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The Dying Hour
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.
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.
- GenresCrimeMysteryProcedural
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Jane Jesmond
10 books58 followersJane 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 4, 2026
~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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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.
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.
February 15, 2026
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.
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.
March 21, 2026
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.
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.
April 2, 2026
If you like gripping murder mysteries, this one is for you. The story starts with the discovery of an entire family wiped out - all shot by an intruder by the look of things - but were they? Josh is sent to find out what’s causing the dogs to be out of control at the local stables, but finds something much worse.
There is so much going on in this one, plenty of characters that have some link to the slain family and cause to have killed them. Will the police find the culprit before more bodies are found. Josh is asked to help out as he was born and bred in the town, and local knowledge is always helpful. His aunt and her psychic friend offer to help but are quickly dismissed by the authorities, is this a mistake?
I really enjoyed this one, there are a lot of people that that we meet throughout but the individual chapters help us get to know them and hear the story from multiple POV’s.
There is so much going on in this one, plenty of characters that have some link to the slain family and cause to have killed them. Will the police find the culprit before more bodies are found. Josh is asked to help out as he was born and bred in the town, and local knowledge is always helpful. His aunt and her psychic friend offer to help but are quickly dismissed by the authorities, is this a mistake?
I really enjoyed this one, there are a lot of people that that we meet throughout but the individual chapters help us get to know them and hear the story from multiple POV’s.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
Overall, it was still a good read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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
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
April 7, 2026
The Dying Hour by Jane Jesmond hooked me instantly—and never fully let go. The moment those Tarot cards appeared, I knew this was going to be something special. I love when a crime procedural plants eerie, intriguing breadcrumbs early on, and Jesmond absolutely delivers.
The opening is pure electricity. What starts as a routine call quickly spirals into something horrific, and that first discovery is unforgettable—chilling, tense, and impossible to look away from. From there, the story unfolds into a richly layered mystery filled with secrets, shifting perspectives, and interconnected lives.
This is classic British crime at its core, but with an added twist of mysticism that makes it stand out. The Tarot thread adds an eerie, symbolic layer to the investigation, giving the story a unique edge without overpowering the procedural elements. It’s clever, atmospheric, and just unsettling enough to keep you guessing.
The cast is wide and dynamic, creating a web of relationships, motives, and hidden tensions that make the mystery feel expansive and immersive. I actually enjoyed the feeling of being dropped into a complex, living world where every character might hold a piece of the puzzle. It adds to the intrigue and keeps you constantly thinking.
While the pacing leans more methodical than fast, it works in the story’s favor—allowing the tension to build gradually and the mystery to unfold piece by piece. The moody atmosphere, combined with the layered storytelling, makes this one feel like a slow-burning, gripping puzzle that rewards patience.
Overall, The Dying Hour is a compelling, atmospheric procedural with a unique twist and a standout opening that pulls you right in. If you love dark, character-driven mysteries with a hint of the unexpected, this is absolutely worth picking up.
✨ Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the #GiftedARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The opening is pure electricity. What starts as a routine call quickly spirals into something horrific, and that first discovery is unforgettable—chilling, tense, and impossible to look away from. From there, the story unfolds into a richly layered mystery filled with secrets, shifting perspectives, and interconnected lives.
This is classic British crime at its core, but with an added twist of mysticism that makes it stand out. The Tarot thread adds an eerie, symbolic layer to the investigation, giving the story a unique edge without overpowering the procedural elements. It’s clever, atmospheric, and just unsettling enough to keep you guessing.
The cast is wide and dynamic, creating a web of relationships, motives, and hidden tensions that make the mystery feel expansive and immersive. I actually enjoyed the feeling of being dropped into a complex, living world where every character might hold a piece of the puzzle. It adds to the intrigue and keeps you constantly thinking.
While the pacing leans more methodical than fast, it works in the story’s favor—allowing the tension to build gradually and the mystery to unfold piece by piece. The moody atmosphere, combined with the layered storytelling, makes this one feel like a slow-burning, gripping puzzle that rewards patience.
Overall, The Dying Hour is a compelling, atmospheric procedural with a unique twist and a standout opening that pulls you right in. If you love dark, character-driven mysteries with a hint of the unexpected, this is absolutely worth picking up.
✨ Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the #GiftedARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
April 14, 2026
An entire family is gunned down on a Yorkshire farm in the dead of night. The only survivor? 2 year old Freddie. The only immediate clue? Tarot cards and a note found on the body of one of the victims. Coming just a year after the abduction and killing of a young boy whose killer was never caught, the local police are under pressure for a swift resolution, but there's more than meets the eye going on in the small town of Thorpe.
This was a real book of two halves for me - I really enjoyed the first half and got really immersed in the story. There were a few different POVs, plenty of leads to follow and some interesting turns in the investigation. I liked that information was revealed through things like phone transcripts and press releases as well as through the main narrative too, interesting twist.
I found that it got a little too muddy from the halfway point onwards though. Too many different narrators made it difficult to buy into one persons POV, too many significant characters who were brushed over in not enough detail to make them truly memorable. Because there were so many people involved most of them weren't hugely likeable either.
The mystery was good, more complex than it first seemed and the motive was unexpected but believe-able, I just am not sure this will live too long in the memory.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me the ARC in exchange for an honest review -
This was a real book of two halves for me - I really enjoyed the first half and got really immersed in the story. There were a few different POVs, plenty of leads to follow and some interesting turns in the investigation. I liked that information was revealed through things like phone transcripts and press releases as well as through the main narrative too, interesting twist.
I found that it got a little too muddy from the halfway point onwards though. Too many different narrators made it difficult to buy into one persons POV, too many significant characters who were brushed over in not enough detail to make them truly memorable. Because there were so many people involved most of them weren't hugely likeable either.
The mystery was good, more complex than it first seemed and the motive was unexpected but believe-able, I just am not sure this will live too long in the memory.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me the ARC in exchange for an honest review -
April 1, 2026
PC Josh Mason investigates a complaint at Cooper’s Stables and finds a bloody murder scene where the residents of the house are murdered, except for the baby. It is hard to fathom someone killing the whole family and leaving a defenseless baby behind, but there you are.
Although not a detective, Josh becomes involved in trying to solve the case and with tarot cards found on the scene, he has an in on the case as his mother, Zina, and aunt Kezia know how to read tarot cards. Eventually his aunt becomes involved in the case as she begins to suspect her ex-husband, David Kingsley, of being involved somehow.
There are many twists and turns as Josh begins to suspect that someone in the force might be corrupt and he doesn’t know who to trust. Mrs. Monroe, a psychic, is an interesting character and how she becomes involved in the case is a surprising twist.
I found the story to be engrossing, and it kept me guessing to the end. I think readers will like Josh, Zina, Kezia, and Mrs. Monroe. I hope there are more stories with these characters because DCI Carter (the real detective) seems like he has layers to be explored and I think there is a future for Josh in his community’s police force.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although not a detective, Josh becomes involved in trying to solve the case and with tarot cards found on the scene, he has an in on the case as his mother, Zina, and aunt Kezia know how to read tarot cards. Eventually his aunt becomes involved in the case as she begins to suspect her ex-husband, David Kingsley, of being involved somehow.
There are many twists and turns as Josh begins to suspect that someone in the force might be corrupt and he doesn’t know who to trust. Mrs. Monroe, a psychic, is an interesting character and how she becomes involved in the case is a surprising twist.
I found the story to be engrossing, and it kept me guessing to the end. I think readers will like Josh, Zina, Kezia, and Mrs. Monroe. I hope there are more stories with these characters because DCI Carter (the real detective) seems like he has layers to be explored and I think there is a future for Josh in his community’s police force.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 6, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.5 Stars
The moment those Tarot cards showed up, I was hooked. I love it when a crime procedural drops strange little breadcrumbs early, and Jesmond absolutely nails that part.
Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the #GiftedARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is classic British Crime, with Josh, a rookie cop, answering what should be a routine noise complaint, only to stumble into a nightmare. An entire family is dead, a lone child survives upstairs, and one victim clings to Tarot cards with a chilling message. That opening scene is pure electricity.
The story expands from that point. Characters multiply, and the shifting perspectives spin like a carousel. Every thread seems tangled with another. I was constantly juggling names, motives, and tangled relationships. If you enjoy a sprawling, disorganized cast, you’ll eat this up. If not, brace yourself.
The pace of “The Dying Hour” runs slower than my taste. I kept hoping that electric opening would return and jolt the story awake. As an audiobook girl, I suspect this one would shine brighter with narrators to breathe life into its crowded cast.
The premise is intriguing, the Tarot thread is fun, and the crime setup is strong. It’s a solid procedural with a moody vibe and a twisty puzzle that unfolds piece by piece.
The moment those Tarot cards showed up, I was hooked. I love it when a crime procedural drops strange little breadcrumbs early, and Jesmond absolutely nails that part.
Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the #GiftedARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is classic British Crime, with Josh, a rookie cop, answering what should be a routine noise complaint, only to stumble into a nightmare. An entire family is dead, a lone child survives upstairs, and one victim clings to Tarot cards with a chilling message. That opening scene is pure electricity.
The story expands from that point. Characters multiply, and the shifting perspectives spin like a carousel. Every thread seems tangled with another. I was constantly juggling names, motives, and tangled relationships. If you enjoy a sprawling, disorganized cast, you’ll eat this up. If not, brace yourself.
The pace of “The Dying Hour” runs slower than my taste. I kept hoping that electric opening would return and jolt the story awake. As an audiobook girl, I suspect this one would shine brighter with narrators to breathe life into its crowded cast.
The premise is intriguing, the Tarot thread is fun, and the crime setup is strong. It’s a solid procedural with a moody vibe and a twisty puzzle that unfolds piece by piece.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Dying Hour is a good read. Josh Mason is just an ordinary copper, and Mum reads the tarot cards which have been passed down through the family. But his aunt Kezia, his mum's sister, does not believe in the cards or the hereafter, and rents a room in Josh's house because she is divorced from her husband, supposedly until she finds something else.
Josh has been sent to the Coopers Stables following a complaint, which is very often, but on arrival at the scene, he finds canage.
The young lad who works at the stables has been sacked, so the police decide he is a likely suspect and arrest him. By all accounts, he has done the dirty deed, so they do not bother to look elsewhere.
Nobody believes it, and his aunt Kezia decides to help the police, but as always, they don't want interfering busybodies; at each killing, there is a tarot card left. What does it mean?
Does Josh feed her information, or does her ex have anything to do with it?
Not a bad read, a bit of the supernatural aspect thrown in, but I did find some chapters were a bit long-winded and could have been shorter, but on the whole, an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank Storm Publishing for an ARC copy, and as per usual, my take on the book.
Josh has been sent to the Coopers Stables following a complaint, which is very often, but on arrival at the scene, he finds canage.
The young lad who works at the stables has been sacked, so the police decide he is a likely suspect and arrest him. By all accounts, he has done the dirty deed, so they do not bother to look elsewhere.
Nobody believes it, and his aunt Kezia decides to help the police, but as always, they don't want interfering busybodies; at each killing, there is a tarot card left. What does it mean?
Does Josh feed her information, or does her ex have anything to do with it?
Not a bad read, a bit of the supernatural aspect thrown in, but I did find some chapters were a bit long-winded and could have been shorter, but on the whole, an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank Storm Publishing for an ARC copy, and as per usual, my take on the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
April 8, 2026
There was something about this book that just drew me in, I think the Yorkshire setting also played a big part of that being a Yorkshire lass myself. I liked how the book gave a broody atmospheric feel even before picking it up, making it more intriguing to me.
I enjoyed the spiritual side of this book, all things tarot and mediumship fascinate me, so that really helped me to connect with the book. I like my books quite dark however, so for me, this wasn’t as tense and dark as I hoped, but found it to be cleverly plotted despite this.
There was quite a mix of characters to get your head round, but I liked how they all had their own backstory and history. I also enjoyed that I really didn’t know who to trust, I was constantly pinballing back and forth. I did struggle to connect with them on a deeper level though, as there was a few of them to get your head around.
It’s safe to say though the best thing about this read is that it had a twist that caught me off guard, and that’s quite hard to do, so praise for the author there! A really enjoyable crime thriller.
I enjoyed the spiritual side of this book, all things tarot and mediumship fascinate me, so that really helped me to connect with the book. I like my books quite dark however, so for me, this wasn’t as tense and dark as I hoped, but found it to be cleverly plotted despite this.
There was quite a mix of characters to get your head round, but I liked how they all had their own backstory and history. I also enjoyed that I really didn’t know who to trust, I was constantly pinballing back and forth. I did struggle to connect with them on a deeper level though, as there was a few of them to get your head around.
It’s safe to say though the best thing about this read is that it had a twist that caught me off guard, and that’s quite hard to do, so praise for the author there! A really enjoyable crime thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
April 25, 2026
The premise of this book drew me in but unfortunately it fell a little flat, for me. It was a decent enough book and I am not sorry I read it, but I did find it a bit confusing in places.
Josh is a local fella, born and bred, and when a whole local family is wiped out, would be normal to turn to him to get some local insights into the family involved. It is trickier for Josh to stay objective however, but he must do this as he is a police officer. What complicates this situation is that he lives with his aunt and she has a very different take on what has happened.
So, Josh needs to solve the case, there are red herrings involved, as well as tarot cards randomly placed that have significance too.
Somehow, the various threads were still a bit loose by the end of the story, don't know how else to put it!
So, I give this one 3.5 stars. Solid but not memorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
Josh is a local fella, born and bred, and when a whole local family is wiped out, would be normal to turn to him to get some local insights into the family involved. It is trickier for Josh to stay objective however, but he must do this as he is a police officer. What complicates this situation is that he lives with his aunt and she has a very different take on what has happened.
So, Josh needs to solve the case, there are red herrings involved, as well as tarot cards randomly placed that have significance too.
Somehow, the various threads were still a bit loose by the end of the story, don't know how else to put it!
So, I give this one 3.5 stars. Solid but not memorable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
March 11, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🕵️♂️ Shadows over the Yorkshire hills... 🕵️♂️
I just finished The Dying Hour by Jane Jesmond. It was a gritty, atmospheric introduction to her work. This was my first time reading Jane Jesmond and she certainly knows how to set a chilling scene! The story begins with Officer Josh Mason discovering a nightmare at Cooper’s Stables complete with cryptic notes and defaced tarot cards.
The mystery itself is quite complex, using multiple POVs to slowly peel back the layers of what really happened at the stables. While the pacing was a little bit on the slow side for me, the world-building and the sense of unease were very well done.
Why it’s worth a look:
The Twists: There were plenty of twists to navigate, especially regarding why Josh’s own superiors were so intent on shutting the case down.
The Vibe: If you love moody settings, you will appreciate the heavy Yorkshire atmosphere in this one.
The Puzzle: The mystery of the tarot cards kept me guessing and I enjoyed the investigative boots-on-the-ground feel of the story.
If you enjoy a methodical, dark crime thriller that focuses on corruption and secrets, this might be the perfect weekend read for you!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Vibe: Gritty and Atmospheric
Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I just finished The Dying Hour by Jane Jesmond. It was a gritty, atmospheric introduction to her work. This was my first time reading Jane Jesmond and she certainly knows how to set a chilling scene! The story begins with Officer Josh Mason discovering a nightmare at Cooper’s Stables complete with cryptic notes and defaced tarot cards.
The mystery itself is quite complex, using multiple POVs to slowly peel back the layers of what really happened at the stables. While the pacing was a little bit on the slow side for me, the world-building and the sense of unease were very well done.
Why it’s worth a look:
The Twists: There were plenty of twists to navigate, especially regarding why Josh’s own superiors were so intent on shutting the case down.
The Vibe: If you love moody settings, you will appreciate the heavy Yorkshire atmosphere in this one.
The Puzzle: The mystery of the tarot cards kept me guessing and I enjoyed the investigative boots-on-the-ground feel of the story.
If you enjoy a methodical, dark crime thriller that focuses on corruption and secrets, this might be the perfect weekend read for you!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Vibe: Gritty and Atmospheric
Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A classic British police procedural, The Dying Hour (2026) by Jane Jesmond, is an engrossing murder mystery. Young police officer, Josh Mason is sent to investigate complaints of barking dogs at Cooper's Stables. He soon discovers the family of five has been murdered. Josh is assigned to the homicide squad and is curious as to why there were tarot cards and a cryptic message in one of the victims' hands. This is a well-paced, atmospheric crime tale set on the Yorkshire moors with an enticing beginning, multiple timelines and characters’ perspectives. The ending neatly ties up the various surprises and key aspects in what is an enjoyable three and a half star read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.
April 20, 2026
When a family is found dead in a remote farmhouse, a young police officer discovers them and finds himself part of the investigation team. There is a claustrophobic small-town ethos that holds betrayal, deceit, and dark secrets. It's a multi-point-of-view story that gives the reader an omniscient view of events. Despite this, the reader knows that some narrators are unreliable. The multilayered story features a mystical twist and a compelling, immersive investigation. Although it appears transparent, there are areas of opacity that lead to surprising false leads and plot twists. I enjoyed the atmospheric setting, the complex characters and the immersive but twisty narrative.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
March 31, 2026
This books starts as it means to go on, dark and atmospheric, with the brutal murders of a local man, his wife, son and daughter. The discovery of their bodies sends shock throughout the tight knit community of Thorpe. When the family’s apprentice stable hand is charged with the despicable crime, his friend, local photographer Kezia Heron, is determined to discover who the real culprit is.
This was an enjoyable read. Fast paced, though a bit busy at times with lots happening. Good twists, proper villains and the inevitable secrets and lies are brought together well. The ‘psychic’ and tarot elements are an intriguing addition.
This was an enjoyable read. Fast paced, though a bit busy at times with lots happening. Good twists, proper villains and the inevitable secrets and lies are brought together well. The ‘psychic’ and tarot elements are an intriguing addition.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
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February 13, 20263.5 ⭐
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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