Blackfleet Broad

DI Tanner #14

by David Blake

ANOTHER CHILLING NORFOLK BROADS CRIME THRILLER!
An archaeological dig, a drowned fisherman, and a murdered a major scoop or a reason to kill?

When the body of an aspiring female journalist is found tied to a mud weight in Blackfleet Broad, rumours spread of an explosive newspaper article she’d been trying to publish. But when the story is found to implicate several high-profile names – only for their bodies to turn up one at a time – DCI Tanner is left with a difficult follow the clues from a recurring dream, or the advice of his colleague, DI Vicky Gilbert.

Set within the mysterious beauty of the Norfolk Broads, this fast-paced British detective series is a dark cozy Norfolk murder mystery with a slice of humour and a touch of romance, one that will have you guessing until the very end, when the last shocking twist is finally revealed.

Blackfleet Broad is a totally addictive gripping crime thriller, the fourteenth in a chilling series of serial killer books, ones which will rapidly convert followers of L J Ross, Faith Martin, Joy Ellis, Damien Boyd, J M Dalgliesh, and Elly Griffiths into David Blake devotees.

Genres: Crime

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

NO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR

With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.

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Reviews

[Margaret Mansfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear!

Well as someone who has followed DI Tanner from book one this book is a huge disappointment. He does not take his job seriously and makes childish comments all the time. If he worked for me I’d sack him.
Humour in a book is one thing, but I’m afraid David Blake has lost the plot and has gone down the ridicules path.

[Bea Nicholson · Rating 3 out of 5]

potential but falling short

The underlying storyline certainly has potential but each of the books in the series gives a deteriorating image of the main character. Shame really because the earlier books showed promise.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As many others have expressed disappointment in this 14th book I add my name to the list.

Kindle Unlimited

[David Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having read the majority of the series I have found they have got steadily worse with this one being the worst. The story line is thin with a lot of unnecessary chapters to fill the pages. The two main characters ( Tanner and Vicky ) have become more of a comedy duo than detectives and again this doesn't add to the plot. What started out as a very good series with good story lines I am sorry to say as become a tiresome read.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner, he of the atrocious puns and Dad-jokes, is called to not one, but two bodies in Blackfleet Broad. He is certain the local MP, a man he's had a down on for tears, is his major suspect. His obsession with the man leads him to the assumption he doggedly continous with, in spite of his superior's annoyance. The result of this takes the story in quite another direction. Although there's lots of daft humour in here, the story is sobering. What a great plot.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. I have read and enjoyed all the DCI Tanner books but I struggled with this one. The premise of the plot was good but it was hidden by too much pointless banter and the abject stupidly of Tanner - his behaviour in this book was beyond ridiculous. I get that the point of that part of the storyline was to show that obsession blinds you to the bigger picture and can have unintended terrible consequences, but the way Tanner acted throughout - from his obsession to his mutinous attitude to Forrester and his treatment of Vicky - were ludicrous! As were some of the actions of other characters.

[michele brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beaten face

If she committed suicide by drowning herself, who assaulted her first causing the facial injuries? Also does not account for the Tanner dream. I was annoyed reading this, and yes I have read the previous 13, all banter no substance.

[Frankie Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

DO Tanner book 14

Have read several of this series of books and enjoyed them. But this time the silly jokes and banter between Tanner and Vicky was distracting and annoying and spoilt what was usually a good read .

[Peter Dixon]

What is going on with recent instalments in this series? Thrills replaced by Norman Wisdom on a bad day. There are 2 different novels here: one an atmospheric police procedural, the other a really irritating story of bumbling idiots. It swings from exciting to awful, ignoring pacing and mood. I'd happily read a novel that was 25% shorter, in fact I'd rate it far higher too, if the smart-arsery was removed completely. Go on David, I DARE you to write the next book without any of that and see how well it does. Why undermine characters by making them stupid, and then pile on tired jokes...the text sometimes even acknowledges that the jokes are bad! A quip here and there is fine, but pages of it, when the characters are about to investigate a dead body, for example? Are they unaware of everyone around them? Where's the sensitivity? Banter in a reception area, banter before opening urgent emails, before phone calls, before a press conference, at the University...why does Chapter 36 even exist? Please, there are elements of these books that I love - which is why I have read every one. But, it could be so much better.

[Lyndsey Gilchrist · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great instalment in the DI Tanner series — book 14 and still going strong. This one kept me turning the pages, eager to find out more as the investigation unfolded. For once, I actually worked out the culprit before the reveal, which was a nice little victory.

It’s gripping, pacey, and exactly what I’ve come to expect from David Blake’s writing. The familiar characters, the Norfolk setting, and the steady build of tension all make it a satisfying read.

I’m already looking forward to the next instalment, due out in November. A solid 3.5‑star addition to the series.

[Debra Whisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do find the slapstick style comedy exchanges in these books jar a little with the murders, but as long as you accept these are meant to be amusing rather than police procedural they jog along ok.

I do spend quite a lot of time worrying that if this is how the police operate with school boy sexist comments and joking, then we are all doomed.

Don’t read these as serious books, read them as humorous

[Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this was like being in a blender!

Very twisted. Poor Tanner is probably considering retiring.
Some crimes take forever to solve, and sometimes the victims suffer far too long.
As always, well written. Tanner has a team, and typical bosses. David Blake is always worth reading.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Blake t his best. 😎😎

This is definitely David Blake at his best. I admit I'm a fan not only of Mr Blake but also DCI Tanned but this is a very good read for anyone not just us fans.
This story shows the very human side of Job Tanner, his humour, his family life and his falability. Awesome characterisation from a great story teller. Highly recommended.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such a disappointment, I love Tanner and I’ve read alll the series, however the joking went too far , there was no empathy toward the family , it seemed as if Tanner missed the plot entirely, more concerned with his car ! David what ever made you write such a confusing scenario, or perhaps I’ve missed the plot as well !!
Tina

[Regina Riehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Childish Dialogue

Dialogue of main characters was silly and childish, story line ok but lost interest with the characters interactions. You expect some funny interactions but not every time DI Tanner spoke. Glad it was one of my unlimited books not one I paid money for. Will probably not order next series

[Jenny Parsons · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh dear. I enjoyed the first few of this series. However, the slapstick and wholly inappropriate behaviour of the detectives, the many inaccuracies in police procedures and the law, and the implausible ending were ridiculous. Finally, the scenes with the DCI and his wife were ludicrous: they should be reported for child neglect.. I will not be reading any more of from this author.

[Janice Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite

I have read all the DI Tanner books so far and generally enjoyed them but this one irritated me from start to finish. The constant banter/bickering between the 2 main characters I found extremely annoying. Anyway it passed an evening or two and now I can move into something better

[Susan Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read all the books in the series and yes enjoyed this too but at times I felt the lead character DCI Tanner was portrayed as being the comedian figure. Didn’t seem right to me but probably just me. Looking forward to the next book

[Norma Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackest Broad

Excellent story line. Tanner has his work cut out for him and nothing seems to be going right for him! The question is does he still have a job or has Forrester got it in for him.
Excellent read.

[Alane Dixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not his best.

I have read all the books in the series and up until this one have throughly enjoyed them. This one came across as flippant, it went from one silly joke and off hand remark to another. I was very disappointed and will be thinking twice before I read the next.

[Keith Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broad Flat Feet

What a way to end this book !! Love the dialogue and total misinformation leading through the whole story, just wondering if Forrester ever leaves his office ?
Cannot wait for the next installment , just in case Tanner still.has a job

[Sheila Knight · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too far fetched

I struggled to finish this book, featuring a detective with such childish stupid behaviour it is totally unbelievable that we were expected to believe he is capable of solving any crime let alone a murder.

[John Eddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typical

Why are 95% of police in the UK inept or corrupt? Apparently I have read other Tanner books, but I can't imagine why.

[hazel woodward · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series

Whilst I love these books I feel this one was padded out with too much humour. The story line was as good as ever but the humour took over.

[S Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

Well worth waiting for. I didn’t see the ending coming and definitely a book to keep me guessing. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Mike Kimsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

DCI Tanner is just too annoying and as such detracts from the story. There are other authors who do the cynical dci much more effectively and enjoyable. I will not be continuing this series.

[Maureen]

Another great read in this series. Tanner is sarcastic but has his team's backs. His colleagues do well to put up with at times. The storyline was entertaining. Really enjoyed it

[Allan Pendlebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy my coffee, but these detectives seem to have an addiction to it. Anyways another enjoyable read.
Some reviews knock the humour; me? I like it and had quite a few laughs throughout.

[Mary Howick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackheath Broad

Another brilliant read, thank you, David. I'm looking forward to the release in 2026 of your next DI Tanner thriller.

[wendy geen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I have really enjoyed this series of books and the characters are credible and developing. I look forward to the next one.