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DI Hogarth #2
The Darkest Grave
DI HOGARTH’S JUDGMENT IS CALLED INTO QUESTION WHEN A LOCAL FARMER IS BRUTALLY MURDERED. MOTIVE IS EVERYWHERE HE LOOKS, BUT DI HOGARTH MUST DISCOVER THE TRUTH BEFORE A VICIOUS KILLER CAN CLAIM THE BLOOD-STAINED LAND.
DI Hogarth and DS Sue Palmer are called to a murder on the outskirts of town. Farmer Nigel Grave has been killed in brutal fashion at the start a family get-together. The old man was due to make a declaration about the future of his farm, but his grand plans appear to have died with him. Why was the farmer killed? Hogarth finds a farmhouse full of suspects. The farmer’s wife is a drunken harridan with a sordid past. The son has ambitions of his own. The interfering Goodwells simply won’t back off, and a sharp-edged beauty has designs all of her own. DI Hogarth is sickened by the greed on display. As the crime scene manager picks over the murder, Hogarth spots a clue. Just what are the mysterious black grains beneath the blood-spattered hay? And what was the old man’s grand plan?
Secrets and lies return from the past. Foreign workers are soon in the frame. And Hogarth’s killer hides among the sinister faces ranged all around.
But that’s not all Hogarth has to deal with - A stalker lurks in the shadows, ready to destroy the woman he loves.
Sickening Greed. Lust past and present. A cop under pressure… and the murderer who killed an old man’s dream may yet strike again.
In an epic conclusion, DI Hogarth must make a gamble. Lose and a killer goes free plus the DI loses all authority. Win and a killer will be flushed from his hiding place - but at what price?
Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Ian Rankin, Val McDermid and Ruth Rendell. If you love to read gripping detective thrillers with flawed lead characters or police procedurals with shocking twists and a noir flavour, then the DI Hogarth Darkest series is for you.
Readers have described the Darkest series as a best fit for fans of British crime thrillers, Female detective novels, British crime mysteries, Police Procedurals, Heist thrillers and Noir Thrillers.
A detective murder mystery packed with danger and thrills - The Darkest Grave is a crime novel you won’t want to put down.
Setting:
Southend-on-sea: Just over an hour from London. A tough, densely packed suburban town. A place where wealth and glamour sits cheek-by-jowl with addiction, poverty and crime. Sandwiched between the sparkling Thames Estuary and a semi-rural hinterland. Ex-Met Detective Joe Hogarth could have imagined he was signing up for sun, sea and semi-retirement when he transferred to the Essex coast. But it seems the merry hell of Southend might just have him beat. It’s a good thing this DI doesn’t know when to quit…
THE DI HOGARTH DARKEST SERIES
THE DARKEST LIES
THE DARKEST GRAVE
THE DARKEST DEED
THE DARKEST TRUTH (final novel of the series - coming soon).
ALSO BY SOLOMON CARTER:
LONG TIME DYING series featuring private investigators Eva Roberts and Dan Bradley
THE LAST LINE
LUCK AND JUDGMENT
LONDON CALLING
THE FINAL TRICK
For more information visit SolomonCarter.net
- GenresCrime
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2018
230 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Solomon Carter
187 books99 followersHello folks,
My name is Solomon Carter, and I am the author of the Roberts and Bradley PI crime thriller series, The Last Line international thriller series, the DI Hogarth Darkest series and more. I write mysteries, crime and thriller novels and more besides.
I was born in Southend, Essex and lived there for most of my life apart from eventful student days in South London. But my life in Southend was even more eventful still. I ended up working in a string of jobs including as a jobcentre clerk, a book seller, tutor for youth with low skills and low self esteem, mortgage broker, and latterly manager of a food bank which dealt with all kinds of interesting people facing all kinds of eye-opening, jaw dropping problems. Because of these ear-to-the-ground jobs the majority of my novels are set in Southend. In 2016 I moved to North Cornwall because I liked the idea of never-ending holidays - but I also write almost every single day. My aim is to write action-packed thrillers and page-turning mysteries that readers love and my hope is to get better at what I do with every book across each and every year.
I like to give away lots of free books as part of what I do. If you would like to receive some of these and get the exclusives on offer, than you're invited to join my free readers group at SolomonCarter.net. I won't spam you, just send the occassional email with news on the latest books and forthcoming freebies.
And if you want to see the memes, personal shares and other oddball stuff I do, then you can join me at Facebook via www.facebook.com/solomoncarterwrites and join the fun there too.
What I am good at: telling stories
What I am bad at: dancing, being patient.
What I love: nature, the seaside, adventures
Writers I heartily recommend: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Henning Mankell, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais.
Writers I need to read more of: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and others.
Other things I do beside writing: at present I like to keep my running going to balance out the sitting behind a laptop (a habit inspired by Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running' - a great book).
-I am currently doing surf lessons. When in Rome, as they say...
-Getting out into nature as the weather allows.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until then I'll keep on writing. Or running. Or surfing. Or chasing my children around the house.
All the very best,
Solomon :)
PS
if you have enjoyed any of my books, I'd be honoured if you could post a review. Those reviews really do help!
My name is Solomon Carter, and I am the author of the Roberts and Bradley PI crime thriller series, The Last Line international thriller series, the DI Hogarth Darkest series and more. I write mysteries, crime and thriller novels and more besides.
I was born in Southend, Essex and lived there for most of my life apart from eventful student days in South London. But my life in Southend was even more eventful still. I ended up working in a string of jobs including as a jobcentre clerk, a book seller, tutor for youth with low skills and low self esteem, mortgage broker, and latterly manager of a food bank which dealt with all kinds of interesting people facing all kinds of eye-opening, jaw dropping problems. Because of these ear-to-the-ground jobs the majority of my novels are set in Southend. In 2016 I moved to North Cornwall because I liked the idea of never-ending holidays - but I also write almost every single day. My aim is to write action-packed thrillers and page-turning mysteries that readers love and my hope is to get better at what I do with every book across each and every year.
I like to give away lots of free books as part of what I do. If you would like to receive some of these and get the exclusives on offer, than you're invited to join my free readers group at SolomonCarter.net. I won't spam you, just send the occassional email with news on the latest books and forthcoming freebies.
And if you want to see the memes, personal shares and other oddball stuff I do, then you can join me at Facebook via www.facebook.com/solomoncarterwrites and join the fun there too.
What I am good at: telling stories
What I am bad at: dancing, being patient.
What I love: nature, the seaside, adventures
Writers I heartily recommend: Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Henning Mankell, Val McDermid, Harlan Coben, Robert Crais.
Writers I need to read more of: Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Michael Connelly and others.
Other things I do beside writing: at present I like to keep my running going to balance out the sitting behind a laptop (a habit inspired by Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running' - a great book).
-I am currently doing surf lessons. When in Rome, as they say...
-Getting out into nature as the weather allows.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Until then I'll keep on writing. Or running. Or surfing. Or chasing my children around the house.
All the very best,
Solomon :)
PS
if you have enjoyed any of my books, I'd be honoured if you could post a review. Those reviews really do help!
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 30, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
D. I. Hogarth and DS Palmer are called to investigate the murder of the farm owner. Who did it? Why? They follow all the lead with are full of twist, misdirection, and turn leading in every direction. Then they find the truth about the owners wants and plans for the family and farm leading to the arrest of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰👑 murder mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯👒👑
D. I. Hogarth and DS Palmer are called to investigate the murder of the farm owner. Who did it? Why? They follow all the lead with are full of twist, misdirection, and turn leading in every direction. Then they find the truth about the owners wants and plans for the family and farm leading to the arrest of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of British 🏰👑 murder mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 😀😯👒👑
July 13, 2019
Should be televised
Another, enjoyable crime, featuring DC Hogarth latest case. This man is an un PC, DC , slob, verging on alcoholism and with little empathy. However, beneath this outward appearance, is a shrewd and cunning detective.
His love for a MPs wife is continuing in these sets of books. He is showing his vulnerability in regards to her. His work partner, Palmer has desires unknown to him, and watches from the sidelines as he takes her for granted.
A terrible murder, an elderly farmer is fed into a worshipper and of course everyone has motive and alibi. I enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.
Another, enjoyable crime, featuring DC Hogarth latest case. This man is an un PC, DC , slob, verging on alcoholism and with little empathy. However, beneath this outward appearance, is a shrewd and cunning detective.
His love for a MPs wife is continuing in these sets of books. He is showing his vulnerability in regards to her. His work partner, Palmer has desires unknown to him, and watches from the sidelines as he takes her for granted.
A terrible murder, an elderly farmer is fed into a worshipper and of course everyone has motive and alibi. I enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.
May 16, 2022
This was another enjoyable story in the Darkest series, focusing on a gruesome murder at a farm. It highlights the greed and self-interest in humans while again showing D.I. Hogarth's clever deductions.
None of the characters are particularly likeable but all fit into the story well. There's also the personal side of the lives of the detectives, where vulnerability is laid bare.
Overall, I liked the psychological pathways that provoked human behaviour. The writing style was good, although, it does need an edit. It was fast-paced and engaging and I do like the fact it is set in England.
Recommended.
None of the characters are particularly likeable but all fit into the story well. There's also the personal side of the lives of the detectives, where vulnerability is laid bare.
Overall, I liked the psychological pathways that provoked human behaviour. The writing style was good, although, it does need an edit. It was fast-paced and engaging and I do like the fact it is set in England.
Recommended.
Read
January 2, 2023The Darkest Grave -
Hogarth & Palmer are trying to find a murderer, but all the possible candidates appear to have water tight alibi’s. Hogarth is also getting major heat from his DCI and is fighting to retain his job. Then there is the back story of his affair with the wife of the local MP. Will he manage to solve the case and will he get in even hotter water with his affair? I enjoyed this book and found it a very easy read. I had read the first in the series sometime ago and it took me a little while to remember the back story. I’ve already downloaded the next in the series. 4.75 out of 5.
Hogarth & Palmer are trying to find a murderer, but all the possible candidates appear to have water tight alibi’s. Hogarth is also getting major heat from his DCI and is fighting to retain his job. Then there is the back story of his affair with the wife of the local MP. Will he manage to solve the case and will he get in even hotter water with his affair? I enjoyed this book and found it a very easy read. I had read the first in the series sometime ago and it took me a little while to remember the back story. I’ve already downloaded the next in the series. 4.75 out of 5.
October 27, 2025
An elderly farmer has been fed into some sort of chipping machine in his own barn, not a lot of him is left now, and he is found by his family. Hogarth is there pronto and finds a room full of well difficult people, looking to learn what the contents of his will might have been. His wife has dementia and the rest of the family don't come across as that nice. The farmer did not want to sell his very large farm which has been in his family for generations to a developer who would change the landscape, and not for the better. I really couldn't work out who did this, feed the farmer through the machine, and the ending was a bit of a surprise!
July 19, 2021
Enjoy Solomon Carter’s books, both the DI Hogarth and Eva & Dan series, particularly as I am familiar with this corner of south-east Essex although it has changed greatly in recent years. Hogarth is an unlikely hero detective, he drinks, heavily, is scruffy and insubordinate but this adds to his shrewd, intuitive dissection of evidence and personalities. Carter has created an interesting character, and his storylines follow though with a good build up, analysis and final reveal.
May 5, 2018
The Darkest Grave
This is the 2nd book I've read I love your style of writing. When you start the book it starts with drama and there's more to come. I am going to read the 3rd book. I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
This is the 2nd book I've read I love your style of writing. When you start the book it starts with drama and there's more to come. I am going to read the 3rd book. I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
January 13, 2019
Easy reading but....
Guessed killer far too easily in this one.
Characters not my fave but have started series so will finish. Books show glimpses of real promise. So easy quick reading but not blown away with this one. Fingers crossed next one improves
Guessed killer far too easily in this one.
Characters not my fave but have started series so will finish. Books show glimpses of real promise. So easy quick reading but not blown away with this one. Fingers crossed next one improves
October 20, 2020
Another great tale
Once again a gripping story. I I was held from the first page.
Solomon has a great talent for holding the attention of his readers and I cannot wait to start the next book.
Once again a gripping story. I I was held from the first page.
Solomon has a great talent for holding the attention of his readers and I cannot wait to start the next book.
May 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I love reading, but I’m getting a bit forgetful and some times I have to restart a couple of times. I read this book without having to keep going back to the beginning. A really good read
May 6, 2024
can’t wait for the following book
This is how good this author is ,can’t wait for his next book, he is a really great storey teller , so original and fresh in his narration,you’re part of the storey all the way through Thanks
This is how good this author is ,can’t wait for his next book, he is a really great storey teller , so original and fresh in his narration,you’re part of the storey all the way through Thanks
May 31, 2018
Good read
Once started I was reluctant to put it down. Only lack of time made me. It was a good read from start to finish. Can't wait to read number 3 now.
Once started I was reluctant to put it down. Only lack of time made me. It was a good read from start to finish. Can't wait to read number 3 now.
January 28, 2019
Darkest grave
A very good read. Had to find out what happens it kept me at the edge of my seat.
Very we!l written.
A very good read. Had to find out what happens it kept me at the edge of my seat.
Very we!l written.
July 8, 2019
Superb series!!!
January 12, 2020
Another great read, love Detective Hogarth character, so witty and funny, love this series, now on to the next one, THE DARKEST DEED.
October 12, 2020
Keep them coming
I though the Dan And Eva series of books excellent, so I thought I would give these a go. So glad I did, if you haven't read any of them you are missing out.
I though the Dan And Eva series of books excellent, so I thought I would give these a go. So glad I did, if you haven't read any of them you are missing out.
June 1, 2021
Fantastic book.
This is a great book. It'll keep you guessing all the way through. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book in the series
This is a great book. It'll keep you guessing all the way through. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next book in the series
June 8, 2021
The darkest grave
Non stop action. Good plot and characters. Readers of British police procedural will love it. Might be a little gruesome for some
Non stop action. Good plot and characters. Readers of British police procedural will love it. Might be a little gruesome for some
March 19, 2022
A great read. Well in line with his normal standards. Look forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
A brutal farm murder is the setting for the second book in this series. Aside from his work DI Hogarth has to deal with the intricacies of his person life
March 11, 2024
Another excellent story This time investgateing a murder on a farm with all the suspects attending a family meeting. Di Hogarth has to break down their alibis to find the killer. This series is becoming addictive just started book 3
June 12, 2025
I like this book and the 2 main characters
September 5, 2020
Don't mess with Hogarth
As usual Solomon has a created a character with flaws and vulnerabilities, but who can see the the wrong doing of others. D.I Hogarth, really worth your time reading his exploits.
As usual Solomon has a created a character with flaws and vulnerabilities, but who can see the the wrong doing of others. D.I Hogarth, really worth your time reading his exploits.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews