Morning Frost

Detective Jack Frost Prequel #3

by James Henry

November 1982. It's been one of the worst days of Detective Sergeant Jack Frost's life. He has buried his wife Mary, and must now endure the wake, attended by all of Denton's finest.

All, that is, except from DC Sue Clarke, who has been summoned to the discovery of a human foot in a farmer's field. And things get worse. Local entrepreneur Harry Baskin is shot inside his club and a valuable painting goes missing.

As the week goes on, a cyclist is found dead in suspicious circumstances. Frost is on the case, but another disaster - one he is entirely unprepared for - is about to strike . . .

Genres: Crime, Fiction, Mystery, Detective, British Literature, Procedural

385 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2013

About the author

James Henry is the pen name for James Gurbutt. James is a publisher at Constable & Robinson, R.D. Wingfield’s original publisher back in the 1980s. Philip Wingfield, son of the late R. D. Wingfield approves; he remarked, 'The author has captured my father's style superbly. Fans and newcomers alike will not be disappointed.' That’s a good sign but how did they go about it? And just like Talking Heads, we set them up and here is the result.

Note: There are multiple authors with this name. This author has one space.
James^Henry

Reviews

[Margitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great audio experience of a detective drama.

[P.D.R. Lindsay]

A friend passed this novel on to me believing it to be an original. Alas, R.D. Wingfield died in 2007. I am one of those readers who does not usually enjoy follow-ons by different writers. Create your own stuff, I always think, and I don't like fan fiction for the same reason.

The book is okay. Tight plot, all Frost's pals and quirks present, but the edgy dialogue and Winfield's sharp eye for social details are missing.

Readers who like follow-ons and who like British police procedural series will enjoy this.

No star rating because I do not wish to have my private rating system done for me affect a writer's rating and thus sales.

[Dougie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of the R.D. Wingfield originals and quite enjoy these prequels however one of my bugbears is the throwing away of continuity from the original novels. For example, why is Frost's first name William (as per the TV series) rather than Jack, as it was with Wingfield? How has his wife died before he was made up to Inspector, again contradicting Frost at Christmas? What happened to him being shot in the bank raid on hearing of his wife's cancer diagnosis? The Henry books seem to be a prequel to a mish-mash of the original novels and the TV series. All that said, the book is an easy, engaging read.

[Plum-crazy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in the "new" Frost series in & once again James Henry manages to capture the character of Wingfield's un-PC, very 80s, Frost so well.

There was a lot happening here & combined with what I felt at times was a lack of continuity, things seemed to get a little muddling....possibly not helped by the that fact that despite reading these books in order, none of the events such as the crimes of Louise Daley, or indeed Frost & Clarkes affair, rang any bells with me at all!

A good enough read but probably not one that I will read over & over as I have done with the original Wingfield books.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gritty instalment with lots going on, to the point that its a rather tangled web. But it gets solved and Jack works it all out. I did read some of the other reviews that had been left prior to starting this book; and I presume some had just skim read the previous prequels as they were unable to follow the storyline in some instances. I really enjoyed the book and characters are just wonderful!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I certainly wouldn't use the term "gripping", but I enjoyed this very much: I love Frost's grumpy humour, and the threads were sufficiently complicated to keep me interested. One loose end (the Frenchmen with the Stubbs painting) will, perhaps, be tied up in the next volume?

[Wendy Cartmell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morning Frost, written by James Henry is as good as those written by R D Wingfield. It was so well written, so true to the Frost books and the tv series that I could see everyone in my mind’s eye as they played out the book before me. I loved the early part of the book dealing with Frost’s reaction to the death of his wife and his reaction to the rest of the family members. Classic Frost. Classic R D Wingfield. Classic crime novel.

[David Proffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in Henry James' series of prequels to the popular books by R D Wingfield. Here, we see a much younger "Detective Sargeant Jack" Frost dealing with a crime wave and losing his wife, Mary.

As a long-time fan of the original books, I was a little sceptical at first about the idea of someone else continuing the Frost saga, but from the beginning, Henry James has proved himself more than capable of the task.

We have the same central characters, including "Frost's Nemesis, Horn Rimmed Harry" Mullet, Denton's Superintendent, and long-time sidekick DC Arthur Hanlon.

The week begins with the shooting of local rouge Harry Baskin in his own office and the discovery of a human foot in a farmer's field. This is quickly followed by a reported rape at Denton Comp, the death of a young cyclist and an armed robbery at a local factory. What else could possibly go wrong for Frost and the team?

Superintendent Mullet is under increasing pressure to promote Frost and is running out of excuses to delay it any longer. His irreverence and scruffy appearance are far removed from Mullet's own ideas of what a Detective Inspector should be.

But it is the murder of one of Frost's team that proves to be the turning point in solving this latest run of serious crimes.

The story has all the humour and unexpected twists we have come to expect from these books. Morning Frost is a real treat for fans and newbies alike.

[Jonathan Gurney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than many re-workings of other writers backgrounds, but does not quite capture the original.
The story is sound in itself but it is clearly someone else having a go at writing Frost while looking back from 30-odd years later. For example, while sexism and racism are certainly still there, they are clearly written by someone looking backwards from a different time with different values, not contemporary reflections. They are rather stylised depictions by someone who knew that kind of thing used to go on, not someone immersed in it daily. The business of Superintendent Mullet trying to join the Masons similarly does not ring true to the period. Pub landlords did not hand out free pints to those who gave secret handshakes.

There are some annoying continuity errors where events as stated do not match Frost's memories from the original series, such as his being promoted after his wife has died while in Wingfield's own work he is shown reflecting that his promotion had not pleased her as much as it might because she was already ill when it came.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but... sorry, I don't believe the 180º turn that Frost gave regarding his wife. He went from not caring one bit to loving her deeply and mourning her like they had the best of marriages which doesn't sound believable to me.

Though I liked how much Mullet tried to NOT promote Frost *dies laughing*

And I enjoyed the cases, how all quickly devolved into a very serious (and quite convoluted) matter involving someone from Frost's past.

Entertaining and, as always, very well narrated by Stephen Thorne.

[Bob Hurley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspecther Jack

Frost and Waters are up to their knees in crime. Seems a well disguised woman is killing local criminals, robbing wages and fluttering local hearts. This turns into a convoluted tale with a character from Jack's past, the local criminal fraternity and the local antiques dealers. First prequel Frost I have read and enjoyed it. Will now try another one. If you have seen the TV series it is difficult to unsee Jack "David Jason" Frost

[Alma (retirement at last) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A good easy read as always with all the usual characters
Many crimes committed in a short space of time as with the previous books in the series
So nothing new and the plot is pretty