Shallow Ground

Hannah is a refreshingly different character with her analytical mind and habit of saying exactly what she is thinking.DI Ford is under pressure to get results but his hands are tied by the old boys network. It is a pacey novel and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you Netgally for allowing me to read this book early. This book is about a murder of a young women and her son.
Detective Ford and his team need to find the killer with very little clues to go on. . This book kept me on the edge of my seat I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cant wait for the next one..

Ford is a newly promoted Detective Inspector in Wales. We meet him 6 years after losing his wife in a climbing accident. It was an accident, but Ford blames himself and considers himself a murderer. He is raising his 15 year old son, Sam, on his own. Additionally, a new member has been added to the CSI team with Ford works with closely. Her name is Dr. Hannah Fellowes. She is smart and pretty and very outspoken. We find that is related to her Asperger's diagnosis. While she is British, she has spent a lot of time working in the USA with the FBI. Her previous work experience and vast knowledge are assets to Ford's team and while he is attracted to her, he is not over losing his wife. This relationship is not a dominate story line, but could build over time in future books. IT seems this is the first in a new series. In addition to Hanna, Ford has a great team of detectives working with him. his old friend and colleague Julie (Jools). Mick, who appears to have a bit of a thing for Jools. Alec, Hanna's boss and Sandy, Ford's boss. In this story those who are struggling financially and use the local food-bank when they are in need of food are the target of the killer. There are two suspects brought to light right away. The red-herrings which make the read suspect one than the other and back to the other are fantastic. I had a feeling I knew whom the killer was, but our author did not make it easy. I am hoping this does become a series as I would like to spend more time in Wales with DI Ford and his colleagues.

Well written with an interesting cast of characters. While Ford is clearly suffering from survivor guilt being reminded of the fact every second chapter is unnecessary and tedious. Otherwise a decent read

Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
Detective Ford has just been promoted to Detective Inspector when he's heading the case of a serial killer who's exsanguianated three people and killed the young son of the first female victim.
A food bank links the killings, and they end up with two suspects. Ford instinctively knows one of them is the the killer, but can't find any hard evidence.
The book features both Ford and the killer's pov's, but we don't know to the truth 'till the very end.
I'm not too sure about Ford yet...he's mildly likeable, but I loved Hannah, she's a real treat and has a superb amount of interesting facts to impart, learned from her stint at Quantico. A great character! She makes the book enjoyable.

What a great read. Pulls you in from the moment you start reading. I like books like this that build the characters and this book certainly does that. Great story and I didn't want to put it down. Looking forward to reading the next book by this author

I really hope this is the first of many books where we see DI Ford in action, Ford is still grieving his wife's death who he blames himself for when he has his first real case which turns out to be a serial killer.
Hannah a crime scene officer comes to work with the team and likes Henry, but he's not ready to move on.
He feels in his gut who the murderer is but it's a race against time to prove it.
I hope we see more of him and Hannah

DI Ford has just been promoted to Inspector. His first case is the murder of a widowed nurse and her young son. Then a murdered man is found. And then another. Ford wonders how many more bodies will be found before he and his team can find the killer; and not just any killer. This person uses a unique method, and it will take Ford using his skills and experiences and the help of new CSI Hannah Fellowes to catch the killer soon or Ford could be demoted before he even gets started.

An excellent read that keeps you guessing who is responsible for the dreadful murders. The cast of characters is steadily introduced and easy to relate to. The excitement and thrill in the story are addictive.

Newly-appointed Inspector DI Ford is faced with the challenging task of tracking down the person who is responsible for a series of murders. The serial killer is deadly and ruthless and leaves subtle clues at every crime scene.

When DI Ford's instincts lead him towards a high profile suspect, he is more determined to solve the case. But can Ford find the killer before another murder takes place ?? suspense heightens as we find out ........

Summary:
Great story, one that was difficult to put down.

First encounter with newly promoted D I Henry Ford and his team all with their interesting nicknames and lifestyles. A gripping storyline with Two main suspects for the multiple murders, read it and find out which one for yourself.

A great crime story. Slow to get going but about a third in I couldn't put thebook down. Crimes are sad , but well thought out . The detective, Ford, has his own problems which added authenticity to the story. I didn't like his instant judgements about suspects though. Definitely a good team for a series, plenty more possibilities within the team. I liked the new CSI, Hannah & the son Sam . Other characters could have done with a little more explanation for me. I did like the location (Salisbury in Wiltshire), an area that I don't know.
I don't get the title, totally unrelated to the story in my eyes . Otherwise, I look forward to reading more about Ford and his son and the team
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of Shallow Ground, the first novel to feature DI “Henry” Ford of the Salisbury Police.

Ford gets his first murder case as a newly promoted detective inspector and it’s complicated. He has to solve the murder of a young nurse and her son. She’s been bled to death and he’s untouched, suggesting something out of the ordinary and then there are more bodies.

Shallow Ground is a well plotted novel with an interesting premise and likeable characters. Unfortunately it didn’t really hold my interest as I didn’t see any uniqueness in it.

The novel is mostly told from Ford’s point of view with the killer chipping in from time to time with tales of childhood abuse and current thoughts. New appointed CSI Dr Hannah Fellowes also gets her point of view aired. The killer’s point of view is fairly standard, something I’ve read ad nauseum in this genre. Ford is like Morse, no first name required, hence “Henry” as in Henry T. and Hannah is on the spectrum, so likely to blurt out her thoughts at any minute. That gels with her FBI training in psychology.

The plot revolves around the hunt for a serial killer and concentrates mostly on Ford’s gut recognising the killer. This is based on his survivor’s guilt after his wife died in a climbing accident he initiated and he sees himself as a killer. This insistence on one prime suspect without concrete evidence is not my kind of reading. I prefer a wider ranging investigation where there are several suspects of equal probability that can engage the reader in their own speculation.

Shallow Ground is a solid read.

Silent Ground is an excellent crime thriller which grips you from the start and doesn’t let go throughout.
D.I. Ford, newly promoted and still grieving from the loss of his wife six years previously and left with a now 15 year old son has much to prove he is up to his new role. A young nurse has been murdered by having all her blood drained and her young son is also found dead in her arms. As more bodies are found also by exsanguination they realise a serial killer is on the loose and speed is of the essence to stop him.
The political interference in modern day policing indicates how some people in power try to influence cases and Ford and his boss have to navigate through this minefield as well.
Ford is convinced who the murderer is, he has an uncanny instinct in finding the guilty but proving it turns out to be a lot more difficult particularly when this is brought into question by his superiors.
Aided by Hannah a CSI who has worked with the FBI, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome she is high functioning with an analytical mind that adds much to the case, they have a good relationship which I hope will develop into more over time.
As the case the continues the tension mounts, the action is restless and exciting. An immensely readable story that is gripping and intelligent. I hope this is the start of a series that will continue for a long time to come.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

I really enjoyed this book reading it cover to cover in one sitting. A good police procedural crime story that had some very good characters and an interesting plot.

Newly promoted DI Ford is a single parent having lost his wife in a climbing accident six years ago. He caused the accident and bears the pain of keeping his guilt from his teenage son Sam. DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her son in a small flat in Salisbury. With minimal clues available, Ford senses a serial killer at may be at work. Together with his new Dr Hannah Fellowes, a crime scene investigator they are determined to uncover the murderer.

I really enjoyed the two main characters DI Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes and there is definitely the making of a series with all the baggage they carry. Really enjoyable read from an author I had no prior knowledge of.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Shallow Ground (Detective Ford Book 1) by Andy Maslen
(Published by Amazon Publishing UK on November 10, 2020)

4.25 Stars.

. "Exercitatio Anatomica de Motu Cordis et Sanguinis in Animalibus"
. by William Harvey, circa 1628

"De Motu Cordis". With his mind at times still straddling a living nightmare on the sudden death of his wife in a climbing accident at Pen-y-Holt Bay, Pembroke, six years prior, little did the single dad of still-grieving 15-year old Sam and newly-promoted Salisbury DI, Detective Inspector "Henry" Ford know that a 17th Century book from Europe's early modern period on "...an anatomical exercise on the motion of the heart and blood in living beings..." could prove to be a lynchpin that would unlock his first major case in a supervisory role at the Salisbury PD under the aegis of Detective Superintendent Sandra Monroe - the pursuit of a suspected devil-worshipping, blood thirsty serial killer.

Indeed, that early modern age manuscript, along with the fortuitous entry of a team "rookie" as deputy manager, Dr. Hannah Fellowes, a sharp, stunning senior CSI with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and expert in forensic psychology - the psychology of lying - on top of her adjunct teaching experience at no less than the FBI Academy in Quantico.

So, whodunit?

Author Andy Maslen assembles a cast of earnest players in a neatly-pieced, well-researched police procedural murder mystery set in a modern Southern English city, with just the right touch of science and math, a dose of devilry, gore, ingenuity and poignancy in equal measures, spiced with a dash of that ubiquitous spite and arrogance de rigueur in UK novels of late, displayed by patently miserable British upper-class pretenders boasting status above suspicion and protection from administrative cronies in social circles.

Can't wait for the Maslen sequel of the Ford, Hannah, Sam and Sandra show!

Review based on an ARC from Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

Having enjoyed some of the authors other books I looked forward to reading this one. It didn’t disappoint, and I was drawn in right from the start. I thought it had very likeable, believable characters, it was well written, held my attention all the way through and had a good plot line. There were plenty of twists to keep me guessing. A very enjoyable read and a good start to a new series. I look forward to the next book.

Will keep you reading.

DI Ford’s first real case after his promotion is the investigation into the murder of a mother and child. With nothing much to go on, he has to try to find the killer with his wits and instincts. His colleagues are supportive fir the most part, but he also has his hands full because he manages to antagonise some powerful people.

I would recommend the book for those who enjoy a good thriller and a good detective story. There are some unusual plot devices, which take the book out of a true linear plot, and create odd tensions, but overall a well written and enjoyable story.

A MUST for your TBR list! Fast-paced! Riveting! Exciting! Addictive! Not only is this a very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters, but the suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. It was an artful melding of twisted psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense that kept me hooked the whole way!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

#ShallowGround #NetGalley

The plot for this first volume in a new series is interesting, the murders gruesome and innovative but, unfortunately, I found the characters too unnatural to be believable. It’s not easy to give a low rating to a book, because I can imagine how hard it must be to write a novel, but I never connected with the characters and the dialogues were repetitive and didn’t sound organic. Funnily enough, my favorite character was Hannah, a CSI with Asperger’s. Her dialogues are supposed to be stilted so they seemed more natural. Maybe the sequel will improve once the exposition is out of the way.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amazon Publishing UK!

I’ve read a number of British crime series over the years and was excited to discover a new one.

DI Ford (his first name is never disclosed) has many challenges to deal with – he needs to prove himself in his newly promoted role of Detective Inspector whilst juggling life as a single parent to his teenage son, Sam, all the while dealing with the grief of loosing his wife in a climbing accident which he holds himself responsible for.

After some background story about the tragic climbing accident six years ago, the writing turns to present day when Ford is called to investigate a brutal killing of a mother and her young son. After a second body is found, where the killer has left a similar “signature” to the first killing, Ford finds himself in charge of his first major case in the hunt for the serial killer. As more bodies stack up, Ford has a gut feeling he knows who the killer is but has a hard time proving this and comes under increasing pressure to hand the case over to more experienced officers. He’s determined not to let this happen and enlists the help of Dr Hannah Fellowes, a recent addition to the forensic department, with an interesting background and an interesting personality.

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were well introduced with just enough background information to make you want to keep reading to discover more about them. The pace of the writing was great, and kept me engaged throughout. There were chapters written from the POV of the killer, which I always find fascinating and kept me guessing as to who the killer might be. Overall, a great book which I hope will become a great series where we learn more about the characters, especially how the relationships between them develop as we follow Ford in future cases.

Highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy police crime. If the series continues to be as good as the first book, I think it will deserve a place up there with the likes of Peter James, Ian Rankin and Peter Robinson.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley UK for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow - I could not put this book down! I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to crime fiction - I’m really careful of violent images or ideas that root themselves firmly and unpleasantly in my brain. This one came close but didn’t cross that line for me. I think the first scene was the most chilling I’ve read recently and had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the killer to be caught. In typical detective fiction style the book starts with murder - that of a young mother and her son which felt particularly sad and brutal. Ford is a recently promoted DI, a widower who feels responsible for the death of his wife; he has a teenage son and feels unable to start a new relationship. He’s working on a force short of resources and money and under pressure, and he needs his first case to be solved quickly. But then there’s another death and another. What makes this a great read is the pace and tension maintained right to the very end, well-rounded characters and an excellent plot. Ford is a particularly intriguing D.I. - he feels some kind of mental connection to the thought processes of the killer, has gut instincts which are usually accurate but in this case appear to be misleading him. The unravelling of the crime is compelling, throwing out twists and false starts along the way and the conclusion is deeply satisfying. I really hope Ford will be back to solve another case, and look forward to seeing how his personal relationships will develop. With grateful thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a digital copy of this book.

A good read, slow to start but about a third of the way in I was utterly gripped and completed within days.

This is the kind of book that had me thinking about it all the time - who’s the killer, will he be caught, will he kill again? I was back and forth with my thoughts as to to who the culprit was, and frustrated when my thoughts did not match those of the DI!

I believed the characters, and it was easy to keep up with them and the timeline.
I enjoyed the Ford’s background story which lends itself well to a book series.
I would definitely read more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Andy Malden and time Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC in return for review.

Police thriller, lots of suspects twists and turns. Characters were good,well portrayed ,room for future possibilities. Kept me guessing.

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and just had to keep turning the pages. It's well-written, with excellent dialogue between the characters that highlights the interactions and relationships with Ford's colleagues, his suspects, and his son Sam.

DI Ford, newly-promoted over a colleague DS, is grappling with memories of his wife Lou. This is the sixth anniversary of her death; his guilt is still overwhelming; he and his teenaged son Sam are still grieving and they're going through a very teenager/father rocky patch.
A widowed mother, Angela Halpern, and her 3yr-old son Kai are found dead in their flat when their under stairs neighbours noticed blood dripping through their ceiling. This is Ford's first murder case as DI but when the body count starts mounting and the team and powers that be realise there is a serial killer on the rampage in Salisbury, Ford is pressured to get results within a week or a more experienced DI would be brought in.
Dr Hannah Fellowes, the new Senior Crime Scene Investigator, works closely with Ford, using all her intelligence and experience in forensics and psychology to bring surprising revelations to the investigation.
There are lots of twists and mis-directions going on especially with their main suspects. Ford just 'knows' who the killer is - but he has no evidence, surely he can't be wrong?

This is a fast-moving, tension-filled and thoroughly engrossing police procedural - and watch out for the twist at the end! A great read.

I love all of Andy Maslen’s work, and this book, Shallow Ground is no exception. The first in what I hope will. E a series of police procedurals, featuring a very likeable D.I. Ford. Like us all, he has his secrets, which while intriguing us the reader, did not overpower the main narrative of the book. Highly enjoyable, highly recommended

Although already a fan of Mr. Maslen, I approached this book with interest. A new character based series.

Would I like the character, his associates, his environment? If you think similarly, rest assured, Maslen now has three great characters in his author's stable.

Ford is a great character, flawed, as is Maslen's trademark lead character, but interesting. This story probably has one of the strongest prologues/opening chapters that I have read in a long time and it keeps the reader turning page after page, even after the clock suggests bedtime might be the right place to go.

A good whodunit police procedural novel. If you've not read Andy Maslen before an excellent introduction to him, if you have, you will be gripped by this book.

A new author for me, I enjoyed the main characters Ford and Hannah..hoping for a little romance to blossom! A believable story line which had me guessing right up to the end! Would definitely recommend and would enjoy book 2.

Short and sweet. DI Ford has my heart. Wiltshire? The rivers? I must confess that it's my first choice.
Not even reviewing this.
I l loved it.
More please?
Truthfully, the setting of this book was quite beautiful. I loved everything else, but sometimes, the background shoves itself into the spotlight!

I've really enjoyed Andy Maslen's Gabriel Wolfe and Stella Cole books, so was excited to see that he has a new series out. Shallow Ground is about a newly-minted DI who is investigating his first murder case. Ford and the team follow the clues in a twisty story where the police are faced with a seemingly random crime where there are multiple plausible suspects. Maslen does a great job of creating characters that are complex and believable, as they're certainly not perfect or infallible in their work and personal lives. As a US citizen, I enjoyed trying to decipher some of the British slang (had to check a few things online). On the plus side, I now know that I like Builder's tea - the style, not necessarily the brand (though I'm sure it's a fine choice). Anyway, check this out - I think that Maslen's got some new and interesting adventures ahead for DI Ford and the crew.

Absolutely brilliant book,I would highly recommend you read this book. It will keep you engrossed throughout.

I am a great fan of the author and was interested to read this new book.
I will begin by saying that I rarely read murder mystery books so this was an exception for me.This book is a real page turner with a captivating plot and really interesting characters.I really hope that it is the first in a series .
The detail within the book is clearly well researched and the accuracy really supports what is an excellent read..A great read and highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book all the way through. It had a really good plot, great main characters and really keeps you hooked on the plot. I would highly recommend this book.

A good start to a series. DI Ford and Hannah are both interesting characters. The case itself was intriguing and kept me reading.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

A fantastic start to a new series!! DI 'Henry' Ford is newly appointed and finds himself on a case with no evidence, no motive...Only a dead mother and young son...He is a hard-working man who years ago lost his wife on a rock climb, and survivors guilt carries with him to this day. Raising his young son alone, while working to keep the town safe for everybody...He has a great team of Cops and other staff working with him, and a new CSI member, Hannah, brings a little life and lots of experience to the team...But the investigation is tough, the woman has been exsanguinated...But Not the boy...After investigating the team finds the young women had just left the food bank, now to check out everyone there... Soon other killings follow, with the same circumstances, and a strange number written in blood at every crime scene...What does it mean..Can Hannah's work with liars and blood assist in the answer?!
I thoroughly enjoyed this new character, Ford, and the scenes grab you and do Not let go until an answer to the murders is found. With interesting plots and descriptions you feel you are right there working with them!
I thank NetGalley and the author for a thrilling read and offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon UK for the privilege of an early read of Shallow Ground by Andy Maslen in exchange for a fair review.
Deputy Inspector Ford has just been promoted and his first case afterwards is a serial killer who seems to enjoy draining the blood from is victims. As the bodies begin to be found, Ford and his staff, including new CSI Hannah, are working against the clock and the "Old Boy Network" as they find suspects. Ford is dealing with a teenage son and they are both still dealing with their grief from the accidental death of their wife/mother six years later. As Ford and his team search for the who and why of the killings, the suspect pool gets smaller.
This story kept me very interested, the characters work very well together and there is the potential for more books with these characters. I certainly hope so especially since there was the hint of a not professional interest between Ford and Hannah.

I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. The suspense was on every page. DI Ford is magnificent in his new role and his new working partner/love interest Hannah is skilfully written. He knew he’d sussed out who the killer was but other ‘clues’ made it look like he was wrong. I can’t wait to read the next one. It’s top of my list!

This is the first book n this series I have read, and while I wasn't sure at first if Ford was going to be a character I would like, he definitely grew on me, as an honest and flawed character. Ford has an interesting dynamic with his squad, as this is his first major case, and all eyes are on him, he's delegating what he doesn't want to handle and maybe getting too focused n the wrong suspect. As his team works on 2 suspects, red herrings come and go, all the while heat is on them to ignore one suspect, but to solve the case asap. It's an interesting look at how we can be blind to the trees aside us while fixating on those in front of us. I look forward to reading more books in this series!

I would like to thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free ecopy of this book in exchange for my review.

This was a new author for me, though I see they have a few other books out. I found this to be an engaging thriller, and enjoyed the fast pace that kept me picking the book up again and again, wanting to learn what would happen next. I would look for other books by the author again and recommend this book to friends.

I have read numerous Andy Marlene books. They do not disappoint. This book kept me enthralled throughout. The writing flows very well and typos are minimum. I do not want to provide spoilers so I can only comment that the ending was not what I expected. I will continue to read his books.

Ford is a Detective Inspector who is suffering from survivors guilt after losing his wife a few years ago. Hannah is a CSI with an amazing mind for details. There is a killer on the loose and he is targeting less than wealthy victims. There are two main suspects and it is hard to determine which it could be throughout most of the book. The book moved at a steady pace with little clues thrown in along the way. I liked most of the characters and look forward to seeing them in the next book in the series.

Thanks to netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the arc

A well written crime thriller. A cast of many interesting characters and the start of a new series. Newly promoted DI Ford is given a case with very little in the way of evidence. He also has a dark secret or does he? A good workout for the grey matter and kept me well entertained. Will look forward to reading more of this authors work. Almost four stars.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

Great book full of suspense and a great new series from a great author whose books are very enjoyable

Yes!!! New author and Oh my.........what fantastic book Shallow Ground by Andy Maslen was.
I was hooked from the very first few pages and before I knew the birds were singing outside my window. I only opened this book on my kindle last night and finished it in 1 sitting. I don't usually do this, but this book had everything, Murderers with lots of blood, etc, and with great new characters especially learning about them throughout this new book which made a brilliant new Police procedural crime book.
To me this makes a great start to a new series with two main characters DI Henry Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes which worked well together.

What more do you want in a book!?

A fantastic start to a new series!!

I highly recommend this new book by Andy Masten and will be reading more books by him.

Can I go to bed now? lol

Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley UK for the free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I decided to read Andy Maslen's Shallow Ground because of its Salisbury, England, setting. I couldn't remember reading a police procedural set there before. The setting didn't figure much in the story, but what did was the characters. The opening scene which shows readers how Ford's wife died is chilling and emotionally draining without going overboard graphically. Will Ford's overwhelming sense of guilt ever fade? Should it ever fade? Perhaps subsequent books will tell us.

There's a running (lame) joke about Ford's first name, but after a more famous one with Inspector Morse, this doesn't spark any jollity in me. He's trying to raise his fifteen-year-old son, Sam, the best way he knows how, and that's not easy. Not only is Sam at "that age," Sam is also deeply wounded by his mother's death-- and the fact that Ford spends a lot more time on the job than he does with his son.

To Ford and Sam add two more interesting characters, Ford's second-in-command, Jools, and the new crime scene investigator, Dr. Hannah Fellowes. I look forward to learning more about all four of these characters in subsequent books. For me, the weak link is the plot. Although I did find the serial killer to be interesting, the route taken to his capture needed to be streamlined. There was too much of the "red herring" suspect. I also found Ford's tendency to rely more on his gut than he does on the evidence to be annoying. You can't throw 'em in the slammer without proof, Ford. Learn how to focus on getting the evidence that proves your gut without throwing all your superiors into conniptions, please.

All in all, an interesting beginning to a new series. With such a strong cast, I look forward to Ford's next case.

An awesome police procedural with a very interesting plot and great likeable characters. A fantastic start to a new series with plenty of action, lots of suspense, and several twists. Quite the page turner and one that I would highly recommend.

This is a good solid read although a bit slow to start. DI Ford is leading the investigation into a series of murders. A high profile suspect is in the frame but can Ford trust his instincts? I liked the character of Ford, a single parent with a teenage son, and the CSI team. The setting is beautiful, Wiltshire, and the book is well written. I enjoyed the read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

The book opens with Ford and his wife, Lou, climbing. Ford grabs a loose rock, breaks Lou's leg, leading to her tragic death.
Years later, Ford still suffers survivor's guilt while raising their now teenage son. Balancing his job, single parenthood and stress.
A killer is draining his victims of their blood and writing numerical messages with their blood. Ford delves into the mind of the killer - what feeds this need?
Hannah has left her job with the FBI, joining the Salisbury CSI unit. Together, Ford and Hannah dig through evidence, desperate for a profile.
This is a great start to a new series. I loved the characters- realistic, likeable. I want to know more.
Some areas dragged; I found myself skimming occasionally.

This is a great start to a new series.
DI Ford is called out to a bloody crime scene where a mother and her child have been murdered.
It seems she was hit over the head and then the blood drained from her body - but why?
Ford is introduced to a new CSI and soon she’s helping him with the case and building a profile of the killer. Hannah has a head for detail which comes in very handy during the investigation.
Soon more victims are found and DI Ford and the team need to step up the investigation to catch the killer.
This is a gripping read that had me well and truly hooked.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Detective Ford #1

DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young use and her sonin their flat in Salisbury. Ford senses that there is a serial killer at work. Ford's wife died in a climbing accident, an accident Ford felt he had been responsible for. He has a son, Sam. Ford has also got a new partner, Dr Hannah Fellowes who's a crime scene Investigator.

It's clear from the beginning that Ford is suffering with survivors guilt. The plotline is interesting and the main characters were likable. I was pulled in from the beginning of this steady paced book. The author has clearly researched the contents of the story. The body count kept rising so Ford and his team have to work fast to find out who's behind these killings. This is a great start to a new series.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingGroupUK and the author #AndyMaslen for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading.
Shallow Ground by Andy Maslen is the first book in a new police thriller series, Detective Ford is the newly appointed Detective Inspector in charge of his first murder case. There follows a series of gruesome murders where the blood is drained from the adult victims.
The storyline is a tense police thriller, where we are introduced to members of the police team, who all help to solve the case and we will meet them again in the next book in the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading the next book in the new series by Andy Maslen.

Shallow Ground is the first book in a new police crime series by Andy Maslen and it is definitely a very promising start.

The main character is the recently promoted DI “Henry” Ford who is faced with a complex multiple murder investigation. Yes he has a back story but this only helps with the narrative of the book and isn’t overwhelming. The rest of the supporting cast are also well sketched out and help drive the storyline.

The pacing of the book is excellent and kept me turning the pages and I look forward to future instalments in this series

Definitely recommended

Shallow Ground is the first instalment in the Detective Inspector ”Henry" Ford series, set in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Newly-promoted DI Ford has just landed his very first murder case and you know what they say - you never forget your first - especially when it involves a ruthlessly efficient serial killer with a flair for the dramatic. It begins with the brutal and merciless killing of widowed nurse Angela Halpern and her 3 year old son, who was found cradled in her arms, in their small Salisbury flat. The gruesome discovery was reported when a downstairs neighbour witnessed blood dripping from the ceiling. She had been exsanguinated but her son had not and cryptic numbers scrawled in blood were left behind as some sort of message. With minimal clues or evidence to help out, Ford and his team come to the conclusion that this is unlikely to have been the murderers first kills and that it's possible they have a serial killer in their midst. Soon more murders follow with the same, unique modus operandi. The only piece of strong evidence connecting each of the slayings is that in every case the victim had recently visited the local food-bank.

Ford and his team, including Senior Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Dr Hannah Fellowes, are under immense pressure to get results within the week or his superiors will bring in a more experienced replacement. Can Ford save his reputation and bring the killing to an end in the process? This was a completely riveting and thoroughly enjoyable procedural from start to finish. Maslen sets the pace to quick fire and provides exciting developments and twisty-turny surprises aplenty, topping it off with a superb cast of characters. The short, snappy chapters also build the tension nicely. DI Ford is still very much mourning the loss of his wife, Lou, who fell to her death in a climbing accident at Pen-y-Holt Bay, Pembrokeshire, six years ago, leaving him to bring up their 15 year old son, Sam, as a single parent, whilst also juggling work responsibilities. Dr Fellowes is an intelligent CSI with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience and expert in forensic psychology. She also has Asperger's and is high functioning, which makes her great at analytical tasks. A compulsive and entertaining read and a promising beginning to a new series. Highly recommended.

From the beginning of this flawlessly plotted police procedural to its chilling conclusion, Andy Maslen has written the first in a new series that will delight readers of Elizabeth George and Peter Robinson.

Maslen pulls the reader into the thriller with a prologue that introduces DI Ford as a sympathetic character on the worst day in his life. His wife Lou dies while the two are mountain climbing in a remote area. He blames himself. And six years later, a single father to their son, he still feels guilt.

His first case as a Detective Inspector is a complicated, gruesome one. A nurse and her three year old son are found murdered. Her blood has been drained and she is posed holding her son’s dead body. Within a week, there is another bloodless body. The press is now involved as is Dr. Hannah Fellowes, a new member of the forensics team. Hannah has a Ph.D, was a lecturer at Quantico and has Asperger’s. Ford suspects he knows the identity of the killer but he can’t prove it. Will he arrest him before more unrelated victims are murdered?

Shallow Ground has so many strengths. The characters leap off the page, especially those in Ford’s team. Action advances slowly and deliberately highlighting the painstaking work done by the investigators. I can’t wait for the next in the series. And the one after that. 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Andy Maslen for this ARC.

This was a hugely enjoyable book. I had not come across Andy Maslen previously so came into this with no preconceptions. I have, however, read plenty of police procedurals and found this to be a fabulous new addition to the genre - I hope it heralds the start of a new series; I would have no hesitation in reading further instalments.

As is standard in this type of book, the main protagonist (DI Ford) has a flaw. In this case, it is caused by an incident at the start of the book. I won't say here what it is, but readers will find out within the first two or three pages.

The plot follows Ford's team as they investigate a serial killer. The book is well plotted but as this is the start of the series, plot almost takes a back seat to characterisation. Maslen takes the opportunity to introduce all the members of his protagonist's team and does so very well, details of the relationships between each of the characters being filled in as the story progresses. Hannah, in particular, is an interesting character and I hope to see her well used in future books.

Maslen sets the novel in Salisbury - it would have been nice to have more made of the location - it's a beautiful place. Perhaps this will become more of a feature in future books in the series.

Overall, I am very pleased that I read this book and would have no hesitation in recommending to friends and family.

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the first in the DI Ford series and I was not disappointed. DI Ford is assigned his first case. A woman is found in her flat, blood seeping through the floor to the flat below. As Ford and his team look for the killer, the body count keeps increasing. Jools is his right hand, Hannah is the new CSI and is blunt and too the point. I enjoyed all the characters in this story and look forward to #2. Thank you NetGalley, Andy Maslen and Amazon Publishing UK.

This is the first book in the Detective Ford series. DI Ford is riddled with guilt over his wife's mountain climbing accident and now he is left to raise their son, Sam, on his own. DI Ford is called in to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her son in a small flat in Salisbury. Soon there are other bodies found and Ford comes to the conclusion that a serial killer who leaves the bodies drained of blood is involved. The suspects ended up between two people and I kept changing my mind between them. The ending was a surprise and the book proved to be a real page-turner. All the characters were well-fleshed out and I look forward to reading more about them in book 2. Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK for a free copy for an honest review. Highly recommended.

Detective Ford still blames himself for his wife’s death six years ago in a climbing accident. He struggles with his guilt as he raises his son, Sam, and tries to balance that relationship with the demands of his job. Newly promoted to Detective Inspector, his first case is a serial killer whose MO is exsanguination.

The plot is interesting and there is good character development, especially in his fellow team members. New CSI Hannah Fellowes, a highly trained and skilled investigator is particularly interesting as an Asperger’s savant. Fast paced and engrossing, I will add Andy Maslen to my must read mystery/police procedural authors.

This is advertised as the first of the Detective Ford book series. I hope there will be more.

A very typical suspense thriller. Nothing new in the storyline and characters were very generic. This book could have been way better with a fee more twists and turns

I have read some of the Gabriel Wolfe series by this author, and Shallow Ground is a different pace to these previous reads. This book starts off with a murder of a mother and child, and the newly promoted Detective Inspector is given this case as his first major crime to solve.

I enjoyed the book, there are sufficient red herrings whilst reading to keep your mind tucking over whilst you try to suss out the villan. It was not fast paced as per some novels can be, and this is not a bad thing because I found that the story kept me hooked. The characters that were introduced had enough flaws to make them feel rounded and realistic, which helped me relate to them more.

Overall, a great read, and a solid start for a potential new detective series from the author. I would recommend to anyone who like British detective novels

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ARC for an honest review in return

Andy Maslen's new series featuring 'Henry' Ford and Hannah Fellowed really excited me. This opening novel is a fabulous read. It works as a thriller ... As a police procedural ... And as a psychological thriller.
The characters are well-formed and engaging with lots of potential to develop further as the series progresses.
The plot is clever and intense. The hunt for a serial killer in Salisbury is fast-paced and blood permeates almost every page.
Crime writing at its very best.

I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It was a well written book. I hope to read more books by this author.

Inspector Ford is a Salisbury detective with plenty on his plate: coming to terms with the death of his wife, struggling to bring up their teenage son by himself, and a new colleague in crime scene detective Dr Hannah Fellowes to cope with.
Then comes the mysterious death of a local nurse and her young son. With a number daubed on the wall of their flat in blood, Ford knows that he is looking at a strange and twisted adversary. The murderer’s modus operandi suggests someone with medical knowledge, but at the local hospital Ford finds himself warned off by a consultant with friends in high places. Then another body is found with a different number on the wall, and he knows he is in a race against time before the killer strikes again.
The first in a new series of crime novels by thriller writer Andy Maslen, Shallow Ground is a meticulously researched piece of police procedural, with its carefully crafted pulling the reader in and not letting go until the last page.

(Various Living Magazines, Nov 2020)

Thoroughly enjoyed this one.
It has a strong plot with likable, quirky (Especially Hannah - how refreshing!) characters and a few twists along the way.
I found myself switching between probable suspects as to who was the killer and that's always a good thing.
Just the right length too.
Many thanks.

Shallow ground encompasses the loss of a spousal and the difficulties of bringing up a child alone, and at the same time, assuming a new position at the Police Force, responsible for a team and facing the need to uncover the new serial killer who is terrorizing the area. Ford faces a lot of struggles, especially those relating to his past personal life, lack of support from his superiors, at some point lack of support from his team, till when he is able to prove he was right. He also is able to engage in a new relationship with a highly qualified member of staff who has recently landed in town. It's a new beginning in many areas - his profession, his personal life. Great start of a new series, full of mystery, action, and many turns till the truth is unveiled.
I downloaded a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Detective Ford has struggled to cope with the loss of his wife. Her death is something he blames himself for. His colleagues have avoided the subject. Shortly after he is promoted to DI he investigates the death of a young mother & her son. Splashed across the walls & written in blood is the number 666. Dr Hannah Fellowes has just joined the team as a CSI but she has experience in profiling. Having Asperger's Syndrome makes her very direct & he finds her directness somewhat soothing. When another victim is found with another number written across the wall in blood & then a third one it looks like they have a serial killer on their hands. Ford has his suspicions as to the killer, but his high status makes it difficult to pursue.

I haven't read any of Andy Maslen's books before but I really enjoyed this one. The characters were interesting & engaging. I loved the way Hannah & Ford worked together & I'm already looking forward to the next in this promising series. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

DI "Henry" Ford has recently been promoted to DCI. When he gets the call to investigate the murder of a young nurse and her young son, he has mixed emotions. This is his chance to show his superiors he's able to handle the job. On the other hand he feels he knows from brutal personal experience how killers cover their tracks.

The young woman was bashed in the head, strangled and then left to bleed out. The child was given a shot that stopped his heart. There are few clues, no DNA, no apparent motive.

Ford has a new partner ... Dr. Hannah Fellowes, a crime scene investigator with an analytical mind that just doesn't stop.

This murder is just the beginning, as other bodies fall. They are all killed the same way. The only thing connecting them are the number left on the walls of each crime scene.

How are these victims chosen?

As the investigation continues, Ford's instincts lead him to a high-profile suspect .. but his supervisor has warned him off this particular person. Knowing Ford, he will just ignore the warning and does what he always had ... follow his gut feelings.

This is the beginning of a new series by this author (who has produced other series). A second book becomes available later this year. The characters are deftly drawn. Ford is a single father, having lost his wife in a climbing accident some years ago. He feels guilty that he wasn't able to save her. He and his teenage son still haven't come to grips with her death. Fellowes is a marvelous character. She's got a brilliant mind, she's very friendly, and seems to put everything out there. She has Asperger's and worries what others will think of her. Secondary characters bring a lot to the story as they are also front and center in crime solving.

There's non-stop action filled with suspense. What the killer does is horrendous ... the why is even more evil.

Many thanks to the author / Amazon Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

A gruesome murder of a nurse and her young son is investigated by newly promoted DI Ford. As more murders take place he realises there is a serial killer at work. With two main suspects can Ford identify the perpetrator before the case is taken from him? A tense murder mystery with gruesome scenes and extraordinary motives.

Interesting story with a fleshed out cast of characters and a solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was a thrilling read that grabbed at at the beginning and didn't let go until the very end. I see this is the first book in a new series, and I can't wait to read the following books! Recommended.
TB

Shallow ground is an excellent police procedural and I love the MC Detective Ford.
This is Detective Ford's first case since being promoted to detective he has a savvy experienced team and a tenacious and very smart new pathologist on his team.

The book has many twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout the book and it held my attention in fascinated awe at hiw well the story was woven.

If you love police procedural I highly recommend it this book is an exceptional read.

WOW 😮 what a fantastic read ! First in the series of the DI Ford books. This book had me gripped from the first page to the last! A original storyline that just kept you guessing right to the end. I also found the main characters really likeable and really looking forward to seeing them develop
Highly recommend this series and can’t wait to read the next one!

I could not put this book down!! The characters were so well developed and the author wrote in a way that kept me guessing. So many murders, so many twists and turns. I typically don't go for the detective type thrillers but I will be keeping my eye out for book #2.

This isn't my type of book, but I would encourage others to read it because many people seem to enjoy it!

Ford lost his wife in a tragic climbing accident 6 years previously and still blames himself for her untimely death. He is desperate to keep the truth about her death from their son Sam but is finding it increasingly difficult with his new partner, Dr Hannah Fellowes on the scene.

Ford and Fellowes soon get embroiled in an intense serial killer investigation that starts with the discovery of the bodies of a young nurse and her baby. Ford is convinced that this murder is not a standalone and finds himself going up against his superiors in a bid to find the killer before he can finish his plan.

A very well written criminal thriller. It kept me guessing right until the very end.

This was an interesting and compelling beginning for a new police procedural series. The characters were engaging, and the story told with skill.

I appreciated the interpersonal dynamics of the police team. I liked the father son relationship between Ford and his son Sam. The addition of a new police CSI officer named Hannah Fellowes, who has Aspergers, added greatly to the narrative and would seem a logical love interest for Ford in further novels. Her candor and forthrightness, along with her brilliant brain was a joy to read.

If I had to find any negatives about the book, I’d have to say that Henry’s extreme feelings of survivor’s guilt over his beloved wife’s death was a tad repetitive. Yes, he had made an impossible choice, but he had NO choice really. It was have her die, or have them both die. The blurb emphasized his feelings of guilt and his ‘dark’ secrets. I thought the blurb was a tad misleading.

Also, I cannot for the life of me figure out why the novel was entitled “Shallow Ground“. I could not connect the title with this story in any way. What am I missing?

As the reader, I was privy to the serial killer’s motivations (though not his identity), so while reading I was waiting for D.I. Ford and his team to find and apprehend him. The red-herring suspect was well rendered and skillfully misguided the reader as planned.

Some readers might find the narrative a bit gruesome in places, but those who read a lot of police procedural and serial killer thrillers will not mind a bit.

All in all, an impressive and compelling start to a new series. Highly recommended!

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

Great thriller which kept me turning the pages well into the night. Great characters and plot. Highly recommend to others!!