St. Benet's

British Detective Tanner Murder Mystery Series, Book 2

By: David Blake

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble

St. Benet's is a gripping crime thriller, the second in a chilling series of serial killer books, ones which will rapidly convert followers of Faith Martin, Joy Ellis and Damien Boyd into David Blake devotees.

When the body of an old man is found lying in the ruins of St Benet’s Abbey, his throat cut, a knife resting in his open hand, DI John Tanner and DC Jenny Evans are given no choice but to accept a ruling of death by misadventure.

But when the body goes missing from its tomb, after a priest is found nailed to a cross, and another impaled on a stake, everything begins to point back to the murder of a teenage girl, thrown from the top of a church tower, some 43 years before.

Set within the mysterious beauty of the Norfolk Broads, this fast-paced British detective series is a murder mystery with a slice of humour and a touch of romance, one that will have you guessing until the very end.

©2019 David Blake (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Performance is stellar!

Another outstanding mystery with great characters, interesting plot, and wonderfully interesting locale. The plot was intricate but not confusing.

Another Great Story

Another great storyline, very interesting you can just never pick who it is, then the last chapters you are drawn into the climax of the story. Again Jonathan pulls you right into the storyline great narration.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Brilliantly Atmospheric Crime Thriller That Captivates From Start to Finish

St. Benet’s by David Blake is another masterclass in crime fiction that proves why he has become one of the most engaging voices in the genre today. Set against the haunting backdrop of the Norfolk Broads, Blake weaves an intricately layered murder mystery that is as atmospheric as it is compelling.

From the opening chapters, the mood is immediately established: eerie waterways, abandoned churches, and the chilling presence of secrets lurking beneath the surface of an otherwise tranquil landscape. Blake’s ability to turn setting into character is unmatched—St. Benet’s Abbey and the surrounding Broads aren’t just scenery, but a living, breathing presence that amplifies tension and foreboding with every page.

The plot is gripping and expertly paced. A suspicious death near the ruins of St. Benet’s Abbey sets the tone for an investigation that quickly spirals into something much darker. Detective John Tanner—Blake’s sharp, relatable, and wonderfully human protagonist—once again demonstrates why readers root for him. Tanner’s dogged pursuit of truth, paired with his no-nonsense style, gives the story its heart. He is not a flashy hero but a grounded and highly believable one, which makes his victories all the more satisfying.

Blake’s writing is clear, confident, and utterly immersive. He blends vivid description with snappy dialogue and just the right amount of humor to balance the darker moments. The authenticity of police work and the organic development of character relationships give the book an added layer of realism.

What sets St. Benet’s apart is the way Blake builds tension. Just when you think you’ve figured out the culprit or motive, he masterfully twists the narrative, keeping you second-guessing until the very end. The climax is not only shocking but also deeply satisfying, tying together every thread in a way that feels both clever and earned.

For fans of crime thrillers, police procedurals, and atmospheric mysteries, St. Benet’s is an absolute gem. David Blake continues to elevate the Norfolk Broads series, combining strong storytelling with richly evocative settings and unforgettable characters.

Highly recommended—a 5-star read that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final revelation.

Love most Blake novels

I struggled to like many of the characters of this one. Also, my ears did not care for the shrill sounding raised voices. The storyline dragged a bit.

Excellent!

Another great addition to the series. A solid British police procedural with undercurrents of a developing romantic relationship. Excellent narration.