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DS Ashley Knight #1
Death on Cromer Beach
A brutal double murder on a Norfolk beach horrifies the town of Cromer. The way the victims died is chilling and so Norfolk’s Major Investigation Team task DS Ashley Knight to manage the case.
It soon becomes clear that the murders were carefully planned and the finger of suspicion points to an organised crime gang, but as the evidence mounts, a far more sinister theory emerges.
Ashley has been allocated a young but opinionated partner in Hector Fade, and sparks soon fly. Annoyingly for Ashley, Hector is no pushover and looks destined for great things. When the pair delve into the case, they struggle to understand who would inflict such suffering on their victims and hope the crime is a one off from a deranged and dangerous individual. But then another body is found.
There’s a killer on the loose who wants them to believe that the beach has a memory. They must be caught, or others will meet their end by the sea.
It soon becomes clear that the murders were carefully planned and the finger of suspicion points to an organised crime gang, but as the evidence mounts, a far more sinister theory emerges.
Ashley has been allocated a young but opinionated partner in Hector Fade, and sparks soon fly. Annoyingly for Ashley, Hector is no pushover and looks destined for great things. When the pair delve into the case, they struggle to understand who would inflict such suffering on their victims and hope the crime is a one off from a deranged and dangerous individual. But then another body is found.
There’s a killer on the loose who wants them to believe that the beach has a memory. They must be caught, or others will meet their end by the sea.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2023
751 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Ross Greenwood
48 books562 followersI was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.
Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.
I've now written five further books. My second book, The Boy Inside, was picked up by a publisher, and Lazy Blood is also out. All my books are thought provoking, and told with a sense of humour. Reading the reviews has been great.
The first three books are stand alone, however, some of the characters cross over, and you can see how at times, their lives overlap.
Abel's Revenge is something a bit different. It's a modern day love story set against the backdrop of an escalating serial killer. There's a whodunnit element to it, and some smiles along the way.
Shadows of Regret was inspired by my time on the women's side of the jail in Peterborough, and analyses the close relationship between victim and villain. You won't have read a book like it.
I hope you enjoy reading them.
Please feel free to get in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/RossGreenwoo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
November 30, 2025
4.25 ⭐️ (rounded up for being so darn consistently good & for the effervescent, wildly underrated readings of David Thorpe, whom helps elevate Greenwood’s work).
If you haven’t delved into the universe of a Ross Greenwood, and you’re even a moderate fan of Police Procedurals or Mysteries with a little bite, but that rely more on characters than shocks for the sake of shocks, then PLEASE do yourself a favour and pick up this or, perhaps begin with the Snow Killer, DI Barton series, it’s just quality of the highest order, told with writing depth, consistency and enjoyment. Rant over.
Ok, so… One of my absolute easy wins as far as an all-inclusive view of my reading is to grab a Ross Greenwood (on audible, due to aforementioned) knowing that I’m going to get an absolute solid procedural that has a great balance of light & dark, heavy & humour, every single time, whilst also ensuring I’m enthralled, surprised and absolutely ensconced in a mystery that’s filled with likeable, interesting and fully fleshed out protagonists. It’s a guilt-free pleasure I never partake in lightly, as the writing is sound, the prose is consistent, fun & hits the mark with pacing, never rushed, dull or anything other than on-point!
This venture is the first in a new series, leaving behind the affable DI Barton and crew, whilst staying in the same universe— leaving a crossover possibility— this time following a strongly written female detective, DS Ashley Knight, whom is thrown in the deep-end, after a grizzly double homicide on the beach — that is truly as grim and morbid as any you’ll find in a procedural without venturing into horror or high-graphic noir — that sets off a chain of events that quickly gets out of hand, escalating into a series of bizarre murders that are all linked by one historically tragic incident many years in the past.
Whilst undoubtedly missing the fun, safe and riveting tapestry that comes with DI Barton and his Peterborough crew, Knight is a very engaging protagonist, that’s motivated by a difficult career where she has seen her share of horror, working against a backdrop of pain, fear and heartache which she must put aside to weave through a complex maze that is well-crafted, linking back to one historic event that changed the lives of seven young residents many years earlier, putting them all at risk, and making one of them a killer.
Ross Greenwood's "Death on Cromer Beach" is a yet another fun & gripping procedural that takes readers on a journey to the tame but atmospheric and even enigmatic shores of Norfolk, where the tranquil waves hide secrets darker than the depths of the ominous, and seemingly insatiable appetite of the sea. This is a novel that effortlessly weaves a complex web of suspense, inviting readers to dive into a world where the line between the natural beauty of the coast and the secrets it conceals, constantly blurs.
Greenwood's writing is always imbued with a poetic quality, — most notably in the pacing and the imbedded light vs dark balance in the narrative — breathing life into the picturesque, real life landscape of Cromer Beach and its surroundings. With his eloquent descriptions, I can almost taste the salt in the air, hear the waves crash, and feel the chill of the English coastal winds. The setting itself becomes a character, casting its eerie and mesmerizing shadow over the narrative, that’s again perfectly and expertly paced, before building to a satisfyingly realistic ending.
At the heart of the story is revenge, and a killer whose emotional depth and inner turmoil make them a multifaceted villain who’s not necessarily evil, but perhaps more just seriously misguided, by loss, and a life that’s never been able to put loss behind them. Knight’s struggles and personal demons add a layer of authenticity to her character, making her someone readers can truly connect with, giving just enough backstory to authenticate her journey without ever becoming boring or overly complicated. Again, balance is key!
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each harboring their own baggage and motivations. As the plot unfolds, the intricate relationships them, the town and the past, all becoming central to the mystery, adding layers of complexity that keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
"Death on Cromer Beach" is a slow-burning mystery, expertly crafted to build tension, suspense and intrigue. Greenwood takes his time to delve into the psychological aspects of the characters and the emotional undercurrents of the story. This deliberate pacing allows for a thorough exploration of motives and clues, keeping the reader in suspense until the final revelations. Whilst it won’t win any literary prizes, Greenwood has again painted a realistic world, based on a real town, real places within that town, with intrigue, fun and another excellent narrative that is never over the top.
The novel's exploration of the depths of humans dealing with pain, guilt, and the often heavy consequences of one's actions is thought-provoking and at times, even profound. It is prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences that form ones moral compass, as well as our choices forming our eventual destiny.
Greenwood blends solid storytelling with an in-depth exploration of human emotions and the consequences of our choices. Ross Greenwood's ability to create an immersive and captivating narrative, whilst offering Characters I quickly align with and care about, due to to their small fallibilities & human nature, is adroit & commendable. While some readers might wish for a more extreme experience that enables a massive leap in pace, the patient reader will find a richly layered story that lingers in their thoughts long after the final page is turned. I am looking forward to getting stuck in to the next instalment in the near future, a well as continuing my DI Barton journey, or another of Greenwoods wide array of equally consistent Police procedurals. Thanks to @BoldwoodBooks and @Audible, who bring Greenwood’s work to life, ensuring one of the most consistent experiences one can hope for, my go to commute reads (anything Greenwood) for a long time into the future, due to the ridiculous consistency of experience.
*edited* ever so slightly (15 words or less) due to it being slightly rushed and rambunctious, can’t have that now that I know the great man himself has read it, can I? Thanks Ross - Keep up the great work mate, there’s not many whom do what you do, to this kind of level & consistency! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
If you haven’t delved into the universe of a Ross Greenwood, and you’re even a moderate fan of Police Procedurals or Mysteries with a little bite, but that rely more on characters than shocks for the sake of shocks, then PLEASE do yourself a favour and pick up this or, perhaps begin with the Snow Killer, DI Barton series, it’s just quality of the highest order, told with writing depth, consistency and enjoyment. Rant over.
Ok, so… One of my absolute easy wins as far as an all-inclusive view of my reading is to grab a Ross Greenwood (on audible, due to aforementioned) knowing that I’m going to get an absolute solid procedural that has a great balance of light & dark, heavy & humour, every single time, whilst also ensuring I’m enthralled, surprised and absolutely ensconced in a mystery that’s filled with likeable, interesting and fully fleshed out protagonists. It’s a guilt-free pleasure I never partake in lightly, as the writing is sound, the prose is consistent, fun & hits the mark with pacing, never rushed, dull or anything other than on-point!
This venture is the first in a new series, leaving behind the affable DI Barton and crew, whilst staying in the same universe— leaving a crossover possibility— this time following a strongly written female detective, DS Ashley Knight, whom is thrown in the deep-end, after a grizzly double homicide on the beach — that is truly as grim and morbid as any you’ll find in a procedural without venturing into horror or high-graphic noir — that sets off a chain of events that quickly gets out of hand, escalating into a series of bizarre murders that are all linked by one historically tragic incident many years in the past.
Whilst undoubtedly missing the fun, safe and riveting tapestry that comes with DI Barton and his Peterborough crew, Knight is a very engaging protagonist, that’s motivated by a difficult career where she has seen her share of horror, working against a backdrop of pain, fear and heartache which she must put aside to weave through a complex maze that is well-crafted, linking back to one historic event that changed the lives of seven young residents many years earlier, putting them all at risk, and making one of them a killer.
Ross Greenwood's "Death on Cromer Beach" is a yet another fun & gripping procedural that takes readers on a journey to the tame but atmospheric and even enigmatic shores of Norfolk, where the tranquil waves hide secrets darker than the depths of the ominous, and seemingly insatiable appetite of the sea. This is a novel that effortlessly weaves a complex web of suspense, inviting readers to dive into a world where the line between the natural beauty of the coast and the secrets it conceals, constantly blurs.
Greenwood's writing is always imbued with a poetic quality, — most notably in the pacing and the imbedded light vs dark balance in the narrative — breathing life into the picturesque, real life landscape of Cromer Beach and its surroundings. With his eloquent descriptions, I can almost taste the salt in the air, hear the waves crash, and feel the chill of the English coastal winds. The setting itself becomes a character, casting its eerie and mesmerizing shadow over the narrative, that’s again perfectly and expertly paced, before building to a satisfyingly realistic ending.
At the heart of the story is revenge, and a killer whose emotional depth and inner turmoil make them a multifaceted villain who’s not necessarily evil, but perhaps more just seriously misguided, by loss, and a life that’s never been able to put loss behind them. Knight’s struggles and personal demons add a layer of authenticity to her character, making her someone readers can truly connect with, giving just enough backstory to authenticate her journey without ever becoming boring or overly complicated. Again, balance is key!
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each harboring their own baggage and motivations. As the plot unfolds, the intricate relationships them, the town and the past, all becoming central to the mystery, adding layers of complexity that keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
"Death on Cromer Beach" is a slow-burning mystery, expertly crafted to build tension, suspense and intrigue. Greenwood takes his time to delve into the psychological aspects of the characters and the emotional undercurrents of the story. This deliberate pacing allows for a thorough exploration of motives and clues, keeping the reader in suspense until the final revelations. Whilst it won’t win any literary prizes, Greenwood has again painted a realistic world, based on a real town, real places within that town, with intrigue, fun and another excellent narrative that is never over the top.
The novel's exploration of the depths of humans dealing with pain, guilt, and the often heavy consequences of one's actions is thought-provoking and at times, even profound. It is prompting readers to reflect on their own experiences that form ones moral compass, as well as our choices forming our eventual destiny.
Greenwood blends solid storytelling with an in-depth exploration of human emotions and the consequences of our choices. Ross Greenwood's ability to create an immersive and captivating narrative, whilst offering Characters I quickly align with and care about, due to to their small fallibilities & human nature, is adroit & commendable. While some readers might wish for a more extreme experience that enables a massive leap in pace, the patient reader will find a richly layered story that lingers in their thoughts long after the final page is turned. I am looking forward to getting stuck in to the next instalment in the near future, a well as continuing my DI Barton journey, or another of Greenwoods wide array of equally consistent Police procedurals. Thanks to @BoldwoodBooks and @Audible, who bring Greenwood’s work to life, ensuring one of the most consistent experiences one can hope for, my go to commute reads (anything Greenwood) for a long time into the future, due to the ridiculous consistency of experience.
*edited* ever so slightly (15 words or less) due to it being slightly rushed and rambunctious, can’t have that now that I know the great man himself has read it, can I? Thanks Ross - Keep up the great work mate, there’s not many whom do what you do, to this kind of level & consistency! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
January 20, 2024
Ross Greenwood is back with a new and exciting police procedural series set in rural England. Greenwood is able to keep the calibre of his writing high and the action ongoing with this debut thriller, which takes a grisly murder and leaves it up to an established copper with a new team to solve it. When more bodies emerge, worries that a serial killer is on the loose forces DS Ashley night to take swift action. Greenwood weaves his story together seamlessly and provides the reader with a great experience all around.
The town of Cramer is rocked when a double murder washes up on their shores. The small Norfolk community has no history of multiple killings, so the Major Investigation Team swoops in to find answers. Detective Sergeant Ashley Knight heads up the team, hoping to catch a killer before things progress. It would seem that there is significant organisation to the crimes and as more bodies appear, DS Knight can only wonder who is planning these killings and for what reason.
As the case gains momentum, DS Knight is given a new partner in Detective Constable Hector Fade, whose crime scene capabilities are matched only by his attractiveness. While DS Knight is keen to have another set of hands to help, she is worried that sparks fly between them an she cannot stay focussed. The case serves as a great bridge for them to connect two aspects of their lives.
As more bodies emerge on the beachfront, DS Knight and her team must locate a killer and stop the slayings. It appears as though a group who have grown up together are the victims, though at least one has disappeared into the proverbial mist and could be the key to getting answers. DS Knight will have to approach this carefully, as a serial killer could be eyeing her as well. A gripping debut novel in this series that proves Greenwood has all the elements for a strong series ahead.
I have long enjoyed the writing of Ross Greenwood, no matter the series he presents. The ideas are strong and the narrative flow never wanes at any time. I find his style easy to digest and the action builds throughout the mystery. Characters are crisp and even with this debut, there is a sense of connection that helps the reader feel something well worth their while.
Plot development is also key to a great thriller, particularly in a debut when casting the net to capture the reader’s attention is key. Greenwood does that easily and keeps the twists going. Using flashback sequences and a plethora of suspects, the story takes on many angles and allows the reader to feel fully involved. I am eager to get my hands on the second novel in the series, which is ready for me to devour.
Kudos, Mr. Greenwood, for launching a ew series into which I can sink my teeth.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The town of Cramer is rocked when a double murder washes up on their shores. The small Norfolk community has no history of multiple killings, so the Major Investigation Team swoops in to find answers. Detective Sergeant Ashley Knight heads up the team, hoping to catch a killer before things progress. It would seem that there is significant organisation to the crimes and as more bodies appear, DS Knight can only wonder who is planning these killings and for what reason.
As the case gains momentum, DS Knight is given a new partner in Detective Constable Hector Fade, whose crime scene capabilities are matched only by his attractiveness. While DS Knight is keen to have another set of hands to help, she is worried that sparks fly between them an she cannot stay focussed. The case serves as a great bridge for them to connect two aspects of their lives.
As more bodies emerge on the beachfront, DS Knight and her team must locate a killer and stop the slayings. It appears as though a group who have grown up together are the victims, though at least one has disappeared into the proverbial mist and could be the key to getting answers. DS Knight will have to approach this carefully, as a serial killer could be eyeing her as well. A gripping debut novel in this series that proves Greenwood has all the elements for a strong series ahead.
I have long enjoyed the writing of Ross Greenwood, no matter the series he presents. The ideas are strong and the narrative flow never wanes at any time. I find his style easy to digest and the action builds throughout the mystery. Characters are crisp and even with this debut, there is a sense of connection that helps the reader feel something well worth their while.
Plot development is also key to a great thriller, particularly in a debut when casting the net to capture the reader’s attention is key. Greenwood does that easily and keeps the twists going. Using flashback sequences and a plethora of suspects, the story takes on many angles and allows the reader to feel fully involved. I am eager to get my hands on the second novel in the series, which is ready for me to devour.
Kudos, Mr. Greenwood, for launching a ew series into which I can sink my teeth.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 5, 2024
Undecided. Not sure if this is a 3 or a 4. I’ll need time to think…
There is no doubt that this is an exciting, complex, twisting murder mystery story however the gruesome nature of the deaths and the honest almost brutal descriptions of mental illness, homelessness and domestic violence left me feeling plain old sad. I felt compelled to finish the story but I’m unsure if I would/could carry on the series.
There is no doubt that this is an exciting, complex, twisting murder mystery story however the gruesome nature of the deaths and the honest almost brutal descriptions of mental illness, homelessness and domestic violence left me feeling plain old sad. I felt compelled to finish the story but I’m unsure if I would/could carry on the series.
May 3, 2023
How great that this novel is the first in a new police procedural series! I have so much anticipation for this series and its characters.
DS Ashley Knight finds herself leading a double murder investigation when her superior has had to take stress leave. Two bodies were found buried in the sand on Cromer Beach. The method of their killings was particularly gruesome. Ashley is paired with a ‘fast-tracked’ young police constable, Hector Fade. I very much enjoyed how their relationship developed over the course of the book. Ashley finds herself confiding in the young policeman which proves therapeutic for her. Their banter and jibing was a treat to read. The rest of the Ashley’s MIT team were introduced and I look forward to learning more about them in further books. Even the peripheral characters in the book were interesting to get to know, however slightly.
“There were seven other teams in MIT, but she was glad to be the sergeant of this one. The bickering gave her the family she was lacking.”
DS Ashley Knight was an intelligent, lonely, and quite damaged protagonist. She has had a lot of ‘life lessons’ that have caused her to be empathetic to others.
The setting, the Cromer Beach area in Norfolk, England was well depicted and the early spring chill caused the narrative to be quite atmospheric.
The homicide investigation is a challenging one for the team. Suspects are few, and are unreliable and unprepared for police questioning. An historic case from 1989 seems to be somehow linked to the current murders and Ashley fears that more bodies may be found.
“Only when there are seven can they rest in heaven
For nobody can deny The Hungry Sea”
With a well-crafted plot and strong characterization, this book should appeal to many fans of the genre. All in all, “The Death on Cromer Beach” was a very enjoyable police procedural and I look forward to further books in this series with enthusiasm.
Highly recommended!
DS Ashley Knight finds herself leading a double murder investigation when her superior has had to take stress leave. Two bodies were found buried in the sand on Cromer Beach. The method of their killings was particularly gruesome. Ashley is paired with a ‘fast-tracked’ young police constable, Hector Fade. I very much enjoyed how their relationship developed over the course of the book. Ashley finds herself confiding in the young policeman which proves therapeutic for her. Their banter and jibing was a treat to read. The rest of the Ashley’s MIT team were introduced and I look forward to learning more about them in further books. Even the peripheral characters in the book were interesting to get to know, however slightly.
“There were seven other teams in MIT, but she was glad to be the sergeant of this one. The bickering gave her the family she was lacking.”
DS Ashley Knight was an intelligent, lonely, and quite damaged protagonist. She has had a lot of ‘life lessons’ that have caused her to be empathetic to others.
The setting, the Cromer Beach area in Norfolk, England was well depicted and the early spring chill caused the narrative to be quite atmospheric.
The homicide investigation is a challenging one for the team. Suspects are few, and are unreliable and unprepared for police questioning. An historic case from 1989 seems to be somehow linked to the current murders and Ashley fears that more bodies may be found.
“Only when there are seven can they rest in heaven
For nobody can deny The Hungry Sea”
With a well-crafted plot and strong characterization, this book should appeal to many fans of the genre. All in all, “The Death on Cromer Beach” was a very enjoyable police procedural and I look forward to further books in this series with enthusiasm.
Highly recommended!
March 14, 2023
New series as we are introduced to DS Ashley Knight in the town of Cromer Norfolk.
A brutal double homicide murder on the beach, Dora Thorne and her dog Happy found both male and female Ron and Ruby Jerrod and the investigation is on to find out why. As you continue reading there's more murders instore it's going to be busy work days ahead for Ashley and her team, this killer would become infamous for death on Cromer beach.
Wow took my breath away as we get to know the characters from the author, that at the end it will leave you looking forward to much more in the series, it will blow your mind, catching your breathe, and open your eyes, I loved it all superb writing in every single chapter that are slap bang wallop and never bore you. 5 stars and more from me.
A brutal double homicide murder on the beach, Dora Thorne and her dog Happy found both male and female Ron and Ruby Jerrod and the investigation is on to find out why. As you continue reading there's more murders instore it's going to be busy work days ahead for Ashley and her team, this killer would become infamous for death on Cromer beach.
Wow took my breath away as we get to know the characters from the author, that at the end it will leave you looking forward to much more in the series, it will blow your mind, catching your breathe, and open your eyes, I loved it all superb writing in every single chapter that are slap bang wallop and never bore you. 5 stars and more from me.
March 15, 2023
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
This was a police procedural set in Norfolk, featuring a sergeant called Ashley and her new fast-track DC Hector. They investigate the gruesome murders of a series of people on the beach, and these turn out to be linked to an event in the past. I found Ashley a bit hard to like. She started off being quite mean to poor Hector because of his relatively wealthy background and patronizing him. Then half way through the book Ashley and most of her colleagues go to the pub, get drunk and share incredibly intimate things with one another, which Ashley and Hector go on to discuss later, all of which which seemed entirely inappropriate to me.
The actual mystery was depressing and involved a variety of people with addictions and mental health problems, some of whom were homeless. The death count was high and the ending left rather a nasty taste in my mouth. I don't think I will be continuing with this series.
This was a police procedural set in Norfolk, featuring a sergeant called Ashley and her new fast-track DC Hector. They investigate the gruesome murders of a series of people on the beach, and these turn out to be linked to an event in the past. I found Ashley a bit hard to like. She started off being quite mean to poor Hector because of his relatively wealthy background and patronizing him. Then half way through the book Ashley and most of her colleagues go to the pub, get drunk and share incredibly intimate things with one another, which Ashley and Hector go on to discuss later, all of which which seemed entirely inappropriate to me.
The actual mystery was depressing and involved a variety of people with addictions and mental health problems, some of whom were homeless. The death count was high and the ending left rather a nasty taste in my mouth. I don't think I will be continuing with this series.
September 17, 2023
Another East Anglian mystery from an author new to me. Pleasantly surprised how good this one was with decent characters, story and plot. At over 400 pages this was somewhat longer than the average mystery, and that extra length was put to good use. The author got permission to use actual place names and business from Cromer and thus the book that you can easily relate to if you have ever visited the town. If not, then I would recommend using Google Maps Street View to check out some of the locations mentioned in the book. This will give you a really good feel for the setting as Cromer is a very quaint seaside town that can be very bleak in the winter.
I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out. According to the pre release blurb it's going to be centered in Hunstanton, another Norfolk seaside town I am very familiar with.
I look forward to reading the next book when it comes out. According to the pre release blurb it's going to be centered in Hunstanton, another Norfolk seaside town I am very familiar with.
May 12, 2023
If you’re going to start reading it- don’t. If you do ( like me with my pathological inability to put down a book after starting to read it) then it’s perfectly fine to skim read it.
The dialogue is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever come across- nobody actually speaks like this.
The dialogue is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever come across- nobody actually speaks like this.
June 17, 2023
I really enjoy Ross Greenwood's brand of crime fiction. His characters are accessible and his stories are great. This is book one in a new series, but if you've enjoyed the DI Barton series it has a similar vibe although not so much from the POV of the 'villain' which I missed.
September 16, 2024
I really like this narrator as well as the author
I liked his previous series based in Peterborough and this one in Norfolk is great too
I liked his previous series based in Peterborough and this one in Norfolk is great too
March 6, 2024
bodies every where again......if there were less murders I think I'd enjoy the story more.
April 27, 2023
Wow - my first book by this author and it certainly won’t be my last. This truly is one of those books where you are torn between wanting to devour it and wishing it would never end. Loved the characters, loved the plot and the twists and turns - it really felt alive!
March 15, 2023
Not my usual type of book or author but I’m so glad I read it, once started I couldn’t put it down, really good from start to finish and I’m glad I read it, looking forward to seeing what’s next
October 26, 2023
Excellent book!
September 14, 2024
Enjoyable start to a series. Definitely will progress. Recommended
April 26, 2023
DEATH ON CROMER BEACH
Well, yet another fascinating book from Ross. It's always difficult at first to come to grips with the characters in a new series, but Ross introduces them carefully, without an overload of information and feeds more snippits skillfully into the text as the novel progresses.
I've never been to Cromer, but now I feel I have! There is plenty of description, but not enough to overload the senses. Cleverly written, with masses of twists, turns and red herrings. The ending left me gasping for breath. I'm ready for the next one!
Well, yet another fascinating book from Ross. It's always difficult at first to come to grips with the characters in a new series, but Ross introduces them carefully, without an overload of information and feeds more snippits skillfully into the text as the novel progresses.
I've never been to Cromer, but now I feel I have! There is plenty of description, but not enough to overload the senses. Cleverly written, with masses of twists, turns and red herrings. The ending left me gasping for breath. I'm ready for the next one!
October 15, 2025
The first in a series that is new to me and an enjoyable read. Interesting plot, well drawn characters. Looking forward to book two.
September 7, 2023
Probably more a 4.5
March 27, 2023
Absolutely fabulous!
I thoroughly recommend Windows for their ice-cream. The best rum and raisin I’ve had in years! The White Horse in Overstrand, bloomin lovely as is the cafe just round the corner.
Yes, I love this are of England and was really looking forward to reading a murder tale based there. It did not disappoint! First time reading this author and I really like their style. I like the sensitivity shown regarding mental illness and as a severe ME sufferer, I even liked the fibromyalgia/cf mentioning as that is a first for me! You don’t need to have been to this area before, in order to picture the scenes, they are written so well. The characters are intriguing and I look forward to getting to know them better.
I will be ordering the next in this series.
I thoroughly recommend Windows for their ice-cream. The best rum and raisin I’ve had in years! The White Horse in Overstrand, bloomin lovely as is the cafe just round the corner.
Yes, I love this are of England and was really looking forward to reading a murder tale based there. It did not disappoint! First time reading this author and I really like their style. I like the sensitivity shown regarding mental illness and as a severe ME sufferer, I even liked the fibromyalgia/cf mentioning as that is a first for me! You don’t need to have been to this area before, in order to picture the scenes, they are written so well. The characters are intriguing and I look forward to getting to know them better.
I will be ordering the next in this series.
September 19, 2023
I'm going to mark this as being read because I suffered through just over half of the book, but it is really a DNF.
There was too much unnecessary description of each of the characters, houses, and scenery, very little of which added to the plot. I found my mind constantly wandering off the book. By the time I gave up, I no longer cared who the murderer was and/or why.
There was too much unnecessary description of each of the characters, houses, and scenery, very little of which added to the plot. I found my mind constantly wandering off the book. By the time I gave up, I no longer cared who the murderer was and/or why.
Read
October 9, 2023Unfortunately, I think this was just a little bit too long. The pacing slowed down a lot in the middle and the story lost a bit of the natural pull/thrill that should come with a murder mystery. The ending was satisfying but I didn't feel particularly connected to any of the characters (though the mc was queer, which was a nice surprise).
March 29, 2023
I have read several of this author's books and when I saw he had a new series I definitely needed to check it out.
DS Ashley Knight, loner, single, middle-aged, has just been asked to investigate a double death on Cromer beach. She has also been saddled with one of the fast-track detectives, Hector Fade.
Finding a double murder on her local beach is not something Ashley would have expected to get a call out to, especially when there is more to this than meets the eye. She has a bad feeling and she is not wrong as more bodies surface.
This first book in this new series is so good, it has such a tense and atmospheric feel to it. Having to deal with a double murder and then more as another and another body turns up is tough on the whole team. What makes this case even harder is that the link is tenuous but it is a link. Those connected are so varied and have many problems and this also makes trying to work out events, truths and lies very difficult.
In between the questioning and interviews, the author takes the time to have Ashley and Hector get to know each other, a great way to fill in some details about them. They are very opposite and so their differences can show. Discovering more about them helps to understand their characters a little more, there is more to each than you first imagine.
Having more to it than first expected also goes for the case. There are reasons for it to have a connection to an event from years ago. What this connection is and how it is worked into this story is such a good one. There are twists and misdirections and an overall sense of danger and of something lurking and waiting.
This is a fabulous first book in the series and I do hope that Hector is not fast-tracked out too soon as I do kind of like him. Ashley is a tough one, and she does get on well with her younger colleague, Between them, I do think they would make a great team, but then I am not writing the books :)
If you are looking for a new series then this is one you need to look at if you are a fan of tough, gritty crime thrillers. There are so many unexpected things that occur and this adds to the mystery and the suspense. Excellent storyline and great characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and I would definitely recommend it.
DS Ashley Knight, loner, single, middle-aged, has just been asked to investigate a double death on Cromer beach. She has also been saddled with one of the fast-track detectives, Hector Fade.
Finding a double murder on her local beach is not something Ashley would have expected to get a call out to, especially when there is more to this than meets the eye. She has a bad feeling and she is not wrong as more bodies surface.
This first book in this new series is so good, it has such a tense and atmospheric feel to it. Having to deal with a double murder and then more as another and another body turns up is tough on the whole team. What makes this case even harder is that the link is tenuous but it is a link. Those connected are so varied and have many problems and this also makes trying to work out events, truths and lies very difficult.
In between the questioning and interviews, the author takes the time to have Ashley and Hector get to know each other, a great way to fill in some details about them. They are very opposite and so their differences can show. Discovering more about them helps to understand their characters a little more, there is more to each than you first imagine.
Having more to it than first expected also goes for the case. There are reasons for it to have a connection to an event from years ago. What this connection is and how it is worked into this story is such a good one. There are twists and misdirections and an overall sense of danger and of something lurking and waiting.
This is a fabulous first book in the series and I do hope that Hector is not fast-tracked out too soon as I do kind of like him. Ashley is a tough one, and she does get on well with her younger colleague, Between them, I do think they would make a great team, but then I am not writing the books :)
If you are looking for a new series then this is one you need to look at if you are a fan of tough, gritty crime thrillers. There are so many unexpected things that occur and this adds to the mystery and the suspense. Excellent storyline and great characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and I would definitely recommend it.
April 30, 2023
This is the first in the new DS Knight series by Ross Greenwood and was published by Bookouture on April 26th, 2023.
The book begins in early April. Dora Thorne and her chihuahua Happy are having their regular walk along the beach when they stumble across something unexpected… Well, it was definitely an interesting start to the story, as it makes you want to read on and find out what has happened.
The setting of Cromer in Norfolk is a great place for a novel. You think of a pretty seaside place, which contrasts well with the murders that happen there.
Detective Sergeant Ashley Knight is the main character here and her partner is new guy Detective Sergeant Hector Fade. We get to know the main members of the police team throughout the book, building up a picture of their professional lives and glimpses into their private lives. I enjoyed this aspect of it and also many of the other characters. I especially loved Geoffrey the fisherman and Ashley’s elderly neighbour Arthur.
I loved how the investigation developed, trying to pick up the clues and work out who the murderer is. As you’d expect from this genre of book, the story is full of twists and turns. It’s also very well-paced and exciting, but you get chance to know the characters too, it isn’t just action by any means.
I was happy to keep reading and stayed up late two consecutive nights to find out what was going to happen next. It didn’t disappoint! I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series.
The book begins in early April. Dora Thorne and her chihuahua Happy are having their regular walk along the beach when they stumble across something unexpected… Well, it was definitely an interesting start to the story, as it makes you want to read on and find out what has happened.
The setting of Cromer in Norfolk is a great place for a novel. You think of a pretty seaside place, which contrasts well with the murders that happen there.
Detective Sergeant Ashley Knight is the main character here and her partner is new guy Detective Sergeant Hector Fade. We get to know the main members of the police team throughout the book, building up a picture of their professional lives and glimpses into their private lives. I enjoyed this aspect of it and also many of the other characters. I especially loved Geoffrey the fisherman and Ashley’s elderly neighbour Arthur.
I loved how the investigation developed, trying to pick up the clues and work out who the murderer is. As you’d expect from this genre of book, the story is full of twists and turns. It’s also very well-paced and exciting, but you get chance to know the characters too, it isn’t just action by any means.
I was happy to keep reading and stayed up late two consecutive nights to find out what was going to happen next. It didn’t disappoint! I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series.
September 17, 2023
I am not a good critic and in reviews just share my overall impression - I leave the gory details to those of you with those skills. (thanks).
I read Ross Greenwood's DI Barton series of British police procedurals and enjoyed them very much. I assumed another would be coming along when he shifted gears and has given us DS Ashley Knight. Middle aged, competent detective in county Norfolk. Cromer Beach, I learned, is a modest resort town on the Norfolk coast. Greenwood spends personal time there and chose it as his setting for this crime story.
I think this one of the better of his work if I recall correctly. This has a slew of crimes and a slew of suspects and complex back stories to be sorted out by the detectives. I found it very believable, and it kept my attention the entire time. Ross is a good writer in addition to storytelling.
Do not expect erotica and do not expect sailor's profanity - the focus is on the crime, the suspects and the solutions.
This is for those of us that enjoy good mysteries (I am terrible at guessing who done it) and above all solid police procedurals and teamwork.
Ross indicates this is the first of a new series, so it is a good starting point if you are interested.
I highly recommend it within those conditions... :-) 4 stars to leave room for his best yet to come.
I read Ross Greenwood's DI Barton series of British police procedurals and enjoyed them very much. I assumed another would be coming along when he shifted gears and has given us DS Ashley Knight. Middle aged, competent detective in county Norfolk. Cromer Beach, I learned, is a modest resort town on the Norfolk coast. Greenwood spends personal time there and chose it as his setting for this crime story.
I think this one of the better of his work if I recall correctly. This has a slew of crimes and a slew of suspects and complex back stories to be sorted out by the detectives. I found it very believable, and it kept my attention the entire time. Ross is a good writer in addition to storytelling.
Do not expect erotica and do not expect sailor's profanity - the focus is on the crime, the suspects and the solutions.
This is for those of us that enjoy good mysteries (I am terrible at guessing who done it) and above all solid police procedurals and teamwork.
Ross indicates this is the first of a new series, so it is a good starting point if you are interested.
I highly recommend it within those conditions... :-) 4 stars to leave room for his best yet to come.
December 30, 2023
Death on Cromer Beach is book one in the DS Ashley Knight series by Ross Greenwood. DS Ashley Knight lived in a quiet area of Norfolk called Cromer Beach and was asked to attend the murder of two people found on the beach. On top of this mystery, DS Ashley Knight has to train a new colleague, Hector Fade. At first, DS Ashley Knight hopes they find the killer quietly. However, this was a distant memory after another body was found. The readers of Death on Cromer Beach will continue following DS Ashley Knight and Hector Fade's investigation to discover what happens.
Death on Cromer Beach is the first book I have read by Ross Greenwood. I like that Ross Greenwood portrayed her characters with problems, making them feel more human. I love Ross Greenwood's portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Death on Cromer Beach is well-written and researched by Ross Greenwood. I like Ross Greenwood's description of Death on Cromer Beach, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Death on Cromer Beach will learn about the disease called fibromyalgia. Also, the readers of Death On Cromer Beach will understand the importance of supporting mental health.
I recommend this book.
Death on Cromer Beach is the first book I have read by Ross Greenwood. I like that Ross Greenwood portrayed her characters with problems, making them feel more human. I love Ross Greenwood's portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Death on Cromer Beach is well-written and researched by Ross Greenwood. I like Ross Greenwood's description of Death on Cromer Beach, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Death on Cromer Beach will learn about the disease called fibromyalgia. Also, the readers of Death On Cromer Beach will understand the importance of supporting mental health.
I recommend this book.
March 18, 2023
As the first in a new series of books, we are introduced to DS Ashley Knight, a police officer with a past and hopefully a future after enjoying this book so much!
As the body count rises it seems the likely suspect pool grows as well, all linked back to an incident in their past which has affected the lives of all who were present. The twists and turns the author lead us through made for a fascinating story which kept me hooked until the last page was turned.
I am really looking forward to book 2 now!
As the body count rises it seems the likely suspect pool grows as well, all linked back to an incident in their past which has affected the lives of all who were present. The twists and turns the author lead us through made for a fascinating story which kept me hooked until the last page was turned.
I am really looking forward to book 2 now!
January 24, 2025
This was another 99p Kindle purchase and well worth the money. However, setting aside percuniary matters, I found this to be a bit of a mixed bag. The basic plot and story was pretty good - deaths on the beach for police to investigate, and a story that stretched back 30 years or so and reasonably well drawn characters too. I did feel in places the writing was a bit clunky and too many conversations were written in too literal a fashion (‘he said. She replied’ etc). Better use could have been made of précis or other short-handing devise. For me, it was a bit of a pedantic read and in places I tended to skim through sections of dialogue.
Overall, I quite enjoyed it but would not rush to read another by this author.
Overall, I quite enjoyed it but would not rush to read another by this author.
October 3, 2023
I chose this book for its setting. After having spent a wonderful week in Norfolk, staying in Mundesley, the title seized me. And I quite liked the principal character, DS Ashley Knight, a 50ish woman police officer, as well as her protege Hector Fade, the fast-track posh university graduate. But I found the level of violence disturbing. We are dealing with a series of revenge killings, and the murders involve drowning the victims whilst they are still conscious, as well as the almost-now-obligatory thriller style ending, also watery. We also have a character suffering serious mental illness. I think some readers might enjoy the book, but I found it disquieting.
June 10, 2024
I do enjoy a good detective story
This one’s about a female detective with no real family. Nothing out of the norm I thought I’d give it a go before it leaves the plus category on audible. I’d continue this series if I had the spare time or the rest was on plus
This one’s about a female detective with no real family. Nothing out of the norm I thought I’d give it a go before it leaves the plus category on audible. I’d continue this series if I had the spare time or the rest was on plus
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