The Dying Hour

by Jane Jesmond

The wind still carries the memory of a recent storm across the Yorkshire hills. But it's not the weather that's set the dogs howling all day...

When police officer Josh Mason is sent to investigate a complaint at Cooper's Stables, he expects nothing more than an awkward conversation with the yard's notoriously difficult owner. What waits behind the locked gates will haunt him forever.

Amidst the carnage, two things give Josh pause – a cryptic note clutched in a corpse's hand: For Freddy. Tell Giles. But Giles Cooper is among the dead. So who was meant to receive this message? And two tarot cards. One viciously defaced with red slashes scored across a child's face.

What do the cards and the note mean? And why are Josh's superiors on the force so determined to ensure he never finds out?

A gripping and atmospheric crime thriller, perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves and LJ Ross.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication March 31, 2026

About the author

Jane Jesmond writes psychological suspense, thrillers and mysteries

Her debut novel, On The Edge, the first in a series featuring dynamic, daredevil protagonist Jen Shaw was a Sunday Times Crime Fiction best book. The second in the series, Cut Adrift, was The Times Thriller Book of the Month and The Sunday Times Crime Book of the Month. Her latest novel, Her, a standalone psychological thriller was published in May 2023 and A Quiet Contagion, a disquieting contemporary mystery, will be published in November 2023.

Although she loves writing (and reading) thrillers and mysteries, her real life is very quiet and unexciting. Dead bodies and danger are not a feature! She lives by the sea in the northwest tip of France with a husband and a cat and enjoys coastal walks and village life.

Stay connected to Jane and receive news about her books and giveaways by signing up for her newsletter - https://jane-jesmond.com/contact/

You can find Jane:
On Twitter - @AuthorJJesmond
On Facebook - www.facebook.com/JaneJesmondAuthor
On Instagram - www.Instagram.com/authorjanejesmond

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

~thank you to the publisher, & NetGalley for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review~

Unfortunately this fell flat for me. I was enjoying it about halfway through and then I just got bored and confused. There were too many characters to keep track of.

[Ivy Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Big thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.

It's a small-town murder mystery which follows the investigation both by the police and Kezia Heron, a photographer who takes it upon herself to solve the case to save the 17-year-old stable boy who was wrongfully accused. The peculiar detail of tarot cards found in the crime scene both add a certain mystery to the case and help Kezia find her way to the truth. Although, it will cost her and everyone involved quite a lot.

Honestly, the story started off really strong, especially with the added mystery of the tarot cards and the involvement of pyschic mediums. But, sadly, the tarot card arc did not land and it failed to connect to the outcome in the end. Also, there were some noticeable pacing issues in the story and the irregular POVs -switching back to first person (to Kezia's) randomly for no reason- made it a rocky read. It had so much potential, but sadly fell flat for me.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

This was a perfectly paced story! I enjoyed everybody’s perspectives and I thought that the characters were all fully fleshed out. I never could have guessed who the murderer was either, so this was a hit all round for me.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Jesmond has crafted an intensely atmospheric mystery that perfectly captures the chilling, rain-soaked isolation of the Yorkshire moors.
A family lies dead in a quiet farmhouse, and the only clues left behind are tarot cards and a cryptic note. When PC Josh discovers the family brutally murdered, he is thrust into a high-stakes investigation where his local expertise becomes both a blessing and a burden. Jesmond has created a deeply relatable lead in Josh, whose quiet resilience and struggle for respect within the team make him a standout and compelling character to follow.
Jesmond expertly weaves multiple timelines and points of view into a rich, layered narrative. While the core is a gritty hunt for a killer, the inclusion of the cryptic note and tarot cards adds an intriguing, mysterious layer that kept me guessing all the way through. With a pace that builds in the second half leading to a totally unexpected ending, tying up those tarot cards and all the loose ends neatly, this is a truly memorable read that I absolutely loved.
My thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my own opinion.

[Marzia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The tarot cards left at the crime scenes were a very interesting touch and caught my attention. However, I didn't fully understand their purpose in the end; I think this element could have been developed better.
Overall, it was still a good read!

[Angela · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Dying Hour by Jane Jesmond

Synopsis /

The wind still carries the memory of a recent storm across the Yorkshire hills. But it's not the weather that's set the dogs howling all day...

When police officer Josh Mason is sent to investigate a complaint at Cooper's Stables, he expects nothing more than an awkward conversation with the yard's notoriously difficult owner. What waits behind the locked gates will haunt him forever.

Amidst the carnage, two things give Josh pause – a cryptic note clutched in a corpse's hand: For Freddy. Tell Giles. But Giles Cooper is among the dead. So who was meant to receive this message? And two tarot cards. One viciously defaced with red slashes scored across a child's face.

What do the cards and the note mean? And why are Josh's superiors on the force so determined to ensure he never finds out?


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Jane Jesmond for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Minority opinion alert!

I normally devour crime novels by the boatload, but I could tell from the start that this book wasn't for me - too many characters that I couldn't get straight in my head and a storyline which I can only describe as an omnishambles of epic proportion.

Police officer Josh Mason is sent to investigate a routine complaint at Cooper’s Stables but instead discovers a family has been brutally murdered. Clutched in one victim's hand is a cryptic note reading: "For Freddy. Tell Giles." That note serves as a central paradox that launches the investigation, as "Giles", the man the note is intended for, is found dead among the other murder victims.

😒 I don't enjoy being a passive reader. I prefer to live within the story rather than observe it from a distance. The narrative should let me experience the moments through sensory detail, rather than just delivering facts and pre-packaged interpretations. The writing relied heavily on exposition, explicitly dictating both the action and the intended emotional takeaway. I want the words to show me the scene so I can draw my own conclusions.

😒 The cast of characters we are presented with is undeniably bloated and there is a lot that could have been trimmed without losing the crux of the story.

😒 The use of multiple POVs. Not always a bad thing! The narrative primarily follows the perspective of Police Officer Josh Mason, and I would have liked his POV to have played a more major role. Unfortunately, the author felt it necessary to include POVs from nearly all of the characters – see next point.

😒 Silly plot development. When you get to a chapter that is written from the POV of a pair of "Cufflinks" and the "Carpet" you lost me as a reader.

😒 Sadly, the overcomplicated plot and the manner in which these disparate threads were linked together limped to a disappointing, anti-climactic, uninteresting finish that simply fizzled out and death-spiralled to the last sentence of the novel. [PS: I did try re-writing this sentence numerous times, but I was never truly satisfied that the re-write conveyed what I was really feeling.]

Reading is a deeply individual experience – so I can fully understand others have enjoyed this more than me. But I was left feeling underwhelmed, frustrated, and ambivalent through most of the novel. It's not in my nature to abandon a story, but this was the closest I've come for a long while. I will certainly admit to mostly skimming the chapters that were headed "Carpet" – for the sake of my sanity.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for March 31, 2026.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dying Hour is a gripping, atmospheric crime thriller that pulls you straight into the bleak beauty of the Yorkshire hills and refuses to let go. From the moment Josh Mason steps through the gates of Cooper’s Stables, the novel delivers a chilling blend of tension, mystery, and emotional depth that lingers long after the final page.

The opening discovery is shocking—not for graphic detail, but for the sheer sense of wrongness that hangs over the scene. The cryptic note, the defaced tarot cards, the eerie silence of the stables… it all creates a haunting tone that sets this book apart from more straightforward police procedurals. There’s a strong sense that something older, darker, and more personal is at play.

Josh Mason is a compelling lead: steady, thoughtful, and quietly determined, yet weighed down by his own past. His instinct to dig deeper—even when his superiors clearly want him to back off—adds a satisfying undercurrent of tension. The more he uncovers, the more the story tightens, and the more you feel the danger closing in around him.

The tarot imagery is used brilliantly, adding a symbolic layer without ever tipping into the supernatural. Each clue feels deliberate, unsettling, and loaded with meaning. Combined with the rugged Yorkshire landscape and the aftermath of a storm still hanging in the air, the atmosphere is thick enough to taste.

What elevates the novel is its pacing. The investigation unfolds with a steady, confident rhythm—quiet moments of reflection punctuated by sharp turns and revelations. The sense of conspiracy within the police force adds another gripping thread, making Josh’s search for the truth feel even more urgent.

Moody, tense, and beautifully written, The Dying Hour is a standout for fans of Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, and anyone who loves crime fiction steeped in atmosphere and character. It’s the kind of thriller that keeps you reading late into the night, eager to uncover the secrets buried beneath the storm.

With thanks to Jane Jesmond, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, Atmospheric Crime Fiction That Keeps You Guessing

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC.

The Dying Hour was my first book by Jane Jesmond—and it definitely won’t be my last.

From the opening scene, this story pulls you straight into a dark, atmospheric crime mystery set against the rugged Yorkshire landscape. When a shocking discovery is made at Cooper’s Stables, the investigation begins to unravel something far more complicated—and far more personal—than it first appears.

Detective Josh Mason makes for a compelling lead. He’s steady, thoughtful, and quietly determined, but he’s also carrying the weight of his own past. Watching him push forward with the investigation—even when it becomes clear that not everyone wants the truth uncovered—adds an extra layer of tension that keeps the pages turning.

One of the things that really stood out to me was the moody atmosphere throughout the novel. The eerie stables, the cryptic clues, the defaced tarot cards, and the lingering aftermath of a storm all combine to create a story that feels heavy, haunting, and incredibly immersive.

Jesmond does a great job weaving together multiple viewpoints and threads of the investigation, showing how deeply the crime affects everyone connected to it. At times it felt like there was a lot happening, but the story still kept a strong momentum that made it hard to put down.

Overall, The Dying Hour is a gripping, atmospheric procedural filled with tension, mystery, and emotional depth. Fans of moody British crime fiction will definitely want to add this one to their list.

I’m already looking forward to reading more from Jane Jesmond.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished this a couple of days ago, but have been struggling on how to write a review. So this is what I could put together in any kind of way to try to explain my reading experience with this book.

This is a small town murder investigation. Detective Josh Mason goes to the Cooper Stables to look into a routine complaint. But when he gets there, he finds a haunting scene: a family has been brutally murdered.

I found this to be a very confusing read. There were so many characters, and each had a lot to say. I began to struggle with keeping it all straight. Especially with the multiple POV's- the voices of the characters started to blend together and I could not distinguish them. And some of the "POV's of this story seemed a bit ...ridiculous! Cufflinks, Carpet- I did not understand the thought behind this!

I completed the book, but was underwhelmed by the reveal. Although, honestly, I think I lost the plot in the middle of the book.

These are only my personal feelings. Please read other reviews for a more informative review. I have to stop mine now, still reeling from the "Carpet".

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Karine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, the comparison to Ann Cleeves and Val McDermid lured me in, but alas this book is quite different.
There are so many characters to follow. The scene is set in a quaint little village, but I swear we got to know every single one of them: all the shopowners, all the farmers, the food truck owners, hairdresser, the panto actors, and even the medium and the gazette editor. And of course everyone is related to oneanother in some way. Also, the story itself is convoluted : there are many red herrings thrown everywhere and instead of adding to the suspence it actually detracts to a annoying degree. And then there is also a paranormal element. What I first suspected to be a lead turns out to be "the real thing". I might have rolled my eyes there honestly.

It's saving grace is that the writing is good. The author clearly knows how to tell a story, and all the different scenes were very well depicted. But an Ann Cleeves, it is not.

Thank you NetGalley, Storm publishing and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book quite frustrating to be honest. Some parts were dealt with in lots of detail, then others were glossed over even though they were important to the plot. There was a lot going on at times, sometimes feeling a bit overcomplicated and I needed to remind myself who was who. Josh Mason was the policeman who discovered a mass murder, and he was then seconded to the CID team working it. Yet he told his Aunt Kezia who was also his lodger, all of the details. At first that was because he was in shock, but he kept doing so, releasing details that could only be known to the police e.g. the tarot cards. I'm sure he would have been disciplined for that in reality! Kezia who at first was very cynical of Mrs Monroe the medium, then befriended her to investigate, with an interesting revelation there. It just stretched credibility in places with probably too many characters involved in the different scenarios.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Dying Hour by Jane Jesmond.

Set in the Yorkshire hills, the story begins when police officer Josh Mason responds to what should be a routine call at Cooper’s Stables, only to uncover a disturbing crime scene. Among the clues are a cryptic note.

As Josh begins to investigate, he finds himself facing unanswered questions, buried secrets and a noticeable reluctance within his own colleagues to probe too closely. The author makes excellent use of the brooding setting to create a constant sense of unease, while Josh proves to be a thoughtful and determined central character.

The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with tension building as the significance of the clues gradually becomes clear. An atmospheric and engaging crime novel that keeps the reader guessing. A solid 4 star read.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark suspense filled book with multilayered characters with deceit and evil in their hearts. A horrific murder puts the townspeople on edge. Reminiscent of a previous murder of a young boy, the police are quick to find and arrest the murderer this time.
The first half of the book seems to drag somewhat with introducing all the characters. The second half moved along quite nicely and kept my interest. The ending was surprising even with hints along the way.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book without remuneration and this review is my own opinion.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this rather different sort of murder story. Young police officer, Josh Mason finds a macabre death scene, then is seconded to work on solving the crime. There are several themes running here, with a corrupt cop, drug smuggling, seances, tarot cards and some murky characters. I enjoyed the way it all came together in the end, although, I didn’t see it coming. There was some sly humour in this, as well as heartache and injustice. The range of characters made for interesting reading, and I would like to read more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my ARC to freely review.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Jesmond has created a heavy and moody procedural mystery in “The Dying Hour”. From the opening murder scene till the end of the novel, it is dark. That’s not to say that it isn’t an “enjoyable” read.

The writing is crisp and effective for the main part of the novel. There are times that it felt like a little too much was going on and that could have been tightened up. But still, the novel is top notch throughout.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Louise]

3.5 ⭐

I enjoyed this one. I usually like a multiple pov story, but felt the second half was slightly better by mostly having only one narrator.
It's quite a shocking brutal crime at the centre of it all, and I think the motives for the killing are done well. Definitely not one I guessed at the half way point.
I liked the addition of the tarot cards, and mediums, adding a little extra in there. Things that can't be proven.
A solidly good read.

Thanks to netgalley for the free digital copy.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for the pre-approved to read this book.

The Dying Hour will break your heart with a terrible murder that sets everyone in edge and author Jane Jesmond brings this harrowing crime mystery alive to readers by inserting different viewpoints and aspects surrounding this dark crime that makes this case much more destructive to those that knew the victims that ruthlessly cut down.

Highly recommended.

[Mike Stafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brava, Jane Jesmond! The Dying Hour was my introduction to her and I'm happy to report it's a terrific tale. It's a book populated with colorful characters who I'd love to see again. I liked how Jesmond deftly switches the storytelling between the various characters. My favorites were the Josh Mason chapters but all of them are delightful. The Yorkshire Hills are a splendid backdrop to the story. It's a masterful mystery for anyone who enjoys twists and turns. And what's up with the tarot cards?! If you want to know, read this entertaining book!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this English police procedural, with a little murder she wrote local interference, with multiple perspectives throughout. It was an interesting story. The pace was typical of any BBC police show: a bit slow, but fast enough to keep you engaged.

The characters were engaging, and the author did a good job of giving their history while making it relevant to the story, not just backstory/character building.

I enjoyed reading it and would recommend this book for a rainy day, curl up on the sofa and wile away the day read.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very gripping novel with a really dark plot!!! I enjoyed the crime investigation very much. Josh in particular, with his flaws that make him a more human and interesting character. I didn't suspect who was the murderer till the end, even though I did notice something..... Very well done and suspenseful! A great crime novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[Martha Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a moody, dark mystery with intricate, clever plotting throughout. It was slow paced at the start but picked up around the halfway mark as the plot unfolded. The story is told from multiple viewpoints and I became invested in the characterisation, especially Josh and his aunt Kezia. The addition of tarot cards worked really well with the plotting, which is quite busy but I really enjoyed the read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good murder mystery. There a quite a few characters to figure out in the beginning, which made it a little confusing, but once I figured out who was who, it was a great story. Murders, a corrupt cop, tarot cards, organised crime, and kidnapping, this story has it all. And I never figured out the ending! Very enjoyable!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Jane Jesmond for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Rachel Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would give it a solid four stars. The story starts off strong with a very eerie and mysterious scene at Cooper’s Stables, and it immediately pulled me in. The atmosphere throughout the book is dark and suspenseful, and I liked how the author slowly revealed pieces of the mystery instead of giving everything away too quickly. The middle was a little slow but I never guessed who the “bad guy” was.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc!

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Dying Hour' is a dark mystery full of suspense. There are a lot of characters, relationships, perspectives' and blood involved but they all add up to a decent and interesting storyline. I didn't guess the murderer but in hindsight the clues were all there. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an arc of a most enjoyable crime thriller.

[Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mystery murder read with great characters and a great plot. Josh is a police officer in the Yorkshire dales when he’s called out to disturbance at a stable, when he’s gets there he finds a body with a message. Tarot cards are being found, but why? It’s a mystery at the end, didn’t guess who the killer was. A 4 star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interestingly dark and atmospheric thriller with a fantastic setting building that really takes the center stage over the characters. The notes and the deaths are quite interestingly done, and the final culprit reveal is quite effective as well. 5 stars. Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the E-ARC.

[Pattyh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Dying Hour.
This book starts with a bang and keeps you engaged throughout the novel. There are many different characters to get you through the story. This became a bit much for me but take it slow and steady. This book is everything you need in a good murder mystery.
Solid plot with some twists along the way. 3 stars.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book featuring a killer, tarot cards and lots of suspense! Enough said!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!