Riddled on the Sands — J.J. Salkeld

The NEW, fully revised and updated edition of the fifth book in the acclaimed Lakeland Murders series.

DI Andy Hall and the team face a case with a very local flavour, when a net fisherman vanishes while working far out on Morecambe Bay. Only his tractor is found - because these fisherman don't use boats - and when examined DS Ian Mann makes a disturbing discovery which points, unavoidably, towards murder. But the locus is a forensic nightmare, because it's washed clean with every tide, so can Andy Hall and the team really make any progress with the case? And will the appearance of Mann's former military colleagues in the area help, or hinder, the investigation?

Meanwhile DCs Jane Francis and Ray Dixon have problems of their own. Jane Francis is trying to come to terms both with co-habitation and a pretty lacklustre case load, including a couple of garage fires and a threatening letter. Meanwhile Ray Dixon, after years of counting down the days to retirement, is now desperately trying to cling on to his job, even as his very last day with the Cumbria Constabulary approaches.

'If plot is what piques our interest in a crime novel it's the characters that keep us reading' says J J Salkeld. 'I've worked hard to ensure that Cumbria, and its people and events, are at the very heart of these books.' And many readers agree:

‘Good characterisation, good settings, good plotting, good police procedure. Really enjoyable but reading this is all I've done today! Whoops.'

‘DI Hall is a great lead character and the team that work with him have grown throughout the series and are believable. A quick pace, good insight into modern policing and a good story, where the outcome is not always positive on behalf of the law. Can't wait for the next in the series.'

‘As a northern person, I loved the familiar setting of Morecambe Bay and could picture the sands with the shifting tides and quicksand traps. Very atmospheric.'

‘This author continues to produce really interesting and well written books. I would recommend this series to readers who enjoy Inspectors Banks, Morse, Rebus, Wexford, Lynley, etc. Great to be able to add him to my list.'