Land Rites

Land Rites, the superb second DI Ford police procedural, is a twisted tale of conflicts. Criminals confront the police, titled aristocrats deal with minor crimes and environmentalists fight development. DI Ford fights against time before his own deeply hidden secrets are revealed.

The dismembered body of Tommy Bolter is found in a badger den. Tommy is the brother of JJ and Ryan, leaders of organized crime in the area. Of course, the brothers want his murder solved and give Ford just days to find the killer. Their threats to Ford and his son are chilling real. He and Dr. Hannah Fellowes, deputy head of forensics, have only begun their work when a second body is found. Ford is convinced that the cases are related but the only thing the victims have in common is that they were murdered on the vast estate of Lord Baverstock and his family and have tattoos. Can DI Ford solve this puzzle? What does JJ Bolter have planned? And how does he know so much about the investigation?

Andy Maslen has once again delivered a strong, character driven thriller. Ford, still grieving over his role in his wife’s tragic, accidental death, and Hannah Fellowes, an incredibly intelligent scientist with Asperger’s, are an unlikely pair. They complement each other and their developing partnership is a major part of the story. Descriptions of the Baverstock family, the Lord and Lady and their children, Loopy and Stodgy, are perfect. This series is only getting better! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Andy Maslen for this ARC.

When a dismembered hand is found by a local dog walker, Detective Ford is called on to try to discover the murderer. The stakes are high as the hand elongs to the youngest member of a local criminal family, who threaten his son if he doesn't get results, and fast.

The book is a steady police procedural, and the quiet courage of the police is shown clearly throughout.

Recommended for anyone enjoying police dramas, procedurals or those liking a mystery. Fans of Jeffrey Deaver will also enjoy this one.

3.5 stars

When dismembered human remains are discovered by a dog walker in a badger sett in Salisbury countryside, DI Ford is called to investigate. He would be working alongside Dr. Hannah Fellowes, the Deputy Chief forensics officer, and his team: DC Julie Harper, DC Olly, and DS Mick.

Thanks to a tattoo on the victim’s right arm, DI Ford can identify the body of the victim as that of a young man named Tommy Bolter, the youngest of three brothers believed to be members of an organized crime group.

Then a second body turns up in a drainage pond on a farmer's land. Besides having a tattoo, the victims have nothing in common. It’s up to DI Ford and his team to find a connection between the victims and the killer’s motive and bring the killer to justice.

Meanwhile one of his team is selling information to the brother of the first victim. DI Ford suspects DC Mick who’s going through a divorce; he’d probably need money for his lawyer etc.

DI Ford’s sixteen-year-old son, Sam is considering following in his father’s footsteps so Ford lets him in on a case he’s working on now and then. Ever since losing his wife Lou six years ago, he’s been growing increasingly concerned about his son’s safety and has an irrational fear of losing him too, much to Sam’s annoyance. Overall a good detective story.

Thank you to Andy Maslen, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
This second DI Ford book was a disappointment. I found it a bit boring; too slow and I still didn't connect with DI Ford. Hannah is a much more likeable and interesting character. The guilt DI Ford feels about his wife's death is getting boring ... move on already! The mystery itself is ok, but all in all it dragged on too much for me. Sorry!

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC
I did enjoy it although I do feel he needs to get over his wife's death. Unless he is going to be arrested for it. Having a member of his team working for the criminals is an interesting twist. An enjoyable read, looking forward to seeing how this develops

A great read! I have not read the previous book in this series, but this does not detract from this story. There is enough back story to enable you to fully enjoy this novel.

A dog Walker finds a severed hand and that’s where DI Ford’s investigation begins. The story has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The writing flows easily , and leads you to read the next chapter and the next.

The core characters are a nice mix , and are relatable and I like how they gel together it brings an authentic thread to the book.
A great police procedural and I look forward to the next in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this arc copy.

¨Land Rites¨ is an example of smart entertainment in book form. Mr Maslen knows his craft, the editorial expectations, and his readership. He delivers a good example of a successful product in its niche. It is a great quick read, particularly enjoyable for lovers of murder mysteries.

This is a well-built tale, smart enough that it does not need to hide clues in order to create a small twist to the solution. In fact, a discerning reader will be able to be a few pages ahead of the detectives’ revelations – thus feeling empowered in their deductive abilities. Moreover, it keeps quite a clean narrative despite the subject-matter and a few of the more gruesome scenes.

On the other hand, his insistence on Ford’s personal issues regarding his wife’s death, even starting the thread of the specialist’s involvement, all of which he leaves unsolved, lacks finesse. It is very jarring, as opposed to the rest of the work. Therefore, this is not a successful choice for those interested in single volumes, rather than series with intertwining plots.

A great follow up in the series to Shallow Ground. However, for the uninitiated this isn't a problem, as the book doesn't make too much reference to the previous story. The characters are reintroduced in a way that makes it easy to follow the story without needing all of the exposition some authors use.

The story starts off as a discovered body in a field, and then races away in the nice English setting towards the conclusion. I won't go into too much detail as all readers need to approach the book with a clear mind to appreciate all of the description provided.

As a standalone read, this is a good book to introduce yourself to, as a sequel it fleshes out characters who are likeable and sets up a possible future novel in the series.

If you like British crime writing, you don't need to look much further than this. Great read!

I was provided a free ARC copy from NetGalley in return for a honest review.

DI Ford is tasked with soulving the murder of a person whose body was dismembered and disposed of in a badgers hole on a country estate. When a second body is found several miles away, Ford must figure out if they are connected; and if they are, how? While investigating, Ford finds information that there is a leak in his department. This leak is feeding information to the family of one of the victims, and this family is threatining Ford to find the guilty party, or Sam, Fords son, could pay the price. This family member also implies he knows information about Ford's past that he will use if necessary. Can Ford and his team overcome obstacles and mis-information and find the killer or killers?

As an Aussie living in the suburbs of Melbourne with a penchant for anything British, there’s nothing I love more than a murder mystery set in an idyllic English village. This was my first #netgalley download and it was a winner!

In the Wiltshire countryside, a dogwalker stumbles across a body hidden in a badger sett. The victim is the younger brother of local mobster, JJ Bolter. DI Ford, still grappling with the recent death of his wife in a rock climbing accident, is called in to investigate the murder and Bolter gives him a clear ultimatum; find the killer in a week or he’ll find them himself. With all clues leading to Alverchalke Estate, home of the local Lord and his children, DI Ford has to try and uncover the link between the families.

The book was a really easy, engrossing read. There may not have been any extraordinary twists or turns, but I genuinely liked DI Ford and the plot was perhaps predictable but still enjoyable. Sometimes I fancy a crime mystery that isn’t too dark and this met that brief perfectly!

This is the second book in the Detective Ford series by author Andy Maslen. I enjoyed the first book in the series ‘Shallow Ground’ which introduced me to both the author and the character ‘Ford’ and since then have been looking forward to reading the sequel. The character Ford is a single parent who suffers the guilt over his part in his wife’s tragic fatal accident. This is another good police procedural crime novel with really good characters and an engaging plot.

DI Ford is called on to investigate a murder investigation when a dog walker discovers human remains in a badger sett in the idyllic Salisbury countryside, Shortly after a second victim turns up in a nearby pond and Ford believes there must be a connection. The two victims met their fate near the Alverchalke Estate, ancestral home of a decorated war hero and his family. One was a dogged eco-activist and vocal critic of Lord Baverstock, the other was a petty criminal and poacher, youngest brother of a notorious local crime family. Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes are on the hunt for the killer and the common link while privately fighting off an attempted blackmail.

This really is an hidden gem of a series, one I came across by chance but fully intend to follow into future books. Interesting characters and intriguing plots with a good helping of side issues.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Very well developed characters and an extremely engaging story. Well thought out and very suspenseful story line that keeps the reader guessing until the final twist! This is the book to read this year! Highly recommended!

Solid detective mystery with a cast of interesting characters. Complex plot with two murders and quite a variety of potential criminals - with a few interesting subplots between various characters. Everything flowed well and definitely keeps your attention. No spoilers here - if I say anymore I'll give something way - definitely recommended.

I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley for a review. A solid police procedural from Andy Maslen good character's and plot a departure from his international thrillers but a good one. Read this you won't be disappointed.

The second in the series of "Henry"Ford , a detective investigating murders in Wiltshire. Ford is a widower with a teenage son and the side stories about their homelife are good, though slightly better in the first book . In this book, two seemingly unrelated murders take place. There is a lot of description of forensic investigation which is fascinating, but which may not be for the squeamish. The relationships between the members of the police team is not really explained in this episode which made me glad that I had read the first book too. I would have liked more evidence of them working as a team, it seemed a little disjointed and contrived in this book.
The crimes are interesting, well thought out and take some unexpected turns along the way . The middle part of the book is a little slow moving, but it becomes fast moving towards the end. All in all a good read
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review . I hope there will be more in this series

Intriguing from the start with a plot that twists and turns and characters created with empathy and relatability.
If you enjoy a read where you slowly link up the pieces to find the solution.. this book provides.

The trouble with bodies is that they turn up in the most strange places. A pond, not so strange. Chopped up down a badger sett, definitely.

DI Ford needs to find out if they're connected, whilst dealing with two families at opposite ends of the social spectrum - the landed gentry of Lord Baverstock, and the habitually criminal Bolters.

This promises to be a superb series, with realistic and likeable characters

Another decent instalment in this series with the return of several characters and a gruesome murder inquiry. I like the characterisation and just the right amount of humour

Another good read in the DI Ford series, his team are investigating two murders but are they related and if so how as they couldn't be two more opposing people, to add to things one of the victims is brother to two wannabe gangsters who have put Ford on a deadline. Yet again we see Hannah and her intellect and straight forward talking complement Ford's.
Overall a good read

I chose this without reading the blurb - I enjoyed DI Ford’s first instalment Shallow Ground I knew I’d be on to a winner.
Fast paced, right from the off with a chopped up body discovered by a dog walker.
I love a police procedural and this certainly doesn’t disappoint.

The combination of Hannah and Di Ford is one of opposties and this story is one of even more opposties. Of landowners and those who oppose their wealth, and of the past and present. When they all come into play against one another, that is when the mystery begins. As Ford begins to find supsects, Hannah begins to wonder about Ford's past. As one winds up the clues, the other has clues abounding, and even more questions. But the mystery offers more sublities, than it solves. You will be looking for book 3 as soon as you finish this one!

A missing person, a dismembered body and a whole heap of trouble face Detective Ford in this second book in the series by Andy Maslen. This is certainly a very unique case, one which involves Environmental activists, a local crime family with whom Ford has a very volatile history, and the threat of past secrets being exposed. Full of mystery and a whole heap of pressure, this is a book that had me racing through it, curious to see Ford find the truth.

Now I think that from the beginning of this book, although there are a number of suspects offered as a possibility, the suspicion really does all twist in one direction. I had an inkling early on what. the root cause of the story may be, it was a matter of seeing if my suspicions proved to be founded or wide of the mark. That's not to say that it detracted from my enjoyment of the book, more it spurred me on to read faster as I wanted to get the. full picture. It's as much a question of identifying the victims and the link, if any, between two very contrasting individuals, that captures the imagination, the author dropping the occasional red herring to keep readers guessing that little bit longer.

Part of the tension which bubbles along throughout the novel comes from the clash between Ford and one of the victim's families, a notorious crime family who he has tried, and failed, to see sent down. To say that animosity lingers would be an understatement, and it is the threat of what they might do if Ford fails that keeps the pressure on and then clock very much ticking. Ford holds his own, especially when the threat is close to home, but it comes at a cost and seeing that harder, more volatile side of his character explored added a new dimension to the story. It is clear that this is a conflict that is going to linger, and I'll be interested to see how it plays out in future stories. It certainly has potential.

The story focuses on the themes of power and influence. Of saving face and protecting reputations. Of how far people will go to protect and avenge loved ones and of the determination of Ford and his team to see justice done, whatever the implications. Seeing the relationship between Ford and Forensic scientist Hannah Fellowes continue to grow whilst facing a number of challenges along the way really adds to. the story for me. Hannah's interest in Ford leads to some awkward moments for the pair, but it remains to be seen how that fascination will develop and if Ford can ever take a step beyond the memory of his dead wife. This book is about more than just the murder investigations though and seeing Ford balance his fears and the need to develop his relationship with his son, really just mirrors that sense of compromise and sacrifice that runs through the story.

It's a really varies team that Ford works with and from his superior officer, Detective Superintendent Monroe, to his less than supportive and entirely resentful DS, Mick Tanner, they both challenge and hinder his progress in the investigation. Tanner is distracted, Monroe, slightly cautious but inclined to let Ford follow his instincts. With the motherly figure of DS Jan Derwent, keen but new fast tracked DC Olly Cable and DC Jools Harper rounding out the team, we have a diverse cast of characters who I love to read about. They are still not fully bonded as a team, Tanner's resentment extending to Olly as well as Ford, but they do finally get to the right conclusions, and watching the ever evolving relationships and tensions between them gives the story a kind of realistic feel.

With. the pacing just right for the nature of the story, and the threat and tension bubbling along nicely, I really enjoyed this read and look forward to seeing what comes next for Ford, Hannah and the team.

The story follows the life of Detective Inspector Ford. He was summoned when a dog walker
found a cut hand. Doing his usual job finding evidence that would lead to solving whos hand it is
and who would do that to them when suddenly another murder occurs, DI Ford`s instinct is
saying that these murders are linked and not just by the place they were killed but it is the same
person who did this. And but of course, this story would not be completed if it just a story solving
the crimes. The protagonist, DI Ford, has also some personal issues to solve. He is now being
hunted by the past he meant to forget and to not tell to his son. The Horror about his wife`s
death. And that is it, that is almost the whole story. yes, it has its twist and turns but mostly about how
the protagonist run from the demons that haunt him now. I want to like it but I can`t. the story
has a slow phase and slow build-up for the plot.

I received this book through "NetGalley's" Read Now program.

This story begins with Det. Ford being called to a scene where a person walking her dog has found a detached hand. After his arrival, the search brought up more body parts of the individual. There was still one part missing and Det. Ford made the decision that he would go down the sett to find it. This item was the victim's head. Once it was discovered, it was determined that this individual was the younger brother of a gang leader. This gang leader gave Det. Ford an ultimatum that he needed to find his brother's killer by the time of the wake or else.

As they began the investigation, they were notified that another body had been discovered. This person had been killed as well. Once they found out who this individual was, pieces of the puzzle came into place. Because the bodies were discovered near a Lord's property, they started to look at the individuals who were living there.

They ran into luck when they discovered that the last party killed was an environmentalist and happed to take films of where he went. After discovering this, they located on his laptop a file which contained all the films. Unfortunately is was locked by a password. Hannah, the lead CSI had tried many variations to discover the password and was unsuccessful, but Det. Ford was lucky and able to break the code. Once they were in, everything fell into place and they knew who had killed the environmentalist. This discovery all led to the gang leader's brother's killer.

To discover who the killer of each of the victims were and how they were associated, then you must read this book.

I greatly enjoyed DI Ford’s first outing in Shallow Ground. Ford possesses my requisites for an interesting literary detective: an interesting personal life and a clearly drawn personality. Shallow Ground started with a bang in the form of the brutal murder of a mother and a child. Land Rites had a somewhat gentler start, although it is not too long until we encounter the first body which has the added fascination of being unidentifiable as the corpse is without head, arms or feet. Ford is called in to investigate the murder and when it becomes clear whose body it is he is on borrowed time to get the case investigated and closed. The spotlight is turned on the local landowning family…There is a lot about this series to enjoy - Ford is a very interesting character. He thinks he caused his wife’s death (and it seems others might agree) and has become overprotective of his teenage son. As a relatively new DI he is learning how to manage his staff and to fit into a structure which is becomes particularly difficult when it is clear someone is leaking information. In Land Rites Ford is further conflicted as his need to protect his son is clearly beginning to compromise how he runs the investigation. Initially I didn’t feel particularly engaged in the story - rich entitled landowners versus local crime gangs didn’t have the hard hit of the first book. However, the pace really builds up in the second half and I felt more drawn in as Ford’s policing became more compromised. The scene is very much set for a return and I cannot wait. With grateful thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a digital copy of this book.

Land Rites is the second book in the DI “Henry” Ford series by Andy Maslen and it is another very good police procedural that keeps the action coming and the pages turning.

All the main characters are well sketched out and contribute to the storylines with a nice balance between work and home life maintained by the author.

The author also includes a little bit of humour into proceedings without losing focus which helped with my enjoyment of the book.

This is developing into a very good series and I look forward to book number three

Definitely recommended

Andy Maslen is an underrated author. Land rites is the second DI Ford novel (Shallow Ground is the first). The story is based around the discovery of a body in a badger sett (a den of tunnels badgers live in) and then a second body in a nearby river. The characters and their interaction is extremely well written and as a reader you understand their feelings and behaviours.
The bodies are discovered near a large, sprawling ancestral home of Lord Baverstock, a decorated war hero and his family and one of the victims is the youngest brother of a well known local crime family. DI Ford and the team work to solve the crimes while dealing with politics, a threat to his son and somebody providing information to the crime family from within the force,
An excellent second novel in what I hope becomes a long series. I look forward to reading more both from the author but also on these particular characters.

Book Review: Land Rites (Detective Ford thriller #2) by Andy Maslen
(Published by Amazon Publishing UK, April 8, 2021)

4.25 Stars.

Salisbury, Wiltshire, southern England, described by the Sunday Times as a "...best place to live, - remains a divinely attractive and welcoming place".

Enter Detective Inspector Ford, no first name deemed necessary, nicknamed "Henry" for you'd-know-who, blues guitar player and crooner, single dad of 16-year-old Sam. Ford still has nightmares ten year removed from the sudden death of his wife in a climbing accident at the crags of Pen-y-Holt Bay, Pembroke, west of Salisbury. Both father and son, in their own way, still grieving.

DI Ford's a major crimes team leader at Salisbury's Bourne Hill Police HQ, under the aegis of Detective Superintendent Sandra Monroe. His team includes deputy manager, Dr. Hannah Fellowes, nickname "Wix" for Wikipedia, the department's own breathing and walking fountain of knowledge, a senior CSI with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and expert in forensic psychology - the psychology of lying - on top of her adjunct teaching experience at no less than the FBI Academy in Quantico.

Book 2. A neatly-pieced, finely-tuned modern police procedural along the lines of what may be expected from the great British mystery writers, Author Andy Maslen's assembled cast of earnest players continue their exploits as they deal with a seemingly unrelated double murder - a dismembered body found in an estate, and another entombed in a sluice gate at a distant Chalke Valley farm.

Team Ford's investigation is spiced with a dash of the local mob and wannabe toughies, a serene vicar turned rabid eco-warrior beholden to "Gaia", none other that the Greek earth goddess, a pair of Regimental buddies whose friendship is baptized with live fire in Afghanistan, and, as with Book 1, a generous dollop of that ubiquitous spite and arrogance of British landed aristocracy acting pre-Edwardian with their own "land rites", boasting of status above suspicion, even as they'd invariably be wallowing in some financial difficulty of one kind or the other as income from the sweat of vassals vanish, a theme I've noticed pretty much de rigueur in UK novels of late.

Andy Maslen, with UK law enforcement consultants, also gives us a glimpse of what may be the current state of affairs in UK policing, definitely not found in the first book, "new" requirements of meticulous "policy making" over a simple arrest - paper upon paper upon CYA paper in this day and age of public awareness, litigation, mobile phone cameras and Instagram, and full coordination with a SWAT fire team inter-alia, all fascinating stuff, probably increasingly applicable as well in the USA.

In the end, what makes Andy Maslen's whodunit standout, apart from the compelling mien, background and methodology of DI "Henry" & son, "Wix" and collaborators, is its special brand of twists and turns.

A delightful, quick read!

Review based on an ARC

Very good police police with interesting and diverse characters. Lots of twists and turns as the police struggle to work out who dunnit.

Second time of reading a novel featuring D I ‘Henry ‘ Ford and his team all their own very apt nicknames. A storyline that grabs you from the beginning involving landed gentry and protection of their land and family name, and unfortunately involves a local crime family one of the victims being their younger brother. DI Ford untangle the many attempts to cover up the crimes and brings the culprit to justice. A great read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Land Rites, the second novel to feature DI “Henry” Ford of the Salisbury Police.

When body parts are found in a badger sett DI Ford is tasked with the investigation. He recognises the victim’s tattoos immediately as belonging to Tommy Bolter, a member of the biggest local crime family. When a second body is found submerged in a local pool all roads seem to lead to a local aristocrat and his family, but in what way? With Tommy’s brothers threatening to take the law into their hands the pressure is on.

I enjoyed Land Rites which is a relatively straightforward police procedural which painstakingly builds a case for murder. It is told mostly from Ford’s point of view with his friend, forensics expert Dr Hannah Fellowes, chiming in from time to time.

The plot has several small twists, but I had a good idea of where it was going from early on. There is something to be said for this approach as it allows the reader to concentrate on the detail and build the case themselves. I liked it as good mental exercise. The author builds the pressure on Ford by way of threats from the Bolter brothers. I can see some of them as likely, but others just seem improbable and more of a plot device than anything else.

Many years ago Ford’s wife died in a climbing accident and he feels guilty that she died while he went looking for help. This is a thread that has run through the series so far and there are more developments in this novel. Not to worry, super smart Dr Hannah Fellowes is on the case to persuade him to move on. I find this plot line tedious and feel that it drags down the mood of the novel.

Land Rites is a solid read.

Although a slightly different genre to the Wolfe and Cole thrillers, Andy Maslen shows why he is a master of the written word.

His latest central character, Henry Ford, is an intelligent policeman, with a shadow in his past which he struggles to move on from. It impacts his relationship with his son, but this improves through the book. Similarly, his relationships with fellow officers and colleagues are well written, without interfering with the main storyline.

My main issue with books from Andy Maslen is that I can't put them down and read them within a couple of long sessions, ending up tired and regretting the binge session, as it means no more stories for a little while.

If you've not read Andy Maslen before, or if you have, but did not like the genre of Wolfe or Cole, you must engage with the Ford books. You will not regret anything but the lack of sleep!

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Amazon Publishing UK for the electronic copy.

This is the second book in the Detective Ford series and I really enjoyed the first one.

Set in and around Salisbury, Wiltshire, Polly Evans' dog retrieves a human hand from a large badger sett. DI Ford and his team, along with Dr Hannah Fellowes and the CSI are sent to investigate. Thanks to a local farmer and his digger the rest of the expertly dismembered body is recovered. Ford notices a distinctive tattoo on an arm and immediately recognises it - this is the remains of Tommy Boulter, one of three brothers with JJ and Rye who are wannabe crime lords and with whom Ford has had unhappy dealings in the past. Breaking the news to his brothers Ford is threatened by them - they give him one week to find the killer or they would take matters into their own hands.
Most of the surrounding countryside is owned by Lord Baverstock, mostly tenant farmers but one or two own their own farms. The Baverstocks - Phillip, Coco, daughter Lucy and son Stephen live at Alverchalke Manor. Phillip is ex-army as is his gamekeeper Joe Hibbard. When Tommy's autopsy reveals that he was shot in the head prior to being dismembered everyone with access to guns comes under suspicion. There are numerous guns and numerous suspects.
A farmer's sluice gate becomes blocked after heavy rain; when he dredges up the blockage he discovers a man's body - he too has been shot.
What's the connection between the two killings and the Baverstock family?

As the Boulters continue to pressure Ford he begins to realise that someone is feeding them information - could it be the Police and Crime Commissioner himself - or might it be his DS, Mick Tanner, who's in the throes of a potentially costly divorce? And when the brothers directly involve Ford's son Sam he certainly takes decisive action.

There's plenty of good dialogue in this police procedural, tension between DC Olly Cable and DS Tanner, and fun as Hannah tries to rectify some of her Asperger's traits in her language and relationships.

However, I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first. There seemed just too much narrative where Ford is working through his thoughts on the case and the whole investigation seemed to be drawn out. It's only at the end things move along at any pace. So, all in all, I was a little disappointed in this one.

Nevertheless - I will still read the next instalment to keep up with the team's back stories.

murder, murder-investigation, family-dynamics, friendship, law-enforcement, gangsters, British-detective, thriller, suspense*****

Works well as a stand alone despite some tricky interpersonal issues both within the department and at home. The publisher's blurb is a nice hook, but the due diligence is impressive and the characters are only too realistic. That's especially true of DI Ford who seems to have a bad case of survivor's guilt and his Deputy Chief forensics officer, Dr. Hannah Fellowes (who is really minutiae oriented and hyperintelligent) and and his team. The blues are being threatened by the crime family of the dismembered victim as well as the usual problems. Great read!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Amazon Publishing UK/Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Thank you!

This is the second in the Detective Ford series; I read the first and looked forward to this one. I was not disappointed. Ford is still struggling with the guilt over his wife’s death while rock climbing as he raises his son, Sam. Firmly entrenched in his role as a DI, he is dealing with two murders in the Salisbury countryside that just may be related.

This is a solid police procedural with interesting characters, particularly Hannah Fellowes, a highly trained and skilled CSI investigator with Asperger’s. No plodding plot this….the story moves along at a good pace as the clues build up. While the case is solved by the end of the book, there is somewhat of a cliffhanger, foretelling a third in the series. Looking forward to it.

This book was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Detective Ford Series.
Set in Wiltshire, Ford is called out when a dog, walking with his owner discovers part of a body. The body had been cut into pieces and buried in a badger sett. Ford and his team question owners of the land when another body is found on an adjacent property.
The first victim's family is heavily into crime and threatens Ford. Ford is given a deadline to find the murderer or the family will take matters into their hands.
I actually liked this book better than the first one; however, there were some slow parts for me. Each victim was killed with a different weapon and there was a lot of the story that centered on guns, the types of guns, who has these guns, where to get the ammo etc. But, tracking and apprehending the killer or killers made it worth it.
Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Andy Maslen

Land Rites by Andy Maslen is a mystery with DI Ford as the central character. This is the 2nd book of DI Ford series. 

I haven't read the 1st book,  so there were some things I had to assume had happened. Leaving aside those things, the book featured a solid police procedural starting with a cruel murder and a much more confusing 2nd murder with seemingly little connection between the both.

The story follows DI Ford as he tries to find who murdered both people and why. During the course of investigation, along with a hostile victim's family, he has to deal with certain personal demons as well. We come across other interesting people as well. 

The book had a really slow start for my taste. And because the story was told in a purely police- procedural point of view, it plodded along in a leisurely way at many places, not unlike real- life investigations I am sure. Unfortunately, for this reason, the book failed to capture my interest and attention till the first half. 

The story picked up its pace in the 2nd half and managed to interest me as well. But I was not completely engrossed with the story which is an indication that it could have been told better. 

Still, I actually enjoyed the mystery and liked how it unfolds. I am giving 4 stars for this reason. Thanks to Netgalley and the author for this ARC. Hoping to read the next Ford book to find out what happens next with him.

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Detective Ford thriller series by Andy Maslen.

This book features Detective Inspector Ford, nicknamed Henry. He has a sixteen year old son named Sam and he is a single parent after the death of his wife in book one.

This was a compelling read. I was sucked into the action almost immediately. Just loving the angst that just seems to billow off of DI Ford. I am not sure what to think about Hannah “Wix”. One one point she is a good brain to have on your team but her psychological make-up might be a bit on the sketchy side. I kept thinking something untoward was going to happen with her as we neared the conclusion of the book. I think I was just overthinking the entire thing but I will keep my eye on her in future books. She could be one of those characters who start out being a good guy and then at the drop of a hat turn out to have a black heart.

I think the scariest part of this was when they started threatening Ford’s son just to get him to solve the murder faster. I was like… really?

Overall it was a great read and I look forward to other books by this author.

If you love a good detective fiction mystery, police-procedural, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

Having read the first book in the DI Ford series I was pleased to be approved to read the next book.
I really, really enjoyed this book, I thought it was very engaging, it had a very good plot line and was so well written. It held my attention throughout and flowed really well. I like DI Ford as a character, and enjoy the small glimpses of his home life with his son. Ford is called in to investigate a murder when a dismembered body is found in a badger set, and comes under additional pressure to find the murderer from the victims family who are well known to the Police. When a second body is found, Ford believes the two murders are connected and searches for links between them. There were plenty of twists and I thought I knew who the murderer was and was wrong. Overall I found this to be a great and very entertaining read that raced to a final conclusion with all loose ends tied up nicely. I think this is a fab series so far and look forward to the next book. 4 stars

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2021/04/03/%f0%9f%8e%a7-land-rites-by-andy-maslon/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I started this  <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/302465-detective-ford" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Detective Ford</strong></em></a> series, because Steve West was narrating, but a British police mystery is a favorite genre as well. The main character is a single dad, who lost his wife in a tragic accident.  He has felt considerable grief and guilt.  Now six years later, Ford has a teenage son and a promotion.  In my head, Steve West is the main character although I am pretty sure the character is older than him.

I love the layers in the writing.  The world building has the police force with its detectives, forensic teams and gun squads.  There is both political and personal developments.  Ford has a female partner who he respects. The new forensic team member has Asperger's.  His direct boss is also a woman and he knows how to present information for her.  He works well and appreciates all these women.  Interestingly the men on the team are more problematic with one going through a divorce and one wanting to do more than his experience warrants.

The case of two murders has a number of problems.  Firstly,  it runs up against the aristocratic class being witnesses or suspects which is politically tricky. Then one of the victims is the younger brother of some local toughs who want to take matters into their own hands. Plus it seems like there is someone in the department leaking information to the suspects / witnesses.

Ford is also still dealing with his guilt over his wife's death. Now his son Sam wants to go climbing for a school trip and since that is a factor in his wife's death, he is uncomfortable.  But he does a great job of looking at the evidence and trying out all the theories without regards to politics or class issues.  It's a complex and exciting case.  I really loved <strong>Land Rites</strong> and can't wait for more.
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DI Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes are investigating two brutal murders. There are several connections between the two deaths. They have the same tattoos and they were both found on land belonging to the very prominent Lord Baverstock.

The brothers of the first man found is threatening Ford .. demanding that he find whoever killed his brother ...and is giving Ford exactly one week. If Ford doesn't, then the brothers will take over the case. The victim was a petty poacher, the youngest brother of a local crime family.

Certain that there’s more to this case than trespassing, Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes race to find the hidden link. But when one victim’s family threatens to expose Ford’s own dark secret, the ticking clock becomes a time bomb.

Still consumed by guilt over his part in his wife’s tragic accident and struggling to raise the teenage son he lied to, Ford now finds himself losing control of the investigation. Can he work with Hannah to solve the case while privately fighting off the attempted blackmail? Or have his demons finally caught up with him?

It's a well written follow up to SHALLOW GRAVE. The plot is tightly woven around outstanding characters amid a background of suspense and tension filled with compelling twists and turns. The suspects are many and varied. Characters are deftly drawn. I like how Ford's private life is blended with the professional.

Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

While out walking, Polly Evans' dog discovers the remains of a body in a badger sett, on private lands. D.I. Henry Ford is called out to investigate. Is the body that of Tommy Boltor, from a local criminal family. He is soon identified as such.
Meanwhile Ruth Long reports her husband ex-vicar Owen , 70, missing after five days to D.C. Wallace.
Ford and his team must unravel the mysteries.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its cast of varied characters. A book that can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another great read from Andy Haslen. I enjoyed his first book and this second one did not disappoint. This one ends with a little teaser so I hope number 3 will follow soon

Another excellent story by Andy Maslen. Land Rites keeps the series in a high level, and the reader looking forward to the next book. The story has a lot of mystery to be uncovered, fears to be overcome, familial ties that become stronger as well as relationships that are slowly becoming really solid. Ford still has to overcome his feelings regarding the loss of this wife and that is being step by step constructed within the plot of each book. This is one of the most entertaining books I read so far this year!

This is the second in the Detective Ford series by Andy Maslen, with Shallow Ground being the first.

The police are called by a dog walker after her border terrier unearths a human hand. Ford is called in to investigate and forensics soon discover more body parts. The body is that of Tommy Boulter, a member of a local family who are well known for their criminal activities. When Ford visits them to break the news, he is met with anger and is issued with the ultimatum – to find the killer within one week or they will take matters into their own hands.

The land where the gruesome discovery was made is owned by local gentry - Lord Baverstock and when the cause of Tommy’s death is discovered as being from a gun shot, the numerous guns owned by Lord Baverstock opens up further investigations. Whilst the initial investigation is underway, a second body is discovered less than a mile away, Ford begins to work on the assumption that the two cases are linked.

As with the first book, I really enjoyed this one. The pace of the writing was just right, and kept me engaged throughout. Overall, a great read and I look forward to the next instalment in the series.

Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley UK for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Andy Madsen can surely write thriller that will keep you on the edge till the last page.
This one is excellent and I loved the storytelling, the character development and the gripping plot.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

DI Ford is alerted that a dog walker (or rather their dog!) has found human remains down a badger sett. Although the body has been dismembered, when Ford crawls in & finds the head he recognises the victim- the younger brother of a local crime gang. His brother makes it clear to Ford that he needs to find the killer- or else. When another body turns up after a downpour Ford wonders if it is a coincidence that both of these men were found on the estate of a local big wig. The aristocratic family are at first helpful, but Ford is suspicious. There seem to be too many guns & too many crack shots about. With the help of the somewhat quirky 'Wix' Ford struggles to solve the case before the Boulter Brother's time runs out.

I really enjoyed the first in this series & was looking forward to the next one. I found it as enjoyable with good characters & plot twists. I'm now looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Having not encountered the author previously, this is the surprising second book of the Detective Ford series by Andy Maslen. A woman walking her dog comes across human remains, and soon another victim is discovered nearby. Inspector Ford sees a connection between the bodies, but is there any connection to the Alverchalke Estate? Harbouring secrets of his own, Ford and the various characters makes for a captivating tale and engrossing crime series. A great English police procedural with a four-star worthy, must-read rating. With thanks to NetGalley, the author and Amazon Publishing UK for a preview copy, novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in this series however I can not see why it could not be read as a stand alone. I enjoy the characters especially Hannah, I feel like we are on a journey with her and her growth within the team. The plot was the right pace for a police procedural. My only gripe was I think the story line about DI Fords wife now needs to be dropped or something big happen with it, his guilt is being mentioned all the time and his brood manor over it could be off putting if there are many more of the books bringing it up. I would like to see him move forward.
overall this is a good story that kept me engaged

I really enjoyed this, it was my first Andy Maslen novel. A disturbing double murder case always makes for a great police procedural set in Salisbury. DI Ford has his hands full with the murders and bringing up his son following the accidental death of his wife while rock climbing.

I usually bang on about needing to read books in order but I can honestly say that coming to this series a little late to the party hasn't been an issue. The main protagonists personal and private issues are dealt with in such a way as to allow me to catch up.

Easy to read and easy to recommend

Read for an honest review. Thank you Mr Maslen, #Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK

What does a street thug, a titled land owner and a vicar have in common? This book! What a story. The main character is a detective. Ford is an interesting guy. He does step over the line a time or two while looking for answers. But he is determined to find the answers. The side story of his personal life adds interest. I liked the story.

An exciting and thrilling read. A high recommend. I eagerly await the next volume to see how the protagonist’s life turns out. Definitely one of the better books of the summer.

This was a great read and a new adventure with DI Henry Ford. It is a very good police procedural and kept me engaged throughout. I am so happy to have discovered this series.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Second book in the Detective Ford series, an enjoyable read though not as gripping as the first book. Interesting to see how the main characters are developing.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. This was an excellent read.
Thoroughly recommended

Well Crafted..
The second in the Detective Ford series finds the detective called in to investigate a murder, but is there a connection to a second murder occurring shortly afterwards? Well crafted plot with a credible and interesting cast of characters, a plethora of suspects and many threads. A worthy follow up to the first in the series.

Detective Ford Series Book 2.

Polly Evans’ dog digs up a human hand and she calls the Police. Another body shows up a couple of days later in a nearby pond. Detective Ford is called to the scene of both crimes and believes they are connected; but how?

I enjoyed the plot and interesting characters of this book. One of my favorite characters was Dr. Hannah Fellowes (AKA Wix), the forensics officer, because of her nicknames for everyone and her matter-of-fact disposition because of Asperger’s. She kept the story interesting. The writing has lots of graphic crime scene descriptions which can get a bit gruesome. There is also a lot of technical medical jargon I had a hard time following. The story tended to drag on a bit for me so I was grateful for the short chapters. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy real crime stories!

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!