GRAVES ON THE FENS by Joy Ellis.
It arrives in the morning. An old-fashioned airmail envelope addressed to Detective Nikki Galena. Inside, on a single sheet of blue airmail paper, are three words:
You failed me.
The second airmail envelope arrives at Nikki’s home address. The same message. Only this time, it’s followed by four names: Alexandra Cornfield, Ruth Baker, Bethany Lyons, Leanne Delaney. Four missing women. Four local women whose bodies were never found. The contents of the third letter, delivered by motorcycle courier, are even more disturbing. The letter leads directly to the discovery of a body buried in a shallow grave out on the Fens. And Nikki and her partner Detective Joseph Easter are plunged into a baffling murder investigation. Someone appears to be pursuing a personal vendetta against Nikki— and she has no idea who, or why. But one thing she does know: whoever it is is playing a very twisted game — and if Nikki and her team don’t stop them, more deaths will follow.
I really enjoyed this book. Gripping from start to finish . 5*.

This is the latest offering in prolific crime writer Joy Ellis's Lincolnshire Fens series featuring DI Nikki Galena and DS Joe Easter. Galena is to find herself under unbelievable levels of pressure, she is Acting Superintendent, covering for Cameron Walker, concerned by statistics that show high levels of domestic abuse, and the strange spike in women being stalked. An old-fashioned airmail envelope arrives addressed to Nikki. Inside is a note with the words You failed me. This is followed with further disturbing communication with the names of 4 women, Alexandra Cornfield, Ruth Baker, Bethany Lyons, Leanne Delaney, all missing women from years ago that the police failed to locate, then a type of police case report file on Alexandra Cornfield arrives in which an Inspector Oliver appears to have solved their case for them, identifying a remote Fens farm location where the body is buried.

Facing intense media scrutiny highlighting police failures, Nikki feels the menace of being targeted by the unknown Oliver, and receives help from surprising quarters such as Jim Summers, now a senior police officer, and Matt Ballard, ex-police officer now a private investigator. This is a tough and complex case where there are further murders. There are other threads in the narrative, with the police team's Yvonne 'Vonnie' Collins and Cat Cullen informed of the concerns of a teacher, Lynette Sims, for a pupil, Ruby Grayson, additionally the 2 worried officers end up carrying out surveillance in their own personal time on a local woman being stalked. Additionally, Nikki's mother, Eve, and her friend, Wendy, have found a new hobby that has them discover a silver watch and ring in a farmer's field.

This is only my personal response, but for me the plot pieces and the ways they creakily knit together seemed to be a little too obvious to me. That does not mean that they will be so to every reader, and even if they are, like me, they are probably still likely to enjoy this addition to the series anyway. This is one that fans of the author and other readers of the crime and mystery genre are likely to find engaging and entertaining. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

I was so excited to read the new Joy Ellis novel and Graves on the Fens doesn’t disappoint, I love the dynamics of Detectives Nikki Galena and Joseph Easter and this time they and their team can hardly pause for breath as they have a someone sending them made up police reports of four missing women from years before and they have never been found and this person has given Nikki and her team a deadline to find them or there will be consequences
It was interesting that Joy Ellis included a couple of characters from her other series of books so it was like getting an update on what they have been doing as well. And as always I can’t wait for the next instalment.

DI Nikki Galena and her team are working on a case like no other. She personally receives cryptic messages highlighting the police’s failure to find missing women. She’s given a list of names and as soon as she starts looking into these missing cases, a body is found. It’s the first name on the list. Further messages make it clear: the writer has personally investigated, and apparently solved these cases. The women were killed and their bodies were discovered but left in situ for Nikki and her team to ‘rediscover’ after solving the cases themselves. They can’t understand how one person could successfully solve these cases that an entire force couldn’t piece together. It’s not like no one knew they were missing – they were all reported and looked into by the police; but for one reason or another, the vital clues were overlooked and the investigations went cold.

So, the detectives now have to ‘solve’ the missing women’s cases at the same time as they are tracking down the mysterious letter writer. They know he or she must have some type of official connections because they send Nikki entire case files written up like an officer would do. And actually locating and naming the perpetrators after years have passed since the women disappeared? Nikki and her partner Joseph must grudgingly admit the high intelligence and work ethic of the letter writer. But why personally address these missives to Nikki and not the entire force? When the anonymous writer crosses the line and takes justice into their own hands, it becomes clear how dangerous they are. The team must do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of each other and their fellow citizens.

One of the best parts of this story is that it’s basically several mysteries in one. Each of the missing women has their own tale, complete with a background, suspects, and an eventual wrongdoer held responsible. And then there’s the heart of the story – a criminal who holds Nikki responsible for the failure to locate the missing women. Even though none of these were her cases! It doesn’t seem like there’s any way for all of these plot points to come together, but they do. It’s typical of this brilliant author not to stop at just one mystery to solve. And there’s no way I can stop at just reading part of the story – I have to keep racing through until I reach the end!

Joy Ellis is an exceptional author and I have enjoyed many of her books! This series is one of my favourites, I love the main characters, Nikki and Joseph ( crossing my fingers for a wedding) and love how they work together to solve crimes! An interesting fast paced book, had me guessing right to the end! Well worth a read

This is the first book I have read in this series but it did not detract from the storyline. A definite four star read. Plenty of suspense to keep me guessing. Well rounded characters. Would definitely read the next novel . Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Graves on the Fens, the fourteenth novel to feature DI Nikki Galena and her partner DS Joseph Easter of Lincolnshire Police.

Nikki gets a letter in an old fashioned airmail envelope, inside a note says You failed me. Then she gets another letter to her home address in the same format, but with a list of four missing young women. A third message leads to the discovery of a body. Nikki is convinced that this personal and that someone is trying to harm her either professionally or physically.

I thoroughly enjoyed Graves on the Fens, which is a tense, exciting read with plenty of twists and turns. I was impressed by the premise, which is imaginative and different from the usual, and the execution, which, as ever, keeps the reader on their toes and wanting more.

This main plot is the emphasis in the novel and it is fairly wide ranging, covering four separate disappearances and an unidentified manipulative puppet master. The reader can feel Nikki’s rage at not being in the driving seat and having to be reactive rather than proactive and her fear at being targeted. If, however, the non stop action and emotion, is not enough the author throws in a couple of subplots with a potential stalker on the loose and Nikki’s mum’s investigation into some unexpected objects her new hobby of metal detecting finds. Somehow all these cases collide tangentially at various points. Again it is imaginative and clever.

This is a plot driven novel and it’s entertaining as such. Clues and reveals appear serendipitously at strategic moments to drive the narrative forward. No, it’s not very likely, but who cares in the midst of a good story, as it undoubtedly is? It kept me turning the pages from start to finish. Characterisation takes a back seat to the plot so is only developed as far as the plot needs.

Graves on the Fens is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

I always look forward to a new book by Joy Ellis! She is an outstanding author, and she has 3 series going on at the same time. It just so happens that the series about DI Nikki Galena and her team is probably my favorite, so I was excited to read this book. There are two main plots here, and they're important enough to not only keep Nikki, Joseph, and team busy, but they get support from Cam and get more ppl in to work these cases. It was like old friends week in the station! You see many of Joy's characters here, and there are 2 important ones that we didn't see. But why does it feel like this person is out to get Nikki? What did she ever do, and does she really deserve to be hunted in this way? Or is that what's really going on? And on the other plot, what makes a young girl do what she does to the people she loves? Well one thing I can tell you is I'm not going to spill the beans. So you're just going to have to read this one yourself!

Thank you to the author, Joffee Books, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions are all mine!

Detective Nikki Galena receives an air mail envelope with a single sheet of paper which says "You failed me." At home at the end of the day, there is another air mail letter which now gives four names along with "You failed me." She and Joseph go back to the office, and find all four names are women who disappeared about 15 years before in another district, and none of them have been found yet. The next day a thicker package included photos around a derilict farm and a small bag with a gold necklace which had belonged to Alexandra Cornfield, the first name on the list. The sender begins signing his letters Inspector Oliver. Meanwhile, someone is stalking women in the village. A man follows them, and sometimes makes a sinister laughing sound. Also, Nikki's mother Eve and her friend Wendy have gotten a metal finder and have found some items on a nearby farm which had belonged to a man who was killed several years before. This brings out some of his family secrets.

Police from other districts are called in as Inspector Oliver begins giving deadlines and ultimatums and appears to be intending to injure Nikki. The police are all working overtime to solve the old cases of the missing women and to find Oliver (who appears to be very unstable). Then a young teacher disappears on her way to work! As the excitement and tension increases, all the cases become connected together. This is a very exciting addition to the series.

I've read all of Joy Ellis' books to date and I can't think of one that wasn't worth 5 stars. Her characters are so true to life that you care about their relationships and problems. This is a particularly difficult case for Nikki as it makes her revisit times in her life that were painful. As always there are many suspects and anyone could become the next victim. I was happy to see that Nikki's mum Eve and her friend Wendy feature as they always add a little bit of light relief to the story. If you haven't read Joy Ellis yet then I am envious because you have some great books to read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

What a fantastic series this is by Joy Ellis and this is book 14! The plotting has many layers including strange reports of a mystery stalker, domestic violence and murder. Clever characterisation, plenty tension and twists, along with good banter from the team, as well as a fast pace, make this another 5* read in the DI Nikki Galena series. It can be read as a stand alone but it's a series I would highly recommend. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Book 14 in this superb series. This may be the best yet. Even the scenes with Nikki's mother were pretty good. Not sure why but usually struggle with those, not in this book.

As always a multi layered plot line with domestic violence, a mysterious predator and possibly the best protagonist so far. Tormenting the team with 4 cold cases, that he has solved, and feeds the clues in arriving in old air mail envelopes. As i said earlier this may be the best of this wonderful series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. Not to be missed.

Thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this wonderful book.

404 pages

4 stars

DI Nikki Galena, DS Joseph Easter and the gang are all back in this latest in the series.

They become involved in a very complicated case complete with secrets, murders and found bodies.

Nikki must enlist assistance from some surprise characters making cameos in this book. It was very neat to include them in this story. The book is a thrill ride for sure as Nikki, Joseph and the team work their way towards the conclusion. We even have a visit from Eve, Nikki’s mother, just doing her thing.

Well written and plotted as are all of Ms. Ellis’ novels. I never tire of reading her books.

I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #JoffeBooks for my copy of #GravesOnTheFens by #JoyEllis
When a new Nikki Galena comes out you know you’re in for a treat and this book doesn’t disappoint.
When Nikki receives a letter from someone announcing YOU FAILED ME
He’s claiming to know who killed four girls who have been missing for years.. their cases were never solved or their bodies found.
Who is this person and how do they know so much.
The race is on to find this person and discover how they know these things.
Is it the killer.
Great read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is Book 14 in the series which just gets better and better. We have domestic violence, a mysterious predator and coldcases. This is Joy Ellis at her best. I like the suspense and anticipation that something is going to happen. The author has valuable insight into how people behave and interact, this is what makes her characters so endearing and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed it and this is one not to be missed.

Nikki Galena Book Fourteen.
A single scream,
People stirred,
Nervous wife, what was that?
A man leaped from his bed.
All was quiet, nothing moved, the village of Marsh Enderby was silent again.
In another village someone else was awake, he would teach DI Nikki Galena and the rest of the Fenland Force how not to give up on people.
This story I could not wait to get stick in. it's just the beginning.
Graves on the Fens will come alive.
Nikki and Joseph Easter are a team at work and at play and it's still a secret, there is never a dull moment.
When an airmail envelope " YOU FAILED ME" is sent to Nikki at the office is this a threat?
Once again I was hooked, never ever will I get bored with reading this author's work and Nikki Galena is my favourites.
A slam bam totally amaziballs hard hitting story that readers will love.
Gripping, pulling you in, sending your emotions haywire, right till that ending.
Superb best seller from this talented lady, that leaves you hungry for more.
Booklover Bev 5 stars.

The fourteenth book in the Nikki Galena series, Graves on the Fens is entrancing, gripping, atmospheric and clever, typical of author Joy Ellis. She has a beautiful way with words, intertwining compelling plots and subplots while introducing a range of interesting characters. The Lincolnshire Fens atmosphere is chilling in the best way possible. Stalking, creepy laughter, revenge and murder cast deep dark shadows. The past is omnipresent.

Detective Nikki Gelena is temporarily Superintendent over a team of investigators. She may not be the most compassionate in the room but is respected for her results and tenacity. Her partner Detective Joseph Easter complements her in this regard. When Nikki receives a blue airmail letter addressed to her containing three brief words, her priorities shift and her world suddenly becomes even more stressful. "You failed me." Talk about goosebump inducing! Four names are listed. Nikki enlists several past and present investigators to tackle different angles. Even her mum inveigles with one of her "harmless hobbies". What they discover is far more than they had imagined! The paths the author takes her readers down are incredible. How they came together amazes me.

I literally carried my Kindle with me from room to room as the story took hold from the first captivating sentence. When a book by Joy Ellis is on the horizon, count me in! If you are seeking an exemplary thrillery author, your search is over.

My sincere thank you to Joffe Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this intensely gratifying book.

Well this was a fabulous read. I love the DI Galena books. And this did not disappoint. The story was full of surprises and i couldn't stop reading untill the final page

DI Nikki Galena has received a letter “Par Avion” which is rather a blast from the past. In it contains a short but chilling message “You failed me”. What on earth? When a second letter arrives with the name of four local missing women who were never found things are only slightly clearer as Nikki wasn't involved in any of the cases. They are then sent pictures of a “crime scene” containing bones. Meanwhile Nikkis birth mother is out metal detecting and ends up doing what she does best- even more detective work. Who is behind the letters and why target Nikki?
I so love Joy’s books; they are a treasure and an honour to read. The characters come across as old friends and a plot so well thought out. A carefully thought-out scenario set in the Lincolnshire fens where the fields go on for miles and there is little unnatural light or even inhabitants in places. A truly wonderful read that kept me engrossed. I really can't get enough of Joy’s books. Nuff said!


#blogtour

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Another brilliant book by this author love the mystery and how the books do follow on