One of the things I really enjoyed about Fear in the New Forest was the way Linda Mather sets the scene. The New Forest is such a beautiful location, with the woodland meeting the coastline and the Solent providing a peaceful backdrop. Of course, this is a murder mystery, so that peaceful setting doesn't stay peaceful for long!

Having read the first book, Death in the New Forest, I appreciated how the story brings us up to date with Elinor and her small team. You can read this as a standalone without feeling you've missed anything in the characters' personal lives, while returning readers will find the recap natural rather than repetitive. Elinor's past is referred to lightly throughout, giving us hints on why she left the Midlands to start again. Getting to know the full team gives us a better understanding of each member, their individual strengths and weaknesses and, of course, any demons they are dealing with. I really like the way this is handled, allowing the characters to develop alongside the investigation rather than making their personal stories feel like an interruption.

The investigation gets underway almost quietly, with Elinor enjoying a peaceful walk along the shore with an old friend from her Midlands days. A coastguard helicopter appears overhead and suddenly that peaceful day takes a very different turn. From there, there is a lot going on. The writing keeps the pace moving, with new information, different threads and developments constantly giving us something else to think about. I found myself following the various possibilities and wondering who was responsible, while the busy summer setting adds another layer of urgency.

For me, the combination of the beautiful setting, the developing team dynamics and the fast-moving investigation made this an enjoyable read. I like Elinor and feel she is settling into her new role and becoming more established in her surroundings. I also enjoyed following the twists and turns of the case as it unfolded. I can't wait to see what is coming next!