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Hidden Norfolk #16
When Death Calls
Blood is thicker than water... and runs just as freely...
When the body of a man is discovered face down one morning in the swimming pool of his upmarket family home, the team wonder if it is the result of a tragic accident or serious foul play.
DI Tom Janssen is currently suspended pending the outcome of the events at the close of his previous case. Using the time away from the office to consider his future, and how this will impact on his family life, Tom is invited to attend a school reunion which he reluctantly agrees to. Coming face to face with people he hasn't seen in years leads to more than a reunion of old friendships. Some people find it hard to let go of the past while others foster long-held grudges. It isn't long before Tom finds old feuds rekindled and scores that aim to be settled... one way or another.
Finding himself at the centre of a murder inquiry - only this time as a witness rather than an investigator - can he steer clear of the case or will temptation, and a search for the truth, be too much for him to ignore.
When the body of a man is discovered face down one morning in the swimming pool of his upmarket family home, the team wonder if it is the result of a tragic accident or serious foul play.
DI Tom Janssen is currently suspended pending the outcome of the events at the close of his previous case. Using the time away from the office to consider his future, and how this will impact on his family life, Tom is invited to attend a school reunion which he reluctantly agrees to. Coming face to face with people he hasn't seen in years leads to more than a reunion of old friendships. Some people find it hard to let go of the past while others foster long-held grudges. It isn't long before Tom finds old feuds rekindled and scores that aim to be settled... one way or another.
Finding himself at the centre of a murder inquiry - only this time as a witness rather than an investigator - can he steer clear of the case or will temptation, and a search for the truth, be too much for him to ignore.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2025
1180 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dalgliesh
38 books925 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
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 20, 2025
Another classic Norfolk murder mystery - loved it!
July 28, 2025
I always find JM Dalgleish novels absorbing although this did leave me a little bored especially as D I Tom Janssen is on suspension pending a coroners report of his last case. Not a lot happens after the initial class reunion and subsequent murder of one of Tom's previous classmates. I missed him working with the team and trying to solve it without their help seemed a little far-fetched. It all rounded off quickly at the end as Janssen solved it as usual. Is this the end of his police career or will he back solving crime as a police detective or another aspect of crime deduction? Time will tell...
June 9, 2025
When Death Calls
Tom is still on suspension following the incident in the last book but that doesn’t stop him being involved in two murders here. Reluctantly attending a school reunion, Tom and Alice catch up with a few of Toms old school ‘friends’. Apart from breaking up two fights all went well. However, later that night one of the combatants is murdered and Tom is the last person to see him alive having dropped him home after the reunion. Days later, another of the combatants is murdered. Are they connected? Finally, Tamara’s partner is sort out for an opinion on these attacks, as a leading criminologist, but then finds himself a victim. Fortunately, he survives. Just!
A lot happening in this book and it’s brilliant! You’re never sure who it is. More superb writing from Jason. Can’t wait for his next book.
Tom is still on suspension following the incident in the last book but that doesn’t stop him being involved in two murders here. Reluctantly attending a school reunion, Tom and Alice catch up with a few of Toms old school ‘friends’. Apart from breaking up two fights all went well. However, later that night one of the combatants is murdered and Tom is the last person to see him alive having dropped him home after the reunion. Days later, another of the combatants is murdered. Are they connected? Finally, Tamara’s partner is sort out for an opinion on these attacks, as a leading criminologist, but then finds himself a victim. Fortunately, he survives. Just!
A lot happening in this book and it’s brilliant! You’re never sure who it is. More superb writing from Jason. Can’t wait for his next book.
June 22, 2025
When Death Calls -
Book 16 in the series and yet another great read. I do love this series. I have read the other series but the Hidden Norfolk series remains one of my favourites. I was a little worried about the plot when I first started reading, thinking that Tom was going to be accused of murder and a little surprised that he wasn’t questioned about what happened, as he was the last person known to see the murdered person alive. In reality, I would have expected the police to have been all over him. That apart, it was a good storyline, fast paced and with a good clear ending. I did guess part, but not all, of the ending. Another 5 out of 5 from me and keep writing the Hidden Norfolk series please, as they are by far the best of your books.
Book 16 in the series and yet another great read. I do love this series. I have read the other series but the Hidden Norfolk series remains one of my favourites. I was a little worried about the plot when I first started reading, thinking that Tom was going to be accused of murder and a little surprised that he wasn’t questioned about what happened, as he was the last person known to see the murdered person alive. In reality, I would have expected the police to have been all over him. That apart, it was a good storyline, fast paced and with a good clear ending. I did guess part, but not all, of the ending. Another 5 out of 5 from me and keep writing the Hidden Norfolk series please, as they are by far the best of your books.
July 1, 2025
J M Dalgleish never fails to deliver. An excellent Tom Raven book as usual. Tom can't help but get involved despite being on enforced leave. He's also the one that sees through all the false leads to discover the murderer.
This book, despite Tom being home, features his 'family' life less, it's more his back up support with Alice being less controlling.
The complexities of Tom's mental anguish regarding his career and suspension are dealt with well without overriding the main story, the murders. I did feel that his role and his innocence were accepted extremely quickly by his old colleagues. They know him well but I'm sure someone would've questioned how involved he was.
A good book as always.
This book, despite Tom being home, features his 'family' life less, it's more his back up support with Alice being less controlling.
The complexities of Tom's mental anguish regarding his career and suspension are dealt with well without overriding the main story, the murders. I did feel that his role and his innocence were accepted extremely quickly by his old colleagues. They know him well but I'm sure someone would've questioned how involved he was.
A good book as always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
A school reunion 20 years on. Aaron even a bigger shit later than when at school, where he shagged around even then. Tom is a suspended policeman – why? We never get the details about that – is the narrator. He drives Aaron home and Aaron dead in the morning. There are more bodies of school friends, then one of a criminologist husband of Police Chief Tamara. Are they connected? The dialogue and much writing so clunky I quickly didn’t care. Dalgliesh writes 4 novels a year, and the evidence is here in cliches, stilted language, unlikely scenarios because probably not thought through properly. Some page turning but not much. I see him as greatly over-estimated as a writer. Or rather that he writes so much so quickly he doesn't do the text due diligence, or the reader what we deserve.
May 18, 2025
Tom is still suspended awaiting the outcome of the investigation. To try and keep him engaged Alice has persuaded him to go to his school reunion, getting involved in breaking up a couple of arguments and stopping a very drunk old school friend from driving home whilst clearly drunk makes the event a bit memorable. The next day Aaron, the drunk friend who Tom had driven home so he wouldn’t end up driving drunk, was found dead by his cleaner.
Tom, just can’t help being a policeman and does a little digging to help his team.
Another good read in this series.
Tom, just can’t help being a policeman and does a little digging to help his team.
Another good read in this series.
May 23, 2025
Yet again, another well written gripping storyline and plot,this is ĺbook seven, in a great series.
As always, the author's wonderful descriptive brings the characters, settings, and story to life in the minds eye.
It's one of those books that captures you from beginning to end with revelations and twists and turns that keep you guessing all the way through.
I always pre-order the books, as I would hate to miss the next book by one of my favourite authors.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
As always, the author's wonderful descriptive brings the characters, settings, and story to life in the minds eye.
It's one of those books that captures you from beginning to end with revelations and twists and turns that keep you guessing all the way through.
I always pre-order the books, as I would hate to miss the next book by one of my favourite authors.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.
May 20, 2025
When Death Calls - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
An intriguing murder-mystery by JM Dalgliesh, When Death Calls sees suspended DI Tom Janssen at a school reunion, that ends in a violent face-off ...and death for someone.
Tom and his colleague, DS Cassie Knight unofficially liaise to bring a killer to justice, and are soon hot on the trail.
Read When Death Calls today...it's a complicated but fascinating murder-mystery, that's sure to earn pride of place on your crime-thriller bookshelf!
May 24, 2025
A Blah book
I mean Blah as in Blah! Blah! Blah! So much of the book is the same mind numbing speculation over and over by different people. This isn’t much of a police procedural as Tom Janssen is suspended from the force and therefore incompetents seem to be running the show. Knight is so irritating with her acerbic barbs to her underlings. I cannot recommend but I will probably read the next offering to see if things have improved
I mean Blah as in Blah! Blah! Blah! So much of the book is the same mind numbing speculation over and over by different people. This isn’t much of a police procedural as Tom Janssen is suspended from the force and therefore incompetents seem to be running the show. Knight is so irritating with her acerbic barbs to her underlings. I cannot recommend but I will probably read the next offering to see if things have improved
June 24, 2025
The latest in the Tom Janssen Norfolk series has a great conclusion but a very very slow start! I felt that the first several chapters were padded to make the book longer. Nothing picks up till midway through and there is much repetition of thought. Tom has been suspended because of ... well I won't mention that, but his inactivity and anxiety are too well documented and oft repeated. When he finally gets down to detecting, the book picks up speed. Not one of the best but decent.
August 16, 2025
Good twists and turns
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it gave Cassie a bigger role, and a chance for us to see what she can do. Tom's part in the investigation was well written too. As he was a major player, but not seen as taking over the investigation. I also liked the way the story kept me guessing all the way through and I am looking forward to the next book.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it gave Cassie a bigger role, and a chance for us to see what she can do. Tom's part in the investigation was well written too. As he was a major player, but not seen as taking over the investigation. I also liked the way the story kept me guessing all the way through and I am looking forward to the next book.
May 15, 2025
Suspended DI Tom Janssen reluctantly attends a school reunion. Unfortunately, the next morning one of the attendees is found dead, murdered. DCI Greave and her team investigate. But can Janssen keep away from the case or will curiosity win.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery with its cast of likeable and varied characters. 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 cast of likeable and varied characters. 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.
May 22, 2025
Terrific!
Wonderful addition to this excellent series! Tom is on leave while his last case is being reviewed to determine if his killing of murderous criminal was justified! Tom is wandering the edges of a murder investigation while he cannot actively participate. I did not determine the killer until the murderer was actually apprehended!
Wonderful addition to this excellent series! Tom is on leave while his last case is being reviewed to determine if his killing of murderous criminal was justified! Tom is wandering the edges of a murder investigation while he cannot actively participate. I did not determine the killer until the murderer was actually apprehended!
May 24, 2025
Great!
At he beginning I was upset. I wasn’t happy with Tom’s suspension. But woah! What a great book. I enjoyed every page. Loved to read about Tom’s family life, a bit of his history and the support he gets from his colleagues. I can’t wait for the next one. There will be a next one, no? I want to se DI Jansen back at work.
At he beginning I was upset. I wasn’t happy with Tom’s suspension. But woah! What a great book. I enjoyed every page. Loved to read about Tom’s family life, a bit of his history and the support he gets from his colleagues. I can’t wait for the next one. There will be a next one, no? I want to se DI Jansen back at work.
May 25, 2025
Another Great Book!!
I love these books!! Tom Janssen is the kind of detective that I would want on my side. He is brilliant! He is suspended in this one but of course he is in the fray. I have to admit, I didn’t figure this one out. If you like stories that are gripping and twisty, you will love J M Dalgliesh! He is one of the best! Beth P.
I love these books!! Tom Janssen is the kind of detective that I would want on my side. He is brilliant! He is suspended in this one but of course he is in the fray. I have to admit, I didn’t figure this one out. If you like stories that are gripping and twisty, you will love J M Dalgliesh! He is one of the best! Beth P.
May 28, 2025
With Tom sidelined the book has a very different feel than prior books. I thought it was well done and the resolution of the murders was unexpected - ahhh small villages. I feel like the offer from Allan's wife was never followed up on - it seems he did not take it though he keeps poking around. Plus Tom was the last person to see the Aaron and Tamara's but no one thought that was a big deal.
June 3, 2025
Intriguing
I'm invested in a number of Mr Dalgliesh's series, I really like his style of developing his characters.
I loved catching up with all the Norfolk folk again, they're like old friends. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention throughout, about both the investigation and Tom's career. Another enjoyable read in this series. Would highly recommend.
I'm invested in a number of Mr Dalgliesh's series, I really like his style of developing his characters.
I loved catching up with all the Norfolk folk again, they're like old friends. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention throughout, about both the investigation and Tom's career. Another enjoyable read in this series. Would highly recommend.
June 7, 2025
Murder never takes a holiday
There will be plenty of people that review the book. I’ll tell you why you should follow J M Dalgliesh. A very fine writer, thorough, damn good characters, and sets a good murder scene.
A Hidden Norfolk Thrillers are easy to read, not a lot of unnecessary filler, and very entertaining! I highly recommend these books!
There will be plenty of people that review the book. I’ll tell you why you should follow J M Dalgliesh. A very fine writer, thorough, damn good characters, and sets a good murder scene.
A Hidden Norfolk Thrillers are easy to read, not a lot of unnecessary filler, and very entertaining! I highly recommend these books!
June 8, 2025
Another Gem
The Hidden Norfolk series is absolutely fantastic! The characters are real and follow intense pathways to the truth without unbelievable feats or actions. This latest book in the series involves former friends and acquaintances. Brings things close to home for DCI Tom Jannsen.
The Hidden Norfolk series is absolutely fantastic! The characters are real and follow intense pathways to the truth without unbelievable feats or actions. This latest book in the series involves former friends and acquaintances. Brings things close to home for DCI Tom Jannsen.
June 17, 2025
A Reunion/A Murder/ #2/A Puzzler
As Tom & Alice attend his high school reunion Tom meets others he’s not seen in a while…and then there’s a murder, another murder, & another Injury. And while Tom is on leave not able to properly Investigate his mind never stops …
Until he has it correct.
As Tom & Alice attend his high school reunion Tom meets others he’s not seen in a while…and then there’s a murder, another murder, & another Injury. And while Tom is on leave not able to properly Investigate his mind never stops …
Until he has it correct.
July 21, 2025
slow slog
While Tom is waiting on a decision from the coroner, he is on leave from the police. He ends up in the middle of double murder investigation that he is unable to take part in. Of course, he solves the case. The book moves slowly with not much happening until about 70% in. Exciting last third.
While Tom is waiting on a decision from the coroner, he is on leave from the police. He ends up in the middle of double murder investigation that he is unable to take part in. Of course, he solves the case. The book moves slowly with not much happening until about 70% in. Exciting last third.
September 16, 2025
I thought the book was slow to start. Tom goes to an old school reunion,and meets up with 2 people, old friends from his class, who later get murdered.
Story starts to get more exciting, but Tom is suspended so shouldn’t investigate, but he does get involved and solves the case. I wasn’t sure in the end whether he really wanted his job back?
Story starts to get more exciting, but Tom is suspended so shouldn’t investigate, but he does get involved and solves the case. I wasn’t sure in the end whether he really wanted his job back?
May 21, 2025
This latest edition in the Hidden Norfolk series, has to be the best one. I can't recommend it highly enough. It is a brilliant and riveting story. From the opening paragraph to the last, I was lost in the narrative and was sorry when it reached it's conclusion.
May 22, 2025
Another successful case!
With relationships strained between the usual characters, they still need to work together to come to the final conclusion. Yet another well thought out and enjoyable plot for J M Dalgliesh! Can’t wait for the next book!
With relationships strained between the usual characters, they still need to work together to come to the final conclusion. Yet another well thought out and enjoyable plot for J M Dalgliesh! Can’t wait for the next book!
May 26, 2025
A Great Book!
JM Dailies is one of my favorite authors. His books are always entertaining. His charactures are great and their friendships are very rewarding and full of fun even when the circumstances are not so good. Definitely worth reading!
JM Dailies is one of my favorite authors. His books are always entertaining. His charactures are great and their friendships are very rewarding and full of fun even when the circumstances are not so good. Definitely worth reading!
May 27, 2025
Another winner
I thoroughly enjoy this series, the team of characters work so well together. Interesting plots that are fairly realistic. Set on a coastline that I have loved for many years. Another winner for me.
I thoroughly enjoy this series, the team of characters work so well together. Interesting plots that are fairly realistic. Set on a coastline that I have loved for many years. Another winner for me.
May 30, 2025
When death calls
Brilliantly written, with twists & turns, the story keeps you guessing until the end.
I love these hidden Norfolk novels, such wickedness amongst my beautiful county!
Brilliantly written, with twists & turns, the story keeps you guessing until the end.
I love these hidden Norfolk novels, such wickedness amongst my beautiful county!
May 30, 2025
Captivating
As always, Dalgliesh has a way of captivating his readers. Tom is a great character and the team works really well as a unit to carry the storyline across. I couldn't put this one down and finished it in record time. Can't wait for the next instalment. Please!
As always, Dalgliesh has a way of captivating his readers. Tom is a great character and the team works really well as a unit to carry the storyline across. I couldn't put this one down and finished it in record time. Can't wait for the next instalment. Please!
May 30, 2025
Real good story
It all comes together at the end, but until then, the storyline is tense. Good series of books with well developed characters.
If you like a long series we'll worth it but each book stands on it's own as well.
It all comes together at the end, but until then, the storyline is tense. Good series of books with well developed characters.
If you like a long series we'll worth it but each book stands on it's own as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews