What do you think?
Rate this book
Rutland #3
In Cold Blood
Book three in a stunning new crime series from 2m+ international bestseller Adam Croft.
A body is found under Welland Viaduct on a bitterly cold winter morning. But this will be a murder investigation like no other.
As DI Caroline Hills and DS Dexter Antoine begin to unravel the dark secrets in the victim's life, they find themselves sucked into a web of lies and betrayal.
Rutland Police need to find the killer before it’s too late. But with Caroline’s health failing and their main witness suspiciously missing, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Dark histories, mysterious gifts and hidden secrets abound. But will they discover the truth before anyone else is killed in cold blood?
‘Incredible’ — BBC News
‘A sensation’ — The Guardian
A body is found under Welland Viaduct on a bitterly cold winter morning. But this will be a murder investigation like no other.
As DI Caroline Hills and DS Dexter Antoine begin to unravel the dark secrets in the victim's life, they find themselves sucked into a web of lies and betrayal.
Rutland Police need to find the killer before it’s too late. But with Caroline’s health failing and their main witness suspiciously missing, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Dark histories, mysterious gifts and hidden secrets abound. But will they discover the truth before anyone else is killed in cold blood?
‘Incredible’ — BBC News
‘A sensation’ — The Guardian
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2021
92 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Adam Croft
50 books547 followersWith more than half a million books sold to date, Adam Croft is one of the most successful independently published authors in the world, and one of the biggest selling authors of the past year.
Following his 2015 worldwide bestseller Her Last Tomorrow, his psychological thrillers were bought by Thomas & Mercer, an imprint of Amazon Publishing. Prior to the Amazon deal, Her Last Tomorrow sold more than 150,000 copies across all platforms and became one of the bestselling books of the year, reaching the top 10 in the overall Amazon Kindle chart and peaking at number 12 in the combined paperback fiction and non-fiction chart.
His Knight & Culverhouse crime thriller series has sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide, with his Kempston Hardwick mystery books being adapted as audio plays starring some of the biggest names in British TV.
In 2016, the Knight & Culverhouse Box Set reached number 1 in Canada, knocking J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child off the top spot only weeks after Her Last Tomorrow was also number 1 in Canada.
During the summer of 2016, two of Adam’s books hit the USA Today bestseller list only weeks apart, making them two of the most-purchased books in the United States over the summer.
Before writing full time, Adam had previously worked as an internet marketing consultant, delivery driver and professional actor.
Adam has been featured on BBC Radio, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bookseller and a number of other news and media outl
Following his 2015 worldwide bestseller Her Last Tomorrow, his psychological thrillers were bought by Thomas & Mercer, an imprint of Amazon Publishing. Prior to the Amazon deal, Her Last Tomorrow sold more than 150,000 copies across all platforms and became one of the bestselling books of the year, reaching the top 10 in the overall Amazon Kindle chart and peaking at number 12 in the combined paperback fiction and non-fiction chart.
His Knight & Culverhouse crime thriller series has sold more than 250,000 copies worldwide, with his Kempston Hardwick mystery books being adapted as audio plays starring some of the biggest names in British TV.
In 2016, the Knight & Culverhouse Box Set reached number 1 in Canada, knocking J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child off the top spot only weeks after Her Last Tomorrow was also number 1 in Canada.
During the summer of 2016, two of Adam’s books hit the USA Today bestseller list only weeks apart, making them two of the most-purchased books in the United States over the summer.
Before writing full time, Adam had previously worked as an internet marketing consultant, delivery driver and professional actor.
Adam has been featured on BBC Radio, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bookseller and a number of other news and media outl
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 13, 2024
This was quite entertaining and ivv be enjoyed the writing and development of the storyline.
It’s very small, so a fast read for sure.
A new author to me and I downloaded the first and the second books in this series, which will be resting next.
I loved the audiobook, which I listened as I read the book.
e-book (Kobo): 205 pages (default), 55k words (55 chapters + epilogue)
Audiobook narrated by Andy Nyman: 5.3 hours (normal speed) - unabridged
It’s very small, so a fast read for sure.
A new author to me and I downloaded the first and the second books in this series, which will be resting next.
I loved the audiobook, which I listened as I read the book.
e-book (Kobo): 205 pages (default), 55k words (55 chapters + epilogue)
Audiobook narrated by Andy Nyman: 5.3 hours (normal speed) - unabridged
May 31, 2021
DI Caroline Hills is called to investigate when a man's body is found literally frozen on the coldest morning of the year. Sitting up next to a wall, it looks like he just got tired and sat down. But the massive injury to the back of his head says otherwise.
At just about the same time they were investigating, a woman called to report her husband as missing. Once identity has been established, the wife becomes the prime suspect, especially as her husband was known as a ladies man.
Did his wife kill him because he cheated? Did someone's husband get rid of him?
Hills and her team are working diligently trying to find the killer .. but then the prime suspect disappears. Did she do a runner .. or did someone take her away?
This is a fast-paced who-dun-it filled with secrets and lies. Twists and turns keep the suspense at a high level from start to startling conclusion. The characters are well developed and I really liked the blend of professional with the personal. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do recommend reading in order to get all those little gems of information that make this an excellent series.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
At just about the same time they were investigating, a woman called to report her husband as missing. Once identity has been established, the wife becomes the prime suspect, especially as her husband was known as a ladies man.
Did his wife kill him because he cheated? Did someone's husband get rid of him?
Hills and her team are working diligently trying to find the killer .. but then the prime suspect disappears. Did she do a runner .. or did someone take her away?
This is a fast-paced who-dun-it filled with secrets and lies. Twists and turns keep the suspense at a high level from start to startling conclusion. The characters are well developed and I really liked the blend of professional with the personal. Although 3rd in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. I do recommend reading in order to get all those little gems of information that make this an excellent series.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 13, 2023
I always buy the Rutland murder series because Oakham is my home town it is the county town of Rutland the smallest county in England and my family have lived here for generations so I love the mentions of all the villages and different shops that I know so well.
In this latest story, DI Caroline Hills and Ds Dexter Antoine have to investigate the murder of a man found frozen under one of the arches of the Seaton viaduct, it was soon established that the middle-aged man who had been out running had not died of natural causes but from a blow on the head. It is amazing when you start asking questions of people, even in such a small quiet place, how the skeletons start to fall out of the cupboards and the innocent start to look guilty. The investigation starts and Caroline and Dex begin by trying to find out who might have a grudge against the dead man, Martin Forbes. Martin ran a small business, he was married to Sandra and everything seemed completely normal, Martin went for a run every night and according to Sandra, she didn't worry about him being late back because he often called into the local pub on his way home for a pint, when he became very late she reported him missing.
Caroline is determined to solve the crime as she is just back at work after treatment for cancer and wants to prove that she is up to the amount of work even though she is, at times, very tired.
I enjoyed the story but sadly I guessed who the murderer was just over halfway through which was a bit disappointing. It is a very quick read, the chapters are very small, sometimes just a couple of pages and each chapter has a space at the end of the page which makes the book a lot bigger than it appears to be.
In this latest story, DI Caroline Hills and Ds Dexter Antoine have to investigate the murder of a man found frozen under one of the arches of the Seaton viaduct, it was soon established that the middle-aged man who had been out running had not died of natural causes but from a blow on the head. It is amazing when you start asking questions of people, even in such a small quiet place, how the skeletons start to fall out of the cupboards and the innocent start to look guilty. The investigation starts and Caroline and Dex begin by trying to find out who might have a grudge against the dead man, Martin Forbes. Martin ran a small business, he was married to Sandra and everything seemed completely normal, Martin went for a run every night and according to Sandra, she didn't worry about him being late back because he often called into the local pub on his way home for a pint, when he became very late she reported him missing.
Caroline is determined to solve the crime as she is just back at work after treatment for cancer and wants to prove that she is up to the amount of work even though she is, at times, very tired.
I enjoyed the story but sadly I guessed who the murderer was just over halfway through which was a bit disappointing. It is a very quick read, the chapters are very small, sometimes just a couple of pages and each chapter has a space at the end of the page which makes the book a lot bigger than it appears to be.
June 6, 2021
Another brilliant book. I couldn’t put it down!
January 19, 2025
Another good story very enjoyable
May 18, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the two previous ones - the storyline started well but didn’t really develop into anything. I will read another in this series but if the next one is as disappointing I will abandon it.
February 23, 2025
Another great story!
May 26, 2021
This is the third book in the Rutland Crime series, Rutland is a small county bordering Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. The author uses this small county to great effect in this series.
A body is found frozen under a viaduct, Di Caroline Hills and her team are now trying to work out why he was murdered, Given the small size of the county, I do like how the author keeps his cast small. A handful of police and also potential witnesses or suspects keeps this 236-page police procedural crime story compact and to the point.
The murder of a local businessman is one hat doe shave the team working hard trying to make links. While there is a gut instinct about the people they question they find it difficult to get to the truth. Misleading information and false leads seem to be the order of play. Things are not straight forward and there are a couple of red herrings to catch the reader and of course some twists.
I do like how the author has given more into the personal life of Caroline, she has health issues that she is overcoming and this does make things tense at home. Even though she s dealing with her own problems she still manages to keep an eye out for her team. Long hours and hard work are a given in the job and the author does manage to get a lot into this story.
It is crime read that does have a good amount of mystery to it as well as a personal side to the team. It is another wonderful read in the series and one for those who like a quicker paced and snappy police procedural read. It is one I would recommend.
A body is found frozen under a viaduct, Di Caroline Hills and her team are now trying to work out why he was murdered, Given the small size of the county, I do like how the author keeps his cast small. A handful of police and also potential witnesses or suspects keeps this 236-page police procedural crime story compact and to the point.
The murder of a local businessman is one hat doe shave the team working hard trying to make links. While there is a gut instinct about the people they question they find it difficult to get to the truth. Misleading information and false leads seem to be the order of play. Things are not straight forward and there are a couple of red herrings to catch the reader and of course some twists.
I do like how the author has given more into the personal life of Caroline, she has health issues that she is overcoming and this does make things tense at home. Even though she s dealing with her own problems she still manages to keep an eye out for her team. Long hours and hard work are a given in the job and the author does manage to get a lot into this story.
It is crime read that does have a good amount of mystery to it as well as a personal side to the team. It is another wonderful read in the series and one for those who like a quicker paced and snappy police procedural read. It is one I would recommend.
June 19, 2021
Once again brilliant
June 13, 2021
Wow, what can I say about this excellent novel. Thank you to Adam Croft for creating such an interesting character in Caroline Hills, she really is great. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one was the best so far. The case itself was well imagined and very exciting. The routes that Caroline and her team took to solve the crimes and reach the conclusion was hard work and took the reader down many twists, turns and complex paths. Although I had an inkling as to who the killer was fairly early on, my mind was changed quite a few times en route with some very clever red herrings and clues diverting me off course. Adam is amazingly clever at distracting you with a quick slight of the pen, and his sense of humour makes the stories much more fun than a crime novel should be.
A really important part of any series should be a good grounding for the characters, making them real and interesting. This is certainly something that the author achieves, making the reader keen to learn more about the lives of these people who we feel we should actually know and would miss if there were no more instalments. Learning about Caroline’s illness and following her through her treatment and worry about what might be happening to her is fundamental to these books. I know it certainly makes me feel very close to her, and I applaud Mr Croft for his tenacity in ensuring that this side of the story is dealt with realistically and sympathetically.
I enjoyed this book so much that I actually managed to read it in 2 days, proving it was extremely hard to put down. I have given it 5 stars purely because that’s the most Amazon allow, but in my mind I have actually given in 10 stars and I would also like Mr Croft to know that I breathed a huge sigh of relief when he mentioned that there would be a 4th in this fantastic series – thank you so much.
A really important part of any series should be a good grounding for the characters, making them real and interesting. This is certainly something that the author achieves, making the reader keen to learn more about the lives of these people who we feel we should actually know and would miss if there were no more instalments. Learning about Caroline’s illness and following her through her treatment and worry about what might be happening to her is fundamental to these books. I know it certainly makes me feel very close to her, and I applaud Mr Croft for his tenacity in ensuring that this side of the story is dealt with realistically and sympathetically.
I enjoyed this book so much that I actually managed to read it in 2 days, proving it was extremely hard to put down. I have given it 5 stars purely because that’s the most Amazon allow, but in my mind I have actually given in 10 stars and I would also like Mr Croft to know that I breathed a huge sigh of relief when he mentioned that there would be a 4th in this fantastic series – thank you so much.
April 28, 2021
A runner is found dead by early morning walkers under a viaduct. He ran a design business and appeared to have no enemies but could he be rather coercive to some of his staff particularly the some of the female ones? DI Caroline Hills is back at work after major surgery and cancer treatment, determined to get on with life and normality whatever that is. She is struggling with home life let alone energy levels as her husband Mark is being rather protective in fact overprotective. When one of the co- workers of the victim Martin is found to have rather a back history with death, alarm bells start ringing for Caroline and the team. Is she linked to Martin's death and if so why? I really enjoy this series. A strong female lead with a good strength of character and a wonderful background setting for anyone who knows Rutland, or would like to get to know it through the pages of a book. ( worth a visit in real life, it's a beautiful county). A well thought out plot to keep the grey matter active and a smile along the way. I love the cafe name-
“ The Daily Grind” which evokes that wonderful coffee smell- perfect for reading one of Adams books with, and I just had to look up the roses- stunning. A read I really got into, took my mind off my own sticky situation and left me with a smile- perfect, thank you.
June 19, 2022
I am really enjoying this crime fiction series set in Rutland. DI Caroline Hill and her team are called in to investigate when the body of a man frozen and sitting against the Welland Viaduct is discovered one morning. As the team delve into the victims life, secrets and lies from his past and those of the people around him come to light making for a confusing case.
The characters are becoming familiar and growing with each new book. The story is a quick read - a fast paced, page turner that kept me guessing almost to the end - in fact I sort of figured the ending out about the same time as the lead character. In the mean time there were lots of false leads and red herrings to keep you guessing. Excellent series - I hope it is a long one. Adam Croft has created a very likable cast and I could easily see this becoming a TV Series.
The characters are becoming familiar and growing with each new book. The story is a quick read - a fast paced, page turner that kept me guessing almost to the end - in fact I sort of figured the ending out about the same time as the lead character. In the mean time there were lots of false leads and red herrings to keep you guessing. Excellent series - I hope it is a long one. Adam Croft has created a very likable cast and I could easily see this becoming a TV Series.
June 22, 2021
This is the best series I have read in a long time!
I recently re-read book 1+2 just before release date of book 3 to fresh my memory. I love it first time but omg I loved reading all 3 books one free the other! I love Caroline the main character who is not only trying to solve a murder case but also battle cancer! Each book has plenty of twists and turns and I never even guessed who the murderer was in this book! Normally I have at least 2 people in my hit list who committed the murder but with cold blood even I didn't see it being the person who did it! All made sense when killer was revealed. Well written adam! Loved this book and can't wait for book 4! _another brilliant book and series crime lovers must read! Can't recommend you enough Adam croft! Much love
I recently re-read book 1+2 just before release date of book 3 to fresh my memory. I love it first time but omg I loved reading all 3 books one free the other! I love Caroline the main character who is not only trying to solve a murder case but also battle cancer! Each book has plenty of twists and turns and I never even guessed who the murderer was in this book! Normally I have at least 2 people in my hit list who committed the murder but with cold blood even I didn't see it being the person who did it! All made sense when killer was revealed. Well written adam! Loved this book and can't wait for book 4! _another brilliant book and series crime lovers must read! Can't recommend you enough Adam croft! Much love
May 12, 2023
A return to form, I thought, in this series. Adam Croft’s series set in Rutland (the hint is in the brackets above) gives the feel of a small community and the way life runs outside of big cities and towns. It does make you want to go and live in Rutland, despite the number of murders that seem to happen there.
I thought number 2 in the series was a bit of a let down after the first book. This one, for me, picked up the pace again and I found it a very enjoyable and easy book to read.
Having said that the killer isn’t that difficult to identify, if you read crime novels. So if you read crime novels because you like difficult puzzles to solve maybe this isn’t for you. But if you want a well written book, with likeable main characters give this one a go.
I thought number 2 in the series was a bit of a let down after the first book. This one, for me, picked up the pace again and I found it a very enjoyable and easy book to read.
Having said that the killer isn’t that difficult to identify, if you read crime novels. So if you read crime novels because you like difficult puzzles to solve maybe this isn’t for you. But if you want a well written book, with likeable main characters give this one a go.
October 15, 2021
Another winner in the Rutland crime series
Adam Croft has done it again with “In Cold Blood”. His characters are becoming even more developed with their unique personalities. He has made Caroline Hill and her struggles, both physically and emotionally so realistic for anyone who has experienced cancer themselves or watched a loved one battle it. In spite of her weakness and doubts, Caroline manages to successfully solve the murder proving what a great detective she is.
Was so excited to read that Adam is already working on book 4 in the series. This is an excellent read that you don’t want to miss.
Adam Croft has done it again with “In Cold Blood”. His characters are becoming even more developed with their unique personalities. He has made Caroline Hill and her struggles, both physically and emotionally so realistic for anyone who has experienced cancer themselves or watched a loved one battle it. In spite of her weakness and doubts, Caroline manages to successfully solve the murder proving what a great detective she is.
Was so excited to read that Adam is already working on book 4 in the series. This is an excellent read that you don’t want to miss.
September 16, 2021
Not Rutland
Like many other Rutlanders I was intrigued by a series set in our beautiful, tranquil county. However having read all three I regret to say that although the mystery is quite well executed the author has not captured the essence of Rutland at all. Apart from the place names it could have been set anywhere. Other series set in definite locations - Norfolk, Yorkshire, Snowdonia, Northumbria - convey a real sense of place which almost becomes another character. I hope the author makes more of an effort to bring Rutland to life in future books.
Like many other Rutlanders I was intrigued by a series set in our beautiful, tranquil county. However having read all three I regret to say that although the mystery is quite well executed the author has not captured the essence of Rutland at all. Apart from the place names it could have been set anywhere. Other series set in definite locations - Norfolk, Yorkshire, Snowdonia, Northumbria - convey a real sense of place which almost becomes another character. I hope the author makes more of an effort to bring Rutland to life in future books.
May 2, 2025
I’m going to be honest here - the sole reason I read this book is because of the title. I’m on a kick where I’m reading books by different authors that have the same title, and I’d recently read In Cold Blood; when I searched that to add it to my books here, I discovered ~this~ book, and knew I had to read this too. Which is pretty much why I’m reading this series. This ‘meh’ series.
May 28, 2021
If I could rate this and the rest of Adam’s books more than 5*, I certainly would!
Yet another page turner that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
The only sad thing is I’ve finished the book, but so good that it will be reread, like the rest of Adam’s amazing books!
Will Caroline and Dexter find out who committed the murder before it’s too late? Witnesses acting suspiciously...secrets...Will Caroline’s health issues get her through this investigation?
Yet another page turner that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
The only sad thing is I’ve finished the book, but so good that it will be reread, like the rest of Adam’s amazing books!
Will Caroline and Dexter find out who committed the murder before it’s too late? Witnesses acting suspiciously...secrets...Will Caroline’s health issues get her through this investigation?
September 3, 2021
Enjoyable read
I loved reading this book, especially as it is very close to where I live and know the area. This makes it a very personal experience. The storyline is believable and it created images in my mind rd eye of the story and the area. I like having a continuing story with the same detectives. It is a good read. I would recommend it to anyone who loved a good detectives story.
I loved reading this book, especially as it is very close to where I live and know the area. This makes it a very personal experience. The storyline is believable and it created images in my mind rd eye of the story and the area. I like having a continuing story with the same detectives. It is a good read. I would recommend it to anyone who loved a good detectives story.
June 5, 2021
Another good book by this author. I love the Rutland Series especially as some of my ancestors come from this area. This is a well written crime book with plenty of twists and turns that all started with a suspected dead in a local beauty spot. The characters are well portrayed. It is easy and quick to read. Well worth the read.
Currently reading
June 7, 2021Caroline at her best.
I can't believe we're on the third book in the Rutland series already. I love Caroline and how she has the strength to fight just as hard for justice, despite her own ongoing fight with the cancer. I never give away any of the storyline and this is no exception, aside to say, thank you Adam for another gripping read. Highly recommended.
I can't believe we're on the third book in the Rutland series already. I love Caroline and how she has the strength to fight just as hard for justice, despite her own ongoing fight with the cancer. I never give away any of the storyline and this is no exception, aside to say, thank you Adam for another gripping read. Highly recommended.
June 17, 2021
Another DI Caroline Hills and DS Dexter Antoine book
This can be read as a standalone as getting to know the characters is made easy.
A body is found underneath a viaduct. Caroline is still dealing with her health issues but she is determined to find the killer
The plot has plenty of twists and turns and a satisfying ending
I would recommend this book as a good procedural crime series
This can be read as a standalone as getting to know the characters is made easy.
A body is found underneath a viaduct. Caroline is still dealing with her health issues but she is determined to find the killer
The plot has plenty of twists and turns and a satisfying ending
I would recommend this book as a good procedural crime series
July 9, 2021
Really enjoying this series. The setting would surely make it a Sunday night TV series. I love the Rutland connection and the main characters are revealing more layers, making this a stand out crime collection. Unfortunately, this book didn't make it quite so difficult to guess the villain, which is why I've marked it down to 3 stars. Still looking forward to the next book though.
January 2, 2023
A well-written police procedural, interesting and informative. I actually enjoyed reading the description of the winterized countryside of Rutland—since I’m a country girl. I’ve grown to like Adam Croft’s writing style and his excellent use of dialogue. It is pleasant to read about a team of people who work together so nicely.
Read
September 8, 2023I'm reading this series as I'm about to come to Oakham for a holiday. The third book kept me interested although I guessed who the murderer was before the police did. My main criticism is that it's obvious that dead men can't delete emails, particularly as we know this one had left his phone at home - something which neither Caroline or Dex seemed to question.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2024
Excellent crime drama featuring DI Caroline Hills and her sergeant Dexter Antoine. When Martin Forbes, the owner of a design business, is found bludgeoned to death under a railway viaduct, the list of possible suspects is quite large - work colleagues, lovers, boyfriends and husbands of lovers, even Martin's wife, all have to be considered.
Fast moving story with a very dramatic ending !
Fast moving story with a very dramatic ending !
June 10, 2021
Read all three books in the series in the last week shows how enthralling they are. Each book as captivating story lines, but entwined with a sympathetic family situation that also has you wanting to know the outcome.
June 19, 2022
I live on the Rutland border (mum n family are rutlanders!) and except from the obvious sponsorship and advertising of pubs..shops and places to visit it could be anywhere. Obvious murderer and ending! Glad I borrowed it and nor purchased it.
December 30, 2022
As Caroline faces her own personal battle, her and her team face the complex task of investigating murder in Rutland. The team work well together and it has been great getting to learn more about each character through each book.
July 28, 2025
DI Hill is on the case when a man is found dead under a viaduct with only a head injury. Known as a womanizer did a man or woman kill the man and where they employees? A rather quick book but still a good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews