The Accidental Detectorist: The Adventures of a Reluctant Metal Detectorist

by Nigel Richardson

One man's accidental journey into uncovering Britain's underground obsession. A fascinating and engaging tale of metal detecting history and Britain for fans of The Detectorists.

When a travel writer is stuck on home soil in the middle of a pandemic he meets Kris Rodgers, one of Britain's eminent metal detectorists. Dipping a toe in the hobby, Nigel quickly finds himself swept up in the world beneath the surface. Above the ground are a cast of fascinating and passionate people who open Nigel's eyes to a subterranean world of treasure and stories that bring the history of the island to life.

Scouring the country from Cornwall to Scotland in search of treasure and the best detectorists, Nigel finds himself more immersed in the culture than he bargained for and makes his own personal journey from cynicism to obsession in his trail through the heartlands of metal detecting. From women's groups who react against the hobby's male bias, to the 'Nighthawks' who risk jail-time in their pursuits, he finds his preconceptions disabused and gets to the heart of what makes this quiet community so obsessed with happy beeps.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Autobiography, Archaeology, Audiobook

294 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

You’re gonna see this a lot in the reviews of this book…I am a massive fan of the TV series The Detectorists and that is the reason I decided to give this book a go…well that and the awesome cover. The thing I loved about the series was how easy it was to get lost in the show, the rambling through fields, being at peace in a chaotic world, friendly banter and the way a find can spark your imagination…I got all of that from this wonderful book. There is a real Zen to detecting whether in the field, watching or reading you can find yourself at peace, even if nothing gets found.

The book starts off with Richardson laughing at the weird folk wondering around fields with an electronic stick comparing them with train spotters after a bit of research he decides to give it a go and see what the fuss was all about, what follows is a full blown obsession to experience the rush you get from finding a hoard. Richardson is very honest with the reader, he explains that he isn’t going to take it seriously and he is shocked about how quickly he falls in love, he also shares his insecurities around other people and the fact that he can’t find even the basic items a new detectorist discovers. Each time Richardson finds something his imagination goes crazy and he creates a story about the item and how it came to be buried in the field he was searching, I loved these little stories, his energy is contagious and I could find no fault in his stories. The area he is exploring is in my neck of the woods and I’ve been to a few of the places, including the Curtis Museum two weeks before starting this book, I think I also met the same museum lady who overloaded me with leaflets and gave me half a dozen different locations to visit.

The writing is very good, the subject matter is fun, I’ve learnt loads and maybe once I become a middle-aged man with one of those weird electronic sticks this book will come in handy in helping me follow the rules and become a world famous detectorist. If you’re a fan of The Detectorists then you’re gonna love this book so give it a go. Anyways, I’m now off to Silchester Roman Wall to bury this book in a nice metal box for some lucky nighthawker to find.

Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2022...

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time that Nigel Richardson met a metal detectorist he was sat eating his lunch by the edge of a field. It wasn’t a hobby that had any appeal to him, and in a slightly sneering way, they have a terse conversation and it wasn’t helped by Richardson’s dog pilfering one of the man’s sandwiches. He had changed his mind a little about the men (and it is mostly men) who pursue this hobby after watching the brilliant TV comedy, The Detectorists.

Roll on five years and a travel writer who is unable to travel because of a pandemic is going to get quite bored and stuck at home. He managed to get a column that paid and the idea came to him to write about the hobby. He was put in touch with a local guy called, Kris, who had a big following on YouTube. He lent him a detector and they set about a field in Kent in the search for, well for anything he could find really. They found a few things and he even found a dress pin. More importantly, he had enough material for the column. Sitting in the car after drinking tea he thought about what had happened and then set off for home.

A few weeks later he retrieved his new machine from where it was hidden behind the wheelie bins. He was starting on a journey that he never ever thought that he would take.

It was a journey that would take him to various parts of the country from his local village to the wide skies of Norfolk. He walked in fields that people had walked across hundreds of years ago and lost the items that he would find later. He would share these experiences with one person sweeping the head of their machine across another part of the field and went to big rallies where there would be hundreds of other detectorists who were as obsessed as he was becoming. The one thing that he want to find was an elusive hammered coin. Everyone else seemed to have found them.

I liked this gentle heart-warming tale as Richardson tells how he discovered a new hobby that quickly becomes an obsession. He writes well, and it is an amusing and entertaining book to read. What made the book for me is his descriptions of the characters who occupy the detectorist landscape as well as that thrill of finding a little bit of history for yourself.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review

This book was interesting about the author's adventures being a metal detectorist and a potted history of things found over the years by detectorists. This book would suit general history readers

[Sophy H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Erm this was okay, but just okay. I think Richardson does his best with a subject that can be interesting up to a point but after reading, a whole book on metal detecting to me seems excessive. Maybe an article or a short book would have been better?

Richardson's writing style is easy enough, conversational with some humour thrown in but there are only so many times you can read someone saying "found anything good?!"

Overall a so so read. Not one I'd recommend unless you're really into Tony Robinson's Time Team!

I'm thankful this was a library loan.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book:
During the lockdowns of the global pandemic, journalist Nigel Richardson — a seasoned writer but complete novice to the world of metal detecting — was looking for something to write about that was closer to home than his usual travel columns. A rerun of gentle, hilarious British comedy Detectorists gave him an idea for his next piece. But what at first is planned as a one-off activity to generate 800 words or so quickly becomes something more, and in this lovely book Nigel recounts his adventures, set-backs and discoveries on the road to becoming a detectorist.

My thoughts:
During the UK lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, a large number of people found solace in nature, with daily walks becoming a source of comfort and calm. On a personal note, a bright spot for me was the discovery of BBC series Detectorists, written by and staring actor and real-life enthusiast Mackenzie Crook. This gentle comedy had passed me by when it first aired, but I stumbled across it during lockdown and was so pleased I did. The metal detecting community is depicted as deeply knowledgeable, gently competitive, and passionate about the history around them. So I was consequently very pleased to have a chance to read Nigel Richardson’s new book “The Accidental Detectorist”.

What starts as a day out to gather material for an article develops into a surprising passion for writer and journalist Nigel.

“Memorable experiences, rooted in landscape and history, could be had in objectively unremarkable places — on the A1, a road I know well, for example.”

Charting his course from utter novice to “one of the crew”, Nigel describes his tentative steps into the hobby, which seems for him to be as much about seeking a sense of identity and belonging — following all the upheavals and upsets of Brexit followed by the pandemic — as it does about buried treasure.

Written with humour and interspersed with historical detail, Nigel’s account is an honest, funny (see the accidental chucking of potentially interesting finds in a hedge thinking they are tractor bits…!), and heartwarming read. Whether you are a fully fledged detectorist or not, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read and testament to the pleasures you can find just outside your own front door. Wishing everyone happy bleeps!

[A.J. Sefton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fair to say that the Covid-19 pandemic, and the lockdown that followed, changed lives. Some for the better, as odd as that seems. Travel writer Nigel Richardson is one such person. During a permitted walk around his home he came across a metal detectorist, and so a new obsessive hobby was born. I have a small metal detector that came into my possession a couple of years ago and with my fascination of all things history I thought that this memoir would be interesting. And it is. Being a journalist the writing is good and engaging as expected, with the skill of a great storyteller.

This book is also very informative about metal detecting and the detectorists' world. He joins a club of serious like-minded folk who are competitive but supportive. The amount of detail surrounding the laws and regulations on digging, finding, recording and ultimately selling found items is probably all there is to know on this subject. Even the baddies are included: the dreaded nighthawks. These are people who go on illegal digs under the cover of night and keep their finds secret. Exciting stuff.

The finds are fascinating, especially to historians like me. While not much comes up to the Staffordshire Hoard levels, there are some very interesting discoveries besides the musket balls from the Civil War and Tudor buttons. Viking horse stirrups straps, Medieval pins, coins from all eras, buckles, spoons and jewellery. And something that may have come from Boudica's horse.

The beauty of this hobby is that the English landscape is looked at differently. As Richardson says, he would have chosen Albania or Madagascar rather than Hampshire to go treasure hunting, but his local area suddenly appears to be a kind of undiscovered country. There's plenty to learn besides the laws of digging on farmland, from reading old maps and history books to the new jargon and equipment belonging to the detectorists.

​I'm not usually a fan of memoir but I really enjoyed this. Witty and yes, exciting, full of English history, camaraderie and the joys of nature. For many people, metal detecting is therapeutic to escape the stresses of life. For the author, detecting is like 'seeking where I belonged.' I can really identify with this. Wonderful read.

[Lily P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIBLE

If you've ever watched Detectorists, or hankered to find treasure with a metal detector, you're automatically going to be intrigued and entertained with this book.

If you're a travel junky who got frustrated during the pandemic and wondered what to do while the world waits to open borders again, you'll enjoy this book from a travel writer who was stuck at home and needed to do something, anything to get out of the house.

If you're a history buff or anglophile, you're going to love this book.

Entertaining and educational--Highly recommend.

[David Entwiste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

[Maelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for the Hfds Hoard

[Emma Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't quite know what to expect when picking up this read, but I am so glad I did pick it up.

The excitement and passion for the subject matter comes through from the off, and the historical detail and context makes for a more informed read. If you are thinking of starting this hobby- which the writer certainly tempts you with- this would be a great foundation in which to help you on your way. If you are a history geek like me, you'll also enjoy the context and the finds.

This could be a dry subject but the writer makes it anything but. Packed with witty and humorous comments that makes it a well rounded read.

[Andrew Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course, it helps if you like archaeology, history and the TV programme about the failures and occasional successes of detectorists. I fall into all three camps. This is a lovely read and not just about the finds and attempts to decipher the associated history behind them. It is a very human and finely observed account of the people involved in this hobby/obsession. The author himself becomes involved because of Covid and associated lockdowns. While searching for finds he discovers more about himself as well as the items unearthed. He also tells the background stories of others - there is psychology, philosophy, greed, goodness, criminality and companionship. I got a lot of pleasure from reading this and a warm glow still pervades. Highly recommended for even the non-specialist.

[David Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read.

I was vaguely interested in metal detecting but after reading this enjoyable book I think I will actually join some meetings and take it from there. Thank you for sharing the "spirit" of what makes a Detectorist tick.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who love to watch programmes on archaeology and also have a secret yearning to dig into the past in a physical way will be intrigued by this book of the realities behind the finds made by enthusiastic amateurs. This is a book, subtitled “Uncovering an Underground Obsession” which will probably draw many in with its adventures of a travel writer discovering the world of metal detecting. Not that this is in any sense a “how to” guide; Richardson’s progress is a bit haphazard as he succumbs to the lure of the equipment, the thrill of the search and the obsession with finding certain items which would guarantee his full (unofficial) qualification as a detectorist. Along the way he not only discovers the problems of “moo tubes” and “hedge fodder”, but also the question of where to search without upsetting landowners. Not that he dreams of untold riches from his new hobby / obsession, though obviously he would not object, but he discovers an addiction to listening for the “happy beeps” which announce that he has found something interesting. The objects themselves, the buzz of digging up something that has not been seen or handled for decades or even centuries, are eagerly collected, and researched. The historical stories that they represent become fascinating and informative, leading to much speculation and conjecture. The small pieces he finds are the source of pride and encourage his efforts to pursue more enticing sites.
The other element of this book that I especially enjoyed is the people Richardson encounters as he develops his skills. They range from a grumpy detectorist who is left minus a sandwich and does not inspire Richardson, to Kris who shows him the basics of detecting and inspires him to begin. It is a result of Covid lockdowns and a shift in the nature of travel writing that meant that Richardson had time on his hands when a eight hundred word article becomes an obsession. He meets all sorts of people, including the semi professional who make a living from the hobby by online recordings of digs, and those who organise and attend rallies of like minded detectorists when an area of land is intensively searched for a few days by a horde of detectorists. Some people are there in the hopes of life changing discoveries, others to consolidate their collection of finds by discovering specific items or remnants of a particular time. Some are private, proceeding in their own world of headphones, digging equipment and rucksacks of fines, others are keen to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with newcomers like Richardson. There is the camaraderie of camping and enjoying the surroundings which as Kris advises means the detectorist looks up as well as down. Mention is also made of the notorious “nighthawks” who detect by night without the landowner’s permission and make no effort to record their finds properly as they are just intent on finding the artifacts that will make money. At the other end of the scale are the landowners, often farmers, who have to be persuaded to allow a search, especially with due regard to crops. Richardson records his own delicate negotiations with local landowners and the whole challenge of securing permission.
What comes through in this book is Richardson’s joy in discovering the enjoyment of being outside searching for the perhaps disregarded items that nevertheless reflect a time and place where people stood, lost items, hid others while living very different lives. He enjoys the coins that may well have travelled far from their origin, the buttons, pins and buckles that held everyday clothes together, the remnants of battles or merely well-trod paths. There is the sense of history behind many pieces, the assessing of the chances of finding things, the urge to do just one more sweep. The secrets of fields, the possibilities of ordinary corners of Britain, the evidence of the past are brilliantly described.
This is a very well written book which has humour, honesty, and inspiration on so many pages. I enjoyed the admissions of technical confusion, the feeling of trying to enter a club where everyone else knew what they were doing, the gentle sadness of a day without discoveries. There is the envy of those with superior collections of artifacts, and the admiration of those who overcame specific challenges to being involved. I enjoyed following Richardson’s adventures and highs and lows, as he brings his writing experience to travel on a smaller scale. He also provides in the text and in a “Useful Notes” sections information for those who want to become involved in the hobby, with an Index to help find particular details. The writing flows well and it is easy to read with enjoyment. The illustrations also depict his finds in all their glory, alongside notable discoveries which he refers to in his text. I was very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to become involved in the detecting of the past, either in the field or from the comfort of an armchair.

[Hannah Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued when I read the blurb for this book. I love the English countryside, and nothing gives me more thrill than the turquoise flash of a kingfisher or the discovery of a spotted woodpecker feather. So I completely understand the attraction of metal detecting and the hit of dopamine they must get as they find something interesting. Yet, like many others, I have always considered metal detectorists a bit comical. Nigel says of the first wave of amateur metal detectorists in the 1980s, “The occasional sighting of them (it was always blokes), stuttering about haplessly in a field or on a beach, triggered in onlookers feelings of hilarity and pity.”

The book has given me a glimpse into their world, and there is far more to it than I ever thought. Each detectorist find provides a link between the field or shore they stand on and the people who have lived or travelled there in years gone past. I enjoyed the historical facts and stories woven into the book and the leaps of faith Nigel made with some of the objects he found – to create plausible stories linking them back to his house and the people who once lived there.

This all piqued my own interest in my local area in North Essex. I went onto the finds.org.uk database and typed in Layer Marney, the name of the village where I live. My house is less than a mile from Layer Marney Tower, England’s tallest Tudor gatehouse, so surely there is treasure in these parts? The database has five finds listed, including this beautiful hammered coin. In the local parish of Messing cum Inworth where I grew up, there are finds from Iron Age, Roman, Medieval and Post Medieval times. We are but a stone’s throw from Colchester or Camulodunum to call it by its Roman name as it is the UK’s oldest recorded city. Boudicca and her armies once razed it to the ground. On the database are many Roman coins in the area, perhaps borne by those fleeing her persecution. I shall walk the local footpaths with a new fascination for what may lie under my feet and the people who walked these fields in years gone by. It’s particularly poignant this week. Today Charles the third will be proclaimed King, as we pass from the Elizabethan age into the Carolean age. History in the making.

Back to the book, and it was his observation of people I most enjoyed. Nigel met several detectorists on his travels around the UK and took time to understand their motivations. The next time I see one trudging across a field with headphones on, I will pay them much more respect. As Nigel informs us, these days this merry band of men (and a few women) is responsible for finding the vast majority of the 1.5 million objects recorded on finds.org.uk, a voluntary recording programme run by the British Museum.

Nigel is humble and self-deprecating and, as you would expect from a professional travel writer, presents us with a book which is extremely well structured, engaging, witty and charming. In the first few chapters, I could feel his palpable sense of being the new boy in the world of metal detecting, like a pupil on their first day at school. It’s a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in local history, the countryside or who fancies learning a bit more about those strange blokes who sweep their toys back and forth in our fields.

I was gifted a copy of the book by Hachette in return for an honest review.

[lifelonghistorylover · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Thank you to Anne and Octopus Books for sending me a copy, in exchange for an honest review.

As a history and archaeology fanatic, I do feel I should tell you where I stand on metal detecting before I share my book review, I know it can be a touchy subject within our community!
I do agree with metal detecting, IF it’s done with a love of history and not monetary gain; the detecting is done legally, with the landowners’ permission; find spots are accurately recorded, artefacts are removed/stored carefully, and finds are reported to a FLO. And finally, no bloody nighthawking! Right, after that rather long-winded start, let’s get on with the book review!

Some of our greatest archaeological treasures have been found by detectorists, such as The Staffordshire Hoard. The hobby has gained more popularity in recent years thanks to TV shows like The Detectorists, Hoard Hunters and Henry Cole's Great British Treasure Hunt. There are also many popular accounts on Instagram and YouTube dedicated to metal detecting. Nigel Richardson’s fantastic new book ‘The Accidental Detectorist’ tells the story of the author’s journey into detecting. Richardson, a travel writer, is unable to travel abroad during lockdown and so starts to write a monthly newspaper column about Britain. Influenced by his solitary rambles, and the TV show The Detectorists, he decided his next column should be about metal detecting. It’s not long before he’s done his research and bought his very own detector!

I absolutely loved this book. As well as telling the story about Nigel’s first accidental steps into detecting, the book is packed with useful information for the beginner, witty one liners and advice from other hobbyists. I enjoyed reading about the sense of community within the hobby, it reminds us how history can bring us together. I was also very much routing for him to find a hammered coin! I really appreciated that the author discussed nighthawking (the looting of archaeological sites), and the importance of reporting finds to your local Finds Liaison Officer etc. As well as being a thoroughly entertaining read, I think a newbie to the hobby would find this down to earth book really helpful. Highly recommended!

[AM SMOLANDER · Rating 4 out of 5]

On 9th of September would have been my blog tour spot with Random Things Tour for The Accidental Detectorist by Nigel Richardson. I read this non-fiction book as a hardback copy, and I’m very glad that I took part on this tour as I really liked this book. I’m posting my review for this book a few days later as expected, because sadly Queen Elizabeth II passed away on Thursday, and as a sign of respect to The Queen I did not post any reviews on Friday.
I found this book interesting, fascinating and very informative. It was interesting to read how Covid-19 altered this travel writer’s journey in life. Forced to stay in the UK, journalist and writer Nigel Richardson started metal detecting. I would love to be able to do metal detecting too, as I have always been fascinated by looking for treasures. I love going to Whitby, Scarborough and Spurn Point on Yorkshire coast looking for fossils. It is amazing and so peaceful just walking and dreaming of what treasures could be found. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes metal detecting so interesting I think.
I loved read about different treasures, different areas for treasure hunting, as well as about the authors finds. I also loved seeing photos of the various items the author has found. What an interesting book!
I liked the author’s writing style, the factual book’s subject matter and finding out about this community of larger than life characters who use metal detectors around the UK. I’m giving this book 4 stars as I liked it and I think that other readers will like this book too, especially if they like reading non-fiction, factual books or memoirs.

[Terri (BooklyMatters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** four and a half shiny stars

What happens when a middle-aged travel-writer, home-locked due to the Covid pandemic, discovers the world of metal-detecting - initially dismissed as somewhat outlandish, but somehow, an itch that takes hold, and must be satisfied.

Searchers, seekers, hobbyists, all of them falling captive to the allure of the hunt - once unearthed a journey that seems to find its own path - and one which, for the author, is an unmistakably compelling one. Finding himself in the process, as, over the course of one year (outlined in this book), he grows from awkward novice to a devotee embedded in a close-knit community of, some would say, oddballs, but really more aptly described as dopamine-linked journeymen (for this band of brothers is by-and-large male).

Caught up in the in-the-moment with the wide-eyed wonder of reliving history, following in the footsteps of those who have walked, in some cases, centuries before us, on this very field, hill or pasture - perhaps leaving traces, often in the form of coins, buckles or buttons, serving to retell their narratives.

A fascinating look at an unusual hobby, the people it attracts, the rewards it provides (both to the detectorists, and the heritage world at-large), and yet another example of our shared humanity, and the strange and wonderful ways we can find our inner-most selves a home.

My stop today on the @randomttours #blogtour for #TheAccidentalDetectorist

A great big thank you to the author @nigeriwolf and the publisher @octopus_books for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read that I really loved reading. I have always loved the thought of metal detecting. I have even tried it a few times and actually found a bottle top yeah! LOL. Even though I found nothing interesting it was still fun and the author story was definitely fun. This book I really struggled to put it down. Not only did the author write about the highs and lows of metal detecting but it was a book packed full of amazing history. I was totally engrossed from the first page to the last. It was both exciting and very interesting. I learnt so much from reading this book. Which certainly made me very happy as I love learning about new things and other people's personal experiences. This book was wrote so well and flowed nicely. I found it funny reading about the different types of people who enjoy this hobby. The author made it very interesting learning about the etiquette of detecting. I really do recommend reading this book if you want to learn more about this subject or want to learn more about Britain's history from the different types of thongs found and in which areas. I really loved the pictures of his finds. They were fantastic and gave the book that extra dimension.
So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this exciting and so very interesting book. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this fantastic author.

[Greenreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I often find it hard to get into non fiction books but Richardson’s writing style drew me in and I was keen to find out more about his story. He writes with warmth and empathy as well as some humour along the way. It’s really interesting to find out about his journey into detecting and all the different people he meets, and how his perspectives change.

The book is about a journey of discovery as well as a physical journey, and a deeper understanding of the land and our relationship with it. Richardson describes his encounters with other detectorists and how he learns from them, both about detecting and life.

There is discussion about the value of the finds, both monetarily and historically, and how there is sometimes a disconnect between the priorities and values of detectorists and others. What is more important, monetary value or the story told by finds?

This is a lovely book filled with interesting facts, information and insight. It is warm, funny at times with touches of humanity. It raises some important issues about land, history and what should be preserved, as.well as giving some useful information about metal detecting. Richardson has a writing style that makes the book accessible; there are photos inside and it is nice to dip in and out of. With the stunning cover it's lovely to look at too!

[Snoakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel writer Nigel Richardson had his wings clipped when the Covid pandemic hit and the subsequent restrictions and lockdowns left him stranded at home.

"There was, I felt, a more individual, grounded way of travelling. Memorable experiences, rooted in landscape and history, could be had in objectively unremarkable places".

While wandering his local network of rights of way, his thoughts turned to those who had trod this land before him. And in no time at all, this vague interest in the past saw him buying a metal detector. Suddenly a hobby he'd looked down his nose at a few short years previously became something of an obsession (his attitude softened somewhat by a certain excellent television programme).

The Accidental Detectorist charts his transition into a fully fledged detectorist. He meets an amazing range of people, all of whom are incredibly generous with their time and expertise. Fellow detectorists share their permissions, Finds Liaison Officers help identify finds and record them under the Portable Antiquities Scheme. He learns how to use his detector properly, how to distinguish between types of metal, potential junk or possible treasure by the tone of the beep.

His most endearing habit is that of inventing a story around each object. Who might have owned it, and where they were going when they lost it? These stories are revised and revisited as he learns more about the small pieces of metal that he is the first person to handle in many years. Nigel Richardson is a natural storyteller and his delight at the smallest and most humble of finds make this a joy to read.

[ACottageFullofBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had a bit of an obsession with metal detecting since I was a child and loved reading stories about treasure hoards and ancient items being found. Although, what I once thought was a treasure box was actually a baking tray!

When travel writer Nigel Richardson finds himself stuck at home during the lockdown, he decides to find something local to base his column on and has a go at metal detecting – something he can do near to his country cottage.

Soon the author is hooked on this hobby and as restrictions lift, he begins to travel to different parts of the county and country to meet others, learn more and attempt to find a hammered coin.

I love the fact that this book weaves in the history of different areas with the finds that people have made and describes a typical day out with other detectorists. I loved reading about the rallies and it has inspired me to see if there is a local group near to me.

Richardson also explains the more shady side of this hobby with ‘nighthawks’ and people who don’t adhere to the rules.

This is a great book and has inspired me to get out my metal detector once more. I also really love this cover.

[William Jeanes Memorial Library]

If you watched (and loved) the show called "The Detectorists," you may see this book as an extension of that show, but with a twist. Like the people in the show who saw their friends and loved ones immersed in a somewhat strange hobby that involved swinging metal detectors over fields, always chasing their dream of finding a historic hoard (though only coming home with buttons and pull-tabs), the author admits to viewing detectorists with a wry superiority. That is, until Covid sidelines the globe-trotting travel writer, who buys a metal detector on a whim and finally comes to understand that he can instead travel through time via his finds. Much like the show, he explores themes of connecting with others, both present and past, and the uniqueness and essential dignity of both those who dropped coins and buckles and those who find them.
-Patron J.B.

[Mike Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are not many books about metal detecting, so this one has few competitors. It was not a fictional story, as I assumed, but more of an adventure log for Nigel as he starts up the hobby. Written for those with interest in metal detecting, hobbiests will find it a joy to see another perspective of what we do. Since I live in the US, the UK history was a bit boring. Their finds across the pond are certainly older, though.

[Rob B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An audiobook for my commute to work. A great little tale about a hesitant journalist's foray into the world of detectorists. For obvious reasons, many a nod to The Detectorists TV show but also some very interesting facts about several detectorist led finds and information for would be detectorists also.

Entertaining, and wistful narratives about the pitfalls and highlights


Loved it.

[PAUL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Superbly written account of the world of metal detecting. So many brilliant anecdotes. Will be hard to beat as my Non-fiction book of the year.
Within an hour of starting it I dusted my own detector down, charged her up, and was in one of my own permission fields later in the day. I came home with 15 Roman coins(grots) and an aching back , but boy did I feel elated

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot and enjoyed the stories about metal detectoring. I found it fascinating and liked the style of writing and the storytelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

[Amy Roberts · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting memoir but I had hoped to find it as fascinating and imagination-stirring as Mudlarking and it just wasn't. Its tone is much more anecdotal and the narrator, through no fault of their own, just wasn't relatable to me and I drifted off a few times.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Bill Bryson-esque. Very good companion to the Detectorists series' which are also recommended.

[Liz Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this. So interesting.

[Lee Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, I get it , so much that was written I can relate too ,its just taking that leap in the end.