The long awaited book 7 in the brilliant DI Barton series and I am so glad he has done his time behind a desk!

Barton is back in Major Crimes and doesn't hang about getting his teeth straight into a case where a young girl has disappeared and then a women connected to the case has a car driven at her. The case escalates from there and Barton has to dig straight into his experience to work out what has happened before everything completely unravels.

It's been a while, but this is still one of my favourite police series with one of my favourite cast of characters. I maintain that this is one of the most realistic feeling police procedural series (to a point obviously) but having such a down to earth, normal lead and supporting characters is so refreshing and it makes it a pleasure to read. I really hope we can get at least a few more from Barton before he finally hangs up his truncheon!

The Village Killer (DI Barton, #7) by Ross Greenwood Enjoyed another crime filled mystery featuring DI Barton, family and team. The interactions and conversations between the characters is filled with humor. A solid police procedural with an unexpected ending. Hopefully DI Barton will not be retiring in the near future.

Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Inspector Barton, who has recently joined major crimes, becomes involved in a case where a woman is almost killed and a girl disappears. As new information comes to light, will he and his team work out what has happened?

This is my first book in this series so I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. What I ended up getting was a solid police procedural that had plenty of suspense, as well a twists and turns. I liked that there were also sprinkles of humour in the story.

The characters were interesting and the overall story is well written. This was certainly an entertaining read and although this is easily read as a standalone, I would have enjoyed reading the others previously to get more back story and feel better connected. I will be looking back at the previous books in this series so I can catch up. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

While I have not read all of the books in this series, picking up another DI Barton thriller has been great. The Village Killer is an intense crime thriller that sees Barton and his team chasing and trying to put together a myriad of clues, hints, rumours and secrets.

Barton has been at a desk and is given the opportunity to return to Major Crimes, he has a chance to get back together with some of his old team and meet some newcomers to the team. It is with his wife's approval that he returns, over the years he has missed spending time with his family, but now they are growing up his wife gives him the push he needs to return. Wanting to solve another case, he is looking back at what he has achieved and wants more to look back on.

With a missing teen and a threat against a woman, he is soon back in the thick of things. There is a problem though, nothing adds up, nothing makes sense and he is wondering what is going on. Things take a turn for the worse when a body is discovered soon to be followed by another.

This is a tense and quite dramatic thriller, I really liked the way the author brought the team together and the way the case is worked, giving those new to the team a chance to prove their worth and supporting those who have had a change in family circumstances.

The case sees Barton and the team back and forth to the village of Castor. Wealth is in evidence in the area with large houses, pools and cars, but beneath the facade, all is not as it seems. Trying to work out who is telling the truth and not bending it or out and out lying is a task and a half. It certainly had me scratching my head. The author does a great job of skewing the readers' opinions and perspectives as the case unfolds. Keeping an open mind and being open to suggestions encourages the team to think outside the box but also work together to a conclusion.

This is another fabulous thriller in the series and does read well as a stand-alone, it is obviously better to read in the order of the series as you do get to understand the pasts and experiences of the team, although references are made to previous events.

If you are a fan of tense police procedural crime thrillers then this is one to have on your list. I would definitely recommend it.

Barton Is Back..
Barton is back in this, the seventh outing in the series, as he makes a return to major crimes and immediately finds himself thrust into a perplexing case. What exactly is going on behind the grand facades of the mansions in the village of Castor, a seemingly idyllic place to live. Secrets are being kept - but by whom and what are they? - the Village Killer appears to have the answers. Another compelling and compulsive addition to this series, well plotted, laced with a dry humour and populated with a credible and nicely crafted cast of characters with a solid mystery at its heart.

Several years back I read some of the DS Knight series, haven’t read any in this series before. I was glad to read this author again and find a series I wasn’t aware of. This was one of the best procedurals I’ve ever read. DI Barton is a well trained manager, knowledgeable and thoughtful. His command of the team was what I’d hope for in real life. Politics and budget constraints didn’t get in the way of conducting investigations. DI Barton is what I would categorize as midlife, married to a feisty lady, two kids. There’s a good mix of characters on the team. There’s an attempted murder, a missing teen, a library lurker, then questionable deaths. All of this happening in a wealthy area abutting a wooded area. Barton must navigate the change from desk work to field work and keep his family life calm. The suspect list for some of the crimes includes a diminished capacity individual, estate gardener and handyman, friends and spouses. Throw in a shady internet site and the complicated events take sharp turns and wicked twists. I was impressed with the originality of the plot and wish I’d read the previous books. The attention to detail and depth of the characters was spot on. If you already know DI Barton you will love this one. If you haven’t read the author before, you should start now.
Thanks so much to Boldwood Books (via NetGalley) for providing an Advance Reader Copy of “The Village Killer” (DI Barton #7) by Ross Greenwood, publication expected 11/01/2024. These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without expectation of compensation.

DCI Barton is offered the chance to cover for his boss for a year.. He is thrown into the investigation of a missing girl, a possible paedophile and an attempted murder. The investigations lead to some eye opening revelations. Barton and his team have to dig deeper and deeper to get to the bottom of each of the investigations. In his personal life, he is trying to lose some weight after a diagnosis from his doctor, coping with a teenage daughter and playing tennis again.
A page turner

The danger and suspense was so gripping, the twists and turns kept me reading as I knew I needed to find out the truth,

procedural, murders, investigations, multiple-perspectives, Peterborough, missing-persons, teamwork, hostility, compassion, due-diligence, wealthy, entitled-attitude, stalker, mystery, situational-humor, families, family-dynamics*****

Acting DCI John Barton is temporarily back to Peterborough's Major Crimes Unit after three years as a desk jockey and is right in the middle of a complex grouping of crimes/murders. He is a good copper who has strong people skills and solid instincts involving crimes and perpetrators. I like him as a husband/father/Detective Chief Inspector who works well with most. This is the first book in his series that I've read and I want to read more because of the good writing, not because I felt lost in this book. Well done!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#TheVillageKiller #DIBartonBk7 by Ross Greenwood @greenwoodross @BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley

This is the seventh in the DI John Barton series; it is the first I have read. I chose it because I enjoy Ross Greenwood’s DS Ashley Knight series and wanted to read more of his books.

Fifty year old DI John Barton has spent the last three years behind a desk. An opportunity arises for him to be DCI for Major Crimes for a one year term. It is a busy time for Major Crimes as a 14 year old girl is reported missing and a married woman appears to be the target of a failed hit and run attempt. When her neighbor is found floating in his pool, the ties among all three cases seem to be more than coincidences.

A solid police procedural, I enjoyed the protagonists in this book with their personal relationships and sarcastic humor. Barton is a leader with empathy and a sense of fairness. Greenwood’s writing pulls you in this engrossing, fast paced read. The story is told from different POVs, including that of the village killer, which keeps you guessing as to perpetrator’s identity.

I didn't realise quite how much I'd missed this series and these characters until I started reading The Village Killer. DI Barton, or DCI Barton as he is now, at least for a period of secondment, is back on active duty, policing the streets of Peterborough, and the timing could not have been better. With a missing teenager, and a potential attempted murder, his former team are really struggling. Will a touch of the old Barton magic, and the normally trustworthy Barton 'gut', help them clear up these perplexing puzzles, or are some killers just to dastardly to be caught? Well, the beauty of this series, and why I really love it, is you just don't know!

Now if you have read any of the other books in the series, and if not, what are you even doing with your time(?), then you will know that these books not only allow you a glimpse into the world of the investigating police team, in this case Peterborough's Major Crimes Unit, but they al;so give you a first person look from the eyes and mind of the killer. I really like that about the book as it adds another layer of mystery to the whole thing. You know their thoughts, to a degree, even their motivations, most of the time, but it is never quite clear who they might be. And this is where Ross Greenwood continues to play a canny game as in The Village Killer, much as in the other books, there really are several suspects who could quite easily fit the bill. Let's just say, that with one obvious exception - okay two - the killer in this case could be one of several people. I think it's possible to perhaps narrow the field a touch, but never take anything for granted as this author is more than capable of pulling the wool over your eyes. That's no mean feat in a book where the characters are quite literally laying everything bare ...

I like the mystery in this one. Ross Greenwood sets everything up perfectly with a kind of voyeuristic feel as the 'killer' in question watches the object of their obsession. It sets everything on edge, even if nothing is instigated in this particular scene. You know that something can, and probably will happen, and I was immediately sucked into the who, what and why of it all. Little did I know how messy and complicated things were about to become, but I guess when stepping into the wealthy world of the residents of Castor, nothing was ever going to be as blatant s fisticuffs on the street. The author sets us up perfectly, introducing the main characters, or suspects, early on, with a few added twists thrown in for good measure. You get that immediate sense that it is all about what isn't being said, rather than what is, and I didn't need Barton's gut to tell me that few people were ebing entirely honest.

There is a good pacing on this book, moments when the tension and threat level creeps upward, but balanced against the frustrating slow speed that an investigation can sometimes take. The foreshadowing in certain scenes allows you to prepare for the big moments to come, and whilst nothing in this series is gratuitous or overly shocking, don't be fooled into thinking there aren't any surprises heading your way. There are plenty of those. But what I really enjoy about these books is the glimpse into Barton's home life which helps to add humour into the story, and lets you really fell the humanity and compassion that Barton is known for. He is always able to get the best out of his team, including some o fthe new characters introduced in this story, and the camaraderie and friendship acts as a lovely tonic from some of those series where there is more infighting at times than actual fighting crime.

I really enjoyed being back in the world of Barton and Zander and the team, and loved getting to know some of the new characters too. This was a story laced with humour, shicks, surprises and often a sad reflection on the modern world. With good pacing and tension, and a whole dose of mystery, it's sure to keep true fans of Detective fiction very happy. Definitely recommended and I'm very happy to see there may well be a return visit to the team next year too. Cannot wait.

I absolutely adore the Barton series and so was delighted to hear that Barton's back!

In The Village Killer, Barton is challenged with crimes that stem from a world he knows very little about - this could be a career ending situation for some, and others yet might even admit the flaw - yet as always he rises to the occasion and investigates enough to bring himself up to speed.

When links start to appear between seemingly unrelated cases, Barton and the team come into their own with their dogged and unrelenting pursuit of 'whodunnit' and The Village Killer offers a satisfyingly complex thriller to solve, with many an eye opening surprise along the way.

In keeping with the rest of the series, the chapters mostly follow Barton and the team but are interspersed with chapters written from the killers point of view which keeps the pace exciting and also gives insight into their perspective.

In addition to writing cracking thrillers with just the right amount of clever humour, Ross Greenwood's books also deliver on the more challenging social subjects in life. He achieves this without it feeling deliberate, artificial or like something edgy is being rammed down your throat, and I hugely admire this aspect of his books.

For me, the Barton series is like an old pair of comfy slippers and I pick them up knowing without a shadow of a doubt that I am in for a good read. My thanks to Boldwood Books, Ross Greenwood and Rachel's Random Resources for letting me be a part of this blog tour.

DCI John Barton is asked to cover a position in major crimes, which after spending the past few years behind a desk, he is eager to accept.
The major rimes team are working on the case of a missing 14-year-old, but they have no leads and are struggling. Then, Barton and the team are called to a suspected attempted murder in the nearby village of Castor.
The exclusive neighbourhood is an unlikely spot for the crime, but when a man is found dead it’s clear there is more going on behind the elegant façade’s than they thought.
As the investigations progress, it seems there are links between them all but untangling the facts when both suspects and victims are keeping secrets isn’t going to be easy. Barton and the team will need to be on top form if they are going to avoid any further deaths.
This book is full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing until the end. Barton is on great form with a new enthusiasm for his job that is great to see.

The Village Killer is an absolutely fantastic, edge-of-your-seat read that had me hooked from page one. Although it’s the seventh DI Barton novel by Ross Greenwood, you can easily jump in without reading the previous books and still fully enjoy the experience.

The story opens with DI Barton returning to Major Crimes after a few years behind a desk, where he was able to keep regular hours and focus on family life. Determined to prove he’s sharp and re-energized, he’s immediately plunged into two intense cases: the disappearance of a teenager and an attempted murder. Barton has no time to catch his breath, and neither does the reader! The stakes are high, and you can feel his urgency and pressure to solve both cases before things spiral further out of control.

What sets Greenwood apart is his crisp, engaging prose that masterfully builds suspense while maintaining a fast-paced narrative. Every chapter leaves you wanting more, and his vivid attention to detail creates an immersive atmosphere - you can almost feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. The psychological depth Greenwood brings to the plot is impressive, highlighting how fear and suspicion can shatter even the closest-knit communities.

If you love crime fiction with well-developed characters, plenty of twists, and a deeply atmospheric setting, "The Village Killer" is a must-read.

The Village Killer by Ross Greenwood is a highly recommended procedural and the 7th novel in the series with Detective Inspector John Barton.

After three years behind a desk, Inspector John Barton is offered the opportunity to return to Major Crimes. After discussing it with his wife, he accepts and the team immediately are called in to investigate an attempted murder which seems to be linked to the case of a missing child. Soon enough a murder occurs, and Barton is thrust back into the back into the life of a detective with early mornings, late nights and endless pressure to get to the truth.

The well-written narrative follows the discoveries of the intricate investigation with occasional chapters from the point-of-view of the village killer. The cases also test Barton personally to see if he still has what it takes. There are several suspects to chose from as the plot unfolds and clues point to who could be behind the crimes.

The team knows each other, get along, including Barton's friend Zander, and a new member. They all work well together. Banter between the characters can be witty, as well as insightful. Greenwood keeps the investigation moving at a steady pace within the plot while also touching on current societal concerns, including an online "fans" site and concerns over handling those with neurodivergent conditions in the legal system.

The Village Killer is a great choice for those who appreciate detailed procedurals. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

It is so good to have John Barton back, albeit in an acting capacity. Ross Greenwood's DI Barton series is one of the most enjoyable in modern crime fiction and it never disappoints. Great characters, excellent writing and superb plotting, it has it all. Not only is the central crime fascinating but so too are the lives of Barton's colleagues. Let's hope he is back to stay!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. When a man is found murdered, it is up to John to solve this case. John feels like he is being stonewaled. He is getting very little help from the community. This book kept me guessing.

The village killer is closer than you think.
DI Barton mystery.
John Barton and Shaun Zander are going to be working together again at Peterborough just like old times at old thorpes police station.little do they know there's a village killer out there.
There's a missing girl Poppy Madden and Sandy Faversham was followed home and nearly run over both are known to each other.so is this the same person they are looking for and what is his motive?
Wow this book I sailed through loads, giving in to one more chapter.
Creepy,sereal, plenty of action and lots more.
Fantastic just fantastic. I loved it all.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Ross Greenwood’s “The Village Killer” is a gripping addition to the DI Barton series, blending intricate plotting with deep character development. This 7th installment has Inspector John Barton stepping back into the field after three years behind a desk.

The novel begins with Barton returning to Major Crimes, eager to prove he still has what it takes. His first case back involves a series of brutal murders in a seemingly idyllic village. As Barton and his team delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that shatter the village’s peaceful facade.

Inspector John Barton is a well-rounded protagonist whose experience and intuition are matched by his vulnerability and self-doubt. His interactions with his team, particularly the ambitious and sharp-witted DS Zander, add depth to the narrative.

“The Village Killer” explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the dark undercurrents that can exist beneath a community’s surface. Greenwood delves into the psychological aspects of crime, examining how fear and suspicion can unravel even the tightest-knit communities.

Greenwood’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a knack for building suspense and maintaining a brisk pace. His attention to detail and ability to create a sense of place enhance the story’s immersive quality.

“The Village Killer” is a standout entry in the DI Barton series, offering a blend of suspense, character depth, and psychological insight. Ross Greenwood has crafted a novel that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, with a plot that keeps readers guessing.

This is an excellent addition to the DI Barton series but could be read as a stand alone. The writing is strong with excellent characterisation, especially young Polly who is not your average teenager, thank goodness! So many different characters, with untold stories and I hope they make appearances in future books in this brilliant series. A strong, police procedural which kept me interested right up to the last page. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.