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Wild Fens #7
Lie Beside Me
When lives are built on lies, they crumble, fade, and die...
When a man’s body is discovered at the crumbled ruins of Tupholme Abbey, laid bare across a pile of tumbled stones, DI Freya Bloom and her team are called to investigate. Only hours into the investigation Freya makes a discovery that changes everything, and the open and shut case she had hoped for was clearly going to be complex.
But when one of her most reliable officers falls victim to a serious crime, and a new team member causes a disturbance, Freya finds the officers she had come to know and love at odds with each other – the unit is falling apart, and all the while a killer is on the loose.
With the team divided, and their prime suspect missing, Freya must do what she does best. She must lead by example, playing each of them off the other in a monumental battle of wits and courage. The stakes are high, and the risks are great but there can be only one outcome – the killer must be caught, whatever the cost.
Can Freya find the strength to hold her team together? Can she outsmart the best detectives she’s ever worked with? And can she find the killer before they strike again?
Lie Beside Me is the seventh chilling crime thriller in the brand-new British murder mystery series from USA Today bestselling author, Jack Cartwright. The Wild Fens Murder Mysteries are perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, Rachel McClean, Ann Cleeves, and Simon McCleave.
When a man’s body is discovered at the crumbled ruins of Tupholme Abbey, laid bare across a pile of tumbled stones, DI Freya Bloom and her team are called to investigate. Only hours into the investigation Freya makes a discovery that changes everything, and the open and shut case she had hoped for was clearly going to be complex.
But when one of her most reliable officers falls victim to a serious crime, and a new team member causes a disturbance, Freya finds the officers she had come to know and love at odds with each other – the unit is falling apart, and all the while a killer is on the loose.
With the team divided, and their prime suspect missing, Freya must do what she does best. She must lead by example, playing each of them off the other in a monumental battle of wits and courage. The stakes are high, and the risks are great but there can be only one outcome – the killer must be caught, whatever the cost.
Can Freya find the strength to hold her team together? Can she outsmart the best detectives she’s ever worked with? And can she find the killer before they strike again?
Lie Beside Me is the seventh chilling crime thriller in the brand-new British murder mystery series from USA Today bestselling author, Jack Cartwright. The Wild Fens Murder Mysteries are perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, Rachel McClean, Ann Cleeves, and Simon McCleave.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2022
1167 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 14, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank the Author for my ARC copy of this book. I Absolutely enjoyed reading this book. Jack's book's are crime with a hint of humour thrown in which in my honest opinion works well also I love Jack's style of writing. I have read a lot of book book's by this brilliant Author. I can't wait to read the next new one.
September 22, 2023
there is a point at the beginning of the book at DI Bloom thinks of how she was bringing some class to her team…. Class, more like crass especially with her constant betting this time at the front door of a suspect or a person that could also be dead.
This story was another rinse and repeat, I knew who the killer was the minute we met them. I think I’m getting to the end of the line with this series. Each of the senior detectives were just ridiculous in this installment.
Also the proofreader should have picked up in the mistake of calling the murder victim’s wife Charlotte Carson and then we meet the suspect’s wife who is called Charlotte Wood. Turns out the victim’s wife is Leigh.
Quite the error.
This story was another rinse and repeat, I knew who the killer was the minute we met them. I think I’m getting to the end of the line with this series. Each of the senior detectives were just ridiculous in this installment.
Also the proofreader should have picked up in the mistake of calling the murder victim’s wife Charlotte Carson and then we meet the suspect’s wife who is called Charlotte Wood. Turns out the victim’s wife is Leigh.
Quite the error.
November 23, 2024
Good mystery good back stories, great characters except Freya who is an incredibly irritating moron, sexist piece of shit, hypocrite.
Wish she would die then the books would be 5 star!
Wish she would die then the books would be 5 star!
July 14, 2025
Like the team dynamics which keep a sideline going to support the main body of the book. Got to take your thoughts away from reality as there are a number of events you have to question but this is another great read in the series, certainly not a boring read, definitely one to resist putting down. Possibly slightly predictable in places but assumptions are often wrong. A great read and another to recommend.
August 30, 2023
Lie Beside Me: (The Wild Fens Murder Mystery Series Book7)
What a book again. A new arrival in the Team. So many different victims and offences all in the same village. Read and find out for yourselves. I can recommend you read any book written by Jack Cartwright.
What a book again. A new arrival in the Team. So many different victims and offences all in the same village. Read and find out for yourselves. I can recommend you read any book written by Jack Cartwright.
November 17, 2025
Another well-crafted murder mystery by the excellent Jack Cartwright. A very local one this, on the coppers' doorstep but needing all their skills to tease it out. But the real strength of the writing continues to be the dynamic between the small team of detectives, their inter-relationships, with a new transfer unwittingly creating waves. The double act of Gillespie and Cruz is priceless, two ill-matched blokes with different skills which makes a strong unit. All of the team are well-defined and differentiated. And no token woman either - here we have five, all strong team players though with the occasional challenge and vulnerability which they need to deal with. Freya is the boss with Ben Savage her trusted sidekick and close friend. Cartwright pulls it all together well. I wasn't a fan of the scene where the intricacies of the case were debated at length by the whole team in the incident room. No need, more action, show don't tell. Looking forward to #8.
October 22, 2025
Freya brings on a new woman to the team. A naked man strapped to a rock at an abbey is discovered which leads to a bizarre series of events. Freya and Ben’s friendship is tested; one of the team has a stalker and was raped; crazy betting going on amongst the team which got a bit annoying to this reader; Gillespie’s bullying of Cruz is another aspect of the story that gets tiring. Even with the annoying parts of the book, it was a great page turner as the mystery kept one guessing who the actual murderer was - one scene towards the end was when you knew the person doth protest too much and was protecting someone - it could only be one person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
Childish and unprofessional detectives
Wow, I've enjoyed all of the previous books in the series, this however was awful. The childish 'bets' within the team were quite ridiculous and unprofessional. Freya's behaviour towards her new addition to the team and Ben was pathetic and not inline with her character. I wouldn't expect the 'famous five' to behave like the team did here. The plot was ok but the team were not. Freya and Ben are off to Paris? For dinner? Right. I will read the next in the series but if it doesn't improve then I'm out as they say.
Wow, I've enjoyed all of the previous books in the series, this however was awful. The childish 'bets' within the team were quite ridiculous and unprofessional. Freya's behaviour towards her new addition to the team and Ben was pathetic and not inline with her character. I wouldn't expect the 'famous five' to behave like the team did here. The plot was ok but the team were not. Freya and Ben are off to Paris? For dinner? Right. I will read the next in the series but if it doesn't improve then I'm out as they say.
October 20, 2022
great story
I have read the whole series of The Wild Fens books and have enjoyed them all.I love the building relationships between Freya and the team, as much as the solving of the crimes.I live in Lincolnshire so the place names are familiar to me, I am just glad we haven’t had 7 major crimes in 7 months.
I have read the whole series of The Wild Fens books and have enjoyed them all.I love the building relationships between Freya and the team, as much as the solving of the crimes.I live in Lincolnshire so the place names are familiar to me, I am just glad we haven’t had 7 major crimes in 7 months.
December 20, 2022
Gripping from beginning to surprising end
This series is so good, thanks Jack Cartwight. So..story, a murder that looks like a ritual slaying. A missing man, and many suspects and surprise links...not forgetting a new team member, and an attack on one of the existing team. Brilliant read
This series is so good, thanks Jack Cartwight. So..story, a murder that looks like a ritual slaying. A missing man, and many suspects and surprise links...not forgetting a new team member, and an attack on one of the existing team. Brilliant read
November 22, 2023
Another cracker
As you can see from my rating I have really enjoyed these books. The twists and turns make it a page turner. I love how all the characters have grown in the series and make them so real and personal. I will be moving onto the next book in the series. Can't wait to get started.
As you can see from my rating I have really enjoyed these books. The twists and turns make it a page turner. I love how all the characters have grown in the series and make them so real and personal. I will be moving onto the next book in the series. Can't wait to get started.
November 28, 2023
Another fine book in an excellent series.
A new team member arrives, and for once Freya is praised (for a while) by her boss.
The lives of team members (especially Chapman) are at the forefront here alongside the murder that begins the book. There are plenty of red herrings in what is perhaps the most complex book of the series so far.
A new team member arrives, and for once Freya is praised (for a while) by her boss.
The lives of team members (especially Chapman) are at the forefront here alongside the murder that begins the book. There are plenty of red herrings in what is perhaps the most complex book of the series so far.
October 30, 2022
A brilliant book with so many twists and turns that I couldn't even make a guess at who the murderer was, I love the characters they seem so real, and it's written so well I'm at the end before I know it.
December 2, 2022
Wow!!
These books just keep getting better! Freya and her wonderful team had a difficult case again this time. I didn’t guess who the killer was until the end. I highly recommend this book! Now the wait for the next one!
These books just keep getting better! Freya and her wonderful team had a difficult case again this time. I didn’t guess who the killer was until the end. I highly recommend this book! Now the wait for the next one!
December 30, 2022
Excellent and enjoyable
I have been unable to stop reading this book from starting to read it. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have recommended this author to my book club and friends.
I have been unable to stop reading this book from starting to read it. I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have recommended this author to my book club and friends.
March 14, 2023
Another good murder mystery that takes place in Lincolnshire. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the fast pace.
It's well-written and I liked the character development and sense of place. It had its disturbing moments, of course...it’s a police drama after all.
Recommended.
It's well-written and I liked the character development and sense of place. It had its disturbing moments, of course...it’s a police drama after all.
Recommended.
April 24, 2023
Excellent series
I really enjoy this series. It’s well written, twists and turns a lot but holds your interest throughout. Great police team, with their ups and downs, led by Freya and Ben ,who are made for each other.
I really enjoy this series. It’s well written, twists and turns a lot but holds your interest throughout. Great police team, with their ups and downs, led by Freya and Ben ,who are made for each other.
March 21, 2024
Intrigue
Affairs between families lead to mis-conclusions. The team investigate a murder and uncover a twisted arrangement with evidence incriminating many members. A new team member plays a key role and Chapman is found to have a problem stalker. All are linked.
Affairs between families lead to mis-conclusions. The team investigate a murder and uncover a twisted arrangement with evidence incriminating many members. A new team member plays a key role and Chapman is found to have a problem stalker. All are linked.
August 13, 2024
An excellent read! Convoluted as usual but well written. Once again, much of the action centres on the inter-team relationships which are both complex, intriguing and sometimes harrowing.
Looking forward to no. 8.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Looking forward to no. 8.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
August 19, 2024
Great read. Love the series
I went to visit The Abbey mentioned in the book last week. Friends live down the road. Great place for a murder! Really enjoy these books and the chemistry between the characters. Knowing some locations also helps.
I went to visit The Abbey mentioned in the book last week. Friends live down the road. Great place for a murder! Really enjoy these books and the chemistry between the characters. Knowing some locations also helps.
November 19, 2024
A seat of your pants read!
Jack Cartwright writes a really good story.
Once again Freya, and her amazing team, are faced with a mysterious murder, and no end of suspects.
A body laid out on standing stones, stripped of clothes, and nothing to identify him.
The hunt is on!
Jack Cartwright writes a really good story.
Once again Freya, and her amazing team, are faced with a mysterious murder, and no end of suspects.
A body laid out on standing stones, stripped of clothes, and nothing to identify him.
The hunt is on!
November 26, 2024
A tale of intrigue and false confessions
Another great read, Freya and Ben have a new member of their team. Who has helped Freya in the past, but gets between Ben and Freya. But they solve the murder and sort themselves out as well as solving several crimes along the way.
Another great read, Freya and Ben have a new member of their team. Who has helped Freya in the past, but gets between Ben and Freya. But they solve the murder and sort themselves out as well as solving several crimes along the way.
January 15, 2025
Losing a bit of steam!
And, in my opinion, the lull continues! I found this book not as enjoyable as previous ones. I especially disliked the almost slapstick relationship between DS Gillespie and DC Cruz, and also DS Nilsson. Losing a bit of steam ... a 3-star read, at best!
And, in my opinion, the lull continues! I found this book not as enjoyable as previous ones. I especially disliked the almost slapstick relationship between DS Gillespie and DC Cruz, and also DS Nilsson. Losing a bit of steam ... a 3-star read, at best!
March 9, 2025
LIE BESIDE ME
Another great book by jack Cartwright in the Freya bloom series didn’t see it coming till right at the end and was then shocked really gripping and a great series just downloaded the next one and will start reading it straight away
Another great book by jack Cartwright in the Freya bloom series didn’t see it coming till right at the end and was then shocked really gripping and a great series just downloaded the next one and will start reading it straight away
August 28, 2025
The team goes to a murder site near an Abbey where a man is naked stabbed in the back and lying on a pile of rocks. Also going on is a change in Chapman which Freya must figure out to try to help her. Somehow there will spiderwebs from both cases...and the team is acting rather childish in this book. Also it seems like something will probably be happening with relationships for several members of the team. Paris anyone?
November 3, 2025
3.5
Good read although a little convoluted at times
A few mistakes here and there
The whole bet thing was silly
I had eventually grown to like Freya in the last book but she went back to her manipulative and *itchy ways in this book
Good read although a little convoluted at times
A few mistakes here and there
The whole bet thing was silly
I had eventually grown to like Freya in the last book but she went back to her manipulative and *itchy ways in this book
November 30, 2022
Another brilliant book from this author, can’t wait fir the next one, please keep the characters coming !
March 14, 2023
A cracking plot
A gripping story that held you until the final chapter. The side stories were a good read but didn't distract from the main story lines.
A gripping story that held you until the final chapter. The side stories were a good read but didn't distract from the main story lines.
June 9, 2023
brilliant
The whole series is well written, they are in Lincolnshire near were I Iive , so I can relate to the books in a way as my area of upbringing of Lincolnshire
The whole series is well written, they are in Lincolnshire near were I Iive , so I can relate to the books in a way as my area of upbringing of Lincolnshire
July 26, 2023
Enthralling
I just can't put these books down. I'm so infatuated with all the characters. I feel like I know them.
I just can't put these books down. I'm so infatuated with all the characters. I feel like I know them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews