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Wild Fens #8
Dance With Death
A mother's love lives in the shadow of death.
The sudden death of a colleague spells both change and opportunity for DI Bloom and her team. But their grief is cut short when the body of a woman is discovered in a nearby farmer’s field. Myra Dicks, a university lecturer and driving force behind the Cultural Heritage Society, had just six months left until she retired from a brilliant career.
When the investigation uncovers the real Myra Dicks, they discover a side of her that casts suspicion on a single person – a man who understands exactly how to get away with murder. With the death of their friend in mind, DI Bloom and her team push forward, hoping to close the investigation down so they can mourn their loss.
But when a second body is discovered, the game changes. More than one person might have wanted Myra dead, and the time for grief would have to wait.
Dance With Death is the eighth book in the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series by Jack Cartwright. Filled with twists, peppered with romance, and littered with humour, the Wild Fens Murder Mysteries are perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, Ann Cleeves, Rachel McClean, and Faith Martin.
The sudden death of a colleague spells both change and opportunity for DI Bloom and her team. But their grief is cut short when the body of a woman is discovered in a nearby farmer’s field. Myra Dicks, a university lecturer and driving force behind the Cultural Heritage Society, had just six months left until she retired from a brilliant career.
When the investigation uncovers the real Myra Dicks, they discover a side of her that casts suspicion on a single person – a man who understands exactly how to get away with murder. With the death of their friend in mind, DI Bloom and her team push forward, hoping to close the investigation down so they can mourn their loss.
But when a second body is discovered, the game changes. More than one person might have wanted Myra dead, and the time for grief would have to wait.
Dance With Death is the eighth book in the Wild Fens Murder Mystery series by Jack Cartwright. Filled with twists, peppered with romance, and littered with humour, the Wild Fens Murder Mysteries are perfect for fans of JM Dalgliesh, Ann Cleeves, Rachel McClean, and Faith Martin.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2022
1083 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 22, 2023
Terrible story and what a rigmarole of an ending. DI Bloom was completely insufferable and boo woo for Ben getting the cold shoulder after frolicking around in France.
Lots of office politics that it didn’t take a genius to surmise that it was all going to slap them in the face.
I really can’t take anymore and I’m still mystified with all the 4/5 stars. It’s almost as mystifying as to why I’m still reading this ……….insert choice word here.
Lots of office politics that it didn’t take a genius to surmise that it was all going to slap them in the face.
I really can’t take anymore and I’m still mystified with all the 4/5 stars. It’s almost as mystifying as to why I’m still reading this ……….insert choice word here.
May 23, 2024
Myra. The woman who is first killed sounds like the mother /MIL from hell and her killer deserves kudos.
Freya has finally gotten to me. She is ignorant, obnoxious and stupid, not seeing anything but her iwn opinion and point of view.
I really like this author. I really HATE Freya. Done with this series.
Gag-worthy
Freya has finally gotten to me. She is ignorant, obnoxious and stupid, not seeing anything but her iwn opinion and point of view.
I really like this author. I really HATE Freya. Done with this series.
Gag-worthy
March 17, 2023
I enjoyed this story, book eight in the series. The plot was good, some twists and turns. I also liked the character development and personal stories.
Although it was well-written overall, there were some mistakes, grammatical errors and poor English such as 'off of' (should be just 'off' or 'from') and 'me either' (should be 'me neither'). Otherwise, it's fast-paced with an easy flow.
Enjoyable and engaging.
Although it was well-written overall, there were some mistakes, grammatical errors and poor English such as 'off of' (should be just 'off' or 'from') and 'me either' (should be 'me neither'). Otherwise, it's fast-paced with an easy flow.
Enjoyable and engaging.
July 24, 2024
Wow, another great read in the Wild Fens Series. The continued drama of Freya and Ben as well as the rest of the team and the solving of another mystery. All the normal twists and turns. I really love this series. The characters are well rounded and the real life humour has me laughing out loud many times at the interplay between the characters particular Gillespie and Cruz.
December 22, 2022
Firstly I would like to thank the Author for my Advanced readers copy of this book and to say congratulations on yet another brilliantly written book which once I started reading it could not put it down. I Absolutely loved this book and would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me.
January 2, 2023
Too much office politics
I do like this series but this was disappointing compared to the earlier ones. Far too much time devoted to the political rung-climbing and not enough to the case.
I have to confess I'm often confused between this series and Joy Ellis DI Nikki Galena books. Both set in Lincs fens, female DI in a "relationship" with h er DS etc. Like them both, but please concentrate on solving the crime. I suspect a lot of the next book will be wasted on arguments with the useless and vindictive new DCI. Unnecessary.
I do like this series but this was disappointing compared to the earlier ones. Far too much time devoted to the political rung-climbing and not enough to the case.
I have to confess I'm often confused between this series and Joy Ellis DI Nikki Galena books. Both set in Lincs fens, female DI in a "relationship" with h er DS etc. Like them both, but please concentrate on solving the crime. I suspect a lot of the next book will be wasted on arguments with the useless and vindictive new DCI. Unnecessary.
January 25, 2023
All 8 books have been very good. Only slight problem that I have is with the proof readers. Too many errors, both spelling and placement of words in a sentence. Book 8 was not so exciting as the previous 1-7.
I'm hoping that book 9 will not be all about problems with the new DCI.
I'm hoping that book 9 will not be all about problems with the new DCI.
November 23, 2025
I have to say that reading this book with all the confrontation and bullying gave me a headache. I did give the book a four star rating because the mystery was really good. Freya is a woman driven by status and climbing to the top no matter who she hurts on the way up. She sends so many mixed messages to Ben that no wonder the poor man does not know what the hell is going on. I am not sure why a writer would want to just write about confrontation and bullying versus having some characters that are really nice in the book. I’ve been reading this series hoping that the next Book will show some compassion amongst the characters. Now the author has brought in the biggest bully and sexiest man to run the department. I can’t even imagine what the next book would be like in the series. I will be taking a break from this author.
January 3, 2024
There's no doubt about it - I thoroughly enjoy the characters in Jack Cartwright's Wild Fens series.
In Dance With Death they are given plenty of space to entertain the reader, possibly a little too much space. It feels like a slightly overlong book to me. But maybe that's inevitable, as, running alongside the investigation itself, is the reordering of the team following a death of one of its members. I'll say no more about that.
I have one grouse. This may only apply to the Kindle edition, but there are some errors that have crept in. Some words are missing, others are inserted inappropriately. Does Jack Cartwright use beta readers I wonder? They (of which I am one) have their uses.
In Dance With Death they are given plenty of space to entertain the reader, possibly a little too much space. It feels like a slightly overlong book to me. But maybe that's inevitable, as, running alongside the investigation itself, is the reordering of the team following a death of one of its members. I'll say no more about that.
I have one grouse. This may only apply to the Kindle edition, but there are some errors that have crept in. Some words are missing, others are inserted inappropriately. Does Jack Cartwright use beta readers I wonder? They (of which I am one) have their uses.
August 28, 2025
I wasn't as happy with this book, did not like the set up for the team after DCS dies...and don't get me started on Granger ..I very much dislike his character. Freya is trying to think of the future and encourages her team to step up so they can move up in the force, but Grangers decision is dumb, misogynistic and downright annoying. And I am NOT HAPPY with Freya and Ben's relationship nor bring annoying CSI Michaela back in the mix. A woman is found murdered and her Son in Law is a murder mystery writer, her daughter was talking to her moments before her death, her friend with benefits is slimy and an archeologist who she turned down his proposal is devious. But the story too second seat to the nonsense of the team. I've loved this series, not this one unfortunately
August 1, 2025
Much better!
After the previous book, I was uncertain about the future of me completing the rest of the series. This makes amends completely. Ben finally turns the emotional tables on Freya and she is put in her place deservedly. I was hoping that Standing wasn't going to be the new DCI as I am predicting the usual politics and brown nosing that goes with it to be quite boring. I hope that he is sacked, dies, or just leaves to give the team a new focus. This book was good, the plot was well written. On to the next.
After the previous book, I was uncertain about the future of me completing the rest of the series. This makes amends completely. Ben finally turns the emotional tables on Freya and she is put in her place deservedly. I was hoping that Standing wasn't going to be the new DCI as I am predicting the usual politics and brown nosing that goes with it to be quite boring. I hope that he is sacked, dies, or just leaves to give the team a new focus. This book was good, the plot was well written. On to the next.
October 2, 2023
No spoilers from me but the plot was ok, a bit rushed towards the end though. What I don’t like about these books is the dynamic between the so called team, there’s a bully, an up her own bottom boss, a simpering male underling and a namby pamby short bloke who allows everyone to treat him like dirt! Yes I know why do I read the series then, well because I keep wondering when the so called team become a team and work together that’s why!
December 15, 2023
Love Ben absolutely hate Freya
Jack Cartwright I hope with all my heart that you let Ben move on to someone better than Freya. I cannot stand how she treats him. No man deserves to be humiliated like Freya humiliates Ben. He deserves to be with someone that appreciates him for the wonderful man that he. I love all your other characters too but Freya is just too much. Ben deserves to be leader of that team of detectives. I only hope you give him the respect he deserves.
Jack Cartwright I hope with all my heart that you let Ben move on to someone better than Freya. I cannot stand how she treats him. No man deserves to be humiliated like Freya humiliates Ben. He deserves to be with someone that appreciates him for the wonderful man that he. I love all your other characters too but Freya is just too much. Ben deserves to be leader of that team of detectives. I only hope you give him the respect he deserves.
January 1, 2024
Another book in the series that I thoroughly enjoyed. It's not just a new murder case, it's also about how the team members interact, what their characters are like. You get to know them better with each book. Sometimes I'm so annoyed with them I could stick them behind the wallpaper as a Dutch saying goes, but then again I love them. Just like real people :)
August 19, 2024
Four am
Four and a half stars. The series is getting better all the time. Buy I do wish that Freya and Ben would sort themselves out, the bickering is beginning to detract from the stories, in fact they are nearly as bad as Gillespie and Cruz. It is a good job that Nillson, Anderson and Chapmanseem normal.I think all will change with the outcome of the hierarchy.
Four and a half stars. The series is getting better all the time. Buy I do wish that Freya and Ben would sort themselves out, the bickering is beginning to detract from the stories, in fact they are nearly as bad as Gillespie and Cruz. It is a good job that Nillson, Anderson and Chapmanseem normal.I think all will change with the outcome of the hierarchy.
September 16, 2024
A fascinating tale which is combined with the team's future looking uncertain. Given the outcome, it will be interesting to see how Freya and Ben work things out, not to mention all the other team members after their restructure. Really enjoyed this. Looking forward to the next one.
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
Julian Tremayne, Pocklington, East Yorkshire
January 17, 2025
Was OK, Just!
I didn't enjoy this book as much as some previous ones. Thankfully, it was less comedic between Gillespie and Cruz, but I found the running saga between Grata and Ben becoming tiresome. The plotline was quite good. All in all, it was OK, just! A 3-star at best, in my view.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as some previous ones. Thankfully, it was less comedic between Gillespie and Cruz, but I found the running saga between Grata and Ben becoming tiresome. The plotline was quite good. All in all, it was OK, just! A 3-star at best, in my view.
January 5, 2023
Jack Cartwright you are a brilliant author, your books are so full of great characters and stories that grip from the start, and this one has a brilliant twist at the end one I certainly didn't expect, and I was pleased to be able to pre order your next book today, I can't wait.
January 22, 2023
compelling read
Again another book not to be put down fir very long. The ending was a little surprising, but sure there is more to come.
On the other hand I just wish someone would actually check the spelling as a couple of mistakes, like the elephant in the room lol
Again another book not to be put down fir very long. The ending was a little surprising, but sure there is more to come.
On the other hand I just wish someone would actually check the spelling as a couple of mistakes, like the elephant in the room lol
September 1, 2023
Dance With Death: (The Wild Fens Murder Mystery Series Book 8)
This book is of the same outstanding quality of writing. Lots of great moments and a lot of twists and turns. I thoroughly recommend you read any of Jack Cartwright great books
This book is of the same outstanding quality of writing. Lots of great moments and a lot of twists and turns. I thoroughly recommend you read any of Jack Cartwright great books
June 11, 2024
The best one so far
I’ve enjoyed Dance With Death the most in the series so far. I do have one request and that is for someone to apply some WD-40 to that incident room door. I’m tired of reading about it.
I’ve enjoyed Dance With Death the most in the series so far. I do have one request and that is for someone to apply some WD-40 to that incident room door. I’m tired of reading about it.
June 24, 2024
I enjoyed this, but it starting to read more like a soap opera set in a Lincolnshire police station. There was more character development than crime investigation. I will read the next in the series to see how it progresses.
April 10, 2025
dance with death.
Reading my way through the books I did not enjoy this one very much. So sorry but all the relationships was somewhat taking from the reason to enjoy a good detective story.
Reading my way through the books I did not enjoy this one very much. So sorry but all the relationships was somewhat taking from the reason to enjoy a good detective story.
February 4, 2023
Absolutely brilliant, I do not do spoilers but I highly recommend this author.
February 18, 2023
Not up to the standard of the other books in the series
August 21, 2023
A good read. The characters are really funny.
November 28, 2023
Good book I’m a bit disappointed with the end I think there should have been more with Ben and Freya but I still enjoyed it
March 24, 2024
A shame up
The team get it wrong but Ben and Freya realise the mistake. The group get a shame up and expectations are not met. How will they care in the future.
The team get it wrong but Ben and Freya realise the mistake. The group get a shame up and expectations are not met. How will they care in the future.
July 14, 2024
Brilliant but sad!
Very much enjoyed this book, which feels like it is the last in the series, so guess we just have to wait and see!
Very much enjoyed this book, which feels like it is the last in the series, so guess we just have to wait and see!
September 20, 2024
Brilliantly clever
How clever - a fictional character mirroring the author and his fictional murder mystery repeated in the title and in the plot.
Absolutely fantastically twisty
How clever - a fictional character mirroring the author and his fictional murder mystery repeated in the title and in the plot.
Absolutely fantastically twisty
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews