Stokesby Grave

DI Tanner #12

by David Blake

A murdered policewoman, a convicted thief, and a priceless painting, lost forever, or left hiding in plain sight.

On the day an infamous thief and callous murderer is due to be released, DCI Tanner is given the task of overseeing the operation. But when the prisoner is abducted at gunpoint, only to be found tortured to death the very next day, Tanner finds himself asking why, especially when two men arrive from the National Gallery, demanding to know where the priceless painting was, the same one the dead man had taken some thirty years before.

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Crime

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

NO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR

With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.

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Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stokesby Grave is book twelve in David Blake's DI Tanner series. DCI Tanner Thirty years ago, a young policewoman was murdered after three people broke into the Lord Montgrave Mansion. One of the main thieves was finally going to be released, and DCI Tanner and his team were asked to provide a present at the prison on the day he was released. However, two masked men grape Vincent O'Riley outside the prison and his body was found near his son's house two days later. DCI Tanner and his team had to race to find the killer before another person died. The readers of Stokesby Grave will continue to follow the DCI Tanner teams's investigation to discover what happens.

Stokesby Grave is a fantastic book. I couldn't stop laughing at some of the characters' antics. David Blake's writing style ensures I am engaged with his stories and characters from the first page. I enjoy the way David Blake incorporates the vintage Jaguar into his plots, a car that I love but will never own. I love David Blake's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Stokesby Grave is well-written and researched by David Blake. I like David Blake's description of the settings of Stokesby Grave, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

I recommend this book.

[Bren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very samey. I won't be continuing to follow this series.

[Debra Whisson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the stories and it’s unusual to find a police procedural that is written humorously. I’m pleased a lot of the misogynistic attitude has been toned down.

One irritating thing this time. A senior police officer using his phone in the car!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good detective story, but the background style of sexism and misogynistic writing is getting boring.
Female characters are described as "alluring, pert, disarmingly beautiful" etc.
Male characters don't get anything like this. It just detracts from the story.

[Anthony Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

David Blake once again proves why he is one of the finest writers!



⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

David Blake once again proves why he is one of the finest writers of crime fiction with Stokesby Grave, the latest installment in his DI Tanner series set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Norfolk Broads.

From the very first page, Blake pulls you into a chilling mystery when a body is discovered in an isolated grave near the quiet village of Stokesby. What begins as a straightforward case quickly unravels into a web of secrets, old grudges, and small-town deceptions. The atmosphere is expertly crafted—mist rolling across the Broads, desolate marshland, and the eerie stillness of rural Norfolk give the story a cinematic feel.

DI Tanner is as compelling as ever—tough, sharp, and relentless, yet human enough to make mistakes and show flashes of vulnerability. His dynamic with Jenny Evans continues to evolve, adding warmth and humor amidst the darker tones of the investigation. The dialogue is snappy, the pacing relentless, and the procedural detail gives the novel that authentic edge Blake is known for.

What really makes Stokesby Grave stand out is the way it layers suspense. Each chapter peels back another piece of the puzzle, leading to a shocking and satisfying conclusion that feels both inevitable and surprising. As always, Blake manages to balance gripping crime with the unique character of the Broads, making the setting almost a character in itself.

For fans of gritty, atmospheric British crime fiction, Stokesby Grave is an absolute must-read. David Blake has delivered another page-turner that keeps you hooked until the very last line.

[Keith Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good staff are hard to find

Another good well written book by David Blake, story was enjoyable, just wish that the storyline went on longer, it's as though you just start getting into the jist of the story when it comes to the end, maybe bringing other players into the weave of the build up could enhance theme from other perspectives ? Just a thought, why are all detective constables shown to be dimwits ? And when will we see the MP get his comeuppance ?

[Ruth Kittner · Rating 5 out of 5]

neat and tidy

There’s a lot of comedic chatter, sometimes distracting but at least it’s male stuff. In the early books he has conversations among women that no female would have.
Good mystery here, plenty of red herrings and distractions. Not sure why a DCE would be out in the field as much as this and I’m sure a week old baby wouldn’t be quite as advanced as Samantha. But again another entertaining outing!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a new book due out shortly in this series, I wanted to catch up and read the book before - Stokesby Grave. From the moment the thief O'Reilly is released from prison and subsequently abducted, there are many twists and turns in this book, right up to the end. A fabulous read with great characters, I found the book hard to put down. I couldn't for the life of me work out who was the person responsible for it all it was so cleverly written.

[Julie Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

DCI Tanner is at the prison for the release of an infamous thief. It goes wrong and he is kidnapped and later killed moments after leaving prison. Tanner and his team must find those responsible and retrieve a missing stolen painting.

Well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Enjoyable characters in a cozy crime novel set in Norfolk. Well paced and often witty. Plenty of action, enjoy.

[Beryl Seabourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part comedy

I don't mind a little slight of had comedy, but I wasn't sure sometimes if they were being sarcastic or what. Did Tanner really have to be told to attend the funeral by his boss. It made it sound like he wasn't quite on the job
I've read better in this series of books.

[Allan Segal · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the plot is reasonable, the bumbling nature of the subordinate characters (uniformed constables and such) is incomprehensible. They always fail to anticipate the need for arms, never think ahead, and exhibit lassitude whenever action is needed. I feel bad for DCI Tanner. Is this how the UK really is? Yikes.

[David Bavington · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fails as both a comedy and a thriller

The author needs to decide what kind of audience he is writing for. The book lacks the pace of a page turning thriller neither has it the fun of a true comedy. It is tedious and boring to read. It is also inaccurate in many areas of local events and people.

[Anne Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very good , I like the Tanner books very much indeed

Another triumph for David Blake, I enjoyed the humour in this book, and the plot. It was not predictable and I did not see the twists and turns happening before I read them. Just great!

[richard hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Norfolk read

As I know Stokesby and Wroxham this was an especially poignant read.
As usual good tale with twist at the end .
If you love Norfolk and a good read this is for you

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read all the books and was eagerly waiting for this to be published. Didn’t disappoint - the main characters feel like old friends by now and being able to picture the locations helps. Will be a long wait for the next book

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the DI Tanner books, and this one is no exception. More murders on the Norfolk Broads, this time with family feuds, and a lost Turner, you are never quite sure who is after what. Very enjoyable.

[Glyn Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is no 12 in the tanner series and its getting worse to read, we have a killing and a stolen painting (No spoilers), tanner is losing his ability to deduct the clues as you will see at the end. Not the best by a long way.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to his best!

David Blake excels himself with this enthralling and unputdownable book DI Tanner on form. A real page turner keep it up.

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was so bad that I was going to just quit reading it. I forced myself to finish it, & still felt it was subpar for the author. Sorry, just my honest opinion.

[david henry muckle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read exciting to the end I enjoyed it look forward to the next book

[M R B Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling

After 30 years the riddle of a murder and a lost painting is solved, but only after the murder of individuals with the unfortunate link.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner #12

I have to say, I had no idea who the killer was! It came as a complete surprise. I didn’t expect that ending either. I look forward to the next book.

[Norma Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stokes Grave

Excellent story line, really enjoyed this gripping book. Tanner deep in trouble sorting out these deaths. Recommend this to my friends.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I read a lot of these DCI books and this is yet again another good one. Twists and turns and humor. Good read,

[Elizabeth Paterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

readable

Not as good as usual although quite entertaining. I thought it was a bit unbelievable in parts and predictable. Hope the next one is better.

[Linda Woodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read,the killer was not who I thought do that was a surprise
A cracking read

[Peter Barrass · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't finish this book it's very boring

[Zahra Shah 📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one could be up there as one of my favourite DI tanner books to date!

[Emma Stubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed this book. David's style of writing really makes you feel as if you know the characters

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, enjoyed it, but not fully with my heart.