Dark Peak Kill: A Yorkshire Mystery

by Mike Grist

On the wind-lashed moors of Yorkshire’s Dark Peak, a young woman is found buried alive — her legs jutting up from the frozen ground.

The scene is precise. Perfect. Designed to be found.

For American FBI agent Sally Rogers, on a one-year exchange with the UK’s National Crime Agency, it’s more than a murder. It’s an echo of the massacre that nearly ended her life — and left scars she’ll never forget.

Now she’s under attack from a bloodthirsty press. Her new partner wants her off the case. And the tight-knit villagers of Bleakmoor guard their secrets as fiercely as the moor keeps its dead.

But the killer’s skill tells her this is only the start.

From the mist-shrouded ridges of Dark Peak to the coal mines rotting under the heather, the trail drags Sally deep into old nightmares. That darkness could give her the edge to stop a merciless killer — or bury her for good.

A gripping British crime thriller with an American twist, ideal for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and Robert Galbraith.

If you love dark, atmospheric mysteries with twisting plots, a strong female lead and a setting that becomes a character, you’ll be hooked on the Sally Rogers series.

Praise for Dark Peak
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Broadchurch meets True Detective - an unputdownable blend of chilling atmosphere and razor-sharp plotting.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Buckle up - keeps you guessing right to the last page!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Felt like being on the moors myself. Just brilliant.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “A masterclass in tension, twists, and what a payoff!”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Couldn’t sleep until I finished it. Sally Rogers is my new favourite detective!”

488 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2025

About the author

Mike Grist is the British/American author of the Christopher Wren and Girl Zero thriller series.

For 11 years Mike lived in Tokyo, Japan, exploring and photographing the dark side of the city and the country: gangs, cults and abandoned places. Now he writes from London, UK, about ex-DELTA operator Christopher Wren - an anti-hero vigilante who brings brutal payback for dark crimes on an unprecedented scale.

Mike also writes science fiction and fantasy as Michael John Grist:

Reviews

[Mountainhombre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced with an incredible atmosphere.

Sally Rogers is a fascinating character from the Cristopher Wren series. She doesn't disappoint in this novel.

There were several other interesting characters, but for me, there were too many. Mr. Grist does a nice job of gently reminding me of who is who, but still, I was sometimes confused.

The plot is complex and kept me guessing until near the end.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slow and disjointed and then it took off and I couldn't put it down. The plot was original and intriguing. The characters were somewhat unlikeable but that fit the plotline and the movement of the story. I will definitely be watching for the next book in this series to be released in 2026.

[Notthatjc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn between two ratings

This was either a great psychological thriller or poorly written pulp. Ill try to explain without spoiling the soup.
The killer either was a great example of a psycho as they felt fake in their interactions, as if they weren't genuine or the author just wrote the char

[janice robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Peak

If I could give more than five stars I would this has been a brilliant read from start to finish and I can't wait for your next instalment

[Barbara G. Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book! Twists & turns throughout. It is a spinoff of the Christopher Wren series.