I discovered the Detective Karen Hart series through Kindle Unlimited and was excited to read “On Cold Ground.” The main investigation in the book is the search for a ritualistic killer who calls himself “The Cleanser.” In addition to this creepy case, the storyline regarding possible corruption at high levels of the Lincolnshire police continues from the first three books of the series.

The book is fast-paced and I really enjoyed it. The main characters are likable, especially Karen and her boss, Scott. However, I hated that for much of the book, another less likable team of detectives were brought in on the investigation. It fits in with the plot, but one character in particular is overbearing and unfair and it’s not pleasant to read. Karen doesn’t know who to trust which makes solving the murders even harder. It also adds a level of foreboding and danger to an already suspenseful story. Many surprising revelations are made as the story progresses and the book has an ending I didn’t anticipate. I highly recommend this series and think fans of Lisa Regan or Caro Ramsay would enjoy it. I would rate the book 4.5 stars, but be aware that this book has spoilers for the prior books in the series, so it might be best to start at the beginning.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Thomas & Mercer. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

Review of eBook

Detective Sergeant Karen Hart, first on the scene of a gruesome murder in the Morning Chapel, a small chapel within Lincoln Cathedral. The body of a man, Lloyd Nelson, bore ligature marks across the front of his neck. And the figure of a cross, carved into his forehead, suggested some manner of a ritualistic killing.

As Karen investigates, a letter purportedly from the killer [signed “The Cleanser”] indicates that this is the first of many killings. Soon enough, there’s another killing, carried out in the same way and with the cross cut into the victim’s forehead. And then a letter left on the doorstep of the lead investigator causes a shuffle in assignments and brings the difficult Detective Inspector Churchill to the Lincolnshire Police and splits up the investigating team.

The officers, caught up in investigating the serial killer murders, are also involved in the investigation of a hit-and-run involving a young bicyclist, hit by a car and left by the side of the road to die as the motorist drove away. And there’s still the hint of corruption within the department.

Is there a conspiracy within the police ranks? Will The Cleanser strike again before the police find him? And will the conspiracy claim more officers before they expose the corruption at last?

Fifth in the Detective Karen Hart series, this intriguing police procedural brings well-developed, believable characters into a complex plot. There is sufficient backstory for readers new to the series for “On Cold Ground” to work as a stand-alone, but with several plotlines coming from previous books, readers may want to start at the beginning of the series.

As in previous books, Karen continues to try to come to terms with the death of her husband, Josh, and daughter, Tilly, several years earlier. This backstory gives depth to the character; readers may find themselves empathizing with Karen as the story unfolds. Time, as they say, helps; however, she now seems a bit compulsive in her determination to

There are several unexpected plot twists that readers may not see coming; some surprising revelations change things for many of the characters involved in the telling of the tale. Readers who enjoy police procedurals, as well as fans of the series, will find much to appreciate here.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley
#OnColdGround #NetGalley

On Cold Ground
D.S. Butler
March 25, 2021

DI Karen Hart has gone through through gamut when her husband, Josh and daughter, Tilly died in a car accident. As it turned out this was no accident, they were intentionally run off the road by someone from the department. All had thought that the killer was arrested but those in the upper ranks began investigations for more conspiracy within the department. The inquiry was converted among upper ranks so Hart was not aware of further coercion. She was back in the force attempting to pull her life back together, dating Mike, a former police officer. After dinner and wine at the Christmas Festival they walked past a beautiful cathedral. The sun was setting while taking the long way to their flats. Suddenly cries of fear were heard from the chapel. They saw a woman running out the door screaming about a body and blood. Karen went into police mode to investigate. Mike held guard at the entrance prohibiting further attendance. She found a man in his 30s, lying on under a pew in the darkened chapel.
This book is #5 in the Karen Hart series by D.S. Butler. It takes place in England. On Cold Ground is a detailed chronicle of a week of murder and suspence. It’s very well written and holds the reader on edge. As I had not read any books in the series, I found it a bit dry in the beginning trying to get a feel for the storyline. It didn’t take long to be drawn in. I too was intrigued by the suspense and tension involved. On Cold Ground by Karen Hart will be published byThomas and Mercer on March 25, 2021. I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read and review Butler’s latest novel. As many English mysteries are, it is filled with character information and plot elements. It is excellent and although it is the last of the Harper series it can be read as a stand alone. Enjoy!

Karen Hart is a Detective Sergeant at the local Police Department. She is involved in the investigations of a series of murders performed by an individual who calls himself “The Cleanser”. Each victim was strangled and had a cross carved into his forehead. She was also looking into allegations of Police misconduct and corruption along with the case of a twelve year old boy killed in a hit and run. It is a procedural and really well done. The plot is complex and the frustrations of the detectives believable, as were the political workings of their department. Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas and Mercer for an ARC for an honest review.

335 pages

3 stars

Let me begin by saying that the story line of this book took a turn that I personally did not appreciate.

Aside from that, it is a pretty good book. The characters are well developed and interesting (some more than others). All in all, it is a good addition to the series.

I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery book. The characters are very likable and you really understand their team work to solve the crime.
Karen is a detective that is grieving for her husband and daughter. Morgan is the team lead and her really watches out for his team.
A hit and run bike accident leaving a teenager dead, a man strangled in a church with a cross on his forehead starts the journey to learn how these people were killed. As the bodies keep turning up it looks like a serial killer and they might be closer than you think.
Thank you Netgalley for complimentary copy

This is only my second DS Karen Hart. Since this is a police procedure story, I figure ~ find the killer and arrest him/her ~ so was sure I was okay with the basic back ground info I got from Book #4 "House of Lies"; although I normally prefer to follow a series in order.

This story starts with DS Karen Hart on a rare day off; she hears a scream from the cathedral. She investigates and finds a man dead in the Morning Chapel of Lincoln Cathedral. He has been killed and has a carving of a cross into his forehead.
Soon after, she and her partner Mike Harrington get a letter from the killer signed “The Cleanser”. They are fearful more killing are about to happen. Does the killer know his prey? Is this the beginning of a series of ritual killing?
Karen is given a hard time as to whether she can do her job. We know that her husband Josh and daughter Tilly were killed, so many believe she needs time off and grief counseling.

Story is told from the POV of Karen and the killer ~ code name Sparrow. This totally kept me guessing

I was into this story immediately. There are few other cases going on and I wasn’t sure if that is just what normally happens or of there were connected. Hmmm

This was a good story that kept me interested. It was a 3 stars read (I personally believe 3 stars = good)
However, it got more exciting in the last part and I loved the ending so 4 stars for me!! (BTW: 4 = Great!}

I am looking forward to the next in this series!
Personal Note: You have no idea how much I enjoy a story that doesn’t include nasty f-bombs and ugly profanity! Aww D.S. Butler~ you are my hero!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this early release granted to me for an honest professional review. Australian Edition Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 25, 2021

It’s purely coincidence that DI Karen Hart is first on scene when a man is murdered in a church, a cross crudely carved into his forehead. The police soon receive a message from the killer, who calls himself the Cleanser, and it’s apparent that the killer is just getting warmed up. Struggling with the investigation, Karen finds herself saddled with a difficult new officer and begins to wonder if the stories she’s hearing about police conspiracies and involvement in the case have any merit. This series is excellent, it’s a British police procedural that ticks all the boxes and has the bonus of a troubled and believable heroine

Good British police procedural featuring corrupt officers as murderers. What is is believed to to be believed to be ritual killings that seemed to have no ties all lead back to one of their own. Karen is determined to not only solve the murders but root out the corruption that saw her lose her husband and daughter.

This is the 5th book in a detective series but can be read as a stand alone.

Normally the bad guy is on the outside….

This is a different approach to detective stories. A little far fetched but entertaining. Well written and easy to get engrossed in.

Detective Karen Hart is a great character.
Exciting plot with enough intrigue to keep you engaged.
Definitely recommend reading the series in order.
Solid police procedural series that will keep you guessing and wondering.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

A very good book with a gripping storyline that keeps you interested and guessing to the end, with characters full of depth.

Detective Karen Hart is back! And this time, the case will lead her on a path that will try her patience. Upon finding the body of a man murdered and mutilated with a cross on his forehead, she finds herself scrambling for clues to no avail. A note has been sent by someone called “The Cleanser” telling her that he is just getting started. And more murders begin to happen.

I found myself trying to figure out who the murderer was, but then as more clues were given, I was back at zero. The characters are very well defined and there were one or two characters I could have done without only because they were so hateful. However, that’s what made the story so intriguing and suspenseful.

My recommendation to you is this: although it’s a must read, please read the rest of the Karen Hart series in order to understand the character! Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with AC! Looking forward to the next D.S. Butler book!

A member of the police force becomes an assassin serial killer to appease a high ranking senior officer. The killer starts to enjoy the killings and adds his own brand to the killings. A great read, well recommended

This is the fifth book in the Detective Karen Hart series and it just keeps getting better. Set in and around Lincoln, with good character development and an absorbing plot to follow. Karen is investigating a series of murders, a hit and run as well as police corruption. I enjoyed the read, it's not complicated and can be read as a stand alone. A really good author to follow. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Another great book in this series! So much is discovered in this book. (Read the others in the series if you haven't yet) You won't be disappointed.

Complex police thriller featuring detective Karen Hart and her team. Good characters and an intriguing storyline,with some twists.

Karen is now back from her extended leave, and while hesitant to be back she knows she has to get back in the

Proverbial saddle or she'll never return. What she's not expecting is what initially appears a basic murder that soon turns into a cereal. nor does she understand just how much she herself is being followed and tracked. While she tries to keep her brother's murder case alive, she's fighting to keep control of her current case and to not make further damage to her career. This is one of the better books in the series, don't miss it.

Another gripping read from D S Butler and Det. Karen Hart.
The Cleanser is cleaning up and Det. Hart has the job of trying to solve the case.
Meanwhile Karen Hart is still trying to get to the bottom of the deaths of her husband and daughter and finding out who are the "dirty" Police Officers.
Great read and can't wait for the next instalment

Having read the first two in the series, I’d not read the last two, so I wondered if this would work for me but I’d no need to worry. This is an excellent tail that while it does hark back to what’s happened previously in the series it works perfectly well as a stand a lone too. . A body is found in the Morning Chapel in Lincoln Cathedral and Karen is first on the scene. What follows is a brilliantly executed tale that cleverly mixes the main and subplots. A totally unputdownable read