Whenever this author brings out a new book, I am pretty keen to read it as soon as possible, and so it was with this book (although real life, work etc got in the way and I read it later than I had hoped).

DI Barton is back and he finds himself with a bit of a mystery. He is out from behind his desk for the first time in three years and he needs to figure out what the near hit-and-run of a woman in a sleepy village and a missing teenager have in common. Solid detective work is what is needed here, and not much is what it seems.

Twisty, intense story and one of those books that you just can't put down.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.

DI Barton is asked to go back to active duty after a 3 year desk job, now he is DCI Barton. Does he still have what it takes for front line duty?A 14 year old has gone missing, a resident of quiet Castor village is nearly killed by a hit and run car, they just happen to live next to each other as Audrey is the child's mother who doesn't seem too concerned and Sandy is the car victim and best friends with Audrey. The neighbor who is 90 years old suddenly dies, is there a link. There are a few too many coincidences in a sleepy village like Castor where the residents are all rich and happen to have houses that are next to each other. As DCI Barton investigates there are too many coincidences to be ignored and finds that what goes on behind closed doors is not always what you'd expect...........

I have read others by this author, but I didn't think this was one of the better ones. Not a bad read, there was not a lot of action until a third into the book. The plot was ok but a little contrived, I was not keen on the main detective (DI Barton) and some of the descriptions are a bit too drawn out. The book could have been shorter by getting to the point earlier. Why was nobody concerned about the disappearance of the 14 year old? Why were clues not followed up. There were a couple of twists and although I had my suspicions, the perpetrator was in some ways unexpected. Not a bad book, but not great either in my opinion.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

John doesn't want to admit that his time in a 'normal' job has been boring- he's enjoyed spending time with his wife and kids, but now the kids are almost grown and don't want to hang out with dad, and his wife is well aware of his boredom. So when an opportunity pops up to get his feet wet, by helping out his former team, he can't help but to leap back in. But first he has to review everything the team has done, to see if they've missed anything, before he can help them to see where they can ferret out new leads. This roller coaster read will keep you guessing ! It's a perfect intro to the series, if you haven't read any of the books, and it will get you ready to go back and read the rest of the series!

Join John Barton as he takes a role at major crimes . His team is called to investigate an attempted murder and a missing child .
It's an addictive read .

The Village Killer is the seventh installment in the DI Barton, mystery thriller collection by Ross Greenwood. The book starts with Sandy jogging through her love Hill Village, and being watched by some unknown person, right before they try to run her down in a car. next, we see DI John Barton, talking to his boss, who tells him that DI Sarah Fox is going to London for a year and John should fill her position. This intrigues complacent John, who is at loose ends career wise. this is how John returns to his team, his best friend Xander, and finds his self investigating the problems happening in Love Hill. A 14-year-old is missing and when John and Xander, show up to Sandy’s lavish home to investigate the attempted murder on her Xander is surprised to see the missing girls mom at Sandy‘s house only to learn she is Sandy‘s best friend Audrey but if they think this is shocking, they haven’t seen anything yet. before this case is over 14-year-old Poppy will return as if nothing happened. DI Barton will have more than one murder to solve and look for a perpetrator from the past. I just want to say these stories are so addicting and compelling and not to mention they have some very funny moments. When Xander and John are walking in the gym to play tennis and Xander says “people are shocked,” and John asks “ why?” and Xander says “because people aren’t used to seeing a good looking black man bring his pet bear to play tennis.” I almost fell off the bed laughing. I am laughing now as I write this. DI Barton is such a great guy. He is a good husband detective friend etc I just love him. I love his relationship with Holly, Xander, the coriner, just everyone. It is so hard to put the book down when I start one of these novels, but they’re so long, I have to, but while waiting to get back to it all I do is think about the book, the funny things that are said and of course wonder who did what and why.#NetGalley,#RossGreenwood, #DIBarton, #TheVillageKiller,

The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood is book seven in the DI Barton series and wow was it good!! If you like crime thrillers, mysteries, multiple POV’s, different cases, multiple crimes, suspense, and police procedural stories then you will love this book.

DI John Barton has been at a desk job for 3 years wanting to give his family a break from his dangerous job. When he is given the chance to get back to Major Crimes, after discussing it with his wife, he accepts.
He is given two cases that are in the news; a teenage girl who has gone missing and a woman walking on the side walk is almost killed by a driver, could they be connected…I don’t know. This tiny English village where his case takes him as it turns out is full of secrets

Greenwood did an amazing job with this story. The storyline and plot were amazing, I love the clues that are left throughout the story. I love how he takes you with him as Barton and his team solve this case. The characters become real as you get into the story, you relate to them even the ones you hate. I love a good thriller that is full of suspense, twists, and turns. I like that the story doesn’t just follow one case or storyline, it follows different ones, and just when you think you’ve figured it out…you haven’t. We also get a story from the killers POV. You have to read this book you will be hooked and want to go back to read the first 6 books like me. Thank you to Boldwood Book, NetGalley, and Ross Greenwood for letting me read this story in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

This book was a really good read I would recommend reading it . I hope there is a follow up book . It was hard to put down with eNding to no who the killer is .

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Village Killer' by Ross Greenwood.

This is the third book I have read by this author. It is also the seventh book in 'The DI Barton Series' but can be read as a standalone

Well, well, well Wow!!! Yet another absolute cracker of a book from this amazing author!!! This book sucked me straight in from beginning to the explosive ending. It was very well written with excellent evocative descriptions which put me straight into the storyline. The blog and the cover suited the book perfectly.

This is an absolutely fantastic page turning addition to this addictive series by the extremely talented Ross. Ross's fantastic evocative writing skills really bring the story to life. I loved the location of the sleepy village of Castor where Ross ensures the reader can see and feel everything that is going on around them while turning the pages of this gripping page turner! When I seen this book was written by Ross I didn't even bother looking at the synopsis until after I read it as after the first and second book in this amazing series I already knew I just had to read this book when it came out!!! I absolutely LOVED the first two books and I must admit I am always wary when I love a book so much and have my doubts that the second and further books could be just as good but I am pleased (for once) that I was proven completely wrong (don't tell my partner!) by Ross and he had managed to make an ever more amazing read although I have no idea how that was possible!! In this gripping storyline DI John Barton is approaching 50 has been giving himself and his family a break from his constant work by spending the past 3 years behind his desk. That is until Major Crimes presents an opportunity with 2 cases. A woman is targeted by a driver when she is walking on the sidewalk and a teenage girl goes missing. What starts as two unrelated cases start to get more complicated as they may be closer than what John first thought and when the girl turns up as if nothing as happened things become even stranger. When people start turning up dead and there is a link to a website with similarities to 'Only Fans' John is determined to get to the bottom of what is going on. Can he discover the truth and find the killer before it is too late? How many deaths will there be before the killer is caught? Grab your copy of this absolutely gripping must read to find out for yourself now and I can guarantee that you will not regret it!! I can also guarantee that if you have never read any books by this incredible author before that this will get you hooked!! With a storyline that is addictive and filled with suspense, tension, mystery, murder, crime, suspense, twists and everything you could ask for in a fantastic page turner!! I loved all the twists and turns and throughout it kept me guessing what was going on and who was doing what. I would NEVER have guessed at the ending so a MASSIVE WELL DONE to Ross. I have read many thrillers and it's getting harder and harder for me to be surprised so great job there. I loved the storyline and just loved everything about it. It was all done perfectly!! An absolutely addictive page turner that kept my heart in my throat on the edge of the seat and absolutely absorbed me. The fact there were so many different red herrings, twists, shocks and possibilities that all would have worked perfectly I could not put this book down!!! I was so invested in the storyline that I was up until 2am!! I would LOVE to see this turned into a movie!!! I cannot wait to get stuck in to the next book in this absolutely addictive series!!

WARNING ⚠ DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS THIS BOOK IS ADDICTIVE!!!!

Although this is the seventh book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without reading the previous books. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

The characters were fantastic, solid and completely believable and I loved meeting John and his team again. They have very quickly become fast favourites of mine and like friends that I look forward to meet in each new book and miss in between. I absolutely loved getting to know him more in this book as well as his team and seeing how each of his team members worked individually and together. Some of their interactions had me laughing out loud, along with many interactions between characters. I find it is important in any police procedural or murder to have some laughter between to lighten up the atmosphere and Ross did an ABSOLUTELY fantastic job doing this!! John is an intriguing and complex character and I have enjoyed meeting him again and getting to know more about him and cannot wait to meet him again!!! There was a great eclectic mix of characters from good to bad which always helps to liven the storyline up. They all had such different and strong personalities and all suited the storyline perfectly.. There were such a mix of personalities and its hard really to say too much about any of them without giving too much away!!! Regardless of whether you liked, loved or disliked any of the characters they all work perfectly together to bring this story to life. I cannot wait to meet John and more characters in the next book in this series!!

CONGRATULATIONS ROSS ON YET ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY ADDICTIVE PAGE TURNER!!!! A FANTASTIC ADDITION TO THIS AMAZING SERIES!! THIS IS THE EXACT REASON YOU ARE IN MY TOP 5 MALE AUTHORS LIST!!! HERE'S TO YOUR NEXT SUCCESS AND THE NEXT AMAZING BOOK IN THIS EPIC SERIES 🥂

Overall a compelling, addictive, gritty and fantastic page turning addition in an explosive series!!

#TheVillageKiller #DIBarton #RossGreenwood #greenwoodross #BoldwoodBooks #BoldwoodBloggers #theboldbookclub #BookAndTonic #RachelsRandomResources #rararesources

@RossGreenwood @greenwoodross @BoldwoodBooks @BoldwoodBloggers @theboldbookclub @BookAndTonic @RachelsRandomResources @rararesources

Book 7 in the DI Barton series is a refreshing blend of police-procedural suspense and lighthearted moments that will resonate with many crime fiction lovers.

Acting DCI Barton hits the ground running as he returns to Major Crimes, encountering two unconnected crimes converging unexpectedly in a seemingly ordinary English community that is anything but typical. Barton is a multi-dimensional character one can relate to with his hands-on approach to investigation and his concern for the emotional well-being of his squad. This balance of empathy and assertiveness makes him a refreshing protagonist in a genre that can often lean toward the archetypal lone-wolf detective. I also loved Barton’s close bond with his family and friends which adds to his authenticity and charm.

Greenwood’s ability to sustain suspense is commendable. He effectively uses well-paced clues and red herrings to keep you on your toes. His skillful pacing sets him apart, and he knows precisely when to insert humor into the plot or when to delve deeper into suspenseful twists.

This engaging police procedural is a must for anyone who loves character-driven mysteries. The twists and turns are skillfully executed, and the characters are complex.

Thank you to Mr. Greenwood for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

I know a series has to come to an end but 7 of 7 is not what I wanted to see. The series has been brilliant and number seven really does deliver. Barton is back in the thick of things, after three years behind a desk he is raring to get stuck in and do what he does best. Brilliant storyline, fast paced edge of your seat and very gripping.

Even though I started on the fourth book, I absolutely love this series and couldn't wait to reconnect with DI Barton and the team.

The Village Killer is a pacey police procedural, immediately throwing you headlong into the plot and the race is on to catch the killer at large in Castor.

It's narrated from multiple POV including that of the killer and has multiple twists to keep you guessing the identity of the killer.

Great solid characters, a plot to die for, and a thoroughly enjoyable and addictive read.

I have read and loved the Norfolk Murders series and thought I’d venture into new territory with the well- established DI Barton series (although I am aware that this is Book 7 in the series), slightly apprehensive having really enjoyed that series, how this one would compare. This series delivered the same high quality plot and narrative.

Firstly I enjoyed ‘meeting’ the investigative team and getting to know the dynamics/ background behind each character. Each character, previously well-established in the series, are well-developed and the team spirit resounded clearly.

The unknown narrator of the ‘village killer’ is unnerving and sets the atmosphere and pace really well, starting with some tense action.

Secondly, reading a book set in the city where you (& the author) live, in a village you know, is quite unsettling, although really helps being able to place events! Ross depicts the settings clearly and accurately.

The characters are many and varied but always both rich and authentic, if not always likeable. The plot twists and turns and leads the reader on a journey to get to the truth, with many suspects along the way.

I particularly enjoyed reading about realistic situations we might all face: teenagers with attitude, social media, work pressures, people adjusting to parenthood whilst trying to juggle their jobs.

The investigation itself felt like a real police case, relying on both time and test results, nothing being solved instantly.

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read, fast paced, thrilling. And now I have to go back and read the 6 earlier books!

The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood is essentially a police procedural. Inspector Barton has been behind a desk for three years. While it has done wonders with his wife and children, he misses being in the thick of things. Now he is being offered a chance to return to the field. Before he answers he consults his wife and she, in her infinite wisdom, knows he’s missed the job and readily agrees. The kids are older now and she is more set. So, he happily returns and immediately sends one of his officers, the lead, actually, to take a week off. He and his partner have had twins and it is obvious he is exhausted. Funny things are happening. Are they related? A woman reports being nearly run down in front of her house, a missing fourteen-year-old girl, then an old man dies. All in the same rich neighborhood.

DCI John Barton is a smart man. He reads people well. He trusts his subordinates. He is a good boss. It is an interesting situation. The investigative chapters are interspersed with the musing of the killer. Makes it interesting, but gives no clues. It is a consuming mystery with wrong turns taken at every step. The things they discover are amazing. The friend of Henry, the older man killed, is beyond helpful. Is that a clue? Interesting read.

I was invited to read The Village Killer by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RossGreenwood #TheVillageKiller

The Village Killer was an exciting and gripping thriller. I like how this book is part of a series but can definitely be read as standalone as well, there are references to previous books but that doesn’t take away from the story.

DI Barton has returned to the major crime unit after spending some time at his desk job. He is soon involved in a troubled case where a child has gone missing and a woman’s life is in danger. It is hard to see how these cases are connected but as the story unfolds, the links start appearing in a way which I could not guess.

As with all the books in the series, I thought it was written wonderfully. I was captivated from the start until the very end. The twists in the book made me think of so many potential outcomes but none were correct. I like how there is a focus on the personal lives of the police team because it allows the reader to see the character development. The short chapters made the book a quick read and some chapters ended on a cliffhanger which made me want to continue reading. These books keep getting better and I love the unique ideas the author has to create a thrilling story. I highly recommend this book and series! Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for sending me a copy of this book.

Oh how I missed DI Barton! I am glad we have got another chance to delve into case again with Barton and his team.

Barton’s desk job is coming to an end and with potential retirement looming he jumps at the chance to head up the Major Crimes team again – albeit it temporarily. The team morale is all over the place and a bit disjointed, soon he works the Barton magic and rallies the team to get to the bottom of a missing child and the connection between that case and a woman’s life who was almost run over!

Barton loved being back in the thick of it all, with some new and some very familiar old faces Greenwood has yet again rocked a sleepy little town with murder.

I enjoyed this case, there was a lot going on and lots of pieces to the puzzle but what I enjoyed the most was having Barton back — please can we have more?

Glad to see D I Barton back in major crimes after being desk bound for the last few years, I just love him l.

The plot was very good and I really enjoyed his detective skills in solving the case, keeping me guessing.

Great book by a great author xxx

Having spent three years at HQ’s Divisional Development Unit, DI John Barton is offered a year covering for his former boss DCI Sarah Cox back at his old team in Peterborough Major Crimes and relishes the chance to be on the front line once again. His close friend Shawn Zander is now the DI there and Maria Zelensky has been promoted to DS, while DS Kelly Strange is still off taking care of her and Zander’s two-year-old twin boys and DC Caroline Minton joins the team of DCs Leicester, Hoffman and Malik who are already struggling with the disappearance of fourteen-year-old Poppy Madden, thought to have been lured away by an older boyfriend. Then they are alerted to a case of attempted murder in the village of Castor, where a rich woman, Sandy Faversham, has reported a failed hit and run whilst out jogging. The detectives are surprised to find Sandy’s best friend who persuaded her to ring the police is Poppy’s mother Audrey, even though Sandy was not keen to get them involved. Is there something Sandy is hiding and why did the driver not kill her when they had the chance? Meanwhile the reader also gets to hear the thoughts of the Village Killer themselves, relating events from their past, their current actions and their plan as they watch Sandy, and gets a good idea who this is. Maybe. When Sandy’s neighbour is then found dead floating in his pool, and soon after there’s another murder, Barton must consider whether all these events are connected. And of course, whether anyone else will die before he catches the killer.
Amidst these baffling crimes, there are lots of secrets and nothing is as it seems in this complex and long-awaited addition to the excellent series. Once again, the tension and suspense are maintained as the story unfolds, told from both perspectives of killer and detective, and I was willing Barton on to make all the connections in a clever and very twisty plot. It’s great to see Barton back at what he does best with his close team, and Barton’s home life with Holly, his kids and dog is a pleasure to read about. I really am looking forward to the next story after the lovely ending.

Oh it's so good to have DI Barton back. I love this series. The plot keeps you guessing and the humour had me laughing out loud. I love Holly!!

A great series that I never hesitate to recommend.

A cracking read!

DI John Barton has been desk based for the last three years; when the chance comes up to return to Major Crimes he jumps at it. Almost immediately, he's thrown back into the long days with an attempted murder which appears to be linked to the case of a missing child. Then a man dies and it all intensifies. Barton suspects there's things going on behind the gates of the village mansions and the villagers are not sharing what they know; if they don't find it all out soon, there will be more bodies piling up ...

This is a book which immediately makes me want to go back and read the rest of the series! Great characters and a gripping story which kept me on the edge of my seat 'til the very end. Beautifully crafted, well written and most definitely recommended. 5*.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review..