Death at the White Hart

A Novel

By: Chris Chibnall

Narrated by: Jessica Gunning

“Layered, human, suspenseful and surprising - this guy knows how to tell a story, that's for sure.” —Lee Child, # 1 New York Times bestselling author

“Fans of Broadchurch are going to LOVE Death at the White Hart! With its compelling pair of detectives and tense, creepy atmosphere, once you start reading, I defy you to stop.” —Shari Lapena

From the internationally award-winning creator of Broadchurch comes a brilliant new detective story following one man’s death and the secrets that unravel in a coastal English village

Nothing keeps a village together like secrets.

The villagers of Fleetcombe like to think of it as one of the most picturesque spots on England’s coast.

But now, it’s a disturbingly macabre crime scene.

A man is found dead, tied to a chair in the middle of the road, a stag’s antlers on his head. The gruesome scene stuns the town, especially when the victim is identified: Jim Tiernan, who ran the White Hart pub. Tiernan’s pub is at the center of village life and he knew everyone’s secrets.

Detective Nicola Bridge grew up in Fleetcombe and has now returned, for the good of her family, from a life away in Liverpool. DC Harry Ward is ten years younger and, despite his newcomer status, determined to earn Nicola’s trust. Because they don’t have long to crack the storybook façade and find out just what the people of Fleetcombe have to hide.

And now, in the place she thought she knew so well, Detective Nicola Bridge is asking questions. Is she ready for what she’s about to find?

Story and narration

Absorbing addictive mystery that is beautifully narrated. I was hoping for another book by the same author and narrator.

very well crafted mystery

The storytelling, sense of place, suspense, humor; I can't remember when I've enjoyed a mystery as much as I enjoyed The Death at the White Hart.

A classic, English village Whodunnit skillfully intertwined with contemporary elements and memorable characters.
i was sorry when it ended and I hope this is the first of many more Nicola Bridge mysteries.

Overall a good little mystery

Book started well, but I did find it hard to care much for main the character, Nicola, even by the end of the book. But there was enough there of interest with all the good side characters and plot to keep listening. Glad I did as story does draw you in. Worth a credit. Narrator did good job.

Excellent narration and character study

I loved it all …. the complexity of the mystery, the variety and depth of characters and their relationships with each other, the parallel stories ….one of my favourite book this year!

Annoying use of they/them pronouns

Really? “They bit their lip”?
I found this insistence on honoring non-binary pronoun preference confusing and annoying to the point of wondering if it was intending to be so.