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West Wales Murder Mysteries #8
A Body in the Garden
It's DC Judy Lane who takes the call. ‘There’s a body in Forge Cottage, on the Old Llangwelli Road.’
The elderly victim is found propped up in his own back garden, a chain wrapped tightly around his chest.
The only clues to what happened are a glass of red wine, a Chinese takeaway receipt — and a missing delivery driver.
Before Detective Norman can pull the pieces together, the wife of a prominent local businessman disappears . . . And a second body is discovered in a seafront hotel.
Two dead bodies and a missing person: there’s something very nasty going on in this quiet little seaside town. It’s up to Detective Norman to uncover the truth before events turn even darker.
The elderly victim is found propped up in his own back garden, a chain wrapped tightly around his chest.
The only clues to what happened are a glass of red wine, a Chinese takeaway receipt — and a missing delivery driver.
Before Detective Norman can pull the pieces together, the wife of a prominent local businessman disappears . . . And a second body is discovered in a seafront hotel.
Two dead bodies and a missing person: there’s something very nasty going on in this quiet little seaside town. It’s up to Detective Norman to uncover the truth before events turn even darker.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2026
About the author
P.F. Ford
59 books247 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 9, 2026
Just finished A Body in the Garden by P. F. Ford.
Crime mystery thriller — and it starts with a body found in a garden wrapped in chains… which is one way to completely ruin a perfectly good garden, I guess. I was hooked pretty quickly because I just wanted to know what on earth happened and why someone thought that was a good hiding place.
What stood out most was the tension. It’s not nonstop action, but there’s this constant feeling that something isn’t quite right, which kept me reading and second-guessing pretty much everyone. The characters also kept me on my toes — I kept changing my mind about who was guilty, who was hiding something, and who was just acting suspicious for no reason at all.
The writing is easy to follow but still does a great job of building atmosphere. The garden especially sticks in your mind — it starts off sounding peaceful and then you can’t unsee what’s happened there. If you like crime thrillers where you’re constantly guessing and mildly distrusting every character you meet, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and author P. F. Ford for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: June 18th 2026
Crime mystery thriller — and it starts with a body found in a garden wrapped in chains… which is one way to completely ruin a perfectly good garden, I guess. I was hooked pretty quickly because I just wanted to know what on earth happened and why someone thought that was a good hiding place.
What stood out most was the tension. It’s not nonstop action, but there’s this constant feeling that something isn’t quite right, which kept me reading and second-guessing pretty much everyone. The characters also kept me on my toes — I kept changing my mind about who was guilty, who was hiding something, and who was just acting suspicious for no reason at all.
The writing is easy to follow but still does a great job of building atmosphere. The garden especially sticks in your mind — it starts off sounding peaceful and then you can’t unsee what’s happened there. If you like crime thrillers where you’re constantly guessing and mildly distrusting every character you meet, this is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and author P. F. Ford for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: June 18th 2026
June 22, 2026
Here’s my review for A Body In The Garden by P F Ford
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this police procedural which was set in the Welsh seaside town Llangwelli. Detective Norman Norman has come out of retirement and he works with a team solving the crimes as they arise. DC Judy Lane takes a call about a body in Forge Cottage on the Old Llangwelli Road so they head out there. The victim is found in his back garden where it appears he had been drinking. He had been chained to the chair and there were fresh ashes in the firepit. The police had found the victim whilst looking for a missing delivery driver whose next drop had been Forge Cottage.
This was a really intriguing and gripping read which I just couldn’t put down. I thought it was a superbly plotted and extremely well thought out story. It was excellently written and the police characters were interesting. They gelled really well together. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the plot. I would like to read more of this series in the future.
Blurb :
MEET YOUR NEW FAVOURITE DETECTIVE.
Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town. Llangwelli might be short on sunshine, but it’s certainly not short on murders . . . Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
It's DC Judy Lane who takes the call. ‘There’s a body in Forge Cottage, on the Old Llangwelli Road.’
The elderly victim is found propped up in his own back garden, a chain wrapped tightly around his chest.
The only clues to what happened are a glass of red wine, a Chinese takeaway receipt — and a missing delivery driver.
Before Detective Norman can pull the pieces together, the wife of a prominent local businessman disappears . . . And a second body is discovered in a seafront hotel.
Two dead bodies and a missing person: there’s something very nasty going on in this quiet little seaside town. It’s up to Detective Norman to uncover the truth before events turn even darker.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery full of twists and turns is perfect for fans of Rachel McLean, J.D. Kirk, Pauline Rowson, Elly Griffiths, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
THE DETECTIVE
Meet DS Norman Norman. He’s so good they named him twice. He thought his policing days were over when he took early retirement. But then he gets called into Llangwelli Police Department to help train up the new recruits. Out on the west coast of Wales, the town is known as something of a dumping ground for screw-ups, but Norman believes no copper’s career is ever beyond salvaging, so he’s going to whip these youngsters into shape. Even if it kills him.
THE SETTING
Llangwelli (pronounced Hlangwelly) is a seaside harbour town in West Wales that sits on the edge of a wide, shallow river estuary. Thanks to West Wales’s rainy climate, verdant green hills dotted with cows and sheep make for idyllic surroundings. But that doesn’t mean it’s free from crime — as Norman is about to find out.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this police procedural which was set in the Welsh seaside town Llangwelli. Detective Norman Norman has come out of retirement and he works with a team solving the crimes as they arise. DC Judy Lane takes a call about a body in Forge Cottage on the Old Llangwelli Road so they head out there. The victim is found in his back garden where it appears he had been drinking. He had been chained to the chair and there were fresh ashes in the firepit. The police had found the victim whilst looking for a missing delivery driver whose next drop had been Forge Cottage.
This was a really intriguing and gripping read which I just couldn’t put down. I thought it was a superbly plotted and extremely well thought out story. It was excellently written and the police characters were interesting. They gelled really well together. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the plot. I would like to read more of this series in the future.
Blurb :
MEET YOUR NEW FAVOURITE DETECTIVE.
Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town. Llangwelli might be short on sunshine, but it’s certainly not short on murders . . . Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
It's DC Judy Lane who takes the call. ‘There’s a body in Forge Cottage, on the Old Llangwelli Road.’
The elderly victim is found propped up in his own back garden, a chain wrapped tightly around his chest.
The only clues to what happened are a glass of red wine, a Chinese takeaway receipt — and a missing delivery driver.
Before Detective Norman can pull the pieces together, the wife of a prominent local businessman disappears . . . And a second body is discovered in a seafront hotel.
Two dead bodies and a missing person: there’s something very nasty going on in this quiet little seaside town. It’s up to Detective Norman to uncover the truth before events turn even darker.
This absolutely gripping detective mystery full of twists and turns is perfect for fans of Rachel McLean, J.D. Kirk, Pauline Rowson, Elly Griffiths, Matt Brolly and Simon McCleave.
THE DETECTIVE
Meet DS Norman Norman. He’s so good they named him twice. He thought his policing days were over when he took early retirement. But then he gets called into Llangwelli Police Department to help train up the new recruits. Out on the west coast of Wales, the town is known as something of a dumping ground for screw-ups, but Norman believes no copper’s career is ever beyond salvaging, so he’s going to whip these youngsters into shape. Even if it kills him.
THE SETTING
Llangwelli (pronounced Hlangwelly) is a seaside harbour town in West Wales that sits on the edge of a wide, shallow river estuary. Thanks to West Wales’s rainy climate, verdant green hills dotted with cows and sheep make for idyllic surroundings. But that doesn’t mean it’s free from crime — as Norman is about to find out.
July 5, 2026
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a murder mystery set in a seaside town where the rain never quite stops and everyone seems to know everyone else’s business—until, of course, they don’t. A Body in the Garden leans into that charm beautifully, offering a story that feels both cosy and quietly unsettling, the kind of book you settle into with a cup of tea only to realise you’ve read half of it without looking up.
Detective Norman is an absolute delight: old‑fashioned in the way that makes you smile, sharp in the ways that matter, and surrounded by a team who feel like they’ve wandered in from different novels and decided to make it work. There’s a gentle humour in the way they bounce off one another, but beneath it sits a genuine sense of heart—this is a group you want to spend time with.
The mystery itself unfolds with an easy, confident rhythm. A body propped in a garden, a chain wrapped tight, a glass of red wine waiting like a clue from a stranger; then a missing delivery driver, a vanished wife, and a second body that tilts the whole investigation into darker waters. The author balances the intrigue with a strong sense of place—Llangwelli feels damp, windswept, and wonderfully alive, a town full of secrets tucked behind peeling paint and polite smiles.
What I enjoyed most is how the story never tries to outpace itself. The twists arrive with just the right amount of surprise, the tension builds without losing that cosy‑crime warmth, and Norman’s steady presence anchors everything. It’s the kind of mystery that leaves you satisfied but already hoping there’s another case waiting for him just around the corner.
A charming, atmospheric, and quietly gripping start to what promises to be a very moreish series.
With thanks to PF Ford, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Detective Norman is an absolute delight: old‑fashioned in the way that makes you smile, sharp in the ways that matter, and surrounded by a team who feel like they’ve wandered in from different novels and decided to make it work. There’s a gentle humour in the way they bounce off one another, but beneath it sits a genuine sense of heart—this is a group you want to spend time with.
The mystery itself unfolds with an easy, confident rhythm. A body propped in a garden, a chain wrapped tight, a glass of red wine waiting like a clue from a stranger; then a missing delivery driver, a vanished wife, and a second body that tilts the whole investigation into darker waters. The author balances the intrigue with a strong sense of place—Llangwelli feels damp, windswept, and wonderfully alive, a town full of secrets tucked behind peeling paint and polite smiles.
What I enjoyed most is how the story never tries to outpace itself. The twists arrive with just the right amount of surprise, the tension builds without losing that cosy‑crime warmth, and Norman’s steady presence anchors everything. It’s the kind of mystery that leaves you satisfied but already hoping there’s another case waiting for him just around the corner.
A charming, atmospheric, and quietly gripping start to what promises to be a very moreish series.
With thanks to PF Ford, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
June 18, 2026
A man is discovered strangled and then chained to a chair in his garden but only when a parcel delivery driver is reported missing and the police search his route. The man’s home was the next stop for him but the unscanned parcel was found outside the house. Did the driver see the body and flee in terror? Investigations by Llangwelli station’s small CID team of DI Sarah Southall, DS Norman Norman (so good they named him twice) and DCs Catren Morgan, Judy Lane and “Frosty” Winter reveal the victim was a known forger for whom the heat had got too much in London and he himself was living under a false ID. Strangely for Norman, the courier company owner is the same man whose wife ran the refuge for Syrian refugees in the previous story. What does she have to hide? The delivery driver certainly seems to have been living a double life, evidenced by a search of his home and the fact that he clearly knew the victim, so was he the killer? Just when the case is already complicated enough, a second body is discovered and all their theories do an about turn.
I adore this series, full of warmth and humour amongst the excellent and very capable team members, with DI Southall keeping them all on track and Norman like a father figure to Judy, Catren and Frosty, as well as some cracking murder mystery plots. This one is no exception, with many twists and surprises right up to the end, and I really do hope this is not the end!
I adore this series, full of warmth and humour amongst the excellent and very capable team members, with DI Southall keeping them all on track and Norman like a father figure to Judy, Catren and Frosty, as well as some cracking murder mystery plots. This one is no exception, with many twists and surprises right up to the end, and I really do hope this is not the end!
June 22, 2026
The Body in the Garden by P.F. Ford is a gripping mystery set in the fictional Welsh seaside town of Llangwelli. When a body wrapped in chains is discovered in the back garden of a nearby cottage, Detective Norman and his team are called in to investigate. What follows is an engaging and well-crafted murder mystery that kept me hooked throughout.
Although The Body in the Garden is the eighth book in the West Wales Murder Mysteries series, it is the first P.F. Ford novel I have read. I was pleased to find that the story worked perfectly well as a standalone. While there are references to a case from the previous book, they are handled in a way that provides enough context without causing confusion or making me feel as though I had missed essential information.
Ford writes murder mysteries exceptionally well. The characters feel authentic, the dialogue is natural, and the investigation unfolds at a satisfying pace. While the book is slower paced than some of the crime novels I usually read, the focus on the investigative process adds depth and realism to the story. There are still plenty of twists and turns along the way, which kept me fully invested in uncovering the truth.
This was an excellent introduction to P.F. Ford's work, and he has firmly earned a place on my auto-buy list. I look forward to reading more from this series and exploring his back catalogue.
Although The Body in the Garden is the eighth book in the West Wales Murder Mysteries series, it is the first P.F. Ford novel I have read. I was pleased to find that the story worked perfectly well as a standalone. While there are references to a case from the previous book, they are handled in a way that provides enough context without causing confusion or making me feel as though I had missed essential information.
Ford writes murder mysteries exceptionally well. The characters feel authentic, the dialogue is natural, and the investigation unfolds at a satisfying pace. While the book is slower paced than some of the crime novels I usually read, the focus on the investigative process adds depth and realism to the story. There are still plenty of twists and turns along the way, which kept me fully invested in uncovering the truth.
This was an excellent introduction to P.F. Ford's work, and he has firmly earned a place on my auto-buy list. I look forward to reading more from this series and exploring his back catalogue.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Two mothers, two murders. Two confessions.
DS Norman and his beloved team are back with yet another gripping case, investigating the death of a man found wrapped in chains in his garden.
This intriguing mystery could link (get it?) with their previous case, though thankfully there is no sign of Evans, the weakest link!
As the investigation deepens, the burning question remains: is this connected to the murder of Majhul?
At the heart of this book is the familiar, comforting team dynamic. Under Norman’s mentorship, this group has transformed from a bunch of misfits into a high performing team and a true force to be reckoned with. Their forged bonds shine brightly throughout the story.
With the determination readers have come to know and love, this loyal team wades through a myriad of potential suspects. They tackle buried secrets and fractured families, refusing to leave any lead uninvestigated. Their sheer refusal to give up makes for a fantastic read, culminating in an emotional, heartbreaking case that will stay with them all for some time.
Be sure to get the hankies ready for the final chapter because you will need them.
My thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for an early copy. This is my own opinion.
DS Norman and his beloved team are back with yet another gripping case, investigating the death of a man found wrapped in chains in his garden.
This intriguing mystery could link (get it?) with their previous case, though thankfully there is no sign of Evans, the weakest link!
As the investigation deepens, the burning question remains: is this connected to the murder of Majhul?
At the heart of this book is the familiar, comforting team dynamic. Under Norman’s mentorship, this group has transformed from a bunch of misfits into a high performing team and a true force to be reckoned with. Their forged bonds shine brightly throughout the story.
With the determination readers have come to know and love, this loyal team wades through a myriad of potential suspects. They tackle buried secrets and fractured families, refusing to leave any lead uninvestigated. Their sheer refusal to give up makes for a fantastic read, culminating in an emotional, heartbreaking case that will stay with them all for some time.
Be sure to get the hankies ready for the final chapter because you will need them.
My thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for an early copy. This is my own opinion.
June 23, 2026
This was my first introduction to Detective Norman and the West Wales Murder Mysteries, and I can see why the series has built up such a loyal following. I’d heard great things about the books beforehand - and it didn’t disappoint.
The story opens with a fascinating murder case and quickly expands into a complex investigation involving multiple deaths and a missing person. Detective Norman is a likeable guy, and I enjoyed following him as he worked through the clues. He oddly reminded me a little of Columbo (IYKYK) I grew up obsessed with watching him and this felt equally as comforting.
One of the things I liked most was the Welsh seaside setting, which gave the story plenty of atmosphere. The characters felt warm and believable, and although this is the eighth standalone book in the series, I never felt lost as a new reader. It’s easy to see why readers have become attached to Detective Norman.
The pacing dipped slightly in places for me but overall I found it to be an engaging mystery with a satisfying conclusion. This really was a strong introduction to the series for me, and I’ll definitely be looking at some of Detective Norman’s earlier cases.
June 18, 2026
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
This is part of the West Wales murder mystery series. The police are investigating the disappearance of Sam, but when a body is discovered, the victim is someone entirely different. Who was the dead man, and what happened to him? Does his death have any connection with Sam's disappearance? Detective Norman and his team need to find out the truth.
From the first page, this book drew me in and kept me guessing. The author presented the characters in an interesting way that made me want to know more about them, and they also came across as relatable. I enjoyed the Wales setting which felt like an escape, and I found the story kept on surprising me. I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but I felt this worked well as a standalone, as I didn't feel like I'd missed anything. It was easy to read in one sitting too.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is part of the West Wales murder mystery series. The police are investigating the disappearance of Sam, but when a body is discovered, the victim is someone entirely different. Who was the dead man, and what happened to him? Does his death have any connection with Sam's disappearance? Detective Norman and his team need to find out the truth.
From the first page, this book drew me in and kept me guessing. The author presented the characters in an interesting way that made me want to know more about them, and they also came across as relatable. I enjoyed the Wales setting which felt like an escape, and I found the story kept on surprising me. I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, but I felt this worked well as a standalone, as I didn't feel like I'd missed anything. It was easy to read in one sitting too.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
June 18, 2026
This is book eight in the West Wales Murder Mysteries and is easily read as a standalone.
A easy read with surprisingly complicated plot. DS Norman’s team are faced with a
strange conundrum when a body is discovered wrapped in chains! The victim is found
by a delivery driver who strangely drops the package and flees the scene. Is he guilty or
just shocked? He moves to top of the suspect list when his van is found dumped and it
looks like he’s on the run.
Events begin to tie this latest killing in with an old case involving a mystery woman who’s
body was found in a shallow grave. She was called Majhul by Norman’s team, which
means unknown in Arabic and as mark of respect rather than the tag unknown. Majhul
was suspected of being the victim of modern day slave trade and people trafficking.
The exciting mystery unravels and Norman’s crew continue to develop into a formidable
team but they remain under the threat disbandment as the little Welsh Police Station
faces closure
A easy read with surprisingly complicated plot. DS Norman’s team are faced with a
strange conundrum when a body is discovered wrapped in chains! The victim is found
by a delivery driver who strangely drops the package and flees the scene. Is he guilty or
just shocked? He moves to top of the suspect list when his van is found dumped and it
looks like he’s on the run.
Events begin to tie this latest killing in with an old case involving a mystery woman who’s
body was found in a shallow grave. She was called Majhul by Norman’s team, which
means unknown in Arabic and as mark of respect rather than the tag unknown. Majhul
was suspected of being the victim of modern day slave trade and people trafficking.
The exciting mystery unravels and Norman’s crew continue to develop into a formidable
team but they remain under the threat disbandment as the little Welsh Police Station
faces closure
June 23, 2026
I love the name of the main character "Norman, Norman, so good they named him twice!". Should have named my son Simon Simon or even Robert Robert then. Moving swiftly on the said Norman is back out of retirement helping train new recruits at the police station when they get a call to say that an elderly man has been found in his garden wrapped in a heavy chain, sitting at a table with a nice glass of red wine next to him and a receipt for a chinese takeaway, but no chinese takeaway is there, the villain probably ate it.
The plot moves along a little slowly but I do like the storyline, the man in question is not a good man and there are a lot of things in his life which were not good either. However finding out just who killed him and then who killed almost a family and friends, is a complete mystery to the police. It doesn't move that swiftly along but it does give you time to saviour all the characters and their lifestories and adds a bit of mystery to the "why" them scenario. The story was a tad sad though.
The plot moves along a little slowly but I do like the storyline, the man in question is not a good man and there are a lot of things in his life which were not good either. However finding out just who killed him and then who killed almost a family and friends, is a complete mystery to the police. It doesn't move that swiftly along but it does give you time to saviour all the characters and their lifestories and adds a bit of mystery to the "why" them scenario. The story was a tad sad though.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4* Part of series but may be read as a stand-alone.
Effortless reading with a satisfactory end.
Llangwelli police station continues to be under threat of closure, should this happen the team will be disbanded and transferred to Regional Headquarters.
A complicated plot involving a murder victim discovered wrapped up in chains, a missing person, people trafficking and another body. Evidence slowly emerges that these cases might be connected. DS Norman's team are working overtime to join the clues together before the universally disliked Acting Superintendent Evans appears, takes over the case and closes the station permanently.
If you can swallow the massive coincidences (and why not) the book is a good read. Sadly, it sounds as if the series is coming to an end and Norman will take retirement for the second and final time.
With thanks to Joffe Books and the author for the ARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
Effortless reading with a satisfactory end.
Llangwelli police station continues to be under threat of closure, should this happen the team will be disbanded and transferred to Regional Headquarters.
A complicated plot involving a murder victim discovered wrapped up in chains, a missing person, people trafficking and another body. Evidence slowly emerges that these cases might be connected. DS Norman's team are working overtime to join the clues together before the universally disliked Acting Superintendent Evans appears, takes over the case and closes the station permanently.
If you can swallow the massive coincidences (and why not) the book is a good read. Sadly, it sounds as if the series is coming to an end and Norman will take retirement for the second and final time.
With thanks to Joffe Books and the author for the ARC, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
June 22, 2026
A police procedural/slow-burn.
This is quite misleading in the way it's set up. You can't help but think that Sam has something to hide. He has but it's not as obvious and it takes some unpacking to get to the bottom of his motives. It's actually quite sad where he's concerned and the police investigation does explain his history.
Emmy is also a sad character but for different reasons. She has no say in what she's muddled up in. It's not easy for her to have to deal with some family secrets that just keep coming.
We have three bodies in this and a bigger crime syndicate linked to it all. You can understand the first body and why things ended the way they did. However, it's much more complicated and you don't fully know who's pulling the strings. Sheila and Lyn are mixed up in it and you learn their history, showing further complexity in everything that transpires. The police have their work cut out for them!
This is quite misleading in the way it's set up. You can't help but think that Sam has something to hide. He has but it's not as obvious and it takes some unpacking to get to the bottom of his motives. It's actually quite sad where he's concerned and the police investigation does explain his history.
Emmy is also a sad character but for different reasons. She has no say in what she's muddled up in. It's not easy for her to have to deal with some family secrets that just keep coming.
We have three bodies in this and a bigger crime syndicate linked to it all. You can understand the first body and why things ended the way they did. However, it's much more complicated and you don't fully know who's pulling the strings. Sheila and Lyn are mixed up in it and you learn their history, showing further complexity in everything that transpires. The police have their work cut out for them!
June 18, 2026
I have read several books in the series and this is among the best. You can read it as a standalone although there are a few references to previous stories, especially the murder of Madjul.As usual we have a complicated plot starting with a body found wrapped in chains , sitting in a chair in the garden. To complicate matters there is a glass of red wine and a Chinese takeaway. More twists and turns- and more murders - follow as the plot becomes ever more complicated. The detective team is made up of slightly quirky characters but Sarah and Norman have found the best in them. Who could not love a detective called Norman Norman?! I really enjoyed this mystery- thank you Joffe books- but as each of the team reach a turning point in their careers at the end, I am worried that this might be the last in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A family implodes.
Anger adventure from the Llangwelli team of detectives in Peter Ford's West Wales Mystery series. This book has strong links to the previous book in that series. A body is found in a garden, hence the title and the team investigate, and then another body, of a person of interest Iis found in an hotel. Unexpected family ties are uncovered, and the case becomes more complicated. As usual with this author, and particularly in this series, the pace is intense. I find it amazing how the author covers so much ground in so few pages.
There's a lot of tying up of loose ends at the conclusion of the book which suggests that this may well be the last one in the series. However, maybe some of the characters will reappear elsewhere. I hope so.
Anger adventure from the Llangwelli team of detectives in Peter Ford's West Wales Mystery series. This book has strong links to the previous book in that series. A body is found in a garden, hence the title and the team investigate, and then another body, of a person of interest Iis found in an hotel. Unexpected family ties are uncovered, and the case becomes more complicated. As usual with this author, and particularly in this series, the pace is intense. I find it amazing how the author covers so much ground in so few pages.
There's a lot of tying up of loose ends at the conclusion of the book which suggests that this may well be the last one in the series. However, maybe some of the characters will reappear elsewhere. I hope so.
June 19, 2026
This seems like it will be the last book in this series and I wish there were going to be more! A lot of times book series just get more predictable over time, but this one has actually gotten better and better as the characters and their relationships have developed. This also had multiple mysteries including more information about an unresolved issue from a previous book. It was all well laid out and honestly very hard to predict. It also felt like it was clear how well the team worked together to investigate and put all the pieces together.
Rounding up from 3.5 stars as while everything came together, it seemed like too many coincidences all at once.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rounding up from 3.5 stars as while everything came together, it seemed like too many coincidences all at once.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a terrific series and this is another riveting read. The discovery of a body in the victim's garden has Sarah and Norm on the case and things escalate when a delivery driver goes missing, with his last dropoff destination being the home of the victim. Things become more baffling when another body is found.
There's a link here to events in the prior book so although this can be read by itself, it does help if you have read the other book. I loved the separate threads here and how they gradually become linked. I also loved the personal side of things and how everyone seems to be at a turning point in their personal lives and careers. I loved the way it ended.
There's a link here to events in the prior book so although this can be read by itself, it does help if you have read the other book. I loved the separate threads here and how they gradually become linked. I also loved the personal side of things and how everyone seems to be at a turning point in their personal lives and careers. I loved the way it ended.
June 18, 2026
PF Ford is an author I was trying out and I wasn't disappointed. I have since started to consider other books/ series to read. That must say something.
This small team, in a smaller village in Wales are very engaging. The murder mystery had its fair share of twists and turns, but, for me its the way
Detective Norman with his down-to-earth approach, his attempts to fit in with the locals (and their pronunciations) and his mentoring of this small team that benefits from being mentored rather than side-lined is also quite uplifting.
This is four out of five for me on the enjoyment scale.
My thanks to Netgalley, Joffe Publisher and the author for my copy. The opinions are my own
This small team, in a smaller village in Wales are very engaging. The murder mystery had its fair share of twists and turns, but, for me its the way
Detective Norman with his down-to-earth approach, his attempts to fit in with the locals (and their pronunciations) and his mentoring of this small team that benefits from being mentored rather than side-lined is also quite uplifting.
This is four out of five for me on the enjoyment scale.
My thanks to Netgalley, Joffe Publisher and the author for my copy. The opinions are my own
June 18, 2026
The Llangwelli detectives have their work cut out for them this time. The body of an elderly man found in his back garden and a missing delivery driver. Then the wife of a prominent local businessman goes missing. Sarah, Norman and the team work together to unravel this mystery, which is actually a follow on from the previous book. Although it can be read as a standalone, as some back story is provided, I think it would be easier to follow for readers familiar with the previous book. I have read the whole series, and it is definitely worth reading. I recommend them all.
June 18, 2026
Gripping
When young delivery driver goes missing the police visit his last known drop off point only to find a dead body in the garden. It is not Sam, but the elderly owner of the cottage, so could Sam have been involved in his death, and if so, where is he now? The investigation leads DI Sarah Southall and her small team back to a previous case where the still unidentified body of a young girl was found partly buried in the forest, forged documents and possible people smuggling. There is plenty going on in this book and I was gripped all the way through.
When young delivery driver goes missing the police visit his last known drop off point only to find a dead body in the garden. It is not Sam, but the elderly owner of the cottage, so could Sam have been involved in his death, and if so, where is he now? The investigation leads DI Sarah Southall and her small team back to a previous case where the still unidentified body of a young girl was found partly buried in the forest, forged documents and possible people smuggling. There is plenty going on in this book and I was gripped all the way through.
June 18, 2026
Although this is book 8 in The West Wales Murder Mysteries, it could be read as a standalone. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books in the series.
It's one of those books that captures you from start to finish. In a very well written great storyline and plot.
It has likeable and interesting characters, especially Norman, my favourite. It keeps you guessing with the revelations and twists.
The author's descriptive and writing is wonderful, and the words just flow from page to page.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
It's one of those books that captures you from start to finish. In a very well written great storyline and plot.
It has likeable and interesting characters, especially Norman, my favourite. It keeps you guessing with the revelations and twists.
The author's descriptive and writing is wonderful, and the words just flow from page to page.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
June 19, 2026
The latest adventure with Norman Norman Norman and his West Wales colleagues. It involves the body of a man found in a garden. This investigation turns out to be anything but simple. Mixed in with that are the personal lives of the team. A cohesive group of characters with some returning characters from the past who all have faults emotions tested to the limit. An entertaining read which tests out emotions as readers. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read this book.
With thanks to the author and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read this book.
June 24, 2026
This is the eighth book in the West Wales Murder Mysteries series, and is a direct sequel to the previous one, A Body in the Forest, but it can also be read as a standalone.
The plot lines moved along quickly and it was easy to follow the several strands and the way they were inter related.
The characters making up the police team were again attractive, especially Detective Norman, and although many elements were not easy to read about, it represented a very satisfactory conclusion to the immediately previous story.
The plot lines moved along quickly and it was easy to follow the several strands and the way they were inter related.
The characters making up the police team were again attractive, especially Detective Norman, and although many elements were not easy to read about, it represented a very satisfactory conclusion to the immediately previous story.
June 19, 2026
A Nice Ending to A Great Series!
A convoluted story with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. The wrapping up of loose ends from the previous book. Hidden agendas, all out lies, half truths and weird confessions. This book had it all and more. Angst, dealing with the pending closure of their police station and disbursement of their team all while trying to solve two murders. But a fitting end to a great series.
A convoluted story with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. The wrapping up of loose ends from the previous book. Hidden agendas, all out lies, half truths and weird confessions. This book had it all and more. Angst, dealing with the pending closure of their police station and disbursement of their team all while trying to solve two murders. But a fitting end to a great series.
June 21, 2026
4.5 Stars
A fitting and satisfying end to a great murder mystery series and a wonderful sendoff for a well-written cast of characters, this one is book 8 in the West Wales Murder Mysteries. The story is captivating and heart wrenching, the police procedural is fast-faced, and the author manages to successfully close out the cohesive and balanced team's time together (at least in this capacity). looking forward to any future spinoffs.
Joffe Books Review Copy
A fitting and satisfying end to a great murder mystery series and a wonderful sendoff for a well-written cast of characters, this one is book 8 in the West Wales Murder Mysteries. The story is captivating and heart wrenching, the police procedural is fast-faced, and the author manages to successfully close out the cohesive and balanced team's time together (at least in this capacity). looking forward to any future spinoffs.
Joffe Books Review Copy
June 23, 2026
I love this series and book 8 is another corker, a body in the garden, missing people, murder - yes please I was gripped.
A fast paced crime thriller where you just know something else is happening but then again you have no clue as to how these things are connected.
Lots of surprises and twists make for a great read but also the characters we’ve got to know through these books and their lives play out through the stories.
A fast paced crime thriller where you just know something else is happening but then again you have no clue as to how these things are connected.
Lots of surprises and twists make for a great read but also the characters we’ve got to know through these books and their lives play out through the stories.
June 18, 2026
The Welsh team is called out to the scene of a murder. An elderly man is found in his back garden wrapped in chains. Gang hit? The victim was a known forger, but there seems to be some more to this case. A long ago assault, a baby put up for adoption, human trafficking—this case involves far more than one dead man, and Norman and the team are determined to get to the bottom of it.
June 29, 2026
What I like about this series is the character development of the team at the small Welsh police station in Llangwelli . The author provides a great police procedural with interesting characters, a twisty plot all in a beautiful setting. But the team is faced with an uncertain future and the closure of their station.
June 18, 2026
A Body in the garden. Norman and the team get their teeth into a new case when a body is found. Not a straight forward case but things get more complicated when links to an old case become apparent. Latest in the West Wales Murder Mysteries.
Review of advance copy
3.5* Much improved writing and editing.
This follows on from A Body In The Forest, and you do need to read the predecessor so as not to be lost in this tale. Someone at Joffe has been hard at work weeding out all the editing issues and making a smoother read, so this was much easier to get into.
Some of the writing still isn't the clearest, such as why a character was expecting Samantha and didn't query why instead they were meeting Sam, a different person, nor why Sam took food to meet said person. Those bits were never explained.
The tale was in parts sad and in parts, shocking. Poor Sam. Poor Emmi. Poor dad. Poor mum. And some of the crimes were a bit farfetched for rural Wales, but you hsve to go with the flow. The trafficking storyline faded out a bit too conveniently, I suspect because there's no way to really bring that to a satisfactory conclusion where justice is done, but I rolled my eyes and went on.
Is this the end of the line for the series? I think it's probably book 8 of at most, 10. Book 9 will see some sweet partings and events. And sadness, as well, as a currently paired couple may not be able to last the long-distance thing. Not sure a book 10 will be needed, but it feels odd to end a series st book 9.
This follows on from A Body In The Forest, and you do need to read the predecessor so as not to be lost in this tale. Someone at Joffe has been hard at work weeding out all the editing issues and making a smoother read, so this was much easier to get into.
Some of the writing still isn't the clearest, such as why a character was expecting Samantha and didn't query why instead they were meeting Sam, a different person, nor why Sam took food to meet said person. Those bits were never explained.
The tale was in parts sad and in parts, shocking. Poor Sam. Poor Emmi. Poor dad. Poor mum. And some of the crimes were a bit farfetched for rural Wales, but you hsve to go with the flow. The trafficking storyline faded out a bit too conveniently, I suspect because there's no way to really bring that to a satisfactory conclusion where justice is done, but I rolled my eyes and went on.
Is this the end of the line for the series? I think it's probably book 8 of at most, 10. Book 9 will see some sweet partings and events. And sadness, as well, as a currently paired couple may not be able to last the long-distance thing. Not sure a book 10 will be needed, but it feels odd to end a series st book 9.
June 24, 2026
A Body in the Garden and saying goodbye
A terrific ending; a fascinating case bringing past events in a previous case to a satisfying conclusion and saying goodbye to characters we’ve come to love and enjoy with the hope that just maybe we’ll encounter them again!
A terrific ending; a fascinating case bringing past events in a previous case to a satisfying conclusion and saying goodbye to characters we’ve come to love and enjoy with the hope that just maybe we’ll encounter them again!
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