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Detective Simon Wayland #2
Murder at Matterdale
Detective Simon Wayland is out training his Mountain Rescue dog on the fells when he stumbles across two bodies. Both are covered with horrific stab wounds.
More chillingly, each body has a coloured coat toggle shoved in its mouth.
Working with his new boss, the dynamic DCI Collette Matthews, Wayland faces a puzzling investigation that offers no clear leads.
Then two more victims are found. Each with different coloured toggles in their mouths.
Wayland is convinced a cold-blooded serial killer is playing a ruthless game. And there are no clear rules. Wayland and Matthews must crack the case before more bodies start to pile up.
More chillingly, each body has a coloured coat toggle shoved in its mouth.
Working with his new boss, the dynamic DCI Collette Matthews, Wayland faces a puzzling investigation that offers no clear leads.
Then two more victims are found. Each with different coloured toggles in their mouths.
Wayland is convinced a cold-blooded serial killer is playing a ruthless game. And there are no clear rules. Wayland and Matthews must crack the case before more bodies start to pile up.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2027
About the author
David M. Thorpe
5 books7 followersI was born in London but grew up in Hertfordshire and on the East Coast. Although I always loved the huge skies of East Anglia and its often wild and windy coasts it was a visit to the Lake District, in my early twenties, that changed everything for me: with its mysterious towering fells and deep jewel like lakes, I fell in love with the place instantly.
My companion on that first, and many subsequent visits, was an unfeasibly young woman who seemed slightly baffled when I said we should come and live here - now, this minute. Several minutes, a number of career changes, two relocations and two grown up children later, the pair of us finally retired to the Lakes during one of the many Covid lockdowns. We have not looked back since.
As well as being constantly drawn towards the summits of the fells, I have also always had a desire to write but, with a full-time career, two children and no real idea about what I wanted to write, I found myself with an ever growing collection of unfinished novels - once upon a time on floppy disks (some of you may need to ask your grandparents!) and more latterly, on memory sticks. It wasn't until I came to Cumbria that I found both the time and the inspiration to make my latent ambition a reality. Throughout the DI Wayland mysteries, the lakes, fells and people of Cumbria are a constant feature. I am lucky in that the unfeasibly young woman who did me the honour of not just introducing me to the Lakes, but also marrying me, is born of Cumbrian stock, giving me an incite into the hardy but gentle folk who inhabit this wonderful part of the World - I may never understand everything they say, but I've come to love them nonetheless.
I hope you enjoy reading my DI Wayland novels as much as I enjoyed writing them. But here's a spoiler: If you ever find a passage or a character in one novel that doesn't seem to fit with the narrative, just make a mental note - it may prove to be a crucial detail in one of the later novels. But fear not, although the novels follow a sequence, each is a stand alone story and can easily be enjoyed without having to read all of them - my publishers just hope that you find time to enjoy them all!
Keep reading
David
My companion on that first, and many subsequent visits, was an unfeasibly young woman who seemed slightly baffled when I said we should come and live here - now, this minute. Several minutes, a number of career changes, two relocations and two grown up children later, the pair of us finally retired to the Lakes during one of the many Covid lockdowns. We have not looked back since.
As well as being constantly drawn towards the summits of the fells, I have also always had a desire to write but, with a full-time career, two children and no real idea about what I wanted to write, I found myself with an ever growing collection of unfinished novels - once upon a time on floppy disks (some of you may need to ask your grandparents!) and more latterly, on memory sticks. It wasn't until I came to Cumbria that I found both the time and the inspiration to make my latent ambition a reality. Throughout the DI Wayland mysteries, the lakes, fells and people of Cumbria are a constant feature. I am lucky in that the unfeasibly young woman who did me the honour of not just introducing me to the Lakes, but also marrying me, is born of Cumbrian stock, giving me an incite into the hardy but gentle folk who inhabit this wonderful part of the World - I may never understand everything they say, but I've come to love them nonetheless.
I hope you enjoy reading my DI Wayland novels as much as I enjoyed writing them. But here's a spoiler: If you ever find a passage or a character in one novel that doesn't seem to fit with the narrative, just make a mental note - it may prove to be a crucial detail in one of the later novels. But fear not, although the novels follow a sequence, each is a stand alone story and can easily be enjoyed without having to read all of them - my publishers just hope that you find time to enjoy them all!
Keep reading
David
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 26, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book that was well balanced between police procedural and an abundance of nature descriptions. There was enough threat to keep the reader on edge. So happy I have the third book of the series loaded and ready to go.
A very good read!
Kindle Unlimited
A very good read!
Kindle Unlimited
June 9, 2026
David M Thorpe brings the Lake District to life again with this clever murder mystery
The second in the Lake District Mysteries and it just gets better. From a great start with his debut novel, Murder at Haweswater, this latest installment demonstrates the authors penmanship. Great character development and a clever plot the story kept me enthralled. The writers obvious love of the Lake District towns and Fells shines out in his descriptive.
Detective Simon Wayland is called to a gruesome double killing. The bodies of a retired couple, partially hidden are discovered by a Fell runner when he staggered off the track
having twisted an ankle. Wayland is soon joined by his new boss who he meets for the first time at the murder scene. DCI Matthews is clearly a Townie she is definitely not
dressed for the rough Cumbria Fells. The pair get off to an awkward start as she assumes Wayland will resent her being parachuted in above his head.The body count quickly starts to rise and the only thing that seems to link the victims is
the upmarket walking gear, not uncommon on the Fells and the discovery of coat string toggles wedged in the victims throats. Wayland is convinced that a serial killer is at work and fears for the publics safety and wants to warn the public. However the bosses of the tourist industry kick against this as the area is only just recovering from the Covid lock-downs and everyone remembers the devastation of foot and mouth restrictions.The
murderer must be found and stopped but the factor linking the victims is elusive.
This is a real page turner and its can’t wait for more in this series
The second in the Lake District Mysteries and it just gets better. From a great start with his debut novel, Murder at Haweswater, this latest installment demonstrates the authors penmanship. Great character development and a clever plot the story kept me enthralled. The writers obvious love of the Lake District towns and Fells shines out in his descriptive.
Detective Simon Wayland is called to a gruesome double killing. The bodies of a retired couple, partially hidden are discovered by a Fell runner when he staggered off the track
having twisted an ankle. Wayland is soon joined by his new boss who he meets for the first time at the murder scene. DCI Matthews is clearly a Townie she is definitely not
dressed for the rough Cumbria Fells. The pair get off to an awkward start as she assumes Wayland will resent her being parachuted in above his head.The body count quickly starts to rise and the only thing that seems to link the victims is
the upmarket walking gear, not uncommon on the Fells and the discovery of coat string toggles wedged in the victims throats. Wayland is convinced that a serial killer is at work and fears for the publics safety and wants to warn the public. However the bosses of the tourist industry kick against this as the area is only just recovering from the Covid lock-downs and everyone remembers the devastation of foot and mouth restrictions.The
murderer must be found and stopped but the factor linking the victims is elusive.
This is a real page turner and its can’t wait for more in this series
June 9, 2026
Smooth Reading; Gory but Weak Plot.
David M. Thorpe’s second book in his DI Simon Wayland series does not quite live up to the promise of his first book. Murder at Matterdale is crafted with David’s excellent writing skills where his portrayal of personalities enable the reader to relate easily to the characters while focusing on the fast-advancing plot. His story about a series of victims being brutally murdered by being stabbed multiple times with a knife marries perfectly with the setting of the hauntingly beautiful and chillingly atmospheric Lake District. I enjoyed his new character DCI Collette Matthews, who is introduced with some humour into the team.
However, I felt that his plot was a bit simplistic and contrived. One could see the rationale for choosing the victims long before Ginge has to jump into the story from his sick bed at the last minute in order to provide enlightenment to all. This was not a satisfactorily surprising ending. After the conclusion to this mystery there follows some rather drawn-out final chapters and an Epilogue offering a spoiler to the next book in the series. No thank you! That is the end of the story for me once I know who-dunnit, and are they caught and brought to justice? Any pre-amble or prologue belongs at the beginning of the next book, not detracting from the pleasure brought by the moment of denouement in this book.
I can recommend this book for the excellent writing and character portrayal. I look forward to following the development of the character of DCI Collette Matthews and the future adventures of DI Simon Wayland in future episodes, but this book did not quite make the Five Star mark for me.
David M. Thorpe’s second book in his DI Simon Wayland series does not quite live up to the promise of his first book. Murder at Matterdale is crafted with David’s excellent writing skills where his portrayal of personalities enable the reader to relate easily to the characters while focusing on the fast-advancing plot. His story about a series of victims being brutally murdered by being stabbed multiple times with a knife marries perfectly with the setting of the hauntingly beautiful and chillingly atmospheric Lake District. I enjoyed his new character DCI Collette Matthews, who is introduced with some humour into the team.
However, I felt that his plot was a bit simplistic and contrived. One could see the rationale for choosing the victims long before Ginge has to jump into the story from his sick bed at the last minute in order to provide enlightenment to all. This was not a satisfactorily surprising ending. After the conclusion to this mystery there follows some rather drawn-out final chapters and an Epilogue offering a spoiler to the next book in the series. No thank you! That is the end of the story for me once I know who-dunnit, and are they caught and brought to justice? Any pre-amble or prologue belongs at the beginning of the next book, not detracting from the pleasure brought by the moment of denouement in this book.
I can recommend this book for the excellent writing and character portrayal. I look forward to following the development of the character of DCI Collette Matthews and the future adventures of DI Simon Wayland in future episodes, but this book did not quite make the Five Star mark for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you enjoy police procedurals that balance atmospheric tension with genuine heart, the second Simon Wayland investigation is an absolute must-read!
It captures the rugged beauty of the fells while plunging the reader into a high-stakes mystery that feels both urgent and personal.
DI Wayland is now firmly settled in the Lake District, though his peace is short-lived. Between navigating a new DCI and investigating a series of bodies found on the fells, the stakes have never been higher.
The narrative captures the raw frustration of the investigation and the beautifully illustrated backdrop with equal skill. Simon’s past trauma adds a grounded, relatable quality to his character, while the witty banter from the team, including Sergeant Ginge despite him being on sick leave, provides much-needed levity.
This is a gritty, empathetic, and thoroughly immersive read with a perfectly tied up ending that leaves you excited for the next one. I don't think that retirement is coming any time soon!
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
It captures the rugged beauty of the fells while plunging the reader into a high-stakes mystery that feels both urgent and personal.
DI Wayland is now firmly settled in the Lake District, though his peace is short-lived. Between navigating a new DCI and investigating a series of bodies found on the fells, the stakes have never been higher.
The narrative captures the raw frustration of the investigation and the beautifully illustrated backdrop with equal skill. Simon’s past trauma adds a grounded, relatable quality to his character, while the witty banter from the team, including Sergeant Ginge despite him being on sick leave, provides much-needed levity.
This is a gritty, empathetic, and thoroughly immersive read with a perfectly tied up ending that leaves you excited for the next one. I don't think that retirement is coming any time soon!
My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
June 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and it has certainly inspired me to seek out the first in the series. It’s a standard police procedural but with the Lake District definitely playing the role of one of the main characters. I have to admit that at times it did seem to ramble a bit and lose its way but the plot is strong -a knife crazed serial killer on the loose- and this rescues the narrative when it gets a bit pedestrian. Detective Wayland knows his job and there is the possibility that he’s going to clash with his new ‘townie’ boss.. At this point I was expecting lots of clichè, clashing characters and 24 hours to solve the case etc but no, instead there is a sound exploration of both characters and how they adapt their roles to ensure a good outcome. Co operation instead of antagonism. Such a breath of fresh air. Hope there'll be another book where their characters and relationship develop. Definitely a series to which I could get addicted!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
5* Another first-rate police investigation from David Thorpe.
The second book in The Lake District Mysteries, I was hooked from the very first pages.
Detective Inspector Simon Wayland is looking forward to his retirement from the Force when two bodies are found on the Fells. With retirement postponed, he receives instructions to lead the murder investigation and immediately two more victims are discovered on nearby hiking trails. There's no obvious link to each murder and the suggestion of closing the Lakes for the protection of the public could ruin the tourism industry.
A dramatic end to the book. Will Wayland ever retire, book three might offer the answer. Recommended reading.
With thanks to Joffe Books and the author for the ARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
The second book in The Lake District Mysteries, I was hooked from the very first pages.
Detective Inspector Simon Wayland is looking forward to his retirement from the Force when two bodies are found on the Fells. With retirement postponed, he receives instructions to lead the murder investigation and immediately two more victims are discovered on nearby hiking trails. There's no obvious link to each murder and the suggestion of closing the Lakes for the protection of the public could ruin the tourism industry.
A dramatic end to the book. Will Wayland ever retire, book three might offer the answer. Recommended reading.
With thanks to Joffe Books and the author for the ARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
June 9, 2026
I’m really enjoying this new series and love the fact it’s set in the picturesque Lake District which is very much a central character in these books. The main detective, Simon Wayland is a quiet thoughtful man who in this second book has to adjust to a new boss and their different ways of working initially cause a degree of tension. The intriguing story centres around a callous serial killer who appears to be taunting the police and their investigations. I’ll be looking forward to the third book and hope it won’t be too long a wait! I received this book as an ARC from Joffe books in return for an honest review.
June 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this second in the series. Simon is called to investigate when the bodies of a couple are found on the fells. More victims are found soon after, with each one having a coat toggle in their mouths. At the same time, Simon has a new boss to handle who is definitely not prepared for the locale.
This was quite an intriguing read and I loved how Simon gradually worked out any connections between each of the apparently random victims. I didn't figure things out myself until close to the end. The characters here are well done and the location is fantastic and clearly somewhere the author has a connection with. I look forward to seeing what comes next for Simon and his team.
This was quite an intriguing read and I loved how Simon gradually worked out any connections between each of the apparently random victims. I didn't figure things out myself until close to the end. The characters here are well done and the location is fantastic and clearly somewhere the author has a connection with. I look forward to seeing what comes next for Simon and his team.
June 10, 2026
two books in and still impressed
This is the second book I’ve read in the Detective Simon Wayland Series by David M Thorpe and like the first book it’s a great page turner. In this Simon and his team are investigating the murder of a couple of elderly walkers, while at the scene Simon is introduced to his new DCI Charlotte Matthews who arrived totally unprepared for a Cumbrian fell. As they work together and get to know each other the bodies mount and pressure to solve the case rises, Thorpe keeps the tension on as the pages turn never forgetting the beautiful Cumbrian settings making you feeling captivated.
This is the second book I’ve read in the Detective Simon Wayland Series by David M Thorpe and like the first book it’s a great page turner. In this Simon and his team are investigating the murder of a couple of elderly walkers, while at the scene Simon is introduced to his new DCI Charlotte Matthews who arrived totally unprepared for a Cumbrian fell. As they work together and get to know each other the bodies mount and pressure to solve the case rises, Thorpe keeps the tension on as the pages turn never forgetting the beautiful Cumbrian settings making you feeling captivated.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Nighttime in the Lakes, fell runners are running a marathon, in the dark one falls, in trying to hobble back down the runner slips and lands beside a dead body. DI Simon Weyland is called out, he takes his collie Jet with him, a trainee mountain rescue dog, just as well as she finds the next body.
As his DS is out of action and the new DCI doesn’t know the area, Simon stays as SIO.
A good read, and although the 2nd in a series, reads perfectly as a standalone.
As his DS is out of action and the new DCI doesn’t know the area, Simon stays as SIO.
A good read, and although the 2nd in a series, reads perfectly as a standalone.
June 9, 2026
A really good mystery in a beautiful setting, which is packed full of action and good characterisation. I do like Simon, he is thoughtful and quietly determined to locate a serial killer. It is a gritty read but a well thought out read which I really enjoyed, especially with the addition of Jet the Border Collie! It can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the first in the series for background information.
June 22, 2026
Before reading this book as an Advanced Reader Copy for Joffe's ARC Group I had noticed that it was the second book in the series. So I borrowed from Kindle Unlimited the first one and read that. It was slightly different to other Police procedurals and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This gave me some real enthusiasm to read this one.
I was not disappointed a very good plot and it kept me engrossed that I read it very quickly.
I am looking forward to read others.
I was not disappointed a very good plot and it kept me engrossed that I read it very quickly.
I am looking forward to read others.
June 10, 2026
Excellent
This is a really enjoyable story. Like most books the clues are all there. And thinking back the main points aren't really that subtle But rather in your face a bit. But I am feeling rather smug just now because I noted something that the police failed to pick up on (yay me!) and that led me to the killer. I shall certainly look out for the next one.
This is a really enjoyable story. Like most books the clues are all there. And thinking back the main points aren't really that subtle But rather in your face a bit. But I am feeling rather smug just now because I noted something that the police failed to pick up on (yay me!) and that led me to the killer. I shall certainly look out for the next one.
June 9, 2026
Murder at Matterdale. When a body is found the team find themselves up against it. The arrival of the new DCI doesn't help but they buckle down to the task of finding the perpetrator. Second in the Simon Wayland series, continuing in the same fast paced rollercoaster action of the first.
June 12, 2026
Murder on the hills
This was a very refreshing story, based in the Lake District. Thankfully place names are constant and real, so anyone who knows those hills can really visualise them and the terrain. A very surprising ending.
Great read.
This was a very refreshing story, based in the Lake District. Thankfully place names are constant and real, so anyone who knows those hills can really visualise them and the terrain. A very surprising ending.
Great read.
July 2, 2026
Excellent
I have read this and David's first Wayland book and a loved them both. The characters are really interesting and is love the way they interact and the whole dynamic of the team. I really can't wait to read the third book, hope.I don't have to wait to long. 😃😃😃
I have read this and David's first Wayland book and a loved them both. The characters are really interesting and is love the way they interact and the whole dynamic of the team. I really can't wait to read the third book, hope.I don't have to wait to long. 😃😃😃
July 30, 2026
Excellent
I am enjoying these books so much. I hope there will be more to come. The plots are great with lots of situations for fun and of course investigations. The characters are all great. Lots of twists. I want more.
I am enjoying these books so much. I hope there will be more to come. The plots are great with lots of situations for fun and of course investigations. The characters are all great. Lots of twists. I want more.
June 18, 2026
Wow just as good as the first one. Unable to put either of these down. I cant wait for the next book to come out
July 10, 2026
Really enjoyed this one.
July 11, 2026
Totally immersed
Such an exciting climax towards the end. Really enjoyed the detailed descriptions, I felt I was in the lake district with detective Wayland
Such an exciting climax towards the end. Really enjoyed the detailed descriptions, I felt I was in the lake district with detective Wayland
July 22, 2026
This was solid. I was grateful to find there will be another as DCI Matthews is a perfect match to DI Wayland. I look forward to finding out how this team grows together. Ginge of course is a hoot.
July 25, 2026
Love the Area
Having previously read the Skelkill books; I had a familiarity if the neighborhood. Enjoy the full cast including Jet & tge MGA.
Having previously read the Skelkill books; I had a familiarity if the neighborhood. Enjoy the full cast including Jet & tge MGA.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews