Death at the White Hart had everything to grab my attention: a classic English village setting, the mysterious death of a local pub manager, a detective new to the area with personal baggage of her own—and the author is none other than the creator of Broadchurch, which set my expectations high.
I enjoyed the book overall. The premise was strong: a body found at night in the middle of the road, with antlers attached to the victim's head—a striking and macabre image that promised an atmospheric, gripping read. The setup of a female detective, Nicola Bridge, recently transferred from a big city and trying to find her footing within a small-town team, had the potential to add depth and tension to the narrative.
But for me, it didn't quite come together. The story felt oddly flat and repetitive, missing the spark I had hoped for. I found it difficult to connect with Nicola Bridge—she never quite came alive as a character.
That said, the book had undeniable potential. The setting was well-drawn, and the concept had enough intrigue to keep me reading. I couldn’t help thinking that the story might work better on screen. With the right cast and pacing, it could make for a gripping TV series—especially given the author's background in television.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy.

If you know anything about Broadchurch, you know how excited I was to receive a galley copy of this book. It sucks you in immediately with a horrific murder, but the characters leave you gripped to the story the whole time. I was worried initially that it was a little *too* much like Broadchurch, but as the story got going, I realized that I needn't have worried. The mystery, the characters, and the fantastic storytelling that just *feels* like TV episodes were all A+. I can't recommend enough. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for letting me read!

JIM Tieman, owner of the White Hart Pub was found murdered. His body, left in a public place was set up in a gruesome scene. Detective Nicola Bridge and her partner, Harry Ward set off to solve the homicide in the quaint village of Fleetcome. The investigation, similar to Broadchurch, (by the same author), is a five-star read. The police procedural is riveting and intense. The characters were believable and likable. I recommend this book for readers of character-driven police procedurals written with depth and intelligence.

You mention Broadchurch and I am there. That is one show you must watch. I mean this is where I feel in love with Olivia Coleman. I knew I needed to dive into this book, and it is a slow burn. That nestles down deep and does not let up until the very end. It definitely starts off with a bang, making for an intensely creepy atmosphere. A body found in the middle of the road with antlers tied to their head. What is the meaning and why? The story builds slowly from there. The characters are salt of the earth. Each having their own trials and tribulations. The police having their own issues. A small force that must spread their resources thin. Not enough people and a murder like this one makes it hard to run down all of the suspects and details of the case.

Which leads me to Detective Nicola Bridge. Who has just moved back to Fleetcombe. Hoping for a quieter life for her family. To be able to grow from their issues. This murder has thrown that to the wind. Leaving Nicola running and learning to depend on someone she does not know. Which has left her pleasantly surprised that Detective Harry Ward has his head between his shoulders. As Nicola lets her guard down and allows others to help, the entire investigation takes on a life of its own. Leading them down a twisty road of jealousy and deceit.

The last few chapters did tend to drag on a bit. It tied up all of the loose ends, not leaving you flapping in the strong ocean breeze. Wondering what happened to whom and why. I loved Nicola. She is strong, stubborn, and does not take no for an answer. Thank you to Chris Chibnall and Pamela Dorman Books for my gifted copy.

Thank you to Viking Books for my copy of DEATH AT THE WHITE HART.

I enjoyed this book and the mystery it sent me on. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and it feels like there's room for more from these detectives. This book won't change your life but if you're into detective style mysteries, this one is for you.

Nothing keeps a village together like secrets.
The villagers of Fleetcombe like to think of it as one of the most picturesque spots on England’s seaside.
But now, it’s a crime scene.
A man is found dead, tied to a chair in the middle of the road, with a stag’s antler’s on his head. The gruesome scene stuns the town, especially when they learn that it is Jim Tiernan, owner of the White Hart pub, who has been found murdered.
Is it a personal vendetta, or something more macabre? Tierney’s pub is at the center of village life and he knew everyone’s secrets.
Detective Nicola Bridge grew up in Fleetcombe, and has been craving a juicy case ever since she moved back from the big city. DC Harry Ward is ten years younger, and their partnership is somehow stronger, and more satisfying even than her marriage. Together, they are determined to crack the storybook façade to find out just what the people of Fleetcombe have to hide.

Went into this one blind but after discovered that the author was a writer on the Britain based series Broadchurch. While I am not familiar with the series, I did enjoy this for the most part. I did feel that it dragged on a bit longer than it needed even though the chapters were short and less characters with shady pasts would have made it a bit more believable and easier to follow.

Thank you NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A great British crime novel by the creator of Broadchurch! Pick up this book if you love the slow burn of a procedural with many small town characters and many potential bad guys. Loved the vibe of the setting with its local pubs and the coastal countryside. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

🦌 For my friends who like small-town police procedurals with a strong investigative team.

DEATH AT THE WHITE HART by Chris Chibnall (Jessica Gunning, Narrator)

🎧 Thanks, @pameladormanbooks, for the e-book review copy via #NetGalley, and @PRhaudio, for the #gifted audiobook. #PRHAudioPartner #sponsored 9 hours, 33 minutes

Successful Detective Nicola Bridge returned to her small hometown from “the big city” to work on her marriage. The interesting case she’s been craving shows up as a dead body tied to a chair in the middle of the highway…with antlers attached to its head.

I was invested in this slow-burning, character-driven police procedural, which featured an interesting murder, small-town relationships, and engaging main characters. I especially liked watching Nicola showcase her skills and mentor her younger partner. Hopefully, this will become a series, as I want to watch those two work on more cases.

The audiobook was well-narrated, though I did have to slow down my speed a bit to accommodate a brisk UK accent. The first few chapters introduced several characters quickly, so I recommend jotting down a few names (or following along in the book).

DNF. I just couldn't get into this one. I tried the ebook and audiobook. I may try again later. Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC.

Death at the White Hart has it all—characters with secrets, a gruesome murder with pagan elements set in a seemingly picture-perfect town, and police procedural twists and turns that will keep readers glued to the page. For readers who like to visualize book settings, the place names and locations are imaginary although it is set in picturesque West Dorset, the home of “Broadchurch” creator Chris Chibnall for more than twenty years.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Bridge carved out a successful police career in Liverpool but for family reasons, she, her fireman husband Mike and their teenage son Ethan make the move to Fleetcombe in West Dorset. It’s a homecoming for Nicola; she’s returning to the place where she grew up. Young Detective Constable Harry Ward is eagerly awaiting DS Bridge’s arrival: her reputation precedes her, and he knows he has much to learn from her.

DS Bridge undergoes a baptism of fire when she arrives at her new job. A motorist, driving a night, almost runs over an object in the middle of the road, a dead man, “tied to a chair in the middle of the road, a stag’s antlers on his head.” The victim, Jim Tiernan, is known to everyone in Fleetcombe: he’s the publican who ran the White Hart pub. DS Bridge’s first assignment is to find the killer. Bridge has nothing like the resources in West Dorset that were available to her in Liverpool, but standards are standards and she makes do. Her first call is to DC Ward.

Nicola Bridge was straight to the point. “Can you meet me in Fleetcombe?”



Harry was approaching the remnants of the fire, looking at them, realizing his mind wasn’t fully on the call. “Um, probably. D’you mean now?”



He instantly regretted every word that came out in response. There was a frosty silence from his new boss.



“Yes. I do mean now. Where are you?”



“At the Deakins farm. It’s about three miles east, just off the coast road.”



“We have a suspicious death.”



“Wow.”



Harry would think about these words for many years to come. When he was told of a murder, he said “wow.” Why did I say “wow?



He knew why he said wow. Since joining the police, the work he had been given had been mundane, low level. There was not a lot of crime in West Dorset. This was a biggie. And, for a split second, Harry was not thinking of the victim, he was thinking of himself.



Finally, something to get my teeth into.

So not an auspicious first conversation with his new boss.

Suspects aren’t always truthful when they’re questioned by the police. This happens repeatedly during Bridge and Ward questioning/interrogation sessions. It’s to no avail, as Nicola makes clear.

“Frankie,” said Nicola, “I would suggest you put a stop to any idea that you should fib or lie to us. Do not tell us things that you know not to be true. Because the consequences are so profoundly serious. This is a murder investigation, and you are actively obstructing our ability to get to the truth. That can result in a serious charge. This is the moment where I suggest you stop and change your approach.”



Frankie felt twelve years old. Their face felt cold. It was pricking with anxiety. This had never happened to Frankie before.

Nicola and Harry develop a deceptively casual and relaxed rhythm when they question suspects, all the while circling closer and closer to the truth.

The highest praise a reader can give a debut mystery is to close the book and demand to know when—and if—the next book in the series is forthcoming. Fortunately, Chris Chibnall has answered affirmatively: “This book is designed to be the first in a series featuring the duo. The next book will feature them investigating another case in another place. I love them and have many plans for them!” Even better news—ITV purchased the right to Death at the White Hart before it was even published in the UK. Production starts next year. I am already imagining who will play Nicola Bridge and Harry Ward as well as the fascinating secondary characters. As they say, “It takes a village,” and the village of Fleetcombe has many mysteries still to divulge. Stay tuned.

The characters were solid, I just couldn’t clasp onto the story very well. I kept getting bored for some reason. I didn’t DNF, although I thought about it numerous times. I’d give it 2.5 stars but round it up to 3.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC for exchange for my honest opinion.

I love a good whodunnit and this one takes the cake! I enjoyed the fast writing style and characters throughout the book. I could predict some twists but definitely didn't guess the ending, would definitely recommend!

It’s no surprise this one comes from the creator of Broadchurch—Death at the White Hart is just as dark, atmospheric, and emotionally tangled. Maybe even darker than I usually go for? But I was completely pulled in. The characters are complex and layered, their entanglements unfolding like a slow-burn series you can’t stop watching.

The story follows successful detective Nicola, who returns to her hometown hoping for a quieter life and a chance to focus on her strained marriage. But almost immediately, a local is found brutally murdered—and any hope of peace quickly vanishes. The investigation is anything but straightforward, stirring up old tensions, buried secrets, and a growing unease in the village.

I especially loved Nicola and her second-in-command Harry. I'd happily spend more time with them, solving mysteries and nursing emotional wounds in shadowy corners of this little village. Because let’s be honest: I will always show up for a murder mystery in a small town with secrets. Always.

Moody, character-driven, and utterly compelling. Fans of Broadchurch (obviously), Tana French, and moody British crime dramas should add this to their list.

I think this one is more of a me problem then the book. I very rarely like stories with the detective perspective, and this one is just one of those that didn't work for me. I DNF'd pretty early on so I won't be leaving a rating anywhere. Definitely a readership out there that would love it, just not for me.

3.5 rounded down.
Good mystery, interesting characters but the story felt bogged down my lots of little details. It made reading it feel a bit sluggish. I think I wanted a little more suspense that was in the book. However, I think that is just preference. I’m sure other readers will find themselves immersed into the town and its people. If you liked broadchurch, you will probably enjoy this one as well.

Detective Nicola Bridge has returned to her hometown just in time for a dead man to be found naked, in the middle of the road, deer antlers affixed to his head. Well plotted with just the right amount of red herrings, Death At The White Hart is one of the better entries in sub-genre of small British town police procedurals. My only quibble is when the detective is finally figuring out who the perpetrator has to be, it is all kept from the reader. I prefer noyt figuring out whodunnit ahead of the detective, but I expect to be given a fair shot at it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking for the advanced reader copy of this novel, all opinions are my own.

It's been quite awhile since I've pulled an all-nighter with a book, but that was the case with this exquisitely done mystery. I am really hoping this is the first in a series because I absolutely adored the cast of characters in this small English town: Detective Nicola Bridge (returning home after living in Liverpool for years, hoping for peace and quiet in order to salvage her marriage), DC Harry Ward (green on the force, determined to prove his worth), Reeta Patel (charming SOCO and fellow female on the force), Mel (researcher who embodies the grumpy member of staff), and Shannon, the street-savvy 10 year old that got more than she bargained for while wandering late at night. This book has the hallmarks of a great series beginning. Similar to "BroadChurch", there's a suspicious death, a slew of people with secrets but, which one had the most incentive to kill Jim Tiernan, publican..everyone's friend? Really well done! Highly recommend.

Detective Nicola Bridge finds herself back in her childhood town as lead detective. She moved herself and family for a fresh start with less stress and more down time. Her first case is a gruesome murder that shakes up the entire town. The action is fast paced with a twisty ending.

3.5 rounded up
This book is very atmospheric and that added to the rounding up. The mystery aspect kept my interest. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

This is a very British, modern detective story. Jim, the local pub manager, has been found murdered in a very suspicious manner. Nicola, a detective from Liverpool, who has just relocated to Dorset, is running the case, but without many resources. She has a very young charming detective Harry to help out, as well as colleagues Reena and Mel. There are a number of suspicious characters in town, with various motives and connections to the case.

This is a good book for Tana French fans, I imagine it will be a series. I had to look up a bunch of the terms used in the book, my favorite is sparrow-fart. Quite lovely.