A Witch Hunt in Whitby

Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mysteries #5

by Helen Cox

A serial killer is loose in Yorkshire, and has claimed three victims in three months. Thirteen days before each murder, a large purple V is painted on the front door of the victim's house. The victims, all of whom have some association with the occult, are found drained of blood with two red marks on their neck.

When RUBY BARNETT comes home one evening to find a large purple V on her front door, it becomes clear she is the so-called Vampire Killer's next victim. Private Investigators KITT HARTLEY and GRACE EDWARDS have just thirteen days to solve the mystery and save Ruby's life. The clock is ticking . . .

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook

330 pages, Paperback

Published February 15, 2022

About the author

Helen Cox is a Yorkshire-born novelist and poet. After completing her MA in creative writing at the University of York St. John Helen wrote for a range of publications, edited her own independent film magazine for five years and penned three non-fiction books. Her first two novels were published by HarperCollins in 2016. She currently lives by the sea in Sunderland where she writes poetry, romance novellas, craft non-fiction and The Kitt Hartley series alongside hosting The Poetrygram podcast.

Reviews

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
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I have read all of the Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mysteries. I am so pleased Private Investigator Kitt Hartley is back. I enjoyed losing myself into Kitt Hartley’s investigation in A Witch Hunt in Whitby.

Investigator Kitt Hartley and Grace Edwards have their own Hartley and Edwards Detective Agency. Kitt Hartley has only 11days to solve a mystery and to save her friend Ruby.

In the quaint village of Orpington, on Ruby’s front door appeared a painted large purple V. Disturbingly the symbol V is the calling-card of a serial killer named Vampire Killer, who has claimed 3 victims already.

The serial killer was given his name the Vampire killer as the three he has already killed was found with two red marks on their necks like a vampire would do.

The Vampire Killer was one to be frightened off. I thought The Vampire killer looked like he was deliberately playing a deadly game with DI Malcolm Halloran and all in the police department in a chase to catch him as he left at the scenes his victims blood in jars.

DI Malcolm Halloran and Kitt Hartley will have to swirl fast into action to catch the Vampire Killer before he starts moving in to kill kitt’s friend Ruby.

Something else triggered off in another different line of investigation with one of the victims who ran a local coven and the other two women had links to the occult. I wondered if there was a link with occult why the Vampire killer chose these women to kill?

Can the police catch this Vampire Killer before it gets to Ruby ?

I recommend all of books in the mystery series by author Helen cox as any of the books in the series can be read as a standalone.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kitt Hartley is back in this fifth instalment of the series by Helen Cox. In A Witch Hunt in Whitby, a serial killer is on the rampage and has claimed three lives in Yorkshire. When PI trained Kitt's friend Ruby Barnett returns home to find a large purple V daubed on her front door Kitt realises that Ruby is destined to be the next victim, and goes into action with Grace, her assistant to hunt for the 'Vampire Killer' in her private investigator role, alongside her boyfriend, DI Mal Halloran.

A Witch Hunt in Whitby kept me on my toes throughout as I devoured each chapter. I adored being in the company of Kitt again who is smart and funny. With a handy supply of colourful supporting characters, the mystery itself was sound and there was always something going on to keep my attention focused. The clues, twists and red herrings were cleverly placed and with nothing as it seemed, the story was super exciting. This has left me wanting to read the first two books of the series, as well as eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Quercus via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feel a bit mean here as this has received lots of 5* reviews but I'm afraid I absolutely did not enjoy this at all mainly owing to the superfluous romantic writing and, frankly, general silliness of mixing the occult, crime and romance between the protagonist, Kitt Hartley (librarian turned PI- really?) and DI Mal Halloran. Perhaps having not read the previous four novels in the series, the relationship is a slow burn, but the frequent references to how Halloran 'cups' her face gently seemed out of place and more akin with YA gothic outings a la 'Twilight'.
I won't be seeking out the rest of the series unfortunately and just didn't care who was the 'Vampire Killer' after encountering ridiculous characters such as Stoke Bramley, leader of the Creed of Count Dracula, and troubled tattooist Ayleen Demir.
Disappointing.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely cosy read.. I like thrillers and it’s a long time since I read one where there are no explicit gruesome details of the actual murders. This story could possibly be described as “ twee” . The style is easy to read and the main characters are well defined. I loved the banter between Kitt and Grace and Kitt and Hallorhan and Ruby is a lovely eccentric old woman with deep interests in the occult. Occult in this novel is more light hearted than in some instances and this adds to the story. I know Whitby quite well and could really relate to the site of the main plot. The story revolves around a number of murders that have already taken place but are found to be related: murders are time sensitive from a sign on a front door to the actual murder and when Ruby is threatened the story starts … limited time to find a serial killer. Multiple possible leads and suspects who have potential motives.. these keep you on your toes and the real killer is not revealed until the end.. and is someone you wouldn’t guess. Excellent read. I will look for the others by Helen Cox.

[Juliette Locktree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Quercus Books for letting me read this book.

When I requested it I did not realise that it was the fifth book in a murder mystery series. However that did not stop me from reading it and you can definitely read this book as a standalone. I did not feel as if I was missing out on any storylines at all. The things you needed to know as a reader where lay out for you in the beginning of the book by the thoughts our main character.

I enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to read, with a lot of conversations so you go through the story very quick. The suspense was great and especially towards the end it got all very thrilling.
I liked the characters and I would like to read more of this series.
I did feel that you got quiet a lot of information at the beginning of the book. First you got a lot of information about our main character and what had expired previously and after that you got a lot of information about the murders and investigation. This was not told while they discovered the information. As a reader you got the info while our main character with her friends was discussing the murders and events. Personally I prefer the information delivered to you as a reader while the characters discover it, instead of being told what they have find out. It was in the beginning a little boring because of that.
However the story picked up after the first couple of 6 a 7 chapters and it became very interesting and fun to follow.

Overall I really liked it and would like to read more about the characters and from the writer.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 1 out of 5]

To be honest I shouldn't really review this book as I skim read the bulk of it. I realised early on it wasn't for me but as it was about Whitby & witches I persevered hoping - incorrectly as it turned out - that it would improve, so sadly I don't have anything positive to say about it.

I found both the characters & scenarios rather implausible. There were times where I think the author was aiming for amusing quirkiness but it missed the mark with me. For example...
"In the short space of time Ruby had been resident in the hotel room she had decided to redecorate in her own unique style. Fake cobwebs hung from almost every available surface. A thick black rug printed with a giant pentacle covered most of the carpet. "
...just had me shaking my head disappointedly at how trite it was.

Kitt is such a know-it-all & it made me laugh (not in a good way!) that she remembered bus time tables from twenty years ago. Would she really get in on police interviews? And don't get me started as to the veiled hints about what goes on in Kitt's & Halloran's sex life....well they were just cringeworthy! Thankfully the reader is spared any details....

The story over all is unconvincing, relies on dubious deductions & is unconvincing. Yes, I've already said that already but IMHO it bears repeating.

Looking at reviews, I can see I'm in the minority with my thoughts. To be fair I should have packed it in instead of plodding on. There's a lesson learned.....

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Kitt Hartley series I have read , this didn’t detract from the story and can easily be read as a stand alone .
A serial killer is at large and as the title suggests this leads Kitt , Grace, Evie and DI Halloran to investigate in the coastal town of Whitby famous for its links with Dracula and all things gothic.
The book was an easy read and fast paced , the characters are amiable and the story had a touch of quirkiness to it which added the finishing touch.
Overall an enjoyable read , and I look forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus .

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read one of the books in this series a few months ago, and enjoyed it, so I thought I would try this one. Cosy crime is one of my favourite genres.

One of my favourite things about these books is the protagonist Kitt, and how I relate to her. I also found the general storyline entertaining. Would probably like to read all of these.

[Liz Titley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better, but police procedures still a bit wayward, and occasional details cause raised eyebrows.

[Ray O'Hare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad but I am still not greatest fan

[Wilma Van putten · Rating 3 out of 5]

an oke read between other reads

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is the fifth book in the Kitt Hartley mystery series by Helen Cox.

I have read three books in this series now and discovered that I somehow missed where Kitt became a P.I. That is a new and interesting twist I wasn’t expecting. I totally enjoyed the first book in the series where I got to meet D.I. Mal Halloran. Definitely a favorite character for me. I wish he had the same spark and passion as in book one. I loved how he was depicted in that one. It is almost like he has decided to just let Kitt do what she wants even though it might get him in trouble with his superiors for having such a nosey girlfriend. I think maybe the conflict in this area was what made the paring of Kitt and Mal so good in the beginning.

For me this was less about the mystery and more about the characters. I find them to be the major focus and love learning about all of their lives. The mystery was thrilling and captivating, don’t get me wrong. There are just some books you just want to walk into and see how your friends are doing before even touching the mystery of the thing.

Overall it is a great read. And a wonderful series!

Loved so much about it. If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hints of the occult and the paranormal in this story with three murders in three different locations all within Yorkshire. The victims are first warned with a V painted on their front door, and eleven days later they are murdered. When the V is painted on Ruby's door a ninety year old harmless Tarot reader, private Investigators Kitt and Grace spring into action to protect Ruby and get to the bottom of this mystery which has baffled the police.

The local constabulory does not like private investigators getting involved in their investigations but because of Kitt's relationship with Mal a local Detective, they both keep each other in the loop with whatever each has turned up hoping to find who is responsible for the three deaths so far.

The story moves on far beyond the surface and now goes back decades to uncover a history of hidden resentments, and revenge being sought for damages and humiliation suffered so many years ago. The link between the three murders first thought to be only the occult now shows up further links to the women killed. Being Whitby there is a lot of goth action, vampire cults and references to Dracula.

It was not easy to work out who the killer was because there were so many suspects who were very plausible for playing the role of murderer. I did not get it myself till the end.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
A serial killer is loose in Yorkshire, and has claimed three victims in three months. Eleven days before each murder, a large purple V is painted on the front door of the victim's house. The victims, all of whom have some association with the occult, are found drained of blood with two red marks on their neck. When Ruby Barnett comes home one evening to find a large purple V on her front door, it becomes clear she is the so-called Vampire Killer's next victim. Private Investigators Kitt Hartley and Grace Edwards have just eleven days to solve the mystery and save Ruby's life. The clock is ticking .
This is the fifth book in the series & my favourite so far. Of course if it’s vampires in Yorkshire it has to take place in Whitby! Another well written page turner, which I read in two sittings. There were twists & turns & on the plus side I didn’t work out who the murderer was. Quirky characters all add to the enjoyment, I love Kitt & of course Grace. I hope there are many more books to come
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read from this series and from this author. It was the title that actually drew me to the book as Whitby is only up the road from me so I was intrigued to read a story set there.
It is not my typical read but I thoroughly enjoyed it and raced through it as I was dying to find out how it would end and who the killer was. Its fast paced, full of great characters and a great plot full of twists to figure out who really is the killer.
I especially loved the detail of the settings. It made it come to life as I could picture many of the places described such as the Museum Gardens in York and the streets and bridge in Whitby. Having also lived close to Middlesbrough and worked in Scarborough, I loved how all these places that are close to me are in this book. This may have been the first book I have read from the author but it certainly won't be the last and I am so glad I came across it on net galley.

[Bodies in the Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

We’re back to the rip roaring tales of the earlier books in the series, but Kitt’s work situation as part-time PI and part-time librarian is really irritating. Subject Librarians just don’t have the amount of leave Kitt does, or the ability to disappear to Whitby (or before that Durham) chasing murderers. Much as I love that she’s a librarian, I’d far rather see her just be a full-time PI now.

It is really difficult to have non-police as protagonists, and so I can see the author’s challenges. However, as a full-time PI and the girlfriend of a police officer, that would surely be enough? Is the library connection (much as I love it) really adding anything now?

That said, I enjoyed the other aspects of the book, and it’s always fun to have Whitby as the setting, so it’s definitely more than 3 stars.

If you like cosy crime with a bit of mild humour, you’ll enjoy this book. I certainly did.

[Carole-Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serial killer seems to be targetting Ruby, Kitt Hartley's odd 'psychic' old lady friend, and DI Halloran (aka Mal - Kitt's BF) is not happy.
So (why not?) Kitt and Grace (her librarian side-kick) go off to Whitby (again, why not?) to investigate. :)
Suspects vary from Arnold Sykes, a bookshop owner, to Ayleen Demir (with a back-story!) who runs a tattoo shop.
So because it's Whitby (re: vampires/mysteries/voo-doo etc) everything ties back to a cult of occult witches and whatever.
A little silly this time; lots of red herrings; and an odd "side-angle" to the villain.

[Ann Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel disappointed with this book since I am from Yorkshire and know the area well. There was something about the book that I found it difficult to get into. I skim read the last 50 pages so I never did get to work out why Cyril should be in a care home, he really did seem to be too fit.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. Title is quite misleading. The books are becoming more and more disjointed and unrealistic. The relationships between the main characters are simply skirted over, important events only get a very brief mention, if that. The books have lost their magic.

[Pamela James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a Helen Cox novel, and what a fantastic introduction it was! I later discovered that A Witch Hunt in Whitby sits in the middle of a series, but honestly, the story worked brilliantly as a standalone. At no point did I feel lost or as though I’d missed something crucial. Helen Cox has a subtle and clever way of weaving in past events without overwhelming the reader, which made the experience seamless.

The plot is gripping and deliciously dark: a serial killer is stalking Yorkshire, leaving a large purple “V” on the doors of victims eleven days before their death. Each victim is linked to the occult and found drained of blood with two marks on the neck—an unsettling nod to vampiric lore. When Ruby Barnett discovers the ominous “V” on her own door, the tension skyrockets as private investigators Kitt Hartley and Grace Edwards race against time to save her.

What really stood out for me was the tone. Despite the dark theme, the book carries an eccentric charm and a sprinkling of comedic value that lightens the tension without detracting from the suspense. The characters—Kitt Hartley and Grace Edwards—are wonderfully drawn, and the people they come across during their investigation and their quirks reminded me of the kind of personalities I encountered during my own holiday in Whitby. It gave the story an authentic feel, and although I’m not from the area, having visited before made the setting come alive. I found myself reminiscing and visually transported back to those cobbled streets and coastal views as the narrative unfolded.

The dynamic between Kitt and Grace, running their private detective agency, gave the book a vibe similar to the TV series Shakespeare and Hathaway, yet it still felt fresh and distinctive. Each character’s backstory and behaviour added depth, making them memorable and relatable.

Overall, A Witch Hunt in Whitby was a very good read—engaging, atmospheric, and full of personality. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series and see what other mysteries Helen Cox has in store.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Quercus Books for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘A Witch Hunt in Whitby’ by Helen Cox in exchange for an honest review.

This is Book 5 in Cox’s Kitt Hartley series of mysteries set in Yorkshire. Although this was my first experience of the series, enough background was provided so I didn’t feel lost.

It appears that a serial killer is operating in Yorkshire. There’s been three victims in the last three months. The murderer has been nicknamed the Vampire Killer as in each case a large purple V had been painted on the front door of the victim eleven days before their murder. In addition, all victims had some connection with the occult and were found drained of blood with two marks on their necks.

Then Ruby Barnett, a local psychic, arrives home to find a purple V on her front door. The eccentric Ruby is a friend of private detective, Kitt Hartley, though Kitt doesn’t hold with the ‘New Age nonsense’ but she and her partner, Grace Edwards, take the threat seriously. The police also are on the case.

‘A Witch Hunt in Whitby’ combines elements of a cosy mystery with those of a police procedural and held my attention from start to finish. Cox has created an appealing ensemble cast as well as vividly captured her Yorkshire setting.

Overall, I found this an entertaining mystery and following this positive experience certainly will be interested in reading earlier and future books in this appealing series.

[Madeleine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another instalment in the Kitt Hartley cosy crime series. Kitt is a librarian who is obsessed with books, and finds herself helping her boyfriend, policeman Mal Halloran, investigate crimes, and when her friend Ruby, a medium, finds a strange mark on her front door denoting her as the so-called Vampire Killer's next victim, the case becomes even more personal, and urgent, for the police now know that they have only 11 days to find the killer, who has already claimed 3 victims, all who had the same "V" daubed on their front door, 11 days before they were murdered. Kitt and her assistant Grace, who are also private investigators, launch their own investigation and eventually a link to Whitby becomes clear, so it's off to Whitby to meet up with the leader of a "Dracula" group. They also discover links to another, more sinister group, and find that the answer as usual lies in the past, but time is running out as, like vampires, several of their leads seem to have gone to ground, and will they be able to find their friend before the killer? This was another easy read, entertaining but not totally convincing, especially with a basic error like saying that Halloran has a police badge - they have warrant cards in the UK, not badges, and the author should know this by now. There were a few other continuity errors too, which lost it a few points. But the books are readable, and the settings are lovely too. 6/10

[Rainbow Goth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book of the Kit Hartley series in one sitting (yay insomnia). The story was fast-paced and easy to follow, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment as I progressed through it.

The plotline of the book was becoming more and more unbelievable with each passing chapter. The characters whom I grew to love in the earlier books of the series were barely mentioned in this one. The police force, which played a significant role in the previous books, seemed irrelevant in this one. Even the relationship between Kit and Haloran felt lacklustre.

Moreover, I was disappointed with the stereotypical and harmful descriptions of goths in the book. Goths are often the target of hate crimes and have been subjected to violence just for being themselves. The book's portrayal of goths and the occult seemed to be perpetuating the Satanic panic of the past, which was both dated and insensitive.

Although the book was well-written and easy to read, it was difficult to ignore the unrealistic elements of the investigation. While it could be considered a cosy mystery, the series seems to have lost its way from the first books which I loved.

[Paisley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book out of the eight that I have up to now, that I need to read in the Helen Cox series called "The Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mystery series" which half a time features Kitt of previous librarian, Holloran a DI and Kitt's boyfriend, Grace and Ruby. The start of this book comes for straight from a crime scene where Holloran and Banks are briefing their team on where to search for evidence, inside and outside of a house. Kitt now owns a detective agency in a rented place in Yorkshire. A 'V' painted on the door of the house signifying maybe the killer to be apart if some cult organisation? A vampire cult..? Page 110, chapter 11 Kitt is still for a moment, her mouth hanging open, confused if there was a witch hunt or a vampire Hunt.. Questioning if Ruby was right all along. Ruby.. Is Ruby the murderer does she have some part to play..? Kitt gets kidnapped!? Kitt and Ruby free themselves and trap Sykes in the basement. The endings of all these books are so sweet! I need to buy book 6 and 7 then can continue the Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mystery series as I have thoroughly enjoyed the first 5 books and the 8th book that I have read.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Witch Hunt in Whitby by Helen Cox is the fifth Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mystery. I have just one more left to read in the series, and I am really enjoying them. This book is set in Whitby and I so wish I had taken this away with me during July when I was on holiday there. This book follows Kitt and Grace's investigations into the 'vampire murders' in Whitby. These books are great to read in the series but I think that they could be equally enjoyable read as a stand alone book.

Very nicely written, I am finding that these books are an enjoyable easy read, with good characters, good plotline and fabulous settings. They are quite the page turners and I have enjoyed this series so far.

[Michael Rumney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Someone is bumping off people connected with the occult and the police have to call in a PI and librarian to solve it. With this you know it can't be taken seriously and this book goes into the cosiness of cosy crimes. I did like the setting of Whitby and recognised clearly the scenes involving the swing bridge and hall of mirrors which I found comical.
All in all I had to suspend belief throughout the book as I find unlikely the PI librarian would be allowed to sit in on police interviews and people held in a safe house wouldn't be allowed to roam freely about.
A book not to be taken seriously.

[Vanessa Hoyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I picked this book to take with me during my weeks holiday In Whitby. I had been so looking forward to reading it, and although I enjoyed reading it I was still upsettingly disappointed. This read was ok, just ok. I wasn't sure what to expect but it was quite a slow book, and definitely not as gory as I thought it would be. The ending was good but the identity of the killer Was disappointing. The fact the killer was such a meaningless character that didn't really have any purpose to him and only had a brief part in the book. I was expecting a more shocking twist of who the killer would be.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first of this series I've read but you can read it as a standalone and honestly I couldn't put it down. Will definitely be reading the other books in the future. It was a fast paced read full of plot twists. I would have given it five stars but I didn't like the odd romance scenes that added nothing to the book. If I read the others then maybe I would have more of an attachment to the characters. Also the title is a little misleading.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another rather disappointing outing in the Kitt Hartley series. The premise is that a murderer is fore-warning his victims by painting a sign on their door. When a friend of Kitt's is targeted in this way she is determined to find the killer. So far so good. From then on the leads and deductions made from them seem tenuous. There is a lot of speculation about motives rather than actual evidence. and if all comes well at the end it seems to be by luck rather than skill.

[Julian Tremayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen Cox continues to find a way of integrating a police investigation with that of a private investigator's work. Set against a real backdrop, this book tells the story of a search made by the two lead characters, who are of course a couple. That doesn't preclude them having some major differences of opinion about how to work the case, with interesting results.
Looking forward to the next one.
Julian Tremayne, East Yorkshire