On Cold Ground by D. S. Butler was an exciting detective series I didn’t want put down. It was book 5 in the series and I read it fine as a stand-alone. It was well written and I recommend. The author skillfully wrote a good story that kept me guessing.
Thanks Amazon Publishing via NetGalley.

"On Cold Ground" by D.S. Butler is a gripping and atmospheric crime thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Detective Karen Hart is a compelling protagonist who is not only dedicated to solving the case but also wrestling with her own personal demons.

The novel's strength lies in its well-crafted plot and suspenseful pacing. The murder in Lincoln Cathedral sets the stage for a series of ritualistic killings that send shockwaves through the community. The mysterious and sadistic murderer, known as 'The Cleanser,' adds a chilling layer to the narrative. Butler skillfully builds tension as Hart races against time to uncover the motive behind these gruesome killings.

Karen Hart is a complex and relatable character, and her personal struggles following the deaths of her husband and daughter add depth to her character. The exploration of a potential conspiracy within the police force further intensifies the intrigue.

While the resolution of the mystery is satisfying, some readers may find certain aspects of the plot and character development predictable. Nevertheless, the overall execution and writing style make "On Cold Ground" a highly enjoyable and engrossing read.

This novel earns a solid four-star rating for its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and the atmospheric setting of the historic Lincoln Cathedral. Fans of crime thrillers will find themselves thoroughly immersed in Karen Hart's toughest case yet.

A great police procedural that makes the reader work to solve the crime before the reveal. Great characters set into a realistic community.

This series is not that well known but based on this book I feel it needs much greater attention. This is a good fast paced detective book with some great characters, and great plotting. Karen the lead detective is really taken through the mill in this book as she is targeted as part of the corruption she is fighting against in the police force.

Overall this is an excellent series and I have enjoyed reading all the books in the series centred around Lincoln; this one is no different. Karen is a great character and there are some great support acts in this book. An excellent storyline has been brought together and it builds towards an excellent and exciting conclusion.

I thoroughly recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys good quality detective fiction, and I personally look forward to continuing the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really loved this exciting story from DS Butler, it was full of tense moments that had me biting my nails as well as plot twists I didn't see coming..I am glad though that the ongoing police corruption story has been wrapped up so we can concentrate on the current case. I look forward to the next book in this series

This was a very good, keep you guessing kind of book. I kept thinking I knew what was gonna happen and I couldn't but it came together wonderfully at the end. I really enjoyed this title even though I haven't read the rest of the series....yet! Fast paced and perfect!

Another solid addition to the Karen hart series, with a focus on loose ends from previous books. Thanks for the opportunity to read

I know this book gets great reviews but it's not among my favorites. I hesitate to give a review....I am willing to try another book by this author.

A great read, full of twists and turns. I'm really enjoying the series and awaiting the next case! Karen is a great character.

I was given this ARC as a gift from the publisher and NetGalley

I enjoyed this book I only wish I had read the first books in the series, although it isn't necessary as the author does a good job of keeping you informed by not giving up too much.

I found the story engaging, the plot was interesting and there were some red herrings that did trip me up a little bit.

This was a great book to fill the time. As I said I wish I had encountered the series before this 5th book, I may go back and read the other books in the series.

The switch of the point of view between Karen and the killer did give me pause. I honestly thought I had figured out the killer but was surprised until the middle of the book, which is unusual for me.

Overall a very good read.

This is a book I have also had to put to one side so I can catch up with the first few books. I am not one to start down a series but I will be picking this back up

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

Really love the Karen Hart series and this offering is just as complex as previous books in the series.
Always well thought out plot lines, brilliant and fascinating characters. With twists that you really cannot foresee.
Excellent series for fans of crime fiction

This was a great addition to the DS Karen Hart series ! Gripped me from the first page and had me guessing right to the very end with the resolution of the Police Corruption Case that had ran through the other books in the series. Great read !

I liked the story, the twist and turns made it hard to put the book down and I kept guessing 'til the end. Great series, portraying solid police work.

This was the first book I've read in the Detective Karen Hart Series, but I've already bought and downloaded book 1 of the series. I thought this worked fine as a stand alone - there is a history with some of the characters but not anything that lowered my enjoyment of the book.

At an evening holiday festival with her boyfriend, Karen Hart is first on the scene of a murder. Various things seem to indicate the work of a serial killer, and when the lead on the case is threatened, a group of outside investigators is brought in.

I liked the mystery, and I also felt like this was a good police procedural - there was a lot of detail work and cooperation.

I had a hard time putting it down, which is always a sign of a good mystery! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for once again helping me discover a new author.

On Cold Ground by D. S. Butler

This story involves a merciless killer, who will stop at nothing and a detective with nothing left to lose.

Excellent novel. I recommend this book. It is a thriller conspiracy. Serious characters, well thought out plot.
Read it and see if you can guess them murderer.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

What a great series and this installment did not disappoint. There is a lot of suspense to be had along with a very good plot. I love the character of Karen Blackwell and look forward to reading more of her adventures.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the fifth book in the series featuring Detective Karen Hart and situated in the city of Lincoln. Whilst strolling round the Christmas market Karen and her boyfriend, Mike, hear a scream as they approach the cathedral. A body of a man has been found in the pews. A mark around his neck indicates that he has been strangled but he has also had a cross etched to his forehead. They discover that he was a member of the choir there. DI Morgan, the lead investigator in the case, receives a mysterious note through his letterbox during the night stating that the man, Lloyd Nelson, was guilty of physically abusing his wife and embezzling money from his firm and signed it ‘The Cleanser’. As the killer knows his address and identity Morgan is taken off the case and Karen is assigned a new team, lead by DCI Churchill. He is an arrogant man who Karen suspects of being one of a number of corrupt officers under an ongoing enquiry and maybe linked to the death of Karen’s husband dead daughter. A body of a young woman is discovered bearing the same marks as Lloyd and another note is delivered to the DS of the new team, Karen and her team realise that they have a serial killer on their hands and time is running out before he strikes again. This is a great series of,books, each one full of twists and turns, suspicion and red herrings that will keep you guessing right until the end. A highly recommended read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I really enjoyed this book. It is book 5 in a series but there is enough information for it to be read on its own. The characters were immediately appealing and the writing has an easy, natural flow. I finished it in a day, I couldn’t put it down. A new author for me and I will definitely be searching out her other books.