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DS Ashley Knight #4
Death at Horsey Mere
Freshly promoted DI Ashley Knight has enjoyed her first six months in charge even though it’s been a challenging time with her team focused on breaking down a network of people smugglers.
One organisation has been swept away, but the other group operating in the county manage to fade from sight and reappear almost like their nickname, the Vampires. Blood is spilled, people vanish, lives are shattered, but intel is scarce. When they do catch the criminals, nobody talks. Tracking the ringleaders down in this vacuum is exhausting and morale is plummeting.
A teenage couple go missing in Suffolk, a body is found near a lighthouse and when two girls disappear from Norwich’s Golden Triangle, Hector makes a connection which chills Ashley to the bone. When another victim is found at Horsey Mere, the link to the ruthless criminals is obvious. Can Ashley solve the case, or will the mysterious Typhon prove to be an unstoppable force?
One organisation has been swept away, but the other group operating in the county manage to fade from sight and reappear almost like their nickname, the Vampires. Blood is spilled, people vanish, lives are shattered, but intel is scarce. When they do catch the criminals, nobody talks. Tracking the ringleaders down in this vacuum is exhausting and morale is plummeting.
A teenage couple go missing in Suffolk, a body is found near a lighthouse and when two girls disappear from Norwich’s Golden Triangle, Hector makes a connection which chills Ashley to the bone. When another victim is found at Horsey Mere, the link to the ruthless criminals is obvious. Can Ashley solve the case, or will the mysterious Typhon prove to be an unstoppable force?
578 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2025
240 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Ross Greenwood
48 books562 followersI was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 28, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Ross Greenwood and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
There is always something exciting when Ross Greenwood pens another thriller novel. His well-crafted police procedurals pull the reader into the middle of events and provide a strong narrative for all to enjoy. Missing teenagers and a potential trafficking ring leave newly promoted DI Ashley Knoght in quite the predicament, all while she tries to piece it together before too many perish. Greenwood keeps the action high and leaves the reader to guess what awaits them!
DI Ashley Knight is finding her new position quite challenging, but also where she belongs. Her first six months in leadership has left the team chasing down a group of human smugglers who remain one step ahead of the law. When two teenaged girls go missing in Norfolk, DI Knight cannot help but wonder if these are the latest victims of the smugglers.
When one body is found is Suffolk, the worst is confirmed, forcing DI Knight’s team to rush into action. Just as one group is located, another pops up, all under the banner of the Vampires, which had its base in Eastern Europe. Blood will be shed and many could die, but DI Knight refuses to stand down until the group is neutralised once and for all!
While no one is willing to talk, DI Knight and her team work every angle and find a lead that sends them into the middle of a firestorm. This could be her most dangerous case to date and might lead to violence and potential death. Greenwood weaves an intense story and keeps the reader hooked until the very end!
I have long enjoyed the work of Ross Greenwood. He never seems to run out of ideas, using his police procedurals to keep the reader hooked while events speed along. The narrative creates an intensity within the first chapters and does not stop until everything comes to light. Great characters and substantial developments for those who return in this book provide the reader something to which they can look forward. Adding some crossover characters from other series provides additional depth to an already great novel. Plot points prove well founded and keep things suspenseful, as nothing is quite as it seems. I am eager to see what Greenwood has next for this series and some of his other works.
Kudos, Mr. Greenwood, for this strong novel that ticks all the boxes.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
There is always something exciting when Ross Greenwood pens another thriller novel. His well-crafted police procedurals pull the reader into the middle of events and provide a strong narrative for all to enjoy. Missing teenagers and a potential trafficking ring leave newly promoted DI Ashley Knoght in quite the predicament, all while she tries to piece it together before too many perish. Greenwood keeps the action high and leaves the reader to guess what awaits them!
DI Ashley Knight is finding her new position quite challenging, but also where she belongs. Her first six months in leadership has left the team chasing down a group of human smugglers who remain one step ahead of the law. When two teenaged girls go missing in Norfolk, DI Knight cannot help but wonder if these are the latest victims of the smugglers.
When one body is found is Suffolk, the worst is confirmed, forcing DI Knight’s team to rush into action. Just as one group is located, another pops up, all under the banner of the Vampires, which had its base in Eastern Europe. Blood will be shed and many could die, but DI Knight refuses to stand down until the group is neutralised once and for all!
While no one is willing to talk, DI Knight and her team work every angle and find a lead that sends them into the middle of a firestorm. This could be her most dangerous case to date and might lead to violence and potential death. Greenwood weaves an intense story and keeps the reader hooked until the very end!
I have long enjoyed the work of Ross Greenwood. He never seems to run out of ideas, using his police procedurals to keep the reader hooked while events speed along. The narrative creates an intensity within the first chapters and does not stop until everything comes to light. Great characters and substantial developments for those who return in this book provide the reader something to which they can look forward. Adding some crossover characters from other series provides additional depth to an already great novel. Plot points prove well founded and keep things suspenseful, as nothing is quite as it seems. I am eager to see what Greenwood has next for this series and some of his other works.
Kudos, Mr. Greenwood, for this strong novel that ticks all the boxes.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 24, 2025
This is the fourth in the #Norfolkmurders series. Although I did read the prior one in the sequence, this can be read as a stand alone.The author kindly provides a directory of the cast of police characters at the beginning of the novel.
Ashley Knight has been promoted from DI to DS! She and her team become involved in an international crime syndicate when two young local women are missing. Soon they learn of other missing persons and dead bodies start showing up.
For those with trigger warnings: the storyline includes human trafficking, abduction of young women, and some gruesome attacks. A solid police procedural, I like this investigative team with their close personal relationships and sarcastic humor. The criminals in this installment are quite malevolent, while the writing pulls you in in this engrossing, can’t put down read. There are twists and turns…one you probably won’t see coming! Atmospheric, the descriptions of the Norfolk surroundings are vivid and evocative.
If you enjoy police procedurals featuring capable female detectives, I encourage you to check out this book. This author/series has been added to my “must read” list.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.
Ashley Knight has been promoted from DI to DS! She and her team become involved in an international crime syndicate when two young local women are missing. Soon they learn of other missing persons and dead bodies start showing up.
For those with trigger warnings: the storyline includes human trafficking, abduction of young women, and some gruesome attacks. A solid police procedural, I like this investigative team with their close personal relationships and sarcastic humor. The criminals in this installment are quite malevolent, while the writing pulls you in in this engrossing, can’t put down read. There are twists and turns…one you probably won’t see coming! Atmospheric, the descriptions of the Norfolk surroundings are vivid and evocative.
If you enjoy police procedurals featuring capable female detectives, I encourage you to check out this book. This author/series has been added to my “must read” list.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for the DRC.
February 2, 2025
The 4th Ashley Knight book sees her recently promoted and investigating an abduction of two teenage girls. When its discovered it may be more than what it seems the old gang get together when Hector is brought in to review data trends.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, with old and new characters mixing in. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future
A thoroughly enjoyable read, with old and new characters mixing in. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future
January 29, 2025
What a marvellous tale! In the seedy underworld of human trafficking, all is not quite what it seems.
But to lighten the load, Dave makes lemonade like Sheila in The Detectorists!
I am very excited for the next instalment. Will there be tears again?
But to lighten the load, Dave makes lemonade like Sheila in The Detectorists!
I am very excited for the next instalment. Will there be tears again?
March 8, 2025
The fourth book in this police procedural series proved just as engaging as the first three. This is a police procedural crime series that is a pleasure to follow.
Once again DI Ashley Knight finds herself heading a crime investigation that is most likely her most challenging yet. A crime gang called the Vampires are heavily into prostitution and a member of the gang has gone rogue – he is killing people for fun! And even worse, there is an international crime gang called Typhon, who are known people smugglers.
Four books into the series finds Hector Fade back from London and working with Ashley’s team. Their banter and jibing adding greatly to my enjoyment of the novel. Also, this time out, Sebastian, an investigative journalist is given access to Ashley’s team and their investigations. It seems peculiar to Ashley that this would be allowed, and she has her own suppositions as to why he is here.
DI Ashley Knight was an intelligent, lonely, and quite damaged protagonist. She has had a lot of ‘life lessons’ that have caused her to be empathetic to others. She is in her forties and single. In this novel she is newly promoted to Detective Inspector and she must navigate her work – and her team – within the new dynamic of being their boss.
The rest of Ashley’s MIT team included DC Barry Hooper (several years younger than Ashley – whom she used to sleep with), newly promoted DS Emma Stones (a six foot tall mother of three), and DS Jan Pederson. Ashley answers to Chief Inspector Vince Kettle. Even the peripheral characters in the book were interesting to get to know, however slightly. They were characters that were fully realized to the extent that you celebrated their successes and was distressed with their failures.
The setting was skilfully described. Norfolk, with its scenic Broads, windmills, and lighthouses.
In my opinion it would be advantageous to read this series in order to fully realize the development of the characters backstories.
Be warned, there are some distressing topics covered in this book. Forced prostitution, abduction, and people trafficking to name but three. I found this novel darker in subject matter than the previous books in the series.
There are many suspenseful scenes which will have you rapidly turning the pages to discover the outcome. With innocent missing teenagers, Ashley encounters some tense and some poignant moments.
The writing flowed smoothly, the pace was fast, and the characterization accomplished.
With a well crafted plot, strong characterization, and a satisfying conclusion, this book should appeal to many fans of the genre. All in all, “Death at Horsey Mere” was a very tense and immersive police procedural and I hope to read any further books in this series.
Recommended to lovers of police procedurals who do not mind some gritty scenes and subject matter.
Once again DI Ashley Knight finds herself heading a crime investigation that is most likely her most challenging yet. A crime gang called the Vampires are heavily into prostitution and a member of the gang has gone rogue – he is killing people for fun! And even worse, there is an international crime gang called Typhon, who are known people smugglers.
Four books into the series finds Hector Fade back from London and working with Ashley’s team. Their banter and jibing adding greatly to my enjoyment of the novel. Also, this time out, Sebastian, an investigative journalist is given access to Ashley’s team and their investigations. It seems peculiar to Ashley that this would be allowed, and she has her own suppositions as to why he is here.
DI Ashley Knight was an intelligent, lonely, and quite damaged protagonist. She has had a lot of ‘life lessons’ that have caused her to be empathetic to others. She is in her forties and single. In this novel she is newly promoted to Detective Inspector and she must navigate her work – and her team – within the new dynamic of being their boss.
The rest of Ashley’s MIT team included DC Barry Hooper (several years younger than Ashley – whom she used to sleep with), newly promoted DS Emma Stones (a six foot tall mother of three), and DS Jan Pederson. Ashley answers to Chief Inspector Vince Kettle. Even the peripheral characters in the book were interesting to get to know, however slightly. They were characters that were fully realized to the extent that you celebrated their successes and was distressed with their failures.
The setting was skilfully described. Norfolk, with its scenic Broads, windmills, and lighthouses.
In my opinion it would be advantageous to read this series in order to fully realize the development of the characters backstories.
Be warned, there are some distressing topics covered in this book. Forced prostitution, abduction, and people trafficking to name but three. I found this novel darker in subject matter than the previous books in the series.
There are many suspenseful scenes which will have you rapidly turning the pages to discover the outcome. With innocent missing teenagers, Ashley encounters some tense and some poignant moments.
The writing flowed smoothly, the pace was fast, and the characterization accomplished.
With a well crafted plot, strong characterization, and a satisfying conclusion, this book should appeal to many fans of the genre. All in all, “Death at Horsey Mere” was a very tense and immersive police procedural and I hope to read any further books in this series.
Recommended to lovers of police procedurals who do not mind some gritty scenes and subject matter.
January 30, 2025
A great series, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this one for ages! DS Ashley Knight, 6 months into a promotion and leading a team with new faces, working hard to uncover the branches of an international people smuggling ring. When more local girls go missing, old faces show up to help the high profile investigation. Ashley works hard, wants results and answers.
Love the series, this book was intense but well paced. I like how the serious story is matched with glimpses into her life, relationships etc. Seeing her as a woman rather than just another DS.
Dramatic, intense and quite dark at times; I enjoyed the action and how we see things unfold, almost allowing us to work out things at the same time.
Great book that I highly recommend
Love the series, this book was intense but well paced. I like how the serious story is matched with glimpses into her life, relationships etc. Seeing her as a woman rather than just another DS.
Dramatic, intense and quite dark at times; I enjoyed the action and how we see things unfold, almost allowing us to work out things at the same time.
Great book that I highly recommend
January 27, 2025
This is the fourth in the series and it's another terrific read. You could read it as a standalone as it's easy to pick up on past events. However you would miss out on the prior excellent books.
Ashley has been promoted and when young girls go missing, the team are brought in to investigate. The subject matter is hard-hitting with human trafficking to the forefront. The team are working in conjunction with the NCA after the discovery of a body near a lighthouse which links events here with others across Europe. Despite the nature of the story, it is easy to read as the author has a way of drawing you in and ensuring you feel connected with the main characters. I loved the twist towards the end which totally threw me. Fantastic!
Ashley has been promoted and when young girls go missing, the team are brought in to investigate. The subject matter is hard-hitting with human trafficking to the forefront. The team are working in conjunction with the NCA after the discovery of a body near a lighthouse which links events here with others across Europe. Despite the nature of the story, it is easy to read as the author has a way of drawing you in and ensuring you feel connected with the main characters. I loved the twist towards the end which totally threw me. Fantastic!
January 24, 2025
As ever an absolutely brilliant fast paced and enthralling book from this author. There is plenty of violence, terrifying suspense, glimpses into gangland and prison life and characters you can really believe in and get behind (the good guys that is).
I loved the dynamics between the police teams and the spot on struggles between their personal lives, humanity and highly pressured roles, Ross is one of few authors that’s gets this so right and with a big dollop of humour to get them and us through some horrific truly awful situations. The people trafficking element was incredibly poignant and sensitively written, even more terrifying to read as I have two teenage daughters. Might be avoiding lighthouses for a while. Eek. Thank you for a smashing and very immersive read, I’m sad to have finished it and to be back in reality, albeit I feel safer now.
I loved the dynamics between the police teams and the spot on struggles between their personal lives, humanity and highly pressured roles, Ross is one of few authors that’s gets this so right and with a big dollop of humour to get them and us through some horrific truly awful situations. The people trafficking element was incredibly poignant and sensitively written, even more terrifying to read as I have two teenage daughters. Might be avoiding lighthouses for a while. Eek. Thank you for a smashing and very immersive read, I’m sad to have finished it and to be back in reality, albeit I feel safer now.
January 24, 2025
The choice of victims and murders are pure evil. They seem to be done by one of the groups named after Greek myths and are seen in Netherlands as well as Norfolk. The bodies and having to talk to the families is truly wearing on the teams, but the twists and some stranger findings make for a tough read that grabbed me and wouldn't let go.
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected ebook file from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
Avail Mar 01, 2025
#DeathatHorseyMere #TheNorfolkMurdersBk4 #DSAshleyKnightBk4 #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #England #Procedural #Boldwood Books #internationalCrimes #abductions #murders
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected ebook file from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
Avail Mar 01, 2025
#DeathatHorseyMere #TheNorfolkMurdersBk4 #DSAshleyKnightBk4 #NetGalley #goodreads #bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #England #Procedural #Boldwood Books #internationalCrimes #abductions #murders
January 28, 2025
A really good crime thriller that really makes you feel immersed in the story. This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it has unlocked a new series for me to dive in to. I particularly loved the descriptions of areas of Norfolk that I know well as it allowed me to picture the scene so well. A fast paced read that I couldn’t put down.
March 6, 2025
This is a good police procedural book. I had not read any of the previous ones, this one seems to stand alone. There’s a lot going on in this book. It felt a alittle draggy at time and drawn out.
January 24, 2025
Another blinder from this author, I love this series.
Book four in the Norfolk murders and its all kicking off at Horsey Mere.
DS Ashley Knight.
As a teenage couple go missing, two girls dissappear, then two bodies are found.
A killer has gone rogue and taking lives for fun.
Newly promoted Ashley has found it a challenge up to now can she solve this typhon who's unstoppable.
This police procedural is a read to really get your teeth into, thats filled with action.
Loved it.
Book four in the Norfolk murders and its all kicking off at Horsey Mere.
DS Ashley Knight.
As a teenage couple go missing, two girls dissappear, then two bodies are found.
A killer has gone rogue and taking lives for fun.
Newly promoted Ashley has found it a challenge up to now can she solve this typhon who's unstoppable.
This police procedural is a read to really get your teeth into, thats filled with action.
Loved it.
January 22, 2025
Like before, I enjoyed the banter between Ashley and Hector, but also their serious and dedicated nature.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.
March 2, 2025
A teenage couple go missing along with a two young girls and Ashley and her team are fairly certain it is linked to a people smuggling gang they have been tracking without knowing who is at the head of the gang.
This is the fourth in the series and whilst not essential to have read the previous ones I think it would be helpful to understand the backstory of the characters.
All in all it is a good read and a fast paced storyline.
This is the fourth in the series and whilst not essential to have read the previous ones I think it would be helpful to understand the backstory of the characters.
All in all it is a good read and a fast paced storyline.
March 2, 2025
This was so good! A thrilling plot which captured my attention straight away up to the very end! A lot of action as well as twists and turns raised my blood pressure! What I also particularly like in the series lies in the characterisation: the investigating team is made up of ordinary people with ordinary problems and not overwhelmed by traumatic pasts as in so many other series. They are a likeable bunch whom I would be ready to meet ! I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of the author's beloved Cromer situated at the seaside. A highly entertaining investigation!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
March 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I have read the other books in this series but I think it would do well as a standalone book too.
Newly promoted DI Ashley Knight and her team are investigating the disappearance of four young people. They are also in the middle of investigating a trafficking group who were active in Europe but have since moved to Norfolk and Suffolk. They discover that there is a connection between the two investigations.
This book is fast paced and action packed. I liked that the book started with a breakdown of the police teams and their respective ranks.
I would definitely recommend this book. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Newly promoted DI Ashley Knight and her team are investigating the disappearance of four young people. They are also in the middle of investigating a trafficking group who were active in Europe but have since moved to Norfolk and Suffolk. They discover that there is a connection between the two investigations.
This book is fast paced and action packed. I liked that the book started with a breakdown of the police teams and their respective ranks.
I would definitely recommend this book. I look forward to reading more in this series.
August 14, 2025
“Those left will soon get the message that Norfolk is too dangerous a place to do business”.
That’s got to be the only ever time that I have read that sentence anywhere. Very likely the only time it’s ever been written!
This is the third book in this series that I’ve read. Admittedly, my main interest is that they’re set where I live.
In this book, girls are being abducted and forced into prostitution or killed and dumped at local beauty spots such as those with a Windmill. Hence the title of the book - Horsey Mere is the setting in the Norfolk Broads of a windmill (wind pump) now owned by the National Trust.
Considering that the most dramatic thing you can expect on the news around here is a tractor fire, the criminal goings-on in the book do seem a tad amplified and suspension of dis-belief is a definite requirement!
Big crime gangs coming from Eastern Europe and hiding out in Norfolk is obviously handy to flesh out a book and stretch the plot but it just seems a bit far-fetched. And one of the gang names - The Vampires. Is that a name given by the police or does the gang call themselves that? They could have easily called themselves ‘The Bash Street Kids’ - it sounds just as juvenile and unbelievable.
And when ‘Satanic Cult’ and ‘Human Sacrices’ were mentioned, I was all “Noooo! Please don’t take that route!”
So, I did a fair amount of eye rolling and sighing but luckily there’s other aspects that make me want to continue reading.
Namely, the setting of Norfolk and that Ross Greenwood uses real places that I know well. When walking down Mill Road in Cromer recently, I actually wondered which house was Ashley’s!
Simple pleasures, but ones that I really enjoy about this series.
I’m getting used to the characters, but unfortunately, none of them are deeply engaging. I’m surprised Barry hasn’t been made to go on some sensitivity training course yet! I haven’t read Ross Greenwood’s other series featuring DI Barton, but he made several appearances in this book. Gotta love a character crossover!
One part I was more invested in was the events at Peterborough Prison - I found the description of the workings of the prison and the staffing situation fascinating. I read that the author used to work in a prison so obviously has used that experience to great success in his writing. I would have quite happily enjoyed more of that side of the story.
For me, the book stretched out a bit far, which thinned out the meat of the book considerably.
Anyway - here’s some of my ideas for potential North Norfolk based crimes: a serial killer picks off victims during Cromer Carnival week; a fresh cliff-slide at Trimingham reveals a mass grave; a Right-Wing fetishist killer is using the Forties weekend at Sheringham to hide in plain sight; a series of fatal poisonings at Boujee coffee shops in Holt uncovers the tip of the killings by the self-proclaimed ‘Artesanal Killer’. Ross Greenwood - do you need a consultant?! 🤣🤣
Ratings:
Storyline: 2/5 ⭐️
Setting: 5/5 ⭐️
Characters: 3/5 ⭐️
Overall enjoyment: 4/5 ⭐️
That’s got to be the only ever time that I have read that sentence anywhere. Very likely the only time it’s ever been written!
This is the third book in this series that I’ve read. Admittedly, my main interest is that they’re set where I live.
In this book, girls are being abducted and forced into prostitution or killed and dumped at local beauty spots such as those with a Windmill. Hence the title of the book - Horsey Mere is the setting in the Norfolk Broads of a windmill (wind pump) now owned by the National Trust.
Considering that the most dramatic thing you can expect on the news around here is a tractor fire, the criminal goings-on in the book do seem a tad amplified and suspension of dis-belief is a definite requirement!
Big crime gangs coming from Eastern Europe and hiding out in Norfolk is obviously handy to flesh out a book and stretch the plot but it just seems a bit far-fetched. And one of the gang names - The Vampires. Is that a name given by the police or does the gang call themselves that? They could have easily called themselves ‘The Bash Street Kids’ - it sounds just as juvenile and unbelievable.
And when ‘Satanic Cult’ and ‘Human Sacrices’ were mentioned, I was all “Noooo! Please don’t take that route!”
So, I did a fair amount of eye rolling and sighing but luckily there’s other aspects that make me want to continue reading.
Namely, the setting of Norfolk and that Ross Greenwood uses real places that I know well. When walking down Mill Road in Cromer recently, I actually wondered which house was Ashley’s!
Simple pleasures, but ones that I really enjoy about this series.
I’m getting used to the characters, but unfortunately, none of them are deeply engaging. I’m surprised Barry hasn’t been made to go on some sensitivity training course yet! I haven’t read Ross Greenwood’s other series featuring DI Barton, but he made several appearances in this book. Gotta love a character crossover!
One part I was more invested in was the events at Peterborough Prison - I found the description of the workings of the prison and the staffing situation fascinating. I read that the author used to work in a prison so obviously has used that experience to great success in his writing. I would have quite happily enjoyed more of that side of the story.
For me, the book stretched out a bit far, which thinned out the meat of the book considerably.
Anyway - here’s some of my ideas for potential North Norfolk based crimes: a serial killer picks off victims during Cromer Carnival week; a fresh cliff-slide at Trimingham reveals a mass grave; a Right-Wing fetishist killer is using the Forties weekend at Sheringham to hide in plain sight; a series of fatal poisonings at Boujee coffee shops in Holt uncovers the tip of the killings by the self-proclaimed ‘Artesanal Killer’. Ross Greenwood - do you need a consultant?! 🤣🤣
Ratings:
Storyline: 2/5 ⭐️
Setting: 5/5 ⭐️
Characters: 3/5 ⭐️
Overall enjoyment: 4/5 ⭐️
January 26, 2026
DEATH AT HORSEY MERE By Ross Greenwood
Freshly promoted DI Ashley Knight has enjoyed her first six months in charge even though it’s been a challenging time with her team focused on breaking down a network of people smugglers.
One organisation has been swept away, but the other group operating in the county manage to fade from sight and reappear almost like their nickname, the Vampires. Blood is spilled, people vanish, lives are shattered, but intel is scarce. When they do catch the criminals, nobody talks. Tracking the ringleaders down in this vacuum is exhausting and morale is plummeting.
A teenage couple go missing in Suffolk, a body is found near a lighthouse and when two girls disappear from Norwich’s Golden Triangle, Hector makes a connection which chills Ashley to the bone. When another victim is found at Horsey Mere, the link to the ruthless criminals is obvious. Can Ashley solve the case, or will the mysterious Typhon prove to be an unstoppable force?
😊What i liked -
✔ Mystery/Suspense/Procedural.
✔ If you are a fan of police procedural series or even books then this is a book for you. I liked the plot, the premise of the book was good. It was interesting to read about how they solve the crime with a bit of a relationship between the detectives. There were quite a few interesting twists that kept the story interesting. It was an interesting read.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ This was part of the series - so i felt i should have started with the first book so at least understand the relationships or should i say backstory between the characters.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
🕵️Police Procedural Lovers
📈My Rating : 3./5
Freshly promoted DI Ashley Knight has enjoyed her first six months in charge even though it’s been a challenging time with her team focused on breaking down a network of people smugglers.
One organisation has been swept away, but the other group operating in the county manage to fade from sight and reappear almost like their nickname, the Vampires. Blood is spilled, people vanish, lives are shattered, but intel is scarce. When they do catch the criminals, nobody talks. Tracking the ringleaders down in this vacuum is exhausting and morale is plummeting.
A teenage couple go missing in Suffolk, a body is found near a lighthouse and when two girls disappear from Norwich’s Golden Triangle, Hector makes a connection which chills Ashley to the bone. When another victim is found at Horsey Mere, the link to the ruthless criminals is obvious. Can Ashley solve the case, or will the mysterious Typhon prove to be an unstoppable force?
😊What i liked -
✔ Mystery/Suspense/Procedural.
✔ If you are a fan of police procedural series or even books then this is a book for you. I liked the plot, the premise of the book was good. It was interesting to read about how they solve the crime with a bit of a relationship between the detectives. There were quite a few interesting twists that kept the story interesting. It was an interesting read.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ This was part of the series - so i felt i should have started with the first book so at least understand the relationships or should i say backstory between the characters.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
🕵️Police Procedural Lovers
📈My Rating : 3./5
February 26, 2025
Thank you to @netgalley that gave the option to read this as an ARC.
This is part of a series which a ds investigates the Norfolk murders
When a teenage couple go missing, the police aren’t too concerned. Young lovers often make bad choices.
Then a body is found near a Suffolk lighthouse, and shortly after, two girls seem to vanish into thin air. Freshly promoted DI Ashley Knight knows she has a battle on her hands to keep the public safe, and she’s going to need expert help.
Ashley turns to her old protégé, Hector Fade, seconded from The Met to analyse an avalanche of data. But neither Hector nor Ashley are prepared for the chilling connection his work uncovers to the body by the lighthouse.
Ashley, Hector and the team must break down a fiendishly complicated network of people smugglers, but another victim is found at Horsey Mere and their worst suspicions are realised. A member of the gang has gone rogue and is taking lives for fun. When Hector uncovers a pattern in the choice of victim, time is against the detectives to stop the murderer killing again.
This is part of a series which a ds investigates the Norfolk murders
When a teenage couple go missing, the police aren’t too concerned. Young lovers often make bad choices.
Then a body is found near a Suffolk lighthouse, and shortly after, two girls seem to vanish into thin air. Freshly promoted DI Ashley Knight knows she has a battle on her hands to keep the public safe, and she’s going to need expert help.
Ashley turns to her old protégé, Hector Fade, seconded from The Met to analyse an avalanche of data. But neither Hector nor Ashley are prepared for the chilling connection his work uncovers to the body by the lighthouse.
Ashley, Hector and the team must break down a fiendishly complicated network of people smugglers, but another victim is found at Horsey Mere and their worst suspicions are realised. A member of the gang has gone rogue and is taking lives for fun. When Hector uncovers a pattern in the choice of victim, time is against the detectives to stop the murderer killing again.
February 28, 2025
3.5 stars
This is a good crime thriller based in and around Norfolk.
DI Ashley Knight is enjoying her new role and working with the team.
When two teenage girls are reported missing they are asked to investigate. When speaking to their families they realise it is very out of character for the girls to be out of contact, and the pressure is on to find them.
With another case in Suffolk showing some similarities to this one, Ashley and the team realise there is something big happening in the county.
They are determined to stop these criminals and save the girls but it’s not an easy task.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a good crime thriller based in and around Norfolk.
DI Ashley Knight is enjoying her new role and working with the team.
When two teenage girls are reported missing they are asked to investigate. When speaking to their families they realise it is very out of character for the girls to be out of contact, and the pressure is on to find them.
With another case in Suffolk showing some similarities to this one, Ashley and the team realise there is something big happening in the county.
They are determined to stop these criminals and save the girls but it’s not an easy task.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
October 1, 2025
Accidentally started reading book 5 of this series out of order so circled back to this one to avoid spoilers. Continuing the story arc started in the previous book DI Knight and her team get closer to nailing the ringleaders behind the Europe wide human trafficking ring.
Decent characters and a few twists towards the end. Once again the author adds some authenticity by knowing the area very well. The majority of readers will have no personal knowledge of these locations, but can enhance their reading experience with a quick online search and/or Google street view.
Now back to book 5 which I started out of turn:)
Decent characters and a few twists towards the end. Once again the author adds some authenticity by knowing the area very well. The majority of readers will have no personal knowledge of these locations, but can enhance their reading experience with a quick online search and/or Google street view.
Now back to book 5 which I started out of turn:)
January 2, 2026
This the fourth book in the series sees newly promoted DS Knight tracking a network of people smugglers. In many ways a continuation of book three.
I enjoyed this novel however, I do find that the more I read of this series the more I feel they drag in the middle and that this could have been a tighter book with a good edit and the removal of 50-100 pages. That said I will seek out book five.
I enjoyed this novel however, I do find that the more I read of this series the more I feel they drag in the middle and that this could have been a tighter book with a good edit and the removal of 50-100 pages. That said I will seek out book five.
March 25, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed great collab with Kettle and Barten involved. Love all the characters glad to see Hectar back with Ashley and love new addition Seb. Good storyline kept me involved and hooked.
September 5, 2025
I love his books but this did feel a bit all over the place!
Human trafficking story line that was very well done on the whole. I just got a bit lost with all the names and identities which probably say more about me
7/10
Human trafficking story line that was very well done on the whole. I just got a bit lost with all the names and identities which probably say more about me
7/10
March 2, 2025
Another great read by Ross Greenwood! DI Ashley Knight and her team investigate the disappearance of two teenage girls, and it turns out they are dealing with a group of very organized criminals. It's a very challenging case, and I enjoyed the journey! One thing I always appreciate with Ross Greenwood's books is his character development, especially Ashley and her team. They become like friends! Highly recommend!
March 10, 2025
The Norfolk Murders Series has another great addition with Death At Horsey Mere, Ross Greenwood knows how to engage the reader with his writing style, at times you feel so immersed in the story as the tension builds throughout, but what I like is the realism the Author brings with each character, and it’s so good to see DI Ashley Knight back with the team,
Once again human trafficking is a strong subject matter, not only are the team up against a new international underworld organisation, in a separate investigation young people are missing, and it now appears there could be a possible link between both cases. I love this series, it’s not always easy to read, but Ross Greenwood knows his subject and it needs to be written about, the evil people who use and destroy the lives of others in trafficking for monetary gain need to be stopped, so thank you Ross for bringing this to the forefront. Now waiting for the next instalment!.
Once again human trafficking is a strong subject matter, not only are the team up against a new international underworld organisation, in a separate investigation young people are missing, and it now appears there could be a possible link between both cases. I love this series, it’s not always easy to read, but Ross Greenwood knows his subject and it needs to be written about, the evil people who use and destroy the lives of others in trafficking for monetary gain need to be stopped, so thank you Ross for bringing this to the forefront. Now waiting for the next instalment!.
March 1, 2025
I was lucky enough to read this on NetGalley and thoroughly enjoyed my first book by this author. This is part of a series but works well as a standalone read. It’s quite fast-paced with lots going on and there is a surprising twist … who doesn’t love a twist?
For me, the only thing that stopped it being 5 stars was the number of characters to keep track of, I found it confusing at times to remember who everyone was! That said, I liked the characters and their interactions felt natural.
The storyline is well-plotted, intricate and exciting. The setting is an important element of the writing and all the familiar places in Norfolk that are included are accurately described.
I recommend this book to those who like a well written police procedural, those who like a thrilling action-packed read, those who like a story with a strong sense of place and those who just want a cracking good read! I’ll be reading more by this author!
For me, the only thing that stopped it being 5 stars was the number of characters to keep track of, I found it confusing at times to remember who everyone was! That said, I liked the characters and their interactions felt natural.
The storyline is well-plotted, intricate and exciting. The setting is an important element of the writing and all the familiar places in Norfolk that are included are accurately described.
I recommend this book to those who like a well written police procedural, those who like a thrilling action-packed read, those who like a story with a strong sense of place and those who just want a cracking good read! I’ll be reading more by this author!
August 8, 2025
Another great read from the talented author Ross Greenwood. I read this one out of series order, which may have given me spoilers to the character relationships and developments to the earlier books. However I’m sure I shall be enthralled with each books storyline’s.
February 28, 2025
This is book 4 of this series and, as usual, I am going to recommend you start from the beginning and read in order. Although the main story herein is self-contained, the characters all have backstories and you would probably have a better time with them if you do this.
So... Ashley Knight is now a DI and, as anyone who has been promoted knows, it's not easy being boss of people who used to be your peers. When we catch up with her, 6 months after said promotion, she seems to have bedded in nicely and, with her team, has been busy working on cracking a network of people smugglers. They have had some success but one main group are still going strong having evaded their endeavours to shut them down, and with no one talking, they have pretty much hit a brick wall in their investigations.
Meanwhile, a couple of teenage girls go missing which takes their attention. This is then connected to the disappearance of a different couple not long since. And then they slowly start to connect the dots to the people smugglers, and it becomes a race against time to track down the ringleaders and put a stop to their evil regime.
Oh my days. This book hit the ground running, grabbed me from the off, held me captive throughout, spitting me out at the end exhausted but wholly satisfied. I say exhausted but also quite emotionally spent too. As you will find out when you get there, I'm giving nothing away here.
It's also a very busy book with a lot going on. It'll help if you are already familiar with the main players as there are quite a few extras in the cast. But the author does a great job keeping all his juggling balls up in the air. There were a few things that confused me along the way, but knowing this author, and trusting him, I just held on to them, as I knew it would all come good in the end. And it did!
There is absolutely no superfluous waffle or padding to distract so it all gets on with itself very well indeed, with pacing matching narrative all the way through. Although the main story is rather dark and intense, there are lighter moments included which I found kept the book balanced and stopped it from getting too heavy.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is now a well established series. I really can't wait to see what happens next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... Ashley Knight is now a DI and, as anyone who has been promoted knows, it's not easy being boss of people who used to be your peers. When we catch up with her, 6 months after said promotion, she seems to have bedded in nicely and, with her team, has been busy working on cracking a network of people smugglers. They have had some success but one main group are still going strong having evaded their endeavours to shut them down, and with no one talking, they have pretty much hit a brick wall in their investigations.
Meanwhile, a couple of teenage girls go missing which takes their attention. This is then connected to the disappearance of a different couple not long since. And then they slowly start to connect the dots to the people smugglers, and it becomes a race against time to track down the ringleaders and put a stop to their evil regime.
Oh my days. This book hit the ground running, grabbed me from the off, held me captive throughout, spitting me out at the end exhausted but wholly satisfied. I say exhausted but also quite emotionally spent too. As you will find out when you get there, I'm giving nothing away here.
It's also a very busy book with a lot going on. It'll help if you are already familiar with the main players as there are quite a few extras in the cast. But the author does a great job keeping all his juggling balls up in the air. There were a few things that confused me along the way, but knowing this author, and trusting him, I just held on to them, as I knew it would all come good in the end. And it did!
There is absolutely no superfluous waffle or padding to distract so it all gets on with itself very well indeed, with pacing matching narrative all the way through. Although the main story is rather dark and intense, there are lighter moments included which I found kept the book balanced and stopped it from getting too heavy.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is now a well established series. I really can't wait to see what happens next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 21, 2025
Fourth in what was originally meant to be a trilogy of police procedural/crime novels billed as “The Norfolk Murder Series” by a well known writer whose previous DI Barton books were set around his native Peterborough but whose parents have a chalet near Cromer – hence inspiring this series.
The series features the promoted-in-the-last-book Detective Inspector Ashley Knight of a Wymondham based Norfolk Major Investigative Team.
The story line here is of a European wide crime gang (specialising in forced people trafficking) – which rather implausibly seems to have been responsible for hundreds of deaths, but which due to belated cross European co-operation and the breaking of a Telegram messaging service is on a severe decline, the remaining masterminds (veterans of the Balkan wars) believed to have retreated to their last stonghold in Norfolk. And this all seems connected with a series of abductions of young girls as the criminals seem desperate to find ways to continue their last business of brothels (using container crates parked in industrial estates). An even darker and odder aspect appears to relate to some of the girls being picked for possible ritualistic killings which seem to occur near lighthouses or windmills.
The gang are largely run to the ground not much more than half way through the book – but a large part takes place in Peterborough Prison as the police try to identify and hunt down the last members of the gang including with the help of a policeman from the Norfolk MIT who has been imprisoned for being an informer for criminals (but is actually acting undercover).
Overall although it was interesting to visit the characters again and the book has the thriller aspects of the third in the series it was not my favourite – the appearance of DI Barton was of no interest to me, while I felt the coverage of Norfolk (which does interest me) was a little lacking here compared to the first or third novels.
The next in the series is set at Fakenham races I am hoping both for my local colour (including the surrounding area) and for a crime story that is perhaps a little less dramatic.
The series features the promoted-in-the-last-book Detective Inspector Ashley Knight of a Wymondham based Norfolk Major Investigative Team.
The story line here is of a European wide crime gang (specialising in forced people trafficking) – which rather implausibly seems to have been responsible for hundreds of deaths, but which due to belated cross European co-operation and the breaking of a Telegram messaging service is on a severe decline, the remaining masterminds (veterans of the Balkan wars) believed to have retreated to their last stonghold in Norfolk. And this all seems connected with a series of abductions of young girls as the criminals seem desperate to find ways to continue their last business of brothels (using container crates parked in industrial estates). An even darker and odder aspect appears to relate to some of the girls being picked for possible ritualistic killings which seem to occur near lighthouses or windmills.
The gang are largely run to the ground not much more than half way through the book – but a large part takes place in Peterborough Prison as the police try to identify and hunt down the last members of the gang including with the help of a policeman from the Norfolk MIT who has been imprisoned for being an informer for criminals (but is actually acting undercover).
Overall although it was interesting to visit the characters again and the book has the thriller aspects of the third in the series it was not my favourite – the appearance of DI Barton was of no interest to me, while I felt the coverage of Norfolk (which does interest me) was a little lacking here compared to the first or third novels.
The next in the series is set at Fakenham races I am hoping both for my local colour (including the surrounding area) and for a crime story that is perhaps a little less dramatic.
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