Fire on the Fells

Detectives Donovan & Young #2

by Cath Staincliffe

Summer can be murder, out on the sun-scorched Yorkshire Fells.

No one loves the Fells like Tyler Prasad. An eighteen-year-old dreamer who came here to join an eco-protest.

But Tyler’s past followed hot on his heels.

Now Tyler lies dead in a ditch. His handsome face shot to pieces in a brutal attack that baffles Detective Leo Donovan.

There’s no shortage of gunmen roving the land in search of grouse — most of them staying at luxury country-house retreat, Patefield Grange.

The shooting party guests tell Detective Leo the victim’s name means nothing to them. But Leo knows a lie when he hears one.

The Grange is a hotbed of smouldering secrets. Which was worth killing for?

Detective Leo and his partner Shan must solve the case before it all goes up in smoke . . .

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Procedural

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2025

About the author

Cath Staincliffe is a best-selling, award-winning novelist, radio playwright and the creator of ITV's hit series, Blue Murder, starring Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis. Cath's books have been short-listed for the British Crime Writers Association best first novel award, for the Dagger in the Library and selected as Le Masque de l'Année. In 2012 Cath won the CWA Short Story Dagger for Laptop, sharing the prize with Margaret Murphy with her story The Message. Cath was shortlisted again with Night Nurse in 2014. Cath's Sal Kilkenny private eye series features a single-parent sleuth working the mean streets of Manchester. Trio, a stand-alone novel moved away from crime to explore adoption and growing up in the 1960s, inspired by Cath's own experience. Letters To My Daughter's Killer was selected for Specsavers Crime Thriller Book Club in 2014 and featured on ITV3s Crime Thriller Club. Cath also writes the Scott & Bailey novels based on the popular UK TV series. Cath's latest stand alone book, The Girl in the Green Dress, was inspired by her experience as the parent of a transgender child. It tells the story of a transphobic hate crime and asks the question: how far would you go to protect your child? Cath is one of the founding members of Murder Squad - a group of Northern crime writers who give readings, talks and signings around the country. Cath was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, UK and now lives in Manchester, Lancashire with her family. You can follow her on Twitter, @CathStaincliffe, which she does when she should be busy writing!

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As we meet DI Leo Donovan and DC Shan Young, Leo’s son, Luke, has just been imprisoned for a racially motivated attack, whilst Shan, sadly, has recently suffered a miscarriage.

On the work front they have to deal with the tragic case of 18 year old Tyler Prasad. Tyler was about to start Uni- an environmental activist, he’d been found brutally murdered whilst photographing wildlife on the fells. The area where his body was found is part of one of the big estates who host shooting parties.

The pursuit of the killer brings danger to everyone involved, not least from the blisteringly high temperatures causing wildfires across the fells. This particular event is described in great detail and is simply terrifying.

Set in the Yorkshire dales, this is a terrific read. Leo and Shan make an great pair, and we slowly get to hear more about their personal struggles alongside their latest case. The storyline itself featured some really interesting characters, and together with many false leads and some unexpected twists, this reader was gripped right the way through. I Iook forward to hearing more of Leo and Shan in the future. I hadn’t read the first in the series but it wasn’t a problem.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Joffe Books for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[CarolG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Leo Donovan and his partner Shan Young are called to the scene when a dead body is discovered on the Yorkshire Fells, on part of a big estate that hosts grouse shooting parties.

This is the second book in a series featuring these two detectives and, although I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book, it's well written and an enjoyable read with a satisfying finish. In my opinion, it's not necessary to have read "The Fells" first but I recommend it. In this book we learn more about the personal lives of the two main characters which makes them all the more realistic. It's a mostly slow-moving police investigation until about 65% when the "fire" makes an appearance, literally and figuratively. I'm pretty sure there's a third book in the offing and I'll be there for it.

I read this for free with my Kindle Unlimited membership.

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIRE ON THE FELLS is the second book in the DI Leo Donovan and DC Shan Young series by Cath Staincliffe. The story takes place shortly after the investigation in the first book—"The Fells"—ends, but I found that the ambience differed substantially. "The Fells" was all about mood—the story was permeated by sadness. FIRE ON THE FELLS is more of an action tale. There is a continuing sadness in the lives of the two investigators, Donovan and Young, but there is also far more activity taking place in the narrative, particularly in the latter third of the book.

The story begins when the body of 18-year-old Tyler Prasad is discovered on an estate that hosted shooting parties. Donovan and Young soon uncover several possible suspects—a member of the affluent shooting party, estate employees, and Tyler's former girlfriend—but the culprit is revealed shortly after the 65% point, and from then on the story stops being a mystery and instead becomes a chase, a chase that becomes dangerous to both investigators when a fire is started on the fells.

I didn't feel as immersed in this tale as I did in "The Fells", but I still liked the investigators and hope to continue the series as they split their time between murder investigations and their ongoing efforts towards solving their personal problems. I also find that I greatly enjoy Cath Staincliffe's writing style.

Thus, excellent writing plus greater insight into the lives of several characters, for an overall four-star rating.

[Alisonbookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Can't get enough of enough of Detective thrillers. The UK settings are interesting.
DCI Donavan and Young are investigating the murder of young man in the mountains of The Fells.
The first place they investigate is a hunting lodge/hotel for a time line of when the hunting happens.
The story focuses on the murder and also Leo and Shans personal lives which were up to date with current events.
Of course I didn't start on the first book in the series. Happens sometimes when one story seems better.
If you like Joy Ellis you'll love these well written characters.
I'll probably continue this series from the beginning

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved it. Fire On The Fens follows nicely The Fens. Yes, there's a new case being investigated, but Cath Staincliffe gives us a nice continuity as far as private lives of Donovan and Young are concerned. And that's one of the reasons I love that series so much. The crimes committed, the investigation, it's gripping, it's intense and holds your interest throughout but we also get to see and experience the private lives of our characters, we get to know them well and they're so likeable and also relatable. There's so much to like here and I cannot wait for another book in the series.

[Geraldine Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, Authentic storytelling

The main characters of Leo and Shan are well drawn, realistic and feel as if they live and breathe. Their private lives are believable and avoid the common tropes of "tortured detectives" The storytelling is similarly authentic, the crimes well written and the plot structure never less than solid. Very enjoyable series, looking forward to more.

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in this series featuring Detectives Leo Donovan and Shan Young.

I really enjoyed the first book, although it's not essential to have read it before getting stuck into this one. The two detectives are likeable and relatable, with their own personal issues that cross over into their work on occasion, in this instance, the conviction of Leo's son for a racially motivated attack. The murder of an eighteen year old activist in the grounds of a hunting lodge takes the two onto the moors and into danger as the plot plays out brilliantly. The pace doesn't let up and neither does the tension!

3.5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Cath Staincliffe and Joffe for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and enjoyed the first in this series I was very eager to get my hands on Book 2. This time both Donovan and Young are having a difficult time dealing with problems in their personal lives but on the work front are investigating the shooting of a young man high on the Yorkshire Fells. The plot is interesting, authentic and the book is paced just right. There are several heart stopping moments as the pair face danger when fire breaks out and spreads quickly. The two main characters are well fleshed out and the minor characters are interesting. The Fells also seem like a character in their own right and the author vividly describes the landscapes allowing me to imagine the scene perfectly. This series is one I will follow and I eagerly await Book 3.

Laura Brydon and Mike Rogers narrated the book brilliantly.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young man has been found dead and Donovan and Young are called to the scene. There is a private club nearby where wealthy men come to shoot birds, and the victim was a passionate environmentalist. So many suspects, and both detectives have some problems in their personal lives. The book comes to an exciting conclusion, and is recommended for fans of British police procedurals.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually the second book in the Detectives Donovan & Young series and I totally didn't spot this until later on.

However, this still reads absolutely fine as a standalone read given that the case here was whole and complete and we maybe just miss out on some of the character development from the last book - but this is written well to not cause any confusion moving through the series.

 

I haven't read this author before, but I love a good detective series and this was no exception.

Our detectives, Donovan and Young, have a good partnership and seem to work well together.

We do see some background into their personal lives too, which added some intrigue to their personalities and them as characters.

I can see this developing well throughout the series.

 

The case was tricky and left us, not with too many suspects, but at first, really nothing to go off at all.

As the story progresses and the investigation uncovers more information about the dead man, our duo start to piece together a string of secrets and lies and the twists and turns come thick and fast.

 

I absolutely loved the setting for this series.

My husband grew up in the Yorkshire Dales and we have often visited since moving away.

The writing here was so descriptive and I found that it transported me right back to our holidays walking the fells - luckily we never came across anything like this!

 

This was a great read and I've already grabbed the first book in the series to read and catch up with before any further releases are due!

I know it's the wrong order, but let's just look past that for now....

Looking forward to seeing more from this author and our two detectives in the near future.

 

 

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review for Fire On The Fells by Cath Staincliffe

This was a cracking crime thriller which was a fast read and I really enjoyed it. I got into the story straight away right from the start of the book. It’s a very descriptive story and it appears a lot of research has been done before this book has been written and it shows in the details of the story which makes for a better read. DI Leo Donovan and DC Shan Young are competent in their jobs when it comes to investigating and questioning but there are no suspects or leads to the body that is found on Skye Moss until Leo’s wife Ange recognises the vague description. The characters are great and play their parts well, adding to a great story. This is a superb crime thriller and I just couldn’t put it down. The synopsis drew me to read this story and I wasn’t disappointed. The plot had been well thought out and planned, definitely had me guessing who had done it. I liked the writing style and it was an easy style to read. I don’t believe I have read this author before but I will certainly read her books in the future.

Blurb :

Summer can be murder out on the sun-scorched Yorkshire Fells.

When the body of eighteen-year-old Tyler Prasad is found up on lonely Skye Moss, Detectives Leo Donovan and Shan Young are called in to investigate.

Tyler lies dead in a bone-dry ditch. His handsome face shattered in a brutal attack that leaves Donovan and Young baffled.

They dig into Tyler’s deepest secrets, following a twisty trail that leads straight to Patefield Grange, a luxury country-house retreat across the moors.

The well-heeled guests — gathered for a controversial grouse hunt in the sweltering summer heat — seem respectable on the surface.

But, beneath the façade, dark secrets smoulder. It’s only a question of which was worth killing for.

As temperatures soar, so does the pressure for Donovan and Shan to crack this impossible case.

Before tensions at the Grange ignite, and the body count rises again . . .

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neither detective has had it easy since the end of book 1, Leo’s son Luke being sent to prison for a racially motivated attack and Shan having miscarried the baby she was having with partner Erin. Whilst Leo and his wife Ange pull together as a strong team, Erin and Shan have become distant from each other. The discovery of the body of a teenager, Tyler Prasad, out on the Fells near an exclusive grouse shooting lodge heralds their second murder investigation in the three months since DI Leo Donovan and DC Shan Young started working together in Settle, North Yorkshire. Tyler was part of an environmental protest group campaigning against the burning of the heather by the gamekeepers, and in fact it is Ange, also part of the campaign, who identifies the young man found with no belongings and blasted to death with a shotgun. As the detectives start to investigate, they come up with a number of possibilities. Could it be a member of the affluent shooting party, a jilted ex, a random encounter or even a hate crime? As the temperature rises and tempers fray, will they manage to find enough evidence to track down the killer of a beautiful lad who loved the world around him so much and who died so tragically young?
Leo and Shan make a great team, really working together almost as equals at times, and both are very likeable characters. Despite having their fair share of personal problems, they put them aside to work the case and get justice for the victim and his family, and come across as very kind and caring officers. While not essential to read the first story, I would encourage it as the reader will get to know the dynamic between the pair and the traumas they have undergone already. In fact, this story has lots of threads concerning family, love and loss involving many characters. This is a very strong police procedural, set in a beautiful part of the world which the author paints vividly, with a gripping and twisty plot and some real action-packed moments. I can’t wait for book 3!

[Gillian Cawte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Written, Compelling Plot.
Fire on the Fells by Cath Stancliffe is a police procedural set in the beautiful Fells district and centered around Patefield Grange. This large Country House and surrounding property has been loaded with every luxury extra imaginable to entertain the high paying guests who spend their weekends there wining, dining, shooting birds and perhaps other unmentionable activities. As the story opens 18-year-old Tyler Prasad is enjoying a solitary expedition to take pictures of wildlife and endangered plants on the Fells, we are sharing his joy in seeing an endangered species female harrier flying directly above – then our handsome young man is lying with his face shot to shreds in a ditch.
DI Leo Donovan and his DC, Shan Young, have a huge cast of suspects to work their way through before finding who killed Tyler. Primary suspects are the owners of the nearby Grange, their domestic staff, weekend employees, the keepers, the loaders all have opportunities – but motives? In addition there are the eight “guns” and their families/associates who are all paying an extraordinary amount to live in luxury and kill birds for a weekend’s pleasure. And let us not ignore Tyler’s classmates at the local presentation on endangered species he was attending, which classes were run by DI Leo’s wife Ange – and he also had a stalker Molly who seems to be particularly unhinged.
This is a well-written book, the people are all brought to life, the plot unfolds smoothly and logically, the drama of the fire in the conclusion has the reader glued to the pages. My enjoyment was somewhat marred by too much time spent on constant lengthy references to the personal angst of the main characters. This book is well worth reading for the glorious setting and the compelling plot.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving story.

I found this story very moving, deep and meaningful. The sad death of a young lad, Tyler Prasad, was the opening scene and as the story unfolded, we learnt how heartbreaking it was for the whole community. The setting on the Yorkshire Fells was, once more, an eery and yet calming place – unfortunately this was ruined by the local grouse shoot and the local country-house retreat, Patefield Grange, played a crucial role in this plot. It was interesting to see the return of Leo Donovan and Shan Young. We learn more about their history since the last book in this series and with that comes distressing news of Shan and her partner Erin, which becomes a story of its own and one which was handled very sensitively. The pace of this story was constant, and yet at the same time the solving of the case was quite slow and deliberating. Donovan and Shan found themselves up against time and other constraints whilst trying to solve this murder, and there are plenty of twists that keep the reader guessing as to what will happen next. Towards the end, there is a tragic incident which really hots up the pace and nearly ends in total catastrophe. It’s certainly nail-biting stuff and kept me reading well into the night. Once more, the author has presented us with an all consuming and well-plotted story, set in beautiful surroundings with an interesting dynamic between the two detectives that really works well in this setting. I look forward to the next one in this series.

[Ridgerunner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in the series of Leo Donovan and Shan Young as they investigate the murder of teenager Tyler who is found dead on the fells in ground that belongs to an estate that organises shooting parties.
Police procedurals have steadily incorporated officers with interesting character and complicated personal lives but in this book I felt that this had gone a bit too far and relegated the solving of the crime to a secondary interest in the book.
Surprisingly, despite the major traumas that had befallen Leo and Shan in the previous book , I did not feel I had missed out by not reading it. Maybe that is because the author gives us so much realistic details about these traumas and their effects on the officers . Leo and Shan are both very likeable and I felt for their sufferings from their personal life. They form a good investigative team largely unsupported by others in this rural setting and I was rooting for them to solve the crime. But there was not a huge amount of sleuthing to be done as a second murder quickly revealed the likely killer. The fire referred to in the title was described in terrifying detail that had the small of smoke in my nostrils. Otherwise the posh estate and it’s characters were described in rather cliched terms and I felt was a bit of a letdown in the story. So I had mixed feeling about this book. I liked reading about all the issues but could have done with some more surprises in the investigation.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC0

[Sonia Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book caught my eye as I live close to the Pennine moors and sadly fires are already occurring. Although this is the second book following DI Leo Donovan and his partner DC Shan Young you can easily read as a stand alone story. Sufficient context is provided in the narrative so that you can pick up character backstory and also be able to see a progression.
Leo is the veteran officer who has had to deal with the impact of his sons conviction for hate crimes, Shan is of Chinese heritage and adopted and is struggling with her mental health and relationship with her partner after the recent miscarriage of their child.
This sets the emotional backdrop for their investigation of the suspicious death of young activist Tyler Prashad on the Yorkshire grouse moors. This leads the investigation to the participants and staff of a grouse shoot at luxury country house Patefield Grange. Tylers body was found on Patefield Granges land and as a shotgun had been used all signs point to the lodge.
The book sets a fast pace, is an enjoyable read and looks at aspects of rural life, with the impact (not judgemental) of hunting, rural pastimes, activism for preservation of the fells and the danger of fires on the fells, which I know is devastating from first hand experience. The crime is solved in a satisfactory manner and I will be looking out for future books to see how life develops for our two intrepid leads.
My thanks to the publisher Joffe and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own.

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Fire on the Fells tremendously. Nothing wishy-washy about it, as is the case with so many these days. The story was gripping, engaging, and I loved the characters, especially Leo, Shan and Ang. These are real people, down to earth and flawed, they were relatable and likeable (and the bad guy was really bad. But you kind of feel a bit sorry for him. But not enough to like him, no sir.).

I hated the hunting, it made me feel sick and dismayed, the killing of the birds, the pit of dead animals... Unusually for me, I persevered, and I'm glad I did. There is a strong environmental message that is brought to life by these horrors, but ugh. It's dreadful, what people are capable of. Sickening.

On the flip side, there are also people fighting desperately to save what is left, a powerful message, especially towards the end. The pointless death of Tyler Prasad is the core of the story and brings home just how important it is that people change their outlook. On so many levels.

I felt deeply for Tyler's parents; the raw emotion and heartfelt empathy displayed by Leo are evident in so many of his dealings. He reminded me of Brunetti and Gamache, both large shoes to fill. He is a sympathetic and gentle man, and Shan's feisty bravery and spunk are the perfect complement to his methodical, sensible, and solid presence.

Fire on the Fells was brilliantly written; the horrors of the fire were brought to life vividly, you could almost taste the bitterness, the choking devastation, and the tremendous sadness of what is lost washes over you like bitter, putrid well-water. This is a series to watch, and I eagerly await the next book. Well worth a read.

* I loved the narrators; the gruff, accented voice and Yorkshire tones brought the characters to life.

[Alison Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fantastic book. Detective Inspector Leo Donovan and Detective Constable Shan Young are investigating a murder. A young man is gunned down and left for dead. There are plenty of theories and plenty of suspects. What I found particularly interesting about this book though are the events within the private lives of the Detectives. I loved how the author showed the vulnerable sides of the team of investigators. It's easy to forget that Detectives also have lives beyond their job. They are equally vulnerable and struggle to deal with their family and personal relationships. If not more so because of the time constraints within their jobs. They also have to switch off or practice compartmentalising in order to fully focus on their investigation. This book had that theme runing throughout the storyline. Dealing with family and personal relationships. Both within victims, perpetrators and the investigation team. This really added to the storyline. Also there are some harrowing and emotional scenes throughout too which gave this book a little something extra. You cannot help but relate and empathise with the characters. There is something for everyone in this book. Crime and investigation along with relationships and family drama. I would highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed!

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detectives Donovan and Young #2

No one loves the Fells like Tyler Prasad, an eighteen-year-old dreamer who came here to join an eco-protest. But tyler's past followed hot on his heels. Now, Tyler lies dead in a ditch. His handsome face shot to pieces in a brutal attack that baffles Detective Leo Donovan. There's no shortage of gunmen roving the land in search of grouse - most of them staying at luxury country-house estate, Patefield Grange. The shooting party guests tell Detective Leo the victim's name means nothing to them. But Leo knows a lie when he hears one.

Detectives Leo Donovan and Shan Young are tasked with investigating the death of Tyler Prasad, an eighteen-year-old activist. They have plenty of suspects to choose from. Plus it's grouse season. We learn more of Leo and Shan's backstories.

This is quite an emotional read. The characters are well-fleshed out. There were some great twists, but some people are keeping secrets and telling lies. There's also family jealousy and illicit relations. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, the story ramps up a couple of notches. This book can be read as a standalone.

Published 8th May 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author 'CathStaincliffe for my ARC of #fireOnTheFells in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set on the achingly beautiful Fells of North Yorkshire, this police procedural begins with the murder of a teenage boy. Inspector Leo Donovan and Detective Shan Young are pressured to solve this case quickly, as the victim was Asian-American and the local police have been accused of racism. However, it isn’t a simple case. The body was found on Patefield Grange where a country house offers a getaway with organized grouse shooting. Donovan and Young become involved with the estate hierarchy while they investigate. There are several suspects, more victims and Donovan and Young must fight for their lives before the complicated case is resolved. The detectives’ private lives are as complicated as this investigation. Leo is grieving a rift with his son who is serving a jail sentence for racist attacks. Leo gave the police evidence that led to his son’s conviction and cannot forgive himself. Shan’s recent miscarriage has driven a wedge between her and her partner and she can’t decide if she wants to reconcile.

Fire in the Fells is compulsively readable with characters you want to learn more about. This mystery/thriller is well plotted and the moody, evocative setting draws you in. Although this is the second in a series, it can be read as a standalone. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and Cath Staincliffe for this ARC.

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book certainly lived up to its name and tagline.

I hadn't read the previous book, but I didn't need to in order to be able to pick up and follow the dangling plot points that were littered throughout. The story itself covers the tragic death of a young man. The case quickly narrows down to an exclusive shooting estate, filled with the rich who consider the death an annoyance in that it messes with their time. The difference between the rich and the poor is explored here, and the way in which they regard the law.

About roughly half way through the story, the book takes a major twist and shift. Not only does it have some heart pumping, adrenaline filled moments, but it then moves into a part of a murder case that isn't often covered in these sort of thrillers.

The detectives and their families were all very well fleshed out, and their struggles captured with tact. The moments of softness, of stillness, were needed to counteract the drama of the rest of the story. Very enjoyable and likeable duo, I look forward to reading more with these characters and following the next stage of their journeys.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in the series by Cath Stanicliffe set in the Cumbrian Fells district.
The description of the locations is hauntingly beautiful. D I Leo & DS Shan are tasked with finding the killer of an 18 yr old ecology student about to start in uni found shot dead on a grouse Moor. Liked by everyone there's no apparent motive, nor a viable suspect.
Both detectives are facing difficulties in their own private lives .
There are twists and turns on the way to achieving their aim to find the killer not helped by the fact that people are hiding some secrets and sometimes telling outright lies.
The culmination of their investigation leads to an explosive ending with family jealousy and illicit relations leading to another attempted murder revealing the identity of the murderer .
This sets off a chase to arrest him and they're caught in the fire on the fells of the title set by the escapee to delay them, along with the Estate manager that cause serious injuries to 2 of them and the death of the 3rd
Excellent storyline and the characters involved are equally likeable , hope there's a 3rd in this series as the partnership of the 2 detectives works so well.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Detectives Donovan & Young Series and is the first book I have read in both the series and also written by Cath.

Oh boy, I wasn't disappointed.

The story follows the Detectives as they initially investigate a Murder and I enjoyed the twists and turns the investigation gave us.

What I really loved about this book, though, is how Cath lets you into the lives of both Lee Donovan and Shan Young - we see what happens with Leo's son... we see what happens with Shan Young's marriage.

I find it very moving that both individuals are experiencing trauma in their own lives, and yet, professionally, they have a Mmurder to deal with.

Their relationship is brilliant, and I loved how Leo would let Shan follow her gut to get results!

The story is set in Yorkshire (opposite side of the UK to me) so I loved hearing about the rugged landscape, towns etc as I don't think 'up North' gets much mention in books - I always get excited when I see a book based in Cumbria or Yorkshire.

Cath had a way with words and utterly keels you on the edge of your seat from the moment you start reading.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Crime Thrillers!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of Fire on the Fells by Cath Staincliffe. I really enjoyed the interplay between DI Leo Donovan and DC Shan Young—professional, empathetic, and with a chemistry that brought real warmth to the investigation. The storyline, following the murder of an eco–campaigner on the Yorkshire fells, moved at a deliberate yet compelling pace  .

Staincliffe weaves in fascinating ecological and rural details—like the grouse shooting estates, fells’ wildlife, and the devastating risk of fires during heatwaves—which enrich the tightly plotted storyline. As a biologist this element of the book really peeked my interest . As an added bonus, the narrator’s seamless delivery made each character feel distinct and the investigation immersive.

While I’d have liked slightly deeper exploration of some aspects of the storyline overall it was an engaging read.

If you appreciate a heartfelt crime drama with strong character work, ecological insight, and atmospheric narration, Fire on the Fells is well worth the ride. I’ll certainly be looking forward to the next in the Donovan & Young series.

[Linda J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standalone story with interesting main and secondary characters. I wish the US glossary was at the
beginning of the story instead of the end. Some terms I could figure out, but others not so much.

This is a story about two detectives, one is heterosexual, and one is a lesbian. Story has only kisses between their spouse/partner. The lesbian couple suffered a miscarriage but not sure who the doner was, assuming mentioned in book 1.

Story is trying to find the killer of a teenager, saving the environment and struggles in their personal life.

I did enjoy the whodunit and the journey to reach the conclusion. The part about them being caught in a fire was suspenseful.

Cheating with secondary character, told not experience, only kisses, no cliffhanger except the relationship between one of the MC and his son, crude words used and the Lord's name in vain.

I would read more by this author and now know to look at the end of the book for terms. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to read, which I recommend. (ljb)

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read my full review visit my blog -https://goodbookscometothosewhoread.b...
I was kindly given the opportunity to read a pre release copy of Fire on the Fells in return for my honest review.
Having never read anything by this author I did not know what to expect and was pleased to find myself reading at any opportunity. Only trouble with that is that 48 hours later the book was finished and I’m there turning to google to see what else this author has written, wondering if I can add to the ever-increasing TBR pile!

This book works brilliantly as a stand-alone novel .

Fire on the fells is very well written, the author manages to capture the details and her descriptions bring the book alive, which made me feel and see everything! It was quite steady in pace all the way through and had several twists and turns that kept you guessing who the killer was. At times it had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen, the heat was certainly on...
The main characters were loveable, they were portrayed as normal people, trying to survive the struggles of life, all whilst trying to hold down their job and piece together the horrific case and catch their killer.
Having got to know Leo and Shan I would love to know how their lives are going. Will there be a book three? I would certainly be up for reading and reviewing that if its as gripping as this one.

100% recommend this book, thank you Netgalley, Joffe Books and Cath Staincliffe for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this wonderfully captivating book.

[Vicuña · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t aware that this is the second book in a series; this works well as a standalone. It’s a murder mystery police procedural, but the two lead detectives, Donovan and Young are also characters of interest with their own back stories and personal issues, so it becomes a well rounded who,e. I listened to the audio version and although it was well narrated, I’m sorry to say I wasn’t keen on the accents. At times I found the narration irritating, but not so much so that I didn’t want to listen. I think I’d enjoy the hard copy better and I’ll look for the first and next in the series in that format. Catch Staincliffe does a great job with setting; she weaves fact into the story in terms of the ecology of the moors and the dangers of wildfires. Given current uk heatwaves, this takes on a whole new meaning. The investigation into a death is interesting and buts are revealed as the story progresses, making it complex and satisfyingly well plotted. Overall, o enjoyed it and my thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book!

Fire on the Fells is book 2 with DI Leo and DC Shan (but you don’t need to have read book one, The Fells, I read them the wrong way round and it didn’t really matter to the story!)

Cath Staincliffe writes a compelling and haunting view of the desolate nature of the fells and how different groups are often at odds with how to care and still prosper on those lands. She opens with a view from one such person that is part of a group but which, who, and why?

Before long you’ve been drawn into the different factions from families to friends and our detectives have their work cut out for them trying to figure out what is a lead and what is just noise.

Then just when you think you might have it figured out, the story ramps up, like a rollercoaster hitting its peak before the screaming drop at speed. Hang on tight or you might get left behind.

Excellent story and I can’t wait for book three!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire on the Fells by Cath Staincliffe is the second book in the excellent Detectives Donovan & Young series and I loved it. I love the Detective Leo Donovan and Detective Shan Young characters and they work well together to make this book an excellent read, especially as it was full of great twists and turns with a great story.
Fire on the Fells is a excellent crime story and it is set in the Yorkshire Dales. Tyler Prasad is a eighteen-year-old dreamer who came here to join an eco-protest, is found dead on the Sykes Moor. He has been shot and there’s no shortage of gunmen roving the land in search of grouse, especially as most of them staying at luxury country-house retreat, Patefield Grange.

Was Tyler Prasad being shot an accident or was it murder?

Detectives Leo and Shan investigate the death and they need to determine why the man was murdered and by whom.

This book was so good and I highly recommend it

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my ARC.

[Saffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read and loved Cath Staincliffe’s writing for decades so was excited to read Fire on the Fells, the second in the Donovan and Young series. Leo Donovan and Shan Young investigate the murder of a young man whose body is discovered on the Yorkshire fells near a country house retreat.
Leo is coping with the aftermath of his son’s crimes and Shan is grieving and wondering if her relationship with her partner can continue. I loved the combination of police procedural and the very human stories of the detectives. The author writes so authentically that I always feel that I know the characters. Staincliffe has moved away from her usual Manchester setting to Yorkshire and although I miss the former setting I loved the descriptions of the fells.
This is another strong and convincing police procedural with excellent characterisation that I’d recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.