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Detective Nicola Bridge #2
The Parkwood Murders
Detective Nicola Bridge returns in the thrilling new novel from Chris Chibnall, creator of Broadchurch and showrunner of Seven Dials, and Sunday Times bestselling author of Death at the White Hart
For its many repeat customers, Parkwood Holiday Village is a haven – idyllic woodland, a tranquil lake, customer service on tap around the clock.
For Detective Nicola Bridge, it’s a crime scene.
When a body is discovered early one morning, Nicola is faced with an investigation like no hundreds of potential suspects, but seemingly no witnesses.
As she digs into the reality that lies behind Parkwood’s serene façade, she meets the exhausted staff whose hard work keeps the guests happy. It soon turns out that they are her best sources – after all, who pays attention to what they let slip in front of the lifeguards, cleaners and babysitters that make a holiday seamless?
But when the victim’s identity is revealed, Nicola realises that this might not be a one-off crime of passion.
There’s a killer lurking somewhere in these woods…
For its many repeat customers, Parkwood Holiday Village is a haven – idyllic woodland, a tranquil lake, customer service on tap around the clock.
For Detective Nicola Bridge, it’s a crime scene.
When a body is discovered early one morning, Nicola is faced with an investigation like no hundreds of potential suspects, but seemingly no witnesses.
As she digs into the reality that lies behind Parkwood’s serene façade, she meets the exhausted staff whose hard work keeps the guests happy. It soon turns out that they are her best sources – after all, who pays attention to what they let slip in front of the lifeguards, cleaners and babysitters that make a holiday seamless?
But when the victim’s identity is revealed, Nicola realises that this might not be a one-off crime of passion.
There’s a killer lurking somewhere in these woods…
Hardcover
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Chris Chibnall
19 books210 followersChris Chibnall is the bestselling author of Death at the White Hart. He is also a BAFTA, Royal Television Society, Broadcasting Press Guild and Peabody award-winning screenwriter, producer and playwright whose screen work includes Broadchurch, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials and Doctor Who. He has honorary doctorates from Edge Hill University and Sheffield Hallam University. Chibnall lives in West Dorset, England.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 6, 2026
This was so good! It was like watching TV in the way it unfolded so effortlessly. I was absolutely gripped. The author Chris Chibnall is the guy who wrote the TV series Broadchurch and if you enjoyed that series you’ll enjoy this too because it has a very similar feel.
It’s a straightforward police procedural, but one that’s been done very well, which is rarer than it should be. The detectives are super likeable, everyone’s got a secret, the investigation develops logically and I’ll be impressed if you can pick the outcome (I didn’t).
While it’s a sequel to Death at the White Hart, you don’t have to have read that first. But please do read it if you haven’t, because it was also excellent.
It’s a straightforward police procedural, but one that’s been done very well, which is rarer than it should be. The detectives are super likeable, everyone’s got a secret, the investigation develops logically and I’ll be impressed if you can pick the outcome (I didn’t).
While it’s a sequel to Death at the White Hart, you don’t have to have read that first. But please do read it if you haven’t, because it was also excellent.
August 13, 2026
3.75 / 5.0
Not a bad second book, it’s an interesting simple plot mixed well with twists and turns. It’s been a while since I’ve read a proper police procedural book, with solid character development and a good balance between personal and professional commitment. The execution of this book is spot on, there isn’t any specific flaws, I think I found the book bland. Maybe it’s just the routine procedures and everyday investigation that it at points the book is bland, but it is short lived.
Parkwood Holiday Village in west forest is a haven - an idyllic woodland, a tranquil lake and customer service around the clock. Until just before the dawn, the day after midsummer a body is found in the resorts swimming pool. Detective Nicola bridge, exhausted from late nights worrying about her son faces a challenging task. But as she speaks to the guest and staff, she soon uncovers an interconnected web of secrets and lies. Was the killer a guest who lied to his whereabouts that night? Was the killer an arrogant high ropes instructor who’s unable to explain his recent scars? Or is it the new resort manager, an imprecisely put together women with a very big secret? With hundreds of restless guests and staff on site, Nicola knows the clock is ticking to find the killer before they disappear for good, before they strike again??
Overall it’s not a bad book, it’s a gear book to get stuck into. Interested to see what the next instalment shall be.
Not a bad second book, it’s an interesting simple plot mixed well with twists and turns. It’s been a while since I’ve read a proper police procedural book, with solid character development and a good balance between personal and professional commitment. The execution of this book is spot on, there isn’t any specific flaws, I think I found the book bland. Maybe it’s just the routine procedures and everyday investigation that it at points the book is bland, but it is short lived.
Parkwood Holiday Village in west forest is a haven - an idyllic woodland, a tranquil lake and customer service around the clock. Until just before the dawn, the day after midsummer a body is found in the resorts swimming pool. Detective Nicola bridge, exhausted from late nights worrying about her son faces a challenging task. But as she speaks to the guest and staff, she soon uncovers an interconnected web of secrets and lies. Was the killer a guest who lied to his whereabouts that night? Was the killer an arrogant high ropes instructor who’s unable to explain his recent scars? Or is it the new resort manager, an imprecisely put together women with a very big secret? With hundreds of restless guests and staff on site, Nicola knows the clock is ticking to find the killer before they disappear for good, before they strike again??
Overall it’s not a bad book, it’s a gear book to get stuck into. Interested to see what the next instalment shall be.
August 8, 2026
Really enjoyed this one.
July 25, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, which I gave 4 stars, but this second installment was even better.
Returning to these characters felt like catching up with old friends, and the author did a fantastic job deepening their dynamics and upping the stakes. The pacing kept me hooked from the very beginning, and I found myself even more invested in their journey this time around. I genuinely hope this isn't the end for this group; I would love to see more of these characters in future books!
If Goodreads allowed half-star ratings, this would be a 4.5-star read for me. I'm rounding to a strong 4 stars and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
Returning to these characters felt like catching up with old friends, and the author did a fantastic job deepening their dynamics and upping the stakes. The pacing kept me hooked from the very beginning, and I found myself even more invested in their journey this time around. I genuinely hope this isn't the end for this group; I would love to see more of these characters in future books!
If Goodreads allowed half-star ratings, this would be a 4.5-star read for me. I'm rounding to a strong 4 stars and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2026
This is a fantastic summer read! A police procedural featuring returning Detective Nicola Bridge set at an idyllic family summer resort that boasts hiking and biking trails, rope and zip line courses and an indoor water park. An ideal family vacation spot until a dead body is found in the pool and the police sequester all of the staff and guests. Trying to solve the crime before an angry mob erupts, Nicola is burdened with more than just the one murder as she tries to decide if the death is connected to another mysterious occurrence at the same resort five years ago. A fast paced thriller that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. While this is the second in the series it is not necessary to read the first to enjoy this one and no spoilers are included so if you like this book go back to the first in the series. Highly recommend.
Nicola and Harry are investigating the death of a man in the pool who records show was a single guest. An odd thing having a single male guest but soon they realize that he is not a stranger to the staff because he used to be the manager of the resort until five years ago. Current manager Lindsey says that he was banned after a female guest went missing from the resort and he was considered a suspect by the police. Why was he at the resort on the five year anniversary of the woman's disappearance? And who let him in? The ropes course manager Lee is a suspect because he let him in and allowed him to use an empty cabin. He also ran after hours parties for the guests that included illegal drugs in the pool complex. So he or any of the attendees had an opportunity to kill the ex-manager. The missing woman's mother Val is also on site, visiting on the anniversary each year in hopes of finding out what happened to her daughter. Could she have killed him? The knife that was used in the murder was missing from her cabin so she is a suspect but it is unlikely that she would have been able to hide the murder weapon in a tree on the ropes course. When the dead man's phone is found in Lee's locker, the police think that they have their man but Nicola isn't so sure. She figures out that many of the clues they received, including the missing knife and the dead man staying in an unused cabin, came from Alice. Reviewing security camera video, Nicola finds video of Alice sneaking into the resort that night and knows that she is responsible for the killing. Alice was trying to protect the resort and Lindsey. The ex-manager was there to expose the resort for their lax security and was going to get Lee and Lindsey fired for sleeping together. He was on a scorched earth mission, still bitter about his firing and Alice wanted to stop him in order to protect her friend Lindsey and the jobs of all of the locals. In personal news, Nicola and her husband are still trying to save their marriage after his cheating and their son Ethan is acting out, angry that Nicola took him back after he humiliated her. Ethan is arrested on drug possession but let off with a warning. I suspect that this will be a continuing storyline. This was a good mystery that kept be guessing right up until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series!
Nicola and Harry are investigating the death of a man in the pool who records show was a single guest. An odd thing having a single male guest but soon they realize that he is not a stranger to the staff because he used to be the manager of the resort until five years ago. Current manager Lindsey says that he was banned after a female guest went missing from the resort and he was considered a suspect by the police. Why was he at the resort on the five year anniversary of the woman's disappearance? And who let him in? The ropes course manager Lee is a suspect because he let him in and allowed him to use an empty cabin. He also ran after hours parties for the guests that included illegal drugs in the pool complex. So he or any of the attendees had an opportunity to kill the ex-manager. The missing woman's mother Val is also on site, visiting on the anniversary each year in hopes of finding out what happened to her daughter. Could she have killed him? The knife that was used in the murder was missing from her cabin so she is a suspect but it is unlikely that she would have been able to hide the murder weapon in a tree on the ropes course. When the dead man's phone is found in Lee's locker, the police think that they have their man but Nicola isn't so sure. She figures out that many of the clues they received, including the missing knife and the dead man staying in an unused cabin, came from Alice. Reviewing security camera video, Nicola finds video of Alice sneaking into the resort that night and knows that she is responsible for the killing. Alice was trying to protect the resort and Lindsey. The ex-manager was there to expose the resort for their lax security and was going to get Lee and Lindsey fired for sleeping together. He was on a scorched earth mission, still bitter about his firing and Alice wanted to stop him in order to protect her friend Lindsey and the jobs of all of the locals. In personal news, Nicola and her husband are still trying to save their marriage after his cheating and their son Ethan is acting out, angry that Nicola took him back after he humiliated her. Ethan is arrested on drug possession but let off with a warning. I suspect that this will be a continuing storyline. This was a good mystery that kept be guessing right up until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
Four stars.
This is a solid police procedural and great follow up to Death at the White Hart. I enjoyed it a lot.
A body is discovered in the swimming pool at Parkwood resort, a holiday park in the woods. With over four hundred guests and staff, Detective Sergeant Nicola Bridge and her team have an uphill job to identify the victim and perpetrator.
It’s great to see the return of this team. Nicola remains strong and determined. Harry and Mel are very different and interesting characters, and the trio make a fine group as they are forced to spend more time together than usual to get to the bottom of things.
The setting here of a remote(ish) holiday park is unusual. I don't think I’ve seen it used before, and it's a great location to choose. It really adds to the atmosphere; everyone is in it together and nobody can leave until it's solved. The plot follows a fairly conventional template for police procedurals, with the usual clues, lies and misdirections. It might have benefited from a few additional twists, but to be fair, I didn't guess the ending at all, so it did its job.
The writing is excellent, as you'd expect from an experienced writer like Chris Chibnall. It's very readable, and the story is easy to follow. With such a large potential cast of suspects, he does a great job of keeping the story focused on a manageable number of characters.
I recommend this book for an enjoyable read if you like police procedurals that aren't too dark or gritty. It is fully standalone as a story, with no spoilers from the previous book.
You might like this if you like Stephen Booth, Lynne McEwan, Ann Cleeves or Richard Coles.
#Bookstagram #BookReview #CrimeFiction #MurderMysteryBooks #theparkwoodmurders
This is a solid police procedural and great follow up to Death at the White Hart. I enjoyed it a lot.
A body is discovered in the swimming pool at Parkwood resort, a holiday park in the woods. With over four hundred guests and staff, Detective Sergeant Nicola Bridge and her team have an uphill job to identify the victim and perpetrator.
It’s great to see the return of this team. Nicola remains strong and determined. Harry and Mel are very different and interesting characters, and the trio make a fine group as they are forced to spend more time together than usual to get to the bottom of things.
The setting here of a remote(ish) holiday park is unusual. I don't think I’ve seen it used before, and it's a great location to choose. It really adds to the atmosphere; everyone is in it together and nobody can leave until it's solved. The plot follows a fairly conventional template for police procedurals, with the usual clues, lies and misdirections. It might have benefited from a few additional twists, but to be fair, I didn't guess the ending at all, so it did its job.
The writing is excellent, as you'd expect from an experienced writer like Chris Chibnall. It's very readable, and the story is easy to follow. With such a large potential cast of suspects, he does a great job of keeping the story focused on a manageable number of characters.
I recommend this book for an enjoyable read if you like police procedurals that aren't too dark or gritty. It is fully standalone as a story, with no spoilers from the previous book.
You might like this if you like Stephen Booth, Lynne McEwan, Ann Cleeves or Richard Coles.
#Bookstagram #BookReview #CrimeFiction #MurderMysteryBooks #theparkwoodmurders
Review of advance copy
Just when an idyllic holiday resort promises family fun, relaxation, and escape, chaos erupts with the discovery of a body floating in the swimming pool. As suspicion falls across both guests and staff, links to a disappearance dating back to 2021 begin to resurface, transforming a picturesque setting into the backdrop for a tightly woven murder mystery.
Readers familiar with Chris Chibnall’s previous novels, or indeed much of his television work, will recognise many of his trademarks. This is a twist-filled crime thriller built around a compelling central mystery, populated by believable characters and supported by consistently polished writing. The story moves at an enjoyable pace, steadily revealing new layers without ever becoming confusing.
Where the novel falls slightly short is in its overall impact. All the ingredients are present for an outstanding thriller, yet it never quite delivers the knockout punch that would make it truly unforgettable. The mystery remains engaging throughout, but it often feels as though the story is playing things a little too safely rather than taking the bolder risks its premise seems to invite.
That said, there is still plenty to admire. Chibnall once again demonstrates his ability to construct an intelligent and satisfying mystery, even if this particular outing does not quite reach the upper tier of the genre. A thoroughly enjoyable crime novel with strong foundations, but one that stops just short of becoming something truly exceptional.
Readers familiar with Chris Chibnall’s previous novels, or indeed much of his television work, will recognise many of his trademarks. This is a twist-filled crime thriller built around a compelling central mystery, populated by believable characters and supported by consistently polished writing. The story moves at an enjoyable pace, steadily revealing new layers without ever becoming confusing.
Where the novel falls slightly short is in its overall impact. All the ingredients are present for an outstanding thriller, yet it never quite delivers the knockout punch that would make it truly unforgettable. The mystery remains engaging throughout, but it often feels as though the story is playing things a little too safely rather than taking the bolder risks its premise seems to invite.
That said, there is still plenty to admire. Chibnall once again demonstrates his ability to construct an intelligent and satisfying mystery, even if this particular outing does not quite reach the upper tier of the genre. A thoroughly enjoyable crime novel with strong foundations, but one that stops just short of becoming something truly exceptional.
August 7, 2026
Chris Chibnall writes the tv series Broadchurch; his writing has that visual quality you might expect from a screenwriter. This is his second book; the first - Death at the White Hart - introduced the crime solving duo of Detective Nicola Bridge and her younger partner DC Harry Ward (nicknamed Westlife because of his boy band good looks).
I enjoy a crime series where the trajectory of the main characters is almost as intriguing as the crime. The quiet simmering of Nicola and Harry’s friendship adds a satisfying dimension. Chibnall also introduces a third DC - the bad tempered and often unintentionally humorous Mel Hardiman: “Mel surveyed his colleagues with weary annoyance, as if he had woken up expecting the worst and events had confirmed it.“
The crime takes place in a closed community - an expensive upmarket Holiday Village set in woodland where guests’ every waking moment is packed with activity. As a crime setting, it’s perfect. As Chibnall observes ‘You go on holiday to get away, but you can’t get away from yourself’. There’s the secretive drug user, the desperately unhappy ‘family’ man, the mother grieving the disappearance of her daughter, and the chap with his drone, bent on secretly filming every aspect of village activities.
This book was just what I felt like - engaging, not too taxing (and thankfully not more than a smidgin sad). And Mel the computer nerd, with his smelly feet, high carbs diet, and total lack of social skills is a constant delight. Never
I enjoy a crime series where the trajectory of the main characters is almost as intriguing as the crime. The quiet simmering of Nicola and Harry’s friendship adds a satisfying dimension. Chibnall also introduces a third DC - the bad tempered and often unintentionally humorous Mel Hardiman: “Mel surveyed his colleagues with weary annoyance, as if he had woken up expecting the worst and events had confirmed it.“
The crime takes place in a closed community - an expensive upmarket Holiday Village set in woodland where guests’ every waking moment is packed with activity. As a crime setting, it’s perfect. As Chibnall observes ‘You go on holiday to get away, but you can’t get away from yourself’. There’s the secretive drug user, the desperately unhappy ‘family’ man, the mother grieving the disappearance of her daughter, and the chap with his drone, bent on secretly filming every aspect of village activities.
This book was just what I felt like - engaging, not too taxing (and thankfully not more than a smidgin sad). And Mel the computer nerd, with his smelly feet, high carbs diet, and total lack of social skills is a constant delight. Never
August 15, 2026
The Parkwood Murders is Chris Chibnall's second novel and the follow up to Death At The White Hart. Once again follow Detective Nicola Bridges as she continues to try to rebuild her life with her husband having moved away from Liverpool to Dorset.
A body is found at Parkwood Holiday Village (think of a Centre Parks type place). Nicola and her team have the job of identifying the body and locating the killer which is more complicated with having so many temporary guests staying there as well as regular staff.
There are so many suspects, loads of well written characters who may well have reason for having committed the murder and of course nothing and no one is as they first appear.
Chibnall clearly is at home with this type of murder mystery. He recently adaptad one of Agatha Christe's novels "The Seven Dials" for Netflix and you can see his love for the genre.
A great reveal and a brilliant page turner. I'm only knocking off one star because although the plot of the mystery and characterisation is brilliant and leaves you guessing. There is little less subtlety in the way he puts big neon signposts as to how the relationships between certain characters will develop in future books in the series. That aside however a brilliant and captivating read.
A body is found at Parkwood Holiday Village (think of a Centre Parks type place). Nicola and her team have the job of identifying the body and locating the killer which is more complicated with having so many temporary guests staying there as well as regular staff.
There are so many suspects, loads of well written characters who may well have reason for having committed the murder and of course nothing and no one is as they first appear.
Chibnall clearly is at home with this type of murder mystery. He recently adaptad one of Agatha Christe's novels "The Seven Dials" for Netflix and you can see his love for the genre.
A great reveal and a brilliant page turner. I'm only knocking off one star because although the plot of the mystery and characterisation is brilliant and leaves you guessing. There is little less subtlety in the way he puts big neon signposts as to how the relationships between certain characters will develop in future books in the series. That aside however a brilliant and captivating read.
July 27, 2026
DS Nicola Bridge and DC Harry Ward return in the second book of the series to investigate a murder at a Holiday Resort in Dorset.
As mentioned in my review of Book 1, I love Nicola and Harry (I may actually be in love with Harry) but I was most happy to see more of DC Mel Hardiman, an officer who spends most of his time at his desk, being moody, complaining and just being irritated by any interaction with people (he is my type of guy)
These 3 characters really do make the book and I feel like I know them all so well!
The mystery was fantastically plotted and executed with short easy to ready chapters. It’s full of intrigue and suspense which keeps you guessing throughout
With over 400 possible suspects, the book could easily have got out of hand but it has been so cleverly written!
Just like the first book, I had my theories on who the culprit was, but once again, I was wrong!
A truly gripping read and I cannot wait to read future stories with these 3 characters!
As mentioned in my review of Book 1, I love Nicola and Harry (I may actually be in love with Harry) but I was most happy to see more of DC Mel Hardiman, an officer who spends most of his time at his desk, being moody, complaining and just being irritated by any interaction with people (he is my type of guy)
These 3 characters really do make the book and I feel like I know them all so well!
The mystery was fantastically plotted and executed with short easy to ready chapters. It’s full of intrigue and suspense which keeps you guessing throughout
With over 400 possible suspects, the book could easily have got out of hand but it has been so cleverly written!
Just like the first book, I had my theories on who the culprit was, but once again, I was wrong!
A truly gripping read and I cannot wait to read future stories with these 3 characters!
July 20, 2026
There’s nothing I love more than a grisly murder in an English village.
Nicola, Harry, and the rest of the team return in this second book of the series to investigate a murder in a resort. I’m such a fan of this series and of this team. The mystery was very engaging and I loved the multitude of perspectives which didn’t seem connected at first but I was so excited to see how they all came together with the solution at the end.
Also this team!! I love Nicola and I am so so actively hoping for her to finally divorce her husband! 🙂↕️🙂↕️ Max remains a cutie pie 🩷
I can’t wait to read more from this series! Thank you to the publisher for the arc!
Nicola, Harry, and the rest of the team return in this second book of the series to investigate a murder in a resort. I’m such a fan of this series and of this team. The mystery was very engaging and I loved the multitude of perspectives which didn’t seem connected at first but I was so excited to see how they all came together with the solution at the end.
Also this team!! I love Nicola and I am so so actively hoping for her to finally divorce her husband! 🙂↕️🙂↕️ Max remains a cutie pie 🩷
I can’t wait to read more from this series! Thank you to the publisher for the arc!
July 25, 2026
This author knows how to craft a well-paced yarn. This is the second in the DS Nicola Bridge/DC Harry Ward series. I loved the first book - "Death at the White Hart" - and was looking forward to reading the follow up. It did not disappoint. It's the definition of a page turner! Duty and exercise intervened, otherwise I would have read this book in one sitting. It has sensitive characterisation, a great plot, and an engaging writing style. Hugely recommended!
August 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.
This book is part 2 in the Nicola Bridge series. It was nice to have the familiarity of returned characters in a whole new setting. The story was engaging, confusing, and layered, which is something I really enjoy in a police procedural. I really like this author's work, both on and off screen, and I am looking forward to whatever he completes next.
3 1/2 stars
This book is part 2 in the Nicola Bridge series. It was nice to have the familiarity of returned characters in a whole new setting. The story was engaging, confusing, and layered, which is something I really enjoy in a police procedural. I really like this author's work, both on and off screen, and I am looking forward to whatever he completes next.
3 1/2 stars
July 20, 2026
5 plus stars couldn’t put this down. Highly recommended, right until the end I never guessed who’d done it.
Want to Read
July 25, 2026In order Bunbury
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
I love those two and their dynamic. The book is paced in a way that you just can’t stop reading. An absolute recommendation.
July 27, 2026
A cosy crime novel which was quite enjoyable. Plenty of twists and turns and a surprising ending. Chris Chibnall goes from strength to strength.
August 4, 2026
I enjoyed this follow-up even more than its predecessor. The investigating trio are on top form and the setting of a holiday park makes it feel all the more claustrophobic.
August 6, 2026
Perfect. Everything I always want Tana French books to be tbh but somehow they aren’t?
Review of advance copy
Good story. Easy to read. Good author
August 8, 2026
Brilliant, a good follow up to White Heart. Loved it.
August 9, 2026
I really liked the first book in this series, and I really loved this second installment. So much so that I’m looking forward to the third installment!!
August 12, 2026
Great read
Just had great had the first book, never would have guess who did it, do think the next holiday park I go to I will look at the staff different.next one please😊
Just had great had the first book, never would have guess who did it, do think the next holiday park I go to I will look at the staff different.next one please😊
August 13, 2026
Enjoyed it but figured out “who done it” by about half way through. It was an OK read.
August 15, 2026
Another great book by Chris Chibnall. Really enjoyed this murder mystery set on a holiday park not too dissimilar to Center Parcs.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews