What do you think?
Rate this book
Blackwood UK #3
Shallow Graves
To plant a garden is to believe in the future, that's what Dove Hallam's grandmother always told her. But at twenty-two, Dove has neither. Stuck in a dead-end relationship and a job she hates, her life is going nowhere until she meets Marlene Grande.
Although Marlene is in her seventies, her appetite for hot men and spending money knows no bounds, even if her matchmaking skills leave a bit to be desired. But as Dove embraces her new life, someone isn't so keen on her having fun.
Marlene's solution? Hire a private investigator with a nice ass. Now Dove has two problems to deal with—the monster wreaking havoc on the Arndale estate and Zander Graves, a smart-mouthed womaniser she really doesn't want to like.
Will there be anything left of her heart by the time they've finished with it?
Shallow Graves is a standalone romantic suspense novel in the Blackwood UK series - no cliffhanger!
Although Marlene is in her seventies, her appetite for hot men and spending money knows no bounds, even if her matchmaking skills leave a bit to be desired. But as Dove embraces her new life, someone isn't so keen on her having fun.
Marlene's solution? Hire a private investigator with a nice ass. Now Dove has two problems to deal with—the monster wreaking havoc on the Arndale estate and Zander Graves, a smart-mouthed womaniser she really doesn't want to like.
Will there be anything left of her heart by the time they've finished with it?
Shallow Graves is a standalone romantic suspense novel in the Blackwood UK series - no cliffhanger!
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2018
87 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Elise Noble
88 books734 followersElise Noble is an English rose with a few thorns who loves chocolate, sleep, and well-defined abs. Not hers, unfortunately. She lives near London with a horse who eats all her money and three dogs who eat everything else.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
Elise writes real, gutsy heroines and flawed but swoon-worthy heroes in stories that mix mystery and mayhem, humour and happily-ever-afters.
You can get find her current freebies HERE.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 31, 2018
Another Fantastic Elise Noble Book!
What an excellent, exciting, hard to put down book. Elise Noble does it again! This is the story about Dove, a passionate gardener, and Zander, a Blackwood Security operative. After Dove moves to the country to rehab the long unattended grounds of an estate, threats start coming in. Nye’s Grandmother gets Blackwood Security involved and Zander is put in charge of Dove & Amber’s (the interior designer) safety. As the threats escalate, the heat between Zander, a man whore who only does one night stands, and Dove, an innocent, not-a-one-night-stand type of girl, also grows. Will Zander give up his philandering ways for Dove? Will he be able to keep Dove (and everyone else at Arndale House) safe?
I was delighted at the play on words for the title... Shallow Graves, as in buried people, or as in Zander Graves is shallow?!? Way to go Elise! Another awesome Blackwood UK Book! HEA, no cliffhanger and can be read as a stand-alone!
NOTE TO READERS: Shallow Graves is Book 3 in the Blackwood UK Series, which is NOT part of the Blackwood Security Series; however, some characters like Emmy, Ana, Bradley & Nye do make an appearance! YAY! Also, as this is Book 3 in the Blackwood UK series, there are British words (for example: jumper instead of sweater) and British spellings in this book (like favourite) of course! As a US reader, I personally think that this makes this book and series delightful! :)
What an excellent, exciting, hard to put down book. Elise Noble does it again! This is the story about Dove, a passionate gardener, and Zander, a Blackwood Security operative. After Dove moves to the country to rehab the long unattended grounds of an estate, threats start coming in. Nye’s Grandmother gets Blackwood Security involved and Zander is put in charge of Dove & Amber’s (the interior designer) safety. As the threats escalate, the heat between Zander, a man whore who only does one night stands, and Dove, an innocent, not-a-one-night-stand type of girl, also grows. Will Zander give up his philandering ways for Dove? Will he be able to keep Dove (and everyone else at Arndale House) safe?
I was delighted at the play on words for the title... Shallow Graves, as in buried people, or as in Zander Graves is shallow?!? Way to go Elise! Another awesome Blackwood UK Book! HEA, no cliffhanger and can be read as a stand-alone!
NOTE TO READERS: Shallow Graves is Book 3 in the Blackwood UK Series, which is NOT part of the Blackwood Security Series; however, some characters like Emmy, Ana, Bradley & Nye do make an appearance! YAY! Also, as this is Book 3 in the Blackwood UK series, there are British words (for example: jumper instead of sweater) and British spellings in this book (like favourite) of course! As a US reader, I personally think that this makes this book and series delightful! :)
June 1, 2018
Loved the idea of a horticulturist as the female lead. She is smart, feisty and gives as good as she gets. Her ideas on updating the landscape with a Japanese garden and keeping things as they were but modernizing them provided a good visual.
Of course the other ladies were interesting: Marlene with her penchant for employing only eye candy, Amber with her ideas for bringing the house to this time but keeping the old framework, Mrs. Hearst cooking up treats even though blind and Ivy with her penchant for joining Marlene in everything.
Of course the other ladies were interesting: Marlene with her penchant for employing only eye candy, Amber with her ideas for bringing the house to this time but keeping the old framework, Mrs. Hearst cooking up treats even though blind and Ivy with her penchant for joining Marlene in everything.
May 25, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the latest Blackwood UK book about Dove who gives up her home and boyfriend in London to start working as a gardener for Marlene at Arndale estate in Northbury. It was always her dream to work in a garden and she's sharing the cottage with Amber, the interior designer. For the first quarter of the book I was wondering where Blackwood Security would come into play besides Nye and Zander and boy did it get thrilling. First Dove finds a knife stuck through Amber's wellies, later the dog who followed her home digs up a hole in the garden.. and that's enough said because I don't want to spoil anything. Dove was a bit too much of a good girl for my liking but I guess that's exactly how she needed to be to be interesting for Zander who usually only spends one night with a girl. Emmy's appearance rocked again big time and I truly love this crazy one, especially when she blows up the garden with Ana. You've outdone yourself again there Elise and I can't wait to read The Scarlet Affair.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
June 1, 2018
Loved it
I really liked all the twists and different players. I was not surprised who the bad person was , I was surprised how it was presented.
I really liked all the twists and different players. I was not surprised who the bad person was , I was surprised how it was presented.
September 4, 2020
Practically read in one sitting. Just solid characters, dialogue, and an entertaining story. What more can you ask for?
June 1, 2018
Shallow graves
As always ways never disappointing. Elise keeps her books interesting and with intrigue. Love the Blackwood series. God read on a stormy night.
As always ways never disappointing. Elise keeps her books interesting and with intrigue. Love the Blackwood series. God read on a stormy night.
Read
June 2, 2018Shallow Graves is out now - come meet Dove and Zander, and catch up with Emmy and co!
Available from all stores - you can find the purchase links on my website HERE.
Available from all stores - you can find the purchase links on my website HERE.
April 15, 2020
This is the 3rd book in the blackwood UK series but can definitely be read as a stand alone. This is Dove and Zanders back story. Let me tell you it doesnt disappoint. You instantly love the characters and cant help but finish it in under 24 hours. (Please say I'm not the only one!) Elise Noble has done it again with another great book.
June 5, 2018
Shallow graves is a masterpiece of English humour. Irresistible at that, and also a fast paced, action suspence novel.
As often seen in Elise Noble’s books, Shallow Graves encompasses and combines various genres.
Firstly, it is a very good, action packed thriller, with a plot full of twists and turns and an unpredictable ending.
It is also a highly emotional, sweet and romantic love story.
Then it is a great comedy, featuring all the typical characters of a classic British setting. First of all, the group of old ladies who play key roles in the story and remind me so much of Agatha Christie’s classics. A modern version of the traditional butler, a group of rural constables, a stray dog and the required cats complete the picture.
Last but not least, Shallow Graves is a very well written book, a sample of traditional British English language, humorous and incredibly entertaining.
Dove, the female protagonist, is a captivating and unusual character. Intelligent and generous, with a huge heart, she is both talented and passionate. Sweet and warm hearted, very conscious of other people’s feelings, but determined to not give up her ideals and aspirations.
Zander is a Blackwood security executive: a smart, strong, highly skilled professional. Behind the facade of a shameless player, he hides a generous, sweet and caring soul.
Dove and Zander are skilfully depicted, three dimensional characters. Their dialogues are witty, sassy, irresistible.
In addition to that, Shallow Graves features plenty of interesting, funny, intriguing co-protagonists.
Emmy makes her required cameo appearance towards the end, and her very personal gardening style cannot be missed.
Shallow Graves is clever, funny and highly entertaining. It is among the best books I've read lately, and I really look forward to reading more episodes of this series!
As often seen in Elise Noble’s books, Shallow Graves encompasses and combines various genres.
Firstly, it is a very good, action packed thriller, with a plot full of twists and turns and an unpredictable ending.
It is also a highly emotional, sweet and romantic love story.
Then it is a great comedy, featuring all the typical characters of a classic British setting. First of all, the group of old ladies who play key roles in the story and remind me so much of Agatha Christie’s classics. A modern version of the traditional butler, a group of rural constables, a stray dog and the required cats complete the picture.
Last but not least, Shallow Graves is a very well written book, a sample of traditional British English language, humorous and incredibly entertaining.
Dove, the female protagonist, is a captivating and unusual character. Intelligent and generous, with a huge heart, she is both talented and passionate. Sweet and warm hearted, very conscious of other people’s feelings, but determined to not give up her ideals and aspirations.
Zander is a Blackwood security executive: a smart, strong, highly skilled professional. Behind the facade of a shameless player, he hides a generous, sweet and caring soul.
Dove and Zander are skilfully depicted, three dimensional characters. Their dialogues are witty, sassy, irresistible.
In addition to that, Shallow Graves features plenty of interesting, funny, intriguing co-protagonists.
Emmy makes her required cameo appearance towards the end, and her very personal gardening style cannot be missed.
Shallow Graves is clever, funny and highly entertaining. It is among the best books I've read lately, and I really look forward to reading more episodes of this series!
July 10, 2019
Z and D
Zander Graves has two rules when it comes to women: 1) only one night, and 2) no clients or co-workers. This Blackwood UK series addition puts those rules to the test when he is assigned to investigate recent vandalism at an estate that belongs to Marlene Grande, the widow of a Hollywood mogul.
Horticulturalist Dove Hallam has come to the painful realization that she's just existing in her life as plant tender and dog walker while her boyfriend and business partner stays home. She's secretly found her dream job as the gardener for an estate outside London and plans to ease out of their relationship to take the job when she walks in on him with her assistant. With a new accelerated timeline, she packs her bags and leaves for the unknown. Then the vandalism begins.
This is another suspense filled book from Elise Noble, one that brings in Nye, Emmy, and Ana, among others from the Blackwood family. It's a standalone, with an HEA and no cliffie.
Zander Graves has two rules when it comes to women: 1) only one night, and 2) no clients or co-workers. This Blackwood UK series addition puts those rules to the test when he is assigned to investigate recent vandalism at an estate that belongs to Marlene Grande, the widow of a Hollywood mogul.
Horticulturalist Dove Hallam has come to the painful realization that she's just existing in her life as plant tender and dog walker while her boyfriend and business partner stays home. She's secretly found her dream job as the gardener for an estate outside London and plans to ease out of their relationship to take the job when she walks in on him with her assistant. With a new accelerated timeline, she packs her bags and leaves for the unknown. Then the vandalism begins.
This is another suspense filled book from Elise Noble, one that brings in Nye, Emmy, and Ana, among others from the Blackwood family. It's a standalone, with an HEA and no cliffie.
April 4, 2022
Adored this book
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are no errors that I can recall.
The characterisation is flawless, I loved the main characters. One of the best things about the Blackwood series are the strong female leads, and Dove is no different. The dialogue is crisp and entertaining, and whilst Zander may have had a truly awful little black book on the go with a different woman every time he has no defence against Dove.
It's a beautiful romance set amid the twists of a thriller and the whole book is engaging.
There is some swearing and there are a couple of sex scenes lightly written.
(Yet another reason to purchase the series, no pages and pages spent on a single sex scene!)
I have no problem recommending the series but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience.
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are no errors that I can recall.
The characterisation is flawless, I loved the main characters. One of the best things about the Blackwood series are the strong female leads, and Dove is no different. The dialogue is crisp and entertaining, and whilst Zander may have had a truly awful little black book on the go with a different woman every time he has no defence against Dove.
It's a beautiful romance set amid the twists of a thriller and the whole book is engaging.
There is some swearing and there are a couple of sex scenes lightly written.
(Yet another reason to purchase the series, no pages and pages spent on a single sex scene!)
I have no problem recommending the series but would advise reading from the beginning to obtain the best reading experience.
June 29, 2018
Each time a new book from Elise Noble comes out I have to block off my schedule and this book was no different. I was completely immersed in the story by the first page and surrendered myself to the ride. This book had more plot twists than a pretzel. Usually I am pretty good at figuring out whodunit but not this time! Total surprise! Sooooo good. Xander and Dove are my new favorite.
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book but all my thoughts, opinions, and ideas are my own*
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book but all my thoughts, opinions, and ideas are my own*
November 27, 2020
Great read
Dove just wanted to be a gardener little did she think that her new job would lead to such life and death events. Taking a job to restore an old English countryHouse Garden was so much more than she expected with an employer who loved to party and had excellent taste in both cocktails and men to finding a body in the grounds Life was not going to be quiet in the country
Dove just wanted to be a gardener little did she think that her new job would lead to such life and death events. Taking a job to restore an old English countryHouse Garden was so much more than she expected with an employer who loved to party and had excellent taste in both cocktails and men to finding a body in the grounds Life was not going to be quiet in the country
June 6, 2018
Zander: Sassy,hot and wild card and deep down sweet and caring.
Dove: lost , sweet and funny in her own way...
mixed them in the equation
zander + Dove= infinity emotions.
Shallow Graves is wonderful mystery stories which will get your sherlock holmes dna kick in..Thank Elise for one more wonderful book
Dove: lost , sweet and funny in her own way...
mixed them in the equation
zander + Dove= infinity emotions.
Shallow Graves is wonderful mystery stories which will get your sherlock holmes dna kick in..Thank Elise for one more wonderful book
June 7, 2018
Another out standing story
Another out standing story from Elise Noble , I just cannot get enough today of her writing as she has such a way with words that just make her stories that much better !!!
Always hate to finish one of her books because it’s like loosing a friend till the next book comes out !!!
Another out standing story from Elise Noble , I just cannot get enough today of her writing as she has such a way with words that just make her stories that much better !!!
Always hate to finish one of her books because it’s like loosing a friend till the next book comes out !!!
September 28, 2020
I quite liked the writing style and the characters were well developed. Dove was rather immature and so I didn't connect with her strongly. She cried easily, got jealous and was often moody. I definitely wouldn't call her a strong heroine. However, I still enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dove and Zander.
Overall it was an enjoyable enough read with some silly elements.
Overall it was an enjoyable enough read with some silly elements.
June 5, 2018
Excellent, as always.
I so enjoy Elise Noble’s books. They are light hearted and fun and very addictive, so be warned! Keep up the good work. At least we never have to wait long for our next fix!
I so enjoy Elise Noble’s books. They are light hearted and fun and very addictive, so be warned! Keep up the good work. At least we never have to wait long for our next fix!
June 8, 2018
Marlene is awesome with a fiery passion! I hope to continue to live my life with such passion and fire when I am in my 70’s!!! I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. The character development is great making me wish Dove was a friend of mine!
July 11, 2018
Loved this book! I’ve always enjoyed the Blackwood UK crowd. Zander is a great character and it’s so fun to read his story. Marlene is over the top too much fun.
I read this book in one sitting, couldn’t put it down!
I read this book in one sitting, couldn’t put it down!
November 14, 2018
Great book
What an awesome series. I love the Blackwood series and I equally am enjoying the UK one now too. Getting to know all the characters is fun. This book had a bit of everything. Drama, intrigue, love and humour. Crazy old ladies as well. What’s not to love.
What an awesome series. I love the Blackwood series and I equally am enjoying the UK one now too. Getting to know all the characters is fun. This book had a bit of everything. Drama, intrigue, love and humour. Crazy old ladies as well. What’s not to love.
September 15, 2020
Dove and Zander -young woman leaves behind London life to pursue her gardening dream at a kind of spooky estate and when things happen , Zander comes in to help and a slow burn to develop a relationship and solve a mystery
September 22, 2020
Great book
Complete surprise. Didn't think who dunnit did it! Sufficiently complicated to keep interest but not so complicated to become confusing. Romance,mystery and humor. Don't need anything else.
Complete surprise. Didn't think who dunnit did it! Sufficiently complicated to keep interest but not so complicated to become confusing. Romance,mystery and humor. Don't need anything else.
August 16, 2018
Great
Great book, I loved the crazy women and the mystery that kept you guessing. Zander was just hot, hot, hot. Enjoy.
Great book, I loved the crazy women and the mystery that kept you guessing. Zander was just hot, hot, hot. Enjoy.
November 11, 2018
Zander
What can I say I love your books I cannot put them down please continue with the U.K. series 📖📖❤️❤️
What can I say I love your books I cannot put them down please continue with the U.K. series 📖📖❤️❤️
August 20, 2019
Good
Oooh Xander, this is a man that I've been interested to meet. This had all sorts of plot twists that I didn't see coming.
Oooh Xander, this is a man that I've been interested to meet. This had all sorts of plot twists that I didn't see coming.
June 4, 2020
Ssore, again :)
Gardening, mystery, beginning romance. Oh, and Emmy. What's not to love? There can ALWAYS be more Emmy, and more Bradley. Im definitely addicted...
Gardening, mystery, beginning romance. Oh, and Emmy. What's not to love? There can ALWAYS be more Emmy, and more Bradley. Im definitely addicted...
September 7, 2020
Shallow Graves by Elise Noble Blackwood UK # 3
This is a stand alone book and features Dove and Zander. Other characters from previous books make an appearance. There are interesting characters, witty dialogue, intrigue & romance.
If you are new to the Blackwood Security and Blackwood UK books, start with the Blackwood Trilogy Book 1-3, there is a box set available. Great read.
This is a stand alone book and features Dove and Zander. Other characters from previous books make an appearance. There are interesting characters, witty dialogue, intrigue & romance.
If you are new to the Blackwood Security and Blackwood UK books, start with the Blackwood Trilogy Book 1-3, there is a box set available. Great read.
September 5, 2020
The romance was just ok and I figured out the whodunit part halfway through the book. So overall just average.
September 9, 2020
Clever and well written with a unique and appealing cast of characters. Zander is pretty swoon-worthy, too!
September 21, 2020
Wow,
Really enjoyable book. Read it in one day. Many twist and turns. I love a book that leaves you with a good feeling when you have finished it,
Really enjoyable book. Read it in one day. Many twist and turns. I love a book that leaves you with a good feeling when you have finished it,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews