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Wild Fens #3
In Cold Blood
The darkest secrets can be found in the coldest hearts...
When the fog clears one December morning in Lincolnshire, the body of a young woman is discovered lying face down in a field. Murdered in cold blood, the case falls to DI Freya Bloom and her team to unearth the sequence of events, and bring the deadly truth to light. A carer by day, the victim, Emma Blanch, tended the needs of the elderly. A big heart, and a gentle touch were all she needed to get by. But when Bloom learns that Emma was recently the suspect in another murder enquiry, she discovers that someone has taken the law into their own hands - and they are still tidying up loose ends.
In the tiny settlement of Wasps Nest, Bloom must dig up the past to discover who Emma Blanch really was. But one fact is clear - the truth died with Emma, and the killer will stop at nothing to have his way.
Who had more to gain from her death? Who had more to lose? And how far will the killer go until his deadly secrets are buried forever?
Set in the wild Lincolnshire fens, this British detective novel is a murder mystery with a touch of humour, a hint of romance, and a series of twists that will keep you guessing until you turn the final page.
In Cold Blood is the astonishing third book in the brand new British crime series from USA Today bestselling author, Jack Cartwright. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, Rachel McClean, and Ann Cleeves.
When the fog clears one December morning in Lincolnshire, the body of a young woman is discovered lying face down in a field. Murdered in cold blood, the case falls to DI Freya Bloom and her team to unearth the sequence of events, and bring the deadly truth to light. A carer by day, the victim, Emma Blanch, tended the needs of the elderly. A big heart, and a gentle touch were all she needed to get by. But when Bloom learns that Emma was recently the suspect in another murder enquiry, she discovers that someone has taken the law into their own hands - and they are still tidying up loose ends.
In the tiny settlement of Wasps Nest, Bloom must dig up the past to discover who Emma Blanch really was. But one fact is clear - the truth died with Emma, and the killer will stop at nothing to have his way.
Who had more to gain from her death? Who had more to lose? And how far will the killer go until his deadly secrets are buried forever?
Set in the wild Lincolnshire fens, this British detective novel is a murder mystery with a touch of humour, a hint of romance, and a series of twists that will keep you guessing until you turn the final page.
In Cold Blood is the astonishing third book in the brand new British crime series from USA Today bestselling author, Jack Cartwright. Perfect for fans of JD Kirk, JM Dalgliesh, Rachel McClean, and Ann Cleeves.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2022
1242 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 9, 2023
The third in series and, in my opinion, the best. Increasingly it's the inter-office dynamic which is the best part of the author's writing. Freya the troubled but talented new DI is front and centre and is here instrumental in slowly dissolving the tension between the two teams of detectives, indeed winning over a couple of previous rivals. Still, Freya is not immune from a bit of Keystone Cops here - everyone charging in to arrest the latest murder suspect, finding him dead, charging off to arrest another previously ruled out, finding him dead... In the end the villain is none of those on the cops' list. Excellently drawn characters, Gillespie the latest to show his talents until now suppressed. Good, pacy stuff and I move on to Book 4 immediately. Oh, but please Jack, 'fewer' and 'less' have similar but different meanings but maybe that was your characters' choice of words :-)
January 5, 2024
not a good read,
I feel as though slices of the story have been inserted at inappropriate times making it too far fetched to be believable. I made seventy five percent of the way but just could not read any further.
I feel as though slices of the story have been inserted at inappropriate times making it too far fetched to be believable. I made seventy five percent of the way but just could not read any further.
December 28, 2024
Jack Cartwright always has a talent for sending you through a labyrinth of twists and turns. Not knowing where the plot may lead you. This book is no exception.
Throughout the book, each time I thought I had a clear picture in my mind of who the killer was Jack had me thinking again! This was done in a masterful way that kept you interested while importantly not feeling too dragged on. I’d say the book length got this hmming and erring just right.
Like the books that came before it, this book carries a theme of mental health. Specifically around Freya Bloom who suffered a previous traumatic event while working in London. This book continues to follow her journey navigating her trauma and settling in with her new Scottish team. I’d say the author does a good job of this, showcasing Freya’s strength while also showing the battles she is still facing.
Several sub plots are unraveled as the force conducts their investigation. From Anna and Bens situationship to why their suspects did what they did. It helps you feel like you’re a part of the world and not the world itself.
Over all this was another great addition to the series and I can’t wait to read the next one!
4/5 from me! A brilliant read!
Throughout the book, each time I thought I had a clear picture in my mind of who the killer was Jack had me thinking again! This was done in a masterful way that kept you interested while importantly not feeling too dragged on. I’d say the book length got this hmming and erring just right.
Like the books that came before it, this book carries a theme of mental health. Specifically around Freya Bloom who suffered a previous traumatic event while working in London. This book continues to follow her journey navigating her trauma and settling in with her new Scottish team. I’d say the author does a good job of this, showcasing Freya’s strength while also showing the battles she is still facing.
Several sub plots are unraveled as the force conducts their investigation. From Anna and Bens situationship to why their suspects did what they did. It helps you feel like you’re a part of the world and not the world itself.
Over all this was another great addition to the series and I can’t wait to read the next one!
4/5 from me! A brilliant read!
August 14, 2024
I'm sorry but she has to go, chapter 35 who refers to a dead pensioner in such a way "and have that lump of meat in the garage taken away"
Freya is becoming really irritating full of her own self importance she actually admits that she is manipulative and thinks she can manipulate all the men around her and she us the one that can "bring them on" as she is the best mentor they could have, yep she's really annoying which is a shame as the plots in the series are enjoyable and the rest of the characters are being developed really well
I would also say that one of my pet dislikes in a series is where the author seems to forget what was said regarding character history / back story, in book 1 and 2 DI Standing is a bit of a waste of space according to DCI Granger but in book 3 he is refered to as in favour?? Also in the previous books Freya was not divorced and in fact before she could move on from the shabby cottage loaned to her by Ben's father she would need the divorce sorted out to get her share of the house in London to help her move on to her own place
I'm going in for book 4 and will have to see how much she annoys me before I decide whether to carry on with the series or not
Freya is becoming really irritating full of her own self importance she actually admits that she is manipulative and thinks she can manipulate all the men around her and she us the one that can "bring them on" as she is the best mentor they could have, yep she's really annoying which is a shame as the plots in the series are enjoyable and the rest of the characters are being developed really well
I would also say that one of my pet dislikes in a series is where the author seems to forget what was said regarding character history / back story, in book 1 and 2 DI Standing is a bit of a waste of space according to DCI Granger but in book 3 he is refered to as in favour?? Also in the previous books Freya was not divorced and in fact before she could move on from the shabby cottage loaned to her by Ben's father she would need the divorce sorted out to get her share of the house in London to help her move on to her own place
I'm going in for book 4 and will have to see how much she annoys me before I decide whether to carry on with the series or not
October 26, 2023
On the opening page, the character who’ll soon be dead is named as Emma Jackson. Then throughout the rest of the book, she’s called Emma Blanch. I kept waiting for a plot turn to find out her name was really Jackson, when I guess it was simply down to deficient editing. Unsure if this was a self published book or not, but that sort of error really puts me off.
July 18, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank the Author for my ARC copy of his brilliant book. Once i started this book i knew that i couldn't put it down until i had finished reading it. And this Author certainly knows how to write a brilliant book.
January 9, 2024
I dislike Freya. She is an egotistical self absorbed narcissist.
The team solves murders by picking every suspect and discounting them when they too are murdered
I knew who it was before the murderers first conversation with the police is over.
The team solves murders by picking every suspect and discounting them when they too are murdered
I knew who it was before the murderers first conversation with the police is over.
July 21, 2024
Mu!tiple Murders
Having read the first three books, I found the plots interesting with surprising endings. I didn't particularly like the main character Freya Bloom. She is arrogant and rude. Her attitude nearly turned me off of reading any more in the series.
Having read the first three books, I found the plots interesting with surprising endings. I didn't particularly like the main character Freya Bloom. She is arrogant and rude. Her attitude nearly turned me off of reading any more in the series.
September 16, 2023
The bodies were stacking up in this edition of the Keystone Cops where my dislike for DI Freya Bloom and her lecherous thoughts grow. I was beginning to wonder if this author only knows how to kill young females. Three books in and the main murder has been female in all three so far. The reason I felt that this group are like the Keystone Cops is the ludicrous way the move from crime scene to crimes scene first its this person……nope they’ve been murdered so it can’t be them, to the next suspect on our list…..get there, they’re dead can’t be them…..so it must be the next suspect. Why yes it is! Not because they deduced it but because there was bloody well no-one left. 🙄
The only real plus in this book was more DC Cruz and DS Gillespie who we have discovered has many layers.
The only real plus in this book was more DC Cruz and DS Gillespie who we have discovered has many layers.
December 3, 2022
Brilliant and thrilling!
Jack's books just draw you in, shake you by the scruff and leave you completely satisfied! His characters have such depth, which he slowly reveals in each book and likeability, that will have you rooting for them all, even the obnoxious ones! Freya's team is expanding and even the reluctant members, admire her style, determination and leadership.
When a new book from this series is released, I clear my evening, gather my snacks and get comfy because I'm not moving until I've finished it!
Hurry up with the next one Jack, I'll be waiting.
Jack's books just draw you in, shake you by the scruff and leave you completely satisfied! His characters have such depth, which he slowly reveals in each book and likeability, that will have you rooting for them all, even the obnoxious ones! Freya's team is expanding and even the reluctant members, admire her style, determination and leadership.
When a new book from this series is released, I clear my evening, gather my snacks and get comfy because I'm not moving until I've finished it!
Hurry up with the next one Jack, I'll be waiting.
July 24, 2025
This book kept the reader guessing as to who the murderer could possibly be. A lot of twist and turns that kept one interested in finishing the book in two days. I am so glad that the characters and their personal lives were given as the team became closer and opened up to Freya. Freya has become more likable as her past was revealed in more depth. I will be interested in seeing how her relationship with Ben progresses. I am also glad to see the last of Standing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2025
Some shuffling of team members bring in some more members of Freya & Ben's team. Loved the character development in this book. A woman who was found innocent of manslaughter is brutally murdered and there are many possible suspects including her boyfriend, his father and more but everyone is dropping like flies ...let's throw in its xmas time. So loving this series. I Want Freya and Ben together!!
January 19, 2023
Another crime to solve
A good crime story, this one, with enough twists to keep you thinking (though I did guess much of it, she says modestly), and some good characters too. As always, the love interest feels a bit laboured, as do some of the other relationships, but overall an easy and enjoyable read with no gratuitous violence or grim detectives to darken it too much.
A good crime story, this one, with enough twists to keep you thinking (though I did guess much of it, she says modestly), and some good characters too. As always, the love interest feels a bit laboured, as do some of the other relationships, but overall an easy and enjoyable read with no gratuitous violence or grim detectives to darken it too much.
March 10, 2023
In cold blood
Can't get enough of this author, non of them are a disappointment, can't recommend these books enough, if you've never read one of these books, I can only suggest you start now, you won't regret it and you won't be able to stop reading all the ones that have been written
Can't get enough of this author, non of them are a disappointment, can't recommend these books enough, if you've never read one of these books, I can only suggest you start now, you won't regret it and you won't be able to stop reading all the ones that have been written
November 26, 2023
I'm losing sleep with every book I read. " Just one more chapter... " doesn't work. The only way you can put this book down, is when you can't hold it up any longer! And it's happening every time I read about DCI Bloom, and her crew. This series keep getting better, and drawing me in with every word I read.
Hope I can survive to the end.
Hope I can survive to the end.
April 1, 2024
DI Freya Bloom has a turbulent past which sometimes interferes with her judgement, fortunately she has DS Ben Savage to steady her down.but to her boss she is still a bit of a will cannon. It actually make for reasonably good read, certainly a series worth following. this last story was full of twists and turns and more bodies than an episode of Midsomer Murders.
July 25, 2025
Very enjoyable
The more you progress through the books in the series, the more you get to know the characters and their ways. This was a really good plot and Ben saves Jackie. I was worried that Freya was going to pursue Martin aka Mark but luckily she spent Xmas day with Ben. Will their relationship come to something in the future? Here's hoping.
The more you progress through the books in the series, the more you get to know the characters and their ways. This was a really good plot and Ben saves Jackie. I was worried that Freya was going to pursue Martin aka Mark but luckily she spent Xmas day with Ben. Will their relationship come to something in the future? Here's hoping.
July 11, 2022
DI Freya Bloom sets out on another murder mystery mainly set in The Fens.
Lots of clues, twists and turns with yet another brilliant book from Mr Cartwright. My wife is also wading through the whole series - it must be good for her to do that!
Lots of clues, twists and turns with yet another brilliant book from Mr Cartwright. My wife is also wading through the whole series - it must be good for her to do that!
October 28, 2022
Better each read!
Absolutely love this series, each time I read one I'm totally engrossed! Brilliant, relatable female lead and a sensitive understanding of surviving trauma and living with PTSD. Thank you.
Absolutely love this series, each time I read one I'm totally engrossed! Brilliant, relatable female lead and a sensitive understanding of surviving trauma and living with PTSD. Thank you.
November 17, 2022
First Jack Cartwright read.
A good read with a local area slant making it that bit more interesting. Enough in my first attempt to make me want to try further Jack Cartwright books.
A good read with a local area slant making it that bit more interesting. Enough in my first attempt to make me want to try further Jack Cartwright books.
January 17, 2023
3.5 stars really due to a few errors in the book. A character had a different surname at the start and another character was said to be dead but was still alive at that point. Overall an easy enjoyable read, although I guessed the killer fairly early.
February 22, 2023
I just love the characters in these books
Totally hooked on Jack Cartwrights Fens Murder Mysteries. The characters are so real, love Freya and Ben and the lovely Jackie.
Enjoyed the plots and the eccentric pathologist Dr Bell.
Have to go, off to start number 4
Totally hooked on Jack Cartwrights Fens Murder Mysteries. The characters are so real, love Freya and Ben and the lovely Jackie.
Enjoyed the plots and the eccentric pathologist Dr Bell.
Have to go, off to start number 4
February 24, 2023
Another great story in this police murder mystery series.
I enjoyed this book because of the characters and the interesting plot. And the good writing style made it fast-paced and engaging.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
Recommended.
I enjoyed this book because of the characters and the interesting plot. And the good writing style made it fast-paced and engaging.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
Recommended.
May 2, 2023
Brilliant
Another great story. Read this in two days. Great characters that you become invested in. If you haven’t read any books in the Wid Fens Murder Mystery Series. What are you waiting for? Read them. You won’t regret it.
Another great story. Read this in two days. Great characters that you become invested in. If you haven’t read any books in the Wid Fens Murder Mystery Series. What are you waiting for? Read them. You won’t regret it.
August 26, 2023
Didn’t see that coming
What a good, though gruesome, twist at the end. I like the way that Jack Cartwright starts his books. It sets the tone. Good, twisty plot. Interesting characters. Sometimes I feel the story drags a little, but it gets there.
What a good, though gruesome, twist at the end. I like the way that Jack Cartwright starts his books. It sets the tone. Good, twisty plot. Interesting characters. Sometimes I feel the story drags a little, but it gets there.
November 2, 2023
I'm loving this series. The characters have developed so well since their debut in Wild Fens #1.
There's plenty of action, and red herrings galore as Freya, Sam and company attempt to solve a very cold blooded murder.
This is a book to read, enjoy and then recommend to others.
There's plenty of action, and red herrings galore as Freya, Sam and company attempt to solve a very cold blooded murder.
This is a book to read, enjoy and then recommend to others.
October 29, 2024
Once again Freya and Ben prove a good team
Freya and Ben are joined by Gillespie who isn’t as obnoxious away from DI Standing. The killer’s leading everyone a merry dance hand trying to put the blame onto his sister who is also one of his victims. But they get him in the end.
Freya and Ben are joined by Gillespie who isn’t as obnoxious away from DI Standing. The killer’s leading everyone a merry dance hand trying to put the blame onto his sister who is also one of his victims. But they get him in the end.
November 13, 2024
Better twist (thought I saw it coming), but the central mystery is still bit boring in execution. Could have gone better. I enjoyed the ensemble of characters. Hoping for more interesting dynamics by next book.
January 2, 2025
A great read!
I'm beginning to get into this series and loving the plotlines and multiple red herrings! Deft story telling and character development will keep me engaged! A solid 4-star read!
I'm beginning to get into this series and loving the plotlines and multiple red herrings! Deft story telling and character development will keep me engaged! A solid 4-star read!
January 14, 2025
IN COLD BLOOD
Another great book in this series I’ve already downloaded the next one in the series to my kindle library but I will be reading a short story or two from the harry Grimm series by David gatward
Another great book in this series I’ve already downloaded the next one in the series to my kindle library but I will be reading a short story or two from the harry Grimm series by David gatward
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews