Member Reviews

Over a period of three days, there have been three seemingly unrelated murders. It's unthinkable! We're talking about the Lincolnshire Fens: great open skies brood over marshes, farmland, and nature reserves. Things like that just don't happen in the Fens! Making things even worse, there are no clues or suspects.

I will confess to being quite confused at the beginning of Echoes on the Fens. The number of characters overwhelmed me. The only people I remembered from the previous book were Nikki and her bio mom, Eve! However, I stuck with it because I had enjoyed #14 so much, and I'm glad I did.

Nikki, and her secret love, Joseph, started coming up with a list of suspects, and before anyone knew it, that list had more names on it than Carter had little pills!! Every time I thought I knew where the storyline was headed, I was wrong! As I did in the previous book, I still love Eve and her best friend, Wendy. I must also say I fell totally in love with that moose of a dog, Bernie!

My only complaint is I felt there was a little too much talk of coffee and/or food. But back to the positives, my favorite line in the entire book was when Joseph asked "Is it me or has Greenborough become the epicenter of every weird death in the entire Fens?" I love it when a bit of humor is thrown in to books.

I highly recommend Echoes on the Fens for lovers of crime mysteries and police procedurals.

Thank you #JoffeBooks for providing this book for review consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

#EchoesOnTheFens #Mystery #PoliceProcedurals #JoyEllis

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This is such a great series! The setting is always such an important part of the mysteries, and I love that. No boring, long descriptions, just eerie and unusual places that have histories that inform the modern events.

This is a complex, well-plotted mystery. There's so much going on, and there are many present-day crimes and some past crimes as well. It could be very confusing, but Ellis does a great job of keeping things straight as she pulls readers along in many different directions.

The only downside to me? The solution--finally!--to Nikki and Joseph's personal dilemma, which has been going on for many, many books, feels pretty obvious. Seriously, was this simple solution never considered before? That was a letdown, but I'm glad it's finally resolved.

I hope this isn't the last Nikki Galena book. I kind of got that vibe from the ending, but I'm not sure.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy!

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Echoes On The Fern' by Joy Ellis

This may be the first book I have read by this incredible author but it most certainly will not be my last!! It is also the fifteenth book in her 'DI Nikki Galena' series but can be read as a standalone as can all the other books in this series.

Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely epic page turner!!! Well done Joy!!! How on Earth have I never read any of your books before? Absolutely smashed it!!!!!!! I could have sworn I had read your books before especially as when I was reading the book it all felt so familiar to me but that just shows how amazing an author you are!

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading the next book, and the previous one in this series.

I have absolutely no idea how this is the first time I have read one of this incredible author's books but I am so glad I have rectified that problem and I cannot wait to get hooked into more books by Joy. I don't normally like reading books out of order but the one good thing about doing so is that I can now go back and read the previous 14 books in this series by this fantastic author while waiting for her next book to come out in this series!!! I best get a move on with so many books to read that I have sadly missed but considering I can guarantee they are all amazing even if they are just half as good as this book they are guaranteed to be epic which means I will fly through them like I did with this book!! In this absolutely gripping book Joy transports us to Fenland, Lincolnshire where we meet DI Nikki Galena. Nikki has to investigate the suspicious death of Angela Sandford who was widowed and had been planning a trip of a lifetime when she was discovered to have overdosed. the next day there is yet another death after a young woman is ran down as she is picking her supper up. If that wasn't enough the third death is that of Justin who was found dead on his dining room floor and the last person to see him alive is Nikki's mother Eve. Eve had run in to Justin the night before and Eve and her good friend Wendy had dined with him catching up as Eve used to know him. Nikki and her partner Joseph Easter are called in to solve the cases but will they be able to find the killer/s before they find another body? Grab your copy of this action packed crime thriller to find out for yourselves and I can guarantee that you will not regret it!! You may even discover a new favourite authors and series just like I have! With an addictive storyline ram packed with murder, mystery, family, crime, lies. tension, drama, action, suspense, stunning yet chilling atmospheric settings, secrets and everything you could ask for in a fantastic and gripping novel plus much, much more what on Earth are you waiting for??? Claire does an incredible job of weaving multiple protagonist perspectives together to create this incredible storyline. She ensures the reader gets the bigger picture of what is happening and what happened from several characters points of view without causing any confusion. An absolutely addictive, nail biting, page turning, heart racing and compelling storyline in what promises to be an absolutely amazing series!! It has so many layers of mysteries and crimes for the reader to be kept guessing throughout. This fantastic thriller is absolutely packed with twists, turns, shocks, crime and red herrings throughout I had no idea who did what until the end. This is an achievement in itself as it is definitely getting harder to surprise me with the amount of crime novels I've read so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO JOY!! . There was so many explosive bombshells in this book that I actually lost count on how many times I was shocked which I didn't think would be possible!!! The plot was unique and realistic and Joy's brilliant descriptions brings absolutely everything to life in front of your eyes. It started straight in the action and kept you going on a roller-coaster ride of suspension throughout. There were several occasions when my heart was in my throat and I the hair was raising on my arms but I won't mention those as not to spoil it for future readers. It is so hard to not say too much without giving anything away to future readers but I'm sure once people have read it they will know exactly what I mean. Well done Joy you did absolutely amazing and everything was tied up perfectly. The twists and turns in this book left me going from one chapter to another!!! I completely devoured it in one sitting as I just could not put it down. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride!!! I just could not put this book down and I cannot wait to read more books in this series!!!

Before you start this make sure you clear your schedule because once you pick it up you are not going to want to put it down!!!!

Although this is the fifteenth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

The characters were very realistic, multi layered and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The descriptions gave a really good in depth view of how the characters were feeling and what they were thinking. The characters were complex and each seemed to be hiding their own secrets which leaves you questioning who is telling the truth and who can be trusted. they had their own unique personalities with individual flaws, quirks, secrets, strengths and weaknesses!! I loved getting to know DI Nikki Galena and really cannot wait to see how she has developed from the first book in this series which is called 'Crime On The Fens'. I don't want to say too much about the characters though and I will leave you to read this amazing book and work it out yourself. I will say that it was not just Nikki that I enjoyed meeting and became completely invested in but also her partner Joseph along with his daughter Tamsin, mother and sister in law, Nikki's mum Eve, Nikki's housemate along with the rest of the investigative team, I could literally go on and on but i am going to wrap it up here so I do not bore you too much! Each of the characters were well developed, unique and thanks to Joy's fantastic evocative writing skills they all came to life before my eyes. That is all I will say as I don't want to run the risk of dropping any hints or spoilers. However, whether you love or hate these characters, they all have their own strong unique personalities and they all bring the story to life playing their roles perfectly.

Congratulations Joy on a fantastic and gripping success and here's to the next explosive book in this absolutely epic series!!! This is exactly why I would like to welcome you to my favourite authors club!!!

Overall an absolute must read, pulse racing, addictive page turning crime thriller that will keep you on edge and addicted.

#EchoesOnTheFern #DINikkiGalena #JoyEllis #JoffeBooks #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours

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I enjoyed this one from Joy I loved all the investigating and the police procedures which I found very interesting. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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Having read and enjoyed the first 14 books, I was delighted to see another instalment due and especially so to be allowed an ARC, it can be read as a standalone, but you would benefit from reading the first 14 books.

Book 15 and no sign of any let up in the standard. tightly woven storyline, engaging characters, and a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the last page is turned. The full cast of characters appear in this one. For me the main character is the Fens themselves, once again we are given a vivid sense of place. The author captures the eerie and captivating beauty of the Fens, with mist-shrouded waterways and tight-knit communities this all helps to breathe life into the story.

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Joy Ellis has once again captivated readers with her latest installment in the DI Nikki Galena series, "Echoes on the Fens." Set against the haunting backdrop of the Lincolnshire Fens, this atmospheric thriller unfolds a deeply chilling murder mystery that will resonate with any reader who appreciates a well-crafted story.

In this gripping tale, Ellis expertly weaves a complex plot filled with compelling characters and unexpected twists. When a beloved TV personality is found dead, DI Galena and her team are thrust into a race against time to uncover the truth. As they confront the mounting challenges of a rising body count, they must also navigate the tangled web of secrets and lies that surround the victims, bringing to the forefront the emotional weight of each revelation.

One of the true strengths of this novel lies in its vivid sense of place. Ellis beautifully captures the eerie yet captivating beauty of the Fens, with mist-shrouded waterways and tight-knit communities that breathe life into the story. This atmospheric setting enhances the suspense and evokes a palpable sense of unease that lingers throughout the narrative.

The characters are richly developed and relatable, especially DI Galena, whose sharp intellect and unwavering determination shine through. Her deep empathy for the victims and commitment to seeking justice resonate strongly, making her a protagonist who feels both real and inspiring. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, each character adding unique layers to the narrative’s complexity.

"Echoes on the Fens" is truly a masterclass in crime writing, offering a tightly woven storyline, engaging characters, and a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the last page is turned. Joy Ellis continues to demonstrate her remarkable storytelling ability, and this latest addition to the DI Nikki Galena series is bound to resonate with fans and newcomers alike. If you seek a suspenseful and immersive read that will keep you reflecting long after you’ve finished, "Echoes on the Fens" is a perfect choice.

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Echoes on the Fens is the 15th in the Nikki Galena series and it does not disappoint. Suspicious deaths start occurring one after another in the fenlands town of Greensborough. First an active senior is found dead, an apparent suicide. Then the hit and run of a young woman. And finally, the gunshot death of a tv celebrity. And in between these investigations, Nikki and Joseph are trying to decide how to proceed with their relationship and how it impacts their jobs. This could lead to an overly complicated storyline, and at times it does seem almost convoluted, but Ellis makes it easy to follow.
Nikki is one of my favorite DIs. Often short of temper, she doesn’t suffer fools or the pompous gladly. Although she’s come a long way in developing tact and patience.
The full cast of characters appear in this one - Nikki’s mom and housemate, Joseph’s daughter and SIL, the whole investigative team, including Professor Rory Wilkinson. In fact, one of the reasons I love this series so much is that Ellis has created such a wonderful set of characters. People I’d love to know in real life. Dog lovers will also get a kick out of this.
Short, punchy chapters kept the pacing going at a fast level throughout. The writing is such that scenes are easy to envision. The ending totally threw me for a loop.
I would not recommend reading this as a stand-alone.
My thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of this book.

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Echoes on the Fens, book 15 in the DI Nikki Galena series is as brilliant as book 1.

I don't know how Joy Ellis does it, but she manages to draw you in from the very first page every time. A master of medium to fast-paced crime thrillers and this book is no exception.

Detective Inspector Nikki Galena leads her team to pursue the most vicious criminals, and this time, she needs to establish a link between three recent murders which occurred within three days.

I have loved this series, great settings, plot twists and storylines, mystery and suspense a plenty and a creation of a cast of characters we get to know and love (or hate), follow their relationships and enjoy their development throughout each book.

I can't recommend this book and series highly enough. 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley @Joffebooks and Joy Ellis for this ARC.

#ECHOESONTHEFENS #NetGalley.

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Another excellent book in this series!

DI Nikki Galena no sooner gets one new case than she has three; an elderly woman is found dead in her bungalow, quickly followed by a hit-and-run where a young woman is end and then a dead man is found in the mansion house he's been renovating - and Nikki's mother was the last person to see him alive. The only thing seemingly connecting these three is that, in each case, there seems to be no reason for the death. Or is there ...?

I came late to this series but I really enjoy it. Joy Ellis is an author who skilfully focuses on the crimes whilst seamlessly weaving in the private lives of the investigating team. This one had me hooked from the beginning and kept me there to the very last word. Cleverly written, I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it and would most definitely recommend it. 5*

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

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I enjoyed this series, with great characters. I found this new book. interesting, with
the same characters. It captured me from the first page, and it builds to the end.
I do recommend this book.

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This is the fifteenth installment in the DI Nikki Galena series. The series continues to get better and better as it goes on.

Nikki and her team are called out to investigate a woman's overdose death. While someone tried to make it look like suicide, it is anything but. The next day a young woman is the victim of a hit and run. While Nikki's team are scrambling to connect the dots on these two murders, she's called out to a local celebrity's home where her mother found the young man dead of a gunshot. Nikki's mother, Eve and her partner Wendy, worked with the young man's father a long time ago on matters of national security. With Nikki and her team stretched, she quietly enlists the help of her mother to investigate the young man's life and thwart a killer.

Joy Ellis is a master at writing series with an ensemble cast of characters. I highly recommend all of them. I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Thank you Joy Ellis, Joffe Books and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. Looking forward to the next.

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Joy Ellis

DI Nikki Galena is kept busy with three deaths in three days, with the help not only of her amazing team but also her redoubtable mother! This is the best one yet in this great series with intricate plotting and many twists and turns. I would give it six stars if I could!

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I am always excited when I see a new Joy Ellis book. This one was as good as all the others I have read. Her characters and descriptions are exceptional. I hate giving long descriptions of the story of books I read, so suffice to say this was full of twists and turns and kept me guessing until the end. A worthy finale to the Nicky Galena series.
It’s 5 stars from me!

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When DI Nikki Galena's mother, Eve, bumped into a person from her past, she and her good friend Wendy were astounded. Apparently Justin had bought the rundown old Jacobs Mere House, and with both Eve and Wendy having worked with Justin's father Lionel, they knew each other well. It was the morning after Eve and Wendy had dined with Justin, with lots of memories to catch up on, much laughter and promises to see one another again, that the grim discovery was made - Justin had been murdered.

Nikki and her partner Joseph Easter, were immediately on the scene, and with two previous suspicious deaths in the same amount of days, this one being the third, Nikki's team were stretched thin. With Eve and Wendy the last to see Justin alive, apart from his killer, Nikki decided they could quietly investigate in different areas. Their past jobs before retirement meant they had access to much - maybe even more than Nikki had. But would their combined efforts help to discover the killer/s before another person died?

Echoes on the Fens is the 15th in the DI Nikki Galena series by Joy Ellis and I loved it! I'm thoroughly enjoying this gritty, tension filled and chilling series, and although I've jumped from #10 to #15, there was no issue for me. The team of characters all work well, and it's great that they all have a supportive superior. I'll be reading #11 soon and recommend this one - in fact the whole series - to fans of the genre!

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

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I eagerly await novels by Joy Ellis, and this book was no exception. I like the way the plot starts off gradually, with tidbits of family life, and it then increases in complexity. The inclusion of Eve and Wendy is always great, as their sleuthing adds to the plot. I enjoyed the crossover of crimes that lead to involving the other DI in the station, as well as including the sergeant from another series of Ellis’ books. The plot is intricate and multilayered and certainly keeps you up reading just ‘one more chapter’.

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Joy Ellis never fails to disappoint and this was no exception. Warm fire, good food. Great read. I was in my happy place again.

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Wow , how can this be book 15 of the Nikki Galena series already and as some one who has always enjoyed Joy Ellis's novels this is no exceptiotion, its been nice seeing how Nikki and Josephs relationship has developed over the years not only as police detectives but also in their romantic life and how Joeseph has helped Nikki to mellow from the angry woman she used to be at the start.
I did feel this was a little disjointed as there were two crimes being investigated at the same time and you do have to suspend your belief a bit for it to make sense. and it was good having a little crossover with one her other Detectives, Marie Evens and of course the flamboyant pathlogist Rory, is always a delight depsite the difficult job he does. My only worry is the ending had an air of finality too it, which I hope I am wrong about, I wll just have to be patient and see.

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Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Another brilliant book in this series. Love that it still follows on from each book. Family life working together brilliant book

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DI Nikki Galena #15

Family dynamics is what makes this series more enjoyable. Nikki and Joseph don't just work together, they are partners in their personal lives too. There's also Nikki's mother, Eve, and Joseph's daughter, Tasmin. Nikki and her team are trying to solve three murders. Three people from different backgrounds - two women and a well-known local celebrity.

There was lots going on in this book, but it's so well-written it makes it easy to read. The pace is perfect. I love Eve and her effort to help Nikki solve the case. The characters are well-developed and likeable. The plot is multi-layered. This book can be read as a standalone.

Published 7th November 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #JoyEllis for my ARC of #EchoesOnTheFens in exchange for an honest review.

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This is a terrific addition to this excellent series featuring DI Nikki Galena, her partner (in both senses of the word) DS Joseph Easter and their team at the Fenland Police. Their workload has suddenly got quite busy with two major new cases. Firstly, a malicious campaign against a grief counsellor is ruining her reputation and turning away her clients and now her employee has been killed in a hit and run making the police concerned for her safety. Secondly, a TV celebrity who has recently bought and restored an old house in the Fens is murdered in his home. In neither case is the perpetrator and their motive obvious and Nikki and the team soon find themselves with two very complex cases that keep becoming even more complex..

With plenty of twists, the two strands are cleverly woven together into an exciting plot. The broodiness of the fens and its’ little villages is well drawn as always and it’s always pleasant to spend time with these characters and their families and friends.

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