Hello, mystery readers! Today I’m diving into one of my most anticipated books of 2025, Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall (yes, the Broadchurch guy). Let’s take a closer look at what worked, what didn’t, and whether this book lives up to the name behind it.
So here it is, my humble Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall Review.
Book Synopsis
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Title |
Death at the White Hart |
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Author |
Chris Chibnall |
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Genre |
Thriller, Crime, Mistery |
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Format |
340 pages, Hardcover |
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Published |
June 10, 2025 by Pamela Dorman Books |
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ISBN |
9780593831571 (ISBN10: 0593831578) |
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ASIN |
0593831578 |
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Language |
English |
Quick Summary
Trigger Warnings, Sensitive Topics and Age Rating
Before we go any further, I always like to include a quick note on sensitive content. Every reader is different, and some themes in this book might be difficult for certain people.
If you prefer to check content warnings before reading, just click below to reveal the list of trigger warnings, sensitive topics and age ratting.
Plot Overview
Set in the quiet coastal village of Fleetcombe, Death at the White Hart begins with the sudden and shocking murder of local pub owner Jim Tiernan. Detective Sergeant Nicola Bridge is called in to take the case. She’s sharp and experienced, but she’s also dealing with personal struggles and big changes at work.
From the start, it’s clear this won’t be an easy investigation. As Nicola digs into the lives of Fleetcombe’s residents, she uncovers more questions than answers. Almost everyone has something to hide, and plenty of people had reasons to dislike Jim. What seems like a simple case quickly turns into a web of grudges, secrets, and complicated relationships.
Nicola is joined by Detective Constable Harry Ward, who is young and eager to prove himself. He is still learning, and the quiet, secretive village doesn’t make things easy. With locals who aren’t quick to talk and clues that never quite line up, Nicola and Harry have to work hard to uncover all the secrets of this close-knit village and find out who is truly responsible for Jim Tiernan’s death.
This isn’t a flashy thriller. It’s a story that focuses on people, atmosphere, and that constant feeling that something just isn’t right. If you enjoy character-driven crime stories with strong setting and quiet tension, Death at the White Hart is one to add to your list.
My Thoughts
What I Loved
Let’s talk about that opening. It hits hard and immediately pulls you into the story, the kind that makes you sit up straight. But then, the story starts to slow down. From there, the author begins to carefully introduce the village, its people, and the quiet tension that runs underneath it all. Think something like David Lynch meets Broadchurch, it’s eerie, unsettling, and just a little surreal. Right away, you can tell something’s off in Fleetcombe, and you can’t help but keep reading to find out what’s really going on.
As the investigation begins, the book leans more into classic crime drama. But the tension doesn’t fade. The village feels small and closed in, full of gossip, judgment, and long-held secrets. Each character brings their own emotional weight and backstory, and from early on, it’s clear this isn’t just about solving a murder, it’s about what everyone is hiding underneath the surface.
I also really appreciated how the story explored Nicola’s mental state. She’s clearly going through something personal, and you can feel the weight of that as she works the case. The way her emotions are written feels honest and powerful. Watching her push through and keep going gave her character a lot of strength and depth.
What Surprised Me
I didn’t expect the village itself to play such a big role in the story. Fleetcombe may be an open, real place, not a locked-room mystery setting like a country house or a train in an Agatha Christie novel, but it still feels closed off in a strange way. The way people speak, or stay silent, and how everyone seems to know each other while still keeping secrets, creates a quiet tension. It really gives the book that classic whodunit feel, with the village becoming part of the mystery itself.
Vibe Check
Death at the White Hart has a gloomy tone and a strong sense of unease throughout. The setting adds an eerie, almost claustrophobic feeling. Even though Fleetcombe is an open, real place, it still feels strangely closed off, as I mentioned earlier. Early on, the book gave me strong David Lynch and Ari Aster vibes. The strange imagery, like the antlers, and all the small-town secrets reminded me of Twin Peaks or even something out of Midsommar. There’s a touch of old folklore and long-buried mysteries that really adds to the creepy atmosphere.
That said, unlike Lynch’s surreal, dreamlike stories, this one stays grounded. It follows a clear procedural investigation and adds a layer of personal drama and emotional depth to a few of the characters, which I really appreciated.
What Didn’t Work for Me
The only thing that didn’t quite work for me in Death at the White Hart was how some of the characters were written. A few are described in a lot of detail which I love, while others don’t get much attention. And some of the more interesting ones seem to disappear halfway through, which made me wish they’d been more involved in the story.
Even so, it didn’t slow things down at all. The pacing is strong, and each chapter gives you something new to think about. Even if some character arcs felt a bit unfinished, the mystery stays focused and keeps you hooked right up to the final reveal.
About The Plot Twist
Now let’s talk about the plot twist. I have to say, I didn’t see it coming. There are a few red herrings along the way that completely threw me off and sent me in the wrong direction, which I loved. The reveal at the end is really well done. The explanation behind the murder and the motives is detailed and carefully thought out.
Strangely enough, it didn’t totally surprise me, but it still caught me off guard. I actually found myself thinking, “Wait, how did I miss that?” And honestly, isn’t that the whole fun of reading suspense fiction? Getting tricked and surprised in the best possible way!
Conclusion
Death at the White Hart is a clever and atmospheric crime novel that knows how to hold your attention.
The setting feels real, the characters are engaging, and some of their dynamics have great chemistry. The mystery keeps you guessing, and the story hits hard at the beginning before slowing down and gradually pulling you into the lives of the residents. Every time Nicola interviewed someone, I got that small-village gossip vibe, you know what I mean? I loved that. The writing is clear, confident, and descriptive. With a fast pace and great cliffhangers at the end of each chapter, it’s nearly impossible to put down. This one’s a real page-turner!
I’d recommend this one to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, small-town settings with secrets, and that mix of crime drama and psychological tension. If you liked shows like Broadchurch or enjoy books with a slightly eerie, moody vibe, then this one’s definitely worth adding to your list.
Some Book Quotes
“She had learned to her cost that even when you do tell the truth grown-ups don’t necessarily like to hear it. The truth can make people unhappy.”
“He knew all these people by name, he knew their lives and their lies, their secrets and delights, their joys and their shame, their finances and their addictions.”
“Be more like the dog, he told himself. The dog lives in the present, only alert to now. That’s how to cope.”
Is Death at the White Hart Part of a Book Series, and What’s Next for Nicola Bridge?
If you’re hoping to spend more time in Fleetcombe, you’re in luck! Death at the White Hart is the first in a planned mystery series. It’s part of a two-book deal with Penguin Michael Joseph in the UK and Pamela Dorman Books in the US.
The second book is already confirmed, but there’s no title or release date just yet, fingers crossed we get more news soon! Critics are already calling this series a strong start, with The Guardian saying it’s a “flying start” for Nicola. With the TV show on the way, we’ll likely hear more about the next book soon, so stay tuned!
Is Death at the White Hart Being Adapted into a TV Series, and Where Can I Watch It?
Great news for Broadchurch fans! Death at the White Hart is being turned into a TV series. ITV has confirmed the show will start filming in 2026 and will likely air in 2027. Chris Chibnall, the creator of Broadchurch, is writing the script, so you can expect the same suspenseful vibe.
The show will air on ITV1 and STV in the UK, and you’ll be able to stream it on ITVX and STV Player. Fremantle is handling international distribution, but there’s no word yet on where it will be available in the U.S. or other countries. Casting hasn’t been announced either—who do you think should play Nicola? Stay tuned for more updates!
Let’s Chat!
And that’s my take on Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall. Was this one a hit or miss for you? I’m curious to hear your take, let’s chat in the comments!
