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Patricia Fisher: Ship's Detective #9
Dangerous Secrets
What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her, but when she finds out will she hurt you?
Arriving home at her quiet village in the English countryside, Patricia is disturbed to find a glut of police cars outside the house of a person she knows.
The church treasurer has been murdered in his own home. The result of an illicit affair? Or something far more sinister?
There’s no need for Patricia to get involved, but when another friend, a person of high standing in the community is accused and arrested, locals beg her to investigate. But Patricia Fisher isn’t the only sleuth in the village. There is a certain older gentleman and his German Shepherd dog who feel inclined to poke around and the victim’s niece works for a rather well-known wedding planner.
With a super team of sleuths involved, this one should be easy to solve, right? Well, not if someone is lying about what they know and when a second victim is discovered, the casual enquiry becomes a race against time to prevent the death toll escalating.
Can they work together to uncover the truth? Or are they about to learn one brutal fact: Some secrets are best left that way.
Arriving home at her quiet village in the English countryside, Patricia is disturbed to find a glut of police cars outside the house of a person she knows.
The church treasurer has been murdered in his own home. The result of an illicit affair? Or something far more sinister?
There’s no need for Patricia to get involved, but when another friend, a person of high standing in the community is accused and arrested, locals beg her to investigate. But Patricia Fisher isn’t the only sleuth in the village. There is a certain older gentleman and his German Shepherd dog who feel inclined to poke around and the victim’s niece works for a rather well-known wedding planner.
With a super team of sleuths involved, this one should be easy to solve, right? Well, not if someone is lying about what they know and when a second victim is discovered, the casual enquiry becomes a race against time to prevent the death toll escalating.
Can they work together to uncover the truth? Or are they about to learn one brutal fact: Some secrets are best left that way.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2024
448 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Steve Higgs
542 books796 followersLet's start this off with an invitation to get some FREE books. No, you didn't read that wrong, we are talking about multiple free books. I love giving away free books because once people delve into the fast-paced mystery thrills I write, they go on to buy lots more.
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
All I need from you is an email address to send them to. Here's the link you need - https://mailchi.mp/fd47a6eb4ae5/patri...
When I wrote my first novel, Paranormal Nonsense, I was a Captain in the British Army. I would love to pretend that I had one of those careers that has to be redacted and in general denied by the government and that I have had to change my name and continually move about because I am still on the watch list in several countries. In truth though, I started out as a mechanic. Not like Jason Statham, sneaking about as a contract killer, more like one of those greasy gits that charge you a fortune and keep your car for a week when all you went in for was a squeaky door hinge.
At school, I was mostly disinterested in every subject except creative writing, for which, at age ten, I won my first award. However, calling it my first award suggests that there have been more, which there have not. Accolades may come but, in the meantime, I am having a ball writing mystery stories and crime thrillers and will claim to have more than a hundred books forming an unruly queue in my head as they clamor to get out.
Now retired from the military, I live in the south-east corner of England with a pair of lazy sausage dogs. Surrounded by rolling hills, brooding castles, and vineyards, I doubt I will ever leave, the beer is just too good.
Links:
Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/...
Website: https://stevehiggsbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stevehiggsau...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 22, 2024
Dangerous Secrets
I've said this twice in the past couple of weeks! But I think THIS really is the best Patricia story yet! I have also said lately, that I'd love to have Patricia, Felicity & Albert all together, AND that I'd like some more stories from Patricia's home. In this book I got both!! And it was wonderful! I love how they, & their teams, worked so well together. No big egos in sight! The story itself was fun, but touching as well. I was suspecting a new character to be behind this Mystery, but I was wrong. I did suspect the guilty party very early on, but those suspicions grew as the book moved forward. However, there were lots of distractions thrown about as well, that kept me guessing, & second guessing my own opinions. I love the characters Mr. Higgs creates. With as many books that he shoots out faster than a Tommy Gun, I wonder how he keeps them so very consistent. They never seem to have had a seizure or stroke & behave differently than they're normal selves! I love the little red herrings & frustrating distractions! The books would be boring without them! The animal scenes are great, & bring even more humor. Their dialogue is fascinating & so close to what I imagine we'd hear if we could HEAR them talk!! I really connect with all the characters. They are my Friends now, but I must admit: of them all, I WANT JERMAINE & REX!!! I need them both in my life!! 😁😁 Now, a note for Mr. Higgs:. For a long while I've had a picture of Patricia Fisher in my mind & would like to share her for your thoughts. When I read "Patricia Fisher", I see "Jean Pargetter"! Both small but mighty, impulsive & always getting into scrapes, blond, around the same age, & plucky! I can see Jean getting stuck in the middle of all of Patricia's calamities. With Lionel right at her side!!
I've said this twice in the past couple of weeks! But I think THIS really is the best Patricia story yet! I have also said lately, that I'd love to have Patricia, Felicity & Albert all together, AND that I'd like some more stories from Patricia's home. In this book I got both!! And it was wonderful! I love how they, & their teams, worked so well together. No big egos in sight! The story itself was fun, but touching as well. I was suspecting a new character to be behind this Mystery, but I was wrong. I did suspect the guilty party very early on, but those suspicions grew as the book moved forward. However, there were lots of distractions thrown about as well, that kept me guessing, & second guessing my own opinions. I love the characters Mr. Higgs creates. With as many books that he shoots out faster than a Tommy Gun, I wonder how he keeps them so very consistent. They never seem to have had a seizure or stroke & behave differently than they're normal selves! I love the little red herrings & frustrating distractions! The books would be boring without them! The animal scenes are great, & bring even more humor. Their dialogue is fascinating & so close to what I imagine we'd hear if we could HEAR them talk!! I really connect with all the characters. They are my Friends now, but I must admit: of them all, I WANT JERMAINE & REX!!! I need them both in my life!! 😁😁 Now, a note for Mr. Higgs:. For a long while I've had a picture of Patricia Fisher in my mind & would like to share her for your thoughts. When I read "Patricia Fisher", I see "Jean Pargetter"! Both small but mighty, impulsive & always getting into scrapes, blond, around the same age, & plucky! I can see Jean getting stuck in the middle of all of Patricia's calamities. With Lionel right at her side!!
February 21, 2024
This could have been so good! Biggest clue is that it took 4 days to muddle through because I kept putting it down and I usually read Steve’s books straight through to the wee hours. Conflicted about how to rate this one. It was fun to see them all together but the book seemed too short and too split up (other than the fabulous fight at the end.) Plenty of hints that tie to ongoing series (dragon at the Palace, anyone?) and yet mentioned and dropped. The storyline was too obvious compared to the usual fare we get from Steve. I’d give it 3 stars if I didn’t love the characters. Rex was the star of the book for me with the squirrels. 5 stars for Mindy’s driving and the fabulous fight scene at the end! 2 stars for editing and 3 stars for not writing a tighter mystery. I gave it 4 stars because it was fun, though utterly predictable and I hope the next books are back to Steve’s usual stellar quality ((sorry, Steve, but I think you’re writing too fast and it showed here when compared to The Gastrothief and its stunning detail and overall plot)
February 16, 2024
Well what a treat , a great line up of some of our favourite sleuths getting together in East Malling to seek the truth of missing money murder , but with the vicar in the frame and though they want to believe it’s not so , the evidence has stacked up to lay full blame…. Parishioner Allen Gibson has been killed , having got his number off neighbour Roy , Vicar David approaches Albert Smith by telephone inviting him to the church hall , at a full church meeting to officially ask for his assistance with the investigation into the murder of his church colleague….Brilliant! Sleuths galore and so much more , the Dog duo antics are laugh out loud funny. Truly immersive , unputdownable masterpiece of Cosy mystery mayhem. Well written , good descriptors and weaved together seamlessly. A perfect compelling story.
August 14, 2024
The Patricia Fisher series introduced me to Steve Higgs
That means Patricia and I are old friends by now. I am ten years her senior but I believe she would find me a fine friend.
Trust me, you will get so enraptured by the story you will find yourself tasting the gin!
But you must start with book 1 and read them in order!
When you have run out of publications then start on book 1 of the original Blue Moon series!
Oh, one last note. I am such a voracious reader I started to feel a little like the frowned upon oversized person at an all you can eat establishment relying upon kindle unlimited. This series has altered my course, with a determination to actually pay for all further books. I came to this conclusion a number of books back and hope all steady readers will join me when you can in appreciation for these tales well told!
That means Patricia and I are old friends by now. I am ten years her senior but I believe she would find me a fine friend.
Trust me, you will get so enraptured by the story you will find yourself tasting the gin!
But you must start with book 1 and read them in order!
When you have run out of publications then start on book 1 of the original Blue Moon series!
Oh, one last note. I am such a voracious reader I started to feel a little like the frowned upon oversized person at an all you can eat establishment relying upon kindle unlimited. This series has altered my course, with a determination to actually pay for all further books. I came to this conclusion a number of books back and hope all steady readers will join me when you can in appreciation for these tales well told!
February 21, 2024
I have loved the Patricia Fisher: Ship’s Detective series—and, in fact, all Patricia Fisher novels, except this one. It wasn’t so much a Patricia Fisher story but an intro to the other three mystery series that Higgs writes. Alas, it was an okay story—just not a normally expected great Patricia Fisher story. I missed the characters (and those that were in this story were painfully under used as it was more about building up the other mystery books.). I didn’t have an interest in these characters and, Higgs was so busy trying to incorporate all of the other mystery books’ characters that it didn’t make me like them or desire to read them.
February 23, 2024
Fabulous, as always
We’ve waited a long time for this installment of Patricia’s adventures, and it was well worth the wait. I love that Steve Higgs has incorporated protagonists of his other series into this book, and they work together seamlessly to solve the murders. As in his other books, Steve has included a side-splitting, laugh-out-loud scene. He’s a master at writing these scenes so incredibly vividly that it’s like watching a movie in your mind. Honestly, some of his books have had me laughing so hard I was in tears and gasping for breath (not an exaggeration!). He’s an incredible author, and all his series deserve to be read and savored.
We’ve waited a long time for this installment of Patricia’s adventures, and it was well worth the wait. I love that Steve Higgs has incorporated protagonists of his other series into this book, and they work together seamlessly to solve the murders. As in his other books, Steve has included a side-splitting, laugh-out-loud scene. He’s a master at writing these scenes so incredibly vividly that it’s like watching a movie in your mind. Honestly, some of his books have had me laughing so hard I was in tears and gasping for breath (not an exaggeration!). He’s an incredible author, and all his series deserve to be read and savored.
May 18, 2024
Predictable and very boring!
I guessed the killer from the very start. It was obvious! This book was lacklustre and disappointing! I think Patricia has had her day! There was no excitement or intrigue! Just a tedious read to the end ! The author should have concealed who the real murderer was until much later in the book! It was glaringly obvious from when the minister was arrested,who the real murderer was!Perhaps we were not meant to guess who it was. That is the sign of an inept author who has become lazy in his writing! Not even Rex, the lovable German shepherd could rescue this book!
I guessed the killer from the very start. It was obvious! This book was lacklustre and disappointing! I think Patricia has had her day! There was no excitement or intrigue! Just a tedious read to the end ! The author should have concealed who the real murderer was until much later in the book! It was glaringly obvious from when the minister was arrested,who the real murderer was!Perhaps we were not meant to guess who it was. That is the sign of an inept author who has become lazy in his writing! Not even Rex, the lovable German shepherd could rescue this book!
February 4, 2024
This book is so much fun to read! It mixes Patricia Fisher with Albert and Rex, and with Felicity, Mindy, and Buster (the Devil Dog), and even with Blue Moon characters. The dogs, as always, take center stage in some chapters and they made me laugh so much! The story involves the small place where Patricia used to live and the unusual crimes plaguing the community. Great entertainment! I hope to read more stories mixing Albert, Patricia, and Felicity.
I thank Mr. Higgs and his publisher for this ARC.
I thank Mr. Higgs and his publisher for this ARC.
February 17, 2024
What a great read, a wonderful story to get all our favourite characters together. Patricia is back in her hometown when the local vicar is arrested for embezzlement and murder! Trying to figure out what's going on she teams up with Albert and Rex and also with Felicity, Mindy and Buster, oh and let's not forget the unique Inspector Quinn. I thoroughly enjoyed it as usual and look forward to the next instalment for each of our friendly investigators.
February 20, 2024
Patricia & Co are joined by characters who appear in their own series and it took a couple of chapters to get into the enhanced relationships between them. Once I got it, the book flew by and I loved the interwoven relationships between the friends, the investigation storyline, and the conclusion to the investigation. The ending also allowed for more joint investigations and adventures or just storyline crossovers.
February 15, 2024
Secrets everywhere!
I absolutely loved how so many characters from other series of this author came together in this story! So many like-minded sleuths putting their skills and their heads together to solve a crime that requires thoroughness and speed. The crescendo ending is spectacular! Loved every minute of it!
I absolutely loved how so many characters from other series of this author came together in this story! So many like-minded sleuths putting their skills and their heads together to solve a crime that requires thoroughness and speed. The crescendo ending is spectacular! Loved every minute of it!
February 20, 2024
Friends
I loved reconnecting with Patricia Fisher and it was great that all of my favorite characters came together in this book.
Felicity, Mindy, Albert, Rex Jermaine , Barbie and of course Buster and a few more. I have missed them all.
It’s a good thing I still have a few Blue Moon books to read.
Catherine
I loved reconnecting with Patricia Fisher and it was great that all of my favorite characters came together in this book.
Felicity, Mindy, Albert, Rex Jermaine , Barbie and of course Buster and a few more. I have missed them all.
It’s a good thing I still have a few Blue Moon books to read.
Catherine
March 1, 2024
Another excellent cozy mystery in the series, featuring characters from other books written by Steve Higgs. I got a little "Midsomer" vibe reading this one, not so much a feeling of how many murders could occur in one county, but rather how many investigators can one county support. Lots of Easter eggs in this one, too. Doctor Who fans, you know who you are. A fun read.
March 20, 2024
Brilliant as always
What can I say, this book like all the others in the various series that Steve higgs writes was brilliant, love the fact that all his characters make an appearance in this one and help solve the mystery together, tried to read it slowly but I did it in nearly one sitting, just had to read it all at once . Keep up the good work Steve
What can I say, this book like all the others in the various series that Steve higgs writes was brilliant, love the fact that all his characters make an appearance in this one and help solve the mystery together, tried to read it slowly but I did it in nearly one sitting, just had to read it all at once . Keep up the good work Steve
January 22, 2024
Definitely the best book in this wonderful series. All the characters from other series are beautifully incorporated in this story and they are delightful. The chapter on Hunting Squirrels is a laugh riot.
Witty, funny, mysterious. A top shelf novel not to be missed. Highly Recommended.
Witty, funny, mysterious. A top shelf novel not to be missed. Highly Recommended.
February 15, 2024
What a great story! I loved seeing the many friends come together to figure this whodunit out. Filled with humor and a bit of snark, awesome characters, and of course dogs, Higgs writes a damned food story.
February 17, 2024
Great to read
All my favorite sleuths in one book. Nothing beats that! It’s great to read this new adventure for all of them. Since finishing the Patricia series and the Albert ones it is so refreshing to catch up with them all.
All my favorite sleuths in one book. Nothing beats that! It’s great to read this new adventure for all of them. Since finishing the Patricia series and the Albert ones it is so refreshing to catch up with them all.
February 17, 2024
Tons of Fabulous!!!
Amazing to have so many characters get to work together. Wonderful as we meet again, work on solving the secrets( you do remember the title of the book, right?) With surprises, action, and humor everywhere!!! Loved it!!!
Amazing to have so many characters get to work together. Wonderful as we meet again, work on solving the secrets( you do remember the title of the book, right?) With surprises, action, and humor everywhere!!! Loved it!!!
February 19, 2024
dangerous secrets
Loved having Patricia and crew, Albert and Rex and Felicity and Buster all together solving the crimes…. My favourite characters, solving crime together. Good show Steve…
Loved having Patricia and crew, Albert and Rex and Felicity and Buster all together solving the crimes…. My favourite characters, solving crime together. Good show Steve…
February 20, 2024
Paws and people Sleuths
Murders over money, or lack of it. Patty teams up with others to solve two murders. Dogs plan an avenging attack on pesty squirrels. Surprises abound and the mysteries are solved.
Murders over money, or lack of it. Patty teams up with others to solve two murders. Dogs plan an avenging attack on pesty squirrels. Surprises abound and the mysteries are solved.
February 20, 2024
I love Patricia!!
This was a great book in the Patricia series, but it could have been in the Albert series too!! A crazy mix and so much fun!! Of course they figure it all out but a great ride to get there. Can't wait for the next one!
This was a great book in the Patricia series, but it could have been in the Albert series too!! A crazy mix and so much fun!! Of course they figure it all out but a great ride to get there. Can't wait for the next one!
February 22, 2024
The Gang's All Here!
A delight tale that brings together all of Mr. Higgs beloved characters. It's like meeting old friends for a catch up. Especially loved the interaction of Rex and Buster.
A delight tale that brings together all of Mr. Higgs beloved characters. It's like meeting old friends for a catch up. Especially loved the interaction of Rex and Buster.
February 25, 2024
Patricia Albert & Felicity all together.
This was a funny book which had me chortling quite a few times. Predictable but pleasant easy read and loved the squirrel & dog attach best!!!
This was a funny book which had me chortling quite a few times. Predictable but pleasant easy read and loved the squirrel & dog attach best!!!
February 26, 2024
I love this series
I wish I had some of Patricia's stamina. Her zest for a mystery to solve is amazing. All her friends were so helpful and Mavis was a real surprise. Live all the characters and the stories. Great read!
I wish I had some of Patricia's stamina. Her zest for a mystery to solve is amazing. All her friends were so helpful and Mavis was a real surprise. Live all the characters and the stories. Great read!
March 4, 2024
not quite good enough
I was disappointed in this book. It was too much of a mish-mash with far too many characters from his other books. It really took away from from what could have been a good Patricia Fisher tale
I was disappointed in this book. It was too much of a mish-mash with far too many characters from his other books. It really took away from from what could have been a good Patricia Fisher tale
March 5, 2024
Good story and I liked it but took me a while to read. Too many characters, hard to keep track of all the people and their backgrounds and connections. Was tiring to keep up with all the individuals (not mix them up) and storylines…
May 30, 2024
Loved getting the gang together
What a fun read! Patricia is joined by Albert,Rex, Felicity, Buster the Devil Dog and more in this adventure. I've read all their books and really enjoyed this one.
What a fun read! Patricia is joined by Albert,Rex, Felicity, Buster the Devil Dog and more in this adventure. I've read all their books and really enjoyed this one.
June 18, 2024
A triple cross over with Patricia, Albert, and Felicity, and even a little Tempest in there too. The 'who' in who-done-it is obvious but everyone is too nice and taking things at face value to see the deceit. A quick, fun read if a little fractured with all the sleuths weighing in.
June 20, 2024
Mystery and comedy loved it
Mr Biggs you did it again. I have read many of your books, and enjoyed them all, but this one is great. Mystery, great many characters, dogs and humor. Loved it. Thank you
Mr Biggs you did it again. I have read many of your books, and enjoyed them all, but this one is great. Mystery, great many characters, dogs and humor. Loved it. Thank you
July 14, 2024
everyone together
Fun to have all the characters from the various books together. Having caught up on all the books it was wonderful to be with Albert, Rex, felicity and Patricia and all their friends.
Fun to have all the characters from the various books together. Having caught up on all the books it was wonderful to be with Albert, Rex, felicity and Patricia and all their friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews