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Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #1-7
The Complete Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery Series: Books 1-7
In this 7-book box set:
BOOK 1: MURDER ON THE LEVELS
Detective Kate Hamblin is doing surveillance on the Somerset Levels, on the trail of a crazed arsonist. She leaves the van for a moment. Then it goes up in flames, killing her colleagues. Kate is accused of abandoning them. There’s nothing she won’t risk to clear her name. But can she nail the killer before he takes out the only witness?
BOOK 2: REVENGE ON THE LEVELS
Two years ago Larry “Twister” Wadman vanished without a trace. Kate Hamblin is the sole survivor of his murderous rampage. Then a prostitute dressed as a policewoman is found brutally slain, and Kate realizes her old enemy is back. Can she catch him before he has his revenge?
BOOK 3: FEAR ON THE LEVELS
A teenage girl last seen leaving a party at the height of a local scarecrow festival is found strangled and stripped in her own barn. The crime is an exact copy of the murder of peasant girl, Martha Tinney. But Martha died 150 years ago at the hands of a spectral scarecrow named Strawfoot. Or so legend has it. Can Kate track down the flesh-and-blood copycat before he adds to his kill list?
BOOK 4: KILLER ON THE LEVELS
Journalist Ellie Landy is found drowned in the River Parrett. The only clue: a cryptic line about “Sandman” jotted in a paperback by her bed. Everyone assumes her death was an accident. And then the Sandman strikes again. Can Kate unmask the killer before he puts anyone else to sleep?
BOOK 5: SECRETS ON THE LEVELS
Detective Kate finds herself staring down the wrong end of a shotgun out on the lonely marshes. She’s hunting escaped con Lenny Stallard. He should be serving time for a botched burglary that ended in murder. Revenge appears to be the motive. But it’s all a bit too convenient for Kate. Can she uncover the truth before her own number is up?
BOOK 6: DEATH ON THE LEVELS
A man writes to the police station, threatening to kill his aunts. No one takes him seriously — until an elderly woman is found strangled in her home. “RIP Auntie” is written on the floor in red lipstick. As the body count rises, Kate realizes she is up against a deadly foe. Can she stay one step ahead? If not, whose aunt will be next on the kill list?
BOOK 7: POISON ON THE LEVELS
A young woman snatched from a festival. A poison pen letter writer driving people to take their own lives. Kate has her work cut out solving the two cases. Probing deeper, she finds herself caught up in a dark, complicated web of deceit, wagging tongues and false trails. Then she realizes she’s being watched. By a shady figure who knows her every move. Can she find the missing girl in time to save both their lives?
BOOK 1: MURDER ON THE LEVELS
Detective Kate Hamblin is doing surveillance on the Somerset Levels, on the trail of a crazed arsonist. She leaves the van for a moment. Then it goes up in flames, killing her colleagues. Kate is accused of abandoning them. There’s nothing she won’t risk to clear her name. But can she nail the killer before he takes out the only witness?
BOOK 2: REVENGE ON THE LEVELS
Two years ago Larry “Twister” Wadman vanished without a trace. Kate Hamblin is the sole survivor of his murderous rampage. Then a prostitute dressed as a policewoman is found brutally slain, and Kate realizes her old enemy is back. Can she catch him before he has his revenge?
BOOK 3: FEAR ON THE LEVELS
A teenage girl last seen leaving a party at the height of a local scarecrow festival is found strangled and stripped in her own barn. The crime is an exact copy of the murder of peasant girl, Martha Tinney. But Martha died 150 years ago at the hands of a spectral scarecrow named Strawfoot. Or so legend has it. Can Kate track down the flesh-and-blood copycat before he adds to his kill list?
BOOK 4: KILLER ON THE LEVELS
Journalist Ellie Landy is found drowned in the River Parrett. The only clue: a cryptic line about “Sandman” jotted in a paperback by her bed. Everyone assumes her death was an accident. And then the Sandman strikes again. Can Kate unmask the killer before he puts anyone else to sleep?
BOOK 5: SECRETS ON THE LEVELS
Detective Kate finds herself staring down the wrong end of a shotgun out on the lonely marshes. She’s hunting escaped con Lenny Stallard. He should be serving time for a botched burglary that ended in murder. Revenge appears to be the motive. But it’s all a bit too convenient for Kate. Can she uncover the truth before her own number is up?
BOOK 6: DEATH ON THE LEVELS
A man writes to the police station, threatening to kill his aunts. No one takes him seriously — until an elderly woman is found strangled in her home. “RIP Auntie” is written on the floor in red lipstick. As the body count rises, Kate realizes she is up against a deadly foe. Can she stay one step ahead? If not, whose aunt will be next on the kill list?
BOOK 7: POISON ON THE LEVELS
A young woman snatched from a festival. A poison pen letter writer driving people to take their own lives. Kate has her work cut out solving the two cases. Probing deeper, she finds herself caught up in a dark, complicated web of deceit, wagging tongues and false trails. Then she realizes she’s being watched. By a shady figure who knows her every move. Can she find the missing girl in time to save both their lives?
1492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2020
1446 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
David Hodges
24 books56 followersA former superintendent with Thames Valley Police, with thirty years experience in the force, David Hodges is a prolific crime writer and author of twenty crime novels plus an autobiography on his life in the police service. His debut crime novel received critical media acclaim and a welcome accolade from Inspector Morse’s creator, the late great Colin Dexter, and since then he has become the author of several successful stand-alone thrillers, including BLAST, TARGET and BURNOUT, published by Lume Books (formerly Endeavour Media).
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 3, 2021
2 books' worth of misogyny in and I gave up.
The stories themselves were reasonable but just because the protagonist is female it doesn't mean that the equality box is ticked. Kate is a competent and confident detective and officer with many qualities, so frequent insinuation that she needs the approval, lecherous or otherwise, of her male colleagues or other characters, is inappropriate. A single woman who has slept with a man in a relationship is described as a "slut" while the man is not judged at all. David Hodges should maybe have spent more time thinking about how women actually think than how he thinks they think.
The stories themselves were reasonable but just because the protagonist is female it doesn't mean that the equality box is ticked. Kate is a competent and confident detective and officer with many qualities, so frequent insinuation that she needs the approval, lecherous or otherwise, of her male colleagues or other characters, is inappropriate. A single woman who has slept with a man in a relationship is described as a "slut" while the man is not judged at all. David Hodges should maybe have spent more time thinking about how women actually think than how he thinks they think.
October 28, 2020
I was not sure if these stories were meant to be humorous as it was quite apparent that the Keystone cops would not hire such a lot of totally inept detectives that could see they were being followed or watched and that managed to trip at a crucial time and seemed to lose their torch or forgot to bring the police radio with them so they could not call for backup but at the last moment somebody or something saved the day .
Please if you are going to write detective stories make the detectives and their action somewhat believable
Please if you are going to write detective stories make the detectives and their action somewhat believable
January 20, 2021
7 books for 99p. is good value however everyone automatically has mass murder and Kate Lewis ending up in life threatening situations where she goes it alone but fails to take her phone with her and is always saved at the last minute.
Obviously some are better than others however the stories lack credibility.
3 stars is a fair reflection of this saga.
Obviously some are better than others however the stories lack credibility.
3 stars is a fair reflection of this saga.
September 23, 2020
Another piece of pie?
D'S Kate Lewis is an instinctive detective, follows her gut, and drags her greedy lazy husband behind her by his gut, which he either seems to be filling or thinking about it. Not an attractive character by any means, lazy, pompous and keen to avoid any physical activity, unless there is food, drink or a rest at the end of it.
A poor match for the energetic, hard working DS. They say opposites attract but a good natured intellectual snob, seems to stretch this a tad far.The
The books flow together well, leading seamlessly from one to the next, a serial killer, trying to atone for his rape & murder of his own daughter, Janice, finally thwarted by his own slip ups, pointing to his identity as a fellow police officer.
Not too much of a surprise, as he seems to be present at murder scenes & slips up by having knowledge of crime scenes, he should be unaware of .
A good series of books, hampered by too much time spent on Hayden Lewis's eating habits.
D'S Kate Lewis is an instinctive detective, follows her gut, and drags her greedy lazy husband behind her by his gut, which he either seems to be filling or thinking about it. Not an attractive character by any means, lazy, pompous and keen to avoid any physical activity, unless there is food, drink or a rest at the end of it.
A poor match for the energetic, hard working DS. They say opposites attract but a good natured intellectual snob, seems to stretch this a tad far.The
The books flow together well, leading seamlessly from one to the next, a serial killer, trying to atone for his rape & murder of his own daughter, Janice, finally thwarted by his own slip ups, pointing to his identity as a fellow police officer.
Not too much of a surprise, as he seems to be present at murder scenes & slips up by having knowledge of crime scenes, he should be unaware of .
A good series of books, hampered by too much time spent on Hayden Lewis's eating habits.
April 14, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed these books, but some of the police information was a tad ‘dodgy’, there’s no way a DS would risk all those encounters with out contacting control for safety. As there are references to brexit etc it must be up to date but the homophobic and racist references are too common place for the modern era. The use of ‘but she/he / they didn’t find ‘ out when something was about to happen was a bit samey, I’m afraid.
Still they were an exciting read and it is fiction after all.
Still they were an exciting read and it is fiction after all.
Read
January 4, 2022GET THE COMPLETE BEST-SELLING SERIES IN THIS BRILLIANT BOX SET. YOU GET *SEVEN* BREATH-TAKING CRIME THRILLERS, FROM THE PEN OF A FORMER POLICEMAN.
IN THIS SEVEN-BOOK BOX SET:
BOOK 1: MURDER ON THE LEVELS
Detective Kate Hamblin is doing surveillance on the Somerset Levels, on the trail of a crazed arsonist. She leaves the van for a moment. Then it goes up in flames, killing her colleagues. Kate is accused of abandoning them. There’s nothing she won’t risk to clear her name. But can she nail the killer before he takes out the only witness?
BOOK 2: REVENGE ON THE LEVELS
Two years ago Larry “Twister” Wadman vanished without a trace. Kate Hamblin is the sole survivor of his murderous rampage. Then a prostitute dressed as a policewoman is found brutally slain, and Kate realizes her old enemy is back. Can she catch him before he has his revenge?
BOOK 3: FEAR ON THE LEVELS
A teenage girl last seen leaving a party at the height of a local scarecrow festival is found strangled and stripped in her own barn. The crime is an exact copy of the murder of peasant girl, Martha Tinney. But Martha died 150 years ago at the hands of a spectral scarecrow named Strawfoot. Or so legend has it. Can Kate track down the flesh-and-blood copycat before he adds to his kill list?
BOOK 4: KILLER ON THE LEVELS
Journalist Ellie Landy is found drowned in the River Parrett. The only clue: a cryptic line about “Sandman” jotted in a paperback by her bed. Everyone assumes her death was an accident. And then the Sandman strikes again. Can Kate unmask the killer before he puts anyone else to sleep?
BOOK 5: SECRETS ON THE LEVELS
Detective Kate finds herself staring down the wrong end of a shotgun out on the lonely marshes. She’s hunting escaped con Lenny Stallard. He should be serving time for a botched burglary that ended in murder. Revenge appears to be the motive. But it’s all a bit too convenient for Kate. Can she uncover the truth before her own number is up?
BOOK 6: DEATH ON THE LEVELS
A man writes to the police station, threatening to kill his aunts. No one takes him seriously — until an elderly woman is found strangled in her home. “RIP Auntie” is written on the floor in red lipstick. As the body count rises, Kate realizes she is up against a deadly foe. Can she stay one step ahead? If not, whose aunt will be next on the kill list?
BOOK 7: POISON ON THE LEVELS
A young woman snatched from a festival. A poison pen letter writer driving people to take their own lives. Kate has her work cut out solving the two cases. Probing deeper, she finds herself caught up in a dark, complicated web of deceit, wagging tongues and false trails. Then she realizes she’s being watched. By a shady figure who knows her every move. Can she find the missing girl in time to save both their lives? (less)
Didn't read.
IN THIS SEVEN-BOOK BOX SET:
BOOK 1: MURDER ON THE LEVELS
Detective Kate Hamblin is doing surveillance on the Somerset Levels, on the trail of a crazed arsonist. She leaves the van for a moment. Then it goes up in flames, killing her colleagues. Kate is accused of abandoning them. There’s nothing she won’t risk to clear her name. But can she nail the killer before he takes out the only witness?
BOOK 2: REVENGE ON THE LEVELS
Two years ago Larry “Twister” Wadman vanished without a trace. Kate Hamblin is the sole survivor of his murderous rampage. Then a prostitute dressed as a policewoman is found brutally slain, and Kate realizes her old enemy is back. Can she catch him before he has his revenge?
BOOK 3: FEAR ON THE LEVELS
A teenage girl last seen leaving a party at the height of a local scarecrow festival is found strangled and stripped in her own barn. The crime is an exact copy of the murder of peasant girl, Martha Tinney. But Martha died 150 years ago at the hands of a spectral scarecrow named Strawfoot. Or so legend has it. Can Kate track down the flesh-and-blood copycat before he adds to his kill list?
BOOK 4: KILLER ON THE LEVELS
Journalist Ellie Landy is found drowned in the River Parrett. The only clue: a cryptic line about “Sandman” jotted in a paperback by her bed. Everyone assumes her death was an accident. And then the Sandman strikes again. Can Kate unmask the killer before he puts anyone else to sleep?
BOOK 5: SECRETS ON THE LEVELS
Detective Kate finds herself staring down the wrong end of a shotgun out on the lonely marshes. She’s hunting escaped con Lenny Stallard. He should be serving time for a botched burglary that ended in murder. Revenge appears to be the motive. But it’s all a bit too convenient for Kate. Can she uncover the truth before her own number is up?
BOOK 6: DEATH ON THE LEVELS
A man writes to the police station, threatening to kill his aunts. No one takes him seriously — until an elderly woman is found strangled in her home. “RIP Auntie” is written on the floor in red lipstick. As the body count rises, Kate realizes she is up against a deadly foe. Can she stay one step ahead? If not, whose aunt will be next on the kill list?
BOOK 7: POISON ON THE LEVELS
A young woman snatched from a festival. A poison pen letter writer driving people to take their own lives. Kate has her work cut out solving the two cases. Probing deeper, she finds herself caught up in a dark, complicated web of deceit, wagging tongues and false trails. Then she realizes she’s being watched. By a shady figure who knows her every move. Can she find the missing girl in time to save both their lives? (less)
Didn't read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2020
A good British Detective Series
A great series for binge reading. Detective Sergeant Kate Hamblin faces multiple serial killers while trying to make a personal life for herself.
She readily races into dangerous scenarios solo; in doing so she faces troubles reminiscent of the old silent movie serial “Perils of Pauline.”
A great series for binge reading. Detective Sergeant Kate Hamblin faces multiple serial killers while trying to make a personal life for herself.
She readily races into dangerous scenarios solo; in doing so she faces troubles reminiscent of the old silent movie serial “Perils of Pauline.”
April 10, 2021
Good Police mysteries
I really enjoyed the stories with all the twists and turns. I got very tired of Kate complaining about and to her husband. She would profess to love him and yet tear him down continuously. Otherwise I enjoyed each story and thought Kate was a very good detective . Reeves threw me , didn’t think he was the bad guy! Good twist!
I really enjoyed the stories with all the twists and turns. I got very tired of Kate complaining about and to her husband. She would profess to love him and yet tear him down continuously. Otherwise I enjoyed each story and thought Kate was a very good detective . Reeves threw me , didn’t think he was the bad guy! Good twist!
October 19, 2020
Incompetence,
Very good read. Mystery how someone who seems so incompetent, could ever solve a case.Also are there really officers like her husband on the force, if so god help us.
Very good read. Mystery how someone who seems so incompetent, could ever solve a case.Also are there really officers like her husband on the force, if so god help us.
October 21, 2020
Easy to read...
Easy to read and follow with some likeable characters you get to know throughout the series. Each book a stand alone story and all different made this a page-turner for me.
Easy to read and follow with some likeable characters you get to know throughout the series. Each book a stand alone story and all different made this a page-turner for me.
October 21, 2020
Couldn't put them down
Really liked the personal nature of this detective and the team around her. She so obviously cares about her job and the people of her community. Putting complex criminals behind bars without considering her own safety. Her husband balances her perfectly
Really liked the personal nature of this detective and the team around her. She so obviously cares about her job and the people of her community. Putting complex criminals behind bars without considering her own safety. Her husband balances her perfectly
November 15, 2020
Keeps you reading
I enjoyed all the books. The only thing was they were very similar. I liked the characters, very Britain. I couldn't ever figure out who the killer was until the reveal at the end. I will read more books by this prolific author. Good reads!
I enjoyed all the books. The only thing was they were very similar. I liked the characters, very Britain. I couldn't ever figure out who the killer was until the reveal at the end. I will read more books by this prolific author. Good reads!
December 15, 2020
Enjoyed the series but found it a bit "samey".....and far fetched at times, maybe because I read the series right through. May have been better with a break between books. I got a bit fed up with Kate going it alone all the time against all reason.
January 21, 2021
Good storyline, but by the third book it got predictable that protagonist Kate would go lone wolf and put herself in jeopardy. Reminded me of the old serial movie trailers where someone got put in deadly danger, and the story ended, stay tuned for the next chapter.
January 28, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed the series
Well written murder mysteries with plenty of twists and turns. Well constructed characters and plots. A good collection to take away as holiday reading. Would transfer well to the small screen.
Well written murder mysteries with plenty of twists and turns. Well constructed characters and plots. A good collection to take away as holiday reading. Would transfer well to the small screen.
April 23, 2021
Brilliant read all 7 back to back
Any fan of Karin Slaughter would be delighted with this series. Each book has its own dramas. Cracking stories, and continuation of the characters make this a great set ..enjoy
Any fan of Karin Slaughter would be delighted with this series. Each book has its own dramas. Cracking stories, and continuation of the characters make this a great set ..enjoy
Read
May 20, 2021Strange Mysteries
This is a gripping and riveting series. When I finished one book I couldn't wait to start the next one. The mysteries are deep and hard to solve. Definitely worth reading!
This is a gripping and riveting series. When I finished one book I couldn't wait to start the next one. The mysteries are deep and hard to solve. Definitely worth reading!
January 20, 2022
The Kate and associates saga.
Actually Hodges does very good covering the details throughout this series. I enjoyed the thoughts it was all the players. It seemed to run a bit long to me..
Seems to drag at times.
Actually Hodges does very good covering the details throughout this series. I enjoyed the thoughts it was all the players. It seemed to run a bit long to me..
Seems to drag at times.
January 30, 2022
I enjoyed this series of books and have just purchased the next 2 as they are now available.
I find it disappointing how women are faced with so many barriers for promotion in the police force but nonetheless that aside I found the storylines interesting and the characters likeable.
I find it disappointing how women are faced with so many barriers for promotion in the police force but nonetheless that aside I found the storylines interesting and the characters likeable.
February 26, 2022
Complete Kate Hamblin series
Enjoy this series very much well written you cd identify with the characters sensitively written highlighting some facets of the human psyche not to be missed
Enjoy this series very much well written you cd identify with the characters sensitively written highlighting some facets of the human psyche not to be missed
March 2, 2022
Excellent series.
Have quickly gone through the whole series and found them brilliant reading. Very likeable characters and great story lines. Hope there will be more of these to come.
Have quickly gone through the whole series and found them brilliant reading. Very likeable characters and great story lines. Hope there will be more of these to come.
June 19, 2022
The Complete Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery Series.
An enjoyable very busy read though at times, a bit too busy . Kate seems to be a real "one man band", which can and does put her into a lot of danger. At times a bit too much, but pretty good value for $.
An enjoyable very busy read though at times, a bit too busy . Kate seems to be a real "one man band", which can and does put her into a lot of danger. At times a bit too much, but pretty good value for $.
October 1, 2023
Detective Kate Hamblin
Was a great book. Absolutely love how Kate stands up for herself and what a great mind she has. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves detective stories, it won't disappoint you that's for sure.
Was a great book. Absolutely love how Kate stands up for herself and what a great mind she has. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves detective stories, it won't disappoint you that's for sure.
August 30, 2024
Amazing
This author has an astonishing brain to create such unbelievable stories. I could not believe these murders could happen but I got drawn in completely and had difficulty putting it down.
This author has an astonishing brain to create such unbelievable stories. I could not believe these murders could happen but I got drawn in completely and had difficulty putting it down.
September 20, 2020
Book 1 was an ok read but I stopped after Book 1. I read a few chapters into Book 2, but the continuation from Book 1 was just to much the same.
October 20, 2020
Finished series at last
Well written couldn't have asked for more. Hope there Will be more about Kate and Hayden Lewis.bring it on enjoyed
Well written couldn't have asked for more. Hope there Will be more about Kate and Hayden Lewis.bring it on enjoyed
November 7, 2020
Really enjoyed them did not want them to finish
November 30, 2020
Enjoyed
Would definitely recommend these books. Easy to read, you can just pick then up and put then down without forgetting the plot.
Would definitely recommend these books. Easy to read, you can just pick then up and put then down without forgetting the plot.
December 27, 2020
Formulaic and lacking pace
The first book was ok, but all the other books were just variations on the same theme. Needs editing, badly!
The first book was ok, but all the other books were just variations on the same theme. Needs editing, badly!
January 10, 2021
OK
These books were okay. I do not like stories involved with Britain cause the language is so different. I have trouble understanding it but the crimes were pretty good.
These books were okay. I do not like stories involved with Britain cause the language is so different. I have trouble understanding it but the crimes were pretty good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews