Inspector John Barton has the chance to leave his desk job and get back to solving crimes. Immediately he is put onto a missing teenager case and an attempted murder. Could it be a coincidence that the mother of the missing girl is the best friend of the victim who was targeted in the attempted murder?
The Village Killer is the 7th book in the DI Barton series. There are mentions of earlier cases but no spoilers.
A sassy teen has gone missing but her mother thinks she has gone off with a boyfriend and seems quite uncaring. She is much more animated about her friend’s situation who claims to have been almost run over deliberately. DI Barton has a tough time adjusting to being back on a case and there are personal and professional relationships that need to be handled delicately.
The pace of the book is quite slow and a third of the book has passed before a murder happens. We are allowed to see the machinations of the killer through first person narrative chapters that show his obsession. This does build tension and anticipation but I was impatient for more action and drama.
I really like DI Barton’s character and there is a gentle humour to him and his interactions with other. He is sensitive to the emotions of others which makes him a good friend as well as a good detective.
The Village Killer is an enjoyable police procedural with an easy to like lead detective.
The Village Killer
The BRAND NEW Barton thriller from the bestselling Ross Greenwood.
After three years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton wonders if he’s still got what it takes.
An opportunity arises to return to Major Crimes, so he jumps at it, after all he’s been around the block a few times. When he and his team are called in to investigate an attempted murder which seems to be linked to the case of a missing child, Barton is immediately thrust back into the life of a detective – early mornings, late nights and endless pressure to get to the truth.
Then a man dies.
Something deadly is going on behind the high walls and imposing gates of the mansions in the sleepy village of Castor. The locals are keeping each other’s secrets and if Barton doesn’t find out why soon, the bodies will start mounting up.
The Village Killer knows who’s next, and the clock is ticking…
The book all Ross Greenwood fans have been waiting for – Barton is Back! Ross Greenwood returns to his bestselling series, perfect for fans of Mark Billingham and Ian Rankin.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/villagekillersocial
Author Bio –
Ross Greenwood has had an eclectic career, ranging from financial advisor to Prison officer. The advent of parenthood and the terrifying rise of Spice in prison led Ross to become a stay -at-home parent and a novelist.
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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ross-greenwood
