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DI Tanner #13
The Bastwick Testament
ANOTHER CHILLING NORFOLK BROADS CRIME THRILLER!
Set within the mysterious beauty of the Norfolk Broads, this fast-paced British detective series is a dark cozy Norfolk murder mystery with a slice of humour and a touch of romance, one that will have you guessing until the very end, when the last shocking twist is finally revealed.
The Bastwick Testament is a totally addictive gripping crime thriller, the twelth in a chilling series of serial killer books, ones which will rapidly convert followers of L J Ross, Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, Damien Boyd, J M Dalgliesh, and Elly Griffiths into David Blake devotees.
Set within the mysterious beauty of the Norfolk Broads, this fast-paced British detective series is a dark cozy Norfolk murder mystery with a slice of humour and a touch of romance, one that will have you guessing until the very end, when the last shocking twist is finally revealed.
The Bastwick Testament is a totally addictive gripping crime thriller, the twelth in a chilling series of serial killer books, ones which will rapidly convert followers of L J Ross, Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, Damien Boyd, J M Dalgliesh, and Elly Griffiths into David Blake devotees.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2025
285 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
David Blake
41 books297 followersNO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR
With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.
Get news of all future releases, ARC reader info, free books, and all promo offers by signing up to my newsletter:
www.david-blake.co.uk/CONTACTDAVID
With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.
Get news of all future releases, ARC reader info, free books, and all promo offers by signing up to my newsletter:
www.david-blake.co.uk/CONTACTDAVID
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 18, 2025
Great to catch up with DCI Tanner and co.
Plot was good. Love the sarcastic humour and the twist at the end was sublime
Plot was good. Love the sarcastic humour and the twist at the end was sublime
February 18, 2025
I agree totally with some of the other reviewers who found that the endless banter and the minutiae (countless references to making/drinking coffee) badly disrupted the narrative flow. I found the banter incredibly puerile and lame, the dialogue with his current wife borderline pathetic, predictable and tedious, while the plot was riddled with so many holes that it could have doubled as Swiss cheese.
I accept that it's tricky to walk the line of merging humour with gory murder but it can be done so very much better than this: David Blake, please take a look at Clare Mackintosh's Whodunnits set in North East Wales for a glowing example of how humour, banter and serial murders can be successfully intertwined.
I gave this book two stars because I hadn't foreseen the gender twist, otherwise it would only have rated one star from me!
I accept that it's tricky to walk the line of merging humour with gory murder but it can be done so very much better than this: David Blake, please take a look at Clare Mackintosh's Whodunnits set in North East Wales for a glowing example of how humour, banter and serial murders can be successfully intertwined.
I gave this book two stars because I hadn't foreseen the gender twist, otherwise it would only have rated one star from me!
November 7, 2025
I've read all of the Tanner books to date. They usually hold my attention, can be quite gripping and are easy to digest quickly.
The unnecessary "nudge-nudge-wink-wink" elements of earlier novels were finally absent here, which was good. Unfortunately, every regular character now appears to be an idiot. (Except, bizarrely, for Sally, who used to be an idiot.) Then there's the banter. You could shave off a third of this book by removing it. Two coppers go to interview somebody, only for that character to be left on pause while the officers banter. People die? Banter. Places where the book's tone should turn more serious? Banter. Also - and I've said this when reviewing an earlier book in the series - most characters talk in the same voice. They all sound like Rimmer in Red Dwarf...a bit too verbose, sarcastic, smug. If these books were a TV series, every character could be played by Chris Barrie. He could do the face after every smart arse statement. Well, maybe not the paint-drying wife. If one or two people were like this, that might make sense. But when a young witness has seen something horrific, you'd expect him to be barely able to talk. What do we get? Rimmer.
I can't remember if we were told Tanner's age in a previous book, but he comes across like someone much older than me. This novel tells us that he has yet to hit 50. I had to laugh. There is NO WAY a bloke in his late 40s would be like Tanner, unless this were the nineties. In fact, this could apply to numerous characters really.
I'm torn between awarding 2 or 3 stars, but I'll give it 3 because the series does ultimately entertain me, even if it sometimes frustrates me almost as much. This particular installment could easily have been a solid 4. Sadly it read like an early draft.
The unnecessary "nudge-nudge-wink-wink" elements of earlier novels were finally absent here, which was good. Unfortunately, every regular character now appears to be an idiot. (Except, bizarrely, for Sally, who used to be an idiot.) Then there's the banter. You could shave off a third of this book by removing it. Two coppers go to interview somebody, only for that character to be left on pause while the officers banter. People die? Banter. Places where the book's tone should turn more serious? Banter. Also - and I've said this when reviewing an earlier book in the series - most characters talk in the same voice. They all sound like Rimmer in Red Dwarf...a bit too verbose, sarcastic, smug. If these books were a TV series, every character could be played by Chris Barrie. He could do the face after every smart arse statement. Well, maybe not the paint-drying wife. If one or two people were like this, that might make sense. But when a young witness has seen something horrific, you'd expect him to be barely able to talk. What do we get? Rimmer.
I can't remember if we were told Tanner's age in a previous book, but he comes across like someone much older than me. This novel tells us that he has yet to hit 50. I had to laugh. There is NO WAY a bloke in his late 40s would be like Tanner, unless this were the nineties. In fact, this could apply to numerous characters really.
I'm torn between awarding 2 or 3 stars, but I'll give it 3 because the series does ultimately entertain me, even if it sometimes frustrates me almost as much. This particular installment could easily have been a solid 4. Sadly it read like an early draft.
February 25, 2025
I have previously enjoyed books in this series but sadly I hated this one - the central character DI Tanner this time comes across as a bumbling half wit with a completely unbelievable lack of awareness of even basic police procedure, allowing stereotypical views to sway his actions and no apparent attempt to really unearth motivations for the murders that are happening throughout. The final revelation was the only interesting part and that was wrapped up in 2 pages so was less than satisfying. I hate giving poor reviews but this felt it had been written too quickly without sufficient plot sketching character development or editing to warrant anything higher - not up to their usual standard!
May 14, 2025
Just perfect.
I don't usually write reviews but I have now read nearly the entire John Tanner series. And I have to say they are just perfect. The characters are well written, believable and likable. The stories pull you in from the start. Getting you engaged from the start of the investigation. I live in Essex and visit Norfolk when I can as I love the county. So I can just imagine DCI Tanner driving his XJS around the country lanes. Like all good crime fiction you feel you have it worked out when suddenly There is a twist that pulls the rug right from under you. Leaving you thinking wow where did that come from. I am going to be so gutted when I've read the. Next and Last book in the series and honestly hope there will be more to come.
I don't usually write reviews but I have now read nearly the entire John Tanner series. And I have to say they are just perfect. The characters are well written, believable and likable. The stories pull you in from the start. Getting you engaged from the start of the investigation. I live in Essex and visit Norfolk when I can as I love the county. So I can just imagine DCI Tanner driving his XJS around the country lanes. Like all good crime fiction you feel you have it worked out when suddenly There is a twist that pulls the rug right from under you. Leaving you thinking wow where did that come from. I am going to be so gutted when I've read the. Next and Last book in the series and honestly hope there will be more to come.
April 29, 2025
I’ve finished this one and it’ll be my last one. The ending was exactly the same as the previous two. Just stretches the bounds of incredulity too far and his obsession with coffee just seems to be there to fill the pages. I get confused with his work mates as he always seems to treat them all with contempt, especially Forester who is not a superintendent in my eyes. I don’t like leaving a bad review as I appreciate the effort that goes into producing these but I would sooner wait longer for a better construction than just someone churning them out just to satisfy the publishers who are very much to blame for spoiling what started as a very good series of books.
April 17, 2025
Another brilliant book in this series. The story, set in the run up to Christmas, was interesting and very twisty. As always there is plenty of humour. The ending took me completely by surprise, which doesn't happen very often, so bravo Mr Blake!
When I heard that this book had a different narrator to the previous books in the series I was horrified. . After all, Jonathan Keeble is a hard act to follow.. But Peter Wicks did a fantastic job. The voices he gave to the main characters were similar to Keeble's so I soon got used to the new narrator..
When I heard that this book had a different narrator to the previous books in the series I was horrified. . After all, Jonathan Keeble is a hard act to follow.. But Peter Wicks did a fantastic job. The voices he gave to the main characters were similar to Keeble's so I soon got used to the new narrator..
February 13, 2025
Loved this book especially banter between Tanner and Vicky, his team are face with a gruesome murder despite that the author put quite a bit of humor in the characters
Storyline was interesting I went back and forth on who the killer was and until last chapter I was surprised
Can’t wait for next book in fact this one made me ho bank to the first Tanner book to read again
Love the author and his characters
Storyline was interesting I went back and forth on who the killer was and until last chapter I was surprised
Can’t wait for next book in fact this one made me ho bank to the first Tanner book to read again
Love the author and his characters
February 20, 2025
Disturbing, but entertaining!
I never miss a Norfolk Broads book & this one is the very best of the series. It’s a tangled journey through the dark world of a mad man, as he confounds DI Tanner & seeks revenge on childhood tormentors! Children can be mean to those weaker or different. And, sometimes, those little victims grow up to plot exquisite revenge! Don’t miss this tale!
I never miss a Norfolk Broads book & this one is the very best of the series. It’s a tangled journey through the dark world of a mad man, as he confounds DI Tanner & seeks revenge on childhood tormentors! Children can be mean to those weaker or different. And, sometimes, those little victims grow up to plot exquisite revenge! Don’t miss this tale!
February 11, 2025
Fine but a lot of banter could be avoided
Somehow the plot is incomplete with open questions. Last 2 paras summarizing what actually happened doesn't clarify. Then there is so much of banter, unwanted discussions which slightly irritates the reader. It makes the depth of story being lost. I like reading David Blake's books, but this one really dint meet up to the expectations.
Somehow the plot is incomplete with open questions. Last 2 paras summarizing what actually happened doesn't clarify. Then there is so much of banter, unwanted discussions which slightly irritates the reader. It makes the depth of story being lost. I like reading David Blake's books, but this one really dint meet up to the expectations.
February 15, 2025
Great series
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one but make one plea that all the characters have named beginning with different letters. There was the first body and 2 police officers all with names beginning with H. I got very confused reading this.
I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one but make one plea that all the characters have named beginning with different letters. There was the first body and 2 police officers all with names beginning with H. I got very confused reading this.
February 21, 2025
I love Tanner!
The hum proud sarcasm between Tanned and Vickie is most enjoyable. The plot is also intriguing. The writing very good! And low and behold the author used many words I had forgotten the meaning of and had to look up.
I will definitely read more of this author's books!
I will definitely read more of this author,
I enjoyed the hum proud bantering
The hum proud sarcasm between Tanned and Vickie is most enjoyable. The plot is also intriguing. The writing very good! And low and behold the author used many words I had forgotten the meaning of and had to look up.
I will definitely read more of this author's books!
I will definitely read more of this author,
I enjoyed the hum proud bantering
April 10, 2025
Another great read with DCI Tanner and team the sarcastic wit at times made me cringe but is so part of how they get along and do their jobs following leads maybe not procedure still the end was a totally unexpected twist though I was beginning to think it was the supposed 1st victim being the murderer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2025
I have listened to the entire series and preordered it before realising that it wasnt being narrated by Jonathan Keeble, who I can just listen to for ages. It took me a while to get into the book as a result.
The story and characters are a bit far fetched and a bit frustrating it doesnt seem to have the link to police procedures that other books have but I just went with the flow.
The story and characters are a bit far fetched and a bit frustrating it doesnt seem to have the link to police procedures that other books have but I just went with the flow.
February 10, 2025
Didn’t disappoint
Another good story full of suspects, twists and turns, the humour is a wonderful addition to the macabre tale as is Tanner’s relationship with his wife and DI. Kept me guessing and I really didn’t see the ending coming.
Another good story full of suspects, twists and turns, the humour is a wonderful addition to the macabre tale as is Tanner’s relationship with his wife and DI. Kept me guessing and I really didn’t see the ending coming.
February 19, 2025
The Bastwick Testament by. David Blake
Brilliant author, gets better and better never a dull read , excellent stories ,good from start to finish , highly recommend this author's work.
Brilliant author, gets better and better never a dull read , excellent stories ,good from start to finish , highly recommend this author's work.
February 20, 2025
Interesting storyline
While the actual plot is very Interesting with quite a big surprise at the end, I found all the sarcasm and snark just too much! I enjoy some humor and even a bit of sarcasm along the way but on pretty much every page - no thanks.
While the actual plot is very Interesting with quite a big surprise at the end, I found all the sarcasm and snark just too much! I enjoy some humor and even a bit of sarcasm along the way but on pretty much every page - no thanks.
February 22, 2025
not the usual …
Type of story, I struggled with all Tanners poor attempts at jokes. The end was a huge surprise, but this story was lacking something, not the usual David Blake type of tale.
Type of story, I struggled with all Tanners poor attempts at jokes. The end was a huge surprise, but this story was lacking something, not the usual David Blake type of tale.
April 18, 2025
Traditional Murder Mystery?
This is a traditional murder mystery situated in the Christmas season with traditional murder victims abounding and an unusual twist at the end. Nuff said!
This is a traditional murder mystery situated in the Christmas season with traditional murder victims abounding and an unusual twist at the end. Nuff said!
May 13, 2025
This was a good story, with an originality that David Blake always produces. Somehow this one felt sightly different, I can't quite put my finger on why, it's almost like it was written by someone else!
I'm still enjoying the series, and will continue to look forward to the next release.
I'm still enjoying the series, and will continue to look forward to the next release.
May 26, 2025
Another great case for the grumpiest DCI
Love these books and just when you think DCI Tanner couldn't get any grumpier, he gets a case that does just that. Love this series of books.
Love these books and just when you think DCI Tanner couldn't get any grumpier, he gets a case that does just that. Love this series of books.
December 12, 2025
A superb twist.
As it says, a superb twist. I really didn't see that coming until the last few pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and as for the main characters' sense of humour, I love it as I can be quite sarcastic myself at times. Looking forward to the next instalment.
As it says, a superb twist. I really didn't see that coming until the last few pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and as for the main characters' sense of humour, I love it as I can be quite sarcastic myself at times. Looking forward to the next instalment.
December 31, 2025
I always loved this series However, it felt like a totally different series I missed JK narration and maybe if the book was released him narrating it might get a better rating. I won't be continuing with this series.
February 8, 2025
Just as good.
Enjoye
d the book didnot.guese.the ending enjoy.the people.in the book and follow there lifes as if they were real poeple
Enjoye
d the book didnot.guese.the ending enjoy.the people.in the book and follow there lifes as if they were real poeple
February 10, 2025
Very Clever
February 12, 2025
Most ridiculous story. Holes all through it. As for the person running the investigation ? Won’t read this author again
February 14, 2025
Good book
You could read the last chapter first and still need to read the book to find you did it. Loved it.
You could read the last chapter first and still need to read the book to find you did it. Loved it.
February 16, 2025
Absolutely brilliant
Wow ! Another great read. So many twists and turns .
Also humorous in places. I love the characters and getting to know them.
Wow ! Another great read. So many twists and turns .
Also humorous in places. I love the characters and getting to know them.
February 22, 2025
Gripping storytelling right up to the last page.
March 6, 2025
Really enjoyed this book I think it's the best one yet
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews