Well paced, brilliant characterisation and an ending I didn't expect, this was a wonderful mystery. A complex, suspenseful plot with tension so thick that it felt palpable.

Book four in the series but a first for me from this series and author, it took a while for me to settle into the book due to its jumpy nature however once I got going I found the flow.

A complex read, lots going on in terms of past and present, the investigation and the multiple characters and there own challenges I found it an engaging read.

This is book 4 in the series, and somehow I missed books 1 and 3, so I missed some of the initial context of what had happened to Riddick, to cause him to separate from Emma. But not to worry, as Markin does a great job in bringing ANY reader, new or old, back up to date on what occurred to separate the old team and cause Riddick to loose rank and be banished. But when Riddick's current case suddenly overlaps onto Emma's case, he gets seconded over to her team and she has to hope that he can can keep things together long enough to help her solve her case. It's a roller coaster read, that will have you casting it from the stable of BBC actors, and wishing for a television series of the books (book 5 comes out in June of this year). If you're looking for a fast paced British police procedural, you've found it!

A quite twisty and gripping police procedural. i was hooked since the beginning and it kept me guessing till the end.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

‘The Graveyard Killings’ is a thrilling read, packed full of realistic storylines and a jaw dropping finale! This is the fourth book in this brilliant series and although you could pick this up as a stand-alone novel you might be best starting from the beginning as there is a lot of background to the two main characters that enhances the plot. I thoroughly recommend this series and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed if you are a crime fan!

The skeletal remains of a young woman who died in a hit and run decades ago has been exhumed and placed on her mother’s grave. In her grave is the body of a local garage owner. DCI Emma Gardner is stumped and the case remains unsolved. In the same cemetery a year later two bodies are found placed on a bench - are the cases related?! DI Paul Riddrick is on his last chance and is trying to play by the rules but he is desperate to bring down a local gang as he failed a cuckoo victim, leading him to get hurt.

I really love the relationship between Emma and Paul - the friendship and the ‘will they won’t they’ aspect. But it’s the unquestioning support they give each other which I have found fascinating over the series and after the last book’s revelation I wasn’t sure you would still have this aspect. Both are damaged in their own ways and whilst I love them together, I don’t want them to get together romantically! I like their pure friendship.

Both sections of the plots were enough for one book themselves and the inclusion of both made this outing jam packed of action and tension. I was more into the drugs and Riddick’s plotline and I definitely didn't see that outcome coming!! I literally gasped out loud! Wes doesn't pull any punches when it comes to how dark his work is and this book is no different. It makes for an exciting and fascinating read. Plus, we have that massive cliffhanger for Emma and hopefully the next book will dive straight into that.

Let me know if you pick this one up!

Welcome to the fourth instalment of the Yorkshire Murders series, can be read as a stand alone, but definitely recommend you read the previous books especially when it comes to Riddick and Gardner's past.

This book takes us on a roller-coaster, with a 40 year old cold case connecting to a recent grisly discovery in the graveyard Gardner and her team are divided up to find the connection, and when two teenagers are found dead in the same graveyard months later it brings her together again with Riddick. He has been working in another station after his his previous reckless actions saw him lose his friendship with Gardner. When he is brought in to weigh in on a  drugs connection to the teenagers death, he starts to spiral again, and Gardner who has reservations of trusting him feels herself torn with helping him.

There is a lot packed into this book, it was great to see Riddick again, he is a broken man and he really needs someone on his side - could that be Gardner? I woluld love to think so but how Markin leaves this book hanging I  am patiently waiting for the next instalment!

5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyed this Yorkshire based crime thriller, as a Yorkshire girl myself I identified with the mannerisms and characteristics of some of the main characters.
The plot was steady with a great, typical Yorkshire setting occasionally from back in the day and the characters were well written and easy to relate to.
A satisfying end topped the story off for me and I’m looking forward to reading another of the Killings books.

Blog tour review with Rachel's Random Resources

http://ramblingmads.uk/2024/03/03/blog-tour-the-graveyard-killings-wes-markin/

This atmospheric and suspenseful police procedural elicits a wide range of emotions. The two lead detectives face life-challenging personal issues. Emma keeps moving forward despite them, but Paul is saddeningly on a path to self-destruction. Dark and disturbing crimes unite the two detectives in an uneasy alliance. The plot is complex and told across multiple timelines with various viewpoints throughout. It's immersive and evokes darkness and poignancy in a relatable way. The suspense, menacing ethos and action-packed scenes keep the reader engrossed. I like the detective characters and their complex relationship, the suspense, and the surprising twists.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

DCI Emma Gardner is the senior investigating officer assigned when the corpse of a young girl is found in a graveyard. The girl was killed by a hit and run driver many years before and had been buried in the same cemetery. The girl was called Penny Maiden and as the investigation began DCI Gardner and her team have to look back at the original investigation of Penny’s death.

DI Paul Riddick is determined to get something he can charge Nathan Cummings with but it seems he’s fighting a losing battle. He knows that Nathan is responsible for a lot of the crime in the area but he always seems to wriggle out of it.

A bad batch of ecstasy tablets have turned up in Knaresborough and also in Bradford. Crossovers in both cases means that DCI Gardner and DI Riddick are reunited and end up working together again. They both feel nervous about it and dwell on what happened in the past.

So much happened in this book and I had no idea what was going to happen next. I had read the previous two books and was keen to read more about DI Riddick and DCI Gardner. It was action packed and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of this book.

1980 and Penny Maiden’s father Dean is late picking her up from her church book group. He freezes as he sees the blue lights and learns she has been killed in a hit and run walking home. Her killer is not caught. 2023 and in Knaresborough cemetery teenagers up to no good find Penny’s body pulled from its grave and left on her mother’s plot. In Penny’s grave now lies the body of a local hero, Howard Walters. Could someone be trying to implicate him in Penny’s death? 2024 and only eight months later with Howard’s murder still unsolved, the bodies of two young adults are discovered in the same graveyard. DCI Emma Gardner in Harrogate has to wonder if all these deaths are connected. Meanwhile in Bradford DI Paul Riddick has problems of his own as Nathan Cummings, the gang leader he believes guilty of a brutal attack on a cuckooed young man, once again gets away with a crime. Riddick locks horns with Cummings who is found dead hours later. As their investigations progress, a link materialises between the cases and the paths of these two detectives cross again. Emma and Riddick stopped working together after she learned that he had a man killed and as he fights his alcohol addiction and more pressure piles onto his home life, she needs him but can she afford to trust him? But then again, can she afford not to?
The earlier chapters of the story move between three timelines, two of them only a few months apart which is a little confusing at times when many of the same characters are involved. Although this can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, I would certainly recommend reading these books order to follow the character progression and history that has built up since the start, much of which is referred to in this book. Emma and Riddick had previously built up a strong friendship and she had saved him from himself in the past but his admission about the man responsible for the death of his family had broken their bond. Riddick’s paranoia and downward spiral is particularly well told by the author, as is Emma’s continuing guilt over Collette’s death and her fear of the truth about her mysterious stalker. The chemistry between Emma and Riddick is as good as ever in this dark tale of murder, loss and heartbreak. This story will appeal to readers who love a good solid and beautifully crafted police procedural with a clever and complex plot, lots of interwoven threads and some very likeable detectives. I am already looking forward to book five, The Winter Killings.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Graveyard Killings' by Wes Markin

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Wes Markin, Rachel's Random Resources, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books and The Bold Book Club

Publication date 2nd March 2024

This is the second book I have read by this author. It is also the fourth book in Wes's 'The Yorkshire Murders' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read 'Better The Devil' which is the 7th book in his 'DCI Yorke Thriller' series but can also be read as a standalone and I would highly recommend that book too.

This novel consists of 71 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all making your heart pound and you constantly second guessing.

OMG!!! I absolutely LOVED this dark, gritty, suspense packed explosive page turner!!! I well and truly love, love, LOVED this book which had absolutely everything I could ask for in a psychological thriller!!! I would even go as far as saying this is the BEST book I have read this year and I am absolutely LANDED that there are 3 books that I can go back to and more to come in this amazing mind blowing series!!!! A huge success by Wes!! This book had me hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliffhanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! This kept on happened over and over until before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this this morning and finished it at approx 2pm, reading it in one sitting. Without giving too much away it includes a body being exhumed, drug gangs and is absolutely explosive!! It gets more and more explosive and suspense filled throughout the book. Wes's evocative writing skills that has multiple perspectives as well as multiple timelines gives the reader the full picture. This book is filled with crime,murder, drugs and more twists and turns than a rollercoaster as well as just as fast paced!! I will be counting down the days for the next book but I am definitely getting stuck into the rest book in this epic series while I am waiting!!! I have read hundreds of crime and psychological books but I have to say this has been one of the most unique, shocking and explosive ones I have ever read so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Wes!!! It is getting harder and harder to shock me but your vivid imagination and evocative writing skills have completely blown my mind!!!! ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!! Grab your copy and jump on the rollercoaster ride of tension, murder, torture, suspense, twists and everything you could ask for in an epic page turner!!! Wes's fantastic and evocative writing skills ensures you are sucked into the storyline feeling your heart pounding and the hair on your arms raise. This book is rammed with suspense, action and tension and will keep you biting your nails, on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding while your flipping the pages because you just cant stop.

It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.

Absolutely LOVED this addictive, chilling, unique and action packed page turner that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout leaving me needing more!!!

Although this is the fourth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without 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.

Wes's absolutely fantastic evocative writing skills brings each of the characters to life and leaves you feeling that you are standing next to them from the first page to the last. It is clear that Wes cares about his characters making them incredibly in depth and ensuring the readers see and feels everything that they are. Each of the characters were realistic, well rounded and strong characters which makes it a better and realistic read. All the characters were strong and realistic as well as having their own unique personalities. I was completely invested in each and every one of them. I loved meeting both DCI Emma Gardner and DI Paul Riddick and getting to know them. They are both fascinating and intriguing characters and I am looking forward to going back to the previous books in this series and getting to know them from the start although I had no problems reading this as a standalone. I loved watching their characters develop as individuals but also seeing their interactions together especially the chemistry between them. They work perfectly together and make a great team. They very quickly came to feel like friends that I am looking to meeting again and again. I don't want to risk saying more about how I felt about the characters as I don't want to give anything away to future readers but I will say that I was annoyed, angry, upset, sickened, shocked, disappointed and so much more at the different ones for many different reasons!! Regardless of whether you love them or hate them they each played their parts perfectly!!!

A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE EXTREMELY TALENTED WES ON YET ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, EXPLOSIVE, UNIQUE AND GRIPPING PAGE TURNING BOOK IN WHAT PROMISES TO BE ANOTHER ABSOLUTELY AMAZING SERIES. I CANNOT WAIT TO GO BACK AND READ ALL THE PREVIOUS BOOKS AND THEN ALL FUTURE BOOKS. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY YOU ARE ON MY TOP 3 MALE AUTHOR LIST WES AND HERE IS TO YOUR NEXT GUARANTEED SUCCESS 🥂!!!!!!!

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and first chapter of Wes's 'The Viaduct Killings' which promises to be just as explosive as this book. It is one I'm definitely looking forward to reading myself!!

Overall an absolutely gritty, unputdownable, dark and suspense packed page turner!! Grab your copy now!!!

427 pages.

This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £12.99 in paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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The Graveyard Killings if the fourth book in The Yorkshire Murders. I have not read the previous books but I felt this book worked well as a standalone. There were some things I didn't understand but that's my fault for starting a series in book four and not at book one. I'm not one to penalize an author because I failed to do my research.

Bouncing between 1980 and 2023, The Graveyard Killings intertwines. The body of a young hit-and-run victim is exhumed and placed on a nearby grave. In the grave of the recently exhumed is the body of someone else. CDI Emma Gardner finds that she needs the help of self-destructive DI Paul Riddick. DI Paul Riddick is trying, and failing, to color between the lines, in his attempt to bring down a gang of drug dealers. As Emma and Paul dance around their connection, pieces of the puzzle connecting their cases together become evident.

This book had me on the edge of my seat. The first flashback to 1980 evoked strong emotions, especially at the very end before switching to 2023. The Graveyard Killings is a suspenseful crime thriller with two seemingly separate cases - a cold case and a drug case - with unexpected ties. There are so many twist, turns, and shocking events and the author did a magnificent job weaving everything together and then systematically unraveling it all in a dramatic and exciting fashion.

I have been a fan of Wes's work for a few years now. I have read and loved each and every book that he has written to date. I must admit that at the moment, I particularly enjoy the 'Yorkshire Murders' series. I read and loved the first three books in the series and I have been (im)patiently waiting for the fourth book in the series to be released. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the fourth book in the series is called 'The Graveyard Killings' and it was released on 2nd March 2024. It's another superb addition to what is proving to be a superb series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Graveyard Killings' but more about that in a bit.

I was drawn into 'The Graveyard Killings' from the very start. In fact seeing Wes's name on the cover of a book that I knew I hadn't yet read was enough to grab my attention and draw me in. As soon as I started reading the story itself, I realised two things - firstly that I was in for a treat and secondly that I knew I wouldn't be doing anything other than reading for the rest of the afternoon because I knew that I wouldn't be able to put the book down for any length of time. Guess what? I was spot on too because that is exactly what happened. This was one of those books that proved to be rather addictive and the story got under my skin somewhat in the sense that it was constantly on my mind. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Graveyard Killings'. I found 'The Graveyard Killings' to be a gripping, tense and dramatic read, which certainly kept me guessing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

'The Graveyard Killings' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Wes Markin. Wes certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story and then some. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. Wes describes his characters so realistically and so vividly that they seem just as real as you and I. Reading 'The Graveyard Killings' certainly felt like being on an at times scary and rather unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns to it than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. I love the way in which Wes makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That's how I felt anyway.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Graveyard Killings' and I wholeheartedly recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Wes's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I think I say this every time I review a book in The Yorkshire Murders series but I do love this series! We are now onto book four and for me it still feels fresh and intriguing. In The Graveyard Killings we once again catch up with Emma and Paul. Things are a little different after the events of the previous book. Now, I would suggest reading the other books in this series just so you can get the full picture and everyone’s back stories. Plus they really are a brilliant set of stories so well worth a read!

I’m going to start off by saying I really enjoyed The Graveyard Killings, from the different timelines to the characters that easily pulled me in. Along with an intriguing and mysterious plot. I was definitely kept on my toes throughout. There were quite a few twists to keep everything both interesting and entertaining too. One of the best things about not only this book but the entire series is the characters. They are flawed and troubled but also likeable in their determination to get to the truth. This ultimately makes them engaging and I can’t help but root for them.

The plot itself moved at a really good pace. I also liked that the story took place across different timelines. It gave the story an interesting edge, made me question things and helped to keep the momentum going. It’s safe to say that the past is still causing trouble in the present and in turn creates a perplexing case for Emma. Everything worked so well in this book for me and The Graveyard Killings is another hit from Wes Markin. I know I’ve already said it but I do love this series and its characters. I guess all that’s left to say is that I can’t wait for the next book. I really hope I don’t have too long to wait!

I really enjoyed this police procedural. I love the Yorkshire setting, and any violence was integral to the story rather than gratuitous. The characters are realistic, rounded and have their own flaws. The story is set over 3 time stages with quite a large cast but is not too complicated to follow. I’m already looking forward to the next book in this gripping series.

I guess this book stands alone but I probably recommend reading them in order. This story jumps back and forth between years which I found confusing and made me loose interest. There’s too many characters to keep track of. I did think it started out good but just fell apart and went on and on. I really had a hard time getting into the story.

When Penny Maiden was killed in a hit and run the driver was never found and her parents never recovered from what happened.
Now 40 years later Penny’s body has been removed from her grave and someone else has been put in it. DCI Emma Gardner will need to dig into the old case in order to solve the new one.
DI Paul Riddick is working in Bradford on the trail of a vicious drugs gang. He is desperate to save his career, and this could be his last chance, but in true Riddick style he is becoming obsessed with getting the gang off the streets.
When the two cases collide, can Emma and Riddick work together to bring the killers to justice or is there too much history for Emma to trust him again.
This dark, twisty thriller had me gripped from the start. The writing is first class, Riddick and Gardner are compelling characters and although you can read this without having read the previous ones, I would highly recommend that you do as they are an amazing series and I can’t wait for the next one.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy of The Graveyard Killings, the fourth novel to feature DCI Emma Gardner based in Knaresborough and DI Paul Riddick based in Bradford.

In 2023 the remains of Penny Maiden, killed in a hit and run in 1980, are dug up and left on her mother’s grave in Knaresborough Cemetery. In 2024 the bodies of two teenagers are found beaten to death in the same cemetery. Emma is investigating the murder of the teenagers, which according to management has nothing to do with the prior incident. She finds that she needs Paul’s help when she finds links to his current investigation in Bradford.

The Graveyard Killings did not hold my attention. There is a well conceived story in there with plenty of variables offering room for speculation, but I didn’t enjoy the format. The present day narrative switches between, mostly, Emma and Paul with Penny’s father, Dean, contributing. The novel also flashes back to 1980 on a regular basis to examine events surrounding Penny’s death from Dean’s perspective. This gives the reader a comprehensive overview of events, while leaving enough unknowns to hook the reader. It’s not an approach that holds my attention as I like an immersive experience told by one narrator, instead of trying to keep up with an abundance of detail that initially seems unrelated. This is too choppy for me to get involved, flitting endlessly from situation to situation. If, however, this format appeals I think readers are in for a treat as it builds a complicated web of interaction with some unexpected twists.

Paul Riddick carries a lot of baggage, so it would probably be better to read the novels in order to get the full measure of his self destructive tendencies and the reason for them. I get no pleasure from reading about a character who seems destined to be ruled by his past and unable to move forward. It’s more of the same in this novel. One the other hand I like Emma, who is a competent human being and seems able to cope with anything but Paul.

The Graveyard Killings is not for me.

I just love this Author he is one of my favourites.
This book is part of a series but can be read alone.
Penny a young girl was killed in a hit and run 40 years ago when her body is found dug up from her grace and placed on her mothers and a male body found in her grave DCI Emma Gardner sets about trying to work out what has happened.
This is an engrossing read, with lots of twists and turns. Will Emma find out who the man in the grave is and why take pennys body out.
Read it and find out its great.