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Dorothy Martin #11
The Evil That Men Do
The new Dorothy Martin mystery
Dorothy Martin and her husband, retired Chief Constable Alan Nesbitt, are on holiday in the idyllic English village of Broadway when they stumble across the body of a man who appears to have fallen down a disused quarry. When it is revealed that the man, a local farmer, was probably pushed over the edge, and that the police have failed to find any suspects or motives for the murder, Dorothy can't help but get involved ...
Dorothy Martin and her husband, retired Chief Constable Alan Nesbitt, are on holiday in the idyllic English village of Broadway when they stumble across the body of a man who appears to have fallen down a disused quarry. When it is revealed that the man, a local farmer, was probably pushed over the edge, and that the police have failed to find any suspects or motives for the murder, Dorothy can't help but get involved ...
217 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2012
323 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne M. Dams
46 books217 followersJeanne M. Dams lives in South Bend, Indiana. The Body in the Transept, which introduced Dorothy Martin, won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Dams is also the author of Green Grow the Victims and other Hilda Johansson mysteries published by Walker & Company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 23, 2017
Author Jeanne M. Dams’ 11th novel to feature American ex-pat Dorothy Martin and her English husband Alan Nesbit, retired Chief Constable of the Belleshire Constabulary, isn’t bad. It’s just such a let-down from its predecessor, A Dark And Stormy Night, which was a pure delight.
Dorothy and Allen take a well-deserved holiday to the real-life village of Broadway in the Cotswolds. While they’re there, a deaf farmer is shoved to his death, and the curious couple begin snooping. But, with an over-the-top villain and too many threads, The Evil That Men Do wasn’t up to Dams’ usual standard.
Dorothy and Allen take a well-deserved holiday to the real-life village of Broadway in the Cotswolds. While they’re there, a deaf farmer is shoved to his death, and the curious couple begin snooping. But, with an over-the-top villain and too many threads, The Evil That Men Do wasn’t up to Dams’ usual standard.
June 6, 2016
The best thing to say about 'The Evil That Men Do' is that it is instantly forgettable, once read it passes very quickly out of one's mind and a few days later one wonders what it was all about. This is a trifle sad to say because the Cotswold setting is nicely portrayed but the two characters, Dorothy Martin and Alan Nesbitt, the latter a retired chief constable, are very bland. In addition the plot is somewhat garbled and the ending (if I remember correctly) is very loose.
The couple are on a walking tour of the Cotswolds and on one of their rambles they stumble across a body of a man who appears to have fallen into a disused quarry. But was it an accident, was he pushed or was it a suicide? Dorothy and Alan set out to find out, armed with the fact that, just before they discovered the corpse, they encountered a fellow holidaymaker in somewhat bizarre circumstances. So bizarre indeed that Dorothy feels sure that he has something to do with the death of the man in the quarry.
A long, drawn out investigation follows but eventually (thank goodness) Dorothy and Alan, having put themselves in great danger more than once, finally discover the truth and they settle back to get ready for their next case, which is one that I will probably give a miss to.
The couple are on a walking tour of the Cotswolds and on one of their rambles they stumble across a body of a man who appears to have fallen into a disused quarry. But was it an accident, was he pushed or was it a suicide? Dorothy and Alan set out to find out, armed with the fact that, just before they discovered the corpse, they encountered a fellow holidaymaker in somewhat bizarre circumstances. So bizarre indeed that Dorothy feels sure that he has something to do with the death of the man in the quarry.
A long, drawn out investigation follows but eventually (thank goodness) Dorothy and Alan, having put themselves in great danger more than once, finally discover the truth and they settle back to get ready for their next case, which is one that I will probably give a miss to.
November 14, 2021
This one didn't seem to live up to it's title. Admittedly there were one or two references to the abuses that some men inflict on women but the title, at least to me, inferred several men carrying out several evil acts. This wasn't so. Somehow this tale didn't flow as well as it's predecessors. Dorothy and Alan are supposed to be on holiday and one day have an encounter with a boy on a bike. He is upset and from his attitude they surmise there is something far wrong. It turns out that they are all staying in the same B&B but he disappears. Needless to say there is a body and more disappearances then reappearances then disappearances with one bit of excitement before it kind of fizzles out towards the end. I was disappointed.
January 8, 2012
I love dorothy and her husbands life in england !!! Weaker than some .... But jeanne dams lives in my town and gave a talk at our library once and was fantastic !! Didnt read about dorothys hats in this one ..
July 7, 2013
Great as always! I love the characters dorothy and alan. Where can I find a husband like that? Ha Ha. Dorothy is such a likable character, maybe because I myself am getting older but I love her age related issues (creaky knees, plumpness). I hope the author keeps cranking these out.
January 18, 2019
Thank you NYPL! I love the Dorothy Martin mysteries but had hit a dry spell with availability in my local libraries. I can now continue enjoying this series! Dorothy, an amateur investigator, manages to get involved in "assisting" local law enforcement in solving crimes. Married to a retired chief inspector, she is encouraged by her husband in her "Mrs. Marple" crime solving and is very successful in her investigations.
October 30, 2018
A nice little tea cozy of a book. It is the 11th in a series - not the best place to start. If I had read the 1st book I would already by the 11th know and love her characters.
Best thing in the book was her description of the highest English level 'security alert' as "really rather cross."
Best thing in the book was her description of the highest English level 'security alert' as "really rather cross."
December 13, 2014
The Evil That Men Do by Jeanne M. Dams.
Dorothy Martin and her husband Ret. Chief Constable Alan Nesbitt have decided to see the English village of Broadway in the Cotswolds. Touring on their own visiting the lovely small shopping areas and pubs as well as those cozy homes the Cotswolds is famous for is something they've out off for far too long.
The climbing over hill and dale is not exactly what the doctor ordered for Dorothy's replaced knees. It's more of a struggle to keep up with Alan than a vacation. Then as Alan moves ahead of Dorothy while on one of their walking excursions, he spots it. Down below him Alan spies a body. the body of a man.
And so the mystery begins...how did the man fail to see the edge of this precipice. Was it suicide or could it be murder.
This story becomes more involved as they meet a young lad with fear in his eyes who vanishes as fast as he appeared.
Terrific reading that held my interest...and oh yes, a lovely new attention to the family.
Dorothy Martin and her husband Ret. Chief Constable Alan Nesbitt have decided to see the English village of Broadway in the Cotswolds. Touring on their own visiting the lovely small shopping areas and pubs as well as those cozy homes the Cotswolds is famous for is something they've out off for far too long.
The climbing over hill and dale is not exactly what the doctor ordered for Dorothy's replaced knees. It's more of a struggle to keep up with Alan than a vacation. Then as Alan moves ahead of Dorothy while on one of their walking excursions, he spots it. Down below him Alan spies a body. the body of a man.
And so the mystery begins...how did the man fail to see the edge of this precipice. Was it suicide or could it be murder.
This story becomes more involved as they meet a young lad with fear in his eyes who vanishes as fast as he appeared.
Terrific reading that held my interest...and oh yes, a lovely new attention to the family.
December 7, 2011
Not as satisfying as some of her other books. The mystery itself was quite weak--it's really the sleuth, her husband, and England itself that you really enjoy in this outting of the series.
January 26, 2024
"Dorothy Martin and her husband, retired Chief Constable Alan Nesbitt, are on holiday in the idyllic English village of Broadway, situated in the Cotswolds, when they stumble across the body of a man who appears to have fallen down a disused quarry.
"When it is revealed that the man, a local farmer, was probably pushed over the edge and that the police have fa8iled to find any suspects or motives for the murder, Dorothy can't help but get involved.
"A strange encounter with a fellow holidaymaker just before they discovered the corpse arouses her suspicion, and she and Alan set out to solve the case, but not without great risk to the safety of Dorothy herself ..."
~~front flap
Of course any book set in the Cotswolds has my enthusiastic appreciation, bringing back as it does memories of Burton-on-Water, Chipping Camden and Upper & Lower Slaughter. Alan and Dorothy also appreciate the beautiful houses of Cotswold honey-coloured stone and the surrounding countryside, with it's gentle hills and charming footpaths.
The plot varies from the usual: rock stars and social workers and demented psychopaths. And of course Dorothy lands smack in the middle of it all, involving trips to Cheltemham (more memories) and searches for palomino horses.
And Watson -- the delightful little dog that adopts them, insinuating himself into their lives and hearts, and turning out to be the hero of the day.
A very enjoyable English cozy!
"When it is revealed that the man, a local farmer, was probably pushed over the edge and that the police have fa8iled to find any suspects or motives for the murder, Dorothy can't help but get involved.
"A strange encounter with a fellow holidaymaker just before they discovered the corpse arouses her suspicion, and she and Alan set out to solve the case, but not without great risk to the safety of Dorothy herself ..."
~~front flap
Of course any book set in the Cotswolds has my enthusiastic appreciation, bringing back as it does memories of Burton-on-Water, Chipping Camden and Upper & Lower Slaughter. Alan and Dorothy also appreciate the beautiful houses of Cotswold honey-coloured stone and the surrounding countryside, with it's gentle hills and charming footpaths.
The plot varies from the usual: rock stars and social workers and demented psychopaths. And of course Dorothy lands smack in the middle of it all, involving trips to Cheltemham (more memories) and searches for palomino horses.
And Watson -- the delightful little dog that adopts them, insinuating himself into their lives and hearts, and turning out to be the hero of the day.
A very enjoyable English cozy!
July 10, 2023
Dorothy Martin and her husband, ex-Chief Constable Alan Nesbitt, are on holiday in the Cotswolds, a lovely region of England renowned for beautiful landscapes and long walking trails. They are enjoying their stay at a small b&b, where the other guests include some stand-offish Irish ladies and a young man who seems a bit troubled. When a local farmer is found dead, apparently having fallen off a cliff, and the young man Paul disappears, they cannot help but wonder if the two events are connected; it would be a pity, as both Dorothy and Alan liked young Paul. But perhaps something else entirely is what’s really going on…. The Dorothy Martin cozies are slight but entertaining, if only for the travelog that the stories sometimes resemble. I had a bit of difficulty suspending my disbelief this time around, for a couple of reasons: a huge rising pop star with numerous recordings to his name is not likely to have management consisting only of three part-time people, and although Alan would no doubt be respected by police forces country-wide, it is highly unlikely that he’d be invited into a murder inquiry and it beggars belief that members of the public would automatically defer to him, especially as they know that he is retired. Still, Dorothy is engaging, and this particular entry introduces us to a lovely dog, so mildly recommended.
June 23, 2024
The Evil That Men Do by Jeanne M. Dams is the eleventh book of the Dorothy Martin mystery series set in contemporary England. American Dorothy Martin has lived for many years in Sherebury, England with her husband, retired Chief Constable Alan Nesbit. They intend to spend a relaxing few weeks on holiday in the Cotswolds - but discovering a corpse disrupts their plan. The small village of Broadway is shocked by the death of a local farmer, William Simmons, who didn't have enemies.
Dorothy and Alan's stay in Broadway is further disrupted by the disappearance of a young man, Paul Jones, who was staying at the same guest house. Dorothy can't stop worrying about Paul, so they combine sightseeing with investigating. Social worker Jo Carter is also trying to find Paul. When she disappears, Dorothy and Alan are certain she's met with foul play.
Plenty of plot twists keep the mystery entertaining, especially the stray dog that 'adopts' them at their holiday cottage. Descriptions of the Cotswolds make reading the story an armchair vacation.
Dorothy and Alan's stay in Broadway is further disrupted by the disappearance of a young man, Paul Jones, who was staying at the same guest house. Dorothy can't stop worrying about Paul, so they combine sightseeing with investigating. Social worker Jo Carter is also trying to find Paul. When she disappears, Dorothy and Alan are certain she's met with foul play.
Plenty of plot twists keep the mystery entertaining, especially the stray dog that 'adopts' them at their holiday cottage. Descriptions of the Cotswolds make reading the story an armchair vacation.
September 8, 2023
Well one man anyway.
I have this one five stars for a change, because of the end which is quite exciting. This was not a favourite. The story was far removed from dear Dorothy's usual forays into classic old style mystries. At least I don't recall Miss Marple dealing with a case of violent domestic abuse. Here we get our most American lady and her husband off 'doing' the Cotwolds and witnessing a man being pushed over a cliff into a quarry. Throw in a troubled pop star, abused wives, Dorothy's artificial knees, a woman's refuge and we are in strange territory. It felt like a story the author did not enjoy but had to be told. Not well plotted, bitty. But at least it introduced a super dog so that made up for a lot. I cannot recommend this for a first read of the series and I am glad the author got it out of her system. Hope the next car is back on the usual track. There is no way this could be described as 'cozy'.
I have this one five stars for a change, because of the end which is quite exciting. This was not a favourite. The story was far removed from dear Dorothy's usual forays into classic old style mystries. At least I don't recall Miss Marple dealing with a case of violent domestic abuse. Here we get our most American lady and her husband off 'doing' the Cotwolds and witnessing a man being pushed over a cliff into a quarry. Throw in a troubled pop star, abused wives, Dorothy's artificial knees, a woman's refuge and we are in strange territory. It felt like a story the author did not enjoy but had to be told. Not well plotted, bitty. But at least it introduced a super dog so that made up for a lot. I cannot recommend this for a first read of the series and I am glad the author got it out of her system. Hope the next car is back on the usual track. There is no way this could be described as 'cozy'.
July 27, 2020
Another summer holiday, another mysterious murder that Dorothy Martin feels compelled to investigate. While she and her husband enjoy a week in the Cotswolds, one of their wanders leads them to a dead body, that of a elderly farmer without an enemy in the world, according to the village of Broadway. What could be his connection with the pleasant young man who bumped into Dorothy in abject terror on the main street that very afternoon?
The main thing I like about this series is the 'travelogue' that goes with it. The little towns of England sound very enticing indeed.
The main thing I like about this series is the 'travelogue' that goes with it. The little towns of England sound very enticing indeed.
February 14, 2021
I certainly did not expect this amount of danger and violence to be in what is classed as a “cozy.” No Miss Marple resolution here. I suppose all the quaint English countryside and local color might have something to do with the classification. The other problem was motivation. Yes, the villain was a very bad man, even a sociopath, but what led him to embark on his murderous path? Perhaps you don’t have to answer that when you are dealing with a sociopath. It was a gripping read, as one can see by the short amount of time it took to get through, but rather unsatisfying in the end.
May 11, 2022
Watson 🐕
Alan and Dorothy are on holiday in the lovely Cotswolds. As they meet the people and do their tourist thing they run into another dead body and the ensuing trail to find the killer. Eventually they do but he finds Dorothy first. It is quite a harrowing and stomach clinching finish.
P.S. The language police say: There is an “f” word and many expressions of filthy and vulgar language from the killer, but what can you expect from such a base person?
Alan and Dorothy are on holiday in the lovely Cotswolds. As they meet the people and do their tourist thing they run into another dead body and the ensuing trail to find the killer. Eventually they do but he finds Dorothy first. It is quite a harrowing and stomach clinching finish.
P.S. The language police say: There is an “f” word and many expressions of filthy and vulgar language from the killer, but what can you expect from such a base person?
June 16, 2021
Excellent, the best one so far
I've read a lot of mysteries, but I need to pay more attention. This one really drove home that there are useful skills taught by the sleuths of cozy mysteries. Mrs. Martin again saves the day by applying skills learned through reading. Since the associated books are acknowledged, it seems I can look forward to much more reading.
I've read a lot of mysteries, but I need to pay more attention. This one really drove home that there are useful skills taught by the sleuths of cozy mysteries. Mrs. Martin again saves the day by applying skills learned through reading. Since the associated books are acknowledged, it seems I can look forward to much more reading.
June 30, 2021
It's good
I am a follower of the series. Much of the books are really very good, sometimes they are great, but I am really old and like "Dorothy" have read the best and the worst of crime mysteries.
It's hard to make me absolutely "gaga" over a series. In my earlier days I gave out 5 stars" when I shouldn't have, so now I'm more discerning with them.
I am a follower of the series. Much of the books are really very good, sometimes they are great, but I am really old and like "Dorothy" have read the best and the worst of crime mysteries.
It's hard to make me absolutely "gaga" over a series. In my earlier days I gave out 5 stars" when I shouldn't have, so now I'm more discerning with them.
June 1, 2023
trigger warning…deals with domestic abuse
I have loved every book in this series. But this one truly deals with domestic violence in very vivid ways. Part of me regrets reading it.
The plot has as many twists and turns as her other books. The subject matter is pure evil, and shows the plight of many families who are living in violence, by a man who charms others around him.
I have loved every book in this series. But this one truly deals with domestic violence in very vivid ways. Part of me regrets reading it.
The plot has as many twists and turns as her other books. The subject matter is pure evil, and shows the plight of many families who are living in violence, by a man who charms others around him.
June 12, 2023
A rather confusing story. So many people had several different names, people kept disappearing. It starts when Alan & Dorothy find a body, which later appears to have been pushed to its death in a quarry. They are on holiday in the Cotswolds when it starts. I have already lost track of the various plots and subplots, you'll have to read it yourself to find out what happens.
November 16, 2023
Couldn’t Put It Down
I’m recovering from surgery and compelled to try to do chores and administrative work, often to the point of exhaustion. Ms. Dams’ wonderful books (Rx: 1 daily) force me to rest and hydrate for several hours! A few more weeks and I’ll be healthy as a palomino! As a spaniel named Watson!
I’m recovering from surgery and compelled to try to do chores and administrative work, often to the point of exhaustion. Ms. Dams’ wonderful books (Rx: 1 daily) force me to rest and hydrate for several hours! A few more weeks and I’ll be healthy as a palomino! As a spaniel named Watson!
June 4, 2021
Good one
I’ve enjoyed reading this series of books. They’re a quick read, but they are also interesting in their wealth of details, towns, villages, pubs, restaurants, b&b’s, churches, characters. I loved all the Agatha Christie books. I enjoy these too.
I’ve enjoyed reading this series of books. They’re a quick read, but they are also interesting in their wealth of details, towns, villages, pubs, restaurants, b&b’s, churches, characters. I loved all the Agatha Christie books. I enjoy these too.
August 20, 2021
Dorothy certainly draws danger to her!
This was an excellent mystery! However I think I need to take a few days break from Dorothy and Alan! Dorothy got in to so much danger that I can’t jump into the next book in the series because of what terrible deeds may occur next!
This was an excellent mystery! However I think I need to take a few days break from Dorothy and Alan! Dorothy got in to so much danger that I can’t jump into the next book in the series because of what terrible deeds may occur next!
March 13, 2022
Another Win for Dorothy!!
Watson sounds like a wonder dog ! Oops, don't want to give away anything. Dorothy's mind works in mysterious ways! She can add up two and two and come up with 5! On to book 12!!
Watson sounds like a wonder dog ! Oops, don't want to give away anything. Dorothy's mind works in mysterious ways! She can add up two and two and come up with 5! On to book 12!!
July 5, 2022
Murder in the Cotswolds
Dorothy and Alan befriend a young man, then he disappears. An innocuous farmer is murdered and the two sleuths work on both mysteries. The ending is suspenseful. Recommended
Dorothy and Alan befriend a young man, then he disappears. An innocuous farmer is murdered and the two sleuths work on both mysteries. The ending is suspenseful. Recommended
November 1, 2022
Another great story
Another great story by Jeanne featuring Dorothy Martin and her husband this time set in the Cotswo!ds. Great characters and a good story line and a new addition to their family in the shape of the dog.
Another great story by Jeanne featuring Dorothy Martin and her husband this time set in the Cotswo!ds. Great characters and a good story line and a new addition to their family in the shape of the dog.
March 31, 2023
A right rollercoaster
Each book I read I think "that's the best one".
So much going on. I also feel I know Broadway etc the descriptions were so fantastic. It's a book to truly get lost in..
Now for book 12. I can hardly wait.
Each book I read I think "that's the best one".
So much going on. I also feel I know Broadway etc the descriptions were so fantastic. It's a book to truly get lost in..
Now for book 12. I can hardly wait.
November 5, 2018
3-1/2 rounded up to 4*'s....
March 7, 2021
Dorothy and Alan books are always appreciated!
June 9, 2021
Very interesting
Oh how these books grip and draw me in. Just fabulous to sit back have a coffee and read. Delightful.
Oh how these books grip and draw me in. Just fabulous to sit back have a coffee and read. Delightful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews