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The Yorkshire Murders #6
The Black Rock Killings
Listening Length: 9 hours and 12 minutes
A calculated killer. A life hanging in the balance. A decision that changes everything...
For the first time in her life, DCI Emma Gardner finds herself unable to concentrate on the job she loves. Her thoughts are now always with her old colleague Paul Riddick, who lies desperately ill in hospital - a tortured man in life, now facing death.
When a young woman dies from seemingly natural causes, Emma can’t help feeling that something isn’t quite right with the case, but she needs her team to pick up the slack whilst she focuses on Paul.
The case proves more complex than anyone imagined and will test the team like never before. But unbeknownst to everyone, there is another threat lurking even closer to home – Emma’s unpredictable brother Jack. And with Emma distracted, he has free rein to put right the dark and twisted grievances from his own past.
But his actions, when they come, will be devastating. And will destroy everything Emma loves…
A calculated killer. A life hanging in the balance. A decision that changes everything...
For the first time in her life, DCI Emma Gardner finds herself unable to concentrate on the job she loves. Her thoughts are now always with her old colleague Paul Riddick, who lies desperately ill in hospital - a tortured man in life, now facing death.
When a young woman dies from seemingly natural causes, Emma can’t help feeling that something isn’t quite right with the case, but she needs her team to pick up the slack whilst she focuses on Paul.
The case proves more complex than anyone imagined and will test the team like never before. But unbeknownst to everyone, there is another threat lurking even closer to home – Emma’s unpredictable brother Jack. And with Emma distracted, he has free rein to put right the dark and twisted grievances from his own past.
But his actions, when they come, will be devastating. And will destroy everything Emma loves…
10 pages, Audio CD
First published March 8, 2025
256 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Wes Markin
34 books236 followersBe sure to follow Wes on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/3tFWIHL
Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.
Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 21, 2025
I am only reading this book for the closure I need as opposed to reading this book to support what is supposedly the last book of the series - something that is alluded to but not clear from the author himself. I am glad this series is over and before I go into all my bones to pick on this piece of turd, if you are reading this series - don’t. Save your time and invest it elsewhere - my review will be on this book but also the series as a whole. This will be a spoiler but for those interested, listen to what I have to say because this book and series has gone downhill. I will refuse to put a spoiler warning please readers need to be aware on the garbage I’ve just read. If anyone had seen the game of thrones ending this is exactly like this book. I’m going to say this once - you CANNOT read this book as a stand-alone. Because the events of this book relates back to all the events of the previous books, pasts mentioned, events occurred- to understand the depths of the relationship Gardner has developed. I don’t understand how I’m looking at a few other reviews and saying it’s a banger whilst admitting that it’s their first time reading the series. I’m just gonna go straight into my frustrations with this series- it does contain spoilers but feel free to read if you are intrigued in how shit this book is.
Killing off half of your crew seems so bizarre, random but just lazy writing and poor quality. Look I get it, Wes you’re probably given up on this series, gave up on actually making substantial plots (which half the time was on pedophiles or plots with minor children in them) and now you can’t be arsed to finish the series so you know what - let’s just straight up kill half the crew. I’m more mad at giving this series chance after chance thinking Wes you’re going to deliver on something, but I’m not surprised at how shit the plot is, I am just disappointed in my time I spent believing, almost gaslight each time by the way the book is sold that the next book is going to be a banger. Honestly if you didn’t want to continue writing the book you could just have stopped, maybe it was contractual maybe there’s more behind the scenes but if you are actually going to end it - do it for all the right reasons. Do it for those that read the series, support the book and the cause - I recommend you read the Louisa Scarr series (the butler series) that’s how you proper end the series not some mediocre bullshit. To me it’s lazy writing, and one I no longer have respect for. This was just a poor book. You’ve single handley killed all hope for any comeback, I guess this is what it must of felt like for those watching the Leonardo DiCaprio Titanic movie when you know so well Rose could have shifted up more for him to survive. The ending is a complete disservice to those that read the book from the start. If you told me how it was as going to end, I genuinely would not have believed it. The best analogy I have to describe this series, is like going to an pottery artist who you commissioned to make a really nice vase, and you spend your own time giving them a brief, you look at the artists work and their sculpture knowing that ah they know what they’re doing. 6 weeks down the line you come back and then give you a piece of shit in a clay format. This is exactly what it this is like, not what you expected, not what is sold and reflected. Only four letters come to mind - SCAM.
Main issues
- I had to remind myself of why I read this series and the first reason was how this book was sold ‘the YORKSHIRE murders’. I was keen on the plot due to how local this was and by literal proximity as I am based in Yorkshire, I know of the physical location and the beauty of it! The reason I continued reading this series was it that it felt local and like my back garden. I’ve not read a book which captures Yorkshire beauty like Wes does it. No offence but when you have such a wonderful location like Yorkshire why create an identity theft plot that pulls away from Yorkshire. Just 1 murder led to someone who took on the identity of 5 other people. The only connection to ‘Yorkshire’ is through Bright day homeless shelter organisation from the previous plot. Whilst I recognise that identity theft is a logical plot please don’t sell this as a Yorkshire murder because there was more emphasis on locating the culprits outside of the UK then any description within the UK. You had all the wonderful Yorkshire landscape and Markins thinks putting a plot about identity theft fits the Yorkshire murder narrative. At points we are talking about fucking Brazil and Australia whilst we have our own natural beauty of a landscape. We had the introduction of 5 different names (and their wives/ girlfriends- it was a mosh pit of names flying out and about) which made the plot extremely convoluted. Filling in the pages so that the ‘police part of the book’ was fulfilled. The most annoying thing was how quick this got solved and killing the team took more emphasis than that.
- Why the hell now excuse my language as you read this - why the hell do you spend 5 books worth of plots to build up characters, the relationships to just kill them off? It just seems so pointless as although Markin never really confirms if this is the end of the series or not but if you do decide to bring the book back how can you when you have literally kill off half the team? It’s just lazy, poor writing to just kill then off rather than actually end the series. I’m mad at the fact that we don’t see Gardener get her revenge, I’m mad at how Lucy just got shot at and it’s put to bed so easily. Im mad at how we never got the endgame between Lucy and Gardener. I’m mad at how Jack was a backup dancer in the last two books now all of a sudden my guy has one of the main plots to just go on a rampage. Just when you think Jack is turning the leaf, let’s just start shooting up people through some weird ideology about selling information to Russians (being a traitor and it’s in your bloodline - like some terrorist type of plot). This literally comes out of the woodwork.
- The logic of Paul Riddick getting a heart transplant just seems so bizarre to me, you literally show this guy at his worst which is one of the reasons why this book was a banger of the start (show casing the raw, real struggles humans face and even people that we have high regard for in society *cough* defund the police *cough*) but low-key this guy went through the literally shit, whole family dies after car bomb planted by enemy No1, his mentor ended being very questionable and corrupt, goes to get the culprit killed in prison through an illegal way, the events above turned him into alcoholic due to his struggle to cope with this all, then goes rouge and goes to a drug den shoots up heroin and gets stabbed then gets a heart transplant?? Do you even hear yourself where is the logic?? I don’t know how someone can make a plot like this. And literally just when he magically recovers, Gardner leave so they never got their closure
- Sorry but low-key this Neville Fairweather randomly appearing connected to Emma’s past the last couple books just felt extremely forced and randomly out the blue - this all stems from the weird random pieces of information of Emma’s past that is mentioned but in reality is so minor (she’s part of the police force down south but got seconded/loaned out from Salisbury after her partner gets murdered and stabbed on duty) that’s as much info as we get and damn out of the woodwork we get. I feel like the true connections were never explicit it was always implied and connected on cases but we never got the true connection other than the death of her colleague at the start, of which who’s father is Neville. We never get insight on Jack other than spurts of information flying across the book like a piece of boogie you can’t be bothered to grab a tissue for. It’s not until the end as he’s about to shoot up Phil Rice and Lucy O’Brien that part of his past is mentioned. It all just felt too late to start introducing all this (poor quality writing to just load dump us information just for the convenience of finishing a book up) almost like excuses for how pathetic this book is.
- I have to give credit to your marketing team Markin because I felt like I was sold a dream on this book and got a piece of shit in return.
Killing off half of your crew seems so bizarre, random but just lazy writing and poor quality. Look I get it, Wes you’re probably given up on this series, gave up on actually making substantial plots (which half the time was on pedophiles or plots with minor children in them) and now you can’t be arsed to finish the series so you know what - let’s just straight up kill half the crew. I’m more mad at giving this series chance after chance thinking Wes you’re going to deliver on something, but I’m not surprised at how shit the plot is, I am just disappointed in my time I spent believing, almost gaslight each time by the way the book is sold that the next book is going to be a banger. Honestly if you didn’t want to continue writing the book you could just have stopped, maybe it was contractual maybe there’s more behind the scenes but if you are actually going to end it - do it for all the right reasons. Do it for those that read the series, support the book and the cause - I recommend you read the Louisa Scarr series (the butler series) that’s how you proper end the series not some mediocre bullshit. To me it’s lazy writing, and one I no longer have respect for. This was just a poor book. You’ve single handley killed all hope for any comeback, I guess this is what it must of felt like for those watching the Leonardo DiCaprio Titanic movie when you know so well Rose could have shifted up more for him to survive. The ending is a complete disservice to those that read the book from the start. If you told me how it was as going to end, I genuinely would not have believed it. The best analogy I have to describe this series, is like going to an pottery artist who you commissioned to make a really nice vase, and you spend your own time giving them a brief, you look at the artists work and their sculpture knowing that ah they know what they’re doing. 6 weeks down the line you come back and then give you a piece of shit in a clay format. This is exactly what it this is like, not what you expected, not what is sold and reflected. Only four letters come to mind - SCAM.
Main issues
- I had to remind myself of why I read this series and the first reason was how this book was sold ‘the YORKSHIRE murders’. I was keen on the plot due to how local this was and by literal proximity as I am based in Yorkshire, I know of the physical location and the beauty of it! The reason I continued reading this series was it that it felt local and like my back garden. I’ve not read a book which captures Yorkshire beauty like Wes does it. No offence but when you have such a wonderful location like Yorkshire why create an identity theft plot that pulls away from Yorkshire. Just 1 murder led to someone who took on the identity of 5 other people. The only connection to ‘Yorkshire’ is through Bright day homeless shelter organisation from the previous plot. Whilst I recognise that identity theft is a logical plot please don’t sell this as a Yorkshire murder because there was more emphasis on locating the culprits outside of the UK then any description within the UK. You had all the wonderful Yorkshire landscape and Markins thinks putting a plot about identity theft fits the Yorkshire murder narrative. At points we are talking about fucking Brazil and Australia whilst we have our own natural beauty of a landscape. We had the introduction of 5 different names (and their wives/ girlfriends- it was a mosh pit of names flying out and about) which made the plot extremely convoluted. Filling in the pages so that the ‘police part of the book’ was fulfilled. The most annoying thing was how quick this got solved and killing the team took more emphasis than that.
- Why the hell now excuse my language as you read this - why the hell do you spend 5 books worth of plots to build up characters, the relationships to just kill them off? It just seems so pointless as although Markin never really confirms if this is the end of the series or not but if you do decide to bring the book back how can you when you have literally kill off half the team? It’s just lazy, poor writing to just kill then off rather than actually end the series. I’m mad at the fact that we don’t see Gardener get her revenge, I’m mad at how Lucy just got shot at and it’s put to bed so easily. Im mad at how we never got the endgame between Lucy and Gardener. I’m mad at how Jack was a backup dancer in the last two books now all of a sudden my guy has one of the main plots to just go on a rampage. Just when you think Jack is turning the leaf, let’s just start shooting up people through some weird ideology about selling information to Russians (being a traitor and it’s in your bloodline - like some terrorist type of plot). This literally comes out of the woodwork.
- The logic of Paul Riddick getting a heart transplant just seems so bizarre to me, you literally show this guy at his worst which is one of the reasons why this book was a banger of the start (show casing the raw, real struggles humans face and even people that we have high regard for in society *cough* defund the police *cough*) but low-key this guy went through the literally shit, whole family dies after car bomb planted by enemy No1, his mentor ended being very questionable and corrupt, goes to get the culprit killed in prison through an illegal way, the events above turned him into alcoholic due to his struggle to cope with this all, then goes rouge and goes to a drug den shoots up heroin and gets stabbed then gets a heart transplant?? Do you even hear yourself where is the logic?? I don’t know how someone can make a plot like this. And literally just when he magically recovers, Gardner leave so they never got their closure
- Sorry but low-key this Neville Fairweather randomly appearing connected to Emma’s past the last couple books just felt extremely forced and randomly out the blue - this all stems from the weird random pieces of information of Emma’s past that is mentioned but in reality is so minor (she’s part of the police force down south but got seconded/loaned out from Salisbury after her partner gets murdered and stabbed on duty) that’s as much info as we get and damn out of the woodwork we get. I feel like the true connections were never explicit it was always implied and connected on cases but we never got the true connection other than the death of her colleague at the start, of which who’s father is Neville. We never get insight on Jack other than spurts of information flying across the book like a piece of boogie you can’t be bothered to grab a tissue for. It’s not until the end as he’s about to shoot up Phil Rice and Lucy O’Brien that part of his past is mentioned. It all just felt too late to start introducing all this (poor quality writing to just load dump us information just for the convenience of finishing a book up) almost like excuses for how pathetic this book is.
- I have to give credit to your marketing team Markin because I felt like I was sold a dream on this book and got a piece of shit in return.
March 7, 2025
Wes Markin is the most underappreciated author, in my eyes anyway. This is the sixth book in the Yorkshire Murders series. To say I was chomping at the bit to read this book is a massive understatement.
It landed on my Kindle, and I immediately started reading. These are characters I am heavily invested in. Emma Gardner and Paul Riddick are almost living and breathing people for me by now. The ending of book 5, The Winter Killings, had me on tenterhooks for this book. I was almost nervous to find out what would happen!
As always, Wes Markin brings action, drama tension, and so many twists and turns. He adores putting his characters through the emotional wringer, which also puts the reader through the same. I have to say I almost begged Wes after I had finished The Winter Killings not to do what seemed inevitable! That's how much I love the team led by Emma Gardner.
I read this book in less than a day. I was hooked as usual on the events unfolding. This made it impossible to tear myself away! If you enjoy gritty crime series with heart, read this series! Begin from book 1, that's my advice. You get to know the characters and see them grow. Just be prepared to have your heart fractured as you read! He is such an exceptional author who is worthy of so much more recognition!
Thanks to Wes Markin for my gifted ebook to write my honest review.
It landed on my Kindle, and I immediately started reading. These are characters I am heavily invested in. Emma Gardner and Paul Riddick are almost living and breathing people for me by now. The ending of book 5, The Winter Killings, had me on tenterhooks for this book. I was almost nervous to find out what would happen!
As always, Wes Markin brings action, drama tension, and so many twists and turns. He adores putting his characters through the emotional wringer, which also puts the reader through the same. I have to say I almost begged Wes after I had finished The Winter Killings not to do what seemed inevitable! That's how much I love the team led by Emma Gardner.
I read this book in less than a day. I was hooked as usual on the events unfolding. This made it impossible to tear myself away! If you enjoy gritty crime series with heart, read this series! Begin from book 1, that's my advice. You get to know the characters and see them grow. Just be prepared to have your heart fractured as you read! He is such an exceptional author who is worthy of so much more recognition!
Thanks to Wes Markin for my gifted ebook to write my honest review.
March 28, 2025
This book is fantastic. A very unique storyline, I personally haven't come across before.
It's a book you need to pay attention to. There are lots of brilliant storylines running together to create this very clever, and a little bit scary book.
Emma's personal life becomes interwoven with police work and creates all manner of problems as well as complex relationships too.
You hit the ground running with this one. It's in depth travels at speed and mostly definitely worth the five stars!
It's a book you need to pay attention to. There are lots of brilliant storylines running together to create this very clever, and a little bit scary book.
Emma's personal life becomes interwoven with police work and creates all manner of problems as well as complex relationships too.
You hit the ground running with this one. It's in depth travels at speed and mostly definitely worth the five stars!
March 17, 2025
I was hooked from the start to finish into a thoroughly enjoyable book.
Although this book is part of a series, it does refer to previous happenings. So this could be read as a standalone in its own right. Although I would suggest reading the previous books, if you want to know the main characters more.
It has a gripping, well written storyline and plot with interesting characters .
It also has good descriptive, which brings the story, characters, and places to life.
There are surprising revelations and many a twist, leading to an unsuspected outcome.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Although this book is part of a series, it does refer to previous happenings. So this could be read as a standalone in its own right. Although I would suggest reading the previous books, if you want to know the main characters more.
It has a gripping, well written storyline and plot with interesting characters .
It also has good descriptive, which brings the story, characters, and places to life.
There are surprising revelations and many a twist, leading to an unsuspected outcome.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
April 2, 2025
Good grief - I’m guessing this is the last book in the series since so many people get killed off? This was all over the place - I lost track of the many different story lines.
March 8, 2025
Fabulous throughout!
What a rollercoaster of a ride! Intricately plotted, well paced, dark, gritty and emotional.
It can be read as a stand alone but to get the full impact I would recommend reading the previous books first.
Emma Gardner is a favourite character of mine and I've loved how her character has developed over time. Her ups, her downs, her loves, her hates and her goals and achievements. Wes Markin has put her through an emotional meat grinder in this book. Naughty! My heart was in my mouth and my finger nails nibbled!
Personal and work life are very closely connected for Emma,...unfortunately. Will she ever be free of the burden on her shoulders? Her brother may influence that. Come on Emma, you got this!
Lies, deceit and some cruel vendettas are at the heart of the storyline, with some scenes brutal, with twists and punches to knock your socks off!
An exciting and thrilling read that had me reading into the early hours.
What a rollercoaster of a ride! Intricately plotted, well paced, dark, gritty and emotional.
It can be read as a stand alone but to get the full impact I would recommend reading the previous books first.
Emma Gardner is a favourite character of mine and I've loved how her character has developed over time. Her ups, her downs, her loves, her hates and her goals and achievements. Wes Markin has put her through an emotional meat grinder in this book. Naughty! My heart was in my mouth and my finger nails nibbled!
Personal and work life are very closely connected for Emma,...unfortunately. Will she ever be free of the burden on her shoulders? Her brother may influence that. Come on Emma, you got this!
Lies, deceit and some cruel vendettas are at the heart of the storyline, with some scenes brutal, with twists and punches to knock your socks off!
An exciting and thrilling read that had me reading into the early hours.
August 23, 2025
Thanks to the Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this eARC.
A dark, emotionally charged thriller that blends procedural grit with psychological depth, The Black Rock Killings is Wes Markin at his most ambitious. With layered character arcs and a plot that spirals into moral ambiguity, this sixth installment in the Yorkshire Murders series is both a gripping whodunit and a meditation on grief, loyalty, and the cost of justice.
- Grief and Distraction: DCI Emma Gardner is emotionally compromised from the start—her former colleague Paul Riddick lies dying in hospital, and her personal life is in flux. This vulnerability adds texture to her investigative decisions and raises questions about emotional labor in law enforcement.
- Family and Betrayal: Emma’s brother Jack, recently released from prison, becomes a ticking time bomb. His unpredictable behavior and unresolved trauma inject a second layer of suspense that runs parallel to the murder investigation.
- Dual Narrative Structure: The novel alternates between Emma’s investigation and Paul’s unconscious monologue—a haunting retrospective that adds emotional weight and historical context to the present-day case.
What begins as a routine favor—investigating the sudden death of a seemingly healthy young woman—quickly escalates into a complex case involving multiple victims and the chilling possibility of a serial killer. As Emma’s team digs deeper, they uncover a web of deceit and manipulation that stretches far beyond the initial crime. Meanwhile, Jack’s actions threaten to unravel everything Emma holds dear, culminating in a devastating climax that leaves emotional wreckage in its wake.
Emma Gardner is a standout protagonist—flawed, intuitive, and deeply human. Her internal conflict between duty and personal loyalty is palpable. Jack is a compelling antagonist whose motivations are rooted in trauma rather than pure malice, making him disturbingly relatable. Paul Riddick’s introspective chapters offer a poignant counterbalance, revealing the emotional toll of a life spent chasing justice.
The Black Rock Killings is not just another entry in a crime series—it’s a character-driven exploration of how personal demons can bleed into professional duty. With its intricate plotting, emotional resonance, and morally complex cast, it’s a must-read for fans of gritty British crime fiction.
A dark, emotionally charged thriller that blends procedural grit with psychological depth, The Black Rock Killings is Wes Markin at his most ambitious. With layered character arcs and a plot that spirals into moral ambiguity, this sixth installment in the Yorkshire Murders series is both a gripping whodunit and a meditation on grief, loyalty, and the cost of justice.
- Grief and Distraction: DCI Emma Gardner is emotionally compromised from the start—her former colleague Paul Riddick lies dying in hospital, and her personal life is in flux. This vulnerability adds texture to her investigative decisions and raises questions about emotional labor in law enforcement.
- Family and Betrayal: Emma’s brother Jack, recently released from prison, becomes a ticking time bomb. His unpredictable behavior and unresolved trauma inject a second layer of suspense that runs parallel to the murder investigation.
- Dual Narrative Structure: The novel alternates between Emma’s investigation and Paul’s unconscious monologue—a haunting retrospective that adds emotional weight and historical context to the present-day case.
What begins as a routine favor—investigating the sudden death of a seemingly healthy young woman—quickly escalates into a complex case involving multiple victims and the chilling possibility of a serial killer. As Emma’s team digs deeper, they uncover a web of deceit and manipulation that stretches far beyond the initial crime. Meanwhile, Jack’s actions threaten to unravel everything Emma holds dear, culminating in a devastating climax that leaves emotional wreckage in its wake.
Emma Gardner is a standout protagonist—flawed, intuitive, and deeply human. Her internal conflict between duty and personal loyalty is palpable. Jack is a compelling antagonist whose motivations are rooted in trauma rather than pure malice, making him disturbingly relatable. Paul Riddick’s introspective chapters offer a poignant counterbalance, revealing the emotional toll of a life spent chasing justice.
The Black Rock Killings is not just another entry in a crime series—it’s a character-driven exploration of how personal demons can bleed into professional duty. With its intricate plotting, emotional resonance, and morally complex cast, it’s a must-read for fans of gritty British crime fiction.
March 7, 2025
Right so, this is book 6 of this most exceptional series and you know what's coming next! This is especially important as there is a whole bunch of interconnected back story between certain characters that will make your time with this book all the more special if you meet them in book one and follow their journeys as the author intended.
So... after shenanigans from the previous book, Paul Riddick is in hospital. He's pretty much on death's door and this situation is playing very heavily on DCI Emma Gardner who is struggling to both keep her mind on her job and also, given her feelings for him, it's playing merry hell with her personal life. If that wasn't enough for the author to put her through, do you remember Jack, her brother? Well... he's about to be released, and his conditions put him living with her, her daughter, and his daughter...
And then there's the case that Emma and her team are called upon to investigate. The death of a woman which, on the face of things, appears natural but there is something that piques Emma's interest. But once she and the team start to open up that can, boy do the worms explode out of it with a vengeance. Going back many years, across multiple countries, it's gonna take some unravelling... Meanwhile, we also go back into Riddick's past and learn more about him through flashback...
I love this series. I also love this author's other series. They are all pretty brutal and none of them hold their punches but they are well written and all contain interesting and intriguing plots which are well executed in a no nonsense, no waffle or padding, way. This mean that they get on with themselves very well indeed. It also means that they are very hard to put down once picked up, to the detriment of my supposed day of housework, but hey, what can you do!? This book being no exception to all that. This one was also a wee bit on the emotional side, as you will no doubt find out for yourself as you dig in.
And the ending, when it came, was just perfect, leaving me both wholly satisfied as well as wondering about what happens next...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... after shenanigans from the previous book, Paul Riddick is in hospital. He's pretty much on death's door and this situation is playing very heavily on DCI Emma Gardner who is struggling to both keep her mind on her job and also, given her feelings for him, it's playing merry hell with her personal life. If that wasn't enough for the author to put her through, do you remember Jack, her brother? Well... he's about to be released, and his conditions put him living with her, her daughter, and his daughter...
And then there's the case that Emma and her team are called upon to investigate. The death of a woman which, on the face of things, appears natural but there is something that piques Emma's interest. But once she and the team start to open up that can, boy do the worms explode out of it with a vengeance. Going back many years, across multiple countries, it's gonna take some unravelling... Meanwhile, we also go back into Riddick's past and learn more about him through flashback...
I love this series. I also love this author's other series. They are all pretty brutal and none of them hold their punches but they are well written and all contain interesting and intriguing plots which are well executed in a no nonsense, no waffle or padding, way. This mean that they get on with themselves very well indeed. It also means that they are very hard to put down once picked up, to the detriment of my supposed day of housework, but hey, what can you do!? This book being no exception to all that. This one was also a wee bit on the emotional side, as you will no doubt find out for yourself as you dig in.
And the ending, when it came, was just perfect, leaving me both wholly satisfied as well as wondering about what happens next...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
March 8, 2025
DCI Emma Gardner has enough on her plate, with her psychotic brother Jack getting early release from prison on the condition he lives with her, a new relationship with sixteen years her junior colleague DC Lucy O’Brien and close friend DI Paul Riddick (the man Emma really ought to be with) gravely ill after just having undergone a lifesaving heart transplant, not to mention receiving visits from the mysterious Neville Fairweather who has been pulling strings in her life recently and who has a strange control over Jack. But then she gets an instruction from her boss, Chief Constable Rebecca Marsh, concerning retired CC Roy Linders whose daughter Imogen has suddenly died very young from a heart attack. Roy suspects her husband Alistair Ashworth had something to do with it. Of course, the reader has already heard about this death and that of two more women in his life. A troubled man indeed with a scarred ear and vivid memories of his parents. Together with 70s throwback DI Phil Rice, she visits the rather creepy Ashworth and gets an uncomfortable feeling about him. Her hunch is proven correct when a post mortem on Imogen shows poison and a murder investigation is opened by the team, including Rice and the highly dependable DS Ray Barnett. No one could possibly envisage the wide-ranging reach of this case, but with all the other worries and distractions in her life, is Emma up to catching this deadly killer?
Definitely I would recommend reading this series in order as the previous five stories hold much in the way of history surrounding the main characters. This story, tinged with sadness in places, is full of different threads and as always, is brilliantly written to grip the reader throughout. Although fast paced and thrilling, the ending sadly wasn’t what I had hoped for. All good things come to an end and it looks like this may be the last in the series but it would be lovely to see Riddick and Emma together again at some point.
Definitely I would recommend reading this series in order as the previous five stories hold much in the way of history surrounding the main characters. This story, tinged with sadness in places, is full of different threads and as always, is brilliantly written to grip the reader throughout. Although fast paced and thrilling, the ending sadly wasn’t what I had hoped for. All good things come to an end and it looks like this may be the last in the series but it would be lovely to see Riddick and Emma together again at some point.
February 6, 2025
The Black Rock Killings by Wes Markin is a fabulous contemporary crime novel that had me glued from the start. It is the sixth book in The Yorkshire Murders series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces – both heroes and villains. I would recommend reading the previous books first as there is a crime thread running throughout the series as well as new crimes to solve.
We drop in on a familiar face recovering from major surgery in hospital. We ‘hear’ his thoughts while unconscious as he walks amid the ghosts of his life. Will he succumb to all that he has lost? Or is life worth a second shot?
The lead detective, though incredibly dedicated and good at her job, finds her personal life is complicated. Her emotions are torn as we watch her battle internally.
Beneath the surface bubbles a love that the reader has followed throughout the series. We have been aware that the two characters love each other, even though they have never admitted it, not even to themselves. Will they ever speak up and say the words ‘I love you’?
We see that our upbringings shape the adult we become – but what happens when a monster is made?
We are not responsible for the sins of our fathers – or are we?
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time produces disastrous results.
Wes Markin has once more constructed a fabulous, intricate and well thought out plotline with believable characters. I was thoroughly entertained by The Black Rock Killings.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces – both heroes and villains. I would recommend reading the previous books first as there is a crime thread running throughout the series as well as new crimes to solve.
We drop in on a familiar face recovering from major surgery in hospital. We ‘hear’ his thoughts while unconscious as he walks amid the ghosts of his life. Will he succumb to all that he has lost? Or is life worth a second shot?
The lead detective, though incredibly dedicated and good at her job, finds her personal life is complicated. Her emotions are torn as we watch her battle internally.
Beneath the surface bubbles a love that the reader has followed throughout the series. We have been aware that the two characters love each other, even though they have never admitted it, not even to themselves. Will they ever speak up and say the words ‘I love you’?
We see that our upbringings shape the adult we become – but what happens when a monster is made?
We are not responsible for the sins of our fathers – or are we?
Being in the wrong place at the wrong time produces disastrous results.
Wes Markin has once more constructed a fabulous, intricate and well thought out plotline with believable characters. I was thoroughly entertained by The Black Rock Killings.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2025
Book 5 ended at a point where I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Not a cliffhanger exactly, but fans of the series, as good as.
Poor Emma, i don't know why Wes feel the need to torture her so badly. As if she hadn't been through enough already, her colleague and friend is in a coma and her dreaded brother is back.
It was great to see more of some of the rest of the team step up in this. While Emma is trying to fight on all fronts to keep her family and job safe.
The case of a woman that appears to have died from natural causes, but is found to have been murdered, is tricky for the team. It relies on their best most dogged efforts.
Then this book comes to its most epic conclusion. Heart in mouth, thrilling, and shocking. You know with a Wes Markin book he's not going to do what you'd expect. A lot of this i never saw coming AT ALL. Once all the drama has played out, and things have calmed down, Wes still has one more little ace up his sleeve and manages to just get one more shock in before he finishes.
If this really is the last of this series it's a real shame. I've enjoyed spending time with these characters, but maybe for Emma's sake it's good she may finally get some peace!
This is one of a few books I'd recommend reading previous ones first (mostly because they are excellent) but it will explain why Emma makes the decision she does from past experience.
I stayed up late to finish this, despite having to be up early for work. There was absolutely no way I could put it down without knowing how it ended. My favourite kind of book. Wes has absolutely done it again, blown me out of the water again. A writer at the top of his game.
Poor Emma, i don't know why Wes feel the need to torture her so badly. As if she hadn't been through enough already, her colleague and friend is in a coma and her dreaded brother is back.
It was great to see more of some of the rest of the team step up in this. While Emma is trying to fight on all fronts to keep her family and job safe.
The case of a woman that appears to have died from natural causes, but is found to have been murdered, is tricky for the team. It relies on their best most dogged efforts.
Then this book comes to its most epic conclusion. Heart in mouth, thrilling, and shocking. You know with a Wes Markin book he's not going to do what you'd expect. A lot of this i never saw coming AT ALL. Once all the drama has played out, and things have calmed down, Wes still has one more little ace up his sleeve and manages to just get one more shock in before he finishes.
If this really is the last of this series it's a real shame. I've enjoyed spending time with these characters, but maybe for Emma's sake it's good she may finally get some peace!
This is one of a few books I'd recommend reading previous ones first (mostly because they are excellent) but it will explain why Emma makes the decision she does from past experience.
I stayed up late to finish this, despite having to be up early for work. There was absolutely no way I could put it down without knowing how it ended. My favourite kind of book. Wes has absolutely done it again, blown me out of the water again. A writer at the top of his game.
March 4, 2025
The Black Rock Killings is one of those crime books that really benefits from being read as part of a series rather than as a standalone.
That said, the plot is intriguing. DCI Emma Gardner is charged with investigating what looks to be a natural death, until she picks up on the subtle clues showing there is something more menacing going on. Readers already know (from another viewpoint) that there's a sociopath killing for seemingly little reason. But with little motive to go on, will the cops figure it out in time?
Poor old Emma has a lot going on. One colleague, who she's sort of in love with, is in hospital recovering from a heart transplant (for the entirety of the book). Then there's another colleague she's sleeping with. And her dodgy brother is about to come out of prison...
Markin is good at creating a cast of characters that works well together. I also thought the main crime/killer story moved on at quite a nice pace. But there was a lot of the over-arching series plot, and it was hard to remember at times how it followed on from previous books. I prefer close up and personal crime plots to big conspiracies and it's definitely going in a conspiracy-heavy direction!
That said, I will no doubt read the next one! 3.5 rounded up.
That said, the plot is intriguing. DCI Emma Gardner is charged with investigating what looks to be a natural death, until she picks up on the subtle clues showing there is something more menacing going on. Readers already know (from another viewpoint) that there's a sociopath killing for seemingly little reason. But with little motive to go on, will the cops figure it out in time?
Poor old Emma has a lot going on. One colleague, who she's sort of in love with, is in hospital recovering from a heart transplant (for the entirety of the book). Then there's another colleague she's sleeping with. And her dodgy brother is about to come out of prison...
Markin is good at creating a cast of characters that works well together. I also thought the main crime/killer story moved on at quite a nice pace. But there was a lot of the over-arching series plot, and it was hard to remember at times how it followed on from previous books. I prefer close up and personal crime plots to big conspiracies and it's definitely going in a conspiracy-heavy direction!
That said, I will no doubt read the next one! 3.5 rounded up.
February 26, 2025
Once again, the brilliant Wes Markin brings to our e-book shelves another of his compelling Yorkshire Murders series.
This is Book 6 and just as explosive as all previous publications.
With the lead character, DCI Emma Gardner, having to manage an overwhelmingly challenging personal life, her attention to what would appear to be a series of deaths by natural causes, is somewhat diluted. Confident in her team’s ability to manage with her limited focus but with very much an eye on the ball, they slowly uncover evidence to suggest the deaths are not as innocent as initially believed.
As with all books in the series, Wes Markin delivers not only a wholly engaging plot, but also reflects on the reality an investigation has on the detectives’ private lives in a very meaningful way.
And there is just enough of Emma’s history (which have evolved in previous books) to ensure The Black Rock Killings is a standalone read.
This is a gripping story and once again reflects the author’s prolific ability to write compulsive crime thrillers. Just great crime fiction from one of the best.
This is Book 6 and just as explosive as all previous publications.
With the lead character, DCI Emma Gardner, having to manage an overwhelmingly challenging personal life, her attention to what would appear to be a series of deaths by natural causes, is somewhat diluted. Confident in her team’s ability to manage with her limited focus but with very much an eye on the ball, they slowly uncover evidence to suggest the deaths are not as innocent as initially believed.
As with all books in the series, Wes Markin delivers not only a wholly engaging plot, but also reflects on the reality an investigation has on the detectives’ private lives in a very meaningful way.
And there is just enough of Emma’s history (which have evolved in previous books) to ensure The Black Rock Killings is a standalone read.
This is a gripping story and once again reflects the author’s prolific ability to write compulsive crime thrillers. Just great crime fiction from one of the best.
March 8, 2025
I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This police procedural is part of the Yorkshire Murders series. Alistair’s wife Imogen passes away quite suddenly, supposedly from natural causes, but DCI Gardner feels that something doesn't add up. Meanwhile, her friend and colleague, Riddick, is fighting for his life in hospital.
From the start, I was very interested in the characters and wanted to know more about them. It wasn't long before I realised that some of these characters felt familiar to me, particularly Gardner and O’Brien. I realised that in fact, I'd read a previous book from this series, and warmed to Gardner and O'Brien on that occasion, so I enjoyed reading about them again.
I liked most of the characters, and how they worked with and related to each other. I felt the author had a clever and subtle way of creating suspense in the writing, which kept me turning the pages. I became invested in both the characters and the story, and I found this a page turner.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This police procedural is part of the Yorkshire Murders series. Alistair’s wife Imogen passes away quite suddenly, supposedly from natural causes, but DCI Gardner feels that something doesn't add up. Meanwhile, her friend and colleague, Riddick, is fighting for his life in hospital.
From the start, I was very interested in the characters and wanted to know more about them. It wasn't long before I realised that some of these characters felt familiar to me, particularly Gardner and O’Brien. I realised that in fact, I'd read a previous book from this series, and warmed to Gardner and O'Brien on that occasion, so I enjoyed reading about them again.
I liked most of the characters, and how they worked with and related to each other. I felt the author had a clever and subtle way of creating suspense in the writing, which kept me turning the pages. I became invested in both the characters and the story, and I found this a page turner.
Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
March 8, 2025
Read in one sitting
The dark and gripping Yorkshire Murders series just got darker than any night I remember.
I lost count of how many people died in this book. Even with no spree murders it still made it into double figures. Many of them by the hand of the boy who was raised with everything but love.
How he managed to do this over three continents with no one being even slightly suspicious beggars belief. Then he hit Emma's patch of Yorkshire.
Once again he is about to start over when his dead wife's father started asking questions.
The answers don't come easily but when they do start coming it's like knocking over a line of dominoes. My head was spinning trying to fit it all together so Wes either has amazing brainpower or a big whiteboard where he draws it all out.
There are so many other enquiries, crimes, actions running through the book, often referring back to earlier books that I knew I had to keep reading in case I lost the plots.
A marvellously written book making full use of the landscape of Yorkshire.
Well done Wes.
The dark and gripping Yorkshire Murders series just got darker than any night I remember.
I lost count of how many people died in this book. Even with no spree murders it still made it into double figures. Many of them by the hand of the boy who was raised with everything but love.
How he managed to do this over three continents with no one being even slightly suspicious beggars belief. Then he hit Emma's patch of Yorkshire.
Once again he is about to start over when his dead wife's father started asking questions.
The answers don't come easily but when they do start coming it's like knocking over a line of dominoes. My head was spinning trying to fit it all together so Wes either has amazing brainpower or a big whiteboard where he draws it all out.
There are so many other enquiries, crimes, actions running through the book, often referring back to earlier books that I knew I had to keep reading in case I lost the plots.
A marvellously written book making full use of the landscape of Yorkshire.
Well done Wes.
February 19, 2025
This is another cracking read from this author. We are now at the sixth book in the series and this one was quite an emotional read. Following on from previous events, Riddick is seriously ill in hospital fighting for his life. Emma is in turmoil in her personal life, between Riddick and Lucy and also with the impact on her brother's return.
On the work front, Rice really steps up in this one to help Emma when a young woman dies in what initially appears to be from natural causes but later turns out to have been murdered. This escalates into further killings across several countries. A lot of the story is told from Riddick's perspective as his mind goes deep into the past in his quest to give up or fight for life. I found this quite interesting as it gave a great insight into his character.
The build-up to the end was excellent culminating in a jaw-dropping and emotional finale. I'm devastated that it is now ended.
On the work front, Rice really steps up in this one to help Emma when a young woman dies in what initially appears to be from natural causes but later turns out to have been murdered. This escalates into further killings across several countries. A lot of the story is told from Riddick's perspective as his mind goes deep into the past in his quest to give up or fight for life. I found this quite interesting as it gave a great insight into his character.
The build-up to the end was excellent culminating in a jaw-dropping and emotional finale. I'm devastated that it is now ended.
March 25, 2025
A great thriller with several unexpected twists which does not always make for easy reading. When a young married woman dies suddenly, Emma Gardner reckons there is something off about her heart attack. This proves to be true and the crime involves a lot of investigation to put all the pieces togethe. Meanwhile, Emma's criminal brother has left prison and her friend and possible love interest is critically ill in hospital. Emma's lovelife is complicated . Parts of the book piece together Paul's life and thoughts during his stay on intensive care.
The book is fastpaced and gritty and kept my interest throughout because of the main themes and and the sub-plots . I loved the setting in and around Knaresborough and Leeds, an area I know fairly well. Some twists were maybe unnecessary and the motivation (seen through the eyes of the perpetrator) questionable. But a good read, it'll be interesting to see where the series goes from here.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
The book is fastpaced and gritty and kept my interest throughout because of the main themes and and the sub-plots . I loved the setting in and around Knaresborough and Leeds, an area I know fairly well. Some twists were maybe unnecessary and the motivation (seen through the eyes of the perpetrator) questionable. But a good read, it'll be interesting to see where the series goes from here.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
March 29, 2025
When I want a great solid thriller with enough tension and at times shocking revelations that test the imagination, then Wes Markin is one of my favourite authors.
The Yorkshire Murders has been a fantastic series to read, and what a rollercoaster it has been. Following DCI Emma Gardner and her colleagues navigating everyday family life with the pressures of police work has been like watching a simmering volcano, just how much can a person endure?!, the threads running through add a deeper complexity so one needs to keep focused on the plot lines, but oh so worth the investment in this series. Wes Markin doesn’t shy away from graphic detail in his writing, and I find this brings added realism to his books. So highly recommended.
The Yorkshire Murders has been a fantastic series to read, and what a rollercoaster it has been. Following DCI Emma Gardner and her colleagues navigating everyday family life with the pressures of police work has been like watching a simmering volcano, just how much can a person endure?!, the threads running through add a deeper complexity so one needs to keep focused on the plot lines, but oh so worth the investment in this series. Wes Markin doesn’t shy away from graphic detail in his writing, and I find this brings added realism to his books. So highly recommended.
March 31, 2025
An excellent read!
This is a fast paced read with plenty of twists and turns which kept me gripped.
Imogen Ashworth dies in front of her husband supposedly of a heart attack .
Why has a healthy young woman with no health issues suddenly died ?
Emma Gardner isn’t convinced it was a natural death , the husband doesn’t seem quite right .
This investigation leads to an intriguing story which is dark at times .
This is the sixth book in the series , you could read and enjoy this without reading the previous titles because there is plenty of back story .
The writing makes for an easy read and I read it in one sitting.
A fantastic thriller !
Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
This is a fast paced read with plenty of twists and turns which kept me gripped.
Imogen Ashworth dies in front of her husband supposedly of a heart attack .
Why has a healthy young woman with no health issues suddenly died ?
Emma Gardner isn’t convinced it was a natural death , the husband doesn’t seem quite right .
This investigation leads to an intriguing story which is dark at times .
This is the sixth book in the series , you could read and enjoy this without reading the previous titles because there is plenty of back story .
The writing makes for an easy read and I read it in one sitting.
A fantastic thriller !
Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
February 13, 2025
Prepare yourself for an emotional ride! What a fantastic piece of plotting by Wes Markin, my emotions are shredded into tiny pieces and I even shed a tear. This is brilliantly written, I quickly became immersed in the lives of the very believable characters, especially Emma as she investigates a complex case of murder. My nerves are well and truly shattered and I am exhausted after staying up late to finish this brilliant read. Fans are in for a treat with this latest installment featuring DCI Emma Gardner, although it can be read as a stand alone. I highly recommend the author to fans of crime fiction and thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
March 13, 2025
Another fantastic instalment in this series, the threads of the previous run throughout the story and without reading previous books some of the context may be difficult to follow. I have built up real investment in the characters despite sometimes finding their decision making and complex lives frustrating, I think this is a real strength of the writing however as I really do just want them to all get a happy ending! The plot was fast paced, the dual storyline kept the book interesting and I really enjoy Markin's style of writing. I really do hope this isn't the last in the series dispite it seemingly being so
April 12, 2025
This is the sixth book in the Yorkshire Murder Series and every bit as gripping as the five previous ones. DCI Emma Gardner has her hands full with a new case, while anticipating the arrival of her brother, newly released from prison. Jack is a complex and unpredictable character, who will need to be managed with care, especially around his daughter Rose. As if this isn't enough, Emma's long term colleague Paul Riddick is still dangerously ill, post heart surgery.
Emma Gardner really does have everything thrown at her in this story. There are unexpected twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming, but which sets things up for the next in the series. Highly recommended.
Emma Gardner really does have everything thrown at her in this story. There are unexpected twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming, but which sets things up for the next in the series. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2025
This book centres around a serial killer of wives, who has got away with it for sometime because he changes continents and stealing identities between wives. This was an interesting story which could have carried the book but there were multiple other, interconnected and complex serial storylines as well. The balance between the main story and the serial elements is sometimes hard to achieve without slowing the pace and not having read the previous books in this series meant it was sometimes hard to fully connect with the main characters.
February 25, 2025
As her ex colleague Paul Riddick continues to fight for his life, DCI Emma Gardner is trying desperately to keep her daughters safe and do her job. Nothing is straightforward, a sudden death is found not to have been as first thought and leads Emma and her team into another twisted investigation. Family difficulties and her own personal relationships add to her stressful life. Action packed, intriguing police investigation and shocking conclusion all contribute to this being a real rollercoaster of a read.
February 28, 2025
After book 5s ending I was both excited and nervous about reading book 6 as I know from previous series Wes isn't scared of killing off a main character so was worry was Emma and Paul wouldn't get to be together! But this! Prepare to have your heart fractured by this series! The writing is so incredible you forget they aren't real people. I've so invested in their lives this had me holding my breath in anticipation of what I thought was coming but it was actually worse than I thought!
A must read series!
A must read series!
March 10, 2025
I don't even know how to describe this without spoilers. It sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. Paul Riddick is unconscious, in the hospital. Emma is dealing with murder... complex relationships and not so buried secrets. I think I also liked this better than the previous book, where there were so many beyond the acceptable behaviors. Not to say that it's predicable or at all uneventful. Just read it, if you have liked any of the previous books. I don't think it would be nearly as good if you don't know the characters.
March 13, 2025
The sixth book in the Yorkshire Murder series, The Black Rock Killings is the first I've read from Markin and I can assure you that it's not going to be my last...in fact I now have the rest of the series on my Kindle ready to go!
It didn't take me long to become emotionally invested into DCI Emma Gardner's character. She has quite the backstory doesn't she!
I couldn't flip the pages fast enough! The drama was full on, pace was fast and the twists kept a comin'.
An addictive, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable read.
It didn't take me long to become emotionally invested into DCI Emma Gardner's character. She has quite the backstory doesn't she!
I couldn't flip the pages fast enough! The drama was full on, pace was fast and the twists kept a comin'.
An addictive, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable read.
August 6, 2025
I've liked this series, but this particular book is truly awful. I don't want to spoil anyone, but the whole Jack storyline is so flimsy and absolutely preposterous as to be beyond anyone's belief. I'm not sure what the point of it was, the end result (which I also hated) could have certainly been accomplished more realistically and organically. But even apart from that, the portions relating to Paul were tedious and drawn out. Poor characterization, no real plot. Glad I borrowed this and didn't pay for it.
August 9, 2025
The Best Yet
i’ve enjoyed everyone of Wes Markin’s books. my husband and I are from the US but frequently travel to the UK and have spent time in Knaresborough bc of how wonderfully it’s described in Markin’s books. It’s a beautiful spot. This was the best Emma Gardner book. He really had me going trying to figure out who was going to be killed in the end. Great writing, and a fantastic story. Thanks Mr. Markin for sharing your talent and your stories with us. they help us to place us in a different world for a bit.
i’ve enjoyed everyone of Wes Markin’s books. my husband and I are from the US but frequently travel to the UK and have spent time in Knaresborough bc of how wonderfully it’s described in Markin’s books. It’s a beautiful spot. This was the best Emma Gardner book. He really had me going trying to figure out who was going to be killed in the end. Great writing, and a fantastic story. Thanks Mr. Markin for sharing your talent and your stories with us. they help us to place us in a different world for a bit.
February 26, 2025
Book 6 of the series of Yorkshire Murders didn't disappoint apart from the fact that the team have lost 2 well loved colleagues and Emma has had her old demons to deal with personally...Great storyline very gripping and again Wes has written a fantastic book ! I hope the Yorkshire Murders continues as I lived in Knaresborough for a while and the places bring familiarity and comfort ! Will Riidick be back ? And what now for Emma !
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