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DCI Craig Gillard #3
The Body in the Mist
A brutal murder hints at a terrifying mystery, and this time it’s personal.
A body is found on a quiet lane in Exmoor, victim of a hit and run. He has no ID, no wallet, no phone, and – after being dragged along the road – no recognisable face.
Meanwhile, fresh from his last case, DCI Craig Gillard is unexpectedly called away to Devon on family business.
Gillard is soon embroiled when the car in question is traced to his aunt. As he delves deeper, a dark mystery reveals itself, haunted by family secrets, with repercussions Gillard could never have imagined.
The past has never been deadlier.
From master storyteller Nick Louth comes the third installment in the DCI Craig Gillard series. Compelling, fast-paced and endlessly enjoyable, The Body in the Mist is a triumph, perfect for fans of Robert Bryndza, Angela Marsons and Faith Martin
What readers are saying about Nick Louth‘An unputdownable, heart-thudder of a read’ Carol Wyer, author of Little Girl Lost
‘This was up there with the best thrillers I have ever read.’
‘Had me hooked from the start! I would definitely recommend this book.’
‘It grips you from the first page to the last. Excellent.’
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2019
562 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Nick Louth
41 books290 followersNick Louth is a freelance journalist and author, based in Lincolnshire UK.
Before beginning writing fiction, he was a foreign correspondent for Reuters news agency, and a regular contributor to the Financial Times, MSN, and many financial magazines.
Before beginning writing fiction, he was a foreign correspondent for Reuters news agency, and a regular contributor to the Financial Times, MSN, and many financial magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
May 19, 2019
This is my first read of Nick Louth's DCI Craig Gillard of the Surrey Police series, it is the third addition, and is mostly set in and around Barnstaple and Exmoor National Park in Devon. Gillard has a troubled family background, one which he has scarcely breathed a word about to his wife, Sam. I suspect most of us have some experience and insights of a personal nature when it comes to the term 'dysfunctional family' but not many of us have the full horror that is Gillard's lot when it comes to family. Louth provides some skilled characterisation for when it comes to Aunt Trish, Auntie Barbara (Barbaric Bab), Uncle Philip (Podge) suffering from dementia and in a care home, and Gillard's dead grandfather, they are not two dimensional people, but more rounded with elements of good traits after growing up in a family with a history of alarming abuse. Gillard's family have no compunction about calling on him, loudly and insistently, when they feel they need his help, which is why he and Sam are making their way to Devon.
DI Jan Talantire and Barnstaple police have discovered a body in a quiet lane in Exmoor, a hit and run victim, with no phone, wallet or ID, with the labels from his clothing missing, and after being pushed along the road, he has little in the way of a recognisable face. However, the police find the vehicle that has run him over and it belongs to Aunt Barbara, a farmer struggling to survive in a tough financial environment. She has reported it stolen, but it has turned up near by and the police view her as a possible suspect. Barbara is a tough cookie, strong and volatile, remarkable when you think she is over seventy years old, and she has a number of potential alibis as she claims the vehicle was taken from the car park of the care home where she and Trish were visiting Philip, playing Monopoly at the relevant time. Gillard soon finds immersed in horror story after horror story when it comes to his family, a family with a huge closet full of secrets and mysteries, not to mention an upcoming court trial, whilst DI Talantire and Barnstaple police struggle to identify their hit and run victim.
Louth excels when it comes to depicting problematic family dynamics and a Gillard at the beck and call of a family that is not above engaging in machinations that make his life unbearable and difficult. In comparison, his working professional life as a determined and able police officer is a piece of cake. It is Louth's characterisation that shines, for example, Barbara is a person who makes an indelible impact, someone it will take you a long time to forget as indeed is Trish, and I really feel for Gifford when it comes to where Trish ends up at the close of the novel. And quite frankly, I really would not want to meet the lascivious, demented Philip either, especially after his behaviour with Sam. I really enjoyed reading this, my introduction to the series, it is compulsive and gripping, and I empathised with Gillard, we can choose our friends but family, that's a whole different ball game, we are stuck with them, whether we like it or not. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
DI Jan Talantire and Barnstaple police have discovered a body in a quiet lane in Exmoor, a hit and run victim, with no phone, wallet or ID, with the labels from his clothing missing, and after being pushed along the road, he has little in the way of a recognisable face. However, the police find the vehicle that has run him over and it belongs to Aunt Barbara, a farmer struggling to survive in a tough financial environment. She has reported it stolen, but it has turned up near by and the police view her as a possible suspect. Barbara is a tough cookie, strong and volatile, remarkable when you think she is over seventy years old, and she has a number of potential alibis as she claims the vehicle was taken from the car park of the care home where she and Trish were visiting Philip, playing Monopoly at the relevant time. Gillard soon finds immersed in horror story after horror story when it comes to his family, a family with a huge closet full of secrets and mysteries, not to mention an upcoming court trial, whilst DI Talantire and Barnstaple police struggle to identify their hit and run victim.
Louth excels when it comes to depicting problematic family dynamics and a Gillard at the beck and call of a family that is not above engaging in machinations that make his life unbearable and difficult. In comparison, his working professional life as a determined and able police officer is a piece of cake. It is Louth's characterisation that shines, for example, Barbara is a person who makes an indelible impact, someone it will take you a long time to forget as indeed is Trish, and I really feel for Gifford when it comes to where Trish ends up at the close of the novel. And quite frankly, I really would not want to meet the lascivious, demented Philip either, especially after his behaviour with Sam. I really enjoyed reading this, my introduction to the series, it is compulsive and gripping, and I empathised with Gillard, we can choose our friends but family, that's a whole different ball game, we are stuck with them, whether we like it or not. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
February 4, 2024
I enjoyed the first two books in the DCI Craig Gillard series, which were fairly straightforward police procedurals, but I felt this book, the third, was much more complicated and veered into psychological thriller. Maybe because it combined a murder investigation along with Craig’s personal history. We meet his family, two aunts (the “cardigan wolverines” as Sam calls them) and an uncle, and boy, oh boy, what a group they are! The book includes huge insights into his background and what has made him the man he is.
This time, he’s not investigating this crime. It’s a hit and run in a different district, but the vehicle involved belongs to his aunt. The DCI in charge of the investigation, Jan Talantire, was a delight and I really enjoyed her. But while he’s down in Cornwall, Craig learns some unsavory secrets about his uncle, now suffering from dementia. He feels compelled to try and track down the truth despite how long ago the supposed crime was committed. As the story goes on, it does become somewhat convoluted. There are several subplots, one for each relative. By the end, it even becomes a legal thriller.
It will be interesting to see where this series goes next.
I listened to this and Marston York was a serviceable narrator, but not an overly inspiring one. At times, I struggled to understand him, as his voice was almost garbled.
This time, he’s not investigating this crime. It’s a hit and run in a different district, but the vehicle involved belongs to his aunt. The DCI in charge of the investigation, Jan Talantire, was a delight and I really enjoyed her. But while he’s down in Cornwall, Craig learns some unsavory secrets about his uncle, now suffering from dementia. He feels compelled to try and track down the truth despite how long ago the supposed crime was committed. As the story goes on, it does become somewhat convoluted. There are several subplots, one for each relative. By the end, it even becomes a legal thriller.
It will be interesting to see where this series goes next.
I listened to this and Marston York was a serviceable narrator, but not an overly inspiring one. At times, I struggled to understand him, as his voice was almost garbled.
February 9, 2020
The Body in the Mist is the third in the DCI Craig Gillard series about a hard-working detective based in Surrey, England. I had already read and enjoyed the first two, and have an ARC of the next one which is already overdue, but you could easily read this as a stand-alone as you get all the background you need, but few spoilers. I am very glad that I decided not to skip this one before reading book four, however, as we learn a lot about Craig’s terrible family history and events here must surely affect him going forward.
On a misty afternoon, a hit & run victim is found on a quiet road near Barnstaple in Devon. The body has been stripped of any identifying features and the police have no witnesses. Craig, and his younger wife, Sam, have taken a weekend off work to travel down to visit his difficult elderly aunts and his uncle, who has dementia. When the car from the accident turns out to belong to his formidable aunt Barbara, he is drawn into the investigation, to the displeasure of the investigating DI, Jan Talantire, but horrific secrets begin to emerge and his family members look more and more guilty.
This one had a lot of separate plot-lines going on, and there was a bit too much coincidence involved to keep them linked together. I enjoyed the mystery and didn’t predict how it would turn out - but confess I disliked the rather open ending. I hope that the elements left hanging will be resolved in the next book.
Most of the characters are pretty awful - even our hero is grumpy and arrogant, putting his own need to satisfy his curiosity in his private investigation of a cold case with no possibility of achieving justice over his duties in his actual job. Sam is gullible and petulant, and Podge, Trish & Barbara the relatives from hell. I did like sensible over-stretched but competent DI Talantine and would happily meet her again in a spin-off series.
Louth writes well and I had no problems picturing the scenes. There were quite a few animal deaths (sheep and dogs) - referred to but not described - and the description of the original victim was a bit gory, but there isn’t a lot of violence or bad language. It’s certainly not a cosy mystery though!
Despite some reservations, this was a good story and I think I’m going to break my normal rule and move straight on to the next book, as I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
On a misty afternoon, a hit & run victim is found on a quiet road near Barnstaple in Devon. The body has been stripped of any identifying features and the police have no witnesses. Craig, and his younger wife, Sam, have taken a weekend off work to travel down to visit his difficult elderly aunts and his uncle, who has dementia. When the car from the accident turns out to belong to his formidable aunt Barbara, he is drawn into the investigation, to the displeasure of the investigating DI, Jan Talantire, but horrific secrets begin to emerge and his family members look more and more guilty.
This one had a lot of separate plot-lines going on, and there was a bit too much coincidence involved to keep them linked together. I enjoyed the mystery and didn’t predict how it would turn out - but confess I disliked the rather open ending. I hope that the elements left hanging will be resolved in the next book.
Most of the characters are pretty awful - even our hero is grumpy and arrogant, putting his own need to satisfy his curiosity in his private investigation of a cold case with no possibility of achieving justice over his duties in his actual job. Sam is gullible and petulant, and Podge, Trish & Barbara the relatives from hell. I did like sensible over-stretched but competent DI Talantine and would happily meet her again in a spin-off series.
Louth writes well and I had no problems picturing the scenes. There were quite a few animal deaths (sheep and dogs) - referred to but not described - and the description of the original victim was a bit gory, but there isn’t a lot of violence or bad language. It’s certainly not a cosy mystery though!
