I found this book interesting with Special Police Woman Jane Bell and
DI Steph Warwick. Jane is a loose cannon and doesn't follow the correct
protocol, which made the book interesting and again with a lecture from
Di Steph. I recommend this book as well as the other this author has written.
Given arc by Net Galley and Joffe.

In Murder on the River, Janice Frost delivers a quietly gripping mystery that unfolds beneath the brittle chill of a Lincolnshire winter. The discovery of a young man’s body in the icy River Witham sets the tone for a story steeped in silence, secrets, and the slow unraveling of truth.

Detective Steph Warwick is a compelling lead—pragmatic, perceptive, and refreshingly unflustered by festive distractions. Her investigation is methodical yet emotionally attuned, drawing us into a world where the past refuses to stay buried and the present is laced with quiet menace. The reappearance of Special Constable Jane Bell adds warmth and texture, her community ties offering a counterpoint to Steph’s more clinical approach. Their dynamic is one of mutual respect and subtle tension, and it’s a pleasure to watch it evolve. Frost’s prose is clean and understated, allowing the emotional weight of the story to speak for itself. The setting—deserted university halls, frostbitten streets, and a river that holds more than just water—adds a layer of atmospheric melancholy that suits the season and the subject matter.

This is not a mystery that shouts; it whispers, drawing the reader closer with each quiet revelation. A controversial dig site, a missing girlfriend, and a piece of evidence too dangerous to share—Frost weaves these threads into a narrative that is both thoughtful and deeply human.

Perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven crime fiction with emotional depth and a wintry edge.

Thank you to Janice Frost, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

Wow!!! Is all I can say about this absolutely outstanding book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope there is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked! This was an outstanding novel from the cover to the last page!

An Archaelogy student, Max Barsby, is murdered, his body pulled out of the river.
Detective Steph Warwick is investigating, and Special Constable Jane Bell, investigating a break-in, discovers a link to Max.
The detective and Jane begin to work together, with Jane uncovering many more clues, together with her son, Patrick.

I really enjoyed this police procedural. I haven't read any of the previous books, unfortunately. I certainly hope to track some down and catch up on the back story of these two women.

Jane is a warm hearted person, and I really do NOT like Steph Warwick's behaviour! She comes across as coldhearted.
She tolerates Jane, but doesn't like Jane involved in murder investigations, and doesn't give Jane the kudos she deserves for what she uncovers.

I like DS Elias Harper, he is keen and amusing, and inquisitive.

I do recommend this series, although I am a little late to the party, it seems!

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This is part of a very enjoyable series featuring Special Policewoman Jane Bell and DI Steph Warwick. There are times they rub along the wrong way, but things are slowly getting better.
In this particular story Jane goes rogue a bit again with the help of her son Patrick. They're looking into the murder of a young archeology student and, as usual, Jane gets carried away, earning her another lecture from Steph.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others, it seemed repetitive and I got bored at times. It was still enjoyable to meet the characters again, though.
I couldn't find the book on Goodreads so was unable to leave a review.