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Whitby's Forgotten Victims #7
Forgotten Frost
Coming September 2026...
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2026
About the author
Wes Markin
40 books284 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 31 reviews
August 28, 2026
Bei der Renovierung eines Hauses wird hinter einer Wand die Leiche einer jungen Frau gefunden. Für DCI Frank Black ist klar, dass es sich um Lilly Ackroyd handelt, die vor über dreißig Jahren verschwunden ist. Sie hatte in dem Haus geputzt, in dem man sie jetzt gefunden hat. Frank macht sich Vorwürfe, denn er hatte damals den Hausbesitzer befragt, aber weil er Beziehungen zur Polizei hatte, gehörte er nie zu den Verdächtigen.
Anders als Lillys Freund, Barnaby Scaife. Er hat schon damals am Rand der Gesellschaft gelebt. Lillys Verschwinden hat ihn abstürzen lassen, seitdem lebt er auf der Straße. Für ihn bringt der Fund der Leiche Erinnerungen an eine glücklichere Zeit zurück, aber auch einen Abschluss, denn er hat sich die ganze Zeit gefragt, was aus der Frau geworden ist, die er geliebt hat.
Dieser Fall lebt von den Charakteren. Zwischen Frank und seiner Kollegin Gerry gibt es eine besondere Beziehung, die sich über die Jahre gefestigt hat. Jetzt wird sie durch ein Versprechen von Frank überschattet, von dem er nicht weiß, wie er es einlösen soll und von einer Lüge, die Gerry erzählt hat. Auch Barnaby und die Schwester des damals Verdächtigen sind sehr interessant, weil hinter ihnen viel mehr steckt, als man auf den ersten Blick vermutet. Dann gibt es noch einen zweiten Handlungsstrang mit Charakteren, die ich zuerst nicht zuordnen konnte. Aber ich hatte schnell eine Idee, wie sie zum Rest der Geschichte passten.
Mir gefällt die Reihe um Frank Black, aber dieser Teil sticht heraus. Nicht nur wegen der Charaktere, sondern auch wegen der Geschichte, die der Autor um den Fall gewoben hat.
Anders als Lillys Freund, Barnaby Scaife. Er hat schon damals am Rand der Gesellschaft gelebt. Lillys Verschwinden hat ihn abstürzen lassen, seitdem lebt er auf der Straße. Für ihn bringt der Fund der Leiche Erinnerungen an eine glücklichere Zeit zurück, aber auch einen Abschluss, denn er hat sich die ganze Zeit gefragt, was aus der Frau geworden ist, die er geliebt hat.
Dieser Fall lebt von den Charakteren. Zwischen Frank und seiner Kollegin Gerry gibt es eine besondere Beziehung, die sich über die Jahre gefestigt hat. Jetzt wird sie durch ein Versprechen von Frank überschattet, von dem er nicht weiß, wie er es einlösen soll und von einer Lüge, die Gerry erzählt hat. Auch Barnaby und die Schwester des damals Verdächtigen sind sehr interessant, weil hinter ihnen viel mehr steckt, als man auf den ersten Blick vermutet. Dann gibt es noch einen zweiten Handlungsstrang mit Charakteren, die ich zuerst nicht zuordnen konnte. Aber ich hatte schnell eine Idee, wie sie zum Rest der Geschichte passten.
Mir gefällt die Reihe um Frank Black, aber dieser Teil sticht heraus. Nicht nur wegen der Charaktere, sondern auch wegen der Geschichte, die der Autor um den Fall gewoben hat.
August 8, 2026
I always look forward to a new book in this wonderful series. I have come to love the characters and they are always incredible.
In this book, we have an intriguing scenario where a skeleton is found behind a wall. Its soon determined that its over 50 years old, and Frank and Gerry try and find out who it is.
Assuming its a young woman that disappeared around that time opens up many old wounds. Barnaby one of my favourite characters was one of the most interesting, many layers to his story.
Alongside that you have the relationship between Frank and Gerry that has really grown since book 1, and had me sobbing at the end of the previous book. Its one of the most special things about the series and shines through once again.
All of this creates quite the story, a lot of threads that seem unconnected all collide perfectly and get tied up nicely.
Wes left something of a dilemma at the end of book 6, one i wasnt sure how he'd deal with. Not at all how I expected was the answer, and it was better for it.
I flew through it in no time. Cannot wait for book 8.
In this book, we have an intriguing scenario where a skeleton is found behind a wall. Its soon determined that its over 50 years old, and Frank and Gerry try and find out who it is.
Assuming its a young woman that disappeared around that time opens up many old wounds. Barnaby one of my favourite characters was one of the most interesting, many layers to his story.
Alongside that you have the relationship between Frank and Gerry that has really grown since book 1, and had me sobbing at the end of the previous book. Its one of the most special things about the series and shines through once again.
All of this creates quite the story, a lot of threads that seem unconnected all collide perfectly and get tied up nicely.
Wes left something of a dilemma at the end of book 6, one i wasnt sure how he'd deal with. Not at all how I expected was the answer, and it was better for it.
I flew through it in no time. Cannot wait for book 8.
July 25, 2026
Very disappointing.
After devouring the first six books by Wes Merkin in his “Forgotten Victims” series, I was quite eager for the seventh. However….
I didn’t note exactly when I got bogged down with excessive verbiage about the plight of these helpless victims and how, remarkably, they were able to make a miraculous recovery and live almost functional lives.
And, while I didn’t count the number of times the same details were recounted, I remember thinking that the phrase “ad nauseam” came to mind far too many times.
I also thought several times that there’s probably quite a nice story lurking somewhere in this book but it would take an exemplary editor to find it and tease it out from the redundancy.
My other complaint is one of credibility: how could young people suffer such abuse and then grow up not only to be stable, forgiving, and happy but also quite fluent in the King’s English - despite having been deprived of even the fundamentals of education, living on the street, and severe abuse during their formative years.
And then, Gerry has miraculously become free from needing her service dog and Frank is seemingly at death’s door over and over during the events that comprise the book and then makes a remarkable (miraculous?) recovery at the end. I honestly thought that his death would signal the end of this series. Gerry’s dog was an important part of the previous six books; why was he cut from starring to bit player?
My guess is that Mr. Markin’s success with his first six books has blinded everyone to the possibility that he might overwrite in the seventh. Even great authors need people around them who are able (and courageous enough) to step back from an author’s previous success and say, this book needs rewriting, not more words.
I would welcome a revised edition of this book - and really hope that #8 is more like 1-6 than like 7. If not, I probably won’t bother thereafter.
After devouring the first six books by Wes Merkin in his “Forgotten Victims” series, I was quite eager for the seventh. However….
I didn’t note exactly when I got bogged down with excessive verbiage about the plight of these helpless victims and how, remarkably, they were able to make a miraculous recovery and live almost functional lives.
And, while I didn’t count the number of times the same details were recounted, I remember thinking that the phrase “ad nauseam” came to mind far too many times.
I also thought several times that there’s probably quite a nice story lurking somewhere in this book but it would take an exemplary editor to find it and tease it out from the redundancy.
My other complaint is one of credibility: how could young people suffer such abuse and then grow up not only to be stable, forgiving, and happy but also quite fluent in the King’s English - despite having been deprived of even the fundamentals of education, living on the street, and severe abuse during their formative years.
And then, Gerry has miraculously become free from needing her service dog and Frank is seemingly at death’s door over and over during the events that comprise the book and then makes a remarkable (miraculous?) recovery at the end. I honestly thought that his death would signal the end of this series. Gerry’s dog was an important part of the previous six books; why was he cut from starring to bit player?
My guess is that Mr. Markin’s success with his first six books has blinded everyone to the possibility that he might overwrite in the seventh. Even great authors need people around them who are able (and courageous enough) to step back from an author’s previous success and say, this book needs rewriting, not more words.
I would welcome a revised edition of this book - and really hope that #8 is more like 1-6 than like 7. If not, I probably won’t bother thereafter.
August 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another fantastic instalment in the series from Wes Markin. Just like the previous books, Forgotten Frost was a real page-turner that I finished in a day.
When the body of a woman is discovered hidden behind a wall of a house, seemingly left there for years, Frank and Gerry are once again drawn into a mystery where the past refuses to stay buried. As always, the investigation is gripping, but it’s the relationships between the characters that make this series so enjoyable. The bond between Frank and Gerry remains one of the highlights, with Rylan also continuing to be a brilliant addition.
Secrets, old wounds and hidden truths come back to haunt those involved, making this another compelling read from start to finish.
I can’t wait for the next book — and I’m really hoping Frank finally gets some resolution with Maddie and his grandson.
Another fantastic instalment in the series from Wes Markin. Just like the previous books, Forgotten Frost was a real page-turner that I finished in a day.
When the body of a woman is discovered hidden behind a wall of a house, seemingly left there for years, Frank and Gerry are once again drawn into a mystery where the past refuses to stay buried. As always, the investigation is gripping, but it’s the relationships between the characters that make this series so enjoyable. The bond between Frank and Gerry remains one of the highlights, with Rylan also continuing to be a brilliant addition.
Secrets, old wounds and hidden truths come back to haunt those involved, making this another compelling read from start to finish.
I can’t wait for the next book — and I’m really hoping Frank finally gets some resolution with Maddie and his grandson.
August 2, 2026
The discovery of the remains of a woman behind a wall in a house has Frank and Gerry delving into events of the past. Frank is certain initially of who the body is and it brings back a lot of memories but a twist throws everything up into the air.
I love in this series how we get to see different segments of characters lives which initially seem totally random and standalone but we now know that these will all come together into the main story. It always impresses me how the author does this and once again it happens here before we know it. It's a riveting read as I found myself immersed in the story and the characters always make it for me. I loved the ending and look forward to seeing what next case is in store for this terrific duo.
I love in this series how we get to see different segments of characters lives which initially seem totally random and standalone but we now know that these will all come together into the main story. It always impresses me how the author does this and once again it happens here before we know it. It's a riveting read as I found myself immersed in the story and the characters always make it for me. I loved the ending and look forward to seeing what next case is in store for this terrific duo.
August 20, 2026
I really enjoy these books and wouldn’t be in any way critical so the following is for information rather than correction. Where a défendent is unfit to stand trial, in most, but not necessarily all, jurisdictions within the UK, there would be a trial of the facts. A jury in such case cannot hand down a conviction and there would be no prison sentence but the facts are presented and if an alleged perpetrator is deemed to have carried out the offence there are numerous options open to the judge including a hospital order. In these circumstances the potential perpetrator in this story could have faced a form of justice if he had been held responsible
September 17, 2026
Frank and Gerry once again dig into the past to solve the puzzle of a woman's body found bricked up behind a wall in a house. As with the other books in the series there is a lot of sadness as past lives and secrets are gradually revealed. One thing I like about this series is that the crimes are actually believable and not as far fetched as in some other series. Once again we delve a little deeper into the lives of Frank and Gerry, and I absolutely love their friendship. All that said, I'm afraid this is probably my least favourite of the series so far, but it's still a great listen (shows just how good the previous books are!!)
Excellent narration, as always from Aubrey Parsons.
Excellent narration, as always from Aubrey Parsons.
August 30, 2026
As an easy frontroom detective drama these books are nice to pick up , get to sleep with over a few nights and then just get on with things after whatbfeels like a gentle hiatus. The characters are all likeable, they make sense, the plots are all understandable and not so wild you're rilling your eyes and riffling pages foreward and they all follow on with perfrct ease. I like frank black and the unusual detective Gerry . The author has been clever in including her with her unusual attributes because we know she will solve the case.
July 24, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up
This would be difficult to read as a standalone as it refers back to events in the previous book and takes place not too long after it, so worth reading in sequence. That said, it’s great to see these characters develop as you come to the realisation how everything in the story is linked. You may have an idea of what might happen, but there’s no guarantee it actually will and the road to the end is convoluted! Lots of wry humour and plenty of tension and emotion; great series.
This would be difficult to read as a standalone as it refers back to events in the previous book and takes place not too long after it, so worth reading in sequence. That said, it’s great to see these characters develop as you come to the realisation how everything in the story is linked. You may have an idea of what might happen, but there’s no guarantee it actually will and the road to the end is convoluted! Lots of wry humour and plenty of tension and emotion; great series.
August 2, 2026
I have read the series of books with Frank Black of the police department in a small town in England. I absolutely love the hero and his autistic partner Gerry. They are a great team. Frank continues to pine for his addicted missing daughter while solving cases a lot of which are old unsolved ones. Gerry and her therapy dog are important processors of emotional situations. This is the 7th book in the series all of which have the word “Forgotten” in the title.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
August 4, 2026
Wow another fantastic read by Wes Markin
DCI Frank Black, DI Gerry Carver and team have another cold case to solve but Frank is also hiding something from Gerry which isn't helping his stress levels or his health. This is a book that you can't put down and keeps you turning the pages just to find out who, why and what is going on. It has lots of characters but I do love Frank, Gerry and not forgetting Rylan. Highly recommend this series it doesn't disappoint.
DCI Frank Black, DI Gerry Carver and team have another cold case to solve but Frank is also hiding something from Gerry which isn't helping his stress levels or his health. This is a book that you can't put down and keeps you turning the pages just to find out who, why and what is going on. It has lots of characters but I do love Frank, Gerry and not forgetting Rylan. Highly recommend this series it doesn't disappoint.
September 14, 2026
Such throughs
It's 4.15am and I've just finished an amazing book..I'd started reading, not sure where the story was going. The path has been different and, at times, dark. and twisted. Human emotions.
But a story I had to finish. This is one of those books that makes you think and has been written with empathy and foresight. A really brilliant book so well written and thought out.
It's 4.15am and I've just finished an amazing book..I'd started reading, not sure where the story was going. The path has been different and, at times, dark. and twisted. Human emotions.
But a story I had to finish. This is one of those books that makes you think and has been written with empathy and foresight. A really brilliant book so well written and thought out.
September 23, 2026
Another great book
I have read all 7 of this series so far and I hope there are many more to come. As for tholis book, the characters feel real and authentic and the plot is superb. I love the way all the threads slowly come together as you get further in. If you like well written crime novels with a real back story then I would very much recommend this and the rest of the series.
I have read all 7 of this series so far and I hope there are many more to come. As for tholis book, the characters feel real and authentic and the plot is superb. I love the way all the threads slowly come together as you get further in. If you like well written crime novels with a real back story then I would very much recommend this and the rest of the series.
August 2, 2026
I love this series each book has really pulled on my heartstrings
Great plots, some humour and the ability to delve into the characters emotions and put that into writing is a proper skill
Gerry is such a stand out character with her development and by far my favourite but kudos to Frank for the way he sees beyond and brings people on
Great plots, some humour and the ability to delve into the characters emotions and put that into writing is a proper skill
Gerry is such a stand out character with her development and by far my favourite but kudos to Frank for the way he sees beyond and brings people on
August 17, 2026
This is 7th book in the series Whitby’s Forgotten Victims and I think it’s the best so far. Great characters and such a good story, I had to force myself to put the book down and go to sleep!
It made me laugh and cry, and I loved the character of Barnaby, I’d like to see him become a regular in the series!
A fabulous book and one of the best I’ve read in 2026!
It made me laugh and cry, and I loved the character of Barnaby, I’d like to see him become a regular in the series!
A fabulous book and one of the best I’ve read in 2026!
September 6, 2026
Heart wrenching tale
I couldn't put this book down. It was full of Frank's torment and life altering decisions. It concentrated more than the last six on his relationship with Gerry. Ive loved how that relationship has developed in such an honest unhurried way. I'm looking forward to the last in the series.
I couldn't put this book down. It was full of Frank's torment and life altering decisions. It concentrated more than the last six on his relationship with Gerry. Ive loved how that relationship has developed in such an honest unhurried way. I'm looking forward to the last in the series.
July 27, 2026
Cracking Read.
Loved this book. It kept me guessing to the end with lots of twists. Just wish Frank, the main character, would get his finger out and do what needs to be done to make him a character more relatable too.
Loved this book. It kept me guessing to the end with lots of twists. Just wish Frank, the main character, would get his finger out and do what needs to be done to make him a character more relatable too.
July 28, 2026
Excellent read
Love the interacation between Gerry & Frank with Dylan always there.
The story is about involved historical events that Frank and his team manage to solve along with some personal matters that have been bothering Frank and Gerry separately.
Love the interacation between Gerry & Frank with Dylan always there.
The story is about involved historical events that Frank and his team manage to solve along with some personal matters that have been bothering Frank and Gerry separately.
August 7, 2026
This felt sadder than previous books in the series, but an enjoyable read. However I felt there was something missing between the end of the last book and start of this, the characters were different in some way. I even checked to see if I’d missed a book somewhere.
August 11, 2026
I have read all of this series and really enjoyed them. This book I feel stands out above the others for the story line in fact I read in a day as I found it almost impossible to put down. I am rather hoping Frank does not retire.
August 15, 2026
one of my favourite authors- once again, not disappointed. Really good story and follow on from previous series. Already pre ordered next one in the series .... got to wait till November though
So worth a read- most enjoyable with twists and turns, and if you know the Whitby area, a bonus too
So worth a read- most enjoyable with twists and turns, and if you know the Whitby area, a bonus too
August 20, 2026
Took me an age to read this which is unusual as I normally eat this series up. It started very slow and the writing style was different in my opinion. But it vastly picked up at 70%. I wasn’t disappointed that much after that.
September 19, 2026
This was book 7 in the series and was brilliant. A great book, gripping, bits of humour, and parts of sadness were i was nearly crying. A great story overall and looking forward to the next one. Frank and the team are great. A fab series
July 31, 2026
i love this series
I love this series and this is the best one yet. Can’t wait for the next one to come out. Please hurry!
I love this series and this is the best one yet. Can’t wait for the next one to come out. Please hurry!
August 5, 2026
Undeniably good
An excellent story, told with compassion and grace. Best book in the series. So far. Five more words required to post, but no more are needed.
An excellent story, told with compassion and grace. Best book in the series. So far. Five more words required to post, but no more are needed.
August 5, 2026
I'm loving this series. Telling Gerry about her now dead father is literally killing Frank. When a womans body is found in a wall in a remodel, they will be searching to find out if it's a missing young woman from 30 yrs ago....the suspect could be the man who now has alzheimers or her former boyfriend who has accused the sick old man for all these years. This book was so sad, but definitely a page turner!
August 8, 2026
A box of tissues needed
Thank you, Wes Markin, for this book. Anyone reading it will need tissues galore. Looking forward to the next one.
Thank you, Wes Markin, for this book. Anyone reading it will need tissues galore. Looking forward to the next one.
August 9, 2026
Expertly written...once more. Wonderful characters carefully brought to life. Love the relationship between Frank and Gerry.
August 10, 2026
Wow. Yet another brilliant read from Wes. Love follow DCI Frank Black and Gerry on their investigation. Was gripped from first chapter. Cannot wait for next adventure with these two.
September 21, 2026
Brilliant plot!
What a brilliant plot, really clever weaving all of the different strands together like that…..really enjoyed it! Would thoroughly recommend!
What a brilliant plot, really clever weaving all of the different strands together like that…..really enjoyed it! Would thoroughly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews