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Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #8
Witch Fire on the Levels
Behind ancient superstitions, something even scarier may lie.
A terrified young woman runs out into the path of Detective Kate’s car. The unidentified woman is fleeing something very strange on the misty marshes. She ends up in a coma.
Meanwhile Kate investigates alleged witch Lilith, a local woman who lives in an isolated old shack. She has been accused of vandalising a church. But Lilith has disappeared. In her hovel, Kate discovers hemlock and two sinister ragdolls pierced with pins.
One resembles police officer Eddie West and the other vicar Jacob Truly.
What happens next frightens the life out of the local community, but Kate believes that the criminals are closer to home than prime suspect Lilith. What's really going on?
A terrified young woman runs out into the path of Detective Kate’s car. The unidentified woman is fleeing something very strange on the misty marshes. She ends up in a coma.
Meanwhile Kate investigates alleged witch Lilith, a local woman who lives in an isolated old shack. She has been accused of vandalising a church. But Lilith has disappeared. In her hovel, Kate discovers hemlock and two sinister ragdolls pierced with pins.
One resembles police officer Eddie West and the other vicar Jacob Truly.
What happens next frightens the life out of the local community, but Kate believes that the criminals are closer to home than prime suspect Lilith. What's really going on?
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2020
361 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
David Hodges
24 books55 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 31, 2020
Just in time for Halloween. A murder mystery wrapped in ancient superstitions, the casting of spells, a witch with an agenda, and vandalism in the local church.
Lilith is a witch, so she says, living in an isolated shack. She keeps stock of all kinds of things .. belladonna, for one. She has these ugly little ragdolls with needles protruding from their bodies. And Lilith is accused of anything and everything that goes on in this small village.
Detective Kate Hamblin and her partner (and husband) are called to investigate a case of vandalism at the church. On the way there, a young woman seemingly appears out of nowhere running into the path of Kate's care. She bloody and she's not wearing shoes, The only thing she manages to say is .. they're coming.
But who .. or what .. is coming? And why is she so terrified? What was she doing here? Who is she?
Lilith has been accused of the vandalism .. but she seems to have disappeared. What happens next frightens the life out of the local community, but Kate believes that the criminals are closer to home than prime suspect Lilith.
Although 8th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do recommend starting at the beginning to follow not only terrific mysteries, but to watch the relationship of Kate with her husband .. and with her supervisor who feels there is no place for women in law enforcement. The characters have been deftly drawn and I really enjoy the mix of personal and professional. The plot moves along in a steady pace with a few twists and turns, resulting in an unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Books n All Promotions for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 5, 2020
Local intrigue
I enjoyed the rhythm of this book and the way it made you feel emotion for the protagonists. For me it passed an enjoyable afternoon of avoiding total football.
I enjoyed the rhythm of this book and the way it made you feel emotion for the protagonists. For me it passed an enjoyable afternoon of avoiding total football.
December 13, 2020
Another good crime story
Kate is up to her maverick activities again, getting herself into sticky situations only to be relieved by the skin of her teeth. Hayden continues to bumble along, looking after her back and between the two of them they get to put away two separate, as it turns out, crimes. A riveting read.
Kate is up to her maverick activities again, getting herself into sticky situations only to be relieved by the skin of her teeth. Hayden continues to bumble along, looking after her back and between the two of them they get to put away two separate, as it turns out, crimes. A riveting read.
February 6, 2021
Not bad!
This was a fast moving police thriller, although some of the characters stretched credulity. In particular, Kate and husband Hayden. Would you really have a husband and wife team in the same police unit and would someone as smart and committed as Kate marry a lazy slob like Hayden? That said, it was an enjoyable read with many twists and turns.
This was a fast moving police thriller, although some of the characters stretched credulity. In particular, Kate and husband Hayden. Would you really have a husband and wife team in the same police unit and would someone as smart and committed as Kate marry a lazy slob like Hayden? That said, it was an enjoyable read with many twists and turns.
January 4, 2025
This was the last story in the box set I have and it was engaging throughout.
A woman runs for her life, a legend surrounds the Levels...what is the truth?
This was a good mix of spooky and police detective work, where Kate investigated a tangle of crimes.
Great character development, if not all likeable, and a twisty plot - enjoyable.
Recommended.
A woman runs for her life, a legend surrounds the Levels...what is the truth?
This was a good mix of spooky and police detective work, where Kate investigated a tangle of crimes.
Great character development, if not all likeable, and a twisty plot - enjoyable.
Recommended.
December 20, 2020
Loved it!
Yet again another thrilling book in this series. It was strangely creepier than the others but certainly kept you guessing and turning the pages......I need another in this series please!!
Yet again another thrilling book in this series. It was strangely creepier than the others but certainly kept you guessing and turning the pages......I need another in this series please!!
February 8, 2021
Another excellent read
Another gripping storyline from David. I like the personal side to the story as well as the crimes. Kate and Hayden seem such an odd couple but they bounce off each other. Well worth reading.
Another gripping storyline from David. I like the personal side to the story as well as the crimes. Kate and Hayden seem such an odd couple but they bounce off each other. Well worth reading.
March 5, 2021
Kate strikes again.
Thrilling story with Kate becoming embroiled in another murder mystery. There are some great characters who interacted to provide intriguing scenarios. Witchcraft, curses and deaths made the suspense pulsate throughout the book.
Thrilling story with Kate becoming embroiled in another murder mystery. There are some great characters who interacted to provide intriguing scenarios. Witchcraft, curses and deaths made the suspense pulsate throughout the book.
March 12, 2021
Brilliant series and free on kindle unlimited
The last in the series so far . I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each abs every book. The sassy ness and bravery of this detective was unputdownable. Each book took two days to read. And I read non stop.
The last in the series so far . I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each abs every book. The sassy ness and bravery of this detective was unputdownable. Each book took two days to read. And I read non stop.
April 12, 2021
Another great story
Another great story featuring Kate and Haydn with plenty of twists and turns and an added historical twist. A variety of good strong characters all intertwined in the various plots in the story.
Another great story featuring Kate and Haydn with plenty of twists and turns and an added historical twist. A variety of good strong characters all intertwined in the various plots in the story.
April 20, 2021
Just loved this book,was really a thrilling gripping read,was enthrolled in it all the way through,would reccomend this read for sure
May 18, 2023
Good
I enjoyed this story, as I at one time lived in the area I could equate to it. I LOOK FORARD TO THE NEXT ONE.
I enjoyed this story, as I at one time lived in the area I could equate to it. I LOOK FORARD TO THE NEXT ONE.
May 21, 2023
a must read
Just finished watch fire on the levels book 8 if you enjoy a mystery then this series of books is a good read
Just finished watch fire on the levels book 8 if you enjoy a mystery then this series of books is a good read
November 2, 2020
Atmospheric but slooooow paced book. Can be read as a stand-alone.
There are good synopses at Goodreads and Amazon, so here’s my review. If you like atmospheric mysteries set in the desolate marshlands during dark, misty nights, here’s a book for you—especially if you’re easily creeped out. Look elsewhere for horror, ghosts, other paranormal or supernatural elements. There’s a lot of interesting but immaterial information about the Somerset Levels setting, rhynes, peaty bogs, will-o’-the-wisps, marsh mists, purported witches, witchcraft, etc.
Prickly Detective Kate Hamblin seems to have softened a smidge, but her husband is so annoying that I kept muttering: “MAN UP!” This entry has a lot more domestic melodrama, and of course, “Go-It-Alone-Kate” has TSTL moments—again. Another copper has a series of TSTL moments, but his antics provided suspense when I needed some.
Although this is a Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery, she shares the spotlight w other police and affiliated personnel. I stopped counting characters after an incident brings VIP police brass parading in. However, as a crime fiction fan, I was interested in the minutiae of how a suspicious death/murder in a police lockup is handled—even if it meant slowing the pace again.
2.5 stars. I liked some of the non-relevant info, so I gave this 3 stars.
There are good synopses at Goodreads and Amazon, so here’s my review. If you like atmospheric mysteries set in the desolate marshlands during dark, misty nights, here’s a book for you—especially if you’re easily creeped out. Look elsewhere for horror, ghosts, other paranormal or supernatural elements. There’s a lot of interesting but immaterial information about the Somerset Levels setting, rhynes, peaty bogs, will-o’-the-wisps, marsh mists, purported witches, witchcraft, etc.
Prickly Detective Kate Hamblin seems to have softened a smidge, but her husband is so annoying that I kept muttering: “MAN UP!” This entry has a lot more domestic melodrama, and of course, “Go-It-Alone-Kate” has TSTL moments—again. Another copper has a series of TSTL moments, but his antics provided suspense when I needed some.
Although this is a Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery, she shares the spotlight w other police and affiliated personnel. I stopped counting characters after an incident brings VIP police brass parading in. However, as a crime fiction fan, I was interested in the minutiae of how a suspicious death/murder in a police lockup is handled—even if it meant slowing the pace again.
2.5 stars. I liked some of the non-relevant info, so I gave this 3 stars.
January 13, 2023
Another excellent read from this author!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews