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Cumbria Crime: Whaley & Gaskill #1
The Boatyard
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.
'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
403 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 8, 2026
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.
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.
March 21, 2026
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.
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.
April 9, 2026
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!
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!
March 29, 2026
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)
March 22, 2026
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.
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.
Did Not Finish
March 23, 2026too maby characters, hard to follow - dnf at 11%
March 27, 2026
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.
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.
March 28, 2026
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!
March 29, 2026
Great read.
Excellent addition to this series of books. This group is like a family. Been reading since the team stared in Birmingham
Excellent addition to this series of books. This group is like a family. Been reading since the team stared in Birmingham
March 29, 2026
Marg’s bedtime read
Very good first book , plenty of action and twists and turns I’m ready to read book 2 hopefully soon
Very good first book , plenty of action and twists and turns I’m ready to read book 2 hopefully soon
March 29, 2026
Great read
April 3, 2026
Good read
Nice to know the team is still working book kept you guessing to the end and waiting for the next book
Nice to know the team is still working book kept you guessing to the end and waiting for the next book
April 8, 2026
This was a smashing start to the new series! I can't wait for the next one.
April 17, 2026
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.
April 18, 2026
enjoyable
I really enjoyed this. Never thought I would but characters were familiar but nice to have a different perspective. Well worth a read
I really enjoyed this. Never thought I would but characters were familiar but nice to have a different perspective. Well worth a read
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews