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Hidden Norfolk #11
The Raven Song
One song for the dying... sung by the dead...
When the body of a young woman is discovered at the home she shared with her disabled daughter, DI Tom Janssen and his team must investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
The woman was a single mother, well regarded and popular among the group she frequented, but she had a chequered past... a life she kept secret from those around her... a life that may, ultimately, have led to her death. Friends, past lovers, and confidants offer conflicting descriptions of the deceased... did anyone know her at all?
The team realise the daughter is missing and, away from her medication, the little girl's life hangs in the balance. Unless the team can solve a seemingly calculated murder, an innocent life will be lost...
Set within the mysterious beauty of coastal Norfolk, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed.
The Raven Song is the latest novel in the Hidden Norfolk series of thrillers from the million-copy bestselling British crime writer, JM Dalgliesh, the author of the Dark Yorkshire books. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Angela Marsons, Simon McCleave and Damien Boyd.
When the body of a young woman is discovered at the home she shared with her disabled daughter, DI Tom Janssen and his team must investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
The woman was a single mother, well regarded and popular among the group she frequented, but she had a chequered past... a life she kept secret from those around her... a life that may, ultimately, have led to her death. Friends, past lovers, and confidants offer conflicting descriptions of the deceased... did anyone know her at all?
The team realise the daughter is missing and, away from her medication, the little girl's life hangs in the balance. Unless the team can solve a seemingly calculated murder, an innocent life will be lost...
Set within the mysterious beauty of coastal Norfolk, this fast-paced British detective novel is a dark murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end when the final shocking twist is revealed.
The Raven Song is the latest novel in the Hidden Norfolk series of thrillers from the million-copy bestselling British crime writer, JM Dalgliesh, the author of the Dark Yorkshire books. Perfect for fans of LJ Ross, JD Kirk, Angela Marsons, Simon McCleave and Damien Boyd.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2022
2381 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dalgliesh
36 books943 followersJason Dalgliesh was born on the south coast of England and grew up in Hampshire, UK. He has worked in the power transmission industry, the retail sector, call centres and as a night-owl in a bakery. His greatest challenge of all is ongoing, as a stay at home parent.
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
He is presently writing the Dark Yorkshire crime-series, featuring DI Nathaniel Caslin.
The novels are set in Yorkshire, England. The medieval City of York is Caslin's home town and the plot lines take in some of the UK's most rugged and beautiful landscapes, from the windswept North Sea coastline and across the stunning North York Moors.
Penned in the style of the Crime Noir genre, Caslin is a deep character, as flawed as he is brilliant, battling his own demons as much as those he is pitted against. Readers who enjoy gritty, atmospheric thrillers will find the series a must read.
Having spent time abroad, Jason has lived and worked in various parts of England as well as the Scottish Highlands. He currently resides in the East Riding, with his wife and two young children.
You can reach him via his website at www.jmdalgliesh.com
You can also follow him on social media;
facebook.com/jmdalglieshauthor
twitter.com/darkyorkshire
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
June 8, 2022
Love British detective stories.
I always try to make time for British detective stories, which U truly enjoy. This one focuses on the death of a young mother who has a special needs daughter, who has been kidnapped. Good story as it also delves into the lives of the police officers. Highly recommend.
I always try to make time for British detective stories, which U truly enjoy. This one focuses on the death of a young mother who has a special needs daughter, who has been kidnapped. Good story as it also delves into the lives of the police officers. Highly recommend.
January 21, 2023
The Raven Song is book eleven in the Hidden Norfolk series by J. M. Dalgliesh. DI Tom Janssen and his team caught a case of a young woman killed in her home and her disabled daughter missing. With no suspects or reasons why she died, DI Tom Janssen and his team had to race to find the missing girl and the murderer before someone else died. The readers of The Raven Song will continue to follow DI Tom Janssen to find out what happens.
The Raven Song is the first book I have read by J. M. Dalgliesh, and I did enjoy it and did it again, starting a new series in the middle. However, it does make you go back and start at the beginning of a series to learn more about the characters. I enjoy the way J. M. Dalgliesh corporated the twist in this book. I love how J. M. Dalgliesh portrayed his characters and their interaction throughout this book. The Raven Song is well-written and researched by J. M. Dalgleish. I like J. M. Dalgleish's description of the settings of The Raven Song, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Raven Song will learn about a neurological condition called primary progressive aphasia and how it affects the suffering and the people around them. Also, the readers of Raven Song will understand the consequences when women have a difficult birth.
I recommend this book.
The Raven Song is the first book I have read by J. M. Dalgliesh, and I did enjoy it and did it again, starting a new series in the middle. However, it does make you go back and start at the beginning of a series to learn more about the characters. I enjoy the way J. M. Dalgliesh corporated the twist in this book. I love how J. M. Dalgliesh portrayed his characters and their interaction throughout this book. The Raven Song is well-written and researched by J. M. Dalgleish. I like J. M. Dalgleish's description of the settings of The Raven Song, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Raven Song will learn about a neurological condition called primary progressive aphasia and how it affects the suffering and the people around them. Also, the readers of Raven Song will understand the consequences when women have a difficult birth.
I recommend this book.
June 9, 2022
An interesting book with a different ending.
April 2, 2023
Unsatisfactory series of events
So I can accept the conversation
Eric looked at her quizzically. “Isn’t Newcastle on the coast?” “Aye, but it’s a proper city, you know? ".
and take it as humorous banter ignoring the crap geography. Niggling that he has his characters access information that doesn't appear to exist and not for the first time. He is not alone!! How much easter would family history research be if they had been created!!!
While the story of the victims is sad but believable it doesn't work out as a police procedural without a lot of padding and a lot of characters unavailable to challenge or progress the actual storyline.
So I can accept the conversation
Eric looked at her quizzically. “Isn’t Newcastle on the coast?” “Aye, but it’s a proper city, you know? ".
and take it as humorous banter ignoring the crap geography. Niggling that he has his characters access information that doesn't appear to exist and not for the first time. He is not alone!! How much easter would family history research be if they had been created!!!
While the story of the victims is sad but believable it doesn't work out as a police procedural without a lot of padding and a lot of characters unavailable to challenge or progress the actual storyline.
June 1, 2022
Wow!!
This book really is a thriller! This is one of my favorite series. The detectives are great. They get along, they have a boss who appreciates them and the stories are fantastic! I did not see that ending coming. I look forward to the next book. I highly recommend this book.
This book really is a thriller! This is one of my favorite series. The detectives are great. They get along, they have a boss who appreciates them and the stories are fantastic! I did not see that ending coming. I look forward to the next book. I highly recommend this book.
September 10, 2022
Great Read
Loved it! Mr Dalgliesh never fails to please. Took me till nearly the last chapter to guess the end of the story. One of those book you can’t put down.
Loved it! Mr Dalgliesh never fails to please. Took me till nearly the last chapter to guess the end of the story. One of those book you can’t put down.
June 1, 2022
Another excellent novel in this series. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. DITom Janssen and his team are dealing with both a murder and a missing child. I love the Hidden Norfolk series and I think this is the best one so far!
June 2, 2022
Damn the Raven
Wow. Just wow. This is Dalgliesh's best novel yet. This p!ot was intricately complex. The ending was sad and a total surprise.
Wow. Just wow. This is Dalgliesh's best novel yet. This p!ot was intricately complex. The ending was sad and a total surprise.
October 8, 2022
Sorrowful and tragic
It was a good sketch on how hard and unfair life can be ,however it was uplifting in the end,a bit like gone with the wind tomorrow is another day🤗
It was a good sketch on how hard and unfair life can be ,however it was uplifting in the end,a bit like gone with the wind tomorrow is another day🤗
December 29, 2022
I always enjoy reading Jason's books and although this is slightly different I feel its one of his best.
I certainly couldn't put it down, and if the house had fallen down around me, I don't think I would have noticed.
The unique way of putting the Storyline together, descriptive of the characters and places the book is situated are truly brought to life.
Eric seems to be taking a more active role in this one, although I do feel there is more to come for this character.
Although eventually I did have my suspicions in the end there was still a twist to it.
This certainly has plenty of twists and turns with also a number of red herrings thrown in and certainly revelations.
Altogether another thoroughly enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend this book, it certainly deserves its five stars.
Although I had this on pre order as usual, I would like to thank the Author for my advanced copy.
This is my honest unbiased review.
I certainly couldn't put it down, and if the house had fallen down around me, I don't think I would have noticed.
The unique way of putting the Storyline together, descriptive of the characters and places the book is situated are truly brought to life.
Eric seems to be taking a more active role in this one, although I do feel there is more to come for this character.
Although eventually I did have my suspicions in the end there was still a twist to it.
This certainly has plenty of twists and turns with also a number of red herrings thrown in and certainly revelations.
Altogether another thoroughly enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend this book, it certainly deserves its five stars.
Although I had this on pre order as usual, I would like to thank the Author for my advanced copy.
This is my honest unbiased review.
January 9, 2025
Out one was expected
I just can’t give the books in this series a 5…..but I’m reading every one. I’m not sure how to explain that. They are written well (however, with many typos) I guess. The crime is committed; the suspects are lined out; clues are ticked nicely in the storyline and the characters are interesting enough for the reader to like them. All that is spot-on, so to speak if you’ll pardon the cliche, but there isn’t any depth to any of the stories. Thriller simply does not fit. I suppose the real genre here isn’t suspenseful crime thriller—it’s more like cozy detective drama. There is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes escape fiction is all a person wants to read. And these Hidden Norfolk fit that genre very nicely.
I just can’t give the books in this series a 5…..but I’m reading every one. I’m not sure how to explain that. They are written well (however, with many typos) I guess. The crime is committed; the suspects are lined out; clues are ticked nicely in the storyline and the characters are interesting enough for the reader to like them. All that is spot-on, so to speak if you’ll pardon the cliche, but there isn’t any depth to any of the stories. Thriller simply does not fit. I suppose the real genre here isn’t suspenseful crime thriller—it’s more like cozy detective drama. There is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes escape fiction is all a person wants to read. And these Hidden Norfolk fit that genre very nicely.
May 28, 2023
DI Tom Janssen is called in unexpectedly over the weekend when a young mother is found dead in her home – but her disabled daughter is missing. The child isn’t physically capable of leaving by herself and so the team is at a loss as to where she might be. The more they look into the young mother’s life, the more questions they have and still they find no leads on the child. Can they sort everything else before tragedy strikes again?
I’ve been really enjoying this Hidden Norfolk series and feel the author has definitely hit a good stride with these characters. While I can understand the pace of the mystery might be a little slow for more action-orientated readers, I personally really enjoy the grind of police procedural styles of mysteries. I feel that I can follow along with the investigators and try to solve the puzzle in time with them. Also, as this is a smaller town/more rural setting I feel this pace is a bit more realistic and logical.
I also really enjoy the team of characters in the police unit. They have all been working together for quite some time and so their professional relationship and I find the way they work so coherently together is a real pleasure to read. Readers also shouldn’t be too shy about picking this story up by itself to read. While there is obviously plenty of history between the main characters and a solid working relationship already in place the plot – and most importantly the murder mystery – is very well contained just to this book and so I feel readers can absolutely pick this book up and read it by itself without too much fuss.
A well written and well plotted small town murder mystery this is an enjoyable book and one I really enjoyed.
I’ve been really enjoying this Hidden Norfolk series and feel the author has definitely hit a good stride with these characters. While I can understand the pace of the mystery might be a little slow for more action-orientated readers, I personally really enjoy the grind of police procedural styles of mysteries. I feel that I can follow along with the investigators and try to solve the puzzle in time with them. Also, as this is a smaller town/more rural setting I feel this pace is a bit more realistic and logical.
I also really enjoy the team of characters in the police unit. They have all been working together for quite some time and so their professional relationship and I find the way they work so coherently together is a real pleasure to read. Readers also shouldn’t be too shy about picking this story up by itself to read. While there is obviously plenty of history between the main characters and a solid working relationship already in place the plot – and most importantly the murder mystery – is very well contained just to this book and so I feel readers can absolutely pick this book up and read it by itself without too much fuss.
A well written and well plotted small town murder mystery this is an enjoyable book and one I really enjoyed.
August 25, 2022
The Raven Song by JM Dalgleish is the eleventh book in the Hidden Norfolk series and in my opinion the best book yet. DI Tom Janssen and his team are called to a house in Hunstanton after a young mother Scarlett is found murdered and her severely disabled daughter Megan is missing.
The team have to garner evidence from her body, her friends and her dad as he's the only other family they have. Scarlett has a chequered past and although she was well liked why has this happened to a young mother who dotes on her daughter? Megan's illness makes thing complicated and a struggle at times but they seem to be be coping well.
The list of suspects contain Tony Slater her ex who was a piece of work who abused Scarlett before going to jail for drug charges, he claims to have went straight inside and he's now a changed man. Two brothers Jonny and Mark who both claimed to be dating her and who actually had fought over Scarlett and Billy Slegg an oddball who has a more than unhealthy fixation on the young mother.
The team have to race against time to find out how and why Scarlett died and with Megan's needs so complicated she needs constant medication and without it she won't survive long without it. Can Tom, Tamara, Cassie Eric and Kerry find the answers you'll have to read the book to find out.
The team have to garner evidence from her body, her friends and her dad as he's the only other family they have. Scarlett has a chequered past and although she was well liked why has this happened to a young mother who dotes on her daughter? Megan's illness makes thing complicated and a struggle at times but they seem to be be coping well.
The list of suspects contain Tony Slater her ex who was a piece of work who abused Scarlett before going to jail for drug charges, he claims to have went straight inside and he's now a changed man. Two brothers Jonny and Mark who both claimed to be dating her and who actually had fought over Scarlett and Billy Slegg an oddball who has a more than unhealthy fixation on the young mother.
The team have to race against time to find out how and why Scarlett died and with Megan's needs so complicated she needs constant medication and without it she won't survive long without it. Can Tom, Tamara, Cassie Eric and Kerry find the answers you'll have to read the book to find out.
June 9, 2022
A great read as always from Mr Dalgleish. I always enjoy these DI Tom Janssen tales from the Hidden Norfolk series. This is no exception. The expected explosion on the relationship front with Eric & Kerry still hasn't gone off, but the fuse is definitely lit. DCI Tamara Greave has both car trouble & potential man trouble on the horizon, while DI Janssen is becoming quite the family man.
The crime is a very different & sad case, which involves family relationships, an absentee father a doting Dad & unseen complications everywhere. The bodies keep turning up throughout the story & the whole tale is a very sad one.
I enjoyed the book but I have to say I had guessed (partially) the outcome part way through. I don't usually get the culprits identity until much later, although this killer does have a very different tale to tell. I don't know why I was able to guess the end result on this occasion, so just like my maths home work (of old) please don't ask to see my working out! Needless to say I enjoyed this book & love the characters, I still think there is more to come from the Eric, Kerry saga.
The crime is a very different & sad case, which involves family relationships, an absentee father a doting Dad & unseen complications everywhere. The bodies keep turning up throughout the story & the whole tale is a very sad one.
I enjoyed the book but I have to say I had guessed (partially) the outcome part way through. I don't usually get the culprits identity until much later, although this killer does have a very different tale to tell. I don't know why I was able to guess the end result on this occasion, so just like my maths home work (of old) please don't ask to see my working out! Needless to say I enjoyed this book & love the characters, I still think there is more to come from the Eric, Kerry saga.
November 4, 2022
I was really enjoying the book for the most part, but I was starting to suspect the end and why it all happened and I just wanted to know if I was right or not! So I could not put the book down and yes I was! I wish I was not, but I was!
The book is catching as always, I really enjoy the characters, and glimpes into their lives. Tom, Tamara and the others went through developments since the very first book. And although I missed some, it does not matter as much, the book can be read on its own, without reading the previous ones. There are no references, it does not give you the answer who was the murderer. I actually prefer books like this, which have balance between character development and being able to read the books out of order.
Will I go back and read the other books in the series? Definitely! Would I recommend it? For sure! I really liked this book a lot.
The book is catching as always, I really enjoy the characters, and glimpes into their lives. Tom, Tamara and the others went through developments since the very first book. And although I missed some, it does not matter as much, the book can be read on its own, without reading the previous ones. There are no references, it does not give you the answer who was the murderer. I actually prefer books like this, which have balance between character development and being able to read the books out of order.
Will I go back and read the other books in the series? Definitely! Would I recommend it? For sure! I really liked this book a lot.
June 3, 2022
What a great book!
I love JM Dalgliesh's writing! He is one of my favorite authors, and each time I read a book of his, I am reminded why that is! This book is a perfect example. A fast paced police procedural with a heavy hearted plot! The twists and turns were all there, and they were hard to figure out. There was no way to figure out the end result, he is too clever to give that away. But, the end result actually made sense once we were given all the information. It was heart wrenching! But almost understandable. And the ending gave the reader something to look forward to. I love all the players in this series, and reading about them is like seeing old friends again. I look forward to the next book in the series. But it will be hard to top this one!
I love JM Dalgliesh's writing! He is one of my favorite authors, and each time I read a book of his, I am reminded why that is! This book is a perfect example. A fast paced police procedural with a heavy hearted plot! The twists and turns were all there, and they were hard to figure out. There was no way to figure out the end result, he is too clever to give that away. But, the end result actually made sense once we were given all the information. It was heart wrenching! But almost understandable. And the ending gave the reader something to look forward to. I love all the players in this series, and reading about them is like seeing old friends again. I look forward to the next book in the series. But it will be hard to top this one!
February 7, 2026
THE RAVEN SONG is written by J.M. Dalgliesh. The title is Book #11 in the
Hidden Norfolk series.
When the body of a young woman (Scarlett) is discovered at the home she shared
with her disabled daughter, DI Tom Janssen and his team must investigate the
circumstances surrounding her death. Any why is the daughter (Maggie) missing?
Is she dead also? Where is she? Who took her?
A very mysterious plot - sad, troubling and tangled in family relationships.
The Team explores Scarlett’s ‘chequered past’, a secretive past with several relationships.
I like the way the title - of this book, and a book read by Scarlett’s father to Scarlett and
Maggie is woven into the plot.
The case is solved in the end but not in the ‘usual’ way.
****
Hidden Norfolk series.
When the body of a young woman (Scarlett) is discovered at the home she shared
with her disabled daughter, DI Tom Janssen and his team must investigate the
circumstances surrounding her death. Any why is the daughter (Maggie) missing?
Is she dead also? Where is she? Who took her?
A very mysterious plot - sad, troubling and tangled in family relationships.
The Team explores Scarlett’s ‘chequered past’, a secretive past with several relationships.
I like the way the title - of this book, and a book read by Scarlett’s father to Scarlett and
Maggie is woven into the plot.
The case is solved in the end but not in the ‘usual’ way.
****
March 27, 2023
I love these books written by J M Dalgliesh. In this one ‘The Raven Song’, Tom Jansen, Tamara, Cassie & Eric work hard to uncover the sometimes horrific, crimes committed by unprincipled or desperate people. Although they are mostly always murders, they are often complicated and difficult to understand. In this one Scarlett, a single mother has been murdered and her severely handicapped daughter has disappeared. Tom struggles with this because his stepdaughter is the same age as the young girl. However, once the team solve the case and you learn the truth; it is heartbreaking what really happened.
May 28, 2022
The body of 27 year old Scarlett Turnbull is discovered in her bedroom. Unfortunately her seven year old severely disabled daughter Maggie is missing. The team prioritise finding Maggie. But who would want to kill Scarlett after she had turned her life around to become a devoted single mother.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written mystery, with it likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining, well-plotted and well-written mystery, with it likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via BooksFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 1, 2022
Great storytelling.
This is a great read. I found I couldn’t put it down and finished with a day which now means I have a long wait for the next book in the series. (I have read every book in the series so far.) I found I have connected with the characters and enjoying reading about their developing relationships with each other. The plot has lots of twists and turns and realistic suspects. Just when you think you have it all sorted something happens and you realise you got it wrong.
This is a great read. I found I couldn’t put it down and finished with a day which now means I have a long wait for the next book in the series. (I have read every book in the series so far.) I found I have connected with the characters and enjoying reading about their developing relationships with each other. The plot has lots of twists and turns and realistic suspects. Just when you think you have it all sorted something happens and you realise you got it wrong.
June 4, 2022
What a page turner
I am simply loving this series of books. DI Tim Janssen and the team have a really tragic case to solve, but who could it be? The description about each character is really enthralling. So much hope and disappoint is raised in this book. I really thought I knew the ending, but I was so wrong. For anyone starting this series, please start with book one, you will not be disappointed and you will see how the team work and come together. Now I just have to wait for Book 12.
I am simply loving this series of books. DI Tim Janssen and the team have a really tragic case to solve, but who could it be? The description about each character is really enthralling. So much hope and disappoint is raised in this book. I really thought I knew the ending, but I was so wrong. For anyone starting this series, please start with book one, you will not be disappointed and you will see how the team work and come together. Now I just have to wait for Book 12.
June 8, 2022
They Just Keep Getting Better
This is Book 11 in this mystery series and it has not gotten the least bit stale and repetitive. If anything each successive book is better than the one before it. Not only do we have a fascinating mystery, we also have the detectives growing and changing in their personal and professional lives. All of this makes each book in the series a can't-put-it-down mystery. To get maximum enjoyment, I recommend readers start with Book 1 and read then all in succession. You won't regret it!
This is Book 11 in this mystery series and it has not gotten the least bit stale and repetitive. If anything each successive book is better than the one before it. Not only do we have a fascinating mystery, we also have the detectives growing and changing in their personal and professional lives. All of this makes each book in the series a can't-put-it-down mystery. To get maximum enjoyment, I recommend readers start with Book 1 and read then all in succession. You won't regret it!
June 21, 2022
Excellent read
At the beginning I felt this story was meanandering aimlessly while the author bores the pants off you introducing various characters. That said there was a mystery emerging from the initial scene that goes on to dominate the story, on reflection it was beautifully done. Generally speaking if a story hasn't captured my imagination by half-way then it is in great danger of being binned, The Raven Song never got close to that point as its dull start was rapidly forgotten and the author went on to depict an enthralling modern tragedy.
At the beginning I felt this story was meanandering aimlessly while the author bores the pants off you introducing various characters. That said there was a mystery emerging from the initial scene that goes on to dominate the story, on reflection it was beautifully done. Generally speaking if a story hasn't captured my imagination by half-way then it is in great danger of being binned, The Raven Song never got close to that point as its dull start was rapidly forgotten and the author went on to depict an enthralling modern tragedy.
June 22, 2022
Exceptional Writing/Great SERIES
This book, along with the other 10 in the series, is exceptional. No clear conclusion until the end, or toward the end if you are extremely clever. Also thoroughly enjoy reading books in a series, seeing how the characters change/personal lives evolve during each subsequent book. These are books that I can’t wait for the work day to end so I can continue reading about DI Tom Janssen and the cases. Anxiously awaiting book 12 and more to come from J M Dalgliesh.
This book, along with the other 10 in the series, is exceptional. No clear conclusion until the end, or toward the end if you are extremely clever. Also thoroughly enjoy reading books in a series, seeing how the characters change/personal lives evolve during each subsequent book. These are books that I can’t wait for the work day to end so I can continue reading about DI Tom Janssen and the cases. Anxiously awaiting book 12 and more to come from J M Dalgliesh.
March 8, 2025
Book 11 of 16 The Raven Song by JM Dalgleish. Another excellent mystery by this outstanding author. I wonder how he keeps his threads straight while writing. He must have a good card file to keep them all sorted. This one is about a young mother found dead and her young disabled daughter missing. It keeps you guessing. I’m glad I finished it early afternoon so I don’t have to stay up tonight to find out who done it. The characters are well developed and even those who are annoying, like Tamara’s mother, have some redeeming qualities.
June 1, 2022
I have read everything written by Dalgliesh and this might be my favorite. The descriptive writing is excellent and the characters are so engaging. Even the one or two you have a hard time liking. Little glimpses into the main characters private lives adds those touches that truly bring them to life. I have never been to Norfolk but through the beautiful writing I can clearly picture it. This storyline will pull at your heartstrings and keep you guessing until the end. Highly recommend.
June 1, 2022
Good story
The deeper you go into a series, the better you get to know the characters. That is definitely true for this series and part of what makes it fun to read each new installment. The team has a tough case to crack this time around. While they can find plausible suspects for the murder, no one can figure out a motive for the abduction of a disabled child. As the clock ticks the pressure mounts to find a resolution for the case.
The deeper you go into a series, the better you get to know the characters. That is definitely true for this series and part of what makes it fun to read each new installment. The team has a tough case to crack this time around. While they can find plausible suspects for the murder, no one can figure out a motive for the abduction of a disabled child. As the clock ticks the pressure mounts to find a resolution for the case.
June 3, 2022
Wow!
Terrific! Very different murder situation. A young mother is murdered and her young daughter, with severe physical and mental problems, is missing. The team searches diligently for her while investigating the mother’s confusing, adventurous life. Lots of the men with whom she was involved over the years prove to be dead ends. Sad, upsetting conclusion is very emotional!
Terrific! Very different murder situation. A young mother is murdered and her young daughter, with severe physical and mental problems, is missing. The team searches diligently for her while investigating the mother’s confusing, adventurous life. Lots of the men with whom she was involved over the years prove to be dead ends. Sad, upsetting conclusion is very emotional!
June 4, 2022
The Raven Song -
This series never lets you down. Some books are easier to read than others and this one had me hooked from the start to finish. There is some humour and emotion throughout and you will be trying to work out who was guilty of the crime. I had a hunch as to whom might be the murderer but I couldn’t have guessed the motivation for it and the final outcome. The characters have built over the series and I am looking forward to the next book. 5 out of 5 from me.
This series never lets you down. Some books are easier to read than others and this one had me hooked from the start to finish. There is some humour and emotion throughout and you will be trying to work out who was guilty of the crime. I had a hunch as to whom might be the murderer but I couldn’t have guessed the motivation for it and the final outcome. The characters have built over the series and I am looking forward to the next book. 5 out of 5 from me.
September 25, 2022
The Raven Song
This was such a sad ending to the murder investigation, though I'd largely guessed which way it was going. I know it's fiction, but I don't think the use of a psychologist rang true; I don't believe the police would bring in some visiting professor, rather than a picks profiler. Never mind, another riveting story. Has Dalgliesh stockpiled these stories? I can't believe he's written so many since his first was published.
This was such a sad ending to the murder investigation, though I'd largely guessed which way it was going. I know it's fiction, but I don't think the use of a psychologist rang true; I don't believe the police would bring in some visiting professor, rather than a picks profiler. Never mind, another riveting story. Has Dalgliesh stockpiled these stories? I can't believe he's written so many since his first was published.
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