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Wild Fens #14
Burden of Truth
Once seen, never forgotten…
Following a recent disaster, DI Ben Savage reluctantly assumes a leadership role. So when a man’s body is discovered floating in a remote Lincolnshire pond, he must call upon his experience and set his grief aside.
But will experience be enough?
With almost no forensic evidence, the team rely on old-fashioned police work to unpick Lee Constantine’s last movements. A winding path through a nearby field, a set of footprints close to the scene, and a party that nobody seems to remember is all they have to go on - and there the trail dies.
As the list of suspects grows, Ben soon discovers they share a common trait - everyone has a secret to keep...and it’s a secret that Lee Constantine took to his watery grave.
Set in the brutal Lincolnshire farmland, Burden of Truth has everything that fans of British crime fiction want - deadly realism, dark humour, and characters you will love right up until the shocking twist is unveiled.
Burden of Truth is the fourteenth novel in the much-loved Wild Fens Murder Mystery series from Jack Cartwright, and is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JM Dalgliesh, Joy Ellis, and JD Kirk.
Following a recent disaster, DI Ben Savage reluctantly assumes a leadership role. So when a man’s body is discovered floating in a remote Lincolnshire pond, he must call upon his experience and set his grief aside.
But will experience be enough?
With almost no forensic evidence, the team rely on old-fashioned police work to unpick Lee Constantine’s last movements. A winding path through a nearby field, a set of footprints close to the scene, and a party that nobody seems to remember is all they have to go on - and there the trail dies.
As the list of suspects grows, Ben soon discovers they share a common trait - everyone has a secret to keep...and it’s a secret that Lee Constantine took to his watery grave.
Set in the brutal Lincolnshire farmland, Burden of Truth has everything that fans of British crime fiction want - deadly realism, dark humour, and characters you will love right up until the shocking twist is unveiled.
Burden of Truth is the fourteenth novel in the much-loved Wild Fens Murder Mystery series from Jack Cartwright, and is perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JM Dalgliesh, Joy Ellis, and JD Kirk.
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2024
936 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 6, 2025
Ben is pathetic
So, the headline may look harsh but this story is unbelievably bad. Ben is supposed to be the sio but behaves like a lovesick 15 year old. He doesn't deserve credit or a salary for doing such a crap embarrassing job. Well done to Gillespie for roughing up Greg, it's what Ben should have done at the house. Honestly, this was rubbish and to cap it all the remains of Freya says yes to marrying Ben. I will read the next book to see where it all goes but I hope it's a bit more realistic.m
So, the headline may look harsh but this story is unbelievably bad. Ben is supposed to be the sio but behaves like a lovesick 15 year old. He doesn't deserve credit or a salary for doing such a crap embarrassing job. Well done to Gillespie for roughing up Greg, it's what Ben should have done at the house. Honestly, this was rubbish and to cap it all the remains of Freya says yes to marrying Ben. I will read the next book to see where it all goes but I hope it's a bit more realistic.m
October 10, 2024
Following a recent disaster, DI Ben Savage reluctantly assumes a leadership role. So when a man’s body is discovered floating in a remote Lincolnshire pond, he must call upon his experience and set his grief aside. But will experience be enough?
With almost no forensic evidence, the team rely on old-fashioned police work to unpick Lee Constantine’s last movements. A winding path through a nearby field, a set of footprints close to the scene, and a party that nobody seems to remember is all they have to go on - and there the trail dies.
Another cracking read from Jack Cartwright. Freya's past has caught up with and Ben is floundering without her. The team step up to help him, especially DC Gillespie. So many twists and turns and so many emotions boiling over. Had me gripped from beginning to end. Have to admit to missing Freya in this as Ben leads the team in her absence but she still manages to worm her way in lol!
I will be getting the next book in this series for sure. Excellent read.
With almost no forensic evidence, the team rely on old-fashioned police work to unpick Lee Constantine’s last movements. A winding path through a nearby field, a set of footprints close to the scene, and a party that nobody seems to remember is all they have to go on - and there the trail dies.
Another cracking read from Jack Cartwright. Freya's past has caught up with and Ben is floundering without her. The team step up to help him, especially DC Gillespie. So many twists and turns and so many emotions boiling over. Had me gripped from beginning to end. Have to admit to missing Freya in this as Ben leads the team in her absence but she still manages to worm her way in lol!
I will be getting the next book in this series for sure. Excellent read.
November 7, 2024
Published this year, this is the latest Wild Fens murder mystery. It's a series I've been following when I can and in this, DI Ben Savage has to assume the leadership of his team because his partner is still recovering from an accident that happened in the previous book (No More Blood). A man’s body is found in a remote Lincolnshire pond and, with almost no forensic evidence, the team must use old-fashioned police work to unpick the victim’s last movements and work out what happened. It’s an involved plot with lots of twists and turns, all played out while Ben tries to deal with his feelings of guilt and self-doubt. All the Wild Fens books I've read are good, gritty mysteries and I've seen them recommended for fans of LJ Ross, Joy Ellis, JM Dalgleish and JD Kirk - if you enjoy any of those authors these are definitely worth trying.
Review by: Norfolk Gal, Oundle Crime
Review by: Norfolk Gal, Oundle Crime
March 12, 2025
This was another great British crime thriller, though Freya's role wasn't as it should be.
It starts with panic as someone flees in terror... A body is found.
Watching Ben flounder, filled with guilt and sorrow was sad. His confidence at its lowest, it was good to see the rest of the team supporting him. Pride, I think, was his weakness in not giving Freya time to explain. As for Greg; I would have loved to have heard 'that' conversation.
Well-written and fast-paced, this story was packed with mystery, twists and turns and many side issues. I did not like Jewson - trouble waiting to happen.
Enjoying and engaging.
Recommended.
It starts with panic as someone flees in terror... A body is found.
Watching Ben flounder, filled with guilt and sorrow was sad. His confidence at its lowest, it was good to see the rest of the team supporting him. Pride, I think, was his weakness in not giving Freya time to explain. As for Greg; I would have loved to have heard 'that' conversation.
Well-written and fast-paced, this story was packed with mystery, twists and turns and many side issues. I did not like Jewson - trouble waiting to happen.
Enjoying and engaging.
Recommended.
December 18, 2024
Fantastic series of books. I was gripped from book 1 right through to book 14. Now waiting for next book, unfortunately got to wait until February.
I felt as though I knew all the team characters personally, each one different.
They all bring their own qualities to the team. Leading them is DCI Freya Bloom with DI Ben Savage.
I could not put each book down. I don’t think I would ever have made a detective, I kept going down the wrong path in these books.
I would recommend these books, but please start at book 1.
I felt as though I knew all the team characters personally, each one different.
They all bring their own qualities to the team. Leading them is DCI Freya Bloom with DI Ben Savage.
I could not put each book down. I don’t think I would ever have made a detective, I kept going down the wrong path in these books.
I would recommend these books, but please start at book 1.
October 14, 2024
Well another great book from Jack Cartwright and what an emotional rollercoaster it has been.
The characters in this book (and the whole series) are very strong with all the strengths and flaws of real people.
I will be gutted when the last of these is written but hoping that there may be a TV series???!!!
Really recommend for those who like a good murder mystery but with the added plots of the investigating teams lives and relationships.
The characters in this book (and the whole series) are very strong with all the strengths and flaws of real people.
I will be gutted when the last of these is written but hoping that there may be a TV series???!!!
Really recommend for those who like a good murder mystery but with the added plots of the investigating teams lives and relationships.
January 16, 2025
A different twisted tale.
Freya is badly injured so in hospital, Ben is lost as he feels he should have been the one in hospital. But he still has a team to run and while he’s fretting over Freya and her recovery he’s still trying to solve the murder or two people. The team step up to protect Ben and Freya and Gillespie more than most. But they work together and find the culprit.
Freya is badly injured so in hospital, Ben is lost as he feels he should have been the one in hospital. But he still has a team to run and while he’s fretting over Freya and her recovery he’s still trying to solve the murder or two people. The team step up to protect Ben and Freya and Gillespie more than most. But they work together and find the culprit.
February 16, 2025
Read Jack Carteright
This writer cares. He is a good writer as well, but he gets inside his characters, especially those he likes best. He may give them a rest, find another favourite whom he writes into another part of the landscape of the Wodes and Wild Fells, where others from other stories sometimes appear, and you the reader meet them like old friends. Rather as if you loved there and had just moved in. So read all his books. They are worth it.
This writer cares. He is a good writer as well, but he gets inside his characters, especially those he likes best. He may give them a rest, find another favourite whom he writes into another part of the landscape of the Wodes and Wild Fells, where others from other stories sometimes appear, and you the reader meet them like old friends. Rather as if you loved there and had just moved in. So read all his books. They are worth it.
October 8, 2024
brilliant
Great read. Love this series. In this one Ben is torn between his feelings for Freya, recovering in hospital from her burns, and trying to run a murder investigation that seems to have no answers. Throw the appearance of Freya’s husband into the mix and all seems to be chaos! A great twisty read.
Great read. Love this series. In this one Ben is torn between his feelings for Freya, recovering in hospital from her burns, and trying to run a murder investigation that seems to have no answers. Throw the appearance of Freya’s husband into the mix and all seems to be chaos! A great twisty read.
October 9, 2024
Edge of the seat reading
Absolutely brilliant so many twists and turns. The storyline keeps you guessing. So well written and such well defined characters. Can’t believe it’ll be February 2025 for the conclusion.
1 click now you will not be disappointed. You have to read the series and once you start you will be hooked. I know as I was
Absolutely brilliant so many twists and turns. The storyline keeps you guessing. So well written and such well defined characters. Can’t believe it’ll be February 2025 for the conclusion.
1 click now you will not be disappointed. You have to read the series and once you start you will be hooked. I know as I was
October 12, 2024
Burden of Truth
Knowing all the places in this book enhanced my love of it. Also it was great to catch up with this team. Once again we are kept in suspense with many twists, the final one being the best. I cannot encourage readers enough to dive into this book and enjoy it as much as I have
Knowing all the places in this book enhanced my love of it. Also it was great to catch up with this team. Once again we are kept in suspense with many twists, the final one being the best. I cannot encourage readers enough to dive into this book and enjoy it as much as I have
November 3, 2024
Absolutely Fantastic Book
I have read ever book in this series.and enjoyed every single one .I couldn't say what one I enjoyed the best.they were all great reads,going to be at a loss until the next one is completed.this author has now become my favourite.just such excellent reads.not to be missed
I have read ever book in this series.and enjoyed every single one .I couldn't say what one I enjoyed the best.they were all great reads,going to be at a loss until the next one is completed.this author has now become my favourite.just such excellent reads.not to be missed
November 30, 2024
Very disappointing in this novel. Throughout the novel it mentions Freya and her condition. When she first appeared in the series I thought maybe she would be a temporary character in the series, but that was not the case. The ending is what helped to decide not read any future books on the Wild Fens series. Like I said disappointing.
Read
December 19, 2024And they all lived happily ever after! reading Jack Cartwright ,I doubt it. I thought this book became muddled in sit went on, I think that was to the turmoil in Bens mind, which I think was clever writing. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out in the next book. One last thought, Freya must wear very expensive perfume if it lingers for minutes after she has left the room.
July 14, 2025
BURDEN OF TRUTH
Another great book from jack Cartwright in the dci Freya bloom series will be taking a break just for a little bit from this series to read a short book by a horror writer called Matt shaw but will download the next on the series and will look forward to reading the next one in this dci Freya bloom series of books
Another great book from jack Cartwright in the dci Freya bloom series will be taking a break just for a little bit from this series to read a short book by a horror writer called Matt shaw but will download the next on the series and will look forward to reading the next one in this dci Freya bloom series of books
September 26, 2024
Ben is leading the troops to uncover a puzzle as to what happened to these murdered people in the Fens. He also has to deal with Greg, Freya's husband, a shock to Ben. Book 14 carries on this intriguing, highly entertaining series. Highly Recommended.
October 24, 2024
Excellent
I’ve enjoyed this series so much , although I have to admit that at times ,I found the plot hard to follow. However that said ,the author certainly made it twist and turn. The relationship between Freya and Ben has been amazing throughout.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much , although I have to admit that at times ,I found the plot hard to follow. However that said ,the author certainly made it twist and turn. The relationship between Freya and Ben has been amazing throughout.
October 27, 2024
very good
Last book in this series of 14…. all well worth reading!
Very satisfying ending!
Mr Cartwright has become one of my ‘must keep a watch for future books’ authors.
So on to his latest series I think!
Last book in this series of 14…. all well worth reading!
Very satisfying ending!
Mr Cartwright has become one of my ‘must keep a watch for future books’ authors.
So on to his latest series I think!
December 3, 2024
A slow read!
This is my taster read of Jack Cartwright and I found it slow and torturous. Perhaps it didn't help that this book is so far into the series that I missed out on necessary background. Perhaps. But still, on face value a 3-star read at best!
This is my taster read of Jack Cartwright and I found it slow and torturous. Perhaps it didn't help that this book is so far into the series that I missed out on necessary background. Perhaps. But still, on face value a 3-star read at best!
January 15, 2025
A tangled web
The death of a chap high on drugs leads to a web of mistrust and lies. It opens an old case and the unsuspecting culprit is brought to justice. All this while Ben does the ground work and Grey's does the thinking from hospital while Ben also thinks he's lost her.
The death of a chap high on drugs leads to a web of mistrust and lies. It opens an old case and the unsuspecting culprit is brought to justice. All this while Ben does the ground work and Grey's does the thinking from hospital while Ben also thinks he's lost her.
January 28, 2025
This very complicated storyline merges a case for the team with the fallout from Freya's injuries documented in the last story. The inter-team relationships - and Ben's in particular are well written. No spoilers about the ending.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
August 31, 2025
I love all of the Cartwright novels! BUT
I don’t think this is too much of a spoiler—but I am so sick and tired of Cruz being made a punching bag and laughing stock. I know I have been binge reading, so that may have something to do with my “being over it”, but still
I don’t think this is too much of a spoiler—but I am so sick and tired of Cruz being made a punching bag and laughing stock. I know I have been binge reading, so that may have something to do with my “being over it”, but still
September 6, 2025
Ben is struggling, Freya is recovering and her ex (or is he) tries to take control and the team is working hard to assist Ben on their new case when a man is found dead after falling from the edge into a quarry. Meh.
October 12, 2024
Good book
A well written book with plenty of red herrings and wrong turns ! One of a series in the wild fens
A well written book with plenty of red herrings and wrong turns ! One of a series in the wild fens
October 14, 2024
What an amazing book, always a pleasure to read this series! This time the murder wasn’t the star of the book it was Ben and Freya!
October 15, 2024
brilliant read
A complicated story that kept you on your toes until the last words.
I enjoyed every page. Can’t wait for the next one
A complicated story that kept you on your toes until the last words.
I enjoyed every page. Can’t wait for the next one
October 18, 2024
I definitely need blood pressure tablets
Absolutely brilliant as usual but in a weird kind of way. Wouldn't have even had a chance if l tried to work this out.
More please.
Absolutely brilliant as usual but in a weird kind of way. Wouldn't have even had a chance if l tried to work this out.
More please.
October 20, 2024
Excellent very different to the rest of the series and still along the same track. Looking forward to more . Never disappointed with Jack's stories
October 20, 2024
This one felt rather muddled with lots of characters going in and out of play. I think for me this might be the last I read in the series.
October 22, 2024
Excellent. Really enjoyed this. The character developments and sub plot behind the crime story knitted the whole story together. Can't wait for the next one. :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews