What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Kate Hamblin Mystery #10
Venom on the Levels
The world's deadliest spider. A detective terrified of the creatures. A ruthless psychopath who will use her fears against her.
Detective Kate Hamblin is called out to a reported theft at Moat House in the marshy wilds of the Somerset Levels. The evidence points to a random break-in by a passing vagrant — but when she questions the wealthy homeowner, Professor Dunbar, and his warring family, Kate realizes there's more to this burglary than meets the eye.
Professor Dunbar is a world-famous arachnologist. His extensive collection of live tropical spiders includes the world's deadliest specimen, a Brazilian wandering spider, whose bite is instantly fatal. He's named her Martha.
Then a family member is found dying in agony in the professor's laboratory. It appears to be a tragic accident when it's discovered Martha has escaped from her supposedly secure tank. But Kate is not so sure.
Could there be a killer on the loose?
Kate is terrified of spiders because of a traumatic childhood experience. But she's hunting a killer who uses the creatures to pursue a deadly agenda. Can she survive long enough to unmask a murderer . . . and avoid the spider's lethal bite?
Detective Kate Hamblin is called out to a reported theft at Moat House in the marshy wilds of the Somerset Levels. The evidence points to a random break-in by a passing vagrant — but when she questions the wealthy homeowner, Professor Dunbar, and his warring family, Kate realizes there's more to this burglary than meets the eye.
Professor Dunbar is a world-famous arachnologist. His extensive collection of live tropical spiders includes the world's deadliest specimen, a Brazilian wandering spider, whose bite is instantly fatal. He's named her Martha.
Then a family member is found dying in agony in the professor's laboratory. It appears to be a tragic accident when it's discovered Martha has escaped from her supposedly secure tank. But Kate is not so sure.
Could there be a killer on the loose?
Kate is terrified of spiders because of a traumatic childhood experience. But she's hunting a killer who uses the creatures to pursue a deadly agenda. Can she survive long enough to unmask a murderer . . . and avoid the spider's lethal bite?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2022
205 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
David Hodges
24 books55 followersA former superintendent with Thames Valley Police, with thirty years experience in the force, David Hodges is a prolific crime writer and author of twenty crime novels plus an autobiography on his life in the police service. His debut crime novel received critical media acclaim and a welcome accolade from Inspector Morse’s creator, the late great Colin Dexter, and since then he has become the author of several successful stand-alone thrillers, including BLAST, TARGET and BURNOUT, published by Lume Books (formerly Endeavour Media).
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
In particular, his Somerset murder series, published by Joffe Books, which is set on the mist-shrouded Somerset Levels in England and features the exploits of feisty detective, Kate, and her easy-going partner, Hayden, has gone from strength to strength. It has attracted keen interest in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia as well as in Britain.
The first six previously published thrillers in the series are also available on Audible for sight challenged readers and those who prefer the spoken word. All David's novels are available on amazon in paperback and Kindle format.
David's latest novel in his Murder On The Levels series, SHADOWS ON THE LEVELS, was published by Joffe books on 1st January 2025, and he has now been invited to talk about his books and his 'life of crime' at the Words In Watchet Literary Festival in Somerset. This will take place at the Methodist Church, Harbour Road, Watchet, from 2.00 - 3.30 pm on Sunday 23rd February 2025 and readers and non-readers will all be very welcome. (https://www.wordsinwatchet.com)
David has two married daughters and four grandchildren and lives in the UK with his wife, Elizabeth, where he continues to indulge his passion for thriller writing and to pursue his keen interest in wild life and the countryside.
He is a member of the Society of Authors, The Crime Writers Association, The Crime Readers Association and International Thriller Writers Inc.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 8, 2022
A very good story. But what I don’t understand is why when a protagonist Is caught and they are without support do they handcuff them wrist to wrist. If it was myself I would handcuff one wrist to the opposite ankle. Would save one of the problems in the book.
January 10, 2025
This was another well-written British crime thriller but I was cringing the whole way through because I hate spiders!
Apart from the horrible topic, it was a good twisty story with layers to dissolve to find the truth...cleverly done.
Kate struggles with trauma and the need to prove herself in a male-orientated career.
Engaging, if terrifying.
Apart from the horrible topic, it was a good twisty story with layers to dissolve to find the truth...cleverly done.
Kate struggles with trauma and the need to prove herself in a male-orientated career.
Engaging, if terrifying.
February 18, 2023
The character has to be believable. Sadly Kate is becoming unbelievable, chastised for her Lone Ranger style she continues in the same vein even though it has cost her promotion. She rails against everyone without taking real responsibility for her position. Finally she decides to refuse any phsychological assistance for her problems. I have enjoyed the series to date, but as stated earlier being believable is a must for me
May 2, 2022
Ok
Seems to be going downhill a bit, the characters weren't as likeable. Hayden and Kate just don't seem to gel for me. Lots of Kate going off on her own full of self doubt. Hayden to the rescue again. Guilty party discovered by accident. Hope the next ones better.
Seems to be going downhill a bit, the characters weren't as likeable. Hayden and Kate just don't seem to gel for me. Lots of Kate going off on her own full of self doubt. Hayden to the rescue again. Guilty party discovered by accident. Hope the next ones better.
May 27, 2022
Interesting plot showing how greed and corruption hiding under the cover of those supposedly enforcing the law has existed through the centuries. Hope remains because of the varying examples of love.
July 19, 2022
Another Excellent Book
Another Excellent story in the Kate Hamblin series who works alongside her overweight colleague and hubby Haydn. Lots of twists and turns and so many possible culprits. Kept me guessing till the final pages.
Another Excellent story in the Kate Hamblin series who works alongside her overweight colleague and hubby Haydn. Lots of twists and turns and so many possible culprits. Kept me guessing till the final pages.
May 29, 2023
I'm generally not scared of spiders but I had an actual nightmare about them while reading this, definitely not recommended for those with arachnophobia!
Did enjoy this book but Kate's character has become even more unlikeable than previously, I don't know how Hayden puts up with her
Did enjoy this book but Kate's character has become even more unlikeable than previously, I don't know how Hayden puts up with her
January 7, 2023
Good read
April 3, 2023
Good Read
Good read. Enjoyed the twists and turns. Not as predictable as previous books. Have enjoyed the series and fully recommend
Good read. Enjoyed the twists and turns. Not as predictable as previous books. Have enjoyed the series and fully recommend
June 9, 2023
OK
I DID ENJOY THIS BOOK. I NOW LOOK FOEWARD TO THE NEXT IN THE SERIES. We don^t have a wood shed a
t the boþom of our garden.
I DID ENJOY THIS BOOK. I NOW LOOK FOEWARD TO THE NEXT IN THE SERIES. We don^t have a wood shed a
t the boþom of our garden.
January 16, 2025
Brilliant
Another cracking story unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you turning the pages to the very end thoroughly enjoyed reading this book
Another cracking story unfolds slowly drawing you in keeping you turning the pages to the very end thoroughly enjoyed reading this book
January 20, 2023
I highly recommend this series !
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews