An OK addition to the “flawed male detective and new female sidekick” genre. I can’t say it stood out particularly, it was a decent enough book, but I didn’t feel a pull to continue the series. It had rather an abrupt ending for me, I turned the page at 93% on my Kindle, expecting a new chapter and it just finished…

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the long delay in providing this.

Having read several of Derek Thompson's earlier books, I was looking forward to this one - and it didn't disappoint!

The book was well written, with plenty of twists and turns in the story to keep you guessing. The characters are believable, and dialogue between them was clear. Thought processes allowed the reader to keep up with the investigation, letting you pit yourself against the detectives. The cover draws your attention, although I don't think it really gives anything away about the story.

Overall, I'd recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good police procedural.

This book was interesting. It offered plenty of suspense and many surprises. I highly recommend it to other police procedural readers.

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Joffe Books for the electronic copy.

This is Book#2 in the DS Craig Wild series and I really enjoyed it. There's lots of intrigue in this twisty police procedural and I couldn't help smiling at the way Craig navigates his way around his senior officers as far as information and evidence is concerned. Really good characters and believable dialogue and, although I wouldn't describe the story as particularly fast-paced, it has a solid plot which keeps you, as well as Craig, guessing.

So, a twenty-three year old man is found dead in his car at the Wiltshire Literary Festival - where Craig was hoping to get a book signed by author Juliette Kimani. It could be an overdose - but why would someone drive all the way from Lincolnshire to do that?
Although the man has one of Juliette's signed books with him, she denies knowing him but Craig is pretty certain she's holding back information.

DI Marsh, Craig's no-nonsense and charmless boss, insists motorbike-riding PC Marnie Olsen accompanies him to Lincolnshire - she has ambitions to move into CID, although DI Marsh sees the pairing convenient for someone to keep an eye on what Craig's up to.

As Craig and Marnie follow the clues we are taken into a world of organised crime, drug dealers and killers but they don't overshadow the relationships between the excellent main characters.

Looking forward to #3.

This was one of those rare novels that while the action may be slow, it is just intriguing enough to keep you turning the page. I very much enjoyed aspects of this story. To begin with Detective Wild was one of those "skirt the line" kind of cops that make for an interesting story (although I cannot believe the number of times he got away with skirting that line or in one case blatantly stepping over it, and not getting into trouble).

I enjoyed the balance between him and his not-quite partner Marnie, the way they are still trying to navigate working together. Marnie definitely comes across as the more empathetic of the duo, and I enjoyed the way they played off of each other during interviews (and even when they were just bouncing ideas off of one another). I feel like they are going to be quite the force to reckon with as this series goes on, and I can't wait to see how they continue to evolve as characters.

The story itself is an interesting one, filled with some twists and turns that make you sit back and go "wow". There were times when I thought I had it figured out, but then the author would throw in another twist (or victim) which forced me to re-evaluate my thoughts. And just when you think everything has been resolved? You get thrown a curveball that leaves you incapable of NOT reading on to see just what in the heck was going on. And oh man, the one twist? I'm still shaking my head over that one!

While this is the second in the series, I had no trouble understanding it, and it does work well as a stand-alone. At first, I assumed that the first novel covered just what exactly happened to him that landed him in Mayberry to begin with (something that is alluded to several times throughout the novel with nothing definitive being said), but from what I saw of the synopsis, this series kicks off with him already being a part of the Mayberry team.

I definitely think this story will appeal to those who enjoy police procedural novels (especially those set in the UK), and I will read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of West Country Murder, the second novel to feature DS Craig Wild and PC Marnie Olsen of the Wiltshire police.
Although the book was readable I won’t be rushing out to get the next one. I found the story got bogged down in places and something about the style of writing didn’t sit right.
If you enjoy a police procedural please give it a go, as it is very good in parts.

A day out for PC Marnie Olsen and DS Craig Wild at a local literary festival is anything but relaxing when a man’s body is found dead in his car, possibly from an overdose. The couple who spotted him first thought he was sleeping and the author whose signed book he had with him denies knowing him. Marnie and Craig stationed at Mayberry in Wiltshire travel all the way to Lincolnshire to the man’s home to search for clues into Lee Rickard’s life and death but the evidence is conflicting. A local vicar sheds some light on his existence, claiming he was a paid cell donor, trying to turn his life around but the appearance of drugs and a baseball bat at his home would indicate a different way of life for the 23-year-old. When they speak to DI Stanton of the National Crime Agency they discover that Lee was given a new identity when he was released from prison but who was he really, why did he travel so far for just one book and why was he murdered? As they learn more about his former life, the suspect pool really opens up and they find themselves making connections to organized crime, shady solicitors and dodgy journalists in a twisty and complex plot with lots of surprises along the way as more lives are put at risk.
Wild is a bit of an unknown quantity at Mayberry due to his past history in London. Whilst he has made a good friend in Marnie and is growing on DI Marsh, he is still proving his worth and demonstrating just what a clever and dedicated officer he is, even if he has his own way of doing things at times. Young PC Marnie Olsen who shows more promise and talent than some of the other detectives there is looking a likely fit for CID in the future, especially as Ben Galloway is looking to transfer out and her partnership with Wild works really well. The story is witty and well written and very easy to become absorbed in. Wild is certainly growing on me too after two stories and I do hope there will be more books to come. 5*

Dead man with a book signed by the author at his side. Natural causes, suicide, murder? Who was he anyway? The detectives doggedly follow clues from the author herself and others along with identity changes, drug dealing and more murders. An ok read but it didn't really grab me for no specific reason. Perhaps I was just not in the mood. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was an interesting read. It starts off with a murder at a literary festival. Is the deceased who they believe he is or does he have a sordid past that may be catching up to him at this point in time? Who is he connected to and why?
The story also goes through some history of main officer DS Wild.

This is the first of Derek Thompson’s books I’ve read. It was thoroughly enjoyable, an easy read al though I did find there were an awful lot of characters to keep up with.

There has obviously been a book before which I think would have been helpful to read to give context to some of the main character’s background. I’m curious enough to go in search of it which I suppose reflects well on this novel. There will clearly be another book in the series which I look forward reading when it’s published. All in all a good 4 star read.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the arc

noir, thriller, England, law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, suspense, organized-crime, protected-witness, procedural***

It plods along for a bit and then ramps up as the bodies add up. Excellent due diligence by characters who seem unlikely to be partners. Twisty and unusual but worth the read.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Joffe Books via NetGalley.

This is a British police procedure mystery with a different kind of hero. Wild is a police officer with a past and an attitude. This is the first novel I have read in this series by Thompson so I missed Wild's tainted activities in the first novel. But the past comes back to bite him and he is frequently trying to keep people from using his past misdeeds against him. The other aspect of his unusual character is that he is so determined to get what he wants he frequently steps over the line of what is appropriate for law enforcement. I was amazed at how he managed to get out of trouble with his superiors.

There is quite a bit of colloquial language in this novel American readers may not know. When a youth was said to be in borstal, I had no idea, as was the case with schtum. There is also police slang, such as misper.

I did enjoy the mystery. I felt transported into Wild's world of getting along with other officers, investigating a murder and running down the villain. He is not a squeaky clean policeman but he managed to get the task done.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a nice, relaxing cosy mystery with great characters and a good storyline, I enjoyed it.

A Conundrum…
The second in the Detective Craig Wilde series of mysteries finds the Detective with a conundrum. A dead man in a car, a false name, no prints and the only available clue is a book signed by the author who just happens to be appearing at a local literary festival. The author, however, denies ever having met the man. With twists and turns aplenty, a colourful cast of characters and an intriguing plotline this is an enjoyable read and a worthy addition to the first in this series.

West Country murder by Derek Thompson.
Detective Craig Wild #2.
At first PC Marnie Olsen thinks the man in the car is asleep. But the lack of movement and strange tilt of the head are a dead giveaway.

The only clue is a book signed by local author Juliette Kimani, who is holding court at the Wiltshire literary festival.

This could be a real breakthrough. If only Juliette Kimani wasn’t flatly denying ever having met the man . . .

Detective Craig Wild discovers that the victim was using a fake name. He must have been involved in something dark.

If Wild can find the man’s real identity he might just crack this case. But first he must deal with some very dangerous people. They’ll do whatever it takes to keep the truth buried. How far will Wild go to make sure the truth comes out . . . ?

I did enjoy this book. Great story and characters. I hope there is more to come. 5*.

Detective Craig Wild Mysteries #2

At first PC Marnie Olsen thinks the man in the car is asleep. But the lack of movement and strange lilt of the head are a dead giveaway. The only clue is a book signed by local author Juliette Kimani, who is holding court at the Wiltshire literary festival. This could be a real breakthrough. If only Juliette Kimani wasn't flatly denying ever having met the man. Detective Craig Wold discovers that the victim was using a fake name. He must have been involved in something dark.

The pace is slow throughout this book. The victim had many enemies and it soon becomes clear that not all is as it first seemed. This was not a gripping read for me but there was something intriguing about it that made me keep reading. The story is told from Craig Wild's perspective. I have not read the first book in this series but this book can be read as a standalone.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #DerekThompson for my ARC of #WestCountryMurder in exchange for an honest review.

The second instalment in the Detective Craig Wild mysteries but this can be read as a stand-alone. This British crime novel begins at a Wiltshire literary festival where a mans body is found in his car. When the death is classified as murder the investigation progresses to reveal an intriguing plot including a change of identity and drug dealing. More murders follow and many twists and turns, it is action packed and fast paced to keep you enthralled until the end.

I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley for review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is second in the Craig Wild series. Twisting thriller with suspects galore. PC Marnie Olsen and Detective Wild are on the case of a body discovered at a literary festival. The victim is a youngish man living a secret life. Identify the man and all new problems come to light for the officers on the case. Thrilling and exciting tale of murder in the West Country. Can't wait to read more from this author.

This British police procedural was okay; definitely not exciting nor thrilling. The plot, pacing, and use of location were all mediocre. The characters, however, were an interesting group and they saved the story. But, I really disliked the ending. I found it abrupt and jarring. My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

A man dies in a car at a literary festival. No clues who he is except a signed book but the author denies all knowledge of him or the book. Detective Craig Wild has his work cut out with this one.

As the investigation begins it soon becomes clear that all is not as it seems. The victim was given a new identity and the enemies from his past are many and varied.

This is an intriguing mystery with many twists and turns as Wild finds himself travelling up and down trying to work out what is going on.

The victim is a very intriguing personality who has a criminal background with many enemies but since being given a new identity he appears to have come good - but has he?

Detective Wild is growing on me and Marnie too the pair make a good team so I hope this relationship continues along with the series.

Overall an interesting read that anyone who loves a good crime mystery will enjoy