The Viewpoint: A Cumbria Crime Novel

Cumbria Crime: Whaley & Gaskill #2

by Joel Hames

‘A gripping continuation of the story begun by DI Zoe Finch.‘ Rachel McLean

Months after the traumatic events of The Boatyard, the PSD team is beginning to settle down – on the surface, at least.

DI Carl Whaley’s moved into a new flat, with paper-thin walls and miserable neighbours. DS Denise Gaskill seems comparatively untroubled, but that’s only because no one knows about her painkiller addiction. DC Harriett Barnes has become obsessed with unlocking the identity of the so-called Skeleton Key. And the newest member of the team, DC Lynn Hedley, has ended her marriage and started a new job in the space of a few short weeks.

The last thing they need is a complicated new case. And the murder of a known criminal found shot to death in a beauty spot by the Kirkstone Pass looks like the sort of gangland killing that wouldn’t normally involve PSD.

But when one of the investigating officers is attacked and crucial evidence goes missing, Carl and the team are dragged into the heart of the mystery.

Why was the dead man targeted? What secrets was he planning to spill? And is there a connection with a recent spate of vigilante attacks?

As the investigation takes the team in unexpected directions, sorting truth from lies becomes a matter of life and death. And with the shadow of recent events haunting their every move, can they unmask the killer before more people die?

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

442 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2026

Reviews

[Deb]

I read the Zoe and Carl story in Cumbria and wanted to see how the story continues after their split. I really enjoyed the plot line of this book but there was so much overuse of profanity early on that I wasn’t sure I would finish the book. I did finish it and enjoyed the twists and turns in the plot line. Carl and his team are great characters that I could connect to, but the other cop characters I could have done without. We’ll see how subsequent books play out.

[Julie Powell]

This was another enjoyable crime drama set in Cumbria where Carl's team end up investigating a murder.

I liked the team's dynamic but some other characters were abysmal and it's a wonder why they were police officers.

There was plenty of action and mystery with some twists, while some crumbs were left for the next book.

Well-written and engaging.

[Joan C Barrick]

Love Carl and the team. Some of the other officers needed a stick of dynamite up there rear ends. Well written , starts easy then bang your in the thick of it all. Of course there is always the bit at the end, when you know in the next book, someone has trouble coming there way. No spoilers for who.

[Christine Daly]

It was nice to meet the characters again.
The story line of the Skeleton key is intriguing and make you want to know who’s behind the police killings and the return of the police officers to the storyline and their home life and team characters make it a great read.
Keep writing well keep reading

[John Roberts]

I had given up on this book first time round but so glad I gave it a second go as I really enjoyed this second installment. Joel gets darker and his books more gripping as each book comes out. I would highly recommend this fantastic series! Aldo highly recommend the Rachel McLean/Joel Hames co lab with the Zoe Finich Cumbria series.

[M R B Davis]

Fast and action packed

The murder of a criminal puts the spotlight on an officer. The perpetrator turns out to be someone else but Carl works through it despite the difficulties
What

[Ann Harwood]

Another enjoyable read from this author

[Martin Culkeen]

Loved this one

Started well and ended better. Once the action started, I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for book 3. Roll on October.

[Angela Easton]

Great read even if you have not read previous book in the series or any other by this author. Good character development and kept me thinking to the end. It was perhaps clear who was being framed but was he double bluff may have been in place. Moves at apace and keeps you guessing.

[Terri]

Reads like it will be a decent mystery series.

[Douglas Law]

Another cracker, thanks Joel, just great characters & locations.

[Miss A]

Couldn’t put this down, got to a certain part of the book then sat up at night to finish it. Great book, highly recommend.