Christmas time in Kirkby Abbey, and readers of this series will know what that means.

Once again the festive season is thrown into chaos for DCI James Walker and his wife Annie, along with their two small children. Despite all the promises, wishes and finger crossing, the family have no time to celebrate, as the case of a murdered local journalist on Christmas Eve takes up all DCI Walker’s time and concentration. With the backing of his trusty team, Walker solves not one case but two, making him the local hero!

I really like this series and looked forward to this new instalment. Honestly I’m not sure how much longer the theme can hold the reader’s interest, there is only so much snow and Christmas mayhem a series can take! However, the books are an enjoyable, escapist read and the characters and plot lines are always well executed, so let’s see what next Christmas brings 😉. Roll on next year!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the latest instalment in the DCI James Walker series! As such, I was excited to read Cold Blooded Killer by Alex Pine.

In this instalment, Gordon Carver, local Crime Reporter, is found murdered on path close to his house on Christmas Day. DCI James Walker is hit hard by his death as he had known Gordon Carver for years as their paths crossed through work. He and his team diligently investigate, and review crimes Carver reported on to find a connection.

Unlike the other books where the murders occurred in more remote Lake District locations, is centred in Kendal, a market town and the ‘gateway’ to the Lake District. Whilst there are no witnesses, being a more urban setting there is door-cam footage and CCTV to check, which gives the investigation a different kind of pace. However, it’s still Christmas in the Lake District and Walker and his team still have the elements to contend with.

I love this series of book, DCI James Walker is a fair boss, and he has a great rapport with his team, and he looks out. There’s insight into his home-life with his wife Annie and his two small children and his guilt at missing Christmas, which seems very authentic.

I can’t wait until 2026 and the next James Walker Christmas murder mystery!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Avon Books UK, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

In the sixth book of the DI James Walker series, the officer and his team have got another festive fatality: a journalist has been murdered in a rather gruesome manner. Gordon Carver had tried to contact James prior to being permanently incapacitated, leaving the DI feeling both guilty and resolute to find his killer. But the weather is bad, it’s meant to be a season of goodwill and his closest relation is worried about a secret. Will James and his team be able to discover who is responsible for the journalist’s death and why he was killed? It’s another race against time in this tightly written series whose plots always feel fresh.

Another Christmas, another murder. James and his team are once again called to a murder scene on Christmas Day, only to find that the victim is journalist and friend Gordon Carver. There are many suspects but very few clues to follow. Can James and his team unravel the mystery before the killer disappears. Another great book, can’t wait for the next one.

Christmas in Cumbria is cold, windy, and snowy. It's also a time for family, present opening, good food, and forgetting about work, at least for a few days. For DCI James Walker however, the holidays, spent with wife Annie and their children, are also tinged with tension as he knows it could all grind to halt with one phone call and unfortunately that's what happens. A body has been discovered in the snow, there are no clues, witnesses, or discarded weapon, but the identity of their victim is already known as James considered him a friend. The investigation takes off with very little to go on, but gradually, as they collect statements and view hours of CCTV, suspects emerge, and a picture begins to build. The clock is ticking, however, and a breakthrough is desperately needed. When it comes, it leaves the team stunned but energised to find the proof needed to make an arrest while they still can.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Avon Books UK, but the opinions expressed are my own. There are some authors' work I consider must read, and Alex Pine's now six book DCI James Walker series is definitely that. I look forward to reading the next instalment of this continuingly excellent series every year, and amazingly, they keep getting better and better. I love the mix of James and Annie's home life as it continues alongside his investigations and relationships he has with his team, which continually evolve. There wasn't a huge number of suspects this time, but I had no idea who was responsible until the final clue clicked into place. I also loved the way each interview opened up another line of enquiry until, at last, everything became clear. Now I'm impatiently waiting for next year's outing. Highly recommended.

Journalist Gordon Carver receives news that sends a chill down his spine. Rushing home from the pub, he frantically calls his police contact, DCI James Walker to share his discovery, only to be struck from behind, plunging him into darkness. James misses the call, and by the time he arrives at the crime scene, Gordon is dead. With his name as the last entry in Gordon's phone, James is thrust into a chilling investigation. What vital information was Gordon about to reveal, and who silenced him?! Oooooh absolutely love this book and series! This book had fantastic suspense, chilling murders, mystery, intriguing, action packed, fantastic characters, and a few shocking twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this book and series! Can’t wait for more! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Another great murder mystery by Alex Pine. Absolutely loved this. Was a bit shocked at who the victim was in this one and with what was going on with Annie and definitely didn't expect the find that was made. Absolute loved reading this.

It is approaching Christmas, and so it must be time for another murder in Cumbria. Not quite my beloved Lake District, but very close.
I always appreciate that this author does know the area about which he writes. More authors should take note. So the reader can get a fairly accurate sense of place, certainly if the weather is anything to go by!
I felt that this year's gruesome offering was written in a slightly simpler manner than the others, so feel I cannot give it the five stars that I gave the others in the series. However, I really enjoyed the read, and will look with interest for the next.
The characters continue from each book in this series to the next, but each book could be read without having read the others. Although, once this gets its hook into you, you will probably reach for the others!

It’s approaching the end of the year, so that means it’s time for the annual trip to Cumbria! And as per usual this this was an eventful one, I mean could we actually cope with DCI Walker having a normal and quiet one?! I couldn’t, these books are now well and truly part of my Christmas tradition, not that I can wait till December to read it.

This year we see James have his usual Christmas murders to solve, but also a head full of worry for Annie, I really felt for her keeping her concerns quiet.

This is the sixth book in the series, it could be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading the series from the start so you can really get to know the characters and their area of Cumbria.

There was plenty of red herrings and twists, it is so fast paced, I was second guessing everyone. To me this felt like one of the more gruesome books in the series and I loved it!!

This is #6 in the DCI James Walker series. It can easily be read as a standalone but I highly recommend the whole series.

Christmas is always interrupted for DCI James Walker. This year, he’s really looking forward to spending Christmas Day with his wife and two young children, but it’s not meant to be.

James is good friends with a local journalist, Gordon Carver, and misses a call from him on Christmas Eve. The next day, Gordon’s body is found and the call to James was the last one he made. It appears that Gordon was going to reveal some very important information to James, so he had to be silenced but by whom?

A brilliantly written, gripping read with lots of twists and turns.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance reader copy in return for an honest review.

Another tale of festive murder and mayhem from Alex Pine. I have devoured these since the first in the series (this is no6) and was delighted to get the chance to read this ahead of publication on 23rd October 2025.

Now I may have been reading this during one of the hottest summers surrounded by folk on the beach and eating ice cream, I live at the coast, but my brain was firmly up North with snow on the ground.

Once again James plans for a cosy family Christmas were thwarted, in fact he better get his leave request in for next year early and book a trip to some tropical Isle. Mind there would probably be a murder on said Isle if he did.

His wife remains a jolly good sport about things even though she has issues of her own to deal with. I do find her character quite grey throughout the books and a tad too saintly for my tastes in all honesty.

The tale progresses in the same atmospheric way we have come to expect and was just as enjoyable as always.

I'd describe these as cosy murder mysteries with teeth rather than the darker thrillers I often choose. Perfect with hot chocolate and buttered crumpets.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC which was very much appreciated.

This may be my favourite in the series so far.

Yet again I was captivated throughout.
I flew through this. Wanting to figure out the truth.
But also the side story of his wife. I was hoping she would be OK.

This is a series I'll keep reading as long as new books are released.

This Christmas Crime series by Alex Pine has been my go to books in December over the last few years. I thoroughly enjoy spending December in snow filled Cumbria with DCI James Walker and his team.

Cold Blooded Killer is the 6th book in the series. It was another gripping, read. There was still plenty of snow and frost but also howling winds to contend with. Christmas in Cumbria is never just about sparkly lights and Christmas songs, but murder, mystery, and mayhem

This sixth book delivers everything I’ve come to love: a chilling crime, a tightly woven plot, and fabulous characters that I have got to love over the last few years. This can be read standalone though and you will quickly get to know the characters. We follow James Walker and his team as they try to uncover who was responsible for the murder of journalist Gordon Carver.. There's plenty of red herrings and we meet several gruesome characters, who may, or may not have committed the murderous act. This was a fast paced book. We are introduced to several possibilities, side stories and intriguing plot lines. Just when you think you have worked out who it might have been, you get thrown in a different direction. The final revelations were wonderful.

The setting in Cumbria is awesome. You can really picture yourself in the book, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the lakes and fells. The challenging weather conditions adds to the sense of adventure and you really feel that James Walker and his team have to grapple with not only the terrible crimes but also the unpredictable weather that they face.

A series that I thoroughly enjoy and a new tradition to winter is looking forward to reading these. Settle in with a mulled wine and a mince pie (or whatever festive food and drink you prefer) and embrace this fantastic Christmas Crime caper.

My thanks to Alex Pine, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I was excited for this one and it didn't disappoint!

My thanks to Alex and Netgalley for allowing me to read Cold Blooded Killer in advance of the publication date.
This is the 6th book in the series but it can be read as a standalone book.
A phone call on Christmas morning will tear James away from watching his children open their presents from Santa. The body of a man has been found on a woodland path by neighbours who recognise the victim as journalist, Gordon Carver.
Carver’s work has seen him be the target of some very angry people and he has recently been threatened about continuing with an investigation into a missing woman.
Was he murdered because of his journalist activities, was the murder personal or was he a random victim?
The turkey and all the trimmings are forgotten as the team start the investigation.
The reader sees the impact of a murder where the victim is known to DCI Walker and most of his team. Existing on coffee and sandwiches, James is soon showing the signs of how this investigation is wearing him down. Meanwhile, his wife, Annie is bearing the weight of the family responsibilities.
Without giving away any spoilers, this is a thought provoking read which involves some topical subjects.

Number 6 in the series and it didn’t disappoint!
Fast paced from the start, lots of twists to throw you off the killers scent. Loved it!
I would definitely recommend reading all 6 in order

Another Christmas, another murder to solve for DCI James Walker and this one is closer to home, as the victim tried to contact James shortly before he was killed.

James has a close knit team who go above and beyond expectations when it comes to a murder, even at Christmas. There are quite a few suspects, lines of enquiries and red herrings. The clues are few but the team make the most of them. It has the authentic feel of a murderer enquiry, with all the pressures that are put on the police to do more, and quicker, make arrests before the media and the public start a frenzy about lack of results. Add to this the fact that Annie has her own problems, and you have a cracker of a Christmas read,

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was everything that I was looking for from a sixth entry in the DI James Walker series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the previous books in this series. Alex Pine was able to create another winning concept and how it uses the thriller perfectly to tell the story. It was written well and had that character development that I was looking for. It left me wanting to read more in this series and from Alex Pine.

Ive read all of Alex's book and this one didn't disappoint! I remembered the characters from previous books. A great read, I actually guessed the right suspect in this book, great story

For the last five December's Alex Pine has been my go to author for an atmospheric Christmas read.
'Cold Blooded Killer' is the sixth book in the series, and a must read for all fans of British crime fiction.
I have grown rather fond of DCI James Walker and his team over these years, and I feel invested in their backgrounds and continuing stories. This sixth book has been eagerly awaited by myself, and having had the chance to preview read it before general publication, I was not disappointed!
I should point out that although I am a series junkie, all of the DCI James Walker books read perfectly well as stand alone novels.
So, my usual Christmas read became my August holiday read, and the time of the year mattered not.
In December I shall buy it in audio format, as the narration and delivery of these stories are always perfect.

Cold Blooded Killer is another gripping, snow-drenched triumph in Alex Pine’s DI James Walker series—a series I’ve genuinely come to love. Each installment feels like returning to a familiar yet ever-evolving world, where Christmas in Cumbria is never just about mince pies and mistletoe, but murder, mystery, and moral reckoning.

This sixth book delivers everything I’ve come to expect: a chilling crime, a tightly woven plot, and the steady, thoughtful presence of James Walker at its heart. The murder of journalist Gordon Carver hits close to home, and the emotional weight James carries adds depth to the investigation. His rapport with his team, his quiet guilt over missing family moments, and the evolving dynamic with Annie and their children continue to make him one of the most grounded and compelling detectives in the genre.

Alex Pine has a knack for keeping the festive setting fresh while deepening the characters we’ve grown attached to. The pacing is brisk, the clues cleverly scattered, and the final reveal—unexpected and satisfying. I especially enjoyed how each interview peeled back another layer, leading to a resolution that felt earned.

I’ve devoured every book in this series, and Cold Blooded Killer might just be my favourite yet. It’s a winter tradition I look forward to—and one I hope continues for many Christmases to come.

My thanks to Alex Pine, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. I was excited for this one and it doesn't disappoint!

Another winter killer…Christmas time…gruesome details…this series never seems to get old. I like this author..talented and innovative…red herrings kept me guessing…realistic characters kept the story moving…so many characters…who is the killer? Why was the man killed? Will the killer strike again? Questions…spend an evening trying to solve this thriller. Thanks Netgalley.

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is the next instalment of the James Walker series. And, of course as it's Christmas, there's a murder to solve. And James and his team wont rest until justice is served.

This book was really easy reading, as all the books have been in this series. James Walker is a really well written character, who has the perfect mix of fierceness and vulnerability. The author always writes these stories well, and this one was no different, with more twists, turns, and red herrings than I could count. I had my suspicions of the culprit early on, but I still loved reading this book. I love the whole series, and cant wait for the next one.

A gripping festive thriller! DI James Walker is back, and once again Christmas in the village turns deadly. Twisty, atmospheric, and full of suspense—I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Perfect if you like your holiday reads dark and chilling. This can be read as a stand alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.

I've been so looking forward to the latest Alex Pine book and I was not disappointed. Christmas wouldn't be the same without another investigation by DCI James Walker and his team based in Cumbria. Cold Blooded Killer is the 6th book in the series and it's another cracker. Great plot, great characters and plenty of surprises. This time the investigation is into the murder of a prominent journalist and I was hooked from the very first page. Highly recommended. I just hope there are more to come.

Another great book in the series, loved the outcome as well, looking forward to the next one in the near future AAA

Absolutely cracking read. A definite highlight to my year is picking up an Alex Pine book and this one certainly did not disappoint! 5*

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I love this series by Alex Pine and Cold Blooded Killer did not disappoint. I feel as though I know the characters personally and it was lovely to revisit them again. The story starts off at Christmas as always with murder and chaos thrown in the mix. I was surprised by the culprit and I honestly didn’t see it coming. Another great instalment to a fantastic series. Highly recommend 5 stars.

Another fantastic book in the James Walker series although it can very much be read as a standalone too. A really gripping storyline that keeps you hooked even if it does deviate a wee bit in the journey to the end to find out who was responsible for the journalists murder. Great characters too, specially DCI James Walker and his wife Anne. Definitely a book to highly recommend and make yourself comfy as you won't want to stop until the book is read - my sign of a good book!

Cold Blooded Killer is another gripping, snow-laden triumph in Alex Pine’s DI James Walker series—a collection I’ve truly come to love. Each new installment feels like a return to a familiar yet ever-changing world, where Christmas in Cumbria brings not only festive traditions but also murder, mystery, and moral reckoning.

This sixth book delivers everything I’ve come to expect: a chilling crime, a smartly constructed plot, and the calm but determined presence of James Walker at its core. The murder of journalist Gordon Carver strikes a personal chord, and the emotional burden James carries gives the investigation real depth. His connection with his team, his quiet guilt over missed family time, and the evolving bond with Annie and their daughter all continue to make him one of the most grounded and compelling detectives in crime fiction.

Alex Pine has a real gift for keeping the festive backdrop fresh while allowing the characters we’ve grown attached to develop naturally. The pacing is sharp, the clues well-placed, and the final twist is both surprising and satisfying. I particularly enjoyed how each interview gradually revealed new layers, leading to a resolution that felt well-earned.

I’ve devoured every book in this series, and Cold Blooded Killer might just be my favourite yet. It’s become a winter tradition I look forward to—and one I hope continues for many Christmases to come.

Huge thanks to Alex Pine, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. I had high hopes for this one, and it exceeded them!

Another great book in the DI Walker series, this book keeps you hooked in and enjoying every moment!

There are some books that will always jump to the front of my to read pile and the DI James Walker series by Alex Pine is one of them. Cold Blooded Killer is book 6 in this series and what a story it is.
James and his wife Annie were hoping for a quite Christmas period this year but again that was not meant to be. James is called out on Christmas morning to investigate the murder of local journalist Gordon Carver, and it is an investigation which will again consume Walker and his team throughout the holiday period. There are plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing right the way until the end to the unmasking of the killer.

I absolutely love this series and especially the characters of James and Annie. As I start each story I really wish for them to have the quiet, family Christmas they both want with the children but obviously that wouldn't make for a good story, so I am hoping for lots more Christmas murders in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my ARC.

I was excited to read this as I love this series. A good solid police procedural with a fast paced storyline and the right balance of detective work and catching up with James and his team on a more personal level. I very much enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I love this series of books so much and was so excited to see a new one. We yet again join DI James Walker and his team at Christmas where the tradition of murder continues. I love re joining the team every year and seeing how each case unfolds. Thank you Netgalley

Solid police procedural with a good balance of investigation and the personal side of the team members. A complex mystery with plenty of twists will keep you engaged!

This was the first book I've read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. It worked well as a stand alone novel. I don't think I'll go back and read the others. My enjoyment may have improved if I read this during the winter. I recommend picking this up.

I love all Alex Pine’s books which are set at Christmas time in Cumbria. DCI James Walker hopes for a quiet family Christmas each year. Each year he is called into work to solve a murder. We have descriptions of the weather in winter in Cumbria, snow, ice, wind, dark days, the local people and Christmas festivities. This book is the 6th in the series, but can be read as a stand alone book.
This time a journalist from the local paper is murdered. He was a friend of James, but as he has made enemies of hardened criminals by writing about them in the paper, and indeed giving information to the police, there are plenty of suspects.
Just when all the leads are proving negative, James and his team find the murderer. I didn’t guess who it was! There were several twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing. Besides all this police work, James’ wife Annie is waiting for tests for an health scare and this adds to the tension.
I recommend this book and my thanks go to NetGalley, the publishers, Harper Collins and Alex Pine of an arc of this fabulous book.

I was delighted to receive this arc for the latest Christmas thriller from Alex. I look forward to this release every year and I am never disappointed. Would definitely make a great present under the tree.

Thank you NetGalley and AVON Books UK for the opportunity to read "Cold Blooded Killer" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is book 6 in the DI James Walker series. At the beginning of the book Mr. Pine introduces the main characters from the book - DCI James Walker, Superintendent Jeff Tanner, DI Phil Stevens, DS Jessica Abbott and DC Caroline Foley. They all figure prominently in the books and the introduction is good for someone who is new to the series. While it can be read as a stand-alone story, it is best to read them in order to understand why certain things happen and the references to previous cases.

As in all the past books there is a murder during the Christmas season. Since the DCI and his family moved from London 5 years ago there have been 13 murders over the Christmas period. This gruesome Christmas tradition has brought some of the most disturbing cases of his career. This one hits DCI Walker especially hard as the victim was a friend of his. Gordon Carver was a trusted journalist who when introduced in the story is shaken and fearing for his life.

Gordon Carver was investigating a missing person case from 8 months ago. Chloe Walsh went to university with Gordon and worked as an estate agent. Gordon always suspected that her ex-boyfriend had killed her and he'd been threatened by him. The suspect list grows and when another man is attacked the team races to find a connection.

There are a few side stories that distract the team at times, developments that help with other cases but not the one they are desperate to solve. Did someone with a revenge list target Gordon? Who is the mystery woman that visited Gordon hours before he was killed? The one certain thing is that everyone is lying to DCI Walker and his team.

DCI Walker's wife Annie is hiding something from him. Didn't want to spoil his Christmas and then she didn't want to distract him from his case.

When all the pieces come together and they solve the case, the suspect and motive turn out to be quite the surprise. Another thrilling installment in this series.

When Alex Pine falls in your inbox you know it’s cozy time of year! This book has not disappointed! This whole series is a fab read. It was lovely to be reacquainted with the characters and villages :)

You know winter's on its way when an Alex Pine novel drops onto your kindle. The novels are an ideal read when it's cold outside and you want to just lose yourself in a great book.
You have to feel for DCI James Walker and his team though, every Christmas a heavy case drops leaving them no option but to drop their festive plans and dive straight in to solving the crime. Thank goodness they have a supportive network at home, its refreshing that they are all in commited relationships, with no stereotypical images that are in so many detective novels. This Christmas brings its own challenges to James's wife Annie though.
The team all work well together with no differences between them to bring the novel to a surprising but satisfactory conclusion

4.5 stars - ARC Review

This is very much a police procedural, you spend the entire investigation with DI Walker. From the moment he wakes and chats with his lovely wife to going to bed as he searches for the killer of a local journalist he considered a friend. All while leaving his wife and children at home knowing something is not quite right there too.

There is little evidence and no shortage of suspects. Carver's investigative pieces had helped put a number of people behind bars and exposed a lot of secrets. But he also had one of his own. There are some red herrings and interesting twists but it gets a little bogged down in the driving around to places and his terrible diet, but I guess more realistic for detective work. Despite that, rounding up to five stars because I did not guess the killer early.

I just hope that next year, they at least get to spend Christmas with the kids before the body drops. Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for the advance copy for review.