This is the 5th book in the Detective Karen Hart Series by author DS Butler. I discovered this series at the end of last year and it was an instant hit for me. Great characters, exciting plots and so well written make this a must read for all fans of police procedurals.

Detective Karen Hart is first on the scene of a murder when she hears a scream and goes to investigate. A man’s murdered body lies in a chapel with a bloody cross carved into his forehead. A murderer known as ‘The Cleanser’ is on the loose and starts a series of brutal killings that appear to be a sadistic mission. Detective Karen Hart is on the case and there are hints and rumours that point to a police conspiracy within her colleagues. The case is a tough one with the added disruption of a very annoying senior officer.

This was an excellent read and had me reading late into the night unable to put it down. Exciting plot and the dialogue between the regular characters made this an enjoyable read.

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

I really liked this book. Believable characters and storylines. I haven't read others in the series but it worked as a standalone and left me wanting to read more. Have now downloaded others in the series to read!
Because I haven't read any others in the series yet, I don't know how much of the back story to the characters is already out there, so I look forward to finding out more.
Very readable and recommended if you like police procedurals / crime books.

Karen Hart is still reeling from personal loss, when she is first on the scene of a brutal murder at Lincoln Cathedral - a man was found there having been strangled and with a bloody cross etched into his forehead. When the crime gets more personal, and the Police receive a note signed by "The Cleanser", another team are brought in to help, one led by someone who Karen has been told to be careful around.

This is a really good book, and I am pleased to say I only spotted the twist when it was just about to happen! I will say that there are a few loose threads left at the end of the book due to the resolution - Karen's story seems to be wrapped up, but a few other characters seem to be forgotten a little in the conclusion.

Detective Karen Hart is near Lincoln Cathedral when a man is found dead, a cross carved into his forehead. A note is received from the killer, calling themselves "The Cleanser". When another murder occurs, it becomes clear that someone is carrying out these killings, possible in a ritualistic way. When links to conspiracy surface, Karen begins to wonder if it all comes down to corruption within the police and sets about trying to solve the crimes. Could 'The Cleanser' be closer than she could have imagined? Could Karen's life be at risk?

Another brilliant addition to the Detective Karen Hart series. A thrilling and tense plot full of murder, suspicion, shocks, heartbreak and corruption, the book will keep you guessing until the end. As usual I loved seeing how Karen and her team were getting on and loved how everything came together in the story. You should definitely read this series!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.

Karen Hart is beginning to move on after the untimely deaths of her husband and daughter, and has begun a new relationship. She's on a date with the new man when a scream from the cathedral draws her to the scene of a murder. After her current DI is threatened, the Karen's major suspect in the ongoing corruption investigation in the police is put in command of her team. Solid police procedural that keeps the twists and turns coming.

Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for access to a digital ARC via NetGalley..

Karen Hart's off duty when she hears a scream coming from the cathedral. A dead man has been discovered with a cross carved into his head.

Soon there's a note - from The Cleanser

With the internal corruption & conspiracy case still ongoing, a serial killer is all Karen needs.

An excellent addition to the series

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the eARC.
This is the fifth in the DS Karen Hart series and probably my least favorite. Karen is out with Mike when she's stopped by a woman's horrific scream. She had just stumbled on the body of a strangled and mutilated man. Karen is now on the case and more bodies follow with the same M.O.
She is still grieving for her lost husband and child, but has entered in a, so far, happy relationship with Mike. The case is taking it's toll, she's baffled, how does the killer know so much about her and the team and has it to do with another officer on the take?
I wasn't totally gripped by the book, I found Karen a bit OCD about finding another bent copper and the ending was familiar, not in identifying the killer and his handler, but in the set up. I did like Sophie as a character, though.

Excellent book loved it Detective Karen Hart is book and this book doesn't disappoint as karen and the team have to find a killer before the death count rises.Brilliant read i can highly recommend this book 5*

Another excellent book by D.S. Butler which carries on from her previous novel. Would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller. Features Detective Karen Hart who has to solve the murders of The Cleanser. Keeps you guessing until the end.

Wow an absolutely fantastic story! Tense and full of twists and surprises, this had me hanging on to every word, I literally couldn’t put it down. It had me sucked in from the first chapter and kept me engaged the whole way through. There is nothing negative to say at all about this book, it totally deserves 5 great big fat stars!

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC. One of the better ones in the series although it took a while to build momentum. Good story and I am glad the author wrapped up the corruption backstory - lets see where the character goes next now that thats over

OMG WOW WOW WOW i really didnt want this book to end. Fabulous story loving the karen hart series. Twists and turns . Gritty. Without spoiling it i kept saying noooooo you cant do that. Noooo never........ is dci churchill really corrupt???? As he takes over as dci in the latest murder case as morgan steps down after he received a letter hand delivered. The team are in a race to find out the truth...... If i could give this more than 5 stars i most definately would. A must read

Another solid instalment in this well established series that continues and concludes on going plotlines from previous books. Best read as part of the series

A twisty turning plot which grips the reader.
Several times characters seem to be involved as the plot twists and turns till the end.
Previous events are referred to so it maybe prudent to read previous book series.
Likable characters. Unsure a little on if the changing characters perspective works from Karen to Sophie later on.
Well written overall with a good plot flow.

A good solid read with an interesting story line and well developed characters.

For me, personally, I probably should have read the previous books in the series but nevertheless I enjoyed this book but for me it didn't keep me on the edge of my seat.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

A Reign Of Terror....
Detective Karen Hart returns in the fifth of the series. A gruesome murder in Lincoln Cathedral begins a reign of terror from a twisted killer. Well constructed crime procedural with well drawn and credible characters. Could be read as a standalone although threads from earlier books in the series are tied up here not to mention backstory detail. Engaging reading.

Detective Karen Hart is walking past a cathedral with her partner when her attention is drawn to a murder victim inside the Cathedral. A note is soon sent to the police calling themselves The Cleanser. A new senior officer is brought in to oversee the case who is very abrasive and arises Karen's suspicions as she is dealing with corruption in the force and this new officer's name was mentioned in connection with the corruption. Also someone is watching her but who and why?

It's part five of a crime series. I'd not read any of the others but really enjoyed this book. Detective Hart's backstory was revealed but I felt I needed to read the others which isn't a criticism at all. Far from it, I would regard this as how a character is supposed to develop as a book series goes on. I'm a big fan of crime dramas on tv so from me this is a massive compliment but I imagined her as a tv detective in the manner of Vera. I didn't see the twist in the story until the author revealed it which to me and I'm sure this is true of any other crime fiction fan is a really good thing. I'd not heard of the author before this but considering how good a book this was is to my shame.

If any of the other books in the series are as good as this one then this could be a classic series. I will be seeking out the other books in this series as I enjoyed this one so much. This can be read as a standalone story but to understand the characters better I would recommend going back and reading the others. The psychological motivations of the villainy were believable and plausible.

If you're a fan of crime fiction, buy this book.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have read a few books by this author and have enjoyed them all. This had great storyline and great characters and kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. Enjoyed it.

Another great book in DS Butler series, a serial killer, corruption amongst her colleagues means Karen doesn't know who she can trust. Trying to find the killer it seems no evidence is ever found as she starts to think it's too clean to be true, could someone on the inside be involved and who!!
I like Karen she's nice but stands her ground and is not a pushover at all

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!

This series just gets better and better! This is the 5th book of the Karen Hart series and shouldn’t be read on its own. Whilst you could pick this up as a stand-alone book, I highly recommend that you read the preceding 4 books to understand the characters and background story, as this book concludes an ongoing storyline arc that began in Book 1 of the series.

This book picks up 3 months after the conclusion of Book 4. Karen and her colleagues’ workloads are stretched due to events that were revealed in previous books. As a result, Karen must work with a different SIO and team to investigate a gruesome murder. This story is a page turner, with some hunches confirmed and a twist that was really good. This story grabbed me from the first paragraph and was easy to read in one sitting. As a reader of the series, I was intrigued to see how this story enfolded and wasn’t disappointed.

I’m so glad that the Author has chosen to wrap up a long standing storyline without stretching it out into further books. I’m really looking forward to reading the progression of the characters and the crimes they solve for the rest of the series. I highly recommend this series if you’re a fan of the genre.

Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a complimentary digital ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing and giving an unbiased opinion of an eARC of this story.

This book is brilliant. It’s quite fast paced and keeps you guessing the whole way through. You are given just enough to make you question characters and their behaviour and there are plenty of twists towards the end.
I really liked how there are two storylines to this book. The murders and the police corruption. That ending completely surprised me.
For me everything flowed really well and not once did anything feel like it didn’t fit.
I enjoyed it so much I want to go back to the first book and read the rest in order.

This is the first DS Butler Novel I have read, so even though it was #5 in the Karen Hart series it was still readable as a stand alone.
Karen is still grieving the loss of both her husband and daughter. While out on a date with her current boyfriend Mike, they hear a scream in the cathedral and go to investigate. A brutal murder awaits them, gruesome and with biblical overtones. Her team take on the case, but as the head of the team wakes up the next morning with a note slipped under his door from the alleged killer, sighting himself off as The Cleanser, he is taken off the case and Karen works with the new detectives assigned to the case. She doesn’t get on with the boss, and has suspected him in being one of the leaders in the corruption case that has unfolded in a previous book. Nothing about the murders that ensue make sense, there is no link that they can find. Do we have a serial killer that is just taking randoms as he see’s fit, or is there something much sinister going on.
An excellent plot, I enjoyed the wondering and guessing of how it all came together, and am certainly going to read the previous Karen Hart stories. Recommended reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon publishing UK for allowing me to read this novel in return for an honest review.

Read the jacket cover for a synopsis, it covers the basic story. I haven't read all the books in the series and had no problem reading this one as a stand alone. It is a quick read, faced paced and full of excellent. dialogue and action. A page turner that is hard to put down. An added bonus is it is not full of gorey scenes and has no steamy bedroom scenes or foul language. A really good police procedural mystery read.
I was provided an advanced reader copy of the book and was under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

A detective story set in and around Lincoln, in the Uk. The main detective is Karen Hart . It starts with a body being discovered in Lincoln cathedral . It took me around a third of the book to get into the story, it did not really grab me and the converstaions between characters were rather lacklustre. I did not particularly care for any of the characters either. Beside the murders, there are a couple of other stories running through the book, the death of a young boy on a bike in a hit and run and an investigation into police corruption. These seemed to not to connect, though as the book progressed, the relevance of each became more apparent.
As I got more into the book, I liked it better and grew to like the characters more as well. Although the conversations were still somewhat mundane at times, this did not irritate me as much ! By the last few chapters the book became a real page nturner and I couldn't put it down . This is number 5 in the series and at first I was probibly at a disadvantage that I have not read any of the others (with little knowledge of the individual detectives) but as the book progressed this became less of an issue and the book is fine to read as a stand alone. Now having complted the book, my opinion is that it is a great read and I shall look out for others by this author
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

This Series just gets better and better and D.S Butler is fast becoming one of my favourite crime authors. This is book five in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone but best read in order or at least after book four. There is so much going on in the book that I can't begin to say how gripping and thrilling it is. Highly recommend

To begin, I’d like to thank Amazon Publishing UK for sending me an ARC of this book, and to NetGalley for facilitating. And a HUGE thank you to D.S Butler for writing this- as always - an absolute pleasure.

As always there will be no spoilers in this review.

I make no secret of the fact that I am an immediate reader of D.S Butlers books. And by that I mean I set reminders in my calendar for publication dates so that I can get reading as soon as they’re released! So I was over the moon to see this title on NetGalley and get to read it before my preorder was delivered!

I’ve been following Detective Karen Hart through the 4 previous books so I obviously feel quite invested in her story now and all of the characters within it which meant I felt this book HARD!

What an amazing book this was! And it really did make me feel the full spectrum of emotions. I felt joy, frustration, rage, sadness, humour. Really - this book had it all.

The characters are so well written with brilliant continuity that I feel like I know them and I feel emotionally invested in their outcomes.

As always, the story itself is so tense and exciting, mysterious and chilling. I honestly couldn’t put this down. My only fear is that somehow this will be the end of the DS Hart series - just because of how well certain things were wrapped up. But perhaps thinking about it - there is room for more within the wrapping up of things.

A perfect read once again D.S Butler - keep them coming... please!

On Cold Ground by D. S. Butler, (DS Karen Hart #5) brings a sense of closure for one of the most devastating experiences in the personal life of Detective Karen Hart. She has tried to find the answers to the corruption within her department that caused the death of her husband Josh and young daughter, Tilly. The answers she has earnestly sought are revealed as she solves a new serial murder case.
Karen is on a winter walk with Mike, and she hears a scream of distress as she nears the Lincoln Cathedral. She rushes in to find Eunice upset saying "He's dead!" and pointing inside the chapel of the cathedral. Detective Karen Hart goes inside and finds the body of a man on the floor laying between the pews. He has been murdered.
This starts a fast-paced investigation and three more victims. Detective Karen Hart not only has a murder investigation, but she must be willing to work with Churchill and two members of his team as they replace Morgan. She must find the link between all the victims to pursue a suspect who calls himself The Cleanser. Karen will be deeply affected by the death of one of the murder victims, and it is sad for readers who have read the other books in the series.
Publication Date: March 25, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Christmas is on the horizon and there is snow in the air. DS Karen Hart is off duty enjoying a day in the centre of Lincoln with new boyfriend Mike. As they walk close to the cathedral a scream breaks the relaxed atmosphere and Karen finds herself the first responding office at the scene of a grisly murder. With not a lot to work with Karen is horrified when a threatening letter linked to the investigation is received and a new team begins working on the case.

When a second body is found, with obvious similarities to the first victim, Karen's worst fears are confirmed, a serial killer is operating on her patch and they have no idea who's responsible. As she locks horns with her new boss and tries to stay on top of everything happening around her Karen begins to wonder who she can really trust but no one guesses just how close to home this investigation will come.

This is an excellent series with a great main protagonist; Karen has been written sympathetically and grown with each investigation. Her life after her devastating losses has gradually become more positive and in this instalment is in a new relationship which adds a new dimension to her story. There is a great deal happening in this book and it was a very satisfying read with both new and familiar characters having an influence on the outcome.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's a great read.

First book I have read by the author but very impressed. I received this as a review copy from NetGalley so many thanks to them and the publisher. Detective Hart is an excellent character and a very good detective. Unfortunately I did not read the books in order so am not aware of the back story except what is referenced within this book. This was a very easy read and kept me hooked until the end when all was revealed. I will now add previous books to my list for further reading as I have noticed I have four more in the series on my NetGalley shelf. Would recommend this book as a stand alone but I think in hindsight it would be better to read in the order of issue. I knocked a star off my rating as there was a slight hint of inevitability about the ending but maybe on reflection this may just be me being overly critical

On Cold Ground is book number 5 in the Detective Karen Hart series by D S Butler and after feeling that the previous book didn’t quite hit the mark this is a return to form with a well paced, page turning, police thriller that seems to complete the arc of the series.

Recommended

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of On Cold Ground, the fifth novel to feature DS Karen Hart of the Lincolnshire Police.

Karen is enjoying a rare day off when she hears a scream from the cathedral, a man has been founded murdered in the chapel with a cross carved into his forehead. Then DI Morgan receives a letter from the killer, signed The Cleanser, which hints at more to come. Are they hunting a potential serial killer? Karen’s job is made more difficult by the arrival of the unpleasant DCI Churchill to take over the case and the lack of progress in the Force’s ongoing corruption investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed On Cold Ground which is an engrossing procedural with a few interesting and unexpected twists. It is told from two points of view, Karen and the unidentified killer, referred to by the code name Sparrow. For once I enjoyed this juxtaposition as Sparrow is no run of the mill killer as he has another agenda. His point of view is engaging and absorbing and compares with Karen trying to catch him and meeting opposition at every turn, mostly in the form of DCI Churchill who seems to delight in thwarting and belittling her.

The plot isn’t overly complicated- work out the motive, find the killer and arrest him. Easier said than done with little in the way of forensics, or any kind of clues. It is, however, absorbing reading with this plot line and the corruption case that has been part of the entire series still bubbling away in the background. The big action scene at the end takes a bit of swallowing but it’s exciting and fitting. I like the easy, clear writing style that makes it all simple to understand and follow.

On Cold Ground is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Having read the first two in the series, I’d not read the last two, so I wondered if this would work for me but I’d no need to worry. This is an excellent tail that while it does hark back to what’s happened previously in the series it works perfectly well as a stand a lone too. . A body is found in the Morning Chapel in Lincoln Cathedral and Karen is first on the scene. What follows is a brilliantly executed tale that cleverly mixes the main and subplots. A totally unputdownable read

Thank you Netgalley and D.S. Butler for the advance copy. Yet another amazing Detective Karen Hart thriller. Karen is out with her new man Mike when they hear a scream coming from Lincoln Cathedral. She discovers the body of a man with a cross cut into his forehead. As the investigation begins another body is discovered with the same markings. It looks like they are looking for a serial killer. Karen is also involved in a Police corruption investigation. Absolutely brilliant read.

Karen is now back from her extended leave, and while hesitant to be back she knows she has to get back in the

Proverbial saddle or she'll never return. What she's not expecting is what initially appears a basic murder that soon turns into a cereal. nor does she understand just how much she herself is being followed and tracked. While she tries to keep her brother's murder case alive, she's fighting to keep control of her current case and to not make further damage to her career. This is one of the better books in the series, don't miss it.

Another gripping read from D S Butler and Det. Karen Hart.
The Cleanser is cleaning up and Det. Hart has the job of trying to solve the case.
Meanwhile Karen Hart is still trying to get to the bottom of the deaths of her husband and daughter and finding out who are the "dirty" Police Officers.
Great read and can't wait for the next instalment

Complex police thriller featuring detective Karen Hart and her team. Good characters and an intriguing storyline,with some twists.

A member of the police force becomes an assassin serial killer to appease a high ranking senior officer. The killer starts to enjoy the killings and adds his own brand to the killings. A great read, well recommended

This is the fifth book in the Detective Karen Hart series and it just keeps getting better. Set in and around Lincoln, with good character development and an absorbing plot to follow. Karen is investigating a series of murders, a hit and run as well as police corruption. I enjoyed the read, it's not complicated and can be read as a stand alone. A really good author to follow. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Another great book in this series! So much is discovered in this book. (Read the others in the series if you haven't yet) You won't be disappointed.

A very good book with a gripping storyline that keeps you interested and guessing to the end, with characters full of depth.

Detective Karen Hart is back! And this time, the case will lead her on a path that will try her patience. Upon finding the body of a man murdered and mutilated with a cross on his forehead, she finds herself scrambling for clues to no avail. A note has been sent by someone called “The Cleanser” telling her that he is just getting started. And more murders begin to happen.

I found myself trying to figure out who the murderer was, but then as more clues were given, I was back at zero. The characters are very well defined and there were one or two characters I could have done without only because they were so hateful. However, that’s what made the story so intriguing and suspenseful.

My recommendation to you is this: although it’s a must read, please read the rest of the Karen Hart series in order to understand the character! Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with AC! Looking forward to the next D.S. Butler book!

It’s purely coincidence that DI Karen Hart is first on scene when a man is murdered in a church, a cross crudely carved into his forehead. The police soon receive a message from the killer, who calls himself the Cleanser, and it’s apparent that the killer is just getting warmed up. Struggling with the investigation, Karen finds herself saddled with a difficult new officer and begins to wonder if the stories she’s hearing about police conspiracies and involvement in the case have any merit. This series is excellent, it’s a British police procedural that ticks all the boxes and has the bonus of a troubled and believable heroine

Good British police procedural featuring corrupt officers as murderers. What is is believed to to be believed to be ritual killings that seemed to have no ties all lead back to one of their own. Karen is determined to not only solve the murders but root out the corruption that saw her lose her husband and daughter.

This is the 5th book in a detective series but can be read as a stand alone.

Normally the bad guy is on the outside….

This is a different approach to detective stories. A little far fetched but entertaining. Well written and easy to get engrossed in.

Detective Karen Hart is a great character.
Exciting plot with enough intrigue to keep you engaged.
Definitely recommend reading the series in order.
Solid police procedural series that will keep you guessing and wondering.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is only my second DS Karen Hart. Since this is a police procedure story, I figure ~ find the killer and arrest him/her ~ so was sure I was okay with the basic back ground info I got from Book #4 "House of Lies"; although I normally prefer to follow a series in order.

This story starts with DS Karen Hart on a rare day off; she hears a scream from the cathedral. She investigates and finds a man dead in the Morning Chapel of Lincoln Cathedral. He has been killed and has a carving of a cross into his forehead.
Soon after, she and her partner Mike Harrington get a letter from the killer signed “The Cleanser”. They are fearful more killing are about to happen. Does the killer know his prey? Is this the beginning of a series of ritual killing?
Karen is given a hard time as to whether she can do her job. We know that her husband Josh and daughter Tilly were killed, so many believe she needs time off and grief counseling.

Story is told from the POV of Karen and the killer ~ code name Sparrow. This totally kept me guessing

I was into this story immediately. There are few other cases going on and I wasn’t sure if that is just what normally happens or of there were connected. Hmmm

This was a good story that kept me interested. It was a 3 stars read (I personally believe 3 stars = good)
However, it got more exciting in the last part and I loved the ending so 4 stars for me!! (BTW: 4 = Great!}

I am looking forward to the next in this series!
Personal Note: You have no idea how much I enjoy a story that doesn’t include nasty f-bombs and ugly profanity! Aww D.S. Butler~ you are my hero!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this early release granted to me for an honest professional review. Australian Edition Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 25, 2021

Karen Hart is a Detective Sergeant at the local Police Department. She is involved in the investigations of a series of murders performed by an individual who calls himself “The Cleanser”. Each victim was strangled and had a cross carved into his forehead. She was also looking into allegations of Police misconduct and corruption along with the case of a twelve year old boy killed in a hit and run. It is a procedural and really well done. The plot is complex and the frustrations of the detectives believable, as were the political workings of their department. Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC for an honest review.

335 pages

3 stars

Let me begin by saying that the story line of this book took a turn that I personally did not appreciate.

Aside from that, it is a pretty good book. The characters are well developed and interesting (some more than others). All in all, it is a good addition to the series.

I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery book. The characters are very likable and you really understand their team work to solve the crime.
Karen is a detective that is grieving for her husband and daughter. Morgan is the team lead and her really watches out for his team.
A hit and run bike accident leaving a teenager dead, a man strangled in a church with a cross on his forehead starts the journey to learn how these people were killed. As the bodies keep turning up it looks like a serial killer and they might be closer than you think.
Thank you Netgalley for complimentary copy