Killer on the Fens - Joy Ellis

Killer on the Fens by Joy Ellis

First Paragraph(s):

Detective Inspector Nikki Galena's face was a mask of concentration as she accelerated her powerful car along the dangerous fenland lanes.  Long shadows were forming as the evening drew in, and she was grateful that she'd actually paid attention during her advanced driving course.
     This was the second time in a week that she had received a call from the nursing home about her father's failing health.  'Wicked bloody disease!' Nikki cursed as she eased the car around a deceptively sharp bend.  The Alzheimer's had stolen most of his once astute brain years ago, but now he was in what the home called 'end stage,' and although she had been told this could go on for a long time, her gut feeling said otherwise.

My Thoughts:

I think I've said more than once that I'm really enjoying reading and listening to Joy Ellis' series featuring DI Nikki Galena.  Killer on the Fens is the 4th of these and, once again, it's narrated by Henrietta Meire.  This book finds Nikki speeding off to her father's care home because his condition has deteriorated.  He has Alzheimer's and Nikki has been losing him bit by bit.  He tells her to 'find Eve'.  Nikki has no idea who he is talking about, but promises to try to fulfill his wish.  A task with lots of complications.  Nikki thinks she knows everything about her father's life, but, of course, she does not.

Adding to the story of 'finding Eve', Killer on the Fens includes a historical airfield and what might be hidden there.  Also, DS Joseph Easter's daughter, Tamsin, has agreed to visit him and Joseph is eager to mend the 'less-than-wonderful' relationship he and Tamsin have shared since she was a little girl.  And then there are the bodies - lots and lots of bodies.  That's all I'll say about the plot.  I liked this one very much and am getting so involved in the lives of all the characters.  I love a complex plot, but I also like to feel connected to the characters in a long-running crime series.  Joy Ellis has managed that very aptly.  The next book is Stalker on the Fens and I imagine you'll be seeing that one on my reading list sooner rather than later.  This series is recommended.

Blurb:

DI Nikki Galena faces a personal challenge which will stretch her to the limit. She must fulfill her father’s dying wish and discover who the mysterious Eve is. Meanwhile a dead drug dealer is found on an abandoned airfield that the locals say is haunted. The trail of both mysteries will lead to the most shocking discovery of Nikki’s career and put her whole team in mortal danger.