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The Yorkshire Murders #8
The Farmhouse Killings
The next BRAND NEW instalment in Wes Markin's gripping, gritty, Yorkshire Murders series.To expose the truth, she must risk everything she has left.
DCI Emma Gardner has retreated to Salisbury, leaving North Yorkshire – and her complicated relationship with DI Paul Riddick – behind her.
But when local whistleblowers and journalists are brutally killed Emma realises that she simply can’t walk away from the fight. In fact, if she has any chance of rebuilding her life, she has to face everything that has brought her here once and for all.
That is, until two elite assassins set their sights on her and her young family, plunging Emma into a desperate fight for survival and eventually forcing her to confront the ultimate
How far will she go to protect her children, and what is she willing to sacrifice to finally drag the truth into the light?
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
DCI Emma Gardner has retreated to Salisbury, leaving North Yorkshire – and her complicated relationship with DI Paul Riddick – behind her.
But when local whistleblowers and journalists are brutally killed Emma realises that she simply can’t walk away from the fight. In fact, if she has any chance of rebuilding her life, she has to face everything that has brought her here once and for all.
That is, until two elite assassins set their sights on her and her young family, plunging Emma into a desperate fight for survival and eventually forcing her to confront the ultimate
How far will she go to protect her children, and what is she willing to sacrifice to finally drag the truth into the light?
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
Audible Audio
Published August 6, 2026
About the author
Wes Markin
40 books290 followersBe 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 4, 2026
This was a gripping, fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from the very first page. DCI Emma Gardner is a compelling lead, trying to rebuild her life while finding herself pulled into another dangerous investigation that quickly becomes deeply personal.
The story is packed with suspense, shocking twists, and plenty of action, as Emma races to uncover the truth while protecting the people she loves most. The stakes feel incredibly high throughout, making it difficult to put the book down.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with strong female detectives, political intrigue, relentless tension, and edge-of-your-seat moments, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. A thrilling read that delivers plenty of drama and keeps you guessing until the very end.
The story is packed with suspense, shocking twists, and plenty of action, as Emma races to uncover the truth while protecting the people she loves most. The stakes feel incredibly high throughout, making it difficult to put the book down.
If you enjoy crime thrillers with strong female detectives, political intrigue, relentless tension, and edge-of-your-seat moments, this is definitely one to add to your TBR. A thrilling read that delivers plenty of drama and keeps you guessing until the very end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the 8th book in this series which is the second spin off (along with the Jake Pettman one) from the Michael Yorke series. Now, I am lucky to have been in at the start and so able to devour every book as it has been released but I do appreciate that if you haven't, there are a lot of books to play catch up with. But, I would recommend that you do start this one from the beginning, and read in order, as the characters are rather complicated and have convoluted back stories.
So... we catch up with Emma after her return to Salisbury, leaving North Yorkshire and DI Paul Riddick well and truly behind her. Well... in the case of Paul, it's more of an almost tbh...
She is still hankering for that quiet life but instead gets drawn into a rather nasty case of the brutal torture and murder of whistle-blowers and investigative journalists. Carried out by two assassins both with very different agendas, and indeed morals. But what we as readers know and what Emma doesn't, initially anyway, is that her name is also on their hit list... and it's not just her that is in danger...
I love this series. It's brutal and pulls no punches and the author's writing style really suits both me and the narrative. I go into every book I read of his as a willing captive, knowing that once I start I will not want to put it down. Beit this series, his past series, and also his other current one set in Whitby. There's something about his characters and the things he put them through that just impresses the heck out of me! And the way his stories are crafted and executed with no superfluous waffle or padding means that they get on with themselves very well indeed. And to top all that, they always leave me satisfied... albeit gagging for the next book!
All in all, another cracking addition to an already impressive back catalogue. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... we catch up with Emma after her return to Salisbury, leaving North Yorkshire and DI Paul Riddick well and truly behind her. Well... in the case of Paul, it's more of an almost tbh...
She is still hankering for that quiet life but instead gets drawn into a rather nasty case of the brutal torture and murder of whistle-blowers and investigative journalists. Carried out by two assassins both with very different agendas, and indeed morals. But what we as readers know and what Emma doesn't, initially anyway, is that her name is also on their hit list... and it's not just her that is in danger...
I love this series. It's brutal and pulls no punches and the author's writing style really suits both me and the narrative. I go into every book I read of his as a willing captive, knowing that once I start I will not want to put it down. Beit this series, his past series, and also his other current one set in Whitby. There's something about his characters and the things he put them through that just impresses the heck out of me! And the way his stories are crafted and executed with no superfluous waffle or padding means that they get on with themselves very well indeed. And to top all that, they always leave me satisfied... albeit gagging for the next book!
All in all, another cracking addition to an already impressive back catalogue. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Farmhouse Killings is a tense, gritty and absorbing instalment in the Yorkshire Murders series, delivering exactly the kind of high‑stakes crime drama that keeps you reading long past bedtime. From the moment Emma Gardner steps into Salisbury hoping for a quieter life, it’s clear that peace isn’t in the cards — and the novel wastes no time plunging her back into danger.
Emma’s character is compelling in all the right ways. She’s bruised, determined and trying to rebuild her life, yet she can’t ignore the brutal killings unfolding around her. The tension between wanting to walk away and knowing she can’t is one of the book’s strongest emotional threads. Her past, her fractured relationships and her fierce loyalty all collide as she’s forced to confront the very things she hoped to leave behind.
The atmosphere is wonderfully taut. The murders of whistleblowers and journalists create a chilling sense of conspiracy, and the introduction of two elite assassins raises the stakes dramatically. The threat feels close, personal and relentless, especially as Emma’s young family becomes part of the danger. The question of how far she’ll go to protect her children gives the story a powerful emotional core.
What stands out most is the pacing — sharp, urgent and packed with twists. The investigation unfolds with a gritty realism, and the moral dilemmas Emma faces add depth beyond the action. It’s a thriller that balances character, danger and mystery with confidence.
A gripping, dark and atmospheric read that pushes its protagonist to her limits. Fans of tense police procedurals and character‑driven crime fiction will find plenty to love here.
With thanks to Wes Markin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Emma’s character is compelling in all the right ways. She’s bruised, determined and trying to rebuild her life, yet she can’t ignore the brutal killings unfolding around her. The tension between wanting to walk away and knowing she can’t is one of the book’s strongest emotional threads. Her past, her fractured relationships and her fierce loyalty all collide as she’s forced to confront the very things she hoped to leave behind.
The atmosphere is wonderfully taut. The murders of whistleblowers and journalists create a chilling sense of conspiracy, and the introduction of two elite assassins raises the stakes dramatically. The threat feels close, personal and relentless, especially as Emma’s young family becomes part of the danger. The question of how far she’ll go to protect her children gives the story a powerful emotional core.
What stands out most is the pacing — sharp, urgent and packed with twists. The investigation unfolds with a gritty realism, and the moral dilemmas Emma faces add depth beyond the action. It’s a thriller that balances character, danger and mystery with confidence.
A gripping, dark and atmospheric read that pushes its protagonist to her limits. Fans of tense police procedurals and character‑driven crime fiction will find plenty to love here.
With thanks to Wes Markin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
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October 10, 20260.005 / 5.0
I think this rating is generous already. The pacing on this book and plot is inconsistent. Nothing about this is consistent. The previous book was all Paul Riddick and 10 pages of Gardner and now the reverse has happened. I don’t understand how you can close out a book and have the main characters that have built up Emma’s character and her development be reduced to 10 pages again. I don’t understand how you can finish a series with a book of no plots. Nothing about this book is special, it’s suppose to close out the series. It’s no surprise that the entire plot of the last book is as it’s been alluded to in the last three books of the series. It’s disappointing that no attempt was made to make this book at least interesting or thrilling - it was straight up boring and bland. No seasoning straight up.
It’s disappointing to see how this series has ended, it should have ended two books ago. The fact that old team members of Gardner is reduced to sentences is disappointing when you’ve spent the last five book building up a team. There was absolutely no mention of them in the previous book that Martin decided to kill off half the team. It was always obvious about how the book would end, but I think the disappointing part of this book was just how obvious it was going to go down. There is no creativeness exhibited in this book. I wouldn’t be surprised if AI was used just to speed up that process.
Disappointing to support and read from an author that didn’t take readers feedback and instead decided to continue trying to squeeze orange juice from a dried up orange. Probably the worst series I’ve ever read. Do not read. Not even worth it.
I think this rating is generous already. The pacing on this book and plot is inconsistent. Nothing about this is consistent. The previous book was all Paul Riddick and 10 pages of Gardner and now the reverse has happened. I don’t understand how you can close out a book and have the main characters that have built up Emma’s character and her development be reduced to 10 pages again. I don’t understand how you can finish a series with a book of no plots. Nothing about this book is special, it’s suppose to close out the series. It’s no surprise that the entire plot of the last book is as it’s been alluded to in the last three books of the series. It’s disappointing that no attempt was made to make this book at least interesting or thrilling - it was straight up boring and bland. No seasoning straight up.
It’s disappointing to see how this series has ended, it should have ended two books ago. The fact that old team members of Gardner is reduced to sentences is disappointing when you’ve spent the last five book building up a team. There was absolutely no mention of them in the previous book that Martin decided to kill off half the team. It was always obvious about how the book would end, but I think the disappointing part of this book was just how obvious it was going to go down. There is no creativeness exhibited in this book. I wouldn’t be surprised if AI was used just to speed up that process.
Disappointing to support and read from an author that didn’t take readers feedback and instead decided to continue trying to squeeze orange juice from a dried up orange. Probably the worst series I’ve ever read. Do not read. Not even worth it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Yorkshire Murders #8
DCI Emma Gardner has retired to Salisbury, leaving North Yorkshire - and her complicated relationship with DI Paul Riddick - behind her. But when local whistle blowers and journalists are brutally killed, Emma realises that she simply can't walk away from the fight. In fact, if she has any chance of rebuilding her life, she has to free everything that has brought her here once and for all. That is, until two elite assassins set their sights on her and her young family, plunging Emma into a desperate fight for survival and eventually forcing her to confront the ultimate question: How far will she go to protect her children, and what is she willing to sacrifice to finally drag the truth into the light.
I've been enjoying this series if The Yorkshire Murders and this new book is a great addition. You get to know that DCI Emma Gardner is not going to get a quieter life in Salisbury. Emma is a likeable character, but this time, when the investigation progresses, her family is in danger.
I was quickly pulled into this story and I loved every minute I spent reading this well-written book.
Published 6th August 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #WesMartin for my ARC of #TheFarmhouseKillings in exchange for an honest review.
DCI Emma Gardner has retired to Salisbury, leaving North Yorkshire - and her complicated relationship with DI Paul Riddick - behind her. But when local whistle blowers and journalists are brutally killed, Emma realises that she simply can't walk away from the fight. In fact, if she has any chance of rebuilding her life, she has to free everything that has brought her here once and for all. That is, until two elite assassins set their sights on her and her young family, plunging Emma into a desperate fight for survival and eventually forcing her to confront the ultimate question: How far will she go to protect her children, and what is she willing to sacrifice to finally drag the truth into the light.
I've been enjoying this series if The Yorkshire Murders and this new book is a great addition. You get to know that DCI Emma Gardner is not going to get a quieter life in Salisbury. Emma is a likeable character, but this time, when the investigation progresses, her family is in danger.
I was quickly pulled into this story and I loved every minute I spent reading this well-written book.
Published 6th August 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #WesMartin for my ARC of #TheFarmhouseKillings in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the eighth book in the Yorkshire Murders series and is characteristically fast-paced and full of tension, with connections to the detective's past that complicate matters in surprising ways. Emma Gardner has left Yorkshire and is working in Salisbury, so she and Paul Riddick aren't working together and obviously miss each other without wanting to admit it. She is getting drawn further and further into a case involving high-level fraud and corruption, where whistleblowers and investigators turn up dead at frequent intervals and the deeply corrupt mastermind is so well protected that he's in a position to openly taunt the police. The closer she gets to finding answers, the more she's putting her family, as well as herself, in danger.
Like the previous books in this series, there's a generous helping of psychopathic killers, this time including a brutal sadist and, unexpectedly, someone from Emma's past. There's a fair bit of gratuitous cruelty and psychological drama, involving children as well as adults, and I must admit I found the ending a bit of a let-down. This isn't the sort of book I normally enjoy reading, but as with the previous ones in the series, Wes Markin's writing is so compelling that it's hard to put the book down.
Like the previous books in this series, there's a generous helping of psychopathic killers, this time including a brutal sadist and, unexpectedly, someone from Emma's past. There's a fair bit of gratuitous cruelty and psychological drama, involving children as well as adults, and I must admit I found the ending a bit of a let-down. This isn't the sort of book I normally enjoy reading, but as with the previous ones in the series, Wes Markin's writing is so compelling that it's hard to put the book down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't think I have ever read a Wes Markin novel that I didn't enjoy, and I have to say his latest offering, The Farmhouse Killings, Book 8 in the Yorkshire Murder Series, does not disappoint. It sees DCI Emma Gardner retuning to Salisbury from Yorkshire. There have been recent murders which are connected to her investigation into Neville Fairweather , someone known to her in Yorkshire. On the surface he is a respectable businessman, but scratch the surface and he's someone who bends the rules and thinks he is above the law. Three sadistic murders have been carried out, and Emma is aware it is only a matter of time before she is next on the assassin's sights list for her involvement in this investigation.
In The Farmhouse Killings, the author gives us a master class in how to pull the reader in and keep them there, with great characterisaion, a permanent sense of danger and twists and turns a plenty. A really gripping and unputdownable read. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Boldwood Books, the author and Netgalley for an ARC opf The Farmhouse Killings in exchange for an honest review.
In The Farmhouse Killings, the author gives us a master class in how to pull the reader in and keep them there, with great characterisaion, a permanent sense of danger and twists and turns a plenty. A really gripping and unputdownable read. Highly recommended.
I would like to thank Boldwood Books, the author and Netgalley for an ARC opf The Farmhouse Killings in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
I have read and absolutely loved Wes Markin’s Whitby’s Forgotten Victims series. Just can’t get enough of them. I have also read some of his Yorkshire Murders series and The Farmhouse Killings (book 8) leaves me amazed that it is the work of the same author. Yes, both have character driven plots, are fast paced and have such superbly structured prose to make you feel you are actually present in the fictional world of the stories. Yet both series have their own very different ‘personalities.’
The Farmhouse Killings retains the same qualities as the others I have read in the series - anger, revenge, fear, corruption, abuse, morals/ethics, the past and a present-day search for justice.
Every time I picked up the book I was immediately drawn into the relentless cat and mouse as the lead detective, DCI Emma Gardner, fights her demons, strives desperately to protect her young family, and goes against the advise of her superiors to finally bring to justice those who have haunted her recent professional career.
Reading The Yorkshire Killings is an immersive, powerful journey which culminates in a most remarkable ending.
Highly recommend.
The Farmhouse Killings retains the same qualities as the others I have read in the series - anger, revenge, fear, corruption, abuse, morals/ethics, the past and a present-day search for justice.
Every time I picked up the book I was immediately drawn into the relentless cat and mouse as the lead detective, DCI Emma Gardner, fights her demons, strives desperately to protect her young family, and goes against the advise of her superiors to finally bring to justice those who have haunted her recent professional career.
Reading The Yorkshire Killings is an immersive, powerful journey which culminates in a most remarkable ending.
Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What do you do when the people you love become the target?
The eighth instalment of the Yorkshire Murders sees DCI Emma Gardner back in Salisbury, chasing the quiet life she's earned. It doesn't last. Within minutes she's dragged into a brutal, unrelenting case, one of the darkest yet that puts everyone she loves, including herself, directly in harm's way.
This is Emma at her toughest and most tested. The choices in front of her are impossible, but her grit never cracks; she does everything she can to protect her family even as old feelings for Paul tug at her from the sidelines and complicate everything she thought she'd settled.
Wes Markin has produced his best book yet, with the characters we've grown to love having real depth as well as those old depraved ones coming back worse than ever, and a plot that hits like a hammer.
That ending left me wrecked so have hankies ready. This book was so full of emotion and is an exploration of the bond a family can have no matter how imperfect some people are.
An absolutely outstanding read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
The eighth instalment of the Yorkshire Murders sees DCI Emma Gardner back in Salisbury, chasing the quiet life she's earned. It doesn't last. Within minutes she's dragged into a brutal, unrelenting case, one of the darkest yet that puts everyone she loves, including herself, directly in harm's way.
This is Emma at her toughest and most tested. The choices in front of her are impossible, but her grit never cracks; she does everything she can to protect her family even as old feelings for Paul tug at her from the sidelines and complicate everything she thought she'd settled.
Wes Markin has produced his best book yet, with the characters we've grown to love having real depth as well as those old depraved ones coming back worse than ever, and a plot that hits like a hammer.
That ending left me wrecked so have hankies ready. This book was so full of emotion and is an exploration of the bond a family can have no matter how imperfect some people are.
An absolutely outstanding read.
My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
August 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. This series had been great and this latest instalment certainly didn’t disappoint. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
DCI Emma Gardner has relocated from Yorkshire with her two girls - her daughter Ana and her niece Rose. She shares custody with her ex husband Barry.
Emma still misses DI Paul Riddick. She writes notes and about her feelings in an email to Paul that she never actually sends.
Emma is still investigating corrupt individuals and organisations even though she’s not supposed to be doing it anymore. She works on it every night and doesn’t realise that some unscrupulous people are aware of what she’s doing and that she’s being closely monitored.
Whistleblowers and journalists start to be murdered and the murders are brutal. Emma soon realises that they were looking at the same things she is looking at and worries about the safety of the girls.
A fab read and one I would definitely recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
DCI Emma Gardner has relocated from Yorkshire with her two girls - her daughter Ana and her niece Rose. She shares custody with her ex husband Barry.
Emma still misses DI Paul Riddick. She writes notes and about her feelings in an email to Paul that she never actually sends.
Emma is still investigating corrupt individuals and organisations even though she’s not supposed to be doing it anymore. She works on it every night and doesn’t realise that some unscrupulous people are aware of what she’s doing and that she’s being closely monitored.
Whistleblowers and journalists start to be murdered and the murders are brutal. Emma soon realises that they were looking at the same things she is looking at and worries about the safety of the girls.
A fab read and one I would definitely recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This ties up an ongoing series featuring Emma Gardner and Riddick. It also features a look into Aegis and other corrupt organisations. Everything comes to a head when it seems the organisation is tying off loose ends by killing all the people who know too much.
That means Gardner may be at risk, and her children.
It switches between her point of view and that of Keith and Craig, the brothers sent to kill her. However it seems that Keith has started to have enough of the life, but knows Craig is a loose cannon and cannot be trusted. Its an interesting look at sibling relationships, at promises made on death beds and a reflection on Emma's own relationship with her brother.
This is such a tense read. There's no build up, you're straight in with your nerves jangling. This does not let up, at all!
The conclusion ties things up in some unexpected ways and is thrilling and satisfying.
That means Gardner may be at risk, and her children.
It switches between her point of view and that of Keith and Craig, the brothers sent to kill her. However it seems that Keith has started to have enough of the life, but knows Craig is a loose cannon and cannot be trusted. Its an interesting look at sibling relationships, at promises made on death beds and a reflection on Emma's own relationship with her brother.
This is such a tense read. There's no build up, you're straight in with your nerves jangling. This does not let up, at all!
The conclusion ties things up in some unexpected ways and is thrilling and satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is book 8 of the Yorkshire Murders series. Normally, I would say you don’t need to read the previous books but in this case, I think you do.
I thought I’d read more of this series than I had (I’d read the Whitby's Forgotten Victims series and got things muddled).
There were call backs to events and characters that I didn’t understand. It was very well written, tense, and exciting. I will go back and read from the beginning as it was a thrilling book, I was just a little lost.
One thing I will mention is that the first few chapters are bleak, heavy on the anguish and pain. It was challenging to get through and may be off-putting to some people.
Overall, this was a tense, gripping read that pulled a lot of things together. I would definitely say, read the rest of the series first!
Due to be published August 6. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
I thought I’d read more of this series than I had (I’d read the Whitby's Forgotten Victims series and got things muddled).
There were call backs to events and characters that I didn’t understand. It was very well written, tense, and exciting. I will go back and read from the beginning as it was a thrilling book, I was just a little lost.
One thing I will mention is that the first few chapters are bleak, heavy on the anguish and pain. It was challenging to get through and may be off-putting to some people.
Overall, this was a tense, gripping read that pulled a lot of things together. I would definitely say, read the rest of the series first!
