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DI Tanner #4
Three Rivers
A CHILLING NORFOLK BROADS CRIME THRILLER
A body caught on the end of a mast, another skewered by a rhond hook, and a chain of evidence Tanner cannot accept.
As a twisting gale howls its way over Barton Broad, DS Jenny Evans joins a handsome old friend to help rescue the crew of an overturned boat. But when they discover a body, snagged on the end of the mast, one murder soon follows another, leaving DI John Tanner with a race against time, desperate to prove that the most obvious suspect isn’t who everyone seems to think it is.
Set within the mysterious beauty of the Norfolk Broads, this fast-paced British detective series is a dark cozy murder mystery with a slice of humour and a touch of romance, one that will have you guessing until the very end, when the last shocking twist is finally revealed.
A body caught on the end of a mast, another skewered by a rhond hook, and a chain of evidence Tanner cannot accept.
As a twisting gale howls its way over Barton Broad, DS Jenny Evans joins a handsome old friend to help rescue the crew of an overturned boat. But when they discover a body, snagged on the end of the mast, one murder soon follows another, leaving DI John Tanner with a race against time, desperate to prove that the most obvious suspect isn’t who everyone seems to think it is.
Set within the mysterious beauty of the Norfolk Broads, this fast-paced British detective series is a dark cozy murder mystery with a slice of humour and a touch of romance, one that will have you guessing until the very end, when the last shocking twist is finally revealed.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2020
2134 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
David Blake
32 books296 followersNO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR
With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.
Get news of all future releases, ARC reader info, free books, and all promo offers by signing up to my newsletter:
www.david-blake.co.uk/CONTACTDAVID
With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.
Get news of all future releases, ARC reader info, free books, and all promo offers by signing up to my newsletter:
www.david-blake.co.uk/CONTACTDAVID
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
April 2, 2020
Ok
Somehow I could not get engaged with this story. It started well but the beginning and the ending just didn't seem to make sense. Also the two main characters were beginning to get irritating adding to my general feeling of not really caring!
Somehow I could not get engaged with this story. It started well but the beginning and the ending just didn't seem to make sense. Also the two main characters were beginning to get irritating adding to my general feeling of not really caring!
June 13, 2020
It was great to be back with Tanner and Evans again. Whilst you could class this as a cosy crime mystery as there is a wonderful romance/relationship between the pair, there is definitely a dark side which for me makes it less cosy and more crime.
Set in the Norfolk Broads, having been to many of the places mentioned, I loved being transported back there with the characters. The author obviously has a wealth of information about the areas as well as the boats and boating in general. It very much comes through in his writing making the story very real.
Jenny is up front in this story and have to say I started to worry about her safety. I was with Tanner on this one and was as frustrated as him at times when she doesn’t listen to sense. It does make for some tense reading in part as this usual happy couple are pushed to the limits with the recent murders, as well as a new member of staff that has jenny feeling threatened in her relationship with Tanner.
The case itself was an enthralling one that will keep the readers on their toes. As usual, didn’t work things out and my heart was in my mouth as to just what outcome this story would have. Well played by the author for keeping it up his sleeve and keeping me guessing.
Three Rivers is yet another great addition to this series. All the books read well as standalone’s so don’t worry if you haven’t read previous ones in the series. Be warned though, you probably will want to after reading this one! A gripping page turner of a mystery.
Set in the Norfolk Broads, having been to many of the places mentioned, I loved being transported back there with the characters. The author obviously has a wealth of information about the areas as well as the boats and boating in general. It very much comes through in his writing making the story very real.
Jenny is up front in this story and have to say I started to worry about her safety. I was with Tanner on this one and was as frustrated as him at times when she doesn’t listen to sense. It does make for some tense reading in part as this usual happy couple are pushed to the limits with the recent murders, as well as a new member of staff that has jenny feeling threatened in her relationship with Tanner.
The case itself was an enthralling one that will keep the readers on their toes. As usual, didn’t work things out and my heart was in my mouth as to just what outcome this story would have. Well played by the author for keeping it up his sleeve and keeping me guessing.
Three Rivers is yet another great addition to this series. All the books read well as standalone’s so don’t worry if you haven’t read previous ones in the series. Be warned though, you probably will want to after reading this one! A gripping page turner of a mystery.
April 23, 2020
I don't normally read crime thrillers but I was attracted to “Three Rivers” as it was set in the Norfolk Broads where I once lived. I don't know why but I was expecting to read some sort of dark and mysterious tale shrouded in mist. But this novel was nothing like that, in fact I was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked it.
The plot is quite straight forward and moves along at a cracking pace. The author makes it easy to understand and explains everything clearly as the book progresses and doesn't add too many characters all at once to make things complicated. It goes into depth about police procedure,office politics and character rivalry, and there is a little romance too. David Blake throws in red herrings but I won't spoil it for you!
It is a light and uncomplicated read, perfect for summer holidays. Sometimes I just don't feel like reading heavy philosophical theories and just want a little fun; entertainment from books is important too, just as much as education, and this book was merriment and easy pleasure. One point, this book is the fourth book in the series: it would be better if you read the other three in sequence first, but that is just a small thing, you could enjoy this book just as much if you read it first, as I did. I would not not put this detective book in the “Nordic Noir” genre, but I think that David Blake might well start up a “Norfolk Noir” genre with this series.
The plot is quite straight forward and moves along at a cracking pace. The author makes it easy to understand and explains everything clearly as the book progresses and doesn't add too many characters all at once to make things complicated. It goes into depth about police procedure,office politics and character rivalry, and there is a little romance too. David Blake throws in red herrings but I won't spoil it for you!
It is a light and uncomplicated read, perfect for summer holidays. Sometimes I just don't feel like reading heavy philosophical theories and just want a little fun; entertainment from books is important too, just as much as education, and this book was merriment and easy pleasure. One point, this book is the fourth book in the series: it would be better if you read the other three in sequence first, but that is just a small thing, you could enjoy this book just as much if you read it first, as I did. I would not not put this detective book in the “Nordic Noir” genre, but I think that David Blake might well start up a “Norfolk Noir” genre with this series.
March 2, 2020
When your partner – both at work and in life – appears to be the perpetrator of several murders, what do you do? What do you believe? Tanner is in this dreadful position when clues and evidence all point to Jenny’s guilt. He believes she’s being set up. Can he prove it? Once again, David Blake gives his characters real dilemmas and we, the readers, find ourselves cheering them on. The landscape of the Norfolk Broads plays a big part, and much of the action takes place on or around the boats. This is a very enjoyable series and I find myself getting involved with the characters. That’s always what draws the star ratings from me. Do they feel real? Do I care what happens? Oh, yes!
November 20, 2022
hree Rivers is book four in the DI Tanner series by David Blake. DS Jenny Evans helped friend rescue sailors from an overturned boat. However, DS Jenny Evans did not expect to find a murder victim. During the investigation, DI John Tanner did not accept the chain of evidence. When another person dies, DS Jenny Evans and DI John Tanner have to race against time to find the murderer.
The Three Rivers is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by David Blake. I never have trouble engaging with the plot and characters of the DI Taylor Series, and The Three Rivers did not disappoint. I committed from the first page with the story of The Three Rivers, and I was unable to put the book down. I love David Blake's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Three Rivers is well written and researched by David Blake. I like David Blake's description of The Three Rivers' settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Three Rivers will learn about Dinghy sailing socially and competitively. Also, the readers will learn about the way organic compounds break down, called anaerobic decomposition.
I recommend this book.
The Three Rivers is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by David Blake. I never have trouble engaging with the plot and characters of the DI Taylor Series, and The Three Rivers did not disappoint. I committed from the first page with the story of The Three Rivers, and I was unable to put the book down. I love David Blake's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. The Three Rivers is well written and researched by David Blake. I like David Blake's description of The Three Rivers' settings, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Three Rivers will learn about Dinghy sailing socially and competitively. Also, the readers will learn about the way organic compounds break down, called anaerobic decomposition.
I recommend this book.
November 18, 2024
Another book in the DI Tanner, Norfolk Broads police procedurals. As with the others this is a real page turner that I blew through in a couple of days. Lot's of locations which I'm familiar with in real life gives this an additional note of realism. More character development of the main players and a significant event at the end. I will be interested to see how things progress in the rest of the series.
April 13, 2020
This is book four in this series so, to get the very best from it with regard to character backstory and development, you would be better off starting from book one and reading in order.
So, Jenny is trying to persuade John to learn to sail. But his first foray into this new pursuit ends in tragedy as a body is found. This means he has to swap his sailing hat for his professional one, that of DI John Tanner, and dive not into the water but into the investigation of a crime that is more historic in nature. Stakes get higher and Jenny gets more personally involved leaving him to worry about her rather than concentrate on the case in hand. With the body count rising, can he cut through all the noise and work out what in the heck is going on, who is doing it, and why? And more importantly, bring justice...
I respect that some may not but I actually love the bickering between Jenny and John. It might be a bit implausible that they are still working together but, heck, this is fiction and it's a bit of fun and light relief along the way when dealing with the most heinous crimes that this author thinks up for them!
As with the rest of the books in this series, the Norfolk Broads itself plays a major part in what is going on, probably more than the previous books and I did learn quite a bit more about that world. All is explained for the layman and complements rather than distracting from the action going on with the case in hand. The action hit the ground running and didn't let up until right at the end, with a cracking finale that had me nearly reading from behind a cushion. Well, I kinda care about the characters...! Pacing is good and, as usual, there is no superfluous waffle to distract the reader.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is shaping up to be a high quality series of books.
So, Jenny is trying to persuade John to learn to sail. But his first foray into this new pursuit ends in tragedy as a body is found. This means he has to swap his sailing hat for his professional one, that of DI John Tanner, and dive not into the water but into the investigation of a crime that is more historic in nature. Stakes get higher and Jenny gets more personally involved leaving him to worry about her rather than concentrate on the case in hand. With the body count rising, can he cut through all the noise and work out what in the heck is going on, who is doing it, and why? And more importantly, bring justice...
I respect that some may not but I actually love the bickering between Jenny and John. It might be a bit implausible that they are still working together but, heck, this is fiction and it's a bit of fun and light relief along the way when dealing with the most heinous crimes that this author thinks up for them!
As with the rest of the books in this series, the Norfolk Broads itself plays a major part in what is going on, probably more than the previous books and I did learn quite a bit more about that world. All is explained for the layman and complements rather than distracting from the action going on with the case in hand. The action hit the ground running and didn't let up until right at the end, with a cracking finale that had me nearly reading from behind a cushion. Well, I kinda care about the characters...! Pacing is good and, as usual, there is no superfluous waffle to distract the reader.
All in all, a cracking addition to what is shaping up to be a high quality series of books.
April 14, 2020
Set in incredible scenery, described so that you can almost breathe the air and feel the storm, murder is afoot.
when the first body rises from the deep it triggers a whole host of problems for the police from identification to motive to red herrings and back again to motive.
The pace of the investigation in this book matches the setting insofar as it feels like the police are doing a great job but not with the frenetic feel that crimes in bigger cities seem to attract.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the well rounded characters and waltzed merrily down some of the dead end traps written into the investigation along with the investigation.
The story keeps on moving right through to a great twist at the end...definitely a page turner so start it when you have time to finish it in one sitting!
when the first body rises from the deep it triggers a whole host of problems for the police from identification to motive to red herrings and back again to motive.
The pace of the investigation in this book matches the setting insofar as it feels like the police are doing a great job but not with the frenetic feel that crimes in bigger cities seem to attract.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and the well rounded characters and waltzed merrily down some of the dead end traps written into the investigation along with the investigation.
The story keeps on moving right through to a great twist at the end...definitely a page turner so start it when you have time to finish it in one sitting!
June 11, 2020
Pretty poor writing, which is a shame. I found it difficult to believe a level headed police woman would not take being set up seriously.
Additionally, I found it condensing and petty that there was so much woman on woman drama at the beginning, over someone's breast size and smile. All the drama could have been resolved by two adults having a conversation instead of pettiness.
Also, stop refering to grown women as girls. It's gross.
Additionally, I found it condensing and petty that there was so much woman on woman drama at the beginning, over someone's breast size and smile. All the drama could have been resolved by two adults having a conversation instead of pettiness.
Also, stop refering to grown women as girls. It's gross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2020
Really!!
This book might have been ok if not for the absolutely juvenile relationship between the two leads. Also, I figured out the bad guy after the first chapter.
This book might have been ok if not for the absolutely juvenile relationship between the two leads. Also, I figured out the bad guy after the first chapter.
April 24, 2020
I have read each of the books in this series so far and I would absolutely recommend that you read them in order. You CAN read this as a standalone but you get far more from the book if you read the others first.
Jenny and Tanner are living their normal lives, on Tanner's boat, and Jenny is trying hard to get Tanner to learn how to sail. She spent her youth on the water and enjoyed it, and thinks he would too - if she can only persuade him to try it. She ends up spending time with an old friend called Rob, a good-looking fella who is also of the sailing variety. They find a body, to their horror, and this starts off a whole chain of events which puts Jenny in grave danger.
I have to admit that this was my least favourite book of the series thus far. Jenny seemed to be playing too many games with Tanner (whilst he was worried sick about her), there were a few threads that weren't tied up and the end was unsatisfying. I wanted to give Jenny a good talking to, a number of times! I just got irritated.
Mind you, all of that wouldn't stop me from reading the next book in the series, if I got the chance :) Despite everything, I like these two, and the rest of their team.
3.5 stars from me, rounded up to 4.
Jenny and Tanner are living their normal lives, on Tanner's boat, and Jenny is trying hard to get Tanner to learn how to sail. She spent her youth on the water and enjoyed it, and thinks he would too - if she can only persuade him to try it. She ends up spending time with an old friend called Rob, a good-looking fella who is also of the sailing variety. They find a body, to their horror, and this starts off a whole chain of events which puts Jenny in grave danger.
I have to admit that this was my least favourite book of the series thus far. Jenny seemed to be playing too many games with Tanner (whilst he was worried sick about her), there were a few threads that weren't tied up and the end was unsatisfying. I wanted to give Jenny a good talking to, a number of times! I just got irritated.
Mind you, all of that wouldn't stop me from reading the next book in the series, if I got the chance :) Despite everything, I like these two, and the rest of their team.
3.5 stars from me, rounded up to 4.
June 24, 2020
A brilliantly penned thriller that moves at an amazing pace. Being my first experience with David Blake's books, it was indeed a suspenser that I could not put the book down. The protagonist is appointed in the investigation of an unusual crime mystery, wherein all evidence of the killings that happen one after the other begins pointing to his colleague and the love of his life. As the investigation starts revealing more clues, he is sure that his partner is being entrapped into a nefarious conspiracy but it would take him a while to prove otherwise. The characters are neatly adapted to the storyline without any distractions or complications to the core action. The last few chapters are intriguing as the protagonist(DI Tanner) unwraps the true face of the perpetrator and makes a painstaking endeavor to protect his partner from becoming a victim of the heinous crime. Although this is the fourth book in the series, I believe it could be read as a stand-alone one and would greatly recommend to anyone who likes a good crime thriller. I hope there would be more in the series to come.
July 22, 2020
I’ve had it with the couple in this series - they both annoy the heck out of me! This is the last one I’ll read. I would have rated this particular book lower but I listened to the audible version and the narrator, Jonathon Keeble, is good so I bumped it up a star. Some of the others in the DI Tanner series had semi- decent mystery/crime drama but this one just lost it for me. Rather than build on what could have become a series worth continuing, this was the book that made me give up on it. Really, a mid-40s aged man would put up with that behavior in a serious girlfriend? Not believable and somewhat sexist - e.g., Sally, the pretty blond is a dip-shit. 🙄 and why did Mr. Blake even bother to introduce her character? Simply so DS Evans could act even more put out & immature? Not worth continuing this series. Many better crime fiction series out there!
May 10, 2020
Having read the preceding 3 books in the DI Tanner series, I have been eagerly awaiting the next book. It was well worth the wait! As always, the book is brilliantly written with an atmospheric setting and engaging storyline that kept me turning page after page. The relationship between Tanner and Evans was a bit fraught and slightly implausible in places but the twists and turns throughout, plus the unexpected ending, more than made up for that.
I rarely give 5 stars for a book, but David Blake scores a full house yet again!!
Thank you to TBC Reviewer Request Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I rarely give 5 stars for a book, but David Blake scores a full house yet again!!
Thank you to TBC Reviewer Request Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2020
Loved it!
I have waited ages for Three Rivers, I simply can not get enough of the DI Tanner investigations.
The Tanner and Evans relationship, is engaging and I always want to hope that they work it out, stay together. That's the romantic in me!
Murder on the Broads is rife, there are so many pointers towards one suspect and yet so many things that can and simply can't have happened!
I read this at speed and devoured every word.
I will have to sit tight and wait for the next one! Thanks for a brilliant read.
I have waited ages for Three Rivers, I simply can not get enough of the DI Tanner investigations.
The Tanner and Evans relationship, is engaging and I always want to hope that they work it out, stay together. That's the romantic in me!
Murder on the Broads is rife, there are so many pointers towards one suspect and yet so many things that can and simply can't have happened!
I read this at speed and devoured every word.
I will have to sit tight and wait for the next one! Thanks for a brilliant read.
August 18, 2020
Bloody annoying
Thought I was reading a story set in a primary school with how childish the two main characters were, David writes a good book, great story line and all, but the two leads with their love interest is a distraction and not an addition, truly ruined a fun read with a nice twist. He may want to talk to LJ Ross for advice on to write something with a love interest in that works. Either that his characters need to start acting their bloody age.
Thought I was reading a story set in a primary school with how childish the two main characters were, David writes a good book, great story line and all, but the two leads with their love interest is a distraction and not an addition, truly ruined a fun read with a nice twist. He may want to talk to LJ Ross for advice on to write something with a love interest in that works. Either that his characters need to start acting their bloody age.
March 13, 2020
Once again David Blake’s latest book had me hooked from the start, it kept me guessing all the way through and I was convinced I knew who the murderer was but nope I was wrong. What with the authors knowledge of boats, sailing and the area where the book is set makes it a brilliant read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
March 27, 2020
Came across David Blake’s first book Broadlands an instantly hooked. Now just finished Three Rivers,again well paced,a page turner. Tanner and Jenny Evens make a great team. I’m usually good at working out who did it, not this time. Looking forward to the next one. If you haven’t picked up a David Blake book do it now,you won’t be disappointed.
April 6, 2020
I absolutely was thrilled to be reunited with detective Tanner . Neither was I disappointed. The characters sucked me in. Made my heart race as he sought to solve the clues.
I picked the book up at bedtime and didn’t put it down till I had finished.. can’t wait for more. Recommended to friends already as a five star read
I picked the book up at bedtime and didn’t put it down till I had finished.. can’t wait for more. Recommended to friends already as a five star read
April 13, 2020
Good but not my favourite
Always good but somehow not my favourite one - could be a sign of the covid times that I’m looking for total distraction rather than just an interesting interlude. Will buy the next book though.
Always good but somehow not my favourite one - could be a sign of the covid times that I’m looking for total distraction rather than just an interesting interlude. Will buy the next book though.
April 28, 2020
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
This is the fourth book in the Detective Tanner series set on the Broads and David has surpassed himself (again) with this latest offering
Enough twists and turns to keep you tied up for the duration of the book
Amazing!!! 5*
This is the fourth book in the Detective Tanner series set on the Broads and David has surpassed himself (again) with this latest offering
Enough twists and turns to keep you tied up for the duration of the book
Amazing!!! 5*
April 28, 2020
Read last two back to back
Really enjoyed these books. Nice plotting, nothing too violent, soothing after what I have been reading/listening too.
Really looking forward to the next instalment.
Really enjoyed these books. Nice plotting, nothing too violent, soothing after what I have been reading/listening too.
Really looking forward to the next instalment.
March 22, 2020
Very good
Great story. Enjoy the characters. Lots of twists to keep you guessing. I've enjoyed the other books in this series.
Great story. Enjoy the characters. Lots of twists to keep you guessing. I've enjoyed the other books in this series.
March 26, 2020
Very good book
Had to keep reading wanted to find the outcome but did not really want to finish the book as enjoying it but have got the next one to look for word to
Had to keep reading wanted to find the outcome but did not really want to finish the book as enjoying it but have got the next one to look for word to
April 12, 2020
Probably the best in the series. He got the difficult girlfriend who wouldn't listen just right
April 14, 2020
Very enjoyable
Really enjoyed the read,I don't know how many times the two characters can remain on the same page if they were married.perhaps they don't ?
Really enjoyed the read,I don't know how many times the two characters can remain on the same page if they were married.perhaps they don't ?
April 16, 2020
Outstanding thriller
Another great Norfolk broads thriller great story line couldn't put it down, surprising end wasn't expecting the outcome can't wait for next book
Another great Norfolk broads thriller great story line couldn't put it down, surprising end wasn't expecting the outcome can't wait for next book
April 16, 2020
Three Rivers
A fabulous story . I really enjoyed the characters they were very believable. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good crime thriller. Fabulous ☺
A fabulous story . I really enjoyed the characters they were very believable. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good crime thriller. Fabulous ☺
June 21, 2020
Terrible. Boring. 1 of the main characters acts like a petulant teenager. Plot ridiculous.
April 12, 2020
Great read
Another good crime thriller based on the Broads, little twists kept the pages turning , still love the jag !
Another good crime thriller based on the Broads, little twists kept the pages turning , still love the jag !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews