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The Yorkshire Murders #2
The Lonely Lake Killings
A lonely recluse. A missing girl and a community in fear.
When the body of a young local girl is found next to an isolated lake, the main suspect is the old recluse who has lived next to the lake for many years – especially when the young girl’s purse is found on the old man’s doorstep.
But DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick aren’t so sure. Why would the old hermit leave such an obvious clue? And who would want to set the old man up?
As they dig deeper into the murder they discover a community in fear, determined to keep hold of long buried secrets. And Riddick is convinced that his own dark past is somehow linked to this crime, too.
Gardner fears that she may never get the answers she needs, until a break leads her down a path she’d rather not face. One that runs directly to her own front door…
What people are saying about Wes Markin...
'Cracking start to an exciting new series. Twist and turns, thrills and kills. I loved it.' Bestselling author Ross Greenwood.
'Markin stuns with his latest offering... Mind-bendingly dark and deep, you know it's not for the faint hearted from page one. Intricate plotting, devious twists and excellent characterisation take this tale to a whole new level. Any serious crime fan will love it!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen
When the body of a young local girl is found next to an isolated lake, the main suspect is the old recluse who has lived next to the lake for many years – especially when the young girl’s purse is found on the old man’s doorstep.
But DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick aren’t so sure. Why would the old hermit leave such an obvious clue? And who would want to set the old man up?
As they dig deeper into the murder they discover a community in fear, determined to keep hold of long buried secrets. And Riddick is convinced that his own dark past is somehow linked to this crime, too.
Gardner fears that she may never get the answers she needs, until a break leads her down a path she’d rather not face. One that runs directly to her own front door…
What people are saying about Wes Markin...
'Cracking start to an exciting new series. Twist and turns, thrills and kills. I loved it.' Bestselling author Ross Greenwood.
'Markin stuns with his latest offering... Mind-bendingly dark and deep, you know it's not for the faint hearted from page one. Intricate plotting, devious twists and excellent characterisation take this tale to a whole new level. Any serious crime fan will love it!' Bestselling author Owen Mullen
360 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2023
339 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Wes Markin
35 books228 followersBe sure to follow Wes on BookBub for the latest on sales: bit.ly/3tFWIHL
Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.
Wes Markin lives in Harrogate and is the bestselling author of the DCI Yorke crime novels set in Salisbury. He is also the author of the Jake Pettman series set in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
May 18, 2023
The Lonely Lake Killings is the perfect page turner. This is the kind of book that you’ll want to lock yourself away for to stop any unnecessary interruptions.
Loneliness can be a silent killer. Something easily solved, it’s effects sharper than a blade.
The Lonely Lake Killings is a fast-paced police procedural. After reading a large amount of them it really doesn’t take too long to decide whether that story is going to be for you. Having read Wes Markin’s work previously, I decided this was a story worth taking a chance on. Once again, Markin’s unique voice, steeped in humour and humanity had me engrossed with only a few words. A sense of dread had me checking over my shoulder and creeping to make sure the door was locked.
The Lonely Lake Killings is the second book in The Yorkshire Murders series but can easily be read as a standalone, I did, but will for sure go back and read book one. The Yorkshire moors have always held a certain sense of mystery so reading about a story set in Yorkshire made the fascination escalate. Reading those first few chapters had red lights dancing in my vision – a threatening shadow that wanted to bring everything tumbling down. I had so many questions, anger at how a victim could be discarded in such a way. Yes, the mama bear in me came out full force.
The body of a twenty-year-old woman is found by the side of a lake by an early morning fisherman, it would appear that she was killed elsewhere and transported to the area. The woman’s purse was found by the cabin of a local hermit, Harvey. With the discovery of her DNA in his hut, it seems like an open and closed case. But is it? It all just seems too easy. If someone was going to go to effort of killing a young woman, wouldn’t you have made more effort to hide her body? This is what DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick aim to find out.
The one thing about police procedurals is that they cannot work without strong characters. Gardner and Riddick bring that in spades. Gardner a female detective that has moved from the south to take up the post has baggage. A marriage in tatters and limited contact with her children, she’s also had to take in her psycho of a brother and his sweet daughter into her home. Her brother committed some atrocious acts on her when they were children, and she makes it her mission to provide a safe environment for her niece. He claims he’s changed but she’s a firm believer in the fact that leopards never change their spots.
Paul Riddick, oh Paul. He’s definitely my favourite character. It’s a wonder the guy is still able to stand up. He’s gone through so much – his wife and children were killed at the hands of a very dangerous criminal. The pain never leaves him and as a result is struggling with alcoholism. Despite all that, he has a wicked sense of humour that had me instantly warming to him and a fierce sense of what’s right. The only reason he still does it is justice; he wants justice for every victim that’s been wronged. Paul’s guilty of letting his heart to his thinking and can make some very ill formed decisions but that’s why I like him, he was unapologetically human.
Wes Markin and his narrative is phenomenal – the reader is gifted with just enough snippets that could crack even the coldest of hearts. We’re given the important details, the backstories, breadcrumbs to the past and trails of blood. Gardner and her team start connecting the evidence and it doesn’t point in the direction that it should.
Loneliness can be a silent killer. Something easily solved, it’s effects sharper than a blade.
The Lonely Lake Killings is a fast-paced police procedural. After reading a large amount of them it really doesn’t take too long to decide whether that story is going to be for you. Having read Wes Markin’s work previously, I decided this was a story worth taking a chance on. Once again, Markin’s unique voice, steeped in humour and humanity had me engrossed with only a few words. A sense of dread had me checking over my shoulder and creeping to make sure the door was locked.
The Lonely Lake Killings is the second book in The Yorkshire Murders series but can easily be read as a standalone, I did, but will for sure go back and read book one. The Yorkshire moors have always held a certain sense of mystery so reading about a story set in Yorkshire made the fascination escalate. Reading those first few chapters had red lights dancing in my vision – a threatening shadow that wanted to bring everything tumbling down. I had so many questions, anger at how a victim could be discarded in such a way. Yes, the mama bear in me came out full force.
The body of a twenty-year-old woman is found by the side of a lake by an early morning fisherman, it would appear that she was killed elsewhere and transported to the area. The woman’s purse was found by the cabin of a local hermit, Harvey. With the discovery of her DNA in his hut, it seems like an open and closed case. But is it? It all just seems too easy. If someone was going to go to effort of killing a young woman, wouldn’t you have made more effort to hide her body? This is what DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick aim to find out.
The one thing about police procedurals is that they cannot work without strong characters. Gardner and Riddick bring that in spades. Gardner a female detective that has moved from the south to take up the post has baggage. A marriage in tatters and limited contact with her children, she’s also had to take in her psycho of a brother and his sweet daughter into her home. Her brother committed some atrocious acts on her when they were children, and she makes it her mission to provide a safe environment for her niece. He claims he’s changed but she’s a firm believer in the fact that leopards never change their spots.
Paul Riddick, oh Paul. He’s definitely my favourite character. It’s a wonder the guy is still able to stand up. He’s gone through so much – his wife and children were killed at the hands of a very dangerous criminal. The pain never leaves him and as a result is struggling with alcoholism. Despite all that, he has a wicked sense of humour that had me instantly warming to him and a fierce sense of what’s right. The only reason he still does it is justice; he wants justice for every victim that’s been wronged. Paul’s guilty of letting his heart to his thinking and can make some very ill formed decisions but that’s why I like him, he was unapologetically human.
Wes Markin and his narrative is phenomenal – the reader is gifted with just enough snippets that could crack even the coldest of hearts. We’re given the important details, the backstories, breadcrumbs to the past and trails of blood. Gardner and her team start connecting the evidence and it doesn’t point in the direction that it should.
January 27, 2023
The second book in the Yorkshire Murders, a tense, action packed read. Some twists and turns but for me not as gripping and gut wrenching as some of his other work. Still a good read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
December 21, 2022
The second DCI Emma Gardner book is full of action and tension. A body is found near the local fishing lake and everyone seems to think it’s the local recluse that’s to blame. Emma isn’t convinced. People are being human and failing to live up to their own standards, leading to the tensions that drive the story onward. There are going to be some changes for Emma soon, I think, and I kept cheering on Riddick, wanting him to come good. I very much enjoyed it.
March 26, 2023
High 4 stars. DCI Gardner and partner DI Riddick are a mess but good at they’re jobs. Who killed this girl and why? And can these detectives catch a break?
This mystery crime felt a lot like a Cormoran Strike novel. It’s messes and complicated and I couldn’t help but stay with it until the end. Well written with a British touch. I recommend it.
Thanks Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
This mystery crime felt a lot like a Cormoran Strike novel. It’s messes and complicated and I couldn’t help but stay with it until the end. Well written with a British touch. I recommend it.
Thanks Boldwood Books via NetGalley.
May 15, 2023
Before I even make a review, I’m just gonna put a massive PSA that there is heavy SA/ predatory stuff going on in this book which I was completely NOT expecting. This is the second time in this series the same topic has been brought up and it’s not cool. The reason being because it’s been done before in the first book, why repeat it again now? I’ve told myself that if the third instalment has this again I’m dropping this series overall.
Overall it’s a 3 / 5 stars, this is a drop from the first book, all round disappointment to the suspense and tension build up from the first book. It wasn’t the same, it didn’t have the same level of intensity. This plot felt slow, boring and frankly going round in circles almost to the point where the true details begin revealing themselves within the last 100 pages. I felt as though there was a lot of circles being made with Harvey and Simon- it felt like the same things were being repeated before. Characters appearing from the first book creeping into the second instalment to only have a few dedicated pages and then thrown out, lacking in substance and purpose. I’m keen to see how the third instalment goes on how they pickup the mess of this book. It looks like a downhill slope based on how high the bar was raised on the first book. I had high hopes for this book, due to how much I enjoyed the first one!
I guess the only best thing is the partnership between DCI Emma Gardener and DI Paul Riddick where this book delves into the complex characters between the two. It’s messy, the problems presented in this book, and that’s what I like. Similar to the Louisa Scarr’s book, the detectives seem real. They have real life problems like we do, making it seem relatable, reasonable and realistic. And I guess that’s why I like the series- the very few where the two main characters feel real and authentic. The very last ending was a little of a surprise which did tug on a few heart strings. I will be keeping my eye out for the third instalment but keeping a bigger eye out for the themes in the next book. I know this book isn’t for many due to how detailed it gets with the predatory stuff.
But overall Wes, you have to chill with the heavy SA stuff or at least warn people about it within the book.
Overall it’s a 3 / 5 stars, this is a drop from the first book, all round disappointment to the suspense and tension build up from the first book. It wasn’t the same, it didn’t have the same level of intensity. This plot felt slow, boring and frankly going round in circles almost to the point where the true details begin revealing themselves within the last 100 pages. I felt as though there was a lot of circles being made with Harvey and Simon- it felt like the same things were being repeated before. Characters appearing from the first book creeping into the second instalment to only have a few dedicated pages and then thrown out, lacking in substance and purpose. I’m keen to see how the third instalment goes on how they pickup the mess of this book. It looks like a downhill slope based on how high the bar was raised on the first book. I had high hopes for this book, due to how much I enjoyed the first one!
I guess the only best thing is the partnership between DCI Emma Gardener and DI Paul Riddick where this book delves into the complex characters between the two. It’s messy, the problems presented in this book, and that’s what I like. Similar to the Louisa Scarr’s book, the detectives seem real. They have real life problems like we do, making it seem relatable, reasonable and realistic. And I guess that’s why I like the series- the very few where the two main characters feel real and authentic. The very last ending was a little of a surprise which did tug on a few heart strings. I will be keeping my eye out for the third instalment but keeping a bigger eye out for the themes in the next book. I know this book isn’t for many due to how detailed it gets with the predatory stuff.
But overall Wes, you have to chill with the heavy SA stuff or at least warn people about it within the book.
January 8, 2023
A lonely recluse. A missing girl and a community in fear. What more could you ask for in a good mystery/thriller book?
The Lonely Lake Killings is book 2 in the series. I did not read book 1, but I don't feel I missed anything regarding the characters or atmosphere. The author is able to grab the reader from the beginning and craft a story that keeps your interest while also trying to guess what will happen next.
The story has some good twists and turns, and the ending is tense.
The Lonely Lake Killings was a perfect introduction to this author, and I would recommend this book. I will check out more books by Wes Markin. I rate this a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to 5).
#TheLonelyLakeKillings #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks
The Lonely Lake Killings is book 2 in the series. I did not read book 1, but I don't feel I missed anything regarding the characters or atmosphere. The author is able to grab the reader from the beginning and craft a story that keeps your interest while also trying to guess what will happen next.
The story has some good twists and turns, and the ending is tense.
The Lonely Lake Killings was a perfect introduction to this author, and I would recommend this book. I will check out more books by Wes Markin. I rate this a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars (rounded to 5).
#TheLonelyLakeKillings #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks
January 29, 2023
The Lonely Lake Killings is a compelling detective novel with a particularly dark story at its centre. Book 2 in the series, but I haven't read book 1 and I managed just fine.
DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick make for an interesting team to follow as they investigate the murder of a young woman, found dead near the site of a hermit's hut by a lake. The hermit's the obvious suspect, but is that too obvious? Almost certainly, but there's a hell of a lot of red herrings and plot to unravel before they can get their 'whodunnit'.
The author skilfully creates a small-town environment, with a bunch of characters whom you can easily believe all live in the same world, living full lives even while off the page. Several of them make credible suspects, which makes the guessing a bit tougher! As mentioned the story is quite dark and gritty - and ultimately (not a spoiler about the ending) a bit depressing, but that's true to the material, so fair enough! A good read.
DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick make for an interesting team to follow as they investigate the murder of a young woman, found dead near the site of a hermit's hut by a lake. The hermit's the obvious suspect, but is that too obvious? Almost certainly, but there's a hell of a lot of red herrings and plot to unravel before they can get their 'whodunnit'.
The author skilfully creates a small-town environment, with a bunch of characters whom you can easily believe all live in the same world, living full lives even while off the page. Several of them make credible suspects, which makes the guessing a bit tougher! As mentioned the story is quite dark and gritty - and ultimately (not a spoiler about the ending) a bit depressing, but that's true to the material, so fair enough! A good read.
January 23, 2023
This is the second offering in the series, this book I found to be an enjoyable read and kept me guessing until quite late into the book before I worked out “who~done~it”.
There are a tremendous amount of characters, a chunk of whom we met in the first book but still at times it took a minute to remember who was who.
You don’t need to have read the first one (The Viaduct Killings) to be able to follow this one.
I felt that the ending was abrupt and can only assume it is set up to draw us into the third book of the series.
Overall I enjoyed it and would be happy to recommend this novel to people looking for a crime suspense murder. I will probably read the next one - I feel compelled to see how Emma and Paul get on, and if Paul overcomes his demons.
There are a tremendous amount of characters, a chunk of whom we met in the first book but still at times it took a minute to remember who was who.
You don’t need to have read the first one (The Viaduct Killings) to be able to follow this one.
I felt that the ending was abrupt and can only assume it is set up to draw us into the third book of the series.
Overall I enjoyed it and would be happy to recommend this novel to people looking for a crime suspense murder. I will probably read the next one - I feel compelled to see how Emma and Paul get on, and if Paul overcomes his demons.
January 4, 2023
I make no secret of the fact I'm a huge fan of Wes's writing, and have been truly blown away as its got better and better.
I was intrigued by a new series, that wasn't going to be as dark, and the Viaduct Killings proved a great intro into another team, particularly Emma Gardner and Paul Riddick, who I can totally get behind.
The Lonely Lake killings is book 2 and follows the murder of a 20 year old who had her whole life ahead of her.
There is so much going on here, while trying to figure out who killed her, a traveller camp, Si, the local builder who seems to control trade in the area, not a gangster by any description, but seemingly not far off.
Bring in both Emma's brother and Riddicks alcoholism and dead family, it creates a really intense dark read.
I rarely stay up to finish books but this is one of those I had to. The ending knocks you completely from left field but there a couple of twists in the tale.
Wes certainly knows how to grab you and keep you hooked. His characters are likeable and despicable, they aren't black or white. No single character is all one thing or the other. The action is non stop and its another real page turner.
I already cannot wait for book three.
I was intrigued by a new series, that wasn't going to be as dark, and the Viaduct Killings proved a great intro into another team, particularly Emma Gardner and Paul Riddick, who I can totally get behind.
The Lonely Lake killings is book 2 and follows the murder of a 20 year old who had her whole life ahead of her.
There is so much going on here, while trying to figure out who killed her, a traveller camp, Si, the local builder who seems to control trade in the area, not a gangster by any description, but seemingly not far off.
Bring in both Emma's brother and Riddicks alcoholism and dead family, it creates a really intense dark read.
I rarely stay up to finish books but this is one of those I had to. The ending knocks you completely from left field but there a couple of twists in the tale.
Wes certainly knows how to grab you and keep you hooked. His characters are likeable and despicable, they aren't black or white. No single character is all one thing or the other. The action is non stop and its another real page turner.
I already cannot wait for book three.
January 28, 2023
A great follow up to The Viaduct Killings. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series featuring DCI Emna Gardner and DI Paul Riddick. A young woman is found murdered and automatically suspicion falls upon a man, a hermit, who lives nearby to where the body is found. Several suspects with different motives made for an intriguing plot. I was sure I had guessed the outcome, but I was wrong. What is also interesting is the backstory and personal lives of Gardner and Riddick. It certainly adds an extra element to this series . Looking forward to more in this series
August 13, 2025
What a rollercoaster! This was so good, I will be immediately starting the next one.
May 23, 2023
Okay, but don’t start with Book 2
The author seems to assumes that readers have read Book 1 and know his characters’ back stories. I hadn’t, so I was constantly curious about their references. DCI Gardner is a solid character, but I find it hard to believe that she (or the author) would use such bad grammar, as in “Myself and Paul left to take care of it.” Really? I nearly quit reading then and there. The plot was okay for this sort of book, but it never addressed a key point raised. Who in the department was leaking information? That just got dropped completely. Finally, there didn’t seem to be anything here that distinguished the location as Yorkshire or even the characters as using Northern expressions. I’m not likely to read more by Markin as this was somewhat disappointing, even for a light genre read.
The author seems to assumes that readers have read Book 1 and know his characters’ back stories. I hadn’t, so I was constantly curious about their references. DCI Gardner is a solid character, but I find it hard to believe that she (or the author) would use such bad grammar, as in “Myself and Paul left to take care of it.” Really? I nearly quit reading then and there. The plot was okay for this sort of book, but it never addressed a key point raised. Who in the department was leaking information? That just got dropped completely. Finally, there didn’t seem to be anything here that distinguished the location as Yorkshire or even the characters as using Northern expressions. I’m not likely to read more by Markin as this was somewhat disappointing, even for a light genre read.
June 17, 2023
Disappointing, made more so by a terrible narration on audiobook. Another solo narrator that attempts to apply a unique voice to a multitude of characters. It does not work, we end up with a cacophony of terrible voices that only serve to distract the listener.
As far as the story , the whole DI Riddick persona and his continued personal struggles is growing tiresome. The facilitating of this behavior by his superior(s) is equally absurd. Add in the potential relationship hinted at the end, and I want no part of any future Gardner/Riddick series.
As far as the story , the whole DI Riddick persona and his continued personal struggles is growing tiresome. The facilitating of this behavior by his superior(s) is equally absurd. Add in the potential relationship hinted at the end, and I want no part of any future Gardner/Riddick series.
February 16, 2023
The story:
With barely a chance to draw breath after murder investigation Operation Eden, DCI Gardner, DI Riddick and their North Yorkshire team are thrown into a new case when the body of young woman Tia Meadows is found beside a lake. But this time an arrest is immediate, with loner Harvey Henfrey brought in for the crime.
But as the team investigate, they find there’s more to things than meet the eye, with DI Riddick even fearing a link to his tragic past and the possible involvement of DCI Gardner’s own brother. Will they be able to get to the bottom of events on the night of Tia’s death, and bring the killer to justice?
My thoughts:
Having enjoyed the first book in the Yorkshire Murders series “The Viaduct Killings” last year, I was looking forward to picking up the story of DCI Emma Gardner and team again; and I’m pleased to say, I wasn’t disappointed!
This book picks up immediately after the action of the previous book, and Gardner, along with the unpredictable DI Paul Riddick, are once again leading a murder inquiry. The case at first seems open and shut, with an immediate arrest of a local recluse, and things do look bad for him — the body is found near his isolated hut and the victim’s bag is found on his porch. But DCI Gardner’s instincts tell her Henfrey is telling the truth when he claims his innocence.
The case leads them in increasingly dark directions from a history of abuse in the pasts of some of the characters, to DI Riddick’s own tragedy that we learnt about in book one. DCI Gardner’s brother, who arrived back in her life recently with her young niece Rose in tow, is also in the picture, and she is forced to confront their difficult relationship — could he possibly be linked to the crime?
As with the first book, I really enjoyed the relationship between Gardner and Riddick. While Gardner is a by-the-book officer and Riddick is a maverick, they both seem to be better for working with each other.
With several feasible suspects in the case, the conclusion took me by surprise and kept me turning the pages until I knew what had happened! This is a great, fast-paced crime story, and I eagerly await the next instalment of the Yorkshire Murders series to find out what happens to Gardner and Riddick next!
With barely a chance to draw breath after murder investigation Operation Eden, DCI Gardner, DI Riddick and their North Yorkshire team are thrown into a new case when the body of young woman Tia Meadows is found beside a lake. But this time an arrest is immediate, with loner Harvey Henfrey brought in for the crime.
But as the team investigate, they find there’s more to things than meet the eye, with DI Riddick even fearing a link to his tragic past and the possible involvement of DCI Gardner’s own brother. Will they be able to get to the bottom of events on the night of Tia’s death, and bring the killer to justice?
My thoughts:
Having enjoyed the first book in the Yorkshire Murders series “The Viaduct Killings” last year, I was looking forward to picking up the story of DCI Emma Gardner and team again; and I’m pleased to say, I wasn’t disappointed!
This book picks up immediately after the action of the previous book, and Gardner, along with the unpredictable DI Paul Riddick, are once again leading a murder inquiry. The case at first seems open and shut, with an immediate arrest of a local recluse, and things do look bad for him — the body is found near his isolated hut and the victim’s bag is found on his porch. But DCI Gardner’s instincts tell her Henfrey is telling the truth when he claims his innocence.
The case leads them in increasingly dark directions from a history of abuse in the pasts of some of the characters, to DI Riddick’s own tragedy that we learnt about in book one. DCI Gardner’s brother, who arrived back in her life recently with her young niece Rose in tow, is also in the picture, and she is forced to confront their difficult relationship — could he possibly be linked to the crime?
As with the first book, I really enjoyed the relationship between Gardner and Riddick. While Gardner is a by-the-book officer and Riddick is a maverick, they both seem to be better for working with each other.
With several feasible suspects in the case, the conclusion took me by surprise and kept me turning the pages until I knew what had happened! This is a great, fast-paced crime story, and I eagerly await the next instalment of the Yorkshire Murders series to find out what happens to Gardner and Riddick next!
February 18, 2023
These last few weeks, I have been so lucky! Every review I have posted has been for a book by one of my go-to authors. Today is no different. Wes Markin is one of my favourite authors, and not just because he is a brilliant bloke but because he writes brilliant books too!
The Lonely Lake Killings is the second book in The Yorkshire Murders series. I have been waiting for this book since I reviewed his first book in the series, The Viaduct Killings. So,to say I was happy to finally read this book is an understatement.
This book picks right up from the end of the last book, so the continuity feels strong. I would say that it could be read as a standalone, and Wes Markin does a great job of filling in back stories. On the other hand, if you begin from the first one, you do understand the main characters to a greater depth.
DCI Emma Gardener and DI Paul Riddick are called out to the discovery of a young woman next to a local lake. The murderer seems cut and dried, but is it? The more they investigate the case, the more suspects that crawl out of the woodwork. Then there is Paul Riddicks past to delve into Emma's brother. The more I read, the more tense and dark it became. That's one of Wes Markin's traits. Even if the story isn't as dark as his other books, he always brings tension and darkness in some way. I love it!
As the pages flew by, I attempted to guess who the murderer was, but as always, I was wrong. No matter how many books, Wes Markin writes, the quality never diminishes. His characters are superbly drawn, and I feel like I know Emma and Paul. To the point I was just glad to be back with them.
His plots are crafted with depth. The twists are perfectly placed, and the conclusion is one I don't guess. Then, there is his humour running throughout the book. It always makes me chuckle, sometimes a little dark, but it's what helps make his books as good as they are! I am holding my impatience in for the next book!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Wes Markin for the ARC of the book to bring my honest review.
The Lonely Lake Killings is the second book in The Yorkshire Murders series. I have been waiting for this book since I reviewed his first book in the series, The Viaduct Killings. So,to say I was happy to finally read this book is an understatement.
This book picks right up from the end of the last book, so the continuity feels strong. I would say that it could be read as a standalone, and Wes Markin does a great job of filling in back stories. On the other hand, if you begin from the first one, you do understand the main characters to a greater depth.
DCI Emma Gardener and DI Paul Riddick are called out to the discovery of a young woman next to a local lake. The murderer seems cut and dried, but is it? The more they investigate the case, the more suspects that crawl out of the woodwork. Then there is Paul Riddicks past to delve into Emma's brother. The more I read, the more tense and dark it became. That's one of Wes Markin's traits. Even if the story isn't as dark as his other books, he always brings tension and darkness in some way. I love it!
As the pages flew by, I attempted to guess who the murderer was, but as always, I was wrong. No matter how many books, Wes Markin writes, the quality never diminishes. His characters are superbly drawn, and I feel like I know Emma and Paul. To the point I was just glad to be back with them.
His plots are crafted with depth. The twists are perfectly placed, and the conclusion is one I don't guess. Then, there is his humour running throughout the book. It always makes me chuckle, sometimes a little dark, but it's what helps make his books as good as they are! I am holding my impatience in for the next book!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and Wes Markin for the ARC of the book to bring my honest review.
February 21, 2023
The body of twenty-year-old Tia Meadows is found early one morning by an angler only a stone’s throw from the tiny stone cottage of reclusive Harvey Henfrey. When her purse is found outside his front door, it looks like the police, led by DCI Emma Gardner, have an open and shut case of murder but could it be a set-up? The post mortem throws up some interesting new facts and as they delve into Tia’s life, they suddenly find themselves with a number of suspects, including her father who has made sure he has a complete monopoly on the building trade and the traveller group with whom he is at loggerheads. Someone is determined to bury the sins of the past at all costs but will this lead Emma to the killer in time?
DCI Emma Gardner is on a temporary relocation to Knaresborough and has DI Paul Riddick as her second in command. Riddick is a man with a tragic history, both personal and professional, and in the first story was struggling to deal with the ghosts which haunted him. Emma recognised the good detective in him and helped him overcome his drinking but just when Riddick thinks he is back on an even keel, disaster strikes again and his life is thrown into turmoil with potentially devastating consequences. Emma has her fair share of problems too as she takes in her sociopathic brother Jack so she can keep an eye on his daughter Rose whilst her marriage to Barry falls apart over the long distance between them. The friendship between Emma and Riddick is fast becoming a very strong one and, along with the other detectives, they are developing into a great team as they unearth a story tinged with sadness where the nicest people seem to receive the worst treatment.
This story will appeal to readers who love a good solid police procedural with a complex plot but without the sadistic nightmare characters that Emma’s mentor DCI Yorke had to deal with. This is a great new series and I am looking forward to reading more. 5*
DCI Emma Gardner is on a temporary relocation to Knaresborough and has DI Paul Riddick as her second in command. Riddick is a man with a tragic history, both personal and professional, and in the first story was struggling to deal with the ghosts which haunted him. Emma recognised the good detective in him and helped him overcome his drinking but just when Riddick thinks he is back on an even keel, disaster strikes again and his life is thrown into turmoil with potentially devastating consequences. Emma has her fair share of problems too as she takes in her sociopathic brother Jack so she can keep an eye on his daughter Rose whilst her marriage to Barry falls apart over the long distance between them. The friendship between Emma and Riddick is fast becoming a very strong one and, along with the other detectives, they are developing into a great team as they unearth a story tinged with sadness where the nicest people seem to receive the worst treatment.
This story will appeal to readers who love a good solid police procedural with a complex plot but without the sadistic nightmare characters that Emma’s mentor DCI Yorke had to deal with. This is a great new series and I am looking forward to reading more. 5*
January 29, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of The Lonely Lake Killings, the second novel to feature DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick of North Yorkshire Police, set in Knaresborough.
When the body of a young woman is found near an isolated lake suspicion fall on the hermit who lives in a shack nearby, especially when the victim’s purse is found outside his front door. The community is convinced of his guilt, Gardner and Riddick not so much and when they dig deeper they uncover all sorts of secrets, some nearer to home than they would like.
The Lonely Lake Killings is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really like the author’s style of writing with its clear prose and ability to draw the reader in with strategic reveals and hints of more to come. On the other hand I felt that the middle of the novel was muddled and I really didn’t understand some of the motivations in some of the characters.
By the end of the novel I could see where the author wanted to go, but he took a circuitous route involving the victim’s father and Paul Riddick, who lost his wife and children in a car bombing. I understand loss, but I have absolutely no idea where they were coming from nor could I follow their thought processes. It felt weird in a crime novel. Still, the rest of the novel was interesting with various suspects and a reluctance to tell the truth. It’s not particularly propulsive, but it is thorough investigatively.
I must admit that I found Riddick’s disintegration difficult to read. For the first half of the novel he is a smart, focused detective, in the second he is a relapsed alcoholic with very poor decision making skills. It looks like it will be up to Gardner to save him and his job, while trying to salvage her own life. I feel quite sorry for her.
The Lonely Lake Killings is a solid read. 3.5*
When the body of a young woman is found near an isolated lake suspicion fall on the hermit who lives in a shack nearby, especially when the victim’s purse is found outside his front door. The community is convinced of his guilt, Gardner and Riddick not so much and when they dig deeper they uncover all sorts of secrets, some nearer to home than they would like.
The Lonely Lake Killings is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I really like the author’s style of writing with its clear prose and ability to draw the reader in with strategic reveals and hints of more to come. On the other hand I felt that the middle of the novel was muddled and I really didn’t understand some of the motivations in some of the characters.
By the end of the novel I could see where the author wanted to go, but he took a circuitous route involving the victim’s father and Paul Riddick, who lost his wife and children in a car bombing. I understand loss, but I have absolutely no idea where they were coming from nor could I follow their thought processes. It felt weird in a crime novel. Still, the rest of the novel was interesting with various suspects and a reluctance to tell the truth. It’s not particularly propulsive, but it is thorough investigatively.
I must admit that I found Riddick’s disintegration difficult to read. For the first half of the novel he is a smart, focused detective, in the second he is a relapsed alcoholic with very poor decision making skills. It looks like it will be up to Gardner to save him and his job, while trying to salvage her own life. I feel quite sorry for her.
The Lonely Lake Killings is a solid read. 3.5*
January 31, 2023
This is the second in this spin off series and so only one book to play catch-up with! And I do recommend you do just that. In fact, you could do more than that and check out this author's previous series to see where DCI Emma Gardner stemmed from. Not obligatory, but all good reads, so...
We start with the death of a local girl. Found near an isolated lake. Nearby where an old recluse lives. Fingers point towards him straight away, his guilt cemented by the fact that her purse was found on his doorstep. But Emma and partner in crime DI Paul Riddick aren't so sure. Seems a bit cut and dried without a motive to them... So, they start their investigation in earnest. It's not long before they discover fear within the community and secrets they are trying to keep... And it's not going to be easy breaking down their defense to get to the truth...
As well as the crime, we also witness Riddick facing his pwn demons as well as Emma having to make some decisions of her own. Both I will leave you to discover as the author intends but suffice to say that both complement rather than distract from the main crime story being told.
The characters, and there are quite a few, are really what makes this book (and author) really pop. They are multidimensional and multifaceted rather than being just plain black & white. I often change my mind about them several times during a book as more of their personality and backstory is known. They are all east to connect to in some way or other, both positive and negative and all things in between.
And the story gets on with itself very well too, with scant waffle or padding, culminating in an ending which both satisfied and whetted my appetite for next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start with the death of a local girl. Found near an isolated lake. Nearby where an old recluse lives. Fingers point towards him straight away, his guilt cemented by the fact that her purse was found on his doorstep. But Emma and partner in crime DI Paul Riddick aren't so sure. Seems a bit cut and dried without a motive to them... So, they start their investigation in earnest. It's not long before they discover fear within the community and secrets they are trying to keep... And it's not going to be easy breaking down their defense to get to the truth...
As well as the crime, we also witness Riddick facing his pwn demons as well as Emma having to make some decisions of her own. Both I will leave you to discover as the author intends but suffice to say that both complement rather than distract from the main crime story being told.
The characters, and there are quite a few, are really what makes this book (and author) really pop. They are multidimensional and multifaceted rather than being just plain black & white. I often change my mind about them several times during a book as more of their personality and backstory is known. They are all east to connect to in some way or other, both positive and negative and all things in between.
And the story gets on with itself very well too, with scant waffle or padding, culminating in an ending which both satisfied and whetted my appetite for next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
March 17, 2025
Wes Markin sure knows how to hook a reader into his stories. I challenge anyone who does not get caught up in his plots from page one.
Well, that is what I felt when I had read his excellent Whitby’s Forgotten Victims series but having now read The Lonely Lake Killings, book two in his Yorkshire series, I will admit that he has jumped on to my ‘go to’ authors who I trust to deliver high impact, absorbing, tense psychological crime thrillers, with characters that you are wholly invested in.
What I loved about The Lonely Lake Killings was the subtle way the author created parallels of the investigation into the discovery of a young woman near an isolated lake, with the fictional real worlds of the lead detectives, DCI Emma Gardener and DI Paul Riddick. In both instances, the fundamentally honest and fair detectives committed to justice, were pushed to breaking point given the difficulties in keeping their personal lives out of their professional worlds.
In what would appear to be a cut and dry case given the evidence that was so stacked up against the recluse who lived near where the woman’s body was found, this was a case looking as if it would be a quick win. But as the investigation unfolds, with Gardener applying her natural instinct and passion to undertake a thorough and complete investigation, things would appear not to be not as they initially seem.
The Lonely Lake Killings can definitely be read stand-alone but I am confident it will drive you straight to picking up book one and subsequently committing to a future with all 6 books so far published in the series.
Wes Markin is an exceptionally talented writer, one worthy of far more recognition than he has, to date, achieved.
Well, that is what I felt when I had read his excellent Whitby’s Forgotten Victims series but having now read The Lonely Lake Killings, book two in his Yorkshire series, I will admit that he has jumped on to my ‘go to’ authors who I trust to deliver high impact, absorbing, tense psychological crime thrillers, with characters that you are wholly invested in.
What I loved about The Lonely Lake Killings was the subtle way the author created parallels of the investigation into the discovery of a young woman near an isolated lake, with the fictional real worlds of the lead detectives, DCI Emma Gardener and DI Paul Riddick. In both instances, the fundamentally honest and fair detectives committed to justice, were pushed to breaking point given the difficulties in keeping their personal lives out of their professional worlds.
In what would appear to be a cut and dry case given the evidence that was so stacked up against the recluse who lived near where the woman’s body was found, this was a case looking as if it would be a quick win. But as the investigation unfolds, with Gardener applying her natural instinct and passion to undertake a thorough and complete investigation, things would appear not to be not as they initially seem.
The Lonely Lake Killings can definitely be read stand-alone but I am confident it will drive you straight to picking up book one and subsequently committing to a future with all 6 books so far published in the series.
Wes Markin is an exceptionally talented writer, one worthy of far more recognition than he has, to date, achieved.
February 3, 2023
The Lonely Lake Killings is the second book in the Yorkshire murder series by Wes Markin, and the first book by Wes that I’ve read. Although it is the second book, I felt it could be easily read as a standalone, and I had no problem at all in getting into the story. Wes Markin has created a really intriguing mystery with the murder of a young girl, Tia Meadows, and there are plenty of interesting character’s who had me contemplating who could’ve killed her and why.
Wes Markin creates a fascinating backstory for the character’s, who are the central focus point in this book, and these backstories give the character’s all a potential motive for the murder of Tia, which creates a tense atmosphere. Tia appears to have been involved with a few people in the run up to her death, and this creates a lot of work for DCI Emma Gardener and DI Paul Riddick to sift through. Her father, a multi-millionaire, with a shady background, is distraught about her death. Wes Markin delves into his background as the plot of the novel progresses, and I found these scenes, especially as Wes explored his childhood, very intense.
It took me just a couple of sittings to finish this book. Rick has a very interesting and a heart-breaking backstory as well, and I felt I really connected to his character as I was reading. I could see how much pain he is still in from the horrific trauma he has suffered. I think this is where I may have benefited more from reading the previous book in the series, but Wes Markin does explain what happened to Rick very well for new readers.
There are some shocking reveals about Tia and her father, which deepen the mystery surrounding her death even further, which is part of what makes this story a real page-turner, and why I flew through it so quickly.
This is a series I’ll definitely be keen to return to.
Wes Markin creates a fascinating backstory for the character’s, who are the central focus point in this book, and these backstories give the character’s all a potential motive for the murder of Tia, which creates a tense atmosphere. Tia appears to have been involved with a few people in the run up to her death, and this creates a lot of work for DCI Emma Gardener and DI Paul Riddick to sift through. Her father, a multi-millionaire, with a shady background, is distraught about her death. Wes Markin delves into his background as the plot of the novel progresses, and I found these scenes, especially as Wes explored his childhood, very intense.
It took me just a couple of sittings to finish this book. Rick has a very interesting and a heart-breaking backstory as well, and I felt I really connected to his character as I was reading. I could see how much pain he is still in from the horrific trauma he has suffered. I think this is where I may have benefited more from reading the previous book in the series, but Wes Markin does explain what happened to Rick very well for new readers.
There are some shocking reveals about Tia and her father, which deepen the mystery surrounding her death even further, which is part of what makes this story a real page-turner, and why I flew through it so quickly.
This is a series I’ll definitely be keen to return to.
February 7, 2023
Book Title: The Lonely Lake Killings
Series: The Yorkshire Murders #2
Author: Wes Markin
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: February 15, 2023
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
This is the second book in The Yorkshire Murders Series.
Story stars when Frank Dowson who calls himself an old man is heading to the lake to fish only he has to cross Harvey Henfrey’s land. Harvey is described as peculiar but Frank is willing to cross his land as it is 5:30 am. When he gets to the lake he sees a young girl facing a tree. This certainly seems odd and as he gets close he discovers that it is twenty year old Tia Meadows who works at the local bar and she is dead.
DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick are looking for her killer but everyone believes this is an open and shut case since she is on Harvey’s land and he is known as a local recluse and surely is responsible.
DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick are not as positive. Their investigation discovers that the Si Meadows her father is a wealthy local businessman who has some questionable acquaintances.
In the meantime, both detectives are dealing with personal situations which is making it difficult to think clearly - Riddick’s past (?) is catching up with him and Emma’s psychopathic brother is causing her worry
As the story unfolds, there will be more casualties, as the detectives uncover what really caused the young woman’s death.
However, anyone who enjoys police procedure will love this!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 15, 2023
Series: The Yorkshire Murders #2
Author: Wes Markin
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: February 15, 2023
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
This is the second book in The Yorkshire Murders Series.
Story stars when Frank Dowson who calls himself an old man is heading to the lake to fish only he has to cross Harvey Henfrey’s land. Harvey is described as peculiar but Frank is willing to cross his land as it is 5:30 am. When he gets to the lake he sees a young girl facing a tree. This certainly seems odd and as he gets close he discovers that it is twenty year old Tia Meadows who works at the local bar and she is dead.
DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick are looking for her killer but everyone believes this is an open and shut case since she is on Harvey’s land and he is known as a local recluse and surely is responsible.
DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick are not as positive. Their investigation discovers that the Si Meadows her father is a wealthy local businessman who has some questionable acquaintances.
In the meantime, both detectives are dealing with personal situations which is making it difficult to think clearly - Riddick’s past (?) is catching up with him and Emma’s psychopathic brother is causing her worry
As the story unfolds, there will be more casualties, as the detectives uncover what really caused the young woman’s death.
However, anyone who enjoys police procedure will love this!
Want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 15, 2023
February 26, 2023
‘The Lonely Lake Killings’ is a dark and moody book that hooks you in and doesn't let go! This is the second book in the ‘Yorkshire Murders’ series but can easily be read as a stand-alone, this was how I read it as I was new to the series. I will be going back though and reading ‘The Viaduct Killings’ as I'm intrigued by the main characters and want to know more of their backgrounds. This was the first book by Wes that I have read but it won't be the last as I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
When the body of a young woman is found one morning by the side of a lake, suspicion is instantly thrown to a local recluse who has lived by the lake for years. This is made stronger when the victims belonging are found in front of his house. Detectives Emma Gardner and Paul Riddick aren't so sure though and look into her life closely. What they find are long-buried secrets and a community in fear! Will they find the killer before something else happens?
I found this to be a very moving book. Every character can't be seen in black and white, including the police and it allows the readers to show the humanity and empathy that is on show throughout the narrative. It definitely deals with some emotive topics and it is handled with sensitivity but doesn't shy away from the darkness of it.
The main characters of Gardner and Riddick are an intriguing pair and I want to know more about them and see what is happening in their future! Riddick obviously comes with the background of the traumatic loss of his family, and his drinking but still is a man capable of decent actions.
I will be keeping an eye out for book 3!
When the body of a young woman is found one morning by the side of a lake, suspicion is instantly thrown to a local recluse who has lived by the lake for years. This is made stronger when the victims belonging are found in front of his house. Detectives Emma Gardner and Paul Riddick aren't so sure though and look into her life closely. What they find are long-buried secrets and a community in fear! Will they find the killer before something else happens?
I found this to be a very moving book. Every character can't be seen in black and white, including the police and it allows the readers to show the humanity and empathy that is on show throughout the narrative. It definitely deals with some emotive topics and it is handled with sensitivity but doesn't shy away from the darkness of it.
The main characters of Gardner and Riddick are an intriguing pair and I want to know more about them and see what is happening in their future! Riddick obviously comes with the background of the traumatic loss of his family, and his drinking but still is a man capable of decent actions.
I will be keeping an eye out for book 3!
January 10, 2023
Wow, I absolutely loved this book which is the second in the authors DCI Gardner series. I thought it got off to a great start and I was drawn immediately into the story. Gardner and Riddick investigate the murder of a young local woman where all seems to point to a local recluse being responsible. I love the authors writing style here, it is very engaging, the story flows very smoothly and I became quickly invested in it and its characters. I really like Gardner and Riddick, they both have good histories and have a very good working rapport and friendship. I love the team banter, the humour, the glimpses into the main characters personal lives which in my opinion gives the story and characters more depth. There is a lot of action and different story threads that really kept me entertained - I felt like I was unwrapping layer after layer of secrets and lies as the book progressed, which just made me want to know more and what would happen next. The last part of the story is a very tense and thrilling read where everything falls into place nicely and the book races to its ending. I loved everything about this book, can’t fault it at all. Overall a fab, absorbing read which really hit the mark with me and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Wes Markin certainly knows how to engage with his readers through his writing. I’d recommend this if you like solid crime, police procedurals although I’d say read the books in order to get to know the characters from the start.
5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 14, 2023
The Lonely Lake Killings by Wes Markin is a totally gripping crime suspense that I could not put down. It is the second book in The Yorkshire Murders series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters. An unlikely detective pairing once more work together to solve the crimes.
Everyone has a past. Sometimes our pasts follow us into our present, influencing our lives. There are characters who cannot move forwards as they are forever inhabiting their pasts.
Grief does not improve with time. A character tries to function but finds himself slipping backwards. His coping mechanisms could destroy him as his grief runs deep.
Old crimes resurface as a father seeks justice for his daughter.
Justice means different things to different people. We see that when characters seek justice, sometimes the lines blur between good and evil.
We all face daily problems. No one has a perfect life. We witness the struggle to balance a work- home life.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. The leading pair were likable and tenacious in their pursuit of the truth.
I am totally gripped by The Yorkshire Murders series. I think it would make a great Netflix series. Wes Markin certainly knows how to weave a marvelous tale.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters. An unlikely detective pairing once more work together to solve the crimes.
Everyone has a past. Sometimes our pasts follow us into our present, influencing our lives. There are characters who cannot move forwards as they are forever inhabiting their pasts.
Grief does not improve with time. A character tries to function but finds himself slipping backwards. His coping mechanisms could destroy him as his grief runs deep.
Old crimes resurface as a father seeks justice for his daughter.
Justice means different things to different people. We see that when characters seek justice, sometimes the lines blur between good and evil.
We all face daily problems. No one has a perfect life. We witness the struggle to balance a work- home life.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. The leading pair were likable and tenacious in their pursuit of the truth.
I am totally gripped by The Yorkshire Murders series. I think it would make a great Netflix series. Wes Markin certainly knows how to weave a marvelous tale.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2023
A lonely recluse. A missing girl and a community in fear.
When the body of a young local girl is found next to an isolated lake, the main suspect is the old recluse who has lived next to the lake for many years – especially when the young girl’s purse is found on the old man’s doorstep.
But DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick aren’t so sure. Why would the old hermit leave such an obvious clue? And who would want to set the old man up?
As they dig deeper into the murder they discover a community in fear, determined to keep hold of long buried secrets. And Riddick is convinced that his own dark past is somehow linked to this crime, too.
Gardner fears that she may never get the answers she needs, until a break leads her down a path she’d rather not face. One that runs directly to her own front door…
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
When the body of a young local girl is found next to an isolated lake, the main suspect is the old recluse who has lived next to the lake for many years – especially when the young girl’s purse is found on the old man’s doorstep.
But DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick aren’t so sure. Why would the old hermit leave such an obvious clue? And who would want to set the old man up?
As they dig deeper into the murder they discover a community in fear, determined to keep hold of long buried secrets. And Riddick is convinced that his own dark past is somehow linked to this crime, too.
Gardner fears that she may never get the answers she needs, until a break leads her down a path she’d rather not face. One that runs directly to her own front door…
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
September 18, 2025
An enjoyable, steady, "nice" harmless story. Completely fictitious and set in a BBC1 universe, somewhat akin to Midsomer Murders minus the lurking plot warning oboe.
The characters are enjoyable enough, with a fair touch of necessary flawed traits common to coppers: recovering/lapsed alcoholic, divorcee/absent parent, morally driven leader with morally fair but procedurally errant subordinate.
BUT - where in the world of cops and crooks does everyone speak with Received Pronunciation and polite Michael Parkinson language? Nowhere. And while some curmudgeons still believe in the sanctity of sterile language, the rest of the world has changed. consequently reading an entire novel where blokes get beaten senseless, there's standover merchants keeping thier patch 'proper' and the odd hapless victim getting dispatched without swearing. It's uncomfortable. It's unreal. It's bloody annoying! I don't advocate explicit swearing every sentence - don't misunderstand me. But following the daily lives of murderers, shifty buggers being grilled as accused by police and individuals under pressure due to the plot circumstances, it's simply unrealistic.
As a light read before bed to release the day's stress, this is a good author and series. As a truly enjoyable, engrossing imaginative ride, it's missed the mark.
Set mild expectations and you'll be happily rewarded.
The characters are enjoyable enough, with a fair touch of necessary flawed traits common to coppers: recovering/lapsed alcoholic, divorcee/absent parent, morally driven leader with morally fair but procedurally errant subordinate.
BUT - where in the world of cops and crooks does everyone speak with Received Pronunciation and polite Michael Parkinson language? Nowhere. And while some curmudgeons still believe in the sanctity of sterile language, the rest of the world has changed. consequently reading an entire novel where blokes get beaten senseless, there's standover merchants keeping thier patch 'proper' and the odd hapless victim getting dispatched without swearing. It's uncomfortable. It's unreal. It's bloody annoying! I don't advocate explicit swearing every sentence - don't misunderstand me. But following the daily lives of murderers, shifty buggers being grilled as accused by police and individuals under pressure due to the plot circumstances, it's simply unrealistic.
As a light read before bed to release the day's stress, this is a good author and series. As a truly enjoyable, engrossing imaginative ride, it's missed the mark.
Set mild expectations and you'll be happily rewarded.
February 10, 2023
I have to confess that Wes Markin is a new name to me, despite the fact he has published several crime novels. The Lonely Lake Killings is the second book in his Yorkshire Murders series and after finishing it, I really need to search out book one ‘The Viaduct Killings’ in order to get up to speed with the back stories on DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick.
I really enjoyed this read. A great story with solid characters, full of twist and turns that had me guessing all the way through. There were, of course, the usual red herrings, but as each one was discounted and the list of suspects shrunk, I was still none the wiser. Like most crime novels, the main characters have their own emotional problems. Emma’s is her damaged brother Jack and his daughter, while Paul suffers from a past that the press, or shall I say one journalist in particular, seems to want to keep digging up.
Tracking down the killer of twenty year old Tia Meadows is a page turner. The type of story that stays with you well after you have finished it.
I would like to thank Wes Markin, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an ARC of The Lonely Lake Killings in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this read. A great story with solid characters, full of twist and turns that had me guessing all the way through. There were, of course, the usual red herrings, but as each one was discounted and the list of suspects shrunk, I was still none the wiser. Like most crime novels, the main characters have their own emotional problems. Emma’s is her damaged brother Jack and his daughter, while Paul suffers from a past that the press, or shall I say one journalist in particular, seems to want to keep digging up.
Tracking down the killer of twenty year old Tia Meadows is a page turner. The type of story that stays with you well after you have finished it.
I would like to thank Wes Markin, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for an ARC of The Lonely Lake Killings in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2023
The second installment in the Yorkshire Murder series, The Lonely Lake Killings by Wes Markin is a solid British police procedural. Featuring DCI Emma Gardner and her partner DI Paul Riddick, their past issues continue to haunt them and impact this latest case. When a young woman is found murdered by the lake, the isolated recluse is blamed and locals want swift justice. The recent arrivals of unwanted Travelers make for complications, as do past events, still impacting the present. As Emma and her team investigate, the local media’s sole focus is on the seemingly guilty troubled recluse. A solid British police investigation with interwoven crimes and local inhabitants’ historic choices, that make for a three and a half stars read rating. With thanks to Boldwood Books and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
February 7, 2023
Gritty and fast-paced from the start, this police procedural set in Yorkshire is addictive reading. DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick are a powerful detective team with tragedy in their past lives that continue to impede their current one, especially in DI Riddick's case. This story explores the fallout after the gruesome murder of a young woman; it exposes the underbelly of abuse and crime with disturbing themes. The noir elements are well-written, showing that good people can do bad things given the right provocation. The dynamic between Gardner and Riddick is complex and engaging and looks like it will be severely tested in the books to follow. Gardner's personal life was left on a cliffhanger at the end of the first book in the series, and although this is explored in this story, it still feels like unfinished business.
I like the detective team, the authentic setting and the twisty plot.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I like the detective team, the authentic setting and the twisty plot.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
February 14, 2023
The Lonely Lake Killings by Wes Markin
The Yorkshire Murders #2
Dark, gritty, murder with plenty of red herrings, surprises, and characters that I had trouble relating to. I wondered if I had read the first book I would have known, liked and/or understood the main characters better. I wasn’t sure why Emma was working in a different town than her husband and daughter lived in and wondered what her relationship with colleagues was really like. Her brother was a bit of a mystery and it was difficult to understand him as well as how he and his daughter would play into Emma’s future. I guess I ended up with more questions than answers about the characters though the police procedural aspects did determine who had killed a few people in the story. I never really warmed up to Emma or Paul and may or may not read another book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
The Yorkshire Murders #2
Dark, gritty, murder with plenty of red herrings, surprises, and characters that I had trouble relating to. I wondered if I had read the first book I would have known, liked and/or understood the main characters better. I wasn’t sure why Emma was working in a different town than her husband and daughter lived in and wondered what her relationship with colleagues was really like. Her brother was a bit of a mystery and it was difficult to understand him as well as how he and his daughter would play into Emma’s future. I guess I ended up with more questions than answers about the characters though the police procedural aspects did determine who had killed a few people in the story. I never really warmed up to Emma or Paul and may or may not read another book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
3-4 Stars
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