Death at Fakenham Races

Death at Fakenham Races by Ross Greenwood
6/5/25; 485 pages
Boldwood Books 
DI Ashley Knight #5

Death at Fakenham Races by Ross Greenwood is a highly recommended police procedural. Even though this is the fifth book in the DI Ashley Knight/Norfolk Murders series, it can be read and appreciated as a standalone novel too, especially if you enjoy horse racing.

During heavy snow fall the police are called out to investigate a loud argument at the Fakenham Racecourse. When the officers arrive and separate to investigate, one officer, Frank, is attacked and left unconscious and the snow covered car of bookmarker Jonny Lowe is in a parking lot. After a body is later found, also snow covered, DI Ashley Knight and team are called in to investigate. The body is identified as that of Glen Gordon, one of the local horse owners. There appears to be no apparent motive for the murder. 

As the investigation continues Jonny Lowe is found murdered. Clearly the murders are somehow connected to the racetrack, but no motive seems readily apparent, but the list of suspects keeps growing. Someone must be hiding something that would tie it all together among the many people involved in horse racing at Fakenham.

The murder investigations were interesting, intricate, and clues are logically followed in the well-written police procedural. As the investigation unfolds becomes clear that there are many people and a lot of work going on behind the scenes. The answer may be more complicated than anyone thought and the stakes are higher than initially imagined. The plot moves at a quick pace and the suspense rises with each new interview and clue.

At the opening of the novel Greenwood thankfully has a cast of characters which will help refresh your memory of who's who, which I appreciated. Those who have read other novels in the series know these characters and their interaction with each other while solving cases. Personally, I think readers who are acquainted with and enjoy the world of horse racing would enjoy this a bit more than I did, however, Greenwood always writes a good mystery.

Death at Fakenham Races is a good selection for those who enjoy intricate procedurals and horse racing. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.