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Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #3
Fear on the Levels
Please note that this book was originally published as Strawfoot
Kate returns from a disastrous honeymoon, only to be plunged into a macabre murder investigation.
A teenage girl last seen leaving a party at the height of a local scarecrow festival is found strangled and partially stripped in her own barn.
The gruesome crime is an exact copy of the 150-year old murder of peasant girl, Martha Tinney, alleged by superstitious locals to have been committed by a spectral scarecrow, nicknamed Strawfoot.
Kate and her colleagues desperately try to track down the copycat killer, it becomes apparent that he has no intention of stopping at just one murder, and now, he’s developed an unhealthy interest in Kate herself...
A race against time to stop an evil murderer with echoes of the past
Kate returns from a disastrous honeymoon, only to be plunged into a macabre murder investigation.
A teenage girl last seen leaving a party at the height of a local scarecrow festival is found strangled and partially stripped in her own barn.
The gruesome crime is an exact copy of the 150-year old murder of peasant girl, Martha Tinney, alleged by superstitious locals to have been committed by a spectral scarecrow, nicknamed Strawfoot.
Kate and her colleagues desperately try to track down the copycat killer, it becomes apparent that he has no intention of stopping at just one murder, and now, he’s developed an unhealthy interest in Kate herself...
A race against time to stop an evil murderer with echoes of the past
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2015
721 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
David Hodges
24 books54 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 39 reviews
October 28, 2020
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BOOK WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AS STRAWFOOT
DI Kate Hamblin now has a new name, thanks to her recent marriage to her cop boyfriend, Hayden Lewis. The honeymoon is over and now Kate is having to deal with all the jokes and giggles over Hayden being in the hospital with a strained back. Jumping off a dresser will do that to you.
One hundred fifty years ago Martha Tinney was murdered during a scarecrow festival. Rumor has it she was targeted by a shadowy scarecrow, whom they have nicknamed Strawfoot. Martha was strangled and a small straw doll was forced into her mouth.
Today, a young teenage girl is found in identical circumstances. She was found in her family's barn ... strangled with a straw doll stuffed in her mouth. She is not the only person found in this condition. Unless you believe in ghosts, this is a copycat killer.,,, but who? and who would these seemingly random people dead?
When Kate finds a box with a straw doll left on her doorstep, it becomes apparent that the killer is now focused on her.
Once again, she finds herself in loggerheads with her superiors. She has proven herself in the last few cases and is frustrated with the powers that be that seem to be determined to keep her from doing her job.
This is an excellent addition to this series of 4 crime fiction books. Kate is a well defined character ... her relationship with her new husband is in turn sweet and funny. Their dialogue for the most part have me smiling ear to ear. But the need for justice for the victims is always front and center.
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.
DI Kate Hamblin now has a new name, thanks to her recent marriage to her cop boyfriend, Hayden Lewis. The honeymoon is over and now Kate is having to deal with all the jokes and giggles over Hayden being in the hospital with a strained back. Jumping off a dresser will do that to you.
One hundred fifty years ago Martha Tinney was murdered during a scarecrow festival. Rumor has it she was targeted by a shadowy scarecrow, whom they have nicknamed Strawfoot. Martha was strangled and a small straw doll was forced into her mouth.
Today, a young teenage girl is found in identical circumstances. She was found in her family's barn ... strangled with a straw doll stuffed in her mouth. She is not the only person found in this condition. Unless you believe in ghosts, this is a copycat killer.,,, but who? and who would these seemingly random people dead?
When Kate finds a box with a straw doll left on her doorstep, it becomes apparent that the killer is now focused on her.
Once again, she finds herself in loggerheads with her superiors. She has proven herself in the last few cases and is frustrated with the powers that be that seem to be determined to keep her from doing her job.
This is an excellent addition to this series of 4 crime fiction books. Kate is a well defined character ... her relationship with her new husband is in turn sweet and funny. Their dialogue for the most part have me smiling ear to ear. But the need for justice for the victims is always front and center.
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 8, 2019
I do like a thriller that takes advantage of the mysteries and superstitions of the area in which it is set and the author has done that excellently with this book.
Kate is still recovering from her experiences at the hands of Twister. Her new husband is in hospital following an accident while they were on honeymoon. She is still a little fragile when a young woman is found strangled in a barn.
Further investigations reveal that the murder is a replica of one 150 years ago. How can that be? As Kate delves into the history of the area more murders are committed with the same MO.
With no clues and Detective Ansell back waiting for her to fail Kate is really up against it. When Roscoe becomes focussed on 'the one that got away' several years ago and no leads will the team manage to solve this one or will it remain another unsolved murder along with the 150 year old one.
This is a very intriguing read with a lot of unlikely suspects and no motives or link between the victims. The suspense builds throughout the book all the way to the end. A very gripping read.
Kate is still recovering from her experiences at the hands of Twister. Her new husband is in hospital following an accident while they were on honeymoon. She is still a little fragile when a young woman is found strangled in a barn.
Further investigations reveal that the murder is a replica of one 150 years ago. How can that be? As Kate delves into the history of the area more murders are committed with the same MO.
With no clues and Detective Ansell back waiting for her to fail Kate is really up against it. When Roscoe becomes focussed on 'the one that got away' several years ago and no leads will the team manage to solve this one or will it remain another unsolved murder along with the 150 year old one.
This is a very intriguing read with a lot of unlikely suspects and no motives or link between the victims. The suspense builds throughout the book all the way to the end. A very gripping read.
August 15, 2022
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!
July 6, 2019
In this novel Kate Lewis is back at work after a period of recovering from the first two books.
Hayden is now her husband but is out of action.
Unfortunately I worked out who was the killer very early on and I awaited a twist that didn't come.
Kate's recklessness at work is shocking to say the least. She's in the habit of going places alone and leaving her radio behind. Dangerous to herself and others. So I found it a bit implausible that she be lauded for her work.
Hayden is now her husband but is out of action.
Unfortunately I worked out who was the killer very early on and I awaited a twist that didn't come.
Kate's recklessness at work is shocking to say the least. She's in the habit of going places alone and leaving her radio behind. Dangerous to herself and others. So I found it a bit implausible that she be lauded for her work.
December 24, 2024
Overall, I enjoyed this police thriller, although, I don't think women would be as irresponsible as Kate, despite her always trying to prove her worth to sexist and disrespectful men; most of which are unlikeable characters. This was book three in the box set I have.
A legend rears its head as the reason for murders...
This fast-paced crime story was engaging, if somewhat annoying due to attitudes and lazy policing - Kate is never taken seriously!
Worth a look.
A legend rears its head as the reason for murders...
This fast-paced crime story was engaging, if somewhat annoying due to attitudes and lazy policing - Kate is never taken seriously!
Worth a look.
June 2, 2023
After a few rather disappointing books recently how great it was to be hooked from the off with this one! This had all the hallmarks of my sort of book by combining my love of gruesome murders & folklore - what's not to love?
In brief, DS Kate Lewis finds herself investigating a murder which copies a gruesome crime committed some 150 years before which, according to superstitious locals, was committed by a spectral scarecrow nicknamed...you've guessed it.... Strawfoot.
This was one of those books that manages to combine a gripping storyline with an easy writing style so it wasn't hard to get totally engrossed & I found it hard to put down (think I read it in just over a day). It's book #3 in the Kate Hamblin series but works well as a stand alone. There's enough back info to get the gist of the history & relationship between key characters without it being repetitive for readers of the earlier books.
Like so many other female detectives out there Kate's boss disregards her thoughts & she has a tendency to go off on her own in a rather irresponsible manner. No matter...she might not be wholly original but her character is a likeable one. I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish & am off to put the first two books on my wishlist....
In brief, DS Kate Lewis finds herself investigating a murder which copies a gruesome crime committed some 150 years before which, according to superstitious locals, was committed by a spectral scarecrow nicknamed...you've guessed it.... Strawfoot.
This was one of those books that manages to combine a gripping storyline with an easy writing style so it wasn't hard to get totally engrossed & I found it hard to put down (think I read it in just over a day). It's book #3 in the Kate Hamblin series but works well as a stand alone. There's enough back info to get the gist of the history & relationship between key characters without it being repetitive for readers of the earlier books.
Like so many other female detectives out there Kate's boss disregards her thoughts & she has a tendency to go off on her own in a rather irresponsible manner. No matter...she might not be wholly original but her character is a likeable one. I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish & am off to put the first two books on my wishlist....
July 9, 2019
This is the third in a series featuring detectives Kate Hamblin and Hayden Lewis. Now married, Hayden is in hospital with a back injury when a teenage girl is found strangled in the family's barn with a straw doll shoved in her mouth. A hundred years before, Martha Tinney was found murdered in exactly the same way. Not the same killer, obviously, but a copycat and Kate is determined to catch him before he kills again. Unfortunately, the killer carries on killing and it is only with the help of Hayden that Kate finally traps him.
I love the characters in this and the previous two novels. They are growing with every story and I love the way they are a perfect match. Kate is headstrong and determined and won't be told to stop, Hayden is deeper-thinking and tries hard to put the brakes on with Kate. Although Kate can see the danger she puts herself in, she will carry on until she gets her man.
I have read this series of four books back-to-back because I enjoyed them so much and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to all lovers of police fiction.
I love the characters in this and the previous two novels. They are growing with every story and I love the way they are a perfect match. Kate is headstrong and determined and won't be told to stop, Hayden is deeper-thinking and tries hard to put the brakes on with Kate. Although Kate can see the danger she puts herself in, she will carry on until she gets her man.
I have read this series of four books back-to-back because I enjoyed them so much and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to all lovers of police fiction.
July 13, 2023
did the honeymoon escapade really add anything to the storyline? was it book 3 where Kate was drinking on the job - “Haslar was only putting into words what Kate knew already but she should still have suffered a sense of shock at his chilling matter-of-fact statement. Instead, she simply stared at him, as if having difficulty taking in what he had just said. For some reason, she was getting very warm and finding it difficult to focus on his face. Damned whisky, she thought, and shook her head several times to try and clear the woolly feeling that seemed to be trying to clog her brain.”
July 3, 2019
Pretty good
Kate , now married, is just back from her honeymoon with Hayden in the hospital for a back injury . Why she ends up investigating the current rash of murders alone surprises me. Anyway the lore of a scarecrow murderer is interesting . How many people who read these books really need the translation dictionary at the end of the book ?
Kate , now married, is just back from her honeymoon with Hayden in the hospital for a back injury . Why she ends up investigating the current rash of murders alone surprises me. Anyway the lore of a scarecrow murderer is interesting . How many people who read these books really need the translation dictionary at the end of the book ?
September 18, 2019
I enjoyed the plot but found some of the story unbelievable. Would a lady detective really go out into the wild on her own quite so often? The male detectives seem totally ineffectual! The husband is a buffoon, not a character I could warm to and the quantity of red wine drunk before driving was just ridiculous. The first two books were really good but this one was disappointing, I actually guessed who the killer was quite early!
June 3, 2019
Strawman
This third book of the series wasn’t as god as the previous one. It seems contrived that Kate is always targeted by a psychopath and the other officers aren’t. But it is her series so I guess that is to be a expected. I think the book would have been better received as a stand-alone rather as a series. Or at least I should have read them back to back.
This third book of the series wasn’t as god as the previous one. It seems contrived that Kate is always targeted by a psychopath and the other officers aren’t. But it is her series so I guess that is to be a expected. I think the book would have been better received as a stand-alone rather as a series. Or at least I should have read them back to back.
July 12, 2019
Wow!
David Hodges has managed to create another story that I couldn't put down until I'd finished reading it. Kate puts herself in front of danger to prove a point, but mostly to get one over on her boss! I love the foolhardiness of Kate's character. Can't wait to read No. 4.
Well deserved 5stars.
David Hodges has managed to create another story that I couldn't put down until I'd finished reading it. Kate puts herself in front of danger to prove a point, but mostly to get one over on her boss! I love the foolhardiness of Kate's character. Can't wait to read No. 4.
Well deserved 5stars.
February 10, 2025
Stupid women and incompetent superiors
I'm taking the piss, as they say, for all the woman detectives who insist on going into threatening situations, whether Joffe or Hallmark. No matter how many I read, it's always the same. And superior officers are either corrupt or incompetent.
I'm taking the piss, as they say, for all the woman detectives who insist on going into threatening situations, whether Joffe or Hallmark. No matter how many I read, it's always the same. And superior officers are either corrupt or incompetent.
May 31, 2019
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Although Kate at times gets on my last nerve. It is a well written and thought out crime mystery. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really good crime mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Although Kate at times gets on my last nerve. It is a well written and thought out crime mystery. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really good crime mystery.
July 22, 2019
Very well written
It is lovely to read books where the characters remain the same. It is as interesting to read the back story of their lives. The actual story works on so many levels and this one was really clever, it had almost the hint of Arthur Conan Doyle. Excellent. 🚜🚜
It is lovely to read books where the characters remain the same. It is as interesting to read the back story of their lives. The actual story works on so many levels and this one was really clever, it had almost the hint of Arthur Conan Doyle. Excellent. 🚜🚜
August 22, 2019
Scary
Continue to be fascinated with the characters, their interactions, the settings, and Kate's inclination to get into harrowing situations. "Page-turner" best describes this series.
Continue to be fascinated with the characters, their interactions, the settings, and Kate's inclination to get into harrowing situations. "Page-turner" best describes this series.
September 20, 2019
Enjoying the series.☺
Another great story,plenty of action.Kate the detective is a bit of a lone star,gets into a lot of situations and must have nine lives in these series of books. Good easy and flowing storyline.I without a doubt will continue to read the series.😎😎
Another great story,plenty of action.Kate the detective is a bit of a lone star,gets into a lot of situations and must have nine lives in these series of books. Good easy and flowing storyline.I without a doubt will continue to read the series.😎😎
May 29, 2020
Fear is Right!
A real spooky book from Mr Hodges! Couldn’t put this one down and read it from cover to cover in a day and a bit. As per the norm, the book finishes on a bit of a cliffhanger, so let’s see what Book 4 brings. An excellent read, 5 Stars, definitely recommend.
A real spooky book from Mr Hodges! Couldn’t put this one down and read it from cover to cover in a day and a bit. As per the norm, the book finishes on a bit of a cliffhanger, so let’s see what Book 4 brings. An excellent read, 5 Stars, definitely recommend.
October 19, 2020
The third mystery and murder
Kate Hamblin is now Mate Lewis and again follows intuition against her team mates better judgement to nail a killer. Like the last the perpetrator meets a grizzly end. The story is gripping and has a few twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Kate Hamblin is now Mate Lewis and again follows intuition against her team mates better judgement to nail a killer. Like the last the perpetrator meets a grizzly end. The story is gripping and has a few twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
May 29, 2019
Really enjoying this series. Onto number 4 !
June 2, 2019
Exciting rivetting must read
Could not put book down really had to know what happened next gripping right to the end . Hope author writes more of these books
Could not put book down really had to know what happened next gripping right to the end . Hope author writes more of these books
June 18, 2019
Enjoyable read, but definitely not up to the standard of the previous Two. The plot seemed hard to believe, but certainly readable.
June 30, 2019
Amazing
Loving this series and can't wait for the next one to download so I can once again engross myself in these stories
Loving this series and can't wait for the next one to download so I can once again engross myself in these stories
July 3, 2019
The levels
Kate never seems to learn that tackling psychopaths single handedly is never a good plan. Surely her luck had to change at some point
Kate never seems to learn that tackling psychopaths single handedly is never a good plan. Surely her luck had to change at some point
July 4, 2019
Very very disappointing
Not a good story at all. Could have fitted a short story. After the last one I couldn't wait to read this number three in the series. Very disappointed.
Not a good story at all. Could have fitted a short story. After the last one I couldn't wait to read this number three in the series. Very disappointed.
July 20, 2019
Greatly absorbing!
A real nail biter finish to an exciting read. Kate is on to another killer and it’s great fun to try to guess who the culprit is before she does!
A real nail biter finish to an exciting read. Kate is on to another killer and it’s great fun to try to guess who the culprit is before she does!
August 4, 2019
Gripping
A fast paced, page turning thriller that kept me awake for hours. Brilliantly written, can't wait to read the next book in this series.
A fast paced, page turning thriller that kept me awake for hours. Brilliantly written, can't wait to read the next book in this series.
August 9, 2019
Another great story
A great third story in the series and I am looking forward to reading the next one. Great characters and a story with plenty of twists and turns.
A great third story in the series and I am looking forward to reading the next one. Great characters and a story with plenty of twists and turns.
September 19, 2019
Loved it
Another great read in the Kate Hamblin books Set 2 yrs after the previous books a little more predictable but still worth the read
Another great read in the Kate Hamblin books Set 2 yrs after the previous books a little more predictable but still worth the read
September 29, 2019
Another fantastic read
Another page turner scary bits but I couldn't put it down full of twists and turns and great characters. I have already downloaded the next one
Another page turner scary bits but I couldn't put it down full of twists and turns and great characters. I have already downloaded the next one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews