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DI Haig Crime Thrillers #2
Hatchet Hill
A slaying tied to the occult. Can this driven investigator defend her adopted home from a killer with a twisted agenda?
Somerset, England. Grief still haunts Gordy Haig’s every moment. Mourning her fiancée’s death, she finds solace in the quiet spaces of the church and takes comfort in tarot reading. But she’s pulled from her dark reverie when a beloved local Police Community Support Officer is found brutally slain.
Shocked at the rage needed to plant an axe in a man’s head, Gordy fears how far the nightmare could go. And after she unearths evidence the victim had been researching ancient sacrificial rituals, she is drawn even deeper into the area’s sinister history with the occult.
Can she pierce the veil of darkness before another innocent meets a ghastly demise?
Hatchet Hill is the riveting second book in the DI Haig Crime Thrillers series. If you like relatable protagonists, chilling stakes, and backdrops steeped in mystery, then you’ll love David J Gatward’s dark labyrinth of secrets.
Buy Hatchet Hill to end the bloodshed today!
Somerset, England. Grief still haunts Gordy Haig’s every moment. Mourning her fiancée’s death, she finds solace in the quiet spaces of the church and takes comfort in tarot reading. But she’s pulled from her dark reverie when a beloved local Police Community Support Officer is found brutally slain.
Shocked at the rage needed to plant an axe in a man’s head, Gordy fears how far the nightmare could go. And after she unearths evidence the victim had been researching ancient sacrificial rituals, she is drawn even deeper into the area’s sinister history with the occult.
Can she pierce the veil of darkness before another innocent meets a ghastly demise?
Hatchet Hill is the riveting second book in the DI Haig Crime Thrillers series. If you like relatable protagonists, chilling stakes, and backdrops steeped in mystery, then you’ll love David J Gatward’s dark labyrinth of secrets.
Buy Hatchet Hill to end the bloodshed today!
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
1426 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 25, 2024
Another fine book from David J. Gatward.
There's plenty of blood and gore in this one, but stay with it. The story is good, rattles along at a fine pace, and broadens our understanding of the Somerset team and DI Haig herself.
There's plenty of blood and gore in this one, but stay with it. The story is good, rattles along at a fine pace, and broadens our understanding of the Somerset team and DI Haig herself.
December 23, 2024
Very good
The second DI Gordy Haig instalment and what very good Story it is .. Gordy is finding Her Feet and will no doubt go from Strength to strength
The second DI Gordy Haig instalment and what very good Story it is .. Gordy is finding Her Feet and will no doubt go from Strength to strength
December 23, 2024
I loved this book from the first sentence. David Gatward gets the reader this way, by writing beautifully and evoking a sense of, being there in the story. Gordy, once again, is confronted by a particularly nasty murder. Who on earth would do such a thing and more importantly, why. So off the team go, led by Gordy to a conclusion that has me, scratching my head!
December 24, 2024
Hatchet Hill
Another 5stars from me, enjoyed Gordy's latest outing. Looking forward to the next one. Somerset is becoming another place to visit!!
Another 5stars from me, enjoyed Gordy's latest outing. Looking forward to the next one. Somerset is becoming another place to visit!!
November 13, 2025
Brilliant. Grisly and much darker than the Grimm series, but it’s what sets it apart and gives it a different tone. I was utterly transfixed and stuck like glue to every page.
March 13, 2025
Although the book was interesting, the number of typos and grammatical errors made reading it a chore.
December 23, 2024
Wow. A crime thriller/ murder mystery in which Gordy comes into her own.
I have always liked David Gatward's main characters, and Gordy was no exception. Book 1 in this series was very good but felt a tad awkward with so many references to Harry Grimm and the Dales that it never seemed to allow Gordy to shine.. Gordy's move to Somerset seemed like a big risk for a spin-off. Not anymore. Book 2 is outstanding, and here Gordy thrives. Jameson does too; even though he also represents another bridge to Gordy's past. Once again David Gatward has created a supporting team one can I invest in. Patti, Travis, Heather and Jack all play a role in making these murder mysteries, as gruesome as they are, work for this reader. I hope they all survive many books! Another of David Gatward's calling cards is his description and evocation of place, especially English villages, their pubs, shops, and people and the countryside writ large.
I have always liked David Gatward's main characters, and Gordy was no exception. Book 1 in this series was very good but felt a tad awkward with so many references to Harry Grimm and the Dales that it never seemed to allow Gordy to shine.. Gordy's move to Somerset seemed like a big risk for a spin-off. Not anymore. Book 2 is outstanding, and here Gordy thrives. Jameson does too; even though he also represents another bridge to Gordy's past. Once again David Gatward has created a supporting team one can I invest in. Patti, Travis, Heather and Jack all play a role in making these murder mysteries, as gruesome as they are, work for this reader. I hope they all survive many books! Another of David Gatward's calling cards is his description and evocation of place, especially English villages, their pubs, shops, and people and the countryside writ large.
January 7, 2025
This 2nd novel in Gatward's spin-off series was killer! In every sense of the word. Gory, brutal, and full of whacky, f***ed up, bat s**t crazy bad guys.
Love that Jameson is still around, being the wise older mentor like Grimm was to her.
Killing Paul was a bit too early in this series to hit with any real impact. We've not had enough time to develop any emotional attachment to these new characters for it to really be shocking and emotional for the reader. The crime was horrible, nasty, and graphic, but imagine the impact on readers if this happened in 3 or 5 or 6 books from now when we've had time to love this character, which we surely would have. I actually hate it when characters die, but if you're doing to do it, do it big style.
My only other criticism is it was too short. I love Gatward's books but he has this huge build up in all his stories and then it is just over too quickly without enough time to really take the reader along.
Love that Jameson is still around, being the wise older mentor like Grimm was to her.
Killing Paul was a bit too early in this series to hit with any real impact. We've not had enough time to develop any emotional attachment to these new characters for it to really be shocking and emotional for the reader. The crime was horrible, nasty, and graphic, but imagine the impact on readers if this happened in 3 or 5 or 6 books from now when we've had time to love this character, which we surely would have. I actually hate it when characters die, but if you're doing to do it, do it big style.
My only other criticism is it was too short. I love Gatward's books but he has this huge build up in all his stories and then it is just over too quickly without enough time to really take the reader along.
January 8, 2025
I have listened to the audio version of this book.
Hatchet Hill
A brilliant twisted plot delivered in David Gatward's no nonsense style once again. This second book in the Gordy Haigh series is a superb listen, with all the characters we are coming to know the book is edge of the seat listening and I am already looking forward to the nest episode. I particularly like the descriptions of the locations, never been to Somerset but Dave's descriptions make it as if you are there. My only criticism more noticeable in this book than the first, and I don't know if it's a Somerset thing is that almost every other sentence ends with a question. I found it Very irritating. Ruth Urquhart's narration was superb and added to the drama of the story. Highly Recommended.
Hatchet Hill
A brilliant twisted plot delivered in David Gatward's no nonsense style once again. This second book in the Gordy Haigh series is a superb listen, with all the characters we are coming to know the book is edge of the seat listening and I am already looking forward to the nest episode. I particularly like the descriptions of the locations, never been to Somerset but Dave's descriptions make it as if you are there. My only criticism more noticeable in this book than the first, and I don't know if it's a Somerset thing is that almost every other sentence ends with a question. I found it Very irritating. Ruth Urquhart's narration was superb and added to the drama of the story. Highly Recommended.
December 23, 2024
I enjoyed this more than the first book in the series. DI Haig was less maudlin about the death of her fiance. This was tense, macabre and gruesome. Retired Ex-DCI Jameson took a more central part in this, helping Gordy and her team. The police procedural irked me a little. When they found the second victim hadn't put up any resistance at the crime scene, why didn't they check if she had been given anything straight away and rushed the testing? Also, I didn't find the whole devil worship scenario at all believable and also guessed who was responsible. That being said, it kept me interested but I'm not sure if I'll continue with Gordy. I much prefer DCI Grimm.
March 28, 2025
Well, that was dark. Yet, I still find this author's writing style as cozy. I was trying to explain what is meant by a cozy mystery and I think, for me, what makes a story cozy no matter how dark, are the characters. If I find myself completely engrossed in the characters, if I care about what happens in their lives, if I wish they were real and we could be friends, well, that to me is cozy.
I am so grateful that Mr. Gatward is as prolific as he is. There is already a book 3 in the works and it is pre-ordered. I love both Grimm and Haig, and I mark the passing of the year by the next release date.
I am so grateful that Mr. Gatward is as prolific as he is. There is already a book 3 in the works and it is pre-ordered. I love both Grimm and Haig, and I mark the passing of the year by the next release date.
December 23, 2024
Hatchet Hill by David J Gatward is a gruesome, violent and dark story for DC Haig’s second crime thriller book. The story makes use of Somerset’s history of witches and stories of dark forces to produce scenes of terror and fear, when the victims are discovered.
The first victim is a police officer and the second a journalist, what do they have in common to become part of a satanic ritual?
It is only when Gordy and Patti are also taken to become part of another ritual that it all becomes clear, as to the who, the what and the why.
A gruesome tale. Highly recommended
December 29, 2024
Just finished the second installment of this new series and I enjoyed it. I will say this perhaps isn’t for the faint of heart or cozy mystery lovers as the murders are quite gruesome and ritualistic. The relationships are growing and Gordy is moving through her grief in a way that makes sense without overwhelming the mystery. The some of the other characters are also getting filled out a bit including Jameson. It’s also fun to get little nuggets of Harry Grimm history from characters that knew him pre-Dales. I will be back for book 3.
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January 4, 2025PCSO Paul Edwards is investigating lights near the old railway line following a phone call. It doesn't end well for him and Gordy joins in the search when he doesn't make contact. What they find makes them determined to find who was responsible. Love how Gordy is being helped by such a wide variety of people to settle in to her new house, job and village. She is struggling but her new co-workers are there for her. Her team are a lovely, caring bunch. This is a bit of a darker read but so very enjoyable. The characters are what make it.
January 13, 2025
GREAT STORY BUT A BIT TOO GORY!
David I am a HUGE fan of yours and it is the first time I haven't awarded 5 stars. A very exciting story for Gordy and her new team to investigate. However the gruesome details were a touch too much. There were a few issues with proof reading and on a few occasions Patti was different ranks Detective Constable next page Detective Sergeant. That is the only reason I have deducted one point. Looking forward to reading more as soon they are published.Thank you BP Sheffield.
David I am a HUGE fan of yours and it is the first time I haven't awarded 5 stars. A very exciting story for Gordy and her new team to investigate. However the gruesome details were a touch too much. There were a few issues with proof reading and on a few occasions Patti was different ranks Detective Constable next page Detective Sergeant. That is the only reason I have deducted one point. Looking forward to reading more as soon they are published.Thank you BP Sheffield.
September 4, 2025
Gore Filled Mystery!
Maybe I should have given this a 5 star rating. It's well written but it's about Satanic worship and has lots and lots or gore. It's better than Book 2 as it is filled with less grieving by Gordy for her deceased partner in life. That made Book 1 bit too much for me. But both books center around bizarre and bloody murders. I'd like to see more about her colleagues too. But the books are getting better so I'll continue reading them. But they are not in the same league as the Harry Grimm books hence my 4 star rating.
Maybe I should have given this a 5 star rating. It's well written but it's about Satanic worship and has lots and lots or gore. It's better than Book 2 as it is filled with less grieving by Gordy for her deceased partner in life. That made Book 1 bit too much for me. But both books center around bizarre and bloody murders. I'd like to see more about her colleagues too. But the books are getting better so I'll continue reading them. But they are not in the same league as the Harry Grimm books hence my 4 star rating.
December 26, 2024
Easily readable like all of this author’s books and grabs your attention straightaway. I enjoyed the growth of the team and how Gordy herself is getting a hold on her own situation. I did work out what was happening and who was responsible well before the end but it didn’t spoil the story.
There were a couple of continuity things I spotted but this was the first issue, I’m sure it will be corrected by now.
There were a couple of continuity things I spotted but this was the first issue, I’m sure it will be corrected by now.
December 26, 2024
Great story
Gordy's series is really coming into its own with the second book. The first book, while very good, seemed like an introduction, Evie this book finds Gordy firmly in the driver's seat, directing her team in a difficult investigation. I also like the inclusion of Jameson in a mentor/friend role. I look forward go the next book.
Gordy's series is really coming into its own with the second book. The first book, while very good, seemed like an introduction, Evie this book finds Gordy firmly in the driver's seat, directing her team in a difficult investigation. I also like the inclusion of Jameson in a mentor/friend role. I look forward go the next book.
December 27, 2024
Brilliant!
This is such a brilliant book! Very dark in places, but an excellent story & plot which brought me close to tears on occasion. The characters were further developed in this new series of books by the brilliant David Gatward….. very much looking forward to the next one in 2025!
This is such a brilliant book! Very dark in places, but an excellent story & plot which brought me close to tears on occasion. The characters were further developed in this new series of books by the brilliant David Gatward….. very much looking forward to the next one in 2025!
January 1, 2025
I really enjoyed the second DI Gordy Haig novel, featuring Gordy as the main character in the new life she is forging after Anna’s death. The team’s investigation of a brutal murder leads to the discovery of a dangerous group hiding in plain sight and a bizarre series of crimes. A bit darker than the Harry Grimm series and very well done.
January 1, 2025
Another great read
Well David J Gatward has done it again. Gordy tackles her second major case in Somerset and it's close home. Lots of twists and turns, and we get even more insights into her new team. Great writing again on her grief. Looking forward to the 3rd, as well as the other two series.
Well David J Gatward has done it again. Gordy tackles her second major case in Somerset and it's close home. Lots of twists and turns, and we get even more insights into her new team. Great writing again on her grief. Looking forward to the 3rd, as well as the other two series.
January 8, 2025
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story by David in the Gordy Haig series and a great follow up . Lots of the usual characters and a great storyline. Reading this you feel that she is starting to settle into the area and that there are a lot more exciting cases to come. Looking forward to reading more.
Another excellent story by David in the Gordy Haig series and a great follow up . Lots of the usual characters and a great storyline. Reading this you feel that she is starting to settle into the area and that there are a lot more exciting cases to come. Looking forward to reading more.
April 26, 2025
I've been reading all of Gatward's Grimm series and now Gordy's stories. I do enjoy reading about the quirky characters and their relationships. However I've mostly solved the mystery long before the end of the books. What gets me about this particular tale are the errors made my DI Gordy Haig. Sorry just too blatant to disregard.
I hope that Gatward gets a bit more into protecting his characters from dumb mistakes.
I hope that Gatward gets a bit more into protecting his characters from dumb mistakes.
December 31, 2024
Excellent
Another great read. Highly recommended. Different kind of story. Not for the faint hearted.
All the characters are jellying together well. I love how descriptive the scenes and the countryside are written.
Another great read. Highly recommended. Different kind of story. Not for the faint hearted.
All the characters are jellying together well. I love how descriptive the scenes and the countryside are written.
January 1, 2025
HATCHET HILL
Have read all the dci harry Grimm books and this series by David is a brilliant new series by di haig who was originally in the dci harry Grimm series hatchet hill was a brilliant second book in this series can’t wait for the third one 👍
Have read all the dci harry Grimm books and this series by David is a brilliant new series by di haig who was originally in the dci harry Grimm series hatchet hill was a brilliant second book in this series can’t wait for the third one 👍
January 1, 2025
I did not enjoy this read, similar to the first book in the series. The main characters are ok as their relationships to Gordie are developing. Gordie is gradually moving into a different stage of her grief. The plot is very dark, very graphic in its violence and not believable in my opinion.
January 5, 2025
Rollercoaster of a ride!
I couldn’t put this one down. It was intense, mind boggling and totally twisted! I love this new relationship between Gordy and Jameson. It’s a piece of Harry in each book. Looking forward to many more!
I couldn’t put this one down. It was intense, mind boggling and totally twisted! I love this new relationship between Gordy and Jameson. It’s a piece of Harry in each book. Looking forward to many more!
January 8, 2025
Absolutely gripping, enjoyed the book immensely. David is a Master Wordsmith and has taken his story telling to a whole different level. I cant wait for more of Gordy and here team. Very different to the Grimm nboks ans so.it should be.
January 10, 2025
Outstanding
Couldn't stop reading from beginning to end. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Emotional funny and chilling in parts of the book. I love all the characters, too. I can't wait to read next in the series!
Couldn't stop reading from beginning to end. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Emotional funny and chilling in parts of the book. I love all the characters, too. I can't wait to read next in the series!
January 20, 2025
As much as I love Gatward's Grimm series, this second book featuring Gordy only improves in seeing a little more of Gordy's new team and a little less of her grief for Anna. The plot was gory and unbelievable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews