A war veteran murdered in his home, a property developer with links to organised crime, and an old family secret that seems unwilling to stay dead.
When Harry Falcon, a wealthy boatyard owner and highly decorated World War Two veteran, is found drowned in his bath, DI John Tanner and DC Jenny Evans start by questioning his two sons, each with a motive for wanting him dead.
But when the elder son is found with his head smashed in under a toppled yacht, and that the younger son has been talking to a local property developer, one who’d spent months trying to buy the yard from his father, the investigation soon leads them towards a dark and dangerous secret, one which nobody can quite believe.
Set within the mysterious beauty of the Norfolk Broads, this fast-paced British detective series is a cozy murder mystery with a slice of humour and a touch of romance, one that will have you guessing until the very end, when the last shocking twist is finally revealed.
With number one bestsellers in both the UK and Australia, to date David has written twenty-two books along with a collection of short stories. He's currently working on his twenty-third, Bluebell Wood, which is the next in his series of fast-paced crime thrillers. When not writing, David likes to spend his time mucking about in boats, often in the Norfolk Broads, where his crime fiction books are based.
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Moorings a the third mystery-thriller in the Detective Tanner Murder Mystery Series set in the beautiful Norfolk Broads but in this particular novel, beauty happens to be accompanied by a beast. You are not required to have read the previous two instalments prior to embarking on this one as each book stands perfectly well on its own. They seem to get incrementally better as we progress through them., and I thoroughly enjoyed this one as it has a mixture of the cosy mystery and thriller genres and features a captivating and exciting plot, a little humour to lighten the deliciously dark and twisted tale, and a smidgeon of romance. All of these elements plus the engaging writing, developed characters and wonderfully vivid scenic descriptions come together to make this a well rounded and immersive read.
There is always something going on, plenty of action fill the pages, and the pace is pretty much spot-on. It moves at rapid-fire pace but, where this would usually detrimentally impact character development, it had no such effect and the cast were well-defined individuals. The short, snappy chapters make it easy to read "just one more" even when your eyes are beginning to close. The way the book is structured meant that each chapter had an element that made you want to read on and on, faster and faster to reveal the truth. It's a very creative, imaginative and original plot with lots of shocking, blindsiding twists and is intelligently woven like an ornate tapestry with threads emerging from different places for the entirety of the story.
The most appropriate word to describe Blake and his thrillers? UNDERRATED. However, that would likely be an understatement. Roll on book number four! Many thanks to BOTBS for an ARC.
The author David Blake is damn clever. Short snappy chapters made me turn the pages of the book faster. Each chapter had a scene which made me crave to know the secret, the reasons and identity of the murderer.
Add 2 strong cops, DI John Tanner and DS Jenny Evans, strong in their investigative skills and sweet on each other, and this book was nothing short of perfect.
A 94 year old war veteran was forcibly drowned, the cops investigated. His sons were murdered one by one, and the cops investigated more. A breakthrough along with perseverance and intelligence got them the murderer. A good police procedural. Right?
Oooh then the author brought out the twists. Personal tragedy was mixed with the crime, shocking reveals at the moorings got them the bodies, live horrifying death by boat going under had me gasping. How the heck had this author thought it all up?
Book 3 in the series, but made no difference. The writing was complete, cleverly nuanced to bring out the thrilling aspect of past and present without it feeling like an intrusion. My niggles were tiny, reaction after the witnessed drowning could have been more detailed.
But then the emotions!! Emotions in a police procedural, you ask? You betcha. The love and tenderness, along with pain and helpless, frustration and belligerence all popped up at apt times. Did I not say the author was beyond clever?!
Ah well, you guessed it!! I loved the book and the wicked mind of the author!!
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but with this one Blake hit a real winner. Great characters, story and just the right amount of excitement to keep you wanting to read more. Sure, there are a couple of things that came across as too obvious but I think Blake is blending together about 80% police procedural and 20% cozy to create a highly entertaining and addictive style. As with the others, the story is set against the backdrop of the Norfolk Broads, (Being a native East Anglian I am probably biased in favor of this). A nice change from the Yorkshire Dales that seem to be popular at the moment. Great read and I have already purchased the next book in the series.
Tanner pulled his black, slightly grubby Jaguar XJS into Wroxham Police station car park and edged it between a gleaming 7 Series BMW and a brand new Audi A3 saloon. .......
'You know,' began Tanner glancing around at the two vehicles, 'looking at the cars here, anyone would think Germany won the war.'
And then there was a whole spiel about Germany pretending to lose the last one in order to begin a third, straight afterwards, one that involved invading our green and pleasant land with an endless stream of luxury saloon cars.
And a Jaguar XJS isn't 'luxury'??? You smug little oik, Tanner. I thought your sort of vile 'anti-german' attitude died out a LONG time ago. Clearly not.
I stopped reading at this point. If a fictional policeman thinks a comment like that is in any way acceptable nowadays (after all this IS 2020, not 1945) I have NO desire to read on.
Book one of this series was pretty good, book two wasn't quite as good, but this one is just unworthy. Tanner makes so many ridiculous mistakes, such as performing a search without a warrant, that I almost decided not to finish it. But I persevered. Unfortunately, it only got worse. Results: this one isn't worth your time. The first book was enjoyable, and I would recommend it, but skip this one.
Well, this was the book that kept on giving! It's the third in the series and can, at a push, be read as a stand alone as the main story is self contained. But to get the very best from it with regard to characters backstories and development I would recommend starting from book one and reading in order. In my opinion, the previous books have been all good so, why wouldn't you? After the shenanigans of their previous outing, DI John Tanner and DC Jenny Evans have bought a new boat and moved in together. They are rudely awakened (well, Tanner is) one morning by the bulldozers moving in (H2G2 anyone!). It appears that the land near their moorings is being built on - something the mooring company failed to mention when they signed and paid up. This is soon forgotten (briefly) when they are called to the scene of a death. Initially looking like natural - the man was very old and found dead in his bath - closer inspection rules foul play. Tanner and Evans start to question his sons and find out that he was being hassled to sell up - coincidentally by the same man responsible for the build near their boat! But he is a bit dodgy (understatement) and allegedly has fingers in dubious pies but nothing tangible enough for prosecution. Then another body is found and things start to take a very dark and, sadly for Tanner, personal turn... I am a big fan of this author's comedy space crime series and have to admit to being a bit wary when he went all serious. Now three books in and I'm hooked! Luckily, for my anyway, he has migrated several of my favourite elements from the previous books into these, most notably his no nonsense attitude to superfluous waffle but, more importantly, his banter and interactions between the characters, especially between Tanner and Evans. They spark off each other very well throughout. They're in a relationship as well as working together so there is plenty of fuel for that particular fire! The setting of the Norfolk Broads and the whole living on a boat thing is also quite interesting and fascinating throughout. The story in this book is also very well plotted and expertly executed. I was a bit wary about something from the past rearing its ugly head into the current case but my initial fears were blasted out of the water (see what I did there!?) and it all came together very nicely, albeit shockingly, at the end. All in all, a great addition to what looks like becoming a really brilliant series. Can't wait to see what the author serves me up for next time.
DI John Tanner and DC Jenny Evans are a couple and live on a boat….they also work together.
Their peace is destroyed one morning, when diggers arrive in a nearby field to start work on a block of luxury flats for Jackson Developments….
They then get called to a sudden death…..did old man Harry Falcon, owner of the nearby Falcon shipyard die a natural death? …….That will be a no!
The investigation begins and Jim Jackson seems to be linked to the case after being seen arguing with Harry’s son. But it gets even more complicated when the other brother turns up, and his adult twins Edward and Tessa….
Tanner also gets news that there may be a development in his daughter, Abigail’s murder case too.
This is a really fast read, with snappy, gripping chapters with so many twists and revelations……just who is the killer? And is there a link to Abigail’s murder? Very well plotted and great characters, I loved the relationship between Jack and Jenny…feisty and funny too. A thoroughly entertaining read.
Thank you to Sarah at Book On The Bright Side for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
he third book already and the series keeps getting better and better!
I already had a soft spot for DI Tanner and the feeling is still the same. I love a DI who follows his heart and does not let him get stopped by rules. I know it’s maybe not always the best way to go, but very often it pays to do it this way. Rules are good but they can be obstructive as well.
It’s also obvious the author loves boats and I have learned a lot about them. I sometimes have the feeling I will almost be able to steer one myself. It’s a very interesting background and who says that fiction can’t be educative? 😉
To make a long story short, this book is once again a brilliant masterpiece that I deeply enjoyed.
I love the combination of crime and humor.
Can you read it as a stand alone? You can but I would not want you to miss out on two great previous books so please read them all. You will not regret it.
For me this is a 5 star book and I hope DI Tanner will still be around for a very long time.
Thank you, David Blake and Book On The Bright Side Publicity & Promo
Tanner and Jenny have a new boat and a new mooring and someone’s building a block of flats right opposite. They’ve paid up a year’s rent too. Then the body of a 93 year-old turns up in his home nearby, discovered by his son. This is a great suspense story and it involves Tanner personally. There are various possible suspects and I honestly didn’t see the truth coming even though there was a clue earlier on. The climax of the book is particularly exciting. I am sure this series will go from strength to strength.
Another excellent Norfolk Broads thriller from David Blake. Book 3 of the DI Tanner and DC Evans series this also reads well as a stand alone. A 94 year old war veteran is murdered and DI John Tanner and DC Jenny Evans are on the case. The suspects mount up at an alarming rate, including the victim’s family who would gain financially and a property developer who desperately needs to buy his land. The final chapters ramp up into a thrilling chase and a dark secret is revealed. An exciting read which left me wanting more.
After three weeks or more of stopping and starting this one, I finally gave up. The first book in this series was a pretty good read. Book 2 wasn't as good, but still decent enough I was willing to see if the series hit its stride soon.
In this one, Jenny is so completely unlikable that her idiotic interactions with Tanner make him awful, as well. They are so immature and stilted together, it's painful to read, and that carries over into the police work. Or, I should say bumbling, because what is written in no way resembles an experienced detective in his forties.
(The "date started" is rather arbitrary because I don't remember.)
Another good murder-mystery ‘starring’ John Tanner and Jenny Evans. This time it was about the murders of a father and his 2 sons then the discovery of a lot of murdered young women, including Tanner’s daughter, a year before. It was a very exciting story.
The only romance was of Tanner and Jenny living together but there wasn’t even a kiss shared between them and the F-bomb was used 15 times.
As to the narration: LOVE Jonathan Keeble! He’s an awesome narrator.
Partly read in the Broads area so this added to the atmosphere. As usual the bodies keep mounting up , including the likely suspects. The plot becomes more complex with a link to the personal life of Tanner and an unexpected twist at the end. I'm going on to read the next in the series.
Great read. Interesting plot keeps you guessing until the end. The main characters are growing on me. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Interesting plot keeps you guessing until the end. The main characters are growing on me. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Another absolutely fantastic novel from David Blake! I absolutely loved Book 1 and 2 in the series and couldn’t wait to read Book 3, to be back with Tanner and Jenny who I absolutely love!
In this instalment, a local war veteran and boatyard owner is murdered and the investigation begins. It appears there are far too many people who could have an apparent motive for killing Harry Falcon…especially his sons and a local property developer (who is also on Tanner hit list for ruining his and Jenny’s new view!)
But then Harry’s eldest son is also found murdered at the boat yard too. Could it be Harry’s younger son who wanted to get rid of them both to sell the yard? Is the it the local property developer after all? Or is there more to it.
In addition, Tanner is also in the dark about who murdered his daughter…..and we may finally find out more!
This had me totally hooked yet again! The story line was fantastic with so many twists and turns and bits that I didn’t even think about. I had no idea who it was until the very end…..I was literally hanging on every word.
Tanner is his usual brilliant self and Jenny is the one who keeps him grounded (or at least tries!). The supporting characters are all brilliant, and I love that Tanner can call in favours from his friends up high when he needs them.
The story is fast paced, and I honestly didn’t want to put it down. Yet again – it’s the type of novel that you just want to keep reading (one more chapter….) but HAVE to put it down because you have work the next day! David Blake is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. He never disappoints and always has another fantastic story to tell. The writing style is so enjoyable and easy to read too. Honestly, there isn’t enough great words to describe this (and the previous 2 books!)
Just finished the third book in the series and can honestly say that each book is as good as the previous one. Looking forward to reading the fourth book. Already pre-ordered.
Love that it is set in Norfolk. Can relate to.some and picture the rest. Fast moving and seemingly different to.other crime thrillers. Enjoyed all 3 books and can't wait for the next installment. Thank you David Blake
This is book three in the brilliant DI Tanner series, best read in order. From the prologue alone I was hooked! What a gripping opening. I am absolutely loving this series. I have witnessed this series get bigger, better and more brilliant with each book! I love Tanners and Evans personal and professional relationship, they’re just the dream team together! Nothing can defeat them even death it seems. Brilliantly written, fast paced and thrilling. A real page turner I didn’t want to put down and easily devoured it. Not the outcome I expected at all! So that had me gasping and shocked. Loved it. Enjoyed it. Not a bad word to say about it. A well deserved four stars from me. Highly recommend this series. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for us in book four. Oooh!
This is the third book in the DI Tanner series, with each book surpassing the previous ones. David Blake had me turning the pages so quickly with the gripping storyline, causing me to stay up until the early hours as I simply couldn't put the book down. I like the working and private relationship between Tanner and Evans and love the setting of the Norfolk Broads and their boat, which gives a nice gentle contrast to the terrible crimes taking place. With lots of unexpected twists and turns plus a cracking ending, this book is one not to be missed and I can't wait for number 4!
I rarely give 5 stars for a book, but this one deserves every star. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to TBC Reviewer Request Group for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Moorings by David Blake. When Harry Falcon, a wealthy boatyard owner and highly decorated World War Two veteran, is found drowned in his bath, DI John Tanner and DC Jenny Evans start by questioning his two sons, each with a motive for wanting him dead. But when the elder son is found with his head smashed in under a toppled yacht, and that the younger son has been talking to a local property developer, one who’d spent months trying to buy the yard from his father, the investigation soon leads them towards a dark and dangerous secret, one which nobody can quite believe. A fantastic read with some great characters. Loved Jenny and John. Bit gory. Lots of action too. I hope there is more to come. 5*.
Absolutely a waste of time - from the developer who suddenly changes his speech patterns from the first time Tanner meets him to when we next see him, the police car that has sirens blaring to get to the boatyard where there’s a fracas going on but it’s never clear who called them or why ( Tanner’s there because it’s right opposite where he lives and he sees the car approaching) and the less than convincing relationship between Tanner and Jen. Tanner is supposedly a DI but his boss basically calls the shots and seems constantly involved in every investigation since arriving in Book 2. Sloppy writing.
Great Book. Not your average Mystery. Enjoyable read!
A great book with a plot that is very interesting. It was hard to figure out who was responsible for the murders of an old man, then the oldest son, the younger son, and more. The murderer was a surprise. And what was found on the property was a surprise. My congratulations to the author for a great mystery and for the personalities of the two main characters. Their interactions and their humor are entertaining.
This is a pretty good series, well written and plotted, with some formulaic predictability - you just know that 85% through either our hero or his sidekick/girlfriend/partner will be in the clutches of the baddy! However, putting that to one side, I thoroughly enjoyed it and didn't guess the outcome until just before the reveal, which is as it should be. I have read the first two in this series and will certainly read what follows on.
I am persevering with these books because against all odds I am enjoying them. The characters are a an unbelievable bunch and the “hero” of the book seems to spend too much time worrying about a thoroughly ridiculous affair with an outspoken young DC. We all like to see a bit of a soft side to the leading man but this one is a drip. He doesn’t seem to solve crimes so much as trip over the culprits. I suspect the only saving grace for these books is the setting.
I applaud Mr Blake for another great read in this series. I love the characters, the humour and the inter-action between them. Again, the ending had another twist on the discovery of the findings in the dyke. It just added another dimension to the story and so cleverly introduced. This series is definitely worth reading. Cannot wait for the next book.