I would like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advance copy of The Fields the first novel to feature Sergeant Riley Fisher, head of investigations at the Black Hawk County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office.

Newly promoted, Riley’s first murder case in charge suggests it will be difficult. A woman’s body has been found in a cornfield and not only does Riley recognise her, she’s a friend from a dark time in her life twenty years ago. When a second body is found Riley struggles to get out from under the outside pressure of elections, agri-business and rumours and innuendo and solve the case.

The Fields is undoubtedly a well written novel, vividly creating life in rural America. Unfortunately it did not hold my attention and I found it a bit of a slog until the finale where the action is fast and furious.

The novel is told from various points of view, mostly Riley with other voices chipping in from time to time. This, I think, is one of the reasons that I didn’t find the novel compelling as these voices chip in with no real explanation of who they are or what they are up to and disrupt Riley’s narrative and investigation. The other main reason is that the narrative seems a bit disjointed. There are too many different things going on and no real sense of centralisation or how it will pull together. I also guessed the overall theme of the novel early on, but not the detail. I’m not quite sure what to make of it as it’s slightly didactic in the message it wants to hammer home.

Riley is another troubled protagonist. She refers to an event in her past and the dysfunction it brought to her family but it takes three quarters of the novel to reveal what is fairly obvious from the first mention. Nevertheless I like her and her work partner, Logan and would spend more time them.

I understand that The Fields is a debut novel. As such it has a few teething problems but is a credible first offering. 3.5*

This book grabbed me from the start. It’s extremely well-written with very detailed descriptions and I certainly want to read more about Riley and Logan. What a brilliant team they make! Unfortunately the plot was a bit over-the-top for me, and there was so much going on that my little brain found it difficult to keep track. I’ll be watching out for the next book from this author, and hope it’s a little less complicated. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

Thought provoking but pacy detective novel with something to say on the American way of life, conflicting social, environmental and political issues. Believable characters and atmospheric descriptions, some a little too meaty and gruesomely detailed. Engaging start to a series (hopefully). Would recommend and will be looking out for more from this author.

SPOILERS

3.5 stars.

A gritty opening that made me sit up and pay proper attention. Always a great start.
Some actual wince inducing descriptions along the way.again,that's good.
Then the pace seemed to settle a bit,and it was hard work,pulling in the threads and bringing them all in together.
Till we hit fast paced finisher.
I don't know how I feel fully about the finisher,which almost puts the book into a completely different genre for me.

I know how I feel about Riley and Logan though,and Ethan and Maddie.
I want to see more of them.

This book had me gripped right from the start and I couldnt put it down, It was well written with good characters and a mysterious and suspenseful plotline that was unpredictable and full of twists. An enjoyable read.

This crime thriller had a lot of promise - a strong sense of place that reminded me of Jane Harper (although set in the American Midwest instead of the small towns of Australia). But there was a lot going on here--too many "issues" in one narrative that it became hard to keep the central mystery straight. But Young shows promise.

The Fields (the first in a series) is an excellent novel, beautifully written and atmospheric, with a compelling rural setting and some intriguing characters.

Strange deaths, a possible serial killer, past trauma and country bred relationships all play a part in this literary mystery, I really enjoyed it and read it in two sittings

Multi faceted and emotionally layered, The Fields is highly readable and I'm very happy its the start of a new series. Recommended.

This is a gripping, thrilling, heart pounding novel that does not hold back on both the mental scars of past trauma and tragedies but also how secrets can fester and and rise to the surface to blindside you when you least expect it and that sometimes families can get it so wrong and yet still give you joys and pain. There’s also a huge amount that has gone into to delving into the minds of serial killers and not just that rapists too this is a searing and scorching book that also has a lot of heart in its main detective/Sargent who also faces a lot of misogynistic quips and has to battle her way through her own negative thoughts on herself. Just outstanding and a series to watch…