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Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #4
Killer on the Levels
Please note that this book was originally published as Sandman.
Missing journalist Ellie Landy is found in the River Parrett by a news crew covering the worst floods the Somerset Levels have suffered in living memory.
A paperback is found by the woman’s bed with a mysterious inscription mentioning “Sandman” and a time of day.
Police assume it is an accidental drowning. Kate disobeys orders from the top and probes the death, as she suspects this was no accident.
When another woman dies in suspicious circumstances, Kate finds herself drawn ever deeper into a nightmare of murder, treachery and perversion.
Missing journalist Ellie Landy is found in the River Parrett by a news crew covering the worst floods the Somerset Levels have suffered in living memory.
A paperback is found by the woman’s bed with a mysterious inscription mentioning “Sandman” and a time of day.
Police assume it is an accidental drowning. Kate disobeys orders from the top and probes the death, as she suspects this was no accident.
When another woman dies in suspicious circumstances, Kate finds herself drawn ever deeper into a nightmare of murder, treachery and perversion.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
683 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
David Hodges
24 books55 followersA former superintendent with Thames Valley Police, with thirty years experience in the force, David Hodges is a prolific crime writer and author of twenty crime novels plus an autobiography on his life in the police service. His debut crime novel received critical media acclaim and a welcome accolade from Inspector Morse’s creator, the late great Colin Dexter, and since then he has become the author of several successful stand-alone thrillers, including BLAST, TARGET and BURNOUT, published by Lume Books (formerly Endeavour Media).
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 21, 2019
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BOOK WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AS SANDMAN
The Sandman is a mythical character in Western and Northern European folklore who puts people to sleep and brings good dreams by sprinkling magical sand onto the eyes of people while they sleep at night.
However, this killer called Sandman, does pue people to sleep ...permanently.
The villages have suffered severe flooding, with some places being inaccessible. Ellie Landy is a journalist sent to the area to report the news. She is later found drowned in the River Parett.
Police are calling this an accidental drowning, but Kate thinks there is much, much more to the story. Disobeying her supervisors, she investigates on her own, not exactly endearing her to her boss.
Filled with action, twists and turns, this story will take you in deep dark places hiding murder, illegal drugs, and a man with no heart, no soul, and filled with perversion. It's a real page-turner leading to a horrifying ending.
This is the 4th book in this particular series, and is easily read as a stand alone, as are each of the others. I highly recommend starting at the beginning to catch all those nuggets that we all find so interesting.
The author, himself a former police superintendent, brings his 30 years of experience embedding this story and the finely drawn characters with credibility.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books 'n All Book Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 10, 2019
This is book 4 in the Kate Hamblin series.
The Somerset levels have been subject to abnormal weather, the worst for 250 years, and there is a lot of flooding with Fields and hedgerows hidden underwater it is a difficult time for everyone. Young journalist Ellie is stranded at Lowmoor having travelled there by boat but now has no way of getting back and is being hunted down.
Married to Hayden Kate has her work cut out. While she is a dedicated police officer her husband is laid back verging on lazy. An attempt to cover for the fact that he overslept comes back to bite her when the missing person he is supposedly investigating is found floating in the River Parrett. Kate suspects murder but her superiors always looking at the budgets order her to leave it as accidental drowning. Kates instinct is usually spot on and she is right this time as becomes clear when the pathology reports come in.
What had Ellie stumbled upon that got her killed? As Kate and Hayden continue to investigate on the quiet they soon find themselves getting tangled up in the dark grimy world of drugs.
This is a gripping page turner as we follow Kate into a world of lies, corruption and danger. Another great addition to a brilliant detective series.
The Somerset levels have been subject to abnormal weather, the worst for 250 years, and there is a lot of flooding with Fields and hedgerows hidden underwater it is a difficult time for everyone. Young journalist Ellie is stranded at Lowmoor having travelled there by boat but now has no way of getting back and is being hunted down.
Married to Hayden Kate has her work cut out. While she is a dedicated police officer her husband is laid back verging on lazy. An attempt to cover for the fact that he overslept comes back to bite her when the missing person he is supposedly investigating is found floating in the River Parrett. Kate suspects murder but her superiors always looking at the budgets order her to leave it as accidental drowning. Kates instinct is usually spot on and she is right this time as becomes clear when the pathology reports come in.
What had Ellie stumbled upon that got her killed? As Kate and Hayden continue to investigate on the quiet they soon find themselves getting tangled up in the dark grimy world of drugs.
This is a gripping page turner as we follow Kate into a world of lies, corruption and danger. Another great addition to a brilliant detective series.
August 17, 2022
Here we go again. Virtually my next book. As I said in my review of Fear on the Levels (Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery, #3) by David Hodges.
“What I don't understand is why when one of the main
characters is female she has to act totally irresponsibly.
i e Don't go in so she does. Don't go alone so she does. Call in assistance so she doesn't. Don't open so she does. Etc. I don't believe that ladies act so irrationally.
Authors take note. Most ladies are very Rational often more so than men. Stop spoiling your books by making them act so stupid!”
This time for example she Goes after a murderer alone and totally unarmed and without even informing her colleagues where she has gone. Just to claim the arrest for herself.
“What I don't understand is why when one of the main
characters is female she has to act totally irresponsibly.
i e Don't go in so she does. Don't go alone so she does. Call in assistance so she doesn't. Don't open so she does. Etc. I don't believe that ladies act so irrationally.
Authors take note. Most ladies are very Rational often more so than men. Stop spoiling your books by making them act so stupid!”
This time for example she Goes after a murderer alone and totally unarmed and without even informing her colleagues where she has gone. Just to claim the arrest for herself.
October 31, 2016
What does it mean, do you suppose, when the only nice thing you can say about a book is that the cover art is pretty good? You have a "feisty" female DS with poor impulse control and anger management issues, her soft, lazy sybaritic husband is a DC who reports to her, and their boss, a nasty tempered martinet who is always either chewing gum, smoking, or both while he snarls at people. Multitasking, I guess. I read 50 pages too many before quitting.
July 9, 2019
This is the fourth in David Hodges 'Levels' series and I have enjoyed every one. In my opinion, they get better with each outing so I was thrilled to learn that there is a fifth now! This time, the Levels are suffering from the worst floods in living memory which has made life especially difficult for the locals and brought in floods of reporters wanting to give the world the story. Then a woman journalist is found drowned in the River Parrett. The powers-that-be have declared it an accident but Kate Hamblin believes differently and sets out to prove her bosses wrong.
Kate encounters more danger by ignoring her bosses and setting off on her own to solve the crime, running across a drugs cartel in the process. There are dangers galore and the action flows pretty quickly so I didn't want to put the book down. There are many frightening moments for Kate and she meets a 'blast from the past' while conducting her enquiries, leading her into yet more danger. I'm off to buy the fifth in the series!
Kate encounters more danger by ignoring her bosses and setting off on her own to solve the crime, running across a drugs cartel in the process. There are dangers galore and the action flows pretty quickly so I didn't want to put the book down. There are many frightening moments for Kate and she meets a 'blast from the past' while conducting her enquiries, leading her into yet more danger. I'm off to buy the fifth in the series!
August 7, 2019
A tense plot is spoiled by old fashioned rhetoric and an unsympathetic heroine. She is so unnecessarily nasty to her husband it is impossible to like her. Her maverick attitudes to her work are not heroic, they are stupid, stupid, stupid. Rather than have her leave her phone at home, which no professional does, plus leave her radio in the car, again, which no professional does. Have them taken from her by someone or something. I don't like rude, stupid heroines. The plot is very good but spoiled by the treatment of the heroine.
PS her long-suffering husband, and her boss, Roscoe, both come across as caricatures sometimes, pulls the reader out of the story.
PS her long-suffering husband, and her boss, Roscoe, both come across as caricatures sometimes, pulls the reader out of the story.
December 14, 2022
Livings on the Levels I saw this on the library shelf optimistic about a mystery set locally. I read until halfway but my issue wasn't the story more the dialogue between the characters was just rude and offensive. I lost count of the times 'b*tch' was used and why the husband kept calling his wife Kate 'old girl' (she's in her 30s) is beyond me and in no way a term of affection. Everyone seemed derogatory towards women and there's only so much of that I can read until it detracts from the novel. Real shame. If readers tell me other novels in the series are different then maybe I'll try another one.
July 13, 2023
I do not know if I will be able to read another book. Kate asks the editor - do you know the registration number - it might help us find the car (real police can get this information) Two times the phrase bees knees is used (I thought you were the bees knee's as a DI.") Then mentioned again by another character soon after - what is this the 1950's? It is not because her sophisticated Tetra radios has a tracking device - which she neglected to bring with her and she is not carrying a cell phone (noted in book it was her personal cell phone) Her boss has no skills what so ever, Hayden is a cliché
June 10, 2024
I don't often review books but although I've been reading this series in order I got to this book and found I appeared to be reading the same plot as all the others. Maverick detective who gets into trouble but is the only one who 'knows' who done it and gets the criminal in the end.
I've started number 5 but won't be finishing it or the rest of the series.
It's such a shame because the different plots are good but the way the criminals are 'caught' is just unbelievable with the main character leaving phones at home and police radio in another car; I don't believe that this would happen
I've started number 5 but won't be finishing it or the rest of the series.
It's such a shame because the different plots are good but the way the criminals are 'caught' is just unbelievable with the main character leaving phones at home and police radio in another car; I don't believe that this would happen
December 26, 2024
Overall, I enjoyed story four in the box set I have, although why Kate is continually foolish I can only think that the disrespect from the male colleagues forces her into poor decisions. She's intelligent, brave and decent but it doesn't seem to matter to the police force. The hierarchy is rife with politics regardless of those they are supposed to serve - saving themselves appears to be what matters.
The plot was good with twists and surprises and the characters suited the story, if not likeable.
Some great descriptions, particularly the freak weather. Well written, fast-paced and engaging.
Worth reading.
The plot was good with twists and surprises and the characters suited the story, if not likeable.
Some great descriptions, particularly the freak weather. Well written, fast-paced and engaging.
Worth reading.
April 5, 2023
Setting/Worldbuilding: 4/10
Main characters: 6/10
Side characters: 3/10
Dialogue: 5/10
Plot: 3/10
Technique: 4/10
Prose: 5/10
Romance: 6/10
Ending: 5/10
Overall enjoyment: 3/10
Total:44/100 (2.2)
What can I say about this one? Imo it fell rather flat to me. The big "reveal" was lukewarm at best, and we are subject to the usual (and pretty tired) tropes of a lone ranger female detective maverick battling an inept police system only to stumble upon some kind of --conspiracy-- bigger than her boots. Meh.
Main characters: 6/10
Side characters: 3/10
Dialogue: 5/10
Plot: 3/10
Technique: 4/10
Prose: 5/10
Romance: 6/10
Ending: 5/10
Overall enjoyment: 3/10
Total:44/100 (2.2)
What can I say about this one? Imo it fell rather flat to me. The big "reveal" was lukewarm at best, and we are subject to the usual (and pretty tired) tropes of a lone ranger female detective maverick battling an inept police system only to stumble upon some kind of --conspiracy-- bigger than her boots. Meh.
January 30, 2020
I get caught up in mystery series that depict a British detective. I enjoyed the light, fast-moving plots of the first three books of this series, which featured adequate character development, plots and descriptions. In this book, however, I found the characters to be flat and predictable, especially DI Roscoe and the interactions between Kate ("old girl") and Hayden. It got a bit old. That being said, I did enjoy the plot and am still drawn into the next book in the series.
June 4, 2019
Kate Lewis
Kate tries to solve a few murders which were tied to a large drug cartel. There is the usual psycho involved. I almost thought Kate wasn’t going to make it this time as this fourth book is the last in the series, however she miraculously survives. I expect there can be more tO the series.
Kate tries to solve a few murders which were tied to a large drug cartel. There is the usual psycho involved. I almost thought Kate wasn’t going to make it this time as this fourth book is the last in the series, however she miraculously survives. I expect there can be more tO the series.
July 4, 2019
Floods are quite dangerous
Empathize with those flooded people when time comes to clean up the debris and mold. One small community is totally surrounded by water . On one of the rhynes, a woman's body is discovered . Who, how, why. Kate feels it is a "sus" death however her boss DI Roscoe is told to treat it as a drowning . No ifs, ands or buts to be allowed .
Empathize with those flooded people when time comes to clean up the debris and mold. One small community is totally surrounded by water . On one of the rhynes, a woman's body is discovered . Who, how, why. Kate feels it is a "sus" death however her boss DI Roscoe is told to treat it as a drowning . No ifs, ands or buts to be allowed .
July 4, 2019
Not gripping but good anyway
I enjoyed the book and getting to know the husband and wife detectives but i wasnt enthralled in the story as i have been in other books of this genre. I will however, continue to read books by David Hodges as i like the links to the previous books in the series.
I enjoyed the book and getting to know the husband and wife detectives but i wasnt enthralled in the story as i have been in other books of this genre. I will however, continue to read books by David Hodges as i like the links to the previous books in the series.
July 16, 2019
Brilliant read
Finished Book 4, now for Book 5.
David Hodges has only gone and done it again with this book full of suspense. Detective Kate Hamblin has once more survived a narrow escape from death---will she ever learn how dangerous it is to play with fire? Apparently not. But that is what makes the stories of Detective Kate Hamblin so infectious. Brilliant read.
Finished Book 4, now for Book 5.
David Hodges has only gone and done it again with this book full of suspense. Detective Kate Hamblin has once more survived a narrow escape from death---will she ever learn how dangerous it is to play with fire? Apparently not. But that is what makes the stories of Detective Kate Hamblin so infectious. Brilliant read.
April 12, 2020
Good, but
I am enjoying this series and I like the characters. But my belief is starting to be stretched. That one detective sergeant can make so many rookie errors and end up in so many fraught situations is beginning to become unbelievable. I would have found it easier to believe if it was a man, but the male author has given a female these unrealistic situations.
I am enjoying this series and I like the characters. But my belief is starting to be stretched. That one detective sergeant can make so many rookie errors and end up in so many fraught situations is beginning to become unbelievable. I would have found it easier to believe if it was a man, but the male author has given a female these unrealistic situations.
May 30, 2020
A Killer on the Levels
This book was very well written and the storyline was good but for me there seemed to be something missing. Which is the reason for a 4 star review. I did enjoy reading it and finished it in less than a day, but was expecting more somehow! I still think it’s a book well worth reading and would recommend it. These are obviously my personal opinions.
This book was very well written and the storyline was good but for me there seemed to be something missing. Which is the reason for a 4 star review. I did enjoy reading it and finished it in less than a day, but was expecting more somehow! I still think it’s a book well worth reading and would recommend it. These are obviously my personal opinions.
January 11, 2024
I have enjoyed this series starring Kate Hamblin to date but this one felt old - there was nothing new. As usual, Kate made some stupid mistakes and I was not too fond of how she treated her husband, Hayden. However, the way he called Kate 'old girl' grated on my nerves. I am not sure whether I will bother with any more books in this series, but we'll see.
June 29, 2019
Enjoyable police procedural
Fast paced story involving a husband and wife who are both detectives although she has the higher rank. They are involved in bringing down an international drug syndicate.
Fast paced story involving a husband and wife who are both detectives although she has the higher rank. They are involved in bringing down an international drug syndicate.
July 25, 2019
Excellent read
Loved the characters and the use of language, for example, "white ribbon" for the road. The descriptive quality of the story made for a very good read. Some scary moments. 🚁
Loved the characters and the use of language, for example, "white ribbon" for the road. The descriptive quality of the story made for a very good read. Some scary moments. 🚁
August 6, 2019
Brilliant
Absolute brilliant!loved the book as I have the rest of the series. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what's next for Kate and her team. Whatever it is in sure it'll be as thrilling as the others
Absolute brilliant!loved the book as I have the rest of the series. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what's next for Kate and her team. Whatever it is in sure it'll be as thrilling as the others
August 18, 2019
Great reading!
These Levels books are are absolutely great reading! I’ve certainly enjoyed them. Being who I am, I struggled with character of the husband. Lazy, overweight and doesn’t seem to give a rip about being a policeman.
These Levels books are are absolutely great reading! I’ve certainly enjoyed them. Being who I am, I struggled with character of the husband. Lazy, overweight and doesn’t seem to give a rip about being a policeman.
August 26, 2019
A page turner.
A exciting thriller,it flowed,easy to read,plenty of action.Not a who done it,comes to a satisfactory ending.😎Very good police characters,the villains are horrific type's.A good five 🌟star read.I will definitely read more of this series as and when.☺☺
A exciting thriller,it flowed,easy to read,plenty of action.Not a who done it,comes to a satisfactory ending.😎Very good police characters,the villains are horrific type's.A good five 🌟star read.I will definitely read more of this series as and when.☺☺
September 12, 2019
Another great story
Another great story in the Levels series with all the usual characters and a great story line.Plenty of action with lots of twists and turns and a great ending. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Another great story in the Levels series with all the usual characters and a great story line.Plenty of action with lots of twists and turns and a great ending. Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 22, 2020
Certainly gripping
Kate Hamblin's maverick attitude gets her into more incredible bother. She gets out of it with Hayden's help, but only just. This is a page turning thriller but has to be taken as a fictitious made up story, that it is.
Kate Hamblin's maverick attitude gets her into more incredible bother. She gets out of it with Hayden's help, but only just. This is a page turning thriller but has to be taken as a fictitious made up story, that it is.
September 21, 2017
Rather poor detective novel, no really redeeming features. wouldn't try another in the series
June 21, 2019
Not as good as the other books. I just cant believe that anyone would put themselves in so much danger and not follow the established police regulations.
June 22, 2019
Good escapism reading.
July 9, 2019
Read
Great story. Kate survives another try. Can’t wait to read her next adventure in crime fighting. What perils will she face?
Great story. Kate survives another try. Can’t wait to read her next adventure in crime fighting. What perils will she face?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews