Readers describe this collection as a "5-star-worthy" continuation of Bruce Beckham's "addictive" series. Reviewers highlight the "ingenious" and "hard to fathom" plots that avoid profanity while maintaining "deadly serious" stakes.

Fans continue to be "riveted" by the vivid Lake District descriptions, which they feel provide a "beautiful" and "atmospheric" backdrop for the investigations.
The "unorthodox" DI Skelgill remains a "gem" to readers, with his relationships with DS Jones and DS Leyton described as a "work of beauty" and a key source of "humorous banter".