Separated at Death — J.J. Salkeld

The teenage daughter of a wealthy Kendal family is found strangled in Serpentine Woods. This is only DI Andy Hall's third ever murder case, leads are hard to come by, and his personal life is in crisis. Meanwhile, his Sergeant, ex-Marine Ian Mann is faced with a very puzzling investigation, involving a local bad lad who suddenly seems to be scaling the ladder of criminality. Are the two cases connected? Can Hall and his team crack the murder case, and offer the very coldest of comfort to the bereaved family?

Separated at Death is the second book, and the first full-length novel, in the acclaimed Lakeland Murders Police procedural novel series, set in and around England's beautiful Lake District, and introduces the team of DI Hall, former Royal Marine DS Mann and DC Jane Francis, a former research scientist and the newest member of Kendal CID. '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.'

Reader reviews include:
‘I've recently discovered this series and I must admit that I've become hooked. The characters are clearly identifiable which makes excellent story lines all the more enthralling.'

‘What a great first mystery in the Lakeland Murder series….If you enjoy reading fast-paced mysteries with interesting characters and no gore, I think you would like this book. I can't wait to begin the second in the series.'

‘A well paced detective story with the Lakeland setting used skilfully to add atmosphere. The characters were well drawn, and with the added insight into DI Hall's inner life I felt they were worth caring about….Highly recommended.'

‘I've read all five (so far) of the Andy Hall books back to back, and I think he's going places, too. I've been having a really hard time finding new (to me) authors, so I'm happy to say that this one did not disappoint.'

'Pacey, believable, atmospheric and very evocative of place. Just the right amount of emotional background to characters to keep you interested. I genuinely couldn't put it down. Roll on number 2.'