The danger and suspense was so gripping, the twists and turns kept me reading as I knew I needed to find out the truth,

procedural, murders, investigations, multiple-perspectives, Peterborough, missing-persons, teamwork, hostility, compassion, due-diligence, wealthy, entitled-attitude, stalker, mystery, situational-humor, families, family-dynamics*****

Acting DCI John Barton is temporarily back to Peterborough's Major Crimes Unit after three years as a desk jockey and is right in the middle of a complex grouping of crimes/murders. He is a good copper who has strong people skills and solid instincts involving crimes and perpetrators. I like him as a husband/father/Detective Chief Inspector who works well with most. This is the first book in his series that I've read and I want to read more because of the good writing, not because I felt lost in this book. Well done!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#TheVillageKiller #DIBartonBk7 by Ross Greenwood @greenwoodross @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley

This is the seventh in the DI John Barton series; it is the first I have read. I chose it because I enjoy Ross Greenwood’s DS Ashley Knight series and wanted to read more of his books.

Fifty year old DI John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk. An opportunity arises for him to be DCI for Major Crimes for a one year term. It is a busy time for Major Crimes as a 14 year old girl is reported missing and a married woman appears to be the target of a failed hit and run attempt. When her neighbor is found floating in his pool, the ties among all three cases seem to be more than coincidences.

A solid police procedural, I enjoyed the protagonists in this book with their personal relationships and sarcastic humor. Barton is a leader with empathy and a sense of fairness. Greenwood’s writing pulls you in this engrossing, fast paced read. The story is told from different POVs, including that of the village killer, which keeps you guessing as to perpetrator’s identity.

I didn't realise quite how much I'd missed this series and these characters until I started reading The Village Killer. DI Barton, or DCI Barton as he is now, at least for a period of secondment, is back on active duty, policing the streets of Peterborough, and the timing could not have been better. With a missing teenager, and a potential attempted murder, his former team are really struggling. Will a touch of the old Barton magic, and the normally trustworthy Barton 'gut', help them clear up these perplexing puzzles, or are some killers just to dastardly to be caught? Well, the beauty of this series, and why I really love it, is you just don't know!

Now if you have read any of the other books in the series, and if not, what are you even doing with your time(?), then you will know that these books not only allow you a glimpse into the world of the investigating police team, in this case Peterborough's Major Crimes Unit, but they al;so give you a first person look from the eyes and mind of the killer. I really like that about the book as it adds another layer of mystery to the whole thing. You know their thoughts, to a degree, even their motivations, most of the time, but it is never quite clear who they might be. And this is where Ross Greenwood continues to play a canny game as in The Village Killer, much as in the other books, there really are several suspects who could quite easily fit the bill. Let's just say, that with one obvious exception - okay two - the killer in this case could be one of several people. I think it's possible to perhaps narrow the field a touch, but never take anything for granted as this author is more than capable of pulling the wool over your eyes. That's no mean feat in a book where the characters are quite literally laying everything bare ...

I like the mystery in this one. Ross Greenwood sets everything up perfectly with a kind of voyeuristic feel as the 'killer' in question watches the object of their obsession. It sets everything on edge, even if nothing is instigated in this particular scene. You know that something can, and probably will happen, and I was immediately sucked into the who, what and why of it all. Little did I know how messy and complicated things were about to become, but I guess when stepping into the wealthy world of the residents of Castor, nothing was ever going to be as blatant s fisticuffs on the street. The author sets us up perfectly, introducing the main characters, or suspects, early on, with a few added twists thrown in for good measure. You get that immediate sense that it is all about what isn't being said, rather than what is, and I didn't need Barton's gut to tell me that few people were ebing entirely honest.

There is a good pacing on this book, moments when the tension and threat level creeps upward, but balanced against the frustrating slow speed that an investigation can sometimes take. The foreshadowing in certain scenes allows you to prepare for the big moments to come, and whilst nothing in this series is gratuitous or overly shocking, don't be fooled into thinking there aren't any surprises heading your way. There are plenty of those. But what I really enjoy about these books is the glimpse into Barton's home life which helps to add humour into the story, and lets you really fell the humanity and compassion that Barton is known for. He is always able to get the best out of his team, including some o fthe new characters introduced in this story, and the camaraderie and friendship acts as a lovely tonic from some of those series where there is more infighting at times than actual fighting crime.

I really enjoyed being back in the world of Barton and Zander and the team, and loved getting to know some of the new characters too. This was a story laced with humour, shicks, surprises and often a sad reflection on the modern world. With good pacing and tension, and a whole dose of mystery, it's sure to keep true fans of Detective fiction very happy. Definitely recommended and I'm very happy to see there may well be a return visit to the team next year too. Cannot wait.

I absolutely adore the Barton series and so was delighted to hear that Barton's back!

In The Village Killer, Barton is challenged with crimes that stem from a world he knows very little about - this could be a career ending situation for some, and others yet might even admit the flaw - yet as always he rises to the occasion and investigates enough to bring himself up to speed.

When links start to appear between seemingly unrelated cases, Barton and the team come into their own with their dogged and unrelenting pursuit of 'whodunnit' and The Village Killer offers a satisfyingly complex thriller to solve, with many an eye opening surprise along the way.

In keeping with the rest of the series, the chapters mostly follow Barton and the team but are interspersed with chapters written from the killers point of view which keeps the pace exciting and also gives insight into their perspective.

In addition to writing cracking thrillers with just the right amount of clever humour, Ross Greenwood's books also deliver on the more challenging social subjects in life. He achieves this without it feeling deliberate, artificial or like something edgy is being rammed down your throat, and I hugely admire this aspect of his books.

For me, the Barton series is like an old pair of comfy slippers and I pick them up knowing without a shadow of a doubt that I am in for a good read. My thanks to Boldwood Books, Ross Greenwood and Rachel's Random Resources for letting me be a part of this blog tour.

DCI John Barton is asked to cover a position in major crimes, which after spending the past few years behind a desk, he is eager to accept.
The major rimes team are working on the case of a missing 14-year-old, but they have no leads and are struggling. Then, Barton and the team are called to a suspected attempted murder in the nearby village of Castor.
The exclusive neighbourhood is an unlikely spot for the crime, but when a man is found dead it’s clear there is more going on behind the elegant façade’s than they thought.
As the investigations progress, it seems there are links between them all but untangling the facts when both suspects and victims are keeping secrets isn’t going to be easy. Barton and the team will need to be on top form if they are going to avoid any further deaths.
This book is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the end. Barton is on great form with a new enthusiasm for his job that is great to see.

The Village Killer is an absolutely fantastic, edge-of-your-seat read that had me hooked from page one. Although it’s the seventh DI Barton novel by Ross Greenwood, you can easily jump in without reading the previous books and still fully enjoy the experience.

The story opens with DI Barton returning to Major Crimes after a few years behind a desk, where he was able to keep regular hours and focus on family life. Determined to prove he’s sharp and re-energized, he’s immediately plunged into two intense cases: the disappearance of a teenager and an attempted murder. Barton has no time to catch his breath, and neither does the reader! The stakes are high, and you can feel his urgency and pressure to solve both cases before things spiral further out of control.

What sets Greenwood apart is his crisp, engaging prose that masterfully builds suspense while maintaining a fast-paced narrative. Every chapter leaves you wanting more, and his vivid attention to detail creates an immersive atmosphere - you can almost feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. The psychological depth Greenwood brings to the plot is impressive, highlighting how fear and suspicion can shatter even the closest-knit communities.

If you love crime fiction with well-developed characters, plenty of twists, and a deeply atmospheric setting, "The Village Killer" is a must-read.

The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood is a highly recommended procedural and the 7th novel in the series with Detective Inspector John Barton.

After three years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton is offered the opportunity to return to Major Crimes. After discussing it with his wife, he accepts and the team immediately are called in to investigate an attempted murder which seems to be linked to the case of a missing child. Soon enough a murder occurs, and Barton is thrust back into the back into the life of a detective with early mornings, late nights and endless pressure to get to the truth.

The well-written narrative follows the discoveries of the intricate investigation with occasional chapters from the point-of-view of the village killer. The cases also test Barton personally to see if he still has what it takes. There are several suspects to chose from as the plot unfolds and clues point to who could be behind the crimes.

The team knows each other, get along, including Barton's friend Zander, and a new member. They all work well together. Banter between the characters can be witty, as well as insightful. Greenwood keeps the investigation moving at a steady pace within the plot while also touching on current societal concerns, including an online "fans" site and concerns over handling those with neurodivergent conditions in the legal system.

The Village Killer is a great choice for those who appreciate detailed procedurals. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

It is so good to have John Barton back, albeit in an acting capacity. Ross Greenwood's DI Barton series is one of the most enjoyable in modern crime fiction and it never disappoints. Great characters, excellent writing and superb plotting, it has it all. Not only is the central crime fascinating but so too are the lives of Barton's colleagues. Let's hope he is back to stay!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. When a man is found murdered, it is up to John to solve this case. John feels like he is being stonewaled. He is getting very little help from the community. This book kept me guessing.

The village killer is closer than you think.
DI Barton mystery.
John Barton and Shaun Zander are going to be working together again at Peterborough just like old times at old thorpes police station.little do they know there's a village killer out there.
There's a missing girl Poppy Madden and Sandy Faversham was followed home and nearly run over both are known to each other.so is this the same person they are looking for and what is his motive?
Wow this book I sailed through loads, giving in to one more chapter.
Creepy,sereal, plenty of action and lots more.
Fantastic just fantastic. I loved it all.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Ross Greenwood’s “The Village Killer” is a gripping addition to the DI Barton series, blending intricate plotting with deep character development. This 7th installment has Inspector John Barton stepping back into the field after three years behind a desk.

The novel begins with Barton returning to Major Crimes, eager to prove he still has what it takes. His first case back involves a series of brutal murders in a seemingly idyllic village. As Barton and his team delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that shatter the village’s peaceful facade.

Inspector John Barton is a well-rounded protagonist whose experience and intuition are matched by his vulnerability and self-doubt. His interactions with his team, particularly the ambitious and sharp-witted DS Zander, add depth to the narrative.

“The Village Killer” explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the dark undercurrents that can exist beneath a community’s surface. Greenwood delves into the psychological aspects of crime, examining how fear and suspicion can unravel even the tightest-knit communities.

Greenwood’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a knack for building suspense and maintaining a brisk pace. His attention to detail and ability to create a sense of place enhance the story’s immersive quality.

“The Village Killer” is a standout entry in the DI Barton series, offering a blend of suspense, character depth, and psychological insight. Ross Greenwood has crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a plot that keeps readers guessing.

I was super excited to get the book. I love this series and love Ross Greenwood

What a fantastic book I flew through it and I couldn't put it down. Thank you for the opportunity to review

This is an excellent addition to the DI Barton series but could be read as a stand alone. The writing is strong with excellent characterisation, especially young Polly who is not your average teenager, thank goodness! So many different characters, with untold stories and I hope they make appearances in future books in this brilliant series. A strong, police procedural which kept me interested right up to the last page. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Excellent entry in the DI Barton series. Barton is hit with a string of ongoing mysterious in his first week in the field after 3 years behind a desk. It’s a slow burn but still a page turner as the author constructs a solid story line and a group of well developed characters but it comes together with some surprises throughout and a big one at the end!

I’ve read and really enjoyed all of the books in the DI Barton series. This one was another triumph for Ross Greenwood. It was so good to have DI Barton back where he belongs with his team investigating Major Crimes.

DI John Barton - now covering the DCI role in the Major Crimes Unit- was back doing what he does best- leading his team to solve crimes. He had been in a desk job for a few years.

A 14 year old girl was missing and there had been an attempted murder on a woman in Castor. The team were quickly assigned tasks to try and solve these crimes. I love the relationship between John and his DI and best friend Zander.

There were a number of suspects for the attempted murder and I couldn’t make up my mind as to who I thought it was and my thoughts changed throughout the book. A fab read and one I couldn’t put down.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

While I enjoyed this book quite a bit, there was just something missing that I can't quite put my finger on.

On the surface, it had all of the usual earmarks not only of a good story, but of a story by this author. There was an interesting plot that consisted of several seemingly unconnected storylines, some shady characters that had you consistently questioning their potential roles in what was going on, while also containing the usual balance between Barton the tireless leader, and Barton the husband and father.

Maybe the problem for me was that they were a little too interconnected. I mean you have Poppy, the “missing fourteen-year-old” whose mother just happens to be friends with the woman who was almost run down and whose uncle is suspected in a different case. And sure, I get these things sometimes happen, but it was just a little too neat for me. Especially when you take into consideration the way that Poppy dressed and acted. Yes, I am aware of the fact that it is an actual condition (I did read the author’s notes at the end), but she didn’t seem crucial to the plot at all, and in fact it was more than a little disturbing to find out just what she had been up to (and a little unfathomable that she was able to use someone else’s photo identification as her own).

I also felt as though there were some chapters that could have been removed altogether, and it would not have changed the plot at all. To bring Poppy back into it, what was the purpose of Barton running into her outside of a grocery store after the investigations had been wrapped? She was still the same belligerent child that she had been, and it was obvious that she had learned nothing from what had happened. In my opinion, it simply wasn’t needed.

There were also a couple of instances where it would seem the author forgot details moments after they happened. In one case, there was a whole conversation between Robert and Barton as they drove to the police station, but as soon as their interview there wraps up, the author says that Robert had taken a taxi to the station as he wasn’t sure of the parking situation. This threw me to the point I had to go back and make sure the scene with them talking had in fact taken place.

I will say, I enjoyed some of the witty comments that were thrown into this one, such as Barton’s wife telling him that he would be fine to accept the position as the eldest had moved out, their youngest was in school and their teenaged daughter would be “circling the roof on her broomstick for the next few years.” As a mom who has raised teenaged daughters, I could not think of a more fitting description.

All things considered, while this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, it still holds up well on its own, and I will continue to read more from this author in the future.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I raced through this pacy thriller in two days and it was a wild ride. I had no idea where the author was taking me, but I knew I wanted to follow…..⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Ross Greenwood, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have long enjoyed the work of Ross Greenwood, particularly the John Barton series. Each police procedural not only taps into the inner workings of the crime fighting mechanism at the police’s disposal, but provides keen social commentary. This case was no different, as the ideas of two crimes, seemingly independent, come together and create havoc for a newly-reenergised Barton. There is something for everyone in this piece and Greenwood hints at where he seeks to take his protagonist as the series keeps building. A well-developed piece that has me eager to see what’s next.

Detective Inspector John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk, citing that he wanted to offer his family some reprieve from his all-hours work within the police. He’s reaching fifty and seeks a comfy end to his career, hoping that his next posting will be his last.

However, a chance to return to Major Crimes presents itself for the interim and newly-minted DCI Barton leaps at the chance, with his wife’s approval. He is thrust back into the limelight where two cases land in his lap. A woman is almost killed by a driver who targets her on the sidewalk, while a teenage girl has gone missing and everyone wonders if there is something who has been eyeing her for a while now. DCI Barton soon arrives to work the case, juggling his intuitive nature with a strong team that demands his leadership.

What looks like a simple errant driver soon turns more intense as DCI Barton and the team discover truths about the woman involved. Her backstory is something Barton would not have expected, which opens new avenues to wondering about why she might have been targeted. A missing girl soon turns up with nary a worry about her absence, somehow connected to the crime Barton has been investigating. What looks to be something unrelated soon emerges and a dead body ties things together with more confusion.

As DCI Barton seeks to make sense out of it all, he must learn the online world of moneymaking and the lucrative amounts that can be made from one’s home. A suspect who might have wanted both victims harmed, but the story does not move as DCI Barton expects in this case. He seeks answers, but is only finding more questions to confuse him. The sleepy English village of Castor ignites and DCI Barton is left to second-guess his choice to return to the action in this stunning police procedural. Greenwood dazzles and shows his ilk once more in a series I have come to really enjoy.

I have always loved a good police procedural and this is no exception. Ross Greenwood delves deeply into the story with a strong narrative and well-paced clues to push the story along. There is something for everyone as a sleepy English community comes alive and two crimes build in odd ways. The characters present themselves to flavour the story and leave the reader wondering more than getting answers they might want. I can only hope that Greenwood has plans for many who arrived in this book, as their backstories seem incomplete. The plot arose from nowhere and found itself keeping things on edge throughout the piece. Surprises left me gasping at times and needing more intel, as DCI Barton slowly unwrapped the mysteries presented to him throughout.

Kudos, Mr. Greenwood, for another great addition to your series work.

The Village Killer Ross Greenwood

4 stars

When I reviewed the previous Ross Greenwood book DI Barton was about to retire to a desk job. In this latest book he has been tempted to return to the front line and admits right from the start that he had been bored in his desk job.

He is given an attempted hit and run together with a runaway teen to get his teeth into.He soon discovers that the people living in the big house, Charlea and Sandy Faversham are connected to the runaway girl as her mother is Sandy's best friend.

Sandy and Charles have drifted apart and Sandy is desoerate to get away and start a new life. She has discivered a website that allows her to put suggestive pictures up for men to pay to view as well as having conversations all of which are anonymous. However when the missing girl turns up as if nothing has happened DI Barton discovers that she has also got access to this website and is doing the same thing as her mother's friend. The only problem is that Poppy is only 14.

The murders start piling up as first Sandy's neighbour and one of her cusrtomers is found dead, then Sandy and finally Charles.. DI Barton has to use all his skills to work out what has happened.

The story is enhanced by the unknown perpetrator making his or her observances and it was difficult to work out who this was. In fact I did not until DI Barton finally solved the mystery.

This was a good story, well-written and in particular dealt with how people can be drawn to these types of websites . It was interesting to hear a viewpoint about how this could be a better way for some people to deal with their needs .I always think that this author makes me think about how society works and people can be manipulated. I hope DI Barton does not return to his desk job anytime soon!

Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net Galley