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The Blind Detective #3
Murder at Hendon Aerodrome: The thrilling inter-war mystery series
First published as Time of Flight under A. C. Koning.
May 1931. For blind First World War veteran Frederick Rowlands, the craze for flying holds little interest - after all, he is unlikely ever to set foot in an aeroplane himself.
However, a chance meeting with a famous flier draws Rowlands into the glamorous, and dangerous, world of aviation. When a body is discovered in one of the hangars at Hendon aerodrome, he finds himself buffeted by a turbulent mix of jealousy, betrayal and murder.
May 1931. For blind First World War veteran Frederick Rowlands, the craze for flying holds little interest - after all, he is unlikely ever to set foot in an aeroplane himself.
However, a chance meeting with a famous flier draws Rowlands into the glamorous, and dangerous, world of aviation. When a body is discovered in one of the hangars at Hendon aerodrome, he finds himself buffeted by a turbulent mix of jealousy, betrayal and murder.
384 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 2, 2024
Another Blind detective story, as good as ever, but this one was a bit special for me. The year was 1931 and the theme was aviation. It was a massive year for British aviation, the Schneider trophy, a competition for the fastest sea-plane, was at Calshot, and Britain won the trophy outright. General aviation was growing, with new planes coming out almost daily. This is my favorite epoch in aviation, aeroplanes were still pretty, and made by small companies. In this book you can learn the names of most of the planes of the day. Christine Koning has done a wonderful piece of research, name dropping the crème de la crème of British aviation, and weaving it into a delightful period detective story, with the unique twist of a blind detective. I loved it of course, but you don’t have to be a total aviation freak to enjoy it, it would have been a very well written detective story even without the flying.
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All the aviation details are spot-on right down to the serial number of the Schneider cup winner
She has though, rather elegantly moved the 1931 Kings Cup race from Heston to Hendon, which presumably keeps the story more logical.
Lots of lovely cars are mentioned, Lagonda, Bentley, Aston Martin, and even a Hispano-Suiza, guess who drives that one!
Motorcycle brands are sadly ignored, they are just motorbikes or “Infairnal machines” as the Chief inspector rightly calls them. In any case there is a misconception about motorbikes that you often see, this book included, you can’t just jump on a motorbike and ride away instantly, special clothes and headwear need to be donned, even in 1931, And another thing that hasn’t changed is they won’t start, especially, in 1931, when you had to kick-start them, just a note, but important in a story where timing means a lot.
I did work out who did it, I much prefer that to be possible, than turning everything into a nonsense for the sake of a last minute twist. So many detective series on TV are spoiled by trying to keep up the suspense by introducing new suspects, and other tricks. Christina Koning keeps it fairly simple, and yes I’d love to see it on TV.
I started reading this series because I saw this title, the third book, but you need to start at the beginning to understand everything going on. I’ve enjoyed the series a lot and will continue reading it, but I doubt if it can get any better than this.
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Photos are by me, and depict a de Havilland DH82 Tiger Moth, not a Gypsy Moth as Captain Percival flew, but they are very similar. If you want to see a really nice Gypsy Moth, there’s one in the film Out of Africa.
< img src="
"/ >All the aviation details are spot-on right down to the serial number of the Schneider cup winner
She has though, rather elegantly moved the 1931 Kings Cup race from Heston to Hendon, which presumably keeps the story more logical.
Lots of lovely cars are mentioned, Lagonda, Bentley, Aston Martin, and even a Hispano-Suiza, guess who drives that one!
Motorcycle brands are sadly ignored, they are just motorbikes or “Infairnal machines” as the Chief inspector rightly calls them. In any case there is a misconception about motorbikes that you often see, this book included, you can’t just jump on a motorbike and ride away instantly, special clothes and headwear need to be donned, even in 1931, And another thing that hasn’t changed is they won’t start, especially, in 1931, when you had to kick-start them, just a note, but important in a story where timing means a lot.
I did work out who did it, I much prefer that to be possible, than turning everything into a nonsense for the sake of a last minute twist. So many detective series on TV are spoiled by trying to keep up the suspense by introducing new suspects, and other tricks. Christina Koning keeps it fairly simple, and yes I’d love to see it on TV.
I started reading this series because I saw this title, the third book, but you need to start at the beginning to understand everything going on. I’ve enjoyed the series a lot and will continue reading it, but I doubt if it can get any better than this.
< img src="
"/ > Photos are by me, and depict a de Havilland DH82 Tiger Moth, not a Gypsy Moth as Captain Percival flew, but they are very similar. If you want to see a really nice Gypsy Moth, there’s one in the film Out of Africa.
February 10, 2024
All over I thought this was a bit forced, constant reminders of the detective's blindness and how he copes. And pointing repeatedly to the era in which it was set - all just seemed too obvious. A good author makes these things happen without you realising. It to a long time for the first crime to be committed and then they just kept coming! AND I guessed who the murderer was long before the end!
December 31, 2023
An excellent cosy mystery story with more than a whiff of the Golden Age about it. A taught plot and interesting characters, and a nice twist in the denouement. I did guess it, but only by using detective fiction rules of thumb rather than sifting and assessing the evidence.
April 13, 2026
Murder at Hendon Aerodrome is set in 1931, at the height of the public fascination with flight, and the novel captures that excitement wonderfully. Frederick Rowlands, the “Blind Detective,” is now working at St. Dunstan’s Institute for Blind Servicemen and attends a day trip to Croydon Aerodrome with fellow veterans and their families. Alongside his wife Edith and their daughters is his sister Dorothy Layman, recently returned to London following the death of her husband.
At the aerodrome they meet the celebrated aviator Captain Percival, newly returned from a round-the-world journey, and the aviatrix Miss Olive Mallory. Olive in particular makes a strong impression on young Anne, who immediately declares her intention to one day fly an aeroplane herself. The glamour and daring of early aviation are vividly brought to life here, and it’s easy to see why it held such a grip on the public imagination.
Another outing is soon arranged, this time to Hendon Aerodrome, where Percival offers to take the Rowlands family up for a flight. However, while exploring the airfield, Rowlands hears a scream from one of the hangars and someone rushes past him. Moments later, the body of Farley, a member of the ground crew preparing Percival’s aircraft, is discovered. This is only the beginning, as the mystery quickly deepens and more deaths follow.
The investigation draws Rowlands into a world far removed from his own—a glittering, privileged circle of wealthy aviators and socialites with access to expensive cars, private planes, and the means to traffic and indulge in drugs. It’s a fascinating contrast: the glamour of aviation set against a darker undercurrent of crime and moral ambiguity. Dorothy’s presence also brings her once more into the orbit of Scotland Yard detective Douglas, creating an added layer of tension and unease for Rowlands.
As the summer progresses, Rowlands’ family departs to stay with a friend in Devon, leaving him free to pursue the investigation. His enquiries lead him deeper into the social world of the aviators, culminating in an invitation to a party at Olive Mallory’s home. Here, the past resurfaces once more with the return of Lady Celia, and Rowlands finds himself emotionally conflicted as old feelings re-emerge.
I continue to thoroughly enjoy this series. One of its greatest strengths is how vividly we experience the world through Rowlands’ perspective. Christina Koning writes with a strong emphasis on sound, touch, smell, and atmosphere, creating a sensory richness that feels both immersive and authentic. It’s a refreshing shift from more visually driven detective fiction and gives the series a distinctive voice.
Rowlands himself is a wonderful character. He is not perfect—indeed, his feelings for Lady Celia highlight his emotional vulnerability—but this only makes him more real. In this novel, Edith’s response to that relationship feels sharper and more present, adding a layer of domestic tension that complements the central mystery. Despite this, Rowlands remains a man of loyalty and integrity. He is deeply aware of his responsibilities, and although the attraction is clearly mutual, he does not betray his wife. His internal conflict is handled with sensitivity and adds considerable depth to his character.
I also find Rowlands inspiring. He navigates a world not built for him with remarkable composure and capability, and his reliance on heightened senses and careful observation makes him a compelling and believable detective. He feels like a genuine advocate for those living with blindness, not in a sentimental way, but through his quiet competence and resilience.
This is the third novel in the series (though the fourth I’ve read), and I appreciate how each installment explores a different aspect of interwar life. The aviation setting here is particularly engaging, offering both glamour and danger in equal measure. Although I suspected the identity of the murderer fairly early on, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The pleasure of these books lies as much in the journey—in the characters, atmosphere, and setting—as in the resolution of the mystery.
The Audible narration by Duncan Galloway adds another dimension, bringing the story to life with a performance that suits Rowlands’ calm and measured nature very well.
Overall, I find Rowlands’ world a surprisingly comforting place to spend time, despite his unfortunate tendency to encounter dead bodies. His calmness, integrity, and steady presence make him a character I trust, and one I always look forward to revisiting. With more books still to come, I’m very much hoping that trust continues to be rewarded.
At the aerodrome they meet the celebrated aviator Captain Percival, newly returned from a round-the-world journey, and the aviatrix Miss Olive Mallory. Olive in particular makes a strong impression on young Anne, who immediately declares her intention to one day fly an aeroplane herself. The glamour and daring of early aviation are vividly brought to life here, and it’s easy to see why it held such a grip on the public imagination.
Another outing is soon arranged, this time to Hendon Aerodrome, where Percival offers to take the Rowlands family up for a flight. However, while exploring the airfield, Rowlands hears a scream from one of the hangars and someone rushes past him. Moments later, the body of Farley, a member of the ground crew preparing Percival’s aircraft, is discovered. This is only the beginning, as the mystery quickly deepens and more deaths follow.
The investigation draws Rowlands into a world far removed from his own—a glittering, privileged circle of wealthy aviators and socialites with access to expensive cars, private planes, and the means to traffic and indulge in drugs. It’s a fascinating contrast: the glamour of aviation set against a darker undercurrent of crime and moral ambiguity. Dorothy’s presence also brings her once more into the orbit of Scotland Yard detective Douglas, creating an added layer of tension and unease for Rowlands.
As the summer progresses, Rowlands’ family departs to stay with a friend in Devon, leaving him free to pursue the investigation. His enquiries lead him deeper into the social world of the aviators, culminating in an invitation to a party at Olive Mallory’s home. Here, the past resurfaces once more with the return of Lady Celia, and Rowlands finds himself emotionally conflicted as old feelings re-emerge.
I continue to thoroughly enjoy this series. One of its greatest strengths is how vividly we experience the world through Rowlands’ perspective. Christina Koning writes with a strong emphasis on sound, touch, smell, and atmosphere, creating a sensory richness that feels both immersive and authentic. It’s a refreshing shift from more visually driven detective fiction and gives the series a distinctive voice.
Rowlands himself is a wonderful character. He is not perfect—indeed, his feelings for Lady Celia highlight his emotional vulnerability—but this only makes him more real. In this novel, Edith’s response to that relationship feels sharper and more present, adding a layer of domestic tension that complements the central mystery. Despite this, Rowlands remains a man of loyalty and integrity. He is deeply aware of his responsibilities, and although the attraction is clearly mutual, he does not betray his wife. His internal conflict is handled with sensitivity and adds considerable depth to his character.
I also find Rowlands inspiring. He navigates a world not built for him with remarkable composure and capability, and his reliance on heightened senses and careful observation makes him a compelling and believable detective. He feels like a genuine advocate for those living with blindness, not in a sentimental way, but through his quiet competence and resilience.
This is the third novel in the series (though the fourth I’ve read), and I appreciate how each installment explores a different aspect of interwar life. The aviation setting here is particularly engaging, offering both glamour and danger in equal measure. Although I suspected the identity of the murderer fairly early on, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. The pleasure of these books lies as much in the journey—in the characters, atmosphere, and setting—as in the resolution of the mystery.
The Audible narration by Duncan Galloway adds another dimension, bringing the story to life with a performance that suits Rowlands’ calm and measured nature very well.
Overall, I find Rowlands’ world a surprisingly comforting place to spend time, despite his unfortunate tendency to encounter dead bodies. His calmness, integrity, and steady presence make him a character I trust, and one I always look forward to revisiting. With more books still to come, I’m very much hoping that trust continues to be rewarded.
June 7, 2023
Frederick Rowlands, who was blinded during WWI has a job with St. Dunstan's, an agency that tries to help those blinded during the war. He has lined up a trip to Hendon Aerodrome for the St. Dunstan's men as well as his 3 children. He goes for a tour ahead when a famous aviator, Percival is coming in from Australia. When he returns home, he finds his sister Dorothy and her son who have returned from Argentina after her husband died.
Percival is a womanizer, is enamored by Dorothy, and invites them all to come for a ride in his plane. Soon, one of the men who works on planes is found dead in the hanger as Rowlands is approaching the hanger. When a plane suddenly crashes, it is found that the plane has been tampered with. Then, Rowlands finds a dead body. Finally, at a party which Rowlands is attending, the hostess is almost killed. Chief Douglas who has worked with Rowlands is sure the four deaths are related, but isn't quite sure how. Rowlands is an excellent listener, even though he can't see very much, and he continues to mull things over and talks occasionally with Chief Douglas. Finally Rowlands realizes who is responsible for the deaths, (someone I wasn't suspecting!) and tells Douglas.
Frederick Rowlands is a great character, and the book was clever and exciting. I thank Netgalley and Allyson & Busby for an ARC . The opinions stated here are my own.
Percival is a womanizer, is enamored by Dorothy, and invites them all to come for a ride in his plane. Soon, one of the men who works on planes is found dead in the hanger as Rowlands is approaching the hanger. When a plane suddenly crashes, it is found that the plane has been tampered with. Then, Rowlands finds a dead body. Finally, at a party which Rowlands is attending, the hostess is almost killed. Chief Douglas who has worked with Rowlands is sure the four deaths are related, but isn't quite sure how. Rowlands is an excellent listener, even though he can't see very much, and he continues to mull things over and talks occasionally with Chief Douglas. Finally Rowlands realizes who is responsible for the deaths, (someone I wasn't suspecting!) and tells Douglas.
Frederick Rowlands is a great character, and the book was clever and exciting. I thank Netgalley and Allyson & Busby for an ARC . The opinions stated here are my own.
January 21, 2025
Number 3 in the 'blind detective series'. I have now read 3, but not in order. Number 8, Murder at Bletchley Park & Number 2, Murder in Regent's Park. The other books were stand-alone novels, but readers of Murder at Hendon Aerodrome would benefit from reading the original Blind Detective novel. A v pleasant cosy murder novel, just like the others I have read in the series. Very interesting inter war backdrop. Spiffing upper class feature in this novel. A very engaging page turning read!
August 19, 2023
I read the next book almost immediately after the first. Although it is the third in the series (according to the listing), it does make sense to read it back to back because some of the other characters not only recur but impact the flow of the story as a whole. I did not feel like I missed anything storywise in the middle. It has been four years since our protagonist got himself involved with the police while trying to help a woman he had become infatuated with (however unwise it all was). Planes have now become the new big thing, and the author does a great job of talking about what it would have looked like at the time. The people closer to the war were more interested in the outcome because of the repercussions it might have the next time around when the country has to fight. Rowlands is now part of the blind war veteran federation, and in that capacity he is taking a group of them to an air show.
I would not recommend reading this without having read the first because of the weight that it has on this story. The author explains the struggle Rowlands has to go through to get to this point, but all the previous investigation and the fears that come with it are a deep part of him. The fears all come true when a man is found dead in the aerodrome the second time he is there. He is once again involved in this story as he tries to clear yet another woman in this situation.
I actually liked the mystery of this story more than the previous one, but I guessed the culprit quite early on.
The ethical fights within our protagonist's head and the number of people who seek him out form the bulk of the story. Although I was happy to spend so much time with his family, all of that had more of a presence than the actual investigation.
It felt more like a borderline thriller than a mystery, with an unknown, invisible culprit hiding just behind Rowlands taking advantage of the latter's lack of sight. Most of the characters have multiple facets to them, and they keep showing off a different side to them, confusing the other people who are trying to pin them down.
I would recommend this book and the series to those readers who like a more immersive approach to their historical mysteries.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
I would not recommend reading this without having read the first because of the weight that it has on this story. The author explains the struggle Rowlands has to go through to get to this point, but all the previous investigation and the fears that come with it are a deep part of him. The fears all come true when a man is found dead in the aerodrome the second time he is there. He is once again involved in this story as he tries to clear yet another woman in this situation.
I actually liked the mystery of this story more than the previous one, but I guessed the culprit quite early on.
The ethical fights within our protagonist's head and the number of people who seek him out form the bulk of the story. Although I was happy to spend so much time with his family, all of that had more of a presence than the actual investigation.
It felt more like a borderline thriller than a mystery, with an unknown, invisible culprit hiding just behind Rowlands taking advantage of the latter's lack of sight. Most of the characters have multiple facets to them, and they keep showing off a different side to them, confusing the other people who are trying to pin them down.
I would recommend this book and the series to those readers who like a more immersive approach to their historical mysteries.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
May 16, 2023
A well written mystery strengthened by vivid historical background. A bit slow at the start, but once murder occurs the narrative speeds up. Koning also uses lots of misdirection to keep the reader guessing. Unfortunately, I found my interest waning well before the end. There is one significant highlight though. The lead protagonist, Frederick Rowlands, makes for an unusual, not always likable, but very effective investigator.
July 16, 2023
This is an excellent series with a viviv and well researched historical background, a clever and unusual main character and solid mysteries that keep me guessing.
I loved this one as I loved the first one. It's better read them in order.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved this one as I loved the first one. It's better read them in order.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 18, 2017
Murder uncovered by blind man.
This novel chronicles post WWI airplanes and the casualties of the war. Post war London and environs are the setting. The blind man who's perceptions ultimately solve the case is interesting and well developed.
This novel chronicles post WWI airplanes and the casualties of the war. Post war London and environs are the setting. The blind man who's perceptions ultimately solve the case is interesting and well developed.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews