“Death at the White Hart,” by Chris Chibnall, Pamela Dorman Books/Viking, 352 pages, June 10, 2025.

The villagers of Fleetcombe like to think of it as one of the most picturesque spots on England’s coast. But then a man is found dead, tied to a chair in the middle of the road, a stag’s antlers on his head.

The gruesome scene stuns the town, especially when the victim is identified: Jim Tiernan, who ran the White Hart pub. Irina Bortnick is Tiernan’s partner. He also has an older sister, Patricia, who saw him earlier that night. The truth may hinge on a young girl who also saw something that night.

Detective Sergeant Nicola Bridge grew up in Fleetcombe and has now returned, for the good of her family, from a life away in Liverpool. Major crimes rarely occur in Fleetcombe. Detective Constable Harry Ward is ten years younger and, despite his newcomer status, determined to earn Nicola’s trust as she intimidates him. Then police learn the murder is similar to several that happened in 1925.

There’s an interesting array of characters. While it is a good plot, as a television writer, Chris Chibnall is especially good at dialogue. He is the creator of the former TV series “Broadchurch” and was executive producer and writer of some of the episodes of the “Doctor Who” series.

I rate it four out of five stars.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

This was a good take on a crime thriller. I did not remember what was this book was about by the time I was approved for it so I went into this blind.

I am usually apprehensive going into a thriller written by as male author and the MC is a female but this was so well written. Nicola is such a great character. We get to see her personality in her work and personal life and the struggles she was having and how it effected her.

The aspect of the crime was such a unique take and pulled me in from the first chapter. The book is not twisty but it does twist at the very end. I really hope we see more of Nicola and her partner Harry.

Genre: Thriller
APK: Ebook
Pages: 343
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone

Thank you Pamela Dorman Books for a copy of the book for a honest review.

Thank you Pamela Dorman Books for my gifted copy!

Death at the White Hart is as good of a book on the inside as it looks on the outside. This cover drew me in immediately, without even reading the premise. Do I know what Broadchurch is? Nope. Never heard of it until its name graced this cover, but now that I’ve read the book - and freaking loved it - I might binge the entire show.

Every now and then, there is a fictional detective that I fall in love with. That’s a big deal, because I don’t usually like procedurals or law enforcement. Some of my favorites have been Ben Packard (Josh Moehling), Ffion Morgan (Clare Mackintosh), obviously Olivia Benson, and now Nicola and Harry.

There was a subtle undercurrent of what felt like a face smirking in this book. Is that what they call cheeky? It was intelligent, with that subtleness that made it so I didn’t take it so seriously. It was a fun and creepy puzzle to solve, helped along but it crisp dialogue and brilliant writing. I will absolutely be reading whatever Chris Chibnall writes next, I can promise you that. And pleaaaaase let it be another novel with Nicola and Harry!

A suspenseful novel from the creator of Broadchurch? Yes please! Chris Chibnall delivers in Death At The White Hart.

A gruesome murder kicks off the action. Set in the small English village of Fleetcombe, where everybody knows everybody's business, everyone's a suspect. Detective Sergeant Nicola Bridge has returned to Fleetcombe, hoping for a quieter life with lower profile cases than those in Liverpool. A dead man strapped to a chair in the middle of the road, with antlers stuck on his head, is definitely not low profile.

Eccentric characters, a creepy setting, secrets on top of secrets on top of secrets, with DS Bridge and her team to figure it all out. This was a page turner!

My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the Advance Reader Copy. (pub date 6/10/2025)

Thank you NetGalley and Pamela Dorman books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I was a huge fan of Broadchurch and was very excited to read this one. I like police procedurals, and this one was good. The pacing was a bit slow, but the story was interesting. While it took a little time to fully hook me, once I hit the second half, I couldn’t put it down.

We have mystery, we have intrigue, we have likeable characters - it was perfectly written. It was so easily enjoyable,

It’s obvious that this is written by the creator of a TV show as it very much reads like a British crime drama which I quite enjoyed. I loved the setting of the small town along with the main character and the atmospheric tone. Overall this was an entertaining read.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Detective Nicola Bridge has just moved back to her hometown of Fleetcombe. When the owner of the local pub is found dead she is assigned to investigate with her partner DC Harry Ward. They must fight to unravel the secrets being held by the people in the town to find out who committed the crime.

I am a massive fan of Broadchurch and I was so excited to get an opportunity to read this book early. Also glad to hear this will be turned into a TV series. I had a very good time with this book. I really enjoyed Nicola as the main character. She is smart and tenacious. The mystery itself was interesting and had some good twists. The pacing of the book was great. I enjoyed the balance of some personal dramas with the lead and the mystery. There were threads left open at the end so I have my fingers crossed that we will get more of these characters in additional books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin Viking for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a huge fan of Broadchurch so was very excited to read this - and it didn’t disappoint! It had all the elements I loved from the show - small town, secrets, lots of suspects, well-developed characters- but it also stood on its own. Very much enjoyed this and didn’t want to stop reading!

I was hooked from the beginning!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

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.