Thanks to NetGalley, I discovered Joy Ellis' Nikki Galena series set in the Lincolnshire Fens. The Murderer's Son, a stand alone, is set in the Saltern-Le-Fen constabulary and introduces a new cast of intriguing characters. The prologue relates the details of a vicious murder that took place in 1993. In 2015, DCI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans are confronted with another murder that has some similarities to the 1993 case.
Daniel Kinder walks into the station and confesses to the murder, but neither Jackman nor Evans are convinced that he is responsible.
Daniel suffers from fugue states and believes that he is the son of the "blonde butcher" who was convicted of 1993 murders.
As in the Nikki Galena series, Ellis creates a framework of characters and setting that feels authentic. I liked the way the various members of the constabulary worked together and the possibility of getting to know them better in future novels. Ellis also keeps you left-footed about the murderer.
This stand alone is every bit as good as the Galena series, and I hope to read more about DCI Jackman and DS Marie Evans. And Orac.
Read in Sept.; blog review scheduled for Oct. 4
NetGalley/Joffe Books
Mystery/Police Procedural. 2016. Print length: 283 pages.
This is a new to me author. This sounds good, Jenclair. You've got me curious about his motives--is he lying or telling the truth about who he is--and why lie if he is . . .
ReplyDeleteShe is just recently being published in the U.S. I think. I had never heard of her before NetGalley, and I've read and reviewed everything NG has offered. Great characters and that includes the setting. :)
DeleteI haven't heard of this author either. Both this book and her other series sound good. I'm excited to give Ellis a try. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI think you will enjoy her books, Lark--we like several of the same authors in this genre!
DeleteI'm not familiar with this author. The setting sounds like one I would like though. Thanks, Jenny, for the review.
ReplyDeleteEllis obviously loves the Fens and the setting in the Nikki Galena series is like another character. :)
DeleteI've read your reviews on Ellis' other books set in the Fens but haven't read them yet. Glad to know that all her titles are a good read!
ReplyDeleteEllis calls this one a stand-alone, but I wouldn't mind if it became a series. I've enjoyed all of the Nikki Galena series that I've read. Great characters, well-plotted, and atmospheric. :)
DeleteI'm not familiar with author but this one sounds good. That cover sure looks creepy!
ReplyDeleteI really like these books and hope Ellis is keeping herself busy writing!
DeleteI remember another of your reviews of the Ellis books and was lucky to find a great deal on Amazon. Unfortunately just haven't gotten around to it yet but so glad to hear this is an author to watch for!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have!
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