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Hidden Norfolk #9
To Die For
What line would you cross for the one you love?
When the body of a man is found dead in his remote, isolated home, DI Tom Janssen and his team struggle to understand what motive there could be to murder such an inoffensive, seemingly placid local character.
The man lived alone, was well known in the community but kept his distance from others leading a haphazard way of life almost entirely off grid. What secrets did he hide in his private life that might be worth killing for?
As the team are about to understand, even the most nondescript of people can exist in a world darker than most of us will ever see...
Set within the mysterious beauty of coastal Norfolk, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed.
When the body of a man is found dead in his remote, isolated home, DI Tom Janssen and his team struggle to understand what motive there could be to murder such an inoffensive, seemingly placid local character.
The man lived alone, was well known in the community but kept his distance from others leading a haphazard way of life almost entirely off grid. What secrets did he hide in his private life that might be worth killing for?
As the team are about to understand, even the most nondescript of people can exist in a world darker than most of us will ever see...
Set within the mysterious beauty of coastal Norfolk, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2021
2368 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dalgliesh
36 books943 followersJason Dalgliesh was born on the south coast of England and grew up in Hampshire, UK. He has worked in the power transmission industry, the retail sector, call centres and as a night-owl in a bakery. His greatest challenge of all is ongoing, as a stay at home parent.
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
November 29, 2021
I have read all of J.M. Dalgliesh’s “Dark Yorkshire” series and all but one of his “Hidden Norfolk” books. I know they are stereotypical police procedurals — potboilers. There is a setup with a list of suspects, and often I guess who-dun-it about halfway through the book. Nearly always, one member of the investigating team ends up in peril, just saved in time. But I keep reading them because they relax me. Note the dates that I read this one — when I was struggling with trying to complete a book I hated in order to write a decent review.
These are cozy mysteries and generally I dislike cozy mysteries but, for some reason, I always read the latest offering soon after its publication. When I started TO DIE FOR, I wondered why I keep reading them, and so consciously examined my sensations to the initial setup. I realized it was the writing that I liked so much. The words and sentences flow smoothly, effortlessly, making up for the blandness of the overall story line.
TO DIE FOR was one of the few in the series that I didn’t guess the culprit until the ending, but I think the author cheated a bit by omitting a pertinent fact. No matter; it was an enjoyable read. If I was rating it on a “theme” scale, then I would have to give it 3 stars. But, for me, on a “satisfaction” scale, it was worth 4 stars.
These are cozy mysteries and generally I dislike cozy mysteries but, for some reason, I always read the latest offering soon after its publication. When I started TO DIE FOR, I wondered why I keep reading them, and so consciously examined my sensations to the initial setup. I realized it was the writing that I liked so much. The words and sentences flow smoothly, effortlessly, making up for the blandness of the overall story line.
TO DIE FOR was one of the few in the series that I didn’t guess the culprit until the ending, but I think the author cheated a bit by omitting a pertinent fact. No matter; it was an enjoyable read. If I was rating it on a “theme” scale, then I would have to give it 3 stars. But, for me, on a “satisfaction” scale, it was worth 4 stars.
October 1, 2021
To Die For!!
Not entirely what I was expecting, but damn good all the same. Subject matter, writing and storyline still up to the high standard we’ve come to appreciate from Jason. Twists and turns along the way with one at the end that I really wasn’t expecting. Happy times also feature in a book not to be missed. Roll on Book 10. Brilliant.
Not entirely what I was expecting, but damn good all the same. Subject matter, writing and storyline still up to the high standard we’ve come to appreciate from Jason. Twists and turns along the way with one at the end that I really wasn’t expecting. Happy times also feature in a book not to be missed. Roll on Book 10. Brilliant.
May 6, 2024
a loose end!
A loose end.
The first one so far. Now. Do I wash up, or do I start the next book?
I think we all know. The loose end is irritating me…
A loose end.
The first one so far. Now. Do I wash up, or do I start the next book?
I think we all know. The loose end is irritating me…
January 2, 2023
DI Tom Janssen and his team try to unravel the apparent murder of a quiet, solitary local man. He – and his parents before him – have lived on their small farm for decades and while many of the locals know him and are superficially friendly, no one really seems to be close to him at all. And when a second – seemingly unrelated – body gets washed up on the tide can the team discover to motive and reasons behind both cases?
I found this to be a really enjoyable, slower paced, British police procedural mystery/suspense novel. While the book is part of a larger series – the “Hidden Norfolk” series – I strongly feel this can be picked up and read by itself and thoroughly enjoyed. Tom’s team works very well together – but with a new officer starting her way and the other’s meshing together into a tight knit group I don’t feel readers new to this series and missing much of the previous cases and background will really feel the lack of that. The few tidbits (like Eric’s wedding and such) are very well detailed and explained and I feel should be easy for a new reader to slide right in.
Most importantly of all – the two main cases in this story are very well plotted and are very self-contained within this story. I found the pace of the story was good enough for me to be reading along quite enthusiastically and eager to know more – but it wasn’t an action orientated or breakneck pace, I didn’t have to go back and re-check things I might have missed the first go around which I thought was great.
Readers looking for a solid, well woven and smaller town feel to their mysteries should find this book exactly fits that purpose. I also enjoyed the fact the police team was somewhat smaller than you often find – around five primary characters – so I didn’t have any problems juggling around the main characters or trying to keep everything clear in my head. I found this a comfortable, smooth and engrossing read with a solid mystery, two plots that were both equally intriguing and enough questions that it took me a while to sort out what I thought was going on under the surface.
A strongly written mystery with good characters and an interesting outline – this was a great book and a series I can heartily recommend.
I found this to be a really enjoyable, slower paced, British police procedural mystery/suspense novel. While the book is part of a larger series – the “Hidden Norfolk” series – I strongly feel this can be picked up and read by itself and thoroughly enjoyed. Tom’s team works very well together – but with a new officer starting her way and the other’s meshing together into a tight knit group I don’t feel readers new to this series and missing much of the previous cases and background will really feel the lack of that. The few tidbits (like Eric’s wedding and such) are very well detailed and explained and I feel should be easy for a new reader to slide right in.
Most importantly of all – the two main cases in this story are very well plotted and are very self-contained within this story. I found the pace of the story was good enough for me to be reading along quite enthusiastically and eager to know more – but it wasn’t an action orientated or breakneck pace, I didn’t have to go back and re-check things I might have missed the first go around which I thought was great.
Readers looking for a solid, well woven and smaller town feel to their mysteries should find this book exactly fits that purpose. I also enjoyed the fact the police team was somewhat smaller than you often find – around five primary characters – so I didn’t have any problems juggling around the main characters or trying to keep everything clear in my head. I found this a comfortable, smooth and engrossing read with a solid mystery, two plots that were both equally intriguing and enough questions that it took me a while to sort out what I thought was going on under the surface.
A strongly written mystery with good characters and an interesting outline – this was a great book and a series I can heartily recommend.
January 15, 2023
A bit weird.
That was Billy Noy - a bit weird, odd some called him. Never mixed with people, didn't make friends at school, no one close to him. Just a Jack of all trades, good with machinery, not so good with people.
A creature of habit, a late night 'canny' shopper, appearing regular as clockwork, at the local supermarket when produce was reduced in price at the end of the day. Pleasant enough to male staff, shy and uncomfortable around the females. A bit off they said, but no trouble.
So why did Billy end up on his kitchen floor with a knife plunged into his staff?
Tamara and Tom were surprised by his home, expecting stereotype bachelor accommodation, it was clean and tidy. The only thing out of place, apart from Billy, was his shopping from the supermarket still in its carrier bags. Looks like he was killed upon his return from his habitual bargain hunt.
Then a body is washed up on the beach, a male with a Latvian passport belonging to a female.
Latvian authorities confirm the corpse is that of a Latvian criminal, well known in his homeland.
Add in thousands of pounds in cash, a marijuana grow, a seemingly terrified young woman, an estranged brother verging on bankruptcy and a dog theft ring equals a conundrum for Tamara, Tom and the team.
Did I mention the initial call out came during Eric and Becca's wedding reception?
Plenty to keep your mind occupied in this novel, as always well written and the plot isn't overloaded, all will make sense of you widely choose to read this tome.
That was Billy Noy - a bit weird, odd some called him. Never mixed with people, didn't make friends at school, no one close to him. Just a Jack of all trades, good with machinery, not so good with people.
A creature of habit, a late night 'canny' shopper, appearing regular as clockwork, at the local supermarket when produce was reduced in price at the end of the day. Pleasant enough to male staff, shy and uncomfortable around the females. A bit off they said, but no trouble.
So why did Billy end up on his kitchen floor with a knife plunged into his staff?
Tamara and Tom were surprised by his home, expecting stereotype bachelor accommodation, it was clean and tidy. The only thing out of place, apart from Billy, was his shopping from the supermarket still in its carrier bags. Looks like he was killed upon his return from his habitual bargain hunt.
Then a body is washed up on the beach, a male with a Latvian passport belonging to a female.
Latvian authorities confirm the corpse is that of a Latvian criminal, well known in his homeland.
Add in thousands of pounds in cash, a marijuana grow, a seemingly terrified young woman, an estranged brother verging on bankruptcy and a dog theft ring equals a conundrum for Tamara, Tom and the team.
Did I mention the initial call out came during Eric and Becca's wedding reception?
Plenty to keep your mind occupied in this novel, as always well written and the plot isn't overloaded, all will make sense of you widely choose to read this tome.
July 28, 2022
A man has been stabbed to death in his own home and DCI Tom Janssen and his team have to find out what happened, when another body is washed ashore on a local beach the team have to work both cases separately but are they linked in any way?
Billy Roy was an odd man by all accounts a bit of a loner who preferred his own company as he was awkward around people. One thing though that Billy had was a fantastic ability with his hands and things mechanical he could fix anything. He was in demand for odd jobs or even big jobs and he was employed by a neighbouring farm to service or repair all of their machinery. He did tree surgery amongst other things too, when he didn't show up for work for a second day the couple from the neighbouring farm call at his home and find his body in his kitchen lifeless and encircled in blood and immediately call the police.
Aleksandsr Balodis was the body washed up on Hunstanton beach. When the body was searched all they could find was the passport of a Latvian woman and his prints weren't on any criminal database in the UK so they sent them off to the Latvian police and that's when his identity is confirmed. This guy had made six trips in and out of the UK in the last eighteen months so why was he in Hunstanton at all?
What was the motive for wanting these men dead? Were the cases connected? If so how and in what way? Who and where was the woman who's passport was found on Aleksandsr Balodis body? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Billy Roy was an odd man by all accounts a bit of a loner who preferred his own company as he was awkward around people. One thing though that Billy had was a fantastic ability with his hands and things mechanical he could fix anything. He was in demand for odd jobs or even big jobs and he was employed by a neighbouring farm to service or repair all of their machinery. He did tree surgery amongst other things too, when he didn't show up for work for a second day the couple from the neighbouring farm call at his home and find his body in his kitchen lifeless and encircled in blood and immediately call the police.
Aleksandsr Balodis was the body washed up on Hunstanton beach. When the body was searched all they could find was the passport of a Latvian woman and his prints weren't on any criminal database in the UK so they sent them off to the Latvian police and that's when his identity is confirmed. This guy had made six trips in and out of the UK in the last eighteen months so why was he in Hunstanton at all?
What was the motive for wanting these men dead? Were the cases connected? If so how and in what way? Who and where was the woman who's passport was found on Aleksandsr Balodis body? You'll have to read the book to find out.
January 26, 2022
Another to leave you guessing until the end
I love this series and they just get better with each book!
This one has so many hidden secrets, everyone was a suspect in my mind. The storyline is so tight that every time an answer seemed to come to the fore, it twisted into simply assumptions. Very clever plotting seems to keeps your brain cells on active overdrive!
DI Tom Janssen, is called to a remote farm house where the body of the owner is found murdered in his kitchen. A sort of recluse, a gentle man that all who new him seemed to like, so whatever the reason for his untimely death wasn't going to be straight forward, unless it was a theft gone wrong, but he had nothing of value worth stealing, what ever the reason, Tom and his team have their work cut out to find answers!
So many questions, so many twists and turns its impossible to see the wood for the trees in this book. I loved it, the regular characters are first rate its impossible not to sympathise with them when things don't go according to plan and punch the air when things go right!
You can read this series of books as standalone's but in all honesty you'd be missing out on some great stories set in a picturesque part of Britain's coastline and its incredible weather variations, read and enjoy them all they're great!
I love this series and they just get better with each book!
This one has so many hidden secrets, everyone was a suspect in my mind. The storyline is so tight that every time an answer seemed to come to the fore, it twisted into simply assumptions. Very clever plotting seems to keeps your brain cells on active overdrive!
DI Tom Janssen, is called to a remote farm house where the body of the owner is found murdered in his kitchen. A sort of recluse, a gentle man that all who new him seemed to like, so whatever the reason for his untimely death wasn't going to be straight forward, unless it was a theft gone wrong, but he had nothing of value worth stealing, what ever the reason, Tom and his team have their work cut out to find answers!
So many questions, so many twists and turns its impossible to see the wood for the trees in this book. I loved it, the regular characters are first rate its impossible not to sympathise with them when things don't go according to plan and punch the air when things go right!
You can read this series of books as standalone's but in all honesty you'd be missing out on some great stories set in a picturesque part of Britain's coastline and its incredible weather variations, read and enjoy them all they're great!
October 20, 2021
J.M Dalgleish is fast becoming my favourite author. In addition to the graphic tales which are well thought through and maintain your interest throughout, Mr Dalgleish's ability to describe a physical action is absolutely wonderful. In a couple of words he captures the mannerism or action he is trying to portray in such a way as you feel you are actually watching the character.
I have read the whole Hidden Norfolk series and have enjoyed them immensely as has my wife. I have also read all of the Dark Yorkshire tales and the contrast in characters between the books could not be more stark. I love them both equally for different reasons, the flawed anti hero that is DI Caslin contrasts massively with the DI Janssen character of the Norfolk Tales. These detectives are so well written yet so different it is difficult to believe they are written by the same person. Awesome penmanship.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND both series of books and look forward to reading more story hopefully from both collections.
I have read the whole Hidden Norfolk series and have enjoyed them immensely as has my wife. I have also read all of the Dark Yorkshire tales and the contrast in characters between the books could not be more stark. I love them both equally for different reasons, the flawed anti hero that is DI Caslin contrasts massively with the DI Janssen character of the Norfolk Tales. These detectives are so well written yet so different it is difficult to believe they are written by the same person. Awesome penmanship.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND both series of books and look forward to reading more story hopefully from both collections.
September 21, 2021
Quick, easy-read police procedural
Main storyline: stabbing death of an oddball loner, who lived in a deserted, country house. The police have little to go on: his house is surprisingly well-ordered for a bachelor; he seemed to have no enemies; and he was not wealthy enough to rob. The second storyline: the body of a Latvian man washes up on the shore—with a lovely woman’s passport in his possession.
As with police procedurals having two separate murders, I expected the cases to eventually intertwine. The storylines are satisfying and there are several good twists—a few expected, but others unexpected—so this was a fun read.
Although I’ve read several, earlier books, this entry can be read as a stand-alone. The domestic subplot continues from earlier books, but it’s not germane to the murder storylines. I was a bit annoyed by what I considered a hanging thread from a domestic sub-subplot, but it’s probably TBC with the next book.
Main storyline: stabbing death of an oddball loner, who lived in a deserted, country house. The police have little to go on: his house is surprisingly well-ordered for a bachelor; he seemed to have no enemies; and he was not wealthy enough to rob. The second storyline: the body of a Latvian man washes up on the shore—with a lovely woman’s passport in his possession.
As with police procedurals having two separate murders, I expected the cases to eventually intertwine. The storylines are satisfying and there are several good twists—a few expected, but others unexpected—so this was a fun read.
Although I’ve read several, earlier books, this entry can be read as a stand-alone. The domestic subplot continues from earlier books, but it’s not germane to the murder storylines. I was a bit annoyed by what I considered a hanging thread from a domestic sub-subplot, but it’s probably TBC with the next book.
November 16, 2021
North Norfolk coast. Team work. Human interaction and a plot. What's not to like?
For me murder mysteries as a genre don't light my candle. The opposite was the case for me with this series. I have read these nine books through in pretty short time. I did try spacing them out with a couple of other authors but this didn't work. It was nice to have the narratives playing out in areas I know but most importantly there is a mixed sex cast with a detective team developing within the series. There as the addition of some family life cameos that is another plus for me. The team works well and there are no rogues at least amongst the present cast. The horror of the crimes is not overstated but the detective work is well covered and despite the fact that they solve all the cases the storylines are compelling and believable.
Now just got to wait for the end of January for the tenth in the series. Will I take my reading to Yorkshire? Pretty sure I will!
For me murder mysteries as a genre don't light my candle. The opposite was the case for me with this series. I have read these nine books through in pretty short time. I did try spacing them out with a couple of other authors but this didn't work. It was nice to have the narratives playing out in areas I know but most importantly there is a mixed sex cast with a detective team developing within the series. There as the addition of some family life cameos that is another plus for me. The team works well and there are no rogues at least amongst the present cast. The horror of the crimes is not overstated but the detective work is well covered and despite the fact that they solve all the cases the storylines are compelling and believable.
Now just got to wait for the end of January for the tenth in the series. Will I take my reading to Yorkshire? Pretty sure I will!
December 31, 2024
Enjoyable, but…*SPOILERS*
…the ending seemed a bit far-fetched for me. Billy, an “oddball” by all accounts is suddenly capable of murder? Running fights & growing drugs on his farm?
Billy was made out to be some quiet, reserved, socially inept oddball, but then it’s revealed that he’s allowing drugs to be grown on his farm, allowing illegal fights of some sort on his farm, dealing drugs, being a perv…I guess the old saying “you never really know someone” is very true in this case.
There were too many characters & the side story that intertwined with the ending didn’t make much sense or get a proper explanation. If Billy killed Aleks, how did he do it? Where’d he get a boat to dump him in the sea? Why introduce Kerry & her obvious infatuation with Eric but not explain? Or have it go anywhere? Maybe they’ll keep Kerry around in the next book.
Enjoyed this one a little less than the others.
…the ending seemed a bit far-fetched for me. Billy, an “oddball” by all accounts is suddenly capable of murder? Running fights & growing drugs on his farm?
Billy was made out to be some quiet, reserved, socially inept oddball, but then it’s revealed that he’s allowing drugs to be grown on his farm, allowing illegal fights of some sort on his farm, dealing drugs, being a perv…I guess the old saying “you never really know someone” is very true in this case.
There were too many characters & the side story that intertwined with the ending didn’t make much sense or get a proper explanation. If Billy killed Aleks, how did he do it? Where’d he get a boat to dump him in the sea? Why introduce Kerry & her obvious infatuation with Eric but not explain? Or have it go anywhere? Maybe they’ll keep Kerry around in the next book.
Enjoyed this one a little less than the others.
December 31, 2024
This episode did not have a dynamic fight-scene climax, but that doesn't hurt the quality of this mystery. I didn't totally guess the who-done-it part which compensates for the lack of energetic conclusion. Once again, Dalgliesh wrote a good, solid detective story. The red-herring leads are engaging and the plot moves along with very little diversion into the personal lives of the heroes/heroines.
The Hidden Norfolk detective stories aren't nail-biters or edge-of-your-seat compelling mysteries. Rather they are solid, procedural stories that are easy to put down and pick up as personal time allows. For the past few weeks, I've kept one on-going for those in-between leisure times. I think it would be ok to pick one of these up in the middle of the series and lose nothing in the understanding of both plot and characters.
The Hidden Norfolk detective stories aren't nail-biters or edge-of-your-seat compelling mysteries. Rather they are solid, procedural stories that are easy to put down and pick up as personal time allows. For the past few weeks, I've kept one on-going for those in-between leisure times. I think it would be ok to pick one of these up in the middle of the series and lose nothing in the understanding of both plot and characters.
February 24, 2025
#9 TO DIE FOR by J.M. Dalgleish. Another good read by this author. So far all his books have been terrific. He describes the coastal town of Norfolk on the North Sea where there seems to be an inordinate number of murders. Perhaps the tourists are restless. This one involves two separate murders that come together. Inspector Tom Janssen is on the job along with DCI Tamara Greaves and the team. The characters are likable and the cases plausible. I enjoy the British mysteries. New terms and new locales make for an interesting read. These books are standalone BUT I recommend that you start with the first in the series and catch up. I like to have the backstory and am always glad when I stumble on a series that has been published for a while.
September 20, 2021
Excellent, exciting read.
A well written, detailed storyline with my favourite characters and beautiful countryside, what more could I ask for in this new addition to one of my favourite police procedural series. I think this one could be one of the best!
Hooked me in from the start with a great twisting plot, it was difficult to guess the secrets and answers, this story just kept building suspense. Featuring a great ending and some good character developments as well as an excellent crime story in the mix, I look forward to more like this.
Read and reviewed an ARC from the author.
A well written, detailed storyline with my favourite characters and beautiful countryside, what more could I ask for in this new addition to one of my favourite police procedural series. I think this one could be one of the best!
Hooked me in from the start with a great twisting plot, it was difficult to guess the secrets and answers, this story just kept building suspense. Featuring a great ending and some good character developments as well as an excellent crime story in the mix, I look forward to more like this.
Read and reviewed an ARC from the author.
September 26, 2021
Great Mystery as Expected from Dagliesh!
I really enjoyed this mystery which involved unusual characters and situations too. Especially enjoyable in the Hidden Norfolk Mysteries are the employees and families of the local police department. I enjoy finding out more about them and how their lives are evolving. All in all I can give a hearty endorsement to Book 9 as well as Books 1-8. To enjoy them fully start with Book 1 and read all of them in order. You won't regret it. I know I haven't.
I really enjoyed this mystery which involved unusual characters and situations too. Especially enjoyable in the Hidden Norfolk Mysteries are the employees and families of the local police department. I enjoy finding out more about them and how their lives are evolving. All in all I can give a hearty endorsement to Book 9 as well as Books 1-8. To enjoy them fully start with Book 1 and read all of them in order. You won't regret it. I know I haven't.
February 10, 2023
To Die For is another routine police procedural from J M Dalgleish. What keeps his novels from being dull are the main characters. Each has his or her difficulties from time to time and these impinge on the investigation in hand. In To Die For a new woman DC joins the cast and this makes the inter-personal relationships even more interesting. A viewer relaxing read.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of ‘39, all published by Sacristy Press.
February 2, 2026
TO DIE FOR is written by J.M. Dalgliesh and is Book #9 of his Hidden Norfolk series.
The body of a man is found in his remote, isolated home. The man is a loner, a seemingly friendless and harmless recluse. What reason would someone have to murder him?
This series of books always begins with a prologue, which sets up the victim and the
investigation of his/her murder which follows.
TO DIE FOR has a puzzling murder victim with few past and present relationships.
A dark, secretive ‘back story’ came towards the end of the book and surprised me.
Great title and series. ****
The body of a man is found in his remote, isolated home. The man is a loner, a seemingly friendless and harmless recluse. What reason would someone have to murder him?
This series of books always begins with a prologue, which sets up the victim and the
investigation of his/her murder which follows.
TO DIE FOR has a puzzling murder victim with few past and present relationships.
A dark, secretive ‘back story’ came towards the end of the book and surprised me.
Great title and series. ****
September 15, 2021
Gary and Jenny Bartlett have gone to the home of their neighbour, Billy Moy, to find out why he failed to turn up for work only to find him dead. D.I. Tom Janssen and his team investigate. But what could be the motive for killing such an inoffensive man.
An entertaining and well-written modern crime story, with its cast of varied and likeable characters.A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An entertaining and well-written modern crime story, with its cast of varied and likeable characters.A good addition to the series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 14, 2021
Another great book
While Eric's wedding and honeymoon didn't go quite how it was planed, he did get to work on a murder of a man washed up on the beach. A man for now with no name or suspects let alone motives; while his colleagues where also working on a murder of a seamlessly harmless man, bit of a loner but an OK bloke. How these investigations proceed an what the team's find out about each individual makes for a riveting good story.
While Eric's wedding and honeymoon didn't go quite how it was planed, he did get to work on a murder of a man washed up on the beach. A man for now with no name or suspects let alone motives; while his colleagues where also working on a murder of a seamlessly harmless man, bit of a loner but an OK bloke. How these investigations proceed an what the team's find out about each individual makes for a riveting good story.
November 25, 2022
In my opinion this is Dalglishs best yarn by far, it has more twists and turns than a metre of corkscrews. In other stories they've taken a while to develop but this time I was left wondering what was about to ensue after the first two pages and found myself fully engrossed in no time at all with the second half of the book simply flying by.
I can quite honestly recommend this book to anyone who likes a who done it and then you'll need to read it right to the end, it's a cracker.
I can quite honestly recommend this book to anyone who likes a who done it and then you'll need to read it right to the end, it's a cracker.
February 2, 2023
Another good story in this series. The characters are well formed and the twists and turns in the plot make it interesting and intriguing to follow. Easy read and one that encourages you to read more about the main characters. Slowly as you read each book you learn a little more about each of the main police characters. There is almost a sadness as you finish the book that you will be leaving them for a while.
April 2, 2023
A clever and unexpected solution. Well plotted and does not have some of the annoying conventions of the first few books e.g the POV of the suspects after they have been questioned. (I found that particularly annoying and it did nothing for the story.) On the plus side we are now intimately involved in the everyday lives of the detectives which adds to the verisimilitude. The later books in the series have been much more enjoyable and I hope it continues.
November 28, 2023
I am currently trying to finish this series, and this is one of the books I missed. As always, I really appreciate no spoilers in the later books, which is the case with some other authors. So if you want to read this series out of order, you can, just mind you, you will know what happens later on with the personal lives of the characters.
Story wise, it was not exactly straightforward case and I will be the first one to admit, I was not able to guess what happened and who did it. And why they did that. Having said that, I kept reading and the whole time I was very curious. The solution was maybe for me slightly disappointing, but not too much.
Overall, I did like the book and I can recommend it.
Story wise, it was not exactly straightforward case and I will be the first one to admit, I was not able to guess what happened and who did it. And why they did that. Having said that, I kept reading and the whole time I was very curious. The solution was maybe for me slightly disappointing, but not too much.
Overall, I did like the book and I can recommend it.
February 2, 2025
Hidden Norfolk DI Tom Janssen #9. Although there are aspects of the story I didn't like (some brutality), on the whole it was a fast paced police procedural. There were gangsters and fraudsters, abusing others and trying to get their money. I have enjoyed others in this series as well. There are always elements of the personal lives of the main characters, which is fine if not overdone.
Rating 3.8.
Rating 3.8.
September 18, 2021
I loved this latest book in the Hidden Norfolk series. By now the characters are like old friends that you are happy to spend the day with. This storyline was so wonderfully intricate it felt like taking a ride on a twisty mountain road. So many suspects and all of them could have committed murder. As always, beautiful descriptive writing adds to the pleasure of reading a Dalgliesh novel.
September 19, 2021
To die for -
I enjoy this series of books and received this last week as a download from the author. As you go through the book, there are lots of potential candidates for the murderer, but the ending might just surprise you. My only comment was the book seemed to conclude quite quickly. However, still an enjoyable read. 4.5 out of 5.
I enjoy this series of books and received this last week as a download from the author. As you go through the book, there are lots of potential candidates for the murderer, but the ending might just surprise you. My only comment was the book seemed to conclude quite quickly. However, still an enjoyable read. 4.5 out of 5.
September 19, 2021
Excellent!
Great series! Another unusual case, with 2 seemingly unconnected murders to be solved simultaneously, take great effort from Tom and the murder team. Lots of questions, lots of suspects, lots of evidence, and yet they can reach no valid conclusion. Great plot and terrific conclusion!
Great series! Another unusual case, with 2 seemingly unconnected murders to be solved simultaneously, take great effort from Tom and the murder team. Lots of questions, lots of suspects, lots of evidence, and yet they can reach no valid conclusion. Great plot and terrific conclusion!
January 22, 2022
NO!
Chilling? No. Thrilling? No. Boring? Yes. Bland? Yes.
Not a bit of suspense. No momentum in the plot to compel the reader to turn the pages. Also dangling threads, such as repeated references to Kerry's fixation on Eric, that are never connected or explained. A very ho-hum, what- is -the- point -of- this story.
Chilling? No. Thrilling? No. Boring? Yes. Bland? Yes.
Not a bit of suspense. No momentum in the plot to compel the reader to turn the pages. Also dangling threads, such as repeated references to Kerry's fixation on Eric, that are never connected or explained. A very ho-hum, what- is -the- point -of- this story.
May 14, 2022
Great Read
Enjoyable series. Addict-able characters and you start to wonder about what they are thinking and motives. J M Dalgliesh has an ability to make you stop and think hmmm what is exactly going on. I am addicted to series and anxious to start the next book and do not want this thriller to end.
Enjoyable series. Addict-able characters and you start to wonder about what they are thinking and motives. J M Dalgliesh has an ability to make you stop and think hmmm what is exactly going on. I am addicted to series and anxious to start the next book and do not want this thriller to end.
March 25, 2024
Disappointing end
This was such a good book until the very end, where the "twist" felt too disconnected from the actual story to be relevant.
It was that disappointing, that I actually skipped back to check whether I had missed anything, but I hadn't. It was just a random reason, with the "big boss baddie" not getting his comeuppance, and lots of threads left untied.
This was such a good book until the very end, where the "twist" felt too disconnected from the actual story to be relevant.
It was that disappointing, that I actually skipped back to check whether I had missed anything, but I hadn't. It was just a random reason, with the "big boss baddie" not getting his comeuppance, and lots of threads left untied.
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