Derek Thompson has written many novels, although this is my first read by this author. It is the second book to feature Detective Craig Wild.

In this British mystery, Wild finds a body in the car. His investigation is stymied when he realizes that he does not know the victim’s true name. Also, his one clue may well be false. It is that the murder victim is holding a book by author Juliette Kimari. She denies knowing the victim. Is that really true?

How difficult will it be for Detective Wild to solve the case? Read this one to find out. However, note that I found it to be somewhat slow moving.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

My thanks to Netgalley for my copy of West Country Murder. Living in the West Country I was intrigued as to where this would be based but really the title was irrelevant, it could have been anywhere other than the fact Bristol, Keynsham and Gable Cross were mentioned.

I gather that this is the second in a series but works just as well as a standalone novel other than the fact we don't really find out out why Wild left London for the West Country.

I did enjoy this book, it wasn't heavy duty so I didn't mind reading it before bed, but there was something about it that rankled, usually Wild's thoughts. At one point he thought well Marnie obviously didn't get the joke and I was left thinking what joke and had to reread but nothing became apparent. I can't really explain what I mean other than his thoughts, which should have given insight actually made me more confused.

Unreadable. Maybe it was sent out before the editors had taken a good look, but the ARC is full of awkward sentences and behaviors and speeches that makes no sense.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of West Country Murder, the second novel to feature DS Craig Wild and PC Marnie Olsen of the Wiltshire police.

A young man is found dead in his car at a literary festival with an autographed copy of local author Juliette Kimani’s latest book. Nothing is straightforward, Juliette denies knowing him, and who is he because he’s using a false name?

West Country Murder is a solid read. It’s not gripping or particularly exciting, but it covers the bases. When I put it down I never felt the siren call luring me back or any desperate need to keep reading, although I was interested enough to finish it.

The novel is slow to start, too many strands introduced with no concentration on any one in particular, so, while the novel is narrated from Wild’s point of view, it feels fragmentary with nothing to grab on to. The final third of the novel is more compelling when the plot becomes clear and the action ramps up, although I’m not sure that I followed it all, because it doesn’t all make sense to me and some of it relies on inference rather that spelling it out in big letters.

I must admit that I didn’t understand the motivation of some of the characters and I include Wild in this. It seems as if the characters are made to fit the plot rather than the plot adopting to more natural human behaviour. I can’t explain it better than that, it just seems a bit odd.

West Country Murder is a solid police procedural.

The second well written instalment in this this new series sees the return of several characters faced with a bizarre murder.
The main character, Wild is a typical wildcard police officer who is determined to get justice

A gripping crime mystery from the author as we welcome back DS Craig Wild 2
At a literary festival with PC Marnie Olsen, Craig is waiting to meet novelist Juliette Kimani when a call from Marnie take his dashing up to the field car park a man is dead in his car Lee Rickard has killed himself, but as we read on we find out who he really is, this book takes us through a lot of action, fast pace, goings on, that will keep you engrossed in the whole story that I so enjoyed reading right to the end. well deserved my ratings

I enjoyed this, a thrilling police procedural, murder mystery. Its only the second in the series, which is coming along nicely as we get acquainted with the central characters. The murder victim has an unusual and intriguing background and I liked how his lifestyle unfolded. Derek Thompson has an eye for interesting everyday details which make for a satisfying and enjoyable read.

Good book! This book had suspense, intrigue, and a bit of a who done it! For some reason my mind kept wandering while I read this book?! For that reason I have to say it wasn't one of my top favorites, because it didn't keep my attention, but! All and all it was a decent read! I would recommend reading this one its just not one of NY all time favorites! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Great story with enough twists and turns to keep you intrigued and guessing until the very end.

West Country Murder is one book I recommend!!

West Country Murder by Derek Thompson

At first PC Marnie Olsen thinks the man in the car is asleep. But the lack of movement and strange tilt of the head are a dead giveaway.
The only clue is a book signed by local author Juliette Kimani, who is holding court at the Wiltshire literary festival.
This could be a real breakthrough. If only Juliette Kimani wasn’t flatly denying ever having met the man . . .
Although this is part of an on going series , this is a first time read for me . I really enjoyed it , and will go back to start at the beginning .
PC Marnie Olsen was a great character and I'm sure finding out about her other cases will be as good as this one.

An exciting and fairly pacey murder mystery. Taking in drugs, informers, cancer, hitmen and just everyday problems. A good mix of people, from the almost micro-manager boss to the idle skiver.

Loved it.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This book, to me, was a bit of a slog. It wasn't a story that held my attention and the main characters felt wooden.
Maybe I've read too many detective and police procedural books, but I was bored. Sorry!