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MURDER ON THE MARSH a gripping crime thriller full of twists (DI Sam Clayton Norfolk Murder Mysteries series Book 1) Kindle Edition

3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars 2,021 ratings

Introducing a brand new crime thriller series, set in the villages of the Norfolk marshes.

A BOY’S BODY IS FOUND IN A CHURCHYARD. HIS HEART HAS BEEN CUT OUT . . .

DI Sam Clayton has never dealt with such an extreme crime in the quiet Norfolk villages that are part of his patch. When a waitress, Emma Dawson, disappears, it looks like the police might have a serial killer on their hands. Emma seems to have been part of cultish group obsessed with contacting the dead via a medieval mystic. But a mysterious Frenchman and one of the local nature wardens are also suspects. The mystery is further complicated by the locals’ reluctance to share their secrets with the police. DI Clayton’s team also harbour some tragic secrets and it looks like only one of his detectives will be kept on, even if they do catch the vicious killer.

When another child disappears, DI Clayton faces a race against time to prevent any further crimes. Not only that, but he must confront local superstitions and keep his team under control as violence threatens to spiral out of control.

Murder on the Marsh is the first in a new series of page-turning crime thrillers set in an atmospheric part of Norfolk.

THE TEAM
Detective Inspector Sam Clayton leads the investigation into the North Norfolk murders. He joined the police straight from school as a beat bobby in Manchester before rising through the ranks of the CID. He was transferred to Norwich after being promoted to DI following a high-profile case investigated by Lancashire Constabulary. He struggles with anger issues and finds solace in playing classical guitar. He lives in hope of a reconciliation with his ex-wife, Claire.

Detective Sergeant Neil Pringle lives with his third wife in Norwich, where he was born. But taking care of his two sons with his wife Megan, and two other children with previous wives, has put his finances under strain. He never misses a chance to shine in hopes of securing promotion, and can’t help showing off his local knowledge to colleagues.

Detective Sergeant Julie Everett is an intuitive officer who was promoted to detective sergeant from her home town of Ipswich where she had a background in child protection. She is discreet about her personal life among colleagues, particularly about the tragedy which haunts her, but is stressed out because of her work-life balance. She has to deal with a high-pressure job while raising a six-year-old child who moved with her to Norwich.

THE SETTING
The mists sweep across the Glaveny marsh and its muddy channels on the North Norfolk coast, where the reeds rustle and the waist-high grasses whisper in the wind. It is a place, frequented by dog walkers and birdwatchers, where myth and reality collide. Locals talk about a hell hound that roams the marsh in the mist, bringing death in its wake. A medieval mystic who wrote about sin, Mother Julian of Norwich, may have had a connection to the villages dotted with fishermen’s flint cottages. Standing beside the majestic white sails of the windmill in the neighbouring village of Pelham on a clear day you can look over the marsh towards the seal colony on Glaveny Point. As you approach them you can hear the seals and their pups moaning on the shingle. The sound is almost human, like a mermaid’s siren call. When the mist rolls in, it is blindingly thick in minutes. When it retreats, who knows what will be left behind?

ALSO BY ANNE PENKETH
DI SAM CLAYTON SERIES

Book 1: MURDER ON THE MARSH
Book 2: THE BAD SISTER
Book 3: PLAY DEAD
Book 4: MURDER AT THE MANOR

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From the Publisher

DISCOVER A GRIPPING CRIME MYSTERY SERIES FILLED WITH KILLER TWISTS

This page-turning crime mystery series set in an atmospheric part of Norfolk is perfect for fans of Michael Hambling, Matt Brolly, J.R. Ellis, J.D. Kirk and Elly Griffiths.

Customer Reviews
3.7 out of 5 stars
2,021
4.2 out of 5 stars
554
4.2 out of 5 stars
694
4.3 out of 5 stars
2,066
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Editorial Reviews

Review

We're including it here as part of New Talent November. . . . Anne Penketh has managed to cram an awful lot into her crime fiction debut.-- "Crime Fiction Lover"

About the Author

Anne Penketh is a British journalist and author based in Paris. She is originally from Lancashire, England, but has worked all over the world as a foreign correspondent. Her books include Food Fight.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01MCS2O7A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Joffe Books Mystery, Crime Thriller, Suspense Fiction (October 10, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 10, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 980 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 235 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars 2,021 ratings

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Anne Penketh
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Anne Penketh is originally from Lancashire, England, and turned to fiction after a career as a foreign correspondent. After writing a series of police procedurals for Joffe books set in Norfolk, where her relatives live, she has now followed her heart to Brittany for some amateur sleuthing. Anne worked in France for many years and divides her time between London and Paris.

Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
2,021 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story interesting and well-crafted. They describe the book as a gripping thriller with suspenseful moments and revelations. Many find it an enjoyable read, though some feel the information is scattered and unclear. There are mixed opinions on the character development, with some finding them interesting and believable, while others feel there is minimal character development and inconsistencies in the DI's character.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

15 customers mention "Story quality"12 positive3 negative

Customers find the story engaging with an interesting plot and well-thought-out mystery. They find the suspenseful moments and revelations gripping and the setting ominous, making it an absorbing mystery.

"...The story twists were well played. I was drawn into the story pretty quickly and agree that it is a gripping thriller." Read more

"I do like the plot of this e-book, but the characters are disappointingly developed...." Read more

"...The characters were interesting and believable. The plot intense .I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series." Read more

"I really enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and the story was well thought out. Looking forward to reading more from this author." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable and engaging.

"...The story line was a bit “out there”, but overall it was a good read." Read more

"I enjoyed reading your book. The characters were interesting and believable...." Read more

"...An okay book for reading on my train commute - easy to put down; not at all a curl up all weekend book." Read more

"...Confusing story line but had some interesting characters. Not a bad read but a little tough to follow." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"4 positive2 negative

Customers have differing views on the character development. Some find the characters interesting and believable, while others feel there is minimal character growth and inconsistencies in the DI's character.

"I enjoyed reading your book. The characters were interesting and believable...." Read more

"I do like the plot of this e-book, but the characters are disappointingly developed...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and the story was well thought out. Looking forward to reading more from this author." Read more

"...Confusing story line but had some interesting characters. Not a bad read but a little tough to follow." Read more

3 customers mention "Information quality"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the information in the book inconsistent and unclear. They mention the details are scattered and connections shaky. The book starts slowly and goes over the same information multiple times.

"...;, "she" or "it" is used as the subject, the reference is very unclear from the preceding sentence(s)...." Read more

"Never felt cohesive, details were scattered and the connections shaky. Plus, how many times can you make a stupid mistake that lets a suspect run?!" Read more

"slow to start, goes over and over same info" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021
    I had a little trouble following this for a while, but then it came together. The story line was a bit “out there”, but overall it was a good read.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2024
    This little mystery takes place where the mist and legends play a big part in the investigation. I think that the setting makes this mystery so much more ominous and thrilling. The townspeople's belief in the hell hound and the paranormal ability of the victim both help and hinder the investigation. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the investigators as each brought something to the case. The tension builds with the addition of another victim - maybe related, maybe not. The story twists were well played. I was drawn into the story pretty quickly and agree that it is a gripping thriller.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2020
    I do like the plot of this e-book, but the characters are disappointingly developed. The police work comes across as plodding and a bit inept, but that is more due to insufficient personnel than from lack of skill. The detective trio working are an odd group: a DI is a closed-minded cop unwilling to adapt to his small-town location, a detective sergeant who is willing to make his DI look bad so that he can get a promotion, and a female detective sergeant who has earned her way up yet is still overly sensitive to snarky comments and criticisms. What is really bothersome for me the incongruity in the DI's character. The DI claims to want his ex-wife back and then at another time he appears to be looking forward to selling their too large house, going on a vacation, and buying a fixer-upper. Later he meets with his ex-wife at her invitation, she seems to be opening the door for a reunion, and he leaves for work with no comment. I supposed that this was to communicate his own confusion, but it only confused me. Also, he would give his female DS the okay to explore the supernatural aspect of the case and then pretty much call what she discovered as nonsense. And his relaxing is with the classical guitar, yet he has anger management troubles. Another thing that bothers me is his seeming nonchalance toward the brief insertion of human trafficking situation. He seems more upset at his losing his day off than he is at human traffickers are now landing in his police district!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020
    I enjoyed reading your book. The characters were interesting and believable. The plot intense .I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2017
    I read a great deal of murder mysteries (any era) and fantasy. This one really fell flat because:
    1) While the book was not self-published, Joffe Books appears to be a small independent publisher and the editing is extremely weak. Many times when "he", "she" or "it" is used as the subject, the reference is very unclear from the preceding sentence(s).
    2) There is minimal character development. Some traits become known as you read further but many character reactions/interactions come as complete surprises making the narrative jumpy and disjointed. Conversations are basic; there is very little of the daily humor most people add to their dialog.
    3) The action sequences are odd. I have no idea why one character did something he did. Before I purchased this book, I read many reviews that mentioned plot twists. I must have missed them. While the investigation was not linear, it felt more like the author hadn't decided herself who the actually murderer was until halfway through the book.

    I finished the book as it was only about 220 pages and I wanted to write an honest, helpful review as I've benefitted from honest reviews on Amazon in the past. An okay book for reading on my train commute - easy to put down; not at all a curl up all weekend book.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2017
    I really enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and the story was well thought out. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2020
    Set in England, with British phrases and locations. Confusing story line but had some interesting characters. Not a bad read but a little tough to follow.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021
    This has an interesting plot with several possible murderers. The characters seemed true to life, each with flaws and weaknesses. I thought Dillard, the Frenchman acted out of character, running from police, then going back to the UK.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Tracey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Murder on the Marsh
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2019
    A child is found murdered followed by a local woman. It comes out the woman was a psychic and held seances with friends. Then the Police are told Black Shuck the dog has been seen around the marshes. D.I. Sam Clayton and his team have their work cut out as they try to get to the bottom of Just what is going on.
    I really did enjoy this first Sam Clayton novel by Anne Penketh. It was easy to read and had me gripped from the get go.
    Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended if you love crime thrillers.
  • Donna M. Thornton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on May 24, 2017
    Enjoyed this bookk very much. Looking forward to getting more from this author.
  • Pauline Ridel
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mists and mysticism
    Reviewed in France on October 19, 2016
    When a medium is called in to help with a murder inquiry, those whose loved ones have fallen victim to the mystery killer are not the only ones who are suspicious. Most of the police officers involved in the case have their doubts too. But as their investigation has already taken them along the drizzly coast of North Norfolk, out to sea, and to France and back, with no sign of a breakthrough on the clouded horizon, even the insights of a child who may have been in touch with the dead could just give them a lead…

    Anne Penketh scoops up wispy threads of mist drifting in from the North Sea to weave a tale that is as eerily evocative as it is spookily compelling, steeped in the dampness of mudflats untrodden and words unsaid, and positively oozing darkness.

    I know this area well, and although some place names have been changed to protect the innocent, the guilty, the gullible and the downright gormless, Sheringham, Cromer and Holt are real enough. Mother Julian of Norwich has followers worldwide, and fear of the legendary hell hound "Black Shuck" (or more often "Old Shuck") has filtered down from medieval times and is still spoken of throughout East Anglia today.

    Returning from the paranormal to more down-to-earth concerns, the fictional team of sleuths in this novel deserve to take on more inquiries, especially as readers will be keen to find out how their love lives unravel and their career opportunities evolve alongside childcare issues and spiteful gossip around the cop shop coffee machine. So I was pleased to read that "Murder on the Marsh" is the first of a series of detective novels.
  • Guy
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2022
    This is book #1 in the Norfolk Murder series by Anne Penketh and is an interesting read.

    Addmittedly, after the first few chapters I was ready to put the book down. It seemed more like a report than a novel. However, as we found out more about the prime characters, it improved into an intriguing tale!

    The body of a young boy is found in a graveyard and a waitress Emma Dawson goes missing. DI Sam Clayton and his team investigate and must decide if the events are related. There are plenty of suspects in a complex case including a Frenchman, farm workers and wardens at a seal sanctuary. Sam also tries to fight the potential loss of a team member due to cost cutting.

    I'm now looking forward to book #2......
    Customer image
    Guy
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 25, 2022
    This is book #1 in the Norfolk Murder series by Anne Penketh and is an interesting read.

    Addmittedly, after the first few chapters I was ready to put the book down. It seemed more like a report than a novel. However, as we found out more about the prime characters, it improved into an intriguing tale!

    The body of a young boy is found in a graveyard and a waitress Emma Dawson goes missing. DI Sam Clayton and his team investigate and must decide if the events are related. There are plenty of suspects in a complex case including a Frenchman, farm workers and wardens at a seal sanctuary. Sam also tries to fight the potential loss of a team member due to cost cutting.

    I'm now looking forward to book #2......
    Images in this review
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  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting.....bit of a stretch, but interesting.
    Reviewed in Australia on August 24, 2018
    Had a bit of a problem swallowing the storyline, but it was still quite an interesting read. Some of the actions were a little far fetched for my taste but, then, maybe......perhaps there are really people like that in real life.

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