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Hidden Norfolk #15
Watch and Prey
You can hide, but you can't run...
When the body of a church warden is discovered hanging from the belfry of a village church, DI Tom Janssen and his team must investigate the circumstances that led to his death.
Whilst navigating the fallout from the conclusion of their previous case, the Norfolk CID team is under intense scrutiny with another police force investigating their recent conduct. Some people would like nothing more than to see the team fail. With no clear motive for murder or a reason to take his own life, the team have little to go on.
Meanwhile, a hit and run accident on the Sandringham Estate leaves a pregnant woman in hospital and when the fleeing vehicle is located - abandoned beside a coastal sailing club - the investigating team find more than they bargained for when they look inside.
The hunt is on for a brutal murderer whose motives and goals are unknown, and when other interested parties appear in the area the stakes are raised further. Just who are the hunters, who is watching, and, more importantly, who is the prey?
When the body of a church warden is discovered hanging from the belfry of a village church, DI Tom Janssen and his team must investigate the circumstances that led to his death.
Whilst navigating the fallout from the conclusion of their previous case, the Norfolk CID team is under intense scrutiny with another police force investigating their recent conduct. Some people would like nothing more than to see the team fail. With no clear motive for murder or a reason to take his own life, the team have little to go on.
Meanwhile, a hit and run accident on the Sandringham Estate leaves a pregnant woman in hospital and when the fleeing vehicle is located - abandoned beside a coastal sailing club - the investigating team find more than they bargained for when they look inside.
The hunt is on for a brutal murderer whose motives and goals are unknown, and when other interested parties appear in the area the stakes are raised further. Just who are the hunters, who is watching, and, more importantly, who is the prey?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2024
2227 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dalgliesh
36 books942 followersJason Dalgliesh was born on the south coast of England and grew up in Hampshire, UK. He has worked in the power transmission industry, the retail sector, call centres and as a night-owl in a bakery. His greatest challenge of all is ongoing, as a stay at home parent.
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 20, 2025
Great cast and a high body count - love Norfolk!
December 10, 2024
Dues ex machina
It is a well written book.
Unfortunately, like much of contemporary mysteries, rather than having the mystery methodically solved by the protagonists the author relies on a surprise ending that does not relate to the major flow of the tale,
It is a well written book.
Unfortunately, like much of contemporary mysteries, rather than having the mystery methodically solved by the protagonists the author relies on a surprise ending that does not relate to the major flow of the tale,
December 7, 2024
an unsatisfactory wrap up
Too quick and easy. What a waste of lives, violence and time. Definitely not his best but I will continue reading series to expect better next time.
Too quick and easy. What a waste of lives, violence and time. Definitely not his best but I will continue reading series to expect better next time.
March 29, 2025
Loving this series, looking forward to the next release.
December 17, 2024
I have now read all of jm Dalgliesh Norfolk, Misty Isles and Yorkshire series. Really enjoyed this most recent ones and read the prelude to When Death Calls. Hoping this 82yo will still be here to read if all. Only been to Norwich on Norfolk and would love to visit all those villages on the north coast and inland Dalgliesh wrote about. Being an Aussie in Sydney no chance of meeting him but that would be good. An avid reader of Ian Rankins Rebus, I have enjoyed JMD too.
December 8, 2024
Another great book in a great series.
I have read all the Hidden Norfolk Mysteries. This one like all the others was a great read. A bit and run car crash involving 3 teenagers turns out to be more than it looks when a body is found in the boot. Tom and his team race against time to find the identity of the corpse. As things drop into place, all is not what it seems.
A good read for all thriller writers. JM Dalgliesh is one of the best British Thriller writers.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
I have read all the Hidden Norfolk Mysteries. This one like all the others was a great read. A bit and run car crash involving 3 teenagers turns out to be more than it looks when a body is found in the boot. Tom and his team race against time to find the identity of the corpse. As things drop into place, all is not what it seems.
A good read for all thriller writers. JM Dalgliesh is one of the best British Thriller writers.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
November 30, 2024
I always look forward and thoroughly enjoy this author's books, and make sure to have them on pre-order so I don't miss one.
This one had me captured from beginning to end, and it was hard to put down for even a minute.
It has a well written gripping on the edge of your seat storyline and plot. There are strong, interesting characters, revelations, and many a twist and turn.
The author's is so good that I felt as if I was watching the story unfold before my eyes.
It kept me guessing all the way through, and I never had a clue. So them final twists were a totally unexpected surprise.
I absolutely loved this book and look forward to the next one.
For those who like a great thriller, I would strongly recommend it, you won't be disappointed.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
This one had me captured from beginning to end, and it was hard to put down for even a minute.
It has a well written gripping on the edge of your seat storyline and plot. There are strong, interesting characters, revelations, and many a twist and turn.
The author's is so good that I felt as if I was watching the story unfold before my eyes.
It kept me guessing all the way through, and I never had a clue. So them final twists were a totally unexpected surprise.
I absolutely loved this book and look forward to the next one.
For those who like a great thriller, I would strongly recommend it, you won't be disappointed.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
November 28, 2024
The main story was totally absorbing with a surprise ending. It is not really a stand-alone book because reference is made to the previous book in the series. As I am not a fan of incomplete endings, I was disappointed that this book finished leaving a way for the next book to complete the tale. It has been quite a while since the last Hidden Norfolk book requiring some concentration to become re-acquainted with the main characters.
December 2, 2024
Dull
This type of storyline is such a trope and very dull and boring. Very disappointing latest book in series. Probably my last read.
This type of storyline is such a trope and very dull and boring. Very disappointing latest book in series. Probably my last read.
January 27, 2026
I feel these books are declining in quality. Major things left unresolved or ignored. Storylines are big, I mean massive for the tidy wrap up that happens.
The fallout from this one is going to be interesting.
DC Danny HAS TO GO!. Maybe he's just there so a cop can be killed in the future and it won't disturb the bond of the team...because he is so unlikeable. Tamara and Tom are supposed to be these great detectives but somehow miss all the BS DC Danny does/says.
There were some major points missed by Tom when working on the case. In Chapter 11 Jason Law is a retired school teacher per the intel, but was told by his wife that he was insurance. While this works for their real story, it's something Tom should have caught onto immediately. There are several other errors or inconsistencies. Storyline plot devices or author errors?
Finally, Eric needs to grow a pair against DC Danny. He's been a deceptive for 15 books now, he should have a bit more confidence and be able to stand up for himself.
The fallout from this one is going to be interesting.
DC Danny HAS TO GO!. Maybe he's just there so a cop can be killed in the future and it won't disturb the bond of the team...because he is so unlikeable. Tamara and Tom are supposed to be these great detectives but somehow miss all the BS DC Danny does/says.
There were some major points missed by Tom when working on the case. In Chapter 11 Jason Law is a retired school teacher per the intel, but was told by his wife that he was insurance. While this works for their real story, it's something Tom should have caught onto immediately. There are several other errors or inconsistencies. Storyline plot devices or author errors?
Finally, Eric needs to grow a pair against DC Danny. He's been a deceptive for 15 books now, he should have a bit more confidence and be able to stand up for himself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
good plot well written
Headline says it all.
Now the critique.
I read LOADS of thrillers such as these.
This has a load of cliches I’ve seen in at least two other series and if we expand from cops to espionage it’s almost as if these are all written by chatGPT.
The lesbian cop
The troubled compromised chief
The married cop who never gets enough time with his family.
There’s usually a substance abusing cop in the mix.
There’s usually a dirty cop
But what I love is this hysterical British sensibility that even cops have to avoid guns. When Tom’s family (spoiler alert) is threatened and he hides them with Cassie she has a shotgun with her. Tom is so PC that he starts to give her a lecture on gun safety!! His wife and kid were just held at gunpoint and he’s still preaching to ANOTHER COP that guns are scary and maybe she shouldn’t have one!
Hysterical.
Other than that I enjoy this series especially the descriptions of the region.
Headline says it all.
Now the critique.
I read LOADS of thrillers such as these.
This has a load of cliches I’ve seen in at least two other series and if we expand from cops to espionage it’s almost as if these are all written by chatGPT.
The lesbian cop
The troubled compromised chief
The married cop who never gets enough time with his family.
There’s usually a substance abusing cop in the mix.
There’s usually a dirty cop
But what I love is this hysterical British sensibility that even cops have to avoid guns. When Tom’s family (spoiler alert) is threatened and he hides them with Cassie she has a shotgun with her. Tom is so PC that he starts to give her a lecture on gun safety!! His wife and kid were just held at gunpoint and he’s still preaching to ANOTHER COP that guns are scary and maybe she shouldn’t have one!
Hysterical.
Other than that I enjoy this series especially the descriptions of the region.
December 13, 2024
Another solid entry into this series. The murders in this one kept me guessing until just about the end. The fallout from the previous book still feels unresolved by the end and that would be my one complaint about this book. It is a presence in the story, but then some how it feels like it gets overlooked. It is always there, but no progress is made. Cassie’s trauma is mentioned but not really addressed, and beyond temporary promotions for Tom and Tamara nothing else is resolved. I will say that the end of this entry is perhaps setting that up so I will I will give the author the benefit of the doubt and guess he is playing the long game on that thread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
Always a good tale well told.
I genuinely love this series, always a good tale well told. As ever the story is well constructed and very well written. That said this is not I r of my favourite Hidden Norfolk books. Whilst I enjoyed it the story harping back to the 'cold war' was not to my taste.
I didn't think that the usually detailed and entertaining relationships among the team members was quite up to the now expected standard s. The best part for myself were the domestic scenes at with Tom, Alice, Sally and Russell. Not a classic but we'll worth a read and the next episode should be interesting.
I genuinely love this series, always a good tale well told. As ever the story is well constructed and very well written. That said this is not I r of my favourite Hidden Norfolk books. Whilst I enjoyed it the story harping back to the 'cold war' was not to my taste.
I didn't think that the usually detailed and entertaining relationships among the team members was quite up to the now expected standard s. The best part for myself were the domestic scenes at with Tom, Alice, Sally and Russell. Not a classic but we'll worth a read and the next episode should be interesting.
December 11, 2024
Watch And Prey - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
DS Cassie Knight and her team are called in on a bizarre homicide case, that the killer soon escalates, turning up the heat on Cassie and her partner DI Tom Hansen, by creating a maelstrom of terror and secrets, that creeps towards their loved ones.
JM Dalgliesh expertly ramps up the danger to screaming pitch and his intelligent plot and interesting, believable characters are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Why wait? Grab a copy today!
DS Cassie Knight and her team are called in on a bizarre homicide case, that the killer soon escalates, turning up the heat on Cassie and her partner DI Tom Hansen, by creating a maelstrom of terror and secrets, that creeps towards their loved ones.
JM Dalgliesh expertly ramps up the danger to screaming pitch and his intelligent plot and interesting, believable characters are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Why wait? Grab a copy today!
January 10, 2025
Fantastic story that had me gripped from start to finish. This was a more grittier, convoluted story than previous books in this series as DI Tom Janssen has to deal with two separate incidents. A hanging church warden and a hit and run. Obviously more clues are uncovered as Janssen and his team endeavour to reveal the truth. While all this is going on, their previous case hangs over them as an enquiry into police corruption is being held.
I must admit, I did sort of guess the ending but not the why lol.
This was an engaging thriller. Highly recommend.
I must admit, I did sort of guess the ending but not the why lol.
This was an engaging thriller. Highly recommend.
January 14, 2025
Watch and Prey
Oh Jason! How could you leave it like that? At least let us know what happens to Tom. Although if there’s another book, one assumes all turns out ok. But can we really assume anything with you?
A brilliant read from Jason. Read in double quick time. I really couldn’t put it down. Things didn’t go smoothly for Tom to begin with on this one, causing him to go back to the drawing board. However, his family being in danger was the never part of the plan leading to a messy ending to the book.
A great read though. 10/10.
Oh Jason! How could you leave it like that? At least let us know what happens to Tom. Although if there’s another book, one assumes all turns out ok. But can we really assume anything with you?
A brilliant read from Jason. Read in double quick time. I really couldn’t put it down. Things didn’t go smoothly for Tom to begin with on this one, causing him to go back to the drawing board. However, his family being in danger was the never part of the plan leading to a messy ending to the book.
A great read though. 10/10.
November 25, 2024
The killings started with the death of church warden Martin Odiham in the Belfry Tower of All Saints Church in the village of West Acre. But the theft of a car leads to more deaths. Is their connection and if so what could it possibly be. Acting DCI Tom Janssen and his team investigate.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its very likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities which can easily be read as a standalone story. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its very likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities which can easily be read as a standalone story. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2024
DI Tom Jansen is back, although this is one of a series it can be read as a standalone.
A body is found in the back of an ancient Range Rover, the body has no ID, but the car is traced to a local couple John and Natasha Law.
The car is also soon linked to a hit and run and then a body is found in a local church.
This book has twists and turns and a totally unexpected ending.
Well written and a great read.
A body is found in the back of an ancient Range Rover, the body has no ID, but the car is traced to a local couple John and Natasha Law.
The car is also soon linked to a hit and run and then a body is found in a local church.
This book has twists and turns and a totally unexpected ending.
Well written and a great read.
November 28, 2024
There are so many threads in this opus, that the author must have had trackers on everyone. Our team led by Tom Janson go to call out at a local church. The churchwarden has been found hanged, in the tower. This is the start of a very dark and sad tale. I was gripped from the first sentence and was as baffled by the story as the team. No quick working out the plot here! The lesson to be learned…….don’t steal a car with, keys in the ignition.
December 14, 2024
Watch and Prey -
It’s a welcome return to Tom and the team in ‘A Hidden Norfolk’ series, after quite a long wait. Whilst I enjoyed the ‘Misty Isle’ series, there’s something about the Norfolk series that I think is just better. This is another good read. I often say some books are easier to read than others and this is one of them. If you haven’t read this series I would recommend you go back to book 1 and start at the beginning of the series. A 5 out of 5 from me.
It’s a welcome return to Tom and the team in ‘A Hidden Norfolk’ series, after quite a long wait. Whilst I enjoyed the ‘Misty Isle’ series, there’s something about the Norfolk series that I think is just better. This is another good read. I often say some books are easier to read than others and this is one of them. If you haven’t read this series I would recommend you go back to book 1 and start at the beginning of the series. A 5 out of 5 from me.
December 31, 2024
Without spoiling, I can say that this novel is a step out from previous ones. The whole team is involved as usual but the crime or crimes are hard to fathom until the neat ending. I still have a few questions about how the killer(s) knew certain things but I'll put that aside. This was a real page turner unlike some of the others in the series. Action from beginning to end and very involving. Unresolved issues to be settled in the next one in the series which is a year away.
January 17, 2025
Watch and prey was yet another good episode in the life of Tom Jansen and the team. A good solid team around him, not sure about Danny decision still yet to be made. They fell well and with him getting promotion, well acting up, it’s about time for him.
Storyline in Watch and Prey was as good as ever but with an emotional edge at the end through the fate of Jason and Natasha.
I must get round to reading the Yorkshire series as I am an avid fan of Dalgliesh.
Storyline in Watch and Prey was as good as ever but with an emotional edge at the end through the fate of Jason and Natasha.
I must get round to reading the Yorkshire series as I am an avid fan of Dalgliesh.
January 21, 2025
This is the second book that earned a 5 in this series. The complications in the plot which involve Cold War complications from 50 years earlier added a nice twist. I also liked how Dalgliesh picked up from book 14 and continued the entanglement conflict with upper administration and other police forces. These last two books show the book plot line and the writer's evolution. I am anxiously awaiting book 16 that comes out in November.
March 17, 2025
One of the best in series.
As the Hidden Norfolk series progressed, and I was a fan from the first, Tom and all the characters on this small town rural. force have grown deeper and more complex in their relationships with each other and with the community they police. Their knowledge and empathy make these mysteries of violent complex crimes so compelling. JM Dalgliesh's latest thriller, Watch and Prey, counts as one his best. Can't wait Gor the next.
As the Hidden Norfolk series progressed, and I was a fan from the first, Tom and all the characters on this small town rural. force have grown deeper and more complex in their relationships with each other and with the community they police. Their knowledge and empathy make these mysteries of violent complex crimes so compelling. JM Dalgliesh's latest thriller, Watch and Prey, counts as one his best. Can't wait Gor the next.
October 1, 2025
Another very good Hidden Norfolk mystery. Nice returing characters, a story that moves right along and lots of bodies! Lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the ending when all is revealed. Bad people getting their comeuppance which is always a plus. Quick read. Thanking the author because Tamara's mother, Francesca, was no where in this book. She was/is a totally usless character.
November 30, 2024
So good!
Interesting, surprising, intelligent. I couldn’t put it down and now I have to wait for the next one. I want Tom to pass his investigation with flying colours and I want him to keep his promotion. Tamara too. Clean the CID. Keep the honest and smart ones. I don’t ask for much, do I? Congratulations!
Interesting, surprising, intelligent. I couldn’t put it down and now I have to wait for the next one. I want Tom to pass his investigation with flying colours and I want him to keep his promotion. Tamara too. Clean the CID. Keep the honest and smart ones. I don’t ask for much, do I? Congratulations!
December 1, 2024
Once again Great book
The suspense in some of the chapters was excellent, keeping me on the edge of my seat in anticipation. While reading, I felt like a detective, developing my own theories and scenarios about the events and the individuals involved.
Now the long wait for the next book and im sure it will be worth it.
The suspense in some of the chapters was excellent, keeping me on the edge of my seat in anticipation. While reading, I felt like a detective, developing my own theories and scenarios about the events and the individuals involved.
Now the long wait for the next book and im sure it will be worth it.
December 8, 2024
Enjoyable as ever, although this one leant on previous events a lot. I didnt understand Tom's reasoning at the end, why he acted alone and didn't call for back up from his team. Maybe that'll become evident in the next book.
Look forward to reading about Tom's future. I still can't find Alice a warm character suited to Tom but I enjoy seeing the development with the rest of Tom's team.
Look forward to reading about Tom's future. I still can't find Alice a warm character suited to Tom but I enjoy seeing the development with the rest of Tom's team.
December 17, 2024
Excellent Story
It has been awhile since I read the previous books in the series so unfortunately I had forgotten much. Nevertheless, as a virtual stand alone for me at this point, I did not miss the earlier details. An exciting and unusual plot that I would never have guessed the solution to. What will happen to Tom now? It is not looking good.
😋
It has been awhile since I read the previous books in the series so unfortunately I had forgotten much. Nevertheless, as a virtual stand alone for me at this point, I did not miss the earlier details. An exciting and unusual plot that I would never have guessed the solution to. What will happen to Tom now? It is not looking good.
😋
December 18, 2024
I have been waiting for this book for what seems an age!
First off - it's worth the wait!
Set in one of my favourite places, the story takes you to the beauty of Norfolk again. The pacing is absolutely perfect, the plot unravels it's web marvellously.
As for the absolute end - well, all I can say is roll on the next one!
As always from the author, a highly polished gem of a novel
First off - it's worth the wait!
Set in one of my favourite places, the story takes you to the beauty of Norfolk again. The pacing is absolutely perfect, the plot unravels it's web marvellously.
As for the absolute end - well, all I can say is roll on the next one!
As always from the author, a highly polished gem of a novel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews