Frances Lloyd’s The Coat of Arms Killer is a compelling British crime thriller that delivers a gripping mystery filled with chilling murders, complex characters, and a steadily mounting sense of suspense. Fans of classic whodunits and police procedurals will find plenty to enjoy in this cleverly crafted novel.

The story follows a series of brutal murders, each marked by a chilling signature—the display of a family’s coat of arms near the crime scene. As the investigation unfolds, layers of dark secrets, historical connections, and unexpected twists keep both the detectives and the reader guessing. Lloyd does an excellent job of weaving together past and present, crafting a mystery that feels both intricate and engaging.

The novel’s strength lies in its atmospheric storytelling. Lloyd brings a keen eye for detail, making every setting—from grand old estates to shadowy backstreets—feel alive with tension. The protagonist, whether a seasoned detective or an unlikely investigator, is compelling, balancing intelligence with personal stakes that add emotional depth to the case.

If there’s one critique, it’s that the book follows a traditional crime thriller structure, meaning readers familiar with the genre may anticipate some of its twists. However, Lloyd’s strong pacing, well-drawn characters, and compelling mystery ensure that the journey remains highly engaging.

Overall, The Coat of Arms Killer is an engrossing and well-executed crime novel that will satisfy fans of classic British mysteries and procedural thrillers. Frances Lloyd proves once again that she knows how to craft a murder mystery that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.

"'Don't stand too close to me when we get inside,' Corrie muttered from the corner of her mouth. 'If we stand side by side, we look like the number ten.'"

Delightful! My first foray into the Detective Inspector Jack Dawes series by @franceslloydnovels was with #thecoatofarmskiller, and I loved it. I can't wait to start at the beginning of the series. Great characters and a sense of place, and I wasn't lost jumping in at #12. Lots of mysteries to solve here. Highly recommend.

P.S. Thanks to #netgalley and @joffebooks for the ARC.

Disappointing.

I had such high hopes for this book but it left me feeling quite flat. Not very much suspense, very little surprise and generally quite bleh.

So much potential.

I always like a good police procedural and this is a good one. While it doesn't stay far from the conventions of the genre, it's still an entertaining read and I do feel satisfied after having read it. Don't change a good thing too much is the rule here.

DI Jack Dawes leads a very competent team of police officers, almost all of whom have appropriate nicknames and who are all very competent in their duties. Their latest case? That of the vandalism of a portrait of one of the peerage. Sounds like overkill for his team, but of course things quickly escalate. Now Jack and his team are tasked with solving a far more sinister crime, with very little help from a highly uncooperative and essentially dislikable family.

As the layers get peeled back, more and more secrets come to light and things become ever more complicated. The author dies a good job of ensuring that things don't ever get too confusing however and that was a job well done. The central twist isn't anything particularly new, but given the other subplots it's believable enough and just about gives it enough fresh air.

The pacing is decent, with much of the storyline focused on the investigation interspersed with a few scenes of Dawes' home life. I never really liked this trope in procedurals but in this case it gives a little breather from the events at hand and they don't overstay their welcome. It might have also helped the page count slightly because this isn't a terribly long book but again, I feel like the length was just right.

One downside is that you will definitely be able to date this book by some of the references used and I'm not sure how well that may hold up a few years from now. From mentioning WhatsApp groups to AI appliances and with the rapid advance of technology, I hope this doesn't make the book seem obsolete quickly.

Overall I enjoyed reading this one and having read it once and knowing the plot, it would be interesting to go back and reread it knowing what I do now. Is it groundbreaking? No, but sometimes you don't need to fix something that isn't broken.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy to review purposes.

Thank you NetGDetectalley and Joffe Books for the eARC.
This book is quite enjoyable; good mystery, nice surroundings, the odd laugh and a group of aristocrats it's a joy to dislike.
Detective Jack Dawes and his wife Corrie are very likeable., they have a great relationship, which makes a nice change.
This was the second I read in the series and I have promised myself to read more.

Entertaining..
The twelfth outing in the Detective Inspector Jack Dawes series of mysteries finds Jack and his trusty team with a perplexing case among the aristocracy. Who wants to ensure the downfall of the Fitzwarrens? Even though, much of the time, they appear to be the authors of their own misfortunes, it is clear that someone, somewhere wants the Fitzwarrens destroyed. As bodies begin to pile at the stately pile and elsewhere, Jack has to work fast to root out the perpetrator. Entertaining and enjoyable with a cast of colourful characters and a nicely plotted mystery at its heart.

Lord Hugo may be heir to the Fitzwarren millions. But everyone knows who rules the roost in his noble old family. His formidable mother, Lady Beatrice. It’s been that way since her husband met his watery end. In a boating accident, poor thing. Now, on the eve of her seventieth birthday, Lord Hugo plans to give his mama a gift she’ll never forget: a portrait of her dear, departed husband! Good book! This book was a bit different! It did have the normal suspense, intriguing, murder, mystery and a few good twists! The story was interesting! It wasn’t one of my top favorites but still a good read worth reading! Thank you NetGalley and Joffe books (my fave!) for sharing this book with me!