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Detective Nicola Bridge #2
The Parkwood Murders
Win a free print copy of this book!
24 days and 20:07:08
25 copies available
U.S. only
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…
355 pages, Hardcover
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Chris Chibnall
18 books233 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 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 11, 2026
3,5 stars ✨️ ✨️ ✨️
While I did not like this one as much as the first this is still a good book.
Without giving any spoilers I can tell you it's a good study in the ripple effects of selfishness and everyday desperation.
While not as much of a cold case as it could have been this whole plot hingled on the something that happened years ago and cast a lifelong shadow.
As to the characters there was some growth but not as much as I would like and there is a personal element to one of these relationships of which I can only hope it does not happen because that would seriously ruin it for me. And so only 3,5 stars.
While I did not like this one as much as the first this is still a good book.
Without giving any spoilers I can tell you it's a good study in the ripple effects of selfishness and everyday desperation.
While not as much of a cold case as it could have been this whole plot hingled on the something that happened years ago and cast a lifelong shadow.
As to the characters there was some growth but not as much as I would like and there is a personal element to one of these relationships of which I can only hope it does not happen because that would seriously ruin it for me. And so only 3,5 stars.
August 4, 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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a good little mystery.
I found myself very invested in our characters, one particular mystery that was more historic, and I enjoyed the who in our who-dunnit.
I will say that I wanted a touch more about the resort itself. While we definitely got some insight into how fabulous it was, I wanted to know more about it and really feel like I was there.
Overall an entertaining and fast read!
I found myself very invested in our characters, one particular mystery that was more historic, and I enjoyed the who in our who-dunnit.
I will say that I wanted a touch more about the resort itself. While we definitely got some insight into how fabulous it was, I wanted to know more about it and really feel like I was there.
Overall an entertaining and fast read!
August 22, 2026
Another great police procedural whodunnit from Chibnall, this time based around a body found in a pool at a holiday park. It hits the ground running and keeps the pace up, and there are a satisfying number of suspects and red herrings before the surprising but fair play denouement. The characterisation is very good; I particularly like Mel, the cynical older cop with smelly socks who is still very efficient at his job. The only thing that made me like it a little less than the first is that I'm a local Dorset boy, and the pseudo Centre Parks setting was a bit generic compared to the definite Bridport of last time.
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.
July 30, 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
October 5, 2026
Veronique las 'De parkwoodmoorden' geschreven door Chris Chibnall.
Haar mening lees je hieronder.⬇️
Parkwood Holiday Village lijkt de perfecte plek om te ontspannen. Tot er een lichaam wordt gevonden.
Rechercheur Nicola Bridge start haar onderzoek en ontdekt al snel dat achter de vrolijke vakantiefacade geheimen schuilgaan. Iedereen heeft iets te verbergen. En niemand vertelt het hele verhaal.
Terwijl de waarheid langzaam boven water komt, rijst één angstaanjagende vraag:
Wie is de moordenaar… en wie wordt het volgende slachtoffer?
Het verhaal begint met een welkomstbrief voor de gasten van Parkwood Dorset. Hierin worden ze welkom geheten en dit voelt echt als een goed begin van een vakantie.
In het eerste hoofdstuk wordt een lijk in het zwembad gevonden en dit zorgt er meteen voor dat de spanning voelbaar is.
Dit is het tweede deel in de Detective Nicola Bridge-serie, maar dit is heel goed losstaand te lezen. Het eerste deel 'Het witte hert' las ik zo'n anderhalf jaar geleden, maar door de grote hoeveelheid boeken die ik lees, wist ik niet goed meer waar het boek over ging. Maar ik had nergens het gevoel dat ik iets miste.
De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en vooral over hoofdpersonage Nicola Bridge kom je meer te weten, doordat er ook ruimte is voor haar priveleven en de problemen die er spelen. Er zijn een hoop gasten op het park waar iets niet mee klopt en hierdoor had ik een hoop verdachten op het oog. Dit is echt een thriller waar je zelf mee kunt puzzelen om uit te vinden wie de dader is. Maar ondanks de vele verdachten die ik op het oog had, had ik de ontknoping totaal niet aan zien komen en was ik verbaasd, maar dit was wel erg goed uitgedacht en dit klopte precies.
De setting vond ik ook erg goed gekozen. Vooral doordat er echt een idyllisch sfeer van rust, plezier en sportieve uitdagingen neergezet wordt en die wreed verstoort wordt door de moord. Tel daarbij de afsluiting van verschillende stukken van het park en je hebt meteen een heel andere sfeer op het park. Deze weet Chibnall erg goed over te brengen op mij als lezer.
Chibnall heeft een vlotte schrijfstijl. Dit in combinatie met de diverse plotwendingen en het goed opgebouwde verhaal zorgde dit er voor dat ik het boek maar met moeite aan de kant kon leggen.
Dit boek ontvingen we van Xander Uitgevers. Dit beïnvloedt onze mening niet.
Haar mening lees je hieronder.⬇️
Parkwood Holiday Village lijkt de perfecte plek om te ontspannen. Tot er een lichaam wordt gevonden.
Rechercheur Nicola Bridge start haar onderzoek en ontdekt al snel dat achter de vrolijke vakantiefacade geheimen schuilgaan. Iedereen heeft iets te verbergen. En niemand vertelt het hele verhaal.
Terwijl de waarheid langzaam boven water komt, rijst één angstaanjagende vraag:
Wie is de moordenaar… en wie wordt het volgende slachtoffer?
Het verhaal begint met een welkomstbrief voor de gasten van Parkwood Dorset. Hierin worden ze welkom geheten en dit voelt echt als een goed begin van een vakantie.
In het eerste hoofdstuk wordt een lijk in het zwembad gevonden en dit zorgt er meteen voor dat de spanning voelbaar is.
Dit is het tweede deel in de Detective Nicola Bridge-serie, maar dit is heel goed losstaand te lezen. Het eerste deel 'Het witte hert' las ik zo'n anderhalf jaar geleden, maar door de grote hoeveelheid boeken die ik lees, wist ik niet goed meer waar het boek over ging. Maar ik had nergens het gevoel dat ik iets miste.
De personages zijn goed uitgewerkt en vooral over hoofdpersonage Nicola Bridge kom je meer te weten, doordat er ook ruimte is voor haar priveleven en de problemen die er spelen. Er zijn een hoop gasten op het park waar iets niet mee klopt en hierdoor had ik een hoop verdachten op het oog. Dit is echt een thriller waar je zelf mee kunt puzzelen om uit te vinden wie de dader is. Maar ondanks de vele verdachten die ik op het oog had, had ik de ontknoping totaal niet aan zien komen en was ik verbaasd, maar dit was wel erg goed uitgedacht en dit klopte precies.
De setting vond ik ook erg goed gekozen. Vooral doordat er echt een idyllisch sfeer van rust, plezier en sportieve uitdagingen neergezet wordt en die wreed verstoort wordt door de moord. Tel daarbij de afsluiting van verschillende stukken van het park en je hebt meteen een heel andere sfeer op het park. Deze weet Chibnall erg goed over te brengen op mij als lezer.
Chibnall heeft een vlotte schrijfstijl. Dit in combinatie met de diverse plotwendingen en het goed opgebouwde verhaal zorgde dit er voor dat ik het boek maar met moeite aan de kant kon leggen.
Dit boek ontvingen we van Xander Uitgevers. Dit beïnvloedt onze mening niet.
Review of advance copy
The Parkwood Murders by Chris Chinbnall
Detective Nicola Bridge book 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know more of Detective Nicola Bridge and her parenting of her rebellious teenage son. The book starts with finding the body of a man in the wave pool at a resort. All the guests and staff have secrets.
I enjoyed the characters and character development of this book. Slowly Nicola is shifting through the secrets and lies to reveal the truth.
The book is medium paced as the Detectives race to find the murder before the guests leave. I enjoyed the twists and the ending was spectacular.
Highly recommend.
"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 in the park’s wave pool, Nicola is faced with an investigation like no other: hundreds of 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 a shocking discovery links the murder to an unsolved disappearance at the park from five years before, Nicola realises that this might not be a one-off crime of passion.
There’s a killer lurking somewhere in these woods…"
#aussiebookbloger #aussiebookreviewer #aussiebookreviews #aussiecrimefictionlover #aussiethrillerlover
Detective Nicola Bridge book 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know more of Detective Nicola Bridge and her parenting of her rebellious teenage son. The book starts with finding the body of a man in the wave pool at a resort. All the guests and staff have secrets.
I enjoyed the characters and character development of this book. Slowly Nicola is shifting through the secrets and lies to reveal the truth.
The book is medium paced as the Detectives race to find the murder before the guests leave. I enjoyed the twists and the ending was spectacular.
Highly recommend.
"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 in the park’s wave pool, Nicola is faced with an investigation like no other: hundreds of 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 a shocking discovery links the murder to an unsolved disappearance at the park from five years before, Nicola realises that this might not be a one-off crime of passion.
There’s a killer lurking somewhere in these woods…"
#aussiebookbloger #aussiebookreviewer #aussiebookreviews #aussiecrimefictionlover #aussiethrillerlover
August 28, 2026
I was kindly gifted a copy of this book at the start of the month, but from the cover alone, I knew I had to save it for my trip to Centre Parcs.
And I'm so glad I did, as I read the first few chapters, which are set in a resort very similar to CP, where the pools are closed due to a body found in the water.
Then as we went for a late-night swim on our first day, the pools were evacuated due to an unknown situation. It couldn't have been planned!! (I don't know the reason, but we were allowed back in after 30 mins, so I'm assuming it wasn't a body 😂).
So the setting was perfect for my holiday. If you've been to CP before, then everything will feel very familiar, and you'll be left checking the trees outside your lodge for signs of any mysterious figures lurking about.
This is the second book in the Nicola Bridge series, and I haven't read the first, so it definitely works as a standalone. I got to know the characters well enough and enjoyed how they worked together, and I'd certainly be interested to follow them through more cases.
There are also a lot of characters we meet on-site who all have their own secrets, so the mystery keeps you guessing throughout.
It's quite a cosy small-town murder mystery, which is the vibe I'm getting from this series, so a great read if you like your thrillers with gripping crimes, a great team, and without any gore or dark themes.
And I'm so glad I did, as I read the first few chapters, which are set in a resort very similar to CP, where the pools are closed due to a body found in the water.
Then as we went for a late-night swim on our first day, the pools were evacuated due to an unknown situation. It couldn't have been planned!! (I don't know the reason, but we were allowed back in after 30 mins, so I'm assuming it wasn't a body 😂).
So the setting was perfect for my holiday. If you've been to CP before, then everything will feel very familiar, and you'll be left checking the trees outside your lodge for signs of any mysterious figures lurking about.
This is the second book in the Nicola Bridge series, and I haven't read the first, so it definitely works as a standalone. I got to know the characters well enough and enjoyed how they worked together, and I'd certainly be interested to follow them through more cases.
There are also a lot of characters we meet on-site who all have their own secrets, so the mystery keeps you guessing throughout.
It's quite a cosy small-town murder mystery, which is the vibe I'm getting from this series, so a great read if you like your thrillers with gripping crimes, a great team, and without any gore or dark themes.
September 9, 2026
MAJOR SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW
Fantastic. The second instalment in this series (I hope there are many more!)
Nicola and Harry are back - this time, investigating a murder at a holiday village. There’s more tension in Nicola’s private life, and we see how stressful it is to balance the investigation with her home life.
Oh, and Mel Hardiman returns. He is wonderful and hilarious.
I didn’t guess the killer. Alice’s reasoning was understandable and her backstory was very sad. She felt loyalty to Lindsay.
I enjoyed the theme of people trying to start their lives again. Many different characters attempted this. I had never heard of ‘Jōhatsu’ before. My perspective was to agree with Harry when he said he couldn’t imagine anyone doing that, leaving absolutely everything behind without a trace to start anew. I did wonder though if Sarah had maybe wanted the fact that she had disappeared intentionally to be discovered, given the clues in her notebooks? My gut feeling is that most people would provide some clue so that they could be found.
I find it quite a scary idea. Very interesting though!
Fantastic. The second instalment in this series (I hope there are many more!)
Nicola and Harry are back - this time, investigating a murder at a holiday village. There’s more tension in Nicola’s private life, and we see how stressful it is to balance the investigation with her home life.
Oh, and Mel Hardiman returns. He is wonderful and hilarious.
I didn’t guess the killer. Alice’s reasoning was understandable and her backstory was very sad. She felt loyalty to Lindsay.
I enjoyed the theme of people trying to start their lives again. Many different characters attempted this. I had never heard of ‘Jōhatsu’ before. My perspective was to agree with Harry when he said he couldn’t imagine anyone doing that, leaving absolutely everything behind without a trace to start anew. I did wonder though if Sarah had maybe wanted the fact that she had disappeared intentionally to be discovered, given the clues in her notebooks? My gut feeling is that most people would provide some clue so that they could be found.
I find it quite a scary idea. Very interesting though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
September 25, 2026oooh, sounds twisty. can't wait to read it!
pub date: 12/2026
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
pub date: 12/2026
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Review of advance copy
It was a good book overall and a quick read that flowed well.
Just the end didn’t land for me and felt like it just fell into place
I enjoyed it like the first one but there is just that something missing to make them great
Just the end didn’t land for me and felt like it just fell into place
I enjoyed it like the first one but there is just that something missing to make them great
August 8, 2026
Really enjoyed this one.
September 11, 2026
From very early on it is clear who the suspicious characters are, so the solution is not a big surprise. But the story is well-written as usual.
September 20, 2026
Took a while for me to settle into the story. Detectives make a good team and they pull you into the story with all the twists and turns that come in a good crime novel
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars rounded up to a 4 … slightly average for me
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 6, 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 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.
September 7, 2026
I'm sad to be giving this book only 3 stars but it was just not as compelling as I remember the first book being. I like Nicola and Harry (and Mel, my favorite BY FAR, especially once he laid claim to the room in the lodge with the bunk beds) but the mystery took a while to get going and I had some trouble keeping everything straight. (It wasn't helped by the fact that because I wasn't drawn in quickly, I put some time between reading sessions.)
I would read more (if there are any more) because I like Nicola, Mel and Harry as characters.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Mr. Chibnall for the chance to read and give an honest review.
I would read more (if there are any more) because I like Nicola, Mel and Harry as characters.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Mr. Chibnall for the chance to read and give an honest review.
September 10, 2026
Mandy werkt als nachtwacht in Parkwood Dorset. Op haar ronde is er om 4 uur 's nachts weinig te zien, tot nu... De deur van het zwembadcomplex is niet op slot en binnen hoort ze de taptoe terwijl het daar normaal doodstil moet zijn. Haar voorgevoel zegt dat er iets niet klopt en gelijk heeft ze. Ze vindt een lijk in het zwembad.
Beginnen doet de auteur met een algemene informatiebrief voor gasten die weldra toekomen. Zo voelde ik me als lezer eveneens een beetje verwelkomd in het park. Het geeft je ook heel veel zin om te starten in het verhaal.
Brigadier Nicola Bridge en rechercheur Harry Ware worden opgeroepen om de moord te onderzoeken. Er verblijven op dat moment zo'n 400 gasten in het resort en er is natuurlijk ook veel personeel aanwezig. Op dat vlak is deze locatie een nachtmerrie als plaats delict.
Om die reden is het wel de gedroomde plaats voor een thriller. Het is bijna een onmogelijke taak om zo veel getuigen te moeten spreken op korte tijd. Op de koop toe moeten ze met een klein team aan de slag gaan.
Dit boek heeft opnieuw bevestigd dat dieren in thrillers mijn zwakke plek zijn. Op een bepaald moment wacht een hond op zijn baasje, maar die zal niet meer thuiskomen. Dat brak mijn hart toch een beetje.
In dit verhaal leren we meerdere personages kennen en die verschillende perspectieven kwamen hier volledig tot hun recht. Als lezer krijg je zo meer en/of sneller informatie dan de politie. Daarnaast vond ik het heel leuk om mee uit te zoeken welke informatie nuttig was voor het onderzoek en wie een motief had.
Het verhaal is erg intrigerend en Chibnall voegt nog een aantal elementen toe die bijdragen aan de geheimzinnigheid. Zo gaat er ergens een alarm af door een nieuwsbericht over de moord en volgen we een onbekende vrouw die eerder in het park verbleef.
De Parkwood-moorden is zo'n thriller die de radertjes in mijn hoofd op volle toeren deed draaien. In plaats van het allemaal op je te laten afkomen, ben je actief mee aan het speuren naar de waarheid. Dat werd alleen maar versterkt nadat het slachtoffer geïdentificeerd werd en er mogelijks een vermissing in het plaatje paste.
Nicola, Harry en Mel zetten alles op alles om deze zaak tot een goed einde te brengen. Ze hebben elk hun kwaliteiten en weten die efficiënt in te zetten. Hierdoor wordt er resultaat geboekt in deze vreemde zaak.
Door de vele leugens blijft De Parkwood-moorden tot het absolute einde meeslepend en spannend. Ik zat meermaals in de verkeerde richting te zoeken. Dankzij een zeer verrassende ontknoping liet deze topthriller me verbluft achter.
Dankjewel aan L&M Books en Xander Uitgevers voor dit geweldige recensie-exemplaar!
4,5 ⭐
Beginnen doet de auteur met een algemene informatiebrief voor gasten die weldra toekomen. Zo voelde ik me als lezer eveneens een beetje verwelkomd in het park. Het geeft je ook heel veel zin om te starten in het verhaal.
Brigadier Nicola Bridge en rechercheur Harry Ware worden opgeroepen om de moord te onderzoeken. Er verblijven op dat moment zo'n 400 gasten in het resort en er is natuurlijk ook veel personeel aanwezig. Op dat vlak is deze locatie een nachtmerrie als plaats delict.
Om die reden is het wel de gedroomde plaats voor een thriller. Het is bijna een onmogelijke taak om zo veel getuigen te moeten spreken op korte tijd. Op de koop toe moeten ze met een klein team aan de slag gaan.
Dit boek heeft opnieuw bevestigd dat dieren in thrillers mijn zwakke plek zijn. Op een bepaald moment wacht een hond op zijn baasje, maar die zal niet meer thuiskomen. Dat brak mijn hart toch een beetje.
In dit verhaal leren we meerdere personages kennen en die verschillende perspectieven kwamen hier volledig tot hun recht. Als lezer krijg je zo meer en/of sneller informatie dan de politie. Daarnaast vond ik het heel leuk om mee uit te zoeken welke informatie nuttig was voor het onderzoek en wie een motief had.
Het verhaal is erg intrigerend en Chibnall voegt nog een aantal elementen toe die bijdragen aan de geheimzinnigheid. Zo gaat er ergens een alarm af door een nieuwsbericht over de moord en volgen we een onbekende vrouw die eerder in het park verbleef.
De Parkwood-moorden is zo'n thriller die de radertjes in mijn hoofd op volle toeren deed draaien. In plaats van het allemaal op je te laten afkomen, ben je actief mee aan het speuren naar de waarheid. Dat werd alleen maar versterkt nadat het slachtoffer geïdentificeerd werd en er mogelijks een vermissing in het plaatje paste.
Nicola, Harry en Mel zetten alles op alles om deze zaak tot een goed einde te brengen. Ze hebben elk hun kwaliteiten en weten die efficiënt in te zetten. Hierdoor wordt er resultaat geboekt in deze vreemde zaak.
Door de vele leugens blijft De Parkwood-moorden tot het absolute einde meeslepend en spannend. Ik zat meermaals in de verkeerde richting te zoeken. Dankzij een zeer verrassende ontknoping liet deze topthriller me verbluft achter.
Dankjewel aan L&M Books en Xander Uitgevers voor dit geweldige recensie-exemplaar!
4,5 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'd say I'm in the majority of people when I say I found Chibnall through Broadchurch, which is one of my favorite television shows I've ever seen. It's the reason I picked up his first novel in this series, Death at the White Hart, with only a cursory glance over the jacket copy. It's the reason (plus my enjoyment of White Hart) why I'm back for The Parkwood Murders.
And I continue to be really happy Chibnall has chosen this medium.
I will say, having read White Hart over a year ago, despite liking it, I struggled to recall any details from it other than I enjoyed it, especially the second half. Thankfully, Parkwood reads like you could jump in here and be none the wiser. Some characters reappear, but this is its own story and reads that way.
Chibnall doesn't have the same issues here that I thought he did with White Hart. Parkwood starts briskly, yes, throwing a lot of characters at you like the first, but I think Chibnall does subtle things here to differentiate them to the reader in a better way, so you can just enjoy the story. He still writes very visually, meaning you could see how even though Parkwood is good, it would be even stronger on the screen. It's still apparent that Chibnall uses visual cues for both character and story, but he's done a better job the second time around for the page.
Parkwood also subverts the reader's expectation by not unfolding like you might expect. I don't necessarily mean with twists, but with general plotting choices that keep the story moving and fresh and interesting. Chibnall proved to be distinguished with that in Broadchurch and it continues here.
The Parkwood Murders is just an all-around competent, professional piece of fiction that makes me want Chibnall to keep doing the fiction thing and doing it frequently. Maybe a second run of the main characters will cement them in my head more if he plans to do another in the series (and there's certainly meat on the bone for that).
Recommended for all mystery readers, all fans of Broadchurch and good tense character pieces that could justifiably end up in a number of endings.
Thank you to Viking Penguin for providing an uncorrected DRC via NetGalley.
And I continue to be really happy Chibnall has chosen this medium.
I will say, having read White Hart over a year ago, despite liking it, I struggled to recall any details from it other than I enjoyed it, especially the second half. Thankfully, Parkwood reads like you could jump in here and be none the wiser. Some characters reappear, but this is its own story and reads that way.
Chibnall doesn't have the same issues here that I thought he did with White Hart. Parkwood starts briskly, yes, throwing a lot of characters at you like the first, but I think Chibnall does subtle things here to differentiate them to the reader in a better way, so you can just enjoy the story. He still writes very visually, meaning you could see how even though Parkwood is good, it would be even stronger on the screen. It's still apparent that Chibnall uses visual cues for both character and story, but he's done a better job the second time around for the page.
Parkwood also subverts the reader's expectation by not unfolding like you might expect. I don't necessarily mean with twists, but with general plotting choices that keep the story moving and fresh and interesting. Chibnall proved to be distinguished with that in Broadchurch and it continues here.
The Parkwood Murders is just an all-around competent, professional piece of fiction that makes me want Chibnall to keep doing the fiction thing and doing it frequently. Maybe a second run of the main characters will cement them in my head more if he plans to do another in the series (and there's certainly meat on the bone for that).
Recommended for all mystery readers, all fans of Broadchurch and good tense character pieces that could justifiably end up in a number of endings.
Thank you to Viking Penguin for providing an uncorrected DRC via NetGalley.
September 21, 2026
✨️Recensie✨️ 'De parkwood moorden' van Chris Chibnall, 4🌟
Parkwood Holiday Village in Dorset is voor de meeste gasten het perfecte toevluchtsoord: midden in het bos,rustig en met een feilloze klantenservice. Tot er op een zomerse ochtend een lichaam wordt aangetroffen in het zwembad.
Rechercheur Nicola duikt in het onderzoek met een eindeloze stroom verdachten. De man die tegen zijn vrouw liegt over waar hij was in de nacht van de moord. De kliminstructeur met onverklaarbare littekens. De nieuwe resortmanager ,altijd onberispelijk verzorgd, maar met een geheim dat haar carrière kan verwoesten.
Terwijl Nicola steeds dieper graaft,ontdekt ze een netwerk van leugens en verborgen motieven. Met honderden gasten en medewerkers die elk moment kunnen vertrekken,dringt de tijd. Want ergens op het park loopt een moordenaar rond...
Bij het lezen van de flaptekst kreeg ik zin in een lekker spannende thriller! En ik kan zeggen; de spanning stelde zeker niet teleur!
Het verhaal begint met een welkomstbrief voor de gasten waarbij je als lezer direct zelf in vakantiemodus komt. 🌲🍂🍃
Vlak daarna begint het volgende hoofdstuk waar een lijk wordt gevonden en begint een superspannend verhaal die je dankzij de vlotte schrijfstijl heel goed kunt volgen.
Van in het begin besef je als lezer dat het heel serieus is... Een park met 400 gasten,waar iedere gast en ieder personeelslid een verdachte is,hoe begint je te elimineren,wie spreekt de waarheid,wie liegt over die avond, hoe begin je er aan?
Ook de verschillende wendingen in het verhaal stellen niet teleur. Heel wat gasten blijken iets te verbergen,er zijn meerdere verdachten,en als er dan ook nog geheimen uit het verleden opduiken wordt het al helemaal mysterieus.
Ondanks je als lezer serieus actief mee-speurt en ik meerdere verdachten had,zag ik de ontknoping en de uiteindelijke dader totaal niet aankomen. Leuk als een auteur mij zo weet te verrassen.
Naast dat het een heerlijk spannende thriller is waar je constant meepuzzelt vond ik het ook een sterk verhaal met sterke personages die het verhaal ook inhoud en diepgang geven.
Parkwood Holiday Village in Dorset is voor de meeste gasten het perfecte toevluchtsoord: midden in het bos,rustig en met een feilloze klantenservice. Tot er op een zomerse ochtend een lichaam wordt aangetroffen in het zwembad.
Rechercheur Nicola duikt in het onderzoek met een eindeloze stroom verdachten. De man die tegen zijn vrouw liegt over waar hij was in de nacht van de moord. De kliminstructeur met onverklaarbare littekens. De nieuwe resortmanager ,altijd onberispelijk verzorgd, maar met een geheim dat haar carrière kan verwoesten.
Terwijl Nicola steeds dieper graaft,ontdekt ze een netwerk van leugens en verborgen motieven. Met honderden gasten en medewerkers die elk moment kunnen vertrekken,dringt de tijd. Want ergens op het park loopt een moordenaar rond...
Bij het lezen van de flaptekst kreeg ik zin in een lekker spannende thriller! En ik kan zeggen; de spanning stelde zeker niet teleur!
Het verhaal begint met een welkomstbrief voor de gasten waarbij je als lezer direct zelf in vakantiemodus komt. 🌲🍂🍃
Vlak daarna begint het volgende hoofdstuk waar een lijk wordt gevonden en begint een superspannend verhaal die je dankzij de vlotte schrijfstijl heel goed kunt volgen.
Van in het begin besef je als lezer dat het heel serieus is... Een park met 400 gasten,waar iedere gast en ieder personeelslid een verdachte is,hoe begint je te elimineren,wie spreekt de waarheid,wie liegt over die avond, hoe begin je er aan?
Ook de verschillende wendingen in het verhaal stellen niet teleur. Heel wat gasten blijken iets te verbergen,er zijn meerdere verdachten,en als er dan ook nog geheimen uit het verleden opduiken wordt het al helemaal mysterieus.
Ondanks je als lezer serieus actief mee-speurt en ik meerdere verdachten had,zag ik de ontknoping en de uiteindelijke dader totaal niet aankomen. Leuk als een auteur mij zo weet te verrassen.
Naast dat het een heerlijk spannende thriller is waar je constant meepuzzelt vond ik het ook een sterk verhaal met sterke personages die het verhaal ook inhoud en diepgang geven.
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.
September 18, 2026
✨Recensie✨
Een idyllisch vakantiepark, een rustig meer en gasten die vooral komen voor wat rust… totdat er een lichaam wordt gevonden.
De Parkwoodmoorden speelt zich af op vakantieresort Parkwood, waar rechercheur Nicola Bridge onderzoek doet naar de moord. Iedereen op het park is verdacht.
Wanneer de moord wordt gelinkt aan een onopgeloste verdwijning van vijf jaar geleden, wordt duidelijk dat er misschien een gevaarlijke dader rondloopt op het park. En het lijkt erop dat dit nog maar het begin is… de tijd dringt en Nicola en Harry moeten snel de dader zien te vinden, maar dit is nog niet zo gemakkelijk.
Ik vond dit echt zo’n boek waarbij je continu aan het puzzelen bent. Wie spreekt de waarheid? Wie houdt iets achter? En vooral: wie kunnen we absoluut niet vertrouwen? Wat het blijkt een web van leugens te zijn.
De setting vond ik ook heel tof. Een plek die op het eerste gezicht juist zo rustig en veilig lijkt, krijgt ineens een heel andere sfeer. En dat contrast maakte het voor mij extra spannend.
Natuurlijk had ik weer allerlei theorieën in mijn hoofd en meerdere keren dacht ik dat ik wist hoe het zat… om vervolgens toch weer te twijfelen. Ik ben dan ook echt benieuwd naar meer werk van deze auteur!
Een heerlijke spannende thriller met een fijne mysterieuze sfeer, verschillende verdachten en genoeg vraagtekens om lekker door te willen lezen.
Een idyllisch vakantiepark, een rustig meer en gasten die vooral komen voor wat rust… totdat er een lichaam wordt gevonden.
De Parkwoodmoorden speelt zich af op vakantieresort Parkwood, waar rechercheur Nicola Bridge onderzoek doet naar de moord. Iedereen op het park is verdacht.
Wanneer de moord wordt gelinkt aan een onopgeloste verdwijning van vijf jaar geleden, wordt duidelijk dat er misschien een gevaarlijke dader rondloopt op het park. En het lijkt erop dat dit nog maar het begin is… de tijd dringt en Nicola en Harry moeten snel de dader zien te vinden, maar dit is nog niet zo gemakkelijk.
Ik vond dit echt zo’n boek waarbij je continu aan het puzzelen bent. Wie spreekt de waarheid? Wie houdt iets achter? En vooral: wie kunnen we absoluut niet vertrouwen? Wat het blijkt een web van leugens te zijn.
De setting vond ik ook heel tof. Een plek die op het eerste gezicht juist zo rustig en veilig lijkt, krijgt ineens een heel andere sfeer. En dat contrast maakte het voor mij extra spannend.
Natuurlijk had ik weer allerlei theorieën in mijn hoofd en meerdere keren dacht ik dat ik wist hoe het zat… om vervolgens toch weer te twijfelen. Ik ben dan ook echt benieuwd naar meer werk van deze auteur!
Een heerlijke spannende thriller met een fijne mysterieuze sfeer, verschillende verdachten en genoeg vraagtekens om lekker door te willen lezen.
August 14, 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.
August 26, 2026
From the writer of the TV show Broadchurch, comes the second installment of the Detective Nicole Bridge British police procedural series, The Parkwood Murders.
Detective Nicola Bridge and DC Harry Ward find themselves at the Parkwood Holiday Village, the much sought after vacation destination for people all over Great Britain. In the early morning hours, a security guard discovers a dead body in the Splashdome, Parkwood's pool complex.
The detectives are now faced with finding a murderer among hundreds of potential suspects as well as finding evidence in a crime scene that is easily contaminated by the many Splashdome visitors. Oh, and they also need to find a way to keep every guest and employee of Parkwood in the village for the duration of the investigation.
Told through multiple viewpoints, the Parkwood Murders is a captivating police procedural full of wit, unique characters, red herrings, and twists even the most scrupulous reader won't see coming. Think you can solve the mystery alongside Nicola and Harry? Have at it!
Detective Nicola Bridge and DC Harry Ward find themselves at the Parkwood Holiday Village, the much sought after vacation destination for people all over Great Britain. In the early morning hours, a security guard discovers a dead body in the Splashdome, Parkwood's pool complex.
The detectives are now faced with finding a murderer among hundreds of potential suspects as well as finding evidence in a crime scene that is easily contaminated by the many Splashdome visitors. Oh, and they also need to find a way to keep every guest and employee of Parkwood in the village for the duration of the investigation.
Told through multiple viewpoints, the Parkwood Murders is a captivating police procedural full of wit, unique characters, red herrings, and twists even the most scrupulous reader won't see coming. Think you can solve the mystery alongside Nicola and Harry? Have at it!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The Parkwood Murders” wasn’t listed as part of a series so I had no clue that these were existing characters. Apparently, Detective Nicola Bridge appeared in 2025s “Death at the White Hart”.
This novel had a sllllooooooowwww start to it. It wasn’t bad, just tough to focus on. I have just finished some high adrenaline novels back-to-back and almost had to see my doctor for the whiplash I received.
Eventually, business began to pick up as we had a lot of suspects in our main mystery and had an interesting (in some ways more interesting) secondary mystery. The procedural aspect was good, but with most of this novel, there was nothing to make it stand out to me.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but just endure the slow start.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
This novel had a sllllooooooowwww start to it. It wasn’t bad, just tough to focus on. I have just finished some high adrenaline novels back-to-back and almost had to see my doctor for the whiplash I received.
Eventually, business began to pick up as we had a lot of suspects in our main mystery and had an interesting (in some ways more interesting) secondary mystery. The procedural aspect was good, but with most of this novel, there was nothing to make it stand out to me.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but just endure the slow start.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
September 27, 2026
The Parkwood Murders is the second novel by Chris Chibnall about Detective Nicola Bridge. This time the murder victim is an unknown older man found in the pool of the nearby holiday resort, Parkwood Holiday Village, a high-end resort experience with a large pool area, rope course, manicured walking trails, and a spa. Being a resort, there are numerous potential killers from both the guests and the staff, and the book walks us through the investigation as Nicola uses her limited resources and police team to try and contain the guests and staff to the hotel grounds while working to identify the victim.
There are several different narrators throughout the book, including Nicola and her team, and a suspicious guest, the ropes course supervisor, and the resort manager. As with the previous book about Detective Nicola, the pacing is tight and fast, and things moves very quickly from one plot point to the next as she pieces together the victim and people of interest and other important aspects of the investigation. This book wasn't quite as compelling and un-put-downable as the first book, but it was still very entertaining and well plotted.
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of the novel for review.
There are several different narrators throughout the book, including Nicola and her team, and a suspicious guest, the ropes course supervisor, and the resort manager. As with the previous book about Detective Nicola, the pacing is tight and fast, and things moves very quickly from one plot point to the next as she pieces together the victim and people of interest and other important aspects of the investigation. This book wasn't quite as compelling and un-put-downable as the first book, but it was still very entertaining and well plotted.
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of the novel for review.
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