In 1986 young investigative reporter for the Newton Abbot Star and daughter of wealthy philanthropist Lord Ilbert-Tavistock tragically disappears under mysterious circumstances, never to be seen again.

Over 30 years later the fresh graves of two teenage girls are uncovered on the desolate wastes of Dartmoor, followed by the sadistic murder of a City art expert, sending shockwaves through the South West.

Contracted to assist the police task force; siblings James, Fiona and Katie Sinclair at Moorland Forensic Consultants uncover links to the murders with the medieval Benedictine Priory of St Oswald’s and tumultuous events from the battlefields of WW2.

With the police close to admitting defeat and pressure mounting from an outraged media, in a last-ditch effort the team travels to Southern Germany to obtain vital evidence.

Moorland Forensics race against the clock to prevent more deaths, whilst James is battling his own demons, taking things one step too far.

Julie was born in Bovey Tracey, Devon and raised in the South Hams on the South Coast. After training as a nurse at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital she moved to Australia and divided her time between working as a clinical nurse and within the music industry.
This is her first novel and draws on experiences growing up in the spectacular landscapes of South Devon and a passion from an early age to write.
She is a classically trained flautist, proficient horse rider and journalist.
She lives in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area near Sydney with her husband and two children.

Customer Reviews

5.0

2 reviews

The BookViral Review

In Conspiracy of Souls, the third installment in the Moorland Forensics series, Julie D. Jones delivers an engrossing mystery combining forensic authenticity, psychological depth, and historical intrigue. Set against the stark yet beautiful backdrop of Dartmoor, the novel follows forensic psychologist Katie Sinclair, whose determination and skill propel a complex investigation into a series of chilling murders, tied disturbingly to the legacy of a notorious World War II war criminal. Katie Sinclair emerges as an engaging protagonist whose intellectual rigor and emotional depth bring credibility and humanity to the narrative. Her investigative journey, marked by meticulous attention to forensic detail and nuanced psychological insights, effectively draws readers into the intricate process of solving the crimes. Katie’s character development is especially compelling as the story pushes her beyond the borders of Dartmoor, driving her to Europe in a quest to uncover historical truths. Her travels and discoveries not only escalate narrative tension but also broaden the thematic exploration of how the shadows of past atrocities extend into the present. Jones adeptly interweaves the main investigative plot with a deeply personal subplot involving Katie’s brother, James Sinclair. Driven by desperation to regain custody of his son, James begins crossing ethical and moral boundaries, making decisions that ripple outward with painful consequences for all three Sinclair siblings. This subplot, though secondary, significantly enhances the novel’s emotional intensity, vividly illustrating the impact of individual choices on family relationships. Through James’s narrative, Jones sensitively addresses the complexities of parental love, ethical dilemmas, and the devastating emotional toll these can exact on an entire family. One of the novel’s strengths lies in Jones’s skilled integration of historical context. The legacy of a war criminal from World War II provides depth and resonance, effectively enriching the contemporary mystery. The interplay between past and present is handled with sophistication, demonstrating how historical trauma can reverberate through generations. This element adds significant thematic weight to the book, ensuring it resonates beyond the conventions of typical crime fiction. Jones’s evocative descriptions of Dartmoor amplify the narrative’s suspenseful atmosphere, enhancing the emotional and psychological complexity of the story. Dartmoor itself functions almost as a character, its isolated landscapes mirroring the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity, hidden secrets, and psychological tension. The interplay between Katie’s meticulous psychological profiling, James’s moral conflict, and the broader historical intrigue ensures the narrative remains compelling and multifaceted throughout. Jones maintains a tight narrative pace, seamlessly blending forensic procedural elements with a profound exploration of human nature and familial bonds. Ultimately, Conspiracy of Souls offers readers an intelligent, multi-layered mystery-thriller distinguished by richly developed characters and thought-provoking themes. Katie Sinclair’s pursuit of truth, set against the unsettling echoes of history, combines effectively with the deeply human drama of James’s personal struggle, resulting in a compelling examination of morality and the enduring impact of the choices we make. A Golden Quill read it is unreservedly recommended for those who appreciate crime fiction that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
Paul Norman - Books Monthly UK

I previously reviewed Julie's book DEVIL'S REALM a couple of years ago, something she remembered and graciously sent me a copy of her latest title, CONSPIRACY OF SOULS from "down under". This is Julie's third "Moorland Forensics" novel, featuring siblings James, Fiona and Katie Sinclair as they assist the police with a particularly gruesome murder in the south west of England. Forensics as the "detectives" isn't new in British Crime Fiction, we have Val McDermid's Doctor Tony Hill, of course, but I especially like the fact that the three siblings have all followed the same career path and have set up their own company which enables them to participate in complex and puzzling murder investigations. This is very well written, with realistic dialogue and excellent set pieces, and the reference to a wartime incident fits in well with the historical aspects of the case. This is the second book I've read this month with strong links to the Catholic church (see my review of the latest Jane Tennison novel by Lynda La Plante). Thanks to Julie for sending me this brilliant book. You can purchase it from Amazon UK, of course.