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Alistair Fitzjohn #9
Murder In Spades
The Ashgrove Bridge Club did not expect their newly elected president, Leonard Delaney, to be murdered on the day of his successful election, or did they? Could it have been a conspiracy to get rid of Leonard? After all, he was a man of insufferable superiority, his victory being achieved primarily through fear of reprisals in the event he failed to win.
Meanwhile, recently retired DCI Alistair Fitzjohn, returns to Sydney after working on a case as a police consultant. He is looking forward to some quiet time tending his orchids and an evening with the new woman in his life, Peta Ashby. Little did he know, however, what he would face on return to his Birchgrove cottage.
In the midst of the turmoil, he is asked to head the investigation into the Ashgrove Bridge Club murder. It is not long, however, before Fitzjohn finds Leonard Delaney’s murder is not as straightforward as first thought.
As the case develops Fitzjohn’s detective skills are tested as is his ability to deal with a ghost from the past who is out for revenge.
Meanwhile, recently retired DCI Alistair Fitzjohn, returns to Sydney after working on a case as a police consultant. He is looking forward to some quiet time tending his orchids and an evening with the new woman in his life, Peta Ashby. Little did he know, however, what he would face on return to his Birchgrove cottage.
In the midst of the turmoil, he is asked to head the investigation into the Ashgrove Bridge Club murder. It is not long, however, before Fitzjohn finds Leonard Delaney’s murder is not as straightforward as first thought.
As the case develops Fitzjohn’s detective skills are tested as is his ability to deal with a ghost from the past who is out for revenge.
- GenresMystery
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
18 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Jill Paterson
17 books119 followersJill Paterson is best known for her popular Fitzjohn Mystery Series. Set in the city of Sydney, Australia, her richly drawn characters include Alistair Fitzjohn. Now a police consultant since his retirement from the force, his methods of investigation remain the same, methodical and painstaking.
While continuing the Fitzjohn series, Jill is also working on a new series, the Phoebe Chadwick Mysteries. Set along the east coast of Australia in a small township, Phoebe Chadwick heads the cast of characters as the female sleuth.
When not writing, Jill explores settings for her books and enjoys painting, photography and tai chi.
If you would like to get an automatic email when Jill’s next book is released, sign up on her blog at: https://theperfectplot.blogspot.com
Alternatively, join Jill’s mailing list on her website at: https://www.jillpatersonfitzjohnmyste...
Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.
While continuing the Fitzjohn series, Jill is also working on a new series, the Phoebe Chadwick Mysteries. Set along the east coast of Australia in a small township, Phoebe Chadwick heads the cast of characters as the female sleuth.
When not writing, Jill explores settings for her books and enjoys painting, photography and tai chi.
If you would like to get an automatic email when Jill’s next book is released, sign up on her blog at: https://theperfectplot.blogspot.com
Alternatively, join Jill’s mailing list on her website at: https://www.jillpatersonfitzjohnmyste...
Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 27, 2023
After a brief holiday from books, Jill Paterson’s Chief Inspector Fitzjohn returns in a new and anticipated book: “Murder in Spades.” I have greatly enjoyed this cozy mystery mainly due to the protagonist: Chief Inspector Fitzjohn. I have enjoyed watching his character evolve throughout the series. Fitzjohn is a very realistic and likable character, a little reminiscent of Adam Dalgleish (for those who enjoy British mysteries). In fact, most the characters are generally nicely developed, with just enough detail of family life outside their work to give them a well-rounded personality. Although a bit short, Patterson still presents the reader with a clever mystery.
Set in Sydney, Australia, the Ashgrove Bridge Club did not expect their newly elected president, Leonard Delaney, to be murdered on the day of his successful election, or did they? Thus, Inspector Fitzjohn finds himself dealing with two murders committed on one person. To make matters worse, there is insubordination by a member of the police force, vandalism of the Orchid show, and even more as this well thought out mystery unfolds.
As mentioned earlier, Paterson's book is a well-crafted mystery with a fast-paced plot. The story has a good sense of place in Australia complete with a continuing subplot regarding Fitzjohn’s cantankerous neighbor, Rhonda Butler, who wants to make his life miserable. Paterson has excellent characterizations and a plausible, carefully crafted-plot. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good mystery with likable main characters.
Set in Sydney, Australia, the Ashgrove Bridge Club did not expect their newly elected president, Leonard Delaney, to be murdered on the day of his successful election, or did they? Thus, Inspector Fitzjohn finds himself dealing with two murders committed on one person. To make matters worse, there is insubordination by a member of the police force, vandalism of the Orchid show, and even more as this well thought out mystery unfolds.
As mentioned earlier, Paterson's book is a well-crafted mystery with a fast-paced plot. The story has a good sense of place in Australia complete with a continuing subplot regarding Fitzjohn’s cantankerous neighbor, Rhonda Butler, who wants to make his life miserable. Paterson has excellent characterizations and a plausible, carefully crafted-plot. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good mystery with likable main characters.
December 28, 2025
Worthless
I wish this story didn't rely on bringing back Fitzjohn's nemesis to try to ruin his reputation yet again. That's gotten more than old. I'm not sure why Paterson keeps relying on this ploy. It only detracts from this mystery. As does adding repeated attempts on Fitzjohn's life from a completely different source, with some very careless behavior by this supposedly intelligent man. That and how the two murder investigations were resolved was just stupid. There is also a glaring failure to explain why a particular property was being sold for $1 to a certain person. Too bad because without all the unnecessary distractions thrown in, and better evidence at the very end, this would have made a perfectly good mystery.
I wish this story didn't rely on bringing back Fitzjohn's nemesis to try to ruin his reputation yet again. That's gotten more than old. I'm not sure why Paterson keeps relying on this ploy. It only detracts from this mystery. As does adding repeated attempts on Fitzjohn's life from a completely different source, with some very careless behavior by this supposedly intelligent man. That and how the two murder investigations were resolved was just stupid. There is also a glaring failure to explain why a particular property was being sold for $1 to a certain person. Too bad because without all the unnecessary distractions thrown in, and better evidence at the very end, this would have made a perfectly good mystery.
January 12, 2026
At a meeting of the Ashgrove Bridge Club, Leonard Delaney is elected president by a one-vote margin. Then shortly after the meeting, Delaney is stabbed in the back and dies.
Retired Sydney police detective Alistair Fitzjohn, who continues to do some consulting with the police, is asked to head the investigation into Delaney's murder. The case turns out to be complex---multiple people had reasons to dislike Delaney, and their grievances go back 30 years or more. Meanwhile, a poisoner that Fitzjohn had previously put behind bars has been released on parole and seems to be out for revenge, and an old enemy on the police force is causing trouble as well. There is lots of excitement in this fast-moving mystery.
Retired Sydney police detective Alistair Fitzjohn, who continues to do some consulting with the police, is asked to head the investigation into Delaney's murder. The case turns out to be complex---multiple people had reasons to dislike Delaney, and their grievances go back 30 years or more. Meanwhile, a poisoner that Fitzjohn had previously put behind bars has been released on parole and seems to be out for revenge, and an old enemy on the police force is causing trouble as well. There is lots of excitement in this fast-moving mystery.
April 1, 2023
For fear of reprisal they elected him president. Basking in the victory and now to see the founding members squirm as they lost their influence in the club.
It was not to be,
Fitzjohn returning home and finding his greenhouse has been vandalized .
Instead of his plans with Peta and showing his orchid, he has a case to figure out.
A good flowing plot from the first page , it seems personal and someone
wanted the new president gone.
The story is a mystery, of family and how Fitzjohn and Peta are doing.
Readers will love this book and the series.
April 9, 2023
Love the Alistair Fitzjohn mysteries
I have read all of the Fitzjohn books and each one keeps me reading until I finish. This time Alistair is retired, but still works as a consultant. He is brilliant trying to solve two murders that may or may not be by the same person. He still faces critics and an escaped murderer. He always gets his criminal.
I have read all of the Fitzjohn books and each one keeps me reading until I finish. This time Alistair is retired, but still works as a consultant. He is brilliant trying to solve two murders that may or may not be by the same person. He still faces critics and an escaped murderer. He always gets his criminal.
April 15, 2023
Murder in Spades
Fitzjohn and most of the characters around him are enjoyable and well done. The cases are complex and intriguing. The corruption of 'the powers that be' though tend to be annoying, that they will transfer superintendents without notice or preparation is just annoying and doesn't seem plausible.
Fitzjohn and most of the characters around him are enjoyable and well done. The cases are complex and intriguing. The corruption of 'the powers that be' though tend to be annoying, that they will transfer superintendents without notice or preparation is just annoying and doesn't seem plausible.
October 22, 2024
The ninth book in the Fitzjohn mystery series. Fitzjohn, now a consultant, is called in to investigate the death of the newly elected President of the bridge club. The Presidency itself is odd, as few seem to like the man, so why elect him. Meanwhile a blast from the past returns, as vicious as ever.
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April 10, 2023I'm very happy with the return of former DCI Fitzjohn. He has enemies which have returned but will he be distracted? Read Jill Patterson's newest addition to this wonderful series. You will not be disappointed.
May 22, 2023
Inspector Fitzjohn finds himself dealing with two murders committed on one person, insubordination by a member of the police force, vandalism of the Orchid show and more as this well thought out story proceeds.
I love this series and hope for many more volumes!
I love this series and hope for many more volumes!
July 28, 2025
Great series
I am so sad to be at the end of this series. I loved all of the characters and all of the stories. The settings were so fun,too. I have not read a series set in Australia before. I will definitely be reading more Kill Paterson stories.
I am so sad to be at the end of this series. I loved all of the characters and all of the stories. The settings were so fun,too. I have not read a series set in Australia before. I will definitely be reading more Kill Paterson stories.
December 9, 2023
Who killed Leonard Delaney and why??? You don't know what it is like to live with him??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
May 10, 2023
Another good one
I have been reading this series for years and was so excited when I found this newest installment. I hope there will be many more to come.
I have been reading this series for years and was so excited when I found this newest installment. I hope there will be many more to come.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews