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DCI Craig Gillard #4
The Body in the Snow
Money, success, family? A deadly combination...Out for a jog on a snowy winter morning, a young detective witnesses a brutal murder.
The victim is Tanvi Roy, one of the richest women in Britain and a matriarch of a food empire. It's just DCI Craig Gillard's luck that he's on duty.
As he delves deeper into the Roy family, it's soon apparent that not everything is as it seems. But then Gillard realises trouble of a different sort is brewing closer to home...
Perfect for readers of Mark Billingham, The Body in the Snow is a remarkable and gripping crime thriller.
The victim is Tanvi Roy, one of the richest women in Britain and a matriarch of a food empire. It's just DCI Craig Gillard's luck that he's on duty.
As he delves deeper into the Roy family, it's soon apparent that not everything is as it seems. But then Gillard realises trouble of a different sort is brewing closer to home...
Perfect for readers of Mark Billingham, The Body in the Snow is a remarkable and gripping crime thriller.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2020
316 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Nick Louth
42 books299 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 142 reviews
February 4, 2024
The DCI Craig Gillard series is different from most police procedurals. If the majority focus on the detective, this series focuses more on the suspects.
This time, a wealthy Indian businesswoman is murdered while out walking her dog. It just so happens that a brand new CSI officer is the first on the murder scene. The woman’s family and business associates are all suspects, and they all have secrets. Given the writing style, the reader is often privy to facts unknown to the police. But that doesn’t mean it was any easier for me to discern who was behind the murder. The fun is in watching Gillard uncover these same secrets. There were numerous twists and I was just as flummoxed as Gillard.
There’s a subplot involving Gillard’s personal life that ties back to the previous book. But other than that, this book would totally work as a stand-alone. I do feel like each book has gotten a little better than its predecessor, which makes me happy to know there are lots more books ahead of me in the series.
The story moves at a nice pace, with little to no down time. I was totally engaged. This is a good audio experience as it’s easy to keep track of what’s happening. Marlton York does a great job as the narrator, capturing all the different voices.
This time, a wealthy Indian businesswoman is murdered while out walking her dog. It just so happens that a brand new CSI officer is the first on the murder scene. The woman’s family and business associates are all suspects, and they all have secrets. Given the writing style, the reader is often privy to facts unknown to the police. But that doesn’t mean it was any easier for me to discern who was behind the murder. The fun is in watching Gillard uncover these same secrets. There were numerous twists and I was just as flummoxed as Gillard.
There’s a subplot involving Gillard’s personal life that ties back to the previous book. But other than that, this book would totally work as a stand-alone. I do feel like each book has gotten a little better than its predecessor, which makes me happy to know there are lots more books ahead of me in the series.
The story moves at a nice pace, with little to no down time. I was totally engaged. This is a good audio experience as it’s easy to keep track of what’s happening. Marlton York does a great job as the narrator, capturing all the different voices.
January 31, 2020
The Body in the Snow is the fourth instalment in the DCI Craig Gillard Crime Thrillers series of which all of the books can be read as standalones without any issues whatsoever. Louth manages to strike an often difficult to achieve balance between an exciting and intriguing plot and showing the tedium of police work. When prominent local businesswoman Tanvi Roy, who had been out walking her dog, is found slaughtered by trainee CSI Kirsty Mockett, DCI Gillard is sent to begin an investigation. There is little forensic evidence to be found at the scene and Craig and his team are struggling to find a motivation for the cold-blooded murder. They soon establish, to their horror, that there is much more likelihood of the crime having been committed by either one of Roy’s business contacts or her family and begin a deep dive into all her associates.
I very much enjoyed the fact that there were plenty of suspects once the police determined the direction to go in and the investigation team as a whole were proficient and worked exceptionally well together. From the opening pages, you are hypnotised by Louth’s writing making it almost impossible to put down, and I raced through it in one sitting. It’s an easy, entertaining read and one that can be enjoyed by every type of crime reader as it has so much to offer in terms of plot, characterisation and endless reveals. We watch as slowly but surely the Roy family secrets and indiscretions are unmasked. Louth is undoubtedly one of the best and most accomplished British crime writers working right today, and I hope he soon gains the recognition he deserves. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
I very much enjoyed the fact that there were plenty of suspects once the police determined the direction to go in and the investigation team as a whole were proficient and worked exceptionally well together. From the opening pages, you are hypnotised by Louth’s writing making it almost impossible to put down, and I raced through it in one sitting. It’s an easy, entertaining read and one that can be enjoyed by every type of crime reader as it has so much to offer in terms of plot, characterisation and endless reveals. We watch as slowly but surely the Roy family secrets and indiscretions are unmasked. Louth is undoubtedly one of the best and most accomplished British crime writers working right today, and I hope he soon gains the recognition he deserves. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canelo for an ARC.
August 11, 2022
My favorite part is when the hot young investigator is so freaked out by being blackmailed that she has to masturbate with a vibrator for relief.
February 12, 2020
The Body in the Snow is the fourth book in the DCI Craig Gillard series, set in Surrey. While these mysteries do stand alone, you do really need to have read the previous book (The Body in the Mist) to understand the background story about what’s going on with his terrible neighbour. This was another well crafted police procedural featuring a flawed but resolute detective.
On a snowy winter morning, a middle aged Asian woman is brutally murdered while walking in a park. Discovering that she is a well known TV chef and beloved matriarch of a successful family owned Indian food company, Craig and his team suspect that the killing was motivated by the greed of her entitled, grasping extended family, but the politics within his department push him to find a suspect as soon as possible, pushing his ethics to the limit.
I’ve enjoyed this series despite not particularly warming to the hero, who’s a bit sleazy around women and inconsiderate of his wife, the increasingly pathetic jealous whiny Sam. While his team are quite involved in this one, they are not well developed as characters, so when something awful happens to one of them, there was no emotional punch, it just felt like a plot device. On the other hand the dynamics of the Indian hereditary system, and their impact on women in particular, were fully explored and lay at the root of the murder. And all the references to delicious Indian food had me craving curry!
I was slightly disappointed by the ending of the last book, and so hoped that the Gillard’s family drama would be resolved in this one, but instead it seems it will be dragged out as a backdrop to the next one at least, from the rather heavy foreshadowing here. A certain character definitely needs to pay for what they’ve done (carefully avoiding spoilers...)
I stayed up well past bedtime finishing this, and didn’t guess whodunnit it until shortly before the reveal. Things were wrapped up satisfactorily although I would’ve liked to know what happened to the dog... The next book is published in July so not too long to wait to find out what happens to poor overworked Craig next!
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review, and apologies that it’s a bit late. The Body in the Snow is available now.
On a snowy winter morning, a middle aged Asian woman is brutally murdered while walking in a park. Discovering that she is a well known TV chef and beloved matriarch of a successful family owned Indian food company, Craig and his team suspect that the killing was motivated by the greed of her entitled, grasping extended family, but the politics within his department push him to find a suspect as soon as possible, pushing his ethics to the limit.
I’ve enjoyed this series despite not particularly warming to the hero, who’s a bit sleazy around women and inconsiderate of his wife, the increasingly pathetic jealous whiny Sam. While his team are quite involved in this one, they are not well developed as characters, so when something awful happens to one of them, there was no emotional punch, it just felt like a plot device. On the other hand the dynamics of the Indian hereditary system, and their impact on women in particular, were fully explored and lay at the root of the murder. And all the references to delicious Indian food had me craving curry!
I was slightly disappointed by the ending of the last book, and so hoped that the Gillard’s family drama would be resolved in this one, but instead it seems it will be dragged out as a backdrop to the next one at least, from the rather heavy foreshadowing here. A certain character definitely needs to pay for what they’ve done (carefully avoiding spoilers...)
I stayed up well past bedtime finishing this, and didn’t guess whodunnit it until shortly before the reveal. Things were wrapped up satisfactorily although I would’ve liked to know what happened to the dog... The next book is published in July so not too long to wait to find out what happens to poor overworked Craig next!
My thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review, and apologies that it’s a bit late. The Body in the Snow is available now.
May 4, 2020
DCI Craig Gillard with the Surrey Police investigates the bludgeoning death of Tanvi Roy, a notable businesswoman and chief executive of Empire of Spice. Of course the main suspects are initially family members and the case is complicated by financial irregularities. There are many issues within this extremely wealthy Hindu family that includes heir apparent Harshil (Harry) Roy and two daughters, Prisha and Kiara. In addition, the list of possible killers extends to board members of the company, ex partners, personal assistants and others who are connected to the Roys. Gillard and his team begin their meticulous research into all aspects in this police procedural. Who killed Mrs. Roy and why? NO SPOILERS.
Despite the red herrings, the many possible motives, and the extensive list of possible villains, I was able to follow along with the case and enjoy the method and exhaustive effort spent tracking down the murderer. I have read all previous books in this series and don't feel that this works without knowing the history of DCI Gillard, his wife, Sam, and other characters. Since the author is an award-winning financial journalist and a graduate of the London School of Economics, you need to be prepared to read a lot about money matters. I enjoyed this well enough but I don't really feel invested in the characters. Most of the focus is on solving the case with only a supportive role by the other team members. Personal information and relationships are not the focus as most of the narrative deals with Gillard going from place to place and person to person tracking down evidence, etc. I plan to read future installments. The writing is good and the overall story was interesting -- especially the description of how shareholdings for women in Indian businesses are typically set up. And, I do love a comprehensive Epilogue!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this e-book ARC to read and review.
Despite the red herrings, the many possible motives, and the extensive list of possible villains, I was able to follow along with the case and enjoy the method and exhaustive effort spent tracking down the murderer. I have read all previous books in this series and don't feel that this works without knowing the history of DCI Gillard, his wife, Sam, and other characters. Since the author is an award-winning financial journalist and a graduate of the London School of Economics, you need to be prepared to read a lot about money matters. I enjoyed this well enough but I don't really feel invested in the characters. Most of the focus is on solving the case with only a supportive role by the other team members. Personal information and relationships are not the focus as most of the narrative deals with Gillard going from place to place and person to person tracking down evidence, etc. I plan to read future installments. The writing is good and the overall story was interesting -- especially the description of how shareholdings for women in Indian businesses are typically set up. And, I do love a comprehensive Epilogue!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for this e-book ARC to read and review.
January 29, 2020
A strong police procedural
A skull smashed in the snow found by the trainee cop Kirsty who tried to maintain the crime scene with ingenious methods until DCI Craig Gillard came to the scene. The team started their investigation.
My first book by author Nick Louth, though it was the fourth in the series, was a well written police procedural. Quite detailed with a solid plot line, I loved how the team had to go searching for clues. The plot lines seemed to enmesh smoothly, and the scenes seemed to just flow.
Gillard was a great cop who knew how to lead his team even through various obstacles. I didn't bother much about their personal lives as I was more into the investigation. The author knew how to keep my interest going. This was a well detailed, solid police investigation where the realities of working with a good team and some not so diligent members were shown.
The prose kept me hooked, the story unfolded slowly. There were no twists and neither did I try to become a part of this investigation. I just read about Gillard doing his job with strength and determination.
A skull smashed in the snow found by the trainee cop Kirsty who tried to maintain the crime scene with ingenious methods until DCI Craig Gillard came to the scene. The team started their investigation.
My first book by author Nick Louth, though it was the fourth in the series, was a well written police procedural. Quite detailed with a solid plot line, I loved how the team had to go searching for clues. The plot lines seemed to enmesh smoothly, and the scenes seemed to just flow.
Gillard was a great cop who knew how to lead his team even through various obstacles. I didn't bother much about their personal lives as I was more into the investigation. The author knew how to keep my interest going. This was a well detailed, solid police investigation where the realities of working with a good team and some not so diligent members were shown.
The prose kept me hooked, the story unfolded slowly. There were no twists and neither did I try to become a part of this investigation. I just read about Gillard doing his job with strength and determination.
July 15, 2023
Having read the first three books in this series first, now by book four I'm beginning to see the clues the author gives more clearly ;-). As in the first three books, there are multiple things going on until they come together in the story. This one is full of colourful people who are not showing their true colours...
I was hoping Sam would get a bigger role but no, alas. What I can understand is that Craig has to work long hours while trying to solve a murder. What I don't understand is why he goes and have an evening meal with a colleague at her home while his wife has to dine alone - again.
There were interesting cultural references in this story and of course, lots of nice food was mentioned - and eaten!
I was hoping Sam would get a bigger role but no, alas. What I can understand is that Craig has to work long hours while trying to solve a murder. What I don't understand is why he goes and have an evening meal with a colleague at her home while his wife has to dine alone - again.
There were interesting cultural references in this story and of course, lots of nice food was mentioned - and eaten!
November 13, 2019
5 stars
This book is extremely well written and plotted. It is a detailed telling of a police investigation into the beating death of an elderly woman named Tanvi Roy. She was a businesswoman and in control of a large food industry and appeared on many cooking shows.
The investigation is not without its problems and difficulties. A suspected is arrested, but when some evidence turns up tainted, the suspect's guilt is in question. Is the family involved? Mrs. Roy had ongoing and suspicious health problems. Did they play a part in her death?
Since the business was a family business, there are jealousies and rivalries that play into the police's considerations. While the family seems so bereft, DCI Craig Gillard is not sure that he is buying it.
A couple of detectives who tend to shirk their duties add to the problems. Gillard must keep on top of them.
This is a very good story and a sterling example of a police procedural. It detailed all the things the police must consider when looking for a killer. The book covered the tedious, the painstaking and the occasional excitement of an investigation. I liked DCI Gillard and (most of) his team. Gillard was intelligent and quick to admit his own mistakes. The team seemed to be competent and hard working. I was a little put off by Gillard's wife's jealousy. It was jarring in the middle of such a good story. Strait away I went to Amazon to look at his other Craig Gillard books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
This book is extremely well written and plotted. It is a detailed telling of a police investigation into the beating death of an elderly woman named Tanvi Roy. She was a businesswoman and in control of a large food industry and appeared on many cooking shows.
The investigation is not without its problems and difficulties. A suspected is arrested, but when some evidence turns up tainted, the suspect's guilt is in question. Is the family involved? Mrs. Roy had ongoing and suspicious health problems. Did they play a part in her death?
Since the business was a family business, there are jealousies and rivalries that play into the police's considerations. While the family seems so bereft, DCI Craig Gillard is not sure that he is buying it.
A couple of detectives who tend to shirk their duties add to the problems. Gillard must keep on top of them.
This is a very good story and a sterling example of a police procedural. It detailed all the things the police must consider when looking for a killer. The book covered the tedious, the painstaking and the occasional excitement of an investigation. I liked DCI Gillard and (most of) his team. Gillard was intelligent and quick to admit his own mistakes. The team seemed to be competent and hard working. I was a little put off by Gillard's wife's jealousy. It was jarring in the middle of such a good story. Strait away I went to Amazon to look at his other Craig Gillard books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
September 20, 2020
I like Nick Louth's DCI Gillard character, he seems dependable, thorough and courageous.
In this book he really has to use his intuition to form a case for what seems to be an incredibly difficult to prove murder.
He comes up against what seems to be a loving family, but, we all know how people can lie when covering up.
In this book he really has to use his intuition to form a case for what seems to be an incredibly difficult to prove murder.
He comes up against what seems to be a loving family, but, we all know how people can lie when covering up.
November 8, 2020
4.5 stars.
This was my favorite in the series.
This was my favorite in the series.
December 11, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of The Body in the Snow, the fourth novel to feature DCI Craig Gillard of the Surrey Police.
When trainee CSI Kirsty Mockett comes across the murdered body of Mrs Tanvi Roy lying in melting snow she does her best to preserve the scene but there are few clues for Gillard and his team to follow and they soon come to believe that the solution will be found in the tangled relationships that comprise Mrs Roy’s family and work life.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Snow which is exactly the kind of novel I like to read, a good police procedural with a well hidden perpetrator and a strong investigation. The novel grabbed my attention from the start with the discovery of the body in unusual circumstances and the revelation that Mrs Roy (no Tanvi for her) was a TV chef and business owner, therefore a celebrity and added pressure on the investigation. Mr Louth, who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, has a way of making his plot both accessible and curiosity inducing very quickly. It’s a skill that is often overlooked but seems to me essential in this era of low attention span and I include myself in this - I like to be hooked early on. The novel is not action packed, except a few obligatory scenes near the end, and doesn’t have many shocking or surprising twists, again more towards the end, but that doesn’t make it boring or uninteresting. I was fascinated by the gradual unravelling of the Roy family secrets and relationships. There seems to be a new reveal on every page and it all adds to the mystery of the murder and the perpetrator. The solution is perhaps not as strong as the rest of the novel but plays well in the setting of a Hindu family.
There is a mild subplot of harassment in Gillard’s personal life. I’m unsure about it as it seems a bit like background noise with the investigation properly taking front and centre stage. On the other hand most harassment often starts low key and is difficult to prove, only having an effect on the victimised. I think it may be an ongoing thread and I look forward to seeing it developed further with greater emphasis.
The Body in the Snow is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When trainee CSI Kirsty Mockett comes across the murdered body of Mrs Tanvi Roy lying in melting snow she does her best to preserve the scene but there are few clues for Gillard and his team to follow and they soon come to believe that the solution will be found in the tangled relationships that comprise Mrs Roy’s family and work life.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Snow which is exactly the kind of novel I like to read, a good police procedural with a well hidden perpetrator and a strong investigation. The novel grabbed my attention from the start with the discovery of the body in unusual circumstances and the revelation that Mrs Roy (no Tanvi for her) was a TV chef and business owner, therefore a celebrity and added pressure on the investigation. Mr Louth, who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, has a way of making his plot both accessible and curiosity inducing very quickly. It’s a skill that is often overlooked but seems to me essential in this era of low attention span and I include myself in this - I like to be hooked early on. The novel is not action packed, except a few obligatory scenes near the end, and doesn’t have many shocking or surprising twists, again more towards the end, but that doesn’t make it boring or uninteresting. I was fascinated by the gradual unravelling of the Roy family secrets and relationships. There seems to be a new reveal on every page and it all adds to the mystery of the murder and the perpetrator. The solution is perhaps not as strong as the rest of the novel but plays well in the setting of a Hindu family.
There is a mild subplot of harassment in Gillard’s personal life. I’m unsure about it as it seems a bit like background noise with the investigation properly taking front and centre stage. On the other hand most harassment often starts low key and is difficult to prove, only having an effect on the victimised. I think it may be an ongoing thread and I look forward to seeing it developed further with greater emphasis.
The Body in the Snow is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
February 17, 2020
When not reading psychological thrillers I usually turn to an English crime procedural for a change of page. And chose this one as it was snowing and I felt it was appropriate. Thank goodness it wasn’t sunny or I might have missed a really good one. The fourth in a series with this detective it seems (but my first) no worries, it works as a stand-alone. The plot revolves around a murdered woman who was well known as a chef and the owner of a national food company. The victims family and patriarchal culture was deftly highlighted and necessary to follow the team to the conclusion. I enjoyed reading about the various team members and their interactions so I’m now planning on reading some of the previous installments to learn more of their back stories.
May 18, 2021
I would have given 4 stars, but there are so many printing errors, misplaced commas, and missing words in my edition that I felt obliged to deduct a star. Other than that, the story itself is good. It certainly kept me guessing.
My favorite excerpt:
"Morag, when the gods made mankind they discovered some pathetic little wrinkled bits left over, and weren't sure what to do with them. Eventually they decided to allocate testicles to men, and look how they have wasted them, leading them astray in the search for pleasure. If they had given balls to women, just imagine the courage, the leadership and the determination the world would now have. Morag, make sure you have balls. You will get nowhere without them."
My favorite excerpt:
"Morag, when the gods made mankind they discovered some pathetic little wrinkled bits left over, and weren't sure what to do with them. Eventually they decided to allocate testicles to men, and look how they have wasted them, leading them astray in the search for pleasure. If they had given balls to women, just imagine the courage, the leadership and the determination the world would now have. Morag, make sure you have balls. You will get nowhere without them."
September 21, 2020
Police procedural that starts off well and goes downhill at a rapid pace. Indian executive of successful food company is killed brutally in a public park area.
There is much about Indian food and Hindu culture as well as vulgarity, crass people and poor editing.
Purchased Kindle
Amazon refused to refund, so my 99 cent lesson to avoid Nick Louth in future
There is much about Indian food and Hindu culture as well as vulgarity, crass people and poor editing.
Purchased Kindle
Amazon refused to refund, so my 99 cent lesson to avoid Nick Louth in future
April 28, 2020
3.5-4*
The fourth in this series and another good read from Nick Louth. This book has DCI Craig Gillard investigating the brutal murder of Tanvi Roy.
After hearing screams a young soon-to-be-CSI, who is out running on the day before she starts her new career, finds Mrs Roy’s body. Putting all her new knowledge to use she secures the scene as best as is possible given the circumstances – weather, dogs, people!
It seems like a robbery but DCI Gillard soon understands that there is much more happening and it must be murder. There aren’t many leads but Gillard is persistent and is soon on the trail of a possible suspect.
We are lead up a few dead ends, mistakes happen and Gillard is up against the pressure of a deadline from his boss which if he doesn’t meet may ruin his career.
His private life is a theme through the book. Sam is pregnant. His Aunt – what a piece of work! – lives across the road. Weird things are happening and Sam wants to sell up, Craig agrees but is immersed in his investigation which is not going too smoothly. This thread is a little creepy and ultimately very tragic for the couple.
Craig and his team work hard to find out what happens. After twists and turns, another murder the investigation gets on track.
An adroit, fine read in what is a story worth reading from an accomplished author. It’s a good series of which I have read previous books and would recommend.
Previous reviews: Body in the Mist | Body in the Marsh (My blog/GoodRead)
Thanks
With thanks to Ellie at Canelo for the invite to read and to Canelo via NetGalley for an eCopy of The Body in the Snow by Nick Louth. These are purely my own thoughts, for which I have received no payment.
The fourth in this series and another good read from Nick Louth. This book has DCI Craig Gillard investigating the brutal murder of Tanvi Roy.
After hearing screams a young soon-to-be-CSI, who is out running on the day before she starts her new career, finds Mrs Roy’s body. Putting all her new knowledge to use she secures the scene as best as is possible given the circumstances – weather, dogs, people!
It seems like a robbery but DCI Gillard soon understands that there is much more happening and it must be murder. There aren’t many leads but Gillard is persistent and is soon on the trail of a possible suspect.
We are lead up a few dead ends, mistakes happen and Gillard is up against the pressure of a deadline from his boss which if he doesn’t meet may ruin his career.
His private life is a theme through the book. Sam is pregnant. His Aunt – what a piece of work! – lives across the road. Weird things are happening and Sam wants to sell up, Craig agrees but is immersed in his investigation which is not going too smoothly. This thread is a little creepy and ultimately very tragic for the couple.
Craig and his team work hard to find out what happens. After twists and turns, another murder the investigation gets on track.
An adroit, fine read in what is a story worth reading from an accomplished author. It’s a good series of which I have read previous books and would recommend.
Previous reviews: Body in the Mist | Body in the Marsh (My blog/GoodRead)
Thanks
With thanks to Ellie at Canelo for the invite to read and to Canelo via NetGalley for an eCopy of The Body in the Snow by Nick Louth. These are purely my own thoughts, for which I have received no payment.
April 28, 2020
Not as good as book 3 put picked up pace towards the end.
January 11, 2020
Finding a dead body in the park the day before starting work as a CSI wasn't how Kirsty Mockett imagined her new career with the Surrey Police would kick off. For DCI Craig Gillard and his team however, it's a huge stroke of luck he knows they have to take advantage of. With a high profile victim and even higher maintenance suspects nothing is as it seems within the walls of the wealthy Roy family and just as one clue falls into its rightful place another question is raised. Craig knows solving his latest complex investigation will take time and patience, something in ever decreasing supply.
This is the second Craig Gillard book I have read in this series and it didn't disappoint. The ending to the previous novel indicated changes in his private life which could only add to the stresses of everything else he was involved in. This was continued with just enough storytime to show it would continue into at least the next inslment, the first chapter of which is included at the end of this story and begins immediately this book finishes.
There is nothing formulaic about Nick Louth's books and once again I made what I thought were informed decisions on whodunnit only to be led off in another direction almost straightaway. The storyline covers many topics I know very little about and it was fascinating to learn more about the Hindu lifestyle and how it does and doesn't fit into modern life. The reactions of those involved was varied and gave a good indication of the struggles faced by strongly religious families as well as those raised with all the privileges we think we want without grasping their limitations.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone following this series or who enjoys reading British crime fiction of a consistently high standard.
This is the second Craig Gillard book I have read in this series and it didn't disappoint. The ending to the previous novel indicated changes in his private life which could only add to the stresses of everything else he was involved in. This was continued with just enough storytime to show it would continue into at least the next inslment, the first chapter of which is included at the end of this story and begins immediately this book finishes.
There is nothing formulaic about Nick Louth's books and once again I made what I thought were informed decisions on whodunnit only to be led off in another direction almost straightaway. The storyline covers many topics I know very little about and it was fascinating to learn more about the Hindu lifestyle and how it does and doesn't fit into modern life. The reactions of those involved was varied and gave a good indication of the struggles faced by strongly religious families as well as those raised with all the privileges we think we want without grasping their limitations.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone following this series or who enjoys reading British crime fiction of a consistently high standard.
November 27, 2019
Body in the Snow is another excellent read in the DCI Craig Gillard crime thriller series.
On a snowy day a body of an Asian woman is found in a local park. She is head of an extremely successful company selling spices and food. Due to Indian tradition males only are deemed fit to head businesses, females expected to take a back seat.
There are plenty of suspects within the family, gradually most are cleared of any involvement but this story just gets better and better as the investigation continues. With lots of twists and turns, packed with an abundance of great characters this is a cracking read, plus I really hadn’t worked out whodunnit so it was a complete surprise at the reveal!
A gripping read, with Gillard also having a tough time in his personal life with an anxious pregnant wife who has previously had a miscarriage and his foul Aunt still living across the road causing trouble, I fear there is more sheer awfulness to come from this character.
I can’t wait for the next, in particular due to what was alluded to in the final paragraph. Well done, brilliant!
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly
On a snowy day a body of an Asian woman is found in a local park. She is head of an extremely successful company selling spices and food. Due to Indian tradition males only are deemed fit to head businesses, females expected to take a back seat.
There are plenty of suspects within the family, gradually most are cleared of any involvement but this story just gets better and better as the investigation continues. With lots of twists and turns, packed with an abundance of great characters this is a cracking read, plus I really hadn’t worked out whodunnit so it was a complete surprise at the reveal!
A gripping read, with Gillard also having a tough time in his personal life with an anxious pregnant wife who has previously had a miscarriage and his foul Aunt still living across the road causing trouble, I fear there is more sheer awfulness to come from this character.
I can’t wait for the next, in particular due to what was alluded to in the final paragraph. Well done, brilliant!
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly
February 2, 2020
The day before Kirsti is about to start work as a CSI she comes across a frenzied dog & the battered body of a woman. A hooded cyclist is seen peddling away. She valiantly tries to preserve evidence in the rapidly disappearing snow & is rescued by DCI Gillard. The victim is Tanvi Roy. She runs the very successful company Empire of Spice- a company her family has built up almost from nothing.
It soon becomes apparent that there are many things going on in this very male dominated Hindu family. There is a lot going on in the business & within the family. An early breakthrough with DNA leads to an arrest, but Gallard is not happy that they have the right person. Each day seems to bring up more questions than answers.
This was a great police procedural. Although this is number 4 in the series & I hadn't read any of the others, it worked perfectly well as a standalone. The core characters were engaging & the Roy family were a really interesting bunch. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
It soon becomes apparent that there are many things going on in this very male dominated Hindu family. There is a lot going on in the business & within the family. An early breakthrough with DNA leads to an arrest, but Gallard is not happy that they have the right person. Each day seems to bring up more questions than answers.
This was a great police procedural. Although this is number 4 in the series & I hadn't read any of the others, it worked perfectly well as a standalone. The core characters were engaging & the Roy family were a really interesting bunch. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
February 7, 2020
Another well told tale by an excellent author.
DCI Craig Gillard became involved in a Sunday morning slaying in a snowy English town. The matriarch of an Indian family whose claim to fame was their amazing spice empire, was murdered as she walked her boxer in a snowy park. The assault was delivered by a speeding bicyclist wielding an altered workout weight with which he bashed her brain, turning the fresh snowfall a gruesome red! Witnessing the event was a new detective, Kirsty, who was walking her own dog at the same time ; yet despite her timely and skillful preservation of the crime scene, arresting the perpetrator was not an easy job! Louth writes such very imaginative personal relationships, that it is only natural for the reader to feel empathy,,, and sometimes anger with his well written characters!
DCI Craig Gillard became involved in a Sunday morning slaying in a snowy English town. The matriarch of an Indian family whose claim to fame was their amazing spice empire, was murdered as she walked her boxer in a snowy park. The assault was delivered by a speeding bicyclist wielding an altered workout weight with which he bashed her brain, turning the fresh snowfall a gruesome red! Witnessing the event was a new detective, Kirsty, who was walking her own dog at the same time ; yet despite her timely and skillful preservation of the crime scene, arresting the perpetrator was not an easy job! Louth writes such very imaginative personal relationships, that it is only natural for the reader to feel empathy,,, and sometimes anger with his well written characters!
April 23, 2020
"The Body in the Snow" is a detective story, where collecting evidence and search for a motive (and subsequently the murderer) is clearly the focus of the story. Throughout this investigation we learn more and more about the family of the victim, and so for me it was only half a 'whodunit' and the other half was 'family drama'.
Either way, the writing was quite good and the main protagonist likable. The rest of his team are only supporting charaters, and I was actually surprised that the CSI trainee who found the body in the snow does not play any role further on in the investigation.
Since this is my first book in this series, I couldn't relate to the hints to a previous case involving Gillards aunt Trish. This side story remained a bit mysterious to me.
But all in all I enjoyed this thriller, that was more interesting and puzzling than really suspenseful.
Either way, the writing was quite good and the main protagonist likable. The rest of his team are only supporting charaters, and I was actually surprised that the CSI trainee who found the body in the snow does not play any role further on in the investigation.
Since this is my first book in this series, I couldn't relate to the hints to a previous case involving Gillards aunt Trish. This side story remained a bit mysterious to me.
But all in all I enjoyed this thriller, that was more interesting and puzzling than really suspenseful.
February 3, 2020
As usual , I was not disappointed with this new book by Nick Louth. I am so enjoying this series featuring Craig Dillard and can hardly wait for the next book. I failed to understand reviewers who for some strange reason go through the whole book almost page by page describing the whole story line. Surely once you have read it , just describe how this book entertained you, if you liked it or hated it.
I for one just love the writing style of Nick Louth and I am so looking forward to the Body under the Bridge due in July 2020.
Please let me know when I can pre-order it on Amazon.
Many thanks
Michele Zito
I for one just love the writing style of Nick Louth and I am so looking forward to the Body under the Bridge due in July 2020.
Please let me know when I can pre-order it on Amazon.
Many thanks
Michele Zito
April 30, 2020
All very complicated..
This novel was very complicated, basically to complicated for me. The depth that had to be undertaken with the family concerned having lost their mother and the financial impact of their company to detailed went on and on. Does this really happen in real life? Having read all previous three DCI Gillard novels this one did go on forerever. At the end of the day, death was a result of unattainable love...
This novel was very complicated, basically to complicated for me. The depth that had to be undertaken with the family concerned having lost their mother and the financial impact of their company to detailed went on and on. Does this really happen in real life? Having read all previous three DCI Gillard novels this one did go on forerever. At the end of the day, death was a result of unattainable love...
January 23, 2020
It's the first book I read in this series and won't surely be the last.
It's a gripping and entertaining story, well crafted and it kept my interest till the end.
The mystery is solid, the cast of characters well thought.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's a gripping and entertaining story, well crafted and it kept my interest till the end.
The mystery is solid, the cast of characters well thought.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
November 26, 2022
Three word summary: Spice empire crumbles
The previous book ended on a cliffhanger, so I started this one right away. Unfortunately, I was 26% through the book before the cliffhanger thread was even mentioned. It involved Detective Gillard's Aunt Trish, and this personal thread really took the back burner his latest murder case. I find that the series works best when the personal and professional elements are more evenly balanced.
Although four stars seems like a stretch, three stars seems too harsh. After all, the story kept my attention, and I liked that the mystery involved navigating power dynamics, greed, culture clashes, sexism and other 'isms. As Gillard himself said, this mystery wasn't going to be solved by forensics, but by old-fashioned detective work.
The previous book ended on a cliffhanger, so I started this one right away. Unfortunately, I was 26% through the book before the cliffhanger thread was even mentioned. It involved Detective Gillard's Aunt Trish, and this personal thread really took the back burner his latest murder case. I find that the series works best when the personal and professional elements are more evenly balanced.
Although four stars seems like a stretch, three stars seems too harsh. After all, the story kept my attention, and I liked that the mystery involved navigating power dynamics, greed, culture clashes, sexism and other 'isms. As Gillard himself said, this mystery wasn't going to be solved by forensics, but by old-fashioned detective work.
September 24, 2020
Another one set in my neck in the woods, and some of it even the town where I have lived the majority of my life. For some reason, that always makes me enjoy the book even more as I can picture the places. This was a fast-paced read, and one that yet again I didn't want to put down. Craig Gillard is pushed from pillar to post in this one and finds it hard to see the wood for the trees. As usual though, this tenacious detective slowly but surely discovers the truth and what he finds is not what anyone expected, including myself.
October 19, 2024
The best of the lot so far!
January 15, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this one . Loving the series so far .
August 2, 2025
Great storyline, but not sure if this book was a pre-release for proofreading? Loads of words missing!
June 16, 2021
Excellent. I enjoyed it!
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