This features a strong female detective, who is both interesting and entertaining to read about. I think the overall story with the murder mystery element is a bit predictable, though I tend to figure out most plot twists in such books before I get to the end. I really enjoyed the author's descriptions and prose, and felt that the characters were well fleshed-out. The only drawback for me was the predictability of the story, which is why I give it 3.5 stars. I think this is a great fictional crime story that will be liked by anyone who enjoys a good murder mystery!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Norfolk Beach Murders, the fifth novel to feature DS Sara Hirst of Norfolk Police.

In the week before Christmas a body washes up on the shore and to relief of the team he is quickly identified as a merchant seaman, who went overboard in the storm. More troublesome is the pleasure boat found drifting with a body on board and bullet holes in the hull. This is definitely murder and the team wonder if the two bodies are linked.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Norfolk Beach Murders, which brings back some old characters in an absorbing read. The plot is quite complicated, not so much in the who and the why as that side of the case is one perspective of the narrative, but more in trying to sort out who did what. I think that I got most of it, but some of the detail eluded me.

So, the narrative is split between the good and bad guys. It means that the reader has little to guess as it is all laid out, while Sara and her colleagues play catch up. Then there is the homeless Mu and her dog, Roger, who see more than they should for their own good. It makes for an engrossing read with each of the narratives adding to both the overall picture and the intrigue.

The bad guys are led by an old foe, Lisa London. She is as vicious and unforgiving as ever, especially when narrated by her assistant, Dani Jordan, who sees her as role model. Imagine. Sara and the team are led by their new boss, DCI Hudson, as intrepid as they are, and joined by Lisa London’s nemesis, DS Mead. It’s a heady brew and leads at times to some unexpected comedy and finally to a brawl.

The Norfolk Beach Murders is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
What a great read, I loved it! Not only is it an excellent mystery, the characters are all likeable, except of course the bad guys! Lovely setting of Norfolk too.
Mu and Roger were my favorite characters, they are so loving and protective of each other, it did my heart good. This was my 3rd Detective Sara Hirst and the best one yet. So sweet that her cat sleeps with her head on Sara's pillow; I'm glad Sara has her to come home too and also that she finally agrees to go for that drink!
Excellent read, highly recommended, can't wait for no. 4 in the series.