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DI Joanna Piercy #8
Wings Over the Watcher
A missing woman.
A jilted lover.
A baffling murder.
Beatrice Pennington lives a seemingly quiet life. Married and middle-aged, she’s a part-time librarian and an enthusiastic member of Leek’s cycling club.
So when her husband Arthur turns up at the police station, frantically claiming Beatrice is missing, Detective Joanna Piercy can’t help but think the woman probably just got bored with her own life.
Maybe she ran off with another man? Certainly nothing serious could have happened to her.
But as the days pass there is still no trace of Beatrice. DI Piercy begins to worry — could there have been foul play after all . . . ?
Then a body is found. Strangled and dumped under a hedge on a moorland road.
As DI Piercy investigates she unearths a dangerous web of lies. When does unrequited love become stalking? And when does stalking end in murder?
A jilted lover.
A baffling murder.
Beatrice Pennington lives a seemingly quiet life. Married and middle-aged, she’s a part-time librarian and an enthusiastic member of Leek’s cycling club.
So when her husband Arthur turns up at the police station, frantically claiming Beatrice is missing, Detective Joanna Piercy can’t help but think the woman probably just got bored with her own life.
Maybe she ran off with another man? Certainly nothing serious could have happened to her.
But as the days pass there is still no trace of Beatrice. DI Piercy begins to worry — could there have been foul play after all . . . ?
Then a body is found. Strangled and dumped under a hedge on a moorland road.
As DI Piercy investigates she unearths a dangerous web of lies. When does unrequited love become stalking? And when does stalking end in murder?
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2006
331 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Priscilla Masters
63 books79 followersPriscilla Masters' writing career started in 1987 when she published Mr. Bateman's Garden, a children's book set in Biddulph Grange Gardens belonging to the National Trust. After that she created Inspector Joanna Piercy and has now also written a number of Medical Mysteries.
Priscilla Masters lives in Shropshire, England. She works part-time in Staffordshire as a practice nurse.
Priscilla Masters lives in Shropshire, England. She works part-time in Staffordshire as a practice nurse.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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January 14, 2009Wings over the Watcher, by Priscilla Masters. A.
narrated by Judith Boyd, produced by Isis, downloaded from audible.com.
This author has become one of my favorite authors. In this book, Inspector Joanna Piercy is in the throes of dealing with a miscarriage alone because her lover is in America. They are in conflict and it isn’t clear whether the relationship will survive. She has hit the doldrums in work too as her job of inspector seems to involve mostly paperwork. Then Arthur Pennington enters her office and says that his wife has disappeared, that she left for work the day before, never got to work, and hasn’t been seen since. He indicates that his wife, Beatrice, always sticks to routine. He insists that she couldn’t have left him for anyone else, couldn’t even have run away. Coincidentally, Beatrice was in a bicycling women’s group that Joanna was also in. Beatrice had confided to Joanna, and to others in the group, that she had a lover, that they were going to live together, and she had seemed very happy. She had lost a lot of weight and was taking more pains with her looks. So, Joanna knew from the start that it was possible that she had left her husband. So she didn’t take the case too seriously at first. Then Beatrice’s body turned up dumped in a deserted area, and she had been strangled. The case involves unraveling Beatrice’s life which had many secrets, false friends, and people who took advantage of her and laughed at her. It involves Beatrice stalking a doctor who was kind to her. Masters is at her best in this psychological drama. Her books are usually read by Judith Boyd, who reads her books well, very dramatically, and what would usually be to slowly for me, but works with these books.
narrated by Judith Boyd, produced by Isis, downloaded from audible.com.
This author has become one of my favorite authors. In this book, Inspector Joanna Piercy is in the throes of dealing with a miscarriage alone because her lover is in America. They are in conflict and it isn’t clear whether the relationship will survive. She has hit the doldrums in work too as her job of inspector seems to involve mostly paperwork. Then Arthur Pennington enters her office and says that his wife has disappeared, that she left for work the day before, never got to work, and hasn’t been seen since. He indicates that his wife, Beatrice, always sticks to routine. He insists that she couldn’t have left him for anyone else, couldn’t even have run away. Coincidentally, Beatrice was in a bicycling women’s group that Joanna was also in. Beatrice had confided to Joanna, and to others in the group, that she had a lover, that they were going to live together, and she had seemed very happy. She had lost a lot of weight and was taking more pains with her looks. So, Joanna knew from the start that it was possible that she had left her husband. So she didn’t take the case too seriously at first. Then Beatrice’s body turned up dumped in a deserted area, and she had been strangled. The case involves unraveling Beatrice’s life which had many secrets, false friends, and people who took advantage of her and laughed at her. It involves Beatrice stalking a doctor who was kind to her. Masters is at her best in this psychological drama. Her books are usually read by Judith Boyd, who reads her books well, very dramatically, and what would usually be to slowly for me, but works with these books.
February 24, 2023
Disappointing
I have enjoyed most of this series to date, but this and the previous one were disappointing. The stories were slow and it seems as though someone has murdered the proof reader. Especially in this book, as I don't recall seeing so many spelling errors or grammatical and punctuation errors in any book before. I skip over a few, but these were a serious distraction. It was impossible to work out what the author was trying to say, at times. If the plot had been better, I might have been more forgiving, but as it is, I am done with this series. I gave it two stars because I did, eventually manage to struggle on to the end of the book. I can't say it was worth it, though.
I have enjoyed most of this series to date, but this and the previous one were disappointing. The stories were slow and it seems as though someone has murdered the proof reader. Especially in this book, as I don't recall seeing so many spelling errors or grammatical and punctuation errors in any book before. I skip over a few, but these were a serious distraction. It was impossible to work out what the author was trying to say, at times. If the plot had been better, I might have been more forgiving, but as it is, I am done with this series. I gave it two stars because I did, eventually manage to struggle on to the end of the book. I can't say it was worth it, though.
November 16, 2022
An enthralling story
Joanna is trying to write a letter to Matthew, telling him about her miscarriage. A distracted detective, not at her best,but following her professionl. This book keeps the suspense and intrigue at a high pitch as a murder inquiry begins with unusual twists. The suspects are few, as Joanna slowly unfolds the hidden clues. I liked that Joanna is dedicated to the victim's right to have justice. There is always a hook at the end of the book, that leaves the reader wanting more. I will be reading the next book immediately, and can't wait to plunge into it.
Joanna is trying to write a letter to Matthew, telling him about her miscarriage. A distracted detective, not at her best,but following her professionl. This book keeps the suspense and intrigue at a high pitch as a murder inquiry begins with unusual twists. The suspects are few, as Joanna slowly unfolds the hidden clues. I liked that Joanna is dedicated to the victim's right to have justice. There is always a hook at the end of the book, that leaves the reader wanting more. I will be reading the next book immediately, and can't wait to plunge into it.
October 13, 2022
Sorry to see this series end, hope there is a book 9 coming. This was the best of the series, Joanna finds that police work isn't her whole life. There are so many twists in this plot make the book hard to put down. It was the kind of book you read through to the end, enjoying each turn of the page. I was sorry to see it end, but thing were tied up well.
November 11, 2022
Excellent!
I'd not heard of Prisilla Masters or Detective Joanna Piercy before, but wow, what an enjoyable read.
Not too many characters to remember, but memorable ones none the less, all glued together by the fresh story, and at a great pace.
As with a good books, I was sad to finish it, but starting out at book no 8, I've hopefully got 7 more really good reads ahead.
I'd not heard of Prisilla Masters or Detective Joanna Piercy before, but wow, what an enjoyable read.
Not too many characters to remember, but memorable ones none the less, all glued together by the fresh story, and at a great pace.
As with a good books, I was sad to finish it, but starting out at book no 8, I've hopefully got 7 more really good reads ahead.
December 6, 2022
excellent book, Ms Masters does not disappoint.
This is a continuation of a great series. The characters are all very complex “regular” people which makes the story all that more fascinating. Amazing the secret mental and emotional lives lead by “ normal “ people. Of course I am ordering the next book in the series right now.
This is a continuation of a great series. The characters are all very complex “regular” people which makes the story all that more fascinating. Amazing the secret mental and emotional lives lead by “ normal “ people. Of course I am ordering the next book in the series right now.
October 26, 2024
This was another good British crime thriller that highlights human behaviour, especially when unappreciated and unhappy. Number 8 in the box set I have.
I enjoyed the twists and mystery and the plot was cleverly contrived. The characters suited the story, while the writing style was fast-paced.
Engaging and recommended.
I enjoyed the twists and mystery and the plot was cleverly contrived. The characters suited the story, while the writing style was fast-paced.
Engaging and recommended.
October 7, 2022
recommend
Enjoyed all 8 books. Loved the complicated mysteries. Book 8 finally gave me an idea that Joanna wasn’t entirely self-centered and could see Matthew’s heart. Characters well drawn and plots excellent. Perhaps for readers 12 up to 99.
Enjoyed all 8 books. Loved the complicated mysteries. Book 8 finally gave me an idea that Joanna wasn’t entirely self-centered and could see Matthew’s heart. Characters well drawn and plots excellent. Perhaps for readers 12 up to 99.
October 29, 2022
Domestic strife
The disappearance of a deluded wife thinking she was having an affair turns into a murder investigation. Many people involved are suspects. It turns out to be close to home but not before an attempted murder.
The disappearance of a deluded wife thinking she was having an affair turns into a murder investigation. Many people involved are suspects. It turns out to be close to home but not before an attempted murder.
October 5, 2022
An engrossing reac
Liked this story with all its twists and turns. Read it from the beginning to the end in one sitting.
Liked this story with all its twists and turns. Read it from the beginning to the end in one sitting.
October 21, 2022
Really complicated yet splendid mystery
I love these characters & great storyline, my favorite of this series so far. But we need more - there must be lots more, please??
I love these characters & great storyline, my favorite of this series so far. But we need more - there must be lots more, please??
December 25, 2022
death of a stalker
Who did it? The police have the facts but it’s understanding motives and figuring outrage that leads them to the murderer .
Who did it? The police have the facts but it’s understanding motives and figuring outrage that leads them to the murderer .
February 2, 2023
I so enjoyed reading this until the end, which felt a bit rushed. I was puzzled throughout, but thought the ultimate answer made complete sense.
July 7, 2023
Compelling
Really compelling read totally enjoyable kept me guessing right to the end and what an ending.It was unpredictable clever and brilliant.
Really compelling read totally enjoyable kept me guessing right to the end and what an ending.It was unpredictable clever and brilliant.
January 27, 2025
The Best on the series so far . This one really had me guessing. It was great not to be bored by Her Private life
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February 16, 2023I didn't like to format in the beginning of the story, it felt bumpy and not cohesive. Overall, story was good and characters interesting.
September 16, 2013
It was really great to find a book that’s nice. Greater if you find that book on a book sale and you paid for it for only 10 pesos (.24 bucks) which is really cheap for a book. Gah. Hahahaha. It felt like I found a gold or something so valuable. Hahahaha.
Wings over the watcher is a nice book. It’s not boring. I thought it would bore the hell out of me because it is my first time to read investigative story. It was a slow and easy read. By slow, I didn’t mean it would take you moths or weeks to finish it. It took me 4 days to finish it. Slow in a way, its power to encourage you to finish it faster is not that powerful. A page-turner but it’s not the kind of book you would want to finish in a day and it would’t be a reason of a sleepless night because you have to finish it. It was a nice entertainment for 4 days.
The book discusses about lesbian stalking which lead her to her death. The story line was simple but you’ll be confused on who the killer was. Of course, I’m not going to write in here who killed Beatrice. i kind of relate because Beatrice loves to read novels and I half-live on fantasy land. She also like to write a fucking letter. A fucking letter. I write fucking letters. Shit. Hahahaha. Anyways, it entertained me most because I am imagining the characters that they are talking in English accents. Hahahaha. They were really English, you know. The story happened in Leek. Okay. Thank you for reading. Hahahaha.
Wings over the watcher is a nice book. It’s not boring. I thought it would bore the hell out of me because it is my first time to read investigative story. It was a slow and easy read. By slow, I didn’t mean it would take you moths or weeks to finish it. It took me 4 days to finish it. Slow in a way, its power to encourage you to finish it faster is not that powerful. A page-turner but it’s not the kind of book you would want to finish in a day and it would’t be a reason of a sleepless night because you have to finish it. It was a nice entertainment for 4 days.
The book discusses about lesbian stalking which lead her to her death. The story line was simple but you’ll be confused on who the killer was. Of course, I’m not going to write in here who killed Beatrice. i kind of relate because Beatrice loves to read novels and I half-live on fantasy land. She also like to write a fucking letter. A fucking letter. I write fucking letters. Shit. Hahahaha. Anyways, it entertained me most because I am imagining the characters that they are talking in English accents. Hahahaha. They were really English, you know. The story happened in Leek. Okay. Thank you for reading. Hahahaha.
December 26, 2018
A middle aged, overweight woman becomes obsessed with her female doctor, after two friends humiliate her by getting a younger man to pretend to be interested in her. She begins to write her love letters and stalk her, until someone kills her. Her husband, though he appears initially to have an alibi. Good twist in the end on how he evaded detection.
The earliest of these stories are not in the lib and are expensive to purchase.
The earliest of these stories are not in the lib and are expensive to purchase.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2009
A new mystery author for me. Pretty good. I look forward to tracking down more in the U.S.
January 3, 2010
Another excellent book from the Joanna Piercy series. Carries on from where "Endangering Innocents" finishes.
June 28, 2010
so far, so good - keeping me reading!
Makes me want to go seek out some other Joanna Piercy mysteries!
Makes me want to go seek out some other Joanna Piercy mysteries!
June 11, 2014
While I think this book is competently written, I didn't find the case it involves to be at all interesting. Where did the title come from?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews