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DI Nikki Galena #14
Graves on the Fens
From multi-million-selling Joy Ellis, one of Britain’s best-loved crime writers, with over twenty number-one bestsellers.
Meet Detective Nikki Galena. She will stop at nothing to avenge her daughter. Under the brooding skies of the Lincolnshire Fens, she pursues the most vicious criminals.
It arrives in the morning. An old-fashioned airmail envelope addressed to Detective Nikki Galena. Inside, on a single sheet of blue airmail paper, are three words:
You failed me.
The second airmail envelope arrives at Nikki’s home address. The same message. Only this time, it’s followed by four Alexandra Cornfield, Ruth Baker, Bethany Lyons, Leanne Delaney.
Four missing women. Four local women whose bodies were never found.
The contents of the third letter, delivered by motorcycle courier, are even more disturbing.
The letter leads directly to the discovery of a body buried in a shallow grave out on the Fens. And Nikki and her partner Detective Joseph Easter are plunged into a baffling murder investigation.
Someone appears to be pursuing a personal vendetta against Nikki — and she has no idea who, or why. But one thing she does whoever it is is playing a very twisted game — and if Nikki and her team don’t stop them, more deaths will follow.
The Setting
The Lincolnshire great open skies brood over marshes, farmland, and nature reserves. It is not easy terrain for the Fenland Constabulary to with remote Fen villages, dangerous and often misty lanes, and poor telephone coverage. There are still villages where the oldest residents have never set foot outside their own farmland. A visit to the nearest town is a major event. But it has a strange airy beauty to it, and above it all are the biggest skies you’ve ever seen.
This totally gripping mystery is perfect for fans of L.J. Ross, Angela Marsons, J.D. Kirk, Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.
Meet Detective Nikki Galena. She will stop at nothing to avenge her daughter. Under the brooding skies of the Lincolnshire Fens, she pursues the most vicious criminals.
It arrives in the morning. An old-fashioned airmail envelope addressed to Detective Nikki Galena. Inside, on a single sheet of blue airmail paper, are three words:
You failed me.
The second airmail envelope arrives at Nikki’s home address. The same message. Only this time, it’s followed by four Alexandra Cornfield, Ruth Baker, Bethany Lyons, Leanne Delaney.
Four missing women. Four local women whose bodies were never found.
The contents of the third letter, delivered by motorcycle courier, are even more disturbing.
The letter leads directly to the discovery of a body buried in a shallow grave out on the Fens. And Nikki and her partner Detective Joseph Easter are plunged into a baffling murder investigation.
Someone appears to be pursuing a personal vendetta against Nikki — and she has no idea who, or why. But one thing she does whoever it is is playing a very twisted game — and if Nikki and her team don’t stop them, more deaths will follow.
The Setting
The Lincolnshire great open skies brood over marshes, farmland, and nature reserves. It is not easy terrain for the Fenland Constabulary to with remote Fen villages, dangerous and often misty lanes, and poor telephone coverage. There are still villages where the oldest residents have never set foot outside their own farmland. A visit to the nearest town is a major event. But it has a strange airy beauty to it, and above it all are the biggest skies you’ve ever seen.
This totally gripping mystery is perfect for fans of L.J. Ross, Angela Marsons, J.D. Kirk, Elly Griffiths and Ann Cleeves.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2022
1703 people are currently reading
1477 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
60 books2,430 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
December 9, 2022
This is the latest offering in prolific crime writer Joy Ellis's Lincolnshire Fens series featuring DI Nikki Galena and DS Joe Easter. Galena is to find herself under unbelievable levels of pressure, she is Acting Superintendent, covering for Cameron Walker, concerned by statistics that show high levels of domestic abuse, and the strange spike in women being stalked. An old-fashioned airmail envelope arrives addressed to Nikki. Inside is a note with the words You failed me. This is followed with further disturbing communication with the names of 4 women, Alexandra Cornfield, Ruth Baker, Bethany Lyons, Leanne Delaney, all missing women from years ago that the police failed to locate, then a type of police case report file on Alexandra Cornfield arrives in which an Inspector Oliver appears to have solved their case for them, identifying a remote Fens farm location where the body is buried.
Facing intense media scrutiny highlighting police failures, Nikki feels the menace of being targeted by the unknown Oliver, and receives help from surprising quarters such as Jim Summers, now a senior police officer, and Matt Ballard, ex-police officer now a private investigator. This is a tough and complex case where there are further murders. There are other threads in the narrative, with the police team's Yvonne 'Vonnie' Collins and Cat Cullen informed of the concerns of a teacher, Lynette Sims, for a pupil, Ruby Grayson, additionally the 2 worried officers end up carrying out surveillance in their own personal time on a local woman being stalked. Additionally, Nikki's mother, Eve, and her friend, Wendy, have found a new hobby that has them discover a silver watch and ring in a farmer's field.
This is only my personal response, but for me the plot pieces and the ways they creakily knit together seemed to be a little too obvious to me. That does not mean that they will be so to every reader, and even if they are, like me, they are probably still likely to enjoy this addition to the series anyway. This is one that fans of the author and other readers of the crime and mystery genre are likely to find engaging and entertaining. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Facing intense media scrutiny highlighting police failures, Nikki feels the menace of being targeted by the unknown Oliver, and receives help from surprising quarters such as Jim Summers, now a senior police officer, and Matt Ballard, ex-police officer now a private investigator. This is a tough and complex case where there are further murders. There are other threads in the narrative, with the police team's Yvonne 'Vonnie' Collins and Cat Cullen informed of the concerns of a teacher, Lynette Sims, for a pupil, Ruby Grayson, additionally the 2 worried officers end up carrying out surveillance in their own personal time on a local woman being stalked. Additionally, Nikki's mother, Eve, and her friend, Wendy, have found a new hobby that has them discover a silver watch and ring in a farmer's field.
This is only my personal response, but for me the plot pieces and the ways they creakily knit together seemed to be a little too obvious to me. That does not mean that they will be so to every reader, and even if they are, like me, they are probably still likely to enjoy this addition to the series anyway. This is one that fans of the author and other readers of the crime and mystery genre are likely to find engaging and entertaining. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
January 5, 2025
In this fourteenth book in the series Nikki starts to receive letters addressed to her personally yet relating to cold cases which she has never worked on. The message of the letters is "You failed me" followed by details about where the remains of four missing girls can be found. Nikki and her team find themselves working against the clock to follow the sender's directions and attempt to catch him at the same time.
Other cases also have to be dealt with and the stress levels are high for the whole book. It is lucky Nikki has Joseph to keep her steady, and he plays a very major role in the whole situation. Also given a lot of page time is Rory (my favourite character) so I was happy.
Another excellent book in this great series.
Other cases also have to be dealt with and the stress levels are high for the whole book. It is lucky Nikki has Joseph to keep her steady, and he plays a very major role in the whole situation. Also given a lot of page time is Rory (my favourite character) so I was happy.
Another excellent book in this great series.
February 14, 2025
When DI Nikki Galena received messages, accompanied by the words "you failed me", regarding the cold cases of four women who disappeared fifteen years ago, it was the beginning of a complex and deeply involved case which initially looked like it wouldn't be solved. But Nikki and her Sergeant, Joseph Easter, had been around the mill a few times, and were determined to bring the case to conclusion. The instructions from a deranged "helper" saw Nikki and Joseph uncover the bodies of the women in various graves, one by one, with small "clues" from the man calling himself Oliver. With time of the essence, and with a stalker, a missing woman, and a couple of school children with puzzling problems, Nikki and her team had never been busier. But they would find the person they pursued - they had to...
Graves on the Fens is the 14th in the DI Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis and I loved it! Completely captivating from the beginning, I couldn't put it down, wondering what would happen next. I was surprised, but pleased to have Matt Ballard involved with Nikki's team as well. The author is accomplished in bringing several scenarios into the one book, and making it so the reader could easily follow along. A great talent! I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and am pretty much up to date, hoping there's more to come. Highly recommended.
Graves on the Fens is the 14th in the DI Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis and I loved it! Completely captivating from the beginning, I couldn't put it down, wondering what would happen next. I was surprised, but pleased to have Matt Ballard involved with Nikki's team as well. The author is accomplished in bringing several scenarios into the one book, and making it so the reader could easily follow along. A great talent! I'm thoroughly enjoying this series and am pretty much up to date, hoping there's more to come. Highly recommended.
January 10, 2023
Ooooh, it's got a huge spoiler for book 9 of the Jackman and Evans series, which I've not yet read. So be warned if you're in the same boat.
Otherwise, fantastic as always!
Otherwise, fantastic as always!
November 28, 2022
Book 14 in this superb series. This may be the best yet. Even the scenes with Nikki's mother were pretty good. Not sure why but usually struggle with those, not in this book.
As always a multi layered plot line with domestic violence, a mysterious predator and possibly the best protagonist so far. Tormenting the team with 4 cold cases, that he has solved, and feeds the clues in arriving in old air mail envelopes. As i said earlier this may be the best of this wonderful series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Not to be missed.
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this wonderful book.
As always a multi layered plot line with domestic violence, a mysterious predator and possibly the best protagonist so far. Tormenting the team with 4 cold cases, that he has solved, and feeds the clues in arriving in old air mail envelopes. As i said earlier this may be the best of this wonderful series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Not to be missed.
Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this wonderful book.
September 5, 2025
*Vendetta*
This is the 14th book of 15 so far in the ‘Detective Nikki Galena Mysteries’. In this instalment, Nikki finds herself the target of someone who blames her and the police force for letting down victims of a cold case.
She starts receiving airmail letters to the station, the first one simply saying, “You failed Me.” Nikki is baffled, trying to recall previous cases and the many enemies she’s made during her career.
Things take a turn for the worse when Nikki receives a letter at her home address. The letters focus on cold cases, specifically four local women who were never found. The strange thing is that the letters direct the team to the missing women. Who is behind these letters? Why is Nikki being targeted for the case errors? She wasn’t even involved in the cases in question.
As the circumstances unfold, the team realise that Nikki is the key to uncovering the perpetrators’ identity. She must act quickly, as crimes are being committed by this person, and Nikki and her team are racing against time to save a life.
This is the 14th book of 15 so far in the ‘Detective Nikki Galena Mysteries’. In this instalment, Nikki finds herself the target of someone who blames her and the police force for letting down victims of a cold case.
She starts receiving airmail letters to the station, the first one simply saying, “You failed Me.” Nikki is baffled, trying to recall previous cases and the many enemies she’s made during her career.
Things take a turn for the worse when Nikki receives a letter at her home address. The letters focus on cold cases, specifically four local women who were never found. The strange thing is that the letters direct the team to the missing women. Who is behind these letters? Why is Nikki being targeted for the case errors? She wasn’t even involved in the cases in question.
As the circumstances unfold, the team realise that Nikki is the key to uncovering the perpetrators’ identity. She must act quickly, as crimes are being committed by this person, and Nikki and her team are racing against time to save a life.
November 24, 2022
Grave Concerns - Advance Copy Review
The fourteenth installment in the Nikki Galena series does not fail to deliver. Over the years we have come to expect a lot from Joy Ellis - a good main story with a clever and contriving protagonist - an interesting unrelated but complementary back story; usually involving Galena's Mother - personal development of the extensive supporting cast...with Graves on the Fens we have all that, and from my perspective the added interest of a protagonist sharing my surname (no spoilers, but he's not a nice chap I have to say).
I had some minor quibbles early on with assumptions and language but once the stories settled the pace quickened and the quibbles fell away.
I think that Joy Ellis is growing with her story telling - she's even taken the opportunity to cross over her "Fenland Universe" characters with Matt Ballard coming to Greensborough to play an active role in the main case, and there also being mention of Rowan Jackman...all fitting believingly into the yarn
The book closes with some deep soul searching, the outcome of which could profoundly impact the dynamic of future Nikki Galena tales - I can't wait to find out what happens next.
The fourteenth installment in the Nikki Galena series does not fail to deliver. Over the years we have come to expect a lot from Joy Ellis - a good main story with a clever and contriving protagonist - an interesting unrelated but complementary back story; usually involving Galena's Mother - personal development of the extensive supporting cast...with Graves on the Fens we have all that, and from my perspective the added interest of a protagonist sharing my surname (no spoilers, but he's not a nice chap I have to say).
I had some minor quibbles early on with assumptions and language but once the stories settled the pace quickened and the quibbles fell away.
I think that Joy Ellis is growing with her story telling - she's even taken the opportunity to cross over her "Fenland Universe" characters with Matt Ballard coming to Greensborough to play an active role in the main case, and there also being mention of Rowan Jackman...all fitting believingly into the yarn
The book closes with some deep soul searching, the outcome of which could profoundly impact the dynamic of future Nikki Galena tales - I can't wait to find out what happens next.
December 15, 2022
Big thanks to both Joffe Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review a copy of Graves on the Fens!
It all begins with an old-fashioned envelope addressed to DI Nikki Galena. Inside is a note that reads: "You failed me." The envelopes keep arriving, with details, time limits, and "hints" in order for Nikki to solve four cold cases. No pressure.
I was enthralled from the very beginning! I loved all the characters, including Rory, the quirky medical examiner. There is a side story starring Nikki's bio-mom, Eve, and her best friend Wendy, that kept me captivated as well. And we mustn't forget the side story about the stalker. (I usually dislike books with multiple storylines, but I found them all simple to follow and all of them were interesting!)
The pace was nice and quick, and I absolutely loved reading the slang used by people in the UK. (There was a list of them in the back of the book with definitions, but they were easy to understand based on how they were used.) Although this is book #14, I feel it can be read as a stand-alone.
I found Graves on the Fens to be brilliant, and I recommend it!!
It all begins with an old-fashioned envelope addressed to DI Nikki Galena. Inside is a note that reads: "You failed me." The envelopes keep arriving, with details, time limits, and "hints" in order for Nikki to solve four cold cases. No pressure.
I was enthralled from the very beginning! I loved all the characters, including Rory, the quirky medical examiner. There is a side story starring Nikki's bio-mom, Eve, and her best friend Wendy, that kept me captivated as well. And we mustn't forget the side story about the stalker. (I usually dislike books with multiple storylines, but I found them all simple to follow and all of them were interesting!)
The pace was nice and quick, and I absolutely loved reading the slang used by people in the UK. (There was a list of them in the back of the book with definitions, but they were easy to understand based on how they were used.) Although this is book #14, I feel it can be read as a stand-alone.
I found Graves on the Fens to be brilliant, and I recommend it!!
September 2, 2023
3.5 stars.
Another enjoyable journey around the fens in the company of DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter and their team. N° 14 in the series is a bit unusual in that it deals with four cold cases brought to their attention "Par Avion". It is a stressful scramble to solve these cases, find a missing schoolteacher and the psychopath who is leading the dance.
I didn't round up to 4 stars because I felt this instalment wasn't quite so successful as her earlier ones, although I can't put my finger on the reason.
Another enjoyable journey around the fens in the company of DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter and their team. N° 14 in the series is a bit unusual in that it deals with four cold cases brought to their attention "Par Avion". It is a stressful scramble to solve these cases, find a missing schoolteacher and the psychopath who is leading the dance.
I didn't round up to 4 stars because I felt this instalment wasn't quite so successful as her earlier ones, although I can't put my finger on the reason.
December 8, 2022
Several items of mail sent to DI Nikki Galena indicates she has failed. It concerns the cases of four missing girls, never to have been found. But who, how and why has someone else solved these cases. Her team also have to contend with a stalker and a domestic abuse situation on their patch. Plus Nikki's mother also has some interesting finds.
An entertaining and interesting modern mystery with its cast of likable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An entertaining and interesting modern mystery with its cast of likable characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
March 8, 2023
This was well worth the wait. This was book 14 in the series and it did not disappoint. This was a tough investigation for Nikki, Joseph and the team. Again they shown a great ability to work well together and work out the leads. The book was full of twists that made it action packed. I hope there will be more as this is a gripping series.
November 22, 2022
Thank you to Joffe Books for this eARC.
I’ve only read one book by this author before, which I thoroughly enjoyed from the Matt Ballard series. So I began reading this book not knowing what to expect. I have to say I really, really enjoyed this book which is the fourteenth in the authors Nikki Galena series. Sometimes it can be hard coming into a well established series late - this wasn’t the case here, right from the first page I was invested in the characters and story. I really liked Nikki and Easter and enjoyed following them as they and their team reinvestigate a number of unsolved cold cases where someone else has solved them and taunts Nikki by sending her clues to follow. I thought this was a very engaging and absorbing read that grabbed my attention at the beginning and held it all the way through. I loved the separate story threads that slowly started to come together as the book progressed, and I really liked the twists in the plot. The writing was great, the story flowed seamlessly from start to finish, and this book was a pleasure to read. I thought it had a good plot line and I liked that the story was told through the different characters. Overall, a very entertaining read that definitely hit the mark with me and became a real page turner where I needed to know what would happen next. The last quarter of the book was full of tension and suspense which I loved. Although I think this book can be read on it’s own, I’ll definitely be looking to read this series from the start at some point. I’d recommend this if you like good solid police procedurals with well established characters and if you’ve read the previous books I’m sure you will love this one.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ve only read one book by this author before, which I thoroughly enjoyed from the Matt Ballard series. So I began reading this book not knowing what to expect. I have to say I really, really enjoyed this book which is the fourteenth in the authors Nikki Galena series. Sometimes it can be hard coming into a well established series late - this wasn’t the case here, right from the first page I was invested in the characters and story. I really liked Nikki and Easter and enjoyed following them as they and their team reinvestigate a number of unsolved cold cases where someone else has solved them and taunts Nikki by sending her clues to follow. I thought this was a very engaging and absorbing read that grabbed my attention at the beginning and held it all the way through. I loved the separate story threads that slowly started to come together as the book progressed, and I really liked the twists in the plot. The writing was great, the story flowed seamlessly from start to finish, and this book was a pleasure to read. I thought it had a good plot line and I liked that the story was told through the different characters. Overall, a very entertaining read that definitely hit the mark with me and became a real page turner where I needed to know what would happen next. The last quarter of the book was full of tension and suspense which I loved. Although I think this book can be read on it’s own, I’ll definitely be looking to read this series from the start at some point. I’d recommend this if you like good solid police procedurals with well established characters and if you’ve read the previous books I’m sure you will love this one.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 1, 2022
404 pages
4 stars
DI Nikki Galena, DS Joseph Easter and the gang are all back in this latest in the series.
They become involved in a very complicated case complete with secrets, murders and found bodies.
Nikki must enlist assistance from some surprise characters making cameos in this book. It was very neat to include them in this story. The book is a thrill ride for sure as Nikki, Joseph and the team work their way towards the conclusion. We even have a visit from Eve, Nikki’s mother, just doing her thing.
Well written and plotted as are all of Ms. Ellis’ novels. I never tire of reading her books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
4 stars
DI Nikki Galena, DS Joseph Easter and the gang are all back in this latest in the series.
They become involved in a very complicated case complete with secrets, murders and found bodies.
Nikki must enlist assistance from some surprise characters making cameos in this book. It was very neat to include them in this story. The book is a thrill ride for sure as Nikki, Joseph and the team work their way towards the conclusion. We even have a visit from Eve, Nikki’s mother, just doing her thing.
Well written and plotted as are all of Ms. Ellis’ novels. I never tire of reading her books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
May 4, 2023
3.5 Stars
Book 14 in the Nikki Galena/Joseph Easter crime series which I have read from the beginning and usually enjoyed across the years with the exception of a couple of recent volumes which concentrated on Nikki's mother and her friends, to an extent that I felt unrealistic and frankly annoying. So I was very pleased to see this volume return to a well plotted, well written police procedural. Although Nikki's mother is involved briefly, her actions are related to the tying in of the three crimes/events being investigated.
I had thought I might give up on this series but book 14 has brought me back.
Book 14 in the Nikki Galena/Joseph Easter crime series which I have read from the beginning and usually enjoyed across the years with the exception of a couple of recent volumes which concentrated on Nikki's mother and her friends, to an extent that I felt unrealistic and frankly annoying. So I was very pleased to see this volume return to a well plotted, well written police procedural. Although Nikki's mother is involved briefly, her actions are related to the tying in of the three crimes/events being investigated.
I had thought I might give up on this series but book 14 has brought me back.
December 22, 2025
Someone is sending Nikki letters labeled "you failed me" about missing women, cold cases that the department never found. Is this a personal vendetta, or an indictment against the police department? They are finding the women's bodies, but the letter writer has also upped his game and murdered a few people related to the cases. This British police procedural comes to an exciting conclusion, with a kidnapping, a standoff, and a confession.
April 16, 2023
I couldn’t get into this book for some reason, it took me almost 2 months to finish and I basically had to force myself to finish it. I’m not sure why but it just didn’t catch my interest like most books, and I hated the reasoning behind the killer doing what he did. It seemed like such a stupid reason in my opinion and I was waiting for more of a wow factor. I also think the whole Tate story line wasn’t needed. There were a few POV’s in this book that I found hard to follow in the beginning up until about the middle of the book. I kept forgetting who the characters were and their relevance to the story.
August 18, 2025
Graves on the Fens by Joy Ellis is the 14th book in the D.I. Nikki Galena series. D.I. Nikki Galena is acting Super while Cam is away and receives an airmail envelope containing the message "You Failed Me". The next letter is sent to her home containing the same message and the names of four missing women whose bodies were never found and the cases remaining unsolved. The team are then lead on a chase by the letter writer who appears to be solving the cases but at the same time killing those responsible. At the same time there appears to be a crazy stalker frightening local girls and Nikki's mother and her friends also look into an old mystery related to items uncovered with their new metal detecting hobby. A superb mystery thriller with a lot going on once again. It is nice to see Yvonne remain a part of the force in her new role as a community liason officer. Nikki and Joseph seem comfortable in their relationship but there are hints that Joseph may want to take it further at the end. A great series and there is always so much happening that I hope it continues for a long time.
October 17, 2023
I listened to this on audiobook. As always, loved the narrator. That said, I listened to it on faster speed because the plot didn’t hold my attention and the MC and her relationship with Joseph Easter falls flat for me.
Writing a series is difficult, so Joy Ellis has done well in continuing with the same characters.
Writing a series is difficult, so Joy Ellis has done well in continuing with the same characters.
April 1, 2025
I turned around and suddenly Joy Ellis had two more books in this series that I have so enjoyed!
March 29, 2023
I’m listening to this series, and this is the latest novel. It included a spoiler for the Jackman series that Joy Ellis also writes. Drat! Ellis brought characters from other series into this book, including Mark Ballard (a series I have not read).
Character development was important in this novel.
Character development was important in this novel.
March 12, 2023
Wonderful, grab this if you arleady havent got it on your to read shelf.
December 3, 2022
Detective Nikki Galena receives an air mail envelope with a single sheet of paper which says "You failed me." At home at the end of the day, there is another air mail letter which now gives four names along with "You failed me." She and Joseph go back to the office, and find all four names are women who disappeared about 15 years before in another district, and none of them have been found yet. The next day a thicker package included photos around a derilict farm and a small bag with a gold necklace which had belonged to Alexandra Cornfield, the first name on the list. The sender begins signing his letters Inspector Oliver. Meanwhile, someone is stalking women in the village. A man follows them, and sometimes makes a sinister laughing sound. Also, Nikki's mother Eve and her friend Wendy have gotten a metal finder and have found some items on a nearby farm which had belonged to a man who was killed several years before. This brings out some of his family secrets.
Police from other districts are called in as Inspector Oliver begins giving deadlines and ultimatums and appears to be intending to injure Nikki. The police are all working overtime to solve the old cases of the missing women and to find Oliver (who appears to be very unstable). Then a young teacher disappears on her way to work! As the excitement and tension increases, all the cases become connected together. This is a very exciting addition to the series.
Police from other districts are called in as Inspector Oliver begins giving deadlines and ultimatums and appears to be intending to injure Nikki. The police are all working overtime to solve the old cases of the missing women and to find Oliver (who appears to be very unstable). Then a young teacher disappears on her way to work! As the excitement and tension increases, all the cases become connected together. This is a very exciting addition to the series.
February 24, 2023
Another brilliant book given to us by Joy Ellis. It was one I couldn't put down and struggled to figure out before the mystery was solved. Usually, I'd find red herrings everywhere, but there really were none in this novel and I found that refreshing.
Looking forward to my next Joy Ellis book, whether it be a Nikki Galena book or a Jackman and Evans novel, I just can't read them all fast enough. :)brilliant read from
Looking forward to my next Joy Ellis book, whether it be a Nikki Galena book or a Jackman and Evans novel, I just can't read them all fast enough. :)brilliant read from
December 12, 2022
This is my first book by Joy Ellis which is shocking as she is so prolific and I enjoy a good police procedural regardless of which side of the Pond the crime is committed. Detective Inspector Nikki Galena wasn’t going to be one of my favorite characters - that was true until she found her humanity and cratered my dislike. Understanding that she is going to be totally frustrated by the crimes and her inability to get on top of the situation I really had trouble with her general attitude while really enjoying her “legendary temper”. Maybe it’s that her significant other DS Joseph Easter is such a steady hand and great balancing factor. There are many interesting and multi dimensional characters who all play a part in solving the ultimate mystery and finding the perpetrator and Ellis provides solid descriptions and history so I never felt as if I was dangling.
The ultimate crescendo was just a little too something - I am not sure if it was the retribution that bordered on insanity or the need to best an equal while self-imploding. Not a big enough deal to put me off from looking for other installments of this series as well as Joy Ellis’ other books. Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for a copy.
The ultimate crescendo was just a little too something - I am not sure if it was the retribution that bordered on insanity or the need to best an equal while self-imploding. Not a big enough deal to put me off from looking for other installments of this series as well as Joy Ellis’ other books. Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for a copy.
February 20, 2023
Welcome back Joy Ellis!
I have been a long standing fan of Joys' books for many years, including all of her detective teams. However, a couple of years ago things started to go downhill with all of her novels ... too many characters introduced, muddled plots and too much narrative on personal matters at the expense of good police work! Accordingly my ratings dropped dramatically; but, I am glad to say, this novel is back to form ... Joy even got "blues & twos" the correct way around this time!! ... sorry Joy! Only a 4 star rating though (not my usual 5*) as the story still got a little muddled half way through but did sort itself out soon afterwards.
I have been a long standing fan of Joys' books for many years, including all of her detective teams. However, a couple of years ago things started to go downhill with all of her novels ... too many characters introduced, muddled plots and too much narrative on personal matters at the expense of good police work! Accordingly my ratings dropped dramatically; but, I am glad to say, this novel is back to form ... Joy even got "blues & twos" the correct way around this time!! ... sorry Joy! Only a 4 star rating though (not my usual 5*) as the story still got a little muddled half way through but did sort itself out soon afterwards.
February 21, 2023
Gripping story
A last detective solves four cold cases and puts the pressure on Nikki Galena. Good detective work bringing on S IOs from the old cases plus her mum and Wendy leads them to protagonist.
A last detective solves four cold cases and puts the pressure on Nikki Galena. Good detective work bringing on S IOs from the old cases plus her mum and Wendy leads them to protagonist.
September 10, 2023
Nikki received an old fashioned airmail letter. On the stationary inside simply written was "you failed me" Bringing a gut reaction to Nikki, saying it shows a lot of hate and accusation from the person, and it’s only the beginning. Young woman feeling they are being watched. While Nikki going thru the long list of people that had a grudge against her. Delightful to reacquaint with people of the fen, the lovely meals Joseph fixes.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Joffe for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Given ARC by Net Galley and Joffe for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
December 16, 2022
So much going on….can several different mysterious situations going on actually be connected in some way? Definitely a complex murder investigation as more murders occur.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged throughout the book.
The ending left me wondering where the author would be taking Nikki next.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged throughout the book.
The ending left me wondering where the author would be taking Nikki next.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 17, 2022
Fun to Read
Fast paced and lots of twists and turns. A little to much of the “beloved” and “precious” and a bit too repetitive in describing who various characters were. Ending was a bit confusing, rather like she got to a certain point and then just wanted to be finished. Loved the connection of characters from other books.
Fast paced and lots of twists and turns. A little to much of the “beloved” and “precious” and a bit too repetitive in describing who various characters were. Ending was a bit confusing, rather like she got to a certain point and then just wanted to be finished. Loved the connection of characters from other books.
May 2, 2025
2.65 stars??
(-1)for Nikki
(-1) for ending
(-.35) for Wendy & Eve needless plot (if I wanted to read about two elderly amateur sleuths, I would)
Having said all that, I really liked the plot/case and I really liked all of the regular characters, (EXCEPT for the FMC Nikki 😑😡)...
Like, my dislike for her was to the point where I didn't want her to catch the supposed antagonist
(-1)for Nikki
(-1) for ending
(-.35) for Wendy & Eve needless plot (if I wanted to read about two elderly amateur sleuths, I would)
Having said all that, I really liked the plot/case and I really liked all of the regular characters, (EXCEPT for the FMC Nikki 😑😡)...
Like, my dislike for her was to the point where I didn't want her to catch the supposed antagonist
Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews