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Wild Fens #2
One For Sorrow
A lie that was never meant to be lived...
When a woman’s body is found murdered in a Lincolnshire forest one year after her death, DI Freya Bloom and her team must retrace the victim's last few days to understand what happened and why nobody reported her missing.
With a whole year to plan their alibi, the killer walks free. But when Bloom and her team begin to unravel the entwined stories of Jane Blythe’s husband, colleagues, and friends, they soon discover that even the seemingly innocent have something to hide, and they’ll do anything to stop the truth from coming to light.
Why wasn’t Jane reported missing? Who had the means, the motive, and the opportunity? And how far will the killer go to protect their freedom?
One For Sorrow is the stunning second 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.
When a woman’s body is found murdered in a Lincolnshire forest one year after her death, DI Freya Bloom and her team must retrace the victim's last few days to understand what happened and why nobody reported her missing.
With a whole year to plan their alibi, the killer walks free. But when Bloom and her team begin to unravel the entwined stories of Jane Blythe’s husband, colleagues, and friends, they soon discover that even the seemingly innocent have something to hide, and they’ll do anything to stop the truth from coming to light.
Why wasn’t Jane reported missing? Who had the means, the motive, and the opportunity? And how far will the killer go to protect their freedom?
One For Sorrow is the stunning second 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.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2022
1597 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
May 17, 2025
Two down in this series and a few more to go when I get to them. Police procedural with a few twists and challenging co-workers to make for a bumpy ride to the successful conclusion of tricky case.
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February 20, 2023
This was another enjoyable police drama by this author, book two, which is set in Lincolnshire.
I really like Freya and Ben, their development and especially Ben's humour and kindness. I like strong female roles and Freya fits the bill, despite her past trauma. I also like how she leads her team.
I don't give spoilers so will just say that this was a complex plot with others mixed. There was a great sense of place as the writing style produced atmospheric descriptions and had me turning the pages eager to find out what was going to happen.
Recommended.
I really like Freya and Ben, their development and especially Ben's humour and kindness. I like strong female roles and Freya fits the bill, despite her past trauma. I also like how she leads her team.
I don't give spoilers so will just say that this was a complex plot with others mixed. There was a great sense of place as the writing style produced atmospheric descriptions and had me turning the pages eager to find out what was going to happen.
Recommended.
July 9, 2023
I loved this second instalment in this series. In the space of about nine hours I read 80% of it!
I’m so happy for Freya Bloom for being able to stay on the team and also getting better in her Mental Health journey. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
The mystery surrounding the killer is as usual superbly written. Like last time I was wrong about who the killer was due to the well crafted writing. Leaving many intricate avenues to explore.
Ben seemed to mature somewhat from the first book, not that there was anything wrong with his character in the first book mind you, but he seemed to take more of a leadership approach to his actions in the second instalment. It was great to see these abilities shown in the lime light in a way they weren’t in the first instalment. His character continues to entertain me!
The whole team seemed to be more fleshed out in this book as we spend more time with them and understand them more, both professionally and personally. The way Gold was shown with her child and mother was endearing and seeing how she helped the team was brilliant too, she really stepped up into a more frontal role in this second edition and I loved it!
All in all I can’t wait to pick up the third instalment!
5/5 from me! A brilliant, well written read!
I’m so happy for Freya Bloom for being able to stay on the team and also getting better in her Mental Health journey. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
The mystery surrounding the killer is as usual superbly written. Like last time I was wrong about who the killer was due to the well crafted writing. Leaving many intricate avenues to explore.
Ben seemed to mature somewhat from the first book, not that there was anything wrong with his character in the first book mind you, but he seemed to take more of a leadership approach to his actions in the second instalment. It was great to see these abilities shown in the lime light in a way they weren’t in the first instalment. His character continues to entertain me!
The whole team seemed to be more fleshed out in this book as we spend more time with them and understand them more, both professionally and personally. The way Gold was shown with her child and mother was endearing and seeing how she helped the team was brilliant too, she really stepped up into a more frontal role in this second edition and I loved it!
All in all I can’t wait to pick up the third instalment!
5/5 from me! A brilliant, well written read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
On come on!!!!
Another good one, but honestly how can anyone believe that a 5 minute team briefing left everyone on that team absolutely clear about how 4 or was it 3 cases had all been solved by one DI who has kept everyone, including me completely in the dark, and I could skip backwards and forwards through time. Mr Cartwright had 4 or maybe 3 novels all ready to go in the space of 4 ( or maybe 3 ) paragraphs. Confused? Just a bit. Never mind, good story, some good characterisation, but more Scooby Doo than Morse detective work. Loved it.
Another good one, but honestly how can anyone believe that a 5 minute team briefing left everyone on that team absolutely clear about how 4 or was it 3 cases had all been solved by one DI who has kept everyone, including me completely in the dark, and I could skip backwards and forwards through time. Mr Cartwright had 4 or maybe 3 novels all ready to go in the space of 4 ( or maybe 3 ) paragraphs. Confused? Just a bit. Never mind, good story, some good characterisation, but more Scooby Doo than Morse detective work. Loved it.
July 22, 2022
OK-ish book, but do birds other than kestrels and kites live in Lincolnshire?
A lot of threads but I felt each needed a little more padding/development - it was all a bit trite.
And the editing is atrocious - or rather the lack of it is. I found myself re-writing in my head, changing words, inserting words, correcting grammar, and so on.
But don't let the above put you off - it is a decent pot-boiler.
A lot of threads but I felt each needed a little more padding/development - it was all a bit trite.
And the editing is atrocious - or rather the lack of it is. I found myself re-writing in my head, changing words, inserting words, correcting grammar, and so on.
But don't let the above put you off - it is a decent pot-boiler.
September 8, 2022
What can I say except I did not see that coming ! I highly recommend this book if you like a good detective story!
September 13, 2023
Firstly how sad is it that you are missing for a year and no-one reports it, not your husband, work mates or acquaintances that you may see on a regular basis. Once the body is discovered its all systems go for Bloom, Savage and the team and while we are still dealing with in-office politics Bloom and Savage are quickly developing a trusting friendship. With the addition of DC Cruz to the team, Bloom under threats from DCI Granger about potentially offending a suspect that is a pillar of the community as well as being out of a job if she doesn’t contact a therapist by the end of the week, a husband that couldn’t care less about his wife being found murdered and a host of all other thngs going on, the team have their hands full.
This book is described a being ‘peppered’ with romance and the humour. I’m not sure if the romance is supposed to be Bloom constantly admiring Savage for being a man’s man with his height, broad shoulders and chiseled jaw but can this author please stop. As for the humour in the book its not really there yet.
I think this was a stronger book than book one especially when 3 cases were solved by the end of it rather than just the main one, but I still think it needs work before I can gel with these characters.
This book is described a being ‘peppered’ with romance and the humour. I’m not sure if the romance is supposed to be Bloom constantly admiring Savage for being a man’s man with his height, broad shoulders and chiseled jaw but can this author please stop. As for the humour in the book its not really there yet.
I think this was a stronger book than book one especially when 3 cases were solved by the end of it rather than just the main one, but I still think it needs work before I can gel with these characters.
February 1, 2026
The whites of his eyes red with rage. It's a myth, a tired book myth.
Bronchiolitis, docs wouldn't give antibiotics and then more, stronger ones. Unless he was a really carp doctor.
The murder victim has been dead for around a year out in the elements. Yet, the author has a cop knowing her after looking at her and the husband at the morgue identifies her. Er...rotting bodies? Does the author have any idea what they look like after that long?
The cops, well I didn't find it very believable. The I can't remember 3 days of my attack and capture and no-one could help. And therefore I have issues but it's ok, I can work well.
The petty jealously of another cop to her cop colleagues cause he was delivering wood to Ms Can't Remember.
Ben the cop and his ongoing drag it out what people do in the wooded area. Just say it FFS. What YOU did is irrelevant and who cares anyway?
As for the murderer, what?
It wasn't the worst one I have read, but neither is it good. Getting tired of so many bad mysteries.
Bronchiolitis, docs wouldn't give antibiotics and then more, stronger ones. Unless he was a really carp doctor.
The murder victim has been dead for around a year out in the elements. Yet, the author has a cop knowing her after looking at her and the husband at the morgue identifies her. Er...rotting bodies? Does the author have any idea what they look like after that long?
The cops, well I didn't find it very believable. The I can't remember 3 days of my attack and capture and no-one could help. And therefore I have issues but it's ok, I can work well.
The petty jealously of another cop to her cop colleagues cause he was delivering wood to Ms Can't Remember.
Ben the cop and his ongoing drag it out what people do in the wooded area. Just say it FFS. What YOU did is irrelevant and who cares anyway?
As for the murderer, what?
It wasn't the worst one I have read, but neither is it good. Getting tired of so many bad mysteries.
August 30, 2023
A nicely-written follow-up to #1 in this crime series. A body found in the woods and, with no one reported missing, the local force have their work cut out. As before, there is good attention paid to how the police go about their work. A good cast of characters but the highlight is the growing and somewhat complex relationship between the local bobby Ben Savage and the detective parachuted in from London, Freya Bloom, who is battling her demons - we eventually meet the demons.
Enjoyable, but I have a couple of grumbles. Is it really the case that one team of detectives in an office is allowed to mock, criticise and belittle the other team's efforts, as is the case here? Also (and this applies to crime writing generally) it really isn't necessary to a good story to over-complicate things and construct a denouement which plucks a new character out of thin air at virtually the last page and makes them the murderer.
Enjoyable, but I have a couple of grumbles. Is it really the case that one team of detectives in an office is allowed to mock, criticise and belittle the other team's efforts, as is the case here? Also (and this applies to crime writing generally) it really isn't necessary to a good story to over-complicate things and construct a denouement which plucks a new character out of thin air at virtually the last page and makes them the murderer.
September 29, 2025
A really good twisty turny mystery
Lots of twists and turns in this one and so many red herrings! A surprising conclusion on several levels. The book moves slowly at times and there’s some sections that could have been streamlined but overall it was a very entertaining read. We get a bit more background on Freya’s past as she remembers what happened and can now talk about it. I would assume that will play out some more in future books. This case, because it takes place in those damn woods he,ps her to come to terms with her trauma.
I like the way the author validates both Ben and Freya’s instincts while not necessarily giving either of them full credit. Loved the smacks at Standing which I’m hoping will continue. Granger really irritates me and I was hoping he was somehow involved (crazy I know) just to be rid of him. Was hoping that would put Freya’s in the DCI spot and she could further torture Standing! Alas…
Looking forward to the next book.
Lots of twists and turns in this one and so many red herrings! A surprising conclusion on several levels. The book moves slowly at times and there’s some sections that could have been streamlined but overall it was a very entertaining read. We get a bit more background on Freya’s past as she remembers what happened and can now talk about it. I would assume that will play out some more in future books. This case, because it takes place in those damn woods he,ps her to come to terms with her trauma.
I like the way the author validates both Ben and Freya’s instincts while not necessarily giving either of them full credit. Loved the smacks at Standing which I’m hoping will continue. Granger really irritates me and I was hoping he was somehow involved (crazy I know) just to be rid of him. Was hoping that would put Freya’s in the DCI spot and she could further torture Standing! Alas…
Looking forward to the next book.
September 7, 2024
robuster
This is the best of the first two in my opinion. The author kept me guessing the whole way through the story . Which hasn’t been done in many , many years. I admit to being pleasantly surprised when the story ended.
The story would arch , level out and arch once again. Always leaving me with more questions than answers. It was a real rollacoaster of a ride. The characters , Jane , her husband , the Doctor , his wife , Cheryl and the killer are all twisted together in the plot lines.
I once was concerned that Jackie would turn up being the killer.
I will admit to knowing some of what was going but I was completely befuddled . The character Tom Hendley was a complete surprise.
The story revolves around Tom’s penis , dogging in the woods , and people’s fear of judgment.
This was a good story , well told and crafted with detail.
Highly recommend.
This is the best of the first two in my opinion. The author kept me guessing the whole way through the story . Which hasn’t been done in many , many years. I admit to being pleasantly surprised when the story ended.
The story would arch , level out and arch once again. Always leaving me with more questions than answers. It was a real rollacoaster of a ride. The characters , Jane , her husband , the Doctor , his wife , Cheryl and the killer are all twisted together in the plot lines.
I once was concerned that Jackie would turn up being the killer.
I will admit to knowing some of what was going but I was completely befuddled . The character Tom Hendley was a complete surprise.
The story revolves around Tom’s penis , dogging in the woods , and people’s fear of judgment.
This was a good story , well told and crafted with detail.
Highly recommend.
March 2, 2025
I couldn't really feel enthusiastic about this book. None of the characters seemed quite real, and the dialogue didn't ring true. The way the police personnel spoke to each other made it hard at times to know who were the senior officers, and I don't think their questioning of suspects reflected real police work.
The basis of the story involved the discovery of the body of Jane Blythe, who had vanished a year ago without anyone bothering to report her disappearance to the police. Interwoven into the story of the police investigation are the problems of Inspector Freya Bloom, still not recovered from a traumatic ordeal endured in an earlier investigation. This format didn't really work as Bloom's problems seemed to distract all her colleagues from the task in hand !
The basis of the story involved the discovery of the body of Jane Blythe, who had vanished a year ago without anyone bothering to report her disappearance to the police. Interwoven into the story of the police investigation are the problems of Inspector Freya Bloom, still not recovered from a traumatic ordeal endured in an earlier investigation. This format didn't really work as Bloom's problems seemed to distract all her colleagues from the task in hand !
May 20, 2025
If you like a main character that is unlikeable this is for you.
I absolutely hated DI Freya, she was disrespectful, condescending and a snob. She was completely unlikeable, and I was upset at the ending. I had already bought the second book, and I’m currently trying to convince myself to read it.
Spoiler below:
Throughout the book, she talks of bringing a little polish/class to the department and often times looks down on everyone else and thinks belittling thoughts. She completely disobeys direct orders, disrespects her colleagues times by making them wait, so she can shine. Yet, she’s the one living in an old mobile home, doesn’t know how to start a fire, and has to have Ben save her ass multiple times.
I absolutely hated DI Freya, she was disrespectful, condescending and a snob. She was completely unlikeable, and I was upset at the ending. I had already bought the second book, and I’m currently trying to convince myself to read it.
Spoiler below:
Throughout the book, she talks of bringing a little polish/class to the department and often times looks down on everyone else and thinks belittling thoughts. She completely disobeys direct orders, disrespects her colleagues times by making them wait, so she can shine. Yet, she’s the one living in an old mobile home, doesn’t know how to start a fire, and has to have Ben save her ass multiple times.
September 27, 2023
Absolutely amazing, can see a massive difference from his first book. I loved that the answer was hinted throughout the book very subtly but enough to tell if you read between the lines. I’m glad we got to understand Freya more and see how the team’s relationship developed. It was also nice to get to know some of the other characters in more detail, as well as adding some non detective context to Jackie. The linking of multiple cases at the end was a tremendous decision. The ending was very well planed out and the suspense around Freya at the end was very well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2024
Really good story. The second in a series of books about DI Freya Bloom.
A woman's body is found in a local wood. It's been there for about a year. DI Freya Bloom leads the investigation into the death. As usual, there are the usual differences of opinion between the team members and the other detective squad, but Freya keeps her hand on the tiller and, despite not having too many hard facts to start the investigation with, her team solves the murder mystery fairly quickly.
I was kept guessing right up till the last few pages. The perpetrator wasn't who I thought it was.
A woman's body is found in a local wood. It's been there for about a year. DI Freya Bloom leads the investigation into the death. As usual, there are the usual differences of opinion between the team members and the other detective squad, but Freya keeps her hand on the tiller and, despite not having too many hard facts to start the investigation with, her team solves the murder mystery fairly quickly.
I was kept guessing right up till the last few pages. The perpetrator wasn't who I thought it was.
October 7, 2024
Really confusing, and kinda boring. Freya is a bore and isn't brilliant or the author just isn't that good at writing these kind of procedurals. I have book three but I doubt I will read it -- so far they just aren't exciting enough to skip work or sleep to read which is my benchmark.
Thinking more about it, I find it really hard to believe
Thinking more about it, I find it really hard to believe
November 11, 2024
Still great to spend time with this team of detectives that's slowly but surely growing on me. The mystery at the center is not that interesting though, but it was a good demonstration of the procedural nonetheless, which I enjoyed. In the next books I would like to see more character development among the leads, and the secondary ones, and I'd like to see relationships - both the simple and the complicated - flourish and potentially alter team dynamics. Here's to looking forward to a better mystery, and to reading the next books.
December 3, 2022
Great!
Really good, I thoroughly enjoyed the next book in the series, with great character development and an intriguing storyline.
I like the way Freya fights for her team and her place in the investigation, whilst trying to confront her own demons but will she conform to her boss's demand, before it is too late?
I'm looking forward to diving straight into the next book, keep them coming Jack!
Really good, I thoroughly enjoyed the next book in the series, with great character development and an intriguing storyline.
I like the way Freya fights for her team and her place in the investigation, whilst trying to confront her own demons but will she conform to her boss's demand, before it is too late?
I'm looking forward to diving straight into the next book, keep them coming Jack!
August 25, 2023
One For Sorrow: (The Wild Fens Murder Mystery Series Book2)
another excellently written book from Jack Cartwright. It was compelling to read, couldn’t put it down had to find out the next twist. The perpetrator wasn’t shown until the last couple of pages. I thoroughly recommend this series of books for a long holiday or just like me retired and a readaholic with time to do what I love doing. Thank you Jack Cartwright for writing the series
another excellently written book from Jack Cartwright. It was compelling to read, couldn’t put it down had to find out the next twist. The perpetrator wasn’t shown until the last couple of pages. I thoroughly recommend this series of books for a long holiday or just like me retired and a readaholic with time to do what I love doing. Thank you Jack Cartwright for writing the series
November 18, 2023
Unfortunately this will be my last book in this series and I did have high hopes after seeing all of the 4 and 5 star reviews (?) I just can’t stand Freya, she comes across as a horrible person, a bully. To me, this would have been a great series with no Freya and Ben was made DI and as for the ‘romance’, it is so cringeworthy and completely unbelievable. Loved Ben and the supporting characters but I just can’t read anymore about Freya.
January 4, 2024
I am torn with this series. I like the book enough to keep reading but hate it at the same time.
I find Freya to be an arrogant twatwaffle,
I find Ben to be irritating and dim.
I found the story that everyone trying to hide their hooking up all onto the same spot
I find it all irritating. The daughter. The whole idiocy.
I like the characters that are not the main people. I like Granger. I like the who dun it.
I find Freya to be an arrogant twatwaffle,
I find Ben to be irritating and dim.
I found the story that everyone trying to hide their hooking up all onto the same spot
I find it all irritating. The daughter. The whole idiocy.
I like the characters that are not the main people. I like Granger. I like the who dun it.
October 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this second book in the Wild Fens series. Ben and Freya have a great relationship as colleagues. I wonder if it will go further but who knows. I will just enjoy it and see what happens. It is a cold case as the body that is discovered was killed 12 months ago. A complex investigation takes place and it was fascinating to follow this. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
May 1, 2025
Dear oh dear…… Yet again decent (if overly complex) story and sooooo long winded. How much verbiage does one need to passing those blue police gloves and putting some on? Try four or five - if it even needed to be said at all!
But…..
I liked the characters so having checked the word count and seen it was lower, I risked a second. I sincerely hope that Mr Cartwright has started to understand that he doesn’t need so many words as I suspect I might read more.
But…..
I liked the characters so having checked the word count and seen it was lower, I risked a second. I sincerely hope that Mr Cartwright has started to understand that he doesn’t need so many words as I suspect I might read more.
June 9, 2025
What a disappointment. The murder victim has been dead for approximately a year, found under a black berry bramble, out in the elements. Yet, the author has the husband come to the morgue to identify his wife's body. By that time the body would have very little if any flesh! How could no one have caught that this was totally implausible? I won't read another book by Jack Cartwright because of this.
January 12, 2023
Second book as good as the first
Another good and easy read completed in a day. I still don't like some of the relationship bits which feel a bit clumsy and predictable, but the storyline is good and has enough twists to keep you guessing. Now to read book three in the series and see if it's consistent.
Another good and easy read completed in a day. I still don't like some of the relationship bits which feel a bit clumsy and predictable, but the storyline is good and has enough twists to keep you guessing. Now to read book three in the series and see if it's consistent.
February 9, 2023
Good plot twists
I have recently discovered this series of books. They are very good reads. Love the two main protagonists - Freya and Ben. I also love the wit. Freya particularly is quite a character- feisty but vulnerable at the same time. Also very strong fenland and Lincolnshire setting. Would make a great TV series.
I have recently discovered this series of books. They are very good reads. Love the two main protagonists - Freya and Ben. I also love the wit. Freya particularly is quite a character- feisty but vulnerable at the same time. Also very strong fenland and Lincolnshire setting. Would make a great TV series.
October 29, 2023
My wife reads the Wild Fens series, and I'm so glad she recommended it to me.
I enjoy Jack Cartwright's characters and his storytelling. The police team is credible, and DI Freya Bloom is especially interesting.
I'll say no more. I don't want to spoil things for you. But I thoroughly recommend the Wild Fens books.
I enjoy Jack Cartwright's characters and his storytelling. The police team is credible, and DI Freya Bloom is especially interesting.
I'll say no more. I don't want to spoil things for you. But I thoroughly recommend the Wild Fens books.
October 21, 2024
Another twisted tale, but well worth reading.
Freya and Ben are beginning to make a great team but events seem to get I. The way. Granger wants answers to questions Freya won’t or can’t give. His ultimatum goes to the edge but not only does she and the team solve several outstanding cases, he has to give her a permanent job.
Freya and Ben are beginning to make a great team but events seem to get I. The way. Granger wants answers to questions Freya won’t or can’t give. His ultimatum goes to the edge but not only does she and the team solve several outstanding cases, he has to give her a permanent job.
August 16, 2025
Freya is still working out her mental issues (lost memories) while trying to discover who killed a woman in the woods..ruffling feathers is her way but she has a unique style that helps solve this year old murder. The biggest question is will Freya build up trust with the whole team and will the DCI allow her to stay if she wants to or not.
July 4, 2022
I would like to thank the Author for my ARC copy of this book I Absolutely loved this book. I love all the characters and the fact that the injects humour in his books. I would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews