I enjoyed listening to the book being read to me. The narrator was very good, and read it well. Ideal for travelling. I always enjoy J R Ellis books and this was no exception. I did feel that there were too many side plots all happening at the same time. I would have preferred to have seen the Blake storyline expanded further than it was. It was a good listen and I am sure it will be a good read. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author goes gifting me the audio version.
This book was really good. I did not know this was part of a series, and I feel like I was missing some things due to the book kept talking about past events aka books, but I didn't feel completely lost while reading it. I loved that it was read by a male narrator. He did a really good job and I enjoyed how he read it. This was a good mystery thriller. The book kept me guessing and before I knew it the novel was done. I would read from this author again.

3.5 stars, rounded up
The Otley Murders is the 11th in the Jim Oldroyd series, a steady police procedural that takes place in Yorkshire. While part of a series, it works fine as a stand-alone.
Ten years ago, Jim put a romance scam/serial killer away. Now, he’s managed to escape from prison. He reaches out to Jim to tell him that he’s coming for him. Meanwhile, a dead body is found with the Latin word Vindicta written on its forehead; posed in the old courthouse jail cell.
This isn’t a fast paced story and at times, it does drag a little. But it’s well thought out. There’s a big twist at the halfway point. The book continues well after the murderer is caught, in another interesting development.
The characters of the police team are well developed. Part of my enjoyment with police procedurals is watching the team interact and it works well here.
Michael Page does a good job as the narrator.
My thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for an advance copy of the audiobook.

THE OTLEY MURDERS, AUDIOBOOK - A new to me author who reminds me of the writing style of Agatha Christie. An interesting book with good characters and story lines set at a good pace. I did not appreciate the last chapter, which was a lecture disguised as conversation between man and wife. It was delightful to hear infrequent use of mild cursing; no vulgar language. The narrator does an excellent job with his reading and the various characters. He is clear and easily understood. Narrator: Michael Page. Length: 8 hours and 26 minutes. Source: Netgalley. 4*

If you like your murder mysteries cozy but clever, with just enough menace to keep things interesting, this one’s worth a spot on your TBR. The characters are quirky in a good way, the setting is atmospheric and windswept, and the plot, while not shocking, unfolds at a satisfying pace. I especially liked how the personal lives of the investigators added some extra depth without distracting from the central case. The Orkney Murders by J.R. Ellis strikes a nice balance between traditional mystery and character-driven storytelling.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
Rated PG-13 for mild language, mature themes, and crime-related content.

A fantastic book in the series. This book was read through Audio. The reader was fantastic. Reading the series in order does brings one to rely on each character’s personality and what they will bring to the story. Having the same consistent characters brings life to each book and draws you into the story as if you’re part of it.

“The Otley Murders” by J.R. Ellis was completely engaging. I was drawn in from the very start and couldn’t put it down. The pacing, the atmosphere, and the sense of mystery were perfectly crafted, and the narration brought the story to life in all the right ways.

I loved the intricate plot and the way the case unfolded. The characters felt authentic and layered, and the setting added a classic British crime vibe that worked so well on audio. Every chapter left me wanting more.

A solid 5 stars from me! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from J.R. Ellis.

DCI Oldroyd is investigating a murder at Otley when he hears that Adam Blake has escaped prison after ten years inside and who vows to seek revenge against the man who caught him. Can Oldroyd concentrate on his current case whilst being in 8n danger himself or will the pressure get to him?

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Very good characters in this well paced murder mystery. Oldroyd and his team will work through the evidence and clues to solve the murders whilst others seek to recapture Blake.

JR Ellis’ latest installment of the Yorkshire Murder Mystery series, The Otley Murders, was fantastic.

Much like most modern police stations, many investigations took place in tandem in the book, and these diverse plot lines allowed for so many assumptions and red herrings to be thrown in to allow for dramatic plot twists and turns, that one is left guessing as to who did what until the end of the book.

A trigger warning should be noted that child abuse and neglect, self harm, and drug abuse are themes used in this mystery, but they are all used for a reason in the plot, and handled with respect.

This book’s plot advancement preyed on obvious assumptions that one would draw, given certain facts at the outset. This was a fabulous ploy, and left me shocked half-way through the book because of this.

Thank you So much to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the brilliant Audio ARC!!!