able to visualise the places mentioned in the story. However, there was one error I spotted. When John Gregory leaves home on the 27th December at 6.30 am he says the sun has cleared the frost
from his windscreen. The sun doesn't rise until after 8am in December so this would be impossible.
Otherwise I enjoyed the characters and look forward to book 2.
Living in Lincolnshire I enjoyed being able to visualise the places mentioned in the story. However, there was one error I spotted. When John Gregory leaves home on the 27th December at 6.30 am he says the sun has cleared the frost
from his windscreen. The sun doesn't rise until after 8am in December so this would be impossible.
Otherwise I enjoyed the characters and look forward to book 2.
April 16, 2024
A decent plot, with a good twist in the tale. As first in a series, I hoped for more and better character development of what could be a classic detective duo. Had this happened, I would definitely be looking forward to the next book. Will I read it? Perhaps.
I did wonder if the author was British as some use of words and phrases were odd, possibly let down by poor editing (and worse proofreading). Does no-one check ebooks before publication or are the errors also in the paper version?
I did wonder if the author was British as some use of words and phrases were odd, possibly let down by poor editing (and worse proofreading). Does no-one check ebooks before publication or are the errors also in the paper version?
December 20, 2023
The Dickens family is rich. They have a very longstanding company they all work in, but they also can't stand each other. At Christmas everything falls apart when 8 year old grandson Harry dies in a hit and run and daughter Janice is kidnapped. DCI Cook and his assistant Denver have to work hard to find out what's going on exactly.
I just love Mr. Cartwright's writing style!
I just love Mr. Cartwright's writing style!
March 15, 2024
Winter of Blood: ( The DCI Cook Murder Mystery Series. Book1)
A very long and involved murder mystery, written by a renowned Author. I thoroughly enjoyed working out the whys and wherefore of the murders. I recommend reading this when you have spare time because you won’t be able to put it down.
A very long and involved murder mystery, written by a renowned Author. I thoroughly enjoyed working out the whys and wherefore of the murders. I recommend reading this when you have spare time because you won’t be able to put it down.
Read
February 2, 2025Overall a good read... A few good twists but agree with other review, one minute its Charles, then its Cook, then its Charles Cook and sometimes you just have to guess who's speaking, slightly frustrating to be fair. Will however read the next in the series as the characters have kept me interested and enough foundation set to stick with the author and see what the next installment brings.
March 1, 2025
Super
What an absolutely amazing wonderful read right from the start to the end. It had all the components that had me turn over the pages quickly to see what would happen next. It did not disappoint. What an amazing storyline with some unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. Thank you for a brilliant read 😊
What an absolutely amazing wonderful read right from the start to the end. It had all the components that had me turn over the pages quickly to see what would happen next. It did not disappoint. What an amazing storyline with some unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. Thank you for a brilliant read 😊
December 27, 2023
Excellent
Living in the area in which this novel is set, I thoroughly appreciate the level of finite local detail the author presents to the reader. An intriguing crime novel that grips one’s interest from the outset and doesn’t let go until the final page.
Living in the area in which this novel is set, I thoroughly appreciate the level of finite local detail the author presents to the reader. An intriguing crime novel that grips one’s interest from the outset and doesn’t let go until the final page.
January 18, 2024
If your reading a really good book you just know it's by Jack Cartwright, I loved this and like all his books it holds your total interest all the way through, (none of those dead area's) the characters in this are brilliant, DCI Cook and DC Devon make such a good team, and I enjoyed every page.
January 20, 2024
Wonderful characters
The author builds the characters so you envenison them as real breathing people. Story twist and turns before you know it the ending is totally different than what you thought it be. You can see the mansions architecture. Great story telling. Just awesome.
The author builds the characters so you envenison them as real breathing people. Story twist and turns before you know it the ending is totally different than what you thought it be. You can see the mansions architecture. Great story telling. Just awesome.
February 23, 2024
Surprised
When I downloaded this book I wasn't sure whether I would like it but it was excellent. So many twists and turns to the plot plus a building respect between two colleagues. A really good read.
When I downloaded this book I wasn't sure whether I would like it but it was excellent. So many twists and turns to the plot plus a building respect between two colleagues. A really good read.
June 20, 2024
As usual…..Brilliant!
Really good story, with more twists than a country lane by a mile, and I STILL didn’t see the final bit until the end.
On to Book 2 in the series I think…. can’t wait!
Really good story, with more twists than a country lane by a mile, and I STILL didn’t see the final bit until the end.
On to Book 2 in the series I think…. can’t wait!
November 12, 2024
An ok read
Not the best I have read by this author. A bit too many twists and turns, some that don't make sense. I will read the next book in the series to see if I like the way DCI Cook works.
Jack Cartwright is a very good author. I usually give him 5 stars
Not the best I have read by this author. A bit too many twists and turns, some that don't make sense. I will read the next book in the series to see if I like the way DCI Cook works.
Jack Cartwright is a very good author. I usually give him 5 stars
December 11, 2024
A gripping tale!
Just what I needed to refresh my jaded mind ... a gripping tale! Great storyline with a great twist in the final chapters. Great characters, with room for development. All in all a solid 4-star read.
Just what I needed to refresh my jaded mind ... a gripping tale! Great storyline with a great twist in the final chapters. Great characters, with room for development. All in all a solid 4-star read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews