A BODY ON THE BEACH a gripping Welsh crime mystery full of twists (The West Wales Murder Mysteries Book 1)

Stumbled across this book when I was looking for something to read.A great read, intriguing story, fascinating characters and unusual crime scenes. Can’t wait to read the beat if

Had the plot been slightly more complicated, I would have given it 5 stars. Nevertheless, it is a good,entertaining, read and I am looking forward to seeing how the team develops in the rest of the series.

I haven’t read any of P F Ford’s previous novels – although I intend to – but was intrigued to discover that one of the main characters in this story is a major part of the Slater & Norman Mysteries. The story starts with an intriguing first chapter. As the story moves on we learn that Superintendent Nathan Bain is trying to recruit some knowledgeable officers to help him train up a young and inexperienced team in the West Wales police force. There is quite a lot of humour in that currently the team are viewed by Region as useless, as they are keen to take away any major crime. From the offset, the newly formed team – headed up by DI Sarah Southall and DS Norman Norman – are thrown into a huge mystery when DC Catren Morgan discovers a female body on the beach out during her morning jog and the chase is on to find out who she is and how she got there. This is quite an anomaly of a police thriller in that it is both gentle and fast paced, laid back but at the same time urgent and all the characters are engaging and relatable. I love the way the author has created the feeling of a gentle town set back in time which makes Norman feel relaxed and at ease, and yet the police team are just as driven to solve the crimes they are faced with and make an extremely good job of it. The conclusion is both satisfying and enthralling with not just one, but two twists, that I never saw coming and it made the whole thing totally fascinating. When I bought this book, I also bought the next two episodes in the series and will most certainly be getting stuck into them soon.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, very different style and characters. Good story kept your interest and read it very quickly as was keen to find out how it ended. Already looking forward to the next book.

I really enjoyed this first book I have read by P F Ford. I am starting to like the characters and like the thought of another ‘ last chance saloon’ type vibe. The plot was good to with a few twists & turns, so looking forward to the next one!

This is a great story about a team not previously given the chance to prove themselves. Their new DCI & Sargeant change all that. An excellent story, lovely characters, a bit of humour thrown in. Highly recommend.

As an ex-English teacher, I don't like to feel that I'm back to marking the stories that I read. Thankfully, this is fluently written with a mostly believable plot and likeable characters. I will be interested to see how they develop over the series.

Another great book from P F Ford. Must start the next one now. They have all been great so far.

I thoroughly enjoyed this. You learn more about the characters as it continues, but without unnecessary fluff. The characters are also quite likeable and you're rooting for the team no one believes in. The mystery is well paced and quite interesting and well plotted. Off to buy the next one!

I liked the development of the characters with each other. The story progressed steadily and kept you reading. I read it in two sittings. I would recommend it to any of my “bookish”friends. Because it kept me so captivated I gave it full marks. Can hardly wait to start the next book in the series.

I enjoyed everything about this book. The main characters come to life gradually through the book. They are likeable , you want to help them with their problems. The cosy atmosphere is very present. I also like that it's set in an area that I know quite well, Kent. I was pleased to find that it's a series as I wanted to live a little longer with Ellie and her family and friends.I have gone on to read 2 more in the series and they are equally as good.

A very enjoyable read, with very pleasant characters, a nice background, and a well thought-out plot. Will definitely read the whole series.

A bunch of "misfits" in a small-town police station in Wales are whipped together to be a proper police force and solve their first case.Good plot, likeable characters with a lot of past burdens from the look of it, and good flowing story-telling, not without humour. Watching their efforts to get used to each other, and to solve a murder case, (sort of 2 steps forward 1 back) is quite interesting and enjoyable.I still would like to know how to pronounce that town name properly though ;) maybe that will be revealed in one of the following books, which I intend to get.