| Title | : | The Norfolk Beach Murders (DS Sara Hirst #5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 340 |
| Publication | : | First published May 11, 2023 |
Sara faces her most challenging case yet.
It’s a stormy December morning when seal-watchers find the body on the beach. His clothes have been torn to shreds on the rocks. The bright-orange life jacket didn’t save him in the end.
The Norfolk Beach Murders (DS Sara Hirst #5) Reviews
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There are three different events happening in The Norfolk Beach Murders and they link perfectly towards the end.
Detective Sara Hirst was called to the discovery of a body on the beach at Winterton-on-Sea, a body that had been battered on the rocks. Discovering his identity was proving to be a problem until they found another body hidden on an abandoned craft which was being tossed around in the stormy weather. When the Coast Guard brought the boat back to dock, that was when Sara knew it was murder.
Mu and the elderly, loyal Roger were homeless and had moved back to where she'd lived as a child in Norfolk after a brutal attack in London. Struggling to find a roof over their heads and food for both herself and the dog, Mu witnessed something she wished she hadn't. Being homeless and destitute was a lonely life, but also a dangerous one.
Lisa London was a drug runner and people smuggler boss, with her loyal bodyguard, Striker, and her assistant, Danni, always by her side. The Met in London were after her, but she knew they wouldn't find her now she was operating in a different area. But things can go wrong for criminals as well...
The Norfolk Beach Murders is the 5th in the Detective Sara Hirst series by Judi Daykin and it was brilliant! I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous 4 in this series, and this was no different. Set in Norfolk in mid to late December, with a violent storm readying itself to hit, and freezing cold, it was well written, had great characters (even the bad guys) and had a spectacular, convoluted plot! I loved it. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. -
The Norfolk Beach Murders was a good read. It is two stories in one. Detective Sara Hirst is the main character. The first story is about a young girl named Mu who has lived on the streets and her dog Roger. She is going to her old home in the town of Happisburgh. The second story is about a woman named Lisa London who is part of the di Maletesh familyl who is mafia. So much happens in this story that it is hard to put on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy. It does build up to an exciting ending.
I enjoyed reading this story. I would like to read some of the other books in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC. -
This is the fifth book in the series and I haven't read any of the previous ones but this didn't affect my enjoyment of this at all. It has made me keen to go back and start at the beginning.
There are three story lines running throughout this book, and opens with Mu and her dog Roger trying to find shelter in an abandoned caravan park. They accidentally witness something they shouldn't.
Then there's a crime boss and her assistant in London and their story and the investigating team.
The setting is a character alone. There are such wonderfully evocative scenes and the impending storm adds an extra layer of tension to the whole book.
The strands all come together in such a clever and thrilling way and create quite a breathtaking conclusion.
Loved this. -
Various strands make up the start of this story. There’s homeless Mu and her old dog Roger who witness a murder on returning to Norfolk from a tragic life in London and are recognised by DS Sara Hirst’s neighbour Gilly as the young girl who fled the village years ago with her mother. There’s Paolo, the Italian chef at the pub who shows kindness to Mu but also seems to be up to something dodgy at night. There’s mafia ice-queen Lisa London (readers of this series will remember her from book two) who races to Norfolk with her PA Danni and bodyguard Striker to find out why her business associate has problems with their facility and the cargo stored in the underground gun emplacement. And then there’s Sara, together with new DCI Hayley Hudson, DI Edwards, DC Mike Bowen and DC Ian Noble and motherly admin Aggie of the Serious Crimes Unit in Norfolk who get to investigate a man’s body washed up amongst the seals on the beach. It’s not long before they have another dead man, an abandoned boat and definitely a case of murder. All set on a collision course with each other, will the detectives make a breakthrough before anyone else is hurt?
This is a gripping read from start to finish, dealing with drug running, people trafficking and also the plight of the homeless in addition to the murder investigation, and there are vivid descriptions of the landscape and coastline where events take place. It was lovely to see Aggie and Mike now engaged and Sara happily making a home for herself in Happisburgh in her father’s old cottage after splitting with her boyfriend in the previous book. Well written, the clever and twisty plot is expertly laid out as all the threads at the start slowly come together to keep the reader guessing along the way to a most satisfying ending. The whole team of detectives are very likable, my favourite still being Aggie, and I hope to be reading more about them soon. -
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
"The Norfolk Beach Murders" by Judi Daykin is a compelling addition to the DS Sara Hirst series, offering a deep dive into the stark and stirring landscapes of Norfolk's coast.
Daykin masterfully weaves a complex tapestry of intrigue, where the seemingly tranquil setting belies the dark undercurrents of crime.
The narrative begins with a stormy discovery on the beach, setting the stage for a mystery that is as unpredictable as the North Sea's tides. The protagonist, Detective Sara Hirst, freshly transferred from London's hustle to Norfolk's deceptive serenity, faces a case that challenges her acumen and threatens to engulf her in its murky depths.
Daykin's skillful storytelling is evident in her precise and neatly written prose, which guides the reader through a labyrinth of twists and turns, culminating in a satisfying resolution that illuminates the intricate links between disparate storylines. The characters are crafted with care, each adding a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
The book's strength lies in its ability to transport readers to the heart of Norfolk, with its vast skies and watery landscapes serving as a silent witness to the crimes within. It's a tale that resonates with the authenticity of place and the universal themes of loss, justice, and the pursuit of truth.
In "The Norfolk Beach Murders," Judi Daykin has not only penned a gripping crime thriller but also painted a portrait of a community on the edge, where the beauty of nature contrasts sharply with human frailty and malice. It's a must-read for aficionados of the genre, promising to leave an indelible mark with its haunting atmosphere and intricate plotting. -
This is the fifth book in a series. I haven't read any of the previous books but this was easy to get into, although there are slight references to ongoing relationships they are very general and I wouldn't say you needed to read any of the other books to enjoy this one.
It's nearly Christmas, a young homeless girl and her dog witness an altercation between two men late at night which ends in one man falling off a cliff edge.
As DS Sara HIrst and her colleagues are winding down for the Christmas break a seal watcher reports a body on the beach. The body is so badly damaged that they can't tell if it was murder or accident that led to him being in the water. Just when it appears that the body could be that of a man reported washed overboard, there is a report of a boat washed ashore with blood stains on the hull and a yacht adrift in the sea.
Meanwhile, Danni, PA to London Italian crime boss Lisa London is concerned about her boss' recent behaviour and an upcoming meeting with one of her business partners. When she spots a police tail the group hightail to Norfolk to inspect their mutual business venture.
As the book progresses these three disparate threads start to weave together against the backdrop of one of the worst storms on record which batters the Norfolk coast.
I really enjoyed this, I would say it fits midway (writing-wise rather than geographically) between
Rachel McLean and
Marion Todd and I would recommend to fans of either author.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Read on my Kindle Unlimited subscription. -
It’s the week before Christmas and DS Sara Hirst and her colleagues are preparing for a nice, quiet holiday. Time off has been approved, Christmas turkeys have been ordered, and Christmas cakes have been baked. And then a body washes ashore on the Norfolk beach. What seems like a cut and dry case soon leads to a more complex situation featuring the re-emergence of an old foe.
This is book five in the DS Sara Hirst series and while it is perfectly acceptable to read this as a stand-alone, I feel the tension between DS Hirst and Mead and nemesis Lisa London would have benefitted more if I had read the previous books in the series. Something I plan on rectifying very soon.
This is a great example of a police procedural, but it is an even better example of humanity and what motivates individuals at their core. Judi Daykin expertly crafts her characters into real people with complex emotions, perfectly balancing the dynamics of what makes someone a “good” person compared to the inverse. You will undeniably want to reach into this book and give Mu and Roger the biggest hug or get rowdy with the rugby boys while also sympathizing with Danni’s loyalties to Lisa London.
This was a great read and I am looking forward to spending more time with DS Hirst. Thank you to Joffe Books and Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review. -
A body has been found washed ashore. A little investigation has found that a man went overboard not too far away so the team are hoping this is case solved, especially as it's almost Christmas. DS Sara Hirst and her colleagues are then alerted to another body found on a drifting boat- one which has bullet holes in it. Meanwhile a homeless woman Mu has been seeing men on the beach from her hiding place and in London a wealthy woman whose gains are not legal is organising her business which takes her to Norfolk. What is going on and is Mu safe?
This is a wonderful series (they do stand alone). Its great characterisation and I couldn't help but like Sara and her tenacity and determination whilst remaining calm and sensitive to the cause. Set on the Norfolk coast I could almost feel the breeze - and the sand that comes with it! It's a well thought out and fashioned plot with multiple threads. I especially took to Mu and her dog Roger, my heart was in my mouth at times, willing them on. Memorable characters indeed as is Sara. A very satisfying, well written book and I very much look forward to the next in the series. -
Detective Sara Hirst is back in this new addition to the series. Although this is book 5 it will work perfectly as stand alone although you may enjoy it more if you have the background from the earlier books.
It is approaching Christmas and the team is hoping for a quiet time so they can relax but it is not to be a body is washed up on a beach which is the start of a very complex and difficult case for all.
Along with the familiar characters there are some new ones. I particularly like Mu she brings a lot to the story. All the characters old and new have their own personalities and fit together well.
The story is gripping and has you hooked from the very first page. The tension mounts throughout the book as one adrenaline pumping scene after another present themselves seemingly on every other page all the way to the edge-of-your-seat ending when a violent storm and the climax of the story join to create the most suspenseful ending I have read in a long time.
An absolutely brilliant read I would give more than 5 stars if I could. -
5* ADVANCED READER COOY REVIEW
New author/new series to me and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Gruesome murders, nasty people smuggling, Cosa nostra involvement, drug farms and street crimes - it's got them all.
The lead detective holds her own, without being a gung-ho rule breaker - something that has annoyed me about similar series, and takes some hits like a normal human not a superhero...there are hints of romance in her non-work life but
they don't impact the tale.
There's more to come from this series (and more to learn for me in what's gone before which may be a summer 23 project in the sun, who knows).
Cover blurb calls it "an absolutely gripping crime thriller" - I finished it inside four days so I think that might well be true - highly recommended ... I was toying with a 4* rating but in the end went the full monty because I couldn't
justify not doing so... -
Told from three perspectives, but it really works and drew me in.
DS Sara has relocated from London and joined a new detail oriented team in Norfolk near the seal colonies guarded by the RSPCA and the local coast Guard.
Danni who works for a nasty woman in the criminal world who all come to Norfolk.
Mu(riel) and her loving old dog Roger who have been living on the streets for too many years for her young years and they seem to be quietly caught near the center.
Just before Christmas it all goes messy with a couple of murders near the derelict WW2 gun emplacements at the water's edge.
I requested and received an EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you! -
I received an ARC of The Norfolk Beach Murders and was keen to read it because I am very familiar with the village of Winterton-on-Sea where some of the action happens. This police procedural twists several storylines together, making the links clear in the final chapter. It is precisely and neatly written and I enjoyed many of the characters. I didn’t realise, initially, that it was book five in the series, although I don’t think it made too much difference. Having a picture of Hunstanton on the cover was confusing and several villages seemed to be spaced differently from in real life, but this only matters if the reader is familiar with the setting. It was a good read and I would read the rest of the series.
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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. -
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy of this book!
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! -
A fantastic crime thriller on the costal village of Happisburgh in Norfolk DS Sara Hirst, this is one amazing series that I eagerly love reading this is book five.
Gripping amazing chapter to be loved.
The Norfolk force wanting to know about the Winterton seals, as a body has been spotted they had to act fast as the tide could take it away.
The book also to takes us to London as we find out more about the characters involved.
And what does homeless young girl Mu and her dog Roger know what is the connection to this gruesome murder with more to follow.
Following this book chapter after chapter there are lots of twists that you just don't want to finish.
I loved it. -
An enjoyable mystery.
The main characters Mu (homeless) and her dog Roger. They witness a murder.
Later on we see how the murders fit in along with detective Sara Hirst who has moved to her father’s cottage in a coastal village.
I have to agree that the writing was very well written however it was told from several points of view.
It was a great mystery and crime thriller however for me there was a lot of characters especially with the multiple points of view for my rating.
I do recommend this novel if you are seeking a murder mystery.
Review:
https://clife.blog/2023/05/29/book-re... -
I thought this an interesting, enjoyable thriller set in Norfolk, where upon a body is found on the beach amongst the seals. It's not a complicated plot, but there is plenty of intrigue and build up of suspense.
DS Sara Hirst's criminal investigation takes her into the murky criminal world of drugs, illegal immigrants and people smugglers. I liked how the author contrasts this with the plight of the seals, the falling cliffs and homeless Mu and her dog Roger.
This is book 5 in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. One not to be missed. -
The Norfolk Beach Murders by Judi Daykin is a gripping crime thriller novel. The cover reminds me of Santa Cruz, California.
This is book 5 in the DS Sara Hirst series. This is the first book I've read by this author, though I didn't feel I missed out on too much by not reading the other books.
I felt the story was developed well, and I enjoyed the story and the author's writing style. I liked Mu and Roger. I would read more from this author and this series.
#THENORFOLKBEACHMURDERS #NetGalley @joffebooks -
This is #5 in the DS Sara Hirst series but can easily be read as a standalone.
Sara thought that she was going to have a quiet life moving from London to Norfolk but she was wrong. A body is washed up on the shore just before Christmas but if the team can catch the perpetrator, they can all enjoy a break at Christmas. Then another body is found and it’s definitely murder. On top of this, someone from Sara’s past is back to cause trouble.
A brilliant read that kept me gripped.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review. -
I enjoyed this book by Judi Dakin set on the rocky shores of Norfolk , England. I had no idea that this was the fifth in a series of books featuring detective Sara Hirst, which is a credit to the author. The tale stood on it's own and it wasn't necessary to read the books in order. This mystery ties together murder cases on the lonely rocky shores of Norfolk and criminals well known in London. The characters were compelling and the author tied all the pieces together perfectly.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. -
This is the first book in this series I have read and I will definitely read more (and go back to read the previous 4).
The story is told through 3 different POV’s which moves it along well.
A body is washed up just before Christmas and if it can be quickly identified and shown not to be foul play the team can enjoy their Christmas leave. It looks like this is going to be the case until another body is found and all hell breaks loose. Can the team solve the case and enjoy Christmas?
Thanks to netgalley for the copy to read.
