I never saw “Broadchurch”, so I have no idea how Chris Chibnall’s debut mystery, Death at the White Hart compares to the show. Chibnall is the creator of “Broadchurch”. Now, he gives us a solid police procedural with an interesting lead charactrer.
Due to family issues, Detective Nicola Bridge left a successful career in Liverpool to return to her home village of Fleetcombe. She has just a small team of two to work with, one who is young and eager to learn, but DC Harry Ward is intimidated by his new boss. When there’s a shocking murder in town, the two have limited resources to work with.
Early in the morning, a man is found dead in the middle of a road, tied to a chair with a pair of antlers attached to his head. It’s the Scene of Crime Officer who identifies the body as Jim Tiernan, manager of the White Hart pub. Now, it’s up to Nicola and Harry to dig into village secrets to find a killer.
Chibnall writes a fascinating police procedural that manages to uncover Nicola’s inner life while she delves into a complicated murder investigation. Although he manages to expose the lives of a few characters, it seems as if we never really get to know the victim. I’m ready to read a sequel, but some readers may find the book a little too slow-paced. However, I’m always ready to follow the steps in a good police procedural.
Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall. Viking, 2025., 340p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
Great to know about this one, Lesa. It sounds perfect for me!
I’ll be interested to see what you think, Kim. I did think of you when I read it.
Ditto. Definitely going to look out for this one.
You should be able to get it soon, Jeff. It’s already out. I just picked it off the shelf at the library.
Have seen Broadchurch and enjoyed it.
Slapped a hold on a copy when they get it in here in Dallas.
I’ll be interested to see what people think, Kevin, who watched Broadchurch.
Found an audio copy at my library. I’ll start listening to it when I work on a jigsaw puzzle this weekend. Thanks for the review Lesa.
I hope you enjoy the narrator more than Scott did, Susan.
Purchased the audio book and, unfortunately, the narrator subtracted from the story.
I hate that when the narrator doesn’t work.