I'm a hypocrite. A bad person. Who does NOT practice what they preach. I'm sorry. This is book 5 in this series and I have not read any of the previous books. Ooops. But I enjoyed this one oh so much that I have already queued up book one in audiobook and have the rest of the series on staggered reserve from my library!
So... We start with the brutal murder of a man in a Santa costume, discovered on Boxing Day on the road of a small village. On inspection, he is identified as retired cop Nigel Booth who was dressed in the Santa suit he had worn on Christmas Eve in the parade. DCI James Walker is swiftly called in to investigate, he lives in the same village after all and had actually seen Nigel during the parade. The first thing that confused him was that Nigel's wife Elizabeth hadn't yet reported him missing. The reason for this becoming evident when they go to the house and find her also dead.
And so begins another (if you have read the previous books) Christmas murder for James to investigate along with his able team. Setting up a satellite incident room in the village hall, they try and cut through the noise to find out who would have done this crime. Fingers start to point in various directions but nothing seems to stick one way or the other and, as time goes on, the villagers start to question the ability of the police...
This is your bulk standard Police Procedural. But it is a brilliant example of the genre, and, unlike most, it has a lead cop without any of the usual tropes so often used. He's a stand up family man, with a lovely wife and two young children who appear to put up with his hours. He drinks, but not to excess, and the only thing I could find remotely wrong with his lifestyle was that he could eat a bit better! The rest of the characters are all well drawn and all play their parts well. The story is compelling and held my attention all the way through, delivering me an ending which wasn't expected but which was wholly satisfying. Oh and with no superfluous waffle or padding, it also got on with itself very well indeed.
Bottom line, I loved this book. How on earth I have not read the previous books I have no idea! But, glossing over my heinous crime for a sec, I am sure glad I eventually made it. And I promise I will be all caught up in time for book 6.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I sometimes wonder whether Alex has an issue with winter or Christmas time haha. Or whether it just makes a really great spin to have a murder mystery for the season instead of good cheer!
I love the who Dunnit feel I always get with these books. Being kept on my toes with a few shady characters. One in particular man I wanted to do nasty(in fiction of course) things to.
Will our detective ever get a break? A holiday with presents not bodies to unwrap?
I do love how we have a new, almost sentimental knowing of what Alex's next book in the series might be about this time, though.

DCI James Walker is back on the case. Its Christmas so it must be murder time and the a Father Christmas is found dead in the snow.
He is an ex policeman and then his wife is found dead in the their house.
The community once again is on edge and can James bring the murderer to justice swiftly.

DCI James Walker is, for once, enjoying a quiet Christmas with his family. Until his peace is shattered on Boxing Day when a dog walker finds a dead body in the village where James lives.
Dressed as Santa the body has been stabbed and James recognises him, he was a retired police officer and James worked with his wife before she too retired.
When another body is found shortly after, fear and panic grip the village.
James and his team need to find the killer quickly, but the victims were loved and well respected members of the community, so finding someone who wanted them dead isn’t going to be easy.
With more twists and turns than a country lane this kept me guessing until the end. DCI James Walker is a brilliant character, and his team complement him perfectly. Throw in a snowy setting and you have the perfect Christmas crime story.
For me, it’s just not Christmas without an Alex Pine book, I look forward to them each year and they never disappoint.

I've enjoyed each of these novels since reading the first one on publication. This was no exception.

As always James festive season is somewhat marred by bloody corpses. Despite an element of gore these still have a feel of a slightly cosy, traditional thriller. More Midsummer Murders than The Killing.

The writing as always was well thought out and you happily trotted along for the ride encountering red herrings as you went.

I'm already looking forward to the next book. If I had a wish list it would be a tad more character development among the regular faces, and that James wife be a bit less wet.

You can read this as a standalone but I highly reccomend binging on the previous four first this month.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC which was very much appreciated.

Alex Pine does it again! I absolutely loved this book. I have read the previous 4 and i always look forward to this every autumn/winter. This is the 5th instalment of DCI James Walker. I don't want to give too much away but there is a murder and lots of twists and turns along the way. This book is the most cosiest of murder mystery's, and i am so looking forward to returning to Kirby Abbey for a 6th time fingers crossed. If you haven't already done so pick this series us it is fantastic, so well written and unputdownable.

The Killer in the cold is book 5 in the DI James Walker series. But you can read it as a standalone.
Di James Walker hopes this Christmas is different than the previous ones in the small village of Kirby Abbey in Cumbria that he lives with his wife Anne and their young daughter. But it is short lived when he gets a call to say that they have found a body dressed in a Santa costume not far from his home. When the identify the body, they find out that it I the body of retired Police officer Nigel Booth who they assumed that he was on his way to participate the Santa Claus parade.
When they visit the family home to pass the bad news to his wife Elizabeth, they find that she has been murdered too. She is also retired from the police. Who would want to kill this lovely couple? Was it someone that Nigel put away in his Police days? James are in a rush to find the killer encase they strike again.
This is another great episode in the series. Great characters, with loads of suspects and red herrings along the way. I was quite surprised when the author revealed the true killer right at the end. I didn’t see it coming. 5 stars from me.

In The Killer in the Cold, we are back wi DCI James Walker in his small Cumbrian village where once again a murderer strikes at Christmas. It’s the latest novel in Alex Pine’s series and I was booked from the start. It’s a fast paced, gripping thriller with a well thought plot that you will be unable to put down. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author for the chance to review.

Fans of this well crafted series know that Christmas always brings murder to Cumbria and that DCI James Walker and his team will be racing to solve them so that they can spend some time with their families. New readers - this will be fine as a standalone. This time out, a retired police officer and his wife also a retired officer, are the victims (and he was in a Santa suit!). But that's not all. The body count in the area over time has been high but James continues to be clever. And his wife Annie is a treat. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me.

This book can easily be read as a standalone but please note that it is book 5 in a series.

I eagerly awaited this book after devouring the rest of the series at the start of this year and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
It was very fast paced, full of twists and turns just like the previous books.
I didn't see the ending coming at all. I had no theories but did have some leanings.
I love these books as they are set in Cumbria, where I visit every year so a lot of the place names are familiar and some of them, places I've been. It really helps me form a picture in my mind whilst reading.
I really hope that there will be more books from this series in the future.
It's the perfect Christmas crime series.

Absolutely amazing! I've read all of Alex Pines books and this one didn't disappoint. I never guessed who it was so it was a surprise plot twist for me

I am a huge fan of this series and couldn't wait to read The Killer in the Cold. It exceeded expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I cannot wait for the next installment.

The Killer in the Cold Alex Pine

5 stars

DCI James Walker, his wife Annie and their 2 small children have just spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together and James is looking forward to Boxing Day. For once it appears that nothing requiring his attention is going to happen this Christmas for the first time in many years and books!

How wrong can he be? He receives a telephone call regarding a body that has been found murdered very close to his house in Kirkby Abbey. When he investigates he discovers that it is his very good friend and ex-colleague, Nigel Booth, last seen taking part in the Santa Claus parade on Christmas Eve. He is still in his Santa outfit and concerned that his absence has not been called in by his wife Elizabeth, James goes to the Booth's house only to discover her body also brutally murdered. The couple have recently retired as police detectives and were very well regarded in the village.

The main suspect is their son, Liam, who has been arguing with his parents about their decision to retire to Spain and spend all his inheritance money. He has been bailed out many times by his parents but is still heavily in debt with a wife and small child to support,.Everything points to him especially when threatening messages to his father are found on his phone. However it could well be a previous criminal who had held a grudge against one or both of the Booths.

The fact that these brutal murders have taken place in the very community that James and his family live makes this case all the more difficult. There is no concrete proof to arrest Liam and the local people are getting more and more fearful and are demanding a solution to the crime.

There are various other characters that could be involved and James is under increasing pressure to find the killer. Of course, as in all good detective stories he does solve the case but I must admit the ending was totally unexpected. I look forward to next Christmas' murder!


Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net Galley

This is book 5 in the DCI James Walker series. Winter is not the same with a festive offering from Alex with a DCI James Walker book. A body is found in a Santa Clause costume in the small village of Kirkby Abbey in Cumbria! DCI James Walker knew the him as a former police officer. It's a race against time James and his small team to find the killer, however, shortly afterwards, a second body is discovered and she is a former police officer too. I feel for James and Annie as they would love to spend time with their young family without something happening. The team dynamic is brilliant and the characters are well written. No spoilers but James and his team successfully found their person. All the sub plots tie up nicely to a Christmas wrapped conclusion with a few twists and turns and a handful of red herrings thrown in for good measure.

I look forward to the latest of this series every year. This is a Christmas murder mystery series but it's not a cosy one. In this book two retired police officers are brutally murdered and DI Walker and his team are tasked with finding the killer.

I really enjoy this series and find the characters very likable especially DI Walker. The setting is always beautifully written and has you transported to the winter Christmas village. The storylines in this series are always cleverly written with lots of red herrings, but the main attraction of this series is the beautiful scenery.

Daughter 1 and I look forward to the new book in this series every Christmas ever since I bought her the first book when it came out. It's now tradition to buy it for her and she won't be disappointed in this years installment, because I wasn't. The characters are easy to like and there are plenty of twists to keep the guessing going. I did actually have suspicions about the killer and was right, but not until near the reveal. I recommend reading this book, then, if you enjoy it, start from the first book. They have a little background in each so I don't think it's necessary to read it as a series.

The killer in the cold was my first James Walker Christmas based detective novel and it has certainly made me want to read the others. Not quite in the 'cosy' category the story was compelling enough to keep me interested. I didn't guess who dun it until almost the end, when to be honest there was no one else left! The characters seem well established and relate well to each other. If you're looking for a nice not too challenging mystery novel you can't go far wrong.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I love this series from Alex Pine, great storytelling with well described characters that always keep me involved in the storyline.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for this great ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending.

When another book in this series comes up, I just have to read it. This could be read as a standalone but so much better as part of the series.

The pacing worked well as you are really drawn into the atmosphere of the village.
I snuggled down on a cold Sunday afternoon and read it in one session as I really wanted to find out who the killer was, and I wasn't disappointed.

DCI James Walker has spent a quiet Christmas Day with his family, thankfully that his Christmas has not been interrupted by work and murder. However, then his phone rings a body dressed in a Santa Claus suit has been discovered in the snow just outside his village. DCI James Walker is hoping that after what happened just the year before it will be an accidental death.

But when he sees the body it is that of retired police officer Nigel Booth, and soon they discover a second body. Is another serial killer on the loose or are the killings connected to something in the dead man’s past. James and his team have their work cut out as the m snow destroys any evidence and the villages are fearful and demanding answers.

Very well written and a thrilling follow up to the previous Christmas murders for James Walker to solve.

"The Killer in the Cold," the fifth installment in the DI James Walker series, is a remarkable addition to an already phenomenal series. Having read all the books, I can attest that the series continues to improve with each book. The picturesque village setting in Cumbria is captivating, though it's so eventful I might consider moving if I resided there. The regular characters, particularly James and his wife Annie, are endearing. The plot's unexpected twists and the revelation of the murderer, whom I had not suspected, were complete surprises. I eagerly anticipate more books in the series and hope that James and Annie won't opt for a quieter life elsewhere.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my ARC.

I really enjoyed this book the story was gripping and I was hooked from the beginning. Alex pine is not a new author for me having previously read the winter killer. The thing I like about these books is that despite being a series they can be read as stand alones. The short chapters are a hit for me as I find I read quicker compared to long chapters. I hope we will see more from DI walker and that he doesn't relocate with his family. What's Christmas without a little murder?

I love Alex Pine’s Christmas books set in Cumbria. Lots of snow, a murder or two and the local detectives trying to solve the murders. This is the fifth book in the series, but it can be read as a stand alone book. Detective James Walker and his wife Annie are hoping for a relaxing Christmas with the children, It was not to be, as a dog walker discovered the body of a Santa Claus lying in the hedge covered in snow on Boxing Day. Even worse, it was a retired policeman. Why had his wife not reported him missing? James and his team interviewed many suspects, all of them seeming to have an alibi. I was trying to guess the killer the whole way through the book, but I was kept guessing until the end.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins for an advanced copy of this latest book in the series. I can’t wait for the next one!

Another amazing book, let’s hope there is another one coming, always love reading these, it has everything in it, suspense and always a great ending AAA

This was a great story with so much going on, I wasn't convinced by any of the suspects but couldn't see options then a great curveball was thrown in!

The ‘ber’ months have officially started, this series is one I always look forward to, so I’m glad it has officially started my festive reads 😊

This is my favourite book in the series, I loved that it was based in Walker’s hometown and involved people he knew. For me, this made me feel more connected to the case.

This was so fast paced with so many suspects and red herrings, I really didn’t see the killer coming!! As always it was good to be back with Annie and James and the interactions between the police action give an enjoyable light relief.

You know winter is coming when the latest Alex Pine novel drops onto your kindle.
DCI James Walker is crossing his fingers that for the first time in a few years he get a Christmas with no drama. And having spent a lovely Christmas Day with his family he thinks finally things have changed, until he gets a call on Boxing Day. A murder has taken place only a few minutes from his house, and its shocking to discover its a retired police officer. Preparing to start a new life in Spain who could possibly want to kill Nigel.
I love this series, I like that James has a happy family life and tries to balance a work/life balance. There is a strong development of characters. I like how the author reminds us of the main characters at the beginning of the novel.
It's a stong detective series

This is the 5th book in the Walker series. They are all well written and this one is no exception. They can also be read as a standalone in my opinion. I recommend these books.

Walker is a great character and very human in his struggle to balance his career with his young family.
Murder happens on his doorstep at Christmas and the ensuing investigation has to focus on his friends and neighbours, leading to uncomfortable interviews, suspicions cast and desperate attempts to find alternative routes of enquiry.
Another fantastic book in this series.

Another in the James Walker detective thriller series. What a fantastic book so many red herrings definitely one to keep you on your toes! I would say it's an ideal book for anyone who loves to curl up with a good book. I don't want to give too much away but the killer is a surprise!
Many thanks netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this book will be looking out for more in the series. Highly recommend.

Thoroughly enjoyed previous four books and this one was certainly a winner. Full of twists and turns with a few red herrings thrown in the mix. The killer was a complete surprise. A real page turner from start to finish. Can’t wait for the next instalment.

Book five in the D.I. James Walker series
It was a great read
Plenty of twists
Can’t wait for the next in this series
Thanks NetGalley

Found this as gripping as the first 4 in the series. I really did not expect the killer to be who it was, that was the last person I would have thought about. The twists in this book made it hard to put down.

Thank you Alex Pine, Avon and NetGalley for this ARC

Another great Christmas murder from Alex Pine, have read all his books and just gets better.
DCI James Walker is hoping to have a lovely Christmas at home with his young family when a dog walker finds a dead body dressed in a Santa's outfit and he is well known in the village, when they go to his house they find his wife murdered as well. Can Alex find out who murdered them and will there be more to come.
Love the balance between police procedure and his personal life, can`t wait for the next book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

This is #5 in the DCI James Walker series. It can easily be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the whole series.

DCI James Walker worked for the Met and lived in London with his wife, Annie, but she inherited the family home in the village of Kirkby Abbey so they decided to relocate. They now have a toddler daughter and a baby son.

For the first time since they moved to the village four years ago, James and Annie have managed to have a family Christmas Day, but it’s back to work on Boxing Day when a dog walker finds the body of Santa Claus. The village has a Santa parade on Christmas Eve so it looks as though the body has been there since then. Unfortunately, James and his team discover that the dead man was a retired police officer, known to all of them. The dead man’s wife was also a retired police officer but why hasn’t she reported her husband missing?

A brilliantly written, gripping read with lots of twists and turns.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

It’s no exaggeration to say I am OBSESSED by this series. Would it even be Christmas without detective Walker shenanigans?
This book, like all the others is part of a series but also works perfectly as a standalone. DCI Walker has managed to spend Christmas with his family (for a change) by then on boxing day a body is found in his village and our journey begins. More bodies turn up, there’s a variety of suspects from the glaringly obvious to the obscure and where we end up is probably not where you’d expect.

The latest book in the detective James Walker Christmas crime series is another absolute cracker. I loved the storyline, the characters and the setting in the county of Cumbria. I read it over two days because I couldn't put it down. And there' a great ending that came as a real shock. Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy of The Killer in the Cold.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. This is book four in the series and is just as good as the first, great characters and a strong story, I look forward to the next one.

Another excellent book in the James Walker series although you can easily read it as a standalone. Good to see the main characters back and the ones for this book were enjoyable to read too. A great storyline that has you glued to the book until its finished - my sign of a good book! Highly recommended.

You know Christmas is on its way when Alex Pine’s latest book is ready. I absolutely love these books and the characters are brilliant and like friends now there is several books about them. I raced through this book as the twists and turns developed, it is an absolute belter of a read.

This Winter, a brutal killer strikes again in a small village. DCI James Walker is on the case. But will he find the killer before they strike again?! Great read! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! It had great suspense, intriguing, action, murder, mystery, fantastic characters, great who done it, and few crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my kindle! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

It seems quite apt that I finished this book on the 25th of the month, admittedly July & not December, but let’s not be pedantic. This is the fifth in the DI James Walker series &, of course, it has festive vibes.

Just outside a small village in Cumbria, a dog walker (who else?) discovers the dead body of a former police officer dressed as Santa. Then another is found. Things are getting serious.

Short, snappy chapters made this police procedural an enjoyable read which could easily be read as a standalone. A great addition to the series.

***I did read and review this back in November but somehow missed posting it here.**"

DCI James Walker is on the case again can he discover who is responsible before more people lose their lives.

Alex Pine books are now a Christmas tradition for me 😃 This was another great read following DCI James Walker. So many suspects and twists and turns I was kept guessing right to the end. Definitely recommend reading this series!

Thank you to Netgalley, Alex Pine and Avon Books UK for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Perfectly written, kept me in suspense throughout.
I have enjoyed all the novels in this series and this one was no exception. Delightful

This is one of my favourite crime series, they're always such easy yet engaging reads that keep me h0oked until the end

I throughly enjoyed the lasted installment in this series! I have been reading these from day one and always can’t wait for the next installment!

I really liked this book. The whole series is great and I highly recommend them. An entertaining read and love the Christmas theme. A great read cosy, winter season read. Would recommend this series to others.

I really enjoyed reading this one on the run up to Christmas.
I definitely have enjoyed the series so far and will continue to read the rest.

I've read the previous books in this series and enjoy something different to the typical Christmassy romances I normally read leading up to Christmas. Poor DI Walker has yet another murder to investigate this Christmas 😂 you'd think he would have moved by now 😂

I cannot get enough of this series. These books just keep on getting better and better.

Such easy to read writing but captivating from the first few pages. It was like a warm hug being with these characters again.

Great character development throughout the series and really endearing characters.

Another solid mystery for Alex Pine.

This book is great and I loved reading it. I read it constantly till I had finished. The author writes so well and absorbs you. Brilliantly paced and flows so well. Loved it and looking forward already to the next one.

The Killer in the Cold by Alex Pine

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Avon and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Chilling truths are buried in this snow…

When a body dressed in a Santa Claus suit appears in the snow just outside a small village in Cumbria, DCI James Walker is the first to appear on the scene. Almost a year has passed since something so tragic has happened in the close-knit community, and James is hopeful that it’s just an accidental death.

But when he uncovers the body, he discovers something that chills him to the bone. The man, a former police officer, was murdered. And it’s not long before another body appears.

Time is ticking as James races to uncover the killer’s next victim, before they strike again. But can James find them before the snow washes away the evidence?

My Opinion

I have been reading this series since the very beginning and I always look forward to the upcoming releases. From the very beginning the reader is in the middle of the investigation. With short, snappy chapters this was a relatively quick read.

Kirkby Abbey is not a place I would recommend spending Christmas – there are just too many murders for my liking, but I would highly recommend reading this series.

Rating 4/5

Absolutely loved this book. The whole series is great and I highly recommend them! A great read cosy, winter season read.

The Killer in the Cold is the next amazing instalment in the DCI James Walker series. I really enjoyed this book and I love reading them around winter. The book starts immediately in the action of the crime and I was hooked from the start. The book has me guessing but I never guessed correctly.

The plot is fast paced as the police start their investigation on a body found dressed in a Santa costume. There are so many twists in this book but it is easy to follow. I enjoy reading about DCI James Walker and his team, it is nice to read about them as individuals. The short chapters make the book so quick to read and with some ending on cliff hangers, it made me want to continue on.

I definitely highly recommend this book and especially this series. The book doesn’t have to be read as part of the series, but I find the police team comforting to read about in each book.

Another Christmas, another DCI Walker novel from Alex Pine… thank goodness! I was a little late reading the 5th book in this very popular series as although I was definitely having a quieter Christmas than DCI Walker and his long suffering wife Annie, I still didn’t have much time to read! And I was very frustrated as having started The Killer In The Cold just before the Big Day, I was desperate to find out who had murdered Santa.

This series really is at the top of my Christmas reading list. It’s cozy Christmas murder at its finest and is an easy and enjoyable read with plenty happening and an ocean full of red herrings. I do think at any other time of year, I would probably feel they are overly twee and DCI Walker a bit of a wimp with so many emotions going on whenever he talks or enters a room, but for Christmas I’m very willing to just go with the flow of a very popular series.

I’m very much looking forward to Mr Pine’s next Christmas offering and can’t wait to find out what’s happening with DCI Walker and his team.

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an eARC of this book.

The Killer in the Cold (DI James Walker Series, Book 5) by Alex Pine is a thrilling and expertly crafted addition to the series. Set in a frosty, tense environment, the novel follows DI James Walker as he investigates a chilling murder that seems to have no clear motive. Pine’s sharp writing and atmospheric setting keep the reader hooked from the first page, with twists that unfold at just the right pace.

DI Walker remains a standout character—complex, determined, and empathetic—while the secondary characters and their interactions add depth to the story. The plot is cleverly woven, with Pine skillfully leading readers through a maze of secrets, lies, and unexpected revelations.

The Killer in the Cold is a compelling, fast-paced thriller with strong character development and a satisfyingly tense conclusion. It’s a must-read for fans of British crime fiction and a great entry point for those new to the DI James Walker series. I was given an advanced copy of this book to review.

Fanatic read, and really kept me wanting to read more! I couldn’t put it down.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

I have to admit that I am a big fan of this series, and I always look forward to the next book coming out.
Alex Pine's latest edition does not disappoint. It is possibly my favourite so far.
It is worth noting that although this is part of a series, all of the books may be read as stand alone stories.
Set in Cumbria around Christmas time....an idyllic village setting, plenty of snow and all the festive trimming.... It is easy to get cosy and allow yourself to become lost in the atmosphere of it all. However, these stories go beyond the usual 'cosy crime' genre and have enough bite to keep you on your toes.

I've read a couple of Alex Pine's books & enjoyed them so when his latest book was available on NetGalley I requested it.

His books always follow the same format, sleepy little village, always snowing at Christmas & always a gruesome murder to solve. It is book 5 of a series but can be read as a standalone book (I read it straight after reading book 2 & I didn't feel like I was missing anything) Each book has a little run down of characters & a little catch up of what has happened inbetween books. It's an easy read & an enjoyable story but I was so fed up of reading the sentence ".... the terrible murders four years ago...." it didn't need to be mentioned as much as it was.

If you are in the mood for a cosy Christmas murder then I recommend reading it & the other books in there series too.

This is one of my favourite series. Every year I eagerly await for the newest release and it is fair to say that I am never disappointed.

This year's installment saw two ex police constables brutally murdered on Christmas eve and we follow James and his team as they look to solve this double murder case. I managed to guess the killer from very early on in the book, I have to confess, and that did spoil it a little bit for me. Although I wasn't disappointed, something about this book didn't seem to have the same grip factor that some of the others did.

I did however thoroughly enjoy it and as such have rated it 4 stars.

I do love a good Alex Pine book and again this one didn't disappoint. With a body dressed as Santa found just outside a small village DCI James Walker is on the case. But when more bodies appear Walker must find the killer and he must find them quickly. Set in a small village in the dead of winter this certainly is a chilling read which had me on the edge of my seat.

Alex Pine is a master of suspense and thrills and I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough. A well written novel that has it all and more. I couldn't put it down. The writing just reels you in and takes you on a wintery, chilling ride with a great setting and great characters. I enjoyed every minute of this book and look forward to seeing what comes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for giving me the chance to read and review this book.

A festive thriller full of twists and turns. A great read that keeps you hooked from the very first page.

If you want a change from the chick lit, romance, Christmassy kind of book. This is it.
Why not treat yourself to a whodunnit instead?

Set in a quiet town in Cumbria with scene setting Christmas and cosy vibes. Who knew a killer would be in the midst?!

On the other hand there is also the seriousness of detailed police procedures and suspense to make a great story.

This book is fifth in the series but can be read as a standalone with no problem too.
I now find myself wanting to read the others.

I would recommend.

The Killer in the Cold is part of a series by Alex Pine but works equally well as a standalone novel. It's a Midsummer Murders type of story, an interesting narrative detailing the murders of two former police officers in a village that is no stranger to this type of crime. It doesn't dwell on too much gory detail, just the interesting and often relatable characters both in the investigating police force and the villagers attempting to come to terms with yet more violence in their residential area.
An easy and enjoyable read which allows the reader to solve the murder pretty easily I'd say.

Another great Christmas read from Alex Pine. Once again we return to Cumbria for a festive whodunnit. It is great to meet the characters we have met in previous books. The storyline was very good with plenty of twists and turns. A real page turner and highly recommended. Can't wait for the next one.

With this beautiful snowy festive cover it came as a shock to discover that the dog walker found the dead body of...Father Christmas. As it turns out, it was actually the retired Inspector in fancy dress, Still sad of course.

This is the latest seasonal book by this author and fifth following Detective Chief Inspector James Walker. In case the reader has just dropped into the series there is a cast list at the start of the book complete with name, job title and a brief history. Very thoughtful. Set in a village in Cumbria, Christmas is an unusual but deserved break this year so the DCI can spend some time with his young family. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work out that way when the victim is a neighbour and friend.

This is a detailed police procedural that includes press conferences and interviews with friends and family, made even more difficult because they are all known tho the DCI. There are the usual search for suspects, weapons and so on, but it is carried out in a slow, gentle manner, with everything found out repeated often while the police try to decipher the pattern of events and possible reasons for the crime. This is undoubtedly very realistic and the pace will be in keeping with the rural aspects as well, but often this is a tad drawn out as we wait for the next discovery. However, the chapters are short and thus keep the tempo.

In the main, this investigation is from the viewpoint of DCI Walker, but there are some chapters from his wife as she rearranges family plans and puts a more local and domestic element to the story. Interesting characters from the past increase the suspects list making a real whodunnit. I had no idea who the culprit was until the very end.

A story about family, entitlement and accountability, this is a good read for the time of year - who needs high action when that's what the build up to Christmas is in real life? There is a good sense of place here, with real areas interwoven into the tale including Lake Windermere and Kendal for example, as the landscape and seasonal snow makes the whole thing feel Christmassy.

I've followed this series since the beginning and have thoroughly enjoyed all of the books - this is the fifth. I was delighted to be granted a review copy by NetGalley and couldn't wait to read about DI James Walker's latest terrible Christmas.

Because DI James Walker always has a horrific festive season! All the books take place over the Christmas/New Year period and it seems the only time of year that serial killers appear in (usually sleepy, small-town) Cumbria.

This latest book takes place in DI Walker's home village, making him the first on the scene as the snow starts to pile up. The deceased - dressed as Santa Claus - is someone he knows and someone who oddly hasn't been reported as missing, even though he's been in the snow a while. When another body is found, Walker and his team have to face up to the fact that there is another killer loose in Cumbria - and the villagers aren't at all happy with the fact. Walker needs to keep his neighbours happy while finding the killer among them...

This series is always entertaining and engaging - there's always lots of twists but also really solid police procedural elements that keep the story moving forward. I did guess the killer slightly ahead of DI Walker, but I'm quite a seasoned armchair detective these days! I liked the village setting as it put the crime scene/possible suspects/police team all in close proximity - something that made the setting quite claustrophobic as the snow fell and the village was isolated from the outside world.

If you've enjoyed the previous books in the series, there's lots to like here - I think this was one of my favourites. If you haven't discovered DI Walker, these are perfect winter reads and you've got 5 to enjoy!

This is a well-written, character-driven police procedural, cosy crime thriller.
When the body of a man dressed as Santa is found in a lane in the small village of Kirby Abbey in Cumbria, DCI James Walker and his team are called in to investigate. I read this as a stand alone thriller and was pleasantly surprised to find that this is the 5th installment of the James Walker series. Full of twists and turns and a snowy Christmas setting I will definitely read the previous novels in this series.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for the ARC.

This is my first book by the author but the 5th in the series. The characters grew on me, the story was fun and the chapters are short - bonus! I love a Christmas murder book so I was in my element…

However - this just fell a little flat for me. I felt it was slow and I wanted a fast and twist and turn book.

EDIT - (Definitely a cozy crime for me) BUT ADDICTIVE so I now find myself reading book 1! Which is a good thing because it means I have found more to read!

I love this series of books and always look forward to finding out what's next for James Walker and his team. This is another murder at Christmas which takes the village by storm. This had me reading late in to the night to find out who did it. Plenty of twist and turns which leave you guessing till the end. Thanks Netgalley

Another Christmas another murder. A body is discovered which turn out to be a former policeman. James and is team investgate soon another murder is committed can they find the killer before more bodies turn up. Plenty of twists along the way in this well plotted book. . Can James ever have a peaceful Christmas. Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for this review ARC.

I’ve read all of the DI James Walker books and they just keep getting better and better. I can’t wait for December to come when I know a new book will be published but then disappointed when I have a whole year to wait for the next. This is the 5th book in the series but could be read as a standalone although i would recommend reading them all in order. Love it.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is the next instalment in the Detective Walker series, and as usual when winter and Christmas arrives, someone dies. And it's up to Walker and his team to catch the killer, and bring them to justice.

I really do enjoy this series. Every time a new book is released it is just like catching up with old friends. It is nice that we have a knowing of Walker, and his family, and how it has grown over the series of books. This book was superbly written, as usual from this author. This author always packs a punch with his storylines, and they are never short of twists, turns, and red herrings. The characters are all well written and very well established. I would highly recommend this book, and the whole series of books.

Having read all of the books in this series, I can honestly say that they are all enjoyable. However I would not like to plan a Christmas in that village.
I always love the setting as I know the area well and can relate to it.
Roll on next Christmas to see where the story goes.
Very goid book

Gripping murder mystery and police procedural series, centred on DCI James Walker, as he makes good use of the skills he learnt at the Met while trying to maintain a good work/life balance with his young family.

Having recently moved to a small Cumbrian village to be near his wife's family, with the aim of bringing their children up away from London, every Christmas since has seen the wider rural community shaken by grizzly crimes.

But this year he has managed finally to enjoy a peaceful family Christmas. At least until Boxing Day when a dog walker discovers a dead body just a few minutes from his home. His hopes that this will turn out to be an upsetting but relatively minor matter are dashed when the snow is removed to reveal stab wounds, quickly followed by the subsequent discovery of a second victim.

The victims are both recently retired police officers, well-known and liked within the community and by the currently serving officers. They were planning to sell up and move abroad to enjoy their retirement in the sun, and one line of enquiry is that their son might have resorted to murder in order to secure his inheritance early and pay off his mounting debts. However, the situation becomes more complicated when a crime boss is also discovered to be involved.

I love this series ... it just seems to get better and better.

Although this is the fifth book in the series, I think it works well as a standalone however, I would recommend you go back and read from the start ... you won't be disappointed.

With great characters, a fantastic setting, excellent plot, great twists and all written at a good pace, this is a book that you will easily get engrossed in. There isn't a lot of gratuitous violence so is suitable for most readers and whilst I did guess the murderer, I think it was just a lucky guess on my part!

Well written and highly recommended.

Many thanks to the author, Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this latest edition to a great series.

This book is the fifth instalment in the DI James Walker series,, and first of all this one disappoints a it is too formulaic. I enjoyed some of the others.. Yes, he describes the Cumbrian village well and the police characters are excellent but isn't it time for other scenarios?

As always great twists at the end, thus 4 stars.

Thanks to Net Galley and Avon Books for the chance to read and review the book.

4 stars - Christmas Crime.

5th book in the series and could be read as standalone but I would recommend reading them all. Another festive season for DI James Walker who lives in the Cumbrian village of Kirkby Abbey. Shortly after Christmas Day, a body is found dressed in a Santa suit and the investigation begins.

I always look forward to this series at Christmas time as a break in between the classic holiday romcoms. The plots are simple and easy to follow but never boring. I enjoy seeing the return of all the good previous characters especially Annie, James wife, who is always ready with a whisky and a ready meal to get the gossip from James.

I love the setting of the quaint fictional village and the idea of a close knit community- though I wouldn’t like to visit over Christmas!

The story is well placed and plotted well over several short chapters and I was shocked when the killer was revealed as I didn’t even think to suspect the individual.

I think the story overall could fall into cosy crime and would recommend for fans of the Thursday murder club.

This is the fifth book in the DI James Walker series. Although it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. If you love a good Christmas murder mystery, this series is perfect for you! Five books ago, DI James Walker left the grimy streets of London in search of a quieter life with his family in Cumbria. However, every Christmas since then has brought a gruesome set of murders, and this Christmas is no different, with a former police officer found murdered close to Walker's home.

I love this series, but I certainly wouldn't want to live anywhere near the quiet little village of Kirby Abbey, which is gaining a reputation for dead bodies turning up at Christmas! I really like DI James Walker's character. Throughout the series, we've seen his family grow with the arrival of his two children. I had hoped he would get a quiet Christmas at home this year instead of searching the cold Cumbrian countryside for murderers, but alas, I was wrong! The murder of former local police officer Nigel Booth was particularly shocking, and I loved following the investigation. Walker is a great lead detective, and it was interesting to follow him and his team as they navigated numerous dead ends.

The story twists and turns throughout, and while there are multiple suspects to consider, the murderer was well hidden—I didn't guess who it was. This is a very good series of books that, while very seasonal, can be enjoyed any time of the year. I would, however, like to see DI James Walker tackle a summer murder so he can have Christmas off! This is a clever police procedural with stunning scenic locations. I would definitely recommend it!

DCI Walker is back and is hoping for a quiet Christmas with his family , but quiet and Christmas and James Walker don’t exist in the same sentence !
A man dressed in a Santa suit is found dead in the snow just outside the village that Walker resides in , so the Christmas holidays are over for James and his team .
Expertly written as always making an easy read and kept me guessing until the end .
It’s a testament to Alex Pine’s calibre of writing that each new title although the same theme still hooks me in and makes for an entertaining festive mystery .
Will DCI Walker ever have a quiet Christmas?
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK .

The Killer in the Cold by Alex Pine is the 5th book in the Detective James Walker series, WoW........what a fantastic book this was. All of these books within this series have been excellent. They are set in the quaint little Cumbrian village of Kirkby Abbey during the magical Christmas time, a body dressed in a Santa Claus suit appears in the snow just outside a small village in Cumbria, DCI James Walker is the first to appear on the scene. It's almost a year that has passed since something so tragic has happened in the close-knit community, and James is hopeful that it’s just an accidental death.

But when he uncovers the body, he discovers something that chills him to the bone. This man, was a former police officer, and he was murdered. And it’s not long before another body appears.

Time is ticking..........James races to uncover the killer’s next victim, before they strike again.

But can James find them before the snow washes away the evidence?

WoW this book is So good and can be read as a stand alone, But I do recommend you read all these books within this series. They will not disappoint.

The Killer in the Cold is the 5th book in the DI James Walker series by Alex Pine. Although this is part of a series, I feel like it could be read as a standalone book also. Overall I found this to be an entertaining read, and one that I would recommend to others.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and Avon, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

An absolutely enthralling series featuring DCI James Walker. I look forward to these books every Christmas time. Like Midsummer Murders, this is one village I wouldn't want to live in though, as idyllic and quaint as it sounds, there are an alarming amount of murders! Killer in the Cold boasts the double murder of ex policeofficers that sets off a puzzling manhunt. It seems there are very little clues and the main suspects all have alibis. A startling discovery unfolds. Such an entertaining read from start to finish. #killerinthecold #alexpine #netgalley #harpercollins #crime #Christmas #murder

My thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books for a copy of “ The Killer In The Cold” for an honest review.

I loved the first book in this series , and hadn’t realised I’d missed the other releases, so it was great to be get a chance to read this.It didn’t stop my enjoyment of reading this , I think it fares very well as a standalone., but I shall definitely get the ones in between to see what I’ve missed.
This was well written and kept me guessing right to the end.I really struggled to put it down I mainly read psychological thrillers but at this time of the year I Love something seasonal, so this was the perfect combination of the two for me ..
Well written characters and the beautiful setting of Cumbria .An Ideal festive read for a cosy crime book lover .

It's that time of year! Time to read the latest Alex Pine book. Once again I was not disappointed. This is the the fifth in his Christmas crime series featuring DCI James Walker and I really enjoyed it, I think more than the others I've read. I felt there was more twists and turns. Definitely recommend 👌

The arrival of the holiday season is often signalled for many by the sight of the iconic Coca-Cola lorry weaving through streets adorned with twinkling lights. However, for me, the true marker of the season is when a new instalment in the CDI James Walker murder mystery series hits the shelves.

I eagerly anticipated the latest release this year, and "The Killer in the Cold" did not disappoint.

Returning to CDI James Walker's world was like reuniting with an old friend, and the festive backdrop added a unique twist to the thrilling investigation that unfolded. The plot is intricately woven with layers of action and drama, and an array of unreliable narrators drives the story, each presenting veiled intentions that keep readers guessing.

What truly impressed me was the masterful way this author delves into the psyche of his characters, crafting a tapestry of motives that culminate in a shocking reveal. I found myself turning the pages at an alarming rate, wholly engrossed in the twists and turns, and the unexpected conclusion took me entirely by surprise, a testament to his skill as a storyteller.

As with previous books in the series, the writing is sharp and engaging, making it difficult to put the book down. The fast-paced narrative and thrilling and convoluted storyline immediately gripped my attention. These books definitely get better as they progress.

For those who might feel weary of the conventional, light-hearted holiday reads, I wholeheartedly recommend this series, notably "The Killer in the Cold." It’s a refreshing alternative that promises to entertain and provide a delightful thrill this festive season!

The characters are likeable and familiar, the plot is always intricate enough to give you something to puzzle over, but that said, uncomplicated enough to be able to pick up during busy times and know where you are.
The tension between the community and the police in this book really made you get onside and will James to solve the murder.
Another great murder mystery in the small Cumbrian village. I do hope James and Annie decide to stay as I look forward to what’s coming next !

Book 5 in the DI James Walker series. James and his family live in the lakes . Once again their Christmas is interrupted by a Christmas death. This time it is close to home for James. Easy to read and could be read as a stand alone .

Another fine read in this series which now stretches to 5 titles. No requirement for familiarity with the previous novels to read this one as all the characters are well introduced and any reference to happenings in this earlier tales is purely superficial.

A further 2 murders occur at Christmas in the small village where James Walker, our senior police officer, resides with his family. The victims in this case are a husband and wife, both former police officers and there seems to be one obvious motive and suspect. As is always the case there is more to the murders than meets the eye.

I have to admit to feeling a little let down by the conclusion as it seemed just a bit too easy in the end but overall the tale was quite engrossing.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.

I love when the chiller thrillers start to come out - the addition of snow/winter/the festive period really makes me want to buy a thriller more! And this is a series that I look forward to continuing every year!

It was great to be back with James and Annie who thankfully managed to enjoy their Christmas this year... Until Boxing Day! But I enjoy getting a glimpse into their family life nonetheless, catching up with them often in-between the investigation.

And this investigation is a great one! I did predict the killer early on but I think it was more on a whim than being predictable. I just had a sense that was where it was heading, although it still kept me guessing before the reveal which is left until the very last minute!

I really enjoyed how close to home this crime was as it felt very personal to James which made it all the more engaging. But it can definitely be read as a standalone too, as Pine does a brilliant job of summarising any previous events worth mentioning, giving a lot of context, and he even adds a character list at the start which I always appreciate!

It's a cosy enough thriller for those who don't like anything too dark and gritty, but still with plenty of exciting twists and turns to keep the most avid thriller reader entertained!

The next instalment in this series is just as good as the previous books. This time James, Annie and their family have managed to have a Christmas Day all to themselves, with no murder to drag James back to work. Just as they were getting used to the time off, a Santa is found dead in the snow,
The Cumbrian countryside is described so beautifully that even when reading this book in the sun, you still feel the atmosphere, imagine the snow flakes and feel the tension in the village when a murder investigation stuns them all. A really good police procedural, realistic feeling investigation and an unexpected ending. My only downside is trying to imagine where this series can go next. I look forward to whatever this author writes next.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

DCI James Walker is a respected detective. Since moving north to Cumbria, he has solved numerous murders, especially during the festive holidays. This year, he hopes for a quiet time with his young family. Unfortunately, the discovery of a body dressed in Santa's outfit forces him back to work to solve another Christmas murder. It is atmospheric, and the changing moods of the community are believable. I like the characters in the investigating team and how each clue, event and false lead builds the suspense to an unexpected but plausible conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

This is the fifth book in the DI James Walker series. Although it is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel. If you love a good Christmas murder mystery, this series is perfect for you! Five books ago, DI James Walker left the grimy streets of London in search of a quieter life with his family in Cumbria. However, every Christmas since then has brought a gruesome set of murders, and this Christmas is no different, with a former police officer found murdered close to Walker's home.

I love this series, but I certainly wouldn't want to live anywhere near the quiet little village of Kirby Abbey, which is gaining a reputation for dead bodies turning up at Christmas! I really like DI James Walker's character. Throughout the series, we've seen his family grow with the arrival of his two children. I had hoped he would get a quiet Christmas at home this year instead of searching the cold Cumbrian countryside for murderers, but alas, I was wrong! The murder of former local police officer Nigel Booth was particularly shocking, and I loved following the investigation. Walker is a great lead detective, and it was interesting to follow him and his team as they navigated numerous dead ends.

The story twists and turns throughout, and while there are multiple suspects to consider, the murderer was well hidden—I didn't guess who it was. This is a very good series of books that, while very seasonal, can be enjoyed any time of the year. I would, however, like to see DI James Walker tackle a summer murder so he can have Christmas off! This is a clever police procedural with stunning scenic locations. I would definitely recommend it!

Book 5 in the DCI James Walker stories.

Yet again, Christmas is ruined by murders in the not-so-sleepy village of Kirkby Abbey.

Well, I'm really glad I don't live up in the Lake District, as Dectective James Walker has to solve the murders of two former police officers and family friends.

Another good murder mystery, only loosing a star because I figured out who did it quite early on, though I still found the book enjoyable.

This was a captivating read from the first few pages as a double murder takes place. The police cannot get to the bottom of the mystery as anyone in the whole village could have been the murderer. The story is full of twists and the villagers are unsurprisingly up in arms as they wanted a quick solution so that they could feel safe again. This is a follow up book but before the story begins a full run down of the characters that featured in the previous book so that as the reader I felt that I had an understanding of all the main characters before I begin to unfold the story..
It is a great mystery with a totally unexpected ending.

Book 5 in the DCI James Walker series.

Back we go to not so sleepy Kirkby Abbey. It's just after Christmas and James and Annie are enjoying the holiday together with their two children. But then the phone rings. Yep, you've guessed. A body has been discovered and James is needed at the scene asap. What he discovers sends shivers through his bones. And then another body is discovered.

I loved this book and flew through it. Great plot that had me hooked. I did work out who it was but it didn't spoil the book in any way.

Can't wait for next year's installment.

The fifth book in the series but these can easily be read as stand alones.
DI James Walker is called upon again to solve a brutal festive double murder. A former police officer and his wife are found dead. Lots of suspects and lots of red herrings. The characters are well developed and Walkers backstory is a nice addition. I would like to learn a bit more about Annie though, she’s portrayed as super mumsy and I’d like to explore an edgier side to her.
A nice Christmassy murder mystery.

It’s Christmas, and we all know what that means—another murder in Cumbria to pull DCI James Walker and his team out into the cold, but this time, it’s happening a lot closer to home. I’ve got a real soft spot for this series and its cast of characters. Over time, I’ve grown attached to the people and the town of Kirkby Abbey, even if it’s got to be the most ill-fated place to spend Christmas!

Once again, Alex Pine delivers a fast-paced, enjoyable crime novel that's incredibly easy to get swept up in. Did I manage to guess the killer this time? Not even close. I’m still reeling from the reveal, I truly did not see it coming.

As I mentioned in my review of The Night Before Christmas, James’ home life takes a hit every Christmas, being constantly pulled away from his wife and kids. Poor Annie, left at home with a ready meal and a bowl of crisps, waiting for him to come back. I had to laugh, someone, please, get her a slow cooker or something.

Is it plausible that there’s a murder every single year in this town? Probably not. But will I still eagerly follow along? Absolutely. Here’s hoping for another 'unlucky' Christmas in Cumbria next year, I’ll be right here, waiting for the release.

#TheKillerInTheCold #NetGalley Another gripping twisty murder for James to solve in the middle of the festive season. Well written with lots of action, drama and red herrings along the way. Although part of a series, is capable of being read as a standalone. I do enjoy this series, but please - poor Annie! - let her have a family Christmas and New Year next time and let James solve a murder in the Lake District sunshine :-).

Another cracker of a read from this author. I have enjoyed reading all of the author's books so far and this latest one does not disappoint.
Enthralling and compelling I was hooked from page 1 and was completely floored with the ending.

Wel, dw i ddim yn meddwl bod yr un llyfr wedi gwneud i mi ddyfalu cymaint â hwn, hyd y diwedd doedd gen i ddim clem o'r hyn oedd am ddigwydd nesaf. Mae'r llyfr yn rhan o gyfres ond mae disgrifiadau defnyddiol yn cyflwyno'r prif gymeriadau ar y dechrau, ac mae hynny'n wych er mwyn galluogi rhywun i ddarllen y cyfan heb ddarllen y nofelau blaenorol. Mae tîm yr heddlu yn dod i ynghyd mewn cymuned agos yn dilyn llofruddiaeth dau gyn-gydweithwyr iddynt, er mwyn ceisio canfod y sawl sy'n gyfrifol, dan arweiniad James, y prif gymeriad. Cawn hefyd ddod i adnabod James fel unigolyn, gyda phenodau o safbwynt ei wraig Annie, ac ambell bennod wedi iddo gyrraedd adref ar ôl diwrnod caled o waith. Mae'n rhoi darlun llawn i ni o bwysau ei swydd arno, yr oriau maith, y disgwyliadau sydd arno a'i dîm, a'r cwestiynu gan ei gymdogion. Rydym yn cael cyfle i ddod i adnabod sawl cymeriad yn yr ardal, ac mae sawl un yn destun cwestiynu'r heddlu, gan achosi penbleth wrth iddynt geisio canfod y llofrudd, delio â'r cyfryngau ac ymdopi ag ambell ddigwyddiad annisgwyl sy'n cymhlethu pethau ymhellach. Nofel sy'n llawn disgrifiadau clyfar, twyll, dirgelwch a chymeriadau agos atoch. Gobeithio y bydd mwy yn y gyfres hon ond peidiwch â mentro i Kirkby Abbey i ddathlu'r Nadolig!

Well, I don't think any book has kept me guessing as much as this one did, right up to the last minute I had no clue what was going to happen next. The book is part of a series but there are helpful descriptions introducing the main characters at the start, and that's great as it enables someone to read this as a standalone novel without reading the previous ones. The police team come together in a close knit community following the murder of two former colleagues, to try and find the one responsible, under the leadership of James, the main character. We also get to know James as an individual, with chapters from his wife's point of view as she holds the fort in his absence, and a few chapters when he returns home after a long day at work. It gives us a glimpse of all aspects of his life, the weight of the responsibility of his job, the long hours, the expectations on him and his team, and the questions from his neighbours. We get the opportunity to meet several different local characters, and many are under suspicion as the police try to solve this mystery, and as they also deal with the media, and face several unexpected challenges that complicates things even further. A novel full of clever descriptions, deception, mystery and likeable characters. I hope there's more to come in this series but don't head to Kirkby Abbey to celebrate Christmas!

It's that time of year again. When DCI James Walker can't get a night at home with his family over the festive period because someone decided to go on a murder spree in Cumbria. I've read every book in this series at this time of year and I will continue to do so for as long as Alex Pine publishes them.

Another Christmas, another crime and once again, it was very close to home for James Walker. The plot in this fifth book in this series was exactly what I have come to expect; gripping, whilst easy going. Tense, whilst also easy to read. I wouldn't describe it as a cosy mystery, but it's definitely not gory and that made it an enjoyable and unchallenging story to get lost in.

I have to admit that I did have a few giggles to myself about James Walker and his home life during this book. His poor wife must be so sick of Christmas. Annie gets stuck at home with the kids every year, making ready meals at all hours ready for when her husband comes in. Is it realistic that there is a major crime in such a quiet and rural area at the same time every year? No. Do I care. No. I love these characters and these stories. Please keep them coming yearly and I'll keep reading.

Yet another excellent read from the Detective Walker books.
These books allow you to get to know more and more about the character along with their background. The crimes remain a mystery until the author is ready to let you into their writing.
Descriptive writing makes you need to turn the page despite thinking “ last page for now”
The series is set around Christmas/New Year, showing it’s not a happy Christmas for these victims.

DCI James Walker is hoping that this Christmas will pass without any murders. unfortunately on Boxing Day two ex-police are found murdered in the village where he lives. Due to snow, there is next to no forensic evidence and the team have to dig deep if they are going to solve this crime.
I read this in a day, like the previous books, it's very easy to read and the story is very smooth.

DCI James Walker is hoping for a quiet Christmas with his family, after murders have got in the way in previous years. Alas, it is not to be, when a body is found, and it's a retired police officer in a Father Christmas outfit. Things get worse when James and his team uncover another body, and tensions really run high locally.

The Killer in the Cold really highlights the impact that a crime, and in particular a murder, can have on a community. The police officers have to deal with the escalating fears and accusations of local residents as well as investigating the crime. At times this becomes very claustrophobic for James, especially as he and his wife knew the victims.

The DCI James Walker series is excellent, and this is another stellar installment. As much as you'd like James to have a Christmas off, you can't wait for the next murder to solve!

First of the DCI Walker books I've read and it is a perfect Christmas holiday read. Plenty of local Cumbrian flavour in both the characters and setting..
A well written whodunnit to enjoy over a weekend or holiday.

When an ex-policeman and his wife are found murdered just before Christmas, the village is up-in-arms. DCI James Walker, a local man is in charge of the investigation but is making little progress. The prime suspect is the police officer's son.
If you love crime novels, this is a 'cosy' Christmas murder, perfect for the season - an easy read but enjoyable.

Poor James Walker just can't seem to catch a break. Since he and his family left the bustle of the city five years ago for a quieter life in the countryside, every Christmas and New Year has been tainted by a chilling unaliving or two.

This year is no exception. A man dressed as Santa has been found beneath the village snow stabbed, and the situation only grows darker when it's revealed that he's a former police officer.

Soon enough, another body turns up, and now DI James Walker and his team are racing against time and the unforgiving weather to catch the killer before any more evidence - or lives - are lost.

Having read the first four DI James Walker books last December, I was glad to see a new release this year. Though I'm not usually drawn to cozy murder mysteries, I do enjoy this series.

Here, we have a cast of shady characters and a string of possible suspects that kept me guessing. I didn’t pinpoint the killer, but I changed my mind several times, thanks to the steady supply of red herrings.

There’s a real mix of characters; some I rooted for, and others I wanted to kick! Liam, in particular, stands out as an infuriatingly entitled man-child. And poor Annie, James' wife, deserves a quiet evening with a glass of wine after all she's endured! Perhaps next year, they’ll escape to a sunny, murder-free holiday for once.

Although part of a series, this would work well as a standalone, too, thanks to a helpful character bio at the start. It’s a handy refresher for returning readers and an easy entry point for newcomers.

A huge thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own. The Killer in the Cold is out 7th November (UK)