"Bleeding Heart Yard" by Elly Griffiths is the third Harbinder Kaur book, a series which I hope carries on for a long time. It's nice to see how she is progressing in her career but what is great about this series of books, that the main character doesn't overpower the narrative. The stories are all varied, and this one is set at a school reunion in London. All the characters are interesting, as are the relationships between The Group. I look forward to the next one!

An excellent addition to the Harbinder Kaur series - I do love Elly’s books, and how they are all consistently good, while having very different and likeable characters. This one sees Harbinder having moved to London for work, and managing a new team. Usually the whole “school kid violence” theme is not for me at all, but this managed to draw me in, and I didn’t spot whodunnit. I also liked the numerous pop culture references and the way Harbinder misses multiple clues from a romantic interest! Overall I’d say a solid 4.5* and I’d strongly recommend it.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.

The review is at the link below. I do not get writing it all out here too. I am a Goodreads member and that is where I post my reviews. I have pasted a link below. I really enjoyed this book. Have tickets to see Elly Griiiths at Waterstones next week so am a big fan.
Why write it all out again. I could not get the text to copy so pasted the link. The link is to the full review.

I really enjoyed this book. Not having read the previous books in the series, I had no preconceptions. I have read a couple of the Ruth Galloway, and the Brighton series, and thought they were terrific, so I was anxious to try the Harbinder Kaur series. I was not disappointed, nor did I feel at a disadvantage, the author skillfully filled in Harbinder’s back story without being laboursome. Another reunion story, this is the third new release I have read this year concerning a group of school mates and a dark incident from the past. Told from the POV of Harbinder and two of the female suspects, this effectively brings the past to life. I enjoyed the emphasis on the characters, and their relationships with each other, and the London setting. The ending caught me by surprise, I look forward to reading more in the series.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advance copy. I recommend this book.

The third in the series featuring Harbinder Kaur. Kaur has now been promoted to detective inspector and has transferred to London. Her first big case involves a murder at a school reunion.
The story is told from the point of view of Harbinder and two of the other characters. This was an enjoyable and entertaining read but I felt it wasn't as good as the previous two books in the series. Some of the humour seems to have been lost in Harbinder's move to London. Harbinder also seemed marginalised by the move, being the "new girl" she didn't have the same rapport with her colleagues. Hopefully this will improve in subsequent books in the series. The mystery itself was interesting but the ending came out of the blue and I would have liked a bit more detection.
All in all this was a satisfying read and I'm looking forward to reading more of the series.

A final reunion ★★★☆☆

Harbinder Kaur is back – this time with a new job and a new beat. Her first case as detective inspector is the murder of a controversial politician Garfield Rice at a school reunion.

His old sixth form clique “The Group” – including Harbinder’s colleague Cassie – seem to know more than they’re telling the police. Especially about a tragic accident 21 years ago.

The group’s myriad secrets – anonymous letters, affairs, sexual assaults, secret gentlemen’s club meetings, and one fatal push – must all come to light before the case can be solved.

Harbinder is an interesting and savvy character as always. The schoolmates’ sordid secrets weren’t always that gripping but the mystery of Gary’s murder kept me guessing. One of my suspects was correct but motive seemed a bit hazy and some of the casework felt more by luck than judgement.

I do enjoy Harbinder Kaur but my favourite novel remains the first one – The Stranger Diaries (2018).

This was a great crime read featuring DI Harbinder Kaur in her new job role in the Metropolitan Police. Her first major case is that of a suspicious death of an MP at his school reunion, Harbinder is surprised to realise her DS was also a former pupil and was present at the reunion, she doesn’t realise her DS is hiding a dangerous secret from her school days though. I liked that this was told by multiple viewpoints and the depth of history between the group of former school friends added a lot of complexity to the relationships between them all. I didn’t in honesty particularly like any of the characters but they were each interesting and it was very difficult to determine who had the motive to cover up a death from 21 years ago. The culprit was unexpected but I would have liked a bit more depth of explanation about their motivation but otherwise it was a great pacy read.

Elly Griffiths is one of my favorite contemporary crime writers. She knows how to tell a story in such way that you don't want to put the book down before you find out who did it. This latest one is the third instalment in the Harbinder Kaur series and what I love about all Griffith's books is that her protagonists are never static. Small-town cop Harbinder moves to London and spreads her wings as a detective and in her personal life. The plot is clever and the story is told from several points of view which contributes quite a lot to the mystery, because you are never sure that everyone is telling all they know. Bleeding Heart Yard is an enjoyable read, and can be enjoyed on its own, but it's much more interesting if you have read the first two Kaur books.

Bleeding Heart Yard was a solid, intriguing, steadily-paced 4.5 for much of the book, but then the phenomenal conclusion to the mystery saw me bumping it up to 5.

It’s the 21st year school reunion for Manor Park School – a Chelsea based, London Elite Comprehensive, catering to the super rich and powerful. And the night has ended on a devastating note – a class of ’98 pupil, Garfield Rice, now a Conservative MP, has been found dead in the men’s bathroom. I’m sorry, but if someone’s ever introduced to me with the unfortunate name of “Garfield” I’m going to struggle to contain my laughter. Thankfully he’s referred to as “Gary” for the most part. At first glance it appears to be a straightforward case of a drug overdose, but the absence of cocaine in his bloodstream, and the presence of increased levels of insulin, leads the pathologist to conclude that he was deliberately injected with a lethal dose.

Notable Manor Park school reunion guests/witnesses/potential suspects, nearly all of whom graduated the same year as Garfield Rice – 1998.

Kris Foster – a famous pop star. Stage name Kris Foster. A member of the popular crowd at school (known as “The Group”) which also included Garfield (Gary), Henry, Anna, Izzy, Cassie, and Sonoma.

Henry Steep – a Labour MP. Member of “The Group”.

Isabelle “Izzy” Istar – a well known actress. Member of “The Group”.

Anna Vance – Lives in Florence where she teaches English to foreign students, but is currently visiting, and staying with, her terminally-ill mother. Member of “The Group”.

Sonoma Davies – Headteacher at Manor Park. Planned the reunion, and was meant to attend, but cancelled at the last minute. Member of “The Group”.

Aisha Mitri – a doctor. Unsuccessfully tried to revive Garfield at the scene.

Pete Fitzherbert – Cassie’s husband. Two years above “The Group” in school.

Cassie Fitzherbert - Member of “The Group”. A police officer, and one of newly-appointed DI Harbinder Kaur’s DS’s. Cassie has a massive secret in her past that she’s kept hidden for twenty-one years – in 1998 she killed a fellow pupil.

As well as the “school reunion” connection, Garfield Rice has been receiving threatening letters of a political nature, signed “Bleeding Heart”. Garfield attended several prominent dinners regarding climate-change near the London landmark of “Bleeding Heart Yard”.

Bleeding Heart Yard marks the third book in the series featuring Harbinder Kaur, and it was a definite improvement on the previous instalment – The Postscript Murders – which was a little two cosy and fun for my tastes. It’s not quite as good as the first book – The Stranger Diaries – but it was a close contender, and I loved that both had an academic tie. Harbinder Kaur has received a promotion from DS to DI, and ditched her old life, living at home with her parents in Shoreham, West Sussex (setting of the first two books), and moved to the bright lights of London. I thought it was a bold move uprooting the main character in a series to a new location, but it really paid off, as I preferred Harbinder’s police team over her partner Neil, and also enjoyed the fact that she had a secretive traitor in her midst in DS Cassie Fitzherbert, even though Cassie was on paid leave, and not part of the active investigation. Have to say though, I was surprised by Harbinder’s promotion, as in my review for The Postscript Murders I remember mentioning how unprofessional she was at times, which thankfully she wasn’t in this one, and the crimes depicted in Bleeding Heart Yard were a lot more serious than it’s predecessor.

You are probably thinking that a murder at a school reunion, with flashbacks to student days has been done to death, but Bleeding Heart Yard did contain plenty of originality, and I really liked the idea that one of the suspects in the current murder was not only part of the police team, but was also hiding the fact that she had killed in the past. Not a spoiler by the way, as the confession occurred in the prologue. The mystery was twisty and plausible, with scattered clues throughout, that all came together in the end in an explosive and unexpected way. There were drama and romantic subplots that really added to my emotional investment, made me care about the characters, and had me not wanting one, or more of them, to turn out to be a killer. Also, a lot of the thrillers this year have been overly long, but this one wasn’t – every scene was crucial to the overall plot.

Due to the new London setting, and since Harbinder is the only character in this (apart from a brief appearance of her parents) who featured in this one, Bleeding Heart Yard could easily be read as a standalone. It was a pleasure to read this thrilling novel, and has me so excited for the next in the series.

I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Quercus Books, and Elly Griffiths for the e-ARC.

Publication Date: 29th September, 2022.

3.5 stars

Good to be back with Harbinder, though I did miss the "gang" from previous book.
She's moved on to the big city, and is all set to get her teeth into a new case.
It's an odd case, with so much depending on 21 years ago, and what may or may not have happened, and who may or may not have seen stuff.
A slow build of tension, where anyone could be to blame, and don't think I didnt blame the most unlikely character at some point.
Elly Griffiths never disappoints.
Always a great story to be told.

This is the third in a series of books featuring DI Harbinder Kaur., I have read the previous two and enjoyed them very much so I was delighted to be approved to read the third before it was published. Thank you to Netgalley and Quercus Books for the ARC.

📖FROM THE COVER📖
DS Cassie Fitzgerald has a secret - but it's one she's deleted from her memory. In the 1990s when she was at school, she and her friends killed a fellow pupil. Thirty years later, Cassie is happily married and loves her job as a police officer.

One day her husband persuades her to go to a school reunion and another ex-pupil, Garfield Rice, is found dead, supposedly from a drug overdose. As Garfield was an eminent MP and the investigation is high profile, it's headed by Cassie's new boss, DI Harbinder Kaur. The trouble is, Cassie can't shake the feeling that one of her old friends has killed again.

Is Cassie right, or was Garfield murdered by one of his political cronies? It's in Cassie's interest to skew the investigation so that it looks like the latter and she seems to be succeeding.

🩸💔🚓🖤🔪 REVIEW
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story is told in the first POV via three characters Cassie: DI Kaur and Anna. Each POV is told in a different way with Cassie giving a lot background, Kaur mainly in the investigation and Anna with a mixture of background and present day.

This format worked well in telling the story, it added a sense of tension and at times I questioned what I was being told .

I feel as with the two previous novels Griffiths is especially successful at making the present and the past talk to each other, she shows real writing talent in how she plots her books in this way it makes for compelling reading and that’s before you even dive into what is a unusual unique plot set in a familiar what I can only describe as a classic Christie style cosy crime plot see above for plot outline.

. I found all three of the Kaur books plots have a classic edge with a exciting fresh plot line, furthermore what I have really enjoyed though out is none of the plots are in any way the same they are one off with brand new ideas and take on what armchair detectives know and love.

In this book I loved how the tension was built up slowly exploring the history of the key players in the murder mystery, there is a chill factor throughout, it is a classic whodunit with subtle hints that bring into focus the social issues we have in society today however it does not dwell on gender, race or sexuality, Instead, it allows these themes to emerge quite naturally in the context of the story. Where the book touches on sensitive areas, it does so lightly with real nuance. This for me adds to the story it address what needs to without it seeming forced or out of place in the novel, not something many writers today achieve, thus again showing what a talented writer Griffiths is.
This book is a cosy crime, I hate that term but it’s all we have, at it’s very best there is slow build up, red herrings, a mixed bunch of characters who all have secrets right till the end… it is marvellous!!! And a rarity in the fact I didn’t guess the ending


DS Harbinder Kaur is the main protagonist in this book and indeed the series for me she what I like to call a marmite character you will either love or hate her for me I love her - she is a strong, intelligent, funny, woman, who doesn’t hold back on telling people like it is. She can come across a bit judgemental and harsh but the fact all the books have a scattering on her home life and background along with these flaws give her a more real to life feel.. The previous novels were largely set in Kaur's hometown in Sussex, but she has now relocated to London, (London actually becomes a character in the book with loads of real life places mentioned, Griffith captures the real London in her writing, London is my favourite place in the world so it was added bonus for me). This was a great development in terms of a character ark and added a new dimension to Kaur,
We see as she struggles to adapt to life in a new city missing her family and friends whist trying to tackle a high profile case with a new team, the new team are a interesting bunch and added a another layer to the novel, for me they gave the book an air of police procedural, which I love. This book really develops the story of Kaur I liked how this novel can easily be read as a standalone but still has mentions of characters from the previous novels. I hope there is many books with Kaur. Kaur’s witty takes on life and her somewhat deadpan humour along with personal touches of her relationships that pepper the novel make the plot all the more appealing.

The other characters mainly the “the group” are all interesting tho some are a little more 2D than others.

This novel for me has it all including a very satisfying conclusion that leaves room for more developed in Kaur’s character I can’t wait for the next instalment.

Terrifically written!!!!

The head teacher of Manor Park School has arranged a class reunion to recognise the 21st anniversary of their graduation. Many of the pupils have gone on to achieve great success in their professional lives, ranging from MPs to doctors , pop stars to actors. During the evening, MP Gareth Rice is found dead with white powder on his face. DS Cassie who is attending the event with her husband, Pete, takes charge until the emergency services arrive.
Her new boss, DI Kaur arrives and realises that there will be a lot of attention paid to this, as her first major enquiry gets underway., given the victim's status.

This is a twisted storyline where half truths and secrets abound and all is not as it seems.
Unfortunately DI Kaur's character spoiled the book for me. She did not practice what she preached.
Whilst reminding the team to keep an open mind during the investigation, Harbinder made rapid assessments of the team on silly things like the person's voice.

#BleedingHeartYard #NetGalley
Awesome 👍
DS Cassie Fitzgerald has a secret - but it's one she's deleted from her memory. In the 1990s when she was at school, she and her friends killed a fellow pupil. Thirty years later, Cassie is happily married and loves her job as a police officer. One day her husband persuades her to go to a school reunion and another ex-pupil, Garfield Rice, is found dead, supposedly from a drug overdose. As Garfield was an eminent MP and the investigation is high profile, it's headed by Cassie's new boss, DI Harbinder Kaur. The trouble is, Cassie can't shake the feeling that one of her old friends has killed again. Is Cassie right, or was Garfield murdered by one of his political cronies? It's in Cassie's interest to skew the investigation so that it looks like the latter and she seems to be succeeding. Until someone else is killed...
Loved it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for giving me an advance copy.

Bleeding Heart Yard is the third book in the highly enjoyable DI Harbinder Kaur series by the crime writing powerhouse, Elly Griffiths.
The previous novels were largely set in Kaur's hometown in Sussex, but she has now relocated to London, and Griffiths provides a treat for her readers by including many real locations in her story.
DS Harbinder Kaur is the protoganist in the series and I'm rapidly becoming a fan - an intelligent, funny, woman, who is now living back at home with her family, it can be easy to sympathise with Harbinder as she struggles to adapt to life in a new city and misses her family and friends. Anyway, back to the review.
The story has dual timelines and jumps effortlessly between the past (1990s) and the present, using several different viewpoints. We learn of a tragic death that occurred back then and may well be connected to a recent murder at a school reunion. In fact, one of the potential suspects in DS Cassie Fitzgerald. Cassie is a member of Kaur's new team and she helps to narrate the storyline in both the past and present. Despite the multiple narrators, it is difficult for the reader to know, just who is telling the truth and as the body count rises, the pressure is being applied to Kaur to resolve the case asap.
I loved how Griffiths slowly built up the tension and the chill factor in the tale and, for the first time in ages, I actually did not guess the ending! Griffiths also includes her 'trademark' gothic element into the tale by including the real-life Bleeding Heart Yard in the story and incorporating the myths into the case that Kaur is investigating.

Available from September 29, if you’re a fan of Dr Ruth Galloway’s adventures, also written by Elly, you will appreciate this. Featuring DI Harbinder Kaur, who you’ll immediately warm to, Elly’s new thriller concerns a school reunion that ends in murder. The problem is, the victim is a well known MP, Garfield (with conflicting views as it transpires), making the investigation immediately more high profile. Additionally, one of the reunion attendees is DS Cassie Fitzgerald, who is taken off the case and has plenty of time to think of all her worries. Her job as a police officer, something she adores, may be in jeopardy as the past comes back to haunt her and her school friends. Was Garfield’s murder politically based? Or will Cassie and her old friends have to face the reality that one of them has killed… and not for the first time? Witty takes on life, love and relationships pepper the novel and make the plot all the more appealing.

Bleeding Heart Yard is a triumph. It is the definition of a literary crime thriller. Anyone who doubts that crime and literature are part of the same genre should read Elly Griffiths.

This is the third novel to feature Harbinder Kaur, young police DI, now moved to London to take up a new post. This novel can easily be read as a standalone, but the developing story of Harbinder through the 3 novels is an added attraction.

The story centres on a group of school friends, now twenty years out of school and brought back together by a murder. There is an unusual complication in that one of those friends, Cassie, is now a detective on Harbinder’s murder team. The novel begins with her confession to the reader that she was responsible for the murder of a pupil when she was at school. Thus the relationship between this murder and the recent one, and between Cassie and her colleagues, are both key strands in the developing storyline.

Elly Griffiths evidently understands the dynamic of school relationships. The story flits between past and present, sketching the ways in which individuals have changed in relation to the world around them. Music and posters recreate the spirit of the 1990s, the political optimism that accompanied Blair’s rise to power with New Labour. Post Brexit Britain communicates its call to action through sound bites: No Meat Mondays or ‘be the change you want to see in the world’. The 1990s seem more alive somehow.

Griffiths is especially successful at making the present and the past talk to each other, both in terms of her characters’ experiences and also the spirit of the times. There is some humour in the juxtaposition between the words of songs and posters and her characters’ thoughts. She makes the past seem so far away and yet so very close.

The story is told from the point of view of different characters, who are created beautifully. They have all been successful and led interesting lives, but they have never quite escaped their schooldays. They are more impressive to other people than to each other.

Elly Griffiths has a talent for ensuring the primacy of story and character. It is compelling stuff. However, this novel is also an object lesson in how to approach diversity. It does not dwell on gender, race or sexuality, nor does it duck the issues. Instead, it allows themes to emerge quite naturally in the context of the story.

Where the book touches on sensitive areas, it does so lightly. Harbinder is gay and very aware of assumptions made about her Indian heritage. She has to listen to the crass comments of one of her team, who doesn’t know she is gay. However, characters tend to see the best in each other’s intentions when comments are awkward. There is a lovely example when Harbinder and her DS talk about the East and the East End. By presenting diversity as part of modern day working life, a source of humour as well as discontent, the writer ensures a genuinely inclusive novel.

The book will appeal to a Londoner. The settings reveal the variety in different parts of the capital and give a sense of what it might be like to work there. Both the history and geography of London are important to the plot. Place names are the background music of the story. They communicate the history but also some of the mystery of London,
a city of infinite surprises that Harbinder is discovering for the first time.

Bleeding Heart Yard is an outstanding novel by a writer at the very top of her game.

Perfection! Even better than the Ruth Galloway books. The lead detective, Harbinder Kaur, is a compelling and believable character and she is surrounded by an intriguing “supporting cast.” Exploring the history of the key players in the murder mystery is a clever slow reveal, with many opportunities for retrospective analysis of relationships and a shared secret. A very satisfying conclusion tops off a terrific read!