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DI Tremayne Thriller #8
The Body in the Ditch
A group of children play. Not far away, in the ditch on the other side of the farmyard, the body of a young woman.
The nearby village hides as many secrets as the community at the farm, a disparate group of people looking for an alternative to their previous torturous lives. Their leader, idealistic and benevolent, espouses love and kindness, and somebody’s not following his dictate.
The second death, an old woman, seems unrelated to the first, but is it? Is it part of the tangled web that connects the farm to the village?
The village, Detective Inspector Tremayne and Sergeant Clare Yarwood find out soon enough, is anything but charming and picturesque. It’s a hotbed of intrigue and wrongdoing, and what of the farm and those who live there. None of them can be ruled out, not yet.
The nearby village hides as many secrets as the community at the farm, a disparate group of people looking for an alternative to their previous torturous lives. Their leader, idealistic and benevolent, espouses love and kindness, and somebody’s not following his dictate.
The second death, an old woman, seems unrelated to the first, but is it? Is it part of the tangled web that connects the farm to the village?
The village, Detective Inspector Tremayne and Sergeant Clare Yarwood find out soon enough, is anything but charming and picturesque. It’s a hotbed of intrigue and wrongdoing, and what of the farm and those who live there. None of them can be ruled out, not yet.
- GenresMystery
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2019
232 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Phillip Strang
199 books82 followersPhillip Strang is a well-travelled writer who has spent considerable time in many remote and exotic parts of the World installing telecommunication networks.
A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.
He is married and lives in Australia.
A number of years in Afghanistan and Pakistan have given him a good insight into the culture of both of these countries, and an understanding of the problems they jointly share.
In recent years, there have been extended periods throughout many countries in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea.
He is married and lives in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 15, 2022
I found this book very disappointing.
December 22, 2019
‘We all fall down’
Australian author Phillip Strang has gained his platform as an adventure writer through his career installing telecommunications networks in many remote and exotic parts of the globe, including time spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan - an experience that allowed him to gain direct insights in to the ongoing conflicts there. He has also spent considerable time in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea. It is this direct contact with troubled countries that gives his books intense credibility: he has first hand contact with the events he shares in his books such as DI TREMAYNE Thriller Series, of which this is Book 8 – the first books are DEATH UNHOLY, DEATH AND THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE, DEATH AND THE LUCKY MAN, DEATH AT COOMBE FARM, DEATH BY A DEAD MAN’S HAND, DEATH IN THE VILLAGE, BURIAL MOUND, and now THE BODY IN THE DITCH.
But it takes more than on the spot witness to bring the story Phillip has written to life in the format of a book - and that is where he towers above others creating novels with similar storylines. To bring a story of this magnitude into focus it is imperative that the foundation of the place and the people are presented accurately in order to bring the terror that is to come to meaningful life. Phillip sets his stage well from the very first page, with an ominous echo of children at play: ‘The four girls seemed oblivious to those around them as they stood in a circle holding hands and dancing, dropping to the ground at the end of each verse. Sergeant Clare Yarwood – she had retained her maiden name in the police force after her marriage even though she had been married to Clive Grantley for four months – looked over at them. The scene troubled her. Inspector Tremayne took no notice, not out of disinterest, but to him, seeing young children playing games was part of his generation, not Clare’s. Nowadays, they were more interested in messaging each other, playing with their iPads and smartphones ’ Scene set with only a hint of what is to come.
The story is distilled well in Phillip’s synopsis: ‘A group of children play. Not far away, in the ditch on the other side of the farmyard, the body of a young woman. The nearby village hides as many secrets as the community at the farm, a disparate group of people looking for an alternative to their previous torturous lives. Their leader, idealistic and benevolent, espouses love and kindness, and somebody’s not following his dictate. The second death, an old woman, seems unrelated to the first, but is it? Is it part of the tangled web that connects the farm to the village? The village, Detective Inspector Tremayne and Sergeant Clare Yarwood find out soon enough, is anything but charming and picturesque. It’s a hotbed of intrigue and wrongdoing, and what of the farm and those who live there. None of them can be ruled out, not yet.
Elegant writing and a keen sense of suspense – this is another Phillip Strang winner!
Australian author Phillip Strang has gained his platform as an adventure writer through his career installing telecommunications networks in many remote and exotic parts of the globe, including time spent in Afghanistan and Pakistan - an experience that allowed him to gain direct insights in to the ongoing conflicts there. He has also spent considerable time in Africa including Liberia, Nigeria, and Guinea. It is this direct contact with troubled countries that gives his books intense credibility: he has first hand contact with the events he shares in his books such as DI TREMAYNE Thriller Series, of which this is Book 8 – the first books are DEATH UNHOLY, DEATH AND THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE, DEATH AND THE LUCKY MAN, DEATH AT COOMBE FARM, DEATH BY A DEAD MAN’S HAND, DEATH IN THE VILLAGE, BURIAL MOUND, and now THE BODY IN THE DITCH.
But it takes more than on the spot witness to bring the story Phillip has written to life in the format of a book - and that is where he towers above others creating novels with similar storylines. To bring a story of this magnitude into focus it is imperative that the foundation of the place and the people are presented accurately in order to bring the terror that is to come to meaningful life. Phillip sets his stage well from the very first page, with an ominous echo of children at play: ‘The four girls seemed oblivious to those around them as they stood in a circle holding hands and dancing, dropping to the ground at the end of each verse. Sergeant Clare Yarwood – she had retained her maiden name in the police force after her marriage even though she had been married to Clive Grantley for four months – looked over at them. The scene troubled her. Inspector Tremayne took no notice, not out of disinterest, but to him, seeing young children playing games was part of his generation, not Clare’s. Nowadays, they were more interested in messaging each other, playing with their iPads and smartphones ’ Scene set with only a hint of what is to come.
The story is distilled well in Phillip’s synopsis: ‘A group of children play. Not far away, in the ditch on the other side of the farmyard, the body of a young woman. The nearby village hides as many secrets as the community at the farm, a disparate group of people looking for an alternative to their previous torturous lives. Their leader, idealistic and benevolent, espouses love and kindness, and somebody’s not following his dictate. The second death, an old woman, seems unrelated to the first, but is it? Is it part of the tangled web that connects the farm to the village? The village, Detective Inspector Tremayne and Sergeant Clare Yarwood find out soon enough, is anything but charming and picturesque. It’s a hotbed of intrigue and wrongdoing, and what of the farm and those who live there. None of them can be ruled out, not yet.
Elegant writing and a keen sense of suspense – this is another Phillip Strang winner!
December 24, 2019
Phillip Strang – DI Tremayne Thriller Bk 8 - The Body in the Ditch – Reviewed 12/23/19
Death, Fraud, Drugs, Sex and Hiding from the world, find Tremayne & Clare searching for a killer or two?
DI Tremayne and Sgt Yarwood are called to a local farm when a body wrapped in plastic was discovered in a nearby ditch. While the pair are trying to secure the area, and begin their investigation, the children continue to play their games nearby, with no apparent concern for the death. This action certainly is not normal and it bothers both Tremayne and Yarwood. The farm is the retreat that a group is using to go back to nature and trying to avoid their pasts. It is run by a professor that was terminated from teaching, due to inappropriate behavior with a student, which later committed suicide. As the investigation continues, so does the body count. Beginning with the woman that reported the body, she’s found hanging from the rear of the building on the farm, and the publican at his pub. Secrets abound, with the resident town gossip spreading lots of them. The past is catching up with many of the locals and keeping Tremayne and Yarwood hopping from one group to the next.
What did I like? I have read all of the DI Tremayne thrillers and everyone has been such a pleasure. Each one continues to out best the previous with more complicated investigations and unbelievable mixes of trouble for the police. The duo will not let anyone get away with murder and they keep working at it till they find them. I love the special touch with Tremayne’s age and the wonderful relationship that he has with Yarwood. His ongoing battle to continue working and get ahold of his health problems. Plus his love and devotion to his mate and their mix in the storylines. Also, the protective wings that he has spread over Yarwood, and helping set her up to take his place when the day arrives, and he can no longer continue.
What will you like? Exciting, complicated, and intriguing mystery of so many secrets. Because of all of the details that Phillip uses to form his characters, they are just amazing and add so much to the mysteries. He is so adept with his descriptions, that he will have you walking along with the pair as they walk through the small community, and fall into the secrets of the townspeople. Every book gets better and better with each one just filled with these amazing backstories. The plot grows with every page and keeps your eyes glued to the pages. I love the feel of the local pubs and the way that they fit into the storylines, but then again we are talking about the UK, and this is a specialty of the country. Don’t miss adding this 8th book to your library, it is another awesome read.
• Release Date: 12/23/19
• Print Length: 323 pages
• File Size: 1385 KB
• Genre: British Fiction, Noir Crime, British Contemporary Literature
Death, Fraud, Drugs, Sex and Hiding from the world, find Tremayne & Clare searching for a killer or two?
DI Tremayne and Sgt Yarwood are called to a local farm when a body wrapped in plastic was discovered in a nearby ditch. While the pair are trying to secure the area, and begin their investigation, the children continue to play their games nearby, with no apparent concern for the death. This action certainly is not normal and it bothers both Tremayne and Yarwood. The farm is the retreat that a group is using to go back to nature and trying to avoid their pasts. It is run by a professor that was terminated from teaching, due to inappropriate behavior with a student, which later committed suicide. As the investigation continues, so does the body count. Beginning with the woman that reported the body, she’s found hanging from the rear of the building on the farm, and the publican at his pub. Secrets abound, with the resident town gossip spreading lots of them. The past is catching up with many of the locals and keeping Tremayne and Yarwood hopping from one group to the next.
What did I like? I have read all of the DI Tremayne thrillers and everyone has been such a pleasure. Each one continues to out best the previous with more complicated investigations and unbelievable mixes of trouble for the police. The duo will not let anyone get away with murder and they keep working at it till they find them. I love the special touch with Tremayne’s age and the wonderful relationship that he has with Yarwood. His ongoing battle to continue working and get ahold of his health problems. Plus his love and devotion to his mate and their mix in the storylines. Also, the protective wings that he has spread over Yarwood, and helping set her up to take his place when the day arrives, and he can no longer continue.
What will you like? Exciting, complicated, and intriguing mystery of so many secrets. Because of all of the details that Phillip uses to form his characters, they are just amazing and add so much to the mysteries. He is so adept with his descriptions, that he will have you walking along with the pair as they walk through the small community, and fall into the secrets of the townspeople. Every book gets better and better with each one just filled with these amazing backstories. The plot grows with every page and keeps your eyes glued to the pages. I love the feel of the local pubs and the way that they fit into the storylines, but then again we are talking about the UK, and this is a specialty of the country. Don’t miss adding this 8th book to your library, it is another awesome read.
• Release Date: 12/23/19
• Print Length: 323 pages
• File Size: 1385 KB
• Genre: British Fiction, Noir Crime, British Contemporary Literature
January 7, 2020
In the village of Brockenstoke, there is a farm which has become the home to a sort of self-improvement guru and his flock. It's less poisonous than some; residents have to contribute to the upkeep of the place, but they don't sign over all their property and income. They are regarded as weird but harmless.
Then one of the residents, a young woman named Charlotte Merton with a history of drug addiction, is found dead in a ditch, with a plastic sheet over her. She is found by Bess Carmichael, an old woman living in a caravan in Brockenstoke, an oddity herself, always scrounging and engaging in petty theft, but like the farm and its guru, considered harmless.
There are no signs of violence on Charlotte Merton's body, and but the medical examiner finds an injection site where she couldn't have injected herself. This is murder--and soon DI Keith Tremayne and his sergeant, Clare Yarwood, are digging into the secrets of the farm and the village.
Tremayne continues to get older and tireder, and despite the best efforts of Yarwood and his own wife, Jean, his overall health isn't getting significantly better. At the same time, Yarwood has now been married for four months to Clive Grantley, mayor of Salisbury, and is gaining confidence both personally and professionally. Tremayne hates the idea of retirement, but is feeling more and more comfortable that he'll likely be leaving his job to a Clare Yarwood who is ready to take over.
Brockenstoke has an interesting array of characters, as always, and as always, the first death isn't the last death. As they dig into the Charlotte's relationships with those around her, at the farm and in the village, they uncover secrets no one wanted to share. Bess has a secret daughter, who lives in the village, and neither wants the truth of their connection revealed. The farm guru, Eustace Hampton, a former university professor, and his wife Miranda, a former supermodel, have secrets of their own, that might or might not be related to Charlotte's death. The failing pub owner Wally Plumpton, the spinster "church lady" Harriet Huxtable, and retired Col. Angus Campbell are all interesting characters.
As always from Strang,an absorbing and excellent police procedural. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Then one of the residents, a young woman named Charlotte Merton with a history of drug addiction, is found dead in a ditch, with a plastic sheet over her. She is found by Bess Carmichael, an old woman living in a caravan in Brockenstoke, an oddity herself, always scrounging and engaging in petty theft, but like the farm and its guru, considered harmless.
There are no signs of violence on Charlotte Merton's body, and but the medical examiner finds an injection site where she couldn't have injected herself. This is murder--and soon DI Keith Tremayne and his sergeant, Clare Yarwood, are digging into the secrets of the farm and the village.
Tremayne continues to get older and tireder, and despite the best efforts of Yarwood and his own wife, Jean, his overall health isn't getting significantly better. At the same time, Yarwood has now been married for four months to Clive Grantley, mayor of Salisbury, and is gaining confidence both personally and professionally. Tremayne hates the idea of retirement, but is feeling more and more comfortable that he'll likely be leaving his job to a Clare Yarwood who is ready to take over.
Brockenstoke has an interesting array of characters, as always, and as always, the first death isn't the last death. As they dig into the Charlotte's relationships with those around her, at the farm and in the village, they uncover secrets no one wanted to share. Bess has a secret daughter, who lives in the village, and neither wants the truth of their connection revealed. The farm guru, Eustace Hampton, a former university professor, and his wife Miranda, a former supermodel, have secrets of their own, that might or might not be related to Charlotte's death. The failing pub owner Wally Plumpton, the spinster "church lady" Harriet Huxtable, and retired Col. Angus Campbell are all interesting characters.
As always from Strang,an absorbing and excellent police procedural. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
December 24, 2019
DI Temayne and DS Yarwood are called to investigate the murder of a young woman whose body has been found in a ditch near where four children are playing. This brings them to a village where life seems peaceful and calm and to an enclave governed by a college professor who seemingly has a calming influence on his followers. The body is that of a resident of the enclave who has a history of drugs and sex with several members of the town and the enclave. She is also pregnant. Strangely, no one in the enclave seems to be troubled by the death. An eccentric elder villager provides clues but also surfaces the hidden underbelly of the village's inhabitants. Everyone has secrets; everyone has a hidden, regretted past. These are things that could bring them shame and pain, and further death. Throughput the story describes the motivations and thoughts of the well-developed characters. The relationship between Tremayne and Yarwood has matured, and their marriages have affected their lives. More a police procedural than a thriller, the story delves into a set of related intrigues with an ending that is not necessarily happy but is ultimately satisfying. This is another well-thought-out story from Phillip Strang.
Note: I received this book as an ARC from the author and am freely providing my unbiased reivew of the story. Then I purchased the book.
Note: I received this book as an ARC from the author and am freely providing my unbiased reivew of the story. Then I purchased the book.
December 24, 2019
"A tangled web"
Another engrossing read in this absorbing series. The main characters are familiar to us by now. The new ones are crafted superbly to slot into whichever setting they need to occupy. These books challenge you to read every page. You would never understand the denouement if you flicked through searching for the action. That's because this author doesn't rely on fast and furious, he has mastered the slow peel of the many-layered onion. You can lose yourself in its pages confident in the knowledge that Phillip Strang will deliver you safely on the far shore and everything will be revealed. No loose ends. No cliff-hanger. No worries.
Another engrossing read in this absorbing series. The main characters are familiar to us by now. The new ones are crafted superbly to slot into whichever setting they need to occupy. These books challenge you to read every page. You would never understand the denouement if you flicked through searching for the action. That's because this author doesn't rely on fast and furious, he has mastered the slow peel of the many-layered onion. You can lose yourself in its pages confident in the knowledge that Phillip Strang will deliver you safely on the far shore and everything will be revealed. No loose ends. No cliff-hanger. No worries.
December 17, 2019
D.I. Tremayne and D.S. Clare Yarwood are called out to the village of Brockenstoke. To a commune on a farm where a body has been discovered. A commune of people who are looking to escape from their previous lives for a more simple existence.
But as with all villages, secrets are all about. Is the second death related. What are the possible motives with the seemingly large number of suspects.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its extremely good, well-developed characters.
I received an ARC from the author
But as with all villages, secrets are all about. Is the second death related. What are the possible motives with the seemingly large number of suspects.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its extremely good, well-developed characters.
I received an ARC from the author
December 23, 2019
Very very good
Wish I could give more than 5 stars as I really enjoyed the way this book is written. It has a very good plot with other plots and crimes unveiled as this complex story is told. It’s a challenging and very good book to read. We get taken through thought processes and bouncing of ideas, combined with relentless questioning to reveal a village with many secrets and lies. So good
Wish I could give more than 5 stars as I really enjoyed the way this book is written. It has a very good plot with other plots and crimes unveiled as this complex story is told. It’s a challenging and very good book to read. We get taken through thought processes and bouncing of ideas, combined with relentless questioning to reveal a village with many secrets and lies. So good
March 6, 2025
Yawn. This type old English bloke detective in an olde English Village type detective novel is not for me. The only reason I listened to almost half of it is because I was busy cooking up a storm. By the time I was done I figured I must be at the end... not so only 44% goodness only knows what happens in the rest they have already accused 75% of the characters.
This is one would be good for the website I'd like to create... 'No, it's worth it. So, here's the ending.'
This is one would be good for the website I'd like to create... 'No, it's worth it. So, here's the ending.'
November 4, 2020
GREAT MYSTERY
BODY IN THE DITCH is a shocking discovery. Why is it that nobody seems to be all that bothered about the mystery. The maze like twists and turns will leave you baffled until the final page.
BODY IN THE DITCH is a shocking discovery. Why is it that nobody seems to be all that bothered about the mystery. The maze like twists and turns will leave you baffled until the final page.
December 15, 2019
A very well written police procedural with excellent characters. The pace is OK, but most of the book is more like a soap opera than a murder mystery.
March 6, 2020
Great story told well. I have read several of these books and they are all good, believable characters and wonderful dialog and incites into the thinking of the police.
September 11, 2020
Sad takes of incest, drugs, promiscuity, murders most unpleasant.
May 11, 2021
Unfolding crime
Twists and turns and oddities. Various personalities to deal with and interesting results that are difficult to come to grips with among the characters.
Twists and turns and oddities. Various personalities to deal with and interesting results that are difficult to come to grips with among the characters.
May 23, 2021
Convoluted
A good plot. Many twists and turns.
You think you've got the answer then something changes your mind. Then it all goes full circle and you're back where you started.
A good plot. Many twists and turns.
You think you've got the answer then something changes your mind. Then it all goes full circle and you're back where you started.
November 5, 2021
Who killed Charlotte Merton and why??? Is she the only one??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
January 19, 2022
I hope this isn't the last DI Tremayne book as he continues to be extremely intriguing to follow.
July 16, 2022
Another gripping story
Started quiet, but I was soon hooked and I read I it three sittings, can't enough of Phillips books, each one Is worth the read
Started quiet, but I was soon hooked and I read I it three sittings, can't enough of Phillips books, each one Is worth the read
March 20, 2024
This was a great story. It kept me guessing till the end. It was full of strange characters and odd arrangements. There was a new twist in every other chapter. I enjoyed it.
September 11, 2024
Murder doesn't pay
As usual Mr. Strange keeps his readers on the edge of their seats. Keeping us guessing until the end, even then we are wrong as to who did what.
As usual Mr. Strange keeps his readers on the edge of their seats. Keeping us guessing until the end, even then we are wrong as to who did what.
March 4, 2021
The Body in the Dutch
If you enjoy a multiple characters in a novel,.with twist and a unexpected ending. You won't be let down with Phillips Strang creative storytelling.
If you enjoy a multiple characters in a novel,.with twist and a unexpected ending. You won't be let down with Phillips Strang creative storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews