Death At The White Hart

by Chris Chibnall
Death At The White Hart cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Mystery
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Hardback • £13.99
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Format • £16.14
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Technical
  • ID: 2646
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780593831571
  • Publisher: Penguin Group
  • Published: 2025-06-10
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 4

In the quaint coastal village of Fleetcombe, a shocking crime scene unfolds when a man is found dead, tied to a chair with stag's antlers on his head. The victim, Jim Tiernan, was a well-known figure who ran the local pub, the White Hart, and knew everyone's secrets. Detective Nicola Bridge, who grew up in Fleetcombe, returns from Liverpool to investigate the murder, partnering with DC Harry Ward, a newcomer eager to prove himself. As they dig deeper into the village's secrets, they uncover a tangled web of lies and deceit that threatens to tear the community apart. The detectives must navigate the complexities of small-town dynamics and their own personal histories to solve the case and bring the killer to justice.

Reviews
Foyles · 2025-10-15
engaging 4.50

The book is highly readable and difficult to put down, balancing a gripping investigation with well-developed characters. It's a standout mystery that keeps readers engaged.

The reviewer found the book to be incredibly engaging and hard to put down, praising the author's readable style and the balance between the investigation and character development. The story's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats is highlighted, making it a standout in the mystery genre. The reviewer appreciates the way the author weaves together a compelling narrative with well-crafted characters, resulting in a highly enjoyable reading experience. The book's strength lies in its ability to maintain suspense while developing the inner lives of its characters.

Quick quotes

    I loved this. Chris Chibnall has an eminently readable style and I found this very difficult to put down.

    He balances the gripping investigation work with well-developed characters.

    The story's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats is highlighted.

Barlin's Books · 2025-07-18
compelling 4.50

The book is a better-than-average murder mystery, with a compelling plot and well-crafted characters.

The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to stand out among other murder mysteries. They find the plot compelling and the characters well-crafted, making it an enjoyable read. The reviewer notes that the book is even better considering it's the author's debut, indicating a strong start to their career. They suggest that fans of the genre will find much to enjoy in this novel, and it's a great choice for those looking for a well-written mystery.

Quick quotes

    Death at the White Hart is a better-than-average murder mystery, and it's even a bit better than that, especially considering it's Chibnall's debut.

    The plot is compelling and keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    The characters are well-crafted and add depth to the story.

Paste Magazine · 2025-06-24
promising 4.00

The book showcases Chris Chibnall's talent for creating compelling mysteries and well-developed characters. It's a promising debut that hints at a bright future in fiction writing.

The reviewer was impressed by Chris Chibnall's ability to craft a gripping mystery with well-rounded characters. The story's pacing and suspense keep readers engaged, and the author's background in television writing shines through in the tight storytelling. The reviewer believes this debut novel is just the beginning for Chibnall, who has a knack for creating intricate plots and memorable characters. The book's strength lies in its ability to balance suspense with character development, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Death at the White Hart proves that Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall has a bright future in the fiction writing business.

    Chibnall's talent for creating compelling mysteries and well-developed characters is evident.

    The story's pacing and suspense keep readers engaged.

The Washington Post · 2025-06-02
forgettable 2.50

The novel is a pleasant and easy read but lacks depth, making it quickly forgettable. It ticks all the boxes of a typical mystery but doesn't stand out.

The reviewer found the book to be a straightforward mystery that is enjoyable while reading but doesn't leave a lasting impression. It meets the expectations of a 'good enough' mystery with its engaging plot and characters, but it doesn't offer anything particularly unique or memorable. The story is easy to follow and provides a pleasant reading experience, but it doesn't delve deeply into complex themes or character development. Overall, it's a light and entertaining read that fits well within the genre but doesn't push any boundaries.

Quick quotes

    It's the type of 'good enough' mystery that's pleasant to read and easy to forget.

    Any reader troubled by the banality of everyday life will find little solace here.

    The novel neatly checks all those boxes.

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