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The Alderby Grange Affair
The killing was audacious. The suspects are everywhere. The truth is dangerous.
When a controversial aristocratic army officer is gunned down at his family estate, the assassination has all the hallmarks of a professional hit. Two masked shooters escape into the night and vanish without trace.
For Detective Inspector Bob Davis, rules are optional and tact is overrated. For his partner, Jodie Taylor, the truth matters more than politics. Together they delve into the victim’s violent past, soaked in blood stretching back to the Afghanistan War.
The closer they get to the truth, the more enemies they make. Soon, Davis and Taylor aren’t just investigating a murder. They’re uncovering a secret that those in power will do anything to keep buried.
When a controversial aristocratic army officer is gunned down at his family estate, the assassination has all the hallmarks of a professional hit. Two masked shooters escape into the night and vanish without trace.
For Detective Inspector Bob Davis, rules are optional and tact is overrated. For his partner, Jodie Taylor, the truth matters more than politics. Together they delve into the victim’s violent past, soaked in blood stretching back to the Afghanistan War.
The closer they get to the truth, the more enemies they make. Soon, Davis and Taylor aren’t just investigating a murder. They’re uncovering a secret that those in power will do anything to keep buried.
ebook
Published April 24, 2026
About the author
M.J. Webb
8 books187 followersM J Webb lives and works in the heart of England. A short while after the birth of his two children he found himself wanting to do something for them. To give them something from him they could hopefully be proud of.
The Jake West trilogy was the result.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Webb/e/B0...
http://www.amazon.com/M-J-Webb/e/B004...
These books are easy reading, penned for anyone above the age of twelve who has a little imagination.
In September 2022 A Child of Szabo was published. This is a high octane adult thriller which will appeal to readers of Lee Child, Mark Greaney, Tom Cain etc.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-Szabo-...
In 2024 he published Realm of Ruin. This is an adult fantasy standalone with a little spice so 18+. It's fast-paced and full of action. A few twists.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Realm-Ruin-B...
2025 saw the release of fast-paced action thriller 'The Ajax File' which is suitable for 16+. https://www.amazon.com/Ajax-File-M-J-...
2026 - 'The Alderby Grange Affair' will be released 24th April. This one is a mystery/thriller suitable for 16+.
M J Webb is also an avid reader. He reads historical fiction, fantasy, young adult novels, military and thriller/adventure stories.
His rating system;
5 - Absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down.
4 - Great book. Interesting and well crafted.
3 - Not bad at all. Too easy to put down however.
2 - Didn't grip me. A bit of a struggle.
1 - Sorry, not for me.
The Jake West trilogy was the result.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-J-Webb/e/B0...
http://www.amazon.com/M-J-Webb/e/B004...
These books are easy reading, penned for anyone above the age of twelve who has a little imagination.
In September 2022 A Child of Szabo was published. This is a high octane adult thriller which will appeal to readers of Lee Child, Mark Greaney, Tom Cain etc.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Child-Szabo-...
In 2024 he published Realm of Ruin. This is an adult fantasy standalone with a little spice so 18+. It's fast-paced and full of action. A few twists.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Realm-Ruin-B...
2025 saw the release of fast-paced action thriller 'The Ajax File' which is suitable for 16+. https://www.amazon.com/Ajax-File-M-J-...
2026 - 'The Alderby Grange Affair' will be released 24th April. This one is a mystery/thriller suitable for 16+.
M J Webb is also an avid reader. He reads historical fiction, fantasy, young adult novels, military and thriller/adventure stories.
His rating system;
5 - Absolutely loved it. Couldn't put it down.
4 - Great book. Interesting and well crafted.
3 - Not bad at all. Too easy to put down however.
2 - Didn't grip me. A bit of a struggle.
1 - Sorry, not for me.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 9, 2026
Entertaining Read! If you like crime thrillers that have twists and turns that constantly keep you guessing, this book has all that and more!
August 26, 2026
This book was a fast and dark read. With morally grey characters . A book where nothing is what it seems. When Bob Davis and Jodie Taylor are called in to investigate the murder of a decorated soldier, it quickly descends into something much darker and more complicated than mere murder.
It hints a dark and corrupt forces at the heart of the British establishment. An establishment that sees all below them as mere pawns in their game.
Bob is a gruff detective who acts before he thinks. Jodie is a perfect foil who plays by the rules.
If you like your crime fiction fast, dark, and full of morally grey characters; empires built on shifting sands of deception and downright lies, then this may be the book for you.
Thanks to the author for the copy of his book to review.
It hints a dark and corrupt forces at the heart of the British establishment. An establishment that sees all below them as mere pawns in their game.
Bob is a gruff detective who acts before he thinks. Jodie is a perfect foil who plays by the rules.
If you like your crime fiction fast, dark, and full of morally grey characters; empires built on shifting sands of deception and downright lies, then this may be the book for you.
Thanks to the author for the copy of his book to review.
August 30, 2026
The story line and characters were very well put together. I loved Bob’s get it done personality and found Jodie to be a great opposite to his attitude and demeanor. It was easy to get hooked on this book and follow along to see who committed the crime. There were plenty of twists and turns, some predictable and others not so much. It felt a bit repetitive at times but I don’t think it took away from the story. Overall I really enjoyed this one!
July 24, 2026
Fast paced and action packed story, the plot is interesting and keeps you hooked.The characted development is good, you feel like you know them especially bob and jodie, I loved the relationship and tension between them.I did see how it was going to end for Jodie and it kinda made me sad for her, a pawn in rich mens games. I really enjoyed the story and would recommend if you are looking for a gritty fast paced crime story.
April 26, 2026
I am always on the lookout for new authors, and I am so glad I picked up this ARC. From the very first chapter, M.J. Webb completely hooked me; this book is an absolute page turner that I simply could not put down.
The cover art gives off a "hometown crime" vibe, but don’t let that fool you; this is anything but a typical, cozy mystery. Webb has crafted something truly distinct here. It is a hard-hitting, high-stakes crime thriller that defies expectations from start to finish.
The character development was fantastic, making the stakes feel deeply personal, and the plot was expertly executed. I pride myself on trying to guess where a story is going, but this ending genuinely caught me by surprise.
If you are looking for a story that stays with you long after the final page, do yourself a favor and pick this up. M.J. Webb has written an astounding book, and I cannot wait to see what he writes next!
The cover art gives off a "hometown crime" vibe, but don’t let that fool you; this is anything but a typical, cozy mystery. Webb has crafted something truly distinct here. It is a hard-hitting, high-stakes crime thriller that defies expectations from start to finish.
The character development was fantastic, making the stakes feel deeply personal, and the plot was expertly executed. I pride myself on trying to guess where a story is going, but this ending genuinely caught me by surprise.
If you are looking for a story that stays with you long after the final page, do yourself a favor and pick this up. M.J. Webb has written an astounding book, and I cannot wait to see what he writes next!
May 20, 2026
This book has the potential to stretch into a series. The main characters are smart and have moxie.
What you should know upfront: the author is based in the UK, so expect British English spelling and phrases, rather than American English ones.
Detective Inspector Bob Davis and Detective Sergeant Jodie Taylor may have unorthodox methods, yet together they get results in record time. However, this case is different. Each time they think they've figured it out, they discover they have more questions than definitive answers. The questions they do ask have them in the crosshairs of those who would rather they quit asking them.
The author did a fabulous job of keeping the reader intrigued and trying to puzzle things out alongside the detectives.
What you should know upfront: the author is based in the UK, so expect British English spelling and phrases, rather than American English ones.
Detective Inspector Bob Davis and Detective Sergeant Jodie Taylor may have unorthodox methods, yet together they get results in record time. However, this case is different. Each time they think they've figured it out, they discover they have more questions than definitive answers. The questions they do ask have them in the crosshairs of those who would rather they quit asking them.
The author did a fabulous job of keeping the reader intrigued and trying to puzzle things out alongside the detectives.
May 21, 2026
If you like mystery following detectives while they try to solve a case, there is no way you will not enjoy this.
The writing is great, the main characters are likeable (with flaws, of course) and relatable, the plot is engaging with plenty of action and a couple of great twists, and you will feel the suspense until the very end. You might even chuckle a few times. DI Davis was not the stoic Brit I was expecting, and that made him even more fun to follow.
I would definitely dive into more books if this turned into a series!
* Many thanks to the author for providing an early copy
The writing is great, the main characters are likeable (with flaws, of course) and relatable, the plot is engaging with plenty of action and a couple of great twists, and you will feel the suspense until the very end. You might even chuckle a few times. DI Davis was not the stoic Brit I was expecting, and that made him even more fun to follow.
I would definitely dive into more books if this turned into a series!
* Many thanks to the author for providing an early copy
May 12, 2026
This book pulls you in from the very first page and never really lets go. What starts as the execution-style murder of a cruel aristocrat quickly turns into something far darker and more dangerous than a simple investigation.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Bob Davis and Jodie Taylor. Davis is rough around the edges, stubborn, and completely unconcerned with playing by the rules, while Jodie is determined to prove herself in a world that constantly tests her. Their partnership gives the story both tension and heart.
The atmosphere is gritty, tense, and full of secrets. Every layer uncovered leads to more corruption, more danger, and more questions about how far powerful people will go to protect the past. The pacing keeps building, and there’s this constant feeling that nobody is truly safe.
What I liked most was how the story balances crime, conspiracy, and psychological tension without losing momentum. It feels cinematic at times, with sharp dialogue and twists that keep you invested.
If you enjoy dark crime thrillers with morally grey characters, buried secrets, and investigators who refuse to back down no matter the cost, this is definitely worth reading.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Bob Davis and Jodie Taylor. Davis is rough around the edges, stubborn, and completely unconcerned with playing by the rules, while Jodie is determined to prove herself in a world that constantly tests her. Their partnership gives the story both tension and heart.
The atmosphere is gritty, tense, and full of secrets. Every layer uncovered leads to more corruption, more danger, and more questions about how far powerful people will go to protect the past. The pacing keeps building, and there’s this constant feeling that nobody is truly safe.
What I liked most was how the story balances crime, conspiracy, and psychological tension without losing momentum. It feels cinematic at times, with sharp dialogue and twists that keep you invested.
If you enjoy dark crime thrillers with morally grey characters, buried secrets, and investigators who refuse to back down no matter the cost, this is definitely worth reading.
April 27, 2026
Up to now, MJ Webb’s A Child of Szabo had been my favourite of his works—but that changed the moment I read his latest novel, The Alderby Grange Affair. Quite simply, it’s a game changer and, in my view, his best work yet.
From the very first pages, I was completely hooked, drawn into a story that maintained its grip right through to the final chapter. By the time I reached chapter 28, I was convinced I had sussed it, but how wrong I was. The twists are cleverly executed and genuinely surprising.
The characters, particularly Bob Davis and Jodie Taylor, are compelling and well-developed, bringing both depth and personality to the story.
I sincerely hope MJ Webb chooses to revisit these characters in a sequel, as there is plenty of potential for further adventures. If The Alderby Grange Affair is any indication, readers would be in for another thoroughly captivating tale.
Overall, this is an absolute must-read for fans of mystery and suspense
From the very first pages, I was completely hooked, drawn into a story that maintained its grip right through to the final chapter. By the time I reached chapter 28, I was convinced I had sussed it, but how wrong I was. The twists are cleverly executed and genuinely surprising.
The characters, particularly Bob Davis and Jodie Taylor, are compelling and well-developed, bringing both depth and personality to the story.
I sincerely hope MJ Webb chooses to revisit these characters in a sequel, as there is plenty of potential for further adventures. If The Alderby Grange Affair is any indication, readers would be in for another thoroughly captivating tale.
Overall, this is an absolute must-read for fans of mystery and suspense
April 15, 2026
There is so much choice in the crime fiction genre that it can be overwhelming when you leave your regular and reliably rewarding authors to enter the imagination of a new author.
But having read my first M J Webb book, The Alderby Grange Affair, I can honestly say he has proven what it takes to write compelling and rapid page-turning crime.
This was a thunderstorm of a book with prose used to such good effect that the characters become very real in my imagination, the story line wholly addictive and the ‘never saw that’ ending was just the final cherry on what was an excellent read.
Highly recommend The Alderby Grange Affair if you are looking for a new detective crime thriller that offers a blend of hard-hitting plot with detectives who have are human, who make mistakes but who are credible.
Loved it.
But having read my first M J Webb book, The Alderby Grange Affair, I can honestly say he has proven what it takes to write compelling and rapid page-turning crime.
This was a thunderstorm of a book with prose used to such good effect that the characters become very real in my imagination, the story line wholly addictive and the ‘never saw that’ ending was just the final cherry on what was an excellent read.
Highly recommend The Alderby Grange Affair if you are looking for a new detective crime thriller that offers a blend of hard-hitting plot with detectives who have are human, who make mistakes but who are credible.
Loved it.
April 4, 2026
It may have a decidedly retro style cover and a title which could easily imply a Cozy Crime mystery but this novel explodes with an action packed plot full of violent deaths.
Whilst using tropes from a traditional police procedural crime novel the narrative soon takes on all the characteristics of a high octane thriller.
Detective Inspector Bob Davis has a failed marriage and is still struggling to get over a drink problem. He might be lacking in tact but knows how to get results.
The story is fast paced and complex; with plenty of twists and turns; and throughout there is an unnerving sense of suspense and impending danger and doom; until a back story reveals just how dangerous this case really is.
For readers who like a full-blooded crime thriller.
Whilst using tropes from a traditional police procedural crime novel the narrative soon takes on all the characteristics of a high octane thriller.
Detective Inspector Bob Davis has a failed marriage and is still struggling to get over a drink problem. He might be lacking in tact but knows how to get results.
The story is fast paced and complex; with plenty of twists and turns; and throughout there is an unnerving sense of suspense and impending danger and doom; until a back story reveals just how dangerous this case really is.
For readers who like a full-blooded crime thriller.
June 29, 2026
Ok, so normally I mystery is not my first choice of genre to read, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characterizations of Bob Davis & Jodie Tylor were well done. Their strengths and weaknesses actually lend to the plot & the background of the victim of this shocking murder. There is a back story with the plot and those lesser players of the murder that ties in beautifully toward the end of the book. The flow of the story & plot were smooth. Would love to see more books with Davis & Taylor in a possible series? Perfect for fans of British police procedurals or Tana French and Mark Billingham
June 18, 2026
Always a pleasure to read one of Mr. Webb's books. I love the military background and character development in all of his books, including The Alderby Grange Affair. A birthday party goes awry quickly to open the book setting the stage for DI Bob Davis and his partner Jodie Taylor to get to work on finding the killer. There are many twists and turns and action scenes thrown in that keep the story moving as well as keeping you guessing as to who is at fault. Highly recommend!
May 14, 2026
*** This is not my review but that of C. Collins on Amazon who is not a Goodreads member***
'Have just finished this book in record time. Couldn’t put it down. Very well written with plenty of twists and turns. Fast paced with plenty of drama. Like MJ Webb’s previous novels, I would highly recommend this one. Hope there are more books to come.'
'Have just finished this book in record time. Couldn’t put it down. Very well written with plenty of twists and turns. Fast paced with plenty of drama. Like MJ Webb’s previous novels, I would highly recommend this one. Hope there are more books to come.'
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews