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One reckless moment, so many lives

Gemma Dean goes missing one chilly October morning, leaving behind her phone. Texts hint at secrets far darker than Kent Fisher could ever imagine.

When a body is found in his burned out car over a hundred miles away, murder brings the past crashing into the present with the first in a chain of painful discoveries.

Struggling to make sense of a past that threatens to devastate his future, Kent faces his most personal and challenging investigation so far.

But how will he deal with the fallout from one reckless moment that cost so many lives?

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2022

6 people want to read

About the author

Robert Crouch

14 books17 followers
What if the person who solves the murder isn't a detective but an ordinary man thrust into the role?

That's the idea behind Kent Fisher, the unconventional sleuth at the heart of my Downland Murder Mystery series. With a sharp eye for detail and a wry sense of humour, Kent is just the kind of character to keep you turning pages, whether you’re in the mood for a gripping mystery or a heart-warming twist.

With contemporary themes, quirky humour, and a dash of romance, the Downland Murder Mysteries offer a fresh, exciting twist on the classic whodunit.

Set in the picturesque South Downs, the Downland Murder Mysteries blend intricate plotting with vibrant character dynamics, offering more than just a typical whodunit. Expect thrilling twists, quirky suspects, and a touch of local flavour that brings the stories to life. The books explore contemporary issues with both humour and heart—making each mystery as entertaining as it is suspenseful.

If you love cosy crime novels with complex plots, relatable characters, and a dash of wit, the Downland Murder Mysteries are perfect for you. Every book is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly flipping pages until the very last twist. Whether you're a fan of Agatha Christie’s timeless mysteries or Richard Osman’s modern charm, you’ll feel right at home with Kent Fisher’s adventures.

With over two decades of experience as an environmental health officer, I draw on my deep understanding of human behaviour, motivations, and investigation to craft mysteries that feel both realistic and captivating. My background allows me to weave in complex details that make the crimes in the Downland Murder Mysteries not just engaging, but authentic.

Fans of classic whodunits, cosy mysteries, and modern crime thrillers will enjoy the Downland Murder Mystery series. Each book combines suspense, wit, and unforgettable characters in a series that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

For more updates, insider news, and exclusive giveaways, including a free short story, be sure to join my Readers Group. You'll find the details on my website at https://robertcrouch.co.uk.

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Profile Image for Kath Middleton.
Author 23 books158 followers
July 4, 2022
Gemma disappears from their honeymoon. Kent doesn’t know if she’s gone willingly with someone, or has been kidnapped. And if so, why. The story becomes very involved as Kent gradually pieces together Gemma’s past. It’s a gripping story and there are a few shocks on the way. Just when we thought Kent was happily settled down with his animal sanctuary and his dream lady, Robert Crouch throws us another curve ball. A great read.
Profile Image for Chelle W (teaandplottwists).
452 reviews18 followers
July 1, 2022
Ok, so I already knew I was going to love this before I started – having read the entire series, Kent is one of my favourite characters and I love catching up with him and seeing what he’s going to get mixed up in next….but wow! I did not expect this….!!

Kent is happy. Things are going well for him and he seems to be on cloud 9…..until Gemma goes missing. When he realises she’s gone, he finds some mysterious texts on her phone and calls in his trusted friends and family to help find her. But the more digging he does, the more unexpected things he discovers. Will these discoveries change everything? How many people will die because of the secrets? And will he find Gemma alive?

I am always sucked in from the first chapter of these Kent Fisher Mysteries, and this was no different. As a massive fan I was so happy to see how things were going for him, and did not expect for a second, the things that would transpire! The story is full of twists and turns, you don’t know who to trust, who knows more than they’re letting on, what secrets are hidden, and what the outcome will be.

For anyone that hasn’t read any of the books, Kent Fisher is an absolutely fantastic character. He’s been a bit of a lad in past books (although definitely different in this!), owns an animal sanctuary and is an amateur sleuth who has solved a number of mysteries. I absolutely love him, and really felt for him in this. I love the supporting characters and loved being able to check back in with them; and even these bought some unexpected revelations to the table!

My other favourite character, who deserves their own mention, is Columbo, Kent’s Westie. He’s such an adorable character with quite a big part in this novel. And that’s because Crouch’s own Westie, Harvey sadly passed away towards the end of last year. The book is dedicated to him, and that nearly set me off crying before I even started.

The story will keep you on the edge of your seat. I just wanted to keep turning the pages to find out whether Gemma would make it, and what other secrets were going to be revealed. I also loved getting to see the good ole Kent charm coming out again! There are some jaw dropping moments in this, and I was completely blown away. Kent always manages to get himself into some sticky situations, and this is no exception! And the ending……I have so many questions and just want to know what’s coming next for Kent…….

Honestly, if you’re looking for a fabulous whodunnit, murder mystery series to read, then THIS IS IT! This book can be read as a standalone, Crouch gives enough info on the back stories to enable this, but I would 100% recommend reading the whole series. I started on book 4, and went back to read the beginning of the series because it was so good….and I haven’t stopped reading them since! At the end of every book, I’ve hoped it wouldn’t be the end….I was worried that this might be the last but was SO happy to find there’s another in the pipeline! Yay!

I can’t recommend this, and the rest of the series enough! If murder mysteries/amateur sleuths are your thing, then you will love this so go and check it out! 100% highly recommended by me.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,777 reviews135 followers
July 17, 2022
Over the course of this series, Kent Fisher has dealt with murder and the mysteries that surround them. This latest book however brings murder and mystery to his doorstep. It leaves him questioning the past and the future especially when it is Gemma Dean that is missing.

Gemma is a character that has popped up before, Kent is smitten with her but not everyone is a fan of Gemma. Kent's nearest and dearest offer their sympathies and are obviously worried about how Kent is dealing with the disappearance, others are not surprised. But when a body is found in his car there is obviously something more to this than a woman who has disappeared.

Turning to a personal side of this latest book, the author shares more of Kent's past and also the enigma that is Gemma. Snippets and only a very small amount of information is known about Gemma. This leaves Kent stumbling around trying to discover more about her to see if he can find leads and also trying not to get in the way of the Investigating officers.

Having read every book in this series I liked how the author brings this more personal touch. Kent's former job as an Environmental Health Officer gave him opportunities and access to databases. Now, he has nothing to go on as he no longer works for the EHO. Instead, he has to use his wits and a few trusted contacts to try to find any tiny details.


Seeing Kent in new circumstances was really interesting. He has become more vulnerable as he is more reliant on the information of others rather than discovering it himself. Frustration and the occasional outburst of anger are seen and again this is something that was interesting to read. I have the image of Kent as being more detached from his investigations, determined and focused, whereas now he is a little obsessive, abrupt and is taking far too many risks. This makes sense given the close nature of this mystery.

This story had a different vibe from the others, the characters are still around but the focus is well and truly on finding Gemma. The animal sanctuary is mentioned, but this does take a more understandable back seat, that goodness he has a great group around him to keep him propped up and supported.

This was a very tense murder mystery for me as it does involve one of my favourite fictional characters. The author has taken Kent on a dangerous road and there are repercussions for him and those around him. Things feel fragile as secrets and confessions are told and I am eager to see how the author deals with these as well as Kent's next move into Private Investigator. A cracking read, one for crime, murder, and mystery readers and one I would absolutely recommend.
Profile Image for Alyson Read.
1,180 reviews55 followers
July 15, 2022
This story picks up straight from the end of book seven which left the reader on a huge cliff-hanger. Kent Fisher has now officially left his position as an Environmental Health Officer to concentrate on the Meadow Farm Animal Sanctuary that he runs and also his very recent marriage to Gemma. He is even considering the idea of becoming a PI after his success in solving numerous murder investigations.
In fact he and Gemma are coming to end of their two-week honeymoon in Stratford when she suddenly disappears. She goes back to their holiday home for her camera, and simply vanishes, taking his car but leaving her phone, camera, Kent and his faithful Westie friend Columbo behind. Checking her phone, Kent finds text messages from someone called Halliday-Jones referring to an Eddie who could ruin both their lives and telling her to be ready that day at 9. Kent contacts everyone he can think of – his biological father Miles, his step-mother Niamh who never really liked Gemma, Frances who helps run the sanctuary and even Robert, the man Gemma once left standing at the altar. Gemma’s mother vet Sarah reminds him of the time Gemma spent in London from the age of thirteen with her musician father Marty Dean and wonders if it’s something to do with their wild lifestyle. No one has heard anything and packing up the cottage Kent stumbles upon a cryptic note left by Gemma. Has she gone willingly or was she taken by force? At least he now knows she is headed for Sussex but has a terrible shock when his old friend DI Ashley Goodman rings to tell him that his car has been found burnt out with a body inside. Very soon Kent realises just how little he knows about his wife’s former life as each can of worms he opens is bigger and contains more shocking revelations than the last. What terrible secret could have crawled out from the past to make her think he wouldn’t want to know her and how much danger does this put her and those around her in?
This is another superbly written addition to an excellent series. The author packs so much into a complex plot with lots of cleverly woven together strands which grips the reader’s attention from start to finish. There is quite an array of people to get to know at the start of the story whose characters have evolved throughout the series. They are very well introduced, making the book work perfectly well as a stand-alone but at the same time, luring the reader into wanting to know all the stories that have gone before. The ending is dramatic and supremely thrilling. Will things ever be the same again? I can’t wait to read book number nine, No Time to Waste, and find out!! 5*
Profile Image for J.A. Schneider.
Author 17 books574 followers
January 8, 2023
What a joy this series is. An environmental health officer solving murders? In the beautiful but sometimes murderous green rolling hills of England’s South Downs? This series just gets better and better.

In No Escape, eighth in the Kent Fisher Murder Mysteries, EHO (Environmental Health Officer) Kent is also a detective, this time investigating the disappearance of a woman named Gemma Dean who has gone missing, leaving behind just her phone. This time Kent goes more emotionally into his own life, struggling to find connections and make sense of everything amid more ensuing violence. Descriptions of the characters and countryside are marvelous, as is the mystery the author develops. This is a series to love. I have read the first several and now, after No Escape, I must go back and read the others. Well done and so enjoyable, don’t miss this wonderful series. Five stars!
2 reviews
July 11, 2022
I found this book an enjoyable and compelling read. This is the eighth novel set in the fictional county of Downland detailing the life and experiences of Kent Fisher ex EHO, environmentalist and investigator. There are references to the earlier Kent Fisher adventures but the story is complete in itself.
Kent's honeymoon in Stratford on Avon is ending, but he unexpectedly finds himself projected into an expanding storm of mayhem.

"No Escape" is a gripping tale, the characters are believable, demand attention, and the plot generates a desire to know what happens next. If page turning is exercise then No Escape is in the 'aerobic work out' division.
Profile Image for Karen Cole.
1,110 reviews166 followers
July 31, 2022
No Escape is the eighth book in Robert Crouch's Kent Fisher series and there have been a number of major changes in his life since events in No Going Back. For starters, he's no longer an environmental health officer, having left the job to concentrate on his animal sanctuary. However, some things don't change; firstly, his Westie, Columbo is still his constant companion and secondly, trouble never seems far away.
This time it's an intensely personal case as Gemma has suddenly gone missing. I have to admit to never truly warming to Gemma during the course of this series and have often found myself agreeing with Kent's stepmother, Niamh who clearly believes he is better suited to DI Ashley Goodman. Nevertheless, it's Gemma who he has chosen and her disappearance exposes his vulnerabilities in a way we've not really seen before. He spends much of the book racked with guilt and while much of it is definitely unwarranted, there are intriguing questions raised about how little he actually knows about Gemma's past.
The revelations about her earlier life actually made me feel more sympathetic towards Gemma; I can't give away any spoilers here but I will say that I felt for the situation she found herself in and grew to admire her tenacity. The characterisation was as strong as I've come to expect from this series and I enjoyed the introduction of a few new characters as well as the return of some familiar faces. DCs Naomi Foster and William Penn particularly stood out, although for very different reasons. Meanwhile, Columbo is always the star of the show whenever he appears on the page and is easily one of my favourite sidekicks in c̶r̶i̶m̶e̶ fiction.
As Kent follows the few leads he has, it's patently evident that he isn't himself and makes some errors of judgement which, though frustrating, reveal his confused sense of mind. His growing insecurity about his relationship with Gemma, combined with his uncertainty about what role he should take on within his sanctuary emphasises his loneliness, especially as he is missing two of his significant sounding boards.
As it progresses, the storyline takes on an increasingly dark tone and while I guessed a few of the revelations, I was genuinely shocked by the tense climax to the novel. It really wasn't what I'd expected to happen and leaves the series perfectly primed for the next instalment. The biggest strength of this series has always been the way in which readers become irresistibly invested in the lives of the characters and that perhaps holds more true than ever in No Escape. Robert Crouch has written another engrossing mystery that has left me eagerly looking forward to the next book, No Time to Waste.
Profile Image for Colin Garrow.
Author 51 books143 followers
November 30, 2022
When Kent Fisher’s new wife Gemma takes his car and goes missing early one morning, the amateur sleuth is forced to focus on his detecting skills to work out where she is, why she left and who else might be involved. With only Gemma’s mobile phone and a few mysterious texts to go on, Kent calls on everyone who knows Gemma to try and work out what’s going on. But after his car is found burned out with a body inside, Kent fears the worst…

Having been a fan of the Kent Fisher Mysteries from the first, I was really looking forward to this one, and being unable to put it down, ended up reading it in a single sitting. What I love about these books is the author’s skill in developing his characters. Kent isn’t known for his ability to express his feelings so is thrown into turmoil when he has to come to terms with his own and Gemma’s difficult histories to solve the case. As the story unfolds, he gradually uncovers the truth and finds what he does know is very little.

As always, Robert Crouch writes in an engaging style that is clever and witty, with his usual sense of humour coming through to keep the subject matter from becoming too serious. The way he deals with the emotional issues in this tale is nothing short of superb. Within a few pages, the story bubbles up to the boil and simmers away all the way through, with a frantic race to save Gemma and a thrilling cliff-top confrontation that shocks and surprises at every turn. By the denouement I was in tears and already yearning for the next adventure.

A fantastic series that just gets better and better.
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