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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.

270 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2007

1164 people are currently reading
211 people want to read

About the author

Roger Silverwood

68 books87 followers
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.

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5 stars
780 (48%)
4 stars
551 (34%)
3 stars
229 (14%)
2 stars
32 (1%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,382 reviews75 followers
October 28, 2022
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.

I recommend this book.
35 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Steven Toby.
248 reviews
March 14, 2020
Another good read with DI Angel

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.
3 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2020
Whodunit? A tricky thriller...

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!
232 reviews3 followers
December 15, 2019
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.
Profile Image for Carla.
483 reviews19 followers
January 17, 2021
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.
Profile Image for Beth.
367 reviews32 followers
December 22, 2019
Another winner

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!
93 reviews
January 11, 2020
My head was spinning

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.
1,181 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2020
Another great story

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.
20 reviews
January 26, 2020
Good read

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.
44 reviews
February 21, 2020
Umbrella murders !Loved 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
292 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2020
A Fun Read

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.
Profile Image for Sandy Adams.
403 reviews5 followers
April 29, 2020
Angel does it again!

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?
9 reviews
December 27, 2019
Good read

I enjoy the Sarcastic wit of Angel even though in the early books he annoyed me with his treatment of Ahmed. Overall a good read.
18 reviews
December 30, 2019
Just okay

I didn't care for the protagonist. I found very little suspense in the story. The figures were cardboard and unappealing.
Profile Image for Carolann Hiller.
312 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2020
Surprise

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!
89 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2020
GC

This was the first time I have read a book by this author and I really enjoyed it. Will be reading more of his stories.
138 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2020
Enjoying the series

Perfect series for reading during the covid crisis. Staying home, staying safe and reading. That said, this was my favorite of the series, so far.
9 reviews
June 7, 2020
Very good

Really enjoyed the book,I like the main character Angel ,story and plot keep you on your toes. Will be on to the next book asap
Profile Image for Jillian.
92 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2021
Enjoyable crime thriller

If you are a fan of detective books minus the gory bits you will enjoy these Roger Silverwood books. They keep you guessing right to the end.
46 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2021
Another good read

Really enjoyed this book as well,love the characters and really enjoy that Roger carries them thru each book its as if you get to know them 😊
1 review
March 30, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much, like the description.of the characters, I live in s.York's & the places are recognisable.
Profile Image for Richard Thomas.
590 reviews45 followers
January 1, 2020
Up to standard.

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.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews