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Inspector Frost #2
A Touch Of Frost
Detective Inspector Jack Frost, offically on duty, is nevertheless determined to sneak off to a colleague's leaving party. But first the corpse of a well-known local junkie is found blocking the drain of a Denton public lavatory - and then, when Frost attempts to join the revels later on, the nubile daughter of a wealthy businessman is reported missing.
Sleepy Denton has never known anything like the crime wave which now threatens to submerge it. A robbery occurs at the town's notorious strip joint, the pampered son of a local MP is suspected of a hit-and-run offence and, to top it all, a multiple rapist is on the loose. Frost is reeling under the strain, his paperwork is still in arrears and now, more than ever, his self-righteous colleagues would love to see him sacked. But the manic Frost manages to assure his superior that all is under control. Now he has only to convince himself ...
Sleepy Denton has never known anything like the crime wave which now threatens to submerge it. A robbery occurs at the town's notorious strip joint, the pampered son of a local MP is suspected of a hit-and-run offence and, to top it all, a multiple rapist is on the loose. Frost is reeling under the strain, his paperwork is still in arrears and now, more than ever, his self-righteous colleagues would love to see him sacked. But the manic Frost manages to assure his superior that all is under control. Now he has only to convince himself ...
436 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1987
170 people are currently reading
1021 people want to read
About the author
R.D. Wingfield
39 books142 followersRodney David Wingfield was a prolific writer of radio crime plays and comedy scripts, some for the late Kenneth Williams, star of the Carry On films. His crime novels featuring DI Jack Frost have been successfully adapted for television as A Touch of Frost starring David Jason. Wingfield was a modest man, shunning the London publicity scene in favour of a quite life in Basildon, Essex, with his wife of 52 years (died 2004) and only son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
August 6, 2012
Despite the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed Frost At Christmas, I put off picking up the sequel for several months (nearly 8 to be exact). After finishing it, I feel like an idiot for waiting so long. I can easily state that I will not be making this mistake twice. The third book is ready to go and I’ll be diving in shortly.
Frost hates doing any sort of formal report. In fact, he hates it so much that he’ll take on an unreasonable amount of additional work to avoid the inevitable paperwork that will follow the closing of any one case. At one point, Frost is involved, in some shape or form, with 5 separate cases. He’s investigating the death of a vagabond in a public washroom, a hit and run potentially perpetrated by the son of a Member of Parliament, the murder of a stripper, the robbery of a bookie and finally, the disappearance of a fifteen year old girl.
Wingfield is simply incredible here, there’s no better way to explain it. As I’ve mentioned, he has Frost and his sidekick-of-the-week, Webster, running all over the streets of Denton involved in five separate crimes. What’s remarkable is that at no point did the plot seem convoluted nor did I feel lost. When Frost starts to make headway in one case, he’s reminded of, or provided with new evidence to, another.
It takes talent to present such an ambitious story and not leave the reader feeling confused. It also takes impressive writing chops to craft a type of prose that entertains the reader and keeps the narrative moving smoothly. There were more than a few moments where anything from a smirk to genuinely laughing out loud occurred.
It’s only the second book in the series but you can tell Wingfield has Frost nailed down. Not only that but a tremendous supporting cast that keep up the overall flow of the story. These reasons should be enough for a fan of the mystery genre to at least give it a shot. Judging by the first two books, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to read one before the other. Reading out of order shouldn’t prevent any problems so if you’re interested, give this one a shot first, you will not be disappointed!
Frost hates doing any sort of formal report. In fact, he hates it so much that he’ll take on an unreasonable amount of additional work to avoid the inevitable paperwork that will follow the closing of any one case. At one point, Frost is involved, in some shape or form, with 5 separate cases. He’s investigating the death of a vagabond in a public washroom, a hit and run potentially perpetrated by the son of a Member of Parliament, the murder of a stripper, the robbery of a bookie and finally, the disappearance of a fifteen year old girl.
Wingfield is simply incredible here, there’s no better way to explain it. As I’ve mentioned, he has Frost and his sidekick-of-the-week, Webster, running all over the streets of Denton involved in five separate crimes. What’s remarkable is that at no point did the plot seem convoluted nor did I feel lost. When Frost starts to make headway in one case, he’s reminded of, or provided with new evidence to, another.
It takes talent to present such an ambitious story and not leave the reader feeling confused. It also takes impressive writing chops to craft a type of prose that entertains the reader and keeps the narrative moving smoothly. There were more than a few moments where anything from a smirk to genuinely laughing out loud occurred.
It’s only the second book in the series but you can tell Wingfield has Frost nailed down. Not only that but a tremendous supporting cast that keep up the overall flow of the story. These reasons should be enough for a fan of the mystery genre to at least give it a shot. Judging by the first two books, there doesn’t seem to be any reason to read one before the other. Reading out of order shouldn’t prevent any problems so if you’re interested, give this one a shot first, you will not be disappointed!
May 23, 2024
Well plotted where the different strands of the story are smartly intertwined. I also enjoyed how Inspector Frost antagonises fellow officers as well as criminals and suspects. Unfortunately for me this can’t save the book which is full of highly unacceptable levels of sexism, including jokes about rape.
August 31, 2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this police detective mystery with multiple story threads that pull together in a higgledy piggledy stylee.
This mirrors the haphazard working practises of Detective Inspector Jack Frost; a fundamentally kind-hearted man who plays the buffoon but has a natural instinct for routing out the perpetrators.
He's not very good at paperwork and he refuses to kowtow to police politics...but he does get results!
My only problem with this is the female representation; each woman is treated like a sex object and judged on size of boobs / age. There are also some derogatory rape 'jokes' which made me wince. As this was first published in 1987 I'm able to look past it but some people will find this offensive.
If not for this aspect the book would have been a 5 star read for me; it's a full on police drama with plenty of full-bodied characters and an unrelenting plethora of interconnecting stories with plenty of wit and grit!
This mirrors the haphazard working practises of Detective Inspector Jack Frost; a fundamentally kind-hearted man who plays the buffoon but has a natural instinct for routing out the perpetrators.
He's not very good at paperwork and he refuses to kowtow to police politics...but he does get results!
My only problem with this is the female representation; each woman is treated like a sex object and judged on size of boobs / age. There are also some derogatory rape 'jokes' which made me wince. As this was first published in 1987 I'm able to look past it but some people will find this offensive.
If not for this aspect the book would have been a 5 star read for me; it's a full on police drama with plenty of full-bodied characters and an unrelenting plethora of interconnecting stories with plenty of wit and grit!
July 11, 2018
An uncompromising slice of 80s crime fiction complete with the attitudes of the time. Frost and his colleagues are overworked and underpaid, getting by on cigarettes and no sleep.
The TV Frost is very much a pale imitation of the character portrayed in this book ,he'spretty much beyond the pale but this only makes this Frost more authentic in my opinion.
Well written, this a compelling and satisfying tale.
Recommended 3.5stars
The TV Frost is very much a pale imitation of the character portrayed in this book ,he'spretty much beyond the pale but this only makes this Frost more authentic in my opinion.
Well written, this a compelling and satisfying tale.
Recommended 3.5stars
July 27, 2015
To some extent, Wingfield seems to have hit his stride with this second Frost novel, which is funnier and faster-paced than the first. Unfortunately, it's also more offensively chauvinist: every female character is a sex object and there are jokes about rape that just wouldn't fly these days. While this is possibly a true reflection of what the police was like in the 1980s and early 1990s, it's written in such a way that the reader is clearly expected to share the joke. If you can overlook this, there's some good character-based humour based on the conflicts and rivalry between the policemen (especially Frost, Webster, Allen and Mullett) and some exciting hostage-based action at the climax. As before, though, Wingfield is too patchy a writer to give total satisfaction, and he ends the novel abruptly having barely tied up the loose ends.
March 5, 2014
"Plan? Since when did I ever make plans? I shall just barge in and hope for the best."
Dishevelled, disorganized Inspector Jack Frost is more a gambler than a hound dog or a Sherlock. He has a gift for flushing out his quarry. He enrages his bosses but they can't get rid of him since he is the case solver.
Character interplay and dialog is very funny. I love British mild profanity.
Dishevelled, disorganized Inspector Jack Frost is more a gambler than a hound dog or a Sherlock. He has a gift for flushing out his quarry. He enrages his bosses but they can't get rid of him since he is the case solver.
Character interplay and dialog is very funny. I love British mild profanity.
May 17, 2016
In A Touch of Frost, Frost continues his report avoiding/ fudging, slovenly, insubordinate, a bit misogynistic and sexist in his remarks about the women he encounters way - and repeatedly failing and yet somehow managing to solve all the cases while allowing others to take the credit. In this book, Frost investigates the murder of a drug addict, a serial rapist, a hit-and-run resulting in the death of an elderly man, and the robbery of a strip club, all the while working hard to blow off requisite paperwork like the crime statistics (which he makes up) and the overtime paperwork.
January 5, 2011
My annual Christmas book of a TV series. Both the story and the character, the style and the philosophy, were close to what I was used to on screen, though Frost was cruder and more lascivious than on ITV. A busy (but not intricate) plot for a mystery, a sort of crazed zig-zagging back and forth from one incident to another. It seems this kind of half-attention and interruption might be the way real police life is. A diversion, and a curiosity satisfied.
February 18, 2024
Frost is his usual dishevelled, messy and insubordinate self, and yet, he gets results. He might not be the most popular, if at all, but he's a great copper. There's something about his character that I can't help but like.
A good solid addition to Inspector Frost series, A Touch Of Frost, comes across as a bit dated at times but it's definitely worth a read if you enjoy good old British detective series.
A good solid addition to Inspector Frost series, A Touch Of Frost, comes across as a bit dated at times but it's definitely worth a read if you enjoy good old British detective series.
April 18, 2014
As a long-time fan of A Touch Of Frost on the TV, I was delighted to find this in a charity shop. Of course, having seen David Jason's performance of one of the most loveable characters in the TV crime canon, it is impossible to divorce yourself from his mental picture when reading it in print.
With that in mind, I proceed.
The book itself was impossible to put down. The restless (practically superhuman) energy that Frost puts into his never-ending day is infectious, and there isn't even time to breathe. There seems to be no natural breaks, you just have to find out what happens next. And it doesn't stop. Case after case, interruption after interruption, and still he hasn't done his paperwork which Mullett is nagging him for, yet still he has time to crack tasteless, sexist jokes and ridicule his partner's beard.
Four stars not five because everybody's constant smoking was starting to put me off, to the point where it turned into a caricature of what a nicotine habit is. Bear in mind, of course, that this was only 1987, in which people were still allowed to smoke in public buildings Never mind, we'll let that pass -- but it smacks to me of lazy plotting.
In the books, Frost is far less likeable than in the TV, and even more scruffy and bumbling, and despite the fact that he does manage to solve the cases, he has little respect amongst his colleagues, who (almost to a man) think him incompetent. Frost, however, has so much self-belief that he just does not care -- and that endears him even more to the reader.
With that in mind, I proceed.
The book itself was impossible to put down. The restless (practically superhuman) energy that Frost puts into his never-ending day is infectious, and there isn't even time to breathe. There seems to be no natural breaks, you just have to find out what happens next. And it doesn't stop. Case after case, interruption after interruption, and still he hasn't done his paperwork which Mullett is nagging him for, yet still he has time to crack tasteless, sexist jokes and ridicule his partner's beard.
Four stars not five because everybody's constant smoking was starting to put me off, to the point where it turned into a caricature of what a nicotine habit is. Bear in mind, of course, that this was only 1987, in which people were still allowed to smoke in public buildings Never mind, we'll let that pass -- but it smacks to me of lazy plotting.
In the books, Frost is far less likeable than in the TV, and even more scruffy and bumbling, and despite the fact that he does manage to solve the cases, he has little respect amongst his colleagues, who (almost to a man) think him incompetent. Frost, however, has so much self-belief that he just does not care -- and that endears him even more to the reader.
July 5, 2020
DNF'd after 3 chapters. I'd been concerned about the amount of misogynistic and objectifying commentary from our "hero" POV in the first book but this quickly took it to a new level with Frost lasciviously fantasising about a missing 15 year old girl based on her bikini line trimmer and a photo of the girl in said bikini. This after leching after the girl's mother moments before. It just makes my skin crawl, and the idea of spending another 20 chapters with this slimey individual is totally unappealing.
Read
September 7, 2013I really enjoyed this book! First of all, I love British police procedurals. Plus I loved the main character, Frost - he is so disorganized and scattered, yet he gets the job done; while the organized and focused detective, who gets all the credit, didn't actually solve anything. It's well written, combining many varied plot lines into a cohesive whole and in the end Frost solves each case, though not all of them as expected. Plenty of surprises and a very fun ride!
September 2, 2014
From BBC Radio 4 - Extra Debut:
Jack Frost is a tough and rude detective and does it all his way, but has he come a cropper? Stars Derek Martin and June Brown.
Jack Frost is a tough and rude detective and does it all his way, but has he come a cropper? Stars Derek Martin and June Brown.
October 24, 2021
Perfect
September 28, 2020
Felt somewhat disconnected from the ending of the first book, but other than that a good enough crime novel.
I always wonder, after books with this, shall we call it, tone : Does the male brain actually work like this? All the time?
And: Wow, it must be exhaustening to always have to consider the fuckabilty of every individual with what could possibly be a X and Y cromosome.
Poor sods.
I always wonder, after books with this, shall we call it, tone : Does the male brain actually work like this? All the time?
And: Wow, it must be exhaustening to always have to consider the fuckabilty of every individual with what could possibly be a X and Y cromosome.
Poor sods.
October 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this book even more than the first one in the series. Even though there are multiple plot lines in the story, it is easy to follow because of the style of writing. It moves along at a good pace and the reader will not get bored. Some of the language is coarse and some people might find it offensive, particularly to women. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fast paced crime novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2022
Another easy read, not very politically correct these days, but an enjoyable change from some I've read recently.
June 23, 2016
There's a big retirement party at the police station, but Jack Frost and his prickly colleague have been left out in the cold. Literally.
Luckily, they have plenty to keep them occupied. There's a serial rapist prowling through Denton woods, stalking his next victim. A dead hobo is found blocking the drains in a public lavatory. A wealthy man reports his teenage daughter missing. The Coconut Grove, a seedy 'leisure complex', has been robbed. A hit & run is reported, the car belonging to an MP's son... And those are just for starters.
These investigations span from Frost's Tuesday night shift to the Friday, and I really liked how, despite being headed Day Shift and Night Shift, the chapters, days, nights, and investigations all seep together, never giving the characters (or the reader) a chance to stop and gather themselves. Frost's sleep deprived, caffeine and nicotine-fuelled brain is a pinball, jolting from one case to another, and you sympathise with his partner Webster because you too start to wish that Frost would stick to one job, that he'd organise his office, do his crime statistics and fill out those bloody overtime sheets.
You don't get to glimpse at Frost's world beyond his job because he doesn't have one. There's no appreciation of art or love of jazz, like in many other detective novels, and there's no family or friends, no women, no escape. Frost literally works night and day, with more and more crimes piling in on top of him, and I was surprised at how tired and claustrophobic the relentless onslaught made ME feel. A well executed ploy by the author that really got me involved in the story. Also - though this may just be the edition I read - the chapters always started straight under the one before, leaving no white spaces for a reader-breather. Simple but effective.
As with the first book in the series, there is quite a lot of crude humour in A Touch Of Frost, and readers may find it somewhat chauvinistic. So, if the term WPC still raises your hackles, this may be one to miss.
Luckily, they have plenty to keep them occupied. There's a serial rapist prowling through Denton woods, stalking his next victim. A dead hobo is found blocking the drains in a public lavatory. A wealthy man reports his teenage daughter missing. The Coconut Grove, a seedy 'leisure complex', has been robbed. A hit & run is reported, the car belonging to an MP's son... And those are just for starters.
These investigations span from Frost's Tuesday night shift to the Friday, and I really liked how, despite being headed Day Shift and Night Shift, the chapters, days, nights, and investigations all seep together, never giving the characters (or the reader) a chance to stop and gather themselves. Frost's sleep deprived, caffeine and nicotine-fuelled brain is a pinball, jolting from one case to another, and you sympathise with his partner Webster because you too start to wish that Frost would stick to one job, that he'd organise his office, do his crime statistics and fill out those bloody overtime sheets.
You don't get to glimpse at Frost's world beyond his job because he doesn't have one. There's no appreciation of art or love of jazz, like in many other detective novels, and there's no family or friends, no women, no escape. Frost literally works night and day, with more and more crimes piling in on top of him, and I was surprised at how tired and claustrophobic the relentless onslaught made ME feel. A well executed ploy by the author that really got me involved in the story. Also - though this may just be the edition I read - the chapters always started straight under the one before, leaving no white spaces for a reader-breather. Simple but effective.
As with the first book in the series, there is quite a lot of crude humour in A Touch Of Frost, and readers may find it somewhat chauvinistic. So, if the term WPC still raises your hackles, this may be one to miss.
July 15, 2011
DI Frost is having a bad day. While the rest of the station is enjoying a retirement party, which Frost is determined to attend, he has been called out to the death of a well known local addict in a flooded public toilet.
His every attempt to slope off and attend the party are further frustrated by what can only be called a crimewave of epic porportions, which he and a few other officers, not in the favour of Mullet, are trying to hold the line against tide of crime afflicting Denton.
Frost, in his attempts to get to the party is sloppier than normal and his and others inattention at a crime scene will come back to haunt him later.
In this the 2nd of the Frost books, the tropes of the series (both novels and TV series) become concrete. Frost, the copper with the nose for crime and lies, but hopeless at playing the game, terrible at all of the things that modern policework entail like computer systems and paperwork. The supposed competance and organisation of those around him like Mullet and the ambitious DC or DS who scorn Frost for his faults but are blind to his qualities and the system which attempts to bury ihim in paperwork and starve him of resources, just when they are needed the most.
In these books i think that Wingfield has given us the most complete picture of what actual policing in the 1990's is like, the clash of old and new, the fight for resources and the bureaucracy.
I'm not actually sure that i like Frost. He is honest, at least to those that he thinks deserve honesty. And he is a good detective, while not being a good policeman. He is crude, rude and slovenly. But for all that he has heart and he is the true heart of these books. But probably his best quality is that he has no regard for the acclaim and spoils which go to those close cases, routinely giving the credit to others so he can avoid the paperwork, much to the frustration of his more ambitious team members. Simply knowing that the crime is solved is enough for him.
His every attempt to slope off and attend the party are further frustrated by what can only be called a crimewave of epic porportions, which he and a few other officers, not in the favour of Mullet, are trying to hold the line against tide of crime afflicting Denton.
Frost, in his attempts to get to the party is sloppier than normal and his and others inattention at a crime scene will come back to haunt him later.
In this the 2nd of the Frost books, the tropes of the series (both novels and TV series) become concrete. Frost, the copper with the nose for crime and lies, but hopeless at playing the game, terrible at all of the things that modern policework entail like computer systems and paperwork. The supposed competance and organisation of those around him like Mullet and the ambitious DC or DS who scorn Frost for his faults but are blind to his qualities and the system which attempts to bury ihim in paperwork and starve him of resources, just when they are needed the most.
In these books i think that Wingfield has given us the most complete picture of what actual policing in the 1990's is like, the clash of old and new, the fight for resources and the bureaucracy.
I'm not actually sure that i like Frost. He is honest, at least to those that he thinks deserve honesty. And he is a good detective, while not being a good policeman. He is crude, rude and slovenly. But for all that he has heart and he is the true heart of these books. But probably his best quality is that he has no regard for the acclaim and spoils which go to those close cases, routinely giving the credit to others so he can avoid the paperwork, much to the frustration of his more ambitious team members. Simply knowing that the crime is solved is enough for him.
July 25, 2014
Enjoyed this book. Usually don't want to start a series anywhere other than at the beginning, but, this one slipped through that crack.
I had it in a list to order from the library when I noticed that the book was pulled from the library system. None of the others, just this one. Later that afternoon, my wife said that she'd seen a Frost book in the giveaway bin and had grabbed it for me. Turned out it was the same book that I'd seen taken out of circulation. And, neither one of us being of a mind to turn away free stuff just because it wasn't offered at the right time, I kept it. And, since I kept it, I might as well start reading it. Hence, out of series order. Although, since it's #2 in the order, it's not that big of a deal. Hopefully. No idea if anything that I've read in this one is a spoiler for the 1st book in the series.
At any rate, this was good enough for me to want to continue with the series. Which I kind of thought would happen as both of us like the PBS/BBC TV series. Which we get DVDs of from that same library system.
The book isn't really about one case. There are several cases that become intertwined as the book proceeds on. Hopefully, that isn't a spoiler for anyone reading this. But, since that possibility exists, I'll not follow that thread any further.
Frost seems to be a bit more of a problem for his boss, Mullett, in the books than in the TV series. And, more of a problem to his colleagues, also. But, the character is basically the same. A likeable character if a bit rough around the edges. And, more competent than even he wants to admit. I will read others that are in my library sytem.
I had it in a list to order from the library when I noticed that the book was pulled from the library system. None of the others, just this one. Later that afternoon, my wife said that she'd seen a Frost book in the giveaway bin and had grabbed it for me. Turned out it was the same book that I'd seen taken out of circulation. And, neither one of us being of a mind to turn away free stuff just because it wasn't offered at the right time, I kept it. And, since I kept it, I might as well start reading it. Hence, out of series order. Although, since it's #2 in the order, it's not that big of a deal. Hopefully. No idea if anything that I've read in this one is a spoiler for the 1st book in the series.
At any rate, this was good enough for me to want to continue with the series. Which I kind of thought would happen as both of us like the PBS/BBC TV series. Which we get DVDs of from that same library system.
The book isn't really about one case. There are several cases that become intertwined as the book proceeds on. Hopefully, that isn't a spoiler for anyone reading this. But, since that possibility exists, I'll not follow that thread any further.
Frost seems to be a bit more of a problem for his boss, Mullett, in the books than in the TV series. And, more of a problem to his colleagues, also. But, the character is basically the same. A likeable character if a bit rough around the edges. And, more competent than even he wants to admit. I will read others that are in my library sytem.
April 13, 2014
Detective Inspector Jack Frost, offically on duty, is nevertheless determined to sneak off to a colleague's leaving party. But first the corpse of a well-known local junkie is found blocking the drain of a Denton public lavatory - and then, when Frost attempts to join the revels later on, the nubile daughter of a wealthy businessman is reported missing.
Sleepy Denton has never known anything like the crime wave which now threatens to submerge it. A robbery occurs at the town's notorious strip joint, the pampered son of a local MP is suspected of a hit-and-run offence and, to top it all, a multiple rapist is on the loose. Frost is reeling under the strain, his paperwork is still in arrears and now, more than ever, his self-righteous colleagues would love to see him sacked. But the manic Frost manages to assure his superior that all is under control. Now he has only to convince himself.
A little judicious editing would help these stories. I got kind of tired of hearing how messy Frost's office was every single time he entered. Also, I hope he drops the constant references to late paper work. I will try one more.
Sleepy Denton has never known anything like the crime wave which now threatens to submerge it. A robbery occurs at the town's notorious strip joint, the pampered son of a local MP is suspected of a hit-and-run offence and, to top it all, a multiple rapist is on the loose. Frost is reeling under the strain, his paperwork is still in arrears and now, more than ever, his self-righteous colleagues would love to see him sacked. But the manic Frost manages to assure his superior that all is under control. Now he has only to convince himself.
A little judicious editing would help these stories. I got kind of tired of hearing how messy Frost's office was every single time he entered. Also, I hope he drops the constant references to late paper work. I will try one more.
July 29, 2014
R.D. Wingfield's Jack Frost is quite a bit racier than David Jason's TV version. A less likable crude bumbler with hopelessly disorganized sleuthing skills whose intuition cannot overcome his ineptitude. Furthermore, Frost's constant comments and preoccupation with women as sex objects would target him for eviscerated in today's PC press and legions of feminists. It certainly would never make it to the boob tube(pun intended) in it's expurgated form.Still,you want to meld the wonderful qualities Jason imbued in his loveable but supremely capable Inspector Frost. Qualities that outweigh his slovenly habits and get the job done.
Bruce Alexander who plays Superintendent Mullett with such panache is portrayed by the author as a despicable brown-nosing toady with few redeeming qualities. To me neither original character is as likeable as the made for TV versions. However, that's not the author's fault and he did create the seminal groundwork for England's longest running detective series.
Bruce Alexander who plays Superintendent Mullett with such panache is portrayed by the author as a despicable brown-nosing toady with few redeeming qualities. To me neither original character is as likeable as the made for TV versions. However, that's not the author's fault and he did create the seminal groundwork for England's longest running detective series.
November 18, 2013
An unusual detective, unorthodox ways, a rotten sense of humour, disregard to authority an example how ..the detective should not be like this,,,, but he dabbles with multiple cases,,, with accomplished effeciency, and some how solving them all, by hook or by crook,,,, Jack Frost a refreshing change from well suited , booted elegant detectives,,, he looks human not some super cop,,,.although the plot was too tedious, too many subplots and excessive intermingleness of events and character some what make it heavy to keep the track ,,,,, what is originsl plot,.but nice read,,, fast , pacey, and witty,,,
January 15, 2014
This was actually titled, Frost at Christmas and was the first in the series.
Merged review:
This was the second book in the Frost series and if you only know the character from the TV series you will be in for a bit of a shock when you tackle the book. The Frost of the books is a much more seedy character than the TV version and he takes far more chances. The book is structured very much like the first book as we follow Frost through a series of investigations which all tie together neatly at the end.I've read the first Two frost books back to back in a couple of weeks and I can't find fault with them - brilliant.
Merged review:
This was the second book in the Frost series and if you only know the character from the TV series you will be in for a bit of a shock when you tackle the book. The Frost of the books is a much more seedy character than the TV version and he takes far more chances. The book is structured very much like the first book as we follow Frost through a series of investigations which all tie together neatly at the end.I've read the first Two frost books back to back in a couple of weeks and I can't find fault with them - brilliant.
August 4, 2015
Another excellent outing of Inspector Jack Frost, a down to earth and forgetful copper. Found myself not being able to put this down, great suspense throughout and an interesting exploration of the characters that are more and more coming to light in the series so far. Don't hesitate in reading this one, the TV series stays true to the books.
What do I enjoy the most? I think it has to be the way the author makes Frost criticise himself, whilst making him out to be useless - it also shows an edge which could be adopted in real life (my interpretation) don't let things get to you, be yourself.
All in all another good book about the acclaimed detective.
What do I enjoy the most? I think it has to be the way the author makes Frost criticise himself, whilst making him out to be useless - it also shows an edge which could be adopted in real life (my interpretation) don't let things get to you, be yourself.
All in all another good book about the acclaimed detective.
November 11, 2009
inspector jack frost is an outrageous character who definitely does not do things by the book. he is unkempt, doesn't follow directions well, and doesn't respect his superiors the way that he should, but he still manages to solve cases. in this book he is partnered with dtective constable martin webster who got canned by another police force. the two of them seem to work well together. this is not your typical police story, but it is very entertaining. i read most of this while using my stationary bike.
December 7, 2011
Very enjoyable read. As I read through it, I started to remember the episode that was based on the book and I think was fairly faithful to the story for the tv episode. Frost was what you expect, curmudgeonly, scruffy, imperfect and probably a bit more politically incorrect than on the TV series. But at the same time, he is still very sympathetic to those he feels deserves it. Mullett is if anything even more sycophantic and self-absorbed. Almost too much goes on, but it flows well and keeps you interested. I look forward now to reading the other books.
April 14, 2020
This was in the library when I returned "Hard Frost" but by this time I had already started "Winter Frost" so it was a pity it was not there last time so I could have read the books in order they were published.
However this was actually the first Frost book I ever read probably about twenty years ago but I did not remember much of the story though I did remember some of the things which happened. To be honest some of the characters and events did not quite ring true with me but the story rolls along with some nice twists and Frost comes across as a compassionate and likeable hero.
However this was actually the first Frost book I ever read probably about twenty years ago but I did not remember much of the story though I did remember some of the things which happened. To be honest some of the characters and events did not quite ring true with me but the story rolls along with some nice twists and Frost comes across as a compassionate and likeable hero.
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December 21, 2008I started reading these after seeing the David Jason adaptations on TV. The TV version fell pretty far from the tree, as these books are raunchier, funnier, grittier, and even better than the televised versions. Jason’s Frost is like a castrated version of the Wingfield original. A lot of the humor is crass and juvenile, and I loved it. I remember reading these books in the hallways of OSU between classes and trying to keep my giggles to myself.
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