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Detective Anna McArthur #3
Murder in the Lake
Meet Detective Anna McArthur. Back at work after being stabbed in the line of duty. And solving serious crimes in West Norfolk.
When the body of reclusive pensioner Barney King is found floating in a winter pond, Detective Constable Anna McArthur expects another lonely death. But in King’s cluttered Norfolk cottage, she finds a handwritten note: a confession to murder.
Forty years ago, a young mother named Clara Burns disappeared without a trace. Her children were asleep in bed. Her husband was down the pub. And her neighbour — Barney King — was the prime suspect.
Now Anna and her team are forced to reopen the case. But when it emerges that King was once suspected in the disappearance of DCI Aaron Burns’ own mother, the pressure intensifies — and so does the scrutiny on Anna’s relationship with her boss.
As an outsider is drafted in to lead the case, secrets swirl around the remote farmhouse, a tight-lipped family, and a carer who knows more than she’s saying. But someone is watching Anna, and they’re ready to protect the past — at any cost.
A chilling, character-driven mystery set in the stark beauty of rural Norfolk.
When the body of reclusive pensioner Barney King is found floating in a winter pond, Detective Constable Anna McArthur expects another lonely death. But in King’s cluttered Norfolk cottage, she finds a handwritten note: a confession to murder.
Forty years ago, a young mother named Clara Burns disappeared without a trace. Her children were asleep in bed. Her husband was down the pub. And her neighbour — Barney King — was the prime suspect.
Now Anna and her team are forced to reopen the case. But when it emerges that King was once suspected in the disappearance of DCI Aaron Burns’ own mother, the pressure intensifies — and so does the scrutiny on Anna’s relationship with her boss.
As an outsider is drafted in to lead the case, secrets swirl around the remote farmhouse, a tight-lipped family, and a carer who knows more than she’s saying. But someone is watching Anna, and they’re ready to protect the past — at any cost.
A chilling, character-driven mystery set in the stark beauty of rural Norfolk.
- GenresMystery
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2025
364 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Sadie Norman
4 books9 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 29, 2025
Book Title: Murder in the Lake
Author(s): Sadie Norman
Publisher(s): The Book Folks/Independent
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I didn’t realize before I started (this is what I get for not paying close enough attention) that Murder in the Lake by Sadie Norman was book three of a series. Thankfully, this didn’t impede me from enjoying it, and at no point did I feel like I was missing anything. That being said, I definitely need more Detective Constable Anna McArthur, so I will be going back to read the first two books which are currently available on Kindle Unlimited along with this one!
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: The pace is very steady all the way through and while there is a little romantic involvement, it isn’t the main focus and instead was a nice accompaniment. There is also some of that excellent British dry humor that would make me LOL at the most random times. Even though this is a detective murder mystery, it has a sense of lightness to it that makes it feel very balanced. I was surprised by the whodunnit to an extent, and the road to get there was fun and engrossing.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Norman includes a handy glossary of English usage for US readers at the back of the book, and I would not be surprised if I revisit that for other books by other authors. This is under 300 pages and the story flies by, making it a very bingeable and quick read. I finished almost all of it in one sitting, and Murder in the Lake was the perfect police procedural for me to pick up at this moment.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🍳🐕😵🚓
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author(s): Sadie Norman
Publisher(s): The Book Folks/Independent
🍿 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: I didn’t realize before I started (this is what I get for not paying close enough attention) that Murder in the Lake by Sadie Norman was book three of a series. Thankfully, this didn’t impede me from enjoying it, and at no point did I feel like I was missing anything. That being said, I definitely need more Detective Constable Anna McArthur, so I will be going back to read the first two books which are currently available on Kindle Unlimited along with this one!
🤩 𝚃͏𝚑͏𝚎͏ 𝙱͏𝚎͏𝚜͏𝚝͏ 𝙱͏𝚒͏𝚝͏𝚜͏: The pace is very steady all the way through and while there is a little romantic involvement, it isn’t the main focus and instead was a nice accompaniment. There is also some of that excellent British dry humor that would make me LOL at the most random times. Even though this is a detective murder mystery, it has a sense of lightness to it that makes it feel very balanced. I was surprised by the whodunnit to an extent, and the road to get there was fun and engrossing.
💭 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴: Norman includes a handy glossary of English usage for US readers at the back of the book, and I would not be surprised if I revisit that for other books by other authors. This is under 300 pages and the story flies by, making it a very bingeable and quick read. I finished almost all of it in one sitting, and Murder in the Lake was the perfect police procedural for me to pick up at this moment.
T͏h͏i͏s͏ B͏o͏o͏k͏ i͏n͏ 5͏ E͏m͏o͏j͏i͏’s͏ o͏r͏ L͏e͏s͏s͏: 🍳🐕😵🚓
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 23, 2025
" [...] I guess you never really know what goes on in someone’s mind. [...]”
Wow! I am so impressed with Sadie Norman's novel entitled "Murder in the Lake". I have to tell you that the plot captivated me to such an extent that I read it in one day. I devoted Saturday to this story, and I do not regret it. I only regret that I did not learn about the earlier fates of the characters. Despite everything, I found myself here very well.
I met here, among others:
- DC Anna McArthur - she is a great woman with crazy ideas. She does not have an easy job. She will have a difficult task ahead of her. She will have to discover what happened to Barney King. How did he die?
- DCI Aaron Burns - in this part, great emotions await him. He's quite hot-headed, but you can like him.
- DCI Matthew Chase - this is a new character. Was he just sent to spy on other police officers? For me, this character was ok.
In addition to these characters, you will also meet other characters worthy of your attention.
If you like crime stories in which you can encounter crimes from years ago, feel free to reach for the novel "Murder in the Lake".
Can the truth about a disappearance be discovered after 40 years? The author proves with her novel that anything is possible. All you need is favourable conditions and a good team.
I found interesting plot twists here that I did not expect. A great solution.
In my opinion, this crime story is worth reading.
This was my first reading encounter with Sadie Norman's work, and I already know that it will not be the last.
Wow! I am so impressed with Sadie Norman's novel entitled "Murder in the Lake". I have to tell you that the plot captivated me to such an extent that I read it in one day. I devoted Saturday to this story, and I do not regret it. I only regret that I did not learn about the earlier fates of the characters. Despite everything, I found myself here very well.
I met here, among others:
- DC Anna McArthur - she is a great woman with crazy ideas. She does not have an easy job. She will have a difficult task ahead of her. She will have to discover what happened to Barney King. How did he die?
- DCI Aaron Burns - in this part, great emotions await him. He's quite hot-headed, but you can like him.
- DCI Matthew Chase - this is a new character. Was he just sent to spy on other police officers? For me, this character was ok.
In addition to these characters, you will also meet other characters worthy of your attention.
If you like crime stories in which you can encounter crimes from years ago, feel free to reach for the novel "Murder in the Lake".
Can the truth about a disappearance be discovered after 40 years? The author proves with her novel that anything is possible. All you need is favourable conditions and a good team.
I found interesting plot twists here that I did not expect. A great solution.
In my opinion, this crime story is worth reading.
This was my first reading encounter with Sadie Norman's work, and I already know that it will not be the last.
June 23, 2025
** blog tour **
This was a new series/author for me and I loved it so much, I immediately bought the two previous books.
The novel opens wonderfully, with the description of the chilly, wintry North Norfolk setting almost feeling gothic: ‘as dazzling outside was, it had a way of stealing the light out and leaving a perpetual darkness inside.’
Later on, the brilliant (and cold!) descriptions of the fens and wetlands are almost a character in their own right.
Summer feels like an oven with tropical temperatures we are having at the moment. It was a little surreal to read about snow and ice in Norfolk in winter, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I know this area well and personally find it a beautiful part of the UK. Unlike DCI Chase, I think Norwich really is a wonderful city to hang out and shop in.
I had some trouble getting into the story because the characters were all new to me, I immediately loved 'crazy' McArthur, Anna, a feisty lady who is handling things her own way. Having already been stabbed in the previous novel, in this one she causes a car accident and overpowers an old lady who enters the police station with a gun, shooting holes in the ceiling.
In this story, an elderly deaf man was found in a pond. Did he have an unfortunate fall or is something else at play? The team finds a bizarre suicide note in which the victim confesses to having killed her.
It's a small police team, not too keen on the 'twats' and the 'bigwigs' from head office, who are not at all keen on DCI Chase coming to spy on them to see if they can bring the case to a successful conclusion. Their ‘comments’ on the people from head office were rather amusing.
The story's use of indirect free speech is very original, especially given that the first-person narrator is also a team member. This allows the reader to follow the team's actions and thoughts, making you feel closely involved with the team as if you were part of it.
Initially, there is a mismatch between 'city boy' DCI Chase and the rest of the team, who hope he'll leave sooner rather than later: “This team, this station, you’ve got these strange dynamics going on, and outsiders like me aren’t welcome,” says Chase.
Two characters surprised me in particular: Lucy. I'm from a different generation, but that behaviour! Grandma isn't exactly a shining example, either. What a mouth she has! It's odd that she's getting away with this without any consequences. She even assaulted a police officer with a frying pan! I had a bit of an issue with DCI Aaron Burns, as well.
I'm not sure I fully get why he was reacting the way he did to Anna. He seems to be the brooding type, and every time he appears in the novel – he only plays a minor role because he is not allowed to interfere with the case, because there is an ongoing investigation into his mother's disappearance – he comes across as a grim, gloomy man, grumpy and rather blunt and aloof towards Anna.
Whether or not DCI Chase would fall in love with Anna was left somewhat uncertain, and I think the author missed an opportunity here. I found Chase very likeable and I don't understand why the team doesn't give him a chance. He is insightful and has a good sense of humour.
I hope this is explored further in a sequel — after all, Chase indicated that he and Anna would meet again. I sincerely hope so!
This is a character-driven mystery that highlights the human side of police work. I really liked the banter between the characters and the dialogues felt very natural. They are people I would want to have a drink with in the pub, and I think they would be good company.
As a lifelong Trekkie, I really liked Picard's quote!
I'm hoping for a follow-up where DCI Chase becomes part of the team — it was a real shame to see him go!
**** 4 stars. Character-driven atmospheric murder mystery set in lovely Norfolk.
Thank you 🌷 The Book Folks for the review copy and introducing me to a new series, and having me on your blog tour.
This was a new series/author for me and I loved it so much, I immediately bought the two previous books.
The novel opens wonderfully, with the description of the chilly, wintry North Norfolk setting almost feeling gothic: ‘as dazzling outside was, it had a way of stealing the light out and leaving a perpetual darkness inside.’
Later on, the brilliant (and cold!) descriptions of the fens and wetlands are almost a character in their own right.
Summer feels like an oven with tropical temperatures we are having at the moment. It was a little surreal to read about snow and ice in Norfolk in winter, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I know this area well and personally find it a beautiful part of the UK. Unlike DCI Chase, I think Norwich really is a wonderful city to hang out and shop in.
I had some trouble getting into the story because the characters were all new to me, I immediately loved 'crazy' McArthur, Anna, a feisty lady who is handling things her own way. Having already been stabbed in the previous novel, in this one she causes a car accident and overpowers an old lady who enters the police station with a gun, shooting holes in the ceiling.
In this story, an elderly deaf man was found in a pond. Did he have an unfortunate fall or is something else at play? The team finds a bizarre suicide note in which the victim confesses to having killed her.
It's a small police team, not too keen on the 'twats' and the 'bigwigs' from head office, who are not at all keen on DCI Chase coming to spy on them to see if they can bring the case to a successful conclusion. Their ‘comments’ on the people from head office were rather amusing.
The story's use of indirect free speech is very original, especially given that the first-person narrator is also a team member. This allows the reader to follow the team's actions and thoughts, making you feel closely involved with the team as if you were part of it.
Initially, there is a mismatch between 'city boy' DCI Chase and the rest of the team, who hope he'll leave sooner rather than later: “This team, this station, you’ve got these strange dynamics going on, and outsiders like me aren’t welcome,” says Chase.
Two characters surprised me in particular: Lucy. I'm from a different generation, but that behaviour! Grandma isn't exactly a shining example, either. What a mouth she has! It's odd that she's getting away with this without any consequences. She even assaulted a police officer with a frying pan! I had a bit of an issue with DCI Aaron Burns, as well.
I'm not sure I fully get why he was reacting the way he did to Anna. He seems to be the brooding type, and every time he appears in the novel – he only plays a minor role because he is not allowed to interfere with the case, because there is an ongoing investigation into his mother's disappearance – he comes across as a grim, gloomy man, grumpy and rather blunt and aloof towards Anna.
Whether or not DCI Chase would fall in love with Anna was left somewhat uncertain, and I think the author missed an opportunity here. I found Chase very likeable and I don't understand why the team doesn't give him a chance. He is insightful and has a good sense of humour.
I hope this is explored further in a sequel — after all, Chase indicated that he and Anna would meet again. I sincerely hope so!
This is a character-driven mystery that highlights the human side of police work. I really liked the banter between the characters and the dialogues felt very natural. They are people I would want to have a drink with in the pub, and I think they would be good company.
As a lifelong Trekkie, I really liked Picard's quote!
I'm hoping for a follow-up where DCI Chase becomes part of the team — it was a real shame to see him go!
**** 4 stars. Character-driven atmospheric murder mystery set in lovely Norfolk.
Thank you 🌷 The Book Folks for the review copy and introducing me to a new series, and having me on your blog tour.
July 1, 2025
The story:
When the body of an old man is found in an isolated quarry lake along with a note confessing to murder, it at first seems that Barney King must have taken his own life out of guilt. But DC Anna McArthur and the Serious Crimes team soon uncover connections that run back decades… connections that have a very personal link to DCI Aaron Burns – their boss and Anna’s boyfriend.
With Aaron unable to be involved, DCI Matthew Chase is sent by Chief Constable Ian Price from head office to oversee not only the King investigation, but a 40-year old cold case. But with the team already on the Chief Constable’s radar as troublemakers, can the new DCI really be trusted?
My thoughts:
“Murder in the Lake” by Sadie Norman is the third instalment in the Detective Anna McArthur series (following “Murder in Norfolk” and “Murder in a Cottage”), and as with the first two books, we are immediately plunged into the action with the Serious Crimes team.
A body is discovered at Pepperwell Quarry and it soon emerges that there is a connection to the unsolved disappearance of DCI Aaron Burns’ mother 40 years ago. This of course rules Aaron out of the investigation, and gives the deeply unpleasant (and possibly dodgy) Chief Constable Ian Price at head office the opportunity to put a spy in the team’s midst, in the form of DCI Matthew Chase.
Anna once again lives up to her ‘Crazy McArthur’ nickname due to her unwillingness to sit back and let things go, and this is what makes her a great character – driving the case forward, although not always sticking to her orders! Anna also has strong feelings for Aaron, and despite his commitment-phobic tendencies, he cares for her too. But things are made more difficult for them than usual in this book, given the nature of the case and the scrutiny of DCI Chase.
The case, or rather two cases, lead the team back into the past, both of Barney King and the Burns family, and is a pleasingly twisting plot with the pieces gradually slotting together as the team work not only to solve the mystery, but also get some closure for Aaron. The book ends with the cases closed, but questions still unanswered between Aaron and Anna about their relationship (and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of DCI Chase!). I’m enjoying reading about the exploits of the King’s Lynn team, and with the background of an unsolved case that’s rumbled on from book one, I look forward to seeing where the story goes next!
When the body of an old man is found in an isolated quarry lake along with a note confessing to murder, it at first seems that Barney King must have taken his own life out of guilt. But DC Anna McArthur and the Serious Crimes team soon uncover connections that run back decades… connections that have a very personal link to DCI Aaron Burns – their boss and Anna’s boyfriend.
With Aaron unable to be involved, DCI Matthew Chase is sent by Chief Constable Ian Price from head office to oversee not only the King investigation, but a 40-year old cold case. But with the team already on the Chief Constable’s radar as troublemakers, can the new DCI really be trusted?
My thoughts:
“Murder in the Lake” by Sadie Norman is the third instalment in the Detective Anna McArthur series (following “Murder in Norfolk” and “Murder in a Cottage”), and as with the first two books, we are immediately plunged into the action with the Serious Crimes team.
A body is discovered at Pepperwell Quarry and it soon emerges that there is a connection to the unsolved disappearance of DCI Aaron Burns’ mother 40 years ago. This of course rules Aaron out of the investigation, and gives the deeply unpleasant (and possibly dodgy) Chief Constable Ian Price at head office the opportunity to put a spy in the team’s midst, in the form of DCI Matthew Chase.
Anna once again lives up to her ‘Crazy McArthur’ nickname due to her unwillingness to sit back and let things go, and this is what makes her a great character – driving the case forward, although not always sticking to her orders! Anna also has strong feelings for Aaron, and despite his commitment-phobic tendencies, he cares for her too. But things are made more difficult for them than usual in this book, given the nature of the case and the scrutiny of DCI Chase.
The case, or rather two cases, lead the team back into the past, both of Barney King and the Burns family, and is a pleasingly twisting plot with the pieces gradually slotting together as the team work not only to solve the mystery, but also get some closure for Aaron. The book ends with the cases closed, but questions still unanswered between Aaron and Anna about their relationship (and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of DCI Chase!). I’m enjoying reading about the exploits of the King’s Lynn team, and with the background of an unsolved case that’s rumbled on from book one, I look forward to seeing where the story goes next!
July 6, 2025
Things get personal in Anna McArthur’s latest case - and the past refuses to stay buried.
This third instalment in the series throws us right back into the thick of it with Anna and the King’s Lynn Serious Crimes team. A body turns up in a lake near Pepperwell Quarry - and shockingly, it ties back to the decades-old disappearance of DCI Aaron Burns’ mother. That bombshell forces Aaron off the case, opening the door for the smarmy Chief Constable to plant his own man - DCI Matthew Chase - into the unit. Needless to say, trust is thin on the ground.
Anna, of course, doesn’t do “sit quietly and behave.” Her instincts are sharp, her energy chaotic, and she’s once again the one pushing the investigation forward - albeit not always in the way her superiors would like. Add in the simmering, complicated tension between her and Aaron (who’s now even more off-limits than usual), and you’ve got plenty of personal drama fuelling the fire.
I really liked the dual-case structure here - both past and present colliding in a way that felt organic and layered. The mystery was well-paced, the politics messy, and there’s clearly still more to come, especially with Chase lurking in the background and unresolved tension between Anna and Aaron.
A strong addition to the series—gritty, twisty, and full of emotional stakes.
This third instalment in the series throws us right back into the thick of it with Anna and the King’s Lynn Serious Crimes team. A body turns up in a lake near Pepperwell Quarry - and shockingly, it ties back to the decades-old disappearance of DCI Aaron Burns’ mother. That bombshell forces Aaron off the case, opening the door for the smarmy Chief Constable to plant his own man - DCI Matthew Chase - into the unit. Needless to say, trust is thin on the ground.
Anna, of course, doesn’t do “sit quietly and behave.” Her instincts are sharp, her energy chaotic, and she’s once again the one pushing the investigation forward - albeit not always in the way her superiors would like. Add in the simmering, complicated tension between her and Aaron (who’s now even more off-limits than usual), and you’ve got plenty of personal drama fuelling the fire.
I really liked the dual-case structure here - both past and present colliding in a way that felt organic and layered. The mystery was well-paced, the politics messy, and there’s clearly still more to come, especially with Chase lurking in the background and unresolved tension between Anna and Aaron.
A strong addition to the series—gritty, twisty, and full of emotional stakes.
June 29, 2025
Murder in the Lake by Sadie Norman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A police procedural crime story following the Serious Crime team in the Kings Lynn Police Investigation Centre, and more specifically DC Anna ‘Crazy’ McArthur.
Barney King’s dead body is found in water near his home, in his cottage is a confession to a murder! Forty years ago Barney’s neighbour disappeared and he was the prime suspect, but nothing came of it and it became a cold case - are they connected?
They are forced to reopen the cold case but when it turns out that their own DCI was the son of the woman who disappeared an outsider gets drafted in to lead the team.
This wasn’t my usual ‘cosy’ mystery but I really enjoyed it, I liked the chatter between the characters and how real it seemed. The story moved at a good pace and kept me hooked,it was like I was working along with the team. It gave me ‘Vera’ vibes and I would love to read more of this series.
I received a gifted copy of this book. This is my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A police procedural crime story following the Serious Crime team in the Kings Lynn Police Investigation Centre, and more specifically DC Anna ‘Crazy’ McArthur.
Barney King’s dead body is found in water near his home, in his cottage is a confession to a murder! Forty years ago Barney’s neighbour disappeared and he was the prime suspect, but nothing came of it and it became a cold case - are they connected?
They are forced to reopen the cold case but when it turns out that their own DCI was the son of the woman who disappeared an outsider gets drafted in to lead the team.
This wasn’t my usual ‘cosy’ mystery but I really enjoyed it, I liked the chatter between the characters and how real it seemed. The story moved at a good pace and kept me hooked,it was like I was working along with the team. It gave me ‘Vera’ vibes and I would love to read more of this series.
I received a gifted copy of this book. This is my honest review.
July 4, 2025
This was my first time reading a book by this author. I was not disappointed in any way. Order in the Lake is the third book in this series but I didn’t feel like I had missed anything by not having read the previous books. The main character Anna McArthur is a fearless detective known as “Crazy” McArthur because of her sometimes unorthodox methods. She’s tough and doesn’t take any crap. I thought she was brilliant! I liked the hints of a possible romantic connection between he and DCI Chase as well. I really liked him and hope to see him again in future books. The stunningly detailed descriptions of the setting blew me away. I felt like I was right there in the middle of the action. I am completely hooked on this series now and can’t wait for the next one. I will absolutely be reading the previous books.
July 3, 2025
What a cracking third novel in the Detecrive Anna "crazy" McArthur series. This superb crime thriller can be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on the growing relationship with and between the principal characters. The team are on the case of deceased Barney King, found in the water and seemingly leaving a suicide note. However, his movements prior to death don't point to suicide, and the people he came in contact with all appear to be hiding something. There is the additional issue of King being a chief suspect in the disappearance of DCI Aaron Burns' mother. As Anna inches closer to the truth, the more perilous things become. A bingeoworthy thriller. #murderinthelake #sadienorman #Thebookfolks
July 3, 2025
This is the 3rd book in the series by Sadie Norman. Although I haven’t read the other 2 and I wish I had so I could have known more about the characters. This is told from the POV of FMC DC Anna McArthur, who is loyal, fiesty and known as ‘crazy McArthur.’ The other main characters, DCI Matthew Chase and DCI Aaron Burns are both very different but definitely add to this story. I’d have liked to know more about the characters which was a downside to the book. I really enjoyed the plot and as there were two cases being covered in the book, this added to the general enjoyment. The ending definitely wrapped this up nicely and set up perfectly for book 4 in the series!
July 5, 2025
Sadie Norman
This is the third Sadie Norman book and I enjoyed it as much as Books 1 and 2.
However the first book ‘Murder In Norfolk’ was previously published under the title of ‘Catfish’ and the second book ‘Murder in a Cottage’ was previously published under the name of ‘Squealer’ . I read both of those books last year, and was disappointed to discover when I bought ‘Murder in Norfolk’ and ‘Murder in a Cottage’ to find I had read them both already.
This is the third Sadie Norman book and I enjoyed it as much as Books 1 and 2.
However the first book ‘Murder In Norfolk’ was previously published under the title of ‘Catfish’ and the second book ‘Murder in a Cottage’ was previously published under the name of ‘Squealer’ . I read both of those books last year, and was disappointed to discover when I bought ‘Murder in Norfolk’ and ‘Murder in a Cottage’ to find I had read them both already.
July 1, 2025
Thank you so much to the author and publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review!
This was an interesting murder mystery set in West Norfolk and was an amazing read. DC Anna McArthur is stubborn, and reckless, the perfect lead for this book! The mystery kept me guessing throughout and had me hooked 😳
If you love small-town mysteries with a strong female lead, this is perfect for you 🤭
This was an interesting murder mystery set in West Norfolk and was an amazing read. DC Anna McArthur is stubborn, and reckless, the perfect lead for this book! The mystery kept me guessing throughout and had me hooked 😳
If you love small-town mysteries with a strong female lead, this is perfect for you 🤭
October 19, 2025
entertaining
This is the third and I think last book in the trilogy? It’s a shame as I think there’s plenty of scope left for more . Anyway I really enjoyed the read found it very entertaining just a shame it’s the last . I’d just like to thank , Sadie Norman for writing these books and I hope there’s many more in the future
This is the third and I think last book in the trilogy? It’s a shame as I think there’s plenty of scope left for more . Anyway I really enjoyed the read found it very entertaining just a shame it’s the last . I’d just like to thank , Sadie Norman for writing these books and I hope there’s many more in the future
July 7, 2025
I was sent this book to review by the lovely @the_book_folks and the cover drew me in straightaway. I am a sucker for a good cover and when it’s a crime thriller then I am all over it. This was quick paced, a page turner and kept me wanting to pick it back up. I thoroughly enjoyed this♥️.
July 29, 2025
I need more of Anna and Aaron 😍
August 12, 2025
Super book keeping you enthralled all the way.
I have recommended this book to all my friends particularly the ones like me who live in the areas of Kings Lynn and Wisbech like me!
I have recommended this book to all my friends particularly the ones like me who live in the areas of Kings Lynn and Wisbech like me!
August 31, 2025
Good plots, good characters Loved Anna and want more of her and the team.
sorry when I finished the last of the three books..............wanted to continue wanted more.
sorry when I finished the last of the three books..............wanted to continue wanted more.
October 17, 2025
Murder in the lake
Just could not put it down wish the more books the one I've just read
Sadie Norman what more can I say
Just could not put it down wish the more books the one I've just read
Sadie Norman what more can I say
October 31, 2025
Excellent
As usual I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down. Again I shall definitely be recommending this author to members of my book club and friends.
As usual I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and couldn't put it down. Again I shall definitely be recommending this author to members of my book club and friends.
July 17, 2025
I really liked the pacing of the mystery and how Anna McArthur investigates. While she does push boundaries and may do some things a little unconventional, it is all because of how much she cares about discovering the truth. I have not read the other books in this series but I felt the closeness of her team and the way they work off one another. It was easy to read and there were a decent amount of suspenseful moments to balance the character development. I did enjoy the small romance element. Given the nature of the relationship it was subtle but had an impact on the investigation. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you @the_book_folks for the gifted copy.
Thank you @the_book_folks for the gifted copy.
July 22, 2025
There is a good story here with interesting characters including "Crazy McArthur" the reckless and sometimes silly DC Anna Mcarthur. Her nickname is well earned and not particularly affectionally either. Anna is the DCI in charge of the Serious Crimes Unit's girlfriend. They try to keep it under wraps but being in a police station together every ones knows. He tries to teach her the best way forward but fate seems to always intervene. Anna doesn't look for trouble but trouble always finds her.
if you like crimes in a tranquil area around the towns and villages of West Norfolk this is for you. A short and readable book.
if you like crimes in a tranquil area around the towns and villages of West Norfolk this is for you. A short and readable book.
July 25, 2025
literally read it in a few hours 💁🏻♀️💁🏻♀️
Sadie Norman is a new author for me, and this is the 3rd in the series. It was easy enough to read without having read the previous two books, but I do want to read them.
All the characters were great, it felt like a very dysfunctional but close knit family. It reminded me of my old work team 😢
Anna seems to fumble her way to the right answer and has been nicknamed Crazy McArthur and it’s easy to see why. However, she’s great. Something doesn’t sit right with her and she doesn’t give up until she gets the right answer.
This was such a nice book and I enjoyed reading it 🥰🥰
Sadie Norman is a new author for me, and this is the 3rd in the series. It was easy enough to read without having read the previous two books, but I do want to read them.
All the characters were great, it felt like a very dysfunctional but close knit family. It reminded me of my old work team 😢
Anna seems to fumble her way to the right answer and has been nicknamed Crazy McArthur and it’s easy to see why. However, she’s great. Something doesn’t sit right with her and she doesn’t give up until she gets the right answer.
This was such a nice book and I enjoyed reading it 🥰🥰
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