A CHILLING NORFOLK BROADS CRIME THRILLER The remains of a 17th Century witch, an MP found hanging above a five-pointed star, and three girls with powers they struggle to control.
As DI Tanner and DS Evans endeavour to make plans for their big day, the chance discovery of Norfolk's last known witch, tried and hanged by Norfolk’s infamous Witchfinder General, sparks a chain of the most horrific events, none of which Tanner seems able to stop.
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.
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‘I’d no idea you knew so much about witches.’ Jenny shrugged. ‘Well, I used to be one, you see,’ she continued, in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, ‘but there’s not much demand for them these days, so I joined the police instead.’
I learned a long time ago to never underestimate the lengths the rich and shameless would go for the acquisition of power. From what I can make out, they’re basically brought up to believe that it’s their God-given right to be in control. That’s why so many of them go into politics.
He’s going to disown you faster than a paranoid rat deserting a submarine with a hole in it.
My Review:
Where have I been that I had never read this crafty and wily scribe before? I immediately fell into his tragic and cringe-worthy tale of intrigue and oddly contrived and heinous murders. I was ensnared, caught up, and engaged on all thrusters. The storylines hit all the feels with emotive and evocative phrasing while also being rich with vibrant observations, clever snark, and wry and caustic humor. I adored these characters, as sarcasm happens to be my second language. The storylines were active, fast-paced, and kept the little pea in my brain whirling. I enjoyed it so much I’m diving right back in with the next book in the series as well as crossing my fingers while checking my jaundiced bank balance with the hope of amassing the previous four installments.
I have read every one of David’s books and enjoyed getting to know the characters, their flaws and their stories. Great twists. I won’t spoil this book by giving anything away. If you’re new to this series- start with his first book and you will want to continue reading them all, as I have. Can’t wait for the next book.
This exciting story begins with a group of youngsters finding an old gravestone, reputedly that of a local witch. Then the deaths begin. The first is that of the MP for the area, who shares his surname, Hopkins, with that of the Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins. Rumours of ancient vengeance abound. It doesn’t stop there, of course, and further murders are discovered, all apparently linked. This is a fast and pacey story with lots of edge-of-the-seat stuff and some big shocks for long-time readers of the series. David Blake can really tell a story.
Judging by the quality and style of writing, I had assumed this was a debut novel, so surprised to find it was book five. Too over the top for me, unconvincing storyline and every kind of murder/death you can think of.
Another great one from David Blake's Insp Tanner series
I loved all of the story, some of it is really sad. But the case is solved by great detective work. Can't wait for the next one, out in a few months time.
I've been with this series from the beginning and, even though it showed no signs of flagging at all, the author has chosen this, only the fifth book, to really put the cat among the pigeons and do a brave thing to mix things up... and that's all I am saying here... apart from bravo and, controversial, and really looking forward to the next book more than ever! So... it's all things spooky and witchy in this, the latest outing for Tanner and Evans as they are called to a rather bizarre crime scene. An MP is hanging above a five-pointed star. That's only the start of things as our twosome are swift to discover. A dead MP leads to a by-election and that brings its own problems, oh and suspects. But who could be responsible for the death... surely it has nothing to do with the earthly remains of a 17th Century witch recently uncovered...? Or is there a more simple explanation... I love this series, I love the relationship between the characters, all the characters, not just the two leads. The stories are well plotted and executed with aplomb, oh and also with very little padding and waffle, save that necessary for series character development. The book goes along at a fair lick, often feeling like it is reading itself to you! If you get what I mean by that... All in all, a cracking addition to an already favourite series, and as already mentioned, really hanging for book 6 now...
What a shocker of an ending! Story is excellent, lots of conflicting stories, too many suspicious characters, confusion and conflict among police officers, and an excess of dead bodies! I have read mysteries for many decades and never encountered an ending as unexpected as this one!
I don't normally reveal spoilers for anything. To me, story is sacred. If someone's gone to the trouble of creating content, I would never dream of ruining that for someone who might enjoy it otherwise.
This is a bit different. If you don't want any spoilers, run away from this review. Run away now.
If you're still reading, just know that I have reasons for what I do. In Sherlock Holmes' story "The Adventure of the Final Problem," Arthur Conan Doyle decided he needed to kill Sherlock Holmes. A truly terrible decision, as it turns out. Even Doyle realized it years later and had the great detective return from the dead. But in Horsey Mere, David Blake decides he just had to kill someone. And kill them in a way that they won't be coming back. And so he's lost one of his most devoted fans. I understand that characters die. In the first novel in the Detective Tanner series, the other DI was killed. But you don't kill one of the two main characters in the series. You just don't. Or if you do, you lose me as a reader.
I suppose there are plenty of fans who will appreciate this plot twist and insist that it's a nod toward realism. Not that I believe for a second that someone at a small place like the Wroxham Police station would nearly get killed in every other book, especially considering how short of time has passed. So the claim that creating such a death in fiction makes it realistic is just plain bogus. Imagine a Lord of the Rings where Sam dies. Imagine the original Star Wars where Leia dies. Imagine Harry Potter where Hermione dies. If you think such needless deaths would have made for better novels, then Horsey Mere is definitely your kind of book.
Maybe David spent too much time binge watching Game of Thrones while writing this novel. Kill every character we like? Surely that's the best way to get on the bestseller list, right?
So I am done with this series. And I'm done with David Blake as an author. As an author myself, I know full well that it's the author's decision alone that ends up killing a beloved character. It's not necessary. It's just hubris. Too bad really. You should have killed her in a way that you could bring her back to life if you changed your mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Horsey Mere is book 5 in the DI Tanner series by David Blake. DI and DS Evans were working on their wedding day after the death of a local MP, Patrick Hopkins. The death of Patrick Hopkins started a change of events that ended in a horrific event that will affect DI Tanner and DS Evans. The readers of Horsey Mere will continue to follow DI Tanner and DS Evans's investigation to discover what happens.
I agree that the DI Tanner series by David Blake deserves the title of Debut Crime Thriller Series of the Year. Whenever I read a book in this series, I forget about sleeping or eating until the end, and Horsey Mere kept up the tradition. I love David Blake's portrayal of his characters and how they interact with each other throughout this book. Horsey Mere was well written and researched by David Blake. I like David Blake's description of Horsey Mere settings, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Horsey Mere will learn about the consequences of hate, fear and revenge on the community. Also, the readers of Horsey Mere will learn about hyperkyphosis and the effects of the disease.
I will say very little about this other than it was really good but I was devastated by the ending. I never saw it coming believing it to be a dream moment. Talk about harsh yet certainly makes me want to read the next one the second it comes out to find out how this moves along. I hope we do not totally miss the very witty comments that we had got used to.
Horsey Mere by David Blake is another brilliant installment in the Detective Tanner series, blending atmospheric storytelling with a gripping mystery that captures the unique essence of the Norfolk Broads. From the opening chapters, Blake sets the tone with vivid descriptions of the eerie landscape around Horsey Mere, a place steeped in both natural beauty and an undercurrent of menace. His ability to turn the Broads into a character in itself is one of the highlights of the series, and it’s showcased beautifully here.
Detective Tanner once again proves to be a compelling lead—gritty, intelligent, and deeply human. In Horsey Mere, he faces one of his most chilling cases yet. A murder linked to the isolated waterways tests not only his investigative skill but also his resilience in confronting the darker sides of human nature. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with colleagues and locals adding depth, tension, and occasional humor to balance the darker elements of the story.
Blake’s writing style is sharp and cinematic. The pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish, with a perfect mix of slow-burn suspense and sudden twists that leave you reeling. Clues are carefully layered, and just when you think you’ve figured out the mystery, Blake throws in another clever turn. The climax is both shocking and satisfying, tying together the threads of the investigation while leaving you eager for Tanner’s next case.
What makes Horsey Mere truly stand out is Blake’s ability to immerse readers in a strong sense of place. The Norfolk Broads come alive with their mist, waterways, and hidden corners—creating an atmosphere that’s both haunting and unforgettable. It’s a setting that elevates the mystery and lingers in your mind long after you’ve finished the final page.
If you’re a fan of British crime fiction, David Blake’s Horsey Mere is a must-read. It’s intelligent, atmospheric, and utterly gripping—a perfect blend of strong character work, chilling mystery, and evocative setting. Without a doubt, a five-star read.
This is the fifth in the series of DI Tanner books, set in Norfolk.
This book really is different to the others in the series and shows that the author is willing to try new things and I find that this can help series stay fresh and intriguing.
When a body of a witch is found it sparks off an interesting case for DI Tanner. The witch is the last to have been hung by the Witchfinder General. Obviously it makes the local news but not soon after a prominent person is found dead with a star underneath him.
Surely the discovery of the witch and this recent death can not be related? DI Tanner and DS Evans find themselves investigating a case like no other. The witch died in the 17th century, when people’s views and beliefs were very different. I like the characters in this series and how they relate to each other. There are lots of twists and turns throughout leading up to an incredible ending…….
A breathtaking and nail-biting crime thriller from David Blake in the fifth of the DI Tanner series. The plot is about strange deaths in Norfolk countryside, that is alleged to have transpired due to a curse of the last witch in the town, whose grave was accidentally unearthed by a group of youngsters. The protagonist is handed over the case amidst the preparation of his big wedding day with his lady love who is also his DS colleague. The investigation takes a twist when other attacks and fatalities lead them in a direction of racial conflicts rather than witchcraft. The protagonist follows his instincts and as he is near to unfolding the mysterious deaths when tragedy strikes him. Although he is inconsolable by this personal loss he is determined to nab the perpetrator. Leaving no stone unturned, he meticulously analyzes the conspiracy and slowly unveils the true face behind the nefarious acts in the town. The storyline is brilliant with twists and turns, keeping the readers guessing the identity of the culprit except for the tragic incident. It would be interesting to see how Tanner moves on with this burden of loss in the forthcoming installments of the series. Strongly recommended for crime thriller lovers. Can be read as a stand-alone novel although this is the fifth in the Tanner series.
A breathtaking murder and mystery of trying to get to the root of it all.
This book by David Blake is one of his best. It and me spellbound as our hero tries to unravel a murder tied up with Witchcraft. He goes through hell and high water as he tries to get to the root of things, enduring great suffering along the way. I couldn’t put it down and you won’t be able to either.
An amazing story, told at breakneck speed as the body count starts to rise. There were many unexpected twists and turns in the story, strange deaths relating to the discovery of a 17th century witch's grave and "bang to rights" suspects who were not as guilty as first thought. Young teenage girls engaged in "witchcraft", a "victim" who it turns out, is anything but. An uperclass wife turning to murder and a heroine killed in the line of duty. A lot was crammed into this book, some parts unbelievable but, it was an enjoyable read.
Never have been to much into murder mysteries but my interest was piqued as the series was set in the broads where I grew up. Read the first book and was immediately booked so much so that I read all the first books one after another. Pre ordered horsey mere read it in one day. It did not disappoint me. It's great how the mix of old superstition and history combine with a modern police force. I enjoy reading g of the dark side of the Norfolk countryside and the broads it's not always sunny! Looking forward to the next instalment.
This book made me mad, made me cry, made me hate some of the characters and love others. It takes admin good book to bring your emotions to the forefront. Excellent book. I will be reading more of his books. Bravo Mr. Blake, bravo.
Keeping you guessing till the end as to the culprit of the grisly murder, only to discover a tragic sequence of events and some hard facts for John Tanner to deal with. Can't wait for the next book to see how he fairs!
Great read once again from David Blake featuring DI Tanner and DS Evans. I really enjoy the characters, the plot, and the setting. Engrossing series. Cheers Lynda L. Lock (Isla Mujeres Mysteries)
Absolutely loved all 5 books but cried my eyes out at the last one when Jenny died I just didn’t expect that. I’m glad Tanner is coming back though. Can you please make him happy finding another love as he’s lost so much and I feel sorry for him. Love all your books xxxx
Another excellent book in the John Tanner series. Without giving anything away the ending has a twist I didn’t see coming..but again the actual story was interesting and obviously well researched. Thoroughly recommended
I have enjoyed all of the DI Tanner books. I was very surprised by the plot twist in this one. I can’t say that I’m happy about it but no spoilers! It’s a very well written series and I look forward to the next one. I highly recommend this author.