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DCI Matt Ballard #3
The Dying Light
WHISPER FEN HOLDS DARK SECRETS
As the mists roll over the fens and enigmatic lights twinkle in the distance, only the locals know their way along the hidden paths through the mysterious watery terrain of one of England’s most beautiful and sometimes dangerous places.
Detective Matt Ballard may have retired but there’s still plenty going on the fens to keep him busy.
Someone trashes an old lady’s garden and daubs her isolated cottage with hateful graffiti. Emilia Swain seems to be totally harmless, so why is she being targeted?
Matt’s best friend Will and his wife Kate moved to Holland House to put their past behind them. But Kate’s mental state is deteriorating and she’s obsessed with the tragic history of the house and an old doll she finds in the garden.
And why is Kate suddenly friends with a loner who haunts the fens?
Has the dreadful past come back to haunt the present owners?
Former detectives Matt and Liz want to help their friends and neighbours. But how can you help people who don’t want to be helped?
As the mists roll over the fens and enigmatic lights twinkle in the distance, only the locals know their way along the hidden paths through the mysterious watery terrain of one of England’s most beautiful and sometimes dangerous places.
Detective Matt Ballard may have retired but there’s still plenty going on the fens to keep him busy.
Someone trashes an old lady’s garden and daubs her isolated cottage with hateful graffiti. Emilia Swain seems to be totally harmless, so why is she being targeted?
Matt’s best friend Will and his wife Kate moved to Holland House to put their past behind them. But Kate’s mental state is deteriorating and she’s obsessed with the tragic history of the house and an old doll she finds in the garden.
And why is Kate suddenly friends with a loner who haunts the fens?
Has the dreadful past come back to haunt the present owners?
Former detectives Matt and Liz want to help their friends and neighbours. But how can you help people who don’t want to be helped?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2020
2175 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
60 books2,427 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
December 6, 2022
Holland House, on Whisper Fen, was now home to Will and Kate, where they'd moved after Will's bad injury in his last case. Nearby lived retired detective Matt Ballard, along with Liz Haynes - also retired - and they'd both achieved their PI licences. When an elderly woman, living near Holland House, reported her cat had been killed as well as some other nasty things, Will, Matt and Liz promised to keep an eye on her property. But Will was also getting very concerned for his wife. Kate was an artist, with her beautiful drawings included in children's books. She and Will were grieving the loss of their newborn, and slowly, Will could see Kate deteriorating, going to dark places. Her moods were erratic and Will felt like he was walking on eggshells. What could he do to help her? He could see Holland House wasn't good for Kate...
The Dying Light is the 3rd in the DCI Matt Ballard series by Joy Ellis and it was outstanding! It was hard to put down, as Will was trying to help Kate, learning things he hoped she wouldn't discover. Matt was a supportive friend, trying to keep Will's spirits up. The characters of Matt and Liz are exceptional, the plot unusual but filled with tension. I'm looking forward to #4 soon! Highly recommended.
The Dying Light is the 3rd in the DCI Matt Ballard series by Joy Ellis and it was outstanding! It was hard to put down, as Will was trying to help Kate, learning things he hoped she wouldn't discover. Matt was a supportive friend, trying to keep Will's spirits up. The characters of Matt and Liz are exceptional, the plot unusual but filled with tension. I'm looking forward to #4 soon! Highly recommended.
August 9, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded down
Well, this was a very different book for Joy Ellis. Not your typical mystery at all.
Matthew Ballard and Liz Haynes are now retired and have hung out their shingles as PIs. They take on helping an elderly neighbor of a friend, Will, who has had her cat killed and her garage trashed. But it’s Will who provides the bigger mystery. His wife, Kate, has changed. She’s become secretive, angry and hyper. A nasty manic, to be honest.
While not what I was expecting from Ms. Ellis, I enjoyed it. It’s an engrossing story with an underlying feeling of tension and suspense. Lately, I’ve been disappointed with most psychological thrillers I’ve read. But this one captured my attention. I quickly became emotionally invested in Will, who has no idea what to do for his wife and spends the days walking on eggshells. That said, I could see the ending coming from a mile away, especially as it pertained to Sophie.
My thanks to netgalley and Joffre Books for an advance copy of this book.
Well, this was a very different book for Joy Ellis. Not your typical mystery at all.
Matthew Ballard and Liz Haynes are now retired and have hung out their shingles as PIs. They take on helping an elderly neighbor of a friend, Will, who has had her cat killed and her garage trashed. But it’s Will who provides the bigger mystery. His wife, Kate, has changed. She’s become secretive, angry and hyper. A nasty manic, to be honest.
While not what I was expecting from Ms. Ellis, I enjoyed it. It’s an engrossing story with an underlying feeling of tension and suspense. Lately, I’ve been disappointed with most psychological thrillers I’ve read. But this one captured my attention. I quickly became emotionally invested in Will, who has no idea what to do for his wife and spends the days walking on eggshells. That said, I could see the ending coming from a mile away, especially as it pertained to Sophie.
My thanks to netgalley and Joffre Books for an advance copy of this book.
July 23, 2020
Former detectives Matt and Liz have both resigned their posts and now run a Private Investigator business.
Having successfully closed their first case, they are more than ready when their good friend Retired Detective Matt Ballard asks for help. He and his wife, Kate, recently moved after the loss of the child she was carrying. She's never fully recovered, even after spending some time in a psychiatric hospital for a short time.
Now she's become obsessed with the tragic history of their house and an old doll she finds buried in her garden. Has the horrific past come back to haunt the present owners? And who is the strange man she sees but never talks about?
They've also been tapped to see if they can help an elderly neighbor. Someone has trashed her garden and paints abhorrent graffiti on here cottage. She's old, she's well liked.. so who is targeting her?
Matt and Liz have their hands full in the action-packed crime fiction mystery. It's well written with nuances of the paranormal. The characters are deftly drawn. The plot is tightly woven and drew me in from the very first. Twists and turns lead to a very unexpected ending. Although 3rd in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books . Books 'n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE DYING LIGHT. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Having successfully closed their first case, they are more than ready when their good friend Retired Detective Matt Ballard asks for help. He and his wife, Kate, recently moved after the loss of the child she was carrying. She's never fully recovered, even after spending some time in a psychiatric hospital for a short time.
Now she's become obsessed with the tragic history of their house and an old doll she finds buried in her garden. Has the horrific past come back to haunt the present owners? And who is the strange man she sees but never talks about?
They've also been tapped to see if they can help an elderly neighbor. Someone has trashed her garden and paints abhorrent graffiti on here cottage. She's old, she's well liked.. so who is targeting her?
Matt and Liz have their hands full in the action-packed crime fiction mystery. It's well written with nuances of the paranormal. The characters are deftly drawn. The plot is tightly woven and drew me in from the very first. Twists and turns lead to a very unexpected ending. Although 3rd in the series, it is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books . Books 'n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE DYING LIGHT. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 23, 2020
Matt Ballard and Liz Haynes have both retired from the police force for differing reasons. They decide to become private investigators. Their old friend and colleague, Will and his wife, Kate have just bought an old house close to Matt and Liz. But Will is worried about his wife and he asks Matt and Liz to try and help. Will also asks Matt and Liz to help his neighbour, Emilia who's having problems with vandalism.
Joy Ellis knows how to draw a reader in and hold their attention. The pace is steady and the story is a little bit different to what she normally writes. Matt and Liz have their hands full with all the action that's been packed into this book. This is an intriguing read with lots of twists. The tension builds with each turn of the page. This book could be read as a standalone but it's always best, if you can, to read a series in the order they were written in.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Joy Ellis knows how to draw a reader in and hold their attention. The pace is steady and the story is a little bit different to what she normally writes. Matt and Liz have their hands full with all the action that's been packed into this book. This is an intriguing read with lots of twists. The tension builds with each turn of the page. This book could be read as a standalone but it's always best, if you can, to read a series in the order they were written in.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2020
The Dying Light is my favourite by the very talented: Joy Ellis.
I felt more intrigued with this particular book: why is somebody targeting an innocent, vulnerable elderly widow? What could she have possibly done to someone for them to inflict such abuse and threatening behaviour upon her?! ...Could it be a random attack? Did her late husband make any enemies?
Then there was Kate. Kate's behaviour was strange to say the least. But why?!
I have to say that my heart went out to Kate and Will. Kate for what she had been through and Will, for what he had been through and for trying his hardest to look after Kate.
I have always been a believer in the unexplained and the author really made me feel that there was more to Holland House than met the eye. As the story unfolded, I broke out in goosebumps quite a few times and I couldn't wait to find out what on earth was going on and why.
Why is someone being secretive? Where do innocent children come into this living nightmare?
I loved how Matt and Liz, whilst still going about their private investigating business, still had time for their friends and wanted to help in any way they could with the strange comings and goings on Whisper Fen.
The Dying Light is a well thought out, perfectly tuned story, that gripped me until the end.
This book is the third in the Matt Ballard series but can easily be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it!
My thanks to Joffe books, via NetGalley and Books n All Promotions.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
I felt more intrigued with this particular book: why is somebody targeting an innocent, vulnerable elderly widow? What could she have possibly done to someone for them to inflict such abuse and threatening behaviour upon her?! ...Could it be a random attack? Did her late husband make any enemies?
Then there was Kate. Kate's behaviour was strange to say the least. But why?!
I have to say that my heart went out to Kate and Will. Kate for what she had been through and Will, for what he had been through and for trying his hardest to look after Kate.
I have always been a believer in the unexplained and the author really made me feel that there was more to Holland House than met the eye. As the story unfolded, I broke out in goosebumps quite a few times and I couldn't wait to find out what on earth was going on and why.
Why is someone being secretive? Where do innocent children come into this living nightmare?
I loved how Matt and Liz, whilst still going about their private investigating business, still had time for their friends and wanted to help in any way they could with the strange comings and goings on Whisper Fen.
The Dying Light is a well thought out, perfectly tuned story, that gripped me until the end.
This book is the third in the Matt Ballard series but can easily be read as a standalone and I highly recommend it!
My thanks to Joffe books, via NetGalley and Books n All Promotions.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
July 18, 2021
I've listened to most of Joy Ellis's books via Audible, so am familiar with her characters and writing style. This book took on the subject of mental illness and bipolar disorder, which I have personal experience with due to a close relative suffering from it. The author used the trope of the person being an artist and suddenly painting darker images. The atmospheric presence of the home this mentally ill character lived in and the setting made it feel slightly like a horror novel, but not in a good way. Considering how much enjoyment I've had from Joy Ellis's previous works, I will put it down to a one-off for me.
July 22, 2020
I was so excited when I heard Joy Ellis had written another book in the Matt Ballard series and I wasn't disappointed.
I have to start with the characters because this is a unique story with several damaged characters trying to find a way forwards all linked together by several events.
We met Matt and Liz in Beware the Past where Liz was left severely brain damaged and Matt emotionally drained. Liz is on a long slow road to recovery but some of the damage is permanent she will never work in the Police Force again. Matt retired to help support Liz and the pair are now doing private investigative work.
Kate had a breakdown after a tragic loss and is recovered but still fragile. Her husband, Will damaged his arm while on Police work and is now retired on medical grounds. They buy Holland House for a bargain price and Kate focuses all her energy on restoring the house back to its former glory.
Emilia is an elderly lady living alone after her husband died. She lives near Holland House but her cottage is very remote. She is a harmless old lady who puts all her effort into keeping her house and garden in tip top condition. However, someone is targeting her they kill her cat and play some other pranks. In a normal situation it would be put down to teenagers but doubtful they would go to the effort of travelling into the depths of beyond to have their fun.
Will asks Liz and Matt to help find out who is behind the actions and that brings them into contact with Kate who is acting very strangely.
As the story develops we are treated to several strands of investigation and get to know other characters who play a part in this gripping story. Laura and Sam also make an appearance and Sam plays a bigger part towards the end.
This is an absolutely gripping book unlike anything i have read before it has the ability to keep the adrenaline pumping and the brain cells whirring as we take a roller coaster ride full of twists, turns, red herrings and mind blowing shocks. And the ending .... Well WOW just WOW
5 golden stars from me
I have to start with the characters because this is a unique story with several damaged characters trying to find a way forwards all linked together by several events.
We met Matt and Liz in Beware the Past where Liz was left severely brain damaged and Matt emotionally drained. Liz is on a long slow road to recovery but some of the damage is permanent she will never work in the Police Force again. Matt retired to help support Liz and the pair are now doing private investigative work.
Kate had a breakdown after a tragic loss and is recovered but still fragile. Her husband, Will damaged his arm while on Police work and is now retired on medical grounds. They buy Holland House for a bargain price and Kate focuses all her energy on restoring the house back to its former glory.
Emilia is an elderly lady living alone after her husband died. She lives near Holland House but her cottage is very remote. She is a harmless old lady who puts all her effort into keeping her house and garden in tip top condition. However, someone is targeting her they kill her cat and play some other pranks. In a normal situation it would be put down to teenagers but doubtful they would go to the effort of travelling into the depths of beyond to have their fun.
Will asks Liz and Matt to help find out who is behind the actions and that brings them into contact with Kate who is acting very strangely.
As the story develops we are treated to several strands of investigation and get to know other characters who play a part in this gripping story. Laura and Sam also make an appearance and Sam plays a bigger part towards the end.
This is an absolutely gripping book unlike anything i have read before it has the ability to keep the adrenaline pumping and the brain cells whirring as we take a roller coaster ride full of twists, turns, red herrings and mind blowing shocks. And the ending .... Well WOW just WOW
5 golden stars from me
August 7, 2020
I see all of the other readers love this book. I have enjoyed the other Matt Ballard books but the ending for this one just left me very disappointed. I was reading every spare minute to find out what had happened to Kate but we never found out? Sophie being so terrified that it took her weeks to get over it was not resolved by a letter. Kate's behavior was not resolved at all - why did she tear up her neighbor's garden - that was not tied to Holland House at all. Kate just changed completely - with no explanation - no faulty heating in her art room, no bad paint from the remodeling she was doing to poison her- she just wasted away from the tie between her losing her baby and history at the house - really??? She stopped eating, her painting changed completely, she could not leave the house...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
Don't know how this lady does it, but Miss Ellis has delivered another best seller once again.
a psychological thriller, D. Matt Ballard Book three.
Matt and partner Liz Haynes private investigators now after giving up working in the police force. Matt at fifty three years old has served his time but is still fit. Liz after an attempt on her life fails her medical. these two are a team and have just cracked their first case, but more challengers are in store.
Whisper Fens has been having a lot of activities lately,
I loved this book, sharp, witty as well as plenty of gripping moments.
i love the characters together, and makes this book a proper page turner, and a reading gem for all thriller readers.
this is something different from the author, who never fails me in her work.
emotional pulls in every chapter, and what an ending.
July 27, 2020
I was so excited when I heard there was a new Matt Ballard book coming out! I loved the first two and I was eager to see how Joy Ellis would carry on Matt’s story. Don’t worry if you haven’t read any of the other novels (you should because they’re really good) as it’s easily read as a standalone.
The Dying Light is something a bit different from Joy Ellis’ usual police procedurals but it’s just as enjoyable.
I love Matt and Liz, they’re such a sweet and loving couple and even though they’re now both retired they still use their time as private detectives to help other people. The addition of former colleague Will’s POV made it even better.
I got a slightly creepy feeling during the novel, Whisper Fen makes an ethereal backdrop to the story.
The ending was jaw dropping. I’m still thinking about it as I’m writing this review and honestly, it’s one of the most fraught and emotional I think Joy Ellis has ever written.
I will warn you that mental health is one of the main themes in the story which may be triggering for some people although Joy Ellis does handle this with sensitivity.
I did wish the plot had been streamlined a little more, there were a couple of times I got a little confused at the beginning.
The Dying Light is a complex, emotional and atmospheric read that will really stick with you after you’ve read it.
The Dying Light is something a bit different from Joy Ellis’ usual police procedurals but it’s just as enjoyable.
I love Matt and Liz, they’re such a sweet and loving couple and even though they’re now both retired they still use their time as private detectives to help other people. The addition of former colleague Will’s POV made it even better.
I got a slightly creepy feeling during the novel, Whisper Fen makes an ethereal backdrop to the story.
The ending was jaw dropping. I’m still thinking about it as I’m writing this review and honestly, it’s one of the most fraught and emotional I think Joy Ellis has ever written.
I will warn you that mental health is one of the main themes in the story which may be triggering for some people although Joy Ellis does handle this with sensitivity.
I did wish the plot had been streamlined a little more, there were a couple of times I got a little confused at the beginning.
The Dying Light is a complex, emotional and atmospheric read that will really stick with you after you’ve read it.
July 21, 2024
Joy Ellis….what happened! This is not her best effort. This book was very dark, depressing & an unresolved sad ending. I miss the police procedural writings which Joy Ellis does so well! I will continue to Joy Ellis’s book but not from this series!
May 7, 2023
The Dying Light is book three in the Detective Matt Ballard Mystery series by Joy Ellis. On retirement from law enforcement Detective Matt Ballard, he became a private investigator in a beautiful rural area of England called Whisper Fen. When his best friend Will asked him to help one of his neighbours and Will's wife, he did not hesitate to help. Initially, Matt did not know why Will's elderly neighbour Emilia Swain was getting hateful graffiti. The readers of The Dying Light will continue to follow Detective Matt Ballard to find out what happens.
The Dying Light is the first book I have read in the Detective Matt Ballard Mystery series, and I did enjoy this book. I love how Joy Ellis incorporates some social issues that affect communities, and I love Joy Ellis's portrayal of her characters and their interaction. The Dying Light is well-written and researched by Joy Ellis. I like Joy Ellis's description of the settings of The Dyine Light, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Dying Light will learn about the area of England called the Fens. Also, the readers of The Dying Light will understand the problems law enforcement officers have when they are injured.
I recommend this book.
The Dying Light is the first book I have read in the Detective Matt Ballard Mystery series, and I did enjoy this book. I love how Joy Ellis incorporates some social issues that affect communities, and I love Joy Ellis's portrayal of her characters and their interaction. The Dying Light is well-written and researched by Joy Ellis. I like Joy Ellis's description of the settings of The Dyine Light, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Dying Light will learn about the area of England called the Fens. Also, the readers of The Dying Light will understand the problems law enforcement officers have when they are injured.
I recommend this book.
June 15, 2023
The first one of her books I've been able to guess the end from near the beginning. A great read. 👍
August 13, 2020
Just not for me
I usually love Joy Ellis books. Nikki and team, jackman and evans.... The story was so sad but, the characters. I just didn't engage with them. I found them.... They were tedious to me. So so disappointing. Their speech patterns, their inner monologues. And it wasn't really a Matt Ballard book. It was a Will book. And the way I felt about these characters affected the way I felt about the story. It could have and should have been so much more. So glad I have a Jack man and Evans Book to read now. Will hopefully be the joy Ellis I know and love with characters i know and love and a story i can get behind and enjoy! Maybe it's the fact it's not actually a police novel so it's a slightly different take....I'll soon find out!
I usually love Joy Ellis books. Nikki and team, jackman and evans.... The story was so sad but, the characters. I just didn't engage with them. I found them.... They were tedious to me. So so disappointing. Their speech patterns, their inner monologues. And it wasn't really a Matt Ballard book. It was a Will book. And the way I felt about these characters affected the way I felt about the story. It could have and should have been so much more. So glad I have a Jack man and Evans Book to read now. Will hopefully be the joy Ellis I know and love with characters i know and love and a story i can get behind and enjoy! Maybe it's the fact it's not actually a police novel so it's a slightly different take....I'll soon find out!
September 7, 2020
What the ....... !!!!?????
Are there two Joy Ellis's? If not then what has happened? This book is a disaster!!! I have read every book Joy has published and given 99% of them 5 stars but not this one. It was a real slog to read & if it had been the first Joy Ellis book I had tackled I would not have finished it nor would I have purchased any more. And please do not resort to unnecessary use of the F word as you have in this book. As I said before .... A DISASTER ..... when compared to your other first class books. A story not worth the telling.
Are there two Joy Ellis's? If not then what has happened? This book is a disaster!!! I have read every book Joy has published and given 99% of them 5 stars but not this one. It was a real slog to read & if it had been the first Joy Ellis book I had tackled I would not have finished it nor would I have purchased any more. And please do not resort to unnecessary use of the F word as you have in this book. As I said before .... A DISASTER ..... when compared to your other first class books. A story not worth the telling.
February 22, 2021
Easy and enjoyable to read
The 3rd installment of the Matt Ballard series was another page turning mystery. We continue to see the love story of Matt and Liz but also a love story between a husband and wife. This book dives into the despair of mental health. It shows how difficult it can be on the patient and the loved ones. There is also a bad guy or two thrown into the mix. This story goes smoothly from one story line to another making the book easy to read. Hopefully there will be a 4th book in this series.
The 3rd installment of the Matt Ballard series was another page turning mystery. We continue to see the love story of Matt and Liz but also a love story between a husband and wife. This book dives into the despair of mental health. It shows how difficult it can be on the patient and the loved ones. There is also a bad guy or two thrown into the mix. This story goes smoothly from one story line to another making the book easy to read. Hopefully there will be a 4th book in this series.
January 26, 2024
Ugh, what a disappointment. Whiny, unlikable characters, a weak mystery, and inaccurate portrayals of mental illness. Not recommended.
July 30, 2020
DCI Matt Ballard has now retired from the police after several harrowing cases nearly finished him off. He and his partner, former sergeant Liz Haynes who was left with life threatening injuries after book one and never returned to work, have set up as private detectives, meaning that we get another brilliant story involving the pair. They have just had a successful outcome to their first case and have the luxury of being able to pick their jobs as they choose. They receive a call from a close friend and former colleague Will Stonebridge, also invalided out of the police by an injury. He lives out at Whisper Fen and several strange recent events are worrying him. An elderly neighbour's cat has been killed and her garden vandalised. A widow of German descent, she knows of no enemies but it looks like someone hates her or wants her out of her cottage. In addition Will has seen strange lights on the fens at night and a man called Gerald Grove has moved into the area who Will has a bad feeling about. There are problems at home too. They lost a new baby and his wife Kate nearly died herself giving birth to that child, leaving her unable to conceive again. A successful and very talented children's book illustrator, she went through months of therapy and finally seemed to be getting her life with Will back on track. Sadly just lately she seems to be descending into darkness again, obsessed with their new house on the fens and plunging herself into its history. She has taken to roaming the fens and has made friends with Grove. Matt and Liz offer to get involved in looking into the harassment of the lady and to see what they can turn up on Grove. As Kate's behaviour spirals out of control and Will has even more heartache to contend with, Matt and Liz spend their time split between detection and providing support to their friends. Things turn very grim for everyone as the cases collide and bad weather moves in, producing a frantic life or death situation. This is a real chiller with far more to it than merely being a great detective story. Definitely there is an element of how a person's surroundings can affect them, and what better place for that than the misty and mysterious fens, with their dark tales of lantern men and will o' the wisps claiming the lives of the lost. Holland House is ripe for ghostly tales and macabre rumours, due to its sad history and the whole story is beautifully constructed with very well drawn characters that immediately take on a life of their own. It was also great to see former colleagues and characters such as DC Bryn Owen and Professor Sam Page making an appearance. Matt and Liz are put through the wringer possibly more now than even in their police careers, tackling a baffling case and supporting their friends through a terrible time. Kate's story is harrowing in places and incredibly well portrayed. There is plenty of action towards the end, and the book has a fantastic ending full of surprises and shocks. Highly recommended (I couldn't put it down) and I sincerely hope we get more of Matt and Liz in their new roles (please!). 5*
July 14, 2020
Wow what a book! Joy has such skill at writing, she can turn her hand to anything. read it during the day and when I woke in the night I read this from 2:30am until I finished it at 5:00am. This book however, hasn’t got the usual murders in it, it’s a thriller though, make no mistake.
It was a sad story, the mind is a very delicate thing, and Kate, whilst brilliant and talented suffered dreadfully. I liked her reference to the fairies and spirits and the folklore in general, a lot can be said about it, and nature, who has its own method of survival. I did think though, Will was a bit too compassionate, and he should have got her help sooner rather than later. That house would have spooked me out,it seemed to have a life if it’s own.
Mixed in, there’s an investigative job for Liz with the local shopkeeper, while Matt tries to support his friend with Kate. The old lady who lives up the road is being targeted by miscreants but no one knows why.
As I’ve said before I do like the way Joy intermingles the characters from her other series, and the fact that they all know one another gives the book a homely feel. I wonder if I went to the Fens whether I might meet Nicky Gelena, or Matt and Liz! The surrounding countryside and the fens gives the book a feeling of menace, I’m not sure I’d be wondering about out there in the dark.
My thanks to Joy and Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
It was a sad story, the mind is a very delicate thing, and Kate, whilst brilliant and talented suffered dreadfully. I liked her reference to the fairies and spirits and the folklore in general, a lot can be said about it, and nature, who has its own method of survival. I did think though, Will was a bit too compassionate, and he should have got her help sooner rather than later. That house would have spooked me out,it seemed to have a life if it’s own.
Mixed in, there’s an investigative job for Liz with the local shopkeeper, while Matt tries to support his friend with Kate. The old lady who lives up the road is being targeted by miscreants but no one knows why.
As I’ve said before I do like the way Joy intermingles the characters from her other series, and the fact that they all know one another gives the book a homely feel. I wonder if I went to the Fens whether I might meet Nicky Gelena, or Matt and Liz! The surrounding countryside and the fens gives the book a feeling of menace, I’m not sure I’d be wondering about out there in the dark.
My thanks to Joy and Joffe Publishers for the ARC.
July 14, 2020
Matt Ballard has left the police force and he and his partner Liz have set up a private investigation business. They are contacted by Matt’s best friend, Will Stonebridge, who has recently moved to a house on Whisper Fen with his illustrator wife Kate. Will is concerned about a neighbour, Emilia Swain. A widow, Emilia has lived on the Fen for years but now her cat has been killed, her garden destroyed and graffiti daubed on her cottage. Matt and Liz gladly agree to look into who could be targeting Emilia. Will is also pleased to have Matt and Liz’s support as Kate is acting very strangely and has become obsessed with her new house and the Fen to the detriment of her health. Will is further rocked by the death of his sister and brother in law in Germany and travels to Canada for their funeral. When he returns to Whisper Fen Kate has deteriorated further and when his niece visits from Canada she is down right hostile. Finally, Kate agrees to seek help but Will is devastated to find out that his niece Sophie has gone missing while on her way to visit him.
Won’t say anymore about the plot as I don’t want to give anything away.
Finished this book in less than 24 hours, just couldn’t put it down. Love reading all Joy Ellis’ book and really like how characters from all the different series interweave through all her books. Fantastic read.
Won’t say anymore about the plot as I don’t want to give anything away.
Finished this book in less than 24 hours, just couldn’t put it down. Love reading all Joy Ellis’ book and really like how characters from all the different series interweave through all her books. Fantastic read.
January 18, 2021
The preview says this is a psychological thriller that will have you glued from the first page to the last. True.
It is a very well written book which makes you feel you're right in the middle of it. Although I had a long way to read last night I felt I had to finish it before I went to sleep. I didn't quite manage it though I did get to where things began to improve otherwise I might well have had a disturbed sleep. Finished the book morning over breakfast and although I'd less than two chapters to go there was still plenty to read.
Fairies feature in this book but don't be put off by that. Early on I wondered once or twice if I wanted to carry on because it is quite dark - not many laughs. I'm glad I did but I'm sure there will be readers who find it quite disturbing. In fact, I did too but it is fiction.
It is a very well written book which makes you feel you're right in the middle of it. Although I had a long way to read last night I felt I had to finish it before I went to sleep. I didn't quite manage it though I did get to where things began to improve otherwise I might well have had a disturbed sleep. Finished the book morning over breakfast and although I'd less than two chapters to go there was still plenty to read.
Fairies feature in this book but don't be put off by that. Early on I wondered once or twice if I wanted to carry on because it is quite dark - not many laughs. I'm glad I did but I'm sure there will be readers who find it quite disturbing. In fact, I did too but it is fiction.
July 16, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Dying Light, the third novel to feature former DCI Matt Ballard, set on the Lincolnshire Fens.
Matt and his partner Liz are enjoying their retirement when he gets a call from his friend, former DI Will Stonebridge, who has moved to the neighbouring fen and wants Matt’s advice on some strange happenings. His neighbour, Emilia Swain, is being threatened, there are strange nocturnal comings and goings, a suspicious new neighbour and his wife, Kate, is changing before his eyes and developing an unhealthy obsession with their new home and its history.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Dying Light, although it is not my normal fare, nor I would venture Ms Ellis’s. The crime is actually fairly minimal, i.e. no murder, and it concentrates, in the main, on Kate and Will’s deteriorating relationship. This is viewed exclusively through Will’s eyes and as he struggles to understand her increasing mania and obsession, so does the reader. That is not to say that it’s difficult to follow, simply that Kate won’t fully explain her thought processes so nobody really knows what is going on in her head. To me, as a layperson, it seems really well done and I was enthralled from start to finish. I felt heart sorry for Will in his helplessness and was fascinated by Kate in her madness. It is powerful for its understatement. I love a good procedural and have read most of Ms Ellis’s novels but this is a step up.
Matt Ballard has a supporting role in this novel literally. It’s his insights that help solve the crimes but mostly his job is throw hard logic at Will and keep him balanced. I like the contrast between his stolid good sense and the Stonebridges’ emotion.
The Dying Light is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Matt and his partner Liz are enjoying their retirement when he gets a call from his friend, former DI Will Stonebridge, who has moved to the neighbouring fen and wants Matt’s advice on some strange happenings. His neighbour, Emilia Swain, is being threatened, there are strange nocturnal comings and goings, a suspicious new neighbour and his wife, Kate, is changing before his eyes and developing an unhealthy obsession with their new home and its history.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Dying Light, although it is not my normal fare, nor I would venture Ms Ellis’s. The crime is actually fairly minimal, i.e. no murder, and it concentrates, in the main, on Kate and Will’s deteriorating relationship. This is viewed exclusively through Will’s eyes and as he struggles to understand her increasing mania and obsession, so does the reader. That is not to say that it’s difficult to follow, simply that Kate won’t fully explain her thought processes so nobody really knows what is going on in her head. To me, as a layperson, it seems really well done and I was enthralled from start to finish. I felt heart sorry for Will in his helplessness and was fascinated by Kate in her madness. It is powerful for its understatement. I love a good procedural and have read most of Ms Ellis’s novels but this is a step up.
Matt Ballard has a supporting role in this novel literally. It’s his insights that help solve the crimes but mostly his job is throw hard logic at Will and keep him balanced. I like the contrast between his stolid good sense and the Stonebridges’ emotion.
The Dying Light is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 24, 2024
This story was more about psychological damage than either police or PI murder mystery. It was disturbing, sad and alarming. However, the characters suited to the plot, were well-developed and it helps that some characters are known from another series.
The descriptions of the Fens were magnificent and portrayed in a mystical, beautiful and sometimes, spooky manner.
Unusual, but an enlightening and engaging story.
Recommended.
The descriptions of the Fens were magnificent and portrayed in a mystical, beautiful and sometimes, spooky manner.
Unusual, but an enlightening and engaging story.
Recommended.
July 17, 2020
Loved it, fabulous read!
January 23, 2023
Always love a good murder mystery.
This series is great.
Highly recommend
This series is great.
Highly recommend
January 24, 2024
This was intriguing until the last chapter which was a total cop out. The author seemly had no idea how to bring the interesting story to an end and made one character commit suicide, another assist and a third wasn’t certain that they had seen the event happen, leaving the reader feeling cheated of a proper ending.
February 7, 2024
Bit of a surprise this one. Reads more like a Gothic horror than a detective story but it’s so good.
July 23, 2020
The best yet!
Gripping! Read in six hours! Oh my!! What a brilliant book.
Joy Ellis gets better and better, this book from start to finish was enthralling .
Gripping! Read in six hours! Oh my!! What a brilliant book.
Joy Ellis gets better and better, this book from start to finish was enthralling .
July 23, 2020
Joy Ellis is a brilliant thriller writer, I can never guess who did it. Another great read.
January 25, 2024
Thanks to rainy days and sleepless nights, I have read three Joy Ellis books this week. I’m not sure about this one. Matt and Liz are working as private investigators. But then the needs of friends and neighbors take over. Another ex policeman and his wife live nearby, and they are the main focus of this book. The wife is in a fragile mental state. The book focuses on that, but I never had the feeling that the author really knew much about the mental issues presented.
The book kept my interest. I have mixed feelings about the ending.
The book kept my interest. I have mixed feelings about the ending.
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