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DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime #11
Crucifix Knot:
The Crucifix Knot is a warning.
But someone is turning it into a death sentence.The deaths in Ashenby were never random.
At every murder scene, a Crucifix Knot is left behind — a braided symbol linked to the execution of three women during the 17th-century witch trials in Ravensbane Wood.
Now the pattern is repeating.
DCI Frank Finnegan returns to a village that has already closed its doors to outsiders. Ravensbane Estate looms above Ashenby, a constant reminder of who has always held power there.
Every lead returns to the same circle — the librarian, the schoolteacher, Lord and Lady Hampton, the women of the Wicca commune… and Morrigan Penhallow.
The Wicker Girl.
The only one who is never surprised.
But when one of Finnegan’s own disappears, he knows time is against him. Because whoever is behind the Crucifix Knot has already chosen the next victim.
CRUCIFIX KNOT is the explosive sequel to Wicker Girl — a dark British police procedural where folklore masks motive, power shields the guilty, and finding the truth puts a target on your back.
Book 11 in the bestselling DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thriller series.
Perfect for readers who enjoy the grit of Stuart MacBride, the tension of Mark Billingham, and the psychological depth of Val McDermid.
Continue the Finnegan Journey
But someone is turning it into a death sentence.The deaths in Ashenby were never random.
At every murder scene, a Crucifix Knot is left behind — a braided symbol linked to the execution of three women during the 17th-century witch trials in Ravensbane Wood.
Now the pattern is repeating.
DCI Frank Finnegan returns to a village that has already closed its doors to outsiders. Ravensbane Estate looms above Ashenby, a constant reminder of who has always held power there.
Every lead returns to the same circle — the librarian, the schoolteacher, Lord and Lady Hampton, the women of the Wicca commune… and Morrigan Penhallow.
The Wicker Girl.
The only one who is never surprised.
But when one of Finnegan’s own disappears, he knows time is against him. Because whoever is behind the Crucifix Knot has already chosen the next victim.
CRUCIFIX KNOT is the explosive sequel to Wicker Girl — a dark British police procedural where folklore masks motive, power shields the guilty, and finding the truth puts a target on your back.
Book 11 in the bestselling DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thriller series.
Perfect for readers who enjoy the grit of Stuart MacBride, the tension of Mark Billingham, and the psychological depth of Val McDermid.
Continue the Finnegan Journey
483 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2025
About the author
Ely North
21 books33 followersEly North writes British crime fiction the way his detectives drink—steadily, seriously, and with the occasional lapse in judgement.
He is the author of the DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thrillers and the DI Prisha Kumar Yorkshire Cold Case Mysteries, fast-paced police procedurals set in Whitby and across North Yorkshire. His books have amassed tens of millions of pages read on Kindle Unlimited, with readers across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Europe and beyond.
Ely writes about Whitby because it is the most beautiful and atmospheric place he knows—and he has never trusted anywhere that pretty.
At the centre of the DCI Finnegan series is Frank Finnegan—old, old-school, and not remotely bothered about either. Raised on The Sweeney and seventies cop shows, he still thinks Regan and Carter had the right idea about most things. Finnegan doesn't have much time for procedure, feelings or technology. He'd rather get on with the bit that matters—catching the bastards.
The setting matters almost as much as the murders. Whitby brings the harbour, the abbey, the 199 Steps, sea fret rolling in off the North Sea, cobbled streets, narrow alleys and hidden-away yards. Bodies are supplied courtesy of Ely. Readers have been known to follow the investigations on Google Maps, and a few have even booked holidays inspired by the books. None, so far, have been found unresponsive on the beach—touch wood.
Ely doesn't write cosy crime, but neither does he dwell on gore for the sake of it. He writes about coppers who are good at their jobs and bad at most other things, villains who believe they're the hero, and the kind of gallows humour that gets you through a twelve-hour shift—or a long-running series.
If you grew up with Taggart, Morse, Columbo, Heartbeat and The Professionals, and have spent the years since wondering where all the proper coppers went, you may just have found them.
When he isn't killing people on paper, Ely cooks. Badly, according to his wife. Enthusiastically, according to him. The cats—of which he has none—have refused to comment, as have his daughters, of which he has two.
He is the author of the DCI Finnegan Yorkshire Crime Thrillers and the DI Prisha Kumar Yorkshire Cold Case Mysteries, fast-paced police procedurals set in Whitby and across North Yorkshire. His books have amassed tens of millions of pages read on Kindle Unlimited, with readers across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Europe and beyond.
Ely writes about Whitby because it is the most beautiful and atmospheric place he knows—and he has never trusted anywhere that pretty.
At the centre of the DCI Finnegan series is Frank Finnegan—old, old-school, and not remotely bothered about either. Raised on The Sweeney and seventies cop shows, he still thinks Regan and Carter had the right idea about most things. Finnegan doesn't have much time for procedure, feelings or technology. He'd rather get on with the bit that matters—catching the bastards.
The setting matters almost as much as the murders. Whitby brings the harbour, the abbey, the 199 Steps, sea fret rolling in off the North Sea, cobbled streets, narrow alleys and hidden-away yards. Bodies are supplied courtesy of Ely. Readers have been known to follow the investigations on Google Maps, and a few have even booked holidays inspired by the books. None, so far, have been found unresponsive on the beach—touch wood.
Ely doesn't write cosy crime, but neither does he dwell on gore for the sake of it. He writes about coppers who are good at their jobs and bad at most other things, villains who believe they're the hero, and the kind of gallows humour that gets you through a twelve-hour shift—or a long-running series.
If you grew up with Taggart, Morse, Columbo, Heartbeat and The Professionals, and have spent the years since wondering where all the proper coppers went, you may just have found them.
When he isn't killing people on paper, Ely cooks. Badly, according to his wife. Enthusiastically, according to him. The cats—of which he has none—have refused to comment, as have his daughters, of which he has two.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 6, 2025
Outstanding
I have now read all 11 books and I've thoroughly enjoyed them all, great story telling and great characters, can't wait for number 12.
I have now read all 11 books and I've thoroughly enjoyed them all, great story telling and great characters, can't wait for number 12.
August 30, 2025
Another masterpiece
Another great read from this author. I love the way the characters back stories make them come alive, their characters mixing and trying to find a way through the maze of macabre killings and the clues they leave.
This book was definitely in the Whitby mode of mystery.
Although poor Dinkel gets a fair share of ribbing,hope his character will improve, and perhaps more of his back story will get his colleagues to be more empathic towards him.
Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
Another great read from this author. I love the way the characters back stories make them come alive, their characters mixing and trying to find a way through the maze of macabre killings and the clues they leave.
This book was definitely in the Whitby mode of mystery.
Although poor Dinkel gets a fair share of ribbing,hope his character will improve, and perhaps more of his back story will get his colleagues to be more empathic towards him.
Very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 31, 2025
great read
Love the characters and the settings in this series. This book is a continuation of the story begun in The Wicker Girl. The team are trying to solve a historic event resulting in the death of a young woman. Other deaths seem linked but nothing is clear
A great story and a good twist. Can’t wait for the next!
Love the characters and the settings in this series. This book is a continuation of the story begun in The Wicker Girl. The team are trying to solve a historic event resulting in the death of a young woman. Other deaths seem linked but nothing is clear
A great story and a good twist. Can’t wait for the next!
September 22, 2025
Crucifix Knot
Another quality book by Ely North in the DCI Finnegan series. The stories have everything, great characters who are all good at there job and the humour between all of them is brilliant and you are kept guessing the outcome till the of the book. Once you start reading its difficult to put it down. Can't wait for the next installment
Another quality book by Ely North in the DCI Finnegan series. The stories have everything, great characters who are all good at there job and the humour between all of them is brilliant and you are kept guessing the outcome till the of the book. Once you start reading its difficult to put it down. Can't wait for the next installment
October 14, 2025
Frank and Team tackle the unknown
They have two cases that might be linked. As the team works the cases it's apparent they have more suspects than crime. Prisha has problems as well.
They have two cases that might be linked. As the team works the cases it's apparent they have more suspects than crime. Prisha has problems as well.
January 7, 2026
Brilliant ñ
Brilliant read. Kept you on your toes, unsure how the story was going to pan out. Excellent. Thank you. I can't wait for next book to come out in January 26.
Brilliant read. Kept you on your toes, unsure how the story was going to pan out. Excellent. Thank you. I can't wait for next book to come out in January 26.
February 2, 2026
Crucifix Knot
Second time I've read this book and just as good as the first time getting ready now to start on book 12
Second time I've read this book and just as good as the first time getting ready now to start on book 12
July 27, 2026
Satisfying finale
Satisfying finale to the previous book.
Characterisation is fairly solid, though some concessions made to take the story forward. Recommended
Satisfying finale to the previous book.
Characterisation is fairly solid, though some concessions made to take the story forward. Recommended
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews