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DI James Walker #5
The Killer in the Cold
Chilling truths are buried in this snow…
When a body dressed in a Santa Claus suit appears in the snow just outside a small village in Cumbria, DCI James Walker is the first to appear on the scene. Almost a year has passed since something so tragic has happened in the close-knit community, and James is hopeful that it’s just an accidental death.
But when he uncovers the body, he discovers something that chills him to the bone. The man, a former police officer, was murdered. And it’s not long before another body appears.
Time is ticking as James races to uncover the killer’s next victim, before they strike again. But can James find them before the snow washes away the evidence?
When a body dressed in a Santa Claus suit appears in the snow just outside a small village in Cumbria, DCI James Walker is the first to appear on the scene. Almost a year has passed since something so tragic has happened in the close-knit community, and James is hopeful that it’s just an accidental death.
But when he uncovers the body, he discovers something that chills him to the bone. The man, a former police officer, was murdered. And it’s not long before another body appears.
Time is ticking as James races to uncover the killer’s next victim, before they strike again. But can James find them before the snow washes away the evidence?
384 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2025
322 people are currently reading
1713 people want to read
About the author
Alex Pine
11 books254 followersAlex Pine was born and raised on a council estate in South London and left school at sixteen. Before long, he embarked on a career in journalism, which took him all over the world – many of the stories he covered were crime-related. Among his favourite hobbies are hiking and water-based activities, so he and his family have spent lots of holidays in the Lake District. He now lives with his wife on a marina close to the New Forest on the South Coast – providing him with the best of both worlds!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
March 23, 2025
"From the master of wintery crime, comes a thriller that will chill you to the bone."
Yes, this hot winter thriller was compelling, pacey, twisty, intricately plotted, well-written, and replete with flaming red herrings.
The book begins with instant action:
The dead body of a former police officer dressed in a Santa Claus suit is discovered outside a small village in Cumbria.
Another dead body is also recovered.
Who committed these murders?
The book is the fifth book in Alex Pine's "DI James Walker" "cold" series and it is also a standalone read.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Simon Darwen.
This was my first Alex Pine book and I look forward to circling back and listening to the earlier books in this series.
A solid police procedural.
December 5, 2024
The DCI James Walker series is soon becoming a festive tradition read.
Now upto the Fifth in the series, the novel likes to acknowledge that something always happens in December in the small village of Kirkby Abbey in Cumbria
'Christmas just wouldn't be the same without a big bloody crime to bring us all together'.
The reader is thrust straight into the action as the body of a former police office dressed in a santa costume is discovered by a resident walking their dog.
I like that the mystery deepens when a second body is found, leading to speculation that the police could be targeted.
The chapters are short and snappy whilst the characters are fully rounded.
There's plenty of twists and red herrings that constantly kept me hooked.
Now upto the Fifth in the series, the novel likes to acknowledge that something always happens in December in the small village of Kirkby Abbey in Cumbria
'Christmas just wouldn't be the same without a big bloody crime to bring us all together'.
The reader is thrust straight into the action as the body of a former police office dressed in a santa costume is discovered by a resident walking their dog.
I like that the mystery deepens when a second body is found, leading to speculation that the police could be targeted.
The chapters are short and snappy whilst the characters are fully rounded.
There's plenty of twists and red herrings that constantly kept me hooked.
November 23, 2024
This series is so fun to read around the holidays. 😂
December 17, 2025
3.5 stars
The Killer In The Cold by Alex Pine is the fifth in the DI James Walker police procedural series.
This was quite good, although for some reason it seemed to drag from time to time...although so did the investigation, so maybe that was it.
This was a case that struck close to home for the team, and for the whole village. The two victims were well-known, and well-liked. This was really well written. You could really feel the anxiety of all the characters. I like the way the author creates his characters. You could really hate the son in this story, who seemed to be his own worst enemy. In the same way, you could really sympathize with his wife. Now, I had an idea early on who the killer was, but I hoped I was wrong. Unfortunately, I was right, but it took a long time to get there.
There were a lot of short chapters, so it was an easy read. As I said earlier, it did drag a little, but it was good.
Anyway, another book just came out, so now I'll have to find that. I want to stay caught up on this one, because I fear if I get too far behind, that I'll just give up on it. I guess I'm still not that excited about the series. Which, 5 books in, you'd think I'd give up. Hmmm...
Anyway, until next time....
For a more thorough review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, my own synopsis of the book, and its author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
February 6, 2025
It's Christmas and yet again we have another murder for DI James Walker to investigate. Poor chap sure picked the worst place to live with murderers seemingly hating Christmas and always going on killing sprees over festive period.
Alex Pine delivers another great murder mystery for readers to enjoy. Well written, well executed with enough red herrings to keep readers guessing, it's a series to enjoy. I really like it.
Alex Pine delivers another great murder mystery for readers to enjoy. Well written, well executed with enough red herrings to keep readers guessing, it's a series to enjoy. I really like it.
December 8, 2024
3.75 / 5.0
Solid book you can rely on, if you want a proper procedural book this is your go to, and it won’t disappoint. Given that I am still new to this book and the series I’m surprised it’s set again during another Christmas but from the previous books I think that’s the main theme here.
We met DCI Walker again, but this time to solve the murder of a former police officer and one of his dear friends from the workforce, just a year on from the events of the previous book. This man cannot catch a break! An emotional one for James as it hits close to home- but a great read! A classic book you can rely on that you’ll know won’t disappoint!
Solid book you can rely on, if you want a proper procedural book this is your go to, and it won’t disappoint. Given that I am still new to this book and the series I’m surprised it’s set again during another Christmas but from the previous books I think that’s the main theme here.
We met DCI Walker again, but this time to solve the murder of a former police officer and one of his dear friends from the workforce, just a year on from the events of the previous book. This man cannot catch a break! An emotional one for James as it hits close to home- but a great read! A classic book you can rely on that you’ll know won’t disappoint!
January 12, 2025
Okay I’m giving this a very strong 3/5 stars ⭐️ - which I think is pretty good considering that crime books are defo not my thing, but I’m glad I gave this a go!
I actually enjoyed this! I like how it was set around Christmas and had all those winter vibes ❄️
I’m SO surprised with who the killer ended up being, it was someone where no evidence led to them until the very final moment, so it was crazy when it was finally revealed!!
Overall a thrilling & entertaining read, would recommend!
~~~~~~~~~~
Not normally into crime books, but my brother got me this for Christmas so let’s give this a go 🎁🎄
I actually enjoyed this! I like how it was set around Christmas and had all those winter vibes ❄️
I’m SO surprised with who the killer ended up being, it was someone where no evidence led to them until the very final moment, so it was crazy when it was finally revealed!!
Overall a thrilling & entertaining read, would recommend!
~~~~~~~~~~
Not normally into crime books, but my brother got me this for Christmas so let’s give this a go 🎁🎄
December 16, 2024
5 Stars. Another fantastic Christmas mystery by Alex Pine. James Walker and company kept me glued right to the end. Since reading the first of this series I think 5 years ago I look forward to the new one to read before Christmas. This one might have been the best. I hope Pine keeps giving these gifts every Christmas Season. They’re great. I would love to see BritBox tackle them as each one would make a great Holiday Series.
December 2, 2024
Tedious and repetitive
A very boring book! No action or suspense! A mundane police procedural where the police don't seem to follow procedure and immediately check out all the CCTV! If they had, then the murderer would have been discovered 200 pages sooner! The DCI's wife is a strange one! She takes sleeping pills at night despite having a 7 month old baby and a toddler and she can't go out with her kids on her own! She needs her husband with her! And she only ever feeds him ready meals! He would be a better character without her! He,too, is insipid though. He speaks in cliches when asked how the investigation is going! None of the police team's characters are developed! We don't get to know anything about them other than the overview of them at the start! A bland,monotonous book. The ending was unbelievable!
A very boring book! No action or suspense! A mundane police procedural where the police don't seem to follow procedure and immediately check out all the CCTV! If they had, then the murderer would have been discovered 200 pages sooner! The DCI's wife is a strange one! She takes sleeping pills at night despite having a 7 month old baby and a toddler and she can't go out with her kids on her own! She needs her husband with her! And she only ever feeds him ready meals! He would be a better character without her! He,too, is insipid though. He speaks in cliches when asked how the investigation is going! None of the police team's characters are developed! We don't get to know anything about them other than the overview of them at the start! A bland,monotonous book. The ending was unbelievable!
January 2, 2025
Read all 5 of these throughout December. I really enjoy these books and the different storylines in each one. I like the police/detective characters but have to be honest and say that the lead character’s wife drives me mad! I don’t enjoy her as a character in these books unfortunately.
November 25, 2024
The Killer in the Cold by Alex Pine published November 7th with Avon Books. It is book #5 in the DI James Walker series and is described as a novel 'from the master of wintery crime...a thriller that will chill you to the bone…'
I haven't read the previous books in this series but, in the opening pages, Alex Pine provides a brief introduction to all the characters, which is a very handy device.
Detective Chief Inspector James Walker moved to the small rural village of Kirkby Abbey in Cumbria over four years ago. Having worked in the Met in London for approximately twenty years, this move was supposed to offer a more peaceful alternative, a place where his wife Annie and himself could rear a family, away from the chaos and frenetic lifestyle that was part and parcel of city living. But murder and mayhem followed James, with life in Kirkby Abbey being anything but peaceful, making them question their decision to move here.
After a relaxing family day on Christmas, James and Annie were preparing for a day out with their young kids when an urgent call comes through to James. A body has been discovered in a wooded area, dressed in a Santa costume and has been quickly identified as a local retired police officer, a once colleague and friend of James and others on the force.
As the investigation ramps up, it becomes clear that the evidence trail is weak, but it soon escalates when another discovery is made. The villagers inevitably get wind of the news and panic starts to set in. As James attempts to calm the local community, he is also very much aware that many of these people are his friends and neighbours and they expect answers and results fast.
With pressure mounting from all sides, James is under serious stress but, with plenty of experience under his belt, he starts to gain momentum as snippets of information slowly start to seep in. James and his team are tasked with uncovering is this the work of another possible serial killer or is there something more personal at stake.
The dramatic and eye-catching cover of The Killer in the Cold depicted a rather different scene than any that transpired within the novel so I was a bit underwhelmed with what I read. In reality this is very slow-paced and, dare I say, repetitive story, with finer details that were very much surplus to the plot. James' relationship with his wife, what they ate, who drank what and how many glasses, were really all just padding as far I was concerned. And he did seem to tell his wife quite a bit of confidential information! There is most definitely an interesting murder-mystery at the core but it's more in line with Midsomer Murders as opposed to the more gritty and sinister plotline that I had been expecting.
The Killer in the Cold is perfect for all who like their crime novels a little more community-centred, lighter and cosy. It's not particularly a festive read, although set during the Christmas period, so it can be picked up as a reading choice in any season.
I haven't read the previous books in this series but, in the opening pages, Alex Pine provides a brief introduction to all the characters, which is a very handy device.
Detective Chief Inspector James Walker moved to the small rural village of Kirkby Abbey in Cumbria over four years ago. Having worked in the Met in London for approximately twenty years, this move was supposed to offer a more peaceful alternative, a place where his wife Annie and himself could rear a family, away from the chaos and frenetic lifestyle that was part and parcel of city living. But murder and mayhem followed James, with life in Kirkby Abbey being anything but peaceful, making them question their decision to move here.
After a relaxing family day on Christmas, James and Annie were preparing for a day out with their young kids when an urgent call comes through to James. A body has been discovered in a wooded area, dressed in a Santa costume and has been quickly identified as a local retired police officer, a once colleague and friend of James and others on the force.
As the investigation ramps up, it becomes clear that the evidence trail is weak, but it soon escalates when another discovery is made. The villagers inevitably get wind of the news and panic starts to set in. As James attempts to calm the local community, he is also very much aware that many of these people are his friends and neighbours and they expect answers and results fast.
With pressure mounting from all sides, James is under serious stress but, with plenty of experience under his belt, he starts to gain momentum as snippets of information slowly start to seep in. James and his team are tasked with uncovering is this the work of another possible serial killer or is there something more personal at stake.
The dramatic and eye-catching cover of The Killer in the Cold depicted a rather different scene than any that transpired within the novel so I was a bit underwhelmed with what I read. In reality this is very slow-paced and, dare I say, repetitive story, with finer details that were very much surplus to the plot. James' relationship with his wife, what they ate, who drank what and how many glasses, were really all just padding as far I was concerned. And he did seem to tell his wife quite a bit of confidential information! There is most definitely an interesting murder-mystery at the core but it's more in line with Midsomer Murders as opposed to the more gritty and sinister plotline that I had been expecting.
The Killer in the Cold is perfect for all who like their crime novels a little more community-centred, lighter and cosy. It's not particularly a festive read, although set during the Christmas period, so it can be picked up as a reading choice in any season.
December 6, 2024
An all round festive thriller to tickle your taste buds at this time of year. Lots of twists and turns but I did have an inkling. Great start to kick off Christmas reading for December.
December 1, 2025
Surprisingly good & festive. I was hooked!!
December 15, 2024
Shortly after Christmas, a man dressed in a Santa suit is found dead buried beneath the snow. DCI James Walker finds himself with another Christmas murder on his hands, and now he and his team must find who the culprit is.
This is book 5 in the James Walker series, and I love getting a new one just in time for Christmas. Like the other books, this one was a great read. It was fairly fast-paced, filled with tension, red herrings, and the perfect twist. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
This is book 5 in the James Walker series, and I love getting a new one just in time for Christmas. Like the other books, this one was a great read. It was fairly fast-paced, filled with tension, red herrings, and the perfect twist. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
December 27, 2024
I thought this was a bit drawn out and probably could’ve been about a hundred pages shorter. I did suspect who the killer was although it was quite late on. It was an ok read.
December 29, 2024
3 stars ⭐️
I’m just glad the series is over to be perfectly honest… disappointing end to my reading year!
I’m just glad the series is over to be perfectly honest… disappointing end to my reading year!
December 19, 2024
“Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a big bloody crime to bring us all together.”
The Killer In The Cold is the 5th instalment in the series and follows DCI Walker as he investigates yet another grisly murder in Cumbria at Christmas. Only this time, James recognises the victim. Can he uncover the next victim before the killer strikes again?
I have read every book in this series one by one over the last two weeks, and I can say this one is by far my favourite! It is told across the present timeline from DCI Walker’s perspective, with the addition of chapters from the perspective of his wife, Annie. I have enjoyed following the characters and their progression throughout this series, and was pleasantly surprised by the additional POV.
The Killer In The Cold’s prologue and first few chapters are intense and have a maximum impact on both the characters and the readers of the series, which immediately hooked me into the investigation. I was glad that the plot was delved into so quickly, and it had a thrilling pace from then on which kept me turning the pages.
The chapters are short and snappy, and there are plenty of red herrings to keep the reader engaged throughout this book. I will say I did guess some of the twists and had my suspicions about the killer quite early on - but I may just be a very good couch detective😂.
This series has been an enjoyable Christmas read, and can be read one by one like I have, or as standalone books. Alex Pine does include a list of characters at the beginning of the books which I absolutely love and makes the experience much easier for return readers and new ones!
The Killer In The Cold is the 5th instalment in the series and follows DCI Walker as he investigates yet another grisly murder in Cumbria at Christmas. Only this time, James recognises the victim. Can he uncover the next victim before the killer strikes again?
I have read every book in this series one by one over the last two weeks, and I can say this one is by far my favourite! It is told across the present timeline from DCI Walker’s perspective, with the addition of chapters from the perspective of his wife, Annie. I have enjoyed following the characters and their progression throughout this series, and was pleasantly surprised by the additional POV.
The Killer In The Cold’s prologue and first few chapters are intense and have a maximum impact on both the characters and the readers of the series, which immediately hooked me into the investigation. I was glad that the plot was delved into so quickly, and it had a thrilling pace from then on which kept me turning the pages.
The chapters are short and snappy, and there are plenty of red herrings to keep the reader engaged throughout this book. I will say I did guess some of the twists and had my suspicions about the killer quite early on - but I may just be a very good couch detective😂.
This series has been an enjoyable Christmas read, and can be read one by one like I have, or as standalone books. Alex Pine does include a list of characters at the beginning of the books which I absolutely love and makes the experience much easier for return readers and new ones!
November 28, 2024
Gripping murder mystery and police procedural series, centred on DCI James Walker, as he makes good use of the skills he learnt at the Met while trying to maintain a good work/life balance with his young family.
Having recently moved to a small Cumbrian village to be near his wife's family, with the aim of bringing their children up away from London, every Christmas since has seen the wider rural community shaken by grizzly crimes.
But this year he has managed finally to enjoy a peaceful family Christmas. At least until Boxing Day when a dog walker discovers a dead body just a few minutes from his home. His hopes that this will turn out to be an upsetting but relatively minor matter are dashed when the snow is removed to reveal stab wounds, quickly followed by the subsequent discovery of a second victim.
The victims are both recently retired police officers, well-known and liked within the community and by the currently serving officers. They were planning to sell up and move abroad to enjoy their retirement in the sun, and one line of enquiry is that their son might have resorted to murder in order to secure his inheritance early and pay off his mounting debts. However, the situation becomes more complicated when a crime boss is also discovered to be involved.
Having recently moved to a small Cumbrian village to be near his wife's family, with the aim of bringing their children up away from London, every Christmas since has seen the wider rural community shaken by grizzly crimes.
But this year he has managed finally to enjoy a peaceful family Christmas. At least until Boxing Day when a dog walker discovers a dead body just a few minutes from his home. His hopes that this will turn out to be an upsetting but relatively minor matter are dashed when the snow is removed to reveal stab wounds, quickly followed by the subsequent discovery of a second victim.
The victims are both recently retired police officers, well-known and liked within the community and by the currently serving officers. They were planning to sell up and move abroad to enjoy their retirement in the sun, and one line of enquiry is that their son might have resorted to murder in order to secure his inheritance early and pay off his mounting debts. However, the situation becomes more complicated when a crime boss is also discovered to be involved.
November 23, 2024
4 stars - Christmas Crime.
5th book in the series and could be read as standalone but I would recommend reading them all. Another festive season for DI James Walker who lives in the Cumbrian village of Kirkby Abbey. Shortly after Christmas Day, a body is found dressed in a Santa suit and the investigation begins.
I always look forward to this series at Christmas time as a break in between the classic holiday romcoms. The plots are simple and easy to follow but never boring. I enjoy seeing the return of all the good previous characters especially Annie, James wife, who is always ready with a whisky and a ready meal to get the gossip from James.
I love the setting of the quaint fictional village and the idea of a close knit community- though I wouldn’t like to visit over Christmas!
The story is well placed and plotted well over several short chapters and I was shocked when the killer was revealed as I didn’t even think to suspect the individual.
I think the story overall could fall into cosy crime and would recommend for fans of the Thursday murder club.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the Ebook.
5th book in the series and could be read as standalone but I would recommend reading them all. Another festive season for DI James Walker who lives in the Cumbrian village of Kirkby Abbey. Shortly after Christmas Day, a body is found dressed in a Santa suit and the investigation begins.
I always look forward to this series at Christmas time as a break in between the classic holiday romcoms. The plots are simple and easy to follow but never boring. I enjoy seeing the return of all the good previous characters especially Annie, James wife, who is always ready with a whisky and a ready meal to get the gossip from James.
I love the setting of the quaint fictional village and the idea of a close knit community- though I wouldn’t like to visit over Christmas!
The story is well placed and plotted well over several short chapters and I was shocked when the killer was revealed as I didn’t even think to suspect the individual.
I think the story overall could fall into cosy crime and would recommend for fans of the Thursday murder club.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the Ebook.
September 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.
This is the 5th book in this series by Alex Pine, with all books being set in the quaint little Cumbrian village of Kirkby Abbey during Christmastime, and following Detective James Walker. At least I assume it’s a quaint village, as we don’t really get much of a description of the setting or much of a festive feel - which really would have added to the atmosphere. Unless it’s on your to-do list to find out which are the major A-roads around Cumbria, don’t get too excited about the setting!
I’ve read the first book in this series but not the others until this - and whilst it worked perfectly fine as a standalone story, I don’t feel compelled to go back and catch up on what I’ve missed.
For me this was a very slow story and very repetitive. There felt like a lot that didn’t really need saying - or at least didn’t need saying multiple times.
So little was going on it felt like we were experiencing the investigation in real time! It moved so slowly I couldn’t understand why they had to commandeer the village hall, other than to remind us a multitude of times that they did that 5 years ago.
Anyway, the story itself. On Christmas Eve, a former police detective and his wife are murdered in the village and James is tasked with finding out whodunnit, whilst the villagers become increasingly frustrated at how long it’s taking the police to get to the bottom of it. Tell me about it villagers!
Yes the pace could have been a lot faster with some more Wow moments, but it was a cosy easy read with a satisfying ending. Just not quite my cup of tea!
This is the 5th book in this series by Alex Pine, with all books being set in the quaint little Cumbrian village of Kirkby Abbey during Christmastime, and following Detective James Walker. At least I assume it’s a quaint village, as we don’t really get much of a description of the setting or much of a festive feel - which really would have added to the atmosphere. Unless it’s on your to-do list to find out which are the major A-roads around Cumbria, don’t get too excited about the setting!
I’ve read the first book in this series but not the others until this - and whilst it worked perfectly fine as a standalone story, I don’t feel compelled to go back and catch up on what I’ve missed.
For me this was a very slow story and very repetitive. There felt like a lot that didn’t really need saying - or at least didn’t need saying multiple times.
So little was going on it felt like we were experiencing the investigation in real time! It moved so slowly I couldn’t understand why they had to commandeer the village hall, other than to remind us a multitude of times that they did that 5 years ago.
Anyway, the story itself. On Christmas Eve, a former police detective and his wife are murdered in the village and James is tasked with finding out whodunnit, whilst the villagers become increasingly frustrated at how long it’s taking the police to get to the bottom of it. Tell me about it villagers!
Yes the pace could have been a lot faster with some more Wow moments, but it was a cosy easy read with a satisfying ending. Just not quite my cup of tea!
November 10, 2024
This is the fifth book in the DI James Walker series. Although it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. If you love a good Christmas murder mystery, this series is perfect for you! Five books ago, DI James Walker left the grimy streets of London in search of a quieter life with his family in Cumbria. However, every Christmas since then has brought a gruesome set of murders, and this Christmas is no different, with a former police officer found murdered close to Walker's home.
I love this series, but I certainly wouldn't want to live anywhere near the quiet little village of Kirby Abbey, which is gaining a reputation for dead bodies turning up at Christmas! I really like DI James Walker's character. Throughout the series, we've seen his family grow with the arrival of his two children. I had hoped he would get a quiet Christmas at home this year instead of searching the cold Cumbrian countryside for murderers, but alas, I was wrong! The murder of former local police officer Nigel Booth was particularly shocking, and I loved following the investigation. Walker is a great lead detective, and it was interesting to follow him and his team as they navigated numerous dead ends.
The story twists and turns throughout, and while there are multiple suspects to consider, the murderer was well hidden—I didn't guess who it was. This is a very good series of books that, while very seasonal, can be enjoyed any time of the year. I would, however, like to see DI James Walker tackle a summer murder so he can have Christmas off! This is a clever police procedural with stunning scenic locations. I would definitely recommend it!
I love this series, but I certainly wouldn't want to live anywhere near the quiet little village of Kirby Abbey, which is gaining a reputation for dead bodies turning up at Christmas! I really like DI James Walker's character. Throughout the series, we've seen his family grow with the arrival of his two children. I had hoped he would get a quiet Christmas at home this year instead of searching the cold Cumbrian countryside for murderers, but alas, I was wrong! The murder of former local police officer Nigel Booth was particularly shocking, and I loved following the investigation. Walker is a great lead detective, and it was interesting to follow him and his team as they navigated numerous dead ends.
The story twists and turns throughout, and while there are multiple suspects to consider, the murderer was well hidden—I didn't guess who it was. This is a very good series of books that, while very seasonal, can be enjoyed any time of the year. I would, however, like to see DI James Walker tackle a summer murder so he can have Christmas off! This is a clever police procedural with stunning scenic locations. I would definitely recommend it!
October 27, 2025
Wow! What a book!
This is such a fun series and I’m having a great time reading them. They are so easy to read and just make you want to turn the page constantly, it was so hard to put this down.
Am I going in series order? Yes but backwards, I started with the newest book first and I have no regrets, it’s been fun essentially going back in time.
I really like James, he comes across as such a good MMC and I really enjoy his character. I enjoyed the whole plot from start to finish, the authors storytelling was perfect and it made me feel like I was part of the story itself and I was there right in the middle of it.
The atmosphere is great, the winter/xmas theme is great for these cold months and I must admit this series has the potential to be a yearly colder weather binge for me for the foreseeable future.
This is such a fun series and I’m having a great time reading them. They are so easy to read and just make you want to turn the page constantly, it was so hard to put this down.
Am I going in series order? Yes but backwards, I started with the newest book first and I have no regrets, it’s been fun essentially going back in time.
I really like James, he comes across as such a good MMC and I really enjoy his character. I enjoyed the whole plot from start to finish, the authors storytelling was perfect and it made me feel like I was part of the story itself and I was there right in the middle of it.
The atmosphere is great, the winter/xmas theme is great for these cold months and I must admit this series has the potential to be a yearly colder weather binge for me for the foreseeable future.
November 13, 2025
A good, steady, and reliable police procedural. This latest addition to Alex Pine’s series continues to deliver the kind of crime story fans have come to expect — well-paced, seasonal, and easy to follow. The short chapters make it a quick and enjoyable read, perfect for the winter months.
As with the previous books, DCI James Walker’s ongoing backstory adds a nice continuity and depth to the series. I did manage to guess the killer, though not until about three-quarters of the way through, which kept me turning the pages.
Overall, Killer in the Cold is a solid entry in the series — a comfortable, engaging festive crime read that delivers exactly what it promises.
As with the previous books, DCI James Walker’s ongoing backstory adds a nice continuity and depth to the series. I did manage to guess the killer, though not until about three-quarters of the way through, which kept me turning the pages.
Overall, Killer in the Cold is a solid entry in the series — a comfortable, engaging festive crime read that delivers exactly what it promises.
November 23, 2024
This is the 5th story in the installment of these books, and although you could probably get away with reading this as a standalone there are a lot of references to previous cases, so I do recommend reading them in order.
I have loved all of the books in this series, but I found this one much slower paced and it hit slightly differently.
Don't get me wrong, it was still a good read but I don't think it was quite as enjoyable as the others.
The chapters in this book are very short which is great to just squeeze a chapter in here and there - you will fly through it in no time.
I have loved all of the books in this series, but I found this one much slower paced and it hit slightly differently.
Don't get me wrong, it was still a good read but I don't think it was quite as enjoyable as the others.
The chapters in this book are very short which is great to just squeeze a chapter in here and there - you will fly through it in no time.
January 12, 2025
A body dressed as Santa appears in the snow in the village where DI James Walker lives. The man is a former police officer and then not long after another body appears.
This one just didn't quite hit the mark with me this time. It just feels like the same thing happens and it's always at Christmas time. James is never home and his wife Annie spends the whole time worrying.
I guessed straight away who the killer was, but needed to carry it through until the end to see if I was right.
This one just didn't quite hit the mark with me this time. It just feels like the same thing happens and it's always at Christmas time. James is never home and his wife Annie spends the whole time worrying.
I guessed straight away who the killer was, but needed to carry it through until the end to see if I was right.
November 19, 2024
As always, the author delivered again. I just love DCI James Walker and his wife, Annie. I love that it’s set around the Lake District too and just love the way the crimes and speculations fit together. I don’t personally read many police crimes but just fell in love with everything about these thrillers.
I sure hope we will see book 6 in 2025 !!!
I sure hope we will see book 6 in 2025 !!!
December 9, 2024
4 stars. DI James Walker's series is one that I look forward to returning to each Christmas, and this one fit that bill to a tee. The Walker family is growing, and I liked how this one revealed a bit more about Annie's involvement with the villagers - to the extent that she has a couple of chapters from her perspective. Full review to follow.
January 24, 2025
I have enjoyed the previous books in this series but this one I felt dragged on a bit. Quite a lot of filler chapters where nothing was happening. I feel this book could have been cut down quite a bit.
December 30, 2024
It's not Christmas without reading the next instalment in the DCI James Walker police procedural. But I do wonder if he is ever going to cop a break during Christmas.
This can be read as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading the whole series for festive crime
This can be read as a stand-alone, but I do recommend reading the whole series for festive crime
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