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Nighthawk #3
The Night Raids
A lone German bomber crosses the east coast of Britain on a moonless night in the long, hot summer of 1940. The pilot picks up the silver thread of a river and, following it to his target, drops his bomb over Cambridge's rail yards. The shell falls short of its mark and lands in a neighbourhood of terraced streets on the edge of the city's medieval centre.
DI Eden Brooke is first on the scene and discovers the body of an elderly woman, Nora Wylde, in a house on Elm Street, two fingers on her left hand severed, in what looks like a brutal attempt by looters to steal her rings.
When the next day Nora's teenage granddaughter Peggy, a munitions worker, is reported missing, Brooke realises there is more to the situation than meets the eye.
DI Eden Brooke is first on the scene and discovers the body of an elderly woman, Nora Wylde, in a house on Elm Street, two fingers on her left hand severed, in what looks like a brutal attempt by looters to steal her rings.
When the next day Nora's teenage granddaughter Peggy, a munitions worker, is reported missing, Brooke realises there is more to the situation than meets the eye.
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2020
22 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Jim Kelly
33 books138 followersJim Kelly is a journalist and education correspondent for the Financial Times. He lives in Ely with the biographer Midge Gilles and their young daughter. The Water Clock, his first novel, was shortlisted for the CWA John Creasey Award for best first crime novel of 2002.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 21, 2023
The Night Raids is the third in the author’s historical mystery series set in WW2 Cambridge, the follow-up to The Great Darkness and The Mathematical Bridge.
Those who have read the previous books will know what a wonderful character the author has created in Detective Inspector Eden Brooke. His cruel treatment by the enemy during World War One damaged his eyesight, leaving him extremely sensitive to light so at times he has to wear tinted glasses. It has also left him with chronic insomnia meaning he’s often to be found roaming the city of Cambridge at night in the company of other ‘nighthawks’, individuals who, because of their job or inclination, work when most are asleep. But his intuition and sense of justice are undimmed.
He’s a keen night swimmer and, not for the first time, it’s during one of his swims that he detects the first sign of something not quite right going on in the city. However, it’s not long before he has other serious matters requiring his attention. But are these isolated incidents or is there some connection between them? At one point, he observes, ‘I have a series of events which seem to lack every coherent sense of cause and effect.’ A detective’s nightmare perhaps but a reader’s dream when it comes to an absorbing plot.
I loved the little insights into his domestic life which also reflect the realities of wartime. Brooke’s son and his son-in-law are on active service and his wife, Claire, and daughter, Joy, are working as nurses.
It’s early on in the Second World War but already the impact on Britain has become noticeable in both town and countryside: people heeding the call to ‘Dig for Victory’ by planting up front gardens and road verges with vegetables, previously unproductive farmland once again under crops, Land Girls working in the fields. The effects of German raids are all too obvious as well with streets littered with bombed-out houses. I liked the way the author gives us the German perspective as well, showing the impact of Allied bombing raids on German cities and the fact that grief and loss is common to both sides. In fact, this alternate perspective becomes pivotal to the storyline in more ways than one.
As we discover, crime doesn’t stop because there’s a war on and in fact it can be the perfect cover. There’s plenty that can go on undetected during a blackout or the confusion that follows a bombing raid. People are displaced, houses are left unprotected and shortages can leave people prey to opportunists.
The Night Raids is skilfully crafted crime mystery with an atmospheric setting and great period detail. If you were a fan of TV’s Foyle’s War I think you would love it. I really hope there will be another book in the series at some point.
Those who have read the previous books will know what a wonderful character the author has created in Detective Inspector Eden Brooke. His cruel treatment by the enemy during World War One damaged his eyesight, leaving him extremely sensitive to light so at times he has to wear tinted glasses. It has also left him with chronic insomnia meaning he’s often to be found roaming the city of Cambridge at night in the company of other ‘nighthawks’, individuals who, because of their job or inclination, work when most are asleep. But his intuition and sense of justice are undimmed.
He’s a keen night swimmer and, not for the first time, it’s during one of his swims that he detects the first sign of something not quite right going on in the city. However, it’s not long before he has other serious matters requiring his attention. But are these isolated incidents or is there some connection between them? At one point, he observes, ‘I have a series of events which seem to lack every coherent sense of cause and effect.’ A detective’s nightmare perhaps but a reader’s dream when it comes to an absorbing plot.
I loved the little insights into his domestic life which also reflect the realities of wartime. Brooke’s son and his son-in-law are on active service and his wife, Claire, and daughter, Joy, are working as nurses.
It’s early on in the Second World War but already the impact on Britain has become noticeable in both town and countryside: people heeding the call to ‘Dig for Victory’ by planting up front gardens and road verges with vegetables, previously unproductive farmland once again under crops, Land Girls working in the fields. The effects of German raids are all too obvious as well with streets littered with bombed-out houses. I liked the way the author gives us the German perspective as well, showing the impact of Allied bombing raids on German cities and the fact that grief and loss is common to both sides. In fact, this alternate perspective becomes pivotal to the storyline in more ways than one.
As we discover, crime doesn’t stop because there’s a war on and in fact it can be the perfect cover. There’s plenty that can go on undetected during a blackout or the confusion that follows a bombing raid. People are displaced, houses are left unprotected and shortages can leave people prey to opportunists.
The Night Raids is skilfully crafted crime mystery with an atmospheric setting and great period detail. If you were a fan of TV’s Foyle’s War I think you would love it. I really hope there will be another book in the series at some point.
November 17, 2020
enjoyed this latest in the series as the war continues and after a bombing raid a woman is murdered and sets a chain of events and many sub plots in this novel and doesn't disappoint as well
January 13, 2021
Jim Kelly's Nighthawk Series is a fascinating look at wartime England and DI Eden Brooke, a man who still suffers from injuries and treatment in WW I. He is a wonderful character, full of demons and worries and yet determined to investigate and solve crimes while navigating the wartime suffering of citizens. This novel intertwines the story of the German bomber plane and its crew in attempting to damage a bridge north of Cambridge. The plot culminates in the several plots converging. A very finely written book.
March 2, 2020
Eden Brooke is a great, original character. That's a given. That Jim Kelly surrounds him with a creative plot and thought-invoking WWII story-line is also a given.
Here we have a gruesome crime that quickly leads to murder; and when it's done amidst worrying about whether more bombs will fall, and for Brooke and his family, the horror and stress of missing family members, it becomes a page-turner in the author's capable hands. In between Mr. Kelly builds a picture of Cambridge life, of the people, of the police, and even of the enemy, all those who are going to figure in the story.
Readers will also get a full picture of Inspector Brooke himself, of his Nighthawk persona. That's always been a hallmark of the series, and this book is no exception. It will keep you entertained while reminding you that it's the job of the police to find bad people, wherever they are. And sometimes, they will have the unlikeliest of help.
Here we have a gruesome crime that quickly leads to murder; and when it's done amidst worrying about whether more bombs will fall, and for Brooke and his family, the horror and stress of missing family members, it becomes a page-turner in the author's capable hands. In between Mr. Kelly builds a picture of Cambridge life, of the people, of the police, and even of the enemy, all those who are going to figure in the story.
Readers will also get a full picture of Inspector Brooke himself, of his Nighthawk persona. That's always been a hallmark of the series, and this book is no exception. It will keep you entertained while reminding you that it's the job of the police to find bad people, wherever they are. And sometimes, they will have the unlikeliest of help.
May 1, 2021
Very atmospheric and engaging
A very engaging and suitably complex story set in a gloomy war-torn Cambridge in the tense pre-invasion days of the 'Phoney War' which illustrates the era very well. A particular treat for readers who know Cambridge intimately as the author clearly does, although whilst there are less demanding ways of getting to the road from Byron's Pool than via the Blue Ball the most wince-inducing thing is that nobody from Cambridge would ever call Marshall's airfield 'Marshall airfield', never ever. It's Marshall's. Not Marshall. Named after a bloke called Marshall whose company owns it, not a place name or something. It's sufficiently irritating for me (as a self-elected representative of the people of our lovely city) to have noticed it is only called Marshall's twice, and that is in dialogue with locals speaking. I blame the editors. It may be a trivial picadillo to them but to Cambridge folk it's a dead giveaway! Never mind, it's a very good and highly recommended read if you like well-written and nicely composed twists and turns, and I will definitely read more of Jim Kelly.
A very engaging and suitably complex story set in a gloomy war-torn Cambridge in the tense pre-invasion days of the 'Phoney War' which illustrates the era very well. A particular treat for readers who know Cambridge intimately as the author clearly does, although whilst there are less demanding ways of getting to the road from Byron's Pool than via the Blue Ball the most wince-inducing thing is that nobody from Cambridge would ever call Marshall's airfield 'Marshall airfield', never ever. It's Marshall's. Not Marshall. Named after a bloke called Marshall whose company owns it, not a place name or something. It's sufficiently irritating for me (as a self-elected representative of the people of our lovely city) to have noticed it is only called Marshall's twice, and that is in dialogue with locals speaking. I blame the editors. It may be a trivial picadillo to them but to Cambridge folk it's a dead giveaway! Never mind, it's a very good and highly recommended read if you like well-written and nicely composed twists and turns, and I will definitely read more of Jim Kelly.
November 9, 2020
It was a moderately interesting mystery novel. The mystery -- three murders in the same family over the course of a few days-- wasn't particularly engaging. There is some good detective work to discover the source of kerosene adulterated gasoline (petrol) being released into the Cam River. That discovery neatly ties together all the crimes the central character, Eden Brooke, is investigating; the lone German bomber trying to take out the railroad trestle over the Cam is shot down by one of the black marketeers Brooke is investigating in a nighttime Spitfire sortie. This ended the bombing raid; the suspect is killed when the Spitfire crashes; the bomber pilot shoots the murderer and dies in an explosion of fuel in the plane. All factors are either jailed or dead, and the German bomber is eliminated. Chance plays as big or bigger a role than sound detective work. It's too neat a package for my taste.
April 16, 2023
Wartime mystery set in and around Cambridge in the summer of 1940.DI Eden Brooke is trying to solve a murder while trying to avoid the bombing and perils of the nightly German bombing raids , which are causing great damaged to utilities and buildings on the ground, he also has to battle his own injury to his eyesight (suffered from action in first world war.)He works mainly at night, and with his police colleagues during the day and night but also with a team of(night hawks) men and women scanning the skies for bombers stationed in various areas of the city but who can also be of valuable assistance to him in providing information on the ground of any nightly criminal activity in the city .
Well written book , with situations that are well described and no boring bits in between, i like the concept of the nighthawk books and shall check out the other books in the series.
Well written book , with situations that are well described and no boring bits in between, i like the concept of the nighthawk books and shall check out the other books in the series.
March 23, 2026
DI Eden Brooke, a war-wounded veteran of WWI is investigating the murder of a grandmother, Nora Wylde, during WWII bombing in Cambridge, England. Nora's granddaughter, Peggy, goes missing along with her Italian boyfriend.
The author, Jim Kelly, is an excellent storyteller and this was a 5-star read for me.
There are many strands or subplots including German pilots undertaking bombing raids, black market activities in Cambridge and further afield, family life in war-time conditions. These strands were all skilfully woven together.
I was not familiar with the fact that Cambridge had been bombed in WWII. The bombing in other cities has received much greater coverage. It was interesting to read the author's list of sources which he used as the basis for this novel.
I will certainly be looking out for more of Jim Kelly's novels.
The author, Jim Kelly, is an excellent storyteller and this was a 5-star read for me.
There are many strands or subplots including German pilots undertaking bombing raids, black market activities in Cambridge and further afield, family life in war-time conditions. These strands were all skilfully woven together.
I was not familiar with the fact that Cambridge had been bombed in WWII. The bombing in other cities has received much greater coverage. It was interesting to read the author's list of sources which he used as the basis for this novel.
I will certainly be looking out for more of Jim Kelly's novels.
June 23, 2021
The third book by Jim Kelly set in Cambridge at the start of the Second World War is a clever mystery featuring DI Eden Brooke and the Cambridge police force.
A bombing raid brings destruction to Cambridge but also reveals a murder and the suggestion of looting. Brooke begins his investigation but the disappearance of the original victim’s granddaughter suggests a bigger mystery to be solved.
Kelly succeeds in creating a sense of the impact the war has on ordinary lives and the story is overshadowed by the imminent threat of invasion. Kelly has created interesting characters, and the story is a view of the darker side of the war on the Home Front.
A bombing raid brings destruction to Cambridge but also reveals a murder and the suggestion of looting. Brooke begins his investigation but the disappearance of the original victim’s granddaughter suggests a bigger mystery to be solved.
Kelly succeeds in creating a sense of the impact the war has on ordinary lives and the story is overshadowed by the imminent threat of invasion. Kelly has created interesting characters, and the story is a view of the darker side of the war on the Home Front.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2023
I liked this third book in the Nighthawk series. This is historical fiction and murder mystery at its best. The story is set in 1941 Oxford. The protagonist detective Eden Brooke must solve the mystery of a murder associated with looting of houses bombed out during the blitz. The author writes the plot very well so that one is unaware of the murderer until the end yet the solution is very plausible. It is fun to see the tums and twists the detective takes in solving this mystery. Captivating until the end.
November 9, 2025
Nighthawk #3 DI Brooke. Interesting book, with a very solid lead character. It's a tiny bit unbelievable that he can function as a police officer, or even at all, after the injuries and torture he suffered in WW1. The author gives a reasonable feel for the fear and horror, but also the courage and "stiff upper lip" attitudes of wartime. The story is told from Brooke's perspective, but also from that of the German bomber pilot who is tasked with destroying a key bridge. The two story lines converge in the end, perhaps in a bit too neatly wrapped way.
Rating 3.8.
Rating 3.8.
March 31, 2021
At first I thought the plot was too predictable but apparently the red herrings were well done because my murder theory was wrong. Wiith detective I’ve reminiscent of Poirot or Louise Penny’s Ganache with the added interesting perspective of crime drama happening simultaneously with the events of the Blitz during WW2, it combined tow of my favorite things: mystery and historical fiction. If you are a fan of both, you will probably enjoy The Night Raids.
April 8, 2020
This was my introduction to Jim Kelly’s Nighthawk series and I found it very enjoyable. Eden Brooke is an interesting character with plenty of depth and he picks his way through this whodunnit with a methodical manner.
The setting of wartime Cambridge was very atmospheric, though not being familiar with the city it seemed as I imagined it would be.
A good read.
The setting of wartime Cambridge was very atmospheric, though not being familiar with the city it seemed as I imagined it would be.
A good read.
April 5, 2020
Kelly really knows how to create atmosphere - I could picture the places he mentioned in my minds eye. Well written as are all his books
May 31, 2020
Jim Kelly conjures up a narrative which combines murders, a criminal gang and the Luftwaffe that results in a very atmospheric wartime mystery. Kelly's Nighthawk series is not to be missed.
July 18, 2020
I like Eden Brooke and the other characters in this series. The POV of the German flyer added an extra element that was interesting. Good look at 19r0 Cambridge.
August 5, 2020
This WWII series just gets better with each installment. Guessed who dunnit but really enjoyed the details in this atmospheric police procedural. Recommended
April 20, 2021
Brilliant third book in the series. No spoilers but read in order and you will enjoy three brilliant books that are superbly crafted by Jim Kelly.
July 16, 2021
Enjoyed that book.
September 19, 2021
Enjoyable read
October 16, 2021
Read the series in the wrong order but really enjoyed. Nothing cosy but well set in the time period and absorbing
November 20, 2021
A very good read enjoyed it alot
July 25, 2022
Really enjoyable especially if you know or what to know about historical Cambridge. Eden Brooke is a great addition to detective fiction.
August 8, 2023
Lots of twists & turns. Thoroughly recommend the whole series. Best to read in order (this is No 3) but all stand alone stories
July 15, 2025
Boring
October 13, 2025
Complicated but well worth the end.
February 1, 2026
I'm new to Jim Kelly and am enjoying the Nighthawk series. This is the third - all very evocative of Cambridge and the period. Well written and well paced.
March 12, 2026
Text makes you feel like you are there, lots of detail. Enjoyed the sub plots.
April 26, 2025
Kelly is such a brilliant author. His characters are so complex and so authentic.
I began reading the Shaw & Valentine series many years ago, and sort of stumbled upon this Nighthawks series and I am so glad that I did.
If you like historical fiction based in and around World War II, but on the home front, this is definitely a series for you. If you've read and enjoyed the Millie Bobbie Brown book 'Nineteen Steps', this is a series you will also enjoy.
I've liked Kelly's well-constructed, complex stories, and somehow missed the Philip Dryden series, so now I'll have 7 books in that series to look forward to, as well as the new book in this Nighthawk series, 'The Cambridge Siren', which is just recently released.
I began reading the Shaw & Valentine series many years ago, and sort of stumbled upon this Nighthawks series and I am so glad that I did.
If you like historical fiction based in and around World War II, but on the home front, this is definitely a series for you. If you've read and enjoyed the Millie Bobbie Brown book 'Nineteen Steps', this is a series you will also enjoy.
I've liked Kelly's well-constructed, complex stories, and somehow missed the Philip Dryden series, so now I'll have 7 books in that series to look forward to, as well as the new book in this Nighthawk series, 'The Cambridge Siren', which is just recently released.
February 23, 2020
Great book
Jim Kelly delivers another great whodunit. You might guess who the culprit is but you won't believe the ending. Excellent!
Jim Kelly delivers another great whodunit. You might guess who the culprit is but you won't believe the ending. Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews