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DI Nikki Galena #2
Shadow over the Fens
Two brutal killers are loose on the fens but who can DI Nikki Galena trust?
Detective Nikki Galena’s friend and neighbour meets a tragic end but there’s more to his death than meets the eye . . .
And someone terrible from DS Joseph Easter’s past is back . . .
A man is found executed on a piece of wasteland in Greenborough town
The cold-blooded murder triggers terrible memories for DS Joseph Easter. Just when things seemed to be going well for DS Easter, he realises that the nightmare is coming back, threatening his career, his sanity, and maybe his life.
In a breath-taking conclusion even Nikki begins to doubt DS Easter as he faces a race against time to save someone very close to him.
Detective Nikki Galena’s friend and neighbour meets a tragic end but there’s more to his death than meets the eye . . .
And someone terrible from DS Joseph Easter’s past is back . . .
A man is found executed on a piece of wasteland in Greenborough town
The cold-blooded murder triggers terrible memories for DS Joseph Easter. Just when things seemed to be going well for DS Easter, he realises that the nightmare is coming back, threatening his career, his sanity, and maybe his life.
In a breath-taking conclusion even Nikki begins to doubt DS Easter as he faces a race against time to save someone very close to him.
284 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
3375 people are currently reading
1169 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
60 books2,426 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 474 reviews
November 29, 2016
While Shadow Over the Fens by Joy Ellis was an easy read, there was nothing about it that will make it stick in my mind. This is not to say I didn't enjoy it, because I did; just not greatly.
There is nothing that I actively dislike about the book. I liked the characters, they were well portrayed, well rounded. There were no holes in the plot. But this book just didn't excite me, didn't draw me in and make me want to rush out and get the other in the series.
The blurb was what first attracted me: Set in the Lincolnshire Fens: great open skies brood over marshes, farmland, and nature reserves. It is not easy terrain for the Fenland Constabulary to police, due to the distances between some of the remote Fen villages, the dangerous and often misty lanes, and the poor telephone coverage. There are still villages where the oldest residents have never set foot outside their own farmland and a visit to the nearest town is a major event. But it has a strange airy beauty to it, and above it all are the biggest skies you’ve ever seen. It promises an atmosphere that just wasn't delivered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing a digital ARC for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
There is nothing that I actively dislike about the book. I liked the characters, they were well portrayed, well rounded. There were no holes in the plot. But this book just didn't excite me, didn't draw me in and make me want to rush out and get the other in the series.
The blurb was what first attracted me: Set in the Lincolnshire Fens: great open skies brood over marshes, farmland, and nature reserves. It is not easy terrain for the Fenland Constabulary to police, due to the distances between some of the remote Fen villages, the dangerous and often misty lanes, and the poor telephone coverage. There are still villages where the oldest residents have never set foot outside their own farmland and a visit to the nearest town is a major event. But it has a strange airy beauty to it, and above it all are the biggest skies you’ve ever seen. It promises an atmosphere that just wasn't delivered.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing a digital ARC for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 7, 2024
When Detective Nikki Galena was called to a suicide from the top of a church, she was shocked and saddened to see it was her neighbour. She had only spoken to Martin that morning and he'd been upbeat and wanted her to visit that evening as he had something exciting to tell her. Now she would never know. But she did know Martin and suicide did not sit well with her. His sister, Elizabeth was adamant - in her grief - that Martin would never take his own life. So what was going on?
Detective Sergeant Joseph Easter had returned from injury, into Nikki's team and he was keen to back in the thick of things once again. But when he was confronted by a face from his past - a terrible, horrible, evil person - then a brutal murder was discovered, the execution style murder was familiar to Joseph. Could it be the same person from his long ago past, back to torment him; to kill him? With more bodies discovered, all execution style, Joseph could feel himself becoming unhinged. He needed to take control - but could he?
Wow! The 2nd in the DI Nikki Galena series - Shadow Over the Fens by Joy Ellis - is an absolute ripper of a tale! Gripping, intense and full on action; although I was pretty sure who the "bad guy" was near the beginning, reaching the end with all the twists and turns, was breathtaking. Nikki is a great character, and now, with Joseph back in the team, plus the other members, they make a force to be reckoned with. Highly recommended.
Detective Sergeant Joseph Easter had returned from injury, into Nikki's team and he was keen to back in the thick of things once again. But when he was confronted by a face from his past - a terrible, horrible, evil person - then a brutal murder was discovered, the execution style murder was familiar to Joseph. Could it be the same person from his long ago past, back to torment him; to kill him? With more bodies discovered, all execution style, Joseph could feel himself becoming unhinged. He needed to take control - but could he?
Wow! The 2nd in the DI Nikki Galena series - Shadow Over the Fens by Joy Ellis - is an absolute ripper of a tale! Gripping, intense and full on action; although I was pretty sure who the "bad guy" was near the beginning, reaching the end with all the twists and turns, was breathtaking. Nikki is a great character, and now, with Joseph back in the team, plus the other members, they make a force to be reckoned with. Highly recommended.
January 7, 2024
The second book in the DI Nikki Galena series and the two main characters are developing really well.
Nikki has softened up a little since the first book which is nice for her team. DS Joe Easter is battling with some inner issues but is happy to have ended up where he is. The two of them play off each other really well.
The mystery begins when Nikki's neighbour commits suicide totally unexpectedly and in a shocking way. Then Joe starts seeing an enemy from his military past which leads into a number of murders or, to be exact, executions. There are doubts whether Joe is mentally fit enough to be part of the investigation but he certainly proves himself in a very dramatic finale.
I enjoyed it all very much. An easy read with very likeable characters. I am looking forward to #3
Nikki has softened up a little since the first book which is nice for her team. DS Joe Easter is battling with some inner issues but is happy to have ended up where he is. The two of them play off each other really well.
The mystery begins when Nikki's neighbour commits suicide totally unexpectedly and in a shocking way. Then Joe starts seeing an enemy from his military past which leads into a number of murders or, to be exact, executions. There are doubts whether Joe is mentally fit enough to be part of the investigation but he certainly proves himself in a very dramatic finale.
I enjoyed it all very much. An easy read with very likeable characters. I am looking forward to #3
August 6, 2019
Frightening and Emotional! Book two in the DI Nikki Galina series.
Do not miss this series!
‘Ma’am!’
Nikki closed the superintendent’s door, and looked up to see Joseph hurrying down the corridor towards her.
‘Sergeant Conway’s just asked me to tell you that there’s been an incident. I’m afraid we have a jumper.’
Nikki’s heart sank. ‘Not the multi-storey car park again?’
Joseph shook his head. ‘St Saviour’s Tower.’
‘Hell-fire! When did this happen?’
‘Uniform have only just had the shout, guv. The duty sergeant said if you wanted to attend, he wouldn’t deploy another senior officer.
’ ‘Tell him we are on our way, then meet me in the yard. I’ll go pick up my keys from the office.’
Lying in the reddish-brown river mud, his body impossibly twisted, and his face half submerged in a brackish puddle of water, was a man she knew.
Her mind flashed up a picture from earlier that day. A man in a scarlet rugger shirt and dark jog pants. A man waving happily as he rode off home. The man who had just offered to paint her gate. ‘Martin?’ Her voice crackled with emotion. ‘Oh no!’
‘You know him?’ Joseph moved to her side, his hand on her shoulder. ‘Guv?’
Nikki shrank back away from the water, but the sight of the filthy scarlet shirt stayed with her. ‘He’s my neighbour. He was coming for coffee at the weekend.’ She knew the words sounded crass, but it was all she could think of. They were going to catch up. That’s what she’d said.
Joseph exhaled loudly, and when she turned to him, his expression was full of concern.
‘It’s okay, it’s okay.’ Nikki gathered herself. This was a seemingly impossible thing to happen. Martin had seemed so . . . she tried to find the right word, so normal.
********
*Audiobook review
Fraught with uncertainty, unease, and emotion, Shadow Over the Fens by Joy Ellis is one mighty terrifying story.
Nikki and her team must untangle precious few leads into a series of brutal murders and there are more questions than answers about a man who has seemingly committed suicide.
Nothing is as it seems......
The clock is ticking. Time is rapidly running out......
*Henrietta Meier Oakley's narrative performance is dynamic! The characters become more defined and recognizable, and their emotions far more palpable, popping straight into the listeners heart!
For me, the audiobooks are better than reading the book. I highly recommend them. The entire series is available on audiobook and all are performed by Henrietta Meier Oakley.
⚠Warning!
Don't start reading book one in this addictive series without making plans to read them all back to back!
I have a new favorite author and narrator!
Do not miss this series!
‘Ma’am!’
Nikki closed the superintendent’s door, and looked up to see Joseph hurrying down the corridor towards her.
‘Sergeant Conway’s just asked me to tell you that there’s been an incident. I’m afraid we have a jumper.’
Nikki’s heart sank. ‘Not the multi-storey car park again?’
Joseph shook his head. ‘St Saviour’s Tower.’
‘Hell-fire! When did this happen?’
‘Uniform have only just had the shout, guv. The duty sergeant said if you wanted to attend, he wouldn’t deploy another senior officer.
’ ‘Tell him we are on our way, then meet me in the yard. I’ll go pick up my keys from the office.’
Lying in the reddish-brown river mud, his body impossibly twisted, and his face half submerged in a brackish puddle of water, was a man she knew.
Her mind flashed up a picture from earlier that day. A man in a scarlet rugger shirt and dark jog pants. A man waving happily as he rode off home. The man who had just offered to paint her gate. ‘Martin?’ Her voice crackled with emotion. ‘Oh no!’
‘You know him?’ Joseph moved to her side, his hand on her shoulder. ‘Guv?’
Nikki shrank back away from the water, but the sight of the filthy scarlet shirt stayed with her. ‘He’s my neighbour. He was coming for coffee at the weekend.’ She knew the words sounded crass, but it was all she could think of. They were going to catch up. That’s what she’d said.
Joseph exhaled loudly, and when she turned to him, his expression was full of concern.
‘It’s okay, it’s okay.’ Nikki gathered herself. This was a seemingly impossible thing to happen. Martin had seemed so . . . she tried to find the right word, so normal.
********
*Audiobook review
Fraught with uncertainty, unease, and emotion, Shadow Over the Fens by Joy Ellis is one mighty terrifying story.
Nikki and her team must untangle precious few leads into a series of brutal murders and there are more questions than answers about a man who has seemingly committed suicide.
Nothing is as it seems......
The clock is ticking. Time is rapidly running out......
*Henrietta Meier Oakley's narrative performance is dynamic! The characters become more defined and recognizable, and their emotions far more palpable, popping straight into the listeners heart!
For me, the audiobooks are better than reading the book. I highly recommend them. The entire series is available on audiobook and all are performed by Henrietta Meier Oakley.
⚠Warning!
Don't start reading book one in this addictive series without making plans to read them all back to back!
I have a new favorite author and narrator!
December 11, 2019
I was worried that Shadow Over the Fens would lack the personal drama of the first book in the series. This is because Nikki and Joseph are now a permanent team and they are working well together. But I needn’t have worried. Instead of Nikki and Joseph feeling their way around each other, the tension comes from Joseph’s past. Joseph keeps seeing a man from his military days, a man he hoped never to see again. But is it who he thinks it is? And why does no one else ever get a clear look at him?
Nikki’s neighbor commits suicide, but the circumstances surrounding his death become more and more suspicious. Meanwhile, a man is executed. A man that looks suspiciously like the man Joseph keeps seeing.
This is a strong police procedural that moves along at a quick pace. The relationship between Nikki and Joseph continues to strengthen, even as Joseph becomes a potential suspect in the killings.
I really enjoyed listening to this book. In addition to the pace of the book, it’s got enough twists and turns to keep me invested without being overly complicated. I find that’s always a fine line when I’m listening to a mystery. And yes, my suspicions about the ending played out, but that didn’t bother me in the least. I think it helps that these are characters I find immensely likeable.
Henrietta Meire’s voice is perfect for the story.
May 22, 2020
This second book in the Nikki Galena series was as good as the first. We get to know the character of Joe Easter a bit better and more about his military past.
Nikki is moving back to her farmhouse on the Fens and reconnecting with the locals. However, the unexpected and traumatic suicide of a friend causes her to think there is more to the story. Joe too is shocked when a person from his past reemerges and military style executions begin to occur. As time passes it becomes apparent that Joe may not be a mentally strong as he would like others to think.
Hard to put down, I raced through this book and looking forward to Book 3.
Nikki is moving back to her farmhouse on the Fens and reconnecting with the locals. However, the unexpected and traumatic suicide of a friend causes her to think there is more to the story. Joe too is shocked when a person from his past reemerges and military style executions begin to occur. As time passes it becomes apparent that Joe may not be a mentally strong as he would like others to think.
Hard to put down, I raced through this book and looking forward to Book 3.
July 28, 2024
A man has just jumped from a high tower as a horrified tour group watches. DI Nikki Galena is distressed to learn that the jumper is her neighbor, Martin. As she and the team start to investigate, they see a pattern with alleged suicides among a group who volunteered years ago to test experimental medications. Then Nikki's colleague Joseph who has just returned from medical leave and suffers from PTSD from his time in the military is certain he sees a former soldier who is a psychopath, and he is certain this man is responsible for some unexplained local murders. Joseph is also falling for a beautiful mystery woman. As the cases come together, Nikki and her team are shocked to learn the disturbing truth.
December 30, 2018
Book 2
This is book 2 of the Nikki Galena series.
Nikki is finally coming to terms with the trauma of what happened to Hannah and is in the process of moving back to Cloud Fen when her neighbour commits suicide in front of a group of children. What could have caused him to act in a way that was so uncharacteristic of him? This is a question that Nikki must find the answer to.
Joseph is recovering from his injuries and has just returned to work when a nemesis from his past appears. Men who look like this man turn up dead and suspicion is pointed at Joseph.
What is going on and are there any links between the 2 cases. As Nikki tries to find clues to the motive for the murders she finds herself up against secrets from many years ago.
This is a very intriguing and complex story that keeps the reader engrossed in the story through a roller coaster ride of twist and turns all the way to the shocking conclusion.
We learn a lot more about the characters in this book as the story unfolds. I love the characters that make up Nikki's team they are complex and realistic.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
An excellent read and well worth the 5 stars.
This is book 2 of the Nikki Galena series.
Nikki is finally coming to terms with the trauma of what happened to Hannah and is in the process of moving back to Cloud Fen when her neighbour commits suicide in front of a group of children. What could have caused him to act in a way that was so uncharacteristic of him? This is a question that Nikki must find the answer to.
Joseph is recovering from his injuries and has just returned to work when a nemesis from his past appears. Men who look like this man turn up dead and suspicion is pointed at Joseph.
What is going on and are there any links between the 2 cases. As Nikki tries to find clues to the motive for the murders she finds herself up against secrets from many years ago.
This is a very intriguing and complex story that keeps the reader engrossed in the story through a roller coaster ride of twist and turns all the way to the shocking conclusion.
We learn a lot more about the characters in this book as the story unfolds. I love the characters that make up Nikki's team they are complex and realistic.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
An excellent read and well worth the 5 stars.
October 16, 2019
Book one was an outstandingly fantastic book, wheras this one was just good.
There is nothing really wrong with it. Still great characters, you get to discover more about DS Easter's past, and a little of DI Galena's. I just felt that it wasn't as special as before. The Fens still sound lovely and dangerous at the same time.
Part of my problem may have been working out the killers identity if not motive and reasoning very early on.
I will definitely read more of the series as there is obviously a lot more to discover and learn about these 2 and I am sure there are more crimes to investigate.
There is nothing really wrong with it. Still great characters, you get to discover more about DS Easter's past, and a little of DI Galena's. I just felt that it wasn't as special as before. The Fens still sound lovely and dangerous at the same time.
Part of my problem may have been working out the killers identity if not motive and reasoning very early on.
I will definitely read more of the series as there is obviously a lot more to discover and learn about these 2 and I am sure there are more crimes to investigate.
July 10, 2025
*Hoodwinked*
This instalment kicks off with DS Joseph Easter encountering a chilling sight from his past. While still recovering from his injuries from the last case, the sighting sends shivers down his spine. The encounter is brief, but each time he sees this person, someone who eerily resembles his nemesis is murdered.
Meanwhile, DI Nikki Galena attends a possible suicide from a tower. She is stunned to discover that it’s her neighbour, whom she had chatted to earlier that morning.
As the investigation unfolds, a possible connection emerges to something else sinister happening in the Fens. In the meantime, Joseph meets a captivating woman who seems too good to be true.
Driven by his desire to protect her, Joseph puts the brakes on a possible relationship with her, fearing that the dangerous man from his past will target her next.
The tension escalates as we witness two killers, and one of them is in plain sight. Who is fooling whom?
This instalment kicks off with DS Joseph Easter encountering a chilling sight from his past. While still recovering from his injuries from the last case, the sighting sends shivers down his spine. The encounter is brief, but each time he sees this person, someone who eerily resembles his nemesis is murdered.
Meanwhile, DI Nikki Galena attends a possible suicide from a tower. She is stunned to discover that it’s her neighbour, whom she had chatted to earlier that morning.
As the investigation unfolds, a possible connection emerges to something else sinister happening in the Fens. In the meantime, Joseph meets a captivating woman who seems too good to be true.
Driven by his desire to protect her, Joseph puts the brakes on a possible relationship with her, fearing that the dangerous man from his past will target her next.
The tension escalates as we witness two killers, and one of them is in plain sight. Who is fooling whom?
December 26, 2022
Intriguing story line and enjoyable read. This is only the second in the series but the dialogue is awkward and clunky in places- its only a minor irritation at the moment but I’m hoping it will improve over the series.
February 8, 2017
I enjoyed book one in the series and was impressed with Joy Ellis’ writing. Therefore, I gave book two a try.
The story is set in Lincolnshire Fens. It is an area of open skies, marshes, farmland and nature reserves. It is a difficult area for the Fenland constabulary to police because of the distances and dangerous misty roads. Detective Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter are teamed up again. Nikki’s neighbor had suddenly committed suicide, or maybe it was murder. Then a man is found executed near Greenborough are the two deaths related? DS Easter might have a stalker. Galena and team must solve the crimes to save DS Easter’s life and career.
The book is well written. The plot is interesting and twists and turns allowing suspense to build to a surprising ending. Ellis continues to build the key characters in this story. She focuses on Easter and Nikki’s boss. I am enjoying the setting of the book. The Fens sound so beautiful. This story is not as good as book one, but it is still enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. It is about seven and half hours long. Henrietta Meire does a great job narrating the book. She also narrated book one.
The story is set in Lincolnshire Fens. It is an area of open skies, marshes, farmland and nature reserves. It is a difficult area for the Fenland constabulary to police because of the distances and dangerous misty roads. Detective Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter are teamed up again. Nikki’s neighbor had suddenly committed suicide, or maybe it was murder. Then a man is found executed near Greenborough are the two deaths related? DS Easter might have a stalker. Galena and team must solve the crimes to save DS Easter’s life and career.
The book is well written. The plot is interesting and twists and turns allowing suspense to build to a surprising ending. Ellis continues to build the key characters in this story. She focuses on Easter and Nikki’s boss. I am enjoying the setting of the book. The Fens sound so beautiful. This story is not as good as book one, but it is still enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. It is about seven and half hours long. Henrietta Meire does a great job narrating the book. She also narrated book one.
May 28, 2022
Second in the series and every bit as good as the first.
A realistic investigation with writing that flows easily and relationships that complement the general positive feeling of the book.
A realistic investigation with writing that flows easily and relationships that complement the general positive feeling of the book.
January 12, 2017
This book picks up shortly after the end of the previous book Crime On The Fens. And the pace did not drop off.
Sgt. Easter returns to work after recovering from injuries sustained in the previous story. Straight away DI Nikki Galena's team is catapulted into the action. A shocking suicide at a tourist spot turns out to be Nikki's neighbour. But the circumstances of the death raise some questions. Shortly thereafter Joe Easter sees a ghost from his past that scares the living daylights out of him. Then bodies start turning up with their throats cut and a few other suspicious suicides are unearthed. How does all this hang together???
There is an uneasy sense throughout the book that Joe Easter is being stalked and targeted - but why? And by whom? And how do the cut throats and suicides tie in? Are they even related?
So we have the two cases going at once, a distinct lack of suspects and an unspecified menace hanging over Nikki and Joe and then the mystery deepens further. This was a very gripping and readable story. The characters were further developed which helps you buy into their stories. We find out about the parts of Joseph's past that he has never shared and there are hints of a feud between Nikki and the local GP, Helen Latimer, that may get more traction in future episodes. A very enjoyable series so far.
Sgt. Easter returns to work after recovering from injuries sustained in the previous story. Straight away DI Nikki Galena's team is catapulted into the action. A shocking suicide at a tourist spot turns out to be Nikki's neighbour. But the circumstances of the death raise some questions. Shortly thereafter Joe Easter sees a ghost from his past that scares the living daylights out of him. Then bodies start turning up with their throats cut and a few other suspicious suicides are unearthed. How does all this hang together???
There is an uneasy sense throughout the book that Joe Easter is being stalked and targeted - but why? And by whom? And how do the cut throats and suicides tie in? Are they even related?
So we have the two cases going at once, a distinct lack of suspects and an unspecified menace hanging over Nikki and Joe and then the mystery deepens further. This was a very gripping and readable story. The characters were further developed which helps you buy into their stories. We find out about the parts of Joseph's past that he has never shared and there are hints of a feud between Nikki and the local GP, Helen Latimer, that may get more traction in future episodes. A very enjoyable series so far.
November 1, 2018
This is the second book in the DI Nikki Galena series, and the second that I have listened to. I realize my rating is in the small minority (only 2.5% of ratings are 1 or 2), so I will explain. Joy Ellis is a master at character development and building up suspense. I like both Nikki and her assistant DS Joseph Easter, another carryover from the first book in the series, Crime on the Fens. I felt that the reader, Henrietta Meire, was even better here than in the first book; she was a factor in keeping me interested.
The first part of the book, perhaps 2/3, sets the scene and establishes the two seemingly unrelated mysteries to be solved. However, this story makes about as much sense as many of those TV mini-series that start out great but conclude leaving you wishing you could get a refund of the time you spent watching. The last third of the novel kind of drags, because by now, seasoned mystery readers will have guessed who the primary villain is, even if some details remain to be clarified. Even after the great reveal, many questions remain unresolved, and numerous inconsistencies along the way stand out. Major spoiler follows:
The first part of the book, perhaps 2/3, sets the scene and establishes the two seemingly unrelated mysteries to be solved. However, this story makes about as much sense as many of those TV mini-series that start out great but conclude leaving you wishing you could get a refund of the time you spent watching. The last third of the novel kind of drags, because by now, seasoned mystery readers will have guessed who the primary villain is, even if some details remain to be clarified. Even after the great reveal, many questions remain unresolved, and numerous inconsistencies along the way stand out. Major spoiler follows:
November 2, 2016
I have read the first two books in this DI Galena series to give it a fair test drive, and while there are some appealing aspects in character development, the transparent plots and bungling police procedures are not enough to hold me further.
February 13, 2025
Oh, that was good! So so good! DI Galena is back and so is DS Easter. I love that this book concentrated more on Easter and his past. It was great to get to know him that little bit better. And I also love how Joy Ellis writes stories that mix perfectly twisted crimes but give us also a good character development.
Definitely a series that I'm going to carry on with. Highly recommended.
Definitely a series that I'm going to carry on with. Highly recommended.
November 22, 2016
This is the second of a series of novels set in the Fens; an area of flat, reclaimed land in north Cambridgeshire, south Lincolnshire and west Norfolk. This frequently bleak, but occasionally beautiful setting certainly plays a part in the story. The two central characters, Nikki Galena and Joseph Easter are very likeable and well-sketched. The local constabulary are investigating two very serious, yet seemingly, unrelated crimes. But these turn out to be connected in the exciting and chilling finale. I'm looking forward to reading more from this series.
October 30, 2017
Good follow up to "Crime on the Fens".
DI Nikki Galena is now living in the Fens, and DS Easter is again part of her team.
As soon as she's getting settled into her new home, her neighbor commits suicide. This later turns out to be a murder.
Also, someone seems to be stalking Easter and something/someone from his past is making him question his new life.
There's more murders, lots of action and a good plot, but somehow I felt the first book had a better, more believable plot.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
DI Nikki Galena is now living in the Fens, and DS Easter is again part of her team.
As soon as she's getting settled into her new home, her neighbor commits suicide. This later turns out to be a murder.
Also, someone seems to be stalking Easter and something/someone from his past is making him question his new life.
There's more murders, lots of action and a good plot, but somehow I felt the first book had a better, more believable plot.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2020
So much better than the first book in this series which I found seriously underwhelming. I can now see why these books are popular. The storyline was good with twists and turns, and Nikki Gallena seems a much more likeable person than before. I'll definitely read more.
August 10, 2025
Shadow Over the Fens is book 2 in the DI Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis. When Nikki Galena's friend and neighbour died under suspicious circumstances, she did not know who to trust or the reason for her friend's death. When the second body was found in Greenborough wasteland, DI Nikki Galena started to wonder if there was a connection. With her partner, DS Joseph Easter, starting to behave differently, she wonders if he knows what's going on and isn't telling her. The readers of Shadow Over the Fens will continue to follow DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter to discover what happens.
I appreciate how Joy Ellis highlights the issues of unfinished cases haunting law enforcement officers, which helps me understand, also, how Joy Ellis incorporated the twists and turns in this book that kept me glued to the book until the end. I enjoy Joy Ellis' writing style, which always keeps me engaged with her characters and stories.
I love Joy Ellis' portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Shadow Over the Fens is well-written and researched by Joy Ellis. I like Joy Ellis's description of the settings of Shadow Over the Fens, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
March 29, 2024
Shadow over the Fens by Joy Ellis is the 2nd book in the D.I. Nikki Galena mystery series. Attending the death of a possible suicide, D.I. Nikki Galena is shocked to find the victim is her friend and neighbour, while D.S. Joseph Easter thinks he is seeing a psychopath from his army years. An excellent, fast paced police procedural. I love the friendship and support amongst the team, all with their unique skills and I am enjoying learning more about the characters. Plenty of twists and intrigue and an interesting mystery.
June 12, 2022
The second book of the DI Galena books set in the Lincolnshire fens. This starts as your usual murder mystery policy procedural, but ventures into the realm of spy and corporate espionage. Several unusual elements to this story and it had me guessing right up until near the end. Well worth reading and I will be continuing this series.
June 30, 2016
DI Nikki Galena has moved back to the Fen and just hours after her neighbor stops and greets her he commits suicide but there may be more to his death than just a suicide. Someone has broken into his cottage looking for something but what. An execution on wasteland brings back painful memories for DS Easter after his return to work. A man from his past has turned up and now that past is threatening everything he has worked so hard to put behind him. Two killers and a lot of area for them to get lost in. Can DI Galena and DS Easter solve these crimes. Great read. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
June 2, 2017
The second of the series that I have read and a very good story. Nikki is back in her family fenland home and Joseph Easter has joined her team. A spate of execution style murders, suspicious suicides and a face from Joseph's past and a new girlfriend, leads to an exciting plot that involves much soul searching and revelations of the past all add up to a good read.
Only drawback are the typos and missing words; the proof reading appears non existent and takes away from the quality of the story.
Only drawback are the typos and missing words; the proof reading appears non existent and takes away from the quality of the story.
September 12, 2017
Loved this book
March 16, 2022
Twists and twists and more
Another great book by P Gibney
Another great book by P Gibney
June 30, 2016
Before I start getting into the nitty gritty of the plot I will discuss a bit of the bookcover. Overall, I liked the bookcover, it fitted the description of the Fens and how it was different ends of the spectrum depending on the person. Beautiful and free for one person and suffocating and depressing for the next.
Anyhoots, I just had one problem with the cover and it was the line that said 'A crime thriller with a twist', it really wasn't necessary to add that because obviously every crime thriller will have a twist so by saying it early you kinda spoiled the fun of said plot twist.
Now, we shall go to the book review. This book for me was an enjoyable read it wasn't a mind-blowing one probably because there were some things that I didn't understand as my English is mainly American English. So there was a bit of a language barrier thing going on especially in the books the author used slangs and such which I didn't understand and also there were a few acronyms that I didn't get like CID or SOCO and a few others (this is not the authors fault, I am just really bad at acronyms).
Next, I felt like the books' pacing for me was a bit off for me. JUST A BIT. I say this because I had problems with the ending of the book where it was too fast as compared to earlier parts of the book.
This is the last problem I had with the book as after this it will be smooth sailing. Said problem was that I couldn't understand why the problem from Joseph's past affected him so much as there was a considerable gap between then and the present so you'd think that he would be somewhat over it. I am thinking that whatever happened in the first book had something to do with Joseph's poor mental state which henceforth made him more cray and easier to be manipulated by said problem of the past (I did not know there was another book before this okay).
The things that I did like about the book was the characters especially Nikki Galena and Joseph Easter. These characters showed depth in where they both are strong, independent, smart and resourceful but they also showed weaknesses in where aspects of their job does get to them and that they also struggle like normal people.
Lastly, I liked the twist at the end and yes I did complain about the pacing and how can you not? The pacing stole all the thunder and momentum that the plot twist gave. Had the author just elaborated it a bit and gave a bit more of information or explanation it would have been great.
Okay this will the be last one (Promise), I LOVED how at the back of the book the author gave an explanation to all the acronyms and slangs that were used throughout the book and yes I discovered it too late but its better late than never.
Anyhoots, I just had one problem with the cover and it was the line that said 'A crime thriller with a twist', it really wasn't necessary to add that because obviously every crime thriller will have a twist so by saying it early you kinda spoiled the fun of said plot twist.
Now, we shall go to the book review. This book for me was an enjoyable read it wasn't a mind-blowing one probably because there were some things that I didn't understand as my English is mainly American English. So there was a bit of a language barrier thing going on especially in the books the author used slangs and such which I didn't understand and also there were a few acronyms that I didn't get like CID or SOCO and a few others (this is not the authors fault, I am just really bad at acronyms).
Next, I felt like the books' pacing for me was a bit off for me. JUST A BIT. I say this because I had problems with the ending of the book where it was too fast as compared to earlier parts of the book.
This is the last problem I had with the book as after this it will be smooth sailing. Said problem was that I couldn't understand why the problem from Joseph's past affected him so much as there was a considerable gap between then and the present so you'd think that he would be somewhat over it. I am thinking that whatever happened in the first book had something to do with Joseph's poor mental state which henceforth made him more cray and easier to be manipulated by said problem of the past (I did not know there was another book before this okay).
The things that I did like about the book was the characters especially Nikki Galena and Joseph Easter. These characters showed depth in where they both are strong, independent, smart and resourceful but they also showed weaknesses in where aspects of their job does get to them and that they also struggle like normal people.
Lastly, I liked the twist at the end and yes I did complain about the pacing and how can you not? The pacing stole all the thunder and momentum that the plot twist gave. Had the author just elaborated it a bit and gave a bit more of information or explanation it would have been great.
Okay this will the be last one (Promise), I LOVED how at the back of the book the author gave an explanation to all the acronyms and slangs that were used throughout the book and yes I discovered it too late but its better late than never.
March 8, 2024
A decent amount of fun, but still very shallow, perhaps because the book was so short. It was fairly obvious from rather early on what was happening, at least generally, though the specifics were indeed interesting. I hate it when something is so obvious to the readers that it makes the main characters look like idiots that they don't see it and that was definitely the case in this book. I wish there were more suspects as in most crime novels instead of there being pretty much only one thing it could be since everything in the book is cut back so much that no one else is mentioned or introduced. It makes it all a bit boring since obviously it's not going to be exactly what the main characters suspect and there's only one other option hiding in the wings.
December 4, 2017
Short Take: A little disappointed
DI Joseph Foster is back to work after sustaining injuries in previous case and walks into his nightmare from his army days, or so he thinks. Nikki Galena, finally having found someone she likes to partner, seems to be forced to work alone this time, owing to the political drama with the top brass because of Joseph's reaction to finding a dead body. May be he came back too soon.
It starts with a suicide of her neighbor Martin, completely out of character for him and added to that, there is an execution style murder, when a victim was found with his throat cut from ear to ear. The two inquiries push Nikki's team to race against time, when the execution style victims are turning up to be a dead alike to Joseph's ex-army soldier, whom he suspects of some dark secrets.
While the story itself was interesting, it lacked the break neck pace that I am accustomed to reading in an investigative fiction. The character's banter was drone. A little disappointed with this.
DI Joseph Foster is back to work after sustaining injuries in previous case and walks into his nightmare from his army days, or so he thinks. Nikki Galena, finally having found someone she likes to partner, seems to be forced to work alone this time, owing to the political drama with the top brass because of Joseph's reaction to finding a dead body. May be he came back too soon.
It starts with a suicide of her neighbor Martin, completely out of character for him and added to that, there is an execution style murder, when a victim was found with his throat cut from ear to ear. The two inquiries push Nikki's team to race against time, when the execution style victims are turning up to be a dead alike to Joseph's ex-army soldier, whom he suspects of some dark secrets.
While the story itself was interesting, it lacked the break neck pace that I am accustomed to reading in an investigative fiction. The character's banter was drone. A little disappointed with this.
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