West Country Murder

Detective Craig Wild #2

by Derek Thompson

A dead body. Drugs residue. No fingerprints. Foul play?

At first PC Marnie Olsen thinks the man in the car is asleep. But the lack of movement and strange tilt of the head are a dead giveaway.

The only clue is a book signed by local author Juliette Kimani, who is holding court at the Wiltshire literary festival.

This could be a real breakthrough. If only Juliette Kimani wasn’t flatly denying ever having met the man . . .

Detective Craig Wild discovers that the victim was using a fake name. He must have been involved in something dark.

If Wild can find the man’s real identity he might just crack this case. But first he must deal with some very dangerous people. They’ll do whatever it takes to keep the truth buried. How far will Wild go to make sure the truth comes out . . . ?

Detective Craig Wild will be pushed to his limits in this gripping crime mystery packed with twists and turns.

Genres: Fiction, British Literature

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2022

About the author

Derek is a British author of novels and short fiction.

The Complete Thomas Bladen Spy Thrillers boxset, published by Joffe Books, comprises: STANDPOINT, LINE OF SIGHT, CAUSE & EFFECT, SHADOW STATE, and FLASHPOINT.

Book 6, PATHFINDER, is by Sixpence Publishing.

DS Wild Crime Mysteries published by Joffe Books:
1. LONG SHADOWS
2. WEST COUNTRY MURDER
3. DEATH IN WILTSHIRE

INTO THE VOID is a collection of short fiction by Sixpence Publishing.

Reviews

THOMAS BLADEN SPY THRILLERS
"Realistic rather than glitzy. This story did not disappoint with its gritty detail and credible characters. Kept me hooked right to the end. Great writing!" VC

DS WILD CRIME MYSTERIES
"...Slid down like a beer at the end of a hard day... engaging and entertaining story that kept me in suspense. A good balance of male & female characters, well written and believable." Helenmx5

Reviews

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detective Craig Wild Mysteries #2

At first PC Marnie Olsen thinks the man in the car is asleep. But the lack of movement and strange lilt of the head are a dead giveaway. The only clue is a book signed by local author Juliette Kimani, who is holding court at the Wiltshire literary festival. This could be a real breakthrough. If only Juliette Kimani wasn't flatly denying ever having met the man. Detective Craig Wild discovers that the victim was using a fake name. He must have been involved in something dark.

The pace is slow throughout this book. The victim had many enemies and it soon becomes clear not all is as it first seemed. This was not a gripping read for me but there was something intriguing about it that made me keep reading. The story is told from Craig Wild's perspective. I have not read the first book in this series but this book can be read as a standalone.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #DerekThompson for my ARC of #WestCountryMurder in exchange for an honest review.

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read and enjoyed the first in the Craig Wild series, Long Shadows, so I jumped at the chance to read West Country Murder. It can be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend reading Long Shadows first just to get to know the characters better.

A body is found in a locked car and the only clue is a book leading to local author Juliette Kimani. Wild thinks she's hiding something but can't prove it. More and more comes to light about the murder victim and leads Wild on a more dangerous path than he thought.

I'll be honest, I thought West Country Murder was going to be a straightforward mystery, but as I read on, I got caught up in twisty whodunnit.

I still enjoyed the pairing of Wild and PC Marnie Olson, much like the first book. They compliment each other nicely, Wild with his gruff demeanour and Marnie, who's whip smart but also has the empathy that Wild sometimes lacks.

I also thought there was a subtle bit of humour through the book, with a sarcastic observation or comment here and there, which I liked.

I will say while this is a police procedural, it's a little more on the gentle side. In fact it almost felt like a cozy mystery, so sometimes the pace felt a little slow.

West Country Murder is well written police procedural with an intriguing plot and plenty of shocks and surprises along the way.

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Rating: 3.5 stars

This was one of those rare novels that while the action may be slow, it is just intriguing enough to keep you turning the page. I very much enjoyed aspects of this story. To begin with Detective Wild was one of those "skirt the line" kind of cops that make for an interesting story (although I cannot believe the number of times he got away with skirting that line or in one case blatantly stepping over it, and not getting into trouble).

I enjoyed the balance between him and his not-quite partner Marnie, the way they are still trying to navigate working together. Marnie definitely comes across as the more empathetic of the duo, and I enjoyed the way they played off of each other during interviews (and even when they were just bouncing ideas off of one another). I feel like they are going to be quite the force to reckon with as this series goes on, and I can't wait to see how they continue to evolve as characters.

The story itself is an interesting one, filled with some twists and turns that make you sit back and go "wow". There were times when I thought I had it figured out, but then the author would throw in another twist (or victim) which forced me to re-evaluate my thoughts. And just when you think everything has been resolved? You get thrown a curveball that leaves you incapable of NOT reading on to see just what in the heck was going on. And oh man, the one twist? I'm still shaking my head over that one!

While this is the second in the series, I had no trouble understanding it, and it does work well as a stand-alone. At first, I assumed that the first novel covered just what exactly happened to him that landed him in Mayberry to begin with (something that is alluded to several times throughout the novel with nothing definitive being said), but from what I saw of the synopsis, this series kicks off with him already being a part of the Mayberry team.

I definitely think this story will appeal to those who enjoy police procedural novels (especially those set in the UK), and I will read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a British police procedure mystery with a different kind of hero. Wild is a police officer with a past and an attitude. This is the first novel I have read in this series by Thompson so I missed Wild's tainted activities in the first novel. But the past comes back to bite him and he is frequently trying to keep people from using his past misdeeds against him. The other aspect of his unusual character is that he is so determined to get what he wants he frequently steps over the line of what is appropriate for law enforcement. I was amazed at how he managed to get out of trouble with his superiors.

There is quite a bit of colloquial language in this novel American readers may not know. When a youth was said to be in borstal, I had no idea, as was the case with schtum. There is also police slang, such as misper.

I did enjoy the mystery. I felt transported into Wild's world of getting along with other officers, investigating a murder and running down the villain. He is not a squeaky clean policeman but he managed to get the task done.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first foray into this author’s writing – and I hope it’s not my last!

When a body is found in a car at a literary festival, PC Marnie Olsen is first on the scene – more by accident by design. Detective Craig Wild has only one clue; the book in the author’s car signed by an author attending the festival. Determined to get to the bottom of things, Wild will leave no stone unturned which brings him in contact with some dangerous individuals but he is determined to solve this case.

‘Mystery’ is the perfect category for this one as there are some really mysterious goings on! It’s easy to understand how hard a detective’s job really is – basically believe nothing until you can confirm it twice over! I suspected everyone, convinced myself they were all innocent and then had them in my sights again. A rollicking good read and absolutely a series I want to read more of. Definitely a five star read, and highly recommended to all the amateur detectives out there!

[Emmy Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

This book was enjoyable as a second in what I hope will be a continuing series. The characters have developed well and the story line was exciting and leaves me wanting more.

[Books 'n' All Promotions]

A man dies in a car at a literary festival. No clues who he is except a signed book but the author denies all knowledge of him or the book. Detective Craig Wild has his work cut out with this one.

As the investigation begins it soon becomes clear that all is not as it seems. The victim was given a new identity and the enemies from his past are many and varied.

This is an intriguing mystery with many twists and turns as Wild finds himself travelling up and down trying to work out what is going on.

The victim is a very intriguing personality who has a criminal background with many enemies but since being given a new identity he appears to have come good - but has he?

Detective Wild is growing on me and Marnie too the pair make a good team so I hope this relationship continues along with the series.

Overall an interesting read that anyone who loves a good crime mystery will enjoy

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

West Country murder by Derek Thompson.
Detective Craig Wild #2.
At first PC Marnie Olsen thinks the man in the car is asleep. But the lack of movement and strange tilt of the head are a dead giveaway.

The only clue is a book signed by local author Juliette Kimani, who is holding court at the Wiltshire literary festival.

This could be a real breakthrough. If only Juliette Kimani wasn’t flatly denying ever having met the man . . .

Detective Craig Wild discovers that the victim was using a fake name. He must have been involved in something dark.

If Wild can find the man’s real identity he might just crack this case. But first he must deal with some very dangerous people. They’ll do whatever it takes to keep the truth buried. How far will Wild go to make sure the truth comes out . . . ?

I did enjoy this book. Great story and characters. I hope there is more to come. 5*.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A day out for PC Marnie Olsen and DS Craig Wild at a local literary festival is anything but relaxing when a man’s body is found dead in his car, possibly from an overdose. The couple who spotted him first thought he was sleeping and the author whose signed book he had with him denies knowing him. Marnie and Craig stationed at Mayberry in Wiltshire travel all the way to Lincolnshire to the man’s home to search for clues into Lee Rickard’s life and death but the evidence is conflicting. A local vicar sheds some light on his existence, claiming he was a paid cell donor, trying to turn his life around but the appearance of drugs and a baseball bat at his home would indicate a different way of life for the 23-year-old. When they speak to DI Stanton of the National Crime Agency they discover that Lee was given a new identity when he was released from prison but who was he really, why did he travel so far for just one book and why was he murdered? As they learn more about his former life, the suspect pool really opens up and they find themselves making connections to organized crime, shady solicitors and dodgy journalists in a twisty and complex plot with lots of surprises along the way as more lives are put at risk.
Wild is a bit of an unknown quantity at Mayberry due to his past history in London. Whilst he has made a good friend in Marnie and is growing on DI Marsh, he is still proving his worth and demonstrating just what a clever and dedicated officer he is, even if he has his own way of doing things at times. Young PC Marnie Olsen who shows more promise and talent than some of the other detectives there is looking a likely fit for CID in the future, especially as Ben Galloway is looking to transfer out and her partnership with Wild works really well. The story is witty and well written and very easy to become absorbed in. Wild is certainly growing on me too after two stories and I do hope there will be more books to come. 5*

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are twists and turns aplenty in this immensely readable murder mystery from Derek Thompson: West Country Murder.

PC Marnie Olsen thought that the man in the car had fallen asleep, but there was something about his lack of movement that made her want to take a closer look – and it seemed that her suspicions were proven right because the man in question was dead! Was the man murdered or did he die of natural causes? There is nothing on the scene that could help the police along in their investigation – other than a signed copy of a book by local author Juliette Kimani, who just happens to be the guest of honour at the Wiltshire literary festival.

Detective Craig Wild thinks that this is the breakthrough he had been desperate for. However, Juliette has got no recollection of ever meeting this man and denies all knowledge of ever making his acquaintance. This looks like yet another dead end in this complex and impenetrable case and the shocks and surprises look set to keep on coming for Craig because it transpires that the victim had been using a fake name. What secrets was the victim hiding? And just what was he involved in?

Craig knows that if he finds out the man’s identity then he can crack this case. However, little does he realize that this investigation is going to force him down many a dark path that puts him directly in the line of fire. Can Craig solve this case before it’s too late?

An action-packed crime thriller that cracks along at a very fast pace, Derek Thompson’s West Country Murder is an exciting, unpredictable and engrossing chiller guaranteed to keep readers guessing from start to finish. Derek Thompson draws his readers into his story from the very beginning and keeps them turning the pages and desperate to find out whodunnit until the end.

Full of larger than life characters, nail-biting tension and pulse-racing suspense on every page, Derek Thompson’s West Country Murder will delight crime fiction fans everywhere.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the second book in the series, this works well as a standalone (I hadn't read the first one). A body is found at a literary festival locked in a car. The victim has a book signed by one of the guest authors but she doesnt recognise his face. When Detective Wild finds out more about the victim, there is an interesting past and one which involves the author albeit in an innocent way- so why is she lying about not knowing him? Wild by name and a little wild by nature, Craig has a tendency to go off at tangents- which invariably pay off but then he has to confess to his boss, who already doesn't see him in the greatest of lights.
I quickly got into this. There is a good pace and likeable characters with a main one who is a cheeky chappy in many ways. There is a good solid, well thought out plot and the pages turn easily. I didn't feel I had lost anything by not reading the first one other than that there may have been more insight into why Craig was in the West Country in the first place - nothing that detracted from the plot or story at all. A thoroughly enjoyable, highly recommended read.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems a long time since I read a book called Long Shadows by Derek Thompson but my KU tells me it was June 2020. I have read so many books since then that I cannot recall the details of it but it made such an impression on me that I went searching for subsequent books. I was so very disappointed to find that there wasn’t a follow up book that I didn’t return the book to Kindle Unlimited so that it would keep showing on my list of unreturned books and jog my memory to keep looking out for it. My patience was finally rewarded (on my birthday no less!) when I spotted a Facebook ad for West Country Murder. Initially I was a bit disappointed, thinking that it’s ok but not as good as I obviously expected it to be from the first book. As I read on, I realised that actually the book was definitely rewarding my patience. What seems obvious isn’t and it’s definitely not over until the last person sings - and maybe not even then.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping crime mystery from the author as we welcome back DS Craig Wild 2
At a literary festival with PC Marnie Olsen, Craig is waiting to meet novelist Juliette Kimani when a call from Marnie take his dashing up to the field car park a man is dead in his car Lee Rickard has killed himself, but as we read on we find out who he really is, this book takes us through a lot of action, fast pace, goings on, that will keep you engrossed in the whole story that I so enjoyed reading right to the end. well deserved my ratings.

[Alison Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second instalment in the Detective Craig Wild mysteries but this can be read as a stand-alone. This British crime novel begins at a Wiltshire literary festival where a mans body is found in his car. When the death is classified as murder the investigation progresses to reveal an intriguing plot including a change of identity and drug dealing. More murders follow and many twists and turns, it is action packed and fast paced to keep you enthralled until the end.

[Rachel Manley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strategic changer.

I'm not sure if DS Wild is meant to be a good cop or bad boy, but this book certainly provided a lot of trists and turns. I hadn't read book 1 before this one and I suspect I was missing some names and history. It was well worth the read, but I would suggest reading book 1 first. Wild is a somewhat likeable police detective who seems to lacks self confidence and emotional maturity. Impulse control poor, placing himself & others in danger. Not sure if this is the intent of the author.

[Beachcomber · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK addition to the “flawed male detective and new female sidekick” genre. I can’t say it stood out particularly, it was a decent enough book, but I didn’t feel a pull to continue the series. It had rather an abrupt ending for me, I turned the page at 93% on my Kindle, expecting a new chapter and it just finished…

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the long delay in providing this.

[Sheryle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This British police procedural was okay; definitely not exciting nor thrilling. The plot, pacing, and use of location were all mediocre. The characters, however, were an interesting group and they saved the story. But, I really disliked the ending. I found it abrupt and jarring. My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, a thrilling police procedural, murder mystery. Its only the second in the series, which is coming along nicely as we get acquainted with the central characters. The murder victim has an unusual background and I liked how his lifestyle unfolded. Derek Thompon has an eye for interesting everyday details which make for a satisfying and enjoyable read.

[Carole Gourlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW:

This book follows on from the first one, Long Shadows, and it’s definitely better, the two main characters Wild and Marnies’ relationship seems to have improved. He’s still a bit of a maverick and his boss is more amenable in this book.

A man who was in witness protection has been murdered and no one seems to know who he is and why. What follows is quite a complex state of events, and things aren’t what they seem.

Craig and Marnie have to work it out as the bodies start to increase. Even Craig isn’t safe from the tentacles of crime.

It was quite good once it got cracking, but a little disjointed in parts, hence the 4 stars.

My thanks to the author and Joffe publishers for the ARC.

[Aileen (Ailz) Grist · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and fairly pacey murder mystery. Taking in drugs, informers, cancer, hitmen and just everyday problems. A good mix of people, from the almost micro-manager boss to the idle skiver.

Loved it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man is found dead in his car parked at the Wiltshire literary festival.
It is confirmed as murder..
There is a signed edition of a book written by one of the guest authors Juliette Kimani in the vehicle.
Strange then that she cannot recall the man and flatly denies having ever met him.
Detective Craig Wild and PC Marnie Olsens inquiries eventually confirm the victim had in fact been given a new identity and though he certainly has many enemies from his past life he has apparently turned his life around.
There are plenty twists and turns to keep you guessing as more information is unearthed.
Overall an enjoyable read, thanks to Joffe books for sending me this as an ARC.

[Mrs Dorianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Interest was kept the whole way through. Thoroughly enjoyed and left wanting more. The intrigue, good. Where is the next book?

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twists and turns.

An enthralling story with murder occurring at a literary event. Police procedures are used to follow the hunt for the culprits, as the suspense ramped up. The characters are believable and intriguing.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It plods along for a bit and then ramps up as the bodies add up. Excellent due diligence by characters who seem unlikely to be partners. Twisty and unusual but worth the read.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.

[Rhane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly delightful

I really like DS Craig Wild. The entire squad at Mayberry is well imagined and lovingly described. It seems as though DI Marsh and DS Wild will make a great team. I look forward to more of these stories.

[Alison McCracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. When reading these crime fiction series, it’s the relationships between the characters that make me want to read more. Looking forward to the next installment.

[Pam Whetro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild

I really hope you write more wild books. This is a very good series. I hope there will be more

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Joffe Books for the electronic copy.

This is Book#2 in the DS Craig Wild series and I really enjoyed it. There's lots of intrigue in this twisty police procedural and I couldn't help smiling at the way Craig navigates his way around his senior officers as far as information and evidence is concerned. Really good characters and believable dialogue and, although I wouldn't describe the story as particularly fast-paced, it has a solid plot which keeps you, as well as Craig, guessing.

So, a twenty-three year old man is found dead in his car at the Wiltshire Literary Festival - where Craig was hoping to get a book signed by author Juliette Kimani. It could be an overdose - but why would someone drive all the way from Lincolnshire to do that?
Although the man has one of Juliette's signed books with him, she denies knowing him but Craig is pretty certain she's holding back information.

DI Marsh, Craig's no-nonsense and charmless boss, insists motorbike-riding PC Marnie Olsen accompanies him to Lincolnshire - she has ambitions to move into CID, although DI Marsh sees the pairing convenient for someone to keep an eye on what Craig's up to.

As Craig and Marnie follow the clues we are taken into a world of organised crime, drug dealers and killers but they don't overshadow the relationships between the excellent main characters.

Looking forward to #3.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Netgalley for my copy of West Country Murder. Living in the West Country I was intrigued as to where this would be based but really the title was irrelevant, it could have been anywhere other than the fact Bristol, Keynsham and Gable Cross were mentioned.

I gather that this is the second in a series but works just as well as a standalone novel other than the fact we don't really find out out why Wild left London for the West Country.

I did enjoy this book, it wasn't heavy duty so I didn't mind reading it before bed, but there was something about it that rankled, usually Wild's thoughts. At one point he thought well Marnie obviously didn't get the joke and I was left thinking what joke and had to reread but nothing became apparent. I can't really explain what I mean other than his thoughts, which should have given insight actually made me more confused.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Derek Thompson has written many novels, although this is my first read by this author. It is the second book to feature Detective Craig Wild.

In this British mystery, Wild finds a body in the car. His investigation is stymied when he realizes that he does not know the victim’s true name. Also, his one clue may well be false. It is that the murder victim is holding a book by author Juliette Kimari. She denies knowing the victim. Is that really true?

How difficult will it be for Detective Wild to solve the case? Read this one to find out. However, note that I found it to be somewhat slow moving.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.