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Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #14
Shadows on the Levels
Five old friends. One guilty secret. A crime that won’t stay buried.
Detective Kate and her husband Hayden are hoping to ease in gently after a year-long sabbatical.
But on Kate’s first day back in the job, she’s called out to Pagan’s Clump, an isolated, eerie spot on the Somerset Levels. Human remains have been discovered.
Kate races to the scene. Only to learn the bones have been there for many years. This cold case is going nowhere.
Then Kate’s called out to a break-in at bestselling novelist Lizzie Johnson’s stunning country home. Another false alarm. Lizzie contacted the police with wild tales of a nightmarish face at her window. Now she thinks she was mistaken.
Two days later, Lizzie Johnson is dead. An accidental overdose, it would appear.
Kate is not convinced. She doesn’t believe in ghosts and ghouls — but the dead woman was clearly terrified of something.
Then Kate uncovers a link between Lizzie Johnson and the bones at Pagan’s Clump — and the case takes a shocking twist . . .
Detective Kate and her husband Hayden are hoping to ease in gently after a year-long sabbatical.
But on Kate’s first day back in the job, she’s called out to Pagan’s Clump, an isolated, eerie spot on the Somerset Levels. Human remains have been discovered.
Kate races to the scene. Only to learn the bones have been there for many years. This cold case is going nowhere.
Then Kate’s called out to a break-in at bestselling novelist Lizzie Johnson’s stunning country home. Another false alarm. Lizzie contacted the police with wild tales of a nightmarish face at her window. Now she thinks she was mistaken.
Two days later, Lizzie Johnson is dead. An accidental overdose, it would appear.
Kate is not convinced. She doesn’t believe in ghosts and ghouls — but the dead woman was clearly terrified of something.
Then Kate uncovers a link between Lizzie Johnson and the bones at Pagan’s Clump — and the case takes a shocking twist . . .
- GenresFiction
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2025
337 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
David Hodges
24 books55 followersA former superintendent with Thames Valley Police, with thirty years experience in the force, David Hodges is a prolific crime writer and author of twenty crime novels plus an autobiography on his life in the police service. His debut crime novel received critical media acclaim and a welcome accolade from Inspector Morse’s creator, the late great Colin Dexter, and since then he has become the author of several successful stand-alone thrillers, including BLAST, TARGET and BURNOUT, published by Lume Books (formerly Endeavour Media).
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 6, 2025
Shadows on the Levels follows a group of young, intoxicated friends who cover up a road accident that comes back to haunt them years later.
The novel opens strongly, blending British humour, moody atmosphere, and friendship gone sour. Even though I didn't like the protagonist’s marriage, I found it an honest portrayal.
The murders escalated too quickly, with little logic in why the villain pressed on once the police were closing in.
I also found the coroner a little too certain — the cause of death was someone sitting on the victim’s chest — while some of the police work felt rushed — this was definitely a suicide, no need for further investigations. I’ve watched too many police procedurals to appreciate such quick verdicts.
Though the book was not meant to be a supernatural thriller, the hint of something otherworldly intrigued me. I’d have loved to see it realised.
Entertaining overall. Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.
The novel opens strongly, blending British humour, moody atmosphere, and friendship gone sour. Even though I didn't like the protagonist’s marriage, I found it an honest portrayal.
The murders escalated too quickly, with little logic in why the villain pressed on once the police were closing in.
I also found the coroner a little too certain — the cause of death was someone sitting on the victim’s chest — while some of the police work felt rushed — this was definitely a suicide, no need for further investigations. I’ve watched too many police procedurals to appreciate such quick verdicts.
Though the book was not meant to be a supernatural thriller, the hint of something otherworldly intrigued me. I’d have loved to see it realised.
Entertaining overall. Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.
December 11, 2024
Review:
Oh how I love these two, like chalk and cheese but there’s real affection between them. While Kate is all ready to go and crack crime, Haydn is a bit of a slob who just loves his food.hes always on the hunt for his next tasty morsel. He does make me laugh.
This time the pair of them are just returning to work from a sabbatical in Wales and are thrown into a case that happened thirty years ago when a local vagrant had disappeared. Bones are found, but not only that, the lady is believed to have put a curse on whoever killed her. Kates not convinced but when people are turning up dead in mysterious circumstances, and some seem to be “scared out of their minds” she does begin to wonder if there’s any truth in it.
As the body count increases they are no further ahead with finding the perpetrator and it really never crossed my mind who the killer was (I think I’m losing my touch).
Readers should be aware, that the ending seemed quite abrupt and I was, a little disappointed until I turned the page and it all finished off nicely. Don’t think when the dots appear it is the end because it’s not.
My thanks to the author and Joffe publishers for this wonderful book. I hope David writes many more.
Oh how I love these two, like chalk and cheese but there’s real affection between them. While Kate is all ready to go and crack crime, Haydn is a bit of a slob who just loves his food.hes always on the hunt for his next tasty morsel. He does make me laugh.
This time the pair of them are just returning to work from a sabbatical in Wales and are thrown into a case that happened thirty years ago when a local vagrant had disappeared. Bones are found, but not only that, the lady is believed to have put a curse on whoever killed her. Kates not convinced but when people are turning up dead in mysterious circumstances, and some seem to be “scared out of their minds” she does begin to wonder if there’s any truth in it.
As the body count increases they are no further ahead with finding the perpetrator and it really never crossed my mind who the killer was (I think I’m losing my touch).
Readers should be aware, that the ending seemed quite abrupt and I was, a little disappointed until I turned the page and it all finished off nicely. Don’t think when the dots appear it is the end because it’s not.
My thanks to the author and Joffe publishers for this wonderful book. I hope David writes many more.
January 6, 2025
While this book is down the line in a long series, it is the first I have read. I felt it read fine on its own. The plot is not a whodunit as we know the crime from the beginning and those who did it. At least we think we do. I was surprised with a twist near the end that set the whole mystery plot on its head. I thought I knew what was going on but there was a deeper layer to the mystery that Kate revealed.
Kate is an interesting detective, known for her independence. I was a little surprised at her harsh comments toward her husband but he seemed to need that treatment to be motivated to action. I am sure previous novels reveal her reasons for her attitude towards him. Why they stay married seems odd but is good for character interaction.
The plot is good as Kate works to uncover the long ago crime. Current murders create a new emphasis to the investigation and a twist in the plot. There is a good amount of suspense near the end. This is a good novel for those who like British crime investigations set in an interesting location.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Kate is an interesting detective, known for her independence. I was a little surprised at her harsh comments toward her husband but he seemed to need that treatment to be motivated to action. I am sure previous novels reveal her reasons for her attitude towards him. Why they stay married seems odd but is good for character interaction.
The plot is good as Kate works to uncover the long ago crime. Current murders create a new emphasis to the investigation and a twist in the plot. There is a good amount of suspense near the end. This is a good novel for those who like British crime investigations set in an interesting location.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 29, 2024
A unique thing about this book is that it includes a glossary at the end for US readers to interpret UK words. I thought this was a very nice for the author to include this.
This book is far along in the series but it was the first book I read. Based on this each book can be read as a standalone as I was not lost with the characters at all. The story opens when a car of teenagers hits a woman and decide to bury her rather than call the police. Thirty years later the grave is found and the police have to find out what happened. Of course the reader knows and I enjoyed knowing something the police didn’t. I enjoyed the police investigation and the authors writing. It was very engaging.
This book is far along in the series but it was the first book I read. Based on this each book can be read as a standalone as I was not lost with the characters at all. The story opens when a car of teenagers hits a woman and decide to bury her rather than call the police. Thirty years later the grave is found and the police have to find out what happened. Of course the reader knows and I enjoyed knowing something the police didn’t. I enjoyed the police investigation and the authors writing. It was very engaging.
January 13, 2025
In 1989 five friends staggered out of a pub and got into a car. When they ran over and killed elderly vagrant Annie Evans at Pagan’s Clump, Lizzie, Julian, Jennifer and Robert discovered the driver Danny was already disqualified, and in a misguided effort to save their own skins and careers, they decided to bury the woman known locally to some as The Night Hag. January 2024 and after nearly a year away renovating their Welsh cottage, DS Kate Lewis and her DC husband Hayden are back to work in the market town of Highbridge on the edge of the Somerset Levels, much to the delight of their colleagues and DI Charlie Woo. Their sabbatical was hardly the rest they had hoped for anyway, after Kate was dragged into a nasty case to work undercover. It looks like there won’t be any respite here either as a call comes in to say human bones have been found buried in the woods at Pagan’s Clump, a place steeped in local folklore and suspicion. When news of the bones reaches the media, the five friends congregate and are instantly worried. What if their deadly secret is about to come to light after all these years? First Lizzie has a nighttime intruder but when Kate and DC Indrani Purewal investigate, she says she must have imagined it. Then Lizzie is found dead from an overdose. It looks like suicide but her diary gives Kate cause for concern and then as more details are learned by detectives about the bones, the net closes in as a link appears between the old and new deaths. Has the legend come true and Annie is back to haunt the five or is there a more sinister earthly explanation for the rising body count?
It’s nice to see Kate and Hayden back where they belong at Highbridge CID, and this time Kate seems to be really trying to ditch the lone wolf reputation and work with the team, making her a lot more likeable. Thank goodness she has the DI on her side when dealing with the DCI who is really gunning for her. The pace is well maintained throughout in this well plotted and suitably twisty police procedural. The relationship between Kate and Hayden is as feisty as usual although Hayden plays a smaller role in this investigation for the main part (spending half of it in the canteen by all accounts). Readers of the series will know what a support and calming influence he has on the very independent Kate. and whatever the reader thinks of their marriage, it’s clear that opposites really do attract. With a shocking ending to the case, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
It’s nice to see Kate and Hayden back where they belong at Highbridge CID, and this time Kate seems to be really trying to ditch the lone wolf reputation and work with the team, making her a lot more likeable. Thank goodness she has the DI on her side when dealing with the DCI who is really gunning for her. The pace is well maintained throughout in this well plotted and suitably twisty police procedural. The relationship between Kate and Hayden is as feisty as usual although Hayden plays a smaller role in this investigation for the main part (spending half of it in the canteen by all accounts). Readers of the series will know what a support and calming influence he has on the very independent Kate. and whatever the reader thinks of their marriage, it’s clear that opposites really do attract. With a shocking ending to the case, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
January 26, 2025
Here is my review for Shadows On The Levels by David Hodges
I got into this story straight away, right from the start and I really enjoyed reading it. I liked the characters plus I enjoyed the story. The twists and turns were really good and well thought out. The storyline drew me in and it was very good. I liked the main character Detective Sergeant Kete Lewis as she was very good at her job although sometimes she went off on her own and did her own thing. In this story, at the start it’s set approx thirty years ago with five friends having a good night out that ends tragically. On Kate’s first day back at her old station, she’s called to Pagan’s Clump which is an isolated and eerie spot on the Somerset Levels. Some bones have been discovered that need investigating. This is the first time I have read this author and this crime series but it won’t be the last as I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out from this author.
Blurb :
MEET DETECTIVE KATE HAMBLIN IN THIS BESTSELLING SERIES FROM A FORMER POLICE OFFICER.
Five old friends. One guilty secret. A crime that won’t stay buried.
Detective Kate and her husband Hayden are hoping to ease in gently after a year-long sabbatical.
But on Kate’s first day back in the job, she’s called out to Pagan’s Clump, an isolated, eerie spot on the Somerset Levels. Human remains have been discovered.
Kate races to the scene. Only to learn the bones have been there for many years. This cold case is going nowhere.
Then Kate’s called out to a break-in at bestselling novelist Lizzie Johnson’s stunning country home. Another false alarm. Lizzie contacted the police with wild tales of a nightmarish face at her window. Now she thinks she was mistaken.
Two days later, Lizzie Johnson is dead. An accidental overdose, it would appear.
Kate is not convinced. She doesn’t believe in ghosts and ghouls — but the dead woman was clearly terrified of something.
Then Kate uncovers a link between Lizzie Johnson and the bones at Pagan’s Clump — and the case takes a shocking twist . . .
DISCOVER AN ADDICTIVE CRIME THRILLER FULL OF TWISTS YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT DOWN.
I got into this story straight away, right from the start and I really enjoyed reading it. I liked the characters plus I enjoyed the story. The twists and turns were really good and well thought out. The storyline drew me in and it was very good. I liked the main character Detective Sergeant Kete Lewis as she was very good at her job although sometimes she went off on her own and did her own thing. In this story, at the start it’s set approx thirty years ago with five friends having a good night out that ends tragically. On Kate’s first day back at her old station, she’s called to Pagan’s Clump which is an isolated and eerie spot on the Somerset Levels. Some bones have been discovered that need investigating. This is the first time I have read this author and this crime series but it won’t be the last as I loved it. I can’t wait for the next book to come out from this author.
Blurb :
MEET DETECTIVE KATE HAMBLIN IN THIS BESTSELLING SERIES FROM A FORMER POLICE OFFICER.
Five old friends. One guilty secret. A crime that won’t stay buried.
Detective Kate and her husband Hayden are hoping to ease in gently after a year-long sabbatical.
But on Kate’s first day back in the job, she’s called out to Pagan’s Clump, an isolated, eerie spot on the Somerset Levels. Human remains have been discovered.
Kate races to the scene. Only to learn the bones have been there for many years. This cold case is going nowhere.
Then Kate’s called out to a break-in at bestselling novelist Lizzie Johnson’s stunning country home. Another false alarm. Lizzie contacted the police with wild tales of a nightmarish face at her window. Now she thinks she was mistaken.
Two days later, Lizzie Johnson is dead. An accidental overdose, it would appear.
Kate is not convinced. She doesn’t believe in ghosts and ghouls — but the dead woman was clearly terrified of something.
Then Kate uncovers a link between Lizzie Johnson and the bones at Pagan’s Clump — and the case takes a shocking twist . . .
DISCOVER AN ADDICTIVE CRIME THRILLER FULL OF TWISTS YOU WON’T WANT TO PUT DOWN.
January 26, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
David Hodges's "Shadows On The Levels" is an enthralling crime thriller that masterfully combines atmospheric tension with a labyrinthine plot. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Somerset Levels, the novel follows Detective Kate Hamblin as she unravels a series of chilling crimes that threaten to engulf the quiet countryside.
The story begins with the discovery of a mutilated body, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community. As Hamblin and her team dig deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of deceit, secrets, and dark pasts that link the victims. Hodges excels at building suspense, with each new revelation adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Kate Hamblin is a compelling protagonist whose determination and sharp instincts drive the narrative forward. Her character is richly developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she faces both professional and personal challenges. Hodges's supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
The novel's pacing is impeccable, with the right balance of action and introspection. Hodges's descriptive writing vividly brings the Somerset Levels to life, creating an immersive setting that enhances the novel's eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The twists and turns are expertly woven into the plot.
"Shadows On The Levels" is a standout entry in the crime thriller genre, offering a gripping and immersive reading experience. Hodges's ability to blend intricate plotting with richly drawn characters makes this novel a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime thrillers and police procedurals with complex plots, well-developed characters, and a strong sense of place. "Shadows On The Levels" is an addictive read.
David Hodges's "Shadows On The Levels" is an enthralling crime thriller that masterfully combines atmospheric tension with a labyrinthine plot. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Somerset Levels, the novel follows Detective Kate Hamblin as she unravels a series of chilling crimes that threaten to engulf the quiet countryside.
The story begins with the discovery of a mutilated body, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community. As Hamblin and her team dig deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of deceit, secrets, and dark pasts that link the victims. Hodges excels at building suspense, with each new revelation adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Kate Hamblin is a compelling protagonist whose determination and sharp instincts drive the narrative forward. Her character is richly developed, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she faces both professional and personal challenges. Hodges's supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
The novel's pacing is impeccable, with the right balance of action and introspection. Hodges's descriptive writing vividly brings the Somerset Levels to life, creating an immersive setting that enhances the novel's eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The twists and turns are expertly woven into the plot.
"Shadows On The Levels" is a standout entry in the crime thriller genre, offering a gripping and immersive reading experience. Hodges's ability to blend intricate plotting with richly drawn characters makes this novel a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy crime thrillers and police procedurals with complex plots, well-developed characters, and a strong sense of place. "Shadows On The Levels" is an addictive read.
November 30, 2024
Shadows on the Levels is a smooth, fast read that satisfied my craving for a British murder mystery. It's the fourteenth crime thriller in the Somerset Levels Murder series featuring Detective Kate Hamblin.
This was my first book by David Hodges and it worked fine as a standalone. I chose it because of the author's police career and found it to be an entertaining escape.
I liked the characters, their relationships, and the conflicts on both sides of the law. The eerie countryside came to life, making the novel an immersive experience. The descriptions are wonderfully atmospheric.
A bit of local supernatural lore played a part, and there’s an appealing sense of history that adds dimension to the place and the crimes. The web of relationships between people who spend their lives in one place felt real.
Hodges maintained tension and good pacing throughout the book. He has a knack for creating chilling moments and gruesome events. Although there are some implausiblities and the mystery elements weren’t especially challenging, it kept my attention. The writing was good throughout, except that the tone became a bit stiff and melodramatic toward the end.
The acerbic yet devoted husband and wife detective team is unusual. Their interplay and the tensions of Kate’s maverick behavior riling the higher-ups added to the book’s magnetism.
I was fully engaged in discovering what happened and how a decades-old crime figured into it all. I’d read more books by David Hodges.
I recommend this novel for crime thriller and murder mystery readers who are comfortable with graphic details and realistic crime scene descriptions.
This was my first book by David Hodges and it worked fine as a standalone. I chose it because of the author's police career and found it to be an entertaining escape.
I liked the characters, their relationships, and the conflicts on both sides of the law. The eerie countryside came to life, making the novel an immersive experience. The descriptions are wonderfully atmospheric.
A bit of local supernatural lore played a part, and there’s an appealing sense of history that adds dimension to the place and the crimes. The web of relationships between people who spend their lives in one place felt real.
Hodges maintained tension and good pacing throughout the book. He has a knack for creating chilling moments and gruesome events. Although there are some implausiblities and the mystery elements weren’t especially challenging, it kept my attention. The writing was good throughout, except that the tone became a bit stiff and melodramatic toward the end.
The acerbic yet devoted husband and wife detective team is unusual. Their interplay and the tensions of Kate’s maverick behavior riling the higher-ups added to the book’s magnetism.
I was fully engaged in discovering what happened and how a decades-old crime figured into it all. I’d read more books by David Hodges.
I recommend this novel for crime thriller and murder mystery readers who are comfortable with graphic details and realistic crime scene descriptions.
January 24, 2025
A police procedural set in Somerset, the UK . Number 14 in the series, but I have not read others and it is fine as a standalone. As the book begins, an old woman is knocked down and killed by a car carrying a group of young people, who were under influence of drugs and alcohol. They covered up the death at the time, but 30 years later with changes to the road, remains are found. The story of who it was and what became of the group of friends is gradually revealed. The group appear to be being stalked by some one who knew the woman and what happened and then some of the group turn up dead, perhaps murdered.
On the whole a good read, plenty of twists in the plot and descriptions of people and places give a good picture of where the scene is situated and the nature of those involved. I was not keen on the dialogue in the first scene, it did not come across as realistic for a group of young people in that situation, I would have expected more panic. But that is perhaps nit-picking. The rest of the book was fine. The relationship between Kate and Hayden, her husband, is definately complicated and it may have helped to have read previous episodes to understand it better. The antagonism between the DCI and Kate was also not fully explained. Certainly an interesting case though and although I had my suspicions, the plot keeps you guessing almost until the end.
Thanks to Net Galley foe the ARC
On the whole a good read, plenty of twists in the plot and descriptions of people and places give a good picture of where the scene is situated and the nature of those involved. I was not keen on the dialogue in the first scene, it did not come across as realistic for a group of young people in that situation, I would have expected more panic. But that is perhaps nit-picking. The rest of the book was fine. The relationship between Kate and Hayden, her husband, is definately complicated and it may have helped to have read previous episodes to understand it better. The antagonism between the DCI and Kate was also not fully explained. Certainly an interesting case though and although I had my suspicions, the plot keeps you guessing almost until the end.
Thanks to Net Galley foe the ARC
December 9, 2024
Thank you so much for allowing me to read an Advanced Copy!! I can’t wait to read the next novel!
My first but definitely not my last book by David Hodges. This was a fast paced Murder Mystery book filled with so many twists and turns. I didn’t want to put my phone down!!
The characters, their backgrounds, the conflict between Police and Reporters. Everything about this book had me on the edge of my seat. This is the 14th book featuring Detective Kate Hamblin but this can be read as a standalone.
This was my first read where a husband and wife were partners but I liked that. Hodges does an excellent job with making the reader feel that they are on the mission with this duo.
I love how Kate made it her mission to solve the 20 year old crime. She felt that something was wrong and she acted on it. When the news of multiple murders happened in a specific timeframe she knew that it was time to regroup and start looking elsewhere. With that smart thinking she was able to crack the case!
I loved reading about Detective Kate, the story was easy to follow and very fast paced. I enjoyed every second of it and I didn’t want it to end. I suggest everybody read this book! You won’t regret it!!
My first but definitely not my last book by David Hodges. This was a fast paced Murder Mystery book filled with so many twists and turns. I didn’t want to put my phone down!!
The characters, their backgrounds, the conflict between Police and Reporters. Everything about this book had me on the edge of my seat. This is the 14th book featuring Detective Kate Hamblin but this can be read as a standalone.
This was my first read where a husband and wife were partners but I liked that. Hodges does an excellent job with making the reader feel that they are on the mission with this duo.
I love how Kate made it her mission to solve the 20 year old crime. She felt that something was wrong and she acted on it. When the news of multiple murders happened in a specific timeframe she knew that it was time to regroup and start looking elsewhere. With that smart thinking she was able to crack the case!
I loved reading about Detective Kate, the story was easy to follow and very fast paced. I enjoyed every second of it and I didn’t want it to end. I suggest everybody read this book! You won’t regret it!!
January 10, 2025
David Hodges' Shadows on the Levels (Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #14) is an absolute must-read for fans of gripping, edge-of-your-seat thrillers! From the very first page, this book sinks its claws into you and doesn't let go. I was so immersed in the eerie atmosphere and the twists and turns that I found myself glancing over my shoulder and double-checking my locks while reading—it’s that intense!
The writing is fast-paced and captivating, weaving a story that's both unsettling and addictive. This was my first introduction to Detective Kate Hamblin, and now I can't wait to dive into the 13 previous books in the series to see how her character has evolved. Even so, this book works wonderfully as a standalone, pulling you into the chilling mysteries of Pagan's Clump and Lizzie Johnson’s haunting story.
The blend of a cold case, a suspicious death, and a sinister small-town secret kept me guessing until the jaw-dropping conclusion. The atmosphere Hodges creates is pitch-perfect for a scary thriller—so vivid it had me second-guessing every shadow and creak in my house as I read late into the night.
If you're looking for a thriller that will make your heart race, your pulse quicken, and your mind spin, Shadows on the Levels is a brilliant choice. This book is a reminder of why we love thrillers—it’s a hauntingly good time! Highly recommended.
The writing is fast-paced and captivating, weaving a story that's both unsettling and addictive. This was my first introduction to Detective Kate Hamblin, and now I can't wait to dive into the 13 previous books in the series to see how her character has evolved. Even so, this book works wonderfully as a standalone, pulling you into the chilling mysteries of Pagan's Clump and Lizzie Johnson’s haunting story.
The blend of a cold case, a suspicious death, and a sinister small-town secret kept me guessing until the jaw-dropping conclusion. The atmosphere Hodges creates is pitch-perfect for a scary thriller—so vivid it had me second-guessing every shadow and creak in my house as I read late into the night.
If you're looking for a thriller that will make your heart race, your pulse quicken, and your mind spin, Shadows on the Levels is a brilliant choice. This book is a reminder of why we love thrillers—it’s a hauntingly good time! Highly recommended.
January 3, 2025
Keeps reader Intrigued, Surprising Conclusion
Shadows on the Levels by David Hodges is a twisty story with lots of action that is written to keep you glued to the pages even though you are sure from the start that you know “who dun it” – but you will probably be wrong! What could be a rather overused plot line, definitely does not conclude as expected. The disparate group of individuals associated with the initial incident resulting in a buried body have well-formed characters. They have each made very different lives for themselves and have each developed differently in reaction to memories of that fateful initial incident. We assume that one of them is killing the others in order to preserve their own reputation and quality of life. As each of them gets killed there are less and less suspects to consider. However, the ending is a complete surprise, in retrospect both plausible and satisfyingly logical.
I always enjoy Detective Kate Hamblin and her slothful but very astute husband, Hayden. This story portrayed Hayden more negatively than usual, and we also lost one of Kate’s team, which rather spoiled my overall enjoyment of this book as the rest of the story was fun to progress through while seeing all the bad guys get bumped off. Despite my minor disappointments with the evolution of a couple of the characters, they were all portrayed well, the story line flowed nicely compelling you to not put the book down, and the very surprising ending is fun to read. This book does not need the reader to be familiar with previous books in the series.
Shadows on the Levels by David Hodges is a twisty story with lots of action that is written to keep you glued to the pages even though you are sure from the start that you know “who dun it” – but you will probably be wrong! What could be a rather overused plot line, definitely does not conclude as expected. The disparate group of individuals associated with the initial incident resulting in a buried body have well-formed characters. They have each made very different lives for themselves and have each developed differently in reaction to memories of that fateful initial incident. We assume that one of them is killing the others in order to preserve their own reputation and quality of life. As each of them gets killed there are less and less suspects to consider. However, the ending is a complete surprise, in retrospect both plausible and satisfyingly logical.
I always enjoy Detective Kate Hamblin and her slothful but very astute husband, Hayden. This story portrayed Hayden more negatively than usual, and we also lost one of Kate’s team, which rather spoiled my overall enjoyment of this book as the rest of the story was fun to progress through while seeing all the bad guys get bumped off. Despite my minor disappointments with the evolution of a couple of the characters, they were all portrayed well, the story line flowed nicely compelling you to not put the book down, and the very surprising ending is fun to read. This book does not need the reader to be familiar with previous books in the series.
January 8, 2025
Having just read books 1 to 8 back to back I was delighted to get the chance to review Book 14 because I knew I would love it. Not having read books 9 to 13 did not detract from my enjoyment as all these books are stand alone, although I’m looking forward to reading book 9.
I can’t honestly say that I love the characters and I know some of them I’m not meant to love. I do find our heroine Kate pretty abrasive and her husband Hayden can be a bit of a sulky, moody child. Theirs is a strange relationship because she is his boss and seems to find him pretty annoying but deep down they work well together as a couple and as a working team and the story lines are brilliant, always with that little twist even though you think you’ve got it solved. You can tell that the author has experience of police procedure and therefore avoids those annoying slip ups that sometimes appear in other detective series and his atmospheric descriptions of the Levels are quite brilliant.
Kate is a maverick and go it alone personality which certainly makes for an exciting story line as she invariably puts herself in the line of fire both figuratively and literally.
I can’t honestly say that I love the characters and I know some of them I’m not meant to love. I do find our heroine Kate pretty abrasive and her husband Hayden can be a bit of a sulky, moody child. Theirs is a strange relationship because she is his boss and seems to find him pretty annoying but deep down they work well together as a couple and as a working team and the story lines are brilliant, always with that little twist even though you think you’ve got it solved. You can tell that the author has experience of police procedure and therefore avoids those annoying slip ups that sometimes appear in other detective series and his atmospheric descriptions of the Levels are quite brilliant.
Kate is a maverick and go it alone personality which certainly makes for an exciting story line as she invariably puts herself in the line of fire both figuratively and literally.
April 7, 2025
Detective Kate Hamblin & husband Hayden are back from their sabbatical and on their first day a call comes in to say that some human bones have been discovered. It would seem that the bones are far from recent so this is likely to be a very cold case. However things can come back to haunt people.
Flash back many years and a group of students, celebrating finishing their degrees. Too much drink, an overcrowded car and careless fast driving results in the death of an old woman. They bury her and try to forget and are mostly successful- until now! The students got on with their lives but now one of them reports a break in. When the woman is discovered dead in her bad Kate is sure that there is something suspicious going on.
I think if I were Kate I would have got rid of Hayden a long time ago! This was an enjoyable police procedural. that kept me guessing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read & review this book.
Flash back many years and a group of students, celebrating finishing their degrees. Too much drink, an overcrowded car and careless fast driving results in the death of an old woman. They bury her and try to forget and are mostly successful- until now! The students got on with their lives but now one of them reports a break in. When the woman is discovered dead in her bad Kate is sure that there is something suspicious going on.
I think if I were Kate I would have got rid of Hayden a long time ago! This was an enjoyable police procedural. that kept me guessing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read & review this book.
December 29, 2024
Kate and Hayden are back in their police roles and immediately Kate is involved when some old bones are discovered. When she is then asked to visit the site of a burglary, she suspects something is amiss but her thoughts are quickly dismissed. A death that initially looks like a suicide but is then ruled a murder seems to be connected to a group of old schoolfriends with links to an event decades earlier.
I find it hard to get to grips with Kate. I liked her more in the previous book and here, she is back to her infuriating self, dedicated to the point of recklessness and here we see some tragic consequences. I did like how we saw a more vulnerable side to her. I did enjoy the confrontational relationship she has with her DCI who is not a nice individual. The ending was a surprise and I look forward to seeing what lies in store next.
I find it hard to get to grips with Kate. I liked her more in the previous book and here, she is back to her infuriating self, dedicated to the point of recklessness and here we see some tragic consequences. I did like how we saw a more vulnerable side to her. I did enjoy the confrontational relationship she has with her DCI who is not a nice individual. The ending was a surprise and I look forward to seeing what lies in store next.
January 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, it is part of a series but I read it as a standalone and it worked really well however it has made me want to read more of the series.
The book is well written with a compelling story line that gripped me in right from the very start and really kept me hooked all the way through. The characters were really well developed and I found myself really like most of them especially Kate, Indi and Hayden. The banter between them especially Kate and Hayden was one of the reasons I loved the book so much.
I think the pacing of the book was perfect but I was initially disappointed as I thought that the ending was quite abrupt compared to the build up of the tension and suspense. However it was ended perfectly in the after the fact chapter and all tied together.
The twists in this are really good and certainly keep you guessing/ give you a lot to think about, and, although I guessed who was causing all the havoc, I didn't guess the why.
I would definitely recommend this book and I will definitely be looking for more from the author
The book is well written with a compelling story line that gripped me in right from the very start and really kept me hooked all the way through. The characters were really well developed and I found myself really like most of them especially Kate, Indi and Hayden. The banter between them especially Kate and Hayden was one of the reasons I loved the book so much.
I think the pacing of the book was perfect but I was initially disappointed as I thought that the ending was quite abrupt compared to the build up of the tension and suspense. However it was ended perfectly in the after the fact chapter and all tied together.
The twists in this are really good and certainly keep you guessing/ give you a lot to think about, and, although I guessed who was causing all the havoc, I didn't guess the why.
I would definitely recommend this book and I will definitely be looking for more from the author
January 4, 2025
A Good Series
Detectives Kate and Hayden Hamblin took a year off but are now back. On her 1st day Kate is sent to investigate some bones which have been found in an isolated spot on the Somerset Levels, but it seems the bones were buried years ago, and there are no clues. Then she is off to check out the sudden death of a woman who recently reported a break in at her house, only to then tell the police it was a false alarm. It doesn’t seem possible the two cases are connected, or is it? I really like this series, although I sometimes feel slightly uneasy at the way Kate and her husband speak to each other but there does seem to be genuine feelings between the two. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Detectives Kate and Hayden Hamblin took a year off but are now back. On her 1st day Kate is sent to investigate some bones which have been found in an isolated spot on the Somerset Levels, but it seems the bones were buried years ago, and there are no clues. Then she is off to check out the sudden death of a woman who recently reported a break in at her house, only to then tell the police it was a false alarm. It doesn’t seem possible the two cases are connected, or is it? I really like this series, although I sometimes feel slightly uneasy at the way Kate and her husband speak to each other but there does seem to be genuine feelings between the two. Looking forward to the next in the series.
July 1, 2025
A group of five friends has a guilty secret they all kept a pact go keep in their late teens that is having repercussions over thirty years later.
Meanwhile it's Kate's first day back as detective after a sabbatical.
She is faced with a historical case of human remains at Pagan's clump from around thirty years ago.
One of the five, Lizzie Johnson calls her out for a break in where she sees a ghoulish figure at her window, just days later that lady is found dead by suicide.
But something is niggling Kate, this case isn't all it seems and there is a link somehow between Lizzie and the remains but just what is it...?
A chilling and creepy police case with hints of the supernatural.
Great read.
Meanwhile it's Kate's first day back as detective after a sabbatical.
She is faced with a historical case of human remains at Pagan's clump from around thirty years ago.
One of the five, Lizzie Johnson calls her out for a break in where she sees a ghoulish figure at her window, just days later that lady is found dead by suicide.
But something is niggling Kate, this case isn't all it seems and there is a link somehow between Lizzie and the remains but just what is it...?
A chilling and creepy police case with hints of the supernatural.
Great read.
January 3, 2025
Shadow on the levels 5*
The story begins with a hit and run where 5 graduate friends decide to bury the body of the old homeless lady they killed while high on drink & drugs.
Fast forward 30 years and the body is discovered and D S Kate Lewis and her husband D C Haydn Lewis , newly returned to Highbridge from Wales are tasked with finding the identity of the victim and whoever caused her death.
Kate is called out to 2 separate reports of burglaries/intruders both of which turn out to be suspicious but when the victim of 1 is found dead , apparently by her own hand, Katy suspects there is a connection between the 2 events.
The murders start to stack up, all the victims are connected and also seem to have been involved in the 30 year old case.
Is it revenge or financial gain when Haydn discovers the 5 have entered into a tontine and the last man standing stands to win it all the course of the investigation changes.
More starts & stumbles, Kate again plays a lone hand putting herself in danger.
Excellent book . I'm going back to read more of this series.
The story begins with a hit and run where 5 graduate friends decide to bury the body of the old homeless lady they killed while high on drink & drugs.
Fast forward 30 years and the body is discovered and D S Kate Lewis and her husband D C Haydn Lewis , newly returned to Highbridge from Wales are tasked with finding the identity of the victim and whoever caused her death.
Kate is called out to 2 separate reports of burglaries/intruders both of which turn out to be suspicious but when the victim of 1 is found dead , apparently by her own hand, Katy suspects there is a connection between the 2 events.
The murders start to stack up, all the victims are connected and also seem to have been involved in the 30 year old case.
Is it revenge or financial gain when Haydn discovers the 5 have entered into a tontine and the last man standing stands to win it all the course of the investigation changes.
More starts & stumbles, Kate again plays a lone hand putting herself in danger.
Excellent book . I'm going back to read more of this series.
January 15, 2025
Shadows On The Levels by David Hodges is the 14th book in the Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery series and the first book I have read by this author. I really enjoyed this book and did not find it hard to understand the main characters and storyline. This book was was a fast paced Murder Mystery book which was filled with so many twists and turns.
I didn’t want to put my phone down, which was great especially as the weather outside was horrible!!
I didn’t want to put my phone down, which was great especially as the weather outside was horrible!!
January 4, 2025
I hadn’t heard of this series before I was sent a copy to review by Joffee books as part of their Arc and I’m really not sure why as the books are set in my part of the county and I’m normally on it with local authors but especially good local authors!
This book is part of a series but it could be read as standalone which is what I did to start with .. most of the characters do have a back story but there are enough hints to these to allow you to read it as a standalone but it’s worth going back to read the other books!
Detective Kate is a bit of a lone wolf at times but her instincts solve the crimes! And her lovely husband comes to the rescue when needed!
I hate it when people spoil books in the reviews so I won’t but definitely would recommend the book and the series!
I had to go and get the rest of the books after reading this one and look forward to the next instalment!
This book is part of a series but it could be read as standalone which is what I did to start with .. most of the characters do have a back story but there are enough hints to these to allow you to read it as a standalone but it’s worth going back to read the other books!
Detective Kate is a bit of a lone wolf at times but her instincts solve the crimes! And her lovely husband comes to the rescue when needed!
I hate it when people spoil books in the reviews so I won’t but definitely would recommend the book and the series!
I had to go and get the rest of the books after reading this one and look forward to the next instalment!
January 4, 2025
Having read every book in the series, this is another high quality outing for one of the most unlikely couples you’ll come across in a crime novel.
The story is an interesting premise and moves along at a decent pace and is one of those where you’ll think you’ve ‘got it’ a few times before the tale takes a turn.
Can be read standalone but you benefit from knowing the back story.
The story is an interesting premise and moves along at a decent pace and is one of those where you’ll think you’ve ‘got it’ a few times before the tale takes a turn.
Can be read standalone but you benefit from knowing the back story.
January 6, 2025
This is the first book I have read by the author and it had me gripped from the start. A hit and run from thirty years ago comes back to haunt a group of five friends when bones are discovered at Pagan`s Clump . D S Kate Lewis is called to attend . She suddenly has a full workloads as two unrelated burglaries are reported and murders follow . Are they linked . It was a compelling read full of action and suspense from the start, with twists and turns along the way . I had to check the doors were locked twice
January 4, 2025
The book opens with a drunk driver knocking down and killing an old woman on an almost deserted country road. The five young people in the car decided to bury the body rather than face the consequences of their actions. Fast forward 30 years and DS Kate Hamblin is called out to the discovery of some long buried bones. The discovery sets in motion a chain reaction of mayhem and murder - has the old woman returned to wreak her revenge?! Initially, with no identification for the bones, the case is put on the back burner, but subsequent incidents seem to point to there being more to this case than meets the eye. Although this is the 14th book in the DS Kate Hamblin series, it works well as a stand alone and will keep the avid crime fiction fan enthralled.
January 6, 2025
An very enjoyable crime novel featuring DS Kate Hamblin and her husband and sometimes detective partner Hayden, this is the latest in a long series featuring her, set in the Somerset Levels.
It centres on an old drunk driving accident by a group of friends who decide to bury their victim, whose remains are eventually discovered years later.
The subsequent events and investigations are well written and there is a very good plot twist as well as red herrings along the way.
The story stands alone but encourages the reader to seek out the other numerous books in the Levels series.
It centres on an old drunk driving accident by a group of friends who decide to bury their victim, whose remains are eventually discovered years later.
The subsequent events and investigations are well written and there is a very good plot twist as well as red herrings along the way.
The story stands alone but encourages the reader to seek out the other numerous books in the Levels series.
January 27, 2025
I enjoyed this British crime thriller where Kate is faced with another complex case.
Great characters and sense of place with red herrings and twists and turns.
Well-written, fast-paced and engaging.
Recommended.
Great characters and sense of place with red herrings and twists and turns.
Well-written, fast-paced and engaging.
Recommended.
February 1, 2025
Another good read
I really enjoyed reading all the books in this series. This was one of the best, had me guessing for a long time. I highly recommend this author. Can't wait to read the next book.
I really enjoyed reading all the books in this series. This was one of the best, had me guessing for a long time. I highly recommend this author. Can't wait to read the next book.
January 12, 2025
Loved this series. I hope it will continue with DI Kate. Shame its moved to Bristol though. I may well lose interest
January 21, 2025
Fantastic
Another brilliant storey unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you turning the pages to the very end thoroughly enjoyed reading this book
Another brilliant storey unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you turning the pages to the very end thoroughly enjoyed reading this book
February 7, 2025
Another levels book in usual format.
Looking forward to the next one on an area I know and love.
Looking forward to the next one on an area I know and love.
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