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Wild Fens #5
Dying To Tell
Run and hide, or stay and die... When a hit and run accident leaves eight year-old Lee Sanders in critical condition, DI Freya Bloom and DS Ben Savage arrive on the scene in rural Lincolnshire. But the investigation they thought would be simple, soon develops into something far more sinister - The driver of the car is found dead in a nearby ditch, and she didn't die of natural causes. Poppy Gray, a nineteen year-old girl with a bright future ahead of her, had only one known friend, a troubled boy who rarely speaks. Leading a simple life, Poppy had been filled with the joys of spring. But she knew something. A secret so terrible that somebody would go to great lengths to keep her quiet. Whose secret was so terrible that Poppy deserved to die? How many more people will suffer? Only one thing is clear - the killer is planning their end game. Set in the wild Lincolnshire fens, this murder mystery is laced with humour, peppered with romance, and is bound with a twist you will not see coming. Dying To Tell is the page-turning fifth book in the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series by USA Today Bestselling author, Jack Cartwright. Ideal for fans of JM Dalgliesh, LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Joy Ellis, and Rachel McClean.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2022
1238 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 25, 2022
Too far
I'm afraid this is the last book for me. While the book is well plotted I can't get past the deeply inappropriate behaviour of the female DI to her male DS. If the roles were reversed and you had a male DI having his colleagues round to watch his female subordinate act as his naked servant for the night dressed only in an apron there would be outrage.
I'm afraid this is the last book for me. While the book is well plotted I can't get past the deeply inappropriate behaviour of the female DI to her male DS. If the roles were reversed and you had a male DI having his colleagues round to watch his female subordinate act as his naked servant for the night dressed only in an apron there would be outrage.
August 8, 2023
Disrespect
The storyline was good but the very end was very disrespectful to Ben. It was not funny. Ben is a very sweet and kind man and any woman would be lucky to have him as a love interest. He needs someone to love and respect him. That's not Freya. I think Jackie could be that person. All in all the storyline was good and all the rest of the characters are very likeable.
The storyline was good but the very end was very disrespectful to Ben. It was not funny. Ben is a very sweet and kind man and any woman would be lucky to have him as a love interest. He needs someone to love and respect him. That's not Freya. I think Jackie could be that person. All in all the storyline was good and all the rest of the characters are very likeable.
February 14, 2024
The mystery and murders have a good story. Although I thought knew who did it ( and I was correct) I did not see the twist or the reasons
Now the other thing. Greta and Ben wagering on who is right with the superior officer saying naked servant only apron is wayyy off base
If she was a he. And he was a she the readers would be calling for the authors head. Sexual abuse, harassment and then. 4.5 stars
Gillespie and the boys story. 5 STARS.
Stop reading now if you don’t want a tiny spoiler
MINUS 3 stars- for the reason below.
Freya inviting all the women in the department and the coroner to witness Ben’s naked service to her is disgusting. Imaging losing bet to a male superior officer and then, when you have to strut around naked in front of him. He invites every man you work with to see you humiliation.
Now the other thing. Greta and Ben wagering on who is right with the superior officer saying naked servant only apron is wayyy off base
If she was a he. And he was a she the readers would be calling for the authors head. Sexual abuse, harassment and then. 4.5 stars
Gillespie and the boys story. 5 STARS.
Stop reading now if you don’t want a tiny spoiler
MINUS 3 stars- for the reason below.
Freya inviting all the women in the department and the coroner to witness Ben’s naked service to her is disgusting. Imaging losing bet to a male superior officer and then, when you have to strut around naked in front of him. He invites every man you work with to see you humiliation.
September 23, 2023
I've absolutely loved this series to date. But the ending here was so OTT and highly unlikely I'm left wondering what the heck author was thinking when he came up with this dross.
I'm trying not to write any spoilers but it's hard. Why the heck would Ben honour the bet and even more disappointing, why would Freya play such a cruel trick? How Ben's going to hold his head up in front of all those females in future is anybody's guess. And TBH, I don't even know if I WANT to find out. That's how disappointed I was with that last chapter.
I'm trying not to write any spoilers but it's hard. Why the heck would Ben honour the bet and even more disappointing, why would Freya play such a cruel trick? How Ben's going to hold his head up in front of all those females in future is anybody's guess. And TBH, I don't even know if I WANT to find out. That's how disappointed I was with that last chapter.
July 21, 2024
I've read the previous books in this series and generally enjoy the plots and the relationships between the characters. It's also good that they are set in Lincolnshire as I'm familiar with the area. However, I was disappointed with the ending..... there's no way a boss would make such a bet in the first place with a lower ranking officer, or hold them to it. I don't suppose the author would have included it in the story if the boss was male and the lower ranking officer was female so it shouldn't be included the other way round either. Will I read the next book? Not sure.... lots of other books I'd want to read first!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
The Freya/Ben bet aside - which was quite frankly ridiculous - this was an engaging and tense read. Multiple suspects and I do love it when the reveal is a complete surprise. Well written and plotted with Freya on fine form, but the star of this book is undoubtably Gillespie - a gem of a character. Good quick interesting read
May 27, 2025
exceptional!
Loved this. Loved the character development, the hidden depths of people, the twisty nature of the main story and all of the sub stories underneath.
Best one yet.
Loved this. Loved the character development, the hidden depths of people, the twisty nature of the main story and all of the sub stories underneath.
Best one yet.
July 11, 2023
Worst of the series. I didn't want to read about the chief detective romping around nude with one of her subordinates. Threw the whole book out of kilter. The story line was good but the personal interaction was very distracting.
September 19, 2023
I actually thought the mystery in this edition wasn’t too bad and it probably would have got more stars if it wasn’t for the constant bane of my existence in this book….. DI Bloom. Talk about cringeworthy antics and while the whole Bloom/Savage dynamic makes me crazy the author went a bit overboard on this one. If it wasn’t for the supporting cast in this series I wouldn’t have got to book 5, but I really liked DS Gillespie in this book hence the 2 stars.
Another young girl dead so well done Mr Cartwright is that 5/5.
Also got to say how much money does a DI make because she has rented a car for 6 months. She could have bought one with the amount of money she forked over for 6 months rental. 🙄🤨🤯
Another young girl dead so well done Mr Cartwright is that 5/5.
Also got to say how much money does a DI make because she has rented a car for 6 months. She could have bought one with the amount of money she forked over for 6 months rental. 🙄🤨🤯
December 23, 2024
Intriguing
I usually rate a good book as a 3, because I rate all mysteries as compared to Christie, Francis, George and Perry, but after reading the 5th book in his Wild Fens series I have up rated Cartwright to a 4. That may increase later. His mysteries are consistently intriguing. He gives you a series of seemingly unrelated incidents then at the end pulls them together effortlessly, seamlessly and believably. Your interest is caught at the beginning and held throughout the book. The characters are charming and interesting. You become invested in each one. I have to go now - I can’t wait to read book 6!
I usually rate a good book as a 3, because I rate all mysteries as compared to Christie, Francis, George and Perry, but after reading the 5th book in his Wild Fens series I have up rated Cartwright to a 4. That may increase later. His mysteries are consistently intriguing. He gives you a series of seemingly unrelated incidents then at the end pulls them together effortlessly, seamlessly and believably. Your interest is caught at the beginning and held throughout the book. The characters are charming and interesting. You become invested in each one. I have to go now - I can’t wait to read book 6!
December 31, 2024
NO, NO, NO!
I have so enjoyed this series, including this book, until the end, and what I believe is a mistake, Mr Cartright.
"The bet" is something hinted at all through the investigation but finally extended and exploited by the supposed woman in charge at the expense of her second-in-command. No way would she allow it to take place. No way, if hints at her affection for him are to be believed, would she ever have caused him to denigrate and embarrass himself in front of subordinates when a layer of privacy and respect in their working relationship should be preserved as sacrosanct. I'm unsure at this moment whether I want to move on to the next book.
I have so enjoyed this series, including this book, until the end, and what I believe is a mistake, Mr Cartright.
"The bet" is something hinted at all through the investigation but finally extended and exploited by the supposed woman in charge at the expense of her second-in-command. No way would she allow it to take place. No way, if hints at her affection for him are to be believed, would she ever have caused him to denigrate and embarrass himself in front of subordinates when a layer of privacy and respect in their working relationship should be preserved as sacrosanct. I'm unsure at this moment whether I want to move on to the next book.
May 19, 2024
I am enjoying this series, plenty of twist, turns and red herrings. this one had me guessing 'who done it' until the last few chapters. Maybe in a future book Ben will get the upper hand in the battle of the sexes with Freya. She obviously fancies him yet seems determined to embarrass him, whereas Ben seems too thick to realise this. It all goes into the mix of characters who are developing one by one as the series progresses. Now it seems that Jim Gillespie, the hard bitten Glaswegian really has a heart of gold.
April 14, 2023
FABULOUS! You won't want to take the time to put it down! You'll be hooked!!
The character camaraderie was bonhomie. Spontaneous immersion was eminent. The plot was dramatically brisk and truly suspenseful throughout; the murderer was NOT identified until all the eBook pages had been read. Darn good read! Man, I like this author 100%. The entire plot was a rollercoaster of action and impactful thrills of whodunit. My gosh, a truly focused read. FRI; 04142023_Pottsville PA.
The character camaraderie was bonhomie. Spontaneous immersion was eminent. The plot was dramatically brisk and truly suspenseful throughout; the murderer was NOT identified until all the eBook pages had been read. Darn good read! Man, I like this author 100%. The entire plot was a rollercoaster of action and impactful thrills of whodunit. My gosh, a truly focused read. FRI; 04142023_Pottsville PA.
April 18, 2024
Story line pretty good. Though Freya seems to jump to conclusions from one incorrect to the other. The bet between Ben and Freya then carrying it out and inviting all female colleagues to witness was ridiculous and so out of character for a DI and her male Sargent. Who's mind came up with that ? An adolescent boy!! Sorry won't be reading any more of these. Going back to grown up writers like William McIlvanney, Ian Rankin, Mark Bellingham, Mick Heron et al
November 11, 2024
Another twisted tale for Freya and Ben to solve.
This was a very twisted tale, with two bodies turning up at a hit and run. A tale of jealousy and envy that caused the murderer to do some strange things. But the team sort it out and Gillespie is shown in a new light. Freya gets one over on Ben in an unusual way. There is a very amusing chapter which will get everyone laughing even with the serious story of murder. Another good read.
This was a very twisted tale, with two bodies turning up at a hit and run. A tale of jealousy and envy that caused the murderer to do some strange things. But the team sort it out and Gillespie is shown in a new light. Freya gets one over on Ben in an unusual way. There is a very amusing chapter which will get everyone laughing even with the serious story of murder. Another good read.
November 24, 2024
I was generous in giving this three stars and am in agreement with many other reviews. The idea of the plot was a good one but stretches credibility. And the idea of the Sgt having to appear before his colleagues wearing nothing but an apron is ridiculous and gratuitous. As others have said, put that the
other way round and make it a female having to do this.......
other way round and make it a female having to do this.......
January 6, 2025
Gut wrenching, but great!
I love when characters are developed in a book, when you get to know more about their background, what makes them tick, and begin to see a distinct role for them in future outings. This is the case for DS Gillespie in this book. Weaving his back story with an on going investigation was breathtakingly audacious and gut wrenching, but great! Another solid 4-star read.
I love when characters are developed in a book, when you get to know more about their background, what makes them tick, and begin to see a distinct role for them in future outings. This is the case for DS Gillespie in this book. Weaving his back story with an on going investigation was breathtakingly audacious and gut wrenching, but great! Another solid 4-star read.
August 5, 2025
Jack Cartwright is developing his characters with each book offering humour, underlying romance in well developed plots. Dying to Tell has Freya Bloom and her team investigating a hit and run when the driver of the car is found dead not far from the car crash. This, of course, is not the extent of the crimes committed with the plot weaving its way through the story toward an unexpected end. I really like the authors style, which makes reading a real pleasure.
August 28, 2023
Dying to Tell: (The Wild Fens Murder Mystery Series Book5)
You must read this book, it is something else!! I just couldn’t put it down, I just had to read on. I think it’s one of the best books I have ever read in the mystery department. I thoroughly recommend this book, the whole series, Jack Cartwright is a very special writer of Mystery Murder Books.
You must read this book, it is something else!! I just couldn’t put it down, I just had to read on. I think it’s one of the best books I have ever read in the mystery department. I thoroughly recommend this book, the whole series, Jack Cartwright is a very special writer of Mystery Murder Books.
July 28, 2025
The best so far!
I really enjoyed this book. Each book I've read in the series gets slightly better, maybe it's the familiarity with the characters or just a good plot, maybe it's both. Gillespie plays a vital role in this one and Cruz is maturing nicely. Freya plays a neat trick on Ben and everyone wins. Recommended.
I really enjoyed this book. Each book I've read in the series gets slightly better, maybe it's the familiarity with the characters or just a good plot, maybe it's both. Gillespie plays a vital role in this one and Cruz is maturing nicely. Freya plays a neat trick on Ben and everyone wins. Recommended.
September 6, 2022
Well what can I say jack has done it again wrote a brilliant book which once I started reading it I could not put it down until i had finished reading it, lastly I would like to thank Jack for my ARC copy of this book. I would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me.
October 6, 2023
Another winner.
I found this one to be a really gripping story. Lots of suspense and intrigue, and more than a few red herrings! I had my suspicions about the eventual guilty party/parties, but it didn't spoil the story, as sometimes it's nice to be right.
I found this one to be a really gripping story. Lots of suspense and intrigue, and more than a few red herrings! I had my suspicions about the eventual guilty party/parties, but it didn't spoil the story, as sometimes it's nice to be right.
December 2, 2023
Just brilliant!
Another great book in this series. May Freya and Ben and the team go on forever. The characters are developing nicely into people we want to know more about, Gillespie is a star!
Another great book in this series. May Freya and Ben and the team go on forever. The characters are developing nicely into people we want to know more about, Gillespie is a star!
April 15, 2024
The story was good however, there is no place for blatant sexism. Having tension between Freya and Ben of yes or no was great. Having a girl's night get together with Ben naked in front of his colleagues was belittling. I'm not sure at this time if I will be reading anymore of this series.
June 23, 2024
A great story with an interesting subplot involving Freya and Ben taking a bet on the outcome - and one of them having to cook wearing only an apron... Good to see how Freya's team respond to her and am looking forward to the newxt book.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
October 6, 2024
Dying to tell
Book 5 another brilliant read, plus Freya Bloom and her team manage to solve a very unusual murder mystery with several bodies and suspects. A very touching storyline.
Book 5 another brilliant read, plus Freya Bloom and her team manage to solve a very unusual murder mystery with several bodies and suspects. A very touching storyline.
October 14, 2024
Brilliant REad
Another great book in this series Freya and her team are good detectives but also there is so much humour as well as serious crime .I can't wait to start the next book to see what they get up to.
Another great book in this series Freya and her team are good detectives but also there is so much humour as well as serious crime .I can't wait to start the next book to see what they get up to.
February 5, 2025
DYING TO TELL
Enjoying this series by jack Cartwright but will be taking a break from it now to read the latest book from John Carson in a sties I’ve read all the books in but will come back to book 7 never to return
Enjoying this series by jack Cartwright but will be taking a break from it now to read the latest book from John Carson in a sties I’ve read all the books in but will come back to book 7 never to return
June 27, 2025
will it be a happi ever after for this socash of characters?
So many interesting and inter-twining plots n this story, it was difficult to keep track of them all. It was so good to see more of the personalities coming to the forefront too!
So many interesting and inter-twining plots n this story, it was difficult to keep track of them all. It was so good to see more of the personalities coming to the forefront too!
July 2, 2025
a good read with a few near misses between the team. Not easy to see the end before it came and definitely worth a read. Never sure just how far the relationships will go within the ranks but can see it’s probably quite true to reality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews