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DI Henry Ford #1
Shallow Ground
Detective Ford has a cold-blooded killer to catch. But can he escape his own dark secrets?
Barely a month since his promotion to Inspector, DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her son in a small flat in Salisbury. There are few clues, and no apparent motive, but Ford can sense that there’s a serial killer at work. After all, he knows from brutal personal experience how killers cover their tracks…
It’s been six years since Ford lost his wife in a climbing accident—an accident he caused. He is desperate to keep the truth hidden, especially from his son, Sam. But Ford’s new partner, Dr Hannah Fellowes, is a crime scene investigator with a ruthlessly analytical mind, and as they work together to track down the killer, his crippling guilt is compounded by fear of exposure.
When instinct leads him towards a high-profile suspect, his superiors’ warnings just make him more determined to connect impulse and fact. But can Ford hold it all together—the case, his life—long enough to stop the killer?
Barely a month since his promotion to Inspector, DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her son in a small flat in Salisbury. There are few clues, and no apparent motive, but Ford can sense that there’s a serial killer at work. After all, he knows from brutal personal experience how killers cover their tracks…
It’s been six years since Ford lost his wife in a climbing accident—an accident he caused. He is desperate to keep the truth hidden, especially from his son, Sam. But Ford’s new partner, Dr Hannah Fellowes, is a crime scene investigator with a ruthlessly analytical mind, and as they work together to track down the killer, his crippling guilt is compounded by fear of exposure.
When instinct leads him towards a high-profile suspect, his superiors’ warnings just make him more determined to connect impulse and fact. But can Ford hold it all together—the case, his life—long enough to stop the killer?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2020
2473 people are currently reading
2650 people want to read
About the author
Andy Maslen
72 books514 followersMILLION COPY BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR KINDLE STORYTELLER AWARD
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
May 5, 2024
3.5 rounded up
This is a good start for a promising series which I’ll definitely continue. DI Ford is likeable, definitely a bit obsessive. He has a good backstory and carries guilt but that’s a bit overdone imo. Really interesting highly qualified Crime Scene investigator in Dr Hannah Fellowes, and I’m curious where it will lead with Ford.
I like the ‘bloody’ plot and good use is made of medical history especially on blood circulation. There are some good misdirections and red herrings to keep you entertained.
Maybe it folds a bit quickly at the end??
Overall though I really enjoyed it.
This is a good start for a promising series which I’ll definitely continue. DI Ford is likeable, definitely a bit obsessive. He has a good backstory and carries guilt but that’s a bit overdone imo. Really interesting highly qualified Crime Scene investigator in Dr Hannah Fellowes, and I’m curious where it will lead with Ford.
I like the ‘bloody’ plot and good use is made of medical history especially on blood circulation. There are some good misdirections and red herrings to keep you entertained.
Maybe it folds a bit quickly at the end??
Overall though I really enjoyed it.
September 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book reading it cover to cover in one sitting. A good police procedural crime story that had some very good characters and an interesting plot.
Newly promoted DI Ford is a single parent having lost his wife in a climbing accident six years ago. He caused the accident and bears the pain of keeping his guilt from his teenage son Sam. DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her son in a small flat in Salisbury. With minimal clues available, Ford senses a serial killer at may be at work. Together with his new Dr Hannah Fellowes, a crime scene investigator they are determined to uncover the murderer.
I really enjoyed the two main characters DI Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes and there is definitely the making of a series with all the baggage they carry. Really enjoyable read from an author I had no prior knowledge of.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Newly promoted DI Ford is a single parent having lost his wife in a climbing accident six years ago. He caused the accident and bears the pain of keeping his guilt from his teenage son Sam. DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her son in a small flat in Salisbury. With minimal clues available, Ford senses a serial killer at may be at work. Together with his new Dr Hannah Fellowes, a crime scene investigator they are determined to uncover the murderer.
I really enjoyed the two main characters DI Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes and there is definitely the making of a series with all the baggage they carry. Really enjoyable read from an author I had no prior knowledge of.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2020
Detective Ford #1
DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young use and her sonin their flat in Salisbury. Ford senses that there is a serial killer at work. Ford's wife died in a climbing accident, an accident Ford felt he had been responsible for. He has a son, Sam. Ford has also got a new partner, Dr Hannah Fellowes who's a crime scene Investigator.
It's clear from the beginning that Ford is suffering with survivors guilt. The plotline is interesting and the main characters were likable. I was pulled in from the beginning of this steady paced book. The author has clearly researched the contents of the story. The body count kept rising so Ford and his team have to work fast to find out who's behind these killings. This is a great start to a new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingGroupUK and the author #AndyMaslen for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young use and her sonin their flat in Salisbury. Ford senses that there is a serial killer at work. Ford's wife died in a climbing accident, an accident Ford felt he had been responsible for. He has a son, Sam. Ford has also got a new partner, Dr Hannah Fellowes who's a crime scene Investigator.
It's clear from the beginning that Ford is suffering with survivors guilt. The plotline is interesting and the main characters were likable. I was pulled in from the beginning of this steady paced book. The author has clearly researched the contents of the story. The body count kept rising so Ford and his team have to work fast to find out who's behind these killings. This is a great start to a new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingGroupUK and the author #AndyMaslen for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2020
Audio 5 + Stars
STORY....4.25 Stars
STORY....4.25 Stars
October 21, 2020
A fantastic start to a new series!! DI 'Henry' Ford is newly appointed and finds himself on a case with no evidence, no motive...Only a dead mother and young son...He is a hard-working man who years ago lost his wife on a rock climb, and survivors guilt carries with him to this day. Raising his young son alone, while working to keep the town safe for everybody...He has a great team of Cops and other staff working with him, and a new CSI member, Hannah, brings a little life and lots of experience to the team...But the investigation is tough, the woman has been exsanguinated...But Not the boy...After investigating the team finds the young women had just left the food bank, now to check out everyone there... Soon other killings follow, with the same circumstances, and a strange number written in blood at every crime scene...What does it mean..Can Hannah's work with liars and blood assist in the answer?!
I thoroughly enjoyed this new character, Ford, and the scenes grab you and do Not let go until an answer to the murders is found. With interesting plots and descriptions you feel you are right there working with them!
I thank NetGalley and the author for a thrilling read and offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new character, Ford, and the scenes grab you and do Not let go until an answer to the murders is found. With interesting plots and descriptions you feel you are right there working with them!
I thank NetGalley and the author for a thrilling read and offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
September 27, 2022
Very good detective novel. Since I am in the medical profession, the lab specifically, I was impressed that the author got stuff right. It’s so annoying when an author doesn’t do the basic research needed to get things right. So kudos to this author. I will definitely read more in this series. I enjoyed the characterization of the new CSI, the new DI, his family, and the bad guy(s).
January 6, 2021
5 stars audio and story!!! Yayyyyy. First one in 2021!
March 14, 2024
This is another one I pulled out of the depths of my TBR list from back in Oct2020. The story starts with the death of Ford’s wife, Louisa, from a rock-climbing accident. Ford’s guilt results from the fact that he goaded her on the climb even though she didn’t want to go and thought the climb looked too dangerous. Ford also caused the accident when he misjudged a step and fell and pulled a boulder out that fell and hit his wife below. When he got down to where she was stuck in the water with the tide coming in, he couldn’t help her out and knew that when he left to get help, that she would be dead soon. Yeah, that certainly was a rather macabre way to start the story.
Anyway, fast forward six years and Ford is arguing with he and Louisa’s 15yr old son, Sam, when Sam tells Ford that he hates him and that he wishes he died instead of mom. Suffice it to say that all is not well in the Ford household. Then there is the other storyline starting with the new CSI Deputy, Hannah, who comes off as a little…..quirky? I suspected she was neurodivergent and later it was revealed that she has Aspergers. Anyway, DCI Ford likes working with her and appreciates her intelligent, straight forward and kind of blunt way of communicating even though she may rub some of the other team members the wrong way.
The chapters flip back and forth between Ford and the killer, as well as back and forth between the present-day investigation and killings and the killer’s childhood, in a home with an alcoholic, abusive father and an abused mother. Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the murders and trying to identify who the killer is, who he’s going to target next and tracking him down before another victim turns up.
While I suspected who the killer was in the first half of the story; I read wwwaaayyy too many of these stories. However, it was still interesting in how Maslen developed the story, the characters, and the investigation to where Ford and the rest of the team were finally able to zero in on the killer and close the case. I also liked papa Ford (he’s a different man than DCI Ford) and Sam. There were scenes between Ford and Sam that were just so sad and kind of heart wrenching. I look forward to seeing more of that relationship; I think they’ve gotten over a hump, so to speak. I also look forward to more of Hannah, and her continued efforts to overcome her social awkwardness as well as her efforts to “fit in”.
Anyway, fast forward six years and Ford is arguing with he and Louisa’s 15yr old son, Sam, when Sam tells Ford that he hates him and that he wishes he died instead of mom. Suffice it to say that all is not well in the Ford household. Then there is the other storyline starting with the new CSI Deputy, Hannah, who comes off as a little…..quirky? I suspected she was neurodivergent and later it was revealed that she has Aspergers. Anyway, DCI Ford likes working with her and appreciates her intelligent, straight forward and kind of blunt way of communicating even though she may rub some of the other team members the wrong way.
The chapters flip back and forth between Ford and the killer, as well as back and forth between the present-day investigation and killings and the killer’s childhood, in a home with an alcoholic, abusive father and an abused mother. Most of the story revolves around the investigation of the murders and trying to identify who the killer is, who he’s going to target next and tracking him down before another victim turns up.
While I suspected who the killer was in the first half of the story; I read wwwaaayyy too many of these stories. However, it was still interesting in how Maslen developed the story, the characters, and the investigation to where Ford and the rest of the team were finally able to zero in on the killer and close the case. I also liked papa Ford (he’s a different man than DCI Ford) and Sam. There were scenes between Ford and Sam that were just so sad and kind of heart wrenching. I look forward to seeing more of that relationship; I think they’ve gotten over a hump, so to speak. I also look forward to more of Hannah, and her continued efforts to overcome her social awkwardness as well as her efforts to “fit in”.
November 30, 2021
Fantastic serial killer read
I really loved this book. Just enough dead bodies to keep me interested, a complex plot with multiple suspects, and a fantastic cast of characters that I look forward to following to more books.
I really loved this book. Just enough dead bodies to keep me interested, a complex plot with multiple suspects, and a fantastic cast of characters that I look forward to following to more books.
November 10, 2020
Shallow Ground is the first instalment in the Detective Inspector ”Henry" Ford series, set in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Newly-promoted DI Ford has just landed his very first murder case and you know what they say - you never forget your first - especially when it involves a ruthlessly efficient serial killer with a flair for the dramatic. It begins with the brutal and merciless killing of widowed nurse Angela Halpern and her 3 year old son, who was found cradled in her arms, in their small Salisbury flat. The gruesome discovery was reported when a downstairs neighbour witnessed blood dripping from the ceiling. She had been exsanguinated but her son had not and cryptic numbers scrawled in blood were left behind as some sort of message. With minimal clues or evidence to help out, Ford and his team come to the conclusion that this is unlikely to have been the murderers first kills and that it's possible they have a serial killer in their midst. Soon more murders follow with the same, unique modus operandi. The only piece of strong evidence connecting each of the slayings is that in every case the victim had recently visited the local food-bank.
Ford and his team, including Senior Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Dr Hannah Fellowes, are under immense pressure to get results within the week or his superiors will bring in a more experienced replacement. Can Ford save his reputation and bring the killing to an end in the process? This was a completely riveting and thoroughly enjoyable procedural from start to finish. Maslen sets the pace to quick fire and provides exciting developments and twisty-turny surprises aplenty, topping it off with a superb cast of characters. The short, snappy chapters also build the tension nicely. DI Ford is still very much mourning the loss of his wife, Lou, who fell to her death in a climbing accident at Pen-y-Holt Bay, Pembrokeshire, six years ago, leaving him to bring up their 15 year old son, Sam, as a single parent, whilst also juggling work responsibilities. Dr Fellowes is an intelligent CSI with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and expert in forensic psychology. She also has Asperger's and is high functioning, which makes her great at analytical tasks. A compulsive and entertaining read and a promising beginning to a new series. Highly recommended.
Ford and his team, including Senior Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Dr Hannah Fellowes, are under immense pressure to get results within the week or his superiors will bring in a more experienced replacement. Can Ford save his reputation and bring the killing to an end in the process? This was a completely riveting and thoroughly enjoyable procedural from start to finish. Maslen sets the pace to quick fire and provides exciting developments and twisty-turny surprises aplenty, topping it off with a superb cast of characters. The short, snappy chapters also build the tension nicely. DI Ford is still very much mourning the loss of his wife, Lou, who fell to her death in a climbing accident at Pen-y-Holt Bay, Pembrokeshire, six years ago, leaving him to bring up their 15 year old son, Sam, as a single parent, whilst also juggling work responsibilities. Dr Fellowes is an intelligent CSI with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and expert in forensic psychology. She also has Asperger's and is high functioning, which makes her great at analytical tasks. A compulsive and entertaining read and a promising beginning to a new series. Highly recommended.
November 17, 2020
This is the first book in the Detective Ford series. DI Ford is riddled with guilt over his wife's mountain climbing accident and now he is left to raise their son, Sam, on his own. DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her son in a small flat in Salisbury. Soon there are other bodies found and Ford comes to the conclusion that a serial killer who leaves the bodies drained of blood is involved. The suspects ended up between two people and I kept changing my mind between them. The ending was a surprise and the book proved to be a real page-turner. All the characters were well-fleshed out and I look forward to reading more about them in book 2. Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for a free copy for an honest review. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2021
Short and sweet. DI Ford has my heart. Wiltshire? The rivers? I must confess that it's my first choice. Not even reviewing this. I l loved it. More please? Truthfully, the setting of this book was quite beautiful. I loved everything else, but sometimes, the background shoves itself into the spotlight!
November 21, 2020
Detective Ford still blames himself for his wife’s death six years ago in a climbing accident. He struggles with his guilt as he raises his son, Sam, and tries to balance that relationship with the demands of his job. Newly promoted to Detective Inspector, his first case is a serial killer whose MO is exsanguination.
The plot is interesting and there is good character development, especially in his fellow team members. New CSI Hannah Fellowes, a highly trained and skilled investigator is particularly interesting as an Asperger’s savant. Fast paced and engrossing, I will add Andy Maslen to my must read mystery/police procedural authors.
This is advertised as the first of the Detective Ford book series. I hope there will be more.
The plot is interesting and there is good character development, especially in his fellow team members. New CSI Hannah Fellowes, a highly trained and skilled investigator is particularly interesting as an Asperger’s savant. Fast paced and engrossing, I will add Andy Maslen to my must read mystery/police procedural authors.
This is advertised as the first of the Detective Ford book series. I hope there will be more.
February 19, 2021
DI "Henry" Ford has recently been promoted to DCI. When he gets the call to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her young son, he has mixed emotions. This is his chance to show his superiors he's able to handle the job. On the other hand he feels he knows from brutal personal expreience how killers cover their tracks.
The young woman was bashed in the head, strangled and then left to bleed out. The child was given a shot that stopped his heart. There are few clues, no DNA, no apparent motive.
Ford has a new partner ... Dr. Hannah Fellowes, a crime scene investigator with an analytical mind that just doesn't stop.
This murder is just the beginning, as other bodies fall. They are all killed the same way. The only thing connecting them are the number left on the walls of each crime scene.
How are these victims chosen?
As the investigation continues, Ford's instincts lead him to a high-profile suspect .. but his supervisor has warned him off this particular person. Knowing Ford, he will just ignore the warning and does what he always had ... follow his gut feelings.
This is the beginning of a new series by this author (who has produced other series). A second book becomes available later this year. The characters are deftly drawn. Ford is a single father, having lost his wife in a climbing accident some years ago. He feels guilty that he wasn't able to save her. He and his teenage son still haven't come to grips with her death. Fellowes is a marvelous character. She's got a brilliant mind, she's very friendly, and seems to put everything out there. She has Asperger's and worries what others will think of her. Secondary characters bring a lot to the story as they are also front and center in crime solving.
There's non-stop action filled with suspense. What the killer does is horrendous ... the why is even more evil.
Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 19, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Shallow Ground, the first novel to feature DI “Henry” Ford of the Salisbury Police.
Ford gets his first murder case as a newly promoted detective inspector and it’s complicated. He has to solve the murder of a young nurse and her son. She’s been bled to death and he’s untouched, suggesting something out of the ordinary and then there are more bodies.
Shallow Ground is a well plotted novel with an interesting premise and likeable characters. Unfortunately it didn’t really hold my interest as I didn’t see any uniqueness in it.
The novel is mostly told from Ford’s point of view with the killer chipping in from time to time with tales of childhood abuse and current thoughts. New appointed CSI Dr Hannah Fellowes also gets her point of view aired. The killer’s point of view is fairly standard, something I’ve read ad nauseum in this genre. Ford is like Morse, no first name required, hence “Henry” as in Henry T. and Hannah is on the spectrum, so likely to blurt out her thoughts at any minute. That gels with her FBI training in psychology.
The plot revolves around the hunt for a serial killer and concentrates mostly on Ford’s gut recognising the killer. This is based on his survivor’s guilt after his wife died in a climbing accident he initiated and he sees himself as a killer. This insistence on one prime suspect without concrete evidence is not my kind of reading. I prefer a wider ranging investigation where there are several suspects of equal probability that can engage the reader in their own speculation.
Shallow Ground is a solid read.
Ford gets his first murder case as a newly promoted detective inspector and it’s complicated. He has to solve the murder of a young nurse and her son. She’s been bled to death and he’s untouched, suggesting something out of the ordinary and then there are more bodies.
Shallow Ground is a well plotted novel with an interesting premise and likeable characters. Unfortunately it didn’t really hold my interest as I didn’t see any uniqueness in it.
The novel is mostly told from Ford’s point of view with the killer chipping in from time to time with tales of childhood abuse and current thoughts. New appointed CSI Dr Hannah Fellowes also gets her point of view aired. The killer’s point of view is fairly standard, something I’ve read ad nauseum in this genre. Ford is like Morse, no first name required, hence “Henry” as in Henry T. and Hannah is on the spectrum, so likely to blurt out her thoughts at any minute. That gels with her FBI training in psychology.
The plot revolves around the hunt for a serial killer and concentrates mostly on Ford’s gut recognising the killer. This is based on his survivor’s guilt after his wife died in a climbing accident he initiated and he sees himself as a killer. This insistence on one prime suspect without concrete evidence is not my kind of reading. I prefer a wider ranging investigation where there are several suspects of equal probability that can engage the reader in their own speculation.
Shallow Ground is a solid read.
March 18, 2024
Rating: 3.5 stars
This police procedural concentrates on gathering evidence that will lead to a conviction of homicide rather than on the culprit or why the murders were committed. Shallow Ground is the first of three books in this series, and all are available on KU.
DI Henry Ford has a secret that may destroy him. But before that, he has to catch the killer. Newly promoted he is called in to investigate a double murder. Despite the lack of clues, he suspects that a serial killer is behind it all. Ford knows from his own experience how criminals cover their tracks. Years ago, he lost his wife in a climbing accident that he himself caused. He tries to hide the grim truth from his son and his new partner, with whom he is working on the case. Can he stand the situation long enough to stop the killer?
This police procedural concentrates on gathering evidence that will lead to a conviction of homicide rather than on the culprit or why the murders were committed. Shallow Ground is the first of three books in this series, and all are available on KU.
DI Henry Ford has a secret that may destroy him. But before that, he has to catch the killer. Newly promoted he is called in to investigate a double murder. Despite the lack of clues, he suspects that a serial killer is behind it all. Ford knows from his own experience how criminals cover their tracks. Years ago, he lost his wife in a climbing accident that he himself caused. He tries to hide the grim truth from his son and his new partner, with whom he is working on the case. Can he stand the situation long enough to stop the killer?
November 8, 2020
The book opens with Ford and his wife, Lou, climbing. Ford grabs a loose rock, breaks Lou's leg, leading to her tragic death.
Years later, Ford still suffers survivor's guilt while raising their now teenage son. Balancing his job, single parenthood and stress.
A killer is draining his victims of their blood and writing numerical messages with their blood. Ford delves into the mind of the killer - what feeds this need?
Hannah has left her job with the FBI, joining the Salisbury CSI unit. Together, Ford and Hannah dig through evidence, desperate for a profile.
This is a great start to a new series. I loved the characters- realistic, likeable. I want to know more.
Some areas dragged; I found myself skimming occasionally.
Thank you, Netgalley, for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Years later, Ford still suffers survivor's guilt while raising their now teenage son. Balancing his job, single parenthood and stress.
A killer is draining his victims of their blood and writing numerical messages with their blood. Ford delves into the mind of the killer - what feeds this need?
Hannah has left her job with the FBI, joining the Salisbury CSI unit. Together, Ford and Hannah dig through evidence, desperate for a profile.
This is a great start to a new series. I loved the characters- realistic, likeable. I want to know more.
Some areas dragged; I found myself skimming occasionally.
Thank you, Netgalley, for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2024
3.5* , chýbali mi tam plot twisty 😅
August 19, 2021
This was an interesting and compelling beginning for a new police procedural series. The characters were engaging, and the story told with skill.
I appreciated the interpersonal dynamics of the police team. I liked the father son relationship between Ford and his son Sam. The addition of a new police CSI officer named Hannah Fellowes, who has Aspergers, added greatly to the narrative and would seem a logical love interest for Ford in further novels. Her candor and forthrightness, along with her brilliant brain was a joy to read.
If I had to find any negatives about the book, I’d have to say that Henry’s extreme feelings of survivor’s guilt over his beloved wife’s death was a tad repetitive. Yes, he had made an impossible choice, but he had NO choice really. It was have her die, or have them both die. The blurb emphasized his feelings of guilt and his ‘dark’ secrets. I thought the blurb was a tad misleading.
Also, I cannot for the life of me figure out why the novel was entitled “Shallow Ground“. I could not connect the title with this story in any way. What am I missing?
As the reader, I was privy to the serial killer’s motivations (though not his identity), so while reading I was waiting for D.I. Ford and his team to find and apprehend him. The red-herring suspect was well rendered and skillfully misguided the reader as planned.
Some readers might find the narrative a bit gruesome in places, but those who read a lot of police procedural and serial killer thrillers will not mind a bit.
All in all, an impressive and compelling start to a new series. Highly recommended!
I appreciated the interpersonal dynamics of the police team. I liked the father son relationship between Ford and his son Sam. The addition of a new police CSI officer named Hannah Fellowes, who has Aspergers, added greatly to the narrative and would seem a logical love interest for Ford in further novels. Her candor and forthrightness, along with her brilliant brain was a joy to read.
If I had to find any negatives about the book, I’d have to say that Henry’s extreme feelings of survivor’s guilt over his beloved wife’s death was a tad repetitive. Yes, he had made an impossible choice, but he had NO choice really. It was have her die, or have them both die. The blurb emphasized his feelings of guilt and his ‘dark’ secrets. I thought the blurb was a tad misleading.
Also, I cannot for the life of me figure out why the novel was entitled “Shallow Ground“. I could not connect the title with this story in any way. What am I missing?
As the reader, I was privy to the serial killer’s motivations (though not his identity), so while reading I was waiting for D.I. Ford and his team to find and apprehend him. The red-herring suspect was well rendered and skillfully misguided the reader as planned.
Some readers might find the narrative a bit gruesome in places, but those who read a lot of police procedural and serial killer thrillers will not mind a bit.
All in all, an impressive and compelling start to a new series. Highly recommended!
November 2, 2020
Yes!!! New author and Oh my.........what fantastic book Shallow Ground by Andy Maslen was.
I was hooked from the very first few pages and before I knew the birds were singing outside my window. I only opened this book on my kindle last night and finished it in 1 sitting. I don't usually do this, but this book had everything, Murderers with lots of blood, etc, and with great new characters especially learning about them throughout this new book which made a brilliant new Police procedural crime book.
To me this makes a great start to a new series with two main characters DI Henry Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes which worked well together.
What more do you want in a book!?
A fantastic start to a new series!!
I highly recommend this new book by Andy Masten and will be reading more books by him.
Can I go to bed now? lol
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley UK for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked from the very first few pages and before I knew the birds were singing outside my window. I only opened this book on my kindle last night and finished it in 1 sitting. I don't usually do this, but this book had everything, Murderers with lots of blood, etc, and with great new characters especially learning about them throughout this new book which made a brilliant new Police procedural crime book.
To me this makes a great start to a new series with two main characters DI Henry Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes which worked well together.
What more do you want in a book!?
A fantastic start to a new series!!
I highly recommend this new book by Andy Masten and will be reading more books by him.
Can I go to bed now? lol
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley UK for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2020
This is a great start to a new series.
DI Ford is called out to a bloody crime scene where a mother and her child have been murdered.
It seems she was hit over the head and then the blood drained from her body - but why?
Ford is introduced to a new CSI and soon she’s helping him with the case and building a profile of the killer. Hannah has a head for detail which comes in very handy during the investigation.
Soon more victims are found and DI Ford and the team need to step up the investigation to catch the killer.
This is a gripping read that had me well and truly hooked.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
DI Ford is called out to a bloody crime scene where a mother and her child have been murdered.
It seems she was hit over the head and then the blood drained from her body - but why?
Ford is introduced to a new CSI and soon she’s helping him with the case and building a profile of the killer. Hannah has a head for detail which comes in very handy during the investigation.
Soon more victims are found and DI Ford and the team need to step up the investigation to catch the killer.
This is a gripping read that had me well and truly hooked.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 10, 2020
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I saw a British mystery with Steve West narrating, it was certain I would read it. Shallow Ground is the beginning of the Detective Ford series which I'll definitely want to continue. The main character is a single dad, who lost his wife in a tragic accident. He has felt considerable grief and guilt. Now six years later, Ford has a teenage son and a promotion.
Ford is leading his first major case since his promotion. He has an instinct but everyone else sees things differently. There are some key scientific aspects which are helped along by the new CSI, Hannah. I really liked both Ford and Hannah as characters and enjoyed their work together as they got to know each other. Ford was a reasonably good supervisor with giving out appropriate tasks and praising good work. His people are mostly supportive and good at their work.
The possible suspects are quite the quirky bunch. There are enough clues to make it a bit difficult to discern the killer quickly. The team works the case in a smart and strategic way, gathering evidence, and eliminating suspects based on their facts. Naturally, there is a lot of pressure to solve a case with a guy who keeps killing.
It was lovely to watch Ford with his son, Sam, and the progression in their relationship. There are ups and downs because of Ford's work schedule and Sam's interests and activities, but they work through the issues. I'm going to enjoy seeing them as they navigate Sam's teen years.
Narration:
Steve West is my favorite narrator. Since the main character DI Ford is male and this story is his point of view, it fit well. Of course, then I pictured the main character in my head as Steve West. Oddly, it is easy for me to "see" him as DI Ford, Inspector Jury, Hugh d’Ambray, Sean Kendrick and more. Sometimes it bothers me to hear a narrator as other characters but that hasn't been an issue with Steve West. The characters don't sound just the same. The character voices in Shallow Ground were nicely differentiated and seemed appropriate. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
When I saw a British mystery with Steve West narrating, it was certain I would read it. Shallow Ground is the beginning of the Detective Ford series which I'll definitely want to continue. The main character is a single dad, who lost his wife in a tragic accident. He has felt considerable grief and guilt. Now six years later, Ford has a teenage son and a promotion.
Ford is leading his first major case since his promotion. He has an instinct but everyone else sees things differently. There are some key scientific aspects which are helped along by the new CSI, Hannah. I really liked both Ford and Hannah as characters and enjoyed their work together as they got to know each other. Ford was a reasonably good supervisor with giving out appropriate tasks and praising good work. His people are mostly supportive and good at their work.
The possible suspects are quite the quirky bunch. There are enough clues to make it a bit difficult to discern the killer quickly. The team works the case in a smart and strategic way, gathering evidence, and eliminating suspects based on their facts. Naturally, there is a lot of pressure to solve a case with a guy who keeps killing.
It was lovely to watch Ford with his son, Sam, and the progression in their relationship. There are ups and downs because of Ford's work schedule and Sam's interests and activities, but they work through the issues. I'm going to enjoy seeing them as they navigate Sam's teen years.
Narration:
Steve West is my favorite narrator. Since the main character DI Ford is male and this story is his point of view, it fit well. Of course, then I pictured the main character in my head as Steve West. Oddly, it is easy for me to "see" him as DI Ford, Inspector Jury, Hugh d’Ambray, Sean Kendrick and more. Sometimes it bothers me to hear a narrator as other characters but that hasn't been an issue with Steve West. The characters don't sound just the same. The character voices in Shallow Ground were nicely differentiated and seemed appropriate. I listened at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
September 11, 2020
An excellent read that keeps you guessing who is responsible for the dreadful murders. The cast of characters is steadily introduced and easy to relate to. The excitement and thrill in the story are addictive.
Newly-appointed Inspector DI Ford is faced with the challenging task of tracking down the person who is responsible for a series of murders. The serial killer is deadly and ruthless and leaves subtle clues at every crime scene.
When DI Ford's instincts lead him towards a high profile suspect, he is more determined to solve the case. But can Ford find the killer before another murder takes place ?? suspense heightens as we find out ........
Newly-appointed Inspector DI Ford is faced with the challenging task of tracking down the person who is responsible for a series of murders. The serial killer is deadly and ruthless and leaves subtle clues at every crime scene.
When DI Ford's instincts lead him towards a high profile suspect, he is more determined to solve the case. But can Ford find the killer before another murder takes place ?? suspense heightens as we find out ........
May 14, 2021
This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last! Gripping crime story that kept me guessing! I loved how all of the characters were written, even with the most hated ones. I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait to start number 2!
Steve West's performance was excellent! Every single character that was done and the range of emotions portrayed was so damn good! From the creepiest evil guy to the sweetest woman. Always a pleasure to listen to any narration he does.
Steve West's performance was excellent! Every single character that was done and the range of emotions portrayed was so damn good! From the creepiest evil guy to the sweetest woman. Always a pleasure to listen to any narration he does.
December 19, 2021
What a hidden gem this book turned out to be!!
A great murder investigation with a loaded personal story on the detective's side. He is a single father doing his best to raise his teen son and deal with the loss of his wife, for which he still feels very guilty.
The part that I wasn't very keen on was how was portrayed Dr Hannah Fellowes. She is a person with Asperger syndrome and the author makes her look like a real hero, something that we should all strive to be. There is nothing wrong with plain, regular people with a sharp mind. Apart of that the book is quite good!
A great murder investigation with a loaded personal story on the detective's side. He is a single father doing his best to raise his teen son and deal with the loss of his wife, for which he still feels very guilty.
The part that I wasn't very keen on was how was portrayed Dr Hannah Fellowes. She is a person with Asperger syndrome and the author makes her look like a real hero, something that we should all strive to be. There is nothing wrong with plain, regular people with a sharp mind. Apart of that the book is quite good!
April 24, 2023
Odd reason to kill
I enjoyed this book a lot. I'm looking forward to the rest in the series. Detectives and others trying to figure out who this psychopath is and why they are killing was interesting to say the least.
I enjoyed this book a lot. I'm looking forward to the rest in the series. Detectives and others trying to figure out who this psychopath is and why they are killing was interesting to say the least.
February 16, 2024
Will definitely read the rest of the series and check out other works by this author.
January 3, 2022
There are certain things you expect in a police procedural. A flawed detective with a secret in his past, a nascent romance with a colleague, perhaps, and enough red herrings to open a fishmongers.
You get all of those here. The book is set in Salisbury though there’s no real sense of place, not like Morse’s Oxford or Rebus’ Edinburgh where the city is almost an extra character. There’s also the odd logic error – a reference to offering to walk a character home when a few pages earlier she’d arrived by car, for example.
Beyond that though the book is well paced, tightly plotted and has nicely drawn main characters and a good grasp of modern police jargon and procedures. A workmanlike detective novel.
You get all of those here. The book is set in Salisbury though there’s no real sense of place, not like Morse’s Oxford or Rebus’ Edinburgh where the city is almost an extra character. There’s also the odd logic error – a reference to offering to walk a character home when a few pages earlier she’d arrived by car, for example.
Beyond that though the book is well paced, tightly plotted and has nicely drawn main characters and a good grasp of modern police jargon and procedures. A workmanlike detective novel.
August 30, 2020
Ford is a newly promoted Detective Inspector in Wales. We meet him 6 years after losing his wife in a climbing accident. It was an accident, but Ford blames himself and considers himself a murderer. He is raising his 15 year old son, Sam, on his own. Additionally, a new member has been added to the CSI team with Ford works with closely. Her name is Dr. Hannah Fellowes. She is smart and pretty and very outspoken. We find that is related to her Asperger's diagnosis. While she is British, she has spent a lot of time working in the USA with the FBI. Her previous work experience and vast knowledge are assets to Ford's team and while he is attracted to her, he is not over losing his wife. This relationship is not a dominate story line, but could build over time in future books. IT seems this is the first in a new series. In addition to Hanna, Ford has a great team of detectives working with him. his old friend and colleague Julie (Jools). Mick, who appears to have a bit of a thing for Jools. Alec, Hanna's boss and Sandy, Ford's boss. In this story those who are struggling financially and use the local food-bank when they are in need of food are the target of the killer. There are two suspects brought to light right away. The red-herrings which make the read suspect one than the other and back to the other are fantastic. I had a feeling I knew whom the killer was, but our author did not make it easy. I am hoping this does become a series as I would like to spend more time in Wales with DI Ford and his colleagues.
October 2, 2020
Wow - I could not put this book down! I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to crime fiction - I’m really careful of violent images or ideas that root themselves firmly and unpleasantly in my brain. This one came close but didn’t cross that line for me. I think the first scene was the most chilling I’ve read recently and had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the killer to be caught. In typical detective fiction style the book starts with murder - that of a young mother and her son which felt particularly sad and brutal. Ford is a recently promoted DI, a widower who feels responsible for the death of his wife; he has a teenage son and feels unable to start a new relationship. He’s working on a force short of resources and money and under pressure, and he needs his first case to be solved quickly. But then there’s another death and another. What makes this a great read is the pace and tension maintained right to the very end, well-rounded characters and an excellent plot. Ford is a particularly intriguing D.I. - he feels some kind of mental connection to the thought processes of the killer, has gut instincts which are usually accurate but in this case appear to be misleading him. The unravelling of the crime is compelling, throwing out twists and false starts along the way and the conclusion is deeply satisfying. I really hope Ford will be back to solve another case, and look forward to seeing how his personal relationships will develop. With grateful thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a digital copy of this book.
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