Certain Blindness

Eric Ward #1

by Roy Lewis

Things other than beauty are in the eye of the beholder. In the eyes of solicitor Eric Ward there was something odd abut Arthur Egan's life and death. But Ward was a former police inspector, and trained to be suspicious. And he could no longer trust his eyesight, since it was a serious eye condition that had led to his resignation from the Force.

Egan's estate comprised a large sum, to go to an heir no one knew he had. To settle the estate, Ward had first to trace the offspring of this quiet lonely bachelor, and the photograph of an unknown tombstone was his only clue. He made no progress in discovering the grave, but he did discover that Egan had served a term for manslaughter committed during an armed robbery on Lord Morcomb's estate. There were indications that the evidence against him had been planted. So why had he accepted his fate?

Egan's estate was not the only one causing legal problems. The present Lord Morcomb was faced with heavy death duties, and Ward's firm had to advise how these could best be handled for the benefit of his lordship's only daughter.

Despite warnings from the senior partner that he was wasting time on the Egan rather than the Morcomb estate, Ward persisted - and his investigations soon led to murder. By the time Ward realized why, he had also learned that where this case was concerned the defect in his vision was mental, not physical, and his life and career were both at risk.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Ebooks, Detective, Mystery Thriller

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 6, 1980

About the author

John Royston Lewis, who published his fiction under the name Roy Lewis, was a prominent English crime writer who wrote more than 60 novels. He was also a teacher, and he taught Law for 10 years before being appointed as One of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Further & Higher Education. He lived in the north of England where many of his novels are set.

Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sedleigh Hall Murder is book one in a new series call Eric Ward by Roy Lewis. Eric Ward decided to become a solicitor after retiring from law enforcement due to glaucoma. While working at Francis, Shaw and Elder, his supervisor gave him a case of finding a client's offspring after he has died. However, while reading the file, Eric Ward through something was wrong and started to investigate against the advisor of his law firm. The readers will continue to follow Eric Ward investigation to find out what happens.

I loved reading The Sedleigh Hall Murder it engaged me from the beginning. I like Roy Lewis portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other. The Sedleigh Hall Murder is well written and researched by Roy Lewis. The description of the settings of The Sedleigh Hall Murder done excellently by Roy Lewis.

The readers of The Sedleigh Hall Murder will learn about Glaucoma and how it affects the suffers from this eye condition. Also, the readers of The Sedleigh Hall Murder will learn about legal investigations in England during the seventies.

I recommend this book.

[Evelyn Grabas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extraordinarily disappointing. From the beginning, you start out in the dark, you continue in the dark, no explanations, nothing. Even at the end, Eric comes up with things that he says make it all come together. Too bad he didn't bother to fill us in on it. He reached conclusions out of thin air. How does finding a gravestone that he has a picture of equate to the realization that the deceased had an affair and gave birth to a child that was not her husband's. And so very many other convoluted "realizations " that only made sense to Ward and left his readers in the dark.
I love a good mystery and love working along with it, but not a mystery that pulls things out of thin air without seeming to have a rhyme or reason. And I do not appreciate having to read for hours without a clue and have the solution suddenly and magically materialize.
Thanks, but no thanks. I think I will just pass on this series,.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a lot that I liked about this mystery. Eric Ward was an appealing protagonist who turned to a career in law after glaucoma rendered him physically unable to proceed in his former career as a policeman.

While learning the ropes at his new law firm, he becomes involved in two seemingly unrelated cases. One is resolving the estate of Arthur Egan, man who had been convicted of murder decades before; and the other is the determination of death taxes for the large holdings of Lord Malcomb. As he pursues the mundane details of these two cases, Ward becomes convinced that a grave injustice had been done to Egan, and that his affairs are inexplicably intertwined with Malcolm’s

This was a slowly paced, old fashioned type of mystery. I found all of the details about the British estate law to be pretty boring and briefly consider DNFing at one point, but realized I was about 70% done and I was interested enough to continue and find out the solution to the mystery, which was satisfying.

One criticism I have of this novel is that it really didn’t evoke a sense of the time period. Originally I thought it was set well in the past, but then the main character got into a car. Eventually there was a description of a bank book that had been “started in 1965 an updated for the past 15 years.” So I assume the timeframe was 1980. But other than that reference and the fact that cell phones were never mentioned, there was really nothing to go on.

[Robert Intriago · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric Ward, a policeman, develops glaucoma and has to leave the force. He decides to become a solicitor and as such is hired by a law firm. One of his assignments is to settle the estate of an Arthur Egan who recently died of cancer. An easy job that develops complications. An old fashioned who done it. I enjoyed this short novel as the author follows a meticulous logical path to arrive at a conclusion. Good set of characters and enjoyable settings.

[Ted Tayler · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Classy thriller"

Well-written complex story line. Believable characters, recognisable settings and everything moves at a steady pace to a suspenseful conclusion. If you enjoy a clinical investigation with a human touch, this is for you.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this book I found another new author I very much enjoyed reading. So much so that I immediately ordered the next two books in this series.

There might be too much legal stuff for some readers, but for those who like reading about the law, even though it is British law, or have been legal secretaries, this is right down your alley.

These are very quick reads, under 200 pages. So, if you haven't got much time to spend reading, they are perfect for you in that regard.

[Helen Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's a police detective going to do when he discovers he has an eye condition that prevents him from working as a policeman? Well, Eric Ward turns to law. He becomes involved in a case of inheritance and the need to find the person who should receive the funds. Along the way, he proves that a person was not guilty of murder although he had served time in prison for it, and digs into the history of the local manor.

The book started off slowly but gained speed as it went along and was a page-turner by the end. I enjoyed reading the first book in this new series and, if the others are just as good, I will be a very happy reader for some time.

[Tacman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying resolution of the multiple plot lines

When a mystery has as many plot twists as this one, the reader usually must resign themselves to just going along for the ride. The resolution here was so neat and satisfying that I didn't feel any of the usual resentment.

[Carol Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I have read any thing by this author. I enjoyed it and love Eric character a man of good principles. He does not encourage the attraction that he feels for Ann Morcomb. We see how greed affects people and what lengths they go. I thoroughly enjoy the story and look forward to reading the others. Well done Roy.

[Scott Kalas · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay start

This was my first book my Roy Lewis and I liked that it was clean of sex, vulgar language, etc. that alone will have me check out his other books.

As for The Sedleigh Hall Murder, it was average and the outcome in several areas were predictable and was low in suspense, but the story did keep my interest.

I could have done without all the estate legal stuff, I understand it was part of the story, but my brain cells aren’t as active as I wish they could be and most of it was blah, blah to me.

I will read the next book in the series.

[Sandra Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

This was an amazing book filled with twist and turns each time of the mystery. It was also filled with emotions of the culprit's back story. The story had me at the edge of my seat. I just couldn't stop reading. Really loved this book.

[Crimefictioncritic · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sedleigh Hall Murder by Roy Lewis—a gripping traditional murder mystery set in 1970s England.

I really like Eric Ward, the main character in The Sedleigh Hall Murder by Roy Lewis. He is a former police detective working to become a lawyer when the story unfolds. Yet what makes Ward so unique as a character is the reason he left the police. It’s his flaw as a character that all good authors use to make a character seem less than perfect. Through imperfections, authors breathe life into fictional characters, making them seem real since as we all know, perfect characters are boring characters. Eric was forced out of police work because he suffers from angle-closure glaucoma, a rare and debilitating form of the disease with symptoms that include extreme eye pain with nausea and sudden visual disturbance. I found this fascinating having previously never heard of this form of glaucoma. And it’s also a very rare and impactful character flaw or trait that quickly draws the reader’s sympathy for the character and serves to make Eric Ward seem like a real person.

At the heart of the story is Ward’s work on a simple small estate administration matter for a deceased man named Arthur Egan. Yet once Eric starts to work on it, trying to trace the dead man’s heirs, his instincts as a former policeman convince him that there is something odd about Egan’s life and the case in general. He discovers Egan had served a prison term for manslaughter, but the deeper he delves into that aspect the more convinced Ward becomes that Egan had been framed. Adding to the suspense is the fact that Eric Ward soon discovers that another more important case his firm is handling for a wealthy and important client named Lord Morcomb seems somehow related to the Egan matter. Soon murder comes into play.

Roy Lewis’ novel is cleverly plotted, featuring droll dialogue and intelligent prose. I found the writing quite addictive and sailed through the book in one sitting.

The Sedleigh Hall Murder isn’t a lengthy novel coming in at only 170 pages in print. So, it’s a quick read and a very enjoyable one. My only complaint about the book is it is comprised of only six chapters which means they are all rather lengthy. For readers like me who prefer to take reading breaks at the end of a chapter before beginning the next, I must admit it sometimes felt like a bit of a slog getting to the end of some of the longer chapters. That is no reflection on the quality of the writing which I very much enjoyed, only that very lengthy chapters are something I often find tedious.

I didn’t manage to guess the whodunit before the reveal, though in hindsight, I believe Lewis fairly presented all the important clues. The mystery is intriguing but in some ways I felt more drawn to the characters, the clever writing and dialogue as well as Lewis’ attention to historical detail – in everything from the character’s clothes to the settings in 1970s rural England.

The Sedleigh Hall Murder is the first novel in the Eric Ward Mystery series. I’ll definitely be adding the other two books in the series to my to be read list.

I heartily recommend this book to all detective and mystery fans who enjoy traditional mysteries set in a time before mobile phones and DNA testing.

I purchased the copy of the book used for this review.

[Lorne Strachan · Rating 3 out of 5]

After not really enjoying “The Quayside Murder” I went back to the first book in the series to see if my disappointment might have been due to jumping into the third book in the series instead of starting with number one. Some series books work perfectly well as stand-alones but this isn’t always true. I was still keen to find the promised ‘undiscovered classic murder mysteries’ from the time before smart phones and DNA -- in this case the late 70’s and early 80’s. I know Lewis can write, having enjoyed several of his other books, so it was worth the investment of time to look into this one further.

I did enjoy it more than “The Quayside Murder” but the book still didn’t grab me. It could be due to the protagonist, Eric Ward, a detective turned lawyer after a vision problem ended his police career. This book was first published as “A Certain Blindness”, which is more apt but perhaps a bit off-putting. The emphasis on blindness isn’t as strong here as in “The Quayside Murder” but the narrative does bog down in legal and financial convolutions. It works but lacks the life and atmosphere I look for in this genre of books, sucked out by the manipulations around a potentially large inheritance.

Set in the seamier side of Newcastle, the book is good but not to my taste. The cliché touches dealing with the refusal to relent on a case and the resulting marriage tensions and the potential fatal consequences all conspire to convince me that I needn’t bother with book number two.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1980 under the title "A Certain Blindness", this
first book in the 15+ book Eric Ward series introduces the 40ish ex-policeman as an articled clerk at a Newcastle law firm in the late 1970s. He was forced to retire from the police due to a form of glaucoma that can cause debilitating pain, and with no wife or kids, he's quietly rebuilding his life in the legal field. His position is one of a kind of dogsbody for the firm, doing the boring legal scutwork that the son on the firm's head isn't inclined to.

One of these tasks is to settle the estate of a man who died of cancer with no family, or seemingly even friends. He's also called in to support the final stages of the very lengthy and complex inheritance tax case of a local Lord. In the UK, "death duties" can be on the order of 40% and so paying them without selling off property can be quite difficult. The estate case seems like a minor matter, but small oddities keep drawing Ward further into a kind of investigation (with the assistance of an ex-jockey who does some legwork for him).

It's an enjoyable enough mystery of its time, albeit one that holds few surprises. The dominoes are carefully set up early in the book so that when they fall at the end of Ward's deductive reasoning, it all makes sense. He is an interesting protagonist with his own code, and I'll definitely try another one or two in the series to see if he develops further. Readers who enjoy crime stories set in the pre-cell phone, pre-internet era may want to try this out.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ending bittersweet

Set in the 1970s a mystery neatly stacked with police procedural details added with some Manor inheritance legalities and a decade old murder.
Eric Ward is not your regular hero crime solver but a man with medical challenges in his 50s out of police work moved in to a law firm learning the ropes and being pretty smart at it. You are able to work through these shortcomings because he's a believable character who is not trying to rescue the world but being genuine about righting the wrongs. Though the glucoma suffering he goes through can get a little tiresome in places as it drags the achieving of crucial clues or information.
There are limited clues for us readers in the story so you are grasping for some logical explanation when the mystery eventually gets solved. Quite a few loopholes however the writings very English and has you interested and gives you a glimpse of the old charm of lords and Manor and life in the countryside.
The love angle was unnecessary, it didn't really have any chance if fruition and eventually felt disappointing that it was there just as an add on. Overall a quick read and I would like to check out more books of this author just to read more of the lovely crisp British English expressions.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1980 as A Certain Blindness, this is the first Eric Ward mystery. I first became acquainted with Roy Lewis's writing by reading his Arthur Landon series. Landon is a medieval architecture expert and researcher in Northumberland, and I really enjoyed the history and landscape that Lewis put into the books. That same landscape figures prominently here in The Sedleigh Hall Murder. It was refreshing to read a mystery where there are no cell phones and no DNA. One of the secondary characters, former jockey Jackie Parton, complains that it's almost impossible for him to reach Ward because Ward never seems to be in the office by his phone. You don't see that happening in current mysteries.

Although Lewis's writing style is a bit dry and the book is plot- rather than character-driven, I enjoyed it. The mystery had plenty of twists and turns, and Eric Ward-- like Arthur Landon in the other series-- is a strong central figure. His chronic glaucoma can hit suddenly and put him out of commission for quite a while, so that unknown factor adds tension to the story. Another character tells Ward that he was "always a good liaison copper," and what made him a good police officer makes him a good lawyer. He knows how to deal with people from all walks of life. He knows how to talk with them to get the information he needs.

Although I do prefer mysteries that are more character-driven, The Sedleigh Hall Murder was a good change of pace and a reminder of how much I've enjoyed Lewis's books in the past. Something tells me I'll be meeting Eric Ward again in the future.

[monacia williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The past does not go away

Gripping is the word I use to describe my introduction to Eric Ward. While reading the first few pages, I thought that I was reading a horror mystery but my apprehensions were soon relieved as I continued reading. I have a few issues with the description of Eric's glaucoma as well as the use of the pilocarpine drops but decided to let that slide as I became more engrossed in the mystery of Arthur Egan.
The descriptions of the countryside were vivid (except for the temperature), wind movements were sometimes humorously described. This was a mystery that invited participation and had my mind jumping back and forth to find a solution. The idea that the story would centre around Anne was apparent but the ramifications took me by surprise.
A good read, I did not want to put it down.

[G.Terenzio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eric is a former policeman turned lawyer because the force wouldn't employ him anymore due to his advancing glaucoma.

Two legal matter are interwoven and will change the life of many people for ever.
A convicted murderer dies and asks Eric's law firm to make sure that his house and money goes to his next of kin (a child or grandchild). Nobody seems to know of any relatives but Eric is determined to find them if they are existing.

Lord Morcomb is dealing for quite some time with inheritance taxes and need closure on that one. What have Lord Morcomb and a murderer in common? Why is the Lord so upset when he hears the name?

Eric is slowly unraveling a past nobody is prepared to face after 20 years.

[Vicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK mystery. Interesting premise - an ex-cop who suffers from debilitating glaucoma gets a job in a a solicitor's office. He uses his cop instincts to find mysteries while he is supposed to be helping his clients. There was something about this I didn't like - maybe just that he keeps missing opportunities because of his illness? Anyhow, I might read another one, to see how the characters develop. I quite like the office politics with the senior partner and his son.

He is asked to close a probate, but had trouble finding the relations of the deceased and finds that he was prrviously in prison for murder although it seems our of character and any relatives seem elusive.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

I stumbled on this on a whim and saw that it was the first in a series. I have never read or heard of this author prior, so I decided to read it. It’s set in the 70’s in Great Britain, so it’s before texting, computers, phones, etc. The main character is likable and relatable and is actually really smart. I enjoyed the book a lot - my only concern, as I seem to be having with many books as of late - is that it is just one interview after another and not much else. While it is engaging, I kind of felt like it was a bit hard to follow with one interview after another. However, all in all, a good story and a good book!

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"The past is always with us."

The Sedleigh Hall Murder is book one in the new Eric Ward Mysteries by Roy Lewis, an author with whom I have previously been unfamiliar, and is set in the very different times of 1970. The main protagonist is Ward, an ex policeman turned lawyer, working from.a practice in Newcastle. His changed profession was down to his development of glaucoma, a painful and dangerous eye condition. Perhaps that's why the author keeps us in the dark about most of his discoveries until the final reveal at the end, and then all told in a rush without proper explanation. Most unsatisfactory.

Narration is by John Lee.

[Diane E]

Good , gripping mystery

Eric Ward , retired police DI due to glaucoma . Late 1970s treatment is very limited for this medical condition so he has become a solicitor (in training , so to speak . ) He is thoroughly overworked by the chief partner's son. He ends up taking a major role in a Lord's estate preparations . At the same time time he is closing a much lesser estate . This second case is more intriguing to him. Wonderful plot development . Few too many typos .

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

The plot and puzzles presented in this story are very good and balanced, well with great characterisations of all the people involved. Its really quite clever and so well thought out and planned, taking the reader on a very interesting journey of discovery. Not to be missed. Plus it’s completely clean in language and love and quite thrilling as answers are uncovered while death hovers too close for comfort.

[Alžběta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm surprised how much I enjoyed "The Sedleigh Hall Murder," especially for a free Audible listen! The storylines are skillfully interwoven and the pacing is just right - Lewis even manages to create a sense of danger and urgency despite the book's shortness.
Never having heard of the author, I picked the book randomly and did not expect much, but Roy Lewis's excellent writing, characterisation and setting blew me away. I'm looking forward to seeing where Lewis takes Eric Ward's story.

[Helen Bakunowich · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I enjoyed this read so much. A lot to make one keep reading with all characters being of significant importance to the story. I really like the main character, Eric. So unassuming yet so influential in his low key manner. What more can I say? A very good book well worth the read.

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good!

I've never read a book by this author, but I will be! Engaging and satisfying, but what I loved most was that it was a clean read. He didn't have to fill it with anything but good writing, loved that. No sexual activity, no filthy language, just a well put together mystery. Well done Mr. Lewis. Thank you, thank you. 😁

[Janice Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sidelined by chronic glaucoma, ex-police detective Eric Ward is a lawyer now. But He can't set aside the characteristics that made him a good detective: curiosity, perseverance, and a strong desire to see justice done--even in a 20-year-old case. As he methodically follows the clues, searching for answers, he also puts himself in danger. An excellent mystery and a compelling read.

[Patricia H. Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Sad Ending

This is a well-written mystery with what to me is a very sad ending for a lot of people. Eric Ward was a police detective until glaucoma and caused medical retirement. He then joined a law firm and used his skills to solve a 20 year old estate and an even older murder and conspiracy. Very well done.i

[Eirlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping novel

A mystery that was rooted in the past, but still relevant decades later. Eric Ward, a retired police officer, is tasked with tracing a dead man's heirs in line with his will. A well constructed novel that has characters interacting with intriguing twists that increased tension exponentially. Eric is a complex man and I will be reading more about him.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

How nice to come across this well-written vintage detective series.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read, with a great premise of the policeman turned solicitor with accompanying health problems and a well-crafted puzzle to solve. It was also an interesting glimpse into the Newcastle area in the late 1970s/early 1980s.