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Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #5
Secrets on the Levels
Detective Kate believes that her own number is up when she finds herself staring at the wrong end of a double-barrelled shotgun on a sodden stretch of Somerset marshland.
She’s on the trail of villain Lenny Stallard who has just broken out of prison. He was serving time for the murder of the elderly wife of a colonel during a robbery at their country residence near Bridgwater.
Revenge appears to be the motive and for DS Lewis’s superiors it is a cut-and-dried case as the bodies of trial witnesses begins to mount up. But it’s all a bit too convenient.
Kate might have been taken off the case but the surprises are not over yet. And she never gives up in her quest for the truth.
She’s on the trail of villain Lenny Stallard who has just broken out of prison. He was serving time for the murder of the elderly wife of a colonel during a robbery at their country residence near Bridgwater.
Revenge appears to be the motive and for DS Lewis’s superiors it is a cut-and-dried case as the bodies of trial witnesses begins to mount up. But it’s all a bit too convenient.
Kate might have been taken off the case but the surprises are not over yet. And she never gives up in her quest for the truth.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
590 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
David Hodges
24 books56 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 36 reviews
August 13, 2019
Book 5
I am a big fan of detective series especially ones that take advantage of the area in which they are set. I have really enjoyed this series by David Hodges. Set on the Somerset Levels it takes advantage of the wetlands and mysteries that make up the area.
So here we are: book 5 and I have loved every single book and each has gotten better and better. Secrets on the Levels is by far the best though.
Kate and Hayden continue to bring a touch of humour to the book along with the miserable, chain smoking Roscoe. The characters have all grown in depth and complexity as the series progresses with additional characters coming and going to add interest to the stories.
The plot is excellent it begins as a standard plot, a murderer escapes from prison and sets out to seek revenge on the people who put him there. But did he actually murder anyone? At first I was of the mind that he was just another murderer protesting innocence but as the story progressed I began to question myself. But if it wasn't the escapee why were people connected to the case being murdered? The truth is shocking and makes for a story full of many massive curve balls with adrenaline pumping suspense.
This is a brilliant read well worth the 5 stars and I am hoping there are many more stories to come.
I am a big fan of detective series especially ones that take advantage of the area in which they are set. I have really enjoyed this series by David Hodges. Set on the Somerset Levels it takes advantage of the wetlands and mysteries that make up the area.
So here we are: book 5 and I have loved every single book and each has gotten better and better. Secrets on the Levels is by far the best though.
Kate and Hayden continue to bring a touch of humour to the book along with the miserable, chain smoking Roscoe. The characters have all grown in depth and complexity as the series progresses with additional characters coming and going to add interest to the stories.
The plot is excellent it begins as a standard plot, a murderer escapes from prison and sets out to seek revenge on the people who put him there. But did he actually murder anyone? At first I was of the mind that he was just another murderer protesting innocence but as the story progressed I began to question myself. But if it wasn't the escapee why were people connected to the case being murdered? The truth is shocking and makes for a story full of many massive curve balls with adrenaline pumping suspense.
This is a brilliant read well worth the 5 stars and I am hoping there are many more stories to come.
July 7, 2017
Lenny Stallard has just escaped from prison. Two years earlier during a robbery by Lenny, an elderly woman was stabbed to death. To this day Lenny says he was framed ... he did the burglary, but not the killing.
DS Kate Lewis is given the job of speaking to everyone who particpated in his trial, plus all the friends. Kate is certain he will show up somewhere close ... and worries that revenge might be on his mind.
Her worries might be coming true as the bodies of trial witnesses begin to mount up. But DS Lewis thinks this is not an open and shut case.
Kate takes this case very personally as her second in command, her husband DC Hayden Lewis is attacked twice by Stallard, once coming close to killing him.
AS she gets closer to digging out the truth, she also gets close to personal danger ..and it's closer than she thinks.
Lots of twists and turns in this one. Not everyone tells the truth, not even the truth they believe. Not everyone is who they say they are. And so many people with a credible motive.
I wasn't enthralled by the characters. Kate seems to think she's entitled to call her own shots ...like not calling for backup when it is clearly warranted. She talks to her husband like he's a second class citizen. He's a slob but has a sharp mind. Their supervisor is a man who seems to do more than his fair share of yelling. I just didn't connect with any of them.
My thanks to the author / Endeavour Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this British crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
DS Kate Lewis is given the job of speaking to everyone who particpated in his trial, plus all the friends. Kate is certain he will show up somewhere close ... and worries that revenge might be on his mind.
Her worries might be coming true as the bodies of trial witnesses begin to mount up. But DS Lewis thinks this is not an open and shut case.
Kate takes this case very personally as her second in command, her husband DC Hayden Lewis is attacked twice by Stallard, once coming close to killing him.
AS she gets closer to digging out the truth, she also gets close to personal danger ..and it's closer than she thinks.
Lots of twists and turns in this one. Not everyone tells the truth, not even the truth they believe. Not everyone is who they say they are. And so many people with a credible motive.
I wasn't enthralled by the characters. Kate seems to think she's entitled to call her own shots ...like not calling for backup when it is clearly warranted. She talks to her husband like he's a second class citizen. He's a slob but has a sharp mind. Their supervisor is a man who seems to do more than his fair share of yelling. I just didn't connect with any of them.
My thanks to the author / Endeavour Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this British crime thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 3, 2017
Book received from NetGalley.
While this book was a good read there were a few areas that I had issues with. The book is a British police procedural with a female protagonist. I loved the setting which was the Somerset Levels, not an area I have seen often in novels. The plot was great, I didn't get "whodunnit" until the main character figured it out. I had an issue with how the main character treated her husband. She called him fat man, complained that he was lazy, and said rude things about his clothes. She was also his superior in the police force and was horrible to him when he forgot the chain of command. I had a few other problems but they may give away the plot when I discuss them.
While this book was a good read there were a few areas that I had issues with. The book is a British police procedural with a female protagonist. I loved the setting which was the Somerset Levels, not an area I have seen often in novels. The plot was great, I didn't get "whodunnit" until the main character figured it out. I had an issue with how the main character treated her husband. She called him fat man, complained that he was lazy, and said rude things about his clothes. She was also his superior in the police force and was horrible to him when he forgot the chain of command. I had a few other problems but they may give away the plot when I discuss them.
July 23, 2019
I did not see that coming ! Excellent read !
March 3, 2024
Secrets on the Levels is the fifth novel in the Detective Kate Hamblin series. Unfortunately, like many series with many instalments, this was just the same old, same old. Nothing has really changed since the first novel. Kate is still impulsive, her boss is obnoxious and the way her husband continually calls her 'old girl' is insulting. I think it is time for Kate and I to part company.
December 28, 2024
This was another good British crime thriller which centres on an escape, but are things as straightforward as they seem?
Kate continues to be disrepected by her boss, although, the way she speaks to her husband isn't positive - but their relationship has always seemed like this.
The plot is twisty and clever, the writing style fast-paced. There was plenty of action, tension and suspense.
Engaging.
Recommended.
Kate continues to be disrepected by her boss, although, the way she speaks to her husband isn't positive - but their relationship has always seemed like this.
The plot is twisty and clever, the writing style fast-paced. There was plenty of action, tension and suspense.
Engaging.
Recommended.
July 5, 2019
Same old
Ive read 5 books in this series with husband and wife cops Kate and Hayden Lewis. I hoped something would change for the better as i worked through the series but really these books could have all been written in the same week because they all follow the same pattern which became boring. Easy reads but the story line was predictable.
Ive read 5 books in this series with husband and wife cops Kate and Hayden Lewis. I hoped something would change for the better as i worked through the series but really these books could have all been written in the same week because they all follow the same pattern which became boring. Easy reads but the story line was predictable.
November 18, 2019
Another winner!
This is book 5 of the series and they just keep getting better! I figured out the killer this time but it wasn’t proven until late in the book. There were several suspects and the reveal was excellent. I highly recommend this series. I hope there are many more books to come.
This is book 5 of the series and they just keep getting better! I figured out the killer this time but it wasn’t proven until late in the book. There were several suspects and the reveal was excellent. I highly recommend this series. I hope there are many more books to come.
August 16, 2021
Same problems as before. Kate is allergic to following the rules which gets her in trouble with her boss. Only, the reasons given why her boss is angry or acts contrary are mostly very improbable.
I also don't like the way she acts towards her husband.
If Kate is as intelligent as we are supposed to believe, why does she always find herself up to her ear in sh*tloads of trouble?
I also don't like the way she acts towards her husband.
If Kate is as intelligent as we are supposed to believe, why does she always find herself up to her ear in sh*tloads of trouble?
December 18, 2023
Kate ruins it all!!
I really enjoy the series but for the main character, Kate. She is rude, disrespectful and doesn’t follow instructions of her superiors. No department, police or otherwise, would run like this! And I feel so sorry for her poor husband. It’s no wonder he overeats!
I really enjoy the series but for the main character, Kate. She is rude, disrespectful and doesn’t follow instructions of her superiors. No department, police or otherwise, would run like this! And I feel so sorry for her poor husband. It’s no wonder he overeats!
June 22, 2019
Received an ARC in exchange for a review. Earlier on than I would like, I guessed the guilty of crimes. However, within that there were still some twists and turns were I didn’t anticipate. Would definitely read more by this author.
August 1, 2019
Another exciting story
Just when you thought the answer was there...A really good read. The descriptive value of the area is excellent. Thought I had the protagonist and then another twist. Really enjoyed this series of books. More please. 💷💷🏡
Just when you thought the answer was there...A really good read. The descriptive value of the area is excellent. Thought I had the protagonist and then another twist. Really enjoyed this series of books. More please. 💷💷🏡
August 25, 2019
Precarious
DS Kate's life is in jeopardy even when she isn't doing something alone and risky. Asking for "back up" just isn't in her vocabulary. Had to worry about her husband also. The series definitely keeps the pages turning. Ready for the next adventure.
DS Kate's life is in jeopardy even when she isn't doing something alone and risky. Asking for "back up" just isn't in her vocabulary. Had to worry about her husband also. The series definitely keeps the pages turning. Ready for the next adventure.
September 18, 2019
Another great story
Another great story in the Levels series by David Hodges featuring Kate and her husband Haydn.Lots of action with plenty of twists and turns and an ending that I did not see coming.
Another great story in the Levels series by David Hodges featuring Kate and her husband Haydn.Lots of action with plenty of twists and turns and an ending that I did not see coming.
October 1, 2019
I have totally enjoyed this series of books with Detective Kate Hamblin-Lewis.
Well written and this last one had a really surprise ending. I had guessed on the identity of the murderers, but not the final outcome.
Loved it.
Michele zito
Well written and this last one had a really surprise ending. I had guessed on the identity of the murderers, but not the final outcome.
Loved it.
Michele zito
October 14, 2019
Fantastic
I am so going to miss the Kate Lewis books just one more left to read. Easy to read and hard to put down.The characters come to life from the first page the plots are 👍great
I am so going to miss the Kate Lewis books just one more left to read. Easy to read and hard to put down.The characters come to life from the first page the plots are 👍great
June 2, 2020
Secrets - 5 Stars
Now this, in my opinion, is the best of the five so far! A slow start had me doubting it, but it certainly made up for that. Full of intrigue, suspense, near misses and more. This book is a great read for anyone who likes crime thrillers! Excellent!
Now this, in my opinion, is the best of the five so far! A slow start had me doubting it, but it certainly made up for that. Full of intrigue, suspense, near misses and more. This book is a great read for anyone who likes crime thrillers! Excellent!
October 25, 2020
A complex story
Kate isn't quite so recipes now but does get herself, and Hayden, into some difficult stuations. She is termed up with a temporary DC which turns out to be a life saver. The story unravels with many twists and turns, ending with one unexpected outcome.
Kate isn't quite so recipes now but does get herself, and Hayden, into some difficult stuations. She is termed up with a temporary DC which turns out to be a life saver. The story unravels with many twists and turns, ending with one unexpected outcome.
November 25, 2020
Another good read but she really does get herself into some situations! Some good clues were dropped throughout the storyline which helped me to guess the twists within it but still great reveal at the end which was not quite as expected!
June 28, 2019
Entertaining read more please.
July 21, 2019
Fantastic Read
Another fantastic story by Hodges. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Kate Hamblin mystery's; I hope there will be more to come.
Another fantastic story by Hodges. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Kate Hamblin mystery's; I hope there will be more to come.
August 4, 2019
Enjoy!
Enjoy a series with a feisty female character with a habit of getting in very tight places? Read this series!
Enjoy a series with a feisty female character with a habit of getting in very tight places? Read this series!
August 12, 2019
Gripping with plenty of twists
Another very well written book in this series. I really enjoyed it and it kept me guessing until the end.
Another very well written book in this series. I really enjoyed it and it kept me guessing until the end.
September 23, 2019
A good read
Another good read in the Kate Hamblin books. A couple of new characters and a good story, with a couple of twists at the end
Another good read in the Kate Hamblin books. A couple of new characters and a good story, with a couple of twists at the end
April 4, 2020
Great scenery
Unfortunately this series has become predictable. Not exactly full of twists and turns. You can almost tell what is going to happen next. It’s such a shame.
Unfortunately this series has become predictable. Not exactly full of twists and turns. You can almost tell what is going to happen next. It’s such a shame.
May 4, 2020
Excellent
Very emotive and exciting. A real page turner,I couldn't put it down . Fast paced reading.Can't wait for next one
Very emotive and exciting. A real page turner,I couldn't put it down . Fast paced reading.Can't wait for next one
March 30, 2021
Great
Great book good read brilliant author. Can't wait to read the next book. Have read all 4 books so far .
Great book good read brilliant author. Can't wait to read the next book. Have read all 4 books so far .
June 19, 2017
Deadly Secrets by David Hodges is a mystery and thriller read.
You just can’t keep a good woman down…
Detective Sergeant Kate Lewis once again finds herself up to her neck in dead bodies and suspects.
Not only that, but feisty Kate believes that her own number is up when she finds herself staring at the wrong end of a double-barrelled shotgun on a sodden stretch of Somerset marshland.
She is on the trail of villain Lenny Stallard who has just broken out of the prison where he was serving time for the murder of the elderly wife of Colonel Stephen Slater during a robbery at their country residence near Bridgwater.
Revenge appears to be the motive and for DS Lewis’s superiors it is a cut-and-dried case as the corpses of trial witnesses begins to mount up.
I loved this book. Great story and great characters. Kate was my favourite character. Loved her personality. I loved the ending too. Will be reading more of this author. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
You just can’t keep a good woman down…
Detective Sergeant Kate Lewis once again finds herself up to her neck in dead bodies and suspects.
Not only that, but feisty Kate believes that her own number is up when she finds herself staring at the wrong end of a double-barrelled shotgun on a sodden stretch of Somerset marshland.
She is on the trail of villain Lenny Stallard who has just broken out of the prison where he was serving time for the murder of the elderly wife of Colonel Stephen Slater during a robbery at their country residence near Bridgwater.
Revenge appears to be the motive and for DS Lewis’s superiors it is a cut-and-dried case as the corpses of trial witnesses begins to mount up.
I loved this book. Great story and great characters. Kate was my favourite character. Loved her personality. I loved the ending too. Will be reading more of this author. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
February 11, 2017
DS Kate Lewis leads the search for an escaped killer who appears to me on a murder spree.
As the evidence points to Stallard and they are searching for him, her husband, DI Hayden Lewis
is critically wounded and in a coma. She carries on doing things against orders from Roscoe and
ends up in deep trouble.
The plot has a lot of suspence and action tht carries throughout the story. It flows along
at a good pace and the characters are all very believable. I was impressed with Kates ability to continue after Hayden was injured. It made her a strong lead for the department even though her boss was a pain.
I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to others who enjoy a good mystery thriller.
As the evidence points to Stallard and they are searching for him, her husband, DI Hayden Lewis
is critically wounded and in a coma. She carries on doing things against orders from Roscoe and
ends up in deep trouble.
The plot has a lot of suspence and action tht carries throughout the story. It flows along
at a good pace and the characters are all very believable. I was impressed with Kates ability to continue after Hayden was injured. It made her a strong lead for the department even though her boss was a pain.
I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to others who enjoy a good mystery thriller.
November 15, 2018
While serving a prison sentence for murder Lenny Stallard escapes. Detective Sergeant Kate Lewis is one of the team informing all the people who were involved in the case. When the first body turns up the police believe that Stallard is out for revenge.
While enjoying the writing style and the plot I was not to sure about the main character of Kate Lewis. But overall an enjoyable and interesting story
While enjoying the writing style and the plot I was not to sure about the main character of Kate Lewis. But overall an enjoyable and interesting story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews