Shotley Bridge Murders: A British Crime Mystery featuring DC Heather Hudson

by Bobby Cussens

Four bodies. Two weeks. One secret that's waited forty years to surface.

This is the case that could cost Detective Heather Hudson everything.

When DC Heather Hudson finds Boz's throat-slashed body on a frozen riverbank, she's plunged into a chilling murder case. As the body count rises and winter storms batter County Durham, Heather spots a pattern nobody else can see.

With DS Roberts undermining her at every turn and a team of sceptical detectives dismissing her theory, Heather must race against time to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

The case seems solved—until it spectacularly unravels.

In a violent final confrontation, Heather risks everything to stop a serial killer seeking revenge.

A gripping British detective series powered by a female sleuth, filled with authentic Geordie voices, workplace drama, and cold cases that refuse to stay buried.

Perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves, and LJ Ross who love police procedurals with complex female protagonists and the atmospheric beauty of England's North East.

SHOTLEY BRIDGE MURDERS is Book 1 in the Detective Heather Hudson series. One killer is caught—but in the chilling epilogue, another threat emerges...

What readers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gritty, atmospheric and deftly handled with wit and humour, Nincyq

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A great debut novel! Looking forward to the next one LK Smith

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fabulous must read crime novel from a very talented author A Wilks

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sharply written, standout debut Tom W

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A cracking read, great setting and an twisty plot J McGarry

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2025

Reviews

[Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shotley Bridge Murders is an outstanding start to what promises to be a phenomenal crime series. From the very first scene, discovering a body on a frozen riverbank, Bobby Cussens establishes a dark, atmospheric tone that never lets go. The bleak winter setting of County Durham adds an icy tension to every chapter, perfectly mirroring the increasing danger faced by DC Heather Hudson as the body count rises. Heather is an exceptional protagonist: intelligent, determined, flawed, and deeply human. Watching her fight not only a brutal killer but also skepticism, undermining colleagues, and internal politics makes the story feel raw and real. The mystery is layered, expertly paced, and full of clever misdirection. Just when you think the case is solved, the plot unravels in shocking fashion. The final confrontation is intense, satisfying, and emotionally charged. This is British crime fiction at its best.

[Mark Crowther · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was ok

Book was ok wrote well, i grew up in Consett so i could picture the public houses (as i have frequented them all at some point) and the other areas mentioned.

I personally felt like the Author is just starting out writing books, so lacks the experience of more accomplished writers bring, saying that it was a decent book

[Anita Dent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a local thriller and as this book was right on my doorstep I couldn’t resist it. I enjoyed the story, with Heather as a strong character in a male dominated environment. However I did not like the ending which left me disappointed, thinking is that it?

[Julie-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a thriller! I really enjoyed this one and how the story developed. Great writing and fast paced throughout. This one took me a bit longer to read but I’m putting that down to me not reading thrillers too often as I think I could have devoured this in a day otherwise! With this being set in County Durham, where I’m from & live, it really added to the atmosphere for me. Fantastic story, highly recommend.