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DI Nikki Galena #5
Stalker on the Fens
Detective Nikki Galena's friend thinks she has a deadly stalker ...
DI Nikki Galena’s friend Helen Brook is involved in a serious accident where she is trapped in a collapsed cellar. After her hard-won recovery, Helen is still getting flashbacks to a man she says was down there with her and who confessed to a murder. But no trace of this man can be found.
Then Helen tells Nikki that someone is watching her. But is all this in her friend’s imagination and part of her post-traumatic stress?
And why is Stephen Cox back in town? He’s the villain who tore Nikki’s life apart and he seems to have returned for revenge.
Before long the whole town is on the verge of hysteria and her friend’s fear will lead Nikki and Joseph on a very dangerous trail.
DI Nikki Galena’s friend Helen Brook is involved in a serious accident where she is trapped in a collapsed cellar. After her hard-won recovery, Helen is still getting flashbacks to a man she says was down there with her and who confessed to a murder. But no trace of this man can be found.
Then Helen tells Nikki that someone is watching her. But is all this in her friend’s imagination and part of her post-traumatic stress?
And why is Stephen Cox back in town? He’s the villain who tore Nikki’s life apart and he seems to have returned for revenge.
Before long the whole town is on the verge of hysteria and her friend’s fear will lead Nikki and Joseph on a very dangerous trail.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
2735 people are currently reading
844 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 334 reviews
March 15, 2020
So, I’ve been binging on this series lately. Not since Archer Mayor’s Joe Gunther series have I been so taken by a complete cast of characters. I love the cohesion of Nikki’s band of detectives. But a new addition to the group threatens to disrupt their bonhomie.
Meanwhile, a friend of Nikki’s was in a horrific accident which trapped her in a collapsed cellar. She’s convinced someone was down there with her - someone that confessed to having just murdered another woman. But she was alone when help came. Now recovered, Nikki’s friend believes she is being stalked.
As usual, Ellis provides numerous twists and turns. I didn’t figure out who was behind the crime prior to the big reveal . The book moves at a brisk pace. This is a straightforward police procedural. While it’s not necessary to have read the prior books, your enjoyment will be hampered as Ellis doesn’t spend a lot of time rehashing prior character development points.
I listen to these books and I adore Henrietta Miere’s narrative style.
June 1, 2021
Stalker on The Fens is another great read, that I struggled to put down, could easily have read in one sitting given the time. These books are written in such an easy, readable style. I love the close working relationship within Nikki's team which seems so natural.
The story is so well developed, with great character building, a tight, exciting plot, and like able characters, the good guys anyway. I have no hesitation in recommending this.
The story is so well developed, with great character building, a tight, exciting plot, and like able characters, the good guys anyway. I have no hesitation in recommending this.
April 4, 2024
This series is really hitting it’s stride now in this fifth episode of the series. The cast of characters are so well developed they feel like old friends and their ongoing lives are as important as solving the mystery.
DI Nikki Galena’s good friend Helen Brook was badly injured in a serious accident when a cellar collapsed on her but survived and has recovered well despite suffering PTSD. She has established her own aromatherapy business and has a lot of devoted customers. Now she fears she is being stalked and Nikki is worried that Helen’s husband is not taking her concerns seriously enough, regardless of whether she is imagining it or not.
With a fast moving plot, this is an intriguing mystery with some unusual forensics for the police to solve. Just to complicate matters, an old foe of Nikki’s, Stephen Cox has arrived back on the scene and is definitely up to something wicked. Some good twists and turns tie up a few loose ends and leave us looking forward to the next book in the series.
DI Nikki Galena’s good friend Helen Brook was badly injured in a serious accident when a cellar collapsed on her but survived and has recovered well despite suffering PTSD. She has established her own aromatherapy business and has a lot of devoted customers. Now she fears she is being stalked and Nikki is worried that Helen’s husband is not taking her concerns seriously enough, regardless of whether she is imagining it or not.
With a fast moving plot, this is an intriguing mystery with some unusual forensics for the police to solve. Just to complicate matters, an old foe of Nikki’s, Stephen Cox has arrived back on the scene and is definitely up to something wicked. Some good twists and turns tie up a few loose ends and leave us looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 6, 2024
DI Nikki Galena's friend Helen Brook had been to hell and back. Twelve months prior she was involved in a terrible accident and took a long while to recover. Now, she was frightened. She was having flashbacks to the time she was trapped and injured, as well as being aware that someone was stalking her. Telling her good friend, and the only person other than her fiance, Andrew, that she trusted, Nikki promised that she, Joseph and her team would look into her worries.
The body in the river was causing the team some trouble, then another person was murdered. Soon, Nikki and the team were running on fumes. The killer was warped and twisted - the suspects were many. Could they find the killer before anyone else died? And their old foe, the deadly Stephen Cox, had turned up again - why? They wanted to put him behind bars more than anything...
Stalker on the Fens is the 5th in the DI Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis and it's another brilliant addition to this highly addictive series. The pace was electric, the tension heart thumpingly good! I can't wait for the next in the series. Highly recommended.
The body in the river was causing the team some trouble, then another person was murdered. Soon, Nikki and the team were running on fumes. The killer was warped and twisted - the suspects were many. Could they find the killer before anyone else died? And their old foe, the deadly Stephen Cox, had turned up again - why? They wanted to put him behind bars more than anything...
Stalker on the Fens is the 5th in the DI Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis and it's another brilliant addition to this highly addictive series. The pace was electric, the tension heart thumpingly good! I can't wait for the next in the series. Highly recommended.
April 7, 2024
Fifth in the D.I. Nikki Galena series and it was a good read although I enjoyed it less than the previous books.
Nikki's friend, Helen, believes she is being stalked but everyone, including her partner, feel that she is suffering from PTSD. Nikki is over stretched and stressed by her workload plus having a new member in her team who she does not like, and she does not give Helen's case enough of her personal time, which leads to disaster.
Lots of police work, heaps of drama, red herrings galore and a couple of odd epilogue type chapters at the end. I hope Nikki is back fully in the game in the next book.
Nikki's friend, Helen, believes she is being stalked but everyone, including her partner, feel that she is suffering from PTSD. Nikki is over stretched and stressed by her workload plus having a new member in her team who she does not like, and she does not give Helen's case enough of her personal time, which leads to disaster.
Lots of police work, heaps of drama, red herrings galore and a couple of odd epilogue type chapters at the end. I hope Nikki is back fully in the game in the next book.
April 3, 2019
Stalker on the Fens Is the fifth book in the DI Nikki Galena series – by author Joy Ellis
I have read all five books of this 9 book series in order, and recommend this.
“Detective Inspector Nikki Galena and her Detective Sergeant Joseph Easter solve crimes in the Lincolnshire Fens”
“DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA’S FRIEND THINKS SHE HAS A DEADLY STALKER”
This book starts off with a friend of DI Kikki, being trapped in a collapsed cellar, and is badly hurt
These are well developed stories, with good character building, and plots
I did so far find all the books on Kindle Unlimited.
I have read all five books of this 9 book series in order, and recommend this.
“Detective Inspector Nikki Galena and her Detective Sergeant Joseph Easter solve crimes in the Lincolnshire Fens”
“DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA’S FRIEND THINKS SHE HAS A DEADLY STALKER”
This book starts off with a friend of DI Kikki, being trapped in a collapsed cellar, and is badly hurt
These are well developed stories, with good character building, and plots
I did so far find all the books on Kindle Unlimited.
July 22, 2025
*A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing*
In this instalment, DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter find themselves near the site of a collapsed cellar. Despite being warned not to approach, they hear a woman’s cries for help. As they race to locate the source, Nikki is shocked to realise it’s her friend Helen.
After many months of recovery, Helen begins to have flashbacks. Nikki dismisses them as trauma, but Helen insists that while trapped, she heard a man confess to murder. This revelation makes Nikki wonder if it’s down to trauma as no one else was found at the site. Helen thinks because she survived she’s being stalked, Helen’s workaholic partner does not take the threat seriously.
Nikki tries to convince herself that it’s just trauma, but her hopes are shattered when she makes a gruesome discovery. Heartbroken, she questions why she didn’t listen.
To make matters worse, Nikki is assigned an unpopular DC to rain in who believes he knows better and makes an almost costly mistake.
Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, Nikki discovers that her nemesis is still around and there’s a score to settle. Not only for her, but for Joseph as well.
However, there’s more trouble ahead when Nikki ends up in grave danger. The culprit is an unlikely source, and their background reveals the truth. There is also a gift at the end of the book from a dying honorary villain.
This addictive read has left me looking forward to the next instalment.
In this instalment, DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter find themselves near the site of a collapsed cellar. Despite being warned not to approach, they hear a woman’s cries for help. As they race to locate the source, Nikki is shocked to realise it’s her friend Helen.
After many months of recovery, Helen begins to have flashbacks. Nikki dismisses them as trauma, but Helen insists that while trapped, she heard a man confess to murder. This revelation makes Nikki wonder if it’s down to trauma as no one else was found at the site. Helen thinks because she survived she’s being stalked, Helen’s workaholic partner does not take the threat seriously.
Nikki tries to convince herself that it’s just trauma, but her hopes are shattered when she makes a gruesome discovery. Heartbroken, she questions why she didn’t listen.
To make matters worse, Nikki is assigned an unpopular DC to rain in who believes he knows better and makes an almost costly mistake.
Just when she thinks things can’t get any worse, Nikki discovers that her nemesis is still around and there’s a score to settle. Not only for her, but for Joseph as well.
However, there’s more trouble ahead when Nikki ends up in grave danger. The culprit is an unlikely source, and their background reveals the truth. There is also a gift at the end of the book from a dying honorary villain.
This addictive read has left me looking forward to the next instalment.
November 6, 2016
This 5th Nikki Galena story is just as good as the previous books. Although this is the 5th book any one of the stories can be read as a stand alone story. Nikki's friend had been thru a bad accident in her past and now she thinks she may be stalked by the man she thinks she remembers being there with her. Everyone thinks she is just suffering from post stress from the accident but more and more details start to point to the fact that she may be right. When she turns up murdered Nikki knows she will never forgive herself for not believing her unless she can solve her murder. Another great read Joy Ellis. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
March 1, 2024
That's five from five, and if anything this series is just getting stronger.
This time, the action is focused on Helen Brook, one of DI Nikki Galena's few, close friends. A year ago Helen was seriously injured, but against the odds she has physically recovered and is moving on with her life, including opening a new, high-end aromatherapy clinic. Mentally, she's not doing quite as well, particularly since she came to the realisation that someone might be following her.
Meanwhile a body is recovered from the river, and when an identification is eventually made, Nikki's team fears there could be an impact on the peacefulness of Greenborough.
I think the books are getting a little longer now, but that certainly hasn't affected the pace. The plot is as tight as ever, and I was kept guessing until the end. No doubt I'll be picking up #6 quite soon!
This book is currently free on Audible.
This time, the action is focused on Helen Brook, one of DI Nikki Galena's few, close friends. A year ago Helen was seriously injured, but against the odds she has physically recovered and is moving on with her life, including opening a new, high-end aromatherapy clinic. Mentally, she's not doing quite as well, particularly since she came to the realisation that someone might be following her.
Meanwhile a body is recovered from the river, and when an identification is eventually made, Nikki's team fears there could be an impact on the peacefulness of Greenborough.
I think the books are getting a little longer now, but that certainly hasn't affected the pace. The plot is as tight as ever, and I was kept guessing until the end. No doubt I'll be picking up #6 quite soon!
This book is currently free on Audible.
November 30, 2023
Best book of the series so far. SHE GOT ME!
I guessed wrong this time 🎉
I’m totally sucked into all the characters and I’m so happy I can go straight to listening to the next book.
I guessed wrong this time 🎉
I’m totally sucked into all the characters and I’m so happy I can go straight to listening to the next book.
June 1, 2025
Ooh, that book, oh my, so so good, so so twisted. DI Galena and her team are back. And the case they need to solve is deeply personal. There's so much at stake here, so much to deal with, they will be tested beyond anything they ever experienced.
Joy Ellis delivers another great book in DI Galena series. That series is absolutely fantastic and with every single book it seems to be getting even more brilliant. I love Galena and her team and cannot wait to read other books in that series.
Joy Ellis delivers another great book in DI Galena series. That series is absolutely fantastic and with every single book it seems to be getting even more brilliant. I love Galena and her team and cannot wait to read other books in that series.
November 1, 2016
I selected this book to read filled with anticipation that it would be a nitty gritty down to earth British police procedural murder mystery. The type of story that the British excel at converting into long running television series. I expected strong characters and excellent story telling by the author. I am gratified to report that this book has meet all of my expectations and was a joy (no pun intended on the author's first name) to read. It even has a dictionary of English words and terms, for those Yanks who have not had the privilege of visiting or residing in England, so they can fully appreciate the story being put forth.
I strongly recommend this book and gave it a five star rating.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.
Thank you Frank for your Review
I strongly recommend this book and gave it a five star rating.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.
Thank you Frank for your Review
January 16, 2017
Stalker On The Fens by joy Ellis is a mystery and thriller read.
DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA’S FRIEND THINKS SHE HAS A DEADLY STALKER
DI Nikki Galena’s friend Helen Brook is involved in a serious accident where she is trapped in a collapsed cellar. After her hard-won recovery, Helen is still getting flashbacks to a man she says was down there with her and who confessed to a murder. But no trace of this man can be found.
Then Helen tells Nikki that someone is watching her. But is all this in her friend’s imagination and part of her post-traumatic stress?
And why is Stephen Cox back in town? He’s the villain who tore Nikki’s life apart and he seems to have returned for revenge.
Before long the whole town is on the verge of hysteria and her friend’s fear will lead Nikki and Joseph on a very dangerous trail.
THE DETECTIVE DI Nikki Galena: A police detective with nothing left to lose, she’s seen a girl die in her arms and her own family destroyed. She’s tough on the criminals who she thinks did this to her.
HER PARTNER DS Joseph Easter is the squeaky-clean new member of the team. But his nickname “Holy Joe” belies his former life as a soldier. He has an estranged daughter who blames him for everything that went wrong with their family.
THE SETTING 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.
I really enjoyed this read. Full of twists and plots. Really had me thinking.
5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley
DETECTIVE NIKKI GALENA’S FRIEND THINKS SHE HAS A DEADLY STALKER
DI Nikki Galena’s friend Helen Brook is involved in a serious accident where she is trapped in a collapsed cellar. After her hard-won recovery, Helen is still getting flashbacks to a man she says was down there with her and who confessed to a murder. But no trace of this man can be found.
Then Helen tells Nikki that someone is watching her. But is all this in her friend’s imagination and part of her post-traumatic stress?
And why is Stephen Cox back in town? He’s the villain who tore Nikki’s life apart and he seems to have returned for revenge.
Before long the whole town is on the verge of hysteria and her friend’s fear will lead Nikki and Joseph on a very dangerous trail.
THE DETECTIVE DI Nikki Galena: A police detective with nothing left to lose, she’s seen a girl die in her arms and her own family destroyed. She’s tough on the criminals who she thinks did this to her.
HER PARTNER DS Joseph Easter is the squeaky-clean new member of the team. But his nickname “Holy Joe” belies his former life as a soldier. He has an estranged daughter who blames him for everything that went wrong with their family.
THE SETTING 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.
I really enjoyed this read. Full of twists and plots. Really had me thinking.
5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley
June 6, 2025
4.5*
Stalker on the Fens is another solid instalment in a great series.
The book opens dramatically with a woman trapped beneath rubble after a traffic accident causes a building collapse. D.I. Nikki Galena and her friend and sergeant D.S. Joe Easter are close to the scene and assist in freeing the woman, who is a friend of Nikki's named Helen Brooks.
A year later and Helen is slowly recovering her life after surviving serious injury and psychological trauma. But she reports to Nikki that she thinks she's being followed, and is having alarming flashbacks to the time prior to her rescue from the rubble, during which she recalls another person trapped nearby confessing to her that he'd killed his wife.
Nikki and her team are sceptical, but go through the motions of investigating, by talking to neighbours, providing police surveillance and the like. Nothing of substance is found to support Helen's belief that she's under threat since a recent news article detailed her miraculous survival. Nor can the team identify any recent unsolved case in which a man may have murdered his wife.
However, events rapidly escalate and Nikki finds herself in the sights of a determined villain. Can her team overcome their differences and come to her aid before it's too late?
Stalker on the Fens is a stimulating read, with many intriguing twists and turns, character drama around the forced inclusion in Galena's team of an ambitious and abrasive young officer, and a satisfyingly suspense-filled conclusion.
Stalker on the Fens is another solid instalment in a great series.
The book opens dramatically with a woman trapped beneath rubble after a traffic accident causes a building collapse. D.I. Nikki Galena and her friend and sergeant D.S. Joe Easter are close to the scene and assist in freeing the woman, who is a friend of Nikki's named Helen Brooks.
A year later and Helen is slowly recovering her life after surviving serious injury and psychological trauma. But she reports to Nikki that she thinks she's being followed, and is having alarming flashbacks to the time prior to her rescue from the rubble, during which she recalls another person trapped nearby confessing to her that he'd killed his wife.
Nikki and her team are sceptical, but go through the motions of investigating, by talking to neighbours, providing police surveillance and the like. Nothing of substance is found to support Helen's belief that she's under threat since a recent news article detailed her miraculous survival. Nor can the team identify any recent unsolved case in which a man may have murdered his wife.
However, events rapidly escalate and Nikki finds herself in the sights of a determined villain. Can her team overcome their differences and come to her aid before it's too late?
Stalker on the Fens is a stimulating read, with many intriguing twists and turns, character drama around the forced inclusion in Galena's team of an ambitious and abrasive young officer, and a satisfyingly suspense-filled conclusion.
November 9, 2016
Joy Ellis' first Nikki Galena book was published in 2010, and NetGalley has been releasing them for the last year here in the States. This series has become one of my favorites, and with each NetGalley release, I have indulged in the world Ellis has created in the fens and in the characters of Nikki and her faithful team, reading and reviewing with genuine pleasure.
Stalker in the Fens, the fifth book in the series, continues the crime-fighting adventures of DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter. Each book works as a stand-alone, so don't worry if you don't begin with the first book. It is nice to see the development from book to book, but Ellis is skillful at developing each plot and set of characters--although there are occasional references to previous characters and events, each plot is self-contained.
Nikki's friend Helen is severely injured in a dreadful accident. While she is trapped in a cellar and in and out of consciousness, someone speaks to her. A man is also trapped and injured. At first, his voice is comforting, but then he says something that shocks her.
When Helen is discovered and rescued, her injuries are such that she remembers very little about her experience. A year later, however, she begins having flashbacks; she remembers the man and what he told her. The thing is--there was no one else in the cellar when Helen was found.
About the same time that Helen has begun remembering some of the events surrounding her injury, she feels she is being watched.
Nikki and Joseph take her fear seriously, but are not certain whether her flashbacks and feeling of being stalked are real or part of post-traumatic stress.
Another complex plot with well-developed characters. Ellis can't write fast enough for me--I want the next one.
NetGalley/Joffe Books
Crime/Police Procedural. Oct. 18, 2016. Print length: 311 pages.
Stalker in the Fens, the fifth book in the series, continues the crime-fighting adventures of DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter. Each book works as a stand-alone, so don't worry if you don't begin with the first book. It is nice to see the development from book to book, but Ellis is skillful at developing each plot and set of characters--although there are occasional references to previous characters and events, each plot is self-contained.
Nikki's friend Helen is severely injured in a dreadful accident. While she is trapped in a cellar and in and out of consciousness, someone speaks to her. A man is also trapped and injured. At first, his voice is comforting, but then he says something that shocks her.
When Helen is discovered and rescued, her injuries are such that she remembers very little about her experience. A year later, however, she begins having flashbacks; she remembers the man and what he told her. The thing is--there was no one else in the cellar when Helen was found.
About the same time that Helen has begun remembering some of the events surrounding her injury, she feels she is being watched.
Nikki and Joseph take her fear seriously, but are not certain whether her flashbacks and feeling of being stalked are real or part of post-traumatic stress.
Another complex plot with well-developed characters. Ellis can't write fast enough for me--I want the next one.
NetGalley/Joffe Books
Crime/Police Procedural. Oct. 18, 2016. Print length: 311 pages.
October 29, 2018
Detective Inspector Nikki Galena's friend Helen had been hurt in an accident where she fell down into a collapsed cellar and was seriously injured. Now recovered and setting up a base for her holistic healing treatments when she is found murdered in her own home. Where is her husband and is there any connection with a body found murdered in the canal? Is her old foe Stephen Cox involved?
All these questions are answered in this short and sharp crime novel, once again set in a fictitious Fenland town of Greenborough in East Anglia. Nikki and her close colleague Sergeant Joseph Easter go into the investigation at full pelt trying to find the husband and any links between Helen's client list and the possible perpetrator. The twists and turns come thick and fast enough for any crime novel fan.
Great fast paced writing in an easy read format that needs the inevitable cavalry charge at the end. For me this story is well worth a 4 star rating. Enjoy everyone.
All these questions are answered in this short and sharp crime novel, once again set in a fictitious Fenland town of Greenborough in East Anglia. Nikki and her close colleague Sergeant Joseph Easter go into the investigation at full pelt trying to find the husband and any links between Helen's client list and the possible perpetrator. The twists and turns come thick and fast enough for any crime novel fan.
Great fast paced writing in an easy read format that needs the inevitable cavalry charge at the end. For me this story is well worth a 4 star rating. Enjoy everyone.
October 19, 2021
Another very enjoyable novel in the Nikki Galena series. Her forensic pathologist is my favourite character.
November 11, 2016
A simply stunning read from the author, the fifth book in the DI Nikki Galena series.
I keep saying the series can't get better but I was proved wrong again; Stalker On The Fens is an exemplary read with intricately woven threads that join at the end in what can only be described as a heart-breaking, shocking and yet joyous conclusion. It really does make you run the full gamut of emotions. As always there is enough of a tease at the end to leave you begging for the next installment.
This has been, without a doubt, one of my favourite novels of the year!
I keep saying the series can't get better but I was proved wrong again; Stalker On The Fens is an exemplary read with intricately woven threads that join at the end in what can only be described as a heart-breaking, shocking and yet joyous conclusion. It really does make you run the full gamut of emotions. As always there is enough of a tease at the end to leave you begging for the next installment.
This has been, without a doubt, one of my favourite novels of the year!
August 20, 2020
I liked this Nikki Gallena book more than the last one. It held my interest, with Helen, Nikki's friend being pursued by a stalker having survived being trapped in a cellar. There were a few twists and a couple of red herrings. I didn't guess the ending!
June 12, 2019
Favorite so far and should I add that the narrator on audio book is solid with voice changes.
October 23, 2025
Nikki’s good friend Helen is an aromatherapist with a thriving practice. When she is murdered, suspicion naturally turns to her fiancé, who seems to have a questionable alibi. They must also consider former clients and staff. But there is a horrifying surprise waiting for Nikki: the murderer wants her dead, too. Joy Ellis again surprised me with her signature twist at the end,
March 17, 2024
Another solid book in the DI Galena and DS Easter series. There is a major crime as usual, but this book also pulls together and concludes a couple of threads that had been running though the series so far. One or two twists and turns and I'm sure I will continue these crime mysteries set in the Linconshire fens.
April 28, 2020
This is my 6th Nikki Galena story and the 5th in the series. Thus far it was my least favorite. My reason is essentially a reversal on my most loathed 'cop story trope'
In many police books, movies and TV shows there is a put upon spouse, partner or child who complains about their spouse/ partner / parent never being home because they are a cop. The trope usually carries out with the cop having to rescue said whiner from a deadly situation which they couldn't have done if they weren't a cop. See: Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, etc.
In this book it is flipped on it's head but still on my last nerve:
RANT:
Now to the cops looking like idiots. Nikki tells her team that they have to pay hyper attention to anyone who seems interested in Helen's death. And then Nikki fails at it in spades. And puts herself and a bunch of other people at risk because she failed to check out someone.
Anyway I literally loathed this book and am glad it is over
In many police books, movies and TV shows there is a put upon spouse, partner or child who complains about their spouse/ partner / parent never being home because they are a cop. The trope usually carries out with the cop having to rescue said whiner from a deadly situation which they couldn't have done if they weren't a cop. See: Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, etc.
In this book it is flipped on it's head but still on my last nerve:
RANT:
Now to the cops looking like idiots. Nikki tells her team that they have to pay hyper attention to anyone who seems interested in Helen's death. And then Nikki fails at it in spades. And puts herself and a bunch of other people at risk because she failed to check out someone.
Anyway I literally loathed this book and am glad it is over
January 10, 2019
This is book 5 in the 'Fens' series by Joy Ellis and I was really looking forward to another book starring the awesome character of Nikki Galena. I wasn't disappointed this is another roller coaster of a thriller that has the adrenaline pumping from the very first page.
A crash brings an unsafe building crashing to the ground. Many are trapped and injured including Helen Brook. She is pulled out of the rubble barely alive with extensive injuries. Luckily she survives but with PTSD. With the compensation she turns her home into a treatment centre offering alternative care.
Everybody loves Helen but someone is watching her. Problem is everyone thinks it is her PTSD that is making her paranoid. But is it?
A nemesis from Nikki and Joseph's past returns to the area. Stephen Cox is evilness personified and the Police are determined to take him out of circulation as is the Godfather of the Carbrook estate.
The team is overstretched and understaffed in particular Nikki and as they try to juggle themselves to be in more than one place at once the potential for someone to be harmed reaches dangerous levels.
An absolute belter of a read that I couldn't put down. I love this series each book we find there is more to learn about the characters as they gain depth and I get more invested in the series.
Brilliant read.
A crash brings an unsafe building crashing to the ground. Many are trapped and injured including Helen Brook. She is pulled out of the rubble barely alive with extensive injuries. Luckily she survives but with PTSD. With the compensation she turns her home into a treatment centre offering alternative care.
Everybody loves Helen but someone is watching her. Problem is everyone thinks it is her PTSD that is making her paranoid. But is it?
A nemesis from Nikki and Joseph's past returns to the area. Stephen Cox is evilness personified and the Police are determined to take him out of circulation as is the Godfather of the Carbrook estate.
The team is overstretched and understaffed in particular Nikki and as they try to juggle themselves to be in more than one place at once the potential for someone to be harmed reaches dangerous levels.
An absolute belter of a read that I couldn't put down. I love this series each book we find there is more to learn about the characters as they gain depth and I get more invested in the series.
Brilliant read.
August 31, 2019
Maybe 4, maybe 5 - I can't remember the book enough.
Dear Goodreads friends. I'm in catch up mode. I've been trying to write a sentence or two about books I read ages ago and I've realised that - there are sooooooo many on the list that I've read and not reviewed and I can barely remember most of them. So, to save my sanity (such as it is) its quick and dirty now, just stars (at least I recorded that) and, where I have noted it, the date finished reading. So while I appreciate your likes on my reviews, please don't feel the need to like or comment on my non-reviews as this will go on for a while. But, hey, I'm always up for a witty remark or a chat. Hopefully normal service will resume within a week. Cheers.
Dear Goodreads friends. I'm in catch up mode. I've been trying to write a sentence or two about books I read ages ago and I've realised that - there are sooooooo many on the list that I've read and not reviewed and I can barely remember most of them. So, to save my sanity (such as it is) its quick and dirty now, just stars (at least I recorded that) and, where I have noted it, the date finished reading. So while I appreciate your likes on my reviews, please don't feel the need to like or comment on my non-reviews as this will go on for a while. But, hey, I'm always up for a witty remark or a chat. Hopefully normal service will resume within a week. Cheers.
November 14, 2023
Reread 11/2023 review- 3.5 stars??
Original 06/2023 review- 3.9～4ish stars?? I actually almost didn't read this one 🤯
Original 06/2023 review- 3.9～4ish stars?? I actually almost didn't read this one 🤯
April 28, 2020
4.5* rounded to 5*
I absolutely adore this series and the opportunity to spend time with Nikki,Joseph,Cat,Dave,Niall and the other remarkable characters that make this series such a wonderful reading experience.
I absolutely adore this series and the opportunity to spend time with Nikki,Joseph,Cat,Dave,Niall and the other remarkable characters that make this series such a wonderful reading experience.
January 19, 2017
Captivating Thriller with Great Characterisation
A superb thriller by Joy Ellis which maintains the high standards of her earlier books in the series. It is the fifth book Joy Ellis has written involving Nikki Galena and one of the best. The novel can be read as a standalone novel as any references to earlier books in the series are adequately explained. (You can catch up on reading them later!)
When it comes to devising plots Ellis proves her credentials as one of the top current bestseller crime thriller authors.
"Stalker on the Fens" : is based upon a race to catch the culprit of a senseless murder before he murders again. But the team and DI Galena also face other conundrums whilst they pursue the murderer.
Smart-assed, narcissistic Detective Eric Barnes joins their murder team much to the discomfort of all and in particular D.C. Cat Cullen. Expect sparks to fly as the collective chemistry of the Detective team is upset by him.
What is Andrew, Helen Brook's computer wizard boyfriend up to?
Arch-criminal Stephen Cox is reported to be back on their patch again and, if so, can the team gather evidence to convict him once and for all? Or will he again evade justice?
The author's creation of the Galena and Easter duo is inspired. The two complement one another and, as the main characters, are the backbone of the novel. That it remains a platonic relationship makes their friendship all the more likely to survive the stresses and strains of detective work. Their team likewise show camaraderie with one another which is upset by the imposition of Eric Barnes.
Set in the peaceful and harmonious Lincolnshire Fens district it is hard to believe that criminality can disturb the tranquillity. But geographically the police district includes Greenborough which contains as many, if not more, thugs and criminality than some urban areas.
However the friendship, care and loyalty of the entire murder team is a considerable asset when it comes to resolving crimes and problems. And resolve the crime they must before the killer strikes again.
A marvellous book and up to the usual standard of a Joy Ellis novel: Great.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me by the publisher. My review is totally independent.)
A superb thriller by Joy Ellis which maintains the high standards of her earlier books in the series. It is the fifth book Joy Ellis has written involving Nikki Galena and one of the best. The novel can be read as a standalone novel as any references to earlier books in the series are adequately explained. (You can catch up on reading them later!)
When it comes to devising plots Ellis proves her credentials as one of the top current bestseller crime thriller authors.
"Stalker on the Fens" : is based upon a race to catch the culprit of a senseless murder before he murders again. But the team and DI Galena also face other conundrums whilst they pursue the murderer.
Smart-assed, narcissistic Detective Eric Barnes joins their murder team much to the discomfort of all and in particular D.C. Cat Cullen. Expect sparks to fly as the collective chemistry of the Detective team is upset by him.
What is Andrew, Helen Brook's computer wizard boyfriend up to?
Arch-criminal Stephen Cox is reported to be back on their patch again and, if so, can the team gather evidence to convict him once and for all? Or will he again evade justice?
The author's creation of the Galena and Easter duo is inspired. The two complement one another and, as the main characters, are the backbone of the novel. That it remains a platonic relationship makes their friendship all the more likely to survive the stresses and strains of detective work. Their team likewise show camaraderie with one another which is upset by the imposition of Eric Barnes.
Set in the peaceful and harmonious Lincolnshire Fens district it is hard to believe that criminality can disturb the tranquillity. But geographically the police district includes Greenborough which contains as many, if not more, thugs and criminality than some urban areas.
However the friendship, care and loyalty of the entire murder team is a considerable asset when it comes to resolving crimes and problems. And resolve the crime they must before the killer strikes again.
A marvellous book and up to the usual standard of a Joy Ellis novel: Great.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me by the publisher. My review is totally independent.)
October 5, 2021
3 stars.
Even though they were sympathetic victims, some of the things they did to get themselves killed seem just plain stupid to me. Also I'm not quite sure about
Besides some plot holes, it was overall another solid instalment to the series.
Even though they were sympathetic victims, some of the things they did to get themselves killed seem just plain stupid to me. Also I'm not quite sure about
Besides some plot holes, it was overall another solid instalment to the series.
July 17, 2022
Least favourite to date. The story had so many parts that didn't add up and were not resolved, that I'm surprised it was released. Aside from that, I had to chuckle at the spyware that was almost impossible to detect yet discovered in minutes by the local IT guy, laughable and entirely nonsense. I think this was a filler book that was used to close some backstory.
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