False Name

Abbot Agency #16

by Veronica Heley

Bea's life is turned upside down when a man is left for dead outside her agency office in this gripping mystery.

Bea Abbot overhears three men plotting a murder outside her garage, only to discover the intended victim – a  young man who appears to be a rough sleeper – has been left there to die in freezing weather. Somewhat reluctantly, she gives him sanctuary but finds him unwilling to disclose his name or talk about his ordeal.  
Who is determined to kill the stranger, and why? As he begins to reveal his identity and the events that led to his being left for dead, Bea concludes that he's the target of a conspiracy to murder. The man's would-be killers aren't ready to give up yet. Can Bea uncover the truth before they strike again?

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2023

About the author

Veronica Heley has published more than fifty books, including crime fiction, historical, and children's titles. She is currently involved in the Ellie Quicke series of crime stories and a variety of other projects. A full-time writer, she has been married to a London probation officer since 1964, and has one musician daughter.

AKA Veronica Thorne

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this entire series and love it ! This one was a bit convoluted in parts , I read it in one day….

[Graeme Robisnon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything from this author but wow what I great first book, definitely one on my list to read in the future

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

very enjoyable

I like this evolved version of Bea Abbott. Sometimes in the past she seems too open to putting herself in harms way. Though some of that here much modified. I enjoyed the book and am sad I have now caught up in the series. Look forward to the next one soon.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just keep getting better. Could not put this one down. A young man Colin was rescued by Bea… let battle commence until justice is done!

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always it is an absolute joy to read a new book by Veronica Heley. She is a goddess among mystery writers with ninety-odd novels published and now in her ninetieth year she isn't just maintaining standards but writing better than ever.
The writing is vivid with a plot that moves forward at an extremely energetic pace. From the very first page I was totally hooked. Veronica clearly understands the foibles of human nature and puts them to good use in her characterization.
The mystery is nicely complex with a whole host of villains and suspects. There's plenty of black humour and the writing is absolutely beautiful both in tone and style.
Bea Abbot is a formidable lead character with a strict moral compass. The young man dumped in her mews is endearing, and Bruno is just adorable.

[Guy Marsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have now read (binged!) the whole series (to date as of January 2024) and enjoyed the characters and extended story arcs. I will miss Bea Abbott and Piers etc. until the next book - if there will be one.

This was not one of the best books in the series. It felt like a muddles mess of interleaved stories. I was 80% in and it felt like she was wrapping up the story as she often does with a quick overview of what happens to each character. The remaining section felt cumbersome and bogged down with needless detail and should have been edited down a lot.

[Jane Sandell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considered rationally, False Name by Veronica Heeley is completely ridiculous in its plot. However, if you completely suspend your disbelief, it's a cracking mystery. Superwoman Bea Abbott and her friends and relations are engaging, intriguing people with a variety of personalities, temperaments and skills. Blended into a whole they're a fun cast. And this latest novel in the series held my attention and interest until the end.

[Mrs KJ Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read but want more!

I n
Have loved the Bea Abbott series of mysteries. Some of the themes have been quite dark but sensitively written, leaving the reader to fill in the gaps. The relationships between Bea, Piers and Bernice have been developed well, and I hope there will be more stories to come now that they have become a little family. I've loved every book and just couldn't put them down!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An original and well plotted mystery that kept me on the edge and guessing. I was hooked since the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed the solid mystery
I was happy to catch up with the fleshed out characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series and felt this was a good addition to it. A nice twist to the plot.

[Leiah Cortes · Rating 1 out of 5]

A waste of time

This was such an unbelievable story . The characters were cartoon ish and the dialogue was juvenile. Her previous were much more entertaining.

[S L Nixon]

Another good read

A totally different story line. So clever and inventive. The characters reach right out and grab you. I hope there will be more!

[Janice Hom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner with a satisfactory ending

[Janet Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A typical Abbot Agency Book

Somewhat predictable and a little trite but it’s always good to see what Bea’s up to. I keep wondering what happened to her previous adopted kids.

[Anne Herbison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bea's tendency to take in waifs and strays continues as she rescues a man dumped outside her mews property and fends off the nasty people who are out to finish him off.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Makes my life seem calm by comparison.