1. About the Author: Joy Ellis
Joy Ellis is one of the UK’s top crime fiction authors, best known for her psychological detective series like Jackman & Evans, DI Nikki Galena, and DCI Matt Ballard. Once a bookstore manager, Joy transitioned into writing after encouragement from a police officer and a creative writing mentor. Her signature style blends intricate plots, deeply human characters, and a haunting atmosphere, especially through her vivid portrayal of England’s misty fenlands. Readers and critics alike are drawn to her ability to craft suspenseful, emotionally charged crime stories that feel both realistic and chilling.
2. About the Narrator: Matthew Lloyd Davies
Matthew Lloyd Davies is an award-winning audiobook narrator and seasoned theatre actor, recognized with prestigious accolades such as the Audie Award. Known for his vocal versatility and emotional depth, Davies brings characters to life with nuance and authenticity. In Five Bloody Hearts, his narration captures the eerie stillness of the fens, the psychological complexity of a serial killer, and the inner struggles of DCI Matt Ballard — all with impressive range and subtlety.
3. About the Book: Five Bloody Hearts
Five Bloody Hearts is the second installment in Joy Ellis’s DCI Matt Ballard series. The story follows Ballard as he investigates a disturbing string of murders targeting migrant workers — each victim marked with a mysterious Tree of Life tattoo. When a copycat killer emerges, mimicking crimes from the past, Ballard and his team are thrust into a tangled web of lies, trauma, and long-buried secrets.
Genre: Crime thriller, psychological suspense
Setting: The remote, fog-covered fenlands of England — atmospheric and ominous
Average rating: 4.32/5 on Goodreads, with over 11,000 reviews
While it hasn’t received major literary awards, Five Bloody Hearts is considered one of the strongest entries in the DCI Matt Ballard series and a standout in modern British crime fiction.
4. Book Review: Five Bloody Hearts
Five Bloody Hearts is more than just a crime novel — it’s a psychological journey that explores memory, trauma, justice, and guilt. Joy Ellis builds a layered narrative, delving deep into the minds of both killer and investigators. DCI Matt Ballard isn’t a flawless hero — he’s aging, haunted, and burdened by responsibility. The slow-burning first act builds toward a tense and satisfying climax, making the journey worthwhile.
“Would have you on the edge of your seat…” – On the Shelf Reviews
“The fens become a frightening place of mystery and danger.” – MysteryThrillerWeek
Personal thoughts: What impressed me most was how Joy Ellis used the setting as a character in itself — the fenlands are bleak, eerie, and essential to the story’s mood. This isn’t a story of who did it, but why, and what scars crime leaves behind. A must-read for those who enjoy atmospheric crime fiction with emotional weight.
5. Audiobook Review: Five Bloody Hearts
The audiobook version of Five Bloody Hearts, narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies, delivers a cinematic experience. His voice work is praised for its clarity, emotional depth, and character distinction — from local British accents to Eastern European nuances, from chilling villain monologues to Ballard’s introspective moments.
“Great range of accents and voices…” – Audible Reviewer
“His voice can chill you one second, and move you deeply the next.” – Tantor Media
That said, a few listeners felt his pacing was too slow in parts and lacked urgency during intense scenes. For listeners who prefer fast-paced thrillers, this might be a minor drawback.
Personal thoughts: For me, Matthew Lloyd Davies was a perfect match for this audiobook. He didn’t just narrate — he embodied the characters. His performance conveyed the despair, fear, and tension that permeate the story. I found myself replaying certain scenes just to experience their emotional impact again.
6. Who Should Read This Book
Five Bloody Hearts is ideal for:
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Fans of dark, psychological British crime fiction
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Readers who enjoy detective-led narratives with multi-threaded plots
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Those seeking emotionally complex characters over pure action
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Newcomers to audiobooks looking for a well-paced, professionally narrated thriller
Whether in print or audio, this book appeals to readers who crave both suspense and substance.
7. Conclusion
Five Bloody Hearts showcases Joy Ellis at her best — a gripping, haunting, and thoughtful crime novel that goes beyond the standard whodunit formula. Matthew Lloyd Davies’s audiobook narration enhances the experience, bringing an extra layer of immersion. If you’re looking for a crime story with atmosphere, heart, and depth, this book belongs on your shelf — or your earbuds.
Dive into the chilling fog of the fenlands — and test your instincts as you follow Ballard into the dark.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
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