The Boatyard

Cumbria Crime: Whaley & Gaskill #1

by Joel Hames

BOOK 1 IN A THRILLING NEW CUMBRIA CRIME SERIES

'A gripping continuation of the story begun by DI Zoe Finch' - Rachel McLean

DS Denise Gaskill is happiest tracking down corrupt cops, not being forced to visit the psychiatrist. She’s getting little sympathy from her boss, DI Carl Whaley, who has problems of his own. And DC Harriett Barnes has a difficult new colleague to handle. Even without investigating police corruption, there’s more than enough to keep Cumbria’s Professional Standards Division busy.

But when a man is found murdered in a Windermere boatyard, it becomes clear that the investigating team have secrets of their own, and with Carl’s team taking over, the case threatens to spiral out of control.

Who is the dead man? Why was the emergency call that might have saved him ignored? And is there a connection with the death of a local police officer?

As the investigation takes twist after dangerous twist, working out who they can trust and who’s manipulating them has never been more important. With the pressure mounting, can Carl and the team find a way through the lies before anyone else winds up dead?

The Boatyard is the first book in the exciting new Whaley & Gaskill series, featuring Carl Whaley, Denise Gaskill, and a host of colleagues from the bestselling ‘Cumbria Crime’ books.

423 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2026

Reviews

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable British crime drama with plenty of twists and turns. I liked the team dynamics with familiar characters and the new recruit where thoughts and feelings gave further depth to the story.

I am always surprised when people resent the revealing of corruption when surely any team is better without it...bad people should be rooted out everywhere.

Well-written and fast-paced, this story was entertaining and engaging.

Recommended.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

First in this series and didn’t disappoint

Almost a seamless follow on from the Cumbria Crime Series it finished with an end of definitely more to come. The crime(s) were complicated but the inter team relationships are just as intriguing. I read it immediately after reading The Marsh ( Joel and Rachel McLean)and The Beach Hut Murders(Rachel McLean) which gave a great sense of continuity.

[Jayne Whitehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t Put It Down!

This was such a gripping read! I almost didn’t buy it now that Joel Hames isn’t collaborating with Rachel McLean, but I am so glad I did. I love the way he has developed the familiar characters whilst introducing new ones. The plot with all its twists kept me in suspense right until the end. I didn’t think I could possibly enjoy it as much as the previous Cumbria books ………. I was soooooo wrong!

[jacquelyne hough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fragmented but a good read

I found that the story for me, flitted from one character to another a little too quickly giving it a fragmented feel.
Maybe this was because I haven't read these characters before and was not familiar with who is who. Still a pretty decent read though.

[Jue · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To lose one cop," Branthwaite had said first thing, " may be regarded as a misfortune, two looks like carelessness."

This was an enjoyable novel with plenty of twists and turns.
With the return of characters from the cumbrian crime series books by Rachel McLean and Joel Hames and a new recruit to the Professional Standard division.

[Gillian Margaret Keay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read, excellent continuation of the Cumbria series. Well done Joel and Oreo. Would have given it a 5 but I spotted one of the clues a long time before the detectives did (no spoiler)

[John Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dropped the ball!

Joel, I have enjoyed what you have been doing with Rachel, but I think you dropped the ball when no one responded to Marcus's last text.

[Niv]

too maby characters, hard to follow - dnf at 11%

[M R B Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthraling

Whalley without Zoe turns out to be different and the psd get involved in amurder. Investigations become sticky but the detail in the evidence wins through.

[Joan C Barrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this book. How wrong I was, it was brilliant. Looking foward very much to next one. Great the way two teams worked together and now a new team member in Carl's team!

[Sharon Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

Excellent addition to this series of books. This group is like a family. Been reading since the team stared in Birmingham

[Marg goby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marg’s bedtime read

Very good first book , plenty of action and twists and turns I’m ready to read book 2 hopefully soon

[Sue Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Annepickles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Nice to know the team is still working book kept you guessing to the end and waiting for the next book

[Eileen Keane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a smashing start to the new series! I can't wait for the next one.

[Snowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a really good read. I like how he’s integrated new and familiar characters seamlessly together. The plot kept you guessing till the end. Looking forward to book 2.

[MRS KIM V BARCLAY · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable

I really enjoyed this. Never thought I would but characters were familiar but nice to have a different perspective. Well worth a read

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storyline. Not enough of Carl. Far too much alcohol - how on earth can they do their jobs drinking that much!!!

[Mrs D Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very reluctant to start this book having read all of Rachel McLeans other books and characters. I shouldn’t have worried the book was written in the same excellent style!