As a huge fan of the series Broadchurch, I just had to read Death at the White Hart as soon as possible. I had high expectations and I can tell you that this book has one of the most visually striking crime scenes I've ever read. The description of that body which was discovered in the middle of the road in the dead of night is one that will stay with me for a long time - it had such an impact and was the highlight of the story for me. This one scene was really the only graphic part of the story, the remainder had more of a focus on the small village and it's residents - the impact of the murder and how the local police dealt with the investigation. I loved the main characters, Detective Sergeant Nicola Bridge and DC Harry Ward. They're an unlikely pairing but the combination of their personalities was brilliant. They bounced off each other so well and once they got over the initial awkwardness, it was clear that Nicola and Harry were going to be a force to be reckoned with. I would love for them to return in another book and see how their relationship progresses!

The intro to this story had me hooked.
A dead man was found in the middle of the road in the small English village of Fleetcombe.
Tied to a chair.
With antler's tied to his head.
WTF!!
My immediate thought would be that this was part of some cultish ritual. It turned out not to be quite so complex.

Going into this book, I had no idea that this was from the same creator as Broachchurch, the British police procedural series. But now the pacing of the story makes sense. If you haven't watched that show, this investigation into this murder was a very slow one, led by Detective Nicola Bridge and Detective Constable Harry Ward (a relatively inexperience member of the team). As we are given the POVs of several of the town suspects, everyone seemed to have some connection to the victim, owner of the local pub, the White Hart, and maybe have a motive to kill him. Now they just have to find the evidence to build their case.

It took some time, but one key witness proves to be a game changer to the case. I admired how Nicola handled this fragile situation, letting little clues lead her and Harry to the evidence they needed. And like Nicola, I was impressed with some of Harry's discoveries during their investigation, showing despite his lack of cases, he has good instincts for the job.

In the end, I would never have guessed who the killer was, and why, so good on the author for surprising me. While I do thinking the pacing could have been quicker, fans of police procedurals and/or Broadchurch, should enjoy this newest release.

This was a whirlwind detective story, and I loved it! I loved the characters, especially detective, Nicola Bridge, who is new in town and is trying to save her marriage as well as cope with a new job that wasn't what she'd expected. The story kept me on the edge of my seat as the main suspect changed from person to person and ended right where it belonged. I loved every aspect of this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

A dead man is found in the middle of a highway, strapped to a chair with antlers taped to his head. It’s the first major case for DS Nicola Bridgeton, recently relocated to Fleetcombe, the small town where she grew up, hoping to save her troubled marriage. But she knows now that her problems with Mike will take second place to this grisly murder. As Nicola and her partner Harry work to solve this complicated case, their investigation reveals that not only the victim, pub owner Jim Tiernan, but every suspect is hiding secrets that could change the outcome of the investigation.

Death at the White Hart is a sophisticated, beautifully written mystery with a captivating main character. Nicola Bridgeton tries to find her way in an unfriendly small town while she navigates a failing relationship. Her partner Harry Ward who tries to learn from Nicola is also intriguing. The plot is multilayered and believable. The location is atmospheric and describes the insular qualities of a small town. I hope that this is the first in a new series! 5 stars,

Thank you to NetGalley, PENGUIN GROUP and Chris Chibnall for this ARC.

Set in the village of Fleetcombe, the story begins with the murder of Jim Tiernan, the beloved landlord of the White Hart pub. Detective Nicola Bridge, a former CID detective returning from Liverpool, is called to investigate. As she delves in the case, she uncovers a tapestry of secrets within the close-knit community, revealing that the victim was intimately connected to many of the villagers.

The novel delves into themes of community, secrecy, and the complexities of human relationships. It examines how a seemingly tranquil village can harbor dark secrets and how the past can influence present actions.

Gripping, Atmospheric Setting, and Shocking Murder! 3.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This book will be released 6/10/25.

This was a fairly solid mystery. Compelling, with enough twists and clues left out to keep you turning pages. Fans of the author's television work will find that this feels familiar, in style and pacing. However, I did feel that part of the issue with this book was just that-- it felt like it would have been more emotional and compelling if it had been filmed rather than written down. Many of the characters felt static, as though without actors to convey some depth and nuance, just the words on the page were a little bland.

I was also somewhat let down by the ending, because I personally felt it was a bit predictable-- you suspect somebody at the beginning, then they are the least likely suspect, and then it turns out they did it after all. The murderer's supposed motives felt weak, though the explanation for how the crime itself was accomplished was done well.

Overall, this wouldn't be a bad beach read to throw in your bag, but I bet the eventual television adaptation will be more worth the time. This is a "borrow, don't buy" kind of book.

Thank you @pameladormanbooks @vikingbooks for the gifted arc!

When the local pub owner is found dead in a gruesome manner, Detective Nicola Bridge and her new partner Harry investigate the seaside small town and its secrets.

This is a very impressive crime fiction from the writer of ‘Broadchurch.’ It held my attention from the start and flowed really well. It is dark and atmospheric, and palpable with tension. The characters are all unique and memorable and I am already looking forward to the next in the series!

Rating 4.5⭐️

Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin for the free e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

DS Nicola Bridge has moved to a small village in West Dorset to help sort out some initially unspecified family issues. Instead of leading a large squad of Liverpool detectives with sufficient resources, she has an underfunded team of 4 in temporary offices. Now the landlord of the White Hart Inn is found dead, naked and wearing deer antlers in the middle of a remote country road.

This is a well written mystery that has a slower pace as the pieces to the puzzle are moved around to resolution. This is in the vein of the Vera or Broadchurch series. Recommend!

Thank you Netgalley & Pamela Dorman Books for an eARC ♥️

Omg this book sucked me in like a pub quiz on a slow Tuesday night. You know those stories where the setting feels like its own character? Fleetcombe is *that* kind of place—all cute cottages and salty sea air, until someone ties the local pub owner to a chair and gives him a set of antlers like some kind of deranged hunting trophy. I mean, what?
The detectives here are what really made it for me. Nicola Bridge is that classic "big-city cop returns to her tiny hometown" archetype, but she’s got this dry, restless energy that keeps her from feeling cliché. And her partner, Harry? The guy’s got this quiet, observant vibe that makes their dynamic weirdly addictive—like, I’d 100% read a whole series just watching them bounce off each other while solving crimes. (Also, low-key shipping them? Maybe? No? Just me?) 😊
The murder itself is *properly* unsettling—not just because it’s brutal, but because it feels *personal*. The victim, Jim Tiernan, was basically the village’s walking, talking secret-keeper, so half the town’s got a motive. Was it the bitter ex-wife? The shady business partner? The weirdly intense guy who runs the antique shop? Every time I thought I had it figured out, the book tossed another curveball.
And the *atmosphere*—ugh, so good. You can practically smell the damp wool and stale beer, and the way the tension builds as Nicola starts prying into people’s lives.
If you love small-town secrets, detectives with messy personal lives, and murders that make you side-eye *every single character*, this is your jam. 🤩

As a devoted Broadchurch fan—both the haunting TV series and the gripping companion novels—I couldn’t wait to dive into Chris Chibnall’s debut thriller, Death at the White Hart. Having admired his ability to craft layered characters, small-town secrets, and emotionally resonant mysteries, I was genuinely intrigued to see how those talents would unfold on the page. And I’m thrilled to say: he absolutely delivers.

Set in the deceptively quaint coastal village of Fleetcombe, this book opens with a chilling and unforgettable murder scene—a man tied to a chair in the middle of the road, stag antlers fixed to his head. The victim, Jim Tiernan, isn’t just anyone—he’s the publican of the local gathering spot, the White Hart, and a man who apparently knew just a little too much about everyone. From that moment, the reader is pulled into a dark, twisty whodunit that peels back the idyllic surface of village life to reveal what truly festers beneath.

Enter Detective Nicola Bridge, returning to her childhood village with hopes of a quieter life. Instead, she’s handed the town’s most disturbing murder in years. Nicola is fierce, thoughtful, and refreshingly grounded—her emotional complexity made her so compelling to follow. Partnered with DC Harry Ward, an eager and sharp younger detective new to the area, the two form a surprisingly strong investigative duo. Their partnership grows with each chapter, bringing both tension and heart to the narrative.

The story unfolds at a thoughtful pace, more of a slow burn than an adrenaline rush—but that works to its strength. The plot is rich with atmosphere, tension, and insight into human nature. As more of the town’s secrets are exposed, I found myself second-guessing everyone. Chibnall’s talent for ensemble storytelling shines here—the villagers feel like real people, full of history, grief, and grudges.

While it didn’t completely blow my mind, it held my interest from start to finish, especially as the final reveals came into focus. I could easily see this becoming a series—and I hope it does. Nicola and Harry are a pair I’d gladly follow into another dark mystery.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

A very huge thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books for providing me this intriguing small-town thriller’s digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions, which I highly appreciated. As a longtime fan of Chris Chibnall’s work (and a proud Olivia Colman and David Tennant fangirl!), I was so curious to see what he cooked up for us in print—and he didn’t disappoint. This was a well-crafted, moody procedural full of sharp writing, quiet emotional depth, and a pitch-perfect coastal setting. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for what comes next!

I was hooked on Death at the White Hart right from the first scene, and then I became obsessed with Detective Nicola Bridge. She’s strong and a great detective, but she’s also vulnerable, and I loved that we got to see that part of her and saw some of her family dynamics, the what makes her tick. Then there’s the case, and the connection to an unsolved mystery from a century ago had me frantically swiping, because I had to know. With so many potential suspects, I was riveted. I’m hoping it’s not the last we see of Nicola and her partner, Harry.

Thank you Penguin Group Viking Penguin and Netgalley for this ARC! When a peculiar murder scene of a local is found in the middle of the night so starts the investigation. Set in a small village in England there were colorful characters in this book but none of the main characters were very likeable. The last quarter of the book was the same story retold by two points of view with basically not much difference that sounded repetitive falling pretty flat in the end.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A gruesome murder of a pub owner and a whole town full of suspects. Great who dun it.

Thriller lovers, watch out for your next great read. Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall was a great read.

When I was offered an early read of this title, I was beyond excited. I had already known about Death at the White Hart and knew that I would want to read it (as would anybody who saw Broadchurch). So, did it live up to my expectations? Definitely, yes.

This book has a somewhat cinematic feel to it which makes sense given the author. I could very much picture it as a TV series with the multiple settings, many characters, and some strong visuals (antlers attached to a dead man, anyone?)

The story is well told but, initially, asks that the reader pay attention as the characters are introduced. Their interrelationships are very much a part of the plot. There are pub keepers, police officers, many people in the community, relatives and acquaintances, as well as at least one more organized crime figure type.

The detective has her reasons for having come back to the community where she grew up. Still, Nicola had expected a somewhat better station. How will she and her team fare? Will her marriage make it?

All in all, this was a most enjoyable read. It is easy to suggest that mystery/thriller readers pick this one up. Kirkus Reviews states "Hopefully, this is the start of a beautiful series." I most definitely agree.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group- Viking Penguin for this time. All opinions are my own.

The best detective novel I've read in a long time. I immediately fell into the story and it kept my interest the whole time.

suspenseful and intense murder filled with dramatic plotlines and personae. 5 stars. tysm for the arc, would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin for reaching out to me with an ARC of Death at the White Hart in exchange for my honest review. I hadn't heard of this one before receiving that email and I'm so glad I didn't miss out!

Death at the White Hart tells the story of a gruesome murder of a small, coastal English town's publican. Jim Tiernan may have been the easy going, carefree landlord of the White Hart, but he also was the keeper of many village secrets and grudges. When he's found dead tied to a chair in the middle of the road (with deer antlers glued to his head I might add) those secrets and grudges starting coming into the light. And not everyone is too happy about it.

This novel comes from the man who created the immensely popular show Broadchurch. Now, I have a confession to make: I have not yet watched Broadchurch. (For shame, I know! I'm just not a big TV gal.) But I've heard from many "reliable" sources (my cousins) that it's fantastic so I knew this novel would more than likely be well written and entertaining. And it definitely was!

This was a great thriller featuring a variety of interesting characters, atmospheric coastal setting, and well written storyline. I enjoyed this one very much and found myself having trouble putting it down. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a thriller or just a good old fashion who-done-it.

An easy 4⭐️. I'll definitely keep an eye out for any future novels (and get around to watching Broadchurch, too 🤪).

Publishing: June 10th, 2025

Chris Chibnall’s debut novel Death at the White Hart is a brooding, atmospheric mystery set in a tightly-wound Dorset village. When a pub landlord is found murdered in a ritualistic pose, DS Nicola Bridge is pulled into a case that stirs up long-buried secrets.

Bridge is a strong lead—flawed, thoughtful, and grounded in reality. Chibnall captures the claustrophobia of village life well, creating a moody backdrop that keeps the tension simmering. While some side characters lack depth, the central mystery holds attention, even if the ending overexplains itself a little too much.

Fans of slow-burn, character-driven crime fiction—especially those who liked Broadchurch—will find plenty to enjoy here.

Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall is a highly recommended procedural set in the English village of Fleetcombe. This is the debut novel of the creator of TV's Broadchurch series.

A man is found dead in the middle of the road tied to a chair with a stag’s antlers attached to his head. The victim is well known and immediately identified at the scene as Jim Tiernan, who ran the White Hart pub. Called to the scene is Detective Nicola Bridge, 38, who has recently come to Fleetcombe, a small West Dorset village, from Liverpool. She thought a slower pace would be good for her marriage. Also called is rookie DC Harry Ward. He is ten years younger and a newcomer too. Nicola has years of experience and Harry is eager to assist and learn.

The department has no real experience with a crime of this sort so all of Nicola's experience is desperately needed, as well as her observation skills. Harry is surprising with how much he steps up to assist. As with any small town, there are plenty of secrets and history between everyone. Not all those questioned are forthcoming or open with the information they know

This well written, intelligent procedural features a complex investigation, an even pace, and fully realized characters. All the clues are logically followed and as a pub owner, the list of local people who need to be questioned, and re-questioned, includes people who knew Jim or had interactions with him the night of the crime. The characters all feel like unique, real people which makes it very easy to follow the investigation and piece together clues along the way. These characters deserves a sequel.

Death at the White Hart is a prefect choice for anyone who enjoys British police procedurals. Thanks to the Penguin Group for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.