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A Novel
by Chris Chibnall
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?
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (09-18-2025)
...ye by Patrick Ryan. I know it has glowing reviews, but it was not for me. I listened to The Poppy Fields on audiobook and loved it. Now, I'm starting Death At The White Hart by Chris Chibnall. He is the creator of Broadchurch, so I'm really intrigued to read this. I have Correspondent on my TBR for October for a book club. I'm very excited...
-Cheri_Mcelroy
"Broadchurch creator Chibnall flexes his talents for characterization and complex plotting in his engrossing first novel... . lived-in and consequential. This deserves a sequel." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Despite the contemporary setting, there's a classic feel to this police procedural. The mystery is rooted in human emotions, like classic whodunits of a century ago. The cast of suspects is varied and interesting, much more than stereotype or even archetype, but the true delight is the introduction of Nicola and her team, a group of misfits who complement each other with dry humor and absolute commitment to their jobs. Hopefully, this is the start of a beautiful series." —Kirkus Reviews
"Chibnall's spectacular novel offers intriguing suspense and drama, plus an outstanding cast of characters and a mystery that will keep readers riveted until the fulfilling climax. Fans of Knives Out and Murder on the Orient Express should thoroughly enjoy." —Library Journal
"A strong pace, good characterization, and an excellent sense of place get this projected series off to a flying start." —The Guardian
"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, New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door
"A masterclass whodunnit from the creator of Broadchurch - moody, immersive, and surprising too. I didn't dare hope it would be better than Broadchurch, but it is." —Gillian McAllister, New York Times bestselling author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time
This information about Death at the White Hart was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Chris Chibnall is a BAFTA-, Peabody-, and Royal Television Society-Award winning screenwriter, producer, and playwright. He is the creator of the internationally acclaimed Broadchurch, which ran for three seasons, winning four BAFTAs among more than twenty awards. From 2018 to 2022 Chris was the showrunner of the BBC's Doctor Who, casting Jodie Whittaker as the first female Doctor and winning multiple awards domestically and internationally. He has honorary doctorates from Edge Hill University and Sheffield Hallam University and was awarded the Eurofipa d'Honneur in Biarritz in 2015.
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