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Detective Anna McArthur #1
Murder in Norfolk
Please note this book was first published as Catfish
She went for a walk to clear her head. She found a dead woman carved with a message.
Detective Constable Anna McArthur is off duty, off the case — and barely holding it together. Ten months after a near-fatal knife attack, she’s still haunted by the job that almost ended her career. But when she stumbles across a body beneath the medieval chapel in King’s Lynn’s historic park, instincts override fear.
The victim is young, female, anonymous. The word catfish is cut into her skin. There’s no ID. No witnesses. No one has reported her missing.
Drawn back into Norfolk’s Serious Crimes team before she’s officially fit for duty, Anna must navigate the hostile suspicion of her colleagues and the looming shadow of her past. But as another body surfaces with the same mutilation, Anna realises this isn’t random — and the killer is only getting started.
A compelling mystery set in the heart of Norfolk. DC Anna McArthur is an intuitive, defiant young detective on extended leave after a traumatic stabbing in the line of duty. She’s clever, driven, and never backs down — but her past haunts her, and her return to the Serious Crimes team puts her under pressure from colleagues who doubt her readiness. In her corner: a few loyal allies — and DCI Aaron Burns, a complicated superior whose belief in her might be more than just professional.
Setting
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk — a brooding landscape of ancient churches, flat fenland, and eerie parks hiding centuries of secrets. From shadowy chapels to windswept promenades, the setting is steeped in atmosphere and laced with local lore.
She went for a walk to clear her head. She found a dead woman carved with a message.
Detective Constable Anna McArthur is off duty, off the case — and barely holding it together. Ten months after a near-fatal knife attack, she’s still haunted by the job that almost ended her career. But when she stumbles across a body beneath the medieval chapel in King’s Lynn’s historic park, instincts override fear.
The victim is young, female, anonymous. The word catfish is cut into her skin. There’s no ID. No witnesses. No one has reported her missing.
Drawn back into Norfolk’s Serious Crimes team before she’s officially fit for duty, Anna must navigate the hostile suspicion of her colleagues and the looming shadow of her past. But as another body surfaces with the same mutilation, Anna realises this isn’t random — and the killer is only getting started.
A compelling mystery set in the heart of Norfolk. DC Anna McArthur is an intuitive, defiant young detective on extended leave after a traumatic stabbing in the line of duty. She’s clever, driven, and never backs down — but her past haunts her, and her return to the Serious Crimes team puts her under pressure from colleagues who doubt her readiness. In her corner: a few loyal allies — and DCI Aaron Burns, a complicated superior whose belief in her might be more than just professional.
Setting
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk — a brooding landscape of ancient churches, flat fenland, and eerie parks hiding centuries of secrets. From shadowy chapels to windswept promenades, the setting is steeped in atmosphere and laced with local lore.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2024
About the author
Sadie Norman
4 books21 followersSadie lives in West Norfolk with her husband, two children, and demanding cat named Random. She works in education, but her real passion is for writing stories with a gripping mystery, attractive setting and a host of characters to love, hate, laugh with and root for. She has a strong love for her local area, as well as keen interest in history, and aims to make her small corner of the world come alive through her work.
When not writing, Sadie can be found with her nose in a book or daydreaming, thinking up crimes for new stories.
When not writing, Sadie can be found with her nose in a book or daydreaming, thinking up crimes for new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
January 23, 2026
Well, I gave it a try. This young female detective certainly knows how to get herself in hot water. I won't be following up after this introduction. It is just one improbable thing after another and I had to force myself to finish the book.
2.5 stars
Kindle Unlimited
2.5 stars
Kindle Unlimited
September 19, 2024
Well, this is right up my street. Anna clearly has been through something deep and is trying to recover psychologically, even if her physical recovery is almost complete. After a bad date, she decides to go for a walk to be alone and stumbles on a dead body, as you do!
The woman has been stabbed many times and has catfish carved onto her chest.
I like how this turned a story back to front. Usually, the story is of men conning vulnerable women from all their savings, but that's not the case here.
Poor Anna as well. It's clear the majority of the team don't want her back, and they don't exactly hide it. Aaron does, and their bond grows throughout. I felt for Anna. She acted first and thought after, but her heart was in the right place. She gets grief from almost every angle, including her overbearing mother.
This is made up of some great characters and has a good story with a great and satisfying ending.
The woman has been stabbed many times and has catfish carved onto her chest.
I like how this turned a story back to front. Usually, the story is of men conning vulnerable women from all their savings, but that's not the case here.
Poor Anna as well. It's clear the majority of the team don't want her back, and they don't exactly hide it. Aaron does, and their bond grows throughout. I felt for Anna. She acted first and thought after, but her heart was in the right place. She gets grief from almost every angle, including her overbearing mother.
This is made up of some great characters and has a good story with a great and satisfying ending.
September 22, 2024
Catfish is the first in a promising new police procedural series from Norman featuring Anna 'Crazy' McArthur. Am I the only one who could relate to the 'act first, thinks later' characteristic that preceded Anna's name wherever she went?
The plot is clever, the main characters, especially Anna were easy to become emotionally invested in and I can't wait to catch up with them on their next case.
I didn't realise until after I'd finished that Catfish is actually the debut from Norman. Trust me when I say it certainly doesn't read like one. So, on the basis of my enjoyment of it, I have already purchased myself the second book in the series, Squealer.
The plot is clever, the main characters, especially Anna were easy to become emotionally invested in and I can't wait to catch up with them on their next case.
I didn't realise until after I'd finished that Catfish is actually the debut from Norman. Trust me when I say it certainly doesn't read like one. So, on the basis of my enjoyment of it, I have already purchased myself the second book in the series, Squealer.
September 9, 2024
This is a quick, snappy and clever detective story.
I really enjoyed getting to know Anna and her reputation for acting first and thinking later. It was obvious her detective skills were first class even though I bet she was frustrating to work with. Her team’s reluctance to have her back was understandable but I liked how they had her back and enjoyed seeing her relationship with Aaron develop.
The murder muster was a clever one with many strands to uncover. It twisted and turned a few times to lead me astray in my thinking and I thought the reveal was a clever one.
I really enjoyed getting to know Anna and her reputation for acting first and thinking later. It was obvious her detective skills were first class even though I bet she was frustrating to work with. Her team’s reluctance to have her back was understandable but I liked how they had her back and enjoyed seeing her relationship with Aaron develop.
The murder muster was a clever one with many strands to uncover. It twisted and turned a few times to lead me astray in my thinking and I thought the reveal was a clever one.
November 27, 2024
This is such a fun snappy mystery with an impetuous, but well intentioned young Detective Constable. Anna McArthur is on leave from a previous work incident, but on her way home from a date stumbles across a woman’s body with the word ‘catfish’ carved into her chest. Her boss DCI, Aaron Burns, requests she help on the case, unofficially. After all, she still has to pass her psych eval before she returns to active duty.
Known by her colleagues as ‘Crazy McArthur’ she’s determined to show her worth by solving this case and prove herself by not doing what she did “last time”. CATFISH is a delightful police procedural with just the right amount of personal life details added in. There’s even a bit of romance, which worked for me since it was secondary to the mystery and case being investigated. The mystery itself was light, nothing too dark or dramatic, but made for a quick engaging read! Anna is immensely likeable and relatable as a single woman trying to balance work and personal life, and not always succeeding. With a meddling mother, a boss she’s attracted to, and an overwhelming urge to run straight into danger, she’s unpredictable at best!
This is Sadie Norman’s debut, which I didn’t even realize! I enjoyed it so much, I’m thrilled it’s a series, and definitely want to know what Anna gets up to next. Plus...there are a few things that are in development and I’d love to know how they turn out!
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Thank you so much to The Book Folks for reaching out to me and for my gifted copy. All opinions are mine.
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Potential spoiler content warnings below.
⚠️Content warnings: language, violence, knife violence, fatal stabbing, suicide attempt, death
Known by her colleagues as ‘Crazy McArthur’ she’s determined to show her worth by solving this case and prove herself by not doing what she did “last time”. CATFISH is a delightful police procedural with just the right amount of personal life details added in. There’s even a bit of romance, which worked for me since it was secondary to the mystery and case being investigated. The mystery itself was light, nothing too dark or dramatic, but made for a quick engaging read! Anna is immensely likeable and relatable as a single woman trying to balance work and personal life, and not always succeeding. With a meddling mother, a boss she’s attracted to, and an overwhelming urge to run straight into danger, she’s unpredictable at best!
This is Sadie Norman’s debut, which I didn’t even realize! I enjoyed it so much, I’m thrilled it’s a series, and definitely want to know what Anna gets up to next. Plus...there are a few things that are in development and I’d love to know how they turn out!
____
Thank you so much to The Book Folks for reaching out to me and for my gifted copy. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below.
⚠️Content warnings: language, violence, knife violence, fatal stabbing, suicide attempt, death
September 30, 2024
This was a great story about a murder of a woman with the words catfish carved across her chest. This story is based in Norfolk King's Lynn, which is only 45 minutes away from my home, so it was great reading about a story based near my hometown.
This book is a really nice size, only being 231 pages long and whizzing along at a really nice pace. The main character is Anna McArther, and she is a really interesting, strong female character to follow. She is up against it as her reputation from her last case paints her in not a very good light. Crazy McArthur is her nickname, and you will find out how she got that within the story.
Her relationship with her colleagues is tense at first, and it's great to see how that develops throughout the story.
This is not a gory thriller, but it grips you, so you won't want to put it down for long. I would recommend that you grab a copy of this if you want a fast read detective mystery.
This book is a really nice size, only being 231 pages long and whizzing along at a really nice pace. The main character is Anna McArther, and she is a really interesting, strong female character to follow. She is up against it as her reputation from her last case paints her in not a very good light. Crazy McArthur is her nickname, and you will find out how she got that within the story.
Her relationship with her colleagues is tense at first, and it's great to see how that develops throughout the story.
This is not a gory thriller, but it grips you, so you won't want to put it down for long. I would recommend that you grab a copy of this if you want a fast read detective mystery.
September 19, 2024
This was a great start to what I anticipate being a new favourite in the murder mystery category.
Anna is impulsive, but there's no denying that she's a strong, intelligent woman that just wants to do a good job. Her colleagues give her a hard time, but that's only because they care about her- and want her to think before she jumps head first into the next potentially life-threatening situation.
I enjoyed the twists- and the touch of romance as well. The author succeeded in diverting my attention away from the actual perpetrator- and making me empathize with the victim despite knowing what she was capable of.
Thank you to The Book Folks for providing me with a copy of Catfish in exchange for an honest review!
Anna is impulsive, but there's no denying that she's a strong, intelligent woman that just wants to do a good job. Her colleagues give her a hard time, but that's only because they care about her- and want her to think before she jumps head first into the next potentially life-threatening situation.
I enjoyed the twists- and the touch of romance as well. The author succeeded in diverting my attention away from the actual perpetrator- and making me empathize with the victim despite knowing what she was capable of.
Thank you to The Book Folks for providing me with a copy of Catfish in exchange for an honest review!
September 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this cleverly crafted murder mystery. A great main character who is on the edge of a team who don't want her but is determined to do a job and do it well. It has a plot with varying twists and turns, which kept me guessing and second guessing all the way through.
This was a quick and engaging read, and it has left me wanting more from 'Crazy McArthur' and her colleagues.
This was a quick and engaging read, and it has left me wanting more from 'Crazy McArthur' and her colleagues.
June 21, 2025
This was a very enjoyable start to a series. Anna is just coming back from a work-related injury but she has not psychologically fully healed from, when she discovers the body of a woman on her way home from a date. The woman has the word Catfish on her which puzzles the police initially. It is clear that Anna is a bit of a gung-ho character and most of the team do not want her back it seems.
I felt for Anna. I found her partly frustrating in her approach to things but at the same time, I found myself empathising with her. She seems to have a knack of finding herself in the middle of things which is not necessarily a good thing. Now that she is back in the fold, I look forward to seeing what she gets involved in in the next book.
I felt for Anna. I found her partly frustrating in her approach to things but at the same time, I found myself empathising with her. She seems to have a knack of finding herself in the middle of things which is not necessarily a good thing. Now that she is back in the fold, I look forward to seeing what she gets involved in in the next book.
March 25, 2026
Did not expect, nor want, the love interest. A bit of an obvious pairing, too! The actual murder was good at the beginning, but I didn’t like the way the murderer was found.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
Great read
I really ended up liking this plucky, young, female detective constable. Though she can't seem to shake the reputation of "crazy," she is genuinely resolute in trying to solve the murders with which her team is tasked. This, at times, puts her in grave danger, much to the chagrin of her senior officers. Her intuition leads her to investigate further, often finding answers, but ultimately putting her at risk. This is the only book I've read in this series, but I do plan to read the rest.
I really ended up liking this plucky, young, female detective constable. Though she can't seem to shake the reputation of "crazy," she is genuinely resolute in trying to solve the murders with which her team is tasked. This, at times, puts her in grave danger, much to the chagrin of her senior officers. Her intuition leads her to investigate further, often finding answers, but ultimately putting her at risk. This is the only book I've read in this series, but I do plan to read the rest.
August 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this story! It was well written, fast paced and the FMC, Anna, was really likeable.
After a 10 month forced leave after being stabbed Anna comes across a body with “CATFISH” on it. Her boss asks her to unofficially work the case and what follows is a super entertaining thriller with twists and turns to keep you engaged.
I really enjoyed this book and am so grateful for the opportunity to read this arc. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.
After a 10 month forced leave after being stabbed Anna comes across a body with “CATFISH” on it. Her boss asks her to unofficially work the case and what follows is a super entertaining thriller with twists and turns to keep you engaged.
I really enjoyed this book and am so grateful for the opportunity to read this arc. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 30, 2024
Brilliant
Loved this book, I read in one evening as just couldn't stop reading. Looking forward to reading your next one
Loved this book, I read in one evening as just couldn't stop reading. Looking forward to reading your next one
August 1, 2024
Another great mystery with a strong female lead! We have Anna who has definitely been through a lot, she is on suspension and is bored. She went on a date and said it was the most boring date, that is until she ditches it and comes upon a murder victim. She instantly wants to go into detective mode but once the police are called she is quickly reminded that she isn’t one of them. The do ask her to step in and help on a temporary basis for this one case and that’s all she needed to then dive in. This was a great story and we even have some romance in it but mostly we have a murder that is slowly unraveling all around this Catfish. If you’re a fan of the show Catfish this will be a good read for you.
August 4, 2025
There is a reason she's called Crazy. It's because she has no regard for personal safety nor the safety of the public or her colleagues. This was not only annoying but without doubt unrealistic for an officer of the law. I didn't predict geoff to be the killer but who would, there was far less about the murder than there was about the ridiculous DC Anna Crazy.
September 21, 2024
The story:
Police Officer Anna McArthur is recovering from an attack she suffered while investigating a spate of attacks on young women. 10 months on, and returning home from a boring first date, Anna finds the body of a woman, plunging her back into the world of serious crime.
The only clue the team have is the word ‘catfish’ carved into the victim’s chest. But with even her identity proving difficult to uncover, will Anna be able to overcome her own fears of messing up and bring the perpetrator to justice?
My thoughts:
“Catfish” by Sadie Norman is the first in a new series in which we are introduced to young detective Anna McArthur, known (somewhat!) affectionately to her colleagues at King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre as ‘Crazy McArthur’.
Anna has gained this reputation by following her gut, sometimes at risk to her own safety and often overlooking the orders of her superiors. Anna was a character I immediately liked, and was rooting for from the get-go. As we meet her, she is struggling to recover from an incident that has seen her signed off work for the past 10 months. While her physical injuries are pretty much healed, she is still grappling with the mental ramifications of being attacked by the suspect the team was trying to apprehend. And not only did her impulsive actions put her in danger, they also seem to have led to the case going cold. So it is with some trepidation that she gets involved in a new case.
In fact, she is plunged into things by being the person to actually discover the victim’s body, leading to the suggestion from boss DCI Aaron Burns that she comes back to assist an extremely short-staffed Serious Crimes team. DI Chris Hamill is less convinced, but reluctantly takes her on board, and DS Jay Fitzgerald is just glad of the help (and a chance to practice his line management skills!).
With their only real clue the word ‘catfish’ carved into the victim, the team set out to try and identify a woman that no one seems to have missed. The case is an engrossing one, with several potential suspects for the team to wade through, and Anna is desperate to prove to the team, and herself, that she’s more of a help than a liability…
This was a really great start to a series, with a satisfying mystery and also plenty of avenues for future books to explore. I was delighted to see that the second book in the series, “Squealer”, had just been released, and I look forward to seeing where this takes ‘Crazy McArthur’ next!
Police Officer Anna McArthur is recovering from an attack she suffered while investigating a spate of attacks on young women. 10 months on, and returning home from a boring first date, Anna finds the body of a woman, plunging her back into the world of serious crime.
The only clue the team have is the word ‘catfish’ carved into the victim’s chest. But with even her identity proving difficult to uncover, will Anna be able to overcome her own fears of messing up and bring the perpetrator to justice?
My thoughts:
“Catfish” by Sadie Norman is the first in a new series in which we are introduced to young detective Anna McArthur, known (somewhat!) affectionately to her colleagues at King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre as ‘Crazy McArthur’.
Anna has gained this reputation by following her gut, sometimes at risk to her own safety and often overlooking the orders of her superiors. Anna was a character I immediately liked, and was rooting for from the get-go. As we meet her, she is struggling to recover from an incident that has seen her signed off work for the past 10 months. While her physical injuries are pretty much healed, she is still grappling with the mental ramifications of being attacked by the suspect the team was trying to apprehend. And not only did her impulsive actions put her in danger, they also seem to have led to the case going cold. So it is with some trepidation that she gets involved in a new case.
In fact, she is plunged into things by being the person to actually discover the victim’s body, leading to the suggestion from boss DCI Aaron Burns that she comes back to assist an extremely short-staffed Serious Crimes team. DI Chris Hamill is less convinced, but reluctantly takes her on board, and DS Jay Fitzgerald is just glad of the help (and a chance to practice his line management skills!).
With their only real clue the word ‘catfish’ carved into the victim, the team set out to try and identify a woman that no one seems to have missed. The case is an engrossing one, with several potential suspects for the team to wade through, and Anna is desperate to prove to the team, and herself, that she’s more of a help than a liability…
This was a really great start to a series, with a satisfying mystery and also plenty of avenues for future books to explore. I was delighted to see that the second book in the series, “Squealer”, had just been released, and I look forward to seeing where this takes ‘Crazy McArthur’ next!
December 29, 2025
This is a brilliant book! And another one set in Norfolk!! This is the first of a 3 part set and am already reading the second book. Anna McArthur is a police officer who has been off work for 10mths as she was badly injured doing her job, villains can be horrible people. Now she feels as if she can go back to work but work don't seem to pleased to take her back, they regard her as having some baggage, ie she gets herself into scrapes by not following rules rigidly.
She does get back to work but in a department with just herself and 2 other police officers who are trying to find out who murdered a youngish woman who was found badly mutilated across her body in a sort of small outdoor building in a park. The woman has "catfish" cut across her body. Then they discover they can't find anything about the woman, who she is, where she lives, she had no handbag or identifying cards to help, and despite putting about appeals for information nothing has turned up. Anna begins to look for an online presence and finds that she is listed on several sites under different names hooking up with men who have money and she befriends them and presumably makes money by doing this.
Anna finally does find the break they need and does find her identify and then they can find the killer, and it was not who I expected at all!!! I'm now off to read book 2 out the 3 I've bought in this series!!
She does get back to work but in a department with just herself and 2 other police officers who are trying to find out who murdered a youngish woman who was found badly mutilated across her body in a sort of small outdoor building in a park. The woman has "catfish" cut across her body. Then they discover they can't find anything about the woman, who she is, where she lives, she had no handbag or identifying cards to help, and despite putting about appeals for information nothing has turned up. Anna begins to look for an online presence and finds that she is listed on several sites under different names hooking up with men who have money and she befriends them and presumably makes money by doing this.
Anna finally does find the break they need and does find her identify and then they can find the killer, and it was not who I expected at all!!! I'm now off to read book 2 out the 3 I've bought in this series!!
February 9, 2026
Murder in Norfolk by Sadie Norman. (Detective Anna McArthur #1)
This is the first book in a series and it introduces the reader to Detective Constable Anna McArthur attached to the Norfolk Serious Crime Team. Anna has been home recovering from an injury sustained while working on a murder case. The case remains unsolved.
Anna stumbles across a crime scene while getting some air after an un-successful date and is asked to come back to lend the team a hand in solving the crime, even though she has not been signed off to return to work and she is struggling with the aftermath of the incident that led to her injury.
Her nickname is Crazy McArthur and as the book progresses, it becomes apparent why her colleges gave her this nickname. Her decision making process, her huge chip on her shoulder due to her insecurities about her abilities to do her job, make her a liability to herself, the team and the people around her. She acts before she thinks things trough at great risk to herself. Anna is on a personal quest to prove herself and makes impulsive decisions to prove to those around her that she is capable and worthy of her job title no matter the personal costs to herself. The plot and story telling is good. I was engaged with this story, but not enough to purchase further books in this series.
This is the first book in a series and it introduces the reader to Detective Constable Anna McArthur attached to the Norfolk Serious Crime Team. Anna has been home recovering from an injury sustained while working on a murder case. The case remains unsolved.
Anna stumbles across a crime scene while getting some air after an un-successful date and is asked to come back to lend the team a hand in solving the crime, even though she has not been signed off to return to work and she is struggling with the aftermath of the incident that led to her injury.
Her nickname is Crazy McArthur and as the book progresses, it becomes apparent why her colleges gave her this nickname. Her decision making process, her huge chip on her shoulder due to her insecurities about her abilities to do her job, make her a liability to herself, the team and the people around her. She acts before she thinks things trough at great risk to herself. Anna is on a personal quest to prove herself and makes impulsive decisions to prove to those around her that she is capable and worthy of her job title no matter the personal costs to herself. The plot and story telling is good. I was engaged with this story, but not enough to purchase further books in this series.
July 6, 2025
A fun, fast-paced mystery with a heroine you’ll root for - even when she makes questionable choices.
I had a great time with this one. Anna McArthur might be on leave after a slightly explosive moment in her career, but that doesn’t stop her from stumbling into another murder - literally. When she finds a woman’s body with the word catfish carved into her chest, she’s quickly pulled into the investigation, unofficially of course. Her DCI boss (who she may or may not have feelings for) ropes her in, even though she’s technically still waiting to be cleared for duty.
What really worked for me was the balance: a proper police procedural with a dose of personality. The case is snappy and easy to follow, but what kept me turning pages was Anna herself. She's chaotic, bold, and full of good intentions - even if her methods are questionable. The nickname "Crazy McArthur" didn’t come from nowhere. Between her well-meaning but overbearing mum, her slightly messy dating life, and her desperate need to prove herself, she’s just the right kind of unpredictable.
The romance subplot is light and doesn’t overtake the mystery, which I appreciated. Overall, this was the kind of quick, bingeable crime fiction that feels like a Sunday-night BBC drama - familiar in the best way.
I had a great time with this one. Anna McArthur might be on leave after a slightly explosive moment in her career, but that doesn’t stop her from stumbling into another murder - literally. When she finds a woman’s body with the word catfish carved into her chest, she’s quickly pulled into the investigation, unofficially of course. Her DCI boss (who she may or may not have feelings for) ropes her in, even though she’s technically still waiting to be cleared for duty.
What really worked for me was the balance: a proper police procedural with a dose of personality. The case is snappy and easy to follow, but what kept me turning pages was Anna herself. She's chaotic, bold, and full of good intentions - even if her methods are questionable. The nickname "Crazy McArthur" didn’t come from nowhere. Between her well-meaning but overbearing mum, her slightly messy dating life, and her desperate need to prove herself, she’s just the right kind of unpredictable.
The romance subplot is light and doesn’t overtake the mystery, which I appreciated. Overall, this was the kind of quick, bingeable crime fiction that feels like a Sunday-night BBC drama - familiar in the best way.
September 23, 2024
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with The Book Folks.
This is the first book in a series of murder mysteries featuring police officer Anna “Crazy” McArthur as the protagonist. It takes place in Norfolk.
From the start, I enjoyed the grittiness and suspense. There was something about Anna that I identified with, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It wasn't anything to do with her lifestyle or personality traits., but something a little bit deeper. Some of the other characters interested me too, and I wasn't too sure who to trust.
A few chapters in, I realised there was something about the storyline that surprised me, and I wonder if other readers might feel the same way, but I'm not going to give anything away.
This was a nail-biter, and a very entertaining read. I think my book club would like this, so I may recommend it to them.
Thank you to The Book Folks, and to the author, for the opportunity to review this.
This is the first book in a series of murder mysteries featuring police officer Anna “Crazy” McArthur as the protagonist. It takes place in Norfolk.
From the start, I enjoyed the grittiness and suspense. There was something about Anna that I identified with, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It wasn't anything to do with her lifestyle or personality traits., but something a little bit deeper. Some of the other characters interested me too, and I wasn't too sure who to trust.
A few chapters in, I realised there was something about the storyline that surprised me, and I wonder if other readers might feel the same way, but I'm not going to give anything away.
This was a nail-biter, and a very entertaining read. I think my book club would like this, so I may recommend it to them.
Thank you to The Book Folks, and to the author, for the opportunity to review this.
May 23, 2025
I picked this book from Joffe publishers as I liked the look of it, and it was relatively light hearted.
I have to say it is a most enjoyable read, and the main character is a bit of a maverick to say the least. No wonder she is called Crazy McArthur. I think she’s just one of those people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It starts off with Anna who’s off work, with injuries sustained in a previous case, walking through the park and she comes across a girl who’s been stabbed and the word “catfish” engraved on her.
As no one reports her missing, no one appears to have missed her and no one knows who she is. Then another body appears.
Although officially Anna is not supposed to be at work, they do ask for her help on the side to try and find the killer.
What follows is a very entertaining read with Anna getting into more mischief, in more ways than one.
I do hope the author carries on with this series, I’d love to know what happens to Crazy McArthur!
I have to say it is a most enjoyable read, and the main character is a bit of a maverick to say the least. No wonder she is called Crazy McArthur. I think she’s just one of those people who are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It starts off with Anna who’s off work, with injuries sustained in a previous case, walking through the park and she comes across a girl who’s been stabbed and the word “catfish” engraved on her.
As no one reports her missing, no one appears to have missed her and no one knows who she is. Then another body appears.
Although officially Anna is not supposed to be at work, they do ask for her help on the side to try and find the killer.
What follows is a very entertaining read with Anna getting into more mischief, in more ways than one.
I do hope the author carries on with this series, I’d love to know what happens to Crazy McArthur!
February 9, 2026
Murder in Norfolk by Sadie Norman is undeniably a page-turner, but one that ultimately left me underwhelmed. The pacing is brisk and it’s easy to keep reading, yet the investigation itself felt a little too convenient. Anna often appears reckless, with key pieces of the puzzle falling into place through coincidence rather than sharp detective work. As a crime novel, it lacked the satisfying sense of deduction and clever problem-solving I was hoping for.
The side romance also didn’t add much for me. It felt underdeveloped and oddly placed, especially since Anna herself seems to have deeper, unresolved issues that might have been better explored in a different kind of story altogether. There are no major twists or surprises here, which made the resolution feel predictable. While this was an engaging enough read in the moment, I won’t be continuing with the series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
July 19, 2024
Anna McArthur has been on enforced leave for ten months after being stabbed in an incident gone wrong.
She is called in unofficially to help out when she finds a woman stabbed with the word CATFISH carved into her body.
Anna has a reputation for getting into the thick of things without thinking anything through.
However, she is a good investigator and gets the job done in the end.
I was very impressed at this first novel by Sadie Norman. It might not be the most polished of books, but it was entertaining and I always like a female investigator. Anna gets teased a lot by her team members, but realises in the end that they care for her. I am looking forward to more in this series.
I recommend and it is 4/5 stars from me.
thanks to Netgalley and The Book Folks for the opportunity to read this book.
She is called in unofficially to help out when she finds a woman stabbed with the word CATFISH carved into her body.
Anna has a reputation for getting into the thick of things without thinking anything through.
However, she is a good investigator and gets the job done in the end.
I was very impressed at this first novel by Sadie Norman. It might not be the most polished of books, but it was entertaining and I always like a female investigator. Anna gets teased a lot by her team members, but realises in the end that they care for her. I am looking forward to more in this series.
I recommend and it is 4/5 stars from me.
thanks to Netgalley and The Book Folks for the opportunity to read this book.
September 22, 2024
What a delightful surprise: a police procedural with the narrative not focused on a senior officer but in this case a rookie detective constable, Anna McArthur.
This debut novel by Sadie Norman is a joy to read from start to finish. It's playful and twisty but has characters that command empathy and have moral depths often missing in modern crime novels (and real life!).
The plot is intricate and clever with a denouement that pulls out all the stops in the drama stakes.
Anna is a great creation. She's flawed and fragile but also brave and determined and fights for justice for the victims in the case without a care for her own personal safety. There's also a touch of romance and some loose ends left dangling till the eagerly awaited next book in the series.
This debut novel by Sadie Norman is a joy to read from start to finish. It's playful and twisty but has characters that command empathy and have moral depths often missing in modern crime novels (and real life!).
The plot is intricate and clever with a denouement that pulls out all the stops in the drama stakes.
Anna is a great creation. She's flawed and fragile but also brave and determined and fights for justice for the victims in the case without a care for her own personal safety. There's also a touch of romance and some loose ends left dangling till the eagerly awaited next book in the series.
September 22, 2024
An addictive new detective thriller series. Catfish introduces us to Anna who is on sick leave from the force following a traumatic case, where she ended up badly injured and psychologically affected. On her way home from Saturday night drinks at the pub, she discovered a dead female, and her skills are required to help on the case. The dead female has been catfishing men across the country for financial gain, so all the twists and turns reel us straight into the action. I absolutely loved the sexual tension between Anna and the station manager, Aaron. Hooked in by murder, enticed by a net full of clues to decipher and hooked on the sexual chemistry. - Catfish is a pacy page-turner. #Catfish #sadienorman #thebookfolks
February 22, 2026
This was an ok murder mystery. Easy to read but it didn't capture me.
***********************
She went for a walk to clear her head. She found a dead woman carved with a message.
Detective Constable Anna McArthur is off duty, off the case — and barely holding it together. Ten months after a near-fatal knife attack, she’s still haunted by the job that almost ended her career. But when she stumbles across a body beneath the medieval chapel in King’s Lynn’s historic park, instincts override fear.
The victim is young, female, anonymous. The word catfish is cut into her skin. There’s no ID. No witnesses. No one has reported her missing.
Drawn back into Norfolk’s Serious Crimes team before she’s officially fit for duty, Anna must navigate the hostile suspicion of her colleagues and the looming shadow of her past. But as another body surfaces with the same mutilation, Anna realises this isn’t random — and the killer is only getting started.
***********************
She went for a walk to clear her head. She found a dead woman carved with a message.
Detective Constable Anna McArthur is off duty, off the case — and barely holding it together. Ten months after a near-fatal knife attack, she’s still haunted by the job that almost ended her career. But when she stumbles across a body beneath the medieval chapel in King’s Lynn’s historic park, instincts override fear.
The victim is young, female, anonymous. The word catfish is cut into her skin. There’s no ID. No witnesses. No one has reported her missing.
Drawn back into Norfolk’s Serious Crimes team before she’s officially fit for duty, Anna must navigate the hostile suspicion of her colleagues and the looming shadow of her past. But as another body surfaces with the same mutilation, Anna realises this isn’t random — and the killer is only getting started.
October 6, 2024
Police officer Anna MacArthur's tendency to rush in where angels fear to tread has earned her a reputation among her colleagues and the title of "Crazy MacArthur". But sometimes, the situation calls for just that degree of reckless courage.
On her way back from successful date, Anna encounters the last thing she expects to find - a body with the word "catfish" carved into it. What follows is a wild ride that will be appreciated by those who like characters that march to their own drum, and also enjoy police procedurals. Definitely worth checking out if you belong to that category of readers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
On her way back from successful date, Anna encounters the last thing she expects to find - a body with the word "catfish" carved into it. What follows is a wild ride that will be appreciated by those who like characters that march to their own drum, and also enjoy police procedurals. Definitely worth checking out if you belong to that category of readers.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 21, 2024
Rookie detective Anna McArthur is in the case after she discovers the body of a woman with the word “Catfish” carved into her chest.
This was an engaging and entertaining murder mystery that really kept my attention. I liked the main character Anna who was dealing with trauma and rebuilding relationships with her fellow detectives. The case was unique and it was satisfying at the end to see how it all resolved. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this one for fans of a good murder mystery!
This was an engaging and entertaining murder mystery that really kept my attention. I liked the main character Anna who was dealing with trauma and rebuilding relationships with her fellow detectives. The case was unique and it was satisfying at the end to see how it all resolved. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this one for fans of a good murder mystery!
April 23, 2025
This is an easy, fun and solid read. All the main characters are likeable especially Anna. The plot although simple is effective and definitely keeps you turning the pages. Add in a touch of romance to keep the story simmering. It’s well written and flows beautifully - hard to believe this is Sadie Norman’s debut. Glad to see there is a sequel to this as it feels this will be an interesting series
October 13, 2025
Excellent
This is the first book I’ve read written by Sadie Norman. What can I say it’s starts off with a dead body so that’s good , it took a few pages to get into the characters but after that all was good I really enjoyed the read and I’m now off to book two the good thing it’s already written so no waiting about . So if you haven’t tried any of Sadie Norman’s books try this one I’m sure you won’t be sorry
This is the first book I’ve read written by Sadie Norman. What can I say it’s starts off with a dead body so that’s good , it took a few pages to get into the characters but after that all was good I really enjoyed the read and I’m now off to book two the good thing it’s already written so no waiting about . So if you haven’t tried any of Sadie Norman’s books try this one I’m sure you won’t be sorry
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