Step into the shadowy, serene waters of the Norfolk Broads, where Detective Inspector John Tanner unravels chilling mysteries in David Blake’s gripping DI Tanner series. This British detective fiction gem blends dark cozy murder mysteries with a touch of humor, romance, and jaw-dropping twists that keep readers hooked until the final page.
With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, the DI Tanner series invites you to sail through fast-paced crime thrillers that feel both intimate and expansive. Whether you’re a fan of L J Ross or Joy Ellis, this series promises a delightful plunge into a world where every clue counts and every book surprises.
How DI Tanner Began
David Blake, a North London author with a passion for boating, crafted the DI Tanner series inspired by his love for the Norfolk Broads. Having spent countless holidays navigating its waterways, Blake saw the Broads’ haunting beauty as the perfect backdrop for murder mysteries. Launched in 2019 with Broadland, the series introduced DI John Tanner, a London transplant tackling crime in the serene yet sinister Norfolk landscape. Blake’s goal was to create a fast-paced, character-driven series that balanced gritty crime with the charm of a cozy mystery, appealing to readers craving both thrills and heart.
The Heart of DI Tanner
The DI Tanner series kicks off with Broadland, where a girl’s mutilated body is found in the Broads, pulling Tanner into a web of revenge and secrets. St. Benet’s follows, diving into a darker tale of a priest’s crucifixion and a decades-old murder, with the eerie abbey ruins amplifying the suspense. Moorings explores a war veteran’s death, unraveling family secrets, while Three Rivers races against a gale to solve murders tied to a boat wreck. Each book delivers a standalone mystery while deepening Tanner and Detective Constable Jenny Evans’ evolving partnership and romance.
The series shines through its vivid Norfolk Broads setting, where tranquil rivers hide dark secrets. Themes of revenge, justice, and personal redemption weave through Blake’s tight plots, with humor and romantic tension between Tanner and Evans adding warmth. The fast-paced style, paired with shocking twists, makes every installment a page-turner, earning praise for its immersive world and relatable characters.
Why DI Tanner Resonates
The DI Tanner series has carved a niche in British detective fiction, captivating fans with its blend of cozy mystery and gritty crime. Its Norfolk Broads setting offers a refreshing change from urban thrillers, drawing readers into a unique, almost otherworldly landscape. Blake’s ability to craft layered characters like Tanner, a driven yet haunted detective, and Evans, a sharp local with emotional depth, fosters a loyal readership. With 14 books and counting, the series’ consistent quality and growing fanbase on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads signal its lasting appeal.
- Publication Start: 2019 with Broadland
- Number of Books: 14 as of 2025
- Setting: Norfolk Broads, UK
- Author: David Blake, a top 30 Amazon.co.uk author
Ready to unravel a mystery on the misty waters of the Norfolk Broads? Grab Broadland and dive into DI Tanner’s thrilling world of crime, romance, and unexpected twists!