What do you think?
Rate this book
Wild Fens #1
Secrets In Blood
If you can't live with the truth, bury it...
Following a devastating encounter with a serial killer, Detective Inspector Freya Bloom is left mentally scarred. After a six-month sabbatical, and no desire to return to the bustling London streets, she accepts a position in rural Lincolnshire in search of a slower pace of life.
But with London behind her, and a new life in the wild fens of Lincolnshire before her, she finds only endless drama in her new team, a tortured romance in her only ally, and crimes so deadly even the steely determination that drove her to success is tested.
From the moment Freya’s expensive heels hit Lincolnshire soil, the push-pull relationship with her Sergeant begins. Noses are put out of joint, tempers are frayed, and more importantly, a body is discovered on a wild beach. There’s no time to make friends. If Freya is to make her mark in this remote county, she must work with the team she’s been given, and untangle the web of lies surrounding the death of teenager, Jessica Hudson.
Can Freya ditch her designer heels for wellington boots, and adapt to the country life? Can she shape her new team into something workable? And can she put her past behind her long enough to prevent a second murder?
Secrets In Blood is the unforgettable first book in the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series by Jack Cartwright. Filled with twists, peppered with romance, and flavoured with humour, the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series is perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, Ann Cleeves, and Rachel McClean.
Following a devastating encounter with a serial killer, Detective Inspector Freya Bloom is left mentally scarred. After a six-month sabbatical, and no desire to return to the bustling London streets, she accepts a position in rural Lincolnshire in search of a slower pace of life.
But with London behind her, and a new life in the wild fens of Lincolnshire before her, she finds only endless drama in her new team, a tortured romance in her only ally, and crimes so deadly even the steely determination that drove her to success is tested.
From the moment Freya’s expensive heels hit Lincolnshire soil, the push-pull relationship with her Sergeant begins. Noses are put out of joint, tempers are frayed, and more importantly, a body is discovered on a wild beach. There’s no time to make friends. If Freya is to make her mark in this remote county, she must work with the team she’s been given, and untangle the web of lies surrounding the death of teenager, Jessica Hudson.
Can Freya ditch her designer heels for wellington boots, and adapt to the country life? Can she shape her new team into something workable? And can she put her past behind her long enough to prevent a second murder?
Secrets In Blood is the unforgettable first book in the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series by Jack Cartwright. Filled with twists, peppered with romance, and flavoured with humour, the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series is perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, Ann Cleeves, and Rachel McClean.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2022
3069 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
November 9, 2022
There's so much potential here but in the end I don't think I liked it. The central mystery was effective, although a few major clues were left lying in plain sight as our protagonists sauntered blithely by. A few of the twists caught me out, which is always a good sign.
What makes me hesitate is the convoluted relationship between the new DI and her DS. Cartwright has seriously overwritten the internal lives of his protagonists. Freya bounced from snooty to needy to condescending to flirty. DS Ben Savage was alternately boyish, paternal, resentful or randy. None of these emotions had a logical trajectory and all were frequently situationally inappropriate. It was exhausting. And please, can someone tell Freya to tone down the perfume? Described at one point as masculine and a few pages later as floral, everyone agrees that it arrives well before she does and fills the room. I've worked with that type of person, it's not intriguing, it's deeply unpleasant.
I'm hoping that in subsequent books the author refines his character's personalities to be more consistent and allows his excellent plotting to take the lead.
What makes me hesitate is the convoluted relationship between the new DI and her DS. Cartwright has seriously overwritten the internal lives of his protagonists. Freya bounced from snooty to needy to condescending to flirty. DS Ben Savage was alternately boyish, paternal, resentful or randy. None of these emotions had a logical trajectory and all were frequently situationally inappropriate. It was exhausting. And please, can someone tell Freya to tone down the perfume? Described at one point as masculine and a few pages later as floral, everyone agrees that it arrives well before she does and fills the room. I've worked with that type of person, it's not intriguing, it's deeply unpleasant.
I'm hoping that in subsequent books the author refines his character's personalities to be more consistent and allows his excellent plotting to take the lead.
February 27, 2023
Clunky prose and poor editing
Too much over explanation, as though the reader can't work out things for themself. Terrible punctuation. The relationship between the two main characters was not believable. The plot was good though. Needs to sort out the grammar and sentence construction.
Too much over explanation, as though the reader can't work out things for themself. Terrible punctuation. The relationship between the two main characters was not believable. The plot was good though. Needs to sort out the grammar and sentence construction.
December 15, 2022
There were things I really enjoyed about this book. The plot was good, the twists and surprises were good and the descriptions of place were great. What grated though was the clunky way the relationship between Ben and Freya was written, not to mention the weird obsession with how Freya smelled, which just felt unnecessary to me. Overall though, a decent read.
June 11, 2023
Secrets In Blood is book one in the Wild Fens series by Jack Cartwright. After a traumatizing outcome of her last case, Detective Inspector Freya Bloom was mentally scarred, so she took a six-month sabbatical in rural Lincolnshire for a slower pace of life. However, the quiet life she wanted did not quite eventually due to the relationship of her new team. The first case Detective Inspector Freya Bloom became involved in was the death of a teenage girl. The readers of Secrets In Blood will continue to follow Detective Inspector Freya Bloom to discover what happens.
Secrets In Blood is the first book I have read by Jack Cartwright, and I was surprised that I enjoyed reading this book. However, I did engage from the first page and will read more books by Jack Cartwright. I love Jack Cartwright's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Secrets In Blood is well-written and researched by Jack Cartwright. I like Jack Cartwright's description of the settings of Secrets In Blood, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Secrets In Blood will understand that law enforcement officers suffer to keep the community safe. Also, the readers of Secrets In Blood will understand why someone will become a vigilante and the consequences for law enforcement officers.
I recommend this book.
Secrets In Blood is the first book I have read by Jack Cartwright, and I was surprised that I enjoyed reading this book. However, I did engage from the first page and will read more books by Jack Cartwright. I love Jack Cartwright's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Secrets In Blood is well-written and researched by Jack Cartwright. I like Jack Cartwright's description of the settings of Secrets In Blood, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Secrets In Blood will understand that law enforcement officers suffer to keep the community safe. Also, the readers of Secrets In Blood will understand why someone will become a vigilante and the consequences for law enforcement officers.
I recommend this book.
July 20, 2023
A disappointing first in the series
Although the plot is ok for this genre the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The characterisation is almost totally lacking and the detectives all merge into one another with very little to distinguish them.
The basis of any good book should be “show don’t tell” and this is another failing, together with the terribly stilted conversations and awkward and somewhat clumsy writing style.
Although the plot is ok for this genre the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The characterisation is almost totally lacking and the detectives all merge into one another with very little to distinguish them.
The basis of any good book should be “show don’t tell” and this is another failing, together with the terribly stilted conversations and awkward and somewhat clumsy writing style.
August 21, 2024
A good plot with a twist. First time reading jack cartwright. Nice to find detective series I enjoyed
June 1, 2023
Well written and interesting book but I found it slow to read and struggled to get through it in parts due to inactivity in the story line. The ending was worth holding out for and overall I enjoyed reading it. The book leaves several unanswered questions so clearly part of a series that entices you to read the others to fully understand the characters.
July 19, 2024
A great book that perfectly describes the North Lincolnshire coast...... from some who lives in South Lincolnshire!
Will be looking for further books in this series...,, thanks for the recommendation Karen Perrott 🙂
Will be looking for further books in this series...,, thanks for the recommendation Karen Perrott 🙂
September 27, 2025
If you like police procedure books then you may like this in my opinion I found it a bit to slow in parts but glad I finished it
February 27, 2025
This was the first in the Freya Bloom series and I enjoyed this British crime thriller.
Something terrible happened to Freya but she can't remember much except the feelings of horror, so she decided to leave everything and start fresh...
Freya is a complicated character as her new colleagues discover, especially Ben.
The characters suited the tangled plot and I liked the twists and turns.
Well-written and fast-paced.
Recommended.
Something terrible happened to Freya but she can't remember much except the feelings of horror, so she decided to leave everything and start fresh...
Freya is a complicated character as her new colleagues discover, especially Ben.
The characters suited the tangled plot and I liked the twists and turns.
Well-written and fast-paced.
Recommended.
November 11, 2023
I've been looking for a new series and this first book did not disappoint. I like the characters, the story was intriguing and I immediately downloaded the second book.
May 8, 2023
I absolutely fell in love with this book. From the characters to the story, everything was richly written and well thought out.
Freya Bloom represents a strong woman, but also showcases what too many women have gone through in this world, showing those vulnerable moments in D.I Freya Bloom to me was empowering as you see her navigating these issues, but crucially rising above them and showing what any woman can do. Possibly better then any man!
Sergeant Ben Savages character was amazingly well written too, I think it’s a testament to the writing that despite never seeing his family and only having (I believe) two instances of his home being described to us we know it so well. It really helped me feel a connection to the character.
The plot twists peppered throughout the story were incredible. In the end, I stopped trying to find out who Jessica’s killer was as there simply was too many what if’s! This was well written and kept me interested.
The ending was a sweet one, yet kept the door open for more books in this series. Which I’m glad to hear! I’m certainly not done with reading this series yet! I can’t wait to begin reading the next one!
5/5 from me! A must read!
Freya Bloom represents a strong woman, but also showcases what too many women have gone through in this world, showing those vulnerable moments in D.I Freya Bloom to me was empowering as you see her navigating these issues, but crucially rising above them and showing what any woman can do. Possibly better then any man!
Sergeant Ben Savages character was amazingly well written too, I think it’s a testament to the writing that despite never seeing his family and only having (I believe) two instances of his home being described to us we know it so well. It really helped me feel a connection to the character.
The plot twists peppered throughout the story were incredible. In the end, I stopped trying to find out who Jessica’s killer was as there simply was too many what if’s! This was well written and kept me interested.
The ending was a sweet one, yet kept the door open for more books in this series. Which I’m glad to hear! I’m certainly not done with reading this series yet! I can’t wait to begin reading the next one!
5/5 from me! A must read!
March 31, 2024
Good in parts
I very nearly DNF this book. I’m still not sure whether I think it was worth doing so beyond my dislike of leaving anything unfinished.
I do like reading crime novels, but I can’t be bothered unless I can find at least one character likeable, even if they’re flawed. And I mostly couldn’t have cared less about this bunch.
On the plus side, it was nicely twisty. I like to think that if the author relaxes a bit in the subsequent books, we might see better characterisation. The attempt to kick off a will they/won’t they between Ben and Freya was clumsy and irksome. But maybe with the pressure of the introductions off, we might get somewhere beyond that.
Overall, 3 stars seems to sum it up. It’s not terrible, the plot is rewarding and the pace doesn’t lag too badly. But it is poor in how it presents the main characters and their relationship and I’d rather see something more substantial and for the author to kill off the attempt at sexual tension that was both superfluous and poorly executed.
I very nearly DNF this book. I’m still not sure whether I think it was worth doing so beyond my dislike of leaving anything unfinished.
I do like reading crime novels, but I can’t be bothered unless I can find at least one character likeable, even if they’re flawed. And I mostly couldn’t have cared less about this bunch.
On the plus side, it was nicely twisty. I like to think that if the author relaxes a bit in the subsequent books, we might see better characterisation. The attempt to kick off a will they/won’t they between Ben and Freya was clumsy and irksome. But maybe with the pressure of the introductions off, we might get somewhere beyond that.
Overall, 3 stars seems to sum it up. It’s not terrible, the plot is rewarding and the pace doesn’t lag too badly. But it is poor in how it presents the main characters and their relationship and I’d rather see something more substantial and for the author to kill off the attempt at sexual tension that was both superfluous and poorly executed.
July 18, 2022
Quite interesting story, though quite a lot of the 'same old, same old.' However, the main problem was the editing, and the poor English - could we have a wider variety of adjectives and adverbs? Also, the author (or editor, perhaps?), knew little about motorhomes (or static caravans, come to that) - and Agas. On an old, standard, Aga, you don't 'turn up the dial' when you put the kettle on. You lift the lid (on the hotter plate for boiling a kettle), as the heat is always on. If you are going to write specifically about something, then first make sure you are an expert.
March 4, 2024
This book had a lot of bad reviews, personally I thought it was not that bad. the characters need to sort themselves out a bit. From the book description it sounded as though Freya Bloom faced antagonism from the rest of the team, but it turned out it was she who was down right antagonistic, especially towards her sergeant Ben Savage. After suspecting everyone they finally got round to solving the case. Just the first in the series, I will read the next in line and hope that it improves.
February 22, 2023
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The main characters don’t ring true for me. I don’t believe the forced intimacy of Bloom and Savage.
October 21, 2023
So, who took the photos found in the nightstand?
Read
September 11, 2025A weighty book - my daughter commented on its mass - but the language is far from dense. It rattles along like a go kart, switching direction on a sixpence and skittering away in a new direction. I finished it in under three days, admittedly helped by heavy rain outside, and not always because of the number of white pages. Short chapters help, but the action is propulsive and the story does what a thriller should - it catches and holds our attention, using cliffhangers to great effect. It is also set in the Lincolnshire fens, an area I know well, and I have worked alongside Lincolnshire Police on many occasions.
But … I am new to Amazon books. This edition has an ISBN but no cover price, and no front page with details of editions and legal paraphernalia. The copyright clause is at the back, but again light on content. I wondered if this means the book escaped the lengthy editing, printing and release process of a publishing house; I found too many repetitions of words and even phrases in close proximity, some simple spelling mistakes, and a few passages where the meaning took time and undue effort to decipher. While these are not fatal flaws, they pull the reader out of the moment. I suspect a proofreader would have identified these niggles and suggested alternatives. My English teacher would have thrown her hands up in despair. There were also, more worryingly, some screaming howlers - no spoilers, so I am not detailing them - that go beyond a temporary suspension of disbelief into “no way!” territory. Crime thrillers are not my usual fare, so if I spotted them a true aficionado certainly would.
That said, my overall pleasure was not destroyed. As I said, I am not a genre-junkie. I enjoyed it greatly. My mind diverted several times, trying out a new theory about guilt or complicity, not quite buying the will-they, won’t they romance between the leads but being able to identify with several characters as if our paths had merged and separated at some stage. It’s not Agatha Christie, but a capable potboiler and fun to dally with.
But … I am new to Amazon books. This edition has an ISBN but no cover price, and no front page with details of editions and legal paraphernalia. The copyright clause is at the back, but again light on content. I wondered if this means the book escaped the lengthy editing, printing and release process of a publishing house; I found too many repetitions of words and even phrases in close proximity, some simple spelling mistakes, and a few passages where the meaning took time and undue effort to decipher. While these are not fatal flaws, they pull the reader out of the moment. I suspect a proofreader would have identified these niggles and suggested alternatives. My English teacher would have thrown her hands up in despair. There were also, more worryingly, some screaming howlers - no spoilers, so I am not detailing them - that go beyond a temporary suspension of disbelief into “no way!” territory. Crime thrillers are not my usual fare, so if I spotted them a true aficionado certainly would.
That said, my overall pleasure was not destroyed. As I said, I am not a genre-junkie. I enjoyed it greatly. My mind diverted several times, trying out a new theory about guilt or complicity, not quite buying the will-they, won’t they romance between the leads but being able to identify with several characters as if our paths had merged and separated at some stage. It’s not Agatha Christie, but a capable potboiler and fun to dally with.
September 13, 2023
My mother put me on to this as I like a good British mystery and one of my favourite series is by JD Kirk, she said it was in the same vein so I thought lets give it a go. While I would agree that it is in the realms of JD Kirk’s DCI Logan series I would say that it is not as light hearted or a tightly written. Each of the characters seem to be trying just a little too hard. DI Freya Bloom (great name aside) isn’t a likable character for me, yes she’s got a harrowing past which is why she is on secondment to Lincolnshire and while on one hand she’s this dynamic detective coaxing the other detectives below her to stretch their detecting prowess but on the other hand she seems to be down-right cutting. As for the other characters in the book we have the Sergeant Savage in line to be promoted till DI Bloom arrived, DC Jackie Gold who is a slightly annoying gossip with no confidence and a kid at home. DC Chapman a researching machine, DCI Granger her boss trying his best to get rid of his new DI (because she is a loose cannon) and DI Standing the other senior detective that has his nose out of joint with the appearance of Freya Bloom.
As for the mystery, there seemed to be a lot going on and what was an easy killer to solve since it was glaringly obvious given that they should’ve been at the top of the persons to speak to list. Despite this I will continue reading this series of which there is 11 in total so far, but given how I feel about DI Freya Bloom unless she has a bit of growth I’m going to dislike her more and more as the series goes on.
As for the mystery, there seemed to be a lot going on and what was an easy killer to solve since it was glaringly obvious given that they should’ve been at the top of the persons to speak to list. Despite this I will continue reading this series of which there is 11 in total so far, but given how I feel about DI Freya Bloom unless she has a bit of growth I’m going to dislike her more and more as the series goes on.
November 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Sharp, Thrilling, Blood-Pumping Page-Turner
Secrets In Blood by Jack Cartwright is the kind of thriller that makes you raise an eyebrow on page one and mutter “oh, this is going to be fun.” And it absolutely is.
Cartwright wastes no time dropping you into a world of hidden motives, buried truths, and characters who seem to collect secrets the way other people collect fridge magnets. Every chapter adds another layer of intrigue—sometimes helpful, sometimes delightfully confusing, always compelling.
The pacing is snappy, like the story is daring you to blink and miss something. And the twists? They appear exactly when you think you’ve figured it all out, strutting onto the page with a smug little grin.
The characters are a great mix of flawed, fierce, and “I can’t decide if I trust you but I’m enjoying this too much to stop.” It’s the kind of cast you want to follow even when they’re making questionable life decisions (which they do with gusto).
Why four stars? Because while it’s a blast to read, it barrels forward so fast at times you might wish for a tiny breather. A snack break. A moment to whisper “wait, WHAT just happened?”
A solid four stars: gripping, twisty, and devilishly entertaining. Perfect for readers who love thrillers that spill secrets, spill adrenaline, and keep you glued to the page from start to finish.
Secrets In Blood by Jack Cartwright is the kind of thriller that makes you raise an eyebrow on page one and mutter “oh, this is going to be fun.” And it absolutely is.
Cartwright wastes no time dropping you into a world of hidden motives, buried truths, and characters who seem to collect secrets the way other people collect fridge magnets. Every chapter adds another layer of intrigue—sometimes helpful, sometimes delightfully confusing, always compelling.
The pacing is snappy, like the story is daring you to blink and miss something. And the twists? They appear exactly when you think you’ve figured it all out, strutting onto the page with a smug little grin.
The characters are a great mix of flawed, fierce, and “I can’t decide if I trust you but I’m enjoying this too much to stop.” It’s the kind of cast you want to follow even when they’re making questionable life decisions (which they do with gusto).
Why four stars? Because while it’s a blast to read, it barrels forward so fast at times you might wish for a tiny breather. A snack break. A moment to whisper “wait, WHAT just happened?”
A solid four stars: gripping, twisty, and devilishly entertaining. Perfect for readers who love thrillers that spill secrets, spill adrenaline, and keep you glued to the page from start to finish.
September 23, 2025
An exciting and surprising mystery
4.5 stars…this is a new to me author that came up as a recommendation so I figured I’d give it a try. I’m a fan of British mysteries/police procedurals and especially those with female protagonists. This got off to a bit of a confusing start…vague yet busy all at once. However once things got going it moved well and the characters began to worm their way in. The mystery of a dead teenage girl on the beach becomes a twisty, turny journey that ends up far afield from where we think and leads to a surprising conclusion. While I was pleased with myself for figuring certain parts out far before our detectives I never saw other points coming. I did question certain things that the police didn’t, and I questioned why they didn’t, but I wasn’t close to where we ended up. Lots of red herrings and lots of blind spots on the part of the protagonists. It made for an engrossing read and I look forward to the next book and to what comes next for these characters. There’s a back story for the MC that it appears we are going to get gradually which might get annoying but I hope not.
4.5 stars…this is a new to me author that came up as a recommendation so I figured I’d give it a try. I’m a fan of British mysteries/police procedurals and especially those with female protagonists. This got off to a bit of a confusing start…vague yet busy all at once. However once things got going it moved well and the characters began to worm their way in. The mystery of a dead teenage girl on the beach becomes a twisty, turny journey that ends up far afield from where we think and leads to a surprising conclusion. While I was pleased with myself for figuring certain parts out far before our detectives I never saw other points coming. I did question certain things that the police didn’t, and I questioned why they didn’t, but I wasn’t close to where we ended up. Lots of red herrings and lots of blind spots on the part of the protagonists. It made for an engrossing read and I look forward to the next book and to what comes next for these characters. There’s a back story for the MC that it appears we are going to get gradually which might get annoying but I hope not.
January 4, 2023
It wasn't my cup of tea, but I appreciate we all have our opinions.
But this is where I stand. Let's start with the most glaring one. The male savior complex, and its cliché story line. This might surprise you, but not every woman needs "saving". Whether they're going through a hard time or not. Especially not when the "saving" is driven by whatever the writer was referring to as "schoolboy desires" (or something similar).
Secondly, what is this unhealthy obsession with the creaky door, and other repetitions (yes, Barnes will sue them for loss of earnings, we got it after the first mention...). Just filling pages for the sake of it at that point.
Lastly, I think I've read enough crime thrillers and murder mysteries to know that you do NOT forget to check out someone's whereabouts, especially not when it turns out the alibi they gave was a lie. 🚩
I'll glance over the fact most twists were predictable, and it just didn't have the tempo and suspense I'd hoped after reading the intro.
But this is where I stand. Let's start with the most glaring one. The male savior complex, and its cliché story line. This might surprise you, but not every woman needs "saving". Whether they're going through a hard time or not. Especially not when the "saving" is driven by whatever the writer was referring to as "schoolboy desires" (or something similar).
Secondly, what is this unhealthy obsession with the creaky door, and other repetitions (yes, Barnes will sue them for loss of earnings, we got it after the first mention...). Just filling pages for the sake of it at that point.
Lastly, I think I've read enough crime thrillers and murder mysteries to know that you do NOT forget to check out someone's whereabouts, especially not when it turns out the alibi they gave was a lie. 🚩
I'll glance over the fact most twists were predictable, and it just didn't have the tempo and suspense I'd hoped after reading the intro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2025
Christine Barnes married to Derek - working away -Barnes always in trouble with the law
Children: Charlie (Charlene) having an affair with deceased, were going to run away together, they met in a camper rented by: Fraser, Justin and two older children who live away.
Jack Fraser, father of Jessica and her sister Lauren and Patricia is their mother, his wife - Hettie
Timothy Hudson, alleged father of Jessica married to Patricia
Dog: Piper, 7 year old golden retriever;
Albert Stowe found the body - Dog: Bramble; has dementia, later shot Timothy Hudson in the leg.
Detective Chief Inspector Will Granger;
Detective Sergeant BEN SAVAGE; standing in for DI David Foster who died
Detective Superintendent Harper (Arthur);
DC Jessica Chapman;
DC Jackie Gold;
DI Steve Standing; DS Gillespie,
Sergeant Michael Priest, received a call about body on the beach, Moggs Eye;
FREYA BLOOM relocated, lives in a camper;
CSI-Michaela, Dr. Peter Saint
JESSICA HUDSON - murdered
Patricia and Hettie are sisters
Hettie killed Jessica and tried to kill Lauren
Children: Charlie (Charlene) having an affair with deceased, were going to run away together, they met in a camper rented by: Fraser, Justin and two older children who live away.
Jack Fraser, father of Jessica and her sister Lauren and Patricia is their mother, his wife - Hettie
Timothy Hudson, alleged father of Jessica married to Patricia
Dog: Piper, 7 year old golden retriever;
Albert Stowe found the body - Dog: Bramble; has dementia, later shot Timothy Hudson in the leg.
Detective Chief Inspector Will Granger;
Detective Sergeant BEN SAVAGE; standing in for DI David Foster who died
Detective Superintendent Harper (Arthur);
DC Jessica Chapman;
DC Jackie Gold;
DI Steve Standing; DS Gillespie,
Sergeant Michael Priest, received a call about body on the beach, Moggs Eye;
FREYA BLOOM relocated, lives in a camper;
CSI-Michaela, Dr. Peter Saint
JESSICA HUDSON - murdered
Patricia and Hettie are sisters
Hettie killed Jessica and tried to kill Lauren
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2023
A really good detective story.
A young girl's body is found on the local beach near her home. She appears to have been murdered. The police set up their enquiries, starting with her family. Detective Inspector Freya Bloom has been seconded to the local force from London. She teams up with Detective Sergeant Ben Savage, a local man, who had been led to believe he was eligible for a promotion.
During the investigation, we learn that Freya had a bad experience in work, and was suffering from temporary amnesia. She's abrupt, but good at her job. Freya manages to aggravate her colleagues, without really meaning to, but she leads the team to its inevitable success. Witnesses and suspects are interviewed and either discounted, or are put on the back burner for further questioning.
A few surprises happen towards the end of the story, but the clues are there for all to see.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
A young girl's body is found on the local beach near her home. She appears to have been murdered. The police set up their enquiries, starting with her family. Detective Inspector Freya Bloom has been seconded to the local force from London. She teams up with Detective Sergeant Ben Savage, a local man, who had been led to believe he was eligible for a promotion.
During the investigation, we learn that Freya had a bad experience in work, and was suffering from temporary amnesia. She's abrupt, but good at her job. Freya manages to aggravate her colleagues, without really meaning to, but she leads the team to its inevitable success. Witnesses and suspects are interviewed and either discounted, or are put on the back burner for further questioning.
A few surprises happen towards the end of the story, but the clues are there for all to see.
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 13, 2024
I gave it a 4 ⭐ because I enjoyed the plot and the potential of the characters, however I completely agree with some of the other reviews.... Freya's perfume totally get it perfume should not overwhelm people yuk if you don't like the fragrance 🤢
Ben and Freya's relationship they have only just met and are having teenage relationship fumbling hmm 😒 🤔
Her way or the highway, she is clearly not mentally or emotionally stable so Will's concerns as DCI are totally justified as her judgement could be compromised
Chapter 18 she set the challenge on the crime scenario which was wrong and in chapter 63 took the credit for being right when it was Ben that was correct
Obviously this is a character that based on her own actions in her back story thinks she knows it all so I'm not sure how much worth she actually brings to the book and the series could probably be much better without her (I'm now on book 3 and have not changed my opinion on that score)
Anyway I'm still enjoying the plots and most of the characters so will see where I am at the end of book 3
Ben and Freya's relationship they have only just met and are having teenage relationship fumbling hmm 😒 🤔
Her way or the highway, she is clearly not mentally or emotionally stable so Will's concerns as DCI are totally justified as her judgement could be compromised
Chapter 18 she set the challenge on the crime scenario which was wrong and in chapter 63 took the credit for being right when it was Ben that was correct
Obviously this is a character that based on her own actions in her back story thinks she knows it all so I'm not sure how much worth she actually brings to the book and the series could probably be much better without her (I'm now on book 3 and have not changed my opinion on that score)
Anyway I'm still enjoying the plots and most of the characters so will see where I am at the end of book 3
December 23, 2022
A satisfying mystery
A great introduction to the Wild Fens mystery series.
Still coming to terms with the death of a popular boss, DS Ben Savage is offered the chance of promotion and leading his first murder enquiry. Then DI Freya Bloom lands in their midst and threatens their preconceptions. Taking a break from her mysterious past, she takes over and Ben has to reconsider his options while they pursue their enquiries.
An interesting plot, intriguing characters and relationships and plenty of twists. It got more addictive as it went on. I did read it quite quickly which helped me remember who was who in the various families. A well rounded mystery and a satisfying read. I will look out for the rest of the series.
A great introduction to the Wild Fens mystery series.
Still coming to terms with the death of a popular boss, DS Ben Savage is offered the chance of promotion and leading his first murder enquiry. Then DI Freya Bloom lands in their midst and threatens their preconceptions. Taking a break from her mysterious past, she takes over and Ben has to reconsider his options while they pursue their enquiries.
An interesting plot, intriguing characters and relationships and plenty of twists. It got more addictive as it went on. I did read it quite quickly which helped me remember who was who in the various families. A well rounded mystery and a satisfying read. I will look out for the rest of the series.
July 17, 2022
Lincolnshire revealed
I liked this book very much, Jack Cartwright seldom put a word wrong in his description of this beautiful county that I too call home, and the story line kept me gripped too.
Of caveats, I have few and those are small, merely some descriptions of his characters' thoughts and gestures, but the fault lies with me perhaps, I don't yet know these people well, after all the first stories written about, say, Lord Peter Wimsey, Adam Dalgliesh and Morse were difficult to fathom until the characters grew with the books that followed the first introductory stories. I look forward to getting to know these characters better.
I liked this book very much, Jack Cartwright seldom put a word wrong in his description of this beautiful county that I too call home, and the story line kept me gripped too.
Of caveats, I have few and those are small, merely some descriptions of his characters' thoughts and gestures, but the fault lies with me perhaps, I don't yet know these people well, after all the first stories written about, say, Lord Peter Wimsey, Adam Dalgliesh and Morse were difficult to fathom until the characters grew with the books that followed the first introductory stories. I look forward to getting to know these characters better.
February 15, 2023
Well, this book had all kinds of twists and turns. It is a new UK detective series that I just started, and I am glad that there will be more. I am unsure of the plot for DCI Freya Bloom; she came in hot and rude. I realize this is explained because she came from London and had to fight for everything, but this is no way to endear yourself to people in a small rural place. I find her I'm better than everyone annoying, and I hope that I will eventually come to like her. I am tired of the whole I am a woman, and for others to listen and do what I say, I must be a bitch. That being said, I did like the story line and was surprised a few times throughout the book.
January 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this. I found it quite a page-turner. I had previously read a novella giving the background to why Freya Bloom is in Lincolnshire taking some time out from her job in London and I was glad I did as I felt like I understood her a lot more from the beginning.
She is seconded to the team when the body of a teenage girl is discovered on the beach, annoying DS Savage who thinks he is in about to head up the investigation. I enjoyed how these two characters got under each other's skin and how their relarionship slowly thawed. Ultimately the story is one of secrets and it seems every character here has something to hide. I'm immediately seeking out the next one to read.
She is seconded to the team when the body of a teenage girl is discovered on the beach, annoying DS Savage who thinks he is in about to head up the investigation. I enjoyed how these two characters got under each other's skin and how their relarionship slowly thawed. Ultimately the story is one of secrets and it seems every character here has something to hide. I'm immediately seeking out the next one to read.
November 22, 2025
I am really surprised by the excellent reviews this book received. I found it incredibly slow-moving, full of cliches and not worth finishing. (Idid) The last several pages revealed a couple of twists, one of which I had guessed, but the effort it took to get there was not worth it. The relationship between Savage and Bloom which occupies way too much of the story is tiresome, and contains all sorts of irrelevancies without moving the plot. I don't know how many times "elephant in the room" was used or how many times these two nitpicked each other's habits. All i know is that, as a lover of British police procedurals, I found this one to be a complete waste.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews