The York Minster Killings: A father is pushed beyond his limits in the BRAND NEW thriller from Wes Markin

The Yorkshire Murders #7

by Wes Markin

Discover the BRAND NEW book in the utterly gripping Yorkshire Murders series from bestseller Wes Markin. 💀 🚨 Did you think this was the end? Think again… 👀

A desperate father…

Graham Blanks is having a very bad day. With his daughter’s life hanging in the balance, Graham finds himself in a race against time to get her the help she so desperately needs. But in the bustling city of York, Graham is faced with setback after setback and he’s beginning to lose his patience…

An escalation of violence…

As Graham becomes more out of control, his frustration and violence increases. And soon his victims begin to mount. Can anyone end his desperate and deadly spree?

A final reckoning.

DI Paul Riddick is a man who understands a father’s desperation all too well. He knows Blanks has to be apprehended, but only newly recovered from illness himself, Riddick is struggling. Will he be able to stop Blanks in time - or will his deadly spree spiral even further out of control?

In the shadow of York Minster, the fate of many lies in the hands of two men with nothing left to lose and time running out...

Praise for Wes

'Cracking start to an exciting new series. Twist and turns, thrills and kills. I loved it' Bestselling author Ross Greenwood

'Markin stuns with his latest offering... Mind-bendingly dark and deep, you know it's not for the faint hearted from page one. Intricate plotting, devious twists and excellent characterisation take this tale to a whole new level. Any serious crime fan will love it!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen

'A nerve-jangling, heart thumping belter of a crime series' Bestselling author TG Reid

'Yet another first class story from this talented author' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'Wow! What an incredible and enoyable read this was'⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Genres: Mystery

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 10, 2026

About the author

Be sure to follow Wes on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/3tFWIHL

Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.

Reviews

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating! Wes Markin delivers another perfectly executed lesson in gritty storytelling with the seventh instalment of his Yorkshire murder series.
In this powerful novel, we meet Graham Blinks, a man pushed to the brink by job loss and his daughter’s terminal illness.
As Graham’s desperation morphs into a chaotic, logic-defying rage against a failing society, the stakes reach a fever pitch.
​DI Riddick, still reeling from his past, and his new partner, Laura, race to contain the fallout, leading to a profound realisation, the line between the hunter and the hunted is thinner than it seems.
Markin expertly balances high-octane tension with a heartbreaking exploration of despair and empathy. It’s a haunting, timely read that I'll be thinking about for a long time to come. With an ending that's tied up as neatly as a Mars Bar wrapped in strawberry laces, I can't wait for the next one. Salisbury here we come?
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.e

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th book in this series and, although the main story is self contained, the man characters, especially DI Paul Riddick, are rather complex with interesting backstories so, if you want the very best from it, please do start at the beginning and read in order. They are all cracking books, so...
In this book we follow a father as he desperately tries to get help for his daughter. Graham Blanks is having a bit of a time of things as he has a clash in his diary. His daughter's medical appointment and his obligatory, miss it and your money is cut, appointment at the DSS. He's also running a fever and sick as a dog but no one will help him. His first challenge is when he sees a young mother getting harassed by a couple of youths with everyone else just walking on by. Not him, he gets stuck in, which puts him on the police's radar...
And then, well, things just escalate.
Riddick is supposed to be on light duties after coming back from shenanigans in previous books. He is definitely not supposed to be running round chasing a man on a mission. Which is what Blanks is as his escapades get more and more violent. But, having found out that Blanks is doing it for his daughter, he all too well understands that game and, whilst sympathising with him, understands that this has to stop. But with an eye on the best outcome he can manage...
I love this series. It isn't afraid to get stuck in with things that affect people all too much these days. This time it is the welfare state and the NHS which come into play. Both of which are pretty broken but if you get on the bad side of both at the same time, well, to be honest, I am not sure why this hasn't already been a thing in real life. Desperate people with nothing to lose...
It's a pretty emotional read, bit told in a very factual and succinct way without over glamorising the issues contained herein. Yes, it really IS that bad for some. And there are others who "could" help but only if it also "helped" them. Sorry state of affairs.
And it's great to see Riddick up and at 'em once again after all his woes. Although he probably shouldn't be gadding about so soon after surgery, but that's the way he is... And this case really hit home.
And then there's York, almost a character in itself. With all its architecture and history, and Vikings!
And an ending that makes me hanker for the next book all the more...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The York Minster Killings by Wes Markin is a powerful and compelling contemporary novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the seventh book in The Yorkshire Murders series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for the continuity of stories and for character progression.
I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces that I have known from the start.
The leading detective is hard-working, loyal and able to empathise with others. The line between him and the perpetrator is blurred as their lives have similar stories but they have very different trajectories. Both are dads struggling with loss. “You are not the only one drowning in this… You’re not the only one who wakes up expecting to hear her voice.”
We witness that loss totally consumes. He “understood that loss. The kind that burned your world down.” One minute you are a dad, the next a grieving father. There is no manual. You just have to work through it however you can. Your choices will have consequences and you must own them. “Desperation and the choices people made when the world stopped listening.” A silent world propels a character to make darker and ever darker choices.
There is the need for support for the grieving, but they fell beneath the cracks. “How we treat desperate people. It matters.” The lead protagonist is invisible and ignored. His action, however, cannot be ignored.
The lead detective is loyal to his past and present working partners. He will always go the extra mile where he can. The reader recognises the relationship he has ignored for years – even though it is a revelation to him.
We see the state of the NHS. It is a broken system that needs fixing, not broken promises from the sitting MP, and cuts to local services.
I thoroughly enjoyed The York Minster Killings. It was a powerful read. It was a story that totally resonated with me. The leading detective is likable and realistic. I can highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wes Markin’s The York Minster Killings is a dark, gripping addition to the Yorkshire Murders series, steeped in atmosphere and tension. Set against the haunting backdrop of York, the novel explores desperation, violence, and the fragile line between justice and chaos.

At its heart is Graham Blanks, a father pushed to the edge as he fights to save his daughter. His descent into frustration and violence is both chilling and tragic, creating a relentless pace as his victims begin to mount. Opposite him stands DI Paul Riddick, a detective still recovering from his own battles, whose empathy for Graham’s plight makes the pursuit all the more complex. Their collision feels inevitable, yet Markin keeps the suspense taut, ensuring readers are never quite certain how far each man will go.

The novel thrives on contrasts: the grandeur of York Minster shadowed by brutality, the humanity of a father’s love twisted into deadly obsession, and a detective’s determination tested against his own frailty. Markin’s prose is sharp and immersive, pulling you into a city where time is running out and lives hang in the balance.

This is a thriller that doesn’t just deliver twists—it digs into the emotional weight of its characters, making the stakes feel personal as well as perilous. The York Minster Killings is a powerful, atmospheric crime novel that will leave readers breathless and eager for the next chapter in the series.

With thanks to Wes Markin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Yvonne Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually a fan of dark, psychological crime novels, but this one really drew me in. It's the first book I've read in this series but am eager to read the rest. The book alternates the stories of DI Paul Riddick and the suspect, Graham Blanks, both of whom have suffered life-changing losses and are trying to come to terms with what's left of their lives. The story shows how Graham's life unravels as he hits one roadblock after another of a broken health and welfare system that seems set up to fail ordinary people, and as he buckles under the strain. Meanwhile, Riddick has his own health issues after receiving a heart transplant and dealing with the disappearance of his previous partner (a story that's clearly going to unfold in later books). While he has a lot of sympathy for what Graham's going through, at the end of the day he has a job to do. His relationship with his new partner looks like a lot of fun, and I hope she continues to feature in the series even if Graham does find his missing colleague.

The setting of the book gives a lot of richness, with the backdrop of the beautiful and ancient city of York as a contrast to the day-to-day struggles of people who are being failed by the system, as well as a cast of minor characters whose different reactions to Graham's plight are highly believable. And then there are the crows...

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a huge fan of Wes Markin - 3*

I first discovered Wes Markin via a discounted audiobook of his DCI Michael Yorke series. I was GRIPPED and I CONSUMED the series. It became my absolute solace - and then I found out about the Yorkshire Murders series. A series I felt a lot closer to because it's a lot closer to home... With gripping heartfelt characters, I was hooked.

This feeling of home continued with this book. This one is set in York and I LOVE York. I found it comforting to read the streets of York. It's obvious Markin has been. He encapsulates the Viking festival perfectly. I truly loved this.

I liked the plot. I have always loved Riddick and Gardener. I did find this book a bit more difficult because they were separated but I have hopes for the next in the series. I enjoyed the plot. I mean, I guessed it and that's why I can't give it a higher rating.

If you're a fan of the series, this is a nice comfortable addition.
If you've not read the series, you don't need to in order to appreciate this book but you'll be missing out. There's so many emotions that reverberate through this book.

[Helen Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just brilliant! The backdrop is the very scenic and atmospheric city of York a place very special to me and the way it’s beautifully and accurately described with a real fondness shows the author knows its quirks and history too and he does it real justice. Just as happens when you visit the city itself the past is hard to avoid as it creeps from every crevice, cobbled street and street name and blends seamlessly into the contemporary world, in this case quite a foreboding one.
It was a real treat to meet back up with the main characters who feel oh so familiar like an old pair of slippers. I was soon back up to speed with them, like bumping into old friends and quickly getting back onto the same page as them (pun intended).
This particular story is definitely one of my favourites of the series, moving as it is and despite making me cry several times. It has real undercurrents of the injustices of life and those who have succumb to them. The lines were blurry and it was hard to not feel deep empathy with the ‘bad guy’ of the piece but I felt justified a little in this as I saw the detective hero wrestling with the same morals.
One of those compelling race to the end stories then strangely sad when you get there stories as I never wanted it to end.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I make no secret that Wes is one of my top authors and vastly underrated.
However he can still completely blow me away, which is what hes done with this book.
It follows Graham, a desperate father, who has the worst case of the flu, battling to try and get help for his sick daughter, desperately awaiting a kidney transplant.
Its also told from the the point of view of Riddick and its great to have him back. Hes post heart transplant and actually doing as hes told...to some extent.
It feels like every obstacle, every thing that goes wrong for Graham is something I can relate to, and a real window, the realest ive seen in fiction, to what the have nots endure on a daily basis.
The last 10% is like watching the culmination of your favourite action movie. All the pieces slotting into place.
Graham was a complex character. Despite what he done, I was on his side throughout. I liked the link between him and Riddick too.
I cant really put into words what I think. This hit different, it hit deeper than a book has any right to. Its going to stick with me for a long time.

[Jennifer TW · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time to read an instalment from this series and I am very intrigued to read the back story (though starting from this book didn’t take away any enjoyment). DI Riddick, struggling to recover from his own devastating personal losses, is on the trail of Graham, a desperate father who is struggling with the fate of his daughter Lucy who needed a kidney transplant. Graham it seems is on a random hunt to punish anyone who gets in his way in seeking revenge, while DI Riddick and his new Partner Laura Frost are desperate to stop him before anyone else gets hurt. In the meantime, Riddicks ex love interest, Emma, has cut him off and moved to work in Salisbury. But it seems Emma has found herself simultaneously in danger. Can Riddick focus on his case with this worry in the back of his mind?
A fantastic well paced and plotted story. I was hooked! Highly recommend. Huge thanks to author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Hasina Begum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The York Minster Killings by Wes Markin

I was invited to read this book, and I’m so glad I was because I really enjoyed it. This is the seventh book in the series, but even though I haven’t read the previous installments, it didn’t affect my enjoyment or understanding of the story at all.

This is a sad and emotionally driven story about the lengths a father will go to in order to secure the medical care his daughter desperately needs. The themes are heavy, but they’re handled with care and purpose.

I had a sense of where the story might be heading, but I won’t go into detail here as I don’t want to give anything away. Even so, the journey was compelling and thought-provoking.

At its heart, this is a story about a father’s mission to challenge and fix a broken system- and the devastating consequences that can follow.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wes Markin has again written a gripping page turner in the Yorkshire Murder series. DI Paul Riddick is now working in York and is trying to move on from previous events. Graham Blanks is really struggling with life but everything seems to be conspiring against him. He slowly starts to spiral out of control leaving destruction in his wake. Riddick and his colleagues are desperately trying to stop him and as the story develops we learn more about how Graham has come to this point, along with how Riddick himself is coping. An absolutely cracking read that has twists, turns, characters with depth and individuality and some really emotional moments. Although this can be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend highly enough the previous books in this series

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Wes Markin book and I enjoyed it. It's a devastating story following Graham, a desperate father, sick with the flu, and trying to get help for Lucy, his sick daughter, needing a kidney transplant. The other POV is from Paul Riddick, a DI that had a heart transplant. He was very relatable and I liked him.

To some extent I was on Grahams side ( despite his violence spree ) as in our world a lot is going wrong for the people who need our help most. The connection between Graham and Paul was also great and devastating at the same time.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the saddest and most tragic crime/police procedural I have ever read.
It hits HARD.

A desperate father trying to get help for his chronically ill daughter, angry at the system goes on a rampage of fury.

DI Paul Riddick, a bereaved father himself, understands what Graham Blanke is going through, and tries to help.

Problems with the system that are current. The man in the street is being overlooked. Big pharma and politicians get richer - and children are dying.

Great novel, terrific writing. Just too good to put down.

Emotional, and gripping.

[Laura]

❄️Spoiler Free Review❄️

Thanks to @netgalley @wesmarkinauthor & @theboldbookclub for the ARC.

This is the 7th book in The Yorkshire Murders series it is the first book I have read by this author but it hasnt stopped me from enjoying the story.
Its a dark thriller with lots of twists and quite a good pace. Its very atmospheric and the writing is really good, it keeps you engrossed. Its told from the POV of 2 characters who have both suffered enormous losses and life changing events, and the day to day struggles they endure all set within the majestic grandeur of York and York Minster.

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very gripping read with a father who is upset about the trouble he is having navigating the health care systerm and the DI who is also navigating his own health and family issues. There was a small subplot that didn't seem to add to the book, but probably adds to the series over all. I've only read 1 other book in the series but didn't feel like I've missed anything.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley.

[Melissa Dressler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detective and father both pushed beyond their threshold . Surrounded by a system that’s broken which pushes the rules to be broken and decisions to be ver lasting. This is straight to the point, doesn’t hold back and has you wanting to read straight through. Although this is part of a series, you can pick it right up and start. It’s full of non stop action, and leaves you wanting to read the next in the series. Also, be aware, may have you questioning your very own government laws.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as a arc e book for my I pad from Net Galley. I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It was a well written book.