Due to be published August 6. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
October 6, 2026
You've got to love it when you read that a hardened and experienced copper like DCI Emma Gardner has relocated to a smaller town for a quiet life... Just knowing that the universe won't be following that plan and things are about to get... interesting.
As she tries to embrace her new life, and shake off her relationship with DI Paul Riddick, albeit with so much left that she needs to say to him, Gardner heads straight into the arms of danger.
Much like in The Graveyard Killings she is soon up to her neck in it, as she tries to get to the bottom of the case, in doing so she draws the attention of some of the most unsavoury characters imaginable - putting herself and her family at risk.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and BoldwoodBooks for an ARC in return for an honest review.
https://wp.me/p3SQ3b-3cW
As she tries to embrace her new life, and shake off her relationship with DI Paul Riddick, albeit with so much left that she needs to say to him, Gardner heads straight into the arms of danger.
Much like in The Graveyard Killings she is soon up to her neck in it, as she tries to get to the bottom of the case, in doing so she draws the attention of some of the most unsavoury characters imaginable - putting herself and her family at risk.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and BoldwoodBooks for an ARC in return for an honest review.
https://wp.me/p3SQ3b-3cW
July 25, 2026
Another absolutely brilliant read from Wes Markin. This is the latest in the Yorkshire Murders series and had me totally hooked from page one. Gripping, gritty and at times quite gruesome I found this hard to put down.
DCI Emma Gardner has left North Yorkshire and is now working in Salisbury. When local journalists and whistleblowers are murdered Emma realises that she needs to investigate and get involved. Then she finds out that not only is her life in serious danger but her family’s is too, Emma has to confront aspects of her past and address previous events that have led her to this point. How far will she go to protect those closet to her and who can she trust?
The way this flowed, the depth of the characters and how the story developed kept me guessing as to what the outcome was going to be. I liked how characters from the previous books are woven through this.
This has short chapters which made it very easy for me to read ‘just one more’. I can’t recommend highly enough the rest of the series if you haven’t read them already. An absolutely cracking series!
DCI Emma Gardner has left North Yorkshire and is now working in Salisbury. When local journalists and whistleblowers are murdered Emma realises that she needs to investigate and get involved. Then she finds out that not only is her life in serious danger but her family’s is too, Emma has to confront aspects of her past and address previous events that have led her to this point. How far will she go to protect those closet to her and who can she trust?
The way this flowed, the depth of the characters and how the story developed kept me guessing as to what the outcome was going to be. I liked how characters from the previous books are woven through this.
This has short chapters which made it very easy for me to read ‘just one more’. I can’t recommend highly enough the rest of the series if you haven’t read them already. An absolutely cracking series!
July 25, 2026
Really good! Criminal underworld, vendettas to be settled and people seriously not to be messed with. The plot is tense and fast evolving, not giving you much time to draw breath between the shocks and empathy of families under threat. The main characters are solid and relatable and you really feel the pull of heartstrings as they have impossible decisions to make which can affect both their own and their family’s safety.
I love a Wes book, they’re both easy to read but complex to follow at the same time. The plot gives your brain a decent work out with its twists and turns but you don’t get the lost the plot panic and you can stay on track. As ever I’ve been left wanting to know more and where the path will take these characters next. Recommend.
I love a Wes book, they’re both easy to read but complex to follow at the same time. The plot gives your brain a decent work out with its twists and turns but you don’t get the lost the plot panic and you can stay on track. As ever I’ve been left wanting to know more and where the path will take these characters next. Recommend.
August 11, 2026
We are back in Little Shaw and Ginny is helping with the preparations for the local pantomime.
Monica Larkwell was last in Little Shaw thirty years ago and since then she has become a bit of a diva and is known for her demanding personality.
Her come back isn't going as smoothly as she hoped and appearing in the local pantomime isn’t without it’s issues .
Ginny and her quirky group of friends begin their sleuthing when Monica is found dead in her dressing room.
The characters are likeable and funny making the pages fly by .
The writing makes for an easy and entertaining read .
This cozy mystery series is one of my favourites and look forward to their next case .
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
Monica Larkwell was last in Little Shaw thirty years ago and since then she has become a bit of a diva and is known for her demanding personality.
Her come back isn't going as smoothly as she hoped and appearing in the local pantomime isn’t without it’s issues .
Ginny and her quirky group of friends begin their sleuthing when Monica is found dead in her dressing room.
The characters are likeable and funny making the pages fly by .
The writing makes for an easy and entertaining read .
This cozy mystery series is one of my favourites and look forward to their next case .
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a gripping read this was. It features a duo of killers, one of whom is particularly sadistic who are killing certain people and next on the list is Emma. What makes things worse is that they are targeting her family so this personal angle made this even more riveting. It's great to see Michael Yorke play a key role here.
I loved the inner conflict with one of the killers in relation to the other one especially as they are brothers. I don't want to give too much away here but family plays a key role throughout this book. The book has a sense of finality to it and despite all the twists and turmoil throughout, I think it has quite a satisfying end.
I loved the inner conflict with one of the killers in relation to the other one especially as they are brothers. I don't want to give too much away here but family plays a key role throughout this book. The book has a sense of finality to it and despite all the twists and turmoil throughout, I think it has quite a satisfying end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨️Spoiler Free Review✨️
Thanks to @netgalley @wesmarkinauthor & @boldwoodbooks for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This is only the 2nd book I have read by this author and I this is the 8th book in the series. I do feel at bit of a disadvantage with this, and I would ordinarily say it doesn't matter, but in this case it does because it gives you context, the backstory/history etc of the characters. I am glad that I had read book 7 at least!
That being said, it was very well written, it kept me gripped throughout. It was fast paced, full of twists & turns and corruption. All you could want in a crime thriller!
Thanks to @netgalley @wesmarkinauthor & @boldwoodbooks for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This is only the 2nd book I have read by this author and I this is the 8th book in the series. I do feel at bit of a disadvantage with this, and I would ordinarily say it doesn't matter, but in this case it does because it gives you context, the backstory/history etc of the characters. I am glad that I had read book 7 at least!
That being said, it was very well written, it kept me gripped throughout. It was fast paced, full of twists & turns and corruption. All you could want in a crime thriller!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first book in this series that I've read. There are a lot of references to events and characters that obviously occur/appear in previous books. However, there was still enough info to make the story very enjoyable. A fast paced thriller. Plenty of twists and turns. Emma is tormented by the fear for her childrens lives and you can feel it on every page. She's torn between continuing her investigation to get justice and just dropping the whole thing to protect her family. Very well written and I have every intention of going back and reading all the books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Wes Markin for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Wes Markin for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2026
The 8th book in the Yorkshire Killings series. We follow Emma Gardner as she continues her investigation into Aegis. The investigation leads her into the sights of 2 assassins. Plenty of action with wellknown charaters who we have come to love. With the return of previous characters the action keeps.us on the edge of our seats the only complaint I have is there is not enough Riddick to satisfy my needs. An emotional story which i may or may not have had a tear or two. Thoroughly engrossing and another winner from Mr Markin.
With thanks to the author and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
With thanks to the author and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
August 13, 2026
The Farmhouse Killing was a fantastically quick read that had me hooked right from the very beginning- I ended up devouring it in just two sittings!
What really kept me invested was DCI Emma Gardner. Even as a fictional detective, she feels remarkably real and grounded. You can’t help but root for her as she navigates solving a gruesome mystery while trying to piece her own life back together.
Wes Markin’s writing style is delightfully straightforward and easy to get lost in, but don't let that fool you- the plot is packed with relentless twists and turns. I spent the entire book guessing how it would all play out, completely on the edge of my seat until the very end.
What really kept me invested was DCI Emma Gardner. Even as a fictional detective, she feels remarkably real and grounded. You can’t help but root for her as she navigates solving a gruesome mystery while trying to piece her own life back together.
Wes Markin’s writing style is delightfully straightforward and easy to get lost in, but don't let that fool you- the plot is packed with relentless twists and turns. I spent the entire book guessing how it would all play out, completely on the edge of my seat until the very end.
September 4, 2026
This is the first Markin book that I read in this Yorkshire series. It was recommended in Amazon Prime based on my having some other Markin books.
Not having read any of the previous books in the series, I have no idea how the protagonist, Emma Gardner, attained the rank she holds in this book, but I found her portrayal hard to sympathize with. Her apparent reputation for determination, dogged persistence exists along side her lack of self-control, snap decision making, a topped off by a lack of sobriety at inopportune times.
This is a spinoff from the Mike Yorke series, which I will try, but I am not sure I would want to start with #1 of this one.
Not having read any of the previous books in the series, I have no idea how the protagonist, Emma Gardner, attained the rank she holds in this book, but I found her portrayal hard to sympathize with. Her apparent reputation for determination, dogged persistence exists along side her lack of self-control, snap decision making, a topped off by a lack of sobriety at inopportune times.
This is a spinoff from the Mike Yorke series, which I will try, but I am not sure I would want to start with #1 of this one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Although DCI Emma Gardner has returned to Salisbury, the need to ensure that the person responsible for the deaths of investigators and whistleblowers is her main focus. However, when assassins have their sights on her, letting her know they are aware of the location of Emma's family. Both Emma and family are in the path of danger and Emma must find a way to keep them safe while continuing her pursuit to find justice for the dead.
Eighth book in the series, fast paced, tense read.
#TheFarmhouseKillings #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley
Eighth book in the series, fast paced, tense read.
#TheFarmhouseKillings #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is such a fantastic read featuring DCI Emma Gardner, set in Salisbury. Emma is one serious, complex character both in her home life and her work life as she deals with trauma and corruption. I loved the plotting, tense and heartstopping, full of twists and turns, everything you could want in a crime thriller. It's dark, fast paced and so many twists which left me flummoxed trying to figure everything out. The ending wrapped up neatly leaving me wondering what is next for Emma and Paul Riddick. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
August 22, 2026
Well yet again Wes has pulled it out of the bag with this one this is Emma Gardner at her best she has the bit between her teeth and is determined not to give in. But when her children are under threat and in danger she has to rethink if carrying on is worth it. Emma has already lost friends and colleages due to her persistance over the case and when her boss Michael Yorke warns her off she has to listen but could it be too late? Loved this book from start to finish can't wait for the next one in the series already pre ordered it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For fans of Wes Markin, this will be right up your street.
Normally, I would say it doesn't really matter if you've not read previous books in the series but this ties up a lot of things from previous books in The Yorkshire Murders and the DCI Michael Yorke series.
My heart was finally full at the end.
This book is filled with corruption, lies and trauma.
A fantastic read.
For fans of Wes Markin, this will be right up your street.
Normally, I would say it doesn't really matter if you've not read previous books in the series but this ties up a lot of things from previous books in The Yorkshire Murders and the DCI Michael Yorke series.
My heart was finally full at the end.
This book is filled with corruption, lies and trauma.
A fantastic read.
August 30, 2026
quite chilling book, it's not enough Fairweather controls a group who hides behind National Security, now there is a group who eliminated those they consider traitors to the country and they will target children as well...sick sick sick. Emma focused book as she tries to discover what is going on, then tries to protect her family from ruthless killers. Oh yes, Paul is still around but on the edges of this book. Hope Marking keeps writing about these two damaged souls.
September 13, 2026
A gripping and fast paced story.
Full of suspense and twists.
Great atmosphere.
A really good series. That is brutal, well written and tense.
Not sure if this is where this series will end. If so, it was a fab ending. But I would love for there to be another one to see how things develop.
Now to go back and look at some of the other series he has written.
Full of suspense and twists.
Great atmosphere.
A really good series. That is brutal, well written and tense.
Not sure if this is where this series will end. If so, it was a fab ending. But I would love for there to be another one to see how things develop.
Now to go back and look at some of the other series he has written.
August 23, 2026
Well Wes Markin you have done it again another great book in the series.
This book had everything anger, revenge, fear, corruption, abuse, morals/ethics.
I really like DCI Emma Gardner, what do you do when your family are targeted by a killer?
Well don can not wait for the next one.
This book had everything anger, revenge, fear, corruption, abuse, morals/ethics.
I really like DCI Emma Gardner, what do you do when your family are targeted by a killer?
Well don can not wait for the next one.
September 4, 2026
When I started this series, I had no idea it would get this violent. I ended up finishing it in the daytime because it was giving me nightmares. Quite a few surprises with a few predictable twists. Honestly, I'm exhausted.
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