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Tara Thorpe Mystery #4
Murder in the Fens
When the body of twenty-year-old Julie Cooper is found – her pockets stuffed full of wilting flowers – in an iron-age hill fort on the edge of the fens, Detective Tara Thorpe and her team are called in to investigate.
The evidence points to an illicit affair gone wrong… but is there more to the story?
As always at the Cambridge Constabulary, the case turns personal. Detective Blake is exhausted after the arrival of a new baby with wayward wife Babette, and Tara is keen to put as much distance between herself and Blake as she can – both at the station and on the hunt for the killer. Charming rookie officer Jez is the perfect distraction… but is he a little too good to be true?
Then Tara makes a startling breakthrough when she finds an unsettling family heirloom hidden in the late victim’s bedroom – a golden statue of a sinister-looking cat with emerald eyes. As she traces its origins, Tara begins to realise that Julie’s murder is no one-off crime, but a sinister plot with its roots in a terrible secret that was covered up decades earlier.
The evidence points to an illicit affair gone wrong… but is there more to the story?
As always at the Cambridge Constabulary, the case turns personal. Detective Blake is exhausted after the arrival of a new baby with wayward wife Babette, and Tara is keen to put as much distance between herself and Blake as she can – both at the station and on the hunt for the killer. Charming rookie officer Jez is the perfect distraction… but is he a little too good to be true?
Then Tara makes a startling breakthrough when she finds an unsettling family heirloom hidden in the late victim’s bedroom – a golden statue of a sinister-looking cat with emerald eyes. As she traces its origins, Tara begins to realise that Julie’s murder is no one-off crime, but a sinister plot with its roots in a terrible secret that was covered up decades earlier.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2019
1148 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Clare Chase
34 books317 followersClare Chase writes classic mysteries. Her aim is to take readers away from it all via some armchair sleuthing in atmospheric locations.
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.
You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com
Her debut novel was shortlisted for Novelicious’s Undiscovered Award, as well as an EPIC award post-publication, and was chosen as a Debut of the Month by LoveReading. Murder in the Marshes (Tara Thorpe 1) was shortlisted for an International Thriller Writers award.
Like her heroines, Clare is fascinated by people and what makes them tick. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked in settings as diverse as Littlehey Prison and the University of Cambridge, in her home city. She’s lived everywhere from the house of a lord to a slug-infested flat and finds the mid-terrace she currently occupies a good happy medium.
As well as writing, Clare loves family time, art and architecture, cooking, and of course, reading other people’s novels.
You can find Clare's website and blog at www.clarechase.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 1, 2019
This is the fourth and final book in the Tara Thorpe mystery series and although I've only read books three and four, I'm sad to see it end.
When the body of a twenty year old college student, Julie Cooper, is found murdered in a historical area with her pockets filled with flowers the motive looks sexual. As the hunt begins for Julie's killer it turns out there's more to the case than first thought, secrets are revealed and the case isn't quite as straight forward.
From first page to last, Murder in the Fens had me hooked and it was good to be back with Tara and the gang. This is only the second book I've read in the series but I feel like I've come to know the characters and looked forward to reading what they got up to.
I enjoyed the mix of personal and professional life that Murder in the Fens gives. Although the case they are working on is interesting it's good to read about the characters away from the case, their thoughts, feelings and home life. I think it makes it so much easier to visualise the characters and gives you a sense of knowing them. It's very well done.
The case had me so frustrated as a reader, some of the suspects (there's a few) had me tearing my hair out nearly, I wanted to give them a shake and tell them to stop being so bloody awkward. It's clear they know more than they're letting on to but if they opened up it would make for a short story and one not quite so interesting.
Murder in the Fens is filled with twists and turns and as usual I like to play detective while reading and I went back and forward multiple times thinking I knew who-dun-it. I really would make a rubbish detective I've realised.
If you haven't read any of the series it doesn't really matter as this can easily be read as a stand alone, I have books one and two ready on my kindle but I am kicking myself that I haven't read them in order.
I'll definitely be recommending Murder in the Fens, it's got a steady pace that really grips you and keeps you on your toes. It's a story that isn't easy to put down and I picked it up at every opportunity I had so I could find out what happened next and I'm really looking forward to seeing what Clare Chase comes up with next.
June 24, 2019
Murder in the Fens is the fourth and final police procedural to feature DC Tara Thorpe although any of the instalments can be read independently without issue. When a local student is found murdered all of the clues point towards a sexual motive. However, anomalies begin to show themselves and then the police, including Tara, begin to think that there was more to it. What follows is an interesting exploration of secrets and the unsavoury, compromising nature of revenge. As they always say — your actions will come back to bite you in the backside.
There is a lot for you to get your teeth into and plenty of twists and turns along the way. It's an easy but enjoyable read with an excellent plot and characters I have come to appreciate more and more. Both the main plot and the side plot looking at Tara's effective collaboration with colleague Detective Blake are equally as interesting even if it was heading down the cliched will-they won't-they route. This is the perfect series for fans of cozy mysteries and the likes of Agatha Christie, MC Beaton and Betty Rowlands. Recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
There is a lot for you to get your teeth into and plenty of twists and turns along the way. It's an easy but enjoyable read with an excellent plot and characters I have come to appreciate more and more. Both the main plot and the side plot looking at Tara's effective collaboration with colleague Detective Blake are equally as interesting even if it was heading down the cliched will-they won't-they route. This is the perfect series for fans of cozy mysteries and the likes of Agatha Christie, MC Beaton and Betty Rowlands. Recommended. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
June 19, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Murder in the Fens, the fourth novel to feature DC Tara Thorpe of the Cambridge police.
Student Julie Cooper’s body is found at a local historical site. The cause of death is undetermined, then inexplicable but it’s definitely murder. The motive appears sexual but certain anomalies suggest it might not be. The solution lies in Julie’s character and actions.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in the Fens which is an absorbing read with plenty of twists and turns. I like that the novel is wide ranging with several suspects, motives and avenues of investigation. It is fast moving as the team moves with the information, continually adjusting their perspective and thinking, so there is never a dull moment. The murder may be over elaborate but it seems to fit the rarified atmosphere of Cambridge University.
I like the mixture of the personal and the investigative in the novel. Several of the ongoing personal strands in the series are, if not fully resolved, moved on substantially with the hint of fireworks to come. It will be interesting to see if Ms Chase continues with the series or is content to let it lie as is as there is a certain sense of finality to all the expositions.
I have come to like the characters and the sense of closeness they have. Initially I wasn’t over fond of Tara Thorpe, thinking her as rather arrogant. Four novels in and she’s still sure she knows best but it’s tempered with maturity and experience, making her more likeable.
Murder in the Fens is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
Student Julie Cooper’s body is found at a local historical site. The cause of death is undetermined, then inexplicable but it’s definitely murder. The motive appears sexual but certain anomalies suggest it might not be. The solution lies in Julie’s character and actions.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder in the Fens which is an absorbing read with plenty of twists and turns. I like that the novel is wide ranging with several suspects, motives and avenues of investigation. It is fast moving as the team moves with the information, continually adjusting their perspective and thinking, so there is never a dull moment. The murder may be over elaborate but it seems to fit the rarified atmosphere of Cambridge University.
I like the mixture of the personal and the investigative in the novel. Several of the ongoing personal strands in the series are, if not fully resolved, moved on substantially with the hint of fireworks to come. It will be interesting to see if Ms Chase continues with the series or is content to let it lie as is as there is a certain sense of finality to all the expositions.
I have come to like the characters and the sense of closeness they have. Initially I wasn’t over fond of Tara Thorpe, thinking her as rather arrogant. Four novels in and she’s still sure she knows best but it’s tempered with maturity and experience, making her more likeable.
Murder in the Fens is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 26, 2019
This book really is about revelations! Some were surprising, others were exactely what I was hoping for :)
What do we have in this story? People who were sneaky are still being sneaky and following the route to seek revenge. Will they succeed this time or will they fail once again? People (not so) secretly being in love but circumstances keep them apart. Will they finally find a breakthrough and admit their feelings? People trying to get away with murder and inventing schemes to escape being punished. Will they succeed or will the fabulous team unravel everything?
These are only a few things going on. Did this pick your interest? I would certainly think so, because it's a very entertaining story.
The author created wonderful characters and keeps on developing them. This series is really good. 4 stars.
Thank you, Clare Chase, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
What do we have in this story? People who were sneaky are still being sneaky and following the route to seek revenge. Will they succeed this time or will they fail once again? People (not so) secretly being in love but circumstances keep them apart. Will they finally find a breakthrough and admit their feelings? People trying to get away with murder and inventing schemes to escape being punished. Will they succeed or will the fabulous team unravel everything?
These are only a few things going on. Did this pick your interest? I would certainly think so, because it's a very entertaining story.
The author created wonderful characters and keeps on developing them. This series is really good. 4 stars.
Thank you, Clare Chase, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
July 5, 2019
Julie Cooper, a student a St. Oswald's College, is found dead in the fens with crushed flowers in her pocket and indications that a ring had been removed from her right-hand ring finger. A crime of passion? DC Tara Thorpe and her team at the Cambridge Constabulary are on the case.
First things first -- the police want to know everything they can about Julie and have no shortage of potential suspects in her murder. A supposed BFF who copies Julie in every way -- dresses like her and engages in the same political activism as Julie -- Bella Chadwick -- who seems to be lying even as she has nothing significant to report, but does lead the team to Julie's ex boyfriend, Stuart Gilmour, who ticks a lot of boxes. And then there is, "John", the academic whom Julie was supposedly helping with a research project. Oh, and the fellow at the college, Julie's tutor, Lucien Balfour, who ticks all of DC Thorpe's boxes for being a total creeper. But the investigation is just warming up, frustration with the progress of figuring out the crime mounts, and the various members of the team are dealing with personal issues when a second death occurs. NO SPOILERS.
I do enjoy this series. I like Tara most of the time but I don't find her that believable as a character. I know she carries a torch for Blake (having read the previous 3 books in the series) and he has a lot of issues to work out before they could possibly consummate their romance. The setting as described always lends an authentic touch to the story and I relish all those details. I don't typically have a problem figuring out "whodunit" in fairly quickly when reading a mystery but I do like the slow reveal as the climax is reached. The writing is good and the pace is fast. I can't wait for the next book in the Tara Thorpe series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
First things first -- the police want to know everything they can about Julie and have no shortage of potential suspects in her murder. A supposed BFF who copies Julie in every way -- dresses like her and engages in the same political activism as Julie -- Bella Chadwick -- who seems to be lying even as she has nothing significant to report, but does lead the team to Julie's ex boyfriend, Stuart Gilmour, who ticks a lot of boxes. And then there is, "John", the academic whom Julie was supposedly helping with a research project. Oh, and the fellow at the college, Julie's tutor, Lucien Balfour, who ticks all of DC Thorpe's boxes for being a total creeper. But the investigation is just warming up, frustration with the progress of figuring out the crime mounts, and the various members of the team are dealing with personal issues when a second death occurs. NO SPOILERS.
I do enjoy this series. I like Tara most of the time but I don't find her that believable as a character. I know she carries a torch for Blake (having read the previous 3 books in the series) and he has a lot of issues to work out before they could possibly consummate their romance. The setting as described always lends an authentic touch to the story and I relish all those details. I don't typically have a problem figuring out "whodunit" in fairly quickly when reading a mystery but I do like the slow reveal as the climax is reached. The writing is good and the pace is fast. I can't wait for the next book in the Tara Thorpe series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the e-book ARC to read and review.
June 29, 2019
The Cambridge setting is instantly familiar as we , the readers, find ourselves walking through shady woods and coming across a body.
We share the dismay and horror that Tara and her team feel at the waste of such a young life, Julie is on the final leg of her university years, a passionate political and environmental activist who is about to be involved in some exciting research with her uni fellow.
But was this openly political figure making too much of a name for herself in the small town? Was it her ex-boyfriend, who has been suspended from the rest of the academic year,or had Julie been involved in too deep with her protests...and is there any significance to the flowers that the had on her person?
Alongside this, the characters of Tara, her sidekicks Max Dimity and Jez are developed in a way that builds on the previous 3 novels whilst not excluding an incomer. This is what I like about the Tara Thorpe mysteries, she is immediately relatable and yet not a cardboard cut out detective, she is very much her own person with a back story that is yet to be fully revealed. Her long term stalker has resurfaced and sleep is not coming easily...
On the other hand, the developments in Blake's marriage with his errant wife is giving me cause for concern-is he being used or does his wife really want to be back with him? There are more secrets to be teased out here yet you never feel that Clare palms the reader off with a 'we'll pick this up next time' approach that other writers do when they reach a dead end in the plot.
She skillfully juggles personal and professional lives, builds up the suspense which neatly contrasts with the expectations of what life in a university town is like whilst leaving the door open for future plot developments. It reminds me of the Ruth Rendell Wexford mysteries or Midsomer Murders, in that on the surface these places appear quaint, charming and steeped in tradition.
However, scrath the surface and something rotten stirs underneath...
We share the dismay and horror that Tara and her team feel at the waste of such a young life, Julie is on the final leg of her university years, a passionate political and environmental activist who is about to be involved in some exciting research with her uni fellow.
But was this openly political figure making too much of a name for herself in the small town? Was it her ex-boyfriend, who has been suspended from the rest of the academic year,or had Julie been involved in too deep with her protests...and is there any significance to the flowers that the had on her person?
Alongside this, the characters of Tara, her sidekicks Max Dimity and Jez are developed in a way that builds on the previous 3 novels whilst not excluding an incomer. This is what I like about the Tara Thorpe mysteries, she is immediately relatable and yet not a cardboard cut out detective, she is very much her own person with a back story that is yet to be fully revealed. Her long term stalker has resurfaced and sleep is not coming easily...
On the other hand, the developments in Blake's marriage with his errant wife is giving me cause for concern-is he being used or does his wife really want to be back with him? There are more secrets to be teased out here yet you never feel that Clare palms the reader off with a 'we'll pick this up next time' approach that other writers do when they reach a dead end in the plot.
She skillfully juggles personal and professional lives, builds up the suspense which neatly contrasts with the expectations of what life in a university town is like whilst leaving the door open for future plot developments. It reminds me of the Ruth Rendell Wexford mysteries or Midsomer Murders, in that on the surface these places appear quaint, charming and steeped in tradition.
However, scrath the surface and something rotten stirs underneath...
July 4, 2019
Fourth and possibly final instalment (for now anyway...) in the Tara Thorpe detective series set in and around Cambridge.
When bright and campaigning student Julie Cooper is found dead in what appears to be a crime of passion, we're launched into a well-plotted murder mystery involving students and tutors at a Cambridge University college.
I've said final "for now" because I hope there'll be more stories featuring feisty detective constable Tara, her troubled boss DI Garstin Blake and the rest of the team - Max, Megan and Jez. Not to mention Tara's guardian angel, private investigator Kemp and her arch enemy, disgraced ex-cop Patrick Wilkins.
The four mysteries are best read in order to appreciate fully the story arc for Tara and the gang. Well worth reading.
When bright and campaigning student Julie Cooper is found dead in what appears to be a crime of passion, we're launched into a well-plotted murder mystery involving students and tutors at a Cambridge University college.
I've said final "for now" because I hope there'll be more stories featuring feisty detective constable Tara, her troubled boss DI Garstin Blake and the rest of the team - Max, Megan and Jez. Not to mention Tara's guardian angel, private investigator Kemp and her arch enemy, disgraced ex-cop Patrick Wilkins.
The four mysteries are best read in order to appreciate fully the story arc for Tara and the gang. Well worth reading.
July 25, 2019
A very good, solid, police procedural.
I wish I had read the other books in the series, but this book can be easily read as a standalone as well.
Tara Thorpe is trying to solve a mystery of a murdered girl, whilst trying to figure out which direction she is going in, in her personal life as well. However, that has to take a back seat to the murder, which involves a cat statue and several members of the academic community at the local University. There isn't a lot of cooperation happening from the people her team interview so clues must be found in a very painstaking kind of way.
Enjoyable read :)
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
I wish I had read the other books in the series, but this book can be easily read as a standalone as well.
Tara Thorpe is trying to solve a mystery of a murdered girl, whilst trying to figure out which direction she is going in, in her personal life as well. However, that has to take a back seat to the murder, which involves a cat statue and several members of the academic community at the local University. There isn't a lot of cooperation happening from the people her team interview so clues must be found in a very painstaking kind of way.
Enjoyable read :)
4.5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
May 23, 2019
4 stars
Detective Tara is in for one heck of a ride in this book. While trying to get the thoughts of her boss Blake out of her mind, she is investigating the murder of a young college student. Julie Cooper is found near an iron age fort with wilted flowers in her pocket.
The first and natural suspect is the ex-boyfriend Stuart. But he becomes only one of many.
Blake meanwhile has his hands and mind full with his errant wife Babette. (Who can trust a woman with that name, anyway?) It seems she is straying again, and then she begs to come back. Blake is especially concerned with the effect this has on his two little girls.
Tara makes connections from the evidence and it almost seems that perhaps Julie's murder was a conspiracy. Or at least covering it up is. Fellow students, Cambridge College tutors and a family of landed gentry are all put under the microscope by Tara's investigation.
This is a well written novel and a very good example of a competent and well done police procedural. The team works well together – mostly. I liked Tara for the most part, but Blake seems so distracted. Understandable in the circumstances. Oddly enough this is my first Clare Chase novel, and I immediately went to Amazon to look for other books written by her. Very nicely done, Ms. Chase.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Detective Tara is in for one heck of a ride in this book. While trying to get the thoughts of her boss Blake out of her mind, she is investigating the murder of a young college student. Julie Cooper is found near an iron age fort with wilted flowers in her pocket.
The first and natural suspect is the ex-boyfriend Stuart. But he becomes only one of many.
Blake meanwhile has his hands and mind full with his errant wife Babette. (Who can trust a woman with that name, anyway?) It seems she is straying again, and then she begs to come back. Blake is especially concerned with the effect this has on his two little girls.
Tara makes connections from the evidence and it almost seems that perhaps Julie's murder was a conspiracy. Or at least covering it up is. Fellow students, Cambridge College tutors and a family of landed gentry are all put under the microscope by Tara's investigation.
This is a well written novel and a very good example of a competent and well done police procedural. The team works well together – mostly. I liked Tara for the most part, but Blake seems so distracted. Understandable in the circumstances. Oddly enough this is my first Clare Chase novel, and I immediately went to Amazon to look for other books written by her. Very nicely done, Ms. Chase.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
June 13, 2019
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Even though this was the fourth book in the series it is the first one I have read. It was so good! I am a huge Agatha Christie fan and let me tell you that Clare Chase is on par with Ms. Christie. As I said I didn't see who the murderer turned out to be. In fact, the person wasn't even one I had considered.
A young woman is murdered and Tara along with the other members of her team are on the case. The way they all work together (or not in the case of Tara and Megan are concerned) was interesting. I loved her dynamic with Blake.
We get almost every team member's point of view in this book. At first I thought it may be too much but after finishing the book I can see how important it was and how much it helped the story. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars was because I had wanted a little more from a couple of characters.
I have already ordered all of the other books in the series so look for those reviews coming soon.
This review was originally posted on A Lucky Grace
A murder mystery that kept me on my toes. I did not see who it turned out to be.
Even though this was the fourth book in the series it is the first one I have read. It was so good! I am a huge Agatha Christie fan and let me tell you that Clare Chase is on par with Ms. Christie. As I said I didn't see who the murderer turned out to be. In fact, the person wasn't even one I had considered.
A young woman is murdered and Tara along with the other members of her team are on the case. The way they all work together (or not in the case of Tara and Megan are concerned) was interesting. I loved her dynamic with Blake.
We get almost every team member's point of view in this book. At first I thought it may be too much but after finishing the book I can see how important it was and how much it helped the story. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars was because I had wanted a little more from a couple of characters.
I have already ordered all of the other books in the series so look for those reviews coming soon.
This review was originally posted on A Lucky Grace
June 18, 2019
Murder in the Fens is the fourth and final book in the Tara Thorpe series. Having read all the other books I was both excited and a little bit sad. This has been a series that I have devoured from the beginning with ease as I followed Tara in her investigations as a magazine reporter to her new career within the police force. I am happy to say that on the whole the book was as good as all the others.
Tara is once again thrown into a murder investigation when the body of student Julie Cooper is found and the investigations into her death were not as easy as the team hoped with several suspects and no one seeming to want to tell the truth. This time she is not given the freedom in the investigation that she had previously, something she is not totally happy about. As she is one of the junior members of the team who doesn’t always play well with others it is probably more in keeping with her rank. She is still primarily partnered with DS Max Dimity and they do have a really good rapport not that this is looked on favourably by DS Megan Maloney. Her objections though are not strictly professional ones and it is nice to see the personal relationship develop between Max and Megan as he slowly starts to move on from the death of his wife.
There is also a further change in the dynamic in the form of DC Jez Fallon. Although he comes across as someone who does not take things seriously, he does surprise you when you least expect it. Constantly trying to get Tara to agree to a date, he does make her see that maybe she really should move on from her feelings for DI Blake. Even with this new team member they really do work well together each one bringing a different element to the investigations.
With it being the final instalment there was a little more of the personal lives of the team than in previous books as the author brought some of the back stories to a close. After the last book ended with the apparent reappearance of Tara’s childhood stalker, I had expected this to take more of a prominent place in the story but it was used more as a vehicle for one of Tara’s old adversaries to try to cause her pain towards the end of the book. This and the way in which Tara and DI Blake’s story was brought to a conclusion left me feeling that they were a little bit rushed .
That being said Murder on the Fens is a great cosy crime book and I would recommend this and the rest of the series to anyone who loves this type of book. They don’t need to be read in order but why wouldn’t you? Now that this series is over I look forward to what Clare Chase is going to unleash on us next and will be one of the first in the queue when the book is released.
Tara is once again thrown into a murder investigation when the body of student Julie Cooper is found and the investigations into her death were not as easy as the team hoped with several suspects and no one seeming to want to tell the truth. This time she is not given the freedom in the investigation that she had previously, something she is not totally happy about. As she is one of the junior members of the team who doesn’t always play well with others it is probably more in keeping with her rank. She is still primarily partnered with DS Max Dimity and they do have a really good rapport not that this is looked on favourably by DS Megan Maloney. Her objections though are not strictly professional ones and it is nice to see the personal relationship develop between Max and Megan as he slowly starts to move on from the death of his wife.
There is also a further change in the dynamic in the form of DC Jez Fallon. Although he comes across as someone who does not take things seriously, he does surprise you when you least expect it. Constantly trying to get Tara to agree to a date, he does make her see that maybe she really should move on from her feelings for DI Blake. Even with this new team member they really do work well together each one bringing a different element to the investigations.
With it being the final instalment there was a little more of the personal lives of the team than in previous books as the author brought some of the back stories to a close. After the last book ended with the apparent reappearance of Tara’s childhood stalker, I had expected this to take more of a prominent place in the story but it was used more as a vehicle for one of Tara’s old adversaries to try to cause her pain towards the end of the book. This and the way in which Tara and DI Blake’s story was brought to a conclusion left me feeling that they were a little bit rushed .
That being said Murder on the Fens is a great cosy crime book and I would recommend this and the rest of the series to anyone who loves this type of book. They don’t need to be read in order but why wouldn’t you? Now that this series is over I look forward to what Clare Chase is going to unleash on us next and will be one of the first in the queue when the book is released.
September 23, 2022
It is good returning to another murder case for the Cambridge police detective team. A new young detective constable, Jez, has joined the team and Detective Inspector Blake organises the investigation into the murder of a campaigning female student, so that they each work alongside different colleagues at different times. The chemistry between the individual police officers and the progress made in solving the case make fascinating reading. On this occasion, Detective Tara Thorpe works with her team and does not intend to put herself in danger, but fate seems to be against her. Blake keeps his distance and she accepts there is no future for them now that he and his wife have a new baby. His personal life with a treacherous wife and two much loved children is highly stressful.
The friends and acquaintances of the victim, campaigning student, Julie Cooper, provide alibis yet have motives for desiring her death. A demanding friend, an ex-boyfriend and members of the college staff are all grilled and their actions investigated but it is almost too late when the murderer is identified.
Against all odds, many of the threads of the earlier books are brought to a conclusion but there are still unanswered questions which leave open the opportunity for a further volume in this very readable series.
The friends and acquaintances of the victim, campaigning student, Julie Cooper, provide alibis yet have motives for desiring her death. A demanding friend, an ex-boyfriend and members of the college staff are all grilled and their actions investigated but it is almost too late when the murderer is identified.
Against all odds, many of the threads of the earlier books are brought to a conclusion but there are still unanswered questions which leave open the opportunity for a further volume in this very readable series.
May 26, 2019
Julie Cooper was a hard working, dedicated, focused, student at one of the Cambridge colleges, until she was found dead. Her murder is investigated by the detectives of the local constabulary but clues cause more problems than they solve and, even though the suspect pool shrinks considerably, the solution seems no closer.
None of Julie's friends and acquaintances have a lot going for them in the reliability stakes but that makes for a satisfying read. This is described as cosy crime but some of the issues raised and personalities explored are anything but.
The detectives were great; varied, complex, and likeable but none of them really took centre stage even though Tara Thorpe was supposed to I think. The procedural aspects were very well done as were the personal issues and the book gradually drew me in and held my attention until the end. I hadn't read the previous books however and I think that would have been an advantage.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who is already enjoying this series or doesn't mind dipping into an already established set of novels.
None of Julie's friends and acquaintances have a lot going for them in the reliability stakes but that makes for a satisfying read. This is described as cosy crime but some of the issues raised and personalities explored are anything but.
The detectives were great; varied, complex, and likeable but none of them really took centre stage even though Tara Thorpe was supposed to I think. The procedural aspects were very well done as were the personal issues and the book gradually drew me in and held my attention until the end. I hadn't read the previous books however and I think that would have been an advantage.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who is already enjoying this series or doesn't mind dipping into an already established set of novels.
July 10, 2019
This is the 4th Tara Thorpe book from author Clare Chase. Previously a journalist and now a police officer, Tara and her colleagues are called in to investigate the murder of Cambridge student Julie.
The victim’s personal and political background must be investigated for potential motives for her death. During the investigation, police discover another body but it is not immediately clear if this is another murder, accidental death or suicide.
This book has lots of background to the police officers especially the relationship between Tara and Blake. I think it would work as a standalone novel because the case is contained and resolved within its pages but I feel like I benefitted from understanding the development of the police team through the previous books.
The murder itself is not described graphically at any point and the focus of the book is upon the police investigation and the potential motives of the characters. The author’s choice of setting in Cambridge is reminiscent of Colin Dexter’s Morse series so it feels familiar yet unique.
Murder in the Fens sets up the next book and I can’t wait to read it and find out what happens next between Tara and Blake, plus I’m wondering what will happen with the news uncovered by disgraced former police officer Patrick…
The victim’s personal and political background must be investigated for potential motives for her death. During the investigation, police discover another body but it is not immediately clear if this is another murder, accidental death or suicide.
This book has lots of background to the police officers especially the relationship between Tara and Blake. I think it would work as a standalone novel because the case is contained and resolved within its pages but I feel like I benefitted from understanding the development of the police team through the previous books.
The murder itself is not described graphically at any point and the focus of the book is upon the police investigation and the potential motives of the characters. The author’s choice of setting in Cambridge is reminiscent of Colin Dexter’s Morse series so it feels familiar yet unique.
Murder in the Fens sets up the next book and I can’t wait to read it and find out what happens next between Tara and Blake, plus I’m wondering what will happen with the news uncovered by disgraced former police officer Patrick…
March 18, 2020
Whodunnit is overwhelmed by domestic & personal melodrama.
2.5 stars
This is my first book of the Tara Thorpe Mystery series from new-to-me-author, Clare Chase. I expected to read crime fiction and a police procedural. I wasn’t expecting cozy-ish, domestic-suspense with a soupçon of women’s fiction.
At 25% in, I re-read the book synopsis, whereupon I saw that I should’ve paid more attention to this bit: “As always at the Cambridge constabulary, the case turns personal.” Which is followed by twaddle about Tara and Blake, a baby, wayward Babette, charming rookie officer Jez, etc.
Yes, this book’s backbone is a decent murder mystery and police procedural. But geeeeeez, there’s adipose tissue smothering said backbone—enough to see a Grizzly through winter. Yes, there are pages of angsty domestic and personal drama to do w the various detectives. Add subplots about Cambridge students/tutors/fellows/master that are melodramatic enough to be telenovela worthy.
I was tempted to skip writing a review, but I’ve often wondered what caused Goodread members to leave 1-2 and often 3 star ratings. Please do take my review w a generous tablespoon of salt.
2.5 stars
This is my first book of the Tara Thorpe Mystery series from new-to-me-author, Clare Chase. I expected to read crime fiction and a police procedural. I wasn’t expecting cozy-ish, domestic-suspense with a soupçon of women’s fiction.
At 25% in, I re-read the book synopsis, whereupon I saw that I should’ve paid more attention to this bit: “As always at the Cambridge constabulary, the case turns personal.” Which is followed by twaddle about Tara and Blake, a baby, wayward Babette, charming rookie officer Jez, etc.
Yes, this book’s backbone is a decent murder mystery and police procedural. But geeeeeez, there’s adipose tissue smothering said backbone—enough to see a Grizzly through winter. Yes, there are pages of angsty domestic and personal drama to do w the various detectives. Add subplots about Cambridge students/tutors/fellows/master that are melodramatic enough to be telenovela worthy.
I was tempted to skip writing a review, but I’ve often wondered what caused Goodread members to leave 1-2 and often 3 star ratings. Please do take my review w a generous tablespoon of salt.
June 26, 2019
Murder in the Fens is the fourth book in the Tara Thorpe series, but I found it can easily be read as a standalone.
Tara used to be a journalist before joining the police, she finds her experience helps with her investigations…
The body of a young woman, Julie Cooper, is found and Tara starts her investigation, with several suspects she has concerns her ‘friend’ Bella knows more than she is telling….
I liked the fast pace of this and they way the detectives thoughts change the more they find out and it gradually builds the picture and the tension….Tara’s stalker is back……will she find out who it is?
Great building of the relationships between the colleagues too……and their messy personal lives adds a feeling of reality to this clever, twisty and compelling cosy mystery. I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
Tara used to be a journalist before joining the police, she finds her experience helps with her investigations…
The body of a young woman, Julie Cooper, is found and Tara starts her investigation, with several suspects she has concerns her ‘friend’ Bella knows more than she is telling….
I liked the fast pace of this and they way the detectives thoughts change the more they find out and it gradually builds the picture and the tension….Tara’s stalker is back……will she find out who it is?
Great building of the relationships between the colleagues too……and their messy personal lives adds a feeling of reality to this clever, twisty and compelling cosy mystery. I can thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you to Bookouture for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my in honest, unbiased review.
June 14, 2019
This fourth book in the Tara Thorpe Mystery series is filled with plot twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. Tara and her team are investigating the death of a college student that is followed by the death of her boyfriend, a faculty member at another college. The case has many leads to chase down, and the book seems to give equal focus on Blake (Tara's boss and unrequited love interest) as it does Tara, Certainly, Blake has more than enough on his plate, including not only the murders but also his deteriorating marriage. The book also returns to the disgraced former officer, Patrick, who has become a PI. Working with the paper where Tara once worked, he is tracking the person who once stalked Tara. The end of the book is very revealing and leaves you wanting to see what will happen next.
July 14, 2019
Murder in the Fens (Tara Thorpe #4) written by author Clare Chase has suspense, murder, and romance! This is the final installment in the Tara Thorpe Mystery series. The author has written an in-depth current mystery and answered questions about Tara's stalker from the past. The current mystery involves the murder of Julie Cooper whose body was left in a field. Is Julie's death linked to any of the causes she was known to support? Tara works with her team to find a motive and suspects responsible for Julie's death. Blake is tormented by Babette's unfaithful behavior and a decision he must come to terms with making.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 12, 2021
Best of the series
Excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Tara Thorpe is a well-defined protagonist with lots of interesting quirks. The team is tight. The family interesting and of course Cambridge is a lovely backdrop.I really enjoyed the series and I particularly enjoyed this book. A bit more who done it than a cozy British mystery. If you like thus type of genre you will enjoy thus series. Although the Author catches you up on the the history that has accumulated and revealed in previous books, I think reading them in order makes the most sense. I highly recommend!
Excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Tara Thorpe is a well-defined protagonist with lots of interesting quirks. The team is tight. The family interesting and of course Cambridge is a lovely backdrop.I really enjoyed the series and I particularly enjoyed this book. A bit more who done it than a cozy British mystery. If you like thus type of genre you will enjoy thus series. Although the Author catches you up on the the history that has accumulated and revealed in previous books, I think reading them in order makes the most sense. I highly recommend!
November 22, 2024
The truth can be deadly.
When a student journalist is found murdered, Tara and Blake and the team begin the investigation. As Chase’s other books is the series, the trail has red herrings aplenty. A new officer, Jez, has been added to the team, but his interest in Tara spikes Blake’s jealousy, causing him to focus more on the need for resolving his marital problems. This is a story based too often on misplaced loyalty. It brings together some hanging threads from previous books in the series. It can stand alone; it’s just going to be even better if the other three in the series are read first.
When a student journalist is found murdered, Tara and Blake and the team begin the investigation. As Chase’s other books is the series, the trail has red herrings aplenty. A new officer, Jez, has been added to the team, but his interest in Tara spikes Blake’s jealousy, causing him to focus more on the need for resolving his marital problems. This is a story based too often on misplaced loyalty. It brings together some hanging threads from previous books in the series. It can stand alone; it’s just going to be even better if the other three in the series are read first.
October 16, 2025
Alas! Can this be the last book? Say it isn't so, Clare! Just finished this 4th and, so far, last book in the Tara Thorpe series. Wonderfully drawn, complex characters with relatable challenges will engage you completely. You will need to know what will happen to them in the future. The plots are always clever and this one is especially surprising. Each can be read as a standalone but why deprive yourself of the pleasure of beginning with book 1 and savoring all the details? Noticed other reviewers are asking for the next book, too. Hope the publishers takes note!!! A police procedural with a cozy mystery feel!
May 26, 2019
This is the first of the series I have read, and I loved it! A Cambridge student is found murdered, and Tara is part of the team investigating. The student (Julie) was studying to be a journalist, actively demonstrated for causes, and was involved with a fellow (instructor) at Cambridge. Was she killed by her lover, her college boyfriend, her obsessed friend...or someone else? The story flows smoothly and mixes the personal lives of the characters seamlessly with the mystery. I will definitely be reading the first three books in this series as soon as possible!
June 18, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the new addition to this well-written series and the mystery surrounding the death of a college student was intriguing with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The relationship between Tara and her boss, Blake is a great ongoing story thread as he struggles with the demands of a new baby and his crumbling marriage while he and Tara try to be professional partners. I’m looking forward to book 5 already!
March 27, 2020
Cohesive
This one had a lot of threads to keep track of. Of course there was the mystery. Boy, was that convoluted. Lots of twists and turns and surprises. On the more personal note, Blake finally woke up. The team appears to be melding rather cohesively. And Tara's stalker was named. That was a surprise, but made sense. I am not a fan of how they left the release of that information. Will there be another book?
This one had a lot of threads to keep track of. Of course there was the mystery. Boy, was that convoluted. Lots of twists and turns and surprises. On the more personal note, Blake finally woke up. The team appears to be melding rather cohesively. And Tara's stalker was named. That was a surprise, but made sense. I am not a fan of how they left the release of that information. Will there be another book?
October 3, 2020
Quite enjoyable, the plot wasn't the most complicated! I visited Cambridge a couple of years ago and so enjoy the setting of these novels. I wonder if these stories are written for the American market? There are a few anomalies, in the UK we don't call police officers Detective, it would be officer. There is also a strange obsession with describing what Tara is wearing, and constantly alluding to Garstin's designer suits?? I would also have liked to hear that Lucien had got his comeuppance!
August 26, 2022
This is Book 4 of 4 in the Tara Thorpe series and I really enjoyed this last one. At the time of this writing, I did a little digging and read this will be the last in the series which I'm a little bummed about! That being said, don't be afraid to start the series because I think Clare Chase does a decent job of wrapping up plotlines that started in Book 1 of the series. Great cozy mystery series!
May 24, 2019
A great book, full of twists and turns.
As well as trying to solve the murder of a local student, Tara has to cope with the reemergence of her stalker and the mutual attraction to Blake, still living with Babette and now with a young baby.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
As well as trying to solve the murder of a local student, Tara has to cope with the reemergence of her stalker and the mutual attraction to Blake, still living with Babette and now with a young baby.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.
June 29, 2020
Best series of books I have read for a long time
I am retired and have the time to read whenever I like. I have read the Tara Thorpe books in quick succession, eager to find the next one. I never give 5 stars, but I have now. Have also read the other series with much the same result. Thank you for so much enjoyment.
I am retired and have the time to read whenever I like. I have read the Tara Thorpe books in quick succession, eager to find the next one. I never give 5 stars, but I have now. Have also read the other series with much the same result. Thank you for so much enjoyment.
May 13, 2021
I have enjoyed all four books
I have enjoyed all four books in this series and I can't wait till the next book comes out. Clare has kept me guessing who committed the crime by making all the characters interesting and having a few of them at least look plausibly guilty. I would highly recommend these books to anybody who loves a good clean mystery.
I have enjoyed all four books in this series and I can't wait till the next book comes out. Clare has kept me guessing who committed the crime by making all the characters interesting and having a few of them at least look plausibly guilty. I would highly recommend these books to anybody who loves a good clean mystery.
July 21, 2021
Great story
What is right or wrong when you are put under pressure to exceed someone's expectations. That is crux of the storyline for of the characters in this fascinating story, that has an abundance of suspects, motives and secrets enough to keep you guessing who the murderer is. P. S. What an ending. Hope there is more to this series.
What is right or wrong when you are put under pressure to exceed someone's expectations. That is crux of the storyline for of the characters in this fascinating story, that has an abundance of suspects, motives and secrets enough to keep you guessing who the murderer is. P. S. What an ending. Hope there is more to this series.
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