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Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #6
Death on the Levels
A psychotic serial killer targeting older women: The Auntie Killer.
An eccentric letter arrives at the police station from a man threatening to kill his aunts. Detective Kate and her colleagues don’t take it seriously.
But an elderly woman is found strangled in her home. “RIP Auntie” is written on the floor in red lipstick.
Then another older woman is murdered.
With a major police manhunt underway, it becomes clear that they are up against a very dangerous serial killer, who is engaged in some kind of personal vendetta. An adversary who will not stop until he has achieved what he set out to do.
But as Kate tries to get into the mind of the perpetrator, she finds he’s something of a chameleon and always seems to be one step ahead of the police — and this is not the only problem she has to deal with. She finds herself at odds with her boss over what she perceives as a crucial link between their man and a now derelict orphanage.
And another victim will die if Kate can’t track down the killer.
Whose aunt will pay the ultimate price next?
An eccentric letter arrives at the police station from a man threatening to kill his aunts. Detective Kate and her colleagues don’t take it seriously.
But an elderly woman is found strangled in her home. “RIP Auntie” is written on the floor in red lipstick.
Then another older woman is murdered.
With a major police manhunt underway, it becomes clear that they are up against a very dangerous serial killer, who is engaged in some kind of personal vendetta. An adversary who will not stop until he has achieved what he set out to do.
But as Kate tries to get into the mind of the perpetrator, she finds he’s something of a chameleon and always seems to be one step ahead of the police — and this is not the only problem she has to deal with. She finds herself at odds with her boss over what she perceives as a crucial link between their man and a now derelict orphanage.
And another victim will die if Kate can’t track down the killer.
Whose aunt will pay the ultimate price next?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2019
363 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
David Hodges
24 books56 followersA former superintendent with Thames Valley Police, with thirty years experience in the force, David Hodges is a prolific crime writer and author of twenty crime novels plus an autobiography on his life in the police service. His debut crime novel received critical media acclaim and a welcome accolade from Inspector Morse’s creator, the late great Colin Dexter, and since then he has become the author of several successful stand-alone thrillers, including BLAST, TARGET and BURNOUT, published by Lume Books (formerly Endeavour Media).
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 1, 2019
Detective Kate Hambln-Lewis is back on the job when a letter arrives at the police station. The sender states that he is going to kill his aunts. At that time, police looked at it as a prank.
Than an elderly woman is found strangled in her own home. In bright red lipstick, "RIP Auntie" is written on the floor.
And than another elderly woman is found murdered.
And yet another ....
A psychotic serial killer is on the loose. No longer thinking these victims were random, the police now realize this killer is exacting his own brand of justice.
Kate is unshakeable when it comes to her job. She's not afraid to do what she has to ... but it becomes personal when she becomes his next target.
Her detective partner, Hayden Lewis, is the absolute opposite of Kate. He's overweight, untidy, with a relaxed attitude about everything. But his mind is sharp which makes him a valuable asset when chasing down a villain. He also keeps Kate from acting "too" impulsive.
The story premise is good with Kate and Hayden being likeable. Kate's boss ... not so likeable. And the killer is nothing but evil. I liked the blending of Kate and Hayden's personal lives vs their personal ones. This is well-written, a true page turner that leads the reader to an unexpected ending.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Book Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Than an elderly woman is found strangled in her own home. In bright red lipstick, "RIP Auntie" is written on the floor.
And than another elderly woman is found murdered.
And yet another ....
A psychotic serial killer is on the loose. No longer thinking these victims were random, the police now realize this killer is exacting his own brand of justice.
Kate is unshakeable when it comes to her job. She's not afraid to do what she has to ... but it becomes personal when she becomes his next target.
Her detective partner, Hayden Lewis, is the absolute opposite of Kate. He's overweight, untidy, with a relaxed attitude about everything. But his mind is sharp which makes him a valuable asset when chasing down a villain. He also keeps Kate from acting "too" impulsive.
The story premise is good with Kate and Hayden being likeable. Kate's boss ... not so likeable. And the killer is nothing but evil. I liked the blending of Kate and Hayden's personal lives vs their personal ones. This is well-written, a true page turner that leads the reader to an unexpected ending.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Book Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 15, 2019
Book 6
A letter is received from George explaining that he is going to murder his Aunts. Is it a hoax or intention to murder? Kate thinks the former whereas her DI thinks not. Roscoe is soon to be proven wrong which won't help his mood and having another woman DCI to report to, one that he had issues with in a previous case, is unlikely to help his bad mood.
It soon becomes clear that the letter is definitely not a hoax as a woman's body is found. Now there is the problem of finding out who George is before he finds his next victim.
This is a very gripping story filled with danger and twists and turns. Kate has sympathy for George and I agreed with her. This is an horrific story of the abuse of a young child who dared to be different. Religion and closed minds result in a very damaged individual who has been shunted from one institution to another all his life all these institutions having one thing in common: he suffered abuse while under their 'care'.
Kate has personal problems and this is distracting her to the extent that she puts herself in danger more than once. Can she keep her mind on the job and solve the case or will her problems put her in a situation that she can't escape?
Another brilliant addition to this series. Twists, turns and curve balls intertwine to make this an adrenaline pumping read I found impossible to put down.
5 stars from me.
A letter is received from George explaining that he is going to murder his Aunts. Is it a hoax or intention to murder? Kate thinks the former whereas her DI thinks not. Roscoe is soon to be proven wrong which won't help his mood and having another woman DCI to report to, one that he had issues with in a previous case, is unlikely to help his bad mood.
It soon becomes clear that the letter is definitely not a hoax as a woman's body is found. Now there is the problem of finding out who George is before he finds his next victim.
This is a very gripping story filled with danger and twists and turns. Kate has sympathy for George and I agreed with her. This is an horrific story of the abuse of a young child who dared to be different. Religion and closed minds result in a very damaged individual who has been shunted from one institution to another all his life all these institutions having one thing in common: he suffered abuse while under their 'care'.
Kate has personal problems and this is distracting her to the extent that she puts herself in danger more than once. Can she keep her mind on the job and solve the case or will her problems put her in a situation that she can't escape?
Another brilliant addition to this series. Twists, turns and curve balls intertwine to make this an adrenaline pumping read I found impossible to put down.
5 stars from me.
August 2, 2019
We start off by being introduced to the Psychopath, Patient 174 aka George Lupin, where he resides as 'a guest' 😂 at Larchfield Secure Psychiatric Hospital, in one of the many gripping and grisly scenes. George is very troubled and throughout the book it becomes clear to us why.
Talbot Court Orphanage, once a Georgian Mansion holds many secrets. Could a recent incident there and also a mysterious letter (signed Yours faithfully, George) sent to the Superintendent of Highbridge Police Station, be linked to Patient 174?
DS Kate Lewis, her husband DC Hayden Lewis and their boss DI Ted Roscoe, follow a trail of events to find the perpetrator/s before anymore murders are committed.
I liked the characters and DI Roscoe - partial to chewing gum😀 - just reminded me of DI Jack Frost in a Touch of Frost, played by the brilliant David Jason. I used to love that programme and if the rest of this series is as enjoyable as this book ( I am sure they are!), then I would love to see this made into a series!
Despite Kate Lewis having worries closer to home (another one to keep you guessing!), she throws her all into her work, maybe a little too hasty at times but she would definitely be one person who I would like by my side in a crisis.
This is the 6th book in the DS Kate Hamblin mysteries and my first but certainly not my last.
This is one of those books where you wish you could read it through from beginning to end with no distractions. There is so much going on that really gets you thinking and with a bit of humour, too, which I like, even in this genre; the killers motive for what he did and many of the scenes 😱 which were so scarily good make for compulsive reading. You never know what is going to happen next! And there is a shocker in there for good measure that I did not see coming! I was happy with the ending and I really can't recommend this book enough. Thank you xx
Talbot Court Orphanage, once a Georgian Mansion holds many secrets. Could a recent incident there and also a mysterious letter (signed Yours faithfully, George) sent to the Superintendent of Highbridge Police Station, be linked to Patient 174?
DS Kate Lewis, her husband DC Hayden Lewis and their boss DI Ted Roscoe, follow a trail of events to find the perpetrator/s before anymore murders are committed.
I liked the characters and DI Roscoe - partial to chewing gum😀 - just reminded me of DI Jack Frost in a Touch of Frost, played by the brilliant David Jason. I used to love that programme and if the rest of this series is as enjoyable as this book ( I am sure they are!), then I would love to see this made into a series!
Despite Kate Lewis having worries closer to home (another one to keep you guessing!), she throws her all into her work, maybe a little too hasty at times but she would definitely be one person who I would like by my side in a crisis.
This is the 6th book in the DS Kate Hamblin mysteries and my first but certainly not my last.
This is one of those books where you wish you could read it through from beginning to end with no distractions. There is so much going on that really gets you thinking and with a bit of humour, too, which I like, even in this genre; the killers motive for what he did and many of the scenes 😱 which were so scarily good make for compulsive reading. You never know what is going to happen next! And there is a shocker in there for good measure that I did not see coming! I was happy with the ending and I really can't recommend this book enough. Thank you xx
January 1, 2025
This was a sad and disturbing psychological crime thriller set in England where Detective Kate must unwind a tangled tale of death.
It's well-written and fast-paced, although I don't like the characters or the police atmosphere where Kate has to work. The lack of respect for her is appalling. Kate is headstrong and foolish yet is determined to 'find the killer' whatever the cost. The relationship between her and her husband is odd, again showing the lack of respect (from Kate to her husband). But then, not every aspect of their lives is seen - maybe they understand the 'jokes'?
Overall, this was an engaging story and worth a look.
It's well-written and fast-paced, although I don't like the characters or the police atmosphere where Kate has to work. The lack of respect for her is appalling. Kate is headstrong and foolish yet is determined to 'find the killer' whatever the cost. The relationship between her and her husband is odd, again showing the lack of respect (from Kate to her husband). But then, not every aspect of their lives is seen - maybe they understand the 'jokes'?
Overall, this was an engaging story and worth a look.
July 21, 2021
[Spoiler alert]
I did not like the way that the transgender character was handled at all.
I'll pass over the dubious attempt to link the transgender fact with psychotic behaviour rather than the terrible torture that the child endured, but ... at the very least, if someone identifies as male and chooses to identify as he/him then stop using she/her.
Proud father of a trans-son.
I did not like the way that the transgender character was handled at all.
I'll pass over the dubious attempt to link the transgender fact with psychotic behaviour rather than the terrible torture that the child endured, but ... at the very least, if someone identifies as male and chooses to identify as he/him then stop using she/her.
Proud father of a trans-son.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2019
This is the sixth book in the series featuring DS Kate Lewis (formerly Kate Hamblin before her marriage to DC Hayden Lewis, overweight and slightly lazy but who makes up for this with his sharp mind and unwavering devotion to her). She is still working for the chauvinistic and bad tempered DI Ted Roscoe who seems to delight in putting her down but they have strange grudging mutual respect for each other and do achieve results. At the start of this story the police at Highbridge station in the Somerset Levels receive a mysterious letter from a George Lupin, who tells them he is planning to become the Auntie Killer. No one takes it seriously, at least not until the first murder of an elderly woman occurs. With the discovery of a second victim the team find themselves thrown into a major investigation and although the killer has told them the "what" and the "why", they have no idea "who". The normally quick witted Kate is distracted with problems of her own, and it takes a while before anyone puts all the clues together to find a suspect. Even then, he appears to always be one step ahead and the race is on to apprehend a clearly deranged individual before he can carry out his evil plan. I like the way the reader gets into the mind of the killer and sees how he thinks, whilst also seeing the frustrations of the investigation from the detectives' point of view. Some of the characters like Hayden and Roscoe are certainly a bit eccentric but this makes the books more fun and distinctive, and together they all grow on the reader and compliment each other, forming a great team of detectives. This books works fine as a stand alone but it is definitely worth reading the others in the series as they are all highly enjoyable. Looking forward to the next one already!
May 3, 2020
Good twist
It’s readable. Very similar to the other books in the series. Not quite as predictable as the last one. Surely someone else could get into a sticky situation. Really don’t understand why the types of car that the characters drive has to be repeated as much and must confess I have wondered how she’d explain the number of car accidents.
It’s readable. Very similar to the other books in the series. Not quite as predictable as the last one. Surely someone else could get into a sticky situation. Really don’t understand why the types of car that the characters drive has to be repeated as much and must confess I have wondered how she’d explain the number of car accidents.
March 4, 2021
Riveting Mystery Book
A thrilling murder spree by a complex killer. Vengeance is the overwhelming reason for an emotional rollercoaster ride by a complex character. The tension ramps up, with every page throwing up twists that keeps the readers' focus on the suspense and murders. A good read.
A thrilling murder spree by a complex killer. Vengeance is the overwhelming reason for an emotional rollercoaster ride by a complex character. The tension ramps up, with every page throwing up twists that keeps the readers' focus on the suspense and murders. A good read.
September 27, 2024
Laurel and Hardy meets Nancy Drew
The first in this series that I’ve read … and the last, too! Surely this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. A farcical twist on traditional police procedurals? Can’t believe all the positive reviews but to each their own, I guess, but not my cup of tea!
The first in this series that I’ve read … and the last, too! Surely this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. A farcical twist on traditional police procedurals? Can’t believe all the positive reviews but to each their own, I guess, but not my cup of tea!
December 2, 2020
A good story
Kate Lewis gets involved with the murder three aunts who were dispatched by a psychotic neice. Lots of history as to the cause comes to light and Hayden keeps a secret, risking His relationship with Kate. An action packed, fast paced story. A real page turner.
Kate Lewis gets involved with the murder three aunts who were dispatched by a psychotic neice. Lots of history as to the cause comes to light and Hayden keeps a secret, risking His relationship with Kate. An action packed, fast paced story. A real page turner.
August 8, 2022
Problematic handling of trans character
Normally enjoy the series but the continued mis-gendering of the trans character George, along with the repeated use of the incorrect pronouns (she/her instead of he/him) was extremely offensive and disappointing.
Normally enjoy the series but the continued mis-gendering of the trans character George, along with the repeated use of the incorrect pronouns (she/her instead of he/him) was extremely offensive and disappointing.
December 20, 2023
Kate does it again!
Well, I’m totally invested in the series now so I can’t just walk away. But I really do not care for the main character, Kate Lewis. Be that as it may, I guess the author has their reasons for making her so unappealing.
Well, I’m totally invested in the series now so I can’t just walk away. But I really do not care for the main character, Kate Lewis. Be that as it may, I guess the author has their reasons for making her so unappealing.
November 30, 2020
Another great instalment and more gripping than the others!!!
October 26, 2024
What a super beginning. Lost its way a little in the middle but the ending salvaged the story. Solid 3 stars.
February 16, 2020
Ok
Good writing as always, but the main character is becoming less likeable as the series progresses, I actually hope Hayden does cheat.
The amount of times that she's cheated death is becoming farcical. She constantly goes AWOL with no consequences, she abused her husband constantly and has no friends...she's not a nice person
Good writing as always, but the main character is becoming less likeable as the series progresses, I actually hope Hayden does cheat.
The amount of times that she's cheated death is becoming farcical. She constantly goes AWOL with no consequences, she abused her husband constantly and has no friends...she's not a nice person
August 4, 2019
This is the sixth book in the Kate Hamblin/Lewis series and they get better and better. I have loved these books since I read the first one and each one since has only made my love for them stronger. I adore the mixture of characters ( feisty go-getter Kate, lazy, overweight Hayden, bad tempered DI Roscoe etc.) and the stories are all gripping with many twists and turns.
A letter is received at the station, warning the police that George is going to murder his aunts. It is treated as a joke until the body of an elderly woman is found with RIP Auntie written in lipstick. Then another body is discovered and the police are desperate to trace George before he murders any more.
The investigation leads to many dead ends but the reader has been privy to George's story, so we know when the police are getting close. There are twists in this story that come as a complete shock which kept me pinned to my kindle while I read it.
The true test of a good book is when the reader is disappointed that they have finished the book. All of the books in this series have produced that reaction in me and I have no hesitation in recommending them to all lovers of crime fiction.
A letter is received at the station, warning the police that George is going to murder his aunts. It is treated as a joke until the body of an elderly woman is found with RIP Auntie written in lipstick. Then another body is discovered and the police are desperate to trace George before he murders any more.
The investigation leads to many dead ends but the reader has been privy to George's story, so we know when the police are getting close. There are twists in this story that come as a complete shock which kept me pinned to my kindle while I read it.
The true test of a good book is when the reader is disappointed that they have finished the book. All of the books in this series have produced that reaction in me and I have no hesitation in recommending them to all lovers of crime fiction.
August 22, 2019
Middling but formulaic serial-killer police procedural.
This is crime fiction I usually rate 3 stars or higher, because the storyline is more police procedural—with a minimal amount of depressing, inner monologue-riven angst. There is domestic/personal drama, but I can’t discuss my ‘druthers about the melodrama (or lack thereof) without dropping spoilers.
There are several procedural and professional/workplace problems—some already pointed out by Amazon reviewer, Susan. This serial-killer plot and its subplots have been done many times before. Includes: physical and emotional abuse; pedophilia and sexual abuse; involuntary social isolation followed by incarceration; cruel, god-botherer family; biblical-sized greed, etc.
The police characters are stereotypes, none of whom I particularly wanted to follow as they investigated. That includes a tough female detective who apparently has so many TSTL moments that fellow coppers call her “Go It Alone Kate.”
2 stars for an okay, quick read.
This is crime fiction I usually rate 3 stars or higher, because the storyline is more police procedural—with a minimal amount of depressing, inner monologue-riven angst. There is domestic/personal drama, but I can’t discuss my ‘druthers about the melodrama (or lack thereof) without dropping spoilers.
There are several procedural and professional/workplace problems—some already pointed out by Amazon reviewer, Susan. This serial-killer plot and its subplots have been done many times before. Includes: physical and emotional abuse; pedophilia and sexual abuse; involuntary social isolation followed by incarceration; cruel, god-botherer family; biblical-sized greed, etc.
The police characters are stereotypes, none of whom I particularly wanted to follow as they investigated. That includes a tough female detective who apparently has so many TSTL moments that fellow coppers call her “Go It Alone Kate.”
2 stars for an okay, quick read.
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August 26, 2019Captivated
Enjoyed reading this series. David Hodges has provided characters that one feels are friends. Like that I could not predict the ending.
(By the way, Mr. Hodges, I am 81 with a 60-year-old daughter. Your description of those over 60 amuses me. Among my peers, can't think of anyone that is even close to being that old!)
Enjoyed reading this series. David Hodges has provided characters that one feels are friends. Like that I could not predict the ending.
(By the way, Mr. Hodges, I am 81 with a 60-year-old daughter. Your description of those over 60 amuses me. Among my peers, can't think of anyone that is even close to being that old!)
November 3, 2019
Surprise, surprise.
Following the previous stories was not a mistake,. This story gave more personality to the main characters. Made them more human than usual and gave more of a rounded personality. Some more worse than others. The surprise at the end was truly one that was both shocking and sad.
Following the previous stories was not a mistake,. This story gave more personality to the main characters. Made them more human than usual and gave more of a rounded personality. Some more worse than others. The surprise at the end was truly one that was both shocking and sad.
July 29, 2019
DEATH ON THE LEVELS submerges you in a gruesome murder that sets lose a torrent of incidents of harrowing suspense, chilling mystery and hair-raising action culminating in heart stopping events so terrifying you'll be frozen to your seat.
DEATH ON THE LEVELS IS FIRST RATE!
DEATH ON THE LEVELS IS FIRST RATE!
September 3, 2019
Sad but enthralling
This was a book that offered an enthralling read but also one that gave a very sad and painful insight into human nature - victims and perps were often the same people.
This was a book that offered an enthralling read but also one that gave a very sad and painful insight into human nature - victims and perps were often the same people.
November 19, 2019
Wow!
Another winner! The plot to this story was unique. I’m not going to say why. I don’t want to spoil the book for everyone. But I couldn’t put it down! I loved how it ended. I can’t wait to read more.
Another winner! The plot to this story was unique. I’m not going to say why. I don’t want to spoil the book for everyone. But I couldn’t put it down! I loved how it ended. I can’t wait to read more.
August 9, 2019
Great series
I suggest you read this entire series I thoroughly enjoyed each book. It’s amazing how Kate gets in such terrifying predicaments!
I suggest you read this entire series I thoroughly enjoyed each book. It’s amazing how Kate gets in such terrifying predicaments!
August 15, 2019
Wow.......brilliant!!
What an amazing book that was truly gripping and thrilling. It kept me turning pages I til the small hours.
What an amazing book that was truly gripping and thrilling. It kept me turning pages I til the small hours.
August 26, 2019
Another great read in this series, bring on the next one !
September 26, 2019
Death on the Levels
Book five if the Kate Hamblin detective series. Another good read with a decent story I've enjoyed reading these books and look forward to the next one
Book five if the Kate Hamblin detective series. Another good read with a decent story I've enjoyed reading these books and look forward to the next one
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews