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Detective Jim Ashworth #1-8
The Complete Detective Jim Ashworth Books 1-8
In this 8-book box set:
Book 1: TIED TO MURDER
Stella is found murdered. A blue bow is tied around her broken neck and her body displayed like a bizarre gift. Her stormy marriage immediately points to her husband as the killer. But Detective Ashworth is not so sure.
Book 2: THE PRICE OF MURDER
A sinister voice announces the kidnapping of factory owner Simon Edwards. Simon’s wife answers the terrifying call and is told to await further instructions. Who has taken her husband and why?
Book 3: FLIRTING WITH MURDER
Two young married women are found beaten to death. Ashworth is called in and can’t fail to note the similarities. Can he catch the killer before another woman pays the price?
Book 4: MURDER IN THE COTTAGE
Author Joyce Regent flees to her ancestor’s cottage to escape a scandal. But her troubles are just beginning. A threatening message arrives to tell her 'next it’s you'. Ashworth is soon on the trail of a killer.
Book 5: MURDER IN THE LIBRARY
A man turns up dead in the home of an antiques dealer, book in hand, with a .38 bullet wound in the centre of his forehead. Ashworth’s search for the killer leads him into a world of gangsters.
Book 6: THE TASTE OF MURDER
Shards of glass are put in jars of baby food at the supermarket. Then bleach is discovered in bottles of ginger ale. The extortionists behind the operation demand £40,000. Ashworth races against time to stop the criminals before they harm anyone else.
Book 7: THE MISSING GIRLS
Two young girls disappear. Then the mutilated body of one of the missing girls is found. As the grisly details of the case unfold, the whole team are sickened by the depravity at work in the small town. Another child is abducted and every second counts.
Book 8: A SLICE OF MURDER
A young woman is strangled and dumped in a lake with strange markings on her body: a shallow cut made by a Stanley knife. Two more young women are found with the same MO. Ashworth has a serial killer on his hands.
Book 1: TIED TO MURDER
Stella is found murdered. A blue bow is tied around her broken neck and her body displayed like a bizarre gift. Her stormy marriage immediately points to her husband as the killer. But Detective Ashworth is not so sure.
Book 2: THE PRICE OF MURDER
A sinister voice announces the kidnapping of factory owner Simon Edwards. Simon’s wife answers the terrifying call and is told to await further instructions. Who has taken her husband and why?
Book 3: FLIRTING WITH MURDER
Two young married women are found beaten to death. Ashworth is called in and can’t fail to note the similarities. Can he catch the killer before another woman pays the price?
Book 4: MURDER IN THE COTTAGE
Author Joyce Regent flees to her ancestor’s cottage to escape a scandal. But her troubles are just beginning. A threatening message arrives to tell her 'next it’s you'. Ashworth is soon on the trail of a killer.
Book 5: MURDER IN THE LIBRARY
A man turns up dead in the home of an antiques dealer, book in hand, with a .38 bullet wound in the centre of his forehead. Ashworth’s search for the killer leads him into a world of gangsters.
Book 6: THE TASTE OF MURDER
Shards of glass are put in jars of baby food at the supermarket. Then bleach is discovered in bottles of ginger ale. The extortionists behind the operation demand £40,000. Ashworth races against time to stop the criminals before they harm anyone else.
Book 7: THE MISSING GIRLS
Two young girls disappear. Then the mutilated body of one of the missing girls is found. As the grisly details of the case unfold, the whole team are sickened by the depravity at work in the small town. Another child is abducted and every second counts.
Book 8: A SLICE OF MURDER
A young woman is strangled and dumped in a lake with strange markings on her body: a shallow cut made by a Stanley knife. Two more young women are found with the same MO. Ashworth has a serial killer on his hands.
2308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2023
1196 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 28, 2023
What a great read these eight books are. They were written in the 90’s by Mr Battison who tragically passed away in 1998. This was at a time when policing did not have the tools available that modern coppers have at their disposal. Chief Inspector Jim Ashworth has a small but unusual CID team, a DC who is gay, a DS who is a sex maniac, (who starts the series as a DC), and another DC who becomes a ‘uniformed recruit’. Ashworth is an old style copper, who as the series continues develops a hateful relationship with his new boss. This all adds to the readability of these novels. Don’t purchase the books individually, but purchase the volume series 1 to 8, great value and it’s logical to read in volume order. The last book leaves questions of what happens to the young villain that Ashworth so dearly wants to put away. This would probably have continued in book 9 but for the most unfortunate passing of Mr Battison.
August 8, 2023
The Complete Jim Ashworth Books (1-8) British Crime Mysteries Box Set
Well I love a crime mystery, but this set of 8 Books set in Norfolk were the best written, exciting and believable that I have read. Surely the writer has knowledge of Police procedure or is a retired policeman. The stories were incredible, couldn’t put the book down I liked all the characters and the end story was such a surprise. I thoroughly recommend anyone who loves a good book that has you gripped you need to read these. Thank you Brian Battison 💕
Well I love a crime mystery, but this set of 8 Books set in Norfolk were the best written, exciting and believable that I have read. Surely the writer has knowledge of Police procedure or is a retired policeman. The stories were incredible, couldn’t put the book down I liked all the characters and the end story was such a surprise. I thoroughly recommend anyone who loves a good book that has you gripped you need to read these. Thank you Brian Battison 💕
March 23, 2024
Good value
At just over12p a book this was a nice easy reading set of books. Liked Jim Ashworths character and Josh and Bobby. I'm all for womens lib but Hollys preoccupation with sex was a bit much.
Would have like to know what happened to the thug Lee ,but will have to create my own outcome for him, as I understand the author has sadly died.
Well worth the read. 4and 3/4 stars!
At just over12p a book this was a nice easy reading set of books. Liked Jim Ashworths character and Josh and Bobby. I'm all for womens lib but Hollys preoccupation with sex was a bit much.
Would have like to know what happened to the thug Lee ,but will have to create my own outcome for him, as I understand the author has sadly died.
Well worth the read. 4and 3/4 stars!
January 18, 2024
A great read
I must be honest l have never heard of the author ,but l truly recommend this collection of 8 books .l am so happy to find a non American author who does not have to use swear words to get the story across.He is well informed of the British police force. Thank You
I must be honest l have never heard of the author ,but l truly recommend this collection of 8 books .l am so happy to find a non American author who does not have to use swear words to get the story across.He is well informed of the British police force. Thank You
June 11, 2023
Great Series of Detective Mysteries
The stories running through the books were really convincing. Coupled with the main crime storylines were great. Had to read to the end and wanting more when I did. Great books.
The stories running through the books were really convincing. Coupled with the main crime storylines were great. Had to read to the end and wanting more when I did. Great books.
July 19, 2023
Excellent reading.
Just finished this series and found it really brilliant. All 8 stories were exceptional. I would thoroughly recommend to all thriller fans, as I think it would be very hard to find better reading anywhere.
Just finished this series and found it really brilliant. All 8 stories were exceptional. I would thoroughly recommend to all thriller fans, as I think it would be very hard to find better reading anywhere.
January 6, 2024
Brilliant
Absolutely loved the books.will definitely be reading more by Mr battison.we could definitely do with more jim ashworths in the modern day police force. well done.more please. Hope it's not to long to wait.
Absolutely loved the books.will definitely be reading more by Mr battison.we could definitely do with more jim ashworths in the modern day police force. well done.more please. Hope it's not to long to wait.
May 18, 2023
Good value read.
Strong characters in this series of Crime solving stories. I have really enjoyed reading the books. If you like crime set in England give this author s try.
Strong characters in this series of Crime solving stories. I have really enjoyed reading the books. If you like crime set in England give this author s try.
June 8, 2023
A very good read.
eight very readable stories that keep you interested. I would recommend this book to all my friends. I look forward to more books by this author.
eight very readable stories that keep you interested. I would recommend this book to all my friends. I look forward to more books by this author.
June 14, 2023
Fantastic books
I loved the story lines and the characters are easy to care about, believable and fun to follow. A must read box set
I loved the story lines and the characters are easy to care about, believable and fun to follow. A must read box set
Read
August 3, 2023Great books great valu
Enjoyed all 8 books back to back and recom
mended to many family members.well written and good plots.
Moving on to next ones by his author.
Enjoyed all 8 books back to back and recom
mended to many family members.well written and good plots.
Moving on to next ones by his author.
October 17, 2023
Amazing books, I didn't want it to end
December 27, 2025
I stumbled across these eight detective novels, little thinking that I would be reading the most insightful and gripping such stories I have ever had the good fortune to read. The central character - Chief Inspector Jim Ashworth - is very much a real human being with all the moods and ups and downs that most of us experience. Like all capable managers, he has the ability not to command loyalty but to build it up. It is sometimes tested, but it holds through thick and thin. The CID team really is a team, and one with a capable leader. Importantly, their individual personalities come through and add immensely to the fabric and enjoyment of the books.
The plots all struck me as credible, and the author had a command of the procedures that govern and sometimes restrict police investigations in a democratic society. The sense of that balance and the associated frustrations comes through often.
The sheer range of the themes and issues covered in the stories is impressive. There were a couple of times when I wondered whether I wanted to plunge into a story about this-or-that (we all have our individual preferences), but in both those cases pressing on proved as rewarding as reading the other books. Every book soon grabbed my attention and I simply could not stop reading.
Brian Battison has left behind an impressive set of eight detective novels - always entertaining and often dramatic (but with plenty of the routine as in real life). Every book was written with absolute precision and clarity. Battison was simply, a first-class storyteller.
The plots all struck me as credible, and the author had a command of the procedures that govern and sometimes restrict police investigations in a democratic society. The sense of that balance and the associated frustrations comes through often.
The sheer range of the themes and issues covered in the stories is impressive. There were a couple of times when I wondered whether I wanted to plunge into a story about this-or-that (we all have our individual preferences), but in both those cases pressing on proved as rewarding as reading the other books. Every book soon grabbed my attention and I simply could not stop reading.
Brian Battison has left behind an impressive set of eight detective novels - always entertaining and often dramatic (but with plenty of the routine as in real life). Every book was written with absolute precision and clarity. Battison was simply, a first-class storyteller.
September 4, 2023
The Complete Detective Jim Ashworth Books 1-8 Box set by Brian Battison.
My thoughts:
These books are set in a time period where some of the attitudes displayed and topics raised may be upsetting for some readers, I suspect that is why there are so many 1-star and 2-star ratings.
The reader gets the viewpoint of both the perpetrator and team of detectives working the case. The personal lives of the team of detectives are also explored but please keep in mind that these books take place in a different time, the 1980's and 1990's, with different attitudes and what was then acceptable behaviours. For example, suspects were roughed up to get them to talk, bullying was commonplace, women detectives were a novelty and had to continuously prove themselves to be taken seriously, the gay community was still at the "don't ask, don't tell" phase in the workforce and sexual inuendo was common in the work place. Forensics was in its infancy, personal mobile phones were unheard of, smoking inside the workplace was common.
Each book is a complete story and each book could be read as a stand-alone book. I like the author's story telling ability and enjoyed spending time with this fictional team of detectives.
This box set was on sale at amazon for less than US $1.00 in August 2023, which for 8 full length books was value for money for me.
My thoughts:
These books are set in a time period where some of the attitudes displayed and topics raised may be upsetting for some readers, I suspect that is why there are so many 1-star and 2-star ratings.
The reader gets the viewpoint of both the perpetrator and team of detectives working the case. The personal lives of the team of detectives are also explored but please keep in mind that these books take place in a different time, the 1980's and 1990's, with different attitudes and what was then acceptable behaviours. For example, suspects were roughed up to get them to talk, bullying was commonplace, women detectives were a novelty and had to continuously prove themselves to be taken seriously, the gay community was still at the "don't ask, don't tell" phase in the workforce and sexual inuendo was common in the work place. Forensics was in its infancy, personal mobile phones were unheard of, smoking inside the workplace was common.
Each book is a complete story and each book could be read as a stand-alone book. I like the author's story telling ability and enjoyed spending time with this fictional team of detectives.
This box set was on sale at amazon for less than US $1.00 in August 2023, which for 8 full length books was value for money for me.
September 1, 2024
3 Stars
The Complete Detective Jim Ashworth Series Box Set (Detective Jim Ashworth Books #1 – 8) is a British Detective series that follows the investigations of Chief Inspector Jim Ashworth. It is a crime and investigation series with mystery, suspense, interesting cases/scenarios, tension, intrigue, and a bit of a whodunnit feel. While I enjoyed the stories, for the most part, these fast-paced stories were a little predictable and a bit too easy to ‘solve’.
Inspector Ainsworth is a bit of an ‘old-school’ detective, dedicated to his job, which involves many and varied investigations- from serial killers to pedophile rings, as well as dealing with gangsters, drug dealers, and even an extortionist. He is thrust into situations where he is in a race against time to uncover the truth, while personal dramas play out in the midst of it all.
Eight books in one convenient package- ready for binging, or enjoying a few chapters at a time. The benefit is not having to ‘wait’ between books.
The Box Set Contains:
-Tied to Murder (Book #1)
-The Price of Murder (Book #2)
-Flirting With Murder (Book #3)
-Murder in the Cottage (Book #4)
-Murder in the Library (Book #5)
-The Taste of Murder (Book #6)
-The Missing Girls (Book #7)
-A Slice of Murder (Book #8)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Brian Battison!
The Complete Detective Jim Ashworth Series Box Set (Detective Jim Ashworth Books #1 – 8) is a British Detective series that follows the investigations of Chief Inspector Jim Ashworth. It is a crime and investigation series with mystery, suspense, interesting cases/scenarios, tension, intrigue, and a bit of a whodunnit feel. While I enjoyed the stories, for the most part, these fast-paced stories were a little predictable and a bit too easy to ‘solve’.
Inspector Ainsworth is a bit of an ‘old-school’ detective, dedicated to his job, which involves many and varied investigations- from serial killers to pedophile rings, as well as dealing with gangsters, drug dealers, and even an extortionist. He is thrust into situations where he is in a race against time to uncover the truth, while personal dramas play out in the midst of it all.
Eight books in one convenient package- ready for binging, or enjoying a few chapters at a time. The benefit is not having to ‘wait’ between books.
The Box Set Contains:
-Tied to Murder (Book #1)
-The Price of Murder (Book #2)
-Flirting With Murder (Book #3)
-Murder in the Cottage (Book #4)
-Murder in the Library (Book #5)
-The Taste of Murder (Book #6)
-The Missing Girls (Book #7)
-A Slice of Murder (Book #8)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Brian Battison!
July 20, 2023
The premise is okay but a couple of challenges for a reader. First, all the criminals are somehow involved with one of the law enforcement which is fairly unrealistic. Secondly, these people are not normal that all the men and women think about sex 24 hours a day, are constantly getting hit on by others and everyone in the universe finds Holly desirable….a bit sophomoric. Third, parts of the stories do not have clarity with their storylines- there are sometimes pieces missing and the reader ends up wondering what happened to certain people or why a character was introduced in the first place. All the books had similar storylines. I felt as if the story lines needed better development.
December 8, 2023
Worthy of more stars!
This has been a very enjoyable series to read and I am sorry to come to the end. As a reader you are really drawn into the lives of Jim, Holly and Josh through the good and the bad. We watch the working relationships grow and the personal lives of these characters.
Each story brings to life the good and especially the bad there is in communities even then back in the 90s. It also shows the determination of Jim to get to the truth no matter what. His biggest problem is his immediate superior, say no more.
No spoilers from me, as normal, but a great collection I would recommend to anyone.
This has been a very enjoyable series to read and I am sorry to come to the end. As a reader you are really drawn into the lives of Jim, Holly and Josh through the good and the bad. We watch the working relationships grow and the personal lives of these characters.
Each story brings to life the good and especially the bad there is in communities even then back in the 90s. It also shows the determination of Jim to get to the truth no matter what. His biggest problem is his immediate superior, say no more.
No spoilers from me, as normal, but a great collection I would recommend to anyone.
May 12, 2023
something to consider…
This series has a copyright date in the 1990s. If you’re not old enough to remember that time, the lack of technology and advanced forensic techniques is really jarring.
The stories are well written and I did finish the series, but at the end, I was having a little trouble liking or caring about the characters. They just didn’t develop. A relationship for one of the team was mentioned (I think in book 5). Then it was never mentioned again.
This series has a copyright date in the 1990s. If you’re not old enough to remember that time, the lack of technology and advanced forensic techniques is really jarring.
The stories are well written and I did finish the series, but at the end, I was having a little trouble liking or caring about the characters. They just didn’t develop. A relationship for one of the team was mentioned (I think in book 5). Then it was never mentioned again.
September 18, 2023
Over the top, and more than just a bit. When Holly was introduced to the series she was not claimed to be a beauty, but this seemed to change as time went on. Her promiscuity was apparently out of control. A lot of the "characters" were pretty ill-thought-out, and seemed to vanish from the story entirely. The so-called twist in the tale of the last book you could see coming from way early on, and was a pretty dumb outcome. I got pretty frustrated in parts but persevered, and read all the books.
July 15, 2024
British crime novels are a hoot
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The characters drew you in and you found yourself caring about them as if they were family. And I’m learning British slang to boot. This is the second series of British mysteries I’ve read and am looking forward to the next.
It’s interesting how different and alike police procedurals are between the US and GB.
I am now on to my next series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. The characters drew you in and you found yourself caring about them as if they were family. And I’m learning British slang to boot. This is the second series of British mysteries I’ve read and am looking forward to the next.
It’s interesting how different and alike police procedurals are between the US and GB.
I am now on to my next series.
August 30, 2023
The Best Team Ever to Tackle Murder!
In a British town the team does what it does best- with a lot of lows & highs it tackles anything & everything against the law. And they never give up because they are a close knit family working together because they care. Ashworth, Holly, Josh, Bobby, and the whole crew!!
In a British town the team does what it does best- with a lot of lows & highs it tackles anything & everything against the law. And they never give up because they are a close knit family working together because they care. Ashworth, Holly, Josh, Bobby, and the whole crew!!
May 25, 2024
Enjoyable series
Good stories. I read for pleasure and this series was that and more. Holly is at times ditzy but comes to her senses, Josh is good friend to her, and C I Ashford is absolutely necessary for Bridgetown, but without Sarah would not survive. I will read more if BB brings them.
Good stories. I read for pleasure and this series was that and more. Holly is at times ditzy but comes to her senses, Josh is good friend to her, and C I Ashford is absolutely necessary for Bridgetown, but without Sarah would not survive. I will read more if BB brings them.
February 1, 2025
Very different mystery. Well written, good plot. Some really good characters, memorable. Thought it was slow going at first...which may just be getting used to the characters. Reminds me of Agatha Christie writing. I've only read the first book so far. Will update as I get further into the series. ♡
September 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this collection of stories and would say that they are extremely good value for money. the author who I understand is with us no longer has a brilliant way of describing situations and personalities. I particularly liked the way the paragraphs went from situation to situation. All in all most enjoyable.
June 10, 2023
WONDERFUL
I have already suggested this author to friends. I love the main characters; Holly, Josh, Ashworth , and Benson. Also the Superintendent (can't recall his name) Sarah and others. I only solved one of them ahead of time.
I have already suggested this author to friends. I love the main characters; Holly, Josh, Ashworth , and Benson. Also the Superintendent (can't recall his name) Sarah and others. I only solved one of them ahead of time.
July 7, 2023
Love British mysteries. Love the detectives. These were good excepy the author made to big a deal out of the sex. Don't mind sex reads as long as they are'nt center stage. Beware if you read.
August 11, 2023
Great Series
Jim Ashworth and his team going through 8 Different sets of intriguing stories .I grew to like the characters even the one who could well be a liability.. I do hope there will be more
Jim Ashworth and his team going through 8 Different sets of intriguing stories .I grew to like the characters even the one who could well be a liability.. I do hope there will be more
August 22, 2023
review
A really good series. Predictable, keeps you guessing even when you figure out who the culprits are. I do hope there are more in the series. But, after 8 books, need a break.
A really good series. Predictable, keeps you guessing even when you figure out who the culprits are. I do hope there are more in the series. But, after 8 books, need a break.
February 14, 2024
Believable
The characters, plots, red herrings events and situations all meld into compelling want to know more scenarios. A little too much emphasis on Bedford's sex life distracts from the story for me. Otherwise we'll worth the read.
The characters, plots, red herrings events and situations all meld into compelling want to know more scenarios. A little too much emphasis on Bedford's sex life distracts from the story for me. Otherwise we'll worth the read.
February 19, 2024
Enjoyable.
Good characters. No need to make a strong woman into a nymphomaniac and so much sex in the stories. The stories could stand alone and still be great. I don’t think any squad room has sex in everyone’s mind 24/7!
Good characters. No need to make a strong woman into a nymphomaniac and so much sex in the stories. The stories could stand alone and still be great. I don’t think any squad room has sex in everyone’s mind 24/7!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews