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Harvey and Birch #4
The Darkening Hills
Gerren Penrose has waited too long to call on his friend, reclusive old Rob Harris. He takes the twisty road to Rob’s secluded cottage, steps inside . . .
To be hit by the stench of death.
Gerren follows a trail of dismembered pieces, to what remains of his friend. The grisly sight sends him running from the cottage — the howls of Rob’s beloved collie ringing in his ears.
He thinks the horror is behind him. That he’s alone out in the darkening hills. But he is wrong.
Not far away, a woman hides in the shadows, watching silently.
Her and the dead man were close like you wouldn’t believe. But she’s not sorry he’s gone. She’s smiling.
Can Detectives Harvey and Birch uncover the shocking secret that binds them? Before fresh blood is spilled . . .
To be hit by the stench of death.
Gerren follows a trail of dismembered pieces, to what remains of his friend. The grisly sight sends him running from the cottage — the howls of Rob’s beloved collie ringing in his ears.
He thinks the horror is behind him. That he’s alone out in the darkening hills. But he is wrong.
Not far away, a woman hides in the shadows, watching silently.
Her and the dead man were close like you wouldn’t believe. But she’s not sorry he’s gone. She’s smiling.
Can Detectives Harvey and Birch uncover the shocking secret that binds them? Before fresh blood is spilled . . .
- GenresMystery
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2024
140 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Buchanan
20 books39 followersKerry Buchanan is a retired veterinary surgeon who lives with her family and a menagerie of animals on a farm in County Down. There are inspiring views of hills and lakes from every window.
Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books. Knife Edge and Small Bones will be followed by the third book in the series very soon.
Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books. Knife Edge and Small Bones will be followed by the third book in the series very soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 26, 2024
So many twists!
I must admit to being seduced into reading this title by the Publisher’s Blurb, “ an electrifying crime thriller full of breathtaking twists, set amid the lonely hills of County Antrim, Northern Ireland.”
I full heartedly agree. This had it all, a heart stopping criminal investigation which leads into unexpected and personal places. A frenzied and horrific killing of an old man, Rob Harris, in a lonely cottage “far from the maddening crowd,” opens up so many avenues of inquiry, but all appear to be tied up in red tape!
Detective Sergeant Aaron Birch is the main character. He’s been sent to this part of the world as a relief placement. Detective Inspector Asha Harris is monitoring the situation.
His team is varied, unexpected and often surprising.
Intriguing main and secondary characters that I’m hoping we’ll see more of.
A great read!
A Joffe Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
I must admit to being seduced into reading this title by the Publisher’s Blurb, “ an electrifying crime thriller full of breathtaking twists, set amid the lonely hills of County Antrim, Northern Ireland.”
I full heartedly agree. This had it all, a heart stopping criminal investigation which leads into unexpected and personal places. A frenzied and horrific killing of an old man, Rob Harris, in a lonely cottage “far from the maddening crowd,” opens up so many avenues of inquiry, but all appear to be tied up in red tape!
Detective Sergeant Aaron Birch is the main character. He’s been sent to this part of the world as a relief placement. Detective Inspector Asha Harris is monitoring the situation.
His team is varied, unexpected and often surprising.
Intriguing main and secondary characters that I’m hoping we’ll see more of.
A great read!
A Joffe Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
September 8, 2024
This was a total page-turner for me. The start had me hooked immediately with the gruesome discovery of a dead man's body in an isolated part of rural Antrim and from then on, I just had to keep reading to see what was happening next. Aaron is a temporary maternity leave cover in the area so he is the SIO in charge.
I have read the others in the series so I was familiar with the characters but this could be read as a standalone. It was good to see Aaron in an unfamiliar SIO role and also great to see Asha get involved as things progressed. The personal aspects made things more tense and I loved the ending. This is definitely my favourite of the series so far.
My thanks to Joffe Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
I have read the others in the series so I was familiar with the characters but this could be read as a standalone. It was good to see Aaron in an unfamiliar SIO role and also great to see Asha get involved as things progressed. The personal aspects made things more tense and I loved the ending. This is definitely my favourite of the series so far.
My thanks to Joffe Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
September 5, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
Great book, I loved it. The Irish setting is appealing and so are the police characters, they're very likeable and work well together. The killer is complicated, absolutely terrifying, but, surprisingly, also got me feeling sorry for them.
It takes quite a bit of foot leather, as well as internet surfing, before the culprit is finally discovered. The ending is good and satisfying.
Can't wait for the next one, it's an excellent series!
Great book, I loved it. The Irish setting is appealing and so are the police characters, they're very likeable and work well together. The killer is complicated, absolutely terrifying, but, surprisingly, also got me feeling sorry for them.
It takes quite a bit of foot leather, as well as internet surfing, before the culprit is finally discovered. The ending is good and satisfying.
Can't wait for the next one, it's an excellent series!
September 27, 2024
The Darkening Hills is the fourth book in the crime thriller series 'Detectives Harvey and Birch murder mystery.'
It's fast paced and action packed right from the beginning, and full of twists and turns, making it very hard to put down.
This is the first book that I've read from this author, and can't wait to read more.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in return for my honest review.
It's fast paced and action packed right from the beginning, and full of twists and turns, making it very hard to put down.
This is the first book that I've read from this author, and can't wait to read more.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in return for my honest review.
October 30, 2024
I enjoyed the book thoroughly. It was great to read a book set in Northern Ireland. The characters were very well cast and amazingly we didn't have to deal with deadbeat senior officers. Quite the contrary, we had a delightful character in the ACC Miller.
I enjoyed the Southern Africa connection. My wife was born and raised in Zimbabwe and lived there during that very difficult time and encountered much of the bloodshed and the loss of property. She is an avid reader and I will encourage her to read book #3/4 without giving her any background.
Clearly the book was very well researched and the story was well crafted. I won't give the book a synopsis. The NetGalley reviewers do that. I rarely give 5 stars and I'm quite a critic at times but I fully recommend this series to readers i.e. read all the books. I've seen so many reviews on here where the reviewer has not done so, gives an average review and laments that they didn't read the earlier books.
I enjoyed the Southern Africa connection. My wife was born and raised in Zimbabwe and lived there during that very difficult time and encountered much of the bloodshed and the loss of property. She is an avid reader and I will encourage her to read book #3/4 without giving her any background.
Clearly the book was very well researched and the story was well crafted. I won't give the book a synopsis. The NetGalley reviewers do that. I rarely give 5 stars and I'm quite a critic at times but I fully recommend this series to readers i.e. read all the books. I've seen so many reviews on here where the reviewer has not done so, gives an average review and laments that they didn't read the earlier books.
September 24, 2024
Review:
From the opening chapter of this book, you know it’s going to be an exciting, action packed read. It didn’t disappoint, with old secrets, hatred simmering below the surface and revenge for past misdemeanours, it’s all there.
An old man, who to all intents and purposes is a recluse living in the back of beyond with hardly any vehicular access is murdered, no one knows why. His only friend goes to his house to see him, and walks into absolute carnage, the smell and body parts, where he has been butchered, strewn around is just horrendous, but outside unbeknown to anyone, incognito is a woman, hidden in plain sight watching. Who is she, and what does she want?
Set in northern Ireland it at first looks like revenge killings for something that happened years ago.
Harvey and Birch, the two police officers are tasked with finding out who this man really is, he appears to be a ghost and what’s the link between him and this woman? Then Aaron’s family get involved, can he and the team solve the situation before it’s too late?
This is one of the best, well thought out books I’ve read and nothing is as it seems!
My thanks to the author and Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
From the opening chapter of this book, you know it’s going to be an exciting, action packed read. It didn’t disappoint, with old secrets, hatred simmering below the surface and revenge for past misdemeanours, it’s all there.
An old man, who to all intents and purposes is a recluse living in the back of beyond with hardly any vehicular access is murdered, no one knows why. His only friend goes to his house to see him, and walks into absolute carnage, the smell and body parts, where he has been butchered, strewn around is just horrendous, but outside unbeknown to anyone, incognito is a woman, hidden in plain sight watching. Who is she, and what does she want?
Set in northern Ireland it at first looks like revenge killings for something that happened years ago.
Harvey and Birch, the two police officers are tasked with finding out who this man really is, he appears to be a ghost and what’s the link between him and this woman? Then Aaron’s family get involved, can he and the team solve the situation before it’s too late?
This is one of the best, well thought out books I’ve read and nothing is as it seems!
My thanks to the author and Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
September 27, 2024
Vet Gerren Penrose goes up to the lonely cottage in the hills to see his friend Rob Harris.
When he gets there what he finds is absolutely horrifying.
The smell of death meets him and a gruesome scene awaits him.
Inside is the shattered remains of of his friend, literally pieces everywhere.
He flees the cottage to get help while someone very close to the victim hides in the hills, watching.
Aaron Birch is in charge of the investigation and he needs to work fast as the killing frenzy is continuing.
The search takes him halfway across the world to South Africa where the heart of the truth lies in the past that ties in with now.
This was such an exciting and fast paced story from the first page it drags you in.
A great and thrilling read.
When he gets there what he finds is absolutely horrifying.
The smell of death meets him and a gruesome scene awaits him.
Inside is the shattered remains of of his friend, literally pieces everywhere.
He flees the cottage to get help while someone very close to the victim hides in the hills, watching.
Aaron Birch is in charge of the investigation and he needs to work fast as the killing frenzy is continuing.
The search takes him halfway across the world to South Africa where the heart of the truth lies in the past that ties in with now.
This was such an exciting and fast paced story from the first page it drags you in.
A great and thrilling read.
October 10, 2024
I didn’t realise The Darkening Hills was part of a series. But it doesn’t matter as the novel works well as a stand-alone. However, I am now very keen to read the earlier novels!
To start with, I wasn’t very keen on the story as I found the opening murder too gory. However, I stuck with it and was eventually gripped to find out the motive behind the murders. The goriness does recede as the story progresses.
I thought the novel moved at the right pace and had a set of excellently drawn characters, you really believed in them and their relationships with each other. The plot pulls together all the various strands in an effective manner, rolling out the story and the discoveries in a steady manner.
I enjoyed this novel and will definitely read more Harvey & Birch novels.
I received my copy as an ARC.
To start with, I wasn’t very keen on the story as I found the opening murder too gory. However, I stuck with it and was eventually gripped to find out the motive behind the murders. The goriness does recede as the story progresses.
I thought the novel moved at the right pace and had a set of excellently drawn characters, you really believed in them and their relationships with each other. The plot pulls together all the various strands in an effective manner, rolling out the story and the discoveries in a steady manner.
I enjoyed this novel and will definitely read more Harvey & Birch novels.
I received my copy as an ARC.
September 20, 2024
This was an outstanding book and I loved it. I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series but that didn't matter as Aaron has been seconded to a different station to cover maternity leave so we meet a new team. Every character in this novel is expertly crafted and well fleshed out. The story itself stretches to South Africa and is highly unusual, which adds to the reader's enjoyment. As it develops, the plot becomes more intriguing and I couldn't put it down. This was one of those books that I just didn't want to end. I can't wait until I read the next one. If I could give it ten stars I would.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC.
September 21, 2024
A call is received to a body at a remote farmhouse, when the first officers arrive they discover a man with blood over him and a body inside the building. However, all is not as it seems, the man, a retired vet had been trying to help the dead man’s dog, also injured in the attack.
The killer has left no trace but it was a frenzied attack on an old man. Then another man is murdered in his own home, this time the killer leaves the weapon behind.
A gripping tale that is full of twists and turns as the police try to establish who the killer is and what their motive could be.
Well written, I could hardly put it down.
The killer has left no trace but it was a frenzied attack on an old man. Then another man is murdered in his own home, this time the killer leaves the weapon behind.
A gripping tale that is full of twists and turns as the police try to establish who the killer is and what their motive could be.
Well written, I could hardly put it down.
September 20, 2024
OMG gripping right from the first page. The first book I have read by this author and can’t wait for more.
The police characters and the victims friends were so believable and that killer crikey what a piece of work!BUT at the same time I could empathise with what led the killer to the situation.
I highly recommend this book and author if you like to be kept guessing to the end.
Thanks so much to Joffe Books for the ARC
The police characters and the victims friends were so believable and that killer crikey what a piece of work!BUT at the same time I could empathise with what led the killer to the situation.
I highly recommend this book and author if you like to be kept guessing to the end.
Thanks so much to Joffe Books for the ARC
September 19, 2024
Gripping
A man is found brutally murdered in his cottage and it is DS Aaron Birch’s first time as senior investigating officer. The only potential suspect is an old friend of the dead man but Aaron does not seriously suspect him. It will take all his knowledge and experience to find the killer, will he be up to the job? I found this book gripping and did not want to put it down.
A man is found brutally murdered in his cottage and it is DS Aaron Birch’s first time as senior investigating officer. The only potential suspect is an old friend of the dead man but Aaron does not seriously suspect him. It will take all his knowledge and experience to find the killer, will he be up to the job? I found this book gripping and did not want to put it down.
September 27, 2024
A murder of a reclusive man in county Antrim. Detectives Harvey and Birch investigates and try to uncover secrets from the past. Full of twists and turns, and good characters especially the two Detectives. Although a part of a series it can be read as a stand alone, though I will be reading the back catalogue. Thanks to Joffe Books and Netgalley for this review ARC
September 12, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Irish police procedural. The main detective, Aaron Birch, was likable from the beginning, and I appreciated how he worked with other officers. This is a part of a series, but I never really felt out of the loop, so it was well done as a standalone read. The Irish mannerisms and speak were a bit unusual to me at first, but it added to the charm!
I thoroughly enjoyed this Irish police procedural. The main detective, Aaron Birch, was likable from the beginning, and I appreciated how he worked with other officers. This is a part of a series, but I never really felt out of the loop, so it was well done as a standalone read. The Irish mannerisms and speak were a bit unusual to me at first, but it added to the charm!
October 6, 2024
Brilliant. Unexpected twists and turns that had me trying to do my own detective work to figure out what the next thing was going to be. Couldn’t put the book down.
October 5, 2024
Wow, what a page turner. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen the book went into a totally different direction. Such an interesting read and it pulled you in straight away.
September 26, 2024
A brutal, obsessed killer is on the loose.
A retired local vet arrives at the isolated home of areclusive friend only to find it the scene of absolute carnage. Some of the passages here are definitely not for the faint-hearted
The story is a baptism of fire for Detective Sergeant Aarkn Birch, who is on secondment 6 Belfast to a rural police station, and this case becomes his first as a Senior Investigating Office. It all takes on a personal nature for him when a family member becomes the target of the crazed killer.
Author Kerry Buchanan leads us through a tense tale full of twists, turns, and blind alleys in this very well written book. It is the fourth in a series but works well as a standalone story. I recommend this 6 prospective readers should be aware that there are some gruesome icid3nts in it.
A retired local vet arrives at the isolated home of areclusive friend only to find it the scene of absolute carnage. Some of the passages here are definitely not for the faint-hearted
The story is a baptism of fire for Detective Sergeant Aarkn Birch, who is on secondment 6 Belfast to a rural police station, and this case becomes his first as a Senior Investigating Office. It all takes on a personal nature for him when a family member becomes the target of the crazed killer.
Author Kerry Buchanan leads us through a tense tale full of twists, turns, and blind alleys in this very well written book. It is the fourth in a series but works well as a standalone story. I recommend this 6 prospective readers should be aware that there are some gruesome icid3nts in it.
October 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Kerry Buchanan’s The Darkening Hills is a gripping crime thriller that transports readers to the hauntingly beautiful yet perilous hills of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This fourth installment in the Harvey and Birch series is a testament to Buchanan’s skill in crafting intricate plots and compelling characters.
The novel begins with Gerren Penrose discovering the gruesome remains of his friend, Rob Harris, in a secluded cottage. This shocking discovery sets off a chilling investigation led by Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch.
Detectives Harvey and Birch are a dynamic duo whose contrasting personalities and investigative styles add depth to the narrative. Asha Harvey’s strong sense of justice and empathetic nature make her a relatable and engaging protagonist. Aaron Birch’s methodical approach and sharp instincts complement Harvey’s character, creating a balanced and effective partnership.
The Darkening Hills explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the dark secrets that people hide. Buchanan delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lengths individuals will go to protect their secrets.
Buchanan’s writing is both evocative and precise, capturing the eerie beauty of the Northern Irish landscape while maintaining a tight, suspenseful plot. Her ability to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters and weave intricate storylines keeps readers hooked.
The Darkening Hills is a standout in the crime thriller genre, offering a richly textured narrative that combines suspense, emotion, and a deep sense of place. Buchanan’s masterful storytelling and keen understanding of human nature make this novel a must-read for fans of atmospheric thrillers and character-driven mysteries. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the Harvey and Birch series or a newcomer, The Darkening Hills promises a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Kerry Buchanan’s The Darkening Hills is a gripping crime thriller that transports readers to the hauntingly beautiful yet perilous hills of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This fourth installment in the Harvey and Birch series is a testament to Buchanan’s skill in crafting intricate plots and compelling characters.
The novel begins with Gerren Penrose discovering the gruesome remains of his friend, Rob Harris, in a secluded cottage. This shocking discovery sets off a chilling investigation led by Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch.
Detectives Harvey and Birch are a dynamic duo whose contrasting personalities and investigative styles add depth to the narrative. Asha Harvey’s strong sense of justice and empathetic nature make her a relatable and engaging protagonist. Aaron Birch’s methodical approach and sharp instincts complement Harvey’s character, creating a balanced and effective partnership.
The Darkening Hills explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the dark secrets that people hide. Buchanan delves into the complexities of human relationships and the lengths individuals will go to protect their secrets.
Buchanan’s writing is both evocative and precise, capturing the eerie beauty of the Northern Irish landscape while maintaining a tight, suspenseful plot. Her ability to create vivid, multi-dimensional characters and weave intricate storylines keeps readers hooked.
The Darkening Hills is a standout in the crime thriller genre, offering a richly textured narrative that combines suspense, emotion, and a deep sense of place. Buchanan’s masterful storytelling and keen understanding of human nature make this novel a must-read for fans of atmospheric thrillers and character-driven mysteries. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the Harvey and Birch series or a newcomer, The Darkening Hills promises a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
April 18, 2025
It’s a cold morning in County Antrim in Northern Ireland when Gerren Penrose takes the twisty road in his battered Land Rover to visit is his friend Rob Harris in his secluded cottage, or maybe hovel would be a better description. Once a thatched Cottage now it has a rusted tin roof. What greets Gerren inside is Rob’s dismembered body parts scattered over the floor.
The two police officers responding to the call treat Gerren as the possibly killer, but the arrival on the scene of Detective Sergeant Aaron Birch unwinds the tension somewhat. It’s Aaron Birch’s first case as investigating officer, and he is learning fast, with help from DI Asha Harvey.
This is an utterly fascinating book. It quickly becomes apparent that, although Rob Harris he has lived at the cottage for many years, very little is known about him locally, and as the police dig more anomalies surface.
The answer to the story goes back many, many years and it was an interesting and engrossing journey as the history slowly unfolds bringing many hidden secrets to the fore, and none of them good.
Initially, the police are completely foxed but a further killing just days later turns up a possibility that it could be the same killer. Will the killing go on?
The story is complex, and the characterisation is excellent of both the historic and current people involved. I do heartily recommend this book as a fascinating mystery and an astounding read.
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
The two police officers responding to the call treat Gerren as the possibly killer, but the arrival on the scene of Detective Sergeant Aaron Birch unwinds the tension somewhat. It’s Aaron Birch’s first case as investigating officer, and he is learning fast, with help from DI Asha Harvey.
This is an utterly fascinating book. It quickly becomes apparent that, although Rob Harris he has lived at the cottage for many years, very little is known about him locally, and as the police dig more anomalies surface.
The answer to the story goes back many, many years and it was an interesting and engrossing journey as the history slowly unfolds bringing many hidden secrets to the fore, and none of them good.
Initially, the police are completely foxed but a further killing just days later turns up a possibility that it could be the same killer. Will the killing go on?
The story is complex, and the characterisation is excellent of both the historic and current people involved. I do heartily recommend this book as a fascinating mystery and an astounding read.
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
September 28, 2024
This is the fourth book in the series featuring Detectives Harvey and Birch, set on the rural the coast of Ireland in County Antrim.
Detective Birch is covering for a local officer who is on maternity leave when he finds himself in charge of the investigation into a particularly brutal murder of a man living a solitary life in a lonely cottage on the hills above a small village. His only visitor seems to have been Gerren Penrose, a retired vet who lives in the village.
Indeed it was he who discovered Rob Harris dismembered body on an early morning visit.
Gerren calls the police and manages to catch Jacks the old sheepdog who has also been injured.
He has no idea that the killer is hiding nearby and is watching him.
At first he is considered a suspect as he has blood on his clothing, this idea is quickly ruled out when the next night another man is stabbed to death in his village home.
The investigation begins in earnest and though at first the two deaths seem unrelated a link is found and Detective Birch and his team suspect a serial killer is involved.
His first case as SIO so he is really under pressure to crack it before anyone else dies.
Well plotted, intriguing characters, a tense and twisted tale with plenty of suspense right until the very end.
A gripping read which I recommend.
Detective Birch is covering for a local officer who is on maternity leave when he finds himself in charge of the investigation into a particularly brutal murder of a man living a solitary life in a lonely cottage on the hills above a small village. His only visitor seems to have been Gerren Penrose, a retired vet who lives in the village.
Indeed it was he who discovered Rob Harris dismembered body on an early morning visit.
Gerren calls the police and manages to catch Jacks the old sheepdog who has also been injured.
He has no idea that the killer is hiding nearby and is watching him.
At first he is considered a suspect as he has blood on his clothing, this idea is quickly ruled out when the next night another man is stabbed to death in his village home.
The investigation begins in earnest and though at first the two deaths seem unrelated a link is found and Detective Birch and his team suspect a serial killer is involved.
His first case as SIO so he is really under pressure to crack it before anyone else dies.
Well plotted, intriguing characters, a tense and twisted tale with plenty of suspense right until the very end.
A gripping read which I recommend.
September 12, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy!
I didn't realize when I requested this book that it was part of a series. I haven't read the other books, but I was able to follow everything clearly. I really enjoyed this book and liked that I, the reader, got to know all the characters and see into their thoughts and understand their feelings. I even sympathized with the killer. I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series.
That being said, there were a few areas where the story seemed to drag and a few too many coincidences to overlook. Such as Peter and what Gerren found in his own home. Nic also came off strangely because she seemed to know everything just because of her "intuition". She took leaps in logic that turned out to be right, which the reader knew, but it didn't make sense for her to come to some of those conclusions. She came across as a bit of a Mary Sue.
Also the ending was very abrupt. It felt like the story was nearing this epic climax and then just fizzled instead. Everything was wrapped up neatly in regards to the fate of the killer, but so many of the plot points introduced with them were left unresolved and unlikely to be addressed in upcoming books. It left me feeling like the story was unfinished.
I didn't realize when I requested this book that it was part of a series. I haven't read the other books, but I was able to follow everything clearly. I really enjoyed this book and liked that I, the reader, got to know all the characters and see into their thoughts and understand their feelings. I even sympathized with the killer. I'm definitely going to read the rest of the series.
That being said, there were a few areas where the story seemed to drag and a few too many coincidences to overlook. Such as Peter and what Gerren found in his own home. Nic also came off strangely because she seemed to know everything just because of her "intuition". She took leaps in logic that turned out to be right, which the reader knew, but it didn't make sense for her to come to some of those conclusions. She came across as a bit of a Mary Sue.
Also the ending was very abrupt. It felt like the story was nearing this epic climax and then just fizzled instead. Everything was wrapped up neatly in regards to the fate of the killer, but so many of the plot points introduced with them were left unresolved and unlikely to be addressed in upcoming books. It left me feeling like the story was unfinished.
September 19, 2024
Detectives Harvey and Birch are back in another brilliant addition to the series. The books do work perfectly as stand alone.
The story begins when a retired vet, Gerren Penrose visits a friend in his remote dwelling. When he arrives he realises that all is not well but nothing prepares him for the horror when he enters the cottage. Rob has been living as a recluse for some time his only visitor and friend is Gerren. and he only ventured into the village when it was absolutely necessary so who could possibly hate him so much they would wreak such carnage on his body?
The police are baffled. There are no clues and no suspects except Gerren and while he fits he is an unlikely murderer. The team must look harder at everyone and everything to find more clues. But it is going to be a hard case to crack.
Changed identities and revenge going back years and years. Deathbed confessions, abuse and bullying and you have a very intriguing edge of your seat thriller that will keep the pages turning all the way to the mind blowing ending.
An absolutely brilliant read that I recommend to anyone who loves crime thrillers.
Thank you to Joffe Books for the advance digital copy of this book.
The story begins when a retired vet, Gerren Penrose visits a friend in his remote dwelling. When he arrives he realises that all is not well but nothing prepares him for the horror when he enters the cottage. Rob has been living as a recluse for some time his only visitor and friend is Gerren. and he only ventured into the village when it was absolutely necessary so who could possibly hate him so much they would wreak such carnage on his body?
The police are baffled. There are no clues and no suspects except Gerren and while he fits he is an unlikely murderer. The team must look harder at everyone and everything to find more clues. But it is going to be a hard case to crack.
Changed identities and revenge going back years and years. Deathbed confessions, abuse and bullying and you have a very intriguing edge of your seat thriller that will keep the pages turning all the way to the mind blowing ending.
An absolutely brilliant read that I recommend to anyone who loves crime thrillers.
Thank you to Joffe Books for the advance digital copy of this book.
September 11, 2024
Gerren Penrose has waited too long to call on his friend, recluse Rob Harris. He takes the twisty road to Rob's secluded cottage, steps inside.... To be hit by the stench of death. Gerren follows a trail of dismembered pieces, to what remains of his friend. The grisly sight sends him running from the cottage - the howls of Rob's beloved collie ringing in his ears. He thinks the horror is behind him. That he's alone in the darkening hills. But he is wrong. Not far away, a woman hides in the shadows, watching silently. She and the dead man were close, like you'd never believe. But she's not sorry he's gone. She's smiling.
Detectives Aaron Birch and Asha Harvey have been called out to a rural cottage to investigate the horrific death of Rob Harris, whose body had been dismembered. This is Aaron's first case as SIO. This twisted tale is tense and descriptive. Aaron and his team work well together. The characters are well-developed. Although this is book four in the series, it does read well as a standalone.
Published 26th September 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JooeBppks and the author #KerryBuchanan for my ARC of #TheDarkeningHills in exchange for an honest review.
Detectives Aaron Birch and Asha Harvey have been called out to a rural cottage to investigate the horrific death of Rob Harris, whose body had been dismembered. This is Aaron's first case as SIO. This twisted tale is tense and descriptive. Aaron and his team work well together. The characters are well-developed. Although this is book four in the series, it does read well as a standalone.
Published 26th September 2024
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JooeBppks and the author #KerryBuchanan for my ARC of #TheDarkeningHills in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2025
The Darkening Hills was given to me for review by the publisher and somehow I "lost it." Bad luck for me until I came across it again and fell in love with it! I've recently come to enjoy reading books set in Wales and Ireland so discovery was perfect timing.
The crime scene is horrifically gruesome, more so than most police procedural books. Once past that, however, the mystery and suspense was fast paced and very interesting. These characters are new to me and it took a minute to figure out who everyone was but since the SIO, Aaron Birch, is filling in for another officer on leave, he was a bit new to the area as well. That made it decent stand-alone to read despite this being fourth in the series.
The writing is terrific, the characters are well developed and intriguing and the plot was "page-turning." You really can't ask for more in a book from this genre. Now I have to go back and read the previous novels in the series. I hope you'll join me!
The crime scene is horrifically gruesome, more so than most police procedural books. Once past that, however, the mystery and suspense was fast paced and very interesting. These characters are new to me and it took a minute to figure out who everyone was but since the SIO, Aaron Birch, is filling in for another officer on leave, he was a bit new to the area as well. That made it decent stand-alone to read despite this being fourth in the series.
The writing is terrific, the characters are well developed and intriguing and the plot was "page-turning." You really can't ask for more in a book from this genre. Now I have to go back and read the previous novels in the series. I hope you'll join me!
October 22, 2024
An old man, living alone on a nearly unreachable farm, is brutally murdered by a frenzied killer. The next night, a man is stabbed to death in his village home. The cases seem unrelated but a link is found. Detective Aaron Birch and his team work to find the person they believe may be a serial killer but they are soon mired in the past, in African history and in a hidden world of abuse. While they try to unravel this complicated case, the killer is moving closer, closer to them.
The Darkening Hills is my first in this excellent Irish police procedural series but it won’t be my last! The characters are well described, especially Asha, Aidan and Nik, the location is atmospheric and the plot is complex. I cant wait to see what comes next! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Kerry Buchanan for this ARC.
The Darkening Hills is my first in this excellent Irish police procedural series but it won’t be my last! The characters are well described, especially Asha, Aidan and Nik, the location is atmospheric and the plot is complex. I cant wait to see what comes next! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Kerry Buchanan for this ARC.
September 19, 2024
I have to say that Kerry Buchanan's series goes from strength to strength, in fact it is by far the best police procedural series going in my opinion. The characters remain fresh and engaging and Ms Buchanan's generosity with plotting is legend. Obviously I won't be commenting on the plot per se, you have presumably read the blurb or you wouldn't be checking reviews and to comment is to lay the way open for spoilers and that would never do. Suffice to say the plot is complex enough to satisfy and doesn't cheat! Absolutely GRIPPING! Definitely the best book I have read this year and if I could I would at least double the stars.
April 12, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Harvey and Birch series, and having not read any of the previous three books, I wasn't sure what to expect. But this book is fantastic. It is very easy to read and keeps you engaged throughout.
You're drawn into the world right from the first page and taken on a fast-paced, action-packed ride full of twists and turns.
This could definitely be read as a standalone, but if you want all of the backstory for the characters, it would definitely be worth reading the series in order.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy of this book.
You're drawn into the world right from the first page and taken on a fast-paced, action-packed ride full of twists and turns.
This could definitely be read as a standalone, but if you want all of the backstory for the characters, it would definitely be worth reading the series in order.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy of this book.
September 6, 2024
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read which is set in Ireland and features Detective Aaron Birch, a very likeable character., and Detective Asha Harvey. The team work well together trying to solve the murder of an elderly farmer and the characterisation is spot on. The plotting is excellent, well written and there is plenty of suspense right until the end. I recommend this book to lovers of crime thrillers as a very good read. I do hope there is a follow up. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
September 19, 2024
The death of a recluse leads to twisted tale of murder and revenge. This is the fourth book in the Harvey/Birch detective partnership, but the first I have read and it stands up well, with references to the earlier cases not detracting from the current case. From 1980s Zimbabwe to modern day Northern Ireland, it is a riveting story with enough twists and turns to keep the avid police procedural fan enthralled. Highly recommended.
September 19, 2024
Really good read . I hadn’t read the previous books in the series but I don’t think that matters at all. It’s a great standalone , thrilling, gory in places and with a few tugs at the heartstrings…that dog! The villain seems socio or psychopathic and kills without a second thought. Strange to feel slightly sorry for them by the end. Totally recommend to anyone who likes a good thriller/ police procedural.
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