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DI Joanna Piercy #1
Killer on the Moors
A missing nurse who no one seemed to like.
It’s Detective Joanna Piercy’s first day back at work after her promotion. You could cut the tension with a knife. The rest of the team are more than a little bit jealous.
But there’s a missing persons case to get on with.
DI Piercy arrives at the missing nurse’s house. But it’s too late.
Marilyn Smith is dead. Spreadeagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.
But if there was foul play involved, how did the killer get past her dog, who was so protective of his mistress? And how come her dog was just about the only creature who liked this nurse?
Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.
It’s Detective Joanna Piercy’s first day back at work after her promotion. You could cut the tension with a knife. The rest of the team are more than a little bit jealous.
But there’s a missing persons case to get on with.
DI Piercy arrives at the missing nurse’s house. But it’s too late.
Marilyn Smith is dead. Spreadeagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.
But if there was foul play involved, how did the killer get past her dog, who was so protective of his mistress? And how come her dog was just about the only creature who liked this nurse?
Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1995
1371 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Priscilla Masters
63 books79 followersPriscilla Masters' writing career started in 1987 when she published Mr. Bateman's Garden, a children's book set in Biddulph Grange Gardens belonging to the National Trust. After that she created Inspector Joanna Piercy and has now also written a number of Medical Mysteries.
Priscilla Masters lives in Shropshire, England. She works part-time in Staffordshire as a practice nurse.
Priscilla Masters lives in Shropshire, England. She works part-time in Staffordshire as a practice nurse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 23, 2023
Gave Up!
Amateurishly written. Plot too slow. Disrespect for proper police procedures and post mortem decorum. Piercy has an attitude that is boring and belabored. No sense of place. The characters are like immature teens playing at being detectives...the only one that rings true is Ben, the dog. Sad. Fifth rate, unexciting and irritating.
Amateurishly written. Plot too slow. Disrespect for proper police procedures and post mortem decorum. Piercy has an attitude that is boring and belabored. No sense of place. The characters are like immature teens playing at being detectives...the only one that rings true is Ben, the dog. Sad. Fifth rate, unexciting and irritating.
September 21, 2014
Having read and enjoyed another series by this author I thought I would try this one featuring a woman detective. I was disappointed in the woman detective as I felt the author wasn't sure whether the woman should be sensitive, edgy, sarcastic, feminine, weak or strong. The detective's male partner had a role that wasn't a comfortable one in that he was sarcastic, rude, overpowering, and not portrayed as a nice person. The mystery was a good one in that it kept you guessing who the murderer was in this case. However for this reader getting through the mystery wasn't a fun read due to not liking the two main characters.
October 9, 2024
This was a good crime thriller where DI Joanna Piercy must battle through the jealousy of co-workers - male - to do her job. I didn't like most of the characters and found them to be childish and pathetic. Assumption does seem to be the watchword for the police, but at least Piercy looked beyond that.
Well-written and fast-paced, I found this story to be engaging from the start.
Worth a look.
Well-written and fast-paced, I found this story to be engaging from the start.
Worth a look.
April 24, 2023
Rather disappointing police procedural. The plot was rather slow and disjointed with the ending rather rushed. I didn't warm to the main character and found her interactions with her subordinate and with the pathologist/ex lover contrary and unrealistic. I was also puzzled by the reference to the moors in the title as, as far as I could tell, the moors had nothing to do with the story.
I've given a three star rating in recognition that this is the first in a series, I hope the plot and character development improves as the series goes on.
I've given a three star rating in recognition that this is the first in a series, I hope the plot and character development improves as the series goes on.
February 14, 2023
A host of unlikeable characters
I don’t think anyone in the book has much in the way of redeeming features, including the heroine.
Disjointed plot and contradictory behaviour made it a frustrating and disappointing read.
I don’t think anyone in the book has much in the way of redeeming features, including the heroine.
Disjointed plot and contradictory behaviour made it a frustrating and disappointing read.
June 2, 2019
'Winding up the Serpent' The first in the Joanna Piercy series. Another brilliant well told plot. Seems this author finds a fantastic way to tell a story that is compelling, Now onto book 2.
June 19, 2020
She wound back the tape recorder and switched it on. 'If you know just a few things about how people's bodies work, to kill is extremely easy.' Pamella's voice was calm. 'One minute there's a person struggling inside a body. The next minute there's just a body ...' She turned the tape recorder off and looked at Mike.
May 25, 2024
A new series for me and really enjoyed this first story
February 23, 2019
A slow burner, but a really good mystery novel. Will certainly read more by this author.
January 27, 2023
Intriguing murder mystery
This story introduces Joanna Piercy, newly promoted Detective Inspector, fighting sexism and jealousy. Single and career minded, she finds herself in charge of an investigation into the mysterious death of a woman that no one has anything nice to say. Convinced it’s murder but with no clear cause of death, Joanna has to revisit past relationships and persevere to solve it.
Very intriguing, there was a slow reveal of Joanna’s past and the people involved in the case. I liked the pace although there wasn’t a big build of tension. Some details were cleverly woven in whilst others were a bit clumsy and glib. A few twists and red herrings that were casually dropped and some things that seemed too implausible and irrelevant.
Overall an entertaining read that kept me reading. The title seemed completely incongruous to the plot and led me to expect a different sort of tale. A light murder mystery rather than a thriller.
This story introduces Joanna Piercy, newly promoted Detective Inspector, fighting sexism and jealousy. Single and career minded, she finds herself in charge of an investigation into the mysterious death of a woman that no one has anything nice to say. Convinced it’s murder but with no clear cause of death, Joanna has to revisit past relationships and persevere to solve it.
Very intriguing, there was a slow reveal of Joanna’s past and the people involved in the case. I liked the pace although there wasn’t a big build of tension. Some details were cleverly woven in whilst others were a bit clumsy and glib. A few twists and red herrings that were casually dropped and some things that seemed too implausible and irrelevant.
Overall an entertaining read that kept me reading. The title seemed completely incongruous to the plot and led me to expect a different sort of tale. A light murder mystery rather than a thriller.
September 11, 2022
Somewhat predictable
I thought the plot was predictable. The only thing I wondered about was.if there really was a barking dog and I hoped it was Ben. The question wasn't really answered except with psychological mumbo jumbo.
I thought the plot was predictable. The only thing I wondered about was.if there really was a barking dog and I hoped it was Ben. The question wasn't really answered except with psychological mumbo jumbo.
December 18, 2022
Not badly written, not a bad story line but the investigation is completely unrealistic.
Some stilted conversations that bugged me.
I might try another one by this author, but am not completely convinced.
Some stilted conversations that bugged me.
I might try another one by this author, but am not completely convinced.
January 19, 2023
A bit disappointing
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was a bit disappointed by it. The dialogue between the main character and her sergeant felt repetitive and the plot laboured along then rushed to finish.I
This is the first book I have read by this author and I was a bit disappointed by it. The dialogue between the main character and her sergeant felt repetitive and the plot laboured along then rushed to finish.I
November 23, 2025
This is a murder mystery that takes place in Leeds, England, which is a small, mostly rural community. Recently promoted Detective Inspector Joanna Piercy is assigned to this murder case. As a recently promoted woman Detective, she has some problems with the male officers that now work for her. This complicates her life, as indeed, it complicates the murder investigation. This mystery is primarily a police procedural novel. You, the reader, know what D.I. Piervy knows, when she knows it. Initially, there are very few clues provided. The case is complicated because the pathologist cannot determine the cause of death. Therefore, murder cannot be certain, only assumed. Further lab tests are needed to determine the cause of death and they take time. So, the investigation proceeds as a suspicious death case. Questioning of friends, work colleagues, and relatives bring possible suspects to light. As the clues roles in and the cause of death is determined, the solution is still not obvious. There are several possible suspects, and other crimes are revealed that will require additional police investigation. The ultimate solution to this crime was not obvious to me as the reader, but it did fit the clues provided. This novel was a very well laid out murder mystery.
October 28, 2023
I found this an enjoyable start to a series. I didn't like the characters though especially Mike and the jury is still out on the main character Jo. Jo is convinced that Marilyn Smith was murdered despite no evidence to the contrary and despite taking a long time to find an actual cause of death, investigates as if this is the case. It is clear the dead woman was a horrible person and no-one actually liked her.
I found myself intrigued by the story especially by the cause of the death and that helped me overlook the painful interaction between Mike and Jo. There's a few other side stories going on with have links to the main story just to leave you guessing how things all link together and this overall lead me to read the book quite quickly. This was Jo's first murder case in her new role so now that this is under her belt, I will read the next book to see how her character develops.
I found myself intrigued by the story especially by the cause of the death and that helped me overlook the painful interaction between Mike and Jo. There's a few other side stories going on with have links to the main story just to leave you guessing how things all link together and this overall lead me to read the book quite quickly. This was Jo's first murder case in her new role so now that this is under her belt, I will read the next book to see how her character develops.
Read
June 22, 2022A missing nurse who no one seemed to like.
It’s Detective Joanna Piercy’s first day back at work after her promotion. You could cut the tension with a knife. The rest of the team are more than a little bit jealous.
But there’s a missing persons case to get on with.
DI Piercy arrives at the missing nurse’s house. But it’s too late.
Marilyn Smith is dead. Spreadeagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.
But if there was foul play involved, how did the killer get past her dog, who was so protective of his mistress? And how come her dog was just about the only creature who liked this nurse?
Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.
Didn't finish: too gruesome.
It’s Detective Joanna Piercy’s first day back at work after her promotion. You could cut the tension with a knife. The rest of the team are more than a little bit jealous.
But there’s a missing persons case to get on with.
DI Piercy arrives at the missing nurse’s house. But it’s too late.
Marilyn Smith is dead. Spreadeagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.
But if there was foul play involved, how did the killer get past her dog, who was so protective of his mistress? And how come her dog was just about the only creature who liked this nurse?
Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.
Didn't finish: too gruesome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
Okay, another new series and another new author for me. This time it is a sudden death found in Leek, Staffordshire. Can newly promoted Detective Inspector Joanna Piercy solve this mystery? Was this death natural causes, suicide or even murder?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Killer on the Moors. For a police procedural mystery, it borders onto a psychological thriller. Nagging doubts develop quickly for the reader and everyone Detective Inspector Joanna Piercy meets could have a motive and been involved somehow with this sudden death. I think the plot of Killer on the Moors was very clever and I was wrong thinking bad of one character, who by the end of the story was not involved!
I found Killer on the Moors to be an OUTSTANDING 5 star read that was entertaining throughout and had a good, steady pace as the mystery behind this sudden death was revealed.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Killer on the Moors. For a police procedural mystery, it borders onto a psychological thriller. Nagging doubts develop quickly for the reader and everyone Detective Inspector Joanna Piercy meets could have a motive and been involved somehow with this sudden death. I think the plot of Killer on the Moors was very clever and I was wrong thinking bad of one character, who by the end of the story was not involved!
I found Killer on the Moors to be an OUTSTANDING 5 star read that was entertaining throughout and had a good, steady pace as the mystery behind this sudden death was revealed.
January 10, 2023
Joanna Piercy just got promoted to DI and faces the jealousy of her work partner Mike along with the doubt that she is up to the job. She has to prove to all her colleagues that she is capable even though they don't believe her conviction that the present case is actually a murder. A lot of murky details emerge about the victim, nurse Marilyn and also about the people she was blackmailing and Joanna has to sift through everything to convict the killer even though deserved sympathy is more the case. The story is well thought out and the characters are nicely described from the ex lover and his wife, the GP and his staff, to the bent antique/drug dealer who is also drawn into the net. Nicely wrapped up and an involving read.
dnf
April 23, 2023DNF at page 95 / 39%
There were a couple of things that turned me away from this series. First and foremost was the hostile working environment within the investigative team. DI Joanna Piercy had just been promoted to her position, and the men on the team resented it because she's a woman. The hostility coming from her DS was blatant to the point of being insubordinate. I didn't want to spend even one more moment in that toxic office.
I'd had enough when it was revealed that
Due to these fundamental flaws — imo — I have no desire to finish this book nor to continue with the series.
There were a couple of things that turned me away from this series. First and foremost was the hostile working environment within the investigative team. DI Joanna Piercy had just been promoted to her position, and the men on the team resented it because she's a woman. The hostility coming from her DS was blatant to the point of being insubordinate. I didn't want to spend even one more moment in that toxic office.
I'd had enough when it was revealed that
Due to these fundamental flaws — imo — I have no desire to finish this book nor to continue with the series.
May 4, 2023
Police Procedural
It's a while since I read a police procedural. This is quite a good, easy read. There is enough going on to hold your interest and form opinions on suspects.
I'd be interested in seeing how Joanna develops as a character, but I disliked Matthew from the start and by the end he disgusted me, so I hope he doesn't feature heavily in future books.
The book is mostly from Joanna's perspective, but there some parts from another characters perspective that are randomly put in the middle of chapters. They would have been better as individual short chapters or cut out completely.
The title is misleading as the murder is not connected to the moors. The autopsy procedures were unrealistic.
It's a while since I read a police procedural. This is quite a good, easy read. There is enough going on to hold your interest and form opinions on suspects.
I'd be interested in seeing how Joanna develops as a character, but I disliked Matthew from the start and by the end he disgusted me, so I hope he doesn't feature heavily in future books.
The book is mostly from Joanna's perspective, but there some parts from another characters perspective that are randomly put in the middle of chapters. They would have been better as individual short chapters or cut out completely.
The title is misleading as the murder is not connected to the moors. The autopsy procedures were unrealistic.
September 29, 2024
A really good mystery by a new author for me.
A missing nurse who no one seemed to like.
It’s Detective Joanna Piercy’s first day back at work after her promotion. You could cut the tension with a knife. The rest of the team are more than a little bit jealous.
But there’s a missing persons case to get on with.
DI Piercy arrives at the missing nurse’s house. But it’s too late.
Marilyn Smith is dead. Spreadeagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.
But if there was foul play involved, how did the killer get past her dog, who was so protective of his mistress? And how come her dog was just about the only creature who liked this nurse?
Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.
A missing nurse who no one seemed to like.
It’s Detective Joanna Piercy’s first day back at work after her promotion. You could cut the tension with a knife. The rest of the team are more than a little bit jealous.
But there’s a missing persons case to get on with.
DI Piercy arrives at the missing nurse’s house. But it’s too late.
Marilyn Smith is dead. Spreadeagled on the bed, all dressed up for a date she didn’t keep. DI Piercy is convinced that Marilyn was murdered even though the post-mortem is inconclusive.
But if there was foul play involved, how did the killer get past her dog, who was so protective of his mistress? And how come her dog was just about the only creature who liked this nurse?
Joanna’s boss is breathing down her neck to close the case. She must catch a killer to keep her job.
June 14, 2022
Joanna Piercy needs to prove her worth as a new DI
Joanna is fighting the old boy system. As a recently promoted DI, she is very much resented by the males who reckon they should have been promoted instead of her.
She thinks a dead body is murder but there is no cause of death found. She also has to deal with her ex-lover who wants to get back together.
She is determined to uncover the reasons and the cause of death plus find out where the drugs, which are flooding the area come from.
Well written and good characters
Joanna is fighting the old boy system. As a recently promoted DI, she is very much resented by the males who reckon they should have been promoted instead of her.
She thinks a dead body is murder but there is no cause of death found. She also has to deal with her ex-lover who wants to get back together.
She is determined to uncover the reasons and the cause of death plus find out where the drugs, which are flooding the area come from.
Well written and good characters
October 23, 2022
Tough to be a woman
DI Joanna Piercy just got promoted and is busy solving a suspicious death. There’s no obvious cause of death but Joanna feels Marilyn Smith a murdered. There were several suspects and I figured the killer fairly early on, but no clue as to motive. It was a thrilling ride to the end. The characters in the book are complex and flawed and interesting to read about. I had a tough time at first caring about Joanna, but she grew on me and I can’t wait to read the next story.
DI Joanna Piercy just got promoted and is busy solving a suspicious death. There’s no obvious cause of death but Joanna feels Marilyn Smith a murdered. There were several suspects and I figured the killer fairly early on, but no clue as to motive. It was a thrilling ride to the end. The characters in the book are complex and flawed and interesting to read about. I had a tough time at first caring about Joanna, but she grew on me and I can’t wait to read the next story.
December 20, 2022
Set in Leek, Staffordshire, newly promoted SO Joanna Piercy is confronted with an unexplained death which she suspects is murder, having to battle the cynicism of her Detective Sergeant she methodically sets out to prove her theory, whilst managing to discover a historic murder nobody except the conspirators knew about and crack an international drug smuggling case as well. Ultimately though there are too many coincidences to be truly believable. I was also disappointed as someone who went to school 15 minutes from Leek that none of the town or its surrounding villages featured.
January 7, 2023
Plenty of Twists and Turns
DI Joanna Piercy is newly promoted and her male colleagues are not happy about it. They do not like having a woman telling them what to do. Joanna will not let this stop her from doing her work though, and her first case is a missing woman who is found dead in her bed. Joanna suspects foul play, but nothing obvious to go on, it will take all her skill and knowledge to find out what really happened. This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more in the series.
DI Joanna Piercy is newly promoted and her male colleagues are not happy about it. They do not like having a woman telling them what to do. Joanna will not let this stop her from doing her work though, and her first case is a missing woman who is found dead in her bed. Joanna suspects foul play, but nothing obvious to go on, it will take all her skill and knowledge to find out what really happened. This is the first book I have read by this author and I look forward to reading more in the series.
October 25, 2023
A Gripping British Mystery!
Joanna tenacity really gained my admiration and confirmed the rightness of her promotion to inspector. The story revolves around affairs, hidden secrets galore and the once upon a time mediocre police department. There are no unrealistic thriller situations but great confrontations of complex personalities against great police work. Hardly any foul language, no sex scenes just well written, great entertainment - and isn't that the whole reason for a great read?
Joanna tenacity really gained my admiration and confirmed the rightness of her promotion to inspector. The story revolves around affairs, hidden secrets galore and the once upon a time mediocre police department. There are no unrealistic thriller situations but great confrontations of complex personalities against great police work. Hardly any foul language, no sex scenes just well written, great entertainment - and isn't that the whole reason for a great read?
November 5, 2023
just ok but a decent ending
The first 60% of the book is fairly boring, a lot of repetitive conversations and inner dialogue going over those repetitive conversations. Then like the snowball on the hill, it gains speed. Most of the case is solved because people spill secrets. A cop that knows (guesses) someone has a secret and just keeps badgering them until they crack isn’t doing police work. They’re just poking holes in the damn until it breaks. In real life, people are better at keeping secrets that send them to prison.
The first 60% of the book is fairly boring, a lot of repetitive conversations and inner dialogue going over those repetitive conversations. Then like the snowball on the hill, it gains speed. Most of the case is solved because people spill secrets. A cop that knows (guesses) someone has a secret and just keeps badgering them until they crack isn’t doing police work. They’re just poking holes in the damn until it breaks. In real life, people are better at keeping secrets that send them to prison.
January 5, 2020
This was a new author to me and start of a new series.
A female detective DI Piercy, who had been promoted over others after a good result in a previous case and her colleague Mike, who is quite resentful are called to a house where they find the owner dead in an unexpected way! Was it natural causes? The plot thickens when it turns out many of the characters were linked.
I enjoyed the story and will certainly go on to read more and see how the main characters develop.
A female detective DI Piercy, who had been promoted over others after a good result in a previous case and her colleague Mike, who is quite resentful are called to a house where they find the owner dead in an unexpected way! Was it natural causes? The plot thickens when it turns out many of the characters were linked.
I enjoyed the story and will certainly go on to read more and see how the main characters develop.
August 11, 2022
In the beginning the protagonist does not come across as sympathetic or likeable at all. Eventually, she softens a bit. It took a little bit to really get into the story, but when I did the reading took off. I don't like putting a novel down if it's good and this one was. I appreciated the detective getting to know the murder victim. It was not an easy job figuring out how the victim was murdered in the first place.
October 3, 2022
I started this series with book 6 and enjoyed it and decided to go back and read them in order. It does seem that understanding what happened in previous books is helpful but they mostly stand on their own. The characters are interesting, all of them flowed. The plots while not to complex do hold your interest. I wouldn't call these great literature, but a good easy reading entertainment type book, perfect for the beach or in front of a fireplace.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews