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DCI Craig Gillard #1
The Body in the Marsh
When a woman goes missing, it gets personal for DCI Craig Gillard. But he could never imagine what happens next.
Criminologist Martin Knight lives a gilded life and is a thorn in the side of the police. But then his wife Liz goes missing. There is no good explanation and no sign of Martin…
To make things worse, Liz is the ex-girlfriend of DCI Craig Gillard who is drawn into the investigation. Is it just a missing person or something worse? And what relevance do the events around the shocking Girl F case, so taken up by Knight, have to do with the present?
The truth is darker than you could ever have imagined.
Utterly gripping and full of twists, this is a compulsive thriller from master Nick Louth for fans of Robert Bryndza, Patricia Gibney and Carole Wyer.
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First published September 25, 2017
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About the author
Nick Louth
41 books290 followersNick Louth is a freelance journalist and author, based in Lincolnshire UK.
Before beginning writing fiction, he was a foreign correspondent for Reuters news agency, and a regular contributor to the Financial Times, MSN, and many financial magazines.
Before beginning writing fiction, he was a foreign correspondent for Reuters news agency, and a regular contributor to the Financial Times, MSN, and many financial magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews
October 6, 2017
BLOG TOUR REVIEW.....
You can find out more about The Body in the Marsh and follow along with the Blog Tour on my website...
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/10...
5☆ Intriguing Police Thriller with a Killer Twist!
The Body in The Marsh, gives you a real insight into a police investigation and all the highs and lows of uncovering the truth of a brutal murder!
It had me gripped from the first few chapters. Nick took me on an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows, twists and turns, suspicions and lies.
Just when I thought I had things worked out, along came more evidence that threw my theory out the water.
When Craig Gillard discovers Liz Knight is missing, his Ex Girlfriend from years back.
He is distraught with worry. He has never stopped loving her even though she broke his heart.
Determined to uncover the truth about her disappearance the detectives begin by trying to find her husband Martin Knight who also seems to have disappeared.
After uncovering several horiffic discoveries, evidence seems to point to the murder of Liz Knight.
But are things really as they seem or are they far worse?
Join Craig and his excellent team as they interview suspects, discover clues, get led on a cat and mouse chase to find out the truth about Liz.
Alongside this case Craig and his team are working on the Case of Girl F.
The case was never solved.
Girl F committed suicide after being abused by mystery men.
They never found the main abuser but now the Case is being 're looked at and things really are not what they seem. This case really intrigued me just as much as the main story if not a little more
Craig is a very good detective however his feelings for Liz seem to cloud his judgement at times.
So much so he pushes away Sam who has started to develop feelings for Craig. After he rescues her from a cliff and an abusive stalker Ex.
There are so many fantastic strong characters within the story there are far too many to mention.
All of the Police team were very relatable and each of the roles within the team were researched so well.
Every single member of the team had a role to play in solving the Case.
I really enjoyed learning what each of them did. For example Shireen a Qualified Accountant and Financial Specialist, it was her job to check all the accounts etc..
Then there was Response Intelligence Officer DC Rob Townsend who liased with all the specialists the CSI unit, phone tracking, Forensic Labs etc..
A fascinating look at behind the scenes.
I did find the first few chapters a little confusing at times, due to all the detective names and titles.
I found myself referring back a fair bit in the beginning.
But stick with it as it's really worth it.
Once you get used to the police wording then the story becomes a really easy and enthralling read.
Nick has done a fantastic job making the Case come to life. You can see how much passion and research Nick has put into his book. Enabling the reader to be fully emerged into the murky world of the police force.
All the little extras he has added in, for example tracking calls, discovering DNA all make the reader feel very much a part of the investigation.
The Body in the Marsh is a book about, Love, relationships, family, Murder, Lies, Secrets, Mystery, Investigations, twists and Turns.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It had so much Tension and Suspense it kept me guessing right up until the last few chapters.
This is my first book by Nick and I'm excited to be reading more.
Would I recommend this book..... without a Doubt..... YES!!!!
Highly recommend to readers who love Detective books, Murders, Killer Twists, Thrillers, Mysteries, Fast Paced and action packed books.
I received this book from the Publisher for free via Netgalley in which I voluntarily reviewed for the Blog Tour.
You can also find my review on my Blog
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/10...
You can find out more about The Body in the Marsh and follow along with the Blog Tour on my website...
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/10...
5☆ Intriguing Police Thriller with a Killer Twist!
The Body in The Marsh, gives you a real insight into a police investigation and all the highs and lows of uncovering the truth of a brutal murder!
It had me gripped from the first few chapters. Nick took me on an emotional roller coaster of highs and lows, twists and turns, suspicions and lies.
Just when I thought I had things worked out, along came more evidence that threw my theory out the water.
When Craig Gillard discovers Liz Knight is missing, his Ex Girlfriend from years back.
He is distraught with worry. He has never stopped loving her even though she broke his heart.
Determined to uncover the truth about her disappearance the detectives begin by trying to find her husband Martin Knight who also seems to have disappeared.
After uncovering several horiffic discoveries, evidence seems to point to the murder of Liz Knight.
But are things really as they seem or are they far worse?
Join Craig and his excellent team as they interview suspects, discover clues, get led on a cat and mouse chase to find out the truth about Liz.
Alongside this case Craig and his team are working on the Case of Girl F.
The case was never solved.
Girl F committed suicide after being abused by mystery men.
They never found the main abuser but now the Case is being 're looked at and things really are not what they seem. This case really intrigued me just as much as the main story if not a little more
Craig is a very good detective however his feelings for Liz seem to cloud his judgement at times.
So much so he pushes away Sam who has started to develop feelings for Craig. After he rescues her from a cliff and an abusive stalker Ex.
There are so many fantastic strong characters within the story there are far too many to mention.
All of the Police team were very relatable and each of the roles within the team were researched so well.
Every single member of the team had a role to play in solving the Case.
I really enjoyed learning what each of them did. For example Shireen a Qualified Accountant and Financial Specialist, it was her job to check all the accounts etc..
Then there was Response Intelligence Officer DC Rob Townsend who liased with all the specialists the CSI unit, phone tracking, Forensic Labs etc..
A fascinating look at behind the scenes.
I did find the first few chapters a little confusing at times, due to all the detective names and titles.
I found myself referring back a fair bit in the beginning.
But stick with it as it's really worth it.
Once you get used to the police wording then the story becomes a really easy and enthralling read.
Nick has done a fantastic job making the Case come to life. You can see how much passion and research Nick has put into his book. Enabling the reader to be fully emerged into the murky world of the police force.
All the little extras he has added in, for example tracking calls, discovering DNA all make the reader feel very much a part of the investigation.
The Body in the Marsh is a book about, Love, relationships, family, Murder, Lies, Secrets, Mystery, Investigations, twists and Turns.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It had so much Tension and Suspense it kept me guessing right up until the last few chapters.
This is my first book by Nick and I'm excited to be reading more.
Would I recommend this book..... without a Doubt..... YES!!!!
Highly recommend to readers who love Detective books, Murders, Killer Twists, Thrillers, Mysteries, Fast Paced and action packed books.
I received this book from the Publisher for free via Netgalley in which I voluntarily reviewed for the Blog Tour.
You can also find my review on my Blog
http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/10...
August 28, 2022
This British crime story (they have stab vests, not bulletproof vests) involves a DCI Gillard as the main character. He has a number of superiors as well as underlings in his orbit. A murder victim case comes his way, involving an old flame and her family and acquaintances.
Medical forensics, financial forensics and how things are assigned and dealt with at the police station are very good. There are twists, misdirection and clever criminals. The start was a bit annoying. We have to learn Gillard is considered a hot item among the policewomen. Mention of tight buns and graffiti in the women’s washroom is a common thing. I was underwhelmed by the author’s handling of sex (fortunately infrequent and pretty tame). I wouldn’t let that stop you if you have an interest in forensic crime stories. More three dimensional characters would be good.
Medical forensics, financial forensics and how things are assigned and dealt with at the police station are very good. There are twists, misdirection and clever criminals. The start was a bit annoying. We have to learn Gillard is considered a hot item among the policewomen. Mention of tight buns and graffiti in the women’s washroom is a common thing. I was underwhelmed by the author’s handling of sex (fortunately infrequent and pretty tame). I wouldn’t let that stop you if you have an interest in forensic crime stories. More three dimensional characters would be good.
September 24, 2024
If this had been written by a fifteen year old boy, he could be proud of it. As it is, it’s an average mystery wrapped up in juvenile male fantasies. The main character is amazing at everything (from running down mountains, carrying the woman he rescued, to his prowess in bed), all the women he knows want to sleep with him and every female character is described in terms of her perceived attractiveness to men. One love interest just happens to have also been a former model, albeit for catalogues. Another had a barely relevant same sex exploratory experience in college. The main character sits in a meeting with his female boss wondering what it would be like to sleep with her. The romantic dialogue is straight from mills and boon. And the twist is signposted with flashing neon lights from very early on.
October 4, 2017
5 Words: Family, mystery, sentimentality, police, murder.
I love how much the story twisted. It lead you first one way, then another and another and another... And I just didn't know what to believe. There were so many suspects, so many mysteries.
Although not incredibly fast paced, the story is certainly gripping. I loved the interweaving story-lines and how seemingly unrelated events were actually an integral part of what was going on. It is an excellent police procedural and I loved the little details dropped in, from mishearing names to battles with the media.
The settings serve to further build the atmosphere in the story, driving the tensions between the characters. From a mountainside to a marsh to a drab station, and even a villa in Spain, everything has a purpose.
By a little under half way through I had guessed the ultimate outcome, but it wasn't easy and I did doubt myself several times. It was thoroughly a enjoyable read.
The very ending was... Interesting. I actually kind of wish that it hadn't shown what was happening in the future as I so badly want more! I want a sequel, to see where Gilard and Sam go next in their investigations.
I love how much the story twisted. It lead you first one way, then another and another and another... And I just didn't know what to believe. There were so many suspects, so many mysteries.
Although not incredibly fast paced, the story is certainly gripping. I loved the interweaving story-lines and how seemingly unrelated events were actually an integral part of what was going on. It is an excellent police procedural and I loved the little details dropped in, from mishearing names to battles with the media.
The settings serve to further build the atmosphere in the story, driving the tensions between the characters. From a mountainside to a marsh to a drab station, and even a villa in Spain, everything has a purpose.
By a little under half way through I had guessed the ultimate outcome, but it wasn't easy and I did doubt myself several times. It was thoroughly a enjoyable read.
The very ending was... Interesting. I actually kind of wish that it hadn't shown what was happening in the future as I so badly want more! I want a sequel, to see where Gilard and Sam go next in their investigations.
November 28, 2017
Follow Detective Chief Inspector Craig Gillard as he is on the case to find a missing woman. This is a regular British police procedural crime thriller.
I found The Body in the Marsh to be an okay read. It was a little frustrating for me in parts as it wandered around with the time frame, going back to when DCI Craig Gillard and the missing woman were both teenagers. This story was not just told from the detective’s point of view but included writings by the missing woman before her disappearance, that were not available to the police. More frustration came from the police very conveniently just stumbling across evidence and leads by accident rather than solid police investigation.
The characterization of DCI Craig Gillard and the other officers was okay but this is not a character driven novel. The plot was disappointing and appeared rather shallow until I got about 90% through when all the little details started clicking together and I began to think it was quite clever.
I thought the entertainment value of this book was second rate, like a B movie. All the detail and progression is there but this novel does not shine. There are small little titbits of humour dotted through the story but are not of the depth of stand-up comedy. The best social observation jibe was when DCI Craig Gillard went into a pub and ordered a beer.
When I got to the end of this book, I cast my mind back to form an opinion. The tale had come a fair way and included a secondary plot and storyline. I found the police procedurals to be good and I loved the inclusion of real life crimes and events. The detail of the plot was subtle and then I asked myself the question of realism. Had the missing woman needed to take the actions she did? This lead me to my conclusion that The Body in the Marsh was an okay, 3 star read that did not shine but was readable and was useful when my tachograph recordings showed “period of availability”.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Canelo for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
I found The Body in the Marsh to be an okay read. It was a little frustrating for me in parts as it wandered around with the time frame, going back to when DCI Craig Gillard and the missing woman were both teenagers. This story was not just told from the detective’s point of view but included writings by the missing woman before her disappearance, that were not available to the police. More frustration came from the police very conveniently just stumbling across evidence and leads by accident rather than solid police investigation.
The characterization of DCI Craig Gillard and the other officers was okay but this is not a character driven novel. The plot was disappointing and appeared rather shallow until I got about 90% through when all the little details started clicking together and I began to think it was quite clever.
I thought the entertainment value of this book was second rate, like a B movie. All the detail and progression is there but this novel does not shine. There are small little titbits of humour dotted through the story but are not of the depth of stand-up comedy. The best social observation jibe was when DCI Craig Gillard went into a pub and ordered a beer.
When I got to the end of this book, I cast my mind back to form an opinion. The tale had come a fair way and included a secondary plot and storyline. I found the police procedurals to be good and I loved the inclusion of real life crimes and events. The detail of the plot was subtle and then I asked myself the question of realism. Had the missing woman needed to take the actions she did? This lead me to my conclusion that The Body in the Marsh was an okay, 3 star read that did not shine but was readable and was useful when my tachograph recordings showed “period of availability”.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Canelo for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
October 13, 2018
4.5 stars. That was freaking fantastic. That, right there, is how you write a police procedural.
DCI Craig Gillard looks into the reported disappearance of Elizabeth Knight; a middle aged, well educated, respectable, well-to-do woman. A woman he just happened to have a brief relationship with in his late teens. As her husband, Professor Martin Knight, is well published and well connected this investigation will go by the book. Martin, who has been away, is finally contacted and doesn't seem concerned. He thinks he knows where she is and will check it out and let the police know. Well, she's not there and after that Prof Knight appears to have vanished also.
Eventually Gillard finds some evidence that indicates Elizabeth was likely murdered (although a whole body is still being elusive) and everything heats up. The missing professor becomes a suspect but as evidence is collected from a variety of sources some things don't appear to add up. But what does it all mean? Gillard follows Martin's trail to France and then Spain but while there are many clues they don't point in any logical direction. Of course, as usual, nothing is as it seems.
It was a very dogged investigation, and while the book was not exactly a thriller, it was most engrossing. Gillard had never quite gotten over being dumped by Liz all those years ago and pursues every clue relentlessly to find her killer. Eventually he finds a thread he can pull - but lo, what is this? Its a freaking big twist that changes everything. You will be amazed at the sheer detail in this book. Normally that would slow things down but I found it riveting. I am getting stuck into the next book right now.
As a side note I apologise if I have offended anyone with my use of the word 'bloody' in some of my reviews. Apparently, I learned today, Americans find it offensive, whereas we Australians bandy it about ubiquitously as being less offensive than the F bomb, which I have been trying to avoid. To us its almost a term of endearment- for example 'bloody dog' could mean 'yes he's a nuisance but we still love him to bits.' Or in my case - her, she has an annoying habit of baying when the table is being set - go figure. I don't mean to offend anyone and am on this forum because it so polite and friendly and, yes, supportive. Sorry for the bloody rant. Oops, but that is how we talk. Alright, I'm going now.
DCI Craig Gillard looks into the reported disappearance of Elizabeth Knight; a middle aged, well educated, respectable, well-to-do woman. A woman he just happened to have a brief relationship with in his late teens. As her husband, Professor Martin Knight, is well published and well connected this investigation will go by the book. Martin, who has been away, is finally contacted and doesn't seem concerned. He thinks he knows where she is and will check it out and let the police know. Well, she's not there and after that Prof Knight appears to have vanished also.
Eventually Gillard finds some evidence that indicates Elizabeth was likely murdered (although a whole body is still being elusive) and everything heats up. The missing professor becomes a suspect but as evidence is collected from a variety of sources some things don't appear to add up. But what does it all mean? Gillard follows Martin's trail to France and then Spain but while there are many clues they don't point in any logical direction. Of course, as usual, nothing is as it seems.
It was a very dogged investigation, and while the book was not exactly a thriller, it was most engrossing. Gillard had never quite gotten over being dumped by Liz all those years ago and pursues every clue relentlessly to find her killer. Eventually he finds a thread he can pull - but lo, what is this? Its a freaking big twist that changes everything. You will be amazed at the sheer detail in this book. Normally that would slow things down but I found it riveting. I am getting stuck into the next book right now.
As a side note I apologise if I have offended anyone with my use of the word 'bloody' in some of my reviews. Apparently, I learned today, Americans find it offensive, whereas we Australians bandy it about ubiquitously as being less offensive than the F bomb, which I have been trying to avoid. To us its almost a term of endearment- for example 'bloody dog' could mean 'yes he's a nuisance but we still love him to bits.' Or in my case - her, she has an annoying habit of baying when the table is being set - go figure. I don't mean to offend anyone and am on this forum because it so polite and friendly and, yes, supportive. Sorry for the bloody rant. Oops, but that is how we talk. Alright, I'm going now.
September 17, 2022
The peculiar thing about The Body in the Marsh is ¨the¨ body consists of a few teeth, a dental appliance, several vertebrae, some skin and in an entirely different location, a large amount of blood. DNA on those body parts where it was available, has confirmed they belong to the same woman.
Craig Gillard, a Surrey DCI is put on the case. What others don't know is, many years before, he had an affair with that woman....and he has never completely gotten over it. He resolves to tell no one. Several days after this woman disappeared the apparently dead woman´s husband, a very well-known criminologist, refuses to respond to police calls and messages. The criminologist has made his reputation largely by writing articles and books that are viciously critical of the Surrey Police. The police that his antipathy to them is the reason that he refuses to respond. Not only that but there is history of his doing the same thing recently.
The police conclude that the criminologist killed his wife and has now fled. Supporting this belief are a number of cash withdrawals made in the Paris area with his credit card as well as a birthday card from him to his daughter having been mailed from the Paris area. The woman is declared dead, the criminologist is charged with her murder, and a search for him is conducted both in France and England. DCI Gillard and his team make little or no progress in finding either the remainder of her body or the suspected murderer.
More than a year later, something happens that changes everything. Well, almost everything.
I enjoyed reading The Body in the Marsh which was my first DCI Craig Gillard book. It was well plotted and kept me engaged throughout and there were a couple of interesting subplots that spiced things up a bit. I guessed the ending because of one small clue placed early on and it turns out that I was correct BUT for entirely the wrong reason as I had not correctly determined the meaning of the clue, thus maintaining my many years streak of always guessing the ending of mystery books incorrectly, mas o menos.
Author Nick Louth created excellent characters and gave them real depth and texture although there were quite a few and I occasionally had difficulty determining who was who. Louth's writing was straightforward and conversational which I enjoyed. And, as you probably guessed, I shall read future DCI Craig Gillard books. I can comfortably recommend this book to those who enjoy a good but slightly different police procedural.
Fini
Craig Gillard, a Surrey DCI is put on the case. What others don't know is, many years before, he had an affair with that woman....and he has never completely gotten over it. He resolves to tell no one. Several days after this woman disappeared the apparently dead woman´s husband, a very well-known criminologist, refuses to respond to police calls and messages. The criminologist has made his reputation largely by writing articles and books that are viciously critical of the Surrey Police. The police that his antipathy to them is the reason that he refuses to respond. Not only that but there is history of his doing the same thing recently.
The police conclude that the criminologist killed his wife and has now fled. Supporting this belief are a number of cash withdrawals made in the Paris area with his credit card as well as a birthday card from him to his daughter having been mailed from the Paris area. The woman is declared dead, the criminologist is charged with her murder, and a search for him is conducted both in France and England. DCI Gillard and his team make little or no progress in finding either the remainder of her body or the suspected murderer.
More than a year later, something happens that changes everything. Well, almost everything.
I enjoyed reading The Body in the Marsh which was my first DCI Craig Gillard book. It was well plotted and kept me engaged throughout and there were a couple of interesting subplots that spiced things up a bit. I guessed the ending because of one small clue placed early on and it turns out that I was correct BUT for entirely the wrong reason as I had not correctly determined the meaning of the clue, thus maintaining my many years streak of always guessing the ending of mystery books incorrectly, mas o menos.
Author Nick Louth created excellent characters and gave them real depth and texture although there were quite a few and I occasionally had difficulty determining who was who. Louth's writing was straightforward and conversational which I enjoyed. And, as you probably guessed, I shall read future DCI Craig Gillard books. I can comfortably recommend this book to those who enjoy a good but slightly different police procedural.
Fini
February 21, 2021
Very well done. Lots of twists and turns and characters that you genuinely cared for, rooted for, and sometimes gasped at! Loved the ending. I really didn’t see that coming. A very enjoyable read overall.
October 8, 2017
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I absolutely LOVED this book!! It was exactly the sort of book that grabs my attention and with this one it really didn't want to let me go - I was gripped until the end and flew through the story as I was so keen to find out what would happen at the end! I thought that the book was gritty and really well written, I loved the twists and turns and I really enjoyed the interaction between the characters - the scene setting of the book was great as you really did feel as though you were involved in the story - very highly recommended by me and I am a massive fan of this genre - definitely a 5 stars read!!
I absolutely LOVED this book!! It was exactly the sort of book that grabs my attention and with this one it really didn't want to let me go - I was gripped until the end and flew through the story as I was so keen to find out what would happen at the end! I thought that the book was gritty and really well written, I loved the twists and turns and I really enjoyed the interaction between the characters - the scene setting of the book was great as you really did feel as though you were involved in the story - very highly recommended by me and I am a massive fan of this genre - definitely a 5 stars read!!
November 14, 2021
A new series and author for me and it certainly won't be the last I read from him!
I loved the main character - DCI Craig Gillard - and the plot, while looking simple in it's premise, turned out to be a cunningly woven mystery with an astonishing reveal at the finale.
I also loved that the case was quite realistic in terms of the length of the investigation. It ended up being shelved as unsolved until a year or so later when a small link was revealed that unravelled quite quickly to the stunning, satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.
I loved the main character - DCI Craig Gillard - and the plot, while looking simple in it's premise, turned out to be a cunningly woven mystery with an astonishing reveal at the finale.
I also loved that the case was quite realistic in terms of the length of the investigation. It ended up being shelved as unsolved until a year or so later when a small link was revealed that unravelled quite quickly to the stunning, satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.
January 13, 2024
I’m a huge fan of police procedurals and I found The Body in the Marsh to be quite a clever one! This was a book filled with secrets, lies, family issues, and a killer that seemed to always be one step ahead of Gillard and his team. It was also filled with twists galore!
I definitely plan on reading the next book in the series.
I definitely plan on reading the next book in the series.
September 1, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Canelo for an advance copy of The Body in the Marsh, a police procedural set in Surrey and Kent.
DCI Craig Gillard is intrigued by a missing person report on 48 year old Liz Knight because she used to be his girlfriend 30 years ago. Her husband Martin, a long term critic of the police force, doesn't appear too worried about her disappearance but when he too disappears and copious amounts of Liz's blood are found at her home the hunt is on.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Marsh as it is an excellent procedural which gives the reader real insight into police thinking and methods. It does not get bogged down in the detail but still manages to convey the detailed nature of an investigation. It held my attention throughout, not just with the hunt for Martin Knight but with the subplot about an inquiry into the failings of Surrey Police in the case of Child F who committed suicide when they didn't take her allegations of abuse seriously.
I must admit that I guessed fairly early on where the novel was going and what the twist would be. This is not a criticism of Mr Louth's talents at hiding his intentions because I'm not sure it will be obvious to everyone but I am a seasoned crime fiction reader and there's very little plot wise I haven't read before. I think it is very cleverly done and will amaze many readers.
The reason I have awarded this novel 4 and not the 5 stars the plot and writing style undoubtedly deserve is the character of Craig Gillard. It is a step too far to ask me to believe that a hardened professional like him is still in love with a teenage girlfriend he dated for 6 weeks 30 years ago to the extent that he is unable to sustain another relationship. It's absolute nonsense.
Despite this The Body in the Marsh is an excellent read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
DCI Craig Gillard is intrigued by a missing person report on 48 year old Liz Knight because she used to be his girlfriend 30 years ago. Her husband Martin, a long term critic of the police force, doesn't appear too worried about her disappearance but when he too disappears and copious amounts of Liz's blood are found at her home the hunt is on.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Body in the Marsh as it is an excellent procedural which gives the reader real insight into police thinking and methods. It does not get bogged down in the detail but still manages to convey the detailed nature of an investigation. It held my attention throughout, not just with the hunt for Martin Knight but with the subplot about an inquiry into the failings of Surrey Police in the case of Child F who committed suicide when they didn't take her allegations of abuse seriously.
I must admit that I guessed fairly early on where the novel was going and what the twist would be. This is not a criticism of Mr Louth's talents at hiding his intentions because I'm not sure it will be obvious to everyone but I am a seasoned crime fiction reader and there's very little plot wise I haven't read before. I think it is very cleverly done and will amaze many readers.
The reason I have awarded this novel 4 and not the 5 stars the plot and writing style undoubtedly deserve is the character of Craig Gillard. It is a step too far to ask me to believe that a hardened professional like him is still in love with a teenage girlfriend he dated for 6 weeks 30 years ago to the extent that he is unable to sustain another relationship. It's absolute nonsense.
Despite this The Body in the Marsh is an excellent read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
September 17, 2020
First in a series, this book satisfies on many levels. This police procedural holds the attention with complex, multi-layered plotting rich with interesting characters that keeps one focused with anticipation.
Not a perfect book...did figure out "mystery" early on which reflected badly on DCI Gillard who already had some strikes against him with his "lady killer" persona...However, I will go on to book #2.
Leaving it at 4 stars because of the lively pace.
Kindle Purchase, a very good deal at that!
Not a perfect book...did figure out "mystery" early on which reflected badly on DCI Gillard who already had some strikes against him with his "lady killer" persona...However, I will go on to book #2.
Leaving it at 4 stars because of the lively pace.
Kindle Purchase, a very good deal at that!
October 26, 2017
If you are a fan of police procedural stories with complex story lines, then this book is for you! This shows the reader how evidence can be manipulated to show one thing, when in fact it is far from the truth. Then there is the emotional side of the people involved in trying to solve the case, and those the case is about. Loved, loved, loved this story! I would like to thank Net Galley for my copy of this book so I could voluntarily review it.
May 5, 2021
UPDATE 05:05:2021 : I really do think it’s bad form when 10 months after reviewing you get a private email from the author asking you to change your review.
I really wanted to give this book 4 stars but as it came to a close the rating started to drop. It's not a badly written piece of crime fiction, however I think it would have worked better had the padding been cut before publication and the author had thrown out his thesaurus as there's far too many redundant words.
I didn't like the blatant sexualisation of the female characters, it seemed every male couldn't interact with a female without thinking about sex with them. Even the main character Gillard is guilty of this pernicious habit. He couldn't attend an important interview with a superior officer without looking at and commenting on her bra. Most female descriptions did tend to be either sexual or negative and this misogynistic bent was a constant throughout the book, which I guess may say more about the author rather than his characters.
Spoiler 1: How come it was obvious to the reader that Kincaid was the villain he was, but not to the police, did they walk around with their heads in a bucket?
One bug bear we now have to put up with is the invasion of Americanisms and US English seeping like a cancer into our language. I can put up with our S being replaced with a Z (specialise etc). I hate with a passion the use of, gotten instead of got, but for this book to refer to a tyre repair workshop as a joint nearly had me throwing the book across the room. (Pedantic I know, but why dumb-down our great language).
Spoiler 2: The final chapter was completely pointless, the story should have ended with the conclusion of chapter 35. The last chapter added nothing to the story, opened up a history that failed to bear any relevance to the plot and finally Liz, who portrayed herself to be strong-willed, calculating and clever would never have committed suicide, it was so out of place with the character we had been given.
Spoiler 3: I am not put off by a little poetic licence and despite some parts of this investigation being preposterous two things did make me sit up and say - 'Are you kidding us?' A Home Office forensic pathologist taking his 12 year old daughter to examine a corpse and discussing it with her was just nonsense. And...
Spoiler 4: Sam working at a different police division and location being assigned to Gillard's case out of the blue was as far fetched as unicorns on my front lawn. Surely there was a much better way to approach the need for the Facebook reveal.
I will say that I did actually enjoy this book despite it's idiosyncrasies; even the ridiculous gangsta patois scene, but to sum up, it's not bad but it's not the best and will it entice me to read any further adventures of Craig (fanny magnet - the author's phrase) Gillard? Sadly, no.
Finally. The eating of raspberry tarts in the car was a pointless waste of words.
I really wanted to give this book 4 stars but as it came to a close the rating started to drop. It's not a badly written piece of crime fiction, however I think it would have worked better had the padding been cut before publication and the author had thrown out his thesaurus as there's far too many redundant words.
I didn't like the blatant sexualisation of the female characters, it seemed every male couldn't interact with a female without thinking about sex with them. Even the main character Gillard is guilty of this pernicious habit. He couldn't attend an important interview with a superior officer without looking at and commenting on her bra. Most female descriptions did tend to be either sexual or negative and this misogynistic bent was a constant throughout the book, which I guess may say more about the author rather than his characters.
Spoiler 1: How come it was obvious to the reader that Kincaid was the villain he was, but not to the police, did they walk around with their heads in a bucket?
One bug bear we now have to put up with is the invasion of Americanisms and US English seeping like a cancer into our language. I can put up with our S being replaced with a Z (specialise etc). I hate with a passion the use of, gotten instead of got, but for this book to refer to a tyre repair workshop as a joint nearly had me throwing the book across the room. (Pedantic I know, but why dumb-down our great language).
Spoiler 2: The final chapter was completely pointless, the story should have ended with the conclusion of chapter 35. The last chapter added nothing to the story, opened up a history that failed to bear any relevance to the plot and finally Liz, who portrayed herself to be strong-willed, calculating and clever would never have committed suicide, it was so out of place with the character we had been given.
Spoiler 3: I am not put off by a little poetic licence and despite some parts of this investigation being preposterous two things did make me sit up and say - 'Are you kidding us?' A Home Office forensic pathologist taking his 12 year old daughter to examine a corpse and discussing it with her was just nonsense. And...
Spoiler 4: Sam working at a different police division and location being assigned to Gillard's case out of the blue was as far fetched as unicorns on my front lawn. Surely there was a much better way to approach the need for the Facebook reveal.
I will say that I did actually enjoy this book despite it's idiosyncrasies; even the ridiculous gangsta patois scene, but to sum up, it's not bad but it's not the best and will it entice me to read any further adventures of Craig (fanny magnet - the author's phrase) Gillard? Sadly, no.
Finally. The eating of raspberry tarts in the car was a pointless waste of words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2018
I bought this after receiving an ARC for the sequel, The Body on the Shore, from NetGalley, as I can't bear reading series out of order. Unfortunately I then got so behind that I missed the publication date. I'm now finally back at the magic 80% with 'only' 15 or so books left on the urgent list, so took the opportunity to read this very well written police procedural set in Surrey.
DCI Craig Gillard never got over his first love, Liz, the beautiful girl from the posh school who broke his heart when she went up to Cambridge and then married a dashing fellow student. Thirty years later, he's had a failed marriage and a solid but unremarkable career in a police force tarnished by the unsolved death of a teenage delinquent who claimed to have been systematically abused. Liz's husband, Martin Kinght, now a prominent criminologist, has been the police's fiercest critic, so when she is reported missing, he is the obvious and rather welcome suspect. Despite the actual absence of a body in the marsh, the forensic evidence of murder is overwhelming, and with Martin having absconded, Craig and his team doggedly follow every lead, desperately hoping to bring her justice.
I enjoyed this despite finding Craig's treatment of women deeply off-putting - appraising every female only in terms of her attractiveness, leading the ones who fancy him on and messing them around. He also misses some fairly obvious clues, I suppose he's just blinded my his unending love.
The twist here was so well signposted that I spent most of the book hoping to be proved wrong, but this didn't actually spoil it for me. The detailed procedural aspects were well done, and the pacing kept me interested.
There were a couple of good female characters apart from silly girly Sam, I particularly liked the hard as nails ACC with the mysterious jar on her desk...
I can now look forward to the next book which I will get to soon, and hope that two reviews for the price of one goes some way to excusing my tardiness.
DCI Craig Gillard never got over his first love, Liz, the beautiful girl from the posh school who broke his heart when she went up to Cambridge and then married a dashing fellow student. Thirty years later, he's had a failed marriage and a solid but unremarkable career in a police force tarnished by the unsolved death of a teenage delinquent who claimed to have been systematically abused. Liz's husband, Martin Kinght, now a prominent criminologist, has been the police's fiercest critic, so when she is reported missing, he is the obvious and rather welcome suspect. Despite the actual absence of a body in the marsh, the forensic evidence of murder is overwhelming, and with Martin having absconded, Craig and his team doggedly follow every lead, desperately hoping to bring her justice.
I enjoyed this despite finding Craig's treatment of women deeply off-putting - appraising every female only in terms of her attractiveness, leading the ones who fancy him on and messing them around. He also misses some fairly obvious clues, I suppose he's just blinded my his unending love.
The twist here was so well signposted that I spent most of the book hoping to be proved wrong, but this didn't actually spoil it for me. The detailed procedural aspects were well done, and the pacing kept me interested.
There were a couple of good female characters apart from silly girly Sam, I particularly liked the hard as nails ACC with the mysterious jar on her desk...
I can now look forward to the next book which I will get to soon, and hope that two reviews for the price of one goes some way to excusing my tardiness.
June 25, 2019
Giving this lovely novel 4.5 stars as it was good from beginning to end. The story carries two mysteries throughout; one a cold case, and one current time. DCI Craig Gillard is a likable, smart, "attractive" detective in the Surrey force, based in Guildford. Gillard's base is made up of the usual personalities you find in novels like this, but I found this group to be smarter, less smart-arse, and more helpful to each other.
As author Nick Louth drops the breadcrumbs you are able to predict the mystery slightly before the main characters catch on, but I'm talking about paragraphs or pages here, not chapters. Loved that! (Pet Peeve 5: when I've solved the mystery over half a book before the main characters do.)
Thanks to Pat and her good review of The Body on the Shore #2, which led me the series.
As author Nick Louth drops the breadcrumbs you are able to predict the mystery slightly before the main characters catch on, but I'm talking about paragraphs or pages here, not chapters. Loved that! (Pet Peeve 5: when I've solved the mystery over half a book before the main characters do.)
Thanks to Pat and her good review of The Body on the Shore #2, which led me the series.
April 30, 2018
A great buy! I discoverd this book for only 99 cents and it was worth much more!!
This book is part psychological thriller and part police procedural. I really, really enjoyed it. The story was compelling and there were twists and turns throughout. You end up suspecting more and more people. I love the character of DCI Craig Gillard. The atmosphere exudes throughout the story.
I highly recommend this!
This book is part psychological thriller and part police procedural. I really, really enjoyed it. The story was compelling and there were twists and turns throughout. You end up suspecting more and more people. I love the character of DCI Craig Gillard. The atmosphere exudes throughout the story.
I highly recommend this!
January 2, 2023
Although the plot was entertaining and I enjoyed the twists enough to see it through to the end, the infuriating way the author portrays all of the female characters was almost enough to make me stop reading on several occasions. Nearly every woman in the story is described merely in terms of how attractive/desirable she is and the few that aren’t are portrayed as irritating shrews. Bit of a let down for a modern story.
September 4, 2017
4.6 stars
A report comes in about a missing woman. The missing woman is Elizabeth Knight, and her husband Martin Knight is on his way home from a meeting. Martin is rude to the PCSO when she calls him and says he knows where his wife has gone.
The police are also undergoing a review of supposed mishandling of the “Girl F” case. At the same time, Professor Martin Knight was the one who wrote the initial report on the Girl F case. He is well known to the police and not at all well liked. And he is a colleague of the Home Secretary and is known to Whitehall. He is also a long-time critic of the police. His wife Liz is a former girlfriend of DCI Craig Gillard, some thirty years earlier.
Martin has not called the police as he promised to do after looking for his wife, and now he seems to have gone missing as well.
DCI Gillard and DS Claire Mulholland are assigned to the cases. As they investigate the disappearances, they speculate as to what might have happened. Did Knight murder his wife and then disappear? Are they both dead? As Gillard goes to Liz’ home, he finds bloodstains and the remains of bleach that was apparently used to try to clean it up. Is it Liz’ blood? He fears the worst. A more serious turn in the case occurs.
Gillard’s former girlfriend is assaulted. She beat up the perpetrator pretty badly. (Good for her!) The man was driving the right kind of car, had the license plates altered and stank of breath mints. Could this be the Girl F assaulter? But the man arrested for the assault and the suspect in Girl F fiasco is very slick and self-assured. He slips out of custody.
All the forensic rests on the evidence found at Liz’ home and in other places come up with her being dead. They hold a memorial service. Then DCI Gillard gets an epiphany. Could it be? The pieces finally come together for Gillard. Not too surprising, since the author dropped plenty of hints along the way, but it was fun getting to the conclusion - and to find out that I was right.
I must say something about DCI Gillard here. He is pining away for a woman he knew as a teenager thirty years earlier. Really? I wanted to say, “Get a life already!” He even ruins his current relationship over it. When he finds the bloodstains in her house, he sobs his heart out. Really? Sheesh!
This book is well written and plotted. I just had a major problem with DCI Gillard’s immaturity. The tension was well-paced and continued throughout the story. I enjoyed the way that the team seemed to get along with one another. DS Mulholland was a very put together lady, and I appreciated that. In fact, I liked her much better than her boss. I’m assuming that this is a debut for this series. It is really well done and I applaud Mr. Louth. And I’m looking very much forward to reading more of his books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding this book to me to read and enjoy.
A report comes in about a missing woman. The missing woman is Elizabeth Knight, and her husband Martin Knight is on his way home from a meeting. Martin is rude to the PCSO when she calls him and says he knows where his wife has gone.
The police are also undergoing a review of supposed mishandling of the “Girl F” case. At the same time, Professor Martin Knight was the one who wrote the initial report on the Girl F case. He is well known to the police and not at all well liked. And he is a colleague of the Home Secretary and is known to Whitehall. He is also a long-time critic of the police. His wife Liz is a former girlfriend of DCI Craig Gillard, some thirty years earlier.
Martin has not called the police as he promised to do after looking for his wife, and now he seems to have gone missing as well.
DCI Gillard and DS Claire Mulholland are assigned to the cases. As they investigate the disappearances, they speculate as to what might have happened. Did Knight murder his wife and then disappear? Are they both dead? As Gillard goes to Liz’ home, he finds bloodstains and the remains of bleach that was apparently used to try to clean it up. Is it Liz’ blood? He fears the worst. A more serious turn in the case occurs.
Gillard’s former girlfriend is assaulted. She beat up the perpetrator pretty badly. (Good for her!) The man was driving the right kind of car, had the license plates altered and stank of breath mints. Could this be the Girl F assaulter? But the man arrested for the assault and the suspect in Girl F fiasco is very slick and self-assured. He slips out of custody.
All the forensic rests on the evidence found at Liz’ home and in other places come up with her being dead. They hold a memorial service. Then DCI Gillard gets an epiphany. Could it be? The pieces finally come together for Gillard. Not too surprising, since the author dropped plenty of hints along the way, but it was fun getting to the conclusion - and to find out that I was right.
I must say something about DCI Gillard here. He is pining away for a woman he knew as a teenager thirty years earlier. Really? I wanted to say, “Get a life already!” He even ruins his current relationship over it. When he finds the bloodstains in her house, he sobs his heart out. Really? Sheesh!
This book is well written and plotted. I just had a major problem with DCI Gillard’s immaturity. The tension was well-paced and continued throughout the story. I enjoyed the way that the team seemed to get along with one another. DS Mulholland was a very put together lady, and I appreciated that. In fact, I liked her much better than her boss. I’m assuming that this is a debut for this series. It is really well done and I applaud Mr. Louth. And I’m looking very much forward to reading more of his books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding this book to me to read and enjoy.
October 21, 2017
Note: This book was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
The Body in the Marsh is my introduction to Nick Louth, but I’m a huge crime fiction fan so when an email popped into my inbox with this blurb (if you’re a regular reader you’ll know what a fan I am of Patricia and Carol) I jumped at the chance to take part!
The Body in the Marsh follows DCI Craig Gillard as he investigates a complicated missing persons case. The woman missing is Liz Knight, Craig’s girlfriend for one wonderful summer before she left for Cambridge. To make the case a little more complicated her husband also goes missing, Liz’s husband just happens to be a world renowned Criminologist who has been heavily involved in condemning DCI Gillard’s police force for their handling of a sexual abuse case involving Girl F.
This is quite a difficult review to write, as I absolutely loved the book but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who is considering picking it up, and you definitely should! Nick creates a fantastic cast of characters beginning with DCI Gillard.
When we’re first introduced to DCI Craig Gillard he’s halfway up a rock face in the Lake District, on a long activity filled weekend when he spots a woman in distress and rushes to her aid. It would have been easy to see him as a slightly false super!cop, instead he came off as genuine and I remember thinking he better be one of the good guys! Is he? You’ll have to read the book to see!
DCI Gillard is surrounded by his team, my personal favourite is DS Claire Mulholland, and PSCO Sam Phillips. Nick also introduces a number of secondary characters related to the missing persons case, we get a clear picture of both the missing Knights as well as their children and a collection of friends, all the characters feel fleshed out, there’s always more to tell but I wasn’t left disappointed with any of them.
Nick also does an incredible job of pulling together his plot, full of twists and turns that will leave you second guessing everything. He also manages to interweave aspects of the Girl F abuse case in a way which feels natural and not at all forced.
Would I Recommend?
Absolutely! I flew through this in less than a day, no doubt annoying everyone else as I hogged a table in Starbucks thinking I’ll just read one more chapter, just one more… The characters and the plot were engaging and I just couldn’t give up on it, Canelo have published some amazing thrillers this year and this is yet another one! You can’t buy many things in life for £1.99 these days but this is worth it and more! I’m not sure if there’s a series to come from this, it felt as though it reached a natural conclusion, but I certainly wouldn’t be adverse to following DCI Gillard into another case!
The Body in the Marsh is my introduction to Nick Louth, but I’m a huge crime fiction fan so when an email popped into my inbox with this blurb (if you’re a regular reader you’ll know what a fan I am of Patricia and Carol) I jumped at the chance to take part!
The Body in the Marsh follows DCI Craig Gillard as he investigates a complicated missing persons case. The woman missing is Liz Knight, Craig’s girlfriend for one wonderful summer before she left for Cambridge. To make the case a little more complicated her husband also goes missing, Liz’s husband just happens to be a world renowned Criminologist who has been heavily involved in condemning DCI Gillard’s police force for their handling of a sexual abuse case involving Girl F.
This is quite a difficult review to write, as I absolutely loved the book but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who is considering picking it up, and you definitely should! Nick creates a fantastic cast of characters beginning with DCI Gillard.
When we’re first introduced to DCI Craig Gillard he’s halfway up a rock face in the Lake District, on a long activity filled weekend when he spots a woman in distress and rushes to her aid. It would have been easy to see him as a slightly false super!cop, instead he came off as genuine and I remember thinking he better be one of the good guys! Is he? You’ll have to read the book to see!
DCI Gillard is surrounded by his team, my personal favourite is DS Claire Mulholland, and PSCO Sam Phillips. Nick also introduces a number of secondary characters related to the missing persons case, we get a clear picture of both the missing Knights as well as their children and a collection of friends, all the characters feel fleshed out, there’s always more to tell but I wasn’t left disappointed with any of them.
Nick also does an incredible job of pulling together his plot, full of twists and turns that will leave you second guessing everything. He also manages to interweave aspects of the Girl F abuse case in a way which feels natural and not at all forced.
Would I Recommend?
Absolutely! I flew through this in less than a day, no doubt annoying everyone else as I hogged a table in Starbucks thinking I’ll just read one more chapter, just one more… The characters and the plot were engaging and I just couldn’t give up on it, Canelo have published some amazing thrillers this year and this is yet another one! You can’t buy many things in life for £1.99 these days but this is worth it and more! I’m not sure if there’s a series to come from this, it felt as though it reached a natural conclusion, but I certainly wouldn’t be adverse to following DCI Gillard into another case!
March 18, 2024
Was excited to try a new crime author but I am in agreement with all of the lower rated reviews. Too predictable. I knew how this was going early on. Main character that came off as sexist and too much our trusted hero without really being our hero.
I’m gonna skip the rest of the series. But hey I gave it a go.
I’m gonna skip the rest of the series. But hey I gave it a go.
February 23, 2025
I figured out both mysteries, however I was intrigued by all the characters and just HOW the main mystery was devised, crafted and implemented by the killer.
I will definitely read more by this author.
I will definitely read more by this author.
February 13, 2023
(4.5 rounded up!) So glad I found this series! A solid police procedural that I couldn’t put down. & I really enjoyed the narrator, I hope he’s the same throughout the series.
March 20, 2021
I was so impressed with this book that, halfway through reading it, I ordered the rest of the series.
I love DCI Craig Gillard and the rest of the characters. The plot twisted and turned intricately. Great story. I can't wait to read more of these books.
I love DCI Craig Gillard and the rest of the characters. The plot twisted and turned intricately. Great story. I can't wait to read more of these books.
October 7, 2017
This book can be described in two words - "Roller coaster", it is most definitely gripping and the twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat until you read the last sentence. If you are a seasoned crime fiction reader you may guess the ending, (although there are many curve balls to knock you off the scent), however this does not detract from Nick's style of writing nor the story and it is still compulsive reading right to the last page. Well worth, what I call, "book sleep deprivation" the following day after a late night reading session!
When starting to read The body in the Marsh you quickly gain an understanding of the location and characters. The book is set in the nature reserve in Kent and also in an area in Surrey. Both provide a great setting and location to the suspense of the thriller. Nick's style of writing enables you to visualise and gain an insight into both quickly. When reading the book, it is almost as though you have stepped into the story and are fully immersed in the surroundings. Almost observing from with the room rather than at home reading the book, quite a unique feeling.
The main character, who is very likable, is DCI Craig Gillard and when a missing persons report is filed for 48 year old Elizabeth (Liz) Knight, things start to become personal for DCI Gillard. Liz was his girlfriend 30 years ago. Liz's husband - Professor Martin Knight - is a criminologist and a long term critic of the police force. When Professor Knight also goes missing and Liz's blood is found at their family home. The evidence suggest that Liz is dead and likely to have been murdered and the suspect is her husband. Suddenly everyone one is involved, the search for Martin steps up and DCI Gillard is heartbroken. Further evidence is located on Martin's computer, suggesting he has had a string of affairs and also emails suggestioning he was preparing to run off with one particular lady who had recently inherited large sums of money.
At the same time, an inquiry is launched into failings by Surrey police in a case of Child F, whom committed suicide as a result of abuse allegations not taken seriously by the police. It becomes questionable whether the two cases are linked, with the knowledge that Professor Martin Knight condemned this case. Are the two linked? or not? Having this extra sub plot really adds to the depth and tensity of the story and ensures you keep turning page after page.
As with all good books and investigations, as a reader, you get drawn in emotionally - frustrated, interested and excited. That is in one chapter alone!
As with all books there are some areas that work for some and not other readers, and these are down to the personal preference of the reader. With The Body in The Marsh it was particularly good to see a strong female role included. DS Claire Mulholland, a likable and realistic policewoman who has a family and grand children. The book also covers female sexual objectification, with one particular individual sharing his views, the one thing I would say in relation to the latter is - Karma works its magic! I was also a little perplexed as to how DCI Gillard, was still love struck and obsessive over a woman he met 30 years ago, but this is fiction and anything goes.
This book is suited to those who enjoy reading police procedural thriller, it is fast paced and enjoyable characters. It was enjoyable, can be read in a few sittings (although you will struggle to put it down) and we look forward to reading Nick's next book.
Blog tour review located at www.serendipityloves.website
When starting to read The body in the Marsh you quickly gain an understanding of the location and characters. The book is set in the nature reserve in Kent and also in an area in Surrey. Both provide a great setting and location to the suspense of the thriller. Nick's style of writing enables you to visualise and gain an insight into both quickly. When reading the book, it is almost as though you have stepped into the story and are fully immersed in the surroundings. Almost observing from with the room rather than at home reading the book, quite a unique feeling.
The main character, who is very likable, is DCI Craig Gillard and when a missing persons report is filed for 48 year old Elizabeth (Liz) Knight, things start to become personal for DCI Gillard. Liz was his girlfriend 30 years ago. Liz's husband - Professor Martin Knight - is a criminologist and a long term critic of the police force. When Professor Knight also goes missing and Liz's blood is found at their family home. The evidence suggest that Liz is dead and likely to have been murdered and the suspect is her husband. Suddenly everyone one is involved, the search for Martin steps up and DCI Gillard is heartbroken. Further evidence is located on Martin's computer, suggesting he has had a string of affairs and also emails suggestioning he was preparing to run off with one particular lady who had recently inherited large sums of money.
At the same time, an inquiry is launched into failings by Surrey police in a case of Child F, whom committed suicide as a result of abuse allegations not taken seriously by the police. It becomes questionable whether the two cases are linked, with the knowledge that Professor Martin Knight condemned this case. Are the two linked? or not? Having this extra sub plot really adds to the depth and tensity of the story and ensures you keep turning page after page.
As with all good books and investigations, as a reader, you get drawn in emotionally - frustrated, interested and excited. That is in one chapter alone!
As with all books there are some areas that work for some and not other readers, and these are down to the personal preference of the reader. With The Body in The Marsh it was particularly good to see a strong female role included. DS Claire Mulholland, a likable and realistic policewoman who has a family and grand children. The book also covers female sexual objectification, with one particular individual sharing his views, the one thing I would say in relation to the latter is - Karma works its magic! I was also a little perplexed as to how DCI Gillard, was still love struck and obsessive over a woman he met 30 years ago, but this is fiction and anything goes.
This book is suited to those who enjoy reading police procedural thriller, it is fast paced and enjoyable characters. It was enjoyable, can be read in a few sittings (although you will struggle to put it down) and we look forward to reading Nick's next book.
Blog tour review located at www.serendipityloves.website
May 12, 2020
So, this started off as a four star review and as I progressed in the book... the lower the rating got in my head. Two stars dropped and now I wish I hadn’t bothered to pick this one up. I was so disappointed, honestly I was having a grand time till 63% (Chapter Twenty-Two). That’s when I thought: no, no that can’t be the way this book is going (it was).
First off, there’s a great sense of setting and decent descriptions of people so there’s no Talking Head Syndromes or White Rooms that have no image to them. There are some overwritten sections or phrases (info dumps on locations which I felt went on a little too long) and a habit for redundant words. (‘her overweening self-confidence’) but other than that decent and well written enough not to detract from the story. It would have been four stars if the story - the plot and the characters weren’t what they became.
Until about, I’d say the half way point I was fine with certain aspects. However, this crime procedural isn’t so much a mystery but keen to slap you in the face with a red herring so hard, repeatedly that it’s so obvious it’s one from its sheer recurrence that it is one. There is sadly, no real subtly at the clues being revealed and once a certain character tells a tale, I knew what the “twist” was going for and I hated it. Hated. Dreaded it and hoped I’d be wrong.
If that was it it would have been three stars.
And the last few pages had taken this from a three star - a few of my peeves here and there, but a solid read all the way down to a two. I ranted at the stupidity of the main character. Stupid action indeed, seriously stupid not even remotely understandable. Like, stop reading, reread the last few sentences and ask, ‘What kinda idiot does that?!’
(I should also note the main character has a weird POV at times, sexualising women in the oddest of ways — this is a quote which I don’t believe spoils but provides you to see what I mean).
“He ached to remove his gloves and caress those books, as if it were somehow possible to absorb through his fingertips the mature woman that his Liz has become.”
Note this is about a woman, murdered, who the MC hasn’t been in contact with since his teenage years. Yikes. There’s first love and nostalgia and then there’s just plain creepy.
Urgh, can’t recommend sadly.
First off, there’s a great sense of setting and decent descriptions of people so there’s no Talking Head Syndromes or White Rooms that have no image to them. There are some overwritten sections or phrases (info dumps on locations which I felt went on a little too long) and a habit for redundant words. (‘her overweening self-confidence’) but other than that decent and well written enough not to detract from the story. It would have been four stars if the story - the plot and the characters weren’t what they became.
Until about, I’d say the half way point I was fine with certain aspects. However, this crime procedural isn’t so much a mystery but keen to slap you in the face with a red herring so hard, repeatedly that it’s so obvious it’s one from its sheer recurrence that it is one. There is sadly, no real subtly at the clues being revealed and once a certain character tells a tale, I knew what the “twist” was going for and I hated it. Hated. Dreaded it and hoped I’d be wrong.
If that was it it would have been three stars.
And the last few pages had taken this from a three star - a few of my peeves here and there, but a solid read all the way down to a two. I ranted at the stupidity of the main character. Stupid action indeed, seriously stupid not even remotely understandable. Like, stop reading, reread the last few sentences and ask, ‘What kinda idiot does that?!’
(I should also note the main character has a weird POV at times, sexualising women in the oddest of ways — this is a quote which I don’t believe spoils but provides you to see what I mean).
“He ached to remove his gloves and caress those books, as if it were somehow possible to absorb through his fingertips the mature woman that his Liz has become.”
Note this is about a woman, murdered, who the MC hasn’t been in contact with since his teenage years. Yikes. There’s first love and nostalgia and then there’s just plain creepy.
Urgh, can’t recommend sadly.
October 10, 2017
I requested this book from NetGalley because it implied it was mystery/thriller, and it was but it was also a detective procedural, which I prefer to avoid if I'm being honest. I surprised myself by reading all the way through it even when I knew how in-depth it was regarding the investigative process. I have the feeling it was well-researched in that regard, which I appreciate.
Surprisingly, I actually liked the book!! It was a little predictable because I could see where it was going but it was carried out in a way that impressed me and kept me reading. The Girl F plot was a lot more intriguing and I was bummed when that was resolved so early and I didn't really expect the outcome from that.
There were many examples of sexism throughout the book and at first it put me off but I soon realized that the author was possibly including them deliberately because of the overall theme of the novel so I realized that when the author was making a point about something being sexist, there was usually a reason for it within the plot. To put it mildly, there were a lot of strong female characters.
I am giving this book 5 stars because it held my interest and I kept thinking about it when I wasn't reading it and after I had finished it. I don't know how it measures up to other similar novels because it is not my genre of choice and I probably won't read this novel again. I might, however, read another book by this author.
Surprisingly, I actually liked the book!! It was a little predictable because I could see where it was going but it was carried out in a way that impressed me and kept me reading. The Girl F plot was a lot more intriguing and I was bummed when that was resolved so early and I didn't really expect the outcome from that.
There were many examples of sexism throughout the book and at first it put me off but I soon realized that the author was possibly including them deliberately because of the overall theme of the novel so I realized that when the author was making a point about something being sexist, there was usually a reason for it within the plot. To put it mildly, there were a lot of strong female characters.
I am giving this book 5 stars because it held my interest and I kept thinking about it when I wasn't reading it and after I had finished it. I don't know how it measures up to other similar novels because it is not my genre of choice and I probably won't read this novel again. I might, however, read another book by this author.
September 29, 2020
the "twist" is surprising only if you never read or watched Gillian Flynn but done way, way worse AND it's generously flavoured with the main Mary Stu of a character ogling and fetishizing every female suspect, colleague and murder victim (yes, really), describing how he thinks they will be in bed. Gross and dumb! well done!
July 15, 2023
Found this on Storytel and I just loved it. Since I still cannot easily read after my eye surgery, I can at least listen to this excellent series.
I just loved it! The characters, the story, the plot, the surprises! I cannot add much to the excellent reviews I read here on GR.
I just loved it! The characters, the story, the plot, the surprises! I cannot add much to the excellent reviews I read here on GR.
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