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DI Sam Clayton #1
Murder on the Marsh
Introducing a brand new crime thriller series, set in the villages of the Norfolk marshes
A BOY’S BODY IS FOUND IN A CHURCHYARD. HIS HEART HAS BEEN CUT OUT . . .
DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands. Emma seems to have been part of cultish group obsessed with contacting the dead via a medieval mystic. But a mysterious Frenchman and one of the local nature wardens are also suspects. The mystery is further complicated by the locals’ reluctance to share their secrets with the police. DI Clayton’s team also harbour some tragic secrets and it looks like only one of his detectives will be kept on, even if they do catch the vicious killer.
When another child disappears, DI Clayton faces a race against time to prevent any further crimes. Not only that, but he must confront local superstitions and keep his team under control as violence threatens to spiral out of control.
MURDER ON THE MARSH is the first in a new series of page-turning crime thrillers set in an atmospheric part of Norfolk. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Mel Sherratt, Angela Marsons, Colin Dexter, or Ruth Rendell.
THE TEAM
Detective Inspector Sam Clayton leads the investigation into the North Norfolk murders, joined the police straight from school as a beat bobby in Manchester before rising through the ranks of the CID. He was transferred to Norwich after being promoted to DI following a high-profile case investigated by Lancashire Constabulary. He struggles with anger issues and finds solace in playing classical guitar. He lives in hope of a reconciliation with his ex-wife, Claire.
Detective Sergeant Neil Pringle lives with his third wife in Norwich, where he was born. But taking care of his two sons with his wife Megan, and two other children with previous wives, has put his finances under strain. He never misses a chance to shine in hopes of securing promotion, and can’t help showing off his local knowledge to colleagues.
Detective Sergeant Julie Everett is an intuitive officer who was promoted to detective sergeant from her home town of Ipswich where she had a background in child protection. She is discreet about her personal life among colleagues, particularly about the tragedy which haunts her, but is stressed out because of her work-life balance. She has to deal with a high-pressure job while raising a six-year-old child who moved with her to Norwich.
THE SETTING
The mists sweep across the Glaveny marsh and its muddy channels on the North Norfolk coast, where the reeds rustle and the waist-high grasses whisper in the wind. It is a place, frequented by dog walkers and birdwatchers, where myth and reality collide. Locals talk about a hell hound that roams the marsh in the mist, bringing death in its wake. A medieval mystic who wrote about sin, Mother Julian of Norwich, may have had a connection to the villages dotted with fishermen’s flint cottages. Standing beside the majestic white sails of the windmill in the neighbouring village of Pelham on a clear day you can look over the marsh towards the seal colony on Glaveny Point. As you approach them you can hear the seals and their pups moaning on the shingle. The sound is almost human, like a mermaid’s siren call. When the mist rolls in, it is blindingly thick in minutes. When it retreats, who knows what will be left behind?
A BOY’S BODY IS FOUND IN A CHURCHYARD. HIS HEART HAS BEEN CUT OUT . . .
DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands. Emma seems to have been part of cultish group obsessed with contacting the dead via a medieval mystic. But a mysterious Frenchman and one of the local nature wardens are also suspects. The mystery is further complicated by the locals’ reluctance to share their secrets with the police. DI Clayton’s team also harbour some tragic secrets and it looks like only one of his detectives will be kept on, even if they do catch the vicious killer.
When another child disappears, DI Clayton faces a race against time to prevent any further crimes. Not only that, but he must confront local superstitions and keep his team under control as violence threatens to spiral out of control.
MURDER ON THE MARSH is the first in a new series of page-turning crime thrillers set in an atmospheric part of Norfolk. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, Mel Sherratt, Angela Marsons, Colin Dexter, or Ruth Rendell.
THE TEAM
Detective Inspector Sam Clayton leads the investigation into the North Norfolk murders, joined the police straight from school as a beat bobby in Manchester before rising through the ranks of the CID. He was transferred to Norwich after being promoted to DI following a high-profile case investigated by Lancashire Constabulary. He struggles with anger issues and finds solace in playing classical guitar. He lives in hope of a reconciliation with his ex-wife, Claire.
Detective Sergeant Neil Pringle lives with his third wife in Norwich, where he was born. But taking care of his two sons with his wife Megan, and two other children with previous wives, has put his finances under strain. He never misses a chance to shine in hopes of securing promotion, and can’t help showing off his local knowledge to colleagues.
Detective Sergeant Julie Everett is an intuitive officer who was promoted to detective sergeant from her home town of Ipswich where she had a background in child protection. She is discreet about her personal life among colleagues, particularly about the tragedy which haunts her, but is stressed out because of her work-life balance. She has to deal with a high-pressure job while raising a six-year-old child who moved with her to Norwich.
THE SETTING
The mists sweep across the Glaveny marsh and its muddy channels on the North Norfolk coast, where the reeds rustle and the waist-high grasses whisper in the wind. It is a place, frequented by dog walkers and birdwatchers, where myth and reality collide. Locals talk about a hell hound that roams the marsh in the mist, bringing death in its wake. A medieval mystic who wrote about sin, Mother Julian of Norwich, may have had a connection to the villages dotted with fishermen’s flint cottages. Standing beside the majestic white sails of the windmill in the neighbouring village of Pelham on a clear day you can look over the marsh towards the seal colony on Glaveny Point. As you approach them you can hear the seals and their pups moaning on the shingle. The sound is almost human, like a mermaid’s siren call. When the mist rolls in, it is blindingly thick in minutes. When it retreats, who knows what will be left behind?
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2016
351 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Anne Penketh
10 books38 followersLancashire lass who spent years abroad as a journalist and now based in London and Paris. ABBA fan and tap dancer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 7, 2023
EXCERPT: His mind kept returning to the churchyard.
They'd been on the national news after the discovery of a shallow grave inside the stone wall of the village church, three days after Jimmy Spratley was reported missing on the local marshes. The boy was only eight years old, and the little body had been mutilated, his heart torn out.
ABOUT 'MURDER ON THE MARSH': A BOY’S BODY IS FOUND IN A CHURCHYARD. HIS HEART HAS BEEN CUT OUT . . .
DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands. Emma seems to have been part of cultish group obsessed with contacting the dead via a medieval mystic. But a mysterious Frenchman and one of the local nature wardens are also suspects. The mystery is further complicated by the locals’ reluctance to share their secrets with the police. DI Clayton’s team also harbour some tragic secrets and it looks like only one of his detectives will be kept on, even if they do catch the vicious killer.
When another child disappears, DI Clayton faces a race against time to prevent any further crimes. Not only that, but he must confront local superstitions and keep his team under control as violence threatens to spiral out of control.
MY THOUGHTS: MURDER ON THE MARSH is the first in a new series of crime thrillers set in an Norfolk. Blindingly thick mists often sweep across the Glaveny marsh and its muddy channels on the North Norfolk coast. It is a place frequented by dog walkers and birdwatchers, a place rife with myths and legends. Locals talk about a hell hound that roams the marsh in the mist, bringing death in its wake. A medieval mystic who wrote about sin, Mother Julian of Norwich, may have had a connection to the villages dotted with fishermen’s flint cottages. Standing beside the majestic white sails of the windmill in the neighboring village of Pelham on a clear day you can look over the marsh towards the seal colony on Glaveny Point.
Detective Inspector Sam Clayton leads the investigation into the North Norfolk murders, joined the police straight from school as a beat bobby in Manchester before rising through the ranks of the CID. He was transferred to Norwich after being promoted to DI following a high-profile case investigated by Lancashire Constabulary. He struggles with anger issues and finds solace in playing classical guitar. He lives in hope of a reconciliation with his ex-wife, Claire.
Detective Sergeant Neil Pringle lives with his third wife in Norwich, where he was born. But taking care of his two sons with his wife Megan, and two other children with previous wives, has put his finances under strain. He never misses a chance to shine in hopes of securing promotion and can’t help showing off his local knowledge to colleagues.
Detective Sergeant Julie Everett is an intuitive officer who was promoted to detective sergeant from her hometown of Ipswich where she had a background in child protection. She is discreet about her personal life among colleagues, particularly about the tragedy which haunts her, but is stressed out because of her work-life balance. She has to deal with a high-pressure job while raising a six-year-old child who moved with her to Norwich.
Despite the very basic and at times disjointed writing style I mostly enjoyed this first book in a new crime series. The characters are well fleshed out, but rather stereotyped. We are often told things about the characters, but there is no actual evidence of these things in their behavior. There is no real plan to the investigation and the police seem to just stumble around relying on Julie's intuitive guesses to lead them to a conclusion. I did enjoy the way Julie stood up for herself at the end when her job was threatened. Most of the twists/red herrings felt rather contrived.
The cover has more atmosphere than the book unfortunately.
I don't know that I would be tempted to continue with this series, but stranger things have happened. I read this mostly with an indulgent smile on my face. 😉
⭐⭐.5
#MurderontheMarsh #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Lancashire lass who spent years abroad as a journalist and now based in London and Paris. ABBA fan and tap dancer.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Murder on the Marsh by Anne Penketh for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
They'd been on the national news after the discovery of a shallow grave inside the stone wall of the village church, three days after Jimmy Spratley was reported missing on the local marshes. The boy was only eight years old, and the little body had been mutilated, his heart torn out.
ABOUT 'MURDER ON THE MARSH': A BOY’S BODY IS FOUND IN A CHURCHYARD. HIS HEART HAS BEEN CUT OUT . . .
DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands. Emma seems to have been part of cultish group obsessed with contacting the dead via a medieval mystic. But a mysterious Frenchman and one of the local nature wardens are also suspects. The mystery is further complicated by the locals’ reluctance to share their secrets with the police. DI Clayton’s team also harbour some tragic secrets and it looks like only one of his detectives will be kept on, even if they do catch the vicious killer.
When another child disappears, DI Clayton faces a race against time to prevent any further crimes. Not only that, but he must confront local superstitions and keep his team under control as violence threatens to spiral out of control.
MY THOUGHTS: MURDER ON THE MARSH is the first in a new series of crime thrillers set in an Norfolk. Blindingly thick mists often sweep across the Glaveny marsh and its muddy channels on the North Norfolk coast. It is a place frequented by dog walkers and birdwatchers, a place rife with myths and legends. Locals talk about a hell hound that roams the marsh in the mist, bringing death in its wake. A medieval mystic who wrote about sin, Mother Julian of Norwich, may have had a connection to the villages dotted with fishermen’s flint cottages. Standing beside the majestic white sails of the windmill in the neighboring village of Pelham on a clear day you can look over the marsh towards the seal colony on Glaveny Point.
Detective Inspector Sam Clayton leads the investigation into the North Norfolk murders, joined the police straight from school as a beat bobby in Manchester before rising through the ranks of the CID. He was transferred to Norwich after being promoted to DI following a high-profile case investigated by Lancashire Constabulary. He struggles with anger issues and finds solace in playing classical guitar. He lives in hope of a reconciliation with his ex-wife, Claire.
Detective Sergeant Neil Pringle lives with his third wife in Norwich, where he was born. But taking care of his two sons with his wife Megan, and two other children with previous wives, has put his finances under strain. He never misses a chance to shine in hopes of securing promotion and can’t help showing off his local knowledge to colleagues.
Detective Sergeant Julie Everett is an intuitive officer who was promoted to detective sergeant from her hometown of Ipswich where she had a background in child protection. She is discreet about her personal life among colleagues, particularly about the tragedy which haunts her, but is stressed out because of her work-life balance. She has to deal with a high-pressure job while raising a six-year-old child who moved with her to Norwich.
Despite the very basic and at times disjointed writing style I mostly enjoyed this first book in a new crime series. The characters are well fleshed out, but rather stereotyped. We are often told things about the characters, but there is no actual evidence of these things in their behavior. There is no real plan to the investigation and the police seem to just stumble around relying on Julie's intuitive guesses to lead them to a conclusion. I did enjoy the way Julie stood up for herself at the end when her job was threatened. Most of the twists/red herrings felt rather contrived.
The cover has more atmosphere than the book unfortunately.
I don't know that I would be tempted to continue with this series, but stranger things have happened. I read this mostly with an indulgent smile on my face. 😉
⭐⭐.5
#MurderontheMarsh #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Lancashire lass who spent years abroad as a journalist and now based in London and Paris. ABBA fan and tap dancer.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Joffe Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Murder on the Marsh by Anne Penketh for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 16, 2016
First a little boy has been found murdered, his heart cut out. Now a woman's body has been found. Everything is pointing to a serial killer on the loose in Glaveny, a quiet Norfolk village. The police are under pressure to find a killer before he kills again. For Detective Inspector Sam Clayton this case has arrived just when his personal life lies in tatters, and he struggles with anger issues.
I enjoyed this book, the first of a new crime series, with DI Sam Clayton in charge of a team of police which also includes DS Neil Pringle and DS Julie Everett, both of whom are struggling with difficult personal lives of their own. In fact, I did at times find I was more interested in the private lives of the police officers than I was in finding out who the murderer was. We were presented with several possible suspects, but I didn't really care who committed the murder, because the victim came across as a horrible woman. A woman dabbling in the occult, and messing with the heads of those around her.
I'm interested in reading the second book, because I want to find out how things are with DI Sam, DS Neil and of course DS Julie, and should they be out fighting crime while they struggle on the domestic front, well i'm interested in that too!
I received this galley from the publishers via NetGalley.
I enjoyed this book, the first of a new crime series, with DI Sam Clayton in charge of a team of police which also includes DS Neil Pringle and DS Julie Everett, both of whom are struggling with difficult personal lives of their own. In fact, I did at times find I was more interested in the private lives of the police officers than I was in finding out who the murderer was. We were presented with several possible suspects, but I didn't really care who committed the murder, because the victim came across as a horrible woman. A woman dabbling in the occult, and messing with the heads of those around her.
I'm interested in reading the second book, because I want to find out how things are with DI Sam, DS Neil and of course DS Julie, and should they be out fighting crime while they struggle on the domestic front, well i'm interested in that too!
I received this galley from the publishers via NetGalley.
January 16, 2020
I read and loved Bad Sister and Play Dead so I was very happy to have found time to read the first in this brilliant series.
Something strange is afoot in Norfolk. A dead child with his heart missing and then the body of a young woman is found. The cases are so different they cannot be linked. Can they? Sam has his work cut out. He has recently moved to the area and his marriage has fallen apart and now he has a team that isn't gelling together. To add to his problems he is at risk of losing one of them due to budget cuts.
As the investigation continues the team find the way forward lies with a traumatised young boy the problem is he is temporarily mute. The pressure to crack the case is relentless and there are a lot of false leads. As the team delve in to Emma's past they discover the shocking truth about her life and beliefs.
This is a gripping first in series as we get to know the characters. There is plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning and I really enjoyed the intricate tangled web of a story. A brilliant read that is perfect for crime fiction lovers.
Something strange is afoot in Norfolk. A dead child with his heart missing and then the body of a young woman is found. The cases are so different they cannot be linked. Can they? Sam has his work cut out. He has recently moved to the area and his marriage has fallen apart and now he has a team that isn't gelling together. To add to his problems he is at risk of losing one of them due to budget cuts.
As the investigation continues the team find the way forward lies with a traumatised young boy the problem is he is temporarily mute. The pressure to crack the case is relentless and there are a lot of false leads. As the team delve in to Emma's past they discover the shocking truth about her life and beliefs.
This is a gripping first in series as we get to know the characters. There is plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning and I really enjoyed the intricate tangled web of a story. A brilliant read that is perfect for crime fiction lovers.
July 8, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
DNF @ 24%
There's nothing necessarily wrong with this, but it's not grabbing me at all. I'm finding the whole vibe really stereotypically of most UK crime fiction - tame and formulaic with cookie-cutter characters that don't really have a life outside of the cases they are working.
Everything is just bland, kind of like tea. And I have so many other books to read that I can't waste my time on bland.
#NetGalleyRead
DNF @ 24%
There's nothing necessarily wrong with this, but it's not grabbing me at all. I'm finding the whole vibe really stereotypically of most UK crime fiction - tame and formulaic with cookie-cutter characters that don't really have a life outside of the cases they are working.
Everything is just bland, kind of like tea. And I have so many other books to read that I can't waste my time on bland.
#NetGalleyRead
June 6, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It is set in North Norfolk and I have visited the area several times and the author did an excellent job of describing the local villages and community life. The overall story was good and I enjoyed the main characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 9, 2017
Murder on the Marsh by Anne Perketh is a mystery and thriller read.
A BOY’S BODY IS FOUND IN A CHURCHYARD. HIS HEART HAS BEEN CUT OUT . . .
DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands. Emma seems to have been part of cultish group obsessed with contacting the dead via a medieval mystic. But a mysterious Frenchman and one of the local nature wardens are also suspects. The mystery is further complicated by the locals’ reluctance to share their secrets with the police. DI Clayton’s team also harbour some tragic secrets and it looks like only one of his detectives will be kept on, even if they do catch the vicious killer.
When another child disappears, DI Clayton faces a race against time to prevent any further crimes. Not only that, but he must confront local superstitions and keep his team under control as violence threatens to spiral out of control.
This was a really enjoyable read with great characters. Full of twists and plots. Sam and juliette were my favourite characters. It definitely was not who I thought it was. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
A BOY’S BODY IS FOUND IN A CHURCHYARD. HIS HEART HAS BEEN CUT OUT . . .
DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands. Emma seems to have been part of cultish group obsessed with contacting the dead via a medieval mystic. But a mysterious Frenchman and one of the local nature wardens are also suspects. The mystery is further complicated by the locals’ reluctance to share their secrets with the police. DI Clayton’s team also harbour some tragic secrets and it looks like only one of his detectives will be kept on, even if they do catch the vicious killer.
When another child disappears, DI Clayton faces a race against time to prevent any further crimes. Not only that, but he must confront local superstitions and keep his team under control as violence threatens to spiral out of control.
This was a really enjoyable read with great characters. Full of twists and plots. Sam and juliette were my favourite characters. It definitely was not who I thought it was. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
May 13, 2017
I finished it......
That's about as good as it gets!
Very cheesy throughout - comments like " I'll find the killer if it's the last thing I do" for Instance. Really!!!!!
Started with promise but was poor - characters and story not well developed - should be a 2.75.
The persecution complex from the female police officer was ridiculous as the boss man seemed fine to me and the tensions weren't conveyed well enough for her to have that emotion.
That's about as good as it gets!
Very cheesy throughout - comments like " I'll find the killer if it's the last thing I do" for Instance. Really!!!!!
Started with promise but was poor - characters and story not well developed - should be a 2.75.
The persecution complex from the female police officer was ridiculous as the boss man seemed fine to me and the tensions weren't conveyed well enough for her to have that emotion.
December 23, 2016
A BOY’S BODY IS FOUND IN A CHURCHYARD. HIS HEART HAS BEEN CUT OUT . . .
DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands.
During the investigations, that sees them chase a suspect to France they find that both murders are linked and they are drawn into old legends and séances in the hope of solving the crimes. In the end it is Emma's son Eddie that holds the key to identifying the killer. Throughout the book you learn a bit about the backgrounds of DI Sam Clayton and his team, DS Neil Pringle and DS Julie Everett so you get to see why they act the way they do in certain situations. In the case of DS Everett this means you can warm to her slightly more than you might as she comes across as a bit cold and distant. You also learn that they are dealing with a merged force under threat of further cuts that impacts on their reactions in certain situations and at times sees them working as individuals rather than a coherent team trying to solve two nasty murders. Everyone seems to be hiding secrets that could implicate them in the crimes and when evidence appears to implicate them you are sure you know who the killer is. At times it does seem that they are concentrating more on the murder of Emma Dawson than that of Jimmy Spratt and this is commented on by the author when Jimmy's father turns up at the station complaining that they have not been kept up to date on the investigations into the death of their son (a sentiment I am sure that many parents who have suffered the loss of a loved one in violent circumstances might share)
Murder on the Marsh by Anne Penketh is billed as the first book about DI Sam Clayton. I came across it by chance and I am really glad that I did. I found hard to put down with the setting of the Norfolk marshes adding to the atmosphere of the old stories legends of the area. The more I got into the story, the more I wanted to know about all the residents of the village and the secrets they were hiding. I look forward to future cases of DI Clayton and his team.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe books for the copy of this book in return for my review
DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands.
During the investigations, that sees them chase a suspect to France they find that both murders are linked and they are drawn into old legends and séances in the hope of solving the crimes. In the end it is Emma's son Eddie that holds the key to identifying the killer. Throughout the book you learn a bit about the backgrounds of DI Sam Clayton and his team, DS Neil Pringle and DS Julie Everett so you get to see why they act the way they do in certain situations. In the case of DS Everett this means you can warm to her slightly more than you might as she comes across as a bit cold and distant. You also learn that they are dealing with a merged force under threat of further cuts that impacts on their reactions in certain situations and at times sees them working as individuals rather than a coherent team trying to solve two nasty murders. Everyone seems to be hiding secrets that could implicate them in the crimes and when evidence appears to implicate them you are sure you know who the killer is. At times it does seem that they are concentrating more on the murder of Emma Dawson than that of Jimmy Spratt and this is commented on by the author when Jimmy's father turns up at the station complaining that they have not been kept up to date on the investigations into the death of their son (a sentiment I am sure that many parents who have suffered the loss of a loved one in violent circumstances might share)
Murder on the Marsh by Anne Penketh is billed as the first book about DI Sam Clayton. I came across it by chance and I am really glad that I did. I found hard to put down with the setting of the Norfolk marshes adding to the atmosphere of the old stories legends of the area. The more I got into the story, the more I wanted to know about all the residents of the village and the secrets they were hiding. I look forward to future cases of DI Clayton and his team.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe books for the copy of this book in return for my review
March 19, 2017
Reviewed by Michel Violante for Reader Views (01/17)
“Murder on the Marsh” by Anne Penketh begins when Sam Clayton, a detective from Norfolk Village is at home on his day off trying to get the image of a murdered young boy, whose body was lacking his heart, out of his mind. While relaxing with his guitar, Sam is interrupted by the phone. When he answers, he is informed that a waitress has gone missing in Glaveny, the same village the boy’s body was found. She was reported missing by her neighbor who babysat her son, as she never picked the boy up. The dead waitress, Emma Dawson, was the organizer of the ‘Mother Julian Cult.’ As Clayton continues with the investigation, Dawson’s body is also found in the Marsh. She had been strangled. The storyline is based on Clayton’s investigation along with two other detectives: Neil and Julie. Through their efforts, they not only uncover the murders, they also discover the dark world of the ‘Mother Julian Cult.”
Ann Penketh produced a well-written British mystery, which kept me intrigued and hooked from page one. The characters felt genuine and real. The setting was easy to visualize, as I felt transported to the small Norfolk Village. It was a quick and easy read as the storyline flowed nicely throughout.
In general, I found “Murder on the Marsh” by Anne Penketh to be an awesome mystery that takes place in a colorful British village, and colorful characters as captivating as the plot. I give it Five Stars and recommend it to all mystery and detective story fans! I will definitely follow this author.
“Murder on the Marsh” by Anne Penketh begins when Sam Clayton, a detective from Norfolk Village is at home on his day off trying to get the image of a murdered young boy, whose body was lacking his heart, out of his mind. While relaxing with his guitar, Sam is interrupted by the phone. When he answers, he is informed that a waitress has gone missing in Glaveny, the same village the boy’s body was found. She was reported missing by her neighbor who babysat her son, as she never picked the boy up. The dead waitress, Emma Dawson, was the organizer of the ‘Mother Julian Cult.’ As Clayton continues with the investigation, Dawson’s body is also found in the Marsh. She had been strangled. The storyline is based on Clayton’s investigation along with two other detectives: Neil and Julie. Through their efforts, they not only uncover the murders, they also discover the dark world of the ‘Mother Julian Cult.”
Ann Penketh produced a well-written British mystery, which kept me intrigued and hooked from page one. The characters felt genuine and real. The setting was easy to visualize, as I felt transported to the small Norfolk Village. It was a quick and easy read as the storyline flowed nicely throughout.
In general, I found “Murder on the Marsh” by Anne Penketh to be an awesome mystery that takes place in a colorful British village, and colorful characters as captivating as the plot. I give it Five Stars and recommend it to all mystery and detective story fans! I will definitely follow this author.
November 17, 2016
A page-turner of a crime novel set in the eerie marshes of Norfolk, England, where murder and the supernatural collide. Sam Clayton is not your average hard-boiled detective. He has problems of his own as he sets out to find a serial killer who is terrorizing the misty region. Suspects pile up as Clayton scours the area, encountering a sect devoted to a 14th-century mystic whose beliefs have local residents in thrall. Other cops join him in a desperate effort to stop the killing. With tight pacing and vivid description, this is an imaginative and engrossing novel. More, please.
October 23, 2016
Although the landscape and area is bleak and foreboding, this is an enjoyable beginning of a new crime series with a very reliable and likeable investigative team of Sam, Neil and Julie. Non stop action plagued by superstitions and long kept secrets comes to satisfying conclusion. Looking forward to reading more in the series. Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
June 23, 2024
It wasn't that keen on this book as wasn't really holding my attention. DI Sam Clayton is just too wishy washy for my liking. He heads up the police force in Glaveny, a village in North Norfolk, which doesn't exist in case you're thinking of going there. An 8yr old boy's body was found in a shallow grave in the churchyard with his heart missing. There is a thought going about in the village that Mother Julian of Norwich had visited Glaveny.
In the village there is a barmaid Emma who believes in mysticism and claims to be a psychic and has a lot of followers in the village. She is next to be murdered, she's found in an empty boat on land. Clayton finds suddenly finds himself in charge of a murderous crimewave and doesn't feel up to the mark either. Emma spoke with a french man and disappeared off into the night with him. Clayton contacts the french police in whatever village the man looks like he came from, he was working in a nature reserve there protecting seals. In real life there are a lot of seals along the north norfolk coast.
The plot plods along from here and I felt the need to get up and do some baking to avoid the monotony of the plot, I finished the last couple of chapters several pounds heavier as I ate my way through my cake with more enthusiasm than I read the book. I have the next two in this series too.
In the village there is a barmaid Emma who believes in mysticism and claims to be a psychic and has a lot of followers in the village. She is next to be murdered, she's found in an empty boat on land. Clayton finds suddenly finds himself in charge of a murderous crimewave and doesn't feel up to the mark either. Emma spoke with a french man and disappeared off into the night with him. Clayton contacts the french police in whatever village the man looks like he came from, he was working in a nature reserve there protecting seals. In real life there are a lot of seals along the north norfolk coast.
The plot plods along from here and I felt the need to get up and do some baking to avoid the monotony of the plot, I finished the last couple of chapters several pounds heavier as I ate my way through my cake with more enthusiasm than I read the book. I have the next two in this series too.
June 15, 2020
Who is the suspect, one of the three described I think
First Anne Penketh book I have read. From a Crime Novel viewpoint it was good, however I just could not get into the story and to be honest I am not sure why. Maybe DI Sam Clayton was not inspirational enough for me. Maybe the two DS's Julie & Neil did not come across as brilliant characters either? With there "home" lives cutting across the story the three main characters seemed " more interested in themselves" than the crimes. Maybe that is how it was meant to be, being the first in the series. Just did not sit well with me.
First Anne Penketh book I have read. From a Crime Novel viewpoint it was good, however I just could not get into the story and to be honest I am not sure why. Maybe DI Sam Clayton was not inspirational enough for me. Maybe the two DS's Julie & Neil did not come across as brilliant characters either? With there "home" lives cutting across the story the three main characters seemed " more interested in themselves" than the crimes. Maybe that is how it was meant to be, being the first in the series. Just did not sit well with me.
December 2, 2023
Atmospheric thriller on the marsh
Set in Norfolk against the seal watching, the small town mentality and the swirling sea mists, DI Sam Clayton and his team try to solve the horrific murder of a young boy. When a waitress is also found murdered the search leads to France and touches on the supernatural.
An interesting introduction to Sam and his team of Julie and Neil. They all have their own issues and methods that will expand over the series. Lots of suspects and twists although the main explanation for the murders remained a bit vague. The mood was captured well in the settings and really set the tone.
Set in Norfolk against the seal watching, the small town mentality and the swirling sea mists, DI Sam Clayton and his team try to solve the horrific murder of a young boy. When a waitress is also found murdered the search leads to France and touches on the supernatural.
An interesting introduction to Sam and his team of Julie and Neil. They all have their own issues and methods that will expand over the series. Lots of suspects and twists although the main explanation for the murders remained a bit vague. The mood was captured well in the settings and really set the tone.
December 28, 2019
Murder on the Marsh
A child is found murdered followed by a local woman. It comes out the woman was a psychic and held seances with friends. Then the Police are told Black Shuck the dog has been seen around the marshes. D.I. Sam Clayton and his team have their work cut out as they try to get to the bottom of Just what is going on.
I really did enjoy this first Sam Clayton novel by Anne Penketh. It was easy to read and had me gripped from the get go.
Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended if you love crime thrillers.
A child is found murdered followed by a local woman. It comes out the woman was a psychic and held seances with friends. Then the Police are told Black Shuck the dog has been seen around the marshes. D.I. Sam Clayton and his team have their work cut out as they try to get to the bottom of Just what is going on.
I really did enjoy this first Sam Clayton novel by Anne Penketh. It was easy to read and had me gripped from the get go.
Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended if you love crime thrillers.
January 21, 2025
Started good but went downhill from there. Unfortunately not what I hoped for, rather pedestrian (oh how I like the English language!) and rather cringy. However, to day it was exactly what I needed, an easy, light read and with a little faith in the author I will read The Bad Sister and hope it'll be at least a tad better.
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).
September 15, 2020
DI Sam Clayton and his team are investigating the death of eight year old Jimmy Spratley, found in a graveyard with his heart cut out. Then another body is discovered. Is there a connection, what could be the motive.
DS Everett seemed to have an unwarranted complex when it came to her boss, consequently I didn't really like her character. She seemed too self absorbed.
A solid well-written start to the series, but I did prefer a later book in the series
DS Everett seemed to have an unwarranted complex when it came to her boss, consequently I didn't really like her character. She seemed too self absorbed.
A solid well-written start to the series, but I did prefer a later book in the series
October 16, 2017
A good read.
Thoroughly enjoyable tale, with with real dysfunctional characters. Each having their own demons to wrestle & try to overcome.
A good storyline with the unexpected being a constant.
Well worth reading - even though I was ready to throw the waste bin at Clayton & tell him to grow up.
Thoroughly enjoyable tale, with with real dysfunctional characters. Each having their own demons to wrestle & try to overcome.
A good storyline with the unexpected being a constant.
Well worth reading - even though I was ready to throw the waste bin at Clayton & tell him to grow up.
December 30, 2019
Good read
A young boy murdered and his body mutilated - the police have no leads. A young mother is murdered in the same village. The first suspect is a Frenchman visiting the area but he’s gone back home. Then the police hear of the victim holding “seances” with a group of locals - did one of them turn on her?
A young boy murdered and his body mutilated - the police have no leads. A young mother is murdered in the same village. The first suspect is a Frenchman visiting the area but he’s gone back home. Then the police hear of the victim holding “seances” with a group of locals - did one of them turn on her?
February 22, 2021
Not a bad first book for a new series. The characters have depth, they are generally likeable and the murder was certainly not straightforward.
A young boy is murdered and then soon after a young woman is also found dead. The police need to determine if these events are linked.
I particularly like the typing woman detective.
A young boy is murdered and then soon after a young woman is also found dead. The police need to determine if these events are linked.
I particularly like the typing woman detective.
September 28, 2021
I wanted to love this book. It's a murder mystery set in an area of the country that I know very well - how could I resist? Alas, it's much more like a police procedural than the "whodunnit" I was expecting and I just didn't warm to any of the characters. I'm afraid I was a bit underwhelmed. Perhaps it might work better on TV?
April 11, 2023
introduced to DI Sam Clayton in this book. Based around the North Norfolk coast.
A quite village where locals are not familiar with the level of crime that has just been committed
This read felt a little slow to start with, it soon sped up its pace and became an interesting read.
A decent storyline with good twist.
A quite village where locals are not familiar with the level of crime that has just been committed
This read felt a little slow to start with, it soon sped up its pace and became an interesting read.
A decent storyline with good twist.
July 29, 2024
This book seemed like it would never end. There was a huge cast of characters, all of whom had no personality. The author tried to mix supernatural with police procedural, meaning most of the book follows police trying use hypnotism and seances to find a murderer. The whole book was a miserable mess that needed to end much sooner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2025
Slipping in a background character that is called 'Tess Tickle' is absolutely diabolical!
Honestly made me rewind the book to make sure it'd heard it correctly, because I was not expecting to hear that in a run of the mill murder mystery with the typical 'cop with relationship issues' and 'cops make a mistake that lets the killer get away from them' tropes.
Honestly made me rewind the book to make sure it'd heard it correctly, because I was not expecting to hear that in a run of the mill murder mystery with the typical 'cop with relationship issues' and 'cops make a mistake that lets the killer get away from them' tropes.
March 9, 2018
Superlative
Another great book and great author! Ms. Penketh held my attention completely from start to finish with the storyline as well as her ability to portray the characters. I am partial to British authors and books and she certainly didn't disappoint me. Bravo!
Another great book and great author! Ms. Penketh held my attention completely from start to finish with the storyline as well as her ability to portray the characters. I am partial to British authors and books and she certainly didn't disappoint me. Bravo!
August 27, 2019
EXCELLENT!
MURDER ON THE MARSH Kicks off in the aftermath of a shocking, grisly child murder. Baffling mystery, riveting suspense and stunning incidents and revelations round out this great, quick page turner.
MURDER ON THE MARSH Kicks off in the aftermath of a shocking, grisly child murder. Baffling mystery, riveting suspense and stunning incidents and revelations round out this great, quick page turner.
May 6, 2017
excellent read
great story so many twist and turns can't put it down great Cartier s and love it being on the marshes makes it exciting.
great story so many twist and turns can't put it down great Cartier s and love it being on the marshes makes it exciting.
June 19, 2018
Perfectly readable but for me I just couldn't empathise with the characters.
August 25, 2018
Not exactly a great read. The premise of the book is a little hard to accept, but, it is quite readable. I will read the next Sam Clayton book and see if it all improves.
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