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DI Tanner #9
Weavers' Way
A CHILLING NORFOLK BROADS CRIME THRILLER
A convicted psychopath with an early release, a couple found butchered on board their boat, and a twelve-year-old boy, hiding in fear or already lying dead.
Struggling with his new role as a detective chief inspector, John Tanner is warned of a convicted psychopath’s early release. When a couple is found later that day; the man stabbed to death, the woman with her throat cut, he's forced to assume the convict is responsible. But when the male victim turns out to be heir to a global pharmaceutical company, and his twelve-year-old son is nowhere to be found, he has to start looking closer to the victim’s family, and their sprawling stately ancestral home.
A convicted psychopath with an early release, a couple found butchered on board their boat, and a twelve-year-old boy, hiding in fear or already lying dead.
Struggling with his new role as a detective chief inspector, John Tanner is warned of a convicted psychopath’s early release. When a couple is found later that day; the man stabbed to death, the woman with her throat cut, he's forced to assume the convict is responsible. But when the male victim turns out to be heir to a global pharmaceutical company, and his twelve-year-old son is nowhere to be found, he has to start looking closer to the victim’s family, and their sprawling stately ancestral home.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2023
519 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
David Blake
32 books296 followersNO. 1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR
With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.
Get news of all future releases, ARC reader info, free books, and all promo offers by signing up to my newsletter:
www.david-blake.co.uk/CONTACTDAVID
With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.
Get news of all future releases, ARC reader info, free books, and all promo offers by signing up to my newsletter:
www.david-blake.co.uk/CONTACTDAVID
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 18, 2023
When did this series change; or, did I not understand the humor that was there all along? I know there was humor in the prior books, but this one had seemed to evolved to slapstick statis. It was really annoying.
Most of the team, with some exceptions, seemed to be caught up in their own life and needs, so much so, they seemed to have little energy or attention to concentrate on the case at hand. Tanner also seemed off to me. Granted, he was never the most stable or controlled person, but here, he is off the charts.
Gave this a 3 since the mystery itself was satisfying. Otherwise, I would either just given up on this or gave it a lower rating.
Most of the team, with some exceptions, seemed to be caught up in their own life and needs, so much so, they seemed to have little energy or attention to concentrate on the case at hand. Tanner also seemed off to me. Granted, he was never the most stable or controlled person, but here, he is off the charts.
Gave this a 3 since the mystery itself was satisfying. Otherwise, I would either just given up on this or gave it a lower rating.
March 1, 2023
Terrible read
The misogynistic portrayal of women in this book belongs in the middle ages. Ridiculous lead character and laughable attention to police protocol.
The misogynistic portrayal of women in this book belongs in the middle ages. Ridiculous lead character and laughable attention to police protocol.
January 18, 2023
I can only think that a different author wrote this book as it wasn’t at all like the previous ones. This one was not police procedural , more Benny Hill show with insubordinate lower ranks arguing they don’t like their working partners. Worst of all was the fact that the women in the book were leered at constantly , remarks about pert bottoms , looking up skirts etc made this uncomfortable , even Tanner leered at a suspect before arresting her. What happened to the author , why this return to 1970s sexism? Was this book meant to be humorous , if so it missed the mark.
Plot was also more preposterous than usual and made little sense in some places.
Plot was also more preposterous than usual and made little sense in some places.
February 23, 2023
I was so disappointed in this book.
All the females are described like pieces of meat and the male characters are described and fat, sweaty and disgusting.
I think what is meant to be banter between Tanner and Townsend just goes way too far and is cringe-worthy and unnecessary.
I finished reading it, out of principle, but I will not be buying or reading any more in the series.
All the females are described like pieces of meat and the male characters are described and fat, sweaty and disgusting.
I think what is meant to be banter between Tanner and Townsend just goes way too far and is cringe-worthy and unnecessary.
I finished reading it, out of principle, but I will not be buying or reading any more in the series.
January 25, 2023
Not the same
Stopped about 40% through. Everytime he seemed to question someone he's arguing with them that they could be the murderer. Then when he's not doing that he's just chatting away with Townsend about how attractive the women are. I like a bit of banter in these stories but that's literally all its been so far. No real characters or conversations. They don't seem bothered one bit that a child is missing. Not serious enough really and not much character progression at all. I've read most of the others but this one has no thrill or suspense. At least not in the first half.
Stopped about 40% through. Everytime he seemed to question someone he's arguing with them that they could be the murderer. Then when he's not doing that he's just chatting away with Townsend about how attractive the women are. I like a bit of banter in these stories but that's literally all its been so far. No real characters or conversations. They don't seem bothered one bit that a child is missing. Not serious enough really and not much character progression at all. I've read most of the others but this one has no thrill or suspense. At least not in the first half.
June 14, 2023
Weavers' Way is book 9 in the DI Tanner Series by David Blake. Being a DCI was new for John Tanner, and he was still working out the role when his team caught a case of a missing 12-year-old boy and his father's death on board a boat. For DCI John Tanner, the first suspect is a convicted psychopath Samuel Tunk, who was released early due to a mistake made by the resting officer.
Weavers' Way is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by David Blake. I was looking forward to reading this book, and I was satisfied. I engaged with the plot from the first page and continued to the end. I love David Blake's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Weavers' Way is well-written and researched by David Blake. I like David Blake's description of the settings of Weavers' Way, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Weavers' Way will learn about the problem that Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) can affect children and their behaviours toward others. Also, the readers of Weaver's Way will understand the importance for Law Enforcement to have everything correct in criminal cases due one mistake can cause a domino effect on other cases.
I recommend this book.
Weavers' Way is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by David Blake. I was looking forward to reading this book, and I was satisfied. I engaged with the plot from the first page and continued to the end. I love David Blake's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Weavers' Way is well-written and researched by David Blake. I like David Blake's description of the settings of Weavers' Way, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Weavers' Way will learn about the problem that Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) can affect children and their behaviours toward others. Also, the readers of Weaver's Way will understand the importance for Law Enforcement to have everything correct in criminal cases due one mistake can cause a domino effect on other cases.
I recommend this book.
January 12, 2023
unreadably bad
I couldn’t finish this book. The plot just doesn’t make sense. The number of typos isn’t outrageous. But everything about the book was really off. In particular it was generally impossible to tell whether the author was trying to be humorous at pibes where that was either implausible or radically inappropriate, or just wants making any sense. Specifically, there were continuous out of place jokes about sex and sexuality. I ended up deleting the book after reading about 50 pages, even though I was totally desperate to find a new mystery series.
I couldn’t finish this book. The plot just doesn’t make sense. The number of typos isn’t outrageous. But everything about the book was really off. In particular it was generally impossible to tell whether the author was trying to be humorous at pibes where that was either implausible or radically inappropriate, or just wants making any sense. Specifically, there were continuous out of place jokes about sex and sexuality. I ended up deleting the book after reading about 50 pages, even though I was totally desperate to find a new mystery series.
January 17, 2023
So disappointing. Having read all the John Tanned books and loving them I was looking forward to this one. However something, not good, seems to have happened to him since his promotion. Hopefully he will return to normal in the next book.
May 29, 2023
Weavers' Way by David Blake is the ninth installment in the DI Tanner Norfolk Broads Murder Mystery Series, a dark and gripping crime thriller set in the scenic Norfolk Broads. I have read most of the books in this series and thoroughly enjoyed all of them.
With DI John Tanner now being promoted as DCI Tanner, he doesn’t like the role of a boss and his work from the comfort of his office chair. He loves the field job of active crime investigation. The book follows detective chief inspector John Tanner as he investigates a brutal double murder on a boat and their missing twelve-year-old son, which may be linked to a convicted psychopath who has been granted an early release from prison due to unfavorable evidence given by DCI Tanner’s ex-boss.
As DCI Tanner’s investigation progresses, the killer looks to be very agile, smart, and a step ahead of the police ordeal. As more bodies are found, the investigation becomes increasingly complex as Tanner’s team must link the victim's background and establish a motive for the murder. The question, however, is whether the killer has chosen his victims at random or is it a well-planned execution in retribution for his false incarceration.
Tanner also has to deal with his personal and professional challenges, such as his relationship with his partner Jenny Evans, his rivalry with his boss, and his new responsibilities as a senior officer. The book is full of twists and turns, suspense and action, as well as humor and romance. Blake's writing style is engaging and fast-paced, creating a vivid picture of the characters and the setting. The book can be read as a standalone, but it also references previous cases and events from the series, which may enhance the enjoyment for fans of DI Tanner.
Weavers' Way is a highly recommended read for anyone who loves British crime fiction, especially those who are fans of authors like L J Ross, Faith Martin, and Elly Griffiths. I am certainly looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
With DI John Tanner now being promoted as DCI Tanner, he doesn’t like the role of a boss and his work from the comfort of his office chair. He loves the field job of active crime investigation. The book follows detective chief inspector John Tanner as he investigates a brutal double murder on a boat and their missing twelve-year-old son, which may be linked to a convicted psychopath who has been granted an early release from prison due to unfavorable evidence given by DCI Tanner’s ex-boss.
As DCI Tanner’s investigation progresses, the killer looks to be very agile, smart, and a step ahead of the police ordeal. As more bodies are found, the investigation becomes increasingly complex as Tanner’s team must link the victim's background and establish a motive for the murder. The question, however, is whether the killer has chosen his victims at random or is it a well-planned execution in retribution for his false incarceration.
Tanner also has to deal with his personal and professional challenges, such as his relationship with his partner Jenny Evans, his rivalry with his boss, and his new responsibilities as a senior officer. The book is full of twists and turns, suspense and action, as well as humor and romance. Blake's writing style is engaging and fast-paced, creating a vivid picture of the characters and the setting. The book can be read as a standalone, but it also references previous cases and events from the series, which may enhance the enjoyment for fans of DI Tanner.
Weavers' Way is a highly recommended read for anyone who loves British crime fiction, especially those who are fans of authors like L J Ross, Faith Martin, and Elly Griffiths. I am certainly looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
December 28, 2022
Tanner is now DCI and isn’t very happy about sitting behind a desk. A report comes in of a couple murdered aboard their boat, and their twelve-year-old son is missing. A murderer who has killed in a similar manner has been released early because of botch evidence from Tanner’s old boss. Many people draw their own conclusion, but not Tanner. I loved the way this book built the tension as another couple is found dead, and their two girls are missing. The ending is exciting and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion. I really enjoyed it.
January 8, 2023
Definitely Chilling
Another highly addictive thriller in this series. The addition of new and characters “in training” is always a plus as well. So looking forward to book #10…can’t say why though since that would be a giveaway for book #9!
Another highly addictive thriller in this series. The addition of new and characters “in training” is always a plus as well. So looking forward to book #10…can’t say why though since that would be a giveaway for book #9!
January 8, 2023
weavers way
Great storyline , full of twists & turns. Don’t particularly like the swearing, but apart from that I look forward to John Tanners next adventure.
Great storyline , full of twists & turns. Don’t particularly like the swearing, but apart from that I look forward to John Tanners next adventure.
January 25, 2023
Stupid story.
A story that could never happen. Firstly you have a totally incompetent DCI with a team of morons who treat him with total disrespect, then he fumbles from one mistake to another arresting one suspect after another before leaving another suspect charged with the murder of five victims in a holding cell whilst in the end he finally arrests a twelve year old of the murders. I have followed David Blake from his first book,but I really feel he has lost the plot on this one.
A story that could never happen. Firstly you have a totally incompetent DCI with a team of morons who treat him with total disrespect, then he fumbles from one mistake to another arresting one suspect after another before leaving another suspect charged with the murder of five victims in a holding cell whilst in the end he finally arrests a twelve year old of the murders. I have followed David Blake from his first book,but I really feel he has lost the plot on this one.
September 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Gripping Crime Thriller That Keeps You Guessing Until the End
Weaver’s Way by David Blake is another brilliant addition to his crime thriller collection, delivering everything fans of the genre crave—sharp plotting, vivid settings, and characters who leap off the page.
From the opening chapters, Blake pulls the reader into a tense and atmospheric story that unfolds along the Norfolk waterways. The sense of place is one of the novel’s greatest strengths; the descriptions of the broads, marshes, and isolated stretches of countryside are so rich and authentic that they become characters in their own right, adding to the novel’s dark and suspenseful tone.
The plot centers around a disturbing discovery that launches an investigation filled with twists, red herrings, and shocking reveals. Detective John Tanner once again proves to be a compelling lead—driven, flawed, and deeply human. His dynamic with his team is realistic and often laced with humor, balancing the darker elements of the story. Blake is particularly skilled at crafting police procedural detail in a way that feels authentic but never bogs down the pacing.
What makes Weaver’s Way stand out is the balance between character depth and fast-moving suspense. Every character, from suspects to side figures, feels carefully developed, and their interactions build layers of intrigue. The tension builds steadily to a climax that is both surprising and satisfying, leaving you turning pages late into the night.
David Blake has mastered the art of the Norfolk crime thriller, and Weaver’s Way is a prime example of why he’s become one of the most reliable voices in British crime fiction. If you enjoy authors like Peter James or Ann Cleeves, this book will be right at home on your shelf.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a chilling, atmospheric, and intelligently written crime novel.
A Gripping Crime Thriller That Keeps You Guessing Until the End
Weaver’s Way by David Blake is another brilliant addition to his crime thriller collection, delivering everything fans of the genre crave—sharp plotting, vivid settings, and characters who leap off the page.
From the opening chapters, Blake pulls the reader into a tense and atmospheric story that unfolds along the Norfolk waterways. The sense of place is one of the novel’s greatest strengths; the descriptions of the broads, marshes, and isolated stretches of countryside are so rich and authentic that they become characters in their own right, adding to the novel’s dark and suspenseful tone.
The plot centers around a disturbing discovery that launches an investigation filled with twists, red herrings, and shocking reveals. Detective John Tanner once again proves to be a compelling lead—driven, flawed, and deeply human. His dynamic with his team is realistic and often laced with humor, balancing the darker elements of the story. Blake is particularly skilled at crafting police procedural detail in a way that feels authentic but never bogs down the pacing.
What makes Weaver’s Way stand out is the balance between character depth and fast-moving suspense. Every character, from suspects to side figures, feels carefully developed, and their interactions build layers of intrigue. The tension builds steadily to a climax that is both surprising and satisfying, leaving you turning pages late into the night.
David Blake has mastered the art of the Norfolk crime thriller, and Weaver’s Way is a prime example of why he’s become one of the most reliable voices in British crime fiction. If you enjoy authors like Peter James or Ann Cleeves, this book will be right at home on your shelf.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a chilling, atmospheric, and intelligently written crime novel.
March 13, 2023
Well the much loved DI John Tanner is now DCI Tanner who doesn't like the role of boss very much. From the outset Tanner struggles with the new position & clearly doesn't relish the idea of sitting behind a desk. So he doesn't. The problem for me is that I can't differentiate his role as DCI from his previous lowly DI job. The odd meeting & updating the press do not a DCI make (I think).
All that said this is John Tanner a character I have been invested in for several book (this being book #9) & who I love reading about. He has always been his own man & interesting too boot. I especially loved his struggles with relationships throughout the series, his lifestyle living on an impractical boat, you always felt personal jeopardy was just around the corner.
We now find he is in a stable relationship living in a house and of course there has been the promotion. This is a very different Jon Tanner to the one I've previously followed. There for me lies a problem, as nobody like change! Too different for me although if you hadn't read the previous tales you would not notice the changes & therefore be happy with this well written (as always) intriguing murder mystery. The fact that he seems to refuse the DCI roll & continues to investigate as he always has is for me been the saving of the book. I like Tanner would not have liked to see him behind a desk.
His relationship with the team is obviously changing & I hope in the next book that will continue. I'd like to see him include the team members more as he develops in his new position. This book for me seems to be something of a transition, I hope to better things. A good tale although you can guess quite early in the narrative who the first killer is although there is a twist in the tale towards the end. A good stand alone book but not one of the better ones in the series.
All that said this is John Tanner a character I have been invested in for several book (this being book #9) & who I love reading about. He has always been his own man & interesting too boot. I especially loved his struggles with relationships throughout the series, his lifestyle living on an impractical boat, you always felt personal jeopardy was just around the corner.
We now find he is in a stable relationship living in a house and of course there has been the promotion. This is a very different Jon Tanner to the one I've previously followed. There for me lies a problem, as nobody like change! Too different for me although if you hadn't read the previous tales you would not notice the changes & therefore be happy with this well written (as always) intriguing murder mystery. The fact that he seems to refuse the DCI roll & continues to investigate as he always has is for me been the saving of the book. I like Tanner would not have liked to see him behind a desk.
His relationship with the team is obviously changing & I hope in the next book that will continue. I'd like to see him include the team members more as he develops in his new position. This book for me seems to be something of a transition, I hope to better things. A good tale although you can guess quite early in the narrative who the first killer is although there is a twist in the tale towards the end. A good stand alone book but not one of the better ones in the series.
July 19, 2025
I picked this up because it was in a Nature Centre. I wanted to buy something to support the Centre and the title caught my eye because I lived very close to Weavers Way for 19 years. The staff advised me that reading the books was really only fun because of the place-name references. I had very low expectations.
OMG, I wasn't disappointed. It's so bad that it was funny bad. And as for geography... WW does not run from Yarmouth to Cromer. So not even geography was not right.
It has the usual modern terrible crime fiction habits of describing salaciously violent events with sexualised aspects and of course our hero (narrator) himself gets personally in peril and of course his family gets personally in peril too... all of which nonsense I hate in modern crime fiction which Is a big reason I rarely pick it up any more. But mostly it's weirdly jolly and violent and silly and depicts the cops as deeply unprofessional and as a result not amusing or engaging. As well as the wildly alt-universe way of depicting sleepy Norfolk as a bastion of horrendously violent frequent crimes and Wroxham as centre of ... well, anything. And "the Broads" as important to local people's identity (they really aren't, saying that as someone who knows the Broads fairly well, I've spent a LOT of time on the waterways).
Anyway, trying to be positive: I respect anyone who writes whole books. The plotting is ok. There were plot twists I enjoyed. I didn't dislike it so much that I stopped caring about the characters & stopped reading completely. I am not sure who would enjoy this read though. Actual Norfolk people will just read it and go "Eh? That doesn't ring true." Maybe it's fine for people who like hero-in-peril violent crime books and are on holiday here anyway so a bit of silly fluff is fine.
OMG, I wasn't disappointed. It's so bad that it was funny bad. And as for geography... WW does not run from Yarmouth to Cromer. So not even geography was not right.
It has the usual modern terrible crime fiction habits of describing salaciously violent events with sexualised aspects and of course our hero (narrator) himself gets personally in peril and of course his family gets personally in peril too... all of which nonsense I hate in modern crime fiction which Is a big reason I rarely pick it up any more. But mostly it's weirdly jolly and violent and silly and depicts the cops as deeply unprofessional and as a result not amusing or engaging. As well as the wildly alt-universe way of depicting sleepy Norfolk as a bastion of horrendously violent frequent crimes and Wroxham as centre of ... well, anything. And "the Broads" as important to local people's identity (they really aren't, saying that as someone who knows the Broads fairly well, I've spent a LOT of time on the waterways).
Anyway, trying to be positive: I respect anyone who writes whole books. The plotting is ok. There were plot twists I enjoyed. I didn't dislike it so much that I stopped caring about the characters & stopped reading completely. I am not sure who would enjoy this read though. Actual Norfolk people will just read it and go "Eh? That doesn't ring true." Maybe it's fine for people who like hero-in-peril violent crime books and are on holiday here anyway so a bit of silly fluff is fine.
October 2, 2025
Overview: Detective Chief Inspector John Tanner has a new case for the team to handle. A man and a woman have been found dead in his boat. The man has ties to a pharmaceutical giant, and he had his son for the weekend. The child is currently missing, and, unfortunately, the crime scene looks remarkably like the killer who just got a new trial due to a technicality. Who killed James Blackwell and his lover? Does the released killer have anything to do with it? And can DCI Tanner herd these cats that he calls his inspector squad long enough to solve the crime? Let's find out.
Dislikes: I'd quit if I was DCI Tanner. Very few of his squad members actually seemed to want to do anything. Okay, they don't want to do any police work. What they do want to do isn't safe for a wider audience.
I did feel for the Blackwell family. They were hurting, and they allowed their pain to cloud their thinking.
Likes: Christine does seem to have accepted DCI Tanner's job, and what it entails.
Vicky seems to have a better ability to run the inspector's unit better than DCI Tanner did.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you like more global police procedurals, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Dislikes: I'd quit if I was DCI Tanner. Very few of his squad members actually seemed to want to do anything. Okay, they don't want to do any police work. What they do want to do isn't safe for a wider audience.
I did feel for the Blackwell family. They were hurting, and they allowed their pain to cloud their thinking.
Likes: Christine does seem to have accepted DCI Tanner's job, and what it entails.
Vicky seems to have a better ability to run the inspector's unit better than DCI Tanner did.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you like more global police procedurals, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
November 10, 2023
When the first chapter includes the phrase "undulating breasts" you know there is going to be a problem. Everything needs a description from doorknobs to, yeah breasts. Why not just say a doorknob? There is also no need to repeat, almost word for word, the events of DI Tanners morning when he gets home and tells his wife all about it, the reader knows what happened as they read it!
Does the man even know Norfolk? Anyone that puts a major police station in Wroxham really doesn't.
Even I was cringing at the police procedures being described which are nothing like the real thing (especially in Norfolk where you can go weeks without seeing one).
The mention of Norwich City hospital just confused me as anybody living local would only refer to the N&N!
I remember being told to only write about what you know.
David Blake obviously does not know the police, Norfolk and that women's breasts do not "undulate".
Does the man even know Norfolk? Anyone that puts a major police station in Wroxham really doesn't.
Even I was cringing at the police procedures being described which are nothing like the real thing (especially in Norfolk where you can go weeks without seeing one).
The mention of Norwich City hospital just confused me as anybody living local would only refer to the N&N!
I remember being told to only write about what you know.
David Blake obviously does not know the police, Norfolk and that women's breasts do not "undulate".
January 12, 2023
I have read all of this authors books and as with this one I have thoroughly enjoyed them.
If you’re into procedural crime plots with a good mix of humour and repartee this one’s for you.
John Tanner is a likeable character and so are most of his team with a couple of oddballs. Tanner has just been made up to detective chief inspector this being his first case in full charge (or is he?)
The plot, a good one, has twists and turns, some of which are obvious but that did not mar my enjoyment although I did find there was a bit more repetition than I normally find with this author.
I enjoyed catching up with all these characters and would continue to want to read the next in the series
Although a story runs through this series I do think that it can be read as a stand-alone.
Would recommend
If you’re into procedural crime plots with a good mix of humour and repartee this one’s for you.
John Tanner is a likeable character and so are most of his team with a couple of oddballs. Tanner has just been made up to detective chief inspector this being his first case in full charge (or is he?)
The plot, a good one, has twists and turns, some of which are obvious but that did not mar my enjoyment although I did find there was a bit more repetition than I normally find with this author.
I enjoyed catching up with all these characters and would continue to want to read the next in the series
Although a story runs through this series I do think that it can be read as a stand-alone.
Would recommend
October 3, 2025
I guess this series isn't for me, though it looks like Mr. Blake will do just fine without me, with all the 4- and 5-star reviews this book has gotten. I agree with others, though, about the sexist treatment of female characters (with a couple of exceptions), both by him and by the men in the book. (One of them even evaluates the "attractiveness" of a corpse - a murder victim, yet - if only in his mind.) I also wasn't impressed with the portrayal of how this group worked in general. I thought this was the first in the series that I had read and was open to trying another one, since a couple of people were saying this was unusual and they had enjoyed others in the series, but I see that I DNF'd the first one, so farewell, DCI Tanner.
March 13, 2025
Having read all the previous books in the series, and thoroughly enjoyed them, I have to agree with the other reviewers in that this one isn’t as good and both Tanner and his sidekick Townsend were typical misogynistic 60’s police officers. In fact I think I would have punched Townsend in the mouth if he’d have said anything to me. That annoyed me and other bits in the book as well.
The story itself was mediocre, almost as if david “has gone off the boil” with his writing. Definitely not as good as the first lot. However, as I like the other characters I shall read them all and hopefully this is just a one off.
The story itself was mediocre, almost as if david “has gone off the boil” with his writing. Definitely not as good as the first lot. However, as I like the other characters I shall read them all and hopefully this is just a one off.
February 10, 2023
Good but...
I began reading this series of novels during the pandemic and have really enjoyed them, always pre-ordering the next one as soon as I finish the current one. The problem is that, for me, some of the dialogue between male police characters about overtly sexualised female characters sat very uncomfortably in light of current investigations into gross misconduct and criminal behaviour towards women by real police officers. It may be authentically 'blokey' behaviour, but it felt inappropriate and I'm not sure I'll be reading the next book in the series.
I began reading this series of novels during the pandemic and have really enjoyed them, always pre-ordering the next one as soon as I finish the current one. The problem is that, for me, some of the dialogue between male police characters about overtly sexualised female characters sat very uncomfortably in light of current investigations into gross misconduct and criminal behaviour towards women by real police officers. It may be authentically 'blokey' behaviour, but it felt inappropriate and I'm not sure I'll be reading the next book in the series.
February 18, 2024
I knew this series was becoming something that I didn't enjoy. I am now annoyed that I didn't let it go.
Sadly this book was not very good. That is not to say there weren't moments that were interesting and entertaining but on the whole I struggled with this book. The main problem is that DCI Tanner is completely unlikeable. He is unprofessional, judgemental, and a bully, and very unlikeable. This makes the book very unbelievable and diminishes what could be a halfway decent story.
The narration is pretty good and the narrator does a good job of trying to make this all seem very real. Overall 2.5 stars
Narration 4.5 stars
Story 2 stars.
Sadly this book was not very good. That is not to say there weren't moments that were interesting and entertaining but on the whole I struggled with this book. The main problem is that DCI Tanner is completely unlikeable. He is unprofessional, judgemental, and a bully, and very unlikeable. This makes the book very unbelievable and diminishes what could be a halfway decent story.
The narration is pretty good and the narrator does a good job of trying to make this all seem very real. Overall 2.5 stars
Narration 4.5 stars
Story 2 stars.
June 11, 2024
I have enjoyed previous books in the series but to me this lacked a credible storyline and was full of the uncorrected poor judgement of the main character and sniping, unaddressed and unpleasant discussion between and about the personnel which added nothing to the storyline. Added to which the original crime in the story remained unsolved and was ignored in the effort to get a cheesy ending. A sad time for what was a pretty entertaining set of books. I only gave 2 stars based on hope for the future and memory of the past.
June 11, 2023
Another Wild and Unanticipated Ending
Oh dear, I have run out of these books until the next one is published. Can't wait. Another whirlaround of suspicious events and murders. And newly promoted DCI Tanner is handling it all from his elevated position, paperwork and news media be damned. Exciting, evocative, energetic and emazing (sic). Loved the industrial strength condoms at B &Q as well as the hand only proposal. 😂
Oh dear, I have run out of these books until the next one is published. Can't wait. Another whirlaround of suspicious events and murders. And newly promoted DCI Tanner is handling it all from his elevated position, paperwork and news media be damned. Exciting, evocative, energetic and emazing (sic). Loved the industrial strength condoms at B &Q as well as the hand only proposal. 😂
June 21, 2023
Interesting But A Bit Bloody Minded
Now DCI Tanner as he's been promoted, we have him overseeing a bloody murder on a yacht with a couple dead and a boy missing. It's an interesting mystery that has lots of action but I found it to be too down all the time in the person to person interchanges within the police force. The staff would all be suspended for inappropriate sexual behavior and communications. That's why I only gave it four stars.
Now DCI Tanner as he's been promoted, we have him overseeing a bloody murder on a yacht with a couple dead and a boy missing. It's an interesting mystery that has lots of action but I found it to be too down all the time in the person to person interchanges within the police force. The staff would all be suspended for inappropriate sexual behavior and communications. That's why I only gave it four stars.
October 3, 2023
Another Great Realistic Police Mystery
It has the lingo and world of a good British background plus a surprise ending with multiple suspects.
I mentioned realism again in this series because , unlike many police novels, they are real people.
They have arguments with wives and girlfriends, co workers don't like each other and fight, they get exhausted and drunk.
Like many families and and offices
In the end they pull together and catch the bad guys
It has the lingo and world of a good British background plus a surprise ending with multiple suspects.
I mentioned realism again in this series because , unlike many police novels, they are real people.
They have arguments with wives and girlfriends, co workers don't like each other and fight, they get exhausted and drunk.
Like many families and and offices
In the end they pull together and catch the bad guys
October 6, 2023
Good read
This is a DCI Tanner crime book. I read a lot of British Detective Chief Inspector books and what sets this apart for me is the location of the Norfolk Broads. I've never heard of it before but it's interesting how they have channels & rivers through the area that was marsh that has been reclaimed & people often live on these boats that tie up alongside the rivers or channels. The homicides are uniquely different also.
This is a DCI Tanner crime book. I read a lot of British Detective Chief Inspector books and what sets this apart for me is the location of the Norfolk Broads. I've never heard of it before but it's interesting how they have channels & rivers through the area that was marsh that has been reclaimed & people often live on these boats that tie up alongside the rivers or channels. The homicides are uniquely different also.
April 8, 2024
Number nine as still a very good read and we have high powered people in this book but tanner could,nt give a monkey. The aristocracy are the main theme with a convicted killer who has been freed(no spoilers).The ending of this book i must admit i did not see coming ,and its really caught me out but it all makes sense in the end. So just go out and BUY this book and try to guess the ending bet you can,t.
January 18, 2023
Great read
Now being promoted John can't get used to being behind a desk so is now involved with helping his team bring another difficult case to an end. His new love Christine helping him along the way has really brought them to a new chapter in their lives. Can't wait to see how the new recruits get along.
Now being promoted John can't get used to being behind a desk so is now involved with helping his team bring another difficult case to an end. His new love Christine helping him along the way has really brought them to a new chapter in their lives. Can't wait to see how the new recruits get along.
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