"Land Rites" by Andy Maslen is a gripping and intricately woven mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. DI Ford is a compelling protagonist with a complex past that adds depth to his character. As he navigates the investigation into the two murders in the idyllic Salisbury countryside, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with suspense and intrigue.

Maslen's storytelling is skillful, and he masterfully develops multiple suspects and intertwining plotlines, keeping the reader guessing throughout. The connection between the victims, both of whom met their demise near the Alverchalke Estate, adds layers of complexity to the case, and the tension escalates as Ford and Dr. Hannah Fellowes race against time to uncover the hidden link.

What sets "Land Rites" apart is its exploration of not only the murder mystery but also the personal demons and secrets of DI Ford. His struggle with guilt and his attempts to shield his teenage son from the truth create a compelling emotional backdrop to the story.

The novel's pacing is excellent, and the suspense builds steadily, making it difficult to put down. While some readers may find certain aspects of the resolution slightly predictable, the overall execution of the story and character development more than compensate.

In "Land Rites," Andy Maslen delivers a highly engaging and satisfying mystery with well-drawn characters and a captivating plot. It earns a solid four-star rating for its gripping narrative and the depth of its protagonist's personal journey.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Detective Ford Series Book 2.

Polly Evans’ dog digs up a human hand and she calls the Police. Another body shows up a couple of days later in a nearby pond. Detective Ford is called to the scene of both crimes and believes they are connected; but how?

I enjoyed the plot and interesting characters of this book. One of my favorite characters was Dr. Hannah Fellowes (AKA Wix), the forensics officer, because of her nicknames for everyone and her matter-of-fact disposition because of Asperger’s. She kept the story interesting. The writing has lots of graphic crime scene descriptions which can get a bit gruesome. There is also a lot of technical medical jargon I had a hard time following. The story tended to drag on a bit for me so I was grateful for the short chapters. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy real crime stories!

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Well Crafted..
The second in the Detective Ford series finds the detective called in to investigate a murder, but is there a connection to a second murder occurring shortly afterwards? Well crafted plot with a credible and interesting cast of characters, a plethora of suspects and many threads. A worthy follow up to the first in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. This was an excellent read.
Thoroughly recommended

Second book in the Detective Ford series, an enjoyable read though not as gripping as the first book. Interesting to see how the main characters are developing.

This was a great read and a new adventure with DI Henry Ford. It is a very good police procedural and kept me engaged throughout. I am so happy to have discovered this series.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

An exciting and thrilling read. A high recommend. I eagerly await the next volume to see how the protagonist’s life turns out. Definitely one of the better books of the summer.

What does a street thug, a titled land owner and a vicar have in common? This book! What a story. The main character is a detective. Ford is an interesting guy. He does step over the line a time or two while looking for answers. But he is determined to find the answers. The side story of his personal life adds interest. I liked the story.

I really enjoyed this, it was my first Andy Maslen novel. A disturbing double murder case always makes for a great police procedural set in Salisbury. DI Ford has his hands full with the murders and bringing up his son following the accidental death of his wife while rock climbing.

I usually bang on about needing to read books in order but I can honestly say that coming to this series a little late to the party hasn't been an issue. The main protagonists personal and private issues are dealt with in such a way as to allow me to catch up.

Easy to read and easy to recommend

Read for an honest review. Thank you Mr Maslen, #Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK

This is the second book in this series however I can not see why it could not be read as a stand alone. I enjoy the characters especially Hannah, I feel like we are on a journey with her and her growth within the team. The plot was the right pace for a police procedural. My only gripe was I think the story line about DI Fords wife now needs to be dropped or something big happen with it, his guilt is being mentioned all the time and his brood manor over it could be off putting if there are many more of the books bringing it up. I would like to see him move forward.
overall this is a good story that kept me engaged

DI Ford is alerted that a dog walker (or rather their dog!) has found human remains down a badger sett. Although the body has been dismembered, when Ford crawls in & finds the head he recognises the victim- the younger brother of a local crime gang. His brother makes it clear to Ford that he needs to find the killer- or else. When another body turns up after a downpour Ford wonders if it is a coincidence that both of these men were found on the estate of a local big wig. The aristocratic family are at first helpful, but Ford is suspicious. There seem to be too many guns & too many crack shots about. With the help of the somewhat quirky 'Wix' Ford struggles to solve the case before the Boulter Brother's time runs out.

I really enjoyed the first in this series & was looking forward to the next one. I found it as enjoyable with good characters & plot twists. I'm now looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Having not encountered the author previously, this is the surprising second book of the Detective Ford series by Andy Maslen. A woman walking her dog comes across human remains, and soon another victim is discovered nearby. Inspector Ford sees a connection between the bodies, but is there any connection to the Alverchalke Estate? Harbouring secrets of his own, Ford and the various characters makes for a captivating tale and engrossing crime series. A great English police procedural with a four-star worthy, must-read rating. With thanks to NetGalley, the author and Amazon Publishing UK for a preview copy, novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in the Detective Ford series by Andy Maslen, with Shallow Ground being the first.

The police are called by a dog walker after her border terrier unearths a human hand. Ford is called in to investigate and forensics soon discover more body parts. The body is that of Tommy Boulter, a member of a local family who are well known for their criminal activities. When Ford visits them to break the news, he is met with anger and is issued with the ultimatum – to find the killer within one week or they will take matters into their own hands.

The land where the gruesome discovery was made is owned by local gentry - Lord Baverstock and when the cause of Tommy’s death is discovered as being from a gun shot, the numerous guns owned by Lord Baverstock opens up further investigations. Whilst the initial investigation is underway, a second body is discovered less than a mile away, Ford begins to work on the assumption that the two cases are linked.

As with the first book, I really enjoyed this one. The pace of the writing was just right, and kept me engaged throughout. Overall, a great read and I look forward to the next instalment in the series.

Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley UK for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Andy Madsen can surely write thriller that will keep you on the edge till the last page.
This one is excellent and I loved the storytelling, the character development and the gripping plot.
It's strongly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Another excellent story by Andy Maslen. Land Rites keeps the series in a high level, and the reader looking forward to the next book. The story has a lot of mystery to be uncovered, fears to be overcome, familial ties that become stronger as well as relationships that are slowly becoming really solid. Ford still has to overcome his feelings regarding the loss of this wife and that is being step by step constructed within the plot of each book. This is one of the most entertaining books I read so far this year!

Another great read from Andy Haslen. I enjoyed his first book and this second one did not disappoint. This one ends with a little teaser so I hope number 3 will follow soon

While out walking, Polly Evans' dog discovers the remains of a body in a badger sett, on private lands. D.I. Henry Ford is called out to investigate. Is the body that of Tommy Boltor, from a local criminal family. He is soon identified as such.
Meanwhile Ruth Long reports her husband ex-vicar Owen , 70, missing after five days to D.C. Wallace.
Ford and his team must unravel the mysteries.
An enjoyable and well-written crime story with its cast of varied characters. A book that can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

DI Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes are investigating two brutal murders. There are several connections between the two deaths. They have the same tattoos and they were both found on land belonging to the very prominent Lord Baverstock.

The brothers of the first man found is threatening Ford .. demanding that he find whoever killed his brother ...and is giving Ford exactly one week. If Ford doesn't, then the brothers will take over the case. The victim was a petty poacher, the youngest brother of a local crime family.

Certain that there’s more to this case than trespassing, Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes race to find the hidden link. But when one victim’s family threatens to expose Ford’s own dark secret, the ticking clock becomes a time bomb.

Still consumed by guilt over his part in his wife’s tragic accident and struggling to raise the teenage son he lied to, Ford now finds himself losing control of the investigation. Can he work with Hannah to solve the case while privately fighting off the attempted blackmail? Or have his demons finally caught up with him?

It's a well written follow up to SHALLOW GRAVE. The plot is tightly woven around outstanding characters amid a background of suspense and tension filled with compelling twists and turns. The suspects are many and varied. Characters are deftly drawn. I like how Ford's private life is blended with the professional.

Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2021/04/03/%f0%9f%8e%a7-land-rites-by-andy-maslon/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I started this  <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/302465-detective-ford" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Detective Ford</strong></em></a> series, because Steve West was narrating, but a British police mystery is a favorite genre as well. The main character is a single dad, who lost his wife in a tragic accident.  He has felt considerable grief and guilt.  Now six years later, Ford has a teenage son and a promotion.  In my head, Steve West is the main character although I am pretty sure the character is older than him.

I love the layers in the writing.  The world building has the police force with its detectives, forensic teams and gun squads.  There is both political and personal developments.  Ford has a female partner who he respects. The new forensic team member has Asperger's.  His direct boss is also a woman and he knows how to present information for her.  He works well and appreciates all these women.  Interestingly the men on the team are more problematic with one going through a divorce and one wanting to do more than his experience warrants.

The case of two murders has a number of problems.  Firstly,  it runs up against the aristocratic class being witnesses or suspects which is politically tricky. Then one of the victims is the younger brother of some local toughs who want to take matters into their own hands. Plus it seems like there is someone in the department leaking information to the suspects / witnesses.

Ford is also still dealing with his guilt over his wife's death. Now his son Sam wants to go climbing for a school trip and since that is a factor in his wife's death, he is uncomfortable.  But he does a great job of looking at the evidence and trying out all the theories without regards to politics or class issues.  It's a complex and exciting case.  I really loved <strong>Land Rites</strong> and can't wait for more.
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