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Peter Diamond #21
Showstopper
The cast and crew of a hit British TV show are rumored to be cursed--but are these spooky deaths coincidences or murder? It's up to Bath detective Peter Diamond to find out. In the six years since the start of the hit British TV show Swift , its cast and crew have been plagued by misfortune, beginning with the star actress's pulling out of the show before it began. By now there have been multiple injuries by fall, fire, or drowning; two deaths; and two missing persons cases. The media quickly decides it's a curse, but who's to say there isn't a criminal conspiracy afoot? Now that the filming has moved to Bath, Peter Diamond, Chief of the Avon and Somerset Murder Squad, is on the case. While the investigation into one fatal accident is underway, a cameraman goes missing, challenging even the most credulous to wonder if he might have been the victim of foul play rather than a jinx. How can so many things go wrong on one set in such a short time? Complicating already complex matters is the fact that Diamond's boss is trying her best to get him out of her hair; he may be forced to retire if he can't solve the case. Will this be the end for Peter Diamond?
480 pages, Library Binding
First published December 6, 2022
117 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Peter Lovesey
295 books643 followersPeter Harmer Lovesey, also known by his pen name Peter Lear, was a British writer of historical and contemporary detective novels and short stories. His best-known series characters are Sergeant Cribb, a Victorian-era police detective based in London, and Peter Diamond, a modern-day police detective in Bath. He was also one of the world's leading track and field statisticians.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
July 25, 2023
The cast and crew of a popular TV show have experienced quite a few accidents, fires and deaths. The press is starting go to write about whether the show is cursed. When a crew member disappears the police finally get involved and start investigating whether any of these incidents were criminal events, if so were they linked and who might be guilty.
I thought that there would be more behind the scenes details of the TV show, but this was not one of those books. Actually, everyone in this cast and crew seemed to get along just fine. This was a pretty straightforward police procedural, with a lot of suspects. I have read and enjoyed other books in this series featuring Chief Superintendent Peter Diamond, but this one can be read as a standalone. It’s nice to have a group of detectives who are not angst ridden, addicted or otherwise bogged down in interpersonal drama. James Langton did a good job narrating the audiobook.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
I thought that there would be more behind the scenes details of the TV show, but this was not one of those books. Actually, everyone in this cast and crew seemed to get along just fine. This was a pretty straightforward police procedural, with a lot of suspects. I have read and enjoyed other books in this series featuring Chief Superintendent Peter Diamond, but this one can be read as a standalone. It’s nice to have a group of detectives who are not angst ridden, addicted or otherwise bogged down in interpersonal drama. James Langton did a good job narrating the audiobook.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the publisher.
January 6, 2024
I enjoyed this intriguing entry in the Peter Diamond series.
Standout quotes:
"At the mention of Legat, her face switched on like the Blackpool lights [...] she made him sound like the first swallow of summer." How lovely to be the reason someone's face lights up and to be described in this way.
"She's more jealous than the Mona Lisa's best friend."
Standout quotes:
"At the mention of Legat, her face switched on like the Blackpool lights [...] she made him sound like the first swallow of summer." How lovely to be the reason someone's face lights up and to be described in this way.
"She's more jealous than the Mona Lisa's best friend."
December 8, 2022
I had the opportunity to listen to the “Showstopper “ audiobook. This is part of the Detective Peter Diamond series but my first Peter Lovesey novel.
A British TV show ‘Swift’ has had many problems over the years. People involved with the show have had serious injuries, deaths and even a couple have gone missing. Detective Peter Diamond is needed to determine if this show is cursed or if there’s something more going on like murder.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. I like feeling like I’m behind the scenes on the TV show set. This is a good detective mystery book and retained my interest.
I would like to thank NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to review this audiobook.
A British TV show ‘Swift’ has had many problems over the years. People involved with the show have had serious injuries, deaths and even a couple have gone missing. Detective Peter Diamond is needed to determine if this show is cursed or if there’s something more going on like murder.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book. I like feeling like I’m behind the scenes on the TV show set. This is a good detective mystery book and retained my interest.