Despite some reservations, this was a good story and I think I’m going to break my normal rule and move straight on to the next book, as I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
May 20, 2019
The Body in the Mist is the third novel in the DCI Craig Gillard series, and although not my favourite so far, it is still a solid and thoroughly entertaining thriller. Each instalment reads perfectly as a standalone if you don't mind not being privy to all of Gillard's turbulent family history. What Louth does so well is to craft a captivating and highly readable story with a cast of three-dimensional characters all of whom come alive on the page, but none more so than main protagonist Craig.
I find it rather ironic that despite having one of the most challenging job descriptions that Gillard seems to run into more trouble at home with his overbearing family members who expect him to tend to them at the drop of a hat; they are seemingly unaware of the fact that he is a much needed, astute investigator at a time when they are in short supply. This creates a problematic existence for Gillard and Louth is certainly adept at depicting the struggle often inherent in day-to-day family life. A gripping and addictive addition to the series. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
I find it rather ironic that despite having one of the most challenging job descriptions that Gillard seems to run into more trouble at home with his overbearing family members who expect him to tend to them at the drop of a hat; they are seemingly unaware of the fact that he is a much needed, astute investigator at a time when they are in short supply. This creates a problematic existence for Gillard and Louth is certainly adept at depicting the struggle often inherent in day-to-day family life. A gripping and addictive addition to the series. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
July 23, 2023
I never heard of Nick Louth till I reluctantly had to switch to audiobooks for some weeks. From the first book in the series I was hooked - and luckily I noticed I could, albeit careful, read from a small screen.
This is my 1000th review on GR, but since this title was published a few years ago, several very capable reviewers shared their opinion with us already. So, no new insights from me, just a short note to let you know that this is a great series and I wished I'd found it earlier.
This third book in the series gives us more insight in what makes Craig Gillard tick - and why he didn't tell his wife Sam about his family. As horrible as they all are - especially Trish got on my nerves - Nick Louth didn't make them all bad. Each of them has some good in them, although you have to get to know them well to notice it. And it's not a lot, mind you.
I liked the ending too although it felt a bit rushed.
This is my 1000th review on GR, but since this title was published a few years ago, several very capable reviewers shared their opinion with us already. So, no new insights from me, just a short note to let you know that this is a great series and I wished I'd found it earlier.
This third book in the series gives us more insight in what makes Craig Gillard tick - and why he didn't tell his wife Sam about his family. As horrible as they all are - especially Trish got on my nerves - Nick Louth didn't make them all bad. Each of them has some good in them, although you have to get to know them well to notice it. And it's not a lot, mind you.
I liked the ending too although it felt a bit rushed.
September 12, 2019
While I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, this story was underwhelming.
But the good news is - that's the end of books I read in July. We're now up to August and things start to improve. And, I'm closer to finishing.
But the good news is - that's the end of books I read in July. We're now up to August and things start to improve. And, I'm closer to finishing.
November 14, 2022
This, the third installment in the DCI Craig Gillard series, sees him and his wife Sam travelling to Devon, drawn into crimes involving his family as his aunts and uncle find themselves, not for the first time, embroiled in murder both old and new.
This was quite different from the first two books in this series, and not as good in my opinion (although I am still not sure about this series as a whole and think this will be my last). While we learn a lot more about Gillard's past and his family, we also learn a bit more about his character, and it is not all good. I struggled with his attitude, and found his masculine I know best attitude grating. The fact that Sam is put in danger and forced to make mistake after mistake thanks to Gillard's inability and unwillingness to communicate just made me cross. She has gone from a strong female protagonist in book one to a simpering idiot in a few hundred pages. There is a degree of toxic masculinity in these books that, while not really overt, subtly ticks along underlying the behaviors of the characters and the overarching plot lines which annoys me. And the ending of this novel indicates future plot lines I really do not want to follow.
This was quite different from the first two books in this series, and not as good in my opinion (although I am still not sure about this series as a whole and think this will be my last). While we learn a lot more about Gillard's past and his family, we also learn a bit more about his character, and it is not all good. I struggled with his attitude, and found his masculine I know best attitude grating. The fact that Sam is put in danger and forced to make mistake after mistake thanks to Gillard's inability and unwillingness to communicate just made me cross. She has gone from a strong female protagonist in book one to a simpering idiot in a few hundred pages. There is a degree of toxic masculinity in these books that, while not really overt, subtly ticks along underlying the behaviors of the characters and the overarching plot lines which annoys me. And the ending of this novel indicates future plot lines I really do not want to follow.
May 28, 2019
"...very few people are all good or all bad. That combination is what makes us human."
DCI Craig Gillard is about to find out just how messed up his family really is when he and his wife, Sam, visit his two aunts and uncle in Devon. The body of an unidentifiable male is discovered on a road south of Exmoor National Park. He appears to have been the victim of a hit and run -- and the suspect vehicle belongs to Gillard's Aunt Barbara. Gillard's aunts deny driving the vehicle that day as they claim to have been playing Monopoly with his Uncle Philip who lives in a care home and seems to have his own secrets. It's a complicated case outside of Gillard's remit, but he offers to help DI Jan Talantire of the Barnstaple police with the investigation since he wants to help his relatives. There's a lot going on in this police procedural and murder mystery -- NO SPOILERS.
This is the third book in the series and I didn't like it quite as much as the first two. It seemed to take me a huge effort to really get into the story and to keep all the different threads straight. I do like the main characters of Craig and Sam and will be interested in reading the next book which I hope is set back in their home turf, Surrey. DCI Gillard definitely has a dysfunctional family and Sam is about to find out more about her husband.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Digital Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review.
DCI Craig Gillard is about to find out just how messed up his family really is when he and his wife, Sam, visit his two aunts and uncle in Devon. The body of an unidentifiable male is discovered on a road south of Exmoor National Park. He appears to have been the victim of a hit and run -- and the suspect vehicle belongs to Gillard's Aunt Barbara. Gillard's aunts deny driving the vehicle that day as they claim to have been playing Monopoly with his Uncle Philip who lives in a care home and seems to have his own secrets. It's a complicated case outside of Gillard's remit, but he offers to help DI Jan Talantire of the Barnstaple police with the investigation since he wants to help his relatives. There's a lot going on in this police procedural and murder mystery -- NO SPOILERS.
This is the third book in the series and I didn't like it quite as much as the first two. It seemed to take me a huge effort to really get into the story and to keep all the different threads straight. I do like the main characters of Craig and Sam and will be interested in reading the next book which I hope is set back in their home turf, Surrey. DCI Gillard definitely has a dysfunctional family and Sam is about to find out more about her husband.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo Digital Publishing for the e-book ARC to read and review.
May 16, 2021
Craig has a very complicated family situation.
And considering the ending, it is not over (to be continued).
And considering the ending, it is not over (to be continued).
May 10, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of The Body in the Mist, the third novel to feature DCI Craig Gillard of Surrey Police.
DI Jan Talantire of the Devon and Cornwall police is called out to Barnstaple to investigate a particularly gruesome hit and run but with the body too damaged for identification and nobody reporting a missing person who could match what she does know her investigation hardly gets off the ground. In the meantime DCI Craig Gillard is called to Barnstaple by his two aunts for a family emergency, the hit and run car belongs to his aunt Barbara.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Mist which is an excellent police procedural and a clever unravelling of family secrets, full of twists and turns. I must admit that the number of skeletons in the Antrobus (Gillard’s family) family cupboard pushed my credulity but it makes for great reading. I was hooked from start to finish, unwilling to put it down.
The novel is told from two points of view with Talantire’s covering the procedural elements of the novel while Gillard’s pursues his family secrets in an unofficial capacity. The novel switches between the two perspectives seamlessly offering the reader a broader view of events and two different interpretations of events. The pacing is good with regular reveals to keep the reader interested and whet the appetite for more. And boy, is there more with lots of twists, not least the final one. I enjoyed the planning that went in to the novel with so many disparate events and clues gradually coming together to make a cohesive, if not neat, solution.
I really like Craig Gillard as a protagonist. He is smart and dedicated but in this novel he is like a different man. His difficult family history and its dynamics make him prey to his aunts’ manipulation and leave him a shadow of his normal decisive self. It’s an interesting side to his personality. I also like Jan Talantire who has a great attitude. I would love to see more of her but, short of a transfer, I don’t see her making a repeat appearance.
The Body in the Mist is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
DI Jan Talantire of the Devon and Cornwall police is called out to Barnstaple to investigate a particularly gruesome hit and run but with the body too damaged for identification and nobody reporting a missing person who could match what she does know her investigation hardly gets off the ground. In the meantime DCI Craig Gillard is called to Barnstaple by his two aunts for a family emergency, the hit and run car belongs to his aunt Barbara.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Mist which is an excellent police procedural and a clever unravelling of family secrets, full of twists and turns. I must admit that the number of skeletons in the Antrobus (Gillard’s family) family cupboard pushed my credulity but it makes for great reading. I was hooked from start to finish, unwilling to put it down.
The novel is told from two points of view with Talantire’s covering the procedural elements of the novel while Gillard’s pursues his family secrets in an unofficial capacity. The novel switches between the two perspectives seamlessly offering the reader a broader view of events and two different interpretations of events. The pacing is good with regular reveals to keep the reader interested and whet the appetite for more. And boy, is there more with lots of twists, not least the final one. I enjoyed the planning that went in to the novel with so many disparate events and clues gradually coming together to make a cohesive, if not neat, solution.
I really like Craig Gillard as a protagonist. He is smart and dedicated but in this novel he is like a different man. His difficult family history and its dynamics make him prey to his aunts’ manipulation and leave him a shadow of his normal decisive self. It’s an interesting side to his personality. I also like Jan Talantire who has a great attitude. I would love to see more of her but, short of a transfer, I don’t see her making a repeat appearance.
The Body in the Mist is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 22, 2019
I struggled with this one after reading the previous book in a day, this took nearly a week.
It was a bit 'Midsomer Murders' for me. Tongue in cheek with rather too much dialogue and angst.
Thanks to Netgalley, Nick Louth and Canelo for the opportunity to read and review this book.
It was a bit 'Midsomer Murders' for me. Tongue in cheek with rather too much dialogue and angst.
Thanks to Netgalley, Nick Louth and Canelo for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 18, 2024
This was really, really good with its complex plot and twisted sisters, then there was this convoluted ending that kind of tarnished the stars for me. It’s definitely worth the read in any event, and I’ll say no more—no spoilers!
October 27, 2024
Not as good as the two previous books in this series. I wasn’t totally invested in this story, it was a bit underwhelming and I struggled to really get into the plot. The characterisation was decent and parts of the book were good, but just not enough pace or tension and certainly not enough in the way of police procedural. Just an ok read for me.
January 5, 2021
3.5 stars. It was ok but not the best in this series.
May 21, 2019
There is a very dark start to this crime thriller, a body is found on a road in Exmoor, seemingly the victim of a hit and run, but the injuries make identification tortuous. DCI Gillard finds that a family member may have connections to the incident. What follows is an in-depth look at Gillard’s family and the revelation of long-hidden family secrets that put him in an unenviable position.
This chapter in his life, we meet part of his family, they are not what they first appear to be, and the hidden personality traits that are eventually exposed are written convincingly.
His wife is an important character in this story, and her trust and support, despite her own fears and misgivings, help him to keep a perspective on the situation, as he faces up to, and accepts the dark side of his family.
The plot is varied, with a murder, a cold case to solve and a court case that makes compelling reading. ‘A Body in the Mist’, is a dark, driven, dramatic crime thriller, which puts the protagonist through the mill but demonstrates his strength and integrity.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This chapter in his life, we meet part of his family, they are not what they first appear to be, and the hidden personality traits that are eventually exposed are written convincingly.
His wife is an important character in this story, and her trust and support, despite her own fears and misgivings, help him to keep a perspective on the situation, as he faces up to, and accepts the dark side of his family.
The plot is varied, with a murder, a cold case to solve and a court case that makes compelling reading. ‘A Body in the Mist’, is a dark, driven, dramatic crime thriller, which puts the protagonist through the mill but demonstrates his strength and integrity.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 26, 2022
Three word summary: Family skeletons revealed
This series is at its best when it mixes detective Craig Gillard's personal and professional life. In this installment, we meet his aunts and uncles and they're a strange and untrustworthy bunch - even though the uncle has Alzheimers. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I had to start the next book right away. Unfortunately, the next book wasn't quite as good.
This series is at its best when it mixes detective Craig Gillard's personal and professional life. In this installment, we meet his aunts and uncles and they're a strange and untrustworthy bunch - even though the uncle has Alzheimers. The book ends on a cliffhanger and I had to start the next book right away. Unfortunately, the next book wasn't quite as good.
July 19, 2024
A good story that seems like a setup for a new character in the series. I’m not sure I’ll be happy about this addition.
January 5, 2021
Great read for the genre.
February 1, 2020
And we're back! Why did I read the third book when I disliked the first two so much? Well I spent good audible credit on this and I drive two hours a day so I need something, alright.
To my.... ASTONISHMENT..... the third book was all in all not as bad as the first two. The title is still garbage, I don't know why his publisher keeps letting these through, but we're now in Devon and scratching away at actual character-driven drama that I actually enjoyed (right up until the ending, but I'll come back to that).
Barbara, Trish and Philip were the main attraction and despite the randomness of Philip's illnesses (it seemed to drive the plot and serve red herrings more than say anything about him as a person), the whole side quest of wanting to expose his crime was interesting. Barbara... well, she had character and I became really invested in her. Which is why the way that Louth makes sure she gets zero vindication just felt wrong and wasteful. Trish, well.... it made sense right up until the last few chapters where we're treated to a nonsense trial and Trish being this evil genius all of a sudden. It would have ended perfectly for me had both women been charged and let loose on grounds of lack of evidence, and Gillard vowing to burn all bridges. The end.
If you enjoyed his series, may you live long and prosper, but I am never reading a Nick Louth book again, his writing is definitely not for me.
To my.... ASTONISHMENT..... the third book was all in all not as bad as the first two. The title is still garbage, I don't know why his publisher keeps letting these through, but we're now in Devon and scratching away at actual character-driven drama that I actually enjoyed (right up until the ending, but I'll come back to that).
Barbara, Trish and Philip were the main attraction and despite the randomness of Philip's illnesses (it seemed to drive the plot and serve red herrings more than say anything about him as a person), the whole side quest of wanting to expose his crime was interesting. Barbara... well, she had character and I became really invested in her. Which is why the way that Louth makes sure she gets zero vindication just felt wrong and wasteful. Trish, well.... it made sense right up until the last few chapters where we're treated to a nonsense trial and Trish being this evil genius all of a sudden. It would have ended perfectly for me had both women been charged and let loose on grounds of lack of evidence, and Gillard vowing to burn all bridges. The end.
If you enjoyed his series, may you live long and prosper, but I am never reading a Nick Louth book again, his writing is definitely not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2019
Never having read any of Louth's books, but encouraged by many positive reviews, I settled down to a “nerve-shredding” read. A yarn guaranteed to keep me reading into the wee hours.
DCI Craig Gillard is the police officer charged with solving the mystery of a dead body – in a ditch; apparently he's used to this sort of murder as his previous investigations have involved dead bodies in various places assorted places – On the Shore, In the Marsh, In the Snow. My word, this area certainly has an abundance of sloppy murderers who leave bodies lying all over the place.
So what have we here? Aforementioned body in ditch, apparently a hit and run. Blackmail, a sheep-worrying animal, a pervert and fraud to mention but a few. Poor Gillard; maybe this is why he's tramping around Devon rather than Surrey, which is where The Body is. Or maybe his satnav is a bit wonky. Why is his wife trotting along beside him? Has he lost his marble – in Devon maybe?
Poorly written, too many themes and a reader who just can't be bothered to finish this mish-mash. It certainly doesn't encourage me to read any more novels by Mr Louth.
My thanks to Netgalley for a free download.
DCI Craig Gillard is the police officer charged with solving the mystery of a dead body – in a ditch; apparently he's used to this sort of murder as his previous investigations have involved dead bodies in various places assorted places – On the Shore, In the Marsh, In the Snow. My word, this area certainly has an abundance of sloppy murderers who leave bodies lying all over the place.
So what have we here? Aforementioned body in ditch, apparently a hit and run. Blackmail, a sheep-worrying animal, a pervert and fraud to mention but a few. Poor Gillard; maybe this is why he's tramping around Devon rather than Surrey, which is where The Body is. Or maybe his satnav is a bit wonky. Why is his wife trotting along beside him? Has he lost his marble – in Devon maybe?
Poorly written, too many themes and a reader who just can't be bothered to finish this mish-mash. It certainly doesn't encourage me to read any more novels by Mr Louth.
My thanks to Netgalley for a free download.
November 14, 2020
The characters are interesting, and peeling back the layers of the main character's family is compelling reading. Some of the details are just a bit too much so it seems silly at times, but for the most part it was an enjoyable read.
I didn't really get Gillard's motivation for going out of his way to investigate his uncle's crimes, especially after his death. The resolution wasn't really satisfying. It was all just a mess at the end. The whole reason that "podge" was suspected in the first place turned out to be happenstance, and his killing didn't really link in at all with inciting incident. It was just more evidence that Gillard's family was all rotten no exceptions. Even the solution to the hit and run all just kind of happened through the exposition at the trial, but didn't really answer all the questions the novel had brought up. This also isn't really a novel where you can figure out what happened from available evidence before the end.
I didn't really get Gillard's motivation for going out of his way to investigate his uncle's crimes, especially after his death. The resolution wasn't really satisfying. It was all just a mess at the end. The whole reason that "podge" was suspected in the first place turned out to be happenstance, and his killing didn't really link in at all with inciting incident. It was just more evidence that Gillard's family was all rotten no exceptions. Even the solution to the hit and run all just kind of happened through the exposition at the trial, but didn't really answer all the questions the novel had brought up. This also isn't really a novel where you can figure out what happened from available evidence before the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2019
I just loved this book, especially with Craig’s dysfunctional family, I thought auntie Barbara was just hilarious, although she did have a dark side too. She reminded me of a lot of Devonians (as I live in Devon too) and when she was saying about the lovely view doesn’t pay the bills, I was thinking how true!!! What a jumble of characters and secrets. Typical of small country communities with things to hide.
I’m surprised that Craig was allowed to come and go with his job as much as he did flitting backwards and forwards from Surrey to Devon.
I thought the whole book was very well written and I thought the ending was just such a twist for poor craig and his wife.
All I’ll say is it’s a good job you can pick your friends being lumbered with a family like that is just awful.
My thanks to Netgalley and Nick for the ARC.
I’m surprised that Craig was allowed to come and go with his job as much as he did flitting backwards and forwards from Surrey to Devon.
I thought the whole book was very well written and I thought the ending was just such a twist for poor craig and his wife.
All I’ll say is it’s a good job you can pick your friends being lumbered with a family like that is just awful.
My thanks to Netgalley and Nick for the ARC.
September 25, 2024
Negative ten stars. Keep in mind I did five stars for last in series. This was a 180 from previous books. You really start to hate everyone. Lots trigger warnings of abuse. Lots and lots and lots of family drama. This reads more like a soap opera than a murder mystery. Super predictable. Super boring. I guess the author wants to add depth to the characters but this gets lost in the weeds and is really ridiculous. Even the writing seems different and rushed/not edited as much. I will go on for #4 because it was free.
July 22, 2024
0.5 stars.
You've got to be f*cking kidding me!!!! 🤬🤬🤬🤬
I'm not usually quite so blunt, but this was AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!!!!!! I can't remember the last time a book made me this angry.
April 16, 2020
Way too many story lines and very unlikeable characters. I'm done with this series.
September 5, 2021
Much too much going on. The court chapters weren't very realistic. You would never have 2 sisters each convicted of multiple offences share the same trial.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2023
So awful I struggled to get to the end, and DCI Craig Gillard, what a pathetic character. Needless to say I won't be reading any more of this series.
May 21, 2019
This is becoming a pretty good series. Whilst The Body in the Mist can be read as a stand-alone book quite easily it is actually the 3rd in the DCI Craig Gillard Series by Nick Louth. What a story!
Craig is called back to Devon to sort out some family business. He has two aunts both a bit odd who seem to insist on his help much against his own better judgement he, rather reluctantly, agrees to take a look. His uncle is in a wheelchair and is in a nursing home with the onset of dementia. While there on top of everything else Craig gets embroiled in an investigation into a hit and run. One of his aunts owns the car identified as the vehicle involved but both aunts have a solid alibi. The police are at a loss especially as they cannot identify the victim, have no witnesses and no real leads.
In this book we delve into Craigs family and it’s recent history which is quite dark and learn some sad and rather appalling things. It’s good to see how Craig and co. are developing as characters in this very good series. Craig has his doubts about a lot of things to do with his aunts, he’s not very keen on them, and as we read on it becomes clear and understandable as to why this is. Nevertheless, despite any misgivings, Craig is drawn back to Devon and into helping them out. There are some strange goings on at his aunts farm, then there’s something odd at his other aunts house and what they reveal about his aunts, uncle and, long dead, grandfather is awful – it’s not, perhaps, a family you’d want to be a part of either – still what happens is tragic. Craig is on the side of the law so he will always try to get justice done.
This is a well written, well paced book which has some nice twists and an interesting standpoint with Craig, the main character and a DCI, not actually the investigating officer as the crime takes place out of his jurisdiction. It’s a fascinating angle and a well plotted storyline.
Unlike many books were the end comes when the ‘baddie’ is caught, or not, here we are taken through to the court case and given a glimpse of what happens on the legal side. You get a little insight into how things work and I wonder if you would agree with what happens especially because of what we know from the rest of the story!
Just when Craig, indeed, me and perhaps many other readers think all is sorted and he’s free of his family – and what a family – there’s a rather creepy twist that makes you wonder and look forward to what might happen in the next DCI Gillard book!
If you’ve not read any of the series I would certainly recommend them and should you give them a whirl hope you, too, will enjoy them.
Book Spotlight
With many thanks to Ellie at Canelo for the invitation to Spotlight review #TheBodyInTheMist and to Canelo via NetGalley for an eCopy of the book.
Craig is called back to Devon to sort out some family business. He has two aunts both a bit odd who seem to insist on his help much against his own better judgement he, rather reluctantly, agrees to take a look. His uncle is in a wheelchair and is in a nursing home with the onset of dementia. While there on top of everything else Craig gets embroiled in an investigation into a hit and run. One of his aunts owns the car identified as the vehicle involved but both aunts have a solid alibi. The police are at a loss especially as they cannot identify the victim, have no witnesses and no real leads.
In this book we delve into Craigs family and it’s recent history which is quite dark and learn some sad and rather appalling things. It’s good to see how Craig and co. are developing as characters in this very good series. Craig has his doubts about a lot of things to do with his aunts, he’s not very keen on them, and as we read on it becomes clear and understandable as to why this is. Nevertheless, despite any misgivings, Craig is drawn back to Devon and into helping them out. There are some strange goings on at his aunts farm, then there’s something odd at his other aunts house and what they reveal about his aunts, uncle and, long dead, grandfather is awful – it’s not, perhaps, a family you’d want to be a part of either – still what happens is tragic. Craig is on the side of the law so he will always try to get justice done.
This is a well written, well paced book which has some nice twists and an interesting standpoint with Craig, the main character and a DCI, not actually the investigating officer as the crime takes place out of his jurisdiction. It’s a fascinating angle and a well plotted storyline.
Unlike many books were the end comes when the ‘baddie’ is caught, or not, here we are taken through to the court case and given a glimpse of what happens on the legal side. You get a little insight into how things work and I wonder if you would agree with what happens especially because of what we know from the rest of the story!
Just when Craig, indeed, me and perhaps many other readers think all is sorted and he’s free of his family – and what a family – there’s a rather creepy twist that makes you wonder and look forward to what might happen in the next DCI Gillard book!
If you’ve not read any of the series I would certainly recommend them and should you give them a whirl hope you, too, will enjoy them.
Book Spotlight
With many thanks to Ellie at Canelo for the invitation to Spotlight review #TheBodyInTheMist and to Canelo via NetGalley for an eCopy of the book.
March 8, 2023
This is my 3rd Craig Gillard book and the best so far, with quite a convoluted plot. Spoilers ahead.
Summary, don't read if you don't want spoilers.
The book starts off with a hit and run on a desolated farm country road. The face has been obliterated, clothing labels removed and no ID. However, very quickly the vehicle is identified when the owner reports it was taken without her permission and returned. The local PD now has to find out who the dead person is and who drove the stolen vehicle.
Meanwhile Craig and his wife visits his aunts and uncle in the same area (Devon) and finds out that it's his aunt's vehicle. His uncle Philip is in the latter stages of dementia in a home. He used to be a respected clergyman in the Church of England. However during a lucid moment, he mentions that he might have killed a woman in his youth. Finding this mystery woman is another 1/3 of the book.
The other 1/3 is his aunt Barbara. She owns a sheep farm which has been in their family for 200 years. It seems that a wolf or large strange creature has been attacking her sheep at night. This mystery is solved when they try to chase the creature at night and Craig links it to a Land Rover and follows it home.
The dead pedestrian is finally identified through the isotope process, because substances have different isotopic signatures depending on where they are found on earth. And substances found under his fingernails ID the man as an oil industry worker from Australia. And this eventually ties him to Craig's Aunt Trish's ex-husband Howie.
Uncle Philip's story is more convoluted because he had a busy life. He was a tearaway salesman in his youth with female conquests wherever he went. Then he went to India to discover himself and finally came back home to join the CoE. Eventually he found his calling which was to be an activist for good causes and became nationally known.
The victim was eventually found by interviewing Uncle Philip's old co-workers and cross checking with missing women in the areas where he was active as a salesman.
I usually only like linear plots because they are easy to follow and the author doesn't lose track of the story. But in this case, the author wove a lot into the plot. From the 2 main stories (hit and run and dead woman) to Craig's family history, it was all done very well and cleverly segued together pretty seamlessly. There were also a lot of twists, which usually I disdain, but also done well this time. This kept me reading late into the night. The only bad part was the courtroom sessions at the end, which became pretty boring. But overall, this is one of the best books I've read in a while. 5/5 material.
Summary, don't read if you don't want spoilers.
The book starts off with a hit and run on a desolated farm country road. The face has been obliterated, clothing labels removed and no ID. However, very quickly the vehicle is identified when the owner reports it was taken without her permission and returned. The local PD now has to find out who the dead person is and who drove the stolen vehicle.
Meanwhile Craig and his wife visits his aunts and uncle in the same area (Devon) and finds out that it's his aunt's vehicle. His uncle Philip is in the latter stages of dementia in a home. He used to be a respected clergyman in the Church of England. However during a lucid moment, he mentions that he might have killed a woman in his youth. Finding this mystery woman is another 1/3 of the book.
The other 1/3 is his aunt Barbara. She owns a sheep farm which has been in their family for 200 years. It seems that a wolf or large strange creature has been attacking her sheep at night. This mystery is solved when they try to chase the creature at night and Craig links it to a Land Rover and follows it home.
The dead pedestrian is finally identified through the isotope process, because substances have different isotopic signatures depending on where they are found on earth. And substances found under his fingernails ID the man as an oil industry worker from Australia. And this eventually ties him to Craig's Aunt Trish's ex-husband Howie.
Uncle Philip's story is more convoluted because he had a busy life. He was a tearaway salesman in his youth with female conquests wherever he went. Then he went to India to discover himself and finally came back home to join the CoE. Eventually he found his calling which was to be an activist for good causes and became nationally known.
The victim was eventually found by interviewing Uncle Philip's old co-workers and cross checking with missing women in the areas where he was active as a salesman.
I usually only like linear plots because they are easy to follow and the author doesn't lose track of the story. But in this case, the author wove a lot into the plot. From the 2 main stories (hit and run and dead woman) to Craig's family history, it was all done very well and cleverly segued together pretty seamlessly. There were also a lot of twists, which usually I disdain, but also done well this time. This kept me reading late into the night. The only bad part was the courtroom sessions at the end, which became pretty boring. But overall, this is one of the best books I've read in a while. 5/5 material.
May 21, 2019
The body of a man is found on a quiet Exmoor Lane, seemingly the victim of a hit and run. With no clues to his identity and a severely damaged face, the police are finding it impossible to identify the deceased. Meanwhile, DCI Craig Gillard is called away to Devon on family business and finds himself embroiled in the case when the car involved in the hit and run is traced back to his aunt. As he digs deeper, Craig starts to uncover long-hidden family secrets which will have serious repercussions for his whole family…
There are dysfunctional families and then there is Craig Gillard’s family! Summoned to help his aunt when she is linked to the hit and run, he soon finds that there is much more to her story than meets the eye. I admired Craig’s integrity when he found himself in an extremely difficult position, even if the local police force were not initially enamoured with his desire to help. Craig’s family are not likeable at all and it was satisfying to see the stance he took when trying to uncover the truth.
It is hard not to feel sympathy for Craig as, slowly, more and more secrets are revealed about his family, none of them positive. It is a wonder he is as normal as he is as we discover the crimes and misdemeanors that have been taking place in his family for decades. One of these crimes, a cold case which Craig decides to investigate, was my favourite part of the plot and I was very pleased with its outcome. I felt really sorry for Craig’s wife who supports him throughout the book, not knowing what secrets he, himself, is hiding.
Sometimes you read a book and start to visualise what it would look like on TV and this was definitely the case for me with The Body in the Mist. This book really does have everything – a modern-day police investigation, a cold case, heinous family secrets and a criminal trial – and I could quite easily see this as a mini-series. I, for one, would be gripped!
Although this is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone so it is not essential to have read the previous two. I have read the previous book, The Body on the Shore, and whilst I really enjoyed that one, The Body in the Mist really is something special. Just when I thought the book had reached its conclusion, the twist at the end truly made me gasp – it will be interesting to see what happens in book 4 as a result of this revelation!
If you haven’t read any of this series yet, you won’t go far wrong by starting with The Body in the Mist. One of my favourite reads of the year so far.
There are dysfunctional families and then there is Craig Gillard’s family! Summoned to help his aunt when she is linked to the hit and run, he soon finds that there is much more to her story than meets the eye. I admired Craig’s integrity when he found himself in an extremely difficult position, even if the local police force were not initially enamoured with his desire to help. Craig’s family are not likeable at all and it was satisfying to see the stance he took when trying to uncover the truth.
It is hard not to feel sympathy for Craig as, slowly, more and more secrets are revealed about his family, none of them positive. It is a wonder he is as normal as he is as we discover the crimes and misdemeanors that have been taking place in his family for decades. One of these crimes, a cold case which Craig decides to investigate, was my favourite part of the plot and I was very pleased with its outcome. I felt really sorry for Craig’s wife who supports him throughout the book, not knowing what secrets he, himself, is hiding.
Sometimes you read a book and start to visualise what it would look like on TV and this was definitely the case for me with The Body in the Mist. This book really does have everything – a modern-day police investigation, a cold case, heinous family secrets and a criminal trial – and I could quite easily see this as a mini-series. I, for one, would be gripped!
Although this is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone so it is not essential to have read the previous two. I have read the previous book, The Body on the Shore, and whilst I really enjoyed that one, The Body in the Mist really is something special. Just when I thought the book had reached its conclusion, the twist at the end truly made me gasp – it will be interesting to see what happens in book 4 as a result of this revelation!
If you haven’t read any of this series yet, you won’t go far wrong by starting with The Body in the Mist. One of my favourite reads of the year so far.
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