The story:
When Norfolk police receive an anonymous call about a disturbance at Fakenham Race Course on a snowy December night, two uniformed police officers are quickly dispatched to investigate. And when one is seriously injured by an unknown intruder, it’s clear something is not right. But when the snow thaws, Detective Inspector Ashley Knight and the Norfolk Major Investigation Team have a bigger problem on their hands… a body.

As the crimes mount up, Ashley and the team are sure they are linked to the complicated world of horse racing. But will they be able to untangle things in time, or will the killer strike again?

My thoughts:
Following hot on the heels of "Death at Horsey Mere", which published earlier this year, "Death at Fakenham Races" is the fifth instalment in the Norfolk Murder series by Ross Greenwood, featuring DI Ashley Knight and her team.

This has been an action-packed series with some complex, sometimes international cases. This time we stay closer to home, with a series of crimes linked to Fakenham Race Course, and the various people that are associated with it and the world of horses – from bookies to trainers, owners and jockeys. The first murder is something of a puzzle, with the victim being generally well liked, but there is a hint of something dodgy in a past race where a favourite, The Taciturn Man, unexpectedly pulled up at the final jump. Was this just the unpredictable nature of racing, or is there the possibility of race fixing?

As ever, Ashley and the team delve into the intricacies of the case (with some of them more interested in horse racing than others!), each bringing their own skills to the challenge. This includes detective Hector Fade – previously on the fast-track scheme to high places in the force, he returns under something of a cloud… but it’s great to have him back!

Ashley herself is in a pretty good place in this book, but still struggling to find the joy in her personal life that she finds in her work. The end of this book ends with some hope on that front (but I’ve said that before!). I also have a soft spot for her somewhat difficult detective constable Barry Hooper, and I hope things can work out for him too, one way or another!

Overall this was an enjoyably twisting case, with the backdrop of the racing community adding a great level of complexity for the team at MIT to get their teeth into!

I love this book it part of 5 book series and wow loved it

brutal attack at Fakenham Racecourse plunges DI Ashley Knight into the competitive world of horse racing, where fortunes are won and lost in the blink of an eye. As the investigation unfolds, a chilling discovery reveals a darker side to this glamorous sport. In these high-stakes arenas, where winning is everything and everyone has something to hide, a few are willing to cross the ultimate line.

I always look forward to any book by Ross Greenwood. and this didn't disappoint. In this 5th outing for Greenwood's DCI Ashley Knight, one of Knight's officers is attacked on the racecourse and, shortly after, a body is found resulting in an investigation that leads us into the world of race fixing. It is a sound police procedural novel with strong characterisation. The suspense is maintained throughout, keeping the reader guessing until the end. The novel is set in the heart of winter and opens with snow on the ground, giving it the feel of a Christmas offering despite its June publication. This would make a good summer of winter holiday read.

Set in the world of horse racing, the latest in the DS Ashley Knight crime thrillers is complex and mysterious. The many suspects soon become victims, and the false leads outnumber the clues. The investigative team are relentless, but everyone is lying, and the killer always seems one step ahead. The personal lives of the detectives add depth to the story and are an essential part of this series. I like the characterisation, the horse racing setting and the twisty crime mystery.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

'A large, dark shape materialised to his right, as though plunging through a thick cloud. The drumming faster, relentless'.

I read my first Ross Greenwood novel, earlier this year and loved it, so of course I was going to read this one. Another day and another Norfolk murder! This one reminded me of a Dick Francis book. If you don't know, Dick was a former jockey, turned author and many of his books were set in the horse racing world and featured a murder or two!

As Ross was writing about the stable yards, and the beauty and grace that comes with the horses who reside there, I could smell the wood shavings and the gorgeous horsey smell. I could sense the love the people who worked there, had for their charges, and I dropped myself right into the middle of it all, as I set about trying to solve the murder(s) along with DI Ashley Knight.

A perfectly written police procedural. Ross kept me guessing most of the way through, and my choice of murderer changed from one chapter to the next as one curveball after another was thrown into the mix. I had just one thought at the end.....poor Barry! 😉

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Death at Fakenham Races by Ross Greenwood.

Well... here we are at book five of this cracking series and with no signs of flagging. Obviously usual series rules apply and you don't need me to spell them out.
This time, DI Ashley Knight and her team are thrown into the thrilling and competitive world of horse racing when there is a death at their local racecourse. One of her own officers also being injured during the call out. The weather, specifically the snow, doesn't help their investigation. Nor does navigating the ins and outs of the racing fraternity, the owners, trainers, bookies, jockeys, racecourse staff etc etc all leave them running ragged.
They have only just scratched the surface of their investigations when there is another body found, upping the urgency to solve the crime before the body count rises even further.
I really loved this book. Especially the horse racing element which, for those not in the know, the author explains well enough to allay the layman but not too much to go over the top. The crimes and investigation thereof were well plotted and said plot ably executed by a cracking cast of existing series characters, well supported by new ones. We even had the return of an old "friend" whose welcome back by a colleague had me in stitches. Honestly, outwith the main case, there's some seriously cracking banter between the officers!
And the conclusion to the case when we eventually got there was rather shocking and extremely clever. But I'll let you discover that as the author intends. No spoilers from me.
All in all, a great addition to what is now a well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Always a pleasure to return to read about DI Ashley Knight and her team (& a relief that there is another book in the series!) Ross Greenwood has developed the lives of the members of the team so well, that it is fun seeing how each of their worlds has moved on since the last book, effortlessly picking back up with their banter and sarcasm, offering some light relief alongside the darkly serious side of their jobs.

This time the murders begin at Fakenham Racecourse and from there, the mystery quickly deepens, with little evidence to help the investigation start. Even the weather hampers them, slowing them down, adding to the overall feeling of frustration, at getting to grips with the crime scene.

I found it refreshing to read a police investigation, where it doesn’t all fall quickly into place, one that benefits from a huge effort from the team, following many loose threads often to dead ends. This multi-layered plot has so many suspects, from a wide array of powerful characters connected to the racing world. I found out a lot more about what goes on behind the scenes at the race track and also how a stables works.

The action is certainly fast-paced and creating tension by running just behind the mounting number of crimes. With the setting being vividly described, the reader will hear the thunder of hooves on turf, feel the excitement of a race day, whilst also being enveloped in the tension and intrigue. There are clues wound in, for us to try to piece together, alongside DI Ashley’s team and time is racing past.

Another great read in this strong police procedural series!

This book sees DI Ashley Knight thrown into the world of horse racing. After a call to Fakenham race course gets a PC assualted that’s just the start of it. Before Ashley knows it she has dead bodies and some sort of betting con to get to the bottom of. There’s a lot going on in this case and luckily the author has a way of explaining the world of racing as you read. It’s a cold snowy time coming up to Christmas, will Ashley be able to get this case solved before Seb arrives for Christmas

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read the previous one in this series and really enjoyed it, so was happy to revisit the team in Norfolk again. This one didn’t disappoint. There’s so many lies, twists and secrets in this one, it’s difficult to keep track! I guessed who it was but it was right near the reveal, so didn’t feel clever at all.

Ashley and her team are investigating a death at a local race course and getting immersed in the world of horse racing and betting. If you’re not familiar with any of this, don’t worry - you’ll get a full lesson all the way through of how it all works and who does or doesn’t do what. I found it really interesting and engrossing, I loved learning as I read especially when it’s a novel.

The writing as ever was easy to follow and kept me involved all the way to the end. I really like Ashley and her banter with the team, they all get on well and this was definitely more light hearted than the last - even with murder involved! I’m looking forward to the next one already.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this book.

3.5 stars.

I read this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion based on my completing the story.

I had a good time reading this book, even if it didn’t completely blow me away. It’s part of a series featuring DI Knight, but can easily be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the previous books and didn’t feel disconnected at all.

The story is set mostly in the world of horse racing, which I found really interesting reminding me of early Dick Francis novels. It’s not a setting I usually read but the author knows his stuff and has worked a lot of detail into the plot. It felt very authentic and even though I don’t know much about horse racing as I have not read any recent books about that theme, but I seem to have learned a fair bit along the way.

The case itself kicks off when someone is found dead at Fakenham Racecourse and a police officer is attacked. DI Knight is called in, and from the start, it’s clear that almost everyone involved is hiding something. The mystery is layered and keeps you guessing. It felt like I was solving the case alongside the police and I enjoyed that feeling of uncertainty.

There’s no shortage of action and dead bodies, so if you like your crime novels with a bit of grit, you’ll probably enjoy this. The pace is quick, and there are a few nice twists and clues sprinkled throughout.

My only real issue is that at times the story felt a bit too crowded several subplots and characters made it hard to stay fully invested in everyone. I also wanted a bit more depth from some of the main characters. Still, the plot carried things well enough, and I was interested to see how it would all play out.

All in all, this is a solid police procedural with an unusual and well-researched setting. It didn’t quite hit that wow factor for me, but it’s definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of British crime fiction or just want something a little different. I am hoping to pick another book from the author.

When a body is found in the snow, at a racecourse and the attending policeman is attacked, all hands are on deck to find the murderer. The horses aren't the only ones facing hurdles - so are Ashley and her team as they race against the clock to find the murderer. This was a great procedural crime novel, full of suspense and accurate detail about life within the National Hunt racing community. This book is a must for anyone who has ever read and enjoyed a novel by DicK Frances. This is the first of Ross Greenwood's books I have read and I will certainly be racing to find more!

Book five in the Norfolk Murder Series, Death at the Fakenham Races sees DI Ashley Knight coming to terms with the underhand dealings that go along with the world of Horse racing as a brutal murder is committed at the Fakenham racecourse and a police officer is seriously injured not far from where the body was found.
As Ashley and the team try to work out why one of their own, Frank Levine, was hurt and why bookie Jonny Lowe was murdered the list of people who may have wanted to kill Lowe rises to many people in the local industry who know each other too well.
When Glen Gordon a well-respected Racehorse owner, the reasons why are still obscure, as it would seem everyone on the prime suspect list appears to be blameless.
As the tension mounts, the small pieces uncovered lead back into a very murky past as the dark side of the racing Industry is exposed as a ruthless industry where winning is all.
For anyone who has never entered the field of horse racing and betting the description of the industry, the love of owners for their horses and the depths people will go to in the pursuit of winning has been well captured.
As to the Police procedural aspect of the case, this is also has been well documented, but the immense amount of detail tends to slow down the pace of the overall story, that is unless you enjoy this level of methodical detail.
Death at the Fakenham Races is overall an entertaining read, especially for those who enjoy the racing circuit.

This is book five in the DI Ashley Knight investigation team series set in Norfolk, this book centres around a death that happens at the race course in Fakenham. Anyone like myself who lives in this part of Norfolk will instantly recognise different locations.
The officers are called to a disturbance at Fakenham race course on a cold wintry day with the snow laying deep on the ground, it's covering tracks instantly and when a body is discovered it sets off a murder enquiry and also at the same time one of their own officers is attacked at the race course. But gradually things just don't add up, is it something to do with the bookies or the horse trainers or someone else? Someone has certainly made a lot of money from that particular race, but who was it? You are left wondering who, and who they can trust, and why! Gradually more deaths are happening, why and who is doing the killing?

I personally have never been to a horse racing event or even understand how they work, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this book. I enjoyed the interaction between the police officers and also the location of the race track at Fakenham and the local area. I have read and enjoyed other books by Ross Greenwood and this book is just as good as the others. A good police procedural and investigation storyline that certainly keeps you guessing. You are wondering how many people are going to be killed and how. Very good story.
A five-star read from me.

#netgalley
#Boldwoodbooks
#DeathatFakenhamRaces
#RossGreenwood

I really enjoyed this easy read in the DI Ashley Knight series, although it can easily be read as a stand alone. I liked the Norfolk location and the well developed characterisation with a good cast of interesting characters. The plotting was different, set around the horse racing industry, and there is enough suspense to occupy the reader with the steady pacing. Another solid police procedural from the popular author, who never disappoints his readers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

First novel I have read from this author and it didn’t disappoint. Enjoyable from the first to last page. Plenty of twists and turns to keep me enthralled. Well rounded characters and very well written. Look forward to his next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

The fifth book in the DI Ashley Knight/Norfolk Murders series and can easily be read as a standalone. It is early December and snow is falling on Fakenham Racecourse when bookie Jonny Lowe pulls up in the car park. He has an important meeting ahead of him, despite the weather. I don’t know much about horse racing and this book certainly improved my knowledge, in a good way.

Briefly, the police are called to the racecourse after a body is found in the snow, brutally murdered, and a police officer is attacked. DI Ashley Knight and her team are on the case and immediately find themselves embroiled in the sport of horse racing, training and particularly the betting, and bookie Jonny Lowe is missing. It is clear everyone questioned is lying about everything but Ashley and the team are paying particular attention on a previous race where the strong favourite didn’t finish the race.

When more gruesome murders occur the team know they are racing (excuse the pun!) against time to catch a very clever killer. As always this is very well written with a good plot although for me lacking a bit of oomph compared to previous books. That said it’s a very enjoyable read with a great twist towards the end and I love this team of detectives. Entertaining police procedural and looking forward to the next book.

I am a lifelong lover of all sports but admit to not being a massive fan of horse racing until a professional jockey moved in across the road from me recently and I take great interest in his races and results. A well researched book that was very difficult to put down and had me enthralled from start to finish. My only comment would be the naming of one of the central characters, Ronan Rafferty, which was the name of a leading golfer for many years as a golf fanatic that picture would not escape my mind. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

Another great book in the Norfolk Murders series that I have been lucky enough to read on NetGalley. It’s a solid and well-plotted police procedural with an interesting cast of characters. Having previously read another book in the series, I enjoyed the development and interactions of the police team.
The plot centres around the world of horse racing with lots of well-researched details included. I love this attention to detail from the author. I also love the fact that I’m completely in the dark about who the murderer could be and what their motive is until right at the end! I feel I take the leap of faith to target the killer alongside the police! There’s plenty of action and a good few bodies to satisfy the readers. A four star read that I am happy to recommend. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series..

This book didn’t just hook me—it body-checked me onto the track and dared me to keep up.

DI Ashley Knight dives into the brutal world of horse racing, where egos are bloated, grudges run deep, and everyone’s hiding something. This isn’t the glossy, champagne version of racing—it’s messy, mean, and full of rot.

Ashley’s the grounded outsider in a world fueled by secrets and whispered threats. And the suspects? All shady. Some just wear it better.

Greenwood’s pacing is relentless, his characters bite, and the twists land like a gut punch. It’s gritty, clever, and straight-up addictive.

Final word? If you’re into high-stakes crime with bite, Death at Fakenham Races is your next fix.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing this advance copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review.

#DeathAtFakenhamRaces #NetGalley

Part of a series featuring Detective Inspector Ashley Knight. A gritty thriller set mostly in he racing industry. Good characters and plenty of twists and turns.