The Otley Murders

Yorkshire Murder Mysteries #11

by J.R. Ellis

He was supposed to be gone forever. Now he’s back.

Ten years ago, DCI Oldroyd was the only person who could see the monster hiding behind Adam Blake’s charm. Oldroyd proved that Blake was a deadly serial killer, responsible for murdering many innocent people. Having vowed to take revenge on Oldroyd, on a crisp autumn morning Blake escapes from jail…

Hours later, in the Yorkshire market town of Otley, a man is found strangled inside the old courthouse. Written in bold black ink across the victim’s forehead is a single chilling word: vindicta—revenge. Oldroyd’s blood runs cold when he picks up a call and hears an all-too-familiar voice: I’m coming for you.

Oldroyd has spent years getting inside the minds of dangerous murderers to protect lives. But with a determined killer closing in, can he catch Blake once more and solve this difficult case, or will Oldroyd be the next to die?

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Cozy Mystery

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 2025

About the author

During a long career teaching English, I wrote plays for children and occasional ghost stories. I have always been fascinated by the paranormal and by mysteries, conspiracy theories and unexplained crimes.
My love of my native county is deep and the settings of my Yorkshire Murder Mysteries within Yorkshire's varied landscapes are important. I have made a study of the sub-genre of the Locked Room Mystery during the height of its popularity between 1930 - 1960 in the stories of writers such as John Dickson Carr, Clayton Rawson and Ellery Queen. I was an avid watcher of BBC's "Jonathan Creek" in its heyday. I believe the element of puzzle is essential to crime fiction and my novels contain a double mystery: the standard "who dunnit?" but also "how dunnit?!"
I avoid the dark and gruesome in my writing and I strive to include some humour and elegance in style, a vivid sense of place and a compelling mystery! My characters both innocent and guilty are mostly ordinary people.
I am a member of a writers' group in Otley which has inspired me to write poetry and various forms of short fiction.

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eleventh book in the Yorkshire Murder Mystery series and I have read all of them.

I always enjoy reading these books because I used to live in Yorkshire and the places are all known to me including Otley where this one is set. As usual Ellis gives us an enjoyable police procedural made more interesting by the characters who we know so well. It was just a little different this time to see DCI Oldroyd making a few mistakes and doubting himself.

I liked the structure of the story with those hints at the beginning and then a sudden switch in the plot half way through. When Oldroyd gasped with shock at that point I think I did too. The pacing was a little slow at times but the plot was always interesting and the scenery was great. An easy comfortable read. Four stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read and enjoyed quite a few of the books in this Yorkshire based series, but this one falls into the bucket of those I have not enjoyed reading. For one thing there is the factor of a home where children were abused featured in the plot. Things were carried too far on grisly murder details in my opinion. Time to pull the plug.


Kindle Unlimited

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chief Inspector Oldroyd and his team are back, this time investigating a series of murders in the market town of Otley. Someone is strangling seemingly quiet, mild-mannered people, and staging their bodies in locations around the town, with a message written in marker on their foreheads. But what does it all mean, and how are the victims connected? That's what Oldroyd and DS Steph Johnson need to find out if they hope to catch the killer. 🗡️🔎
As if this wasn't enough, a serial killer escapes from prison, vowing to have his revenge on Oldroyd for arresting him ten years previously. 🗡️🔎
Red herrings abound, and there are some quite unsavoury characters, with some being not quite as they seem. 🗡️🔎
Thankfully, DS Andy Carter has been tasked with finding the escapee, giving him less time to sing Oldroyd's praises with his partner, DS Johnson, thus making this an enjoyable read. Sure, it has its dark moments, but Ellis's descriptions of the settings paint such a pleasing picture, you almost feel as if you are there. 🗡️🔎
Thanks to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

[Corinna Farnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best written fiction I’ve ever read, but they do improve slightly with each book, I mainly read this series as they’re based local-ish to where I live.

[CatherineUmps · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dreadful, dreadful police crime thriller but I ended up enjoying it for the comedy factor as it became so ludicrous - the most tenuous link/hunch turns out to be the entire motive, suspects just start confessing and the revered Detective Chief Inspector seems completely incompetent but luckily suspects and information is just handed to him on a platter. Berates himself at the end for not checking who may have borrowed keys to a crime scene - erm yes DCI Oldroyd maybe you should have asked that!!!
Fun to read if you're from the local area but dearie me who published this?!- oh right, it was Amazon that explains it.

[Karen Chong · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 / 5.0

This series is better than the Yorkshire murder series from Wes Markin. If Markin ever comes across this review just know that this book is 100 times better. This book, the characters, the dynamics and the development of the plot is spot on. It’s a classic police procedural book tying in from the events of the last book. I’ve found it easy to follow and pick up, can be read as a standalone with enough information to understand how the team works, operates and attacks their mysteries. It’s a great read from start to finish, I wasn’t a fan of the abrupt ending of one of the plots presented, I found that maybe the author could have explored more and used that plot as a way to drive more thriller and suspense.

The book centres around DCI Oldroyd who put Adam Blake into prison. He is a deadly serial killer, praying on innocent women and murdering as many as he could. At his trial he vowed to take revenge on Oldroyd once he’s free again. 10 years later he escapes jail and is loose. Hours later in the Yorkshire town of Otley, a man is found strangled inside an old courthouse, with the Latin works Vindicta - revenge scribed on his forehead. It’s up to Oldroyd to catch who is responsible. On top of all of this, Oldroyd receives an anonymous call ‘I’m coming for you’.

But overall it’s a good read, will have this book and the series on the list of follow. Excited to see the direction the series goes in!

[AndrewP · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a departure from the previous books in that this is not a 'closed room' mystery. More police procedural but with a cozy feel to it. The setting of the town of Otley is the centerpiece of this tale and almost everything is factually described (Google street view is great for getting an actual feel of the place). The couple of changes the author covers in the end notes. The author actually lives in this town so it's to be expected that everything else is spot on.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A particularly unpleasant man, Adam Blake, who DCI Oldroyd helped to convict of multiple murders of lonely old women, has broken out of prison after a decade. Since he threatened revenge on DCI Oldroyd the police are understandably concerned for his safety and for that of his family.

Meanwhile, a man's body is found inside a cell in what was the Old Courthouse before it became a community arts centre. The man has been strangled and the word Vindicta scrawled across his forehead.

DCI Oldroyd can't help but suspect the murder is somehow linked to Adam Blake, particularly when Adam starts calling him on his mobile phone. There is surprisingly little information about the victim, he seems to have very little history prior to a few years previously, even his wife seems to know very little about his previous life. Then a second body appears, similarly staged, with the same word scrawled on their forehead. What links the victims? Why has the murderer chosen to write the Latin word for vengeance on their heads? Why have the victims been murdered and their bodies moved to a different location and staged?

While DCI Oldroyd and Steph investigate the murders, Andy is helping investigate how Adam escaped custody and try to locate him.

I recall that I had read the first few books in this series and given up, but decided to request an ARC of this eleventh book anyway. Rereading my previous reviews apparently I requested an ARC of the tenth book and power read through four of the earlier books before thinking they were a bit same-same and finding DCI Oldroyd a bit of an old fuddy duddy. Nevertheless, after a suitable palate cleansing romance or two I really enjoyed the tenth book so I am glad I requested this book.

Overall, I enjoyed this. A solid police procedural with DCI Oldroyd not always getting things right and maybe failing to follow up on avenues of enquiry. The irritating quirks from the first four books are no longer in evidence (I think his partner Deborah has helped remove them).

I know the series is available on Kindle Unlimited so I may well start to read the intervening books.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

Available on Kindle Unlimited.

Bumped for release.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years ago, DCI Oldroyd was the only person who could see the monster hiding behind Adam Blake’s charm. Oldroyd proved that Blake was a deadly serial killer, responsible for murdering many innocent people. Having vowed to take revenge on Oldroyd, on a crisp autumn morning Blake escapes from jail…
Hours later, in the Yorkshire market town of Otley, a man is found strangled inside the old courthouse. Written in bold black ink across the victim’s forehead is a single chilling word: vindicta―revenge. Oldroyd’s blood runs cold when he picks up a call and hears an all-too-familiar voice: I’m coming for you.
The eleventh book in the series & another well written gripping read. I do like Oldroyd, his family & team & have liked how the dynamics have changed throughout the series. There are twists, turns & red herrings as well as misassumptions so be prepared to be surprised. A well paced story, strong characters plus I was left guessing had me reading the book in two sittings
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Topo Chicas · Rating 5 out of 5]

JR Ellis’ latest installment of the Yorkshire Murder Mystery series, The Otley Murders, was fantastic.

Much like most modern police stations, many investigations took place in tandem in the book, and these diverse plot lines allowed for so many assumptions and red herrings to be thrown in to allow for dramatic plot twists and turns, that one is left guessing as to who did what until the end of the book.

A trigger warning should be noted that child abuse and neglect, self harm, and drug abuse are themes used in this mystery, but they are all used for a reason in the plot, and handled with respect.

This book’s plot advancement preyed on obvious assumptions that one would draw, given certain facts at the outset. This was a fabulous ploy, and left me shocked half-way through the book because of this.

Thank you So much to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the brilliant Audio ARC!!!

[Klaas Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

First time I read something by this author (ehich might have influenced my appraisal: if you read more about these characters you gradually might get involved in their lives and personalities). A disappointing read I must conclude: a story that starts off quite fast but slows down considerably by a straightforward rather tensionless storyline in which a lot of (flat) characters have uninteresting and dull sounding secondary chats and keep on repeating the same facts and theories about the murders over and over again. I do have to add I did enjoy the setting playing a part in the narrative: I read the book while walking the Dales Way (having bought the book in Ilkley at the start, finishing it 6 days later at Bowness-on-Windermere).

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

PLEASE GET A NEW NARRATOR!

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest in the Yorkshire Murder Mysteries series, this is another good solid read.

DCI Oldroyd had sent Adam Blake away for multiple murders over 10 years ago, and he has recently broken out of prison. He had threatened harm to Oldroyd and his family in the past, and this has Oldroyd on edge. When man is found murdered at the community arts theater, with the word Vindicta on his forehead, Oldroyd suspects Blake.

Steph and Oldroyd work the murder case, and it intensifies when a second body is found - with the same phrase inscribed on the body. Meanwhile, Andy is giving the job of figuring out how Adam Blake escaped - his first real opportunity to lead a case of his own. It was good to see the team working so well together.

I've read all of the books in the series, and like the atmospheric setting of the Yorkshire location, as well as the local dialect used. The pace is not quick, but measured and thoughtful. There are quite a few plot trails to follow with red herrings thrown in too, and a good plot twist in the second half of the book that I didn't see coming.

Oldroyd is out of sorts a little in this one, as he is worried about the risks to himself and his family. The writing still suffers from the same issue in all of the books - we hear often and from several different angles how clever Oldroyd is. But in many ways we only hear this rather than being shown that trait. It gets a little repetitive given the number of times we hear this. However, these are still good books to listen to or read.

I listened to this book, and enjoyed the narration. The narrator did an excellent job with the dialects, the pace and the general gloomy sense of the Yorkshire landscape.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* Feels like a cosy mystery without any real sense of danger or urgency.

This is quite decently written but it bigs itself up to something that the writing doesn't deliver, unfortunately. We are told the characters are great at their jobs, but investigations and the initial prison escape plot were quite mundane and there was no feel of danger or urgency. The cops weren't clever - take Andy, for example. He plans to capture the escaped prisoner when he turns up at an agreed place at 1pm, so he and some cops turn up at 12.30pm, not wondering, seemingly, that the guy would've likely been casing the place.

The reveal of the prisoner's fate was believable. The arc that suddenly appeared around 66% of the tale gone was believable, too, but felt like too much too late, and as if the police should've been detecting and investigating more. Had it not been for the female DC who was good at research, they'd have been at it for years, it felt like. The DI with the Mc surname solved the escaped prisoner case far too easily and quickly, with some very basic access to what should've featured earlier on in the tale. That is, if policing was happening.

The dialogue was un-rushed, slow and without any sense of urgency. For example, 'We've got evidence that makes XY a suspect. We just need his address and we'll be over there.' Really? The pace was sooo lax all over the book. I'm not sure I'd read another, as these cops felt they thought they were great but embodied the country bumpkins stereotype sadly.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer, for my reading pleasure.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Otley Murders is the kind of crime thriller that grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The writing is sharp, well-paced, and packed with atmosphere—I felt completely immersed in the setting, as though I was walking the same hills, or market town streets and uncovering the same unsettling secrets as the characters.

Being born in the same part of the world, this series has always had me hooked. I really love the research that has gone into every place and the wealth of information at the start of each chapter.

What really stood out to me was how well the story balanced tension and character depth. The investigation kept me guessing, with enough twists and turns to keep me glued to the pages, but the human side of the story was just as compelling. The characters were layered and believable, and I found myself invested not only in the mystery but in their personal struggles and motivations. Oldroyd being a particular favourite detective of mine, I enjoyed reading about his balance of work and life and relaionships.

The pacing was spot-on—never dragging, but also giving enough time to build suspense and deliver those perfectly timed reveals. It had that rare quality of making me say “just one more chapter” until suddenly I’d reached the end.

If you enjoy crime fiction that combines a gripping mystery with strong characters and a vivid sense of place, The Otley Murders is a must-read. I was hooked from start to finish and can’t wait to see what this author does next.

My big thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for allowing me an ARC of this book.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Otley Murders" is book #11 in the "Yorkshire Murder Mysteries" by J.R. Ellis.

DCI Oldroyd is rocked by the prison escape of serial killer Adam Blake, who swore revenge on him after being convicted ten years earlier. Within days of the escape, a body is discovered in the old courthouse in Otley. Is this the serial killer at work or someone else? Blake also taunts Oldroyd with calls from a burner phone stating "I'm coming for you". How did he escape and who may have helped him?

The further readers get into this story, the more haunting it becomes as horrid secrets from the past are hinted at and the body count grows. It was unnerving for the police working on the case but readers may also find some of the details a bit too dark. Sadly, some of the circumstances also parallel some real life experiences in many parts of the world.

Mr. Ellis keeps readers well engaged through the story with some stunning twists that readers won't see coming! There were people to be interviewed along the way - some of which had some secrets of their own. Secrets are slowly unraveled and lives have been deeply impacted both in the past and in the present.

The core characters of this series continue to develop as time goes on. Insights to the personal relationships are a welcome breather between the heavier subject matter, though they do overlap at times.

Overall, this was an interesting read though it did understandably get a bit intense at times. Well done J.R. Ellis!

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview: Detective Inspector Jim Oldroyd caught a serial killer ten years ago. Adam Blake had a type and the urge for the good life. He also swore that he would make Oldroyd pay for the indignity of going to jail. Now, ten years later, it all comes to light that Adam Blake has escaped from custody. If that isn't bad enough, a man has been found in a heritage courthouse's jail cell. The man was strangled, and has the Latin word for Vengeance written on his forehead. Add to that a disturbing call from the wily escapee to the DI in charge of the murder investigation, and Oldroyd is quite concerned about the situation. Will they catch Adam Blake? Did he have anything to do with the current case that DI Oldroyd is investigating? And how much danger is Oldroyd in? Let's find out.

Dislikes: Adam Blake was just a monster. Those poor families suffered too much for him to be considered low risk.

Likes: Andy wanted to catch Blake so badly. He ought to be proud of the work that he did, and what he accomplished.

Oldroyd was a steady detective, and was quite willing to work outside of the box.

DI Oldroyd must have discussed his wife's date plans with his protection squad. She had no intention of missing that play.

Conclusion: This was a fun book. It's for those who prefer the more leisurely police procedurals. Enjoy the read.

[barbara a. woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years ago, DCI Oldroyd was the only person who could see the monster hiding behind Adam Blake’s charm. Oldroyd proved that Blake was a deadly serial killer, responsible for murdering many innocent people. Having vowed to take revenge on Oldroyd, on a crisp autumn morning Blake escapes from jail…

Hours later, in the Yorkshire market town of Otley, a man is found strangled inside the old courthouse. Written in bold black ink across the victim’s forehead is a single chilling word: vindicta—revenge. Oldroyd’s blood runs cold when he picks up a call and hears an all-too-familiar voice: I’m coming for you. Thus begins a search for who was the killer.
This is a very well written book that is nicely paced to keep the reader guessing. Sadly the results are those who have participated in the abuse of children assigned to a "care home" for children. While the physical abuse to the children takes place many years in the past, the killer was one of the victims. I have zero sympathy for these people who would abuse children in the name of "teaching them to behave". No scenes of the physical abuse is shown in the book, but just short discussions from some of the victims. Interesting searching for the abusers who are well-known persons in the town of Otley. Well done Chief Inspector Oldroyd. I have read many of J.R. Ellis books and he is an excellent author. Recommend his books.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I see a new story about DC! Oldroyd, it goes on my TBR list. He and all his fellow coppers are such interesting and multi-dimensional characters and following their personal lives as well as their professional ones is always a treat. This was no exception. The book started with a gigantic dilemma. Oldroyd learns a nasty piece of work he put away has escaped prison and is coming to fulfill his promise to get even. That means police protection for all those he loves and it could not come at a worse time. A body has been found in jail cell in the old courthouse building. It takes a while before he is identified and then there is a second murder. There are big questions such as what is the motive behind these seemingly unrelated murders and when a third one happens, it completely throws everyone for a loop. What, if any, is the connection to the first two or is it totally something else at work.

Oldroyd is going to need his team to uncover all the webs in these murders but he has a sense that there is something old and horrible behind them and there has been a cover up of some atrocities that were never brought to justice. I loved the twists and the sort of red herrings. I kept turning the pages to find out what would happen next. It kept me riveted to the end where my sympathies were more with the “villain”.

Five purrs and two paws up.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

J.R. Ellis delivers another gripping instalment in the Yorkshire Murder Mystery series. This time, the stakes feel even more personal for DCI Oldroyd as he confronts Adam Blake—a convicted serial killer who has escaped prison and is clearly out for revenge.

The atmosphere is as compelling as ever, with Ellis capturing the moodiness of the Yorkshire landscape while weaving in a tense, character-driven plot. The use of Latin (vindicta, scrawled chillingly on the victim's forehead) adds a thoughtful layer of menace, and the psychological weight of Oldroyd’s past decisions is felt throughout.

There’s a real sense of urgency in this one, and I found myself fully invested in how Oldroyd would piece together this unsettling puzzle while also wrestling with his own history. The pacing is spot-on, the mystery unfolds smoothly, and the emotional depth adds a satisfying complexity.

This book can easily be read as a standalone. Perfect for fans of British crime fiction with thoughtful characters and taut suspense.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5stars, rounded up
The Otley Murders is the 11th in the Jim Oldroyd series, a steady police procedural that takes place in Yorkshire. While part of a series, it works fine as a stand-alone.
Ten years ago, Jim put a romance scam/serial killer away. Now, he’s managed to escape from prison. He reaches out to Jim to tell him that he’s coming for him. Meanwhile, a dead body is found with the Latin word Vindicta written on its forehead; posed in the old courthouse jail cell.
This isn’t a fast paced story and at times, it does drag a little. But it’s well thought out. There’s a big twist at the halfway point. The book continues well after the murderer is caught, in another interesting development.
The characters of the police team are well developed. Part of my enjoyment with police procedurals is watching the team interact and it works well here.
Michael Page does a good job as the narrator.
My thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for an advance copy of the audiobook.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ten years ago, DCI Oldroyd was the only person who could see the monster hiding behind Adam Blake’s charm. Oldroyd proved that Blake was a deadly serial killer, responsible for murdering many innocent people. Having vowed to take revenge on Oldroyd, on a crisp autumn morning Blake escapes from jail…"

This is the first book I've read featuring Chief Inspector Oldroyd, and even though it's #11 in the Yorkshire Murder Mysteries series, you don't need to have read the previous stories to understand how deeply disturbing Adam Blake's crimes were, and why Oldroyd has concerns about his escape from custody. AND! Although it appears at first that this is the main mystery in the book, things take a strange turn and Oldroyd has a completely different, yet connected series of crimes to solve.

I enjoyed Oldroyd and his team and how the crimes were connected. I'm going to look for the other novels in this series, since this was an enjoyable read.

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Otley Murders by J.R. Ellis is a richly detailed and thoroughly engaging mystery that delivers on every front. With a strong sense of place and a cleverly constructed plot, Ellis draws readers into a layered investigation filled with intrigue, red herrings, and smart procedural work.

The depth of the story is one of its greatest strengths—every detail feels purposeful, and the pacing keeps the tension simmering without ever feeling rushed. The characters, especially the investigative team, are well-developed and bring both heart and intelligence to the unfolding case. As the mystery deepens, the reader is kept guessing, and the payoff is as satisfying as it is surprising.

Entertaining, atmospheric, and expertly plotted, The Otley Murders is a standout in the genre. J.R. Ellis has crafted a mystery that will satisfy seasoned crime readers and newcomers alike. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys intelligent, immersive, and compelling detective fiction.

[Laurie Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragic tale with many twists

My goodness so many twists and turns in this book. I loved it. Just when I think the series would be hard to improve Ellis goes and does it with The Otley Murders. A fabulous who dunit!

I love the extra info on the Yorkshire area and the main characters have become fabulous friends.

With the hints about some changes happening to the ‘cast’ I eagerly wait the next book.

I’m already wondering if Steph and Andy could be moving on or if one of them takes over from Oldroyd and the other becomes a DCI in a nearby area. Will Oldroyd replace Walker and Walker become Chief Constable? Probably not as a lot of internal tension would be lost.

Anyway you get the picture this is a series I am fully invested in. Excellent intriguing and unwinding reading.

[PeggySue · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Otley Murders by J.R. Ellis
narrator, Michael Page
A Yorkshire Murder, Book 11
I have read most but not all of the books in this series and enjoyed them all, this one especially. I like the characterization of DCI Oldroyd and his team and family too.
Especially Andy and Steph and it was nice to see Andy have his own case. I know he wants advancement but I would hate to see the two of them leave the team. I also enjoyed the twist although it was not really too much of a surprise. I appreciated the clue related to the Agatha Christie play The Mousetrap which is based on her story Three Blind Mice.
Narration by Michael Page was excellent as always and I enjoyed the Yorkshire accents. I appreciate that the author uses the local dialect for some characters.
Thanks to NetGalley

[Karen Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to see that DCI Oldroyd is back!

As usual, the author gives some local color to the Yorkshire setting in each chapter's opening, which I enjoy: "Probably the most renowned person to come from Otley is the cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale, who was born in the town in 1718...."

The book contains several murders. It's a guess as to whether they're linked, whether they're the work of 1 murderer (or several), and what the unusual details mean. The action kept the book moving.

Oldroyd has a great cast of characters again, but people fawn over him SO MUCH (especially Steph and Andy - even when they're alone) that it gets, frankly, sickening. If this happened in places where I worked, everyone would be highly suspicious - including the fawnee. Enough already.

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this case DCI Oldroyd is under threat from an escaped prisoner whilst also investigating an intriguing case .
Oldroyd helped put Adam Blake away for the serial murders of elderly women taking their money and killing them .
Blake swore vengeance on Oldroyd and he escapes from prison in the hope of making his promise reality .
Meanwhile a man is found murdered in an old courthouse in Otley , this becomes Oldroyd’s main focus can he find the killer before anyone else is hurt ?
Another enjoyable and easy to read book with plenty of twists and turns .
The characters are amiable and the writing is on point .
Looking forward to the next case in the series .
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.

[Lisa Brooke Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Otley Murders” by J.R. Ellis was completely engaging. I was drawn in from the very start and couldn’t put it down. The pacing, the atmosphere, and the sense of mystery were perfectly crafted, and the narration brought the story to life in all the right ways.

I loved the intricate plot and the way the case unfolded. The characters felt authentic and layered, and the setting added a classic British crime vibe that worked so well on audio. Every chapter left me wanting more.

A solid 5 stars from me! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from J.R. Ellis.

[Lacepaperlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like your murder mysteries cozy but clever, with just enough menace to keep things interesting, this one’s worth a spot on your TBR. The characters are quirky in a good way, the setting is atmospheric and windswept, and the plot, while not shocking, unfolds at a satisfying pace. I especially liked how the personal lives of the investigators added some extra depth without distracting from the central case. The Orkney Murders by J.R. Ellis strikes a nice balance between traditional mystery and character-driven storytelling.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
Rated PG-13 for mild language, mature themes, and crime-related content.

[Scilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oldroyd hears that Adam Blake had broken out of prison. Oldroyd had helped Blake go to prison, and Blake had told Oldroyd he'd come for him when he was released. He is assigned someone to watch his house and his wife and him when he isn't working with his colleagues. Then a corpse is found in an old jailhouse which is now an art gallery and the case has been assigned to Oldroyd. The word vindicta (Latin for revenge) is inscribed on the forehead of the man. Meanwhile, Andy is working on the Blake case. However, it isn't clear whether the dead with inscriptions have anything to do with Blake, or whether it's a totally different case.

This is a very exciting book!