Death at the Castle Gates - Nick Oldham

 Death at the Castle Gates - Nick Oldham

Pub. Date: June 2, 2026

She read

For safety reasons, Sergeant Jessica Raker has relocated her family from London to rural Lancashire, a move that has strained her relationship with her husband. Jessica and her team are on the hunt for a local criminal who puts their lives in danger. One of their beloved colleagues, Dougie Doolan, is battling cancer, and his final wish is for Jessica to solve a case that has haunted him for years. Additionally, there are loose ends from her previous case involving a childhood enemy who has risen to become the queen of crime in the area, as well as a DI who seems to have a personal vendetta against Jessica. All these elements converge for a lot of action in the town of Clitheroe.  

This fast-paced and engaging read had a compelling storyline and well-developed characters. I particularly admire Jessica, an all-too-human but dedicated individual grappling with personal issues while trying to make a way for herself in her new position. The camaraderie among the established team members is also noteworthy, and I couldn’t wait to see if DI Price and the annoying new team member, Ashley, would get their due.

There is a bit of the supernatural in this story, of which I am not a big fan, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the narrative.

This is the third in the Jessica Raker series. I read the second book, and while I don’t believe it’s essential to read the prior installments to follow the plot and characters, doing so would provide valuable background information. The ending leaves room for a potential third story, which I eagerly anticipate.

Thanks to @NetGalley and @SevernHouseImprint for the DRC.

*****