This is the 6th book in this series and you know what's coming next! For full enjoyment wrt the main characters, their back stories and development, please do start from book one and read in order. They are all cracking reads in themselves so... Well... Another Christmas, another case for DCI James Walker to solve. Although it does beggar belief that there is anyone left in the area at this time of year given what has happened over the last few years. You'd have thought they'd all "fly south" to avoid the chaos, being murdered, or being accused... But like people still visit Cabot Cove, there are plenty left in Kendal and the surrounding area for James and his team to investigate when journalist Gordon Carver's body is found on Christmas Day. It looks like he was killed not long after placing a phone call to James himself. One which he didn't pick up. It now becomes obvious why Gordon didn't answer when James tried to call him back. It looks like he was bashed while on his way back home from the pub. But being a ruthless investigate journalist of some note, the list of people with a grudge against him is quite long so James and his team have their work cut out for them to try and figure out who and why and get justice for Gordon. I love this series. I have even stopped rolling my eyes at James thinking that this year he will be able to spend time with his family, his wife (who is going through some stuff of her own in this book) and two young children. At least in this one they got Christmas morning together before it all kicked off... And then, round and round we go with the investigation. With all the secrets, lies, and obfuscation you'd expect from the witnesses and suspects. One of said suspects subsequently becoming a victim too... I also tried to cut through the noise to work it all out ahead of James and his team but although I was heading in the right direction, I fell at the final fence. Which I wasn't disappointed at when the final truth all came out, leaving me wholly satisfied. All in all, a cracking addition to what is already a well impressive series. Same time next year? Or maybe, to prove he doesn't just twiddle his thumbs all year waiting for the Christmas murder, might I be so bold as to suggest a summer short?

Another Christmas, another murder to solve for DCI James Walker and this one is closer to home, as the victim tried to contact James shortly before he was killed. James has a close knit team who go above and beyond expectations when it comes to a murder, even at Christmas. There are quite a few suspects, lines of enquiries and red herrings. The clues are few but the team make the most of them. It has the authentic feel of a murderer enquiry, with all the pressures that are put on the police to do more, and quicker, make arrests before the media and the public start a frenzy about lack of results. Add to this the fact that Annie has her own problems, and you have a cracker of a Christmas read, Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I’m a firm fan of the James Walker novels and they start Christmas for me. This is another excellent plot written beautifully. I did guess the culprit but it was not confirmed until the last few pages. Well worth the read and cannot wait for the next one. Well done Alex Pine.

DI James Walker Series Book 6 Journalist Gordon Carver receives news that sends a chill down his spine. Rushing home from the pub, he frantically calls his police contact, DI James Walker to share his discovery, only to be struck from behind, plunging him into darkness. James misses the call, and by the time he arrives at the crime scene, Gordon is dead. With his name as the last entry in Gordon's phone, James is thrust into a chilling investigation. What vital information was Gordon about to reveal, and who silenced his? With no witnesses and scant evidence, James races against time to uncover the truth. Can he uncover the mystery before the killer slips away. This is the sixth book in the DI James Walker series and it goes from strength to strength with each new book, This time, Gordon Carver, a journalist, has been found dead close to his home. We get plenty of red herrings and twists. The weather conditions aren't making the investigation any easier. James's wife Annie has her own worries. This is another great addition to the series. Published 23rd October 2025 I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #AlexPine for my ARC of #ColdBloodedKiller in exchange for an honest review.