When an arsonist and murderer threatens to set fire to the local MP's home, Detective Inspector Michael Angel has two suspects: one has disappeared, the other is locked up in a cell. But what do twelve umbrellas found hanging from his bedroom ceiling mean? Will the umbrella man be able to execute his threat while still in police custody? Meanwhile, the murder of a famous stage magician's assistant appears to be a copy of an unsolved crime committed twenty-five years previously. Could both cases be related? The DI must race against the clock to unravel this strange and chilling mystery.
The Yorkshire author writes crime stories about Detective Inspector Michael Angel who lives a fairly happy existence with his wife Mary in the town of Bromersley in South Yorkshire.
The Umbrella Murders is book 7 in the Yorkshire Murder Mysteries by Roger Silverwood. A string of fires is tagging homes of local PMs, and the last fire caused the nanny's death. Superintendent Harker instructed Detective Inspector Michael Angel to look into this matter on top of his other responsibilities. The prime suspect for the arson job was the son of a local Chinese Restaurant owner. However, Detective Inspector Michael Angel does not believe he is guilty of the crime, and he has to rush to find out the answers to stop another PM's house fired bombed. The readers of The Umbrella Murders will continue to follow Detective Inspector Michael Angel's investigation to find out what happens.
I love this series, and books in this series always make me laugh with the way the characters interact together throughout the book. The Umbrella Murders did not disappoint, and I enjoyed reading this book. I love Roger Silverwood's portrayal of his characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. The Umbrella Murders is well written and researched by Roger Silverwood. I like Roger Silverwood's description of the settings of The Umbrella Murders, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Umbrella Murders will learn about medications' side effects. Also, the readers of The Umbrella Murders will understand the problems that senior community members have living on their own.
At last I have managed to finish this series, books 1-7. It has taken me 10 months to get through 7 books!
I could not decided when the books were set, as Angel's attitude was very old fashioned and his treatment of his staff not nice. He, and his superior didn't seem to be able to have a polite conversation as they were always shouting at each other.
What annoyed me most in this series were the constant jibes and sarcastic remarks metered out to his staff, and then in this book (7), it is stated "Angel didn't reply. He didn't appreciate sarcasm".
Quite a lot of the text is the same over and over, "Angel rubbed his chin", by the end of the 7th book, I am surprised he had not rubbed his chin away!
The plots of the cases that were solved were good, and it is possible that is what kept me reading them, together with the fact that I had bought the 7 books as a set.
He’s crusty and no nonsense but he can solve cases that seem impossible even with modern forensics. This particular book has a complex plot but moves along smartly. We get to see familiar faces again with cadet Ahmed promoted to patrolman (called something else in the UK). Angel is working 3 cases concurrently which I’m sure happens all the time in real life. You’d think that would make the book episodic and disjointed but it soon becomes clear the villains in each case are involved with each other. Characters are memorable, like the nice old lady who is running a dairy farm that has a contract with the Royal Family to supply fresh butter. Guess I’ll go on to the next one in the series.
This is a complex page-turner. Hang on to DI Angel's coat tails as he works his way painstakingly and methodically through some minuscule evidence with just a hint or an inkling of a clue leading him where? What is the mystery of the hanging umbrellas? Is there a connection between a murdered woman found stabbed in her home and an unidentified missing person who disappeared over 20 years ago? Who's breaking in to a remote old farmhouse on the edge of the moors to pilfer petty items from the elderly farmer, why didn't her dogs bark at the intrusion? This book will keep you turning the pages, it's addictive!
Love the curmudgeon detective Angel. His cutting comments just tickle me, we obviously have the same sense of humour. Together with the young Indian trainee not understanding. My grandaughter in law is foreign and she doesn't understand leg pulling. The story was fascinating and the umbrellas had me stumped for some time. Wonderful writing. I am onto the 3rd in the series and enjoying each one as the characters blossom and the stories unfold little by little.
I love this series. Unusually these days, the detective, Angel, although quirky is a devoted husband who likes to get home to dinner and despite some sarcastic comments treats his subordinates with respect. The murders are solved and explained in an old fashioned way. I also love Angel’s relationship with Mrs Buller-Price and her dogs.
I love the Inspector Angel books. The Umbrella Murders is no exception. The characters are very believable and the mysteries will keep you guessing. I love Angel’s sayings. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read the next one!
What a story! Really had me guessing with all the twists and turns. Like all the characters and what an entertaining read. The author tied it all up in a neat package.
Another great story by Roger featuring Inspector Angel and the rest of his team.A great quirky character who has his own methods but always gets his man. More please.
If, like me, you enjoy reading mysteries I suggest you try this book. Mr.Silverado is a new author for me. I have just purchased another of his books. I read this book over a 2 day period and thoroughly it.
Really enjoyed this book. Good characters, plot...nothing not to like. I recommend this author to family members and friends. Great fun..Plan to read next in line. Thanks, Belinda Young, from Mississippi
If you just have a few hours to sit back and relax and would like something to read that would keep your interest, this would be a good choice. It is well plotted and it certainly has its twists.
These are baffling, charming mysteries. A beautiful woman is dead, mansions of important men are being systematically burned down when the arsonist's demands are not met. And why are there rice filled umbrellas suspended from a suspect's ceiling?
All clues lead to one person of interest. But Angel thinks it's too pat. While looking for other suspects, Inspector Angel has a new murder to solve besides. Good read!
The mystery of the umbrella had me until it was explained. Not so sure if I see it as doable, but for a mystery it works well. Nice again two stories woven into one book keeps things moving.
I enjoyed the whole book with its intriguing plot involving witchcraft, blackmail, terrorism and straightforward murder. The whole is well constructed with enough action to satisfy anyone. It’s well worth reading.