I loved the premise of this one, and the setting of this one. I have an affinity for Oxford as I used to work there, so I’m partly sold on any book set there. I really liked the main character of this one. Jess Bridges is a fab character, she’s feisty and funny - and she has that special skill that just attracts trouble. Lots of trouble. From all angles.

I will admit part of this felt a bit slow, but I was pulled back in as the various troublesome elements were being thrown at Jess. There were some interesting supporting characters with this one and I’m keen to see how Jess’ and their stories play out in the rest of the books.

Thanks to the team at One More Chapter and the author for the opportunity to read this review copy.

If you like your mystery with a bit of humour and a bit of spice, then Black River is the perfect whodunnit series for you! It’s fast-paced and funny, with two very different detectives investigating the mysterious murder of swimmers in the upper reaches of the River Thames. Detective Inspector Leo George is as sharp as his suits, while Jess Bridges is a private investigator who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty in order to get the job done. The suspects soon begin to circle around author, Jago Jackson, whose book on wild swimming spots is believed to be the murderer’s blueprint. As Leo and Jess close in on the killer, they come to realise that they’re swimming in some very dangerous waters indeed. Be sure to check out Joss Stirling’s latest book, Black River, and experience this thrilling new whodunnit series!

The author has done a great job writing this book. It had elements of crime, thriller, and some humour too. I was eager to see what had happened and that made me read this one quite quickly.
The characters were well developed and I could relate to them.
Have recommended to my friends and family

This book was more of a romantic thriller, than a real thriller, if that makes sense. There is three different cases happening at the same time in the book, and a lot of love interests as well. It was still an entertaining read, and I will read the next one by the author.

Another great installment in the Jess Bridges series. I enjoyed the case and am looking forward to the next one.

Unfortunately this will be a DNF for me.

When requesting I didn't realise that it was part of a series and unfortunately I do not have the capacity to begin a new one.

When I get sent widgets I need to stop clicking on them all. This had sat on my kindle for ages and when I did fancy it, it’s just wasn’t for me. I read it but it was a chore.
Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my review

An exciting & funny....
But I thought there was too many different plot points making its a rather disjointed read of me.

I started reading this book and found that it was not for me. It didn't seem fair for me to review a book that I didn't finish.

Great thriller that kept me turning the pages. Great story, great writing and characters. Really enjoyable and would read this author again.

This was my first Joss Stirling book but it won't be my last; and I'm thrilled it's the start of a new series as well! Jess is a private investigator who gets caught up in a series of murders when she happens to be "swimming wild" and discovers a dead body. Unlike many murder mysteries, her character is sassy and snarky and I found myself laughing out loud many times. Old boyfriends, new boyfriends...she has ADHD so believes her life is a mess, but she's smart and compassionate. Several plot lines weave through the book and I liked all the characters (well, the "good guys") I'll definitely be reading more of this series!

Another one Joss Stirling knocks out of the park! This book kept me intrigued from start to finish. Twists, turns, things coming at me side ways I never would have seen. Fast paced and compulsively readable, it was one heck of a thrill ride from the opening pages, all the way until the gripping conclusion. I’m very grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for introducing me to Joss Stirling. Can’t wait for the next book! Will be an automatic pre-order for me.

This story sets up the working relationship/friendship between DI Leo George and Jess Bridges. When PI Jess Bridges decides to go out for a "wild swim" and discovers a dead body, she is rescued by Jago Jackson - author of a new book on wild swimming. When a second murder occurs, it looks like the killer is using Jago's book as a road map - or is Jago the killer?

I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the second book in the series - White Horse.

(NETGALLEY BOOK –  I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY ADVANCED READER COPY OF THIS BOOK THROUGH NETGALLEY. OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS REVIEW ARE COMPLETELY MY OWN.)

I haven't read any of Joss Stirlings' book before and this was a great crime thriller with lots of suspense and humour. Great read.

What a great read! Wasn’t expecting much from this book as didn’t really know the author but this book quickly grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

There are two key characters to this series, Leo George, a detective inspector, and Jess Bridges, a private investigator, who is quite impulsive as a result of her ADHD. They are both investigating a spate of murders near wild swimming spots, where the killer seems to be following a book on wild swimming. Loved the interaction between these two characters and the humour that was present in places in this book.

I have to say I was hooked with this book form the very beginning and this was helped by the well drawn-out characters within the book, by Jess’s impulsive nature (what a great character) and by the plotting and tension within the book. Loved the story and will be keen to read the other books in the series.

I recommend this book whole-heartedly and give it 5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a copy of this book for me, for an an open and honest review.

The first book, in the Jess Bridges Mystery series, introduces Jess, a private investigator. This quirky protagonist has a haphazard life, defined by her difficult childhood and various mental health issues. She is a lovely character, and her issues and ability to get herself into compromising situations will endear her to most readers.

Jess discovers a dead body whilst exploring her wilder side and ends up embarrassed with a local author waiting for the police. Jess's propensity for relationships means she often meets her ex-lovers, and this is the case here.

Humour, well-crafted investigations and relatable characters and dynamics make this an enjoyable read and an engaging beginning to this series.

I received a copy of this book from One More Chapter via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

I liked this book! It was a solid read but didn't blow me away. I expected more from the first book in a series. I rate this book a 3.0

This was a great murder mystery that kept me eagerly reading right up until the very last page, particularly because the added bonus of intermittent humour totally lightened the mood and gave a welcome break from the heavy air of suspense that prevailed throughout. I really liked the lead protagonist Jess, and her friend Cory too. The characters were well written , credible and likeable. The story too was well written and the humour, expertly placed. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I am looking forward to reading more from Joss Stirling.

I found this book entertaining and engrossing.
Good characters, solid mystery and a plot that kept me hooked.
I can't wait to read the next one by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine