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Wild Fens #6
Never to Return: The Wild Fens Murder Mystery Series, Book 6
Some lies will never stay hidden.
When the body of a teenage boy is found in the River Witham, it falls to DI Freya Bloom and her team to raise the truth from the depths.
The boy, nicknamed Simple Simon, was a troubled soul. But when Bloom digs deeper into Simon’s life, she discovers that not only was he the victim of a viscous cyber bullying attack, but also suffered sexual abuse. Was his death a shocking teenage suicide, or does somebody have a terrible secret to hide?
With four potential suspects in the firing line, and guilt in every one of their eyes, Bloom must make some difficult choices. But as the investigation progresses, one thing becomes abundantly clear—Simple Simon wasn’t as simple as everybody thought. In fact, he was smarter than them all.
Never to Return is the chilling sixth book in the brand-new British crime series from USA Today best-selling author Jack Cartwright. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, Rachel McClean, and Ann Cleeves.
When the body of a teenage boy is found in the River Witham, it falls to DI Freya Bloom and her team to raise the truth from the depths.
The boy, nicknamed Simple Simon, was a troubled soul. But when Bloom digs deeper into Simon’s life, she discovers that not only was he the victim of a viscous cyber bullying attack, but also suffered sexual abuse. Was his death a shocking teenage suicide, or does somebody have a terrible secret to hide?
With four potential suspects in the firing line, and guilt in every one of their eyes, Bloom must make some difficult choices. But as the investigation progresses, one thing becomes abundantly clear—Simple Simon wasn’t as simple as everybody thought. In fact, he was smarter than them all.
Never to Return is the chilling sixth book in the brand-new British crime series from USA Today best-selling author Jack Cartwright. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, Rachel McClean, and Ann Cleeves.
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Published September 26, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 18, 2022
Great addition to the series.
Well, I really enjoyed this book, as always I read it in one sitting. Blast you Mr. Cartwright, this is always the same, I just can't stop reading. Just one more chapter, I say to myself - yeah right, like that ever happens. Now I have a long wait for book 7. I enjoyed getting to know Ben's father and brothers and really felt for him in the dilemma he was facing. Gillespie and Cruz are great, a good double act. The subject matter was sad but written well and I certainly had a few surprises whilst following the story. If you haven't read any of this series I would recommend you start with book 1, you are in for a treat. Bravo Jack, please keep them coming.
Well, I really enjoyed this book, as always I read it in one sitting. Blast you Mr. Cartwright, this is always the same, I just can't stop reading. Just one more chapter, I say to myself - yeah right, like that ever happens. Now I have a long wait for book 7. I enjoyed getting to know Ben's father and brothers and really felt for him in the dilemma he was facing. Gillespie and Cruz are great, a good double act. The subject matter was sad but written well and I certainly had a few surprises whilst following the story. If you haven't read any of this series I would recommend you start with book 1, you are in for a treat. Bravo Jack, please keep them coming.
November 23, 2024
Good mysteries. They would be better if Freya died, because she’s an idiot, sexist abusive pig.
The references to the past abuse of her direct subordinate posted me off, but I read it anyway because the book is good whenever Freya isn’t in it.
The references to the past abuse of her direct subordinate posted me off, but I read it anyway because the book is good whenever Freya isn’t in it.
May 4, 2024
Story line ok but contrived. There is no police work going on , just guessing and making the theory fit Freyas target of the moment. What is supposed to be funny banter between Gillespie and Cruze is actually constant bullying in the workplace. Discussions between Ben and Freya about seeing eachother naked is boring, juvenile and totally unrealistic. Not Good
September 19, 2023
Another easy call on this killer as well as another cringeworthy scene with our dynamic duo. *shudder*. On a plus point our dazzling DI bought herself a nice big Range Rover to swan around in too bad she didn’t do this a month in she would’ve had 6000 grand for a down payment. While for me it was an easy solve, the team all but stuck pictures of the suspects and threw some darts, because come hell or high water our DI was for sure pinning it on someone she just needed to bend the evidence to suit her narrative.
Our boy Ben was distracted by his father potentially becoming unwell and DS Gillespie found himself in a bit of a fix. Glad to have him and DC Cruz to lighten the mood and well as the cutting pathologist.
Our boy Ben was distracted by his father potentially becoming unwell and DS Gillespie found himself in a bit of a fix. Glad to have him and DC Cruz to lighten the mood and well as the cutting pathologist.
March 11, 2023
I am thoroughly enjoying this series where DI Bloom, DS Savage and Co attempt to solve murders in Lincolnshire. I like the continual development of the characters as well as the new plots in each case.
Well-written with a great sense of place. This story had disturbing themes and some twists, turns and surprises. My only gripe is some of the grammar such as 'off of' - should be off or from. However, still an excellent read.
Recommended.
Well-written with a great sense of place. This story had disturbing themes and some twists, turns and surprises. My only gripe is some of the grammar such as 'off of' - should be off or from. However, still an excellent read.
Recommended.
November 19, 2023
Another excellent story from Jack Cartwright in his "Wild Fens" series.
This is the sixth in the series, and is the most tangled so far - there's plenty to keep the reader guessing. The characters are expanded upon and we increasingly meet Gillespie and Cruz. They are a delight. And will Freya and Ben have some sort of affair?
It's clear how much I am enjoying the series because I now have "Lie Beside Me" (book 7 of the series) lined up on my Kindle.
This is the sixth in the series, and is the most tangled so far - there's plenty to keep the reader guessing. The characters are expanded upon and we increasingly meet Gillespie and Cruz. They are a delight. And will Freya and Ben have some sort of affair?
It's clear how much I am enjoying the series because I now have "Lie Beside Me" (book 7 of the series) lined up on my Kindle.
July 29, 2025
Hero's everywhere
This is a very good read. The team seemed to be falling apart somewhat, it's so well written because it makes you think worst case scenarios when it's actually something else. Ben and Jim are heroes for different reasons and Jim gets his leg over when he shouldn't. What will Ben do? I'm going to have to wait and see. The farm or his career? Will Freya finally bang him?
This is a very good read. The team seemed to be falling apart somewhat, it's so well written because it makes you think worst case scenarios when it's actually something else. Ben and Jim are heroes for different reasons and Jim gets his leg over when he shouldn't. What will Ben do? I'm going to have to wait and see. The farm or his career? Will Freya finally bang him?
September 6, 2022
I Absolutely loved this series called The wild Murder mystery by Jack i have Thoroughly enjoyed the reading these books each and every one of them are just brilliant by a very talented Author and I would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me lastly I would like to thank Jack for my ARC copy of this book which I Absolutely loved.
October 14, 2022
Excellent Story
I have read all of this series and have found them to be an excellent read. The characters and story lines work well. In Never To Return I did suspect the murderer from when they first appeared, but I would never had guessed all of the twists at the end. Looking forward to the next one.
I have read all of this series and have found them to be an excellent read. The characters and story lines work well. In Never To Return I did suspect the murderer from when they first appeared, but I would never had guessed all of the twists at the end. Looking forward to the next one.
August 12, 2023
Freya
I have the book 4 stars solely because I dislike Freya very much. She is rude and disrespectful. All the other characters I love especially Ben. He deserves someone special and that is not Freya. Would love to see Ben and Jackie together. I can't really tolerate much more of Freya. Ben should be the lead detective. Everyone one of his colleagues respect him.
I have the book 4 stars solely because I dislike Freya very much. She is rude and disrespectful. All the other characters I love especially Ben. He deserves someone special and that is not Freya. Would love to see Ben and Jackie together. I can't really tolerate much more of Freya. Ben should be the lead detective. Everyone one of his colleagues respect him.
August 29, 2023
Never to Return: (The Wild Fens Murder Mystery Series Book 6)
I didn’t think this series could get better, but, seems they can. The storylines and the humour go on and get better. I just can’t wait until the next page. I hate to put the book down and go to bed. You certainly know how to write a good book Jack Cartwright x
I didn’t think this series could get better, but, seems they can. The storylines and the humour go on and get better. I just can’t wait until the next page. I hate to put the book down and go to bed. You certainly know how to write a good book Jack Cartwright x
November 18, 2024
A difficult case to crack, but they do it!
Freya and Ben get closer but they work out the case of the death of a young boy. They attend a ‘death party’, which is new to them both. Ben decides that h might leave the police as he thinks his father is getting dementia. But Freya thinks otherwise. Will he or won’t he leave?
Freya and Ben get closer but they work out the case of the death of a young boy. They attend a ‘death party’, which is new to them both. Ben decides that h might leave the police as he thinks his father is getting dementia. But Freya thinks otherwise. Will he or won’t he leave?
November 20, 2024
robuster
These books are really well written for what they are. Just enough of everything to keep a person interested in the story line.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading . The hook is good , the characters clearly defined, the “”maybe “” romance between the two protagonists are all done well.
These books are really well written for what they are. Just enough of everything to keep a person interested in the story line.
I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading . The hook is good , the characters clearly defined, the “”maybe “” romance between the two protagonists are all done well.
August 13, 2025
Great Book
I am finding the books in this series just getting better and better the characters are really starting to come into there own Never To Return has been the best yet I found the story quite intense a few times.The plot is very good this book is really worth reading give it a try
I am finding the books in this series just getting better and better the characters are really starting to come into there own Never To Return has been the best yet I found the story quite intense a few times.The plot is very good this book is really worth reading give it a try
October 1, 2025
A good mystery from beginning to end. The writing, the characters, the plot all keep the reader turning the pages. A 13-year old boy is found dead in the river. Suspects include: his parents, the boy that bullied him, the owner of a business that the kids stole merchandise from. Are Ben and Freya ever going to get together - who knows. Looking forward to the next book.
October 15, 2022
great book, in a great series
Love all the main characters in the Freya Bloom series, especially Gillespie. The fact that they are Lincolnshire was the reason I started them, as I live in Lincolnshire,
Love all the main characters in the Freya Bloom series, especially Gillespie. The fact that they are Lincolnshire was the reason I started them, as I live in Lincolnshire,
October 30, 2022
Hang On to Your Hat
Goodness! The story in this book takes the reader to all kinds of places one would never fathom. But keep to its pages and almost all will be revealed at the end.
Goodness! The story in this book takes the reader to all kinds of places one would never fathom. But keep to its pages and almost all will be revealed at the end.
December 19, 2022
Excellent read.couldn't out it down
I love how bloom and Savage work together, and watching their relationship develop. some great characters in the team and always a crime and many suspects with twists and red herrings. NEXT !
I love how bloom and Savage work together, and watching their relationship develop. some great characters in the team and always a crime and many suspects with twists and red herrings. NEXT !
November 18, 2023
Fantastic
Another great Read. Bloom and her team work tirelessly in looking into a murder of a boy who drowned. However the victim wasn't the Simple Simon they thought he was. This series is addictive, one of the best out there.
Another great Read. Bloom and her team work tirelessly in looking into a murder of a boy who drowned. However the victim wasn't the Simple Simon they thought he was. This series is addictive, one of the best out there.
March 18, 2024
Further developments
Family relationships and duty come to the fore. A young boy is found drowned. He had been bullied and abused and got his revenge for the bullying but not the abuse. The team resolved the issues and arrive at the perpetrator being arrested.
Family relationships and duty come to the fore. A young boy is found drowned. He had been bullied and abused and got his revenge for the bullying but not the abuse. The team resolved the issues and arrive at the perpetrator being arrested.
June 15, 2024
Disappointing, the character were developing well, but there were too many threads in the plot and felt they weren't resolved completely in the end. Will read the next in the series to see if the characters and the plot line recovers.
June 26, 2024
Getting better with each book.
I really enjoyed this pisode of Freya Bloom and her team. More twist than a donkeys hind leg, red herrings and a surprising ending. All the characters are beginning to come to life.
I really enjoyed this pisode of Freya Bloom and her team. More twist than a donkeys hind leg, red herrings and a surprising ending. All the characters are beginning to come to life.
June 29, 2024
A great story and, as usual, much of it focused on the inter-team relationships as well as the case itself. Much dry humour to appreciate. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
July 22, 2024
In real life
If this was a real life story and series, several characters would be accused of sexual harassment. Freya is a wild card, nice one minute, rude and irritating the next. It's a perfect example of how some women are not good bosses.
If this was a real life story and series, several characters would be accused of sexual harassment. Freya is a wild card, nice one minute, rude and irritating the next. It's a perfect example of how some women are not good bosses.
November 21, 2024
in too deep
A fast moving story in this Fens detective series. I really enjoyed it. The relationships of the “team” are really showing through now, making the story lines more interesting.
A fast moving story in this Fens detective series. I really enjoyed it. The relationships of the “team” are really showing through now, making the story lines more interesting.
December 12, 2024
Excellent
I love these books. I don't review all of them as I'd be constantly repeating myself, but they're all different, the plots are always excellent, and I love the banter, it really makes me laugh.
I love these books. I don't review all of them as I'd be constantly repeating myself, but they're all different, the plots are always excellent, and I love the banter, it really makes me laugh.
January 11, 2025
A bit of a dip!
I suppose you are p permitted one book in a series to be not as good as the others today ... and in my opinion this is that one! With a challenging subplot to an unnecessary bedroom scene, this one took a bit of a dip. However, it was still a good 3-star read!
I suppose you are p permitted one book in a series to be not as good as the others today ... and in my opinion this is that one! With a challenging subplot to an unnecessary bedroom scene, this one took a bit of a dip. However, it was still a good 3-star read!
May 29, 2025
steady
This was a good steady story to continue the series. Very enjoyable, still the good writing, and the good plot lines and the sub plots are even twistier. The hints at the end were good, but can’t say more because…. spoilers!
This was a good steady story to continue the series. Very enjoyable, still the good writing, and the good plot lines and the sub plots are even twistier. The hints at the end were good, but can’t say more because…. spoilers!
July 2, 2025
a great read. Wasn’t too sure where this was going but had an inkling who was going to come out as the real culprit but never too sure. Not to sure who’s around for the next instalment but team dynamics will change. Great book and plot and still enjoying what the author has to offer.
August 22, 2025
A young boy is found dead in the water reeds but exactly how he died is a mystery. There are clues that will lead the team to so many suspects. Also Ben's dad is experiencing some health issues and that could affect Ben's future. And Gillespie & Cruz continue to be the comical relief. Fun book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews