The heart-stopping new instalment in the bestselling Norfolk Murders series!
A BRAND NEW, must-listen, gripping thriller from BESTSELLER Ross Greenwood! Unmissable for fans of Mark Billingham, Ian Rankin and Peter James
'The Norfolk series is Ross Greenwood’s crowning achievement - characters to root for, an intricate web of suspense, all set against a stunning backdrop. I can’t wait for more!' Wes Markin
When a man is found dead on a steam train the tranquil nostalgia of the North Norfolk Railway is shattered. To add to the disquiet, while the police are investigating the death, another man is spotted bound to the tracks. A pattern of fear is emerging on the Poppy Line and the pressure is on DI Ashley Knight's struggling team to deliver answers.
With the body count rising along the once peaceful coastal route, Knight must find a way to stop a killer before they reach their final destination. Because Ashley knows if she doesn’t, for someone it’s the end of the line.
Bestseller Ross Greenwood is back with a brand-new, nerve-shredding case for DI Ashley Knight, perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Ian Rankin and Peter James.
I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
Terry Hardy is ninety and looks forward to his train ride at the North Norfolk Railway station. Little does he know this ride will be his last. He is attacked in his seat by a cloth covering his airways. Detective Inspector Ashley Knight is grieving the loss of her boyfriend Seb. However, she is immediately dragged into a series of deaths involving railways and a serial killer who is enjoying his kills while taunting the police.
This book started off strong and had me hooked immediately. This is my first time reading this series and I enjoyed it so much. The characters were believable and easy to read. This story will have you guessing who the killer is and if you enjoy trains this should be your top pick.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Had to read this almost straight through once I received it. This book is seriously convoluted but it all comes together, with DS Ashley Knight and her team after the truth. An extra bonus if you like trains, they feature heavily.
Fantastic, as ever. Took me a couple of days to read this, but only because life got in the way, I’d gladly have steamed through it in a day. The world were introduced to of steam trains is powerful and evocative and beautifully took the role of backbone of this story. Ross’ enthusiasm for the trains shines through as does his comprehensive and intricate research, you truly feel like you’re been recruited and shown around the ropes by a guide of top calibre. I’m going to blame Ross for making me cry early in the story and I’m not quite sure I’ve forgiven you for this. Your description of grief is painfully and sensitively accurate and your handling of the character involved perfect, I feel they were in good hands. The characters were exquisitely crafted and believable and the effects of prison and the criminal underworld give as a real life accuracy and understanding that comes from your unique insights and experience. The storyline despite seemingly cut and dry still cunningly managed to take me down a few dead ends and off the track a few times so that the ending was surprising and satisfying. Thank you for another thoroughly enjoyable and riveting read, I’m only sorry that I’ve finished it and now have to wait for your next.
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Ross Greenwood, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Ross Greenwood doesn’t so much raise the bar with each instalment of the DI Ashley Knight series as he quietly sharpens it into a weapon—and then dares his characters (and readers) to handle it. This latest ARC is no exception: gritty, relentless, and laced with just enough wit to keep the darkness from swallowing it whole.
From the outset, Greenwood wastes no time reminding us that grief doesn’t grant immunity from duty. DI Ashley Knight, reeling from a personal loss and technically on leave, finds herself pulled back into the fray when a most peculiar case lands—quite literally—on the tracks. An elderly man’s death aboard the North Norfolk Railway appears innocuous at first glance, but Greenwood quickly dismantles that illusion. What follows is a chilling escalation with bodies staged on railway lines, evidence obliterated by passing engines, and a killer whose method is as theatrical as it is terrifying.
This is Greenwood at his most controlled and cunning. The short, punchy chapters act like a metronome of tension, ticking ever faster as the body count rises. Each turn of the page feels like stepping closer to the edge of something unpredictable and unforgiving. He has a knack for making the procedural feel immediate, almost claustrophobic, while never sacrificing the broader narrative scope.
Knight herself continues to be a compelling anchor. Her grief is not a passing note but a weight that informs her every decision, adding a layer of emotional authenticity that elevates the investigation beyond mere puzzle-solving. Yet she never becomes maudlin, showing there’s steel beneath the sorrow, and Greenwood ensures it shows. The supporting cast, as ever, is more than window dressing—each voice distinct, each perspective adding texture and depth to an already rich narrative tapestry.
What sets this novel apart is Greenwood’s ability to take a familiar premise—murder, investigation, pursuit—and twist it into something unsettlingly original. The railway motif is more than a backdrop, becoming a character in its own right; a roaring, indifferent accomplice to the killer’s design. The result is a plot that feels both inventive and deeply unnerving.
For longtime fans, this is Greenwood delivering at full throttle. For newcomers, it’s a stark invitation to step aboard, but don’t expect a smooth ride. Either way, the destination is worth it—and the final reveal hits with the force of a train you never quite saw coming.
Kudos, Mr. Greenwood, for another great police procedural.
Sixth in a series of police procedural/crime novels billed as “The Norfolk Murder Series” bya well known writer whose previous DI Barton books were set around his native Peterborough, but whose parents have a chalet near Cromer – hence inspiring this series.
The series features Detective Inspector Ashley Knight of a Wymondham based Norfolk Major Investigative Team and a group of colleagues around her who are now familiar friends to readers – with Ashley in a side story suffering from grief for the full book and with her colleagues rallying around her.
This is my favourite to date of the series – I particularly enjoy the local colour and this instalment is not jus strong on local colour (like for example the opening book in Cromer and the 5th one in Fakenham) but for me very local colour – being set in and around the wonderful Sheringham to Holt (via the beautiful Weybourne) steam (and diesel) train North Norfolk railway known affectionately as the Poppy Line – with Ashley claims she called it the Norfolk Express (as she grew up with the Polar Express film) which of course gives the book its brilliant title. The author clearly has enjoyed his brush with the trains and writes about the railway with obvious enthusiasm and interesting background. The local colour extends to the wonderful Georgian town of Holt with its independent shops and eateries and even to the village of Cawston (my Norfolk home between the two).
The plot itself has the usual series of escalating murders/attacks – which take place in and around the train line in the main – but unlike some other more far-fetched books in the series does not involve international crime gangs (although there is a one-off hint – perhaps for a future book – of some nefarious deeds not related to the main crimes) but seemingly some decades-old unresolved grudges between some small time local criminals which have suddenly spiralled out of control.
Originally intended as a trilogy this is now the end of the second trilogy, but the author makes it clear more books are likely to follow and I will be looking out for them closely
And as a final comment the book has a cameo effectively off-page appearance by Holt Bookshop – my favourite independent bookshop and where I shall be buying a paper copy of this book post publication.
My thanks for now though to Boldwood Books for an ARC via NetGalley
Death on the Norfolk Express by Ross Greenwood is the very highly recommended sixth procedural in the Norfolk Murder Series featuring Detective Inspector Ashley Knight. This investigation is centered around the steam engines on North Norfolk Railway also called the Poppy Line.
When Terry Hardy, 90, is found dead in one of the carriages on the North Norfolk Steam train, it is initially assumed he had died of natural causes but later determined to be murder. When another man is spotted tied to the tracks and barely manages to free himself before being hit by the train. At the start DI Ashley Knight is dealing with life shattering news but still chooses to work to take her mind off of things. The man tied to the tracks is identified as Luke Dillon, and there is a connection between the Hardy family, Dillion, and others. When another murder occurs it is clear that resentment and anger is still seething below the surface due to events that happened many years ago and this may be the impetus for the current murders.
In this character-based procedural the action follows DI Ashley Knight of a Wymondham based Norfolk Major Investigative Team and her colleagues as they carefully, and methodically investigate the murders and the interconnections between the victims. All the characters are fully realized and familiar to readers following the series. There are further development on personal matters for several characters too. For those new to it there is a helpful list of the team members at the front of the novel.
This marks another well-written procedural in the series. With a fast-paced plot, it is descriptive, atmospheric, and interesting throughout. The investigation proceeds logically, clues discovered, information revealed, and suspects were noted. Even though I had several suspects in mind, the perpetrator was completely unpredictable until the end. Along the way I learned some new information about steam trains and the North Norfolk Line. Although this is the sixth in the series, I think new readers could read this a a standalone novel.
Death on the Norfolk Express is a great choice for those who enjoy character-based procedurals and for everyone following the Norfolk Murder Series. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
Living in Norfolk this series of books which are set in Norfolk are always one of my favourite reads, Ross Greenwood always describes the areas as they are (without the bodies though). This book is set around the North Norfolk Railway which runs from Sheringham to Holt, stopping off at Weybourne half way along the line. It's Tuesday the 3rd of June and Terry Hardy is waiting outside his bungalow for a taxi to take him on a journey on board the North Norfolk Railway, he had plans to do something that day, something that had been on his mind for a while but before he had a chance to complete his journey his life was cut short abruptly. Then on Thursday the 5th of June Stan is a driver on the railway, something that has been his lifelong ambition to do and he loves it, but on that day he is driving the last train of the day back to the depot at Weybourne, he comes across a body on the train track ahead of him. He called out to his colleague who is also his grandson to quickly make an emergency stop. The train makes a quick stop and Stan is quickly aware that this is a train drivers worst nightmare, but as they approached the body something very strange happened, the body disappeared! The following day Friday the 6th of June
Detective inspector Ashley Knight has recently had some really bad news that has knocked her for six, she doesn't think she will ever operate properly again, how is she ever going to get over her boyfriend dying! All the team at the police station are all doing their best to look after her wellbeing, taking her food and checking in on her frequently.
As you read through this book there are lots of threads in the storyline, mostly involving the crimes that are happening around the railway and some involving Ashley as she has to get on with her job as a Detective Inspector as well as mourn the loss of her beloved boyfriend.
I really loved this book, I think it's his best yet a real page turner, I loved the location and reading about all the places I know so well (Sheringham, Holt, Weybourne, Cromer). Anyone who has visited the area, or lives in the area, will certainly recognise the locations. It's carefully written to keep you guessing until the end of the book. A well-deserved five-star read from me and I look forward to reading the next novel in this series.
Death on the Norfolk Express is another gripping, wonderfully atmospheric instalment in the Norfolk Murders series — a story that takes the gentle nostalgia of the North Norfolk Railway and cracks it open to reveal something far darker beneath the surface. From the moment a man is found dead on a steam train, there’s a sense that the tranquillity of the Poppy Line has been shattered, and Ross Greenwood leans into that contrast beautifully.
DI Ashley Knight remains the beating heart of the series. She’s sharp, grounded, and quietly resilient, and watching her navigate a case that grows more unsettling by the hour gives the novel its emotional weight. Her team is stretched thin, the pressure is relentless, and the crimes themselves feel bolder, more theatrical — especially when a second man is discovered bound to the tracks. It’s a chilling image, and it sets the tone for a mystery that refuses to let up.
What the book does so well is balance pace with place. The coastal route, usually so peaceful, becomes a corridor of fear, each stop along the line carrying its own secrets. The sense of community — and the fractures within it — adds texture to the investigation, and the rising body count keeps the tension humming.
Greenwood’s strength has always been his characters, and that shines here. Ashley’s determination, the team’s fraying edges, the suspects who never quite reveal everything… it all weaves together into a web of suspense that feels both intricate and grounded. And just when you think you’ve found your footing, the story shifts, revealing a final turn that lands with satisfying clarity.
Atmospheric, tightly plotted, and rich with the charm and shadows of its Norfolk setting, Death on the Norfolk Express is a compelling, nerve‑tingling addition to the series — proof once again that even the most idyllic landscapes can hide the darkest intentions.
With thanks to Ross Greenwood, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
I read the previous book in this series and did not realise that it was the fifth one in this series. Because of this I struggled to get a feel for all the various police personnel, apart from DI Ashley Knight who is the main character and this detracted a little from the plot for me.
However, as always, the actual story is really good and full of sinister twists and turns. DI Ashley Knight has just discovered that her boyfriend has been killed working abroad and is devastated as she felt that this relationship was going to last.
When sinister events start to happen, all related to The Norfolk Express, she realises that investigating these events helps to focus her thoughts on something other than her grief.
First an elderly man, Terry Hardy, is found dead, alone, in one of the carriages but as he is 90 it is assumed he had died a natural death. Then another local man, Luke Dillon, is tied to the railway tracks but manages to free himself. As Ashley looks into these events, she soon discovers that the first death was a murder and that is a connection between The Hardy family and Luke and his friends from many years ago. Most of the Hardy family have spent time in prison and there was an incident that had precipitated grudges and resentment. When further murders occur it is up to the police to try and piece together events from long ago which have led to the current situation.
As in all of this author's books I kept thinking I knew what was happening but was always wrong! However I think this book was so good to read because of the amazing descriptions of the wonderful steam train and its impact on the neighbourhood. I have been to this part of the countryside and in particular loved Sheringham and its steam train.
I will look out for any future books in this series.
This is the 6th book featuring DS Ashley Knight and, although the main story is self contained, you could do yourself a favour and go back and play catch-up if you haven't already read the previous books. You'll have a better time with the characters and their backstories and development if you do... So... we start with an old man boarding a heritage steam train, he sadly dies en route. Although he is old and sick there are anomalies and it's deemed worth investigating. Especially so given what happens soon after when there's a near miss with a person tied onto the track. He escapes in the nick of time but flees the scene. And so begins a litany of weird occurrences all occurring around and about the North Norfolk Railway. The rest of which I am leaving you to discover as the author intends. Ashley also starts the book with her own devastating news which rocks her world but she is the consummate professional and throws herself into work, mostly as a distraction. But there are glimpses of her grief and suffering peppered throughout, complimented by her team rallying around to support her. And the crime spree - which is what it eventually turns out to be - is both compelling and fascinating, culminating in a cracking ending, with a perpetrator, who I actually didn't see coming, but which also didn't come right out of left field, and which left me wholly satisfied.. Returning characters are all developing nicely and new ones are equally well crafted and all played their parts very well indeed. Pacing matches the narrative all the way through and the short punchy chapters meant that the story got on with itself very well indeed. All in all, a cracking addition to what is already a well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
The latest in the DI Ashley Knight 'Norfolk Murders' series is a sure fire winner. It's got a steam train, it's set in Norfolk, there's murder, there's mystery, a sprinkling of mayhem and it's written by Ross Greenwood - ding ding ding all aboard!
I've been looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint, from the opening chapters it was clear that we were about to embark on a thrill ride - albeit one ambling down through the Norfolk coastline.
Having clearly done his research, the author brings the nostalgia of the old steam train line alive just as swiftly as he kills off his nefarious characters.
DI Ashley Knight and the team seem to have really gelled now into a tight and credible unit as they work to find the link between the murders, and do their level best to stop the killer in his or her tracks before the body count grows even higher.
Ross' books are a genuine delight, which I'll admit is an odd thing to say about a murder series, they somehow blend of joy of something - in this case the sheer love and majesty of the North Norfolk Railway and the volunteers who keep its history alive - alongside a bloody good old fashioned crime thriller / police procedural. Characters are distinct and engaging and the storylines are clever.
I'm a big fan of this series, and John Barton will always have a place in my heart. Highly recommended to fans of the genre - and train nuts alike!
My thanks to the author, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Death on the Norfolk Express by Ross Greenwood is a gripping and cleverly constructed mystery that delivers both classic whodunit intrigue and a modern edge.
The train setting works brilliantly here—it creates a contained, high-pressure environment where tension builds naturally and everyone becomes a potential suspect. There’s something timeless about a murder mystery on a journey, and Greenwood makes the most of it, using the confined space to heighten suspicion and keep the stakes feeling immediate.
The investigation itself is engaging and well-paced. I appreciated how the clues were revealed gradually, allowing the mystery to unfold in a way that felt fair but still surprising. There are enough twists and red herrings to keep you guessing, without becoming overly complicated.
The characters are a strong part of the story, each with their own secrets and motivations. While some stood out more than others, the overall cast added to the sense of unpredictability—no one felt entirely trustworthy, which kept me invested in figuring out what really happened.
The pacing is steady, with a good balance between character development and plot progression. It’s not overly fast-paced, but it keeps moving in a way that maintains tension throughout. The final reveal was satisfying and tied the threads together neatly.
Overall, Death on the Norfolk Express is an entertaining and well-crafted mystery that will appeal to fans of classic train-set whodunits with a contemporary twist. It’s a solid, engaging read that keeps you guessing until the end.
Thanks to @netgalley, @boldwoodbooks and Ross Greenwood for the ARC in return for my honest review.
Death on the Norfolk Express is the sixth book in the Norfolk Murders series, but it works brilliantly as a standalone too. This was my first time reading the series and it definitely won’t be my last.
Set against the backdrop of the North Norfolk Railway, the story is packed with atmosphere from the very first page. The steam train setting added such a unique feel to the book and the descriptions of the Norfolk coastline and railway were vivid without ever slowing down the pace. You can really tell the author has done his research, and it brought an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
The mystery itself was twisty, gripping and incredibly hard to put down. Just when I thought I had worked out who was behind everything, another revelation or suspect would completely change my mind. I genuinely didn’t see the final reveal coming.
I also really enjoyed DI Ashley Knight and her team. The personal side of Ashley’s story added emotional depth to the investigation, and the relationships between the team members felt believable and natural. The balance between the police procedural elements, the darker moments and the character development was done really well.
With a compelling mystery, well-developed characters and a brilliantly atmospheric setting, this is a thoroughly enjoyable crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Definitely recommended for fans of police procedurals and twisty murder mysteries.
This is the sixth Ashley Knight book but can easily be read as a standalone. There's rather a large cast of characters, so reading the earlier books would probably be helpful, but it isn't necessary (but do yourself a favour and read them anyway!). DI Knight is faced with a succession of bizarre deaths, all related to the local train line, at a time when she herself is struggling with a bereavement. The emotional weight in this book is really gripping as families are torn apart, clues lead in all sorts of directions, and the police struggle to make sense of what's going on. There are some ingenious plot twists, with some ambiguous narrative early in the book suddenly making sense at the end in a "why on earth didn't I see that coming?" moment.
Given all the emotional angst in the story, the setting - the North Norfolk Railway Poppy Line - adds some welcome charm and serenity to all the carnage. There's a good amount of detail about the railway and the trains, which adds to the atmosphere of the story. It's always nice to get this sort of local colour, and who doesn't love a steam train?
Looking forward to future books in the series as DI Knight works through her grief and hopefully find some peace in her personal life. She's going to need it if there are many more crimes like this to solve!
With thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance ebook.
Having enjoyed a couple of this author's DI Barton series I jumped at the chance to read an Advanced Reader Copy of a book from his other detective series, especially as this one centres around a heritage railway that includes steam trains.
When the story opens, an elderly man plans to commit suicide on the train he loves and regularly rides on. However, he doesn't get the chance as someone else enters his compartment with murder in mind. This is the first in a series of murders and kidnappings, mostly on the North Norfolk railway that plays a starring role. Meanwhile Detective Inspector Ashley Knight is plunged into grief at the death of her partner, Seb, and has to use work as a solace with help from her colleagues.
The case is a baffling one with lots of local petty crooks who might have an Involvement, with possible revenge for past misdeeds being a motive. The police procedural element is solid, and it's nice to see a police force where the members pull together and Ashley has a supportive and reasonable boss. Such a contrast to all the police novels with protagonists who have drink problems and/or a hate-hate relationship with their superiors! Overall I would rate this as a 4 star read.
Another brilliant instalment in the Norfolk Murders series, Death on the Norfolk Express combines a gripping investigation with the wonderfully atmospheric setting of the North Norfolk Railway’s Poppy Line, which adds a unique charm and tension to the story.
Ross Greenwood keeps the suspense building throughout, with plenty of twists and red herrings and he has a real talent for balancing a compelling murder investigation with believable, relatable characters. DI Ashley Knight continues to be an excellent lead. Her team dynamics feel authentic, and the personal relationships and backstories running through the series add extra depth without ever overshadowing the main plot.
Although this works perfectly well as a standalone police procedural, I would definitely recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate Ashley and her team’s journey and development.
Fans of atmospheric crime fiction and character-driven procedurals will thoroughly enjoy this one. It’s a fast-paced, immersive police procedural that’s very hard to put down and has left me eager for the next (last?☹️) book in the series.
Thank you to TBC, Ross Greenwood and Boldwood Books for the advance copy in return for an honest review.
How I loved reading this book by Ross Greenwood. I am always hooked right from the start with all his books and this one was no different. The best thing was I did not know who the killer was until the end. I was guessing all sorts of people but the killer was the last on my list. Seriously could not put this one down. A story of murders happening along a train line and on the train, and beautiful steam trains at that. While the first murder was a better way out than planned, it was still a tragic end. The twists and turns this story had were fantastic. Just when you think you know who is behind it, in comes another angle or character to be suspicious of. The story had me gripped right from the start and while at times it was a gruesome set of deaths, you were caught up a bit with the people not being very good people, not that that justifies their ending of course. The characters were very believable and the book was really well written. Look forward to the next instalment for Ashley and what the future holds for her. Definitely do yourself a favour and buy this book, you won’t regret it. Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Ross Greenwood for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. A big five stars from me.
This is an excellent series and this latest book is a great addition. The backdrop of the railway line was fascinating to me. I never thought of myself as being into railways and old trains and yet here I was riveted with every scene. If I find myself ever in that neck of the woods, I know what to look out for.
I was hooked from the start with the murder of an old man who wasn't long for this world anyway and an attempted murder soon after really escalates things. Everything seems linked to some families through events years before but the question is why is someone wreaking havoc now, and why? I loved how Ashley and the team try to deal with the families and how things appear in a particular way but we're never quite sure if this is true or not. There was a killer twist at the end that I definitely did not foresee.
There's some sadness here also but I won't say any more as it would be a spoiler. I liked how the team worked through the grief and it enhanced the togetherness of all the characters. It's a terrific read and I am already looking forward to the next one.
After a devastating hots close to home, the tranquil calm of the of the North Norfolk Railway is broken by a shocking act. Fear hits the tight-knit communities of Holt and Weybourne, and the pressure is on DI Ashley Knights struggling team to deliver answers. But as the killer's depravity escalates with each victim. a terrifying question - is this a desperate cry for notoriety, or a chilling display of absolute power? With he body count rising along the once peaceful Norfolk line, Knight must find a way to stop the killer before grief consumes them all.
I was quickly pulled into this dark and twisted read. With horrific murders and strange people, just made this book a great read. I never thought I'd be interested in trains, but learning about an train intrigued me. This book could be read as a standalone.
Published 7th May 2206
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #RossGreenwood for my ARC of #DeathOnTheNorfolkExpress in exchange for an honest review.
A High Speed Thriller! All aboard for a heart-pounding ride that hits like a runaway locomotive! Ross Greenwood doesn’t just write a mystery, he engineers a high-octane pursuit that grabs you from the first page. The sixth Ashley Knight instalment is an absolute triumph, (though you’ll need a hanky for the end of chapter 17). As a deranged killer turns the peaceful heritage railway into a hunting ground, the team struggles to assemble a complex jigsaw of clues where the pieces never seem to fit. Greenwood’s passion for steam engines shines through the darkness, proving his meticulous research is second to none. While the team’s banter balances the depravity they face, the tension builds speeding towards an ending I never saw coming. I raced through this faster than a train on a downhill gradient. With an amazingly relatable cast, a first class carriage read, and a plot put together as painstakingly as a railway timetable, this is a definitive 5-star read and I can't wait for the next one. My thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Here we are, back with the team, a rich cast of characters, a comforting feeling if you are following the series through, picking up a short while after the ending of Book 5. We find out how each of them is moving on with their lives
There is a shocking incident which starts the book well, allowing the reader to really bond further with each member of the team, watching how they react and support their colleagues. Ashley & Hector have a really great relationship and I really enjoyed seeing this develop, Hector really growing into his role, sparring off each other but with obvious affection and understanding.
The nostalgia reading about the Norfolk Line is comforting, my grandparents were from Sheringham, so I knew each setting well, although each is described vividly, evoking the places for readers without that prior knowledge.
There are some interesting cases to consider in this book, the unexplained death of a man on a train, a man on the train line and a missing youngster, just out of prison. There are a lot of extra characters to get to know in these cases, most have little quirks to distinguish them easily. The pace and tension both mount and the action steps up as the secrets emerge, bringing the plot to an enjoyable conclusion.
What stands out in this twisty crime thriller, is the well portrayed emotions of the characters, particularly grief, and the friendships that feel so authentic. Roll on Book 7.
I am in awe of authors who write crime series which are consistently engaging, gritty and absolute page turners. Ross Greenwood is one such author. In addition, he has the ability to present two series in the genre, that of DI Barton and a second with DS Ashley Knight as the lead detective, which are remarkably different yet equally compelling.
Death on the Norfolk Express, books 6 in the DS Knight series, is hard hitting and beautifully twisted but it is not dark or over the top. The plot drew me in from the start, presented so many credible red herrings I lost any ability to guess the identity of the murderer before the end. And on top of that it allowed addicts to the series to catch up on the lives of the regular characters. Ashley and those in her life, have become so real in my imagination that I feel personally invested in their worlds.
Highly recommend the work of Ross Greenwood and they do not come better than Death on the Norfolk Express.
As always another great instalment in The Norfolk Murders series, I wasn’t so enthralled with all the description and life of the Norfolk steam train, sorry, but for an enthusiast it would be an additional bonus. The story opens with heartbreaking news for DI Ashley Knight and the shocking death of her partner. After a death happens on a local steam train she is asked to lead up on the case, what appears to be a straightforward death soon evolves into a complex case with some very unpleasant characters to hold your attention. DI Ashley and her team work well together and it’s good to see their characters interact together. Death on the Norfolk Express has mystery, it has tension, it has gruesome moments, all the qualities of a Ross Greenwood book, always researched well, sensitively written with humour at the right moment, I am looking forward to see were we go next with the next instalment.
Been looking forward to reading this book. The team that work with DS Ashley Knight are all good people. They are the people you would want to work with, they cover each others backs. Ashley gets some seriously bad news and they all rally round. An old man dies on a local attraction, a steam train it all seems to be completely normal until the train almost runs over a body tied on the track! Despite Ashleys recent loss the team think this is what she needs to keep her occupied. She is called in and they set to work trying to find out who the chap on the track was. Links are made with the old man who died, this can't all be a coincidence there must be a connection. This is a real page turner as the story moves on and more bodies are found. The team work together very well and are all likeable. Can't say too much or it will give the game away. This kept me guessing right to the end. Great story and now ready for the next episode.
Another winner from Ross Greenwood. We start with an old man dying in the North Norfolk Railway train and it is being investigated along side another incident on the line. This one is full of intrigue and intertwined lives. There is sadness and happiness in equal measures. There is a lot going on in this story so needs a bit of concentration to make sense of all the strands. With well defined characters who have grown together there is a good cohesion to the story. I liked it even more as I have visited the area it is set in numerous times and also stayed at Kelling Heath campsite, which is mentioned. This book will have you on the edge of your seat hoping for a certain outcome depending on how you react to the different characters. Recommended to all thriller readers. With thanks to the author,Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.L
Review of advance copy received from author, 4.5 stars rounded up
Another cracking mystery in this series, focusing this time on the North Norfolk railway and associated trains. Why were people being killed and what was the connection with the railway? This mystery was dark and twisty from start to finish, yet also very characterful. We saw the developing story from several standpoints, their thoughts and feelings clearly and, in some cases, very sensitively described. The police team are just that, a team, looking out for each other and supported well - something it’s nice to read for a change! Lots of information about the railway, it sounds like the author enjoys steam railways too. My dad used to build them, so it’s lovely to find out a little more. My only criticism was Seb.
It’s the sixth in this lovely series, so it feels very much like a well oiled machine a reader can relax into, assured that the author will bring the plot home safely and satisfyingly. I did struggle a little bit this time with the dialogue-heavy style due to the numbers of characters, that -apart from a couple- weren’t easily distinguished from each other. There didn’t seem to be as much space for more character insight as the events rapidly unfolded. I very much enjoyed the very atmospheric railway setting though and wish the trains would have played an even bigger role - who doesn’t like a countryside steam train? Combined with a few murders in a proper whodunnit? Even better! Looking forward to the next one!
Another great creepy thriller by Ross Greenwood! Gruesome murders, weird people, a thrilling and nerve wracking plot on the one hand while on the other hand, a brilliant and compelling police team! The complex plot let me wonder at the conclusion till the very end of the novel. One thing was for me rather questionable : I will only say one word, Seb. I also loved reading and learning about the old, beautiful train. The author often includes some fascinating topics in his thrillers, which makes an interesting read. I am already waiting for the next book ! I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
An unexpected death on a steam train and a potentially fatal incident on the line provide DI Ashley Knight and her team with an intriguing case to solve. The investigation team dynamic makes this engaging, especially when coupled with a well-paced, twisty narrative. DI Ashley faces a personally challenging situation that adds to the story's emotional intensity. The iconic setting, evoked by many details, adds atmosphere and authenticity, and the balance between the personal lives and the investigation keeps you immersed in the characters and the story. I received a copy of this book from the publisher.