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DI Barton #7
The Village Killer
After three years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton wonders if he’s still got what it takes.
An opportunity arises to return to Major Crimes, so he jumps at it, after all he’s been around the block a few times. When he and his team are called in to investigate an attempted murder which seems to be linked to the case of a missing child, Barton is immediately thrust back into the life of a detective – early mornings, late nights and endless pressure to get to the truth.
Then a man dies.
Something deadly is going on behind the high walls and imposing gates of the mansions in the sleepy village of Castor. The locals are keeping each other’s secrets and if Barton doesn’t find out why soon, the bodies will start mounting up.
The Village Killer knows who’s next, and the clock is ticking…
An opportunity arises to return to Major Crimes, so he jumps at it, after all he’s been around the block a few times. When he and his team are called in to investigate an attempted murder which seems to be linked to the case of a missing child, Barton is immediately thrust back into the life of a detective – early mornings, late nights and endless pressure to get to the truth.
Then a man dies.
Something deadly is going on behind the high walls and imposing gates of the mansions in the sleepy village of Castor. The locals are keeping each other’s secrets and if Barton doesn’t find out why soon, the bodies will start mounting up.
The Village Killer knows who’s next, and the clock is ticking…
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2024
188 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Ross Greenwood
42 books555 followersI was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
November 29, 2024
4.5 Stars rounded up
Release Date: 1st November 2024
I did it again! Picked up a book that was well into a series.
I guessed a chapter or two in this was the case due to some references being made, but I didn't feel like I was lacking, there was enough information and focus on the current investigations that I was able to enjoy the book as it was, having said that I would like to go back and read the rest of the series now, as I loved the characters.
This is a gripping crime mystery / thriller, with multiple points of view and multiple crimes being committed, the mixture of the layering of the chapters (different POV) and the crimes weave complex and interesting cases, really delving into the minds of those with obsessions, and what it can drive you to do.
I don't want to get into the plot too much, as I don't want to spoil anything, but about the book, I was hooked from the first chapter. The writing style and the complexities of the characters really drew me in, with intrigue and I enjoyed getting to know the investigating teams and that contrast of healthy, respectful relationships verses that of those being investigated.
I will definitely be reading more from this author
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
Release Date: 1st November 2024
I did it again! Picked up a book that was well into a series.
I guessed a chapter or two in this was the case due to some references being made, but I didn't feel like I was lacking, there was enough information and focus on the current investigations that I was able to enjoy the book as it was, having said that I would like to go back and read the rest of the series now, as I loved the characters.
This is a gripping crime mystery / thriller, with multiple points of view and multiple crimes being committed, the mixture of the layering of the chapters (different POV) and the crimes weave complex and interesting cases, really delving into the minds of those with obsessions, and what it can drive you to do.
I don't want to get into the plot too much, as I don't want to spoil anything, but about the book, I was hooked from the first chapter. The writing style and the complexities of the characters really drew me in, with intrigue and I enjoyed getting to know the investigating teams and that contrast of healthy, respectful relationships verses that of those being investigated.
I will definitely be reading more from this author
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
Reviews also published on:
Instagram || Threads || BSky || Coffee and Kindle Blog || The StoryGraph || Amazon || Bookmarks
Happy to make friends on all socials
October 4, 2024
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Ross Greenwood, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I have long enjoyed the work of Ross Greenwood, particularly the John Barton series. Each police procedural not only taps into the inner workings of the crime fighting mechanism at the police’s disposal, but provides keen social commentary. This case was no different, as the ideas of two crimes, seemingly independent, come together and create havoc for a newly-reenergised Barton. There is something for everyone in this piece and Greenwood hints at where he seeks to take his protagonist as the series keeps building. A well-developed piece that has me eager to see what’s next.
Detective Inspector John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk, citing that he wanted to offer his family some reprieve from his all-hours work within the police. He’s reaching fifty and seeks a comfy end to his career, hoping that his next posting will be his last.
However, a chance to return to Major Crimes presents itself for the interim and newly-minted DCI Barton leaps at the chance, with his wife’s approval. He is thrust back into the limelight where two cases land in his lap. A woman is almost killed by a driver who targets her on the sidewalk, while a teenage girl has gone missing and everyone wonders if there is something who has been eyeing her for a while now. DCI Barton soon arrives to work the case, juggling his intuitive nature with a strong team that demands his leadership.
What looks like a simple errant driver soon turns more intense as DCI Barton and the team discover truths about the woman involved. Her backstory is something Barton would not have expected, which opens new avenues to wondering about why she might have been targeted. A missing girl soon turns up with nary a worry about her absence, somehow connected to the crime Barton has been investigating. What looks to be something unrelated soon emerges and a dead body ties things together with more confusion.
As DCI Barton seeks to make sense out of it all, he must learn the online world of moneymaking and the lucrative amounts that can be made from one’s home. A suspect who might have wanted both victims harmed, but the story does not move as DCI Barton expects in this case. He seeks answers, but is only finding more questions to confuse him. The sleepy English village of Castor ignites and DCI Barton is left to second-guess his choice to return to the action in this stunning police procedural. Greenwood dazzles and shows his ilk once more in a series I have come to really enjoy.
I have always loved a good police procedural and this is no exception. Ross Greenwood delves deeply into the story with a strong narrative and well-paced clues to push the story along. There is something for everyone as a sleepy English community comes alive and two crimes build in odd ways. The characters present themselves to flavour the story and leave the reader wondering more than getting answers they might want. I can only hope that Greenwood has plans for many who arrived in this book, as their backstories seem incomplete. The plot arose from nowhere and found itself keeping things on edge throughout the piece. Surprises left me gasping at times and needing more intel, as DCI Barton slowly unwrapped the mysteries presented to him throughout.
Kudos, Mr. Greenwood, for another great addition to your series work.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I have long enjoyed the work of Ross Greenwood, particularly the John Barton series. Each police procedural not only taps into the inner workings of the crime fighting mechanism at the police’s disposal, but provides keen social commentary. This case was no different, as the ideas of two crimes, seemingly independent, come together and create havoc for a newly-reenergised Barton. There is something for everyone in this piece and Greenwood hints at where he seeks to take his protagonist as the series keeps building. A well-developed piece that has me eager to see what’s next.
Detective Inspector John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk, citing that he wanted to offer his family some reprieve from his all-hours work within the police. He’s reaching fifty and seeks a comfy end to his career, hoping that his next posting will be his last.
However, a chance to return to Major Crimes presents itself for the interim and newly-minted DCI Barton leaps at the chance, with his wife’s approval. He is thrust back into the limelight where two cases land in his lap. A woman is almost killed by a driver who targets her on the sidewalk, while a teenage girl has gone missing and everyone wonders if there is something who has been eyeing her for a while now. DCI Barton soon arrives to work the case, juggling his intuitive nature with a strong team that demands his leadership.
What looks like a simple errant driver soon turns more intense as DCI Barton and the team discover truths about the woman involved. Her backstory is something Barton would not have expected, which opens new avenues to wondering about why she might have been targeted. A missing girl soon turns up with nary a worry about her absence, somehow connected to the crime Barton has been investigating. What looks to be something unrelated soon emerges and a dead body ties things together with more confusion.
As DCI Barton seeks to make sense out of it all, he must learn the online world of moneymaking and the lucrative amounts that can be made from one’s home. A suspect who might have wanted both victims harmed, but the story does not move as DCI Barton expects in this case. He seeks answers, but is only finding more questions to confuse him. The sleepy English village of Castor ignites and DCI Barton is left to second-guess his choice to return to the action in this stunning police procedural. Greenwood dazzles and shows his ilk once more in a series I have come to really enjoy.
I have always loved a good police procedural and this is no exception. Ross Greenwood delves deeply into the story with a strong narrative and well-paced clues to push the story along. There is something for everyone as a sleepy English community comes alive and two crimes build in odd ways. The characters present themselves to flavour the story and leave the reader wondering more than getting answers they might want. I can only hope that Greenwood has plans for many who arrived in this book, as their backstories seem incomplete. The plot arose from nowhere and found itself keeping things on edge throughout the piece. Surprises left me gasping at times and needing more intel, as DCI Barton slowly unwrapped the mysteries presented to him throughout.
Kudos, Mr. Greenwood, for another great addition to your series work.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 21, 2024
This is the seventh in the DI John Barton series; it is the first I have read. I chose it because I enjoy Ross Greenwood’s DS Ashley Knight series and wanted to read more of his books.
Fifty year old DI John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk. An opportunity arises for him to be DCI for Major Crimes for a one year term. It is a busy time for Major Crimes as a 14 year old girl is reported missing and a married woman appears to be the target of a failed hit and run attempt. When her neighbor is found floating in his pool, the ties among all three cases seem to be more than coincidences.
A solid police procedural, I enjoyed the protagonists in this book with their personal relationships and sarcastic humor. Barton is a leader with empathy and a sense of fairness. Greenwood’s writing pulls you in this engrossing, fast paced read. The story is told from different POVs, including that of the village killer, which keeps you guessing as to perpetrator’s identity.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.
Fifty year old DI John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk. An opportunity arises for him to be DCI for Major Crimes for a one year term. It is a busy time for Major Crimes as a 14 year old girl is reported missing and a married woman appears to be the target of a failed hit and run attempt. When her neighbor is found floating in his pool, the ties among all three cases seem to be more than coincidences.
A solid police procedural, I enjoyed the protagonists in this book with their personal relationships and sarcastic humor. Barton is a leader with empathy and a sense of fairness. Greenwood’s writing pulls you in this engrossing, fast paced read. The story is told from different POVs, including that of the village killer, which keeps you guessing as to perpetrator’s identity.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.
September 10, 2024
This is the seventh book in the Inspector Barton series, and it is another winner.
Barton is one of my favourite characters and it is good to see his return. After three years in a desk role Barton is about to decide on how he wishes to finish off his last working years to look like and what kind of role does he want. Soon a proposal is presented to him and after discussions with his beautiful and supportive wife he decides to return to major crimes and is extremely excited to get his teeth back into some complex work.
This role will really be the making of him as in this case it is obsession that will lead Barton to bring all his knowledge and experience to solving this crime, a theme that is well explored in this book. In this scenario a young girl has disappeared and then a woman run off a road, are the cases connected and if so, what has brought these two occurrences to the forefront. I always find with Mr Greenwoods books that I pick one up and the next thing I know I am at least halfway through it. Last night I had decided that I would just read a few more pages but now with bleary eyes at my desk this morning I am glad I stayed up and finished the book, a very engaging read with lots of twists and turns along with a satisfying ending.
I hope that Barton continues, he is such a great character that many readers have come to love, and I look forward to each new storyline with which we are presented. He is a truly authentic character and am sure there is still a lot he has to offer regarding future storylines.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Barton is one of my favourite characters and it is good to see his return. After three years in a desk role Barton is about to decide on how he wishes to finish off his last working years to look like and what kind of role does he want. Soon a proposal is presented to him and after discussions with his beautiful and supportive wife he decides to return to major crimes and is extremely excited to get his teeth back into some complex work.
This role will really be the making of him as in this case it is obsession that will lead Barton to bring all his knowledge and experience to solving this crime, a theme that is well explored in this book. In this scenario a young girl has disappeared and then a woman run off a road, are the cases connected and if so, what has brought these two occurrences to the forefront. I always find with Mr Greenwoods books that I pick one up and the next thing I know I am at least halfway through it. Last night I had decided that I would just read a few more pages but now with bleary eyes at my desk this morning I am glad I stayed up and finished the book, a very engaging read with lots of twists and turns along with a satisfying ending.
I hope that Barton continues, he is such a great character that many readers have come to love, and I look forward to each new storyline with which we are presented. He is a truly authentic character and am sure there is still a lot he has to offer regarding future storylines.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
October 17, 2024
When a man is found murdered, it is up to John to solve the case. John feels like he is being stonewalled. He is getting very little help from the community. this book kept me guessing.
November 7, 2024
The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood is essentially a police procedural. Inspector Barton has been behind a desk for three years. While it has done wonders with his wife and children, he misses being in the thick of things. Now he is being offered a chance to return to the field. Before he answers he consults his wife and she, in her infinite wisdom, knows he’s missed the job and readily agrees. The kids are older now and she is more set. So, he happily returns and immediately sends one of his officers, the lead, actually, to take a week off. He and his partner have had twins and it is obvious he is exhausted. Funny things are happening. Are they related? A woman reports being nearly run down in front of her house, a missing fourteen-year-old girl, then an old man dies. All in the same rich neighborhood.
DCI John Barton is a smart man. He reads people well. He trusts his subordinates. He is a good boss. It is an interesting situation. The investigative chapters are interspersed with the musing of the killer. Makes it interesting, but gives no clues. It is a consuming mystery with wrong turns taken at every step. The things they discover are amazing. The friend of Henry, the older man killed, is beyond helpful. Is that a clue? Interesting read.
I was invited to read The Village Killer by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RossGreenwood #TheVillageKiller
DCI John Barton is a smart man. He reads people well. He trusts his subordinates. He is a good boss. It is an interesting situation. The investigative chapters are interspersed with the musing of the killer. Makes it interesting, but gives no clues. It is a consuming mystery with wrong turns taken at every step. The things they discover are amazing. The friend of Henry, the older man killed, is beyond helpful. Is that a clue? Interesting read.
I was invited to read The Village Killer by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RossGreenwood #TheVillageKiller
November 7, 2024
4.5
The Village Killer was an exciting and gripping thriller. I like how this book is part of a series but can definitely be read as standalone as well, there are references to previous books but that doesn’t take away from the story.
DI Barton has returned to the major crime unit after spending some time at his desk job. He is soon involved in a troubled case where a child has gone missing and a woman’s life is in danger. It is hard to see how these cases are connected but as the story unfolds, the links start appearing in a way which I could not guess.
As with all the books in the series, I thought it was written wonderfully. I was captivated from the start until the very end. The twists in the book made me think of so many potential outcomes but none were correct. I like how there is a focus on the personal lives of the police team because it allows the reader to see the character development. The short chapters made the book a quick read and some chapters ended on a cliffhanger which made me want to continue reading. These books keep getting better and I love the unique ideas the author has to create a thrilling story. I highly recommend this book and series! Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for sending me a copy of this book.
The Village Killer was an exciting and gripping thriller. I like how this book is part of a series but can definitely be read as standalone as well, there are references to previous books but that doesn’t take away from the story.
DI Barton has returned to the major crime unit after spending some time at his desk job. He is soon involved in a troubled case where a child has gone missing and a woman’s life is in danger. It is hard to see how these cases are connected but as the story unfolds, the links start appearing in a way which I could not guess.
As with all the books in the series, I thought it was written wonderfully. I was captivated from the start until the very end. The twists in the book made me think of so many potential outcomes but none were correct. I like how there is a focus on the personal lives of the police team because it allows the reader to see the character development. The short chapters made the book a quick read and some chapters ended on a cliffhanger which made me want to continue reading. These books keep getting better and I love the unique ideas the author has to create a thrilling story. I highly recommend this book and series! Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for sending me a copy of this book.
November 7, 2024
Book 7 in the DI Barton series is a refreshing blend of police-procedural suspense and lighthearted moments that will resonate with many crime fiction lovers.
Acting DCI Barton hits the ground running as he returns to Major Crimes, encountering two unconnected crimes converging unexpectedly in a seemingly ordinary English community that is anything but typical. Barton is a multi-dimensional character one can relate to with his hands-on approach to investigation and his concern for the emotional well-being of his squad. This balance of empathy and assertiveness makes him a refreshing protagonist in a genre that can often lean toward the archetypal lone-wolf detective. I also loved Barton's close bond with his family and friends which adds to his authenticity and charm.
Greenwood's ability to sustain suspense is commendable. He effectively uses well-paced clues and red herrings to keep you on your toes. His skillful pacing sets him apart, and he knows precisely when to insert humor into the plot or when to delve deeper into suspenseful twists.
This engaging police procedural is a must for anyone who loves character-driven mysteries. The twists and turns are skillfully executed, and the characters are complex.
Thank you to Mr. Greenwood for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Acting DCI Barton hits the ground running as he returns to Major Crimes, encountering two unconnected crimes converging unexpectedly in a seemingly ordinary English community that is anything but typical. Barton is a multi-dimensional character one can relate to with his hands-on approach to investigation and his concern for the emotional well-being of his squad. This balance of empathy and assertiveness makes him a refreshing protagonist in a genre that can often lean toward the archetypal lone-wolf detective. I also loved Barton's close bond with his family and friends which adds to his authenticity and charm.
Greenwood's ability to sustain suspense is commendable. He effectively uses well-paced clues and red herrings to keep you on your toes. His skillful pacing sets him apart, and he knows precisely when to insert humor into the plot or when to delve deeper into suspenseful twists.
This engaging police procedural is a must for anyone who loves character-driven mysteries. The twists and turns are skillfully executed, and the characters are complex.
Thank you to Mr. Greenwood for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
October 31, 2024
I've read a few of Ross Greenwood's books, and enjoyed them all.
John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk but when an opportunity comes up for him to be DCI for Major Crimes, he takes it.
Barton and the team soon have their hands full when a 14 year old girl is reported missing and there is also an attempted murder to investigate.
There's a few other threads to this story and they are cleverly pulled together at the end.
The humour in this book was great and it was good to get to know all the characters.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk but when an opportunity comes up for him to be DCI for Major Crimes, he takes it.
Barton and the team soon have their hands full when a 14 year old girl is reported missing and there is also an attempted murder to investigate.
There's a few other threads to this story and they are cleverly pulled together at the end.
The humour in this book was great and it was good to get to know all the characters.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
October 2, 2024
Firstly thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book. I loved it . This is the seventh in the inspector Barton series and boy it just gets better. Great characters and great storyline. Well worth a read.
August 30, 2025
So my last right now in the binge listen. I do find these stories different in terms of the responsibilities he has but go with the flow. These are very different plots to other police procedurals and I like the different POV and background.
June 7, 2025
Thank goodness he’s back in major crimes loved the latest Barton. Would like to go for Christmas 😊
November 5, 2024
I think this is my fourth novel from this author. He never disappoints! His character DCI Barton is a lovable but very clever and experienced detective, and I always enjoy getting to know the other officers on his teams. As with Ross Greenwood's other books, this one kept me intrigued from the beginning with its unique storyline and interesting characters. A great page-turner!
October 31, 2024
I always love Ross Greenwood’s books. I’ve read a few in the DCI Barton series now and what is great is that even though they are part of a series they can always be read as stand alone. I enjoyed this just as much as the others and liked that there were varying threads interweaving through the story.
November 1, 2024
Brilliant, as ever the only real issue I have with Ross’ books is that they come to an end because they’re such an enjoyable read. I loved the contemporary angles to the story including the DreamViews aspect. You almost made me consider a career change with that one, sounds lucrative, don’t worry I said almost…. There are also, as always, a lot of really relatable and very well observed mentions which I feel are talking to me, haha. I liked that the Detective’s wife was a TA because they needed one of them to be (reliably) around for the children and the nod to the fact that dad had missed a number of occasions due to work, basically mirror image of my life then! I also get very twitchy when cupboard doors and drawers are left open, so you do make me smile at regular intervals throughout the story with these gems.
Human nature also acutely well represented such as staying in a marriage for convenience- not a relatable one this time but definitely thought provoking. The backdrop this time was a nice leafy affluent area with slightly bored rich people, very cosy and slightly Midsummer Murder. I did slightly miss the beach though.
All in all great entertainment, a good whodunnit that kept me guessing and lots of smiles along the way. Keep at it please because I can’t wait for the next one.
Human nature also acutely well represented such as staying in a marriage for convenience- not a relatable one this time but definitely thought provoking. The backdrop this time was a nice leafy affluent area with slightly bored rich people, very cosy and slightly Midsummer Murder. I did slightly miss the beach though.
All in all great entertainment, a good whodunnit that kept me guessing and lots of smiles along the way. Keep at it please because I can’t wait for the next one.
May 26, 2024
I'm so happy Barton is back! After being desk bound for quite a while, he is given the chance to return to a role in his old team for a year. He's immediately involved when a young girl has disappeared and a woman is nearly run off the road, and both incidents seem to be connected.
This was an excellent read as usual. It was great seeing Barton and the team back. It felt like a return to family. There's even a new character to get to know. As for the story, it's complex and riveting with some characters you want to throttle. I didn't know what end was up with several twists and it was hard to know who was telling the truth or if it was all the truth. There's a lovely ending too which made me happy. I can't wait for the next Barton tale.
This was an excellent read as usual. It was great seeing Barton and the team back. It felt like a return to family. There's even a new character to get to know. As for the story, it's complex and riveting with some characters you want to throttle. I didn't know what end was up with several twists and it was hard to know who was telling the truth or if it was all the truth. There's a lovely ending too which made me happy. I can't wait for the next Barton tale.
July 6, 2025
Really enjoyed this John Barton series and this book is one of my favourites. Can’t wait for the next book in the DI Barton series, but I guess I have to. In the meantime I’m looking forward to getting into the DS Knight series and the standalone books.
October 20, 2024
I didn't realise quite how much I'd missed this series and these characters until I started reading The Village Killer. DI Barton, or DCI Barton as he is now, at least for a period of secondment, is back on active duty, policing the streets of Peterborough, and the timing could not have been better. With a missing teenager, and a potential attempted murder, his former team are really struggling. Will a touch of the old Barton magic, and the normally trustworthy Barton 'gut', help them clear up these perplexing puzzles, or are some killers just to dastardly to be caught? Well, the beauty of this series, and why I really love it, is you just don't know!
Now if you have read any of the other books in the series, and if not, what are you even doing with your time(?), then you will know that these books not only allow you a glimpse into the world of the investigating police team, in this case Peterborough's Major Crimes Unit, but they al;so give you a first person look from the eyes and mind of the killer. I really like that about the book as it adds another layer of mystery to the whole thing. You know their thoughts, to a degree, even their motivations, most of the time, but it is never quite clear who they might be. And this is where Ross Greenwood continues to play a canny game as in The Village Killer, much as in the other books, there really are several suspects who could quite easily fit the bill. Let's just say, that with one obvious exception - okay two - the killer in this case could be one of several people. I think it's possible to perhaps narrow the field a touch, but never take anything for granted as this author is more than capable of pulling the wool over your eyes. That's no mean feat in a book where the characters are quite literally laying everything bare ...
I like the mystery in this one. Ross Greenwood sets everything up perfectly with a kind of voyeuristic feel as the 'killer' in question watches the object of their obsession. It sets everything on edge, even if nothing is instigated in this particular scene. You know that something can, and probably will happen, and I was immediately sucked into the who, what and why of it all. Little did I know how messy and complicated things were about to become, but I guess when stepping into the wealthy world of the residents of Castor, nothing was ever going to be as blatant s fisticuffs on the street. The author sets us up perfectly, introducing the main characters, or suspects, early on, with a few added twists thrown in for good measure. You get that immediate sense that it is all about what isn't being said, rather than what is, and I didn't need Barton's gut to tell me that few people were ebing entirely honest.
There is a good pacing on this book, moments when the tension and threat level creeps upward, but balanced against the frustrating slow speed that an investigation can sometimes take. The foreshadowing in certain scenes allows you to prepare for the big moments to come, and whilst nothing in this series is gratuitous or overly shocking, don't be fooled into thinking there aren't any surprises heading your way. There are plenty of those. But what I really enjoy about these books is the glimpse into Barton's home life which helps to add humour into the story, and lets you really fell the humanity and compassion that Barton is known for. He is always able to get the best out of his team, including some o fthe new characters introduced in this story, and the camaraderie and friendship acts as a lovely tonic from some of those series where there is more infighting at times than actual fighting crime.
I really enjoyed being back in the world of Barton and Zander and the team, and loved getting to know some of the new characters too. This was a story laced with humour, shicks, surprises and often a sad reflection on the modern world. With good pacing and tension, and a whole dose of mystery, it's sure to keep true fans of Detective fiction very happy. Definitely recommended and I'm very happy to see there may well be a return visit to the team next year too. Cannot wait.
Now if you have read any of the other books in the series, and if not, what are you even doing with your time(?), then you will know that these books not only allow you a glimpse into the world of the investigating police team, in this case Peterborough's Major Crimes Unit, but they al;so give you a first person look from the eyes and mind of the killer. I really like that about the book as it adds another layer of mystery to the whole thing. You know their thoughts, to a degree, even their motivations, most of the time, but it is never quite clear who they might be. And this is where Ross Greenwood continues to play a canny game as in The Village Killer, much as in the other books, there really are several suspects who could quite easily fit the bill. Let's just say, that with one obvious exception - okay two - the killer in this case could be one of several people. I think it's possible to perhaps narrow the field a touch, but never take anything for granted as this author is more than capable of pulling the wool over your eyes. That's no mean feat in a book where the characters are quite literally laying everything bare ...
I like the mystery in this one. Ross Greenwood sets everything up perfectly with a kind of voyeuristic feel as the 'killer' in question watches the object of their obsession. It sets everything on edge, even if nothing is instigated in this particular scene. You know that something can, and probably will happen, and I was immediately sucked into the who, what and why of it all. Little did I know how messy and complicated things were about to become, but I guess when stepping into the wealthy world of the residents of Castor, nothing was ever going to be as blatant s fisticuffs on the street. The author sets us up perfectly, introducing the main characters, or suspects, early on, with a few added twists thrown in for good measure. You get that immediate sense that it is all about what isn't being said, rather than what is, and I didn't need Barton's gut to tell me that few people were ebing entirely honest.
There is a good pacing on this book, moments when the tension and threat level creeps upward, but balanced against the frustrating slow speed that an investigation can sometimes take. The foreshadowing in certain scenes allows you to prepare for the big moments to come, and whilst nothing in this series is gratuitous or overly shocking, don't be fooled into thinking there aren't any surprises heading your way. There are plenty of those. But what I really enjoy about these books is the glimpse into Barton's home life which helps to add humour into the story, and lets you really fell the humanity and compassion that Barton is known for. He is always able to get the best out of his team, including some o fthe new characters introduced in this story, and the camaraderie and friendship acts as a lovely tonic from some of those series where there is more infighting at times than actual fighting crime.
I really enjoyed being back in the world of Barton and Zander and the team, and loved getting to know some of the new characters too. This was a story laced with humour, shicks, surprises and often a sad reflection on the modern world. With good pacing and tension, and a whole dose of mystery, it's sure to keep true fans of Detective fiction very happy. Definitely recommended and I'm very happy to see there may well be a return visit to the team next year too. Cannot wait.
October 7, 2024
While I enjoyed this book quite a bit, there was just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on.
On the surface, it had all of the usual earmarks not only of a good story, but of a story by this author. There was an interesting plot that consisted of several seemingly unconnected storylines, some shady characters that had you consistently questioning their potential roles in what was going on, while also containing the usual balance between Barton the tireless leader, and Barton the husband and father.
Maybe the problem for me was that they were a little too interconnected. I mean you have Poppy, the “missing fourteen-year-old” whose mother just happens to be friends with the woman who was almost run down and whose uncle is suspected in a different case. And sure, I get these things sometimes happen, but it was just a little too neat for me. Especially when you take into consideration the way that Poppy dressed and acted. Yes, I am aware of the fact that it is an actual condition (I did read the author’s notes at the end), but she didn’t seem crucial to the plot at all, and in fact it was more than a little disturbing to find out just what she had been up to (and a little unfathomable that she was able to use someone else’s photo identification as her own).
I also felt as though there were some chapters that could have been removed altogether, and it would not have changed the plot at all. To bring Poppy back into it, what was the purpose of Barton running into her outside of a grocery store after the investigations had been wrapped? She was still the same belligerent child that she had been, and it was obvious that she had learned nothing from what had happened. In my opinion, it simply wasn’t needed.
There were also a couple of instances where it would seem the author forgot details moments after they happened. In one case, there was a whole conversation between Robert and Barton as they drove to the police station, but as soon as their interview there wraps up, the author says that Robert had taken a taxi to the station as he wasn’t sure of the parking situation. This threw me to the point I had to go back and make sure the scene with them talking had in fact taken place.
I will say, I enjoyed some of the witty comments that were thrown into this one, such as Barton’s wife telling him that he would be fine to accept the position as the eldest had moved out, their youngest was in school and their teenaged daughter would be “circling the roof on her broomstick for the next few years.” As a mom who has raised teenaged daughters, I could not think of a more fitting description.
All things considered, while this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, it still holds up well on its own, and I will continue to read more from this author in the future.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
On the surface, it had all of the usual earmarks not only of a good story, but of a story by this author. There was an interesting plot that consisted of several seemingly unconnected storylines, some shady characters that had you consistently questioning their potential roles in what was going on, while also containing the usual balance between Barton the tireless leader, and Barton the husband and father.
Maybe the problem for me was that they were a little too interconnected. I mean you have Poppy, the “missing fourteen-year-old” whose mother just happens to be friends with the woman who was almost run down and whose uncle is suspected in a different case. And sure, I get these things sometimes happen, but it was just a little too neat for me. Especially when you take into consideration the way that Poppy dressed and acted. Yes, I am aware of the fact that it is an actual condition (I did read the author’s notes at the end), but she didn’t seem crucial to the plot at all, and in fact it was more than a little disturbing to find out just what she had been up to (and a little unfathomable that she was able to use someone else’s photo identification as her own).
I also felt as though there were some chapters that could have been removed altogether, and it would not have changed the plot at all. To bring Poppy back into it, what was the purpose of Barton running into her outside of a grocery store after the investigations had been wrapped? She was still the same belligerent child that she had been, and it was obvious that she had learned nothing from what had happened. In my opinion, it simply wasn’t needed.
There were also a couple of instances where it would seem the author forgot details moments after they happened. In one case, there was a whole conversation between Robert and Barton as they drove to the police station, but as soon as their interview there wraps up, the author says that Robert had taken a taxi to the station as he wasn’t sure of the parking situation. This threw me to the point I had to go back and make sure the scene with them talking had in fact taken place.
I will say, I enjoyed some of the witty comments that were thrown into this one, such as Barton’s wife telling him that he would be fine to accept the position as the eldest had moved out, their youngest was in school and their teenaged daughter would be “circling the roof on her broomstick for the next few years.” As a mom who has raised teenaged daughters, I could not think of a more fitting description.
All things considered, while this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, it still holds up well on its own, and I will continue to read more from this author in the future.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
October 29, 2024
While I have not read all of the books in this series, picking up another DI Barton thriller has been great. The Village Killer is an intense crime thriller that sees Barton and his team chasing and trying to put together a myriad of clues, hints, rumours and secrets.
Barton has been at a desk and is given the opportunity to return to Major Crimes, he has a chance to get back together with some of his old team and meet some newcomers to the team. It is with his wife's approval that he returns, over the years he has missed spending time with his family, but now they are growing up his wife gives him the push he needs to return. Wanting to solve another case, he is looking back at what he has achieved and wants more to look back on.
With a missing teen and a threat against a woman, he is soon back in the thick of things. There is a problem though, nothing adds up, nothing makes sense and he is wondering what is going on. Things take a turn for the worse when a body is discovered soon to be followed by another.
This is a tense and quite dramatic thriller, I really liked the way the author brought the team together and the way the case is worked, giving those new to the team a chance to prove their worth and supporting those who have had a change in family circumstances.
The case sees Barton and the team back and forth to the village of Castor. Wealth is in evidence in the area with large houses, pools and cars, but beneath the facade, all is not as it seems. Trying to work out who is telling the truth and not bending it or out and out lying is a task and a half. It certainly had me scratching my head. The author does a great job of skewing the readers' opinions and perspectives as the case unfolds. Keeping an open mind and being open to suggestions encourages the team to think outside the box but also work together to a conclusion.
This is another fabulous thriller in the series and does read well as a stand-alone, it is obviously better to read in the order of the series as you do get to understand the pasts and experiences of the team, although references are made to previous events.
If you are a fan of tense police procedural crime thrillers then this is one to have on your list. I would definitely recommend it.
Barton has been at a desk and is given the opportunity to return to Major Crimes, he has a chance to get back together with some of his old team and meet some newcomers to the team. It is with his wife's approval that he returns, over the years he has missed spending time with his family, but now they are growing up his wife gives him the push he needs to return. Wanting to solve another case, he is looking back at what he has achieved and wants more to look back on.
With a missing teen and a threat against a woman, he is soon back in the thick of things. There is a problem though, nothing adds up, nothing makes sense and he is wondering what is going on. Things take a turn for the worse when a body is discovered soon to be followed by another.
This is a tense and quite dramatic thriller, I really liked the way the author brought the team together and the way the case is worked, giving those new to the team a chance to prove their worth and supporting those who have had a change in family circumstances.
The case sees Barton and the team back and forth to the village of Castor. Wealth is in evidence in the area with large houses, pools and cars, but beneath the facade, all is not as it seems. Trying to work out who is telling the truth and not bending it or out and out lying is a task and a half. It certainly had me scratching my head. The author does a great job of skewing the readers' opinions and perspectives as the case unfolds. Keeping an open mind and being open to suggestions encourages the team to think outside the box but also work together to a conclusion.
This is another fabulous thriller in the series and does read well as a stand-alone, it is obviously better to read in the order of the series as you do get to understand the pasts and experiences of the team, although references are made to previous events.
If you are a fan of tense police procedural crime thrillers then this is one to have on your list. I would definitely recommend it.
November 6, 2024
Having spent three years at HQ’s Divisional Development Unit, DI John Barton is offered a year covering for his former boss DCI Sarah Cox back at his old team in Peterborough Major Crimes and relishes the chance to be on the front line once again. His close friend Shawn Zander is now the DI there and Maria Zelensky has been promoted to DS, while DS Kelly Strange is still off taking care of her and Zander’s two-year-old twin boys and DC Caroline Minton joins the team of DCs Leicester, Hoffman and Malik who are already struggling with the disappearance of fourteen-year-old Poppy Madden, thought to have been lured away by an older boyfriend. Then they are alerted to a case of attempted murder in the village of Castor, where a rich woman, Sandy Faversham, has reported a failed hit and run whilst out jogging. The detectives are surprised to find Sandy’s best friend who persuaded her to ring the police is Poppy’s mother Audrey, even though Sandy was not keen to get them involved. Is there something Sandy is hiding and why did the driver not kill her when they had the chance? Meanwhile the reader also gets to hear the thoughts of the Village Killer themselves, relating events from their past, their current actions and their plan as they watch Sandy, and gets a good idea who this is. Maybe. When Sandy’s neighbour is then found dead floating in his pool, and soon after there’s another murder, Barton must consider whether all these events are connected. And of course, whether anyone else will die before he catches the killer.
Amidst these baffling crimes, there are lots of secrets and nothing is as it seems in this complex and long-awaited addition to the excellent series. Once again, the tension and suspense are maintained as the story unfolds, told from both perspectives of killer and detective, and I was willing Barton on to make all the connections in a clever and very twisty plot. It’s great to see Barton back at what he does best with his close team, and Barton’s home life with Holly, his kids and dog is a pleasure to read about. I really am looking forward to the next story after the lovely ending.
Amidst these baffling crimes, there are lots of secrets and nothing is as it seems in this complex and long-awaited addition to the excellent series. Once again, the tension and suspense are maintained as the story unfolds, told from both perspectives of killer and detective, and I was willing Barton on to make all the connections in a clever and very twisty plot. It’s great to see Barton back at what he does best with his close team, and Barton’s home life with Holly, his kids and dog is a pleasure to read about. I really am looking forward to the next story after the lovely ending.
November 23, 2024
The Village Killer is the seventh installment in the DI Barton, mystery thriller collection by Ross Greenwood. The book starts with Sandy jogging through her love Hill Village, and being watched by some unknown person, right before they try to run her down in a car. next, we see DI John Barton, talking to his boss, who tells him that DI Sarah Fox is going to London for a year and John should fill her position. This intrigues complacent John, who is at loose ends career wise. this is how John returns to his team, his best friend Xander, and finds his self investigating the problems happening in Love Hill. A 14-year-old is missing and when John and Xander, show up to Sandy’s lavish home to investigate the attempted murder on her Xander is surprised to see the missing girls mom at Sandy‘s house only to learn she is Sandy‘s best friend Audrey but if they think this is shocking, they haven’t seen anything yet. before this case is over 14-year-old Poppy will return as if nothing happened. DI Barton will have more than one murder to solve and look for a perpetrator from the past. I just want to say these stories are so addicting and compelling and not to mention they have some very funny moments. When Xander and John are walking in the gym to play tennis and Xander says “people are shocked,” and John asks “ why?” and Xander says “because people aren’t used to seeing a good looking black man bring his pet bear to play tennis.” I almost fell off the bed laughing. I am laughing now as I write this. DI Barton is such a great guy. He is a good husband detective friend etc I just love him. I love his relationship with Holly, Xander, the coriner, just everyone. It is so hard to put the book down when I start one of these novels, but they’re so long, I have to, but while waiting to get back to it all I do is think about the book, the funny things that are said and of course wonder who did what and why.#NetGalley,#RossGreenwood, #DIBarton, #TheVillageKiller,
October 12, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Ross Greenwood’s “The Village Killer” is a gripping addition to the DI Barton series, blending intricate plotting with deep character development. This 7th installment has Inspector John Barton stepping back into the field after three years behind a desk.
The novel begins with Barton returning to Major Crimes, eager to prove he still has what it takes. His first case back involves a series of brutal murders in a seemingly idyllic village. As Barton and his team delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that shatter the village’s peaceful facade.
Inspector John Barton is a well-rounded protagonist whose experience and intuition are matched by his vulnerability and self-doubt. His interactions with his team, particularly the ambitious and sharp-witted DS Zander, add depth to the narrative.
“The Village Killer” explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the dark undercurrents that can exist beneath a community’s surface. Greenwood delves into the psychological aspects of crime, examining how fear and suspicion can unravel even the tightest-knit communities.
Greenwood’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a knack for building suspense and maintaining a brisk pace. His attention to detail and ability to create a sense of place enhance the story’s immersive quality.
“The Village Killer” is a standout entry in the DI Barton series, offering a blend of suspense, character depth, and psychological insight. Ross Greenwood has crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a plot that keeps readers guessing.
Ross Greenwood’s “The Village Killer” is a gripping addition to the DI Barton series, blending intricate plotting with deep character development. This 7th installment has Inspector John Barton stepping back into the field after three years behind a desk.
The novel begins with Barton returning to Major Crimes, eager to prove he still has what it takes. His first case back involves a series of brutal murders in a seemingly idyllic village. As Barton and his team delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that shatter the village’s peaceful facade.
Inspector John Barton is a well-rounded protagonist whose experience and intuition are matched by his vulnerability and self-doubt. His interactions with his team, particularly the ambitious and sharp-witted DS Zander, add depth to the narrative.
“The Village Killer” explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the dark undercurrents that can exist beneath a community’s surface. Greenwood delves into the psychological aspects of crime, examining how fear and suspicion can unravel even the tightest-knit communities.
Greenwood’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a knack for building suspense and maintaining a brisk pace. His attention to detail and ability to create a sense of place enhance the story’s immersive quality.
“The Village Killer” is a standout entry in the DI Barton series, offering a blend of suspense, character depth, and psychological insight. Ross Greenwood has crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a plot that keeps readers guessing.
October 19, 2024
The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood is a highly recommended procedural and the 7th novel in the series with Detective Inspector John Barton.
After three years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton is offered the opportunity to return to Major Crimes. After discussing it with his wife, he accepts and the team immediately are called in to investigate an attempted murder which seems to be linked to the case of a missing child. Soon enough a murder occurs, and Barton is thrust back into the back into the life of a detective with early mornings, late nights and endless pressure to get to the truth.
The well-written narrative follows the discoveries of the intricate investigation with occasional chapters from the point-of-view of the village killer. The cases also test Barton personally to see if he still has what it takes. There are several suspects to chose from as the plot unfolds and clues point to who could be behind the crimes.
The team knows each other, get along, including Barton's friend Zander, and a new member. They all work well together. Banter between the characters can be witty, as well as insightful. Greenwood keeps the investigation moving at a steady pace within the plot while also touching on current societal concerns, including an online "fans" site and concerns over handling those with neurodivergent conditions in the legal system.
The Village Killer is a great choice for those who appreciate detailed procedurals. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
After three years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton is offered the opportunity to return to Major Crimes. After discussing it with his wife, he accepts and the team immediately are called in to investigate an attempted murder which seems to be linked to the case of a missing child. Soon enough a murder occurs, and Barton is thrust back into the back into the life of a detective with early mornings, late nights and endless pressure to get to the truth.
The well-written narrative follows the discoveries of the intricate investigation with occasional chapters from the point-of-view of the village killer. The cases also test Barton personally to see if he still has what it takes. There are several suspects to chose from as the plot unfolds and clues point to who could be behind the crimes.
The team knows each other, get along, including Barton's friend Zander, and a new member. They all work well together. Banter between the characters can be witty, as well as insightful. Greenwood keeps the investigation moving at a steady pace within the plot while also touching on current societal concerns, including an online "fans" site and concerns over handling those with neurodivergent conditions in the legal system.
The Village Killer is a great choice for those who appreciate detailed procedurals. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
November 14, 2024
The story:
After 3 years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton is out of shape and bored. So when the chance to get back to Major Crimes comes up, he doesn’t need much persuading, even if it is only for a year. Back in Peterborough, there are old faces and new on the team – but with a missing girl and a killer stalking the nearby village of Castor, will Barton still have what it takes to crack the case?
My thoughts:
I’m delighted to be back reading about DI John Barton and his team in “The Village Killer”, by Ross Greenwood!
We last saw Barton in “The Santa Killer”, after which author Greenwood has focused on his equally enjoyable Norfolk Murders series, featuring DS Ashley Knight (see “Death on Cromer Beach”, etc.). However, Barton is a great character and it’s great to be back with him again.
We join him 3 years after the events of “The Santa Killer”, since when he has been working a desk job at Huntington HQ. While he has enjoyed the reliable hours and the chance to be closer to his family, his kids are now almost grown up, and office work, as his wife Holly points out, is “gradually diminishing” him.
So Barton finds himself unable to turn down an offer from the Chief Superintendent to get back to Major Crimes, heading up the team for a year while his former DCI Sarah Cox is working down in London (with rising star Hector Fade, of Norfolk Murders fame!).
Barton hits the ground running with a missing 14-year-old and an attempted murder in the village of Castor. What follows is the complex and interesting plot I’ve come to expect from Greenwood, with his trademark switching between the point of view of Barton, and the killer themselves, which gives a unique insight into the crimes as they are committed.
Fans of Barton will be delighted he’s back, and if you’re new to the series I would definitely recommend it! These are not cosy crimes, but detailed and interesting investigations that focus on the characters’ lives. Greenwood is planning both another DS Knight and DCI Barton book, and I look forward to seeing where both stories go next!
After 3 years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton is out of shape and bored. So when the chance to get back to Major Crimes comes up, he doesn’t need much persuading, even if it is only for a year. Back in Peterborough, there are old faces and new on the team – but with a missing girl and a killer stalking the nearby village of Castor, will Barton still have what it takes to crack the case?
My thoughts:
I’m delighted to be back reading about DI John Barton and his team in “The Village Killer”, by Ross Greenwood!
We last saw Barton in “The Santa Killer”, after which author Greenwood has focused on his equally enjoyable Norfolk Murders series, featuring DS Ashley Knight (see “Death on Cromer Beach”, etc.). However, Barton is a great character and it’s great to be back with him again.
We join him 3 years after the events of “The Santa Killer”, since when he has been working a desk job at Huntington HQ. While he has enjoyed the reliable hours and the chance to be closer to his family, his kids are now almost grown up, and office work, as his wife Holly points out, is “gradually diminishing” him.
So Barton finds himself unable to turn down an offer from the Chief Superintendent to get back to Major Crimes, heading up the team for a year while his former DCI Sarah Cox is working down in London (with rising star Hector Fade, of Norfolk Murders fame!).
Barton hits the ground running with a missing 14-year-old and an attempted murder in the village of Castor. What follows is the complex and interesting plot I’ve come to expect from Greenwood, with his trademark switching between the point of view of Barton, and the killer themselves, which gives a unique insight into the crimes as they are committed.
Fans of Barton will be delighted he’s back, and if you’re new to the series I would definitely recommend it! These are not cosy crimes, but detailed and interesting investigations that focus on the characters’ lives. Greenwood is planning both another DS Knight and DCI Barton book, and I look forward to seeing where both stories go next!
October 20, 2024
I absolutely adore the Barton series and so was delighted to hear that Barton's back!
In The Village Killer, Barton is challenged with crimes that stem from a world he knows very little about - this could be a career ending situation for some, and others yet might even admit the flaw - yet as always he rises to the occasion and investigates enough to bring himself up to speed.
When links start to appear between seemingly unrelated cases, Barton and the team come into their own with their dogged and unrelenting pursuit of 'whodunnit' and The Village Killer offers a satisfyingly complex thriller to solve, with many an eye opening surprise along the way.
In keeping with the rest of the series, the chapters mostly follow Barton and the team but are interspersed with chapters written from the killers point of view which keeps the pace exciting and also gives insight into their perspective.
In addition to writing cracking thrillers with just the right amount of clever humour, Ross Greenwood's books also deliver on the more challenging social subjects in life. He achieves this without it feeling deliberate, artificial or like something edgy is being rammed down your throat, and I hugely admire this aspect of his books.
For me, the Barton series is like an old pair of comfy slippers and I pick them up knowing without a shadow of a doubt that I am in for a good read. My thanks to Boldwood Books, Ross Greenwood and Rachel's Random Resources for letting me be a part of this blog tour.
In The Village Killer, Barton is challenged with crimes that stem from a world he knows very little about - this could be a career ending situation for some, and others yet might even admit the flaw - yet as always he rises to the occasion and investigates enough to bring himself up to speed.
When links start to appear between seemingly unrelated cases, Barton and the team come into their own with their dogged and unrelenting pursuit of 'whodunnit' and The Village Killer offers a satisfyingly complex thriller to solve, with many an eye opening surprise along the way.
In keeping with the rest of the series, the chapters mostly follow Barton and the team but are interspersed with chapters written from the killers point of view which keeps the pace exciting and also gives insight into their perspective.
In addition to writing cracking thrillers with just the right amount of clever humour, Ross Greenwood's books also deliver on the more challenging social subjects in life. He achieves this without it feeling deliberate, artificial or like something edgy is being rammed down your throat, and I hugely admire this aspect of his books.
For me, the Barton series is like an old pair of comfy slippers and I pick them up knowing without a shadow of a doubt that I am in for a good read. My thanks to Boldwood Books, Ross Greenwood and Rachel's Random Resources for letting me be a part of this blog tour.
October 29, 2024
Several years back I read some of the DS Knight series, haven’t read any in this series before. I was glad to read this author again and find a series I wasn’t aware of. This was one of the best procedurals I’ve ever read. DI Barton is a well trained manager, knowledgeable and thoughtful. His command of the team was what I’d hope for in real life. Politics and budget constraints didn’t get in the way of conducting investigations. DI Barton is what I would categorize as midlife, married to a feisty lady, two kids. There’s a good mix of characters on the team. There’s an attempted murder, a missing teen, a library lurker, then questionable deaths. All of this happening in a wealthy area abutting a wooded area. Barton must navigate the change from desk work to field work and keep his family life calm. The suspect list for some of the crimes includes a diminished capacity individual, estate gardener and handyman, friends and spouses. Throw in a shady internet site and the complicated events take sharp turns and wicked twists. I was impressed with the originality of the plot and wish I’d read the previous books. The attention to detail and depth of the characters was spot on. If you already know DI Barton you will love this one. If you haven’t read the author before, you should start now.
Thanks so much to Boldwood Books (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “The Village Killer” (DI Barton #7) by Ross Greenwood, publication expected 11/01/2024. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without expectation of compensation.
Thanks so much to Boldwood Books (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “The Village Killer” (DI Barton #7) by Ross Greenwood, publication expected 11/01/2024. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without expectation of compensation.
November 23, 2024
The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood is book seven in the DI Barton series and wow was it good!! If you like crime thrillers, mysteries, multiple POV’s, different cases, multiple crimes, suspense, and police procedural stories then you will love this book.
DI John Barton has been at a desk job for 3 years wanting to give his family a break from his dangerous job. When he is given the chance to get back to Major Crimes, after discussing it with his wife, he accepts.
He is given two cases that are in the news; a teenage girl who has gone missing and a woman walking on the side walk is almost killed by a driver, could they be connected…I don’t know. This tiny English village where his case takes him as it turns out is full of secrets
Greenwood did an amazing job with this story. The storyline and plot were amazing, I love the clues that are left throughout the story. I love how he takes you with him as Barton and his team solve this case. The characters become real as you get into the story, you relate to them even the ones you hate. I love a good thriller that is full of suspense, twists, and turns. I like that the story doesn’t just follow one case or storyline, it follows different ones, and just when you think you’ve figured it out…you haven’t. We also get a story from the killers POV. You have to read this book you will be hooked and want to go back to read the first 6 books like me. Thank you to Boldwood Book, NetGalley, and Ross Greenwood for letting me read this story in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
DI John Barton has been at a desk job for 3 years wanting to give his family a break from his dangerous job. When he is given the chance to get back to Major Crimes, after discussing it with his wife, he accepts.
He is given two cases that are in the news; a teenage girl who has gone missing and a woman walking on the side walk is almost killed by a driver, could they be connected…I don’t know. This tiny English village where his case takes him as it turns out is full of secrets
Greenwood did an amazing job with this story. The storyline and plot were amazing, I love the clues that are left throughout the story. I love how he takes you with him as Barton and his team solve this case. The characters become real as you get into the story, you relate to them even the ones you hate. I love a good thriller that is full of suspense, twists, and turns. I like that the story doesn’t just follow one case or storyline, it follows different ones, and just when you think you’ve figured it out…you haven’t. We also get a story from the killers POV. You have to read this book you will be hooked and want to go back to read the first 6 books like me. Thank you to Boldwood Book, NetGalley, and Ross Greenwood for letting me read this story in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
December 27, 2024
Read as an ARC. This review is based on my completing this story and is an honest reflection of my views about it.
This is a thrilling addition to the DI Barton series, though it can be enjoyed as a standalone lie I did. This solid police procedural blends mystery, suspense, and character-driven drama, keeping readers hooked from the start. DI John Barton, returning to active duty after three years behind a desk, investigates two seemingly unrelated cases in the sleepy village of Castor: a near-fatal hit-and-run and the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl. As Barton and his team dig deeper, they uncover connections that lead to shocking twists and unexpected turns.
The novel offers a gripping plot that skillfully ties together multiple mysteries, with Greenwood's writing adding layers of tension and intrigue. The story explores themes of secrecy, hidden lives, and the dark side of suburban life. While the mystery unfolds with plenty of twists, including a connection to a "OnlyFans"-like website, it's the character interactions that really shine—especially the humor and camaraderie between Barton and his colleagues. This lightens the darker moments and makes the characters feel real and relatable.
Though some may find the long-running series intimidating when starting with this book, the central mystery is engaging, the ending satisfying, and The Village Killer is a page-turner from start to finish. I also liked the fact that I uncovered another author whose books I would like to read from the beginning of this series. So win-win.
This is a thrilling addition to the DI Barton series, though it can be enjoyed as a standalone lie I did. This solid police procedural blends mystery, suspense, and character-driven drama, keeping readers hooked from the start. DI John Barton, returning to active duty after three years behind a desk, investigates two seemingly unrelated cases in the sleepy village of Castor: a near-fatal hit-and-run and the disappearance of a 14-year-old girl. As Barton and his team dig deeper, they uncover connections that lead to shocking twists and unexpected turns.
The novel offers a gripping plot that skillfully ties together multiple mysteries, with Greenwood's writing adding layers of tension and intrigue. The story explores themes of secrecy, hidden lives, and the dark side of suburban life. While the mystery unfolds with plenty of twists, including a connection to a "OnlyFans"-like website, it's the character interactions that really shine—especially the humor and camaraderie between Barton and his colleagues. This lightens the darker moments and makes the characters feel real and relatable.
Though some may find the long-running series intimidating when starting with this book, the central mystery is engaging, the ending satisfying, and The Village Killer is a page-turner from start to finish. I also liked the fact that I uncovered another author whose books I would like to read from the beginning of this series. So win-win.
October 17, 2024
Inspector John Barton has spent three years behind a desk. At fifty-years-old, Barton suspects the next position will be his last.
When an opportunity arises to stand in for DI Cox in charge of Major Crimes, he jumps at it but doesn't want to step on his friend Zander's toes little knowing he doesn't want the job due to having young twins at home that are causing him sleepless nights.
John is soon involved in a troubling case. Sandy is nearly run over after her evening run then Poppy a 14yr child goes missing. It’s challenges like these that he came back for, but then a man dies, and the pressure builds.
Barton finds himself embroiled in an investigation that has several twists and turns add an obsessed, controlling husband a wife who wants to leave and is making money by unusual channels and you have a brilliant read. All set in the sleepy village of Castor it's not a clear cut case.
Ross Greenwood is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors
I love a main character, especially a police man, who is devoted and loves his family. The banter between him and his wife had me laughing out loud and imagining John in his tight shorts was just too much.
‘What another amazing, addictive, can't put it down book.
All in all great entertainment, a good whodunnit that kept me guessing and lots of smiles along the way. Keep at it please because I can’t wait for the next in the series.
When an opportunity arises to stand in for DI Cox in charge of Major Crimes, he jumps at it but doesn't want to step on his friend Zander's toes little knowing he doesn't want the job due to having young twins at home that are causing him sleepless nights.
John is soon involved in a troubling case. Sandy is nearly run over after her evening run then Poppy a 14yr child goes missing. It’s challenges like these that he came back for, but then a man dies, and the pressure builds.
Barton finds himself embroiled in an investigation that has several twists and turns add an obsessed, controlling husband a wife who wants to leave and is making money by unusual channels and you have a brilliant read. All set in the sleepy village of Castor it's not a clear cut case.
Ross Greenwood is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors
I love a main character, especially a police man, who is devoted and loves his family. The banter between him and his wife had me laughing out loud and imagining John in his tight shorts was just too much.
‘What another amazing, addictive, can't put it down book.
All in all great entertainment, a good whodunnit that kept me guessing and lots of smiles along the way. Keep at it please because I can’t wait for the next in the series.
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