I would like to thank NetGalley and RB Media for the opportunity to review this audiobook.
December 27, 2022
“Showstopper” is a showstopper!
Everything about this interesting detective story shines. The plot is complex without being confusing or convoluted. The main character, Detective Peter Diamond, is highly likable, as is his team. Author Peter Lovesey knows his craft well and his even writing style goes down like a smooth cup of coffee. Dialogue and description are perfectly balanced, as is the mix of wit and suspense. I read this book every free moment I could straight through until the end, and now that I finished, I miss it and the characters that populate it.
If you enjoy the classic TV detectives Colombo and Maigret, you are sure to like this book. Diamond reminds me of both those detectives, with his keen intuition, calm demeanor, and unhurried approach. He’s an old pro with decades of experience, yet remains humble and kind. Getting to know him as a character is a pleasure.
I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by James Langton. His voice was easy to listen to and I enjoyed the way he read it.
Thank you very much Netgalley and RB Media for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Everything about this interesting detective story shines. The plot is complex without being confusing or convoluted. The main character, Detective Peter Diamond, is highly likable, as is his team. Author Peter Lovesey knows his craft well and his even writing style goes down like a smooth cup of coffee. Dialogue and description are perfectly balanced, as is the mix of wit and suspense. I read this book every free moment I could straight through until the end, and now that I finished, I miss it and the characters that populate it.
If you enjoy the classic TV detectives Colombo and Maigret, you are sure to like this book. Diamond reminds me of both those detectives, with his keen intuition, calm demeanor, and unhurried approach. He’s an old pro with decades of experience, yet remains humble and kind. Getting to know him as a character is a pleasure.
I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by James Langton. His voice was easy to listen to and I enjoyed the way he read it.
Thank you very much Netgalley and RB Media for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
December 7, 2022
Nothing spells reading enjoyment like a Peter Diamond mystery with its wit, humor, clever plots, and iconic main character. Think you know all about backseat drivers? If you haven't been graced with Peter Diamond as a passenger, think again. Moreover, no one can ignore technology like he can. Fortunately, he has a team that works like a well-oiled machine, a team that's aware of this man's quirks and can deal with them without even blinking an eye. Diamond may enjoy teasing members of his team, but he's also quick to praise them when a job is well done.
In Showstopper, Diamond and his team get a real workout as they try to discover why so many things are going wrong on the set of the hit television series Swift, and I have to admit that I had to wait for Diamond to work his magic because I was nowhere close to solving the case myself.
I enjoyed the devious plot. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. I enjoyed the backstage look at filming a hit TV show. And I certainly enjoyed Lovesey's knack for turning a vivid phrase ("an ancient wisteria with vines like petrified pythons"). If you haven't made the acquaintance of Peter Diamond, feel free to start right here with Showstopper. Yes, the characters do grow as the series progresses, but Lovesey is a master at treating each book as if it's a standalone. I jumped in about six or seven books ago and have never felt lost. However, I've also gathered together several of the earlier books to read at my leisure because Peter Diamond is one of those very addictive characters whom you just can't ignore.
(Reading copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
In Showstopper, Diamond and his team get a real workout as they try to discover why so many things are going wrong on the set of the hit television series Swift, and I have to admit that I had to wait for Diamond to work his magic because I was nowhere close to solving the case myself.
I enjoyed the devious plot. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. I enjoyed the backstage look at filming a hit TV show. And I certainly enjoyed Lovesey's knack for turning a vivid phrase ("an ancient wisteria with vines like petrified pythons"). If you haven't made the acquaintance of Peter Diamond, feel free to start right here with Showstopper. Yes, the characters do grow as the series progresses, but Lovesey is a master at treating each book as if it's a standalone. I jumped in about six or seven books ago and have never felt lost. However, I've also gathered together several of the earlier books to read at my leisure because Peter Diamond is one of those very addictive characters whom you just can't ignore.
(Reading copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
January 8, 2023
This review contains no spoilers.
Those of us who are dedicated fans of Peter Lovesey and his brilliant creation, Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond, have been absolutely spoiled over the years. In the 30+ years since the first Diamond adventure was published, fans have been blessed with another 20 novels. In fact, over the past decade or so, a new book has been released roughly annually, and they've all been excellent.
The latest in this recent run, Showstopper, is another superb offering, and I blasted through it in roughly a week, which is an absolute rarity for a slow reader like myself. As usual with this terrific series, the story itself was fascinating and complex, and the characters were unique and varied. A Lovesey mystery is always "fair" in that the clues are there to help you figure out what's going on, but there are typically so many moving parts that it's impossible to get it sorted before Diamond reveals what's really happening. This book was no different. I was wonderfully confused without being completely lost, and the ending was satisfying.
Something else I really enjoy about this series of books is the ongoing growth of Diamond and his team. I am a big fan of his squad, especially Ingeborg Smith and the "young" Paul Gilbert. As I mentioned to a good friend, I am probably drawn to Gilbert because he and I share a first name, initials, and an endearing earnestness. In this novel, Diamond himself experiences some personal growth, too, as he (like his devoted fans) grapples with his advancing age and what it means to his career. Fortunately for all of us, the ingenious Diamond is as sharp as ever.
Mr. Lovesey's most recent newsletter indicated that the next Diamond book won't be coming out on the recent annual schedule, but there is one taking shape for 2024. I'll miss the sharp writing, the dazzling wit, and the mental challenge of solving a Diamond mystery in 2023, but you can rely on me snapping up the next volume as soon as it's available and charging through it like a rocket when it's in my hands. This is my all-time favorite mystery series, and I highly recommend not just this book but the entire sequence to any and all.
Those of us who are dedicated fans of Peter Lovesey and his brilliant creation, Detective Superintendent Peter Diamond, have been absolutely spoiled over the years. In the 30+ years since the first Diamond adventure was published, fans have been blessed with another 20 novels. In fact, over the past decade or so, a new book has been released roughly annually, and they've all been excellent.
The latest in this recent run, Showstopper, is another superb offering, and I blasted through it in roughly a week, which is an absolute rarity for a slow reader like myself. As usual with this terrific series, the story itself was fascinating and complex, and the characters were unique and varied. A Lovesey mystery is always "fair" in that the clues are there to help you figure out what's going on, but there are typically so many moving parts that it's impossible to get it sorted before Diamond reveals what's really happening. This book was no different. I was wonderfully confused without being completely lost, and the ending was satisfying.
Something else I really enjoy about this series of books is the ongoing growth of Diamond and his team. I am a big fan of his squad, especially Ingeborg Smith and the "young" Paul Gilbert. As I mentioned to a good friend, I am probably drawn to Gilbert because he and I share a first name, initials, and an endearing earnestness. In this novel, Diamond himself experiences some personal growth, too, as he (like his devoted fans) grapples with his advancing age and what it means to his career. Fortunately for all of us, the ingenious Diamond is as sharp as ever.
Mr. Lovesey's most recent newsletter indicated that the next Diamond book won't be coming out on the recent annual schedule, but there is one taking shape for 2024. I'll miss the sharp writing, the dazzling wit, and the mental challenge of solving a Diamond mystery in 2023, but you can rely on me snapping up the next volume as soon as it's available and charging through it like a rocket when it's in my hands. This is my all-time favorite mystery series, and I highly recommend not just this book but the entire sequence to any and all.
January 26, 2023
Peter Diamond doesn't believe in jinxes, or in popular media, for that matter. But he's driven to investigate what seems to be a number of curious events around a popular tv series filming in Bath. His boss is muttering about Peter's retirement, which he has never considered and the idea of which fills him with dread. Just what happened to the new rigger on the show, and did the same thing happen to the production assistant several years ago? Since no-one has seen either man since, and no bodies have been found, it's hard to tell. But Peter and his crew dig away at the problem, despite obstruction from the diva-like star of the show, and marked lack of cooperation from a variety of other employees. Like most of the Peter Diamond novels, this combines some realistic investigation with a fairly far-out basic premise, but it's always fun.
December 11, 2022
There is a new detective in town. Actually, he's been around in the mystery literary circles for over 30 years, and he's just new to me. "Showstopper" is the 21st book in the Peter Diamond mystery series by Peter Lovesey but the first one I read. What a pleasant surprise!
Peter Diamond, the detective at the Bath MCIT (the Major Crime Investigation Team), doesn't think the popular TV series "Swift" amounts to anything. After watching one episode, he states that "policing isn't like that." However, it turns out the show can use some real police work: a fire, some tragic incidents, and two missing persons are more than enough to open the investigation. Is the show jinxed as the superstitious actors believe, or is it in someone's interest to cancel the series?
I enjoyed this story very much, mainly for its character-driven humor. Peter Diamond is an old-school detective with exceptional observation skills whose comments on other people's behavior and personalities are always amusing. Being a slightly tongue-in-cheek man, he's not always in the limelight. The other members of his team are equally interesting, and each of them brings something new to the case. Reading about their meetings and following their conversations, I could easily imagine Diamond and his team being skillful in their work and often hilarious in everyday situations.
And there is the magic of Bath, although, in Peter Lovesey's mystery, this beautiful place can be surprisingly dark. The mixture of humor, narration, and the great storyline in "Showstopper" can make one pause in their constant search for the next good mystery novel and spend their evening enjoying this clever book.
Peter Diamond, the detective at the Bath MCIT (the Major Crime Investigation Team), doesn't think the popular TV series "Swift" amounts to anything. After watching one episode, he states that "policing isn't like that." However, it turns out the show can use some real police work: a fire, some tragic incidents, and two missing persons are more than enough to open the investigation. Is the show jinxed as the superstitious actors believe, or is it in someone's interest to cancel the series?
I enjoyed this story very much, mainly for its character-driven humor. Peter Diamond is an old-school detective with exceptional observation skills whose comments on other people's behavior and personalities are always amusing. Being a slightly tongue-in-cheek man, he's not always in the limelight. The other members of his team are equally interesting, and each of them brings something new to the case. Reading about their meetings and following their conversations, I could easily imagine Diamond and his team being skillful in their work and often hilarious in everyday situations.
And there is the magic of Bath, although, in Peter Lovesey's mystery, this beautiful place can be surprisingly dark. The mixture of humor, narration, and the great storyline in "Showstopper" can make one pause in their constant search for the next good mystery novel and spend their evening enjoying this clever book.
April 22, 2025
I always find that Peter Lovesey's novels start off frustratingly slowly and then build up steam towards the relentless conclusion like a literary rollercoaster. Well, Showstopper is no exception, and as ever, I really enjoyed it.
The story is based around a supposedly jinxed popular tv series, which Peter Diamond dislikes because it focuses upon a glamorous female criminal who always manages to outwit the police in spectacular style. Deciding that the 'curse' on the show is nothing more than odd, unrelated incidents, Diamond decides to let one of his younger officers try his hand at being in charge of his first investigation. This all changes when the officer witnesses the latest in the show's near-death incidents, and Diamond, faced by pressures from inside and outside the police force, has no choice but to become involved.
This is another terrific case for Lovesey's Bath-based detective, and it is one of my favourites of the Diamonf novels I've read. The setting in the world of television production is fascinating, and as ever, there are great characters to meet. As usual, my identification of the killer changed several times, and of course, I didn't pin the real villain at all. The ending came as a complete surprise to me because I'd thought it completely unlikely and a red herring. It all made sense in the end, of course; it was a conclusion I liked, and might even set up a return for said villain if Lovesey chose to go down that route.
It's an enjoyable read.
The story is based around a supposedly jinxed popular tv series, which Peter Diamond dislikes because it focuses upon a glamorous female criminal who always manages to outwit the police in spectacular style. Deciding that the 'curse' on the show is nothing more than odd, unrelated incidents, Diamond decides to let one of his younger officers try his hand at being in charge of his first investigation. This all changes when the officer witnesses the latest in the show's near-death incidents, and Diamond, faced by pressures from inside and outside the police force, has no choice but to become involved.
This is another terrific case for Lovesey's Bath-based detective, and it is one of my favourites of the Diamonf novels I've read. The setting in the world of television production is fascinating, and as ever, there are great characters to meet. As usual, my identification of the killer changed several times, and of course, I didn't pin the real villain at all. The ending came as a complete surprise to me because I'd thought it completely unlikely and a red herring. It all made sense in the end, of course; it was a conclusion I liked, and might even set up a return for said villain if Lovesey chose to go down that route.
It's an enjoyable read.
March 23, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this one, certainly a lot better than some of the recent entries. A very intriguing case and a delightful cast of characters. A few red herrings and in all honestly I wouldn't have sussed it myself.
Sadly I have now completed the series (at the time of writing) so now need to find a new series to fill the gap. I will probably try the Hen Mallin series also by Peter Lovesey.
Sadly I have now completed the series (at the time of writing) so now need to find a new series to fill the gap. I will probably try the Hen Mallin series also by Peter Lovesey.
February 18, 2023
Another wonderful Peter Diamond mystery . Amazingly plotted, great characters surprise ending.
January 12, 2023
The report of the sudden death of Daisy Summerfield, a veteran actor in the top-rated crime TV series Swift, set in the West Country, is the third tragic incident in two years involving a cast member. Last night the show’s producer dismissed suggestions that the series is jinxed.
Chief Inspector Peter Diamond is not a believer in Jinxes. Actors are a superstitious lot. The paper must be stuck for news, is his comment.
However, when a few weeks later one of the TV’s rigger crew goes missing and blood stains are found at his place, Diamond puts the new junior member of the squad DC Paul Gilbert on the case.
Eventually Diamond is forced to take an interest when Paul Gilbert goes on location with the TV unit and witnesses another near-death incident. Although, as he says to Paul, the series has two stunt people there are bound to be near-misses that’s why they have stunt people. And now the papers have picked it up any slight incident will be fuel to this jinx theory.
Despite his dismissive attitude to Paul Gilbert he finds himself making a list of the incidents by date and the tally comes out at nine incidents. Three being missing people who have never been seen again. Maybe it’s not a jinx and maybe crimes are being committed. As he looks at all the incidents, he can see no correlation between them, but his interest has now been sparked.
Meanwhile Paul Gilbert is visiting the last place the missing rigger was seen, an old airfield Charmy Down and it’s here that he encounters the biggest dog he has ever seen, luckily, he was roped, and at the end of the rope was a man with a white beard of biblical size. He identifies himself as William Legat. Being in the vicinity where the rigger Jake Nicol was last working makes him a person of interest and Paul invites him to spend a night in the cells. Who could refuse such an offer? But was he the last person to see Jake Nicol?
This is the 21st book in the Peter Diamond series and may be the most baffling case that has come his way. Under pressure from his boss Georgina Dallymore, he begins to doubt himself, not least when she mentions the word ‘retirement’.
The story is rich in characters, and as the story progressed, I was as baffled as Diamond. I have enjoyed all Peter Lovesey’s books and this in no exception. An intriguing tale with a surprising ending. Highly recommended.
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
Chief Inspector Peter Diamond is not a believer in Jinxes. Actors are a superstitious lot. The paper must be stuck for news, is his comment.
However, when a few weeks later one of the TV’s rigger crew goes missing and blood stains are found at his place, Diamond puts the new junior member of the squad DC Paul Gilbert on the case.
Eventually Diamond is forced to take an interest when Paul Gilbert goes on location with the TV unit and witnesses another near-death incident. Although, as he says to Paul, the series has two stunt people there are bound to be near-misses that’s why they have stunt people. And now the papers have picked it up any slight incident will be fuel to this jinx theory.
Despite his dismissive attitude to Paul Gilbert he finds himself making a list of the incidents by date and the tally comes out at nine incidents. Three being missing people who have never been seen again. Maybe it’s not a jinx and maybe crimes are being committed. As he looks at all the incidents, he can see no correlation between them, but his interest has now been sparked.
Meanwhile Paul Gilbert is visiting the last place the missing rigger was seen, an old airfield Charmy Down and it’s here that he encounters the biggest dog he has ever seen, luckily, he was roped, and at the end of the rope was a man with a white beard of biblical size. He identifies himself as William Legat. Being in the vicinity where the rigger Jake Nicol was last working makes him a person of interest and Paul invites him to spend a night in the cells. Who could refuse such an offer? But was he the last person to see Jake Nicol?
This is the 21st book in the Peter Diamond series and may be the most baffling case that has come his way. Under pressure from his boss Georgina Dallymore, he begins to doubt himself, not least when she mentions the word ‘retirement’.
The story is rich in characters, and as the story progressed, I was as baffled as Diamond. I have enjoyed all Peter Lovesey’s books and this in no exception. An intriguing tale with a surprising ending. Highly recommended.
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
January 8, 2023
Peter Lovesey was listed as one of my favourite authors when I wrote my first profile for Goodreads, over 600 books ago. I have read and enjoyed almost everything that he has written particularly the Peter Diamond series.
I dont know whether it is to do with his descriptive writing about locations that has me wanting to take the two hour drive to see them - or the team that Diamond leads that I feel that I know, but whatever it is, I was delighted when my wife told me she had a copy of his latest. Other books waiting patiently on my 'To read' shelf but were pushed aside as Showstopper took precedence.
For the Armchair Detective I didnt see too many clues given, but the pleasure for me in this was in the narrative. From memory, I didnt go overboard for the last book and maybe even questioned whether a cowriter or ghost had been used. Here we are definitely back to normal. Also
after the last book I wondered if our hero was about to be retired and this thought was echoed at the beginning of this one too. You will have to read it to find out if it happens.
In this story Diamond and the team are involved with a production company which seems to be cursed by accidents to the personnel. One scene , being filmed on the famous Pulteney Bridge, features an amusing exchange concerning a death scene from Les Mis that was also filmed there.
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
I dont know whether it is to do with his descriptive writing about locations that has me wanting to take the two hour drive to see them - or the team that Diamond leads that I feel that I know, but whatever it is, I was delighted when my wife told me she had a copy of his latest. Other books waiting patiently on my 'To read' shelf but were pushed aside as Showstopper took precedence.
For the Armchair Detective I didnt see too many clues given, but the pleasure for me in this was in the narrative. From memory, I didnt go overboard for the last book and maybe even questioned whether a cowriter or ghost had been used. Here we are definitely back to normal. Also
after the last book I wondered if our hero was about to be retired and this thought was echoed at the beginning of this one too. You will have to read it to find out if it happens.
In this story Diamond and the team are involved with a production company which seems to be cursed by accidents to the personnel. One scene , being filmed on the famous Pulteney Bridge, features an amusing exchange concerning a death scene from Les Mis that was also filmed there.
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
March 1, 2023
OMG! My first Peter Lovesey novel and certainly not my last! :) This one is the latest in the Peter Diamond (Chief of the Avon and Somerset Murder Squad) series. Not having read any of the other books; here are some quick impressions.
Peter Diamond - an older detective or inspector - you know the Brits - not ready for retirement - not quite curmudgeonly but can be grumpy and set in his ways - BUT he knows it and seems to be aware of his shortcomings. Has a partner but has constant memories about his loved late wife who was apparently murdered. I will have to start from the beginning of the series to discover the details.
His boss Georgina - ready to push him into retirement BUT....
His team - Ingeborg and Paul Gilbert and Jean Sharp and others who bring comic relief and humanity to the story.
Mostly set in Bath, England - Loved visiting England but was never able to get to that area. Called out to investigate shenanigans (all because of an anonymous article in the local news) in a TV show (Swift) shot in and around Bath. Lots of odd events including missing people from the TV crew and actors. Looks like small stuff; but evolves into murder and mayhem. Love murder and mayhem. Unlike some similar series, this one appears to be more detailed with signs of real humility and humanity. :) Love love detail.
The twist at the end is really unexpected and fun. I'm starting at the beginning of the series. :) Holey moley! I just realized I have to read 20 books to catch up with this one! :)
Peter Diamond - an older detective or inspector - you know the Brits - not ready for retirement - not quite curmudgeonly but can be grumpy and set in his ways - BUT he knows it and seems to be aware of his shortcomings. Has a partner but has constant memories about his loved late wife who was apparently murdered. I will have to start from the beginning of the series to discover the details.
His boss Georgina - ready to push him into retirement BUT....
His team - Ingeborg and Paul Gilbert and Jean Sharp and others who bring comic relief and humanity to the story.
Mostly set in Bath, England - Loved visiting England but was never able to get to that area. Called out to investigate shenanigans (all because of an anonymous article in the local news) in a TV show (Swift) shot in and around Bath. Lots of odd events including missing people from the TV crew and actors. Looks like small stuff; but evolves into murder and mayhem. Love murder and mayhem. Unlike some similar series, this one appears to be more detailed with signs of real humility and humanity. :) Love love detail.
The twist at the end is really unexpected and fun. I'm starting at the beginning of the series. :) Holey moley! I just realized I have to read 20 books to catch up with this one! :)
December 26, 2022
In my review of Diamond and the Eye, I mentioned that the style strayed from the typical Diamond format, and moved more towards that of other Lovesey works. Well, the typical style for Diamond mysteries is back in book 21, and I was glad to have it back. Diamond's mood reminded me a lot of the character in way back in Diamond Solitaire.
I see some other reviewers say things are a little confusing or there's a lot of back story that seems to be missing, as as someone who actually started this series when I stumbled on The Vault (it's book six for those who don't know) and who has in general read out of order as I can get the books from libraries, I understand the feeling; I can't imagine starting on book 21.
Overall, you can't go wrong with a Diamond mystery.
I see some other reviewers say things are a little confusing or there's a lot of back story that seems to be missing, as as someone who actually started this series when I stumbled on The Vault (it's book six for those who don't know) and who has in general read out of order as I can get the books from libraries, I understand the feeling; I can't imagine starting on book 21.
Overall, you can't go wrong with a Diamond mystery.
December 28, 2022
It was a privilege to listen to the Audiobook version of Peter Lovesey’s latest mystery novel entitled “Showstopper.” Did I enjoy Lovesey’s latest Peter Diamond story. Absolutely. Did I enjoy moving around the fabulous Bath, England as detective Diamond has a series set of murders, burglaries, and accidents that have occurred in and around Bath and in and around a successful television show filmed in …you guessed it —Bath!
We enjoy Diamond’s work behind the scenes of the production to figure out the connections between the television show and the illegal mayhem. And does he, while he manages the pressure of being gently nudged towards retirement? Diamond’s fan worry, fret, but are confident Diamond will untie this Gordian Knot.
And all this fun listening to “Showstopper” is thanks to the good folks of NetGalley. May Diamond succeed and continue to keep Bath safe and secure. And…you guessed it. Five (5) stars for “Showstopper.”
We enjoy Diamond’s work behind the scenes of the production to figure out the connections between the television show and the illegal mayhem. And does he, while he manages the pressure of being gently nudged towards retirement? Diamond’s fan worry, fret, but are confident Diamond will untie this Gordian Knot.
And all this fun listening to “Showstopper” is thanks to the good folks of NetGalley. May Diamond succeed and continue to keep Bath safe and secure. And…you guessed it. Five (5) stars for “Showstopper.”
February 11, 2024
When certain members of the cast and crew of a popular British TV crime drama start disappearing or--well--dropping like flies, local Murder Squad Chief Peter Diamond and his team step in to investigate. Every character is fully realized--especially the aging, increasingly insecure (and occasionally mistake-prone) Diamond himself. If clever police procedurals are your thing, this is the book for you; and if you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a top-rated TV show, you'll be doubly pleased. Not the best whodunit I've read recently--it's excessively talky--but certainly a good one, and promising enough to make me want to add Lovesey (whom I had never read before) to my collection.
December 29, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy in exchange for a honest review. Set in my home town of Bath Peter Diamond and his team are looking into rumours that a TV show is cursed following the dissapearance of the crew, a suspicious fire and a death following a break in. Diamond's boss tells him there is nothing to investigate and hints at him retiring. Diamond is determined to solve the case.
February 3, 2023
Peter Diamond refuses to get dragged into the modern era of computers and cell phones, but he does extremely well in catching his criminals. Much honor must go to those quirky detectives on his team who don't always understand him or the way his mind works, but they provide the evidence for Diamond to get the job done.
I've read all of the books in this series.
I've read all of the books in this series.
April 21, 2023
Peter Diamond is getting up there in age, and this case is sufficiently complex to require someone who has been around the block a time or two to solve. I continue to enjoy this series, and would recommend.
October 8, 2024
This is a Superintendent Diamond episode of a much higher standard than some of the recent stories. The plot involves the suspicious disappearances of members of the production team making a TV crime series. Many dismissed theories and some old fashioned digging about by detectives albeit much through the use of the internet finally bring him to the correct conclusion.
Diamond has become something of a dinosaur and his team is beginning to seem jaded and in need of a revamp. Nevertheless, this is a good plot and an excellent read. 4 stars for me.
Diamond has become something of a dinosaur and his team is beginning to seem jaded and in need of a revamp. Nevertheless, this is a good plot and an excellent read. 4 stars for me.
April 24, 2023
Enjoyed the plot and British characters.
August 30, 2023
You really can’t go wrong with a Peter Lovesey book.
July 7, 2024
It took me a while to warm to Lovesey, but the plot was clever and the perpetrator was not obvious. In the end, a rewarding reaf
March 20, 2025
Great plot twist, kept interested and not dozens of characters so that you loose track. Simplicity and brilliance in one
I'd deffo read more of Peter Loveseys work especially 'Against the Grain'
I'd deffo read more of Peter Loveseys work especially 'Against the Grain'
December 16, 2022
This is the first book I’ve read by Peter Lovesey, although he is a very prolific writer ✍️.
January 12, 2023
Latest in a generally competent, enjoyable (and long!) classic British police procedural series. There have been a few titles where author Peter Lovesey rather phoned it in, but this one is back in good form. Detective Peter Diamond is mellowing a bit as he ages, has moved in with his longtime lover Paloma, and indulges his cat. He has also developed a finer appreciation of his colleagues - a diverse-ish bunch (several women, youngsters with sharp computer skills, one with some neurodivergent traits that are used to good effect). An interesting setting in this outing - a long-running hit TV crime show with a large "cast" of director, producers, assistants, actors, stunt doubles, riggers, grips, etc. - suffering an unsettling string of disappearances, injuries, accidents, and deaths. Lovesey drops the right crumbs of clues in the right places; even if you peg the guilty, there are still surprises to be sprung, ferreted out by Diamond's smart, brave colleagues as he puts pieces together (sometimes very incorrectly indeed!). Nice job done by both Peters.
August 5, 2025
What can I say other than the book was free
December 25, 2022
Lovesey does it again. The Peter Diamond series is top notch mystery and this story was no exception. I laughed out loud at Diamond's eccentricity and enjoyed the plot twists. Retirement? He'd better not. Without Diamond, murderers would run amok in Bath.
February 19, 2023
Dull
drags and drags.
They keep rehashing exactly the same thoughts over. and over. and over ..With zero new insight .
It could if been lively as a longish short story.
Maybe one or 2 of the earlier books in rhe series might of been interesting .
But since this is book 21 not surprised its so bad .I have yet to try a series longer than 10 books that is still interesting and not just repetitive . Im guessing it jumped the shark a long time ago..some where in the teens
drags and drags.
They keep rehashing exactly the same thoughts over. and over. and over ..With zero new insight .
It could if been lively as a longish short story.
Maybe one or 2 of the earlier books in rhe series might of been interesting .
But since this is book 21 not surprised its so bad .I have yet to try a series longer than 10 books that is still interesting and not just repetitive . Im guessing it jumped the shark a long time ago..some where in the teens
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