Really good plotting and memorable characters. I’m hoping this is the first in a series. The setting is lovely too, especially the distinction between Devon and Dorset. Would make a great tv show.

Death at The White Hart is the debut police procedural by Chris Chibnall and it is an enjoyable read with good main characters that have space to grow in future books.

Recommended.

A man’s body is found in the middle of a road, tied to a chair with a stag’s antlers attached to his head. DS Nicola Bridge has recently returned with her family to the small Dorset community she grew up in and is assigned to the case. Used to working with larger resources in Liverpool, she must now lead a much smaller team to identify the killer.

Death at the White Hart is written by Chris Chibnall who also wrote Broadchurch and there’s a similar tone between the novel and tv series. The small community is very well portrayed with an interesting range of characters and there’s a natural quality to the relationship between Nicola and her small team. The style of writing is compelling and very visual, you could absolutely picture this adapted for the small screen.

A real page turner and I hope this is the first of a new series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

A crime procedural set in a small Dorset community and written by an experienced television screenwriter. The characters were well rounded and believable and the rural/coastal setting added depth to the narrative. I look forward to more novels from the author.

As one of apparent few who did not watch Broadchurch I might have been coming to this with different expectations than many readers and cannot say whether it has a 'Broadchurch' feel to it.
What I can say is it's a solid police procedural that despite the elevator pitch of a stag head adorned dead man being found is neither as graphic as one might expect, nor as 'out there' as the initial (and only) murder suggests.
I'd say this would be the sort of book that will appeal to readers of those police series that have been turned into TV series (and has something of a more traditional feel to it).

I absolutely loved Broadchurch and I am a proper nerdy Doctor Who fan, and so when the chance to read Chris' debut novel came up, I jumped at it.

There are quite a lot of characters and threads and substories, which concerned me at first, that maybe I'd find it too much and confusing, but I hardly noticed it. They were all very interesting and well written and completely encompassing. It also provides us with lots of suspects and red herrings.

Nicola is our main character, our main investigator and I liked her. There's clearly some turmoil going on in her personal life and she's trying to balance an incredibly demanding job with a demanding family, and she's not perfect at all, and that was really endearing. I really liked her. There are a lot of other characters - police, family, friends, strangers, enemies - and they're all so well written and so distinctive that they really own their place in the novel.

There's so much depth to it. And I don't just mean in regards to suspects. But in terms of family history, relationships, money issues, traditions, rituals, myths, identity. It's got so much in it but at no point does it feel like too much. It's the very definition of unputdownable. I really couldn't tear myself away and it just sped by.

I actually felt like I was part of this community by the end, and so felt a real sense of satisfaction and relief when the whodunnit was revealed.

It's surprisingly really good. I don't know why I'm surprised really, but sometimes just because you're good at writing for screen doesn't necessarily mean you'll be the same for novels. But Chris has. And I could definitely see this being adapted into a hit TV series.

I hope this is a success for him and in turn I hope he writes more. Whether it could be a series with Nicola as a detective throughout, or whether it'll just be other crime novels, I for one will definitely be seeking them out.

I believe this is the first novel from this author and as such it is slow going to start with. However, it picks up pace and ultimately is well plotted so worth persevering with. Hopefully this is the start of a series that with practise and judicious editing will be perfect for readers of Ann Cleeves, LJ Ross and anyone who loves Dorset.

This book sucks you in right from the start, a very good stand alone novel with good characterisation. When the village pub landlord is murdered, DS Nicola Bridge leads the investigation and immediately comes up against village dynamics. The characters are well portrayed, I loved Nicola and I hope we see more of her in a future novel. I also liked Shannon, she is very believable and a key part of the story. Plenty of intrigue and pace in the plotting makes this a very enjoyable read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Rating: 4.0/5

The name Chris Chibnall will already be familiar to many people as the brains behind the acclaimed television drama series, "Broadchurch", and/or for being the former showrunner of "Doctor Who". Given this successful background in screenwriting, it may come as something of a surprise that "Death at the White Hart" is the first time that Chris Chibnall has penned a novel.

Although the plot of this book is markedly different to the storylines featured in "Broadchurch", there is a certain amount of shared DNA. The author once again sets the proceeding in his adopted home of Dorset. Likewise, although this is ostensibly a police procedural, it isn't entirely typical of the genre. It is very much character-driven and significant time and trouble is invested in familiarising the audience with the quirky individuals who inhabit the remote coastal village of Fleetcombe.

The central protagonist is D.S. Nicola Bridge, who, although originating from the area, has just taken up a new posting there after having built a successful career on Merseyside. Returning to the sleepier surrounds of the south west of the country poses a number of challenges for Nicola. Not only does she have a new and very different team to lead, but she is landed almost immediately with an intriguing and bizarrely staged murder scene - and, as if that weren't enough already, she has been landed with a fast-tracked DC, Harry to work alongside her.

It is apparent throughout that Chris Chibnall's background is in television drama. It is also very easy to imagine "Death at the White Hart" being developed for the small screen too. That isn't to say that this doesn't work well as a novel - it certainly does. The narrative flows well and the well-depicted cast of characters enables the reader to feel intimately involved with their lives. The mystery is intriguing and although some of the developments are a little on the convenient side, they do remain within acceptable fictional parameters.

Given that Chris Chibnall has taken so much trouble in portraying the characters, I would be amazed if they are not destined to reappear in future novels and, if that is indeed to be the case, I dare say I will be coming back to see what life holds in store for them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

Death at the White Hart' by Chris Chibnall is a masterclass in crime fiction. The multi-award-winning creator of 'Broadchurch' has applied his storytelling prowess to deliver an unputdownable debut novel.

Set in the picturesque village of Fleetcombe, the author introduces us to Detective Nicola Bridge, a former CID detective returning from Liverpool where she scared hardened criminals. Her character is compelling and relatable as she unravels the complex layers of a community shrouded in secrets. The murder of Jim Tiernan, landlord of the White Hart pub, becomes the catalyst that reveals hidden truths and long-held grudges.

The writing style is truly exceptional, making it feel as if the book was made for TV. Each character is easily distinguishable from one another, and Chibnall's humour is peppered throughout the story, making it a joy to follow Detective Bridge as she unravels the mystery.

Chibnall skilfully portrays village dynamics and the dark undercurrents that run beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful locales. Each character, from the twitchy delivery driver Eddie to Deakins, the embittered farmer, is memorable and essential to the mystery.

The narrative is gripping from start to finish, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end, this is an author who knows how to weave suspense with emotion, allowing for a wholeheartedly engaging experience. I found myself racing through the book in a way I haven't for a long time, thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.

In essence, with 'Death at the White Hart', Chris Chibnall proves he can spin a great yarn! This novel stands on its own, offering readers a fresh and thrilling mystery that is impossible to put down.

Thank you Michael Joseph Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the arc.
I wasn’t expecting to like this as it is sounded like what I call ‘light crime’ - basically not grisly!!
I could not put this down and from this beginning thought this was made for TV.
Brilliant characters, different plot and all round really well written,
Hugely enjoyable and highly recommended and I hope there will be more.
Thank you.

I loved this - it filled a Ruth Galloway/Elly Griffiths hole in my reading schedule. A detective in Dorset, strange goings on in the village perhaps relating to a series of murders years ago and a whole cast of characters. Superb plot which kept me turning those pages. Thoroughly recommend

Brilliant - a real page turner. Strong characters, Dorset countryside, old superstitions, a close knit community and an unusual murder.
The author sets the scene with many twists and turns along the way.
The pub landlord is found murdered and there are a selection of suspects all with varying motives.
I was kept guessing till the end, which makes this novel a great 'who done it'.
Highly recommend.

From the very beginning I couldn’t help but picture this book on the screen! From the mastermind behind Broadchurch, Death at the White Hart is another utterly thrilling police drama. Fantastic characters, fantastic plot and all round fantastic writing!
Hugely enjoyable and highly recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc.

Death At The White Hart by Chris Chibnall

When Nicola Bridge moves back to Dorset after years as a CID detective in the big city, the last thing she expects is for the picturesque village of Fleetcombe to become a grisly crime scene.

Jim Tiernan, landlord of the White Hart pub, has been found dead, the body staged with macabre relish on an isolated country road. As soon as she starts asking questions, Nicola realises everyone in the village has something to hide.
Like the Broadchurch connection , I could see this being made into a t.v. series as a really great plot and intriguing characters , I particularly liked Nicola Bridge and reading all about her return,to Dorset.

I haven’t read Chris Chibnall’s books before but I know that he’s written crime fiction that has been turned into great TV.

From the outset of Death at the White Hart Lane, I could see how it would translate onto the screen and what a brilliant drama it would be.

A dead body is found in the middle of the road, strapped to a chair with antlers glued to his head. The police identify the body straight away but have no idea why someone in the close knit rural community would want to murder this man who is known to all of them.

There are two new police officers on the case, led by Inspector Nicola Bridge, who has just relocated to the area. Her sidekick is new recruit Harry who hasn’t done much policing and certainly never investigated a murder. The relationship between the two of them is fantastic, Nicola is used to a much larger team around her and is dismayed that she only has minimal staff with limited experience . Harry is desperate to impress her and learn all he can but is totally new to this world.

The two of them dig deep into the dead man’s life, unearthing secrets and lies as well as long held grudges far and wide. There are a great range of characters, some whose families have been in the area of generations, others newer to the region including Nicola herself.

The star of the show is young Shannon who keeps out of her house for as long as possible, knowing what’s waiting for her when she returns , and in the meantime silently observing the world around her.

I enjoyed the pace and structure of the story. It’s clearly written by someone who knows how to pace a TV drama for maximum effect. The cinematic elements of the scene setting certainly added to the enjoyment, sweeping vistas, burning pyres, and of course the body sporting the antlers.

Highly enjoyable and captivating storytelling

Nicola Bridge was much feared amongst the gangs and criminals in Liverpool. A detective with an excellent reputation, she gives it all up to return to her home county of Dorset in the hopes of saving her marriage. For a few weeks the only crimes she investigates are those common in rural areas. When a body is discovered in strange circumstances the residents of the village of Fleetcombe soon come under Detective Bridge’s scrutiny.

An enjoyable read with some good characters. Nicely written with some great expressions - ‘absolute lack of squeam’! The only point that stopped it being rated higher was the denouement. Predictable and not up to the standard of the rest of the book. Also, as in life, not all threads in a book have to have a happy ending, in this story some of the peripheral characters were tied up too neatly, readers (me) don’t always want a cosy read! Be brave and go for it.

I look forward to reading more Detective Bridge adventures.

Thank you NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House.

I didn’t know what to expect from this - I really enjoyed it. I liked the writing style, the story, the plot, the characters and the feeling of mystery! It kind of all blended together well. It’s an intriguing debut!

4* Death at the White Hart - Chris Chibnall. A debut novel from the creator of Broadchurch with plaudits from Gillian McAllister - yes please!

The landlord of the White Hart has been found dead, strapped to a chair in the middle of the road with stag antlers strapped to his head. Almost all of the pub regulars and the landlady of the 'other' village pub may have motive, may have means, may have the wherewithal but there are so many missing pieces and nuggets of information that it is tricky to assemble into a coherent whole.

Detective Nicola Bridge has just returned to her childhood haunt of Dorset, having been working serious crime in Liverpool. Her new role has been oversold and she finds not only a gristly murder but her very small team has -no experience and an even smaller budget.

Blending a formidable detective with her new colleagues and taking on a relatively complex plot is, as you would expect from Chris Chibnall, done with huge flair. The writing is sublime, in the style that is easy to read but very difficult to replicate. There is plenty going on in the book to keep the reader guessing right to the end and the pace feels just right. Some of the police procedure felt a little superficial, compared to others writing in the genre, which is perhaps more reminiscent of the level of detail found in TV scripts. This didn't spoil my enjoyment and if Nicola Bridge returns, I won't hesitate to read it!

Thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph (PRH) for an ARC.

Really great setting and very atmospheric!
Thoroughly enjoyed the story and the author truly knows how to spin a tale!
Highly recommend!