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Private Lessons
Private tutoring is booming and someone's making a killing.
An Autumnal Sunday morning, a hungover jogger stumbles across a dead body, covered in blood, in Barnes Old Common Cemetery, a long-abandoned Gothic graveyard frequented by druggies and drunkards. The victim has spent the summer working in Italy for the wealthy Rivetti family, who appear have something to hide, as do his bosses at the high-end Forum Tutorial Agency. And, why are his old friends, who he'd been partying with the night before, quite so reticent when questioned? Enter D I Garibaldi, the Met's only non-driving, country music loving detective. His first step, to unravel the complex workings of the private tuition company, the Forum Agency.
An Autumnal Sunday morning, a hungover jogger stumbles across a dead body, covered in blood, in Barnes Old Common Cemetery, a long-abandoned Gothic graveyard frequented by druggies and drunkards. The victim has spent the summer working in Italy for the wealthy Rivetti family, who appear have something to hide, as do his bosses at the high-end Forum Tutorial Agency. And, why are his old friends, who he'd been partying with the night before, quite so reticent when questioned? Enter D I Garibaldi, the Met's only non-driving, country music loving detective. His first step, to unravel the complex workings of the private tuition company, the Forum Agency.
Paperback
Published March 30, 2023
1 person is currently reading
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About the author
Bernard O'Keeffe
7 books211 followersI read English at Balliol College, Oxford, and started out in advertising. It wasn’t for me, and I soon escaped to train as a teacher.
While teaching, I began writing—producing a couple of novels that quite rightly never saw daylight. I reviewed books for Literary Review and The Oxford Times and, as one of the editors of The English Review, wrote articles on authors ranging from Donna Tartt and Roddy Doyle to Jane Austen and Shakespeare.
My first published book was No Regrets, a comic novel described by John Carey as ‘tremendously good’. This was followed by a Young Adult novel, 10 Things To Do Before You Leave School.
I turned to crime writing when I stopped teaching. The Final Round, the first DI Garibaldi novel, came out in 2021, and the series has grown from there.
If I had to describe the books, I’d call them cosy procedurals—books with dark elements but not hard-boiled, gritty or violent.
As The Times put it:
“Bernard O’Keeffe’s series is as genteel as the suburb (SW13) in which it is set. Swearing, graphic sex and gore are, for once, off the menu. The gentle humour, oodles of clues and happyish ending create perfect comfort reading.”
Like DI Garibaldi, I live in Barnes. When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, listening to music, playing Elizabethan Bowls, or watching football—or at least the version of it that QPR play.
I have few claims to fame, but I count giving Clare Balding interview practice, nearly being recruited as a spy, playing football with Nick Hornby, and supplying a spectacularly stupid answer on a TV quiz show as some of my more notable achievements.
While teaching, I began writing—producing a couple of novels that quite rightly never saw daylight. I reviewed books for Literary Review and The Oxford Times and, as one of the editors of The English Review, wrote articles on authors ranging from Donna Tartt and Roddy Doyle to Jane Austen and Shakespeare.
My first published book was No Regrets, a comic novel described by John Carey as ‘tremendously good’. This was followed by a Young Adult novel, 10 Things To Do Before You Leave School.
I turned to crime writing when I stopped teaching. The Final Round, the first DI Garibaldi novel, came out in 2021, and the series has grown from there.
If I had to describe the books, I’d call them cosy procedurals—books with dark elements but not hard-boiled, gritty or violent.
As The Times put it:
“Bernard O’Keeffe’s series is as genteel as the suburb (SW13) in which it is set. Swearing, graphic sex and gore are, for once, off the menu. The gentle humour, oodles of clues and happyish ending create perfect comfort reading.”
Like DI Garibaldi, I live in Barnes. When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading, listening to music, playing Elizabethan Bowls, or watching football—or at least the version of it that QPR play.
I have few claims to fame, but I count giving Clare Balding interview practice, nearly being recruited as a spy, playing football with Nick Hornby, and supplying a spectacularly stupid answer on a TV quiz show as some of my more notable achievements.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 26, 2023
I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole, and enjoyed the police investigation into the murder of private tutor Giles Gallen, for the most part. Part of the enjoyment was based on the detectives' personalities, Garibaldi and Deighton, and having several potential baddies. This ended when I found the detectives' work sloppy. Also, incidents that seemed pivotal to the story were left unanswered. 3 and a half stars.
February 21, 2024
I am indebted to The Times for recently choosing to review Every Trick in the Book, the most recent book by Bernard O’Keeffe. I hadn’t been aware of him until then, but their enticing review encouraged me to try him out, leading me to read his first novel, which introduces Detective Inspector Garibaldi, who lives and works in Barnes, situated in west London on the south bank of the Thames. This novel is Inspector Garibaldi’s second outing, and easily lived up to the promise of the first.
It opens with the discovery of the body of Giles Gallen, a young local man who had been working as a private tutor for several wealthy households in the area. We soon learn that in affluent Barnes, the use of a private tutor to enhances children’s learning is commonplace – indeed, almost de rigeur in some of the more exalted circles. Giles had been highly rated for his skills as a tutor, and his services were hired out by Forum, an ambitious local agency.
One of Giles’s clients is a wealthy Italian family who are currently residing in an opulent Barnes mansion. During the summer they had returned home for several weeks, taking Giles with them for a long and luxurious break. Everyone is astounded when Giles is killed. The mystery deepens when one of his friends, who had also worked for Forum, is attacked in the street, and urged to keep their mouth shut, although they are not told what should be kept secret.
I found Inspector Garibaldi an empathetic character. He is an avid reader and an auto-didact, and has developed a tendency towards pedantry which is often manifested by an urge, which he battles against, to correct his colleagues’ grammar or errant literary allusions. I have worked with several people like that, and found him highly plausible. He also works well with Gardner, his Detective Sergeant, who is less well informed on cultural issues, and who consequently has some comic misunderstandings of Garibaldi’s comments.
Garibaldi has a fair amount of baggage arising from domestic woes, and worries that his son is being unduly influenced by his ex-wife’s wealthy new partner. There have also been references throughout this book and its predecessor to an apparent breakdown a few years ago, although no further information has been forthcoming to date.
The plot is well-constructed, and I particularly enjoyed reading about the setting. I have been to Barnes a few times, and always enjoyed my time there, and am looking forwards to exploring it further, and checking out some of the landmarks mentioned in the books.
It opens with the discovery of the body of Giles Gallen, a young local man who had been working as a private tutor for several wealthy households in the area. We soon learn that in affluent Barnes, the use of a private tutor to enhances children’s learning is commonplace – indeed, almost de rigeur in some of the more exalted circles. Giles had been highly rated for his skills as a tutor, and his services were hired out by Forum, an ambitious local agency.
One of Giles’s clients is a wealthy Italian family who are currently residing in an opulent Barnes mansion. During the summer they had returned home for several weeks, taking Giles with them for a long and luxurious break. Everyone is astounded when Giles is killed. The mystery deepens when one of his friends, who had also worked for Forum, is attacked in the street, and urged to keep their mouth shut, although they are not told what should be kept secret.
I found Inspector Garibaldi an empathetic character. He is an avid reader and an auto-didact, and has developed a tendency towards pedantry which is often manifested by an urge, which he battles against, to correct his colleagues’ grammar or errant literary allusions. I have worked with several people like that, and found him highly plausible. He also works well with Gardner, his Detective Sergeant, who is less well informed on cultural issues, and who consequently has some comic misunderstandings of Garibaldi’s comments.
Garibaldi has a fair amount of baggage arising from domestic woes, and worries that his son is being unduly influenced by his ex-wife’s wealthy new partner. There have also been references throughout this book and its predecessor to an apparent breakdown a few years ago, although no further information has been forthcoming to date.
The plot is well-constructed, and I particularly enjoyed reading about the setting. I have been to Barnes a few times, and always enjoyed my time there, and am looking forwards to exploring it further, and checking out some of the landmarks mentioned in the books.
August 26, 2023
Private Lessons by Bernard O’Keefe is about the murder and subsequent attacks of people working as private tutors in London. The main policeman is Garibaldi and he has a habit of quoting different people that few of his colleagues can follow. He does however, with the help of his sidekick Gardner, manage to solve the murder and attacks of the tutors.
An entertaining storyline and different police personalities make an excellent read. I will read other books by the author.
Highly recommended
An entertaining storyline and different police personalities make an excellent read. I will read other books by the author.
Highly recommended
May 28, 2023
A well written who done it. I recommend it but perhaps not for people who live in Barnes!
May 16, 2023
Private Lessons by Bernard O’Keeffe is the second book in the DI Garibaldi series.
In short, DI Garibaldi’s latest investigation is to discover who murdered a young private tutor found dead in a long abandoned Gothic graveyard frequented by druggies and drunkards.
Having never read any previous books by Bernard I didn’t know what to expect but I can happily say that I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining read. It’s a very fast start (literally!) which grabbed me from the first pages…very different and laugh out loud moments! DI Jim Garibaldi is such a great character, the non driving detective with a habit of quoting writers and making references that leave people baffled…brilliant. The plot is littered with many suspects and is cleverly unraveled by the numerous interviews, as DI Garibaldi said, ‘You never know what’s relevant until the connection reveals itself”.
Private Lessons is definitely worth a read especially if you like a well written story peppered with dry humour…I’m looking forward to the next case.
Big thanks to Bernard O’Keeffe, Muswell Press and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
In short, DI Garibaldi’s latest investigation is to discover who murdered a young private tutor found dead in a long abandoned Gothic graveyard frequented by druggies and drunkards.
Having never read any previous books by Bernard I didn’t know what to expect but I can happily say that I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining read. It’s a very fast start (literally!) which grabbed me from the first pages…very different and laugh out loud moments! DI Jim Garibaldi is such a great character, the non driving detective with a habit of quoting writers and making references that leave people baffled…brilliant. The plot is littered with many suspects and is cleverly unraveled by the numerous interviews, as DI Garibaldi said, ‘You never know what’s relevant until the connection reveals itself”.
Private Lessons is definitely worth a read especially if you like a well written story peppered with dry humour…I’m looking forward to the next case.
Big thanks to Bernard O’Keeffe, Muswell Press and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
May 19, 2023
Garibaldi can be irritating (less/fewer? Really?) but his musical dream sequences, his past, his uncertain relationship with his son, make him an interesting character. I wanted to hear more about Deighton, what is her story? And about Gardner and Tim ... Gardner was likeable and diffident, but could teach Garibaldi a thing or two about empathy and human connections.
I was quietly confident that I knew who did what, but am glad to say I was completely wrong...
There are hints, little indications, but I was not prepared for the ending.
I liked the fact that the book takes its presentation of place seriously, and though I don't know the area, I felt I did by the end of the book.
An intriguing, interesting read, with some fresh and novel aspects (meeting a partner who liked Townes Van Zandt was a highlight!), this had me hooked from the start and kept my interest all the way through. I look forward to the next taste of Garibaldi.
I was quietly confident that I knew who did what, but am glad to say I was completely wrong...
There are hints, little indications, but I was not prepared for the ending.
I liked the fact that the book takes its presentation of place seriously, and though I don't know the area, I felt I did by the end of the book.
An intriguing, interesting read, with some fresh and novel aspects (meeting a partner who liked Townes Van Zandt was a highlight!), this had me hooked from the start and kept my interest all the way through. I look forward to the next taste of Garibaldi.
March 18, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Muswell Press for an advance copy of Private Lessons, the second novel to feature DI Jim Garibaldi of the Met, set in Barnes.
Garibaldi is called to Barnes Old Common cemetery where a jogger has found a dead body covered in blood. The victim worked as a private tutor for the Forum Agency, a highly successful company in a lucrative market and had just come back from a summer visit to Italy with the Rivetti family, both of whom appear to be keeping secrets, but so are his friends.
I enjoyed Private Lessons, which has an engrossing mystery and likeable characters. I also found it fairly eye opening on the lengths people with money will go to to give their children a competitive advantage in their education. So much for levelling up. I found it distasteful, as I think the author intends.
The novel is told mostly from the investigative point of view after the prologue, which I think gives away too much of the motive to the reader, and feels like a catch up narrative to the reader’s knowledge. There are plenty of secrets and omissions to be ferreted out and these interviews and re-interviews take up most of the novel. I found them interesting, but, essentially, red herrings. I had guessed much of the solution by the time it came, but I was still impressed by how it was worked out. I liked the neat irony that it was DS Milly Gardner who made it, whom Garibaldi views as less smart than him.
Garibaldi is a man with tragedy in his past, but nowadays I think he might be a figure of some fun to his colleagues with his refusal to drive and his love of country music. He is also fairly arrogant about his intellect, prone to quotations at every turn and dismissive of others’ lack of knowledge. He isn’t overly impressed that Gardner rarely gets his allusions, but, then he overlooks her skills. She is an empathetic interviewer and has a lot of common sense.
Private Lessons is a good read that I can recommend.
Garibaldi is called to Barnes Old Common cemetery where a jogger has found a dead body covered in blood. The victim worked as a private tutor for the Forum Agency, a highly successful company in a lucrative market and had just come back from a summer visit to Italy with the Rivetti family, both of whom appear to be keeping secrets, but so are his friends.
I enjoyed Private Lessons, which has an engrossing mystery and likeable characters. I also found it fairly eye opening on the lengths people with money will go to to give their children a competitive advantage in their education. So much for levelling up. I found it distasteful, as I think the author intends.
The novel is told mostly from the investigative point of view after the prologue, which I think gives away too much of the motive to the reader, and feels like a catch up narrative to the reader’s knowledge. There are plenty of secrets and omissions to be ferreted out and these interviews and re-interviews take up most of the novel. I found them interesting, but, essentially, red herrings. I had guessed much of the solution by the time it came, but I was still impressed by how it was worked out. I liked the neat irony that it was DS Milly Gardner who made it, whom Garibaldi views as less smart than him.
Garibaldi is a man with tragedy in his past, but nowadays I think he might be a figure of some fun to his colleagues with his refusal to drive and his love of country music. He is also fairly arrogant about his intellect, prone to quotations at every turn and dismissive of others’ lack of knowledge. He isn’t overly impressed that Gardner rarely gets his allusions, but, then he overlooks her skills. She is an empathetic interviewer and has a lot of common sense.
Private Lessons is a good read that I can recommend.
April 19, 2023
I enjoyed this even more than the (already brilliant) The Final Round, which introduced Garibaldi and his family and co-workers. If you’ve already read the first one then that should really be enough to gauge your interest, but if you’re keen to hear the premise -
Someone is found dead in the Barnes Old Cemetery, so D.I. Garibaldi is called in; before too long there are some more attacks and for some mysterious reason all the victims happen to be private tutors. Someone clearly knows more than they’re letting on, but good luck trying to get any comment out of the tutoring agency – we don’t want people thinking tutoring isn’t safe, and there’s no reason for these attacks and this murder to be connected, is there?
The twists and turns of the plot have a cinematic feel to them, as does the setting; I can absolutely imagine a TV series being filmed in the Barnes area (someone get on that please). Garibaldi is considerably more fun than most whodunit inspectors (and I’m not just saying that because he likes some of the same books and music that I do). His private life is a bit of a mess, as is the case with many of the best detectives, but I never found myself forcing my way through the family affairs to get back to the good stuff. It’s all balanced very satisfyingly and I wanted him to do as well in his attempts to reconnect with his son as in his investigation.
There’s not too much else to say, except go read it. I hope it’s not too long before the third instalment comes out.
Someone is found dead in the Barnes Old Cemetery, so D.I. Garibaldi is called in; before too long there are some more attacks and for some mysterious reason all the victims happen to be private tutors. Someone clearly knows more than they’re letting on, but good luck trying to get any comment out of the tutoring agency – we don’t want people thinking tutoring isn’t safe, and there’s no reason for these attacks and this murder to be connected, is there?
The twists and turns of the plot have a cinematic feel to them, as does the setting; I can absolutely imagine a TV series being filmed in the Barnes area (someone get on that please). Garibaldi is considerably more fun than most whodunit inspectors (and I’m not just saying that because he likes some of the same books and music that I do). His private life is a bit of a mess, as is the case with many of the best detectives, but I never found myself forcing my way through the family affairs to get back to the good stuff. It’s all balanced very satisfyingly and I wanted him to do as well in his attempts to reconnect with his son as in his investigation.
There’s not too much else to say, except go read it. I hope it’s not too long before the third instalment comes out.
August 13, 2023
I heard about this audiobook on NetGalley but then was able to download it from Libby via my library.
It was exactly the sort of straightforward police procedural I enjoy - just enough backstory about the detectives but with a focus on the crime(s) at hand they are investigating.
I really likes Garibaldi - his erudite “university of life” chippiness appeals to me, and reminds me of a lot of people with whom I grew up - very bookish and able to quote screeds of his favourite authors - far more than I can with my fancypants Masters degree in English Literature.
The plot of this particular crime was made a little too obvious by the prologue. Without it, the reader wouldn’t stand a chance of working out whodunnit or why, but with it we can make an educated guess straight away. Perhaps there could have been another way for us to find this information out in the course of Garibaldi’s investigation, about two thirds of the way through?
As it stands, though, this is a really enjoyable crime novel, and I will now be reading or listening to the earlier book in the series and looking out for the next one. Highly recommended.
Three word review: know your Larkin.
It was exactly the sort of straightforward police procedural I enjoy - just enough backstory about the detectives but with a focus on the crime(s) at hand they are investigating.
I really likes Garibaldi - his erudite “university of life” chippiness appeals to me, and reminds me of a lot of people with whom I grew up - very bookish and able to quote screeds of his favourite authors - far more than I can with my fancypants Masters degree in English Literature.
The plot of this particular crime was made a little too obvious by the prologue. Without it, the reader wouldn’t stand a chance of working out whodunnit or why, but with it we can make an educated guess straight away. Perhaps there could have been another way for us to find this information out in the course of Garibaldi’s investigation, about two thirds of the way through?
As it stands, though, this is a really enjoyable crime novel, and I will now be reading or listening to the earlier book in the series and looking out for the next one. Highly recommended.
Three word review: know your Larkin.
August 26, 2023
About 3.5 would be a more accurate star rating.
I enjoyed the story. It was pleasurable meeting a new detective, Garibaldi, and there was a sense of who's to blame/will they catch the killer? dynamic to the narrative. However, I didn't develop a connection with Garibaldi in a way I usually would with this kind of book. I think this is because I found some of the dialogue, designed to develop his character/personality rather clunky, especially the personal conversations between him and his superior Deighton. The final one actually had me cringing, as did the very end section with him, his partner Rachel and their country and western singing idols.
I wouldn't avoid reading another Garibaldi detective story in future but I am not sure I would be rushing to reach the bookshelves for it either.
Thanks to Pigeonhole, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read Private Lessons.
I enjoyed the story. It was pleasurable meeting a new detective, Garibaldi, and there was a sense of who's to blame/will they catch the killer? dynamic to the narrative. However, I didn't develop a connection with Garibaldi in a way I usually would with this kind of book. I think this is because I found some of the dialogue, designed to develop his character/personality rather clunky, especially the personal conversations between him and his superior Deighton. The final one actually had me cringing, as did the very end section with him, his partner Rachel and their country and western singing idols.
I wouldn't avoid reading another Garibaldi detective story in future but I am not sure I would be rushing to reach the bookshelves for it either.
Thanks to Pigeonhole, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read Private Lessons.
June 27, 2023
Great to see the return of D.I. Garibaldi, a cop who knows his own patch – South West London – like a native, which gives him an unblinking take on its inhabitants. A man with his own problems and of particular tastes – a committed country music fan – Garibaldi also manages, like Morse, to suppress his wider erudition (most of the time!) among colleagues in the gritty world of police investigations. Compelling writing has Private Lessons unfolding gently but with an ever-tightening grip, until it reaches a satisfying but unexpected conclusion. With D.I. Garibaldi, O'Keeffe is joining the Premier Division of crime writing. I look forward to book three.
August 26, 2023
I read this with the Pigeonhole. It is very quick to get you involved, and has a number of strands to the story. O'Keeffe's writing strength is in the characters. This book is about the detective, Garibaldi, rather than the plot. I had to suspend my belief rather too much when following the police investigation. Unfortunately I did not find Garibaldi very engaging. He seemed chauvinistic and superior. Although he considered all his colleagues lacked his intelligence, he was very slow to work out the motive and discover the murderer. I had identified the murderer and motive by about the middle of the book - and I'm not especially clever!
August 27, 2023
"Private Lessons" by Bernard O’Keeffe, the second book in the DI Garbaldi series, explores the mysterious death of a young tutor and Cambridge graduate in Barnes Old Cemetery, London. The novel provides a compelling narrative, allowing readers to delve into DI Garbaldi's character while navigating the intricate plot. The engaging storyline and the getting to know Garbaldi make it a highly enjoyable read, leaving readers intrigued and captivated from start to finish.
Thank you to The Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. I will definitely read other works by O’Keeffe.
Thank you to The Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity to read this novel. I will definitely read other works by O’Keeffe.
August 26, 2023
I’ve been enjoying getting to know a new detective (to me) in crime fiction and am sad to be leaving Jim Garibaldi, his colleagues, and Barnes, having read the final stave of Private Lessons with The Pigeonhole. It was interesting to read about a murder perpetrated in the world of private tutoring and to find out that the author was an English teacher, like me, as well as a Joni Mitchell fan, like me, and that he lives in Barnes, not too far from where I lived and worked in a previous life. I look forward to another Garibaldi book.
August 27, 2023
I enjoyed this second outing of DI Garibaldi. After enjoying book 1 on audible, I jumped at the chance to read via The Pigeonhole.
I like that Garibaldi isn't the usual booze soaked policeman with extra baggage that normally make up police procedurals.
The plot was intriguing and although at times I was frustrated by slow/shoddy police work causing things to not be answered sooner, the characters and working relationship of Garibaldi and Gardner made the wait for the solution worth it.
Looking forward to the author's next book. With thanks again to the Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
I like that Garibaldi isn't the usual booze soaked policeman with extra baggage that normally make up police procedurals.
The plot was intriguing and although at times I was frustrated by slow/shoddy police work causing things to not be answered sooner, the characters and working relationship of Garibaldi and Gardner made the wait for the solution worth it.
Looking forward to the author's next book. With thanks again to the Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
August 28, 2023
I like a new detective series and enjoyed this second book in the Garibaldi books, despite not having read the first one. He’s a non-driving, country music obsessed detective with an ex-wife and a son who’s finding his way as an Oxford student.
The murder is of a private tutor for a group called Forum. He’s had a summer in Italy where something strange happened. When his body is found in a cemetery in Barnes, the police are stumped. Who would want to kill a tutor? Some good plot twists and turns before the killer is revealed.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
The murder is of a private tutor for a group called Forum. He’s had a summer in Italy where something strange happened. When his body is found in a cemetery in Barnes, the police are stumped. Who would want to kill a tutor? Some good plot twists and turns before the killer is revealed.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
April 23, 2024
I didn’t enjoy this as much as I did the first book in the series. Lots of interviews with potential suspects became a bit repetitive and the who of the ending was no real surprise even if the why wasn’t. I feel Garibaldi needs a few training courses on interview techniques and I’d like to see Gardiner taking more of a prominent role. I do like how real Garibaldi is in regard to being a father to Alfi. He’s unsure of how to be and is insecure but finding his way. Alfie is a great kid becoming a mature and thoughtful man. I’m very happy to continue with this series
March 29, 2023
It's the first mystery I read in this series and I want to read the first as Garibaldi is quite an intriguing character even if not always likeable.
The mystery is well plotted and there's plenty of twists, not all were unexpected but I enjoyed the story and characters.
It's a solid mystery and the author is a good storyteller.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
The mystery is well plotted and there's plenty of twists, not all were unexpected but I enjoyed the story and characters.
It's a solid mystery and the author is a good storyteller.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
August 26, 2023
A great book. I haven’t read the first book in the series but that didn’t matter. Jogger Simon stumbles across a body in an old cemetery one morning. Who killed private tutor Giles Gallen and why? Attacks follow on other Forum tutors and the police question all connected to the Forum tutoring company. I liked the relationship between DI Garibaldi and DS Gardner. He was a quirky character. An enjoyable read
August 26, 2023
Overall I quite enjoyed this, as I was meeting a new detective. Loved the idea of the story, but the execution wasn't so good. All strung out by shoddy police work and red herrings. If Garibaldi had not been rather sidetracked by his relationships, this could have been solved much earlier.
If we must have red herrings, I would like some answers please.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
If we must have red herrings, I would like some answers please.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
August 27, 2023
I read this book through The Pigeonhole, not having read the first Garabaldi novel; this one worked fine as a stand-alone.
This was an enjoyable police procedural with interesting and believable characters. Garabaldi himself, seems to be a bit of an intellectual and perhaps not best suited to police work, although obviously very capable.
I would definitely read another of these books and will look out for the first in the series.
This was an enjoyable police procedural with interesting and believable characters. Garabaldi himself, seems to be a bit of an intellectual and perhaps not best suited to police work, although obviously very capable.
I would definitely read another of these books and will look out for the first in the series.
August 22, 2023
I do find myself wondering how comfortably Bernard O'Keeffe wanders the streets of his home town; how many dinner parties he's invited to, because he obviously spends time observing his fellow men in order to inform DI Garibaldi's opinions. This another twisty tale with a multitude of suspects and motives; the path to solving the mystery well-worked.
August 29, 2023
Someone seems to be targeting private tutors in Barnes. Giles Gallen is found murdered in a disused cemetery and other tutors threatened if they don't keep quiet.
The case is given to D.S. Garibaldi, who tackles the case in his own inimitable manner.
A well written book with interesting characters.
#Pigeonhole
The case is given to D.S. Garibaldi, who tackles the case in his own inimitable manner.
A well written book with interesting characters.
#Pigeonhole
August 29, 2023
This is the second book featuring DI Garibaldi. I haven't read the first but this didn't really matter as it worked as a standalone. Garibaldi is quite an interesting character with a penchant for quoting authors which mostly seemed to go over the heads of his colleagues. An enjoyable read though some of the police investigation work left a lot to be desired.
September 20, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I haven't read the first in the series, but it didn't matter. I like DI Garibaldi and the writing style. While I did guess who the murderer was, it wasn't obvious, nor was the plot predictable. Thanks to the Pigeonhole and Bernard O'Keeffe for the opportunity to read it.
November 24, 2023
I enjoyed Detective Garibaldi. Intelligent, slightly arrogant, but also feeling out of place. But the plot itself felt too many red herrings. It was another book where bonus characters are thrown in at the last minute, and you're sat pondering police procedures.
I'd like to read another Garibaldi book though.
I'd like to read another Garibaldi book though.
August 26, 2023
4.8🌟An enjoyable whodunnit that I read through Pigeonhole. I had my suspicions of whodidit about halfway through but that didn’t detract from reading on.
August 26, 2023
Enjoyable police procedural. Interesting main detective, good plotting and satisfying ending. Looking forward to reading more of the series. Thanks to pigeonhole and author for opportunity to read.
August 26, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you for the chance to read.
August 29, 2023
Promising enough, interested in reading more of Garibaldi's adventures
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