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Hidden Norfolk #4

Tell No Tales

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In a world of lies, one truth remains. Dead men tell no tales…
When the body of an unidentified man is found at the foot of Sheringham cliffs with injuries inconsistent with a fall, DI Tom Janssen must piece together his final days to determine how he fell to his death... or who pushed him...

The investigation quickly reveals a network of locals with ties to the victim, but as for the man himself... he remains something of a mystery. The dead man doesn't fit in; not with his social circle, not with his business interests and when others come looking for him, the intrigue only deepens.

Joined in the investigation by his new Detective Sergeant, Cassie Knight, Janssen uncovers closely guarded secrets alongside long-held grudges. Any one of them could be a motivation for murder. This man had powerful enemies and even more dangerous friends...

As the inquiry develops it is clear that someone wanted him dead but, a formidable character in his own right, who would dare to take him on? One death threatens to unravel a wider conflict where neither the innocent... or the guilty... can feel truly safe. Janssen must bring down the wall of silence encircling his childhood town, coming up against old antagonists as well as facing new adversaries, or risk an escalation in the violence.

Secrets are kept... Deceit is commonplace... And dead men Tell No Tales...

Set within the mysterious beauty of coastal Norfolk, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with a little humour and a touch of romance, one that will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed.

Tell No Tales is the fourth novel in a new series of thrillers from Amazon number one bestselling crime writer, JM Dalgliesh, the author of the Dark Yorkshire books. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Angela Marsons, Joy Ellis and Damien Boyd.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2020

4775 people are currently reading
596 people want to read

About the author

J.M. Dalgliesh

38 books931 followers
Jason Dalgliesh was born on the south coast of England and grew up in Hampshire, UK. He has worked in the power transmission industry, the retail sector, call centres and as a night-owl in a bakery. His greatest challenge of all is ongoing, as a stay at home parent.

He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.

The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.

Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.

Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.

You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com

You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire

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5 stars
4,668 (48%)
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3,631 (37%)
3 stars
1,151 (11%)
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67 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
Profile Image for Lewis Weinstein.
Author 13 books612 followers
November 1, 2021
another great story from Dalgliesh ... a complicated police story complemented by complicated personal interactions among the detectives struggling to be real people while they focus so totally on the crimes and criminals who demand their attention
Profile Image for Linden.
2,119 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2024
Tom and Tamara are called to the scene of a suspicious death. A man in his fifties has seemingly fallen, but it's revealed to be murder. Was Devon a member of a gang? The company his car is registered to comes up with nothing. Tom has a run in with an old school frenemy who may or may not be involved, and Tamara makes a very bad decision.
Profile Image for Steven Toby.
232 reviews
June 4, 2020
The Victim was a Bad Guy

This was, like the other 3 books in the series set on the Yorkshire coast, a taut thriller but also the murder discovered on page 1 was the ultimate consequence of events that happened some 20 years before, giving the story more historic and psychological depth than I was expecting. The victim was barely cold when his apartment was torn apart, and it was in a gated high security building. Cassie and a new, young officer were sent to London to check out the company that owned the victim’s car and in the hotel, a bad guy assaults Cassie who is described as small. She fights back well enough to send her assailant running and her partner takes off after him, but he seems to be better at running than at fighting and gets away. Of course we are led to wonder what registration irregularities could possibly require a violent response. But eventually the case unravels to a satisfying conclusion, although it’s not black and white, the original trigger was more peccadillo than sin, yet the bad karma bounced back on the originator in time.
The Norfolk region beach resort environment is described enough to seem familiar to anyone who has vacationed at the seaside pretty much anywhere in the world, but with appropriate local color.
263 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2021
This was a typical British murder mystery. A very fun light read. You will want to read the series with the ongoing plots surrounding the investigators. However, after several books they do get tiresome, so give a break with more meaningful books.
13 reviews
January 8, 2021
Another good tale from one of my current favourite authors. Already started the 5th book in the series.
311 reviews1 follower
November 17, 2020
WOW

This series has got to be at the top of my favourites list, it just keeps getting better. This book was brilliant just couldn't put it down, gripped from start to finish. I'm in awe of this author's writing. The story was so intricate but put together so well that you didn't lose track, the characters are great and gel together to make an interesting team, I love keeping up with their story so best to read in sequence. All the way through I was wondering who the girl was at the beginning and how she fitted in but you have to wait till the end when it all comes together with a great twist. Just fantastic, can't wait to read the next book in this series. Many thanks to Mr Dalgliesh for keeping me thoroughly entertained on these dark wet Covid lockdown day's and evenings.
Profile Image for Ian .
122 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2021
A real change of pace for the crime fighting Norfolk DI and his team. The fourth book of the series has more sex, violence and action than the first three in the series combined. Without any detriment to the intrigue of the storyline.

In addition we have a new team member who does not originate in the area or have experience of the Met Police. This character adds their own mystic to the complex relationships of the team. Important as this book had moved away from the DI's personal life somewhat, whilst both he and his colleagues also open up more giving us an insight into their characters motivations.

All this mixed into a complex murder plot with a strange twist at the end. Well written as always Tell No Tales is yet another masterpiece from Mr Dalgliesh.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews178 followers
August 12, 2022
DI Tom Janssen and his team investigate the questionable death of a man found at the foot of Sheringham cliffs. The more they look into the circumstances, and the man himself, the more questions they have and the deeper the complexities become. Can Tom and his team unravel the knot of powerful people involved in this murky situation?

I have been mostly enjoying this Hidden Norfolk series, but I truly feel this is the best book so far. I think the author is finally hitting his stride with the characters, setting and plot and this book in particular really shines for me. I was ecstatic that Tom’s personal life has finally taken a back seat and there was a lot more focus in this story on the murder mystery and the various subplots revolving around that. I also found it surprising (in a good way) that I didn’t miss the fact that DCI Tamara Greave has a far, far smaller part to play in this story. The strong secondary characters in Eric and Cassie (the other members of Tom’s team) really started to grow and shine and I feel they easily made up for the smaller and more managerial – rather than boots-on-the-ground colleague – part Tamara played in this book.

I also strongly feel readers should feel comfortable picking this book up by itself. While there is absolutely a team dynamic between the officers the plot is very well contained to just this book. I think particularly with such a strong focus on this plot and the police procedural aspect to the solving of the crime readers who haven’t caught the previous installments won’t find themselves lost or trying to work out any of the dynamics or “in” jokes.

With a strong and well-crafted plot and a number of interesting peripheral characters I enjoyed trying to work out which people were involved in the crime, and which just got caught up in it with people’s lives crossing over as they do in smaller communities. I also greatly enjoyed how – for the first time for me – after the police conducted an interview there was a short chapter of what each suspect did/thought directly after the police left. I loved how this gave me as the reader a bit more insight into each character’s motivation, reaction and a small part of the puzzle as to how they fit the growing picture. I really enjoyed this and would love it if this style continues in Dalgliesh’s further books.

With a delightfully layered plotline, some solid police procedural work and a bunch of interesting characters this was a really good mystery book and a highlight for me, personally, so far in this series. I’m very eager to read more.
1,630 reviews
Currently reading
March 7, 2024
n a world of lies, one truth remains. Dead men tell no tales…
When the body of an unidentified man is found at the foot of Sheringham cliffs with injuries inconsistent with a fall, DI Tom Janssen must piece together his final days to determine how he fell to his death... or who pushed him...

The investigation quickly reveals a network of locals with ties to the victim, but as for the man himself... he remains something of a mystery. The dead man doesn't fit in; not with his social circle, not with his business interests and when others come looking for him, the intrigue only deepens.

Joined in the investigation by his new Detective Sergeant, Cassie Knight, Janssen uncovers closely guarded secrets alongside long-held grudges. Any one of them could be a motivation for murder. This man had powerful enemies and even more dangerous friends...

As the inquiry develops it is clear that someone wanted him dead but, a formidable character in his own right, who would dare to take him on? One death threatens to unravel a wider conflict where neither the innocent... or the guilty... can feel truly safe. Janssen must bring down the wall of silence encircling his childhood town, coming up against old antagonists as well as facing new adversaries, or risk an escalation in the violence.

Secrets are kept... Deceit is commonplace... And dead men Tell No Tales...

Set within the mysterious beauty of coastal Norfolk, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery with a little humour and a touch of romance, one that will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed.

Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alan Middlemass.
66 reviews
January 17, 2023
Falls apart

A fourth is added to the team. So four relationships which might be 6, sometime.

The DCI is still carrying a torch for her DI that doesn't seem to be dimming but she makes a potentially calamitous attempt at changing her life away from him and her abandoned fiance. Not convincing revelation of adulterous intent on lovers part.

DI and DC pairing still reveals junior can be easily fooled while being proficient. New DS shows up DC immaturity while DI and DS linking isn't smooth and we don't find out why until very late.

The initial murder solution exists outside of all activity from body discovery until penultimate chapter. Very unsatisfactory. Too much is unexplained about gang activity, the other killings and what appears to be drug smuggling.

And DI is so central to the story again that his DCI seems to be subordinate until she is allowed to issue orders. Now that the DS who has arrived after previous stories mentioned a vacancy the investigation by DCI / DI pairing seems top heavy.

His bio says author published first book in 2018. Amazon shows 6 Dark Yorkshire + 13 Hidden Norfolk in around 5 years.

The stories have reasonable characters but the speed of publication means story thins out. But so do other mass publishers although he may be better than the average.
Profile Image for Renee.
873 reviews
March 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four stars.
These books just keep getting better, and this was no exception. I was drawn in from the first page. I love how the author is able to write a short prologue that just draws the reader in and sets up the whole story. This time we had a dead body at the bottom of some cliffs. The book had so many twists and turns and I really enjoyed that. It makes it hard to really nail down who the culprit was, there are so many people with so many motives introduced, and it really kept me guessing.

As I have said before, something I really enjoy about the way the author writes this series is that it really feels like a fly on the wall observation of a real police investigation. We get a small amount of the investigating team’s private lives (a bit more in this one, but I won’t give anything away!) and the focus remains on the police procedures. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy books where there is more focus on the private lives too, but there is just something about how this series is written that I really like. It’s so easy to read and it feels like hardly any time goes by while I am doing so. To me, that is one of the markers of a really good book. It makes me really look forward to reading the next one!
Profile Image for Patricia Burton.
160 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2021
Truth and lies!

Another on the edge of your seat read, a chilling undercurrent of lies and deceit which ramps up the tension as you turn the pages. The developing characters are brilliantly portrayed each having their strengths and personalities pushed to the limits periodically throughout the book, the banter and dialogue between the main characters is exceptional which makes them appear just like you and I.

This starts with the gruesome death of a stranger, accident or murder, DI Janssen and the team are chasing their tails to get to a fraction of the truth their only possible clue is a leaflet about a food bank, found in the victims car. Lots of blind alleys and deep seated secrets not just by those they may suspect. The more they dig, the more deceit and silence come to the fore the more complicated and confusing their task becomes!

I loved this story impossible to put down, twists I didn't see coming eye opening revelations from a couple of characters I didn't expect all made for a mixture of emotions read!
Profile Image for Desney King.
Author 1 book24 followers
January 2, 2024
If only ...

Dalgleish tells a good tale and creates engaging characters. I'm enjoying the Hidden Norfolk Murder Mystery series - and didn't see the twist coming in this one.
That's why I've given this novel a generous 4 stars.
However ...
These books desperately need the services of a good copy/line editor. The sloppy sentences, with words repeated in close proximity, and - worst of all - the poor grammar, had me wanting to ditch the book many times. It's a testament to the plot, characters and pacing that I persevered.
Here are a few examples:
"Looking out the window ..., the skies carried only the slightest hint of cloud cover ..." (Instances of subject and object not agreeing are rife.)
"She opened the passenger door and got in. Janssen did likewise." (So he was sitting on top of her??)
"If you can think of anything else you think might be useful ..."
And this: "A young woman sat at a desk facing the door speaking on the telephone."

I don't think I can face another book by this author.
And that's a shame.
Profile Image for John Hardy.
727 reviews2 followers
April 12, 2025
DI Tom Janssen (Hidden Norfolk #4). I have liked others in this series, and this was a pacy, complex mystery. There is good development of the main characters, especially Cassie, the new DS. There's a mystery surrounding her, though, which bothers Tom.
There are some discordant notes. A stranger seduces Tamara, the DCI, in a hotel, and it seems quite out of character, considering she's there on a serious investigation.
Cassie gets beaten up by someone as a warning to stop investigating. It's obviously silly as she isn't the only cop on the job. What is worse is the weak response of both Tom and Tamara when they find out about it.
Apart from these weak plot points, the story is interesting, and there are elements of a thriller towards the end.
The final resolution of the first killing is a total surprise, and I wonder if whodunnit fans could have predicted it. I couldn't, that's for sure. The ending was a little unsatisfactory, with no "cool-down".
An enjoyable read with a few weaknesses, so rating 3.9.
Profile Image for JayeL.
2,099 reviews
Read
December 13, 2025
A man is found dead a the bottom of a cliff. He is not a nice man and his dead has unintended consequences in the criminal underworld.

I went back and listened to the end of Kill Our Sins, because Cassie Knight joined the team as DS and I didn't remember discussion about it. Even after re-listening, I am no wiser. She is an interesting addition to the team.

There is a brief mention of Sapphi, but no mention of Alice in this book.

There is a brief mention of the financial crimes unit being involved in Tom's case, but that isn't followed up, which I think should have been tied up.

Tom runs into 4 people with whom he went to school. Some of them are involved in the case. That aspect is discussed a little bit.
Profile Image for Martina Kovaříková.
589 reviews4 followers
September 4, 2022
This book is still good, although it may not be the most favourite in the series to date. I think the dynamics in the team has changed and not sure if it is for better right now. Tamara seems to be less involved in the investigation and actually keeps things from Tom, although she will be forced to trust his judgement and advice at least once in the book.
The story itself is not bad, and you will try to guess who is behind it, but I also feel like that there are not enough clues to finding out the murderer. I might have missed it, but I do not think so. If you do not mind not being able to figure it out and you just enjoy the story, this would work for you, otherwise you may stay away from it.
Overall, I did enjoy the book and I will try the next book in the series.
29 reviews
January 5, 2025
This is the fourth book in the series and they have NOT gotten better. If anything, they seem to have been written by a ghostwriter and not by the person who wrote the first few. The characters are snarky and behave like adolescents. Cassie, the new DS, "rolls her eyes" at everyone and everything, especially the DC. Tamara acts like a love starved teenager, drinking, flirting or pouting depending on who's around. The mystery? It's just a thread through the story. About ⅔'s of the way through I became frustrated and I started skimming pages that were about the scenery, or someone's dismissive comments, in order the keep the story going. I gave it 3 stars because I have enjoyed the characters up to this point, but this will be the last one I read.
Profile Image for Pamela Paterson.
592 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2021
An every day tale of every day folk just going about killing people. After forgetting all about this author, his characters and the fact that I have read 3 of his books I picked up number 4 in the order and I quickly remembered all the characters except the new detective on the team DS Cassie Knight.

These mysteries are pretty much you’re standard fare when it comes to British Police shows. You know its going to be a good thing but the characters aren’t going to WOW and there is limited drama within the characters personal lives.

Good mystery although the killer did flutter in the back of my mind when introduced.

Good book to while away a few hours.
Profile Image for Deb.
156 reviews
December 12, 2024
Book 4 is a game changer for this series. Finally the give and take between the characters is visible. Introducing the new DS is a brilliant addition who also adds a nice twist at the end.
The other notable thing about this book is the very clear action scene at the climax. The Anderson and Costello series muddled the climatic scene so often I had to wait for the denoument to figure out what just happened. Not so in this series—at least not so in book 4. The action was clear and easy to follow. A very good quality.
If the other books continue like this one, Then I am looking forward to more good, complex, and well-written detective-mysteries over the 2024 holiday break.
Profile Image for Sheila Reed.
29 reviews
June 3, 2020
Another excellent book by J M Dalgleish. DI Tom Janssen is a likeable main character with an interesting team of detectives. The newest member of the team is Cassie, a strong and feisty woman who isn’t afraid of speaking her mind and questioning decisions. I’m looking forward to finding out how she develops in future books.
This book was fast paced and the puzzling plot held my attention well.
The Norfolk settings are beautifully described and I recognise many of the places, having visited them several times.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Teresa Earl.
41 reviews
February 11, 2021
I love a good detective novel, and bought this (my first from this author) after reading the synopsis.
How I wish I hadn’t bothered.
I found the characters were weak and never felt I actually got to know them.
Annoyingly, they frequently ‘bobbed’ or ‘flicked’ their heads, or ‘flicked’ an eyebrow, and I was starting to dread the next time any of them bobbed or flicked.
Just not my cup of tea and, whereas I often feel sorry to have reached the end of a book that I’ve enjoyed, in this case, it was an overwhelming sense of relief that I’d finished it.

108 reviews
December 4, 2021
A Norfolk Crime

I really enjoyed this crime book. Strong characters, well written. Everything comes together at the enf. Well almost. Part of the story you have to guess and
that's wy I have it 4 star. I like conclusions to all crimes committed. I like to know about the characters arrested. The end of this book the conclusion was kind of predictable. I am reading the next book in this series but so far the following books do not .mention the previous crimes. Well written but disappointing endings
Profile Image for Paul Adler.
632 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2022
This is a good series of books. The characters grow on you as you go through the series. A new recruit Cassie Knight appears in this one as the new DS. A man found dead at the bottom of Sheringham cliffs sets in motion a series of incidents that lead to a surprise conclusion. The book is very pacy and the story moves along well. I enjoy LJ Ross and her Inspector Ryan stories set in Newcastle and Damien Boyd Inspector Dixon stories set in Somerset. These Inspector Janson stories are set in Norfolk. If you like the 1st 2 series you will like this one too.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Profile Image for Lynda Lock.
Author 31 books39 followers
July 4, 2020
The 4th book of The Hidden Norfolk Murder Mystery Series is a winner. This blurb from the author's page sums it up nicely. "Joined in the investigation by his new Detective Sergeant, Cassie Knight, Janssen uncovers closely guarded secrets alongside long-held grudges. Any one of them could be a motivation for murder. This man had powerful enemies and even more dangerous friends..." Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mystery series).
57 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2020
So book 4

As I look at the clock after finishing book 4 which kept up the very high standard I realise that it's only 2 to go in the series. This series has main characters that are believable and likeable, this episode in particular had an ending I couldn't have foreseen. Definitely think read the series in order is the way to get the full enjoyment from such an excellent writer.
Profile Image for Kathleen .
137 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am now going to read them from the first one. Although they are I think stand alone stories.
A very thrilling story, and the characters very well portrayed, and believable.
This is the first one I have read by this author, and it certainly wont be the last. Set in an area I know quite well, so that adds to the enjoyment.
A very unexpected ending, so it kept you guessing till the very end.
Highly recommended.
22 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2021
What a twist

Yet again J.M.Dalgliesh . Has done it again another story to stop me sleeping l just can't put the book down even to the last page l couldn't work out who was still right . The last chapter is brilliant l say no more l a!m saying get the book and read it you won't be sorry
Another brilliant read from Dalgliesh
Thank for another book to follow
Sincerely Patricia Campbell
44 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2021
I can't stop reading

I have read mysteries for many years , more than I care to admit to. I like to think that I am fairly adapt at figuring out "who done it." I must admit with this series the endings never fail to surprise me. I like the characters, how they relate to one another and the complex stories. I can't wait to read the next one. (My family might not be so eager for me to dive into the next one. I sometimes forget to start supper. 😁)
5 reviews
April 5, 2022
I put up with the clumsy narrative and lazy, sloppy prose for the first 3 books in this series because I enjoyed the settings and the characters were mildly interesting. No more. In this one, the prose is so bad that sentences are hard to follow, clichés abound and recurring characters have undergone personality changes so profound that it's like reading a novel from a different series! Oh, how I miss the days of good copy editors.
1,012 reviews15 followers
January 29, 2023
The best of the series so far. A new member, Cassie Knight, has. Been added to the team and she definitely spices things up and is perfect counterfoil to the plodding Tom Jansen and the “puppy like” Eric Collet. Still heading the team, DCI Tamara Greave plays a smaller role in this one, but a very important one. The plot is strong and the characters, as always, are well drawn. More action in this one than the previous ones. Tom’s love life does not intrude here.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews

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