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DI Nikki Galena #9
Fire on the Fens
The fens are burning and detective Nikki Galena faces a cat-and-mouse battle with a killer arsonist.
Someone is lighting fires. First they target homes and businesses, but then a body is found at one of the crime scenes.
More fires are lit. And at each one a single person dies. But the victims have led spotless lives and apparently there’s no connection between them.
Meanwhile, the town is facing a very peculiar threat from a group of sinister Satanists led by a charismatic businessman.
Who is burning with anger, and can Nikki stop them before anyone else dies?
Someone is lighting fires. First they target homes and businesses, but then a body is found at one of the crime scenes.
More fires are lit. And at each one a single person dies. But the victims have led spotless lives and apparently there’s no connection between them.
Meanwhile, the town is facing a very peculiar threat from a group of sinister Satanists led by a charismatic businessman.
Who is burning with anger, and can Nikki stop them before anyone else dies?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2018
3071 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
63 books2,460 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 305 reviews
July 12, 2019
Another winner from Joy Ellis!
This, the 9th in the DI Nikki Galena series sees Nikki face with a spate on fires on her patch. The damage starts to escalate and soon they are finding bodies in the ruins. These people seem to have been targeted, but why? They are all "good" people, who are described as not being able to hurt flies, so why is someone killing them? No connection seems to be found between them, which Nikki finds perplexing.
And in another subplot, who are the Luciferians, and what are they planning? Are they a harmless cult, or hiding something much more sinister?
As the uneasiness in the area grows Nikki and her crew are racing against time to find the arsonist before he kills again.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm always looking forward to the next one to find out what happens to Nikki, Joseph and the gang. Joy Ellis has delivered another novel to lose yourself in. Recommended.
This, the 9th in the DI Nikki Galena series sees Nikki face with a spate on fires on her patch. The damage starts to escalate and soon they are finding bodies in the ruins. These people seem to have been targeted, but why? They are all "good" people, who are described as not being able to hurt flies, so why is someone killing them? No connection seems to be found between them, which Nikki finds perplexing.
And in another subplot, who are the Luciferians, and what are they planning? Are they a harmless cult, or hiding something much more sinister?
As the uneasiness in the area grows Nikki and her crew are racing against time to find the arsonist before he kills again.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm always looking forward to the next one to find out what happens to Nikki, Joseph and the gang. Joy Ellis has delivered another novel to lose yourself in. Recommended.
April 12, 2024
We’re Burning Here!
DI Nikki Galena and her team are working on a new case about an arsonist. This arsonist is using fire to kill people.
Why is he doing this? What do the people have in common?
They are running out of time to save the people that are being murdered by fire. If only the dead people could help them solve this mystery.
Ellis is a great writer. She keeps you glued to the book. Her chapters are short and fast. And each chapter leaves with a cliffhanger that helps keep you tied to your seat. I know I was tied to mine.
How will this story end? Will they find the murderer? I hope so.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
DI Nikki Galena and her team are working on a new case about an arsonist. This arsonist is using fire to kill people.
Why is he doing this? What do the people have in common?
They are running out of time to save the people that are being murdered by fire. If only the dead people could help them solve this mystery.
Ellis is a great writer. She keeps you glued to the book. Her chapters are short and fast. And each chapter leaves with a cliffhanger that helps keep you tied to your seat. I know I was tied to mine.
How will this story end? Will they find the murderer? I hope so.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 3, 2020
There’s a certain formula to the Nikki Galena books, but it’s a formula that works for me. Nikki’s group is faced with multiple investigations. In this case, it includes an arsonist that has graduated to setting fire to buildings with people locked inside and a group of Luciferians who seem to have sprung up and it’s unclear what they’re up to.
What makes the book work is the characters. The entire team holds a special place in my heart. Which isn’t to say the plots are well thought out and suspenseful. They definitely are!
This is a great series for those who like to listen to their mysteries. And Henrietta Meire is the perfect narrator.
What makes the book work is the characters. The entire team holds a special place in my heart. Which isn’t to say the plots are well thought out and suspenseful. They definitely are!
This is a great series for those who like to listen to their mysteries. And Henrietta Meire is the perfect narrator.
May 26, 2018
DI Nikki Galena #9. 3.5*
Detective Nikki Galena faces a cat and mouse battle with a killer arsonist. Someone is lighting fires on the fens.
Someone is lighting small fires but when a body is found in the embers, DI Nikki Galena and her team are given the case to investigate. It is believed that the fires have been set by an arsonist learning the trade. There does not seem to be any links between the victims.
As with all the books in this series, there is plenty of twists and lots going on. This book is easy to follow but there was just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on. It's still a decent read though. Also like the other books in this series there is some humour as well. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. But if I was you and and you haven't read any of the books in this series, start with the first book and work you way through. You won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Nikki Galena faces a cat and mouse battle with a killer arsonist. Someone is lighting fires on the fens.
Someone is lighting small fires but when a body is found in the embers, DI Nikki Galena and her team are given the case to investigate. It is believed that the fires have been set by an arsonist learning the trade. There does not seem to be any links between the victims.
As with all the books in this series, there is plenty of twists and lots going on. This book is easy to follow but there was just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on. It's still a decent read though. Also like the other books in this series there is some humour as well. Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. But if I was you and and you haven't read any of the books in this series, start with the first book and work you way through. You won't be disappointed.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2024
The ninth book in this excellent series.
A rather gruesome story where lots of fires are being set by an unknown arsonist who is selecting the individuals who die at each event. There seems to be no apparent reason as to who and why. The phrase 'crispy critters' comes up as usual - horrible but realistic. Nikki, her partner, Joseph, and the rest of the team are desperately trying to catch the killer before another victim is burned to death.
I was happy to see Nikki and Joseph getting a new boss who is prepared to ignore their prohibited relationship - for the moment anyway. I loved the introduction of Rory's plans for his wedding. He is one of my favourite characters in the series.
This is definitely a series to read from book one. The characters are the glue that holds everything together and I look forward to finding out what happens to them in each succeeding book.
A rather gruesome story where lots of fires are being set by an unknown arsonist who is selecting the individuals who die at each event. There seems to be no apparent reason as to who and why. The phrase 'crispy critters' comes up as usual - horrible but realistic. Nikki, her partner, Joseph, and the rest of the team are desperately trying to catch the killer before another victim is burned to death.
I was happy to see Nikki and Joseph getting a new boss who is prepared to ignore their prohibited relationship - for the moment anyway. I loved the introduction of Rory's plans for his wedding. He is one of my favourite characters in the series.
This is definitely a series to read from book one. The characters are the glue that holds everything together and I look forward to finding out what happens to them in each succeeding book.
September 3, 2021
In this 9th book in the 'DI Nikki Galena' series, the detective's team is on the trail of an arsonist. The book can be read as a standalone but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
*****
Detective Inspector Nikki Galena and Detective Sergeant Joseph Easter are romantically involved, which - if discovered - could have them sent to separate precincts.
So the partners are relieved when their new boss turns out to be Superintendent Cameron Walker, an old acquaintance who's willing to overlook the amorous relationship.
Superintendent Walker has to hit the ground running, however, because his arrival coincides with the appearance of an arsonist in the Fens. The first person to note the serious nature of the crimes is retired arson inspector John Carson, who tells Walker the fires will get more destructive.
This happens when a caravan (mobile home) goes up in flames, killing the occupant. Worse yet, the victim was deliberately trapped inside.
Arson expert Carson works the case with Nikki, Joseph, and their team, but they find few clues. The murderer goes on to set more fires, trapping and killing a victim each time. The ONLY connection between the victims seems to be the fact that they're in their mid-twenties and do various kinds of good works for the community.
While this is going on a group of wealthy party-lovers, who call themselves Luciferians.....
.....are attacked by thuggish delinquents who think the Luciferians are Satanists. Nikki looks into the assaults, and also delegates members of her team to investigate the Luciferians, in case they're involved with the blazes.
When a victim of the arsonist lives long enough to leave a clue about the reason for the fires, Nikki and Joseph learn the motive lies in the past. However the exact information they need is hard to find, and Nikki's mother Eve and her friend Wendy - who were in the British army - help by contacting their government connections.
When Nikki and her squad finally learn the identity of the murderer, they're in a race against time to nab the culprit and stop the killings.
Lighter moments in the book revolve around the wedding of pathologist Dr. Rory Wilkinson and his fiancé David.
The couple's reception will take place in a World War II Air Base, and they want their guests to dress in '30s and '40s wartime outfits. Nikki scoffs when Rory suggests she come as a land girl, air raid warden, or munitions worker, but Joseph says he likes the idea of going as a fighter pilot....and sees Nikki as a gorgeous army driver. The nuptials are a fun part of the story.
For me, the events leading to the crimes seem unlikely and the story drags a bit, but this mystery will probably appeal to Nikki Galena fans.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
January 30, 2022
Maybe I was just grumpy when I read this, although I like to believe that I'm always on an even keel type of grumpy. As in, "you did not just let your dog poop in my yard, and not bring a poop bag to pick it up," type of grumpy. As compared to "where's the dog's poop bag? You think you're going to let that lie in my yard? As I scoop up the poop in my hand and and toss it at the owner's head. Splat" O.K., that's just a dream I have, but, still..... I quite like Joy's stories, and I always look forward to them, but for some reason I didn't like this one too much. Truth is, though the end product was intensely satisfying, the story as a whole just didn't cut it for me. But, I realized why. I love a murder mystery where I'm given clues. I need clues. The best thing about these type of books are trying to figure them out. With Ms. Ellis' stories we don't get that. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada. I'll still be reading Joy's books, but maybe not waiting for clues anymore. My thanks to Joffe books, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC for the price of an honest review. Joy Ellis is always a pleasure to read, and I do recommend her books.
May 30, 2018
4.5 Stars
It starts with a series of small fires ... then it escalates. The arsonist is now targeting people by locking them in and starting a fire.
DI Nikki Galena and her team can't find a common denominator.... there's nothing that seems to connect the victims. All the victims seem to be good people, doing good deeds for others, helping whenever and wherever they can. Who would want these people dead?
At the same time, this small town is also having to deal with a group of Satanists led by a very charismatic man. Is this group connected to the fires?
With the help of a retired arson investigator, Nikki and the team piece together why the arsonist is carrying out what seems to be a vendetta.
Now it's up to the investigators to figure out who the arsonist is before another life is lost.
Joy Ellis is one of those authors that's easy to attach to. Her writing is superb, the characters are credible, and the story line is filled with suspense and lots of twists and turns before reaching an explosive ending.
Although this is 9th in a series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I always recommend starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
4.5 stars
It starts with a series of small fires ... then it escalates. The arsonist is now targeting people by locking them in and starting a fire.
DI Nikki Galena and her team can't find a common denominator.... there's nothing that seems to connect the victims. All the victims seem to be good people, doing good deeds for others, helping whenever and wherever they can. Who would want these people dead?
At the same time, this small town is also having to deal with a group of Satanists led by a very charismatic man. Is this group connected to the fires?
With the help of a retired arson investigator, Nikki and the team piece together why the arsonist is carrying out what seems to be a vendetta.
Now it's up to the investigators to figure out who the arsonist is before another life is lost.
Joy Ellis is one of those authors that's easy to attach to. Her writing is superb, the characters are credible, and the story line is filled with suspense and lots of twists and turns before reaching an explosive ending.
Although this is 9th in a series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I always recommend starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
It starts with a series of small fires ... then it escalates. The arsonist is now targeting people by locking them in and starting a fire.
DI Nikki Galena and her team can't find a common denominator.... there's nothing that seems to connect the victims. All the victims seem to be good people, doing good deeds for others, helping whenever and wherever they can. Who would want these people dead?
At the same time, this small town is also having to deal with a group of Satanists led by a very charismatic man. Is this group connected to the fires?
With the help of a retired arson investigator, Nikki and the team piece together why the arsonist is carrying out what seems to be a vendetta.
Now it's up to the investigators to figure out who the arsonist is before another life is lost.
Joy Ellis is one of those authors that's easy to attach to. Her writing is superb, the characters are credible, and the story line is filled with suspense and lots of twists and turns before reaching an explosive ending.
Although this is 9th in a series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I always recommend starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Merged review:
4.5 stars
It starts with a series of small fires ... then it escalates. The arsonist is now targeting people by locking them in and starting a fire.
DI Nikki Galena and her team can't find a common denominator.... there's nothing that seems to connect the victims. All the victims seem to be good people, doing good deeds for others, helping whenever and wherever they can. Who would want these people dead?
At the same time, this small town is also having to deal with a group of Satanists led by a very charismatic man. Is this group connected to the fires?
With the help of a retired arson investigator, Nikki and the team piece together why the arsonist is carrying out what seems to be a vendetta.
Now it's up to the investigators to figure out who the arsonist is before another life is lost.
Joy Ellis is one of those authors that's easy to attach to. Her writing is superb, the characters are credible, and the story line is filled with suspense and lots of twists and turns before reaching an explosive ending.
Although this is 9th in a series, it is easily read as a stand alone. However, I always recommend starting at the very beginning.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 9, 2024
An arsonist was on the loose in the fens, and it wasn't long until one of them was fatal. Suddenly DI Nikki Galena, Joseph Easter and the team were embroiled in a race to find a ruthless killer. Each time, one person died, and that person proved to have a good reputation with no links to anything sinister that Nikki could find. As the killings continued, they finally had a tenuous opening to what was happening. But would they discover the answers before it was too late for another person? Nikki and Joseph were frustrated, working with the team almost 24/7 - they had to do it!
Fire on the Fens is #9 in the DI Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis and another excellent thriller which I had trouble putting down. I'm loving this series, with its well crafted characters, fast paced plot and plenty of action. Highly recommended.
Fire on the Fens is #9 in the DI Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis and another excellent thriller which I had trouble putting down. I'm loving this series, with its well crafted characters, fast paced plot and plenty of action. Highly recommended.
July 17, 2019
Simply stunning!
5 Stars - This book is THE ONE. Loved it. Recommended it. I walked uphill both ways in a blizzard with a small child strapped in my back to buy it. I will leave it in my will to my favorite child.
5 Stars - This book is THE ONE. Loved it. Recommended it. I walked uphill both ways in a blizzard with a small child strapped in my back to buy it. I will leave it in my will to my favorite child.
May 30, 2018
Every book I read by the phenomenal Joy Ellis has been absolutely first class. She set a very high bar a few books back and I keep thinking that she wont be able to surpass that one but every time that bar goes a bit higher.
So here we are yet another absolutely brilliant addition to the Nikki Galena series. A totally unique storyline that sets the heart racing at the beginning and the suspense builds steadily and increasingly throughout the story. People are being burned to death and the clock is ticking will Nikki crack this one before another victim dies?
I love Nikki Galena she is a feisty caring character and every member of her team give 100% loyalty and that loyalty is returned in full. Her personal life plays a big part in this story as she continues to build her relationship with her mother. Eve and her band of friends bring a bit of humour and uniqueness to the book. Nikki's relationship with Joseph continues to deepen and everyone is holding their breath hoping that the powers that be don't learn of it and throw a spanner in the works.
I cant find the words to do this book justice. If you like Crime fiction, detective stories, psychological thrillers, police procedural ...... Then this is a must read. If you like a good book then this is for you.
Absolutely brilliant I can't wait for the next book.
So here we are yet another absolutely brilliant addition to the Nikki Galena series. A totally unique storyline that sets the heart racing at the beginning and the suspense builds steadily and increasingly throughout the story. People are being burned to death and the clock is ticking will Nikki crack this one before another victim dies?
I love Nikki Galena she is a feisty caring character and every member of her team give 100% loyalty and that loyalty is returned in full. Her personal life plays a big part in this story as she continues to build her relationship with her mother. Eve and her band of friends bring a bit of humour and uniqueness to the book. Nikki's relationship with Joseph continues to deepen and everyone is holding their breath hoping that the powers that be don't learn of it and throw a spanner in the works.
I cant find the words to do this book justice. If you like Crime fiction, detective stories, psychological thrillers, police procedural ...... Then this is a must read. If you like a good book then this is for you.
Absolutely brilliant I can't wait for the next book.
August 10, 2025
*Fire-starter*
This was another great read! Book 9 of 15 in the ‘Detective Nikki Galena Mysteries’, it’s still keeping my interest. The Fens consist of, a vast area filled with marshes, farmland, and nature reserves, boasts many remote areas with no mobile phone signal. This particular case centres around a man seeking revenge for something that happened ten years ago. In a callous manner, this person systematically kills their victims by fire.
Nikki and her team must find a connection to save more lives. The puzzling aspect is that each victim is a remarkable character, caring, selfless, and always giving something back.
As Nikki and her team get closer to finding an answer, red tape stands in their way. Will they be able to overcome these obstacles and give everything they have to save the last victim?
This was another great read! Book 9 of 15 in the ‘Detective Nikki Galena Mysteries’, it’s still keeping my interest. The Fens consist of, a vast area filled with marshes, farmland, and nature reserves, boasts many remote areas with no mobile phone signal. This particular case centres around a man seeking revenge for something that happened ten years ago. In a callous manner, this person systematically kills their victims by fire.
Nikki and her team must find a connection to save more lives. The puzzling aspect is that each victim is a remarkable character, caring, selfless, and always giving something back.
As Nikki and her team get closer to finding an answer, red tape stands in their way. Will they be able to overcome these obstacles and give everything they have to save the last victim?
June 5, 2018
Blog tour review
After ex fire - investigator John Carson contacts acting Superintendent Cam Walker with his suspicions that a series of small fires that have been springing up all over Greenborough are actually the work of an embryonic arsonist.DI Nikki Galena,Ds Joseph Easter and the team find themselves investigating a complex,frustrating case in which innocent people who have led spotless lives are being burned alive.Every lead goes nowhere,they can find no motive,and are struggling to figure out if or how the victims are connected. Nikki and her team find themselves in a desperate race against time to work out who the killer is before someone else dies.
Meanwhile tension is rising on the streets due to the hostility between the town's youths and a group of Satanists led by a charismatic businessman.
This is a gripping thriller packed with twists and turns and red herrings that definitely keep the reader guessing although I did figure out one of the major twists quite early in the story.My favourite parts of the story where the gripping and intreguing parts covering the investigation into the identity and motives of the mysterious arsonist.The authors descriptions of some of the fires especially the final fire where so realistic and chilling,i had goosebumps whilst I was reading them.I love the interactions between Nikki Galena and her close knit team,I like how the team worked well together although their closeness and lack of disagreements can sometimes come across as unrealistic.After all everyone gets snappy and has arguments,don't talk for a while and then a bit later all is forgotten and everything goes back to normal. I really like how the other team members were able to contribute their own theories about the cases rather than Nikki always having all the answers.Of course Nikki`s mum Eve and her friend Wendy can't help getting involved and helping out with the investigation. I like Eve and her friends but it's going to get rather repetitive if they are going to involve themselves in every case that Nikki and her team find themselves investigating in future books.
As with all Joy Ellis`s books this is a very well written thriller that holds the readers attention from the first word to the last. Although this is the 9th book in the series and some events from the previous book are mentioned,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I would love it if this series was adapted into a tv series and can't wait to find out what Joy Ellis has planned for Nikki and her team`s next mystery.
Many thanks to Joffe books for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
After ex fire - investigator John Carson contacts acting Superintendent Cam Walker with his suspicions that a series of small fires that have been springing up all over Greenborough are actually the work of an embryonic arsonist.DI Nikki Galena,Ds Joseph Easter and the team find themselves investigating a complex,frustrating case in which innocent people who have led spotless lives are being burned alive.Every lead goes nowhere,they can find no motive,and are struggling to figure out if or how the victims are connected. Nikki and her team find themselves in a desperate race against time to work out who the killer is before someone else dies.
Meanwhile tension is rising on the streets due to the hostility between the town's youths and a group of Satanists led by a charismatic businessman.
This is a gripping thriller packed with twists and turns and red herrings that definitely keep the reader guessing although I did figure out one of the major twists quite early in the story.My favourite parts of the story where the gripping and intreguing parts covering the investigation into the identity and motives of the mysterious arsonist.The authors descriptions of some of the fires especially the final fire where so realistic and chilling,i had goosebumps whilst I was reading them.I love the interactions between Nikki Galena and her close knit team,I like how the team worked well together although their closeness and lack of disagreements can sometimes come across as unrealistic.After all everyone gets snappy and has arguments,don't talk for a while and then a bit later all is forgotten and everything goes back to normal. I really like how the other team members were able to contribute their own theories about the cases rather than Nikki always having all the answers.Of course Nikki`s mum Eve and her friend Wendy can't help getting involved and helping out with the investigation. I like Eve and her friends but it's going to get rather repetitive if they are going to involve themselves in every case that Nikki and her team find themselves investigating in future books.
As with all Joy Ellis`s books this is a very well written thriller that holds the readers attention from the first word to the last. Although this is the 9th book in the series and some events from the previous book are mentioned,it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. I would love it if this series was adapted into a tv series and can't wait to find out what Joy Ellis has planned for Nikki and her team`s next mystery.
Many thanks to Joffe books for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
October 19, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Fire on the Fens, the ninth novel to feature DI Nikki Galena and DS Joseph Easter of the Lincolnshire police.
Nikki and the team have a new superintendent, old friend Cam Walker and he is hardly in the job when he is approached by retired fore investigator, John Carson, who believes that a series of recent small fires have been set by a wannabe arsonist learning his trade. This is soon proved to be the case when bodies start to be discovered in the ashes of bigger fires. Nikki and the team are puzzled by the lack of links between the victims.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fire on the Fens which is another good mystery with plenty of action and red herrings. It might be my mood but I didn't find it just as gripping or tense as the previous novels and, despite the bodies, it's slower in tempo with the team struggling to get a foothold in the case and the reason behind it all is a bit flimsy. Still, despite it not being one of the best in the series, it is still a good read with a flowing narrative, plenty of reveals to keep it going and a host of, by now, familiar characters.
Nikki and Joseph carry out their investigation, ably assisted by their team, their new superintendent, John Carson and Nikki's mother, Eve Anderson, the former high flyer with connections in the murkier corridors of power. They are now in a relationship so the time will come, due to regulations, that they will have to choose between the job and this relationship but with Cam Walker prepared to turn a blind eye that's in the future although it hovers over them. In the meantime they are two pleasant people doing a job they love.
Fire on the Fens is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Nikki and the team have a new superintendent, old friend Cam Walker and he is hardly in the job when he is approached by retired fore investigator, John Carson, who believes that a series of recent small fires have been set by a wannabe arsonist learning his trade. This is soon proved to be the case when bodies start to be discovered in the ashes of bigger fires. Nikki and the team are puzzled by the lack of links between the victims.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fire on the Fens which is another good mystery with plenty of action and red herrings. It might be my mood but I didn't find it just as gripping or tense as the previous novels and, despite the bodies, it's slower in tempo with the team struggling to get a foothold in the case and the reason behind it all is a bit flimsy. Still, despite it not being one of the best in the series, it is still a good read with a flowing narrative, plenty of reveals to keep it going and a host of, by now, familiar characters.
Nikki and Joseph carry out their investigation, ably assisted by their team, their new superintendent, John Carson and Nikki's mother, Eve Anderson, the former high flyer with connections in the murkier corridors of power. They are now in a relationship so the time will come, due to regulations, that they will have to choose between the job and this relationship but with Cam Walker prepared to turn a blind eye that's in the future although it hovers over them. In the meantime they are two pleasant people doing a job they love.
Fire on the Fens is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 18, 2025
Another great instalment in this series. In this book, Nikki and Joseph and their team investigate a series of deliberately-lit fires, which have resulted in several deaths. What connects the victims to each other and how might the deaths be linked to a local Luciferian religious sect that's attracting public attention?
I was pleased that Nikki's mother Eve and her friends again had several appearances and a minor active role in the investigation.
The audiobook edition, narrated by Henrietta Meire was excellent as usual, despite the aggravating voice she gives D.C. Cat Cullen.
I was pleased that Nikki's mother Eve and her friends again had several appearances and a minor active role in the investigation.
The audiobook edition, narrated by Henrietta Meire was excellent as usual, despite the aggravating voice she gives D.C. Cat Cullen.
October 5, 2024
Fire on the Fens by Joy Ellis is the 9th book in the D.I. Nikki Galena series. A series of fires leads to several deaths and Nikki Galena and her team hunt for the killer arsonist. Another excellent mystery. I love their new superintendant even if only temporary and am glad that it is someone that we have met previously and that hopefully it will mean that Nikki and Joseph are able to build on their relationship. It was nice to see Eve and her friends help out once again and Rory's wedding was a highlight. A superb, action packed and addictive thriller.
May 31, 2018
I have read a fair few of Joy’s books and I have loved every single one. I haven’t caught up with her back catalogue yet but that will soon be rectified. (Happiness for this Ginger Book Geek is discovering a series and learning that there are a fair few books to read to catch up with). Anyway I digress so back to the review I do go. I look forward to each book that she releases as I know that I am guaranteed a flipping good read. ‘Fire On The Fens’ was certainly a flipping good read and I absolutely blooming well loved it but more about that in a bit.
I must admit that I absolutely love the character of DI Nikki Galena. She is one strong and feisty lady, who leads from the front. She is sassy and she takes no crap. Nikki is one of those detectives that has a very reliable gut instinct and if she feels that something is amiss or not quite right then it usually isn’t. Nikki fully investigates a case until all avenues of enquiry have been exhausted and every lead has been followed up. Nikki does her very best for the victims of crime and their families. Nikki mucks in to do her fair share of the workload and she doesn’t ask anybody to do anything that she wouldn’t do herself. She sounds to be a lovely, kind and supportive boss, who will have your back if something goes wrong, which isn’t your fault. Nikki hasn’t been that lucky in her personal life but things have been looking up since she got together with her Detective Sergeant Joseph Easter, who just sounds like a total dish. They were apprehensive about letting people know that they are in a relationship as relationships between colleagues on the same team are frowned upon. Lucky for Nikki and Joseph, Cam Walker, an old friend of Nikki’s, is temporarily assigned to the station as Nikki’s superior officer. He has heard about Nikki and Joseph’s relationship but he agrees to turn a blind eye. I was keeping everything cross that things would work out for Nikki and Joseph and they would get the happy ever after ending that they so deserved,
Oh my giddy aunt, ‘Fire On The Fens’ is one heck of a sometimes haunting read, especially for someone (me) who has a fear of fire. That said, I did pick up this book at an ideal time for me. I was feeling very down in the dumps for one reason or another, my anxiety had increased and my chronic back pain was playing up. Boy oh boy, literally as soon as I picked up this book all of the previous issues were suddenly forgotten as I became seriously addicted to reading ‘Fire On The Fens’. The pages flew past in a blur and before I knew what was happening, I reached the end of the book which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish because I knew how the story ended and who the fire starter was but I was so disappointed to finish because I was enjoying the story and the writing style so much that I just wanted the book to continue. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case because I was so into the story and loving the characters so much that I was able to shut out all other distractions. Reading ‘Fire On The Fens’ was like riding on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, with lots of twists and turns and moments that you don’t see coming but which hit you like a punch to the gut and leave you feeling breathless. There were certainly several red herrings and I didn’t guess who the perpetrator was. ‘Fire On The Fens’ certainly kept me guessing.
To conclude I have to say that Joy Ellis has another winner on her hands and ‘Fire On The Fens’ is one stonkingly good read. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to anybody. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this brilliant author but in the meantime I can content myself with catching up on some more of her back catalogue. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 5* out of 5*.
I must admit that I absolutely love the character of DI Nikki Galena. She is one strong and feisty lady, who leads from the front. She is sassy and she takes no crap. Nikki is one of those detectives that has a very reliable gut instinct and if she feels that something is amiss or not quite right then it usually isn’t. Nikki fully investigates a case until all avenues of enquiry have been exhausted and every lead has been followed up. Nikki does her very best for the victims of crime and their families. Nikki mucks in to do her fair share of the workload and she doesn’t ask anybody to do anything that she wouldn’t do herself. She sounds to be a lovely, kind and supportive boss, who will have your back if something goes wrong, which isn’t your fault. Nikki hasn’t been that lucky in her personal life but things have been looking up since she got together with her Detective Sergeant Joseph Easter, who just sounds like a total dish. They were apprehensive about letting people know that they are in a relationship as relationships between colleagues on the same team are frowned upon. Lucky for Nikki and Joseph, Cam Walker, an old friend of Nikki’s, is temporarily assigned to the station as Nikki’s superior officer. He has heard about Nikki and Joseph’s relationship but he agrees to turn a blind eye. I was keeping everything cross that things would work out for Nikki and Joseph and they would get the happy ever after ending that they so deserved,
Oh my giddy aunt, ‘Fire On The Fens’ is one heck of a sometimes haunting read, especially for someone (me) who has a fear of fire. That said, I did pick up this book at an ideal time for me. I was feeling very down in the dumps for one reason or another, my anxiety had increased and my chronic back pain was playing up. Boy oh boy, literally as soon as I picked up this book all of the previous issues were suddenly forgotten as I became seriously addicted to reading ‘Fire On The Fens’. The pages flew past in a blur and before I knew what was happening, I reached the end of the book which I had mixed feelings about. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish because I knew how the story ended and who the fire starter was but I was so disappointed to finish because I was enjoying the story and the writing style so much that I just wanted the book to continue. Usually I have the attention span of a gnat and I am easily distracted but not in this case because I was so into the story and loving the characters so much that I was able to shut out all other distractions. Reading ‘Fire On The Fens’ was like riding on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride, with lots of twists and turns and moments that you don’t see coming but which hit you like a punch to the gut and leave you feeling breathless. There were certainly several red herrings and I didn’t guess who the perpetrator was. ‘Fire On The Fens’ certainly kept me guessing.
To conclude I have to say that Joy Ellis has another winner on her hands and ‘Fire On The Fens’ is one stonkingly good read. I would definitely recommend this author and her books to anybody. I can’t wait to read what comes next from this brilliant author but in the meantime I can content myself with catching up on some more of her back catalogue. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 5* out of 5*.
March 25, 2024
After reading nine books about Nikki and Joseph and as many about Jackman and Ellis I'm beginning to like this series too. It took longer than the other series. There is only one book left and I'm going to miss them!
Nikki and Joseph are a couple but they have to hide it! They can't be on the same team if they are married or live together.
DCI Cameron Walker has been Nikki's friend for a long time. He knows about Nikki and Joseph so they don't have to hide it as long as Cameron is their boss.
There are a lot of fires set in this book and many are injured and killed. I even got nightmares after reading this book. It definitely brought up some horrible memories from when my arm caught fire when I was camping with my boyfriend. He saved my life!
Apart from the fires it felt at times that things went a bit too smoothly. Eve and Wendy finds something outside the chapel. Their visitor sees a name that reminds him of a girl.
John Carson is retired but the fires make him suspicious. He's the first to say they have a problem, an arsonist is setting fires!
Laura Archer, psychologist helps them when they have questions about the guy setting the fires.
Laura is beautiful and Nikki is jealous at first. Then she finds out that DI Jackman and Laura are together. I don't think anyone from that book has been mentioned before in this series.
Nikki and Joseph are a couple but they have to hide it! They can't be on the same team if they are married or live together.
DCI Cameron Walker has been Nikki's friend for a long time. He knows about Nikki and Joseph so they don't have to hide it as long as Cameron is their boss.
There are a lot of fires set in this book and many are injured and killed. I even got nightmares after reading this book. It definitely brought up some horrible memories from when my arm caught fire when I was camping with my boyfriend. He saved my life!
Apart from the fires it felt at times that things went a bit too smoothly. Eve and Wendy finds something outside the chapel. Their visitor sees a name that reminds him of a girl.
John Carson is retired but the fires make him suspicious. He's the first to say they have a problem, an arsonist is setting fires!
Laura Archer, psychologist helps them when they have questions about the guy setting the fires.
Laura is beautiful and Nikki is jealous at first. Then she finds out that DI Jackman and Laura are together. I don't think anyone from that book has been mentioned before in this series.
June 8, 2018
This is a well written mystery book.
Detective Nikki Galena and her team and chasing an arsonist. After each fire, they gather more clues as to the identity of the person. Each time there is a fire, someone is killed.
It seems the person is setting fires in order to fulfil a need for revenge. The question is - what is the vendetta and who is it against?
There's a mystery in the past that Galena must unpick. With the help of a fire expert, she will find the clues and get closer and closer to the killer.
I found the beginning of the book a bit slow and predictable. As it progressed, I began to like Galena more. I'd have liked a bit more tension in the plot and a few more surprises. Overall a decent read with a good quality of writing.
Detective Nikki Galena and her team and chasing an arsonist. After each fire, they gather more clues as to the identity of the person. Each time there is a fire, someone is killed.
It seems the person is setting fires in order to fulfil a need for revenge. The question is - what is the vendetta and who is it against?
There's a mystery in the past that Galena must unpick. With the help of a fire expert, she will find the clues and get closer and closer to the killer.
I found the beginning of the book a bit slow and predictable. As it progressed, I began to like Galena more. I'd have liked a bit more tension in the plot and a few more surprises. Overall a decent read with a good quality of writing.
February 18, 2021
Always a good read, number nine in the series and Nikki Gallena is in a race against time to find a callous arsonist who makes sure a particular person dies in each of his attacks. And I'm pleased to see Nikki and Joseph seem to have sorted themselves out!
January 28, 2019
I started this book this morning and I finished it tonight...I just couldn't put out down
November 9, 2025
A man everyone said was very kind is burned alive in his caravan, which was locked from the outside so he couldn't escape. Nikki and her team are sure that this attack was personal, but they are unsure why. Two more fires kill ostensibly nice people, and the team wonders if these fires are revenge for an event that happened when the victims were teenagers. Could some wealthy and powerful people be involved? Can the team find the arsonist before anyone else dies? A well-written British police procedural.
June 8, 2018
Former fire investigator John Carson believes that the seemingly random attacks of arson aren’t down to the local youth like everyone thinks. Fearing the person is escalating he contacts his old friend DCI Cameron Walker who is now acting superintendent. Their worst fears are confirmed when a badly burnt body turns up in a caravan. The victim seems to be a citizen with no criminal record and goes out of his way to help people, why would someone want him dead?
Meanwhile a group calling themselves Luciferians have come to the attention of Nikki’s team. They seem charming and charismatic but are they hiding something darker?
More bodies turn up and its a race against time to find this deadly killer.
So this is the second in the Nikki Galena series I’ve read, the first being Thieves On The Fens. This book works perfectly well as a stand alone but I would recommend reading a few of the earlier books first. Having read the previous book I feel like I know the characters a lot better this time around and it didn’t take me as long to get to grips with the story.
As with Thieves On The Fens, there is not a dull moment in this book! It’s fast paced, with plenty of mystery and intrigue with a murderer is that is extra diabolical, the thought of being burned alive is makes me shiver.
I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Nikki in the last book but she has really grown on me, I can see a really caring yet compassionate character. Another stand out in this book for me was PC Yvonne Collins, a smart and intuitive police woman but she’s about to retire, leaving a bit of gap in the team. Also eagle-eyed fans of Joy Ellis’ Jackman and Evans series will be thrilled to see a little guest appearance from profiler Laura Archer.
I don’t want to say too much more, in fear of giving away spoilers, but this has to be one of Nikki’s toughest cases yet and the end, well wow, heart pounding doesn’t quite cover it.
Meanwhile a group calling themselves Luciferians have come to the attention of Nikki’s team. They seem charming and charismatic but are they hiding something darker?
More bodies turn up and its a race against time to find this deadly killer.
So this is the second in the Nikki Galena series I’ve read, the first being Thieves On The Fens. This book works perfectly well as a stand alone but I would recommend reading a few of the earlier books first. Having read the previous book I feel like I know the characters a lot better this time around and it didn’t take me as long to get to grips with the story.
As with Thieves On The Fens, there is not a dull moment in this book! It’s fast paced, with plenty of mystery and intrigue with a murderer is that is extra diabolical, the thought of being burned alive is makes me shiver.
I wasn’t quite sure what to make of Nikki in the last book but she has really grown on me, I can see a really caring yet compassionate character. Another stand out in this book for me was PC Yvonne Collins, a smart and intuitive police woman but she’s about to retire, leaving a bit of gap in the team. Also eagle-eyed fans of Joy Ellis’ Jackman and Evans series will be thrilled to see a little guest appearance from profiler Laura Archer.
I don’t want to say too much more, in fear of giving away spoilers, but this has to be one of Nikki’s toughest cases yet and the end, well wow, heart pounding doesn’t quite cover it.
June 21, 2019
Fire on the Fens by Joy Ellis, the latest in Ellis' Nikki Galena series will comfort you with the return of Nikki, Joseph, and their team and unsettle you with their most recent case.
Retired fire inspector John Carson has been following several small fires that he suspects is an arsonist learning his craft. Something about these fires makes him suspect that the arsonist has a much bigger plan in mind. Carson eventually reaches out to his old friend DCI Cameron Walker whith his fears about escalation.
Soon, Nikki and her team find themselves with an arsonist who sets fires after making sure his victims can't escape. The victims mount, and Nikki and her team are at a loss as to how these victims are related--and they must be, because the arsonist seems to have a list.
Another great addition to the DI Nikki Galena series. If you want a new series of good police procedurals be sure to check out Joy Ellis--I look forward to each new addition.
Joffe Books
Police Procedural. 2018. Print length: 313 pages.
Retired fire inspector John Carson has been following several small fires that he suspects is an arsonist learning his craft. Something about these fires makes him suspect that the arsonist has a much bigger plan in mind. Carson eventually reaches out to his old friend DCI Cameron Walker whith his fears about escalation.
Soon, Nikki and her team find themselves with an arsonist who sets fires after making sure his victims can't escape. The victims mount, and Nikki and her team are at a loss as to how these victims are related--and they must be, because the arsonist seems to have a list.
Another great addition to the DI Nikki Galena series. If you want a new series of good police procedurals be sure to check out Joy Ellis--I look forward to each new addition.
Joffe Books
Police Procedural. 2018. Print length: 313 pages.
August 12, 2020
Nikki Galena and Joseph are now co-habiting although keeping separate homes and trying to keep their relationship low key and out of sight of the hierarchy. A new Superintendent could change that and send their lives into chaos. Then they are caught up in the consequences of a series of fires and where they might lead. A quasi-religious group causes concern for the uniform section and Nikki's mother is a very forceful character.
A readable novel all centred in the fictitious town of Greenborough in the East Anglian fen district. This story does not quite give out the eariness of some of the remote areas that were evident in previous stories but nevertheless this is a good read if a little too "nice" in the workings of the station and Nikkis team.
Hovered between 3 and 4 stars but went for 4 in the end.
A readable novel all centred in the fictitious town of Greenborough in the East Anglian fen district. This story does not quite give out the eariness of some of the remote areas that were evident in previous stories but nevertheless this is a good read if a little too "nice" in the workings of the station and Nikkis team.
Hovered between 3 and 4 stars but went for 4 in the end.
June 3, 2018
Another chapter in the life of DI Nikki Galena and her partner DS Joseph Easter. Only this time someone is playing with fire....and not very nicely. There is one dead body at each of the fire scenes, but none of the victims have anything in common with each other and none of them were ever in any trouble. Who is this Killer Arsonist? Then there is a group of Satanists that the town wishes were gone. Their leader is very charismatic person who is able to fool whom he pleases. Are the two related? You will have to read the book to find out how this one turns out. I would like to thank Joffe Books a a copy of this story . My review is done voluntarily.
June 2, 2018
This is the 9th in the Nikki Galena series but it is perfectly possible to read it as a stand alone. However, I would recommend reading the previous books in the series in order to gain the utmost satisfaction from the story. Knowing how the main characters intermingle and knowing their histories make for an even more satisfying read (if that is at all possible)
Every time Joy Ellis brings out a new book, I can't wait to read it and each one is better than the previous one. I don't know how she does it but after thinking the last book couldn't get any better, the new one has scaled even higher peaks and is absolutely riveting. Don't pick it up if you've got an appointment to keep and don't expect to sleep or eat until you have finished it!
There has been a series of fires on the fens but the arsonist is now trapping a victim in each one, so that they burn to death. None of the victims seem to have any previous relationship and even with the help of a retired fire investigator, the police are struggling to find a common denominator. Then they learn that certain investigations are being blocked from on high, but Nikki will never give up until she has solved the case and the reader is led along a twisting, turning, spiralling ride to the end. If Joy's last book was worth ten stars, then this one is worth at least fifteen and I wish that I could score it so. If you love a mystery, you will love Fire on the Fens!
Every time Joy Ellis brings out a new book, I can't wait to read it and each one is better than the previous one. I don't know how she does it but after thinking the last book couldn't get any better, the new one has scaled even higher peaks and is absolutely riveting. Don't pick it up if you've got an appointment to keep and don't expect to sleep or eat until you have finished it!
There has been a series of fires on the fens but the arsonist is now trapping a victim in each one, so that they burn to death. None of the victims seem to have any previous relationship and even with the help of a retired fire investigator, the police are struggling to find a common denominator. Then they learn that certain investigations are being blocked from on high, but Nikki will never give up until she has solved the case and the reader is led along a twisting, turning, spiralling ride to the end. If Joy's last book was worth ten stars, then this one is worth at least fifteen and I wish that I could score it so. If you love a mystery, you will love Fire on the Fens!
June 26, 2018
Another awesome read from Joy Ellis in the series with Nikki Galena. A series of fires, great setting and some very descriptive writing. The team are back together and nice to see Rory being happy. I don't know about the Spitfire ending though! This series just keeps improving and I would recommend it.
January 2, 2021
A good read. Not sure I totally like the introduction of Nikki’s mother and her ex - military intelligence friends but it does allow for ‘bigger’ stories. Anyway I’ll have a rest from this series for a while. Not sure reading them one after another is doing them justice. There are inevitably formulaic devices that wouldn’t be so obvious if the stories were spread out.
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars
Though I’m used to the somewhat gruesome aspects of the books in this series, the fires that happened over and over and the damage they inflict on bodies weighed on my more than usual.
Otherwise, the plots and characters are reliably like we have come to expect from the series.
Though I’m used to the somewhat gruesome aspects of the books in this series, the fires that happened over and over and the damage they inflict on bodies weighed on my more than usual.
Otherwise, the plots and characters are reliably like we have come to expect from the series.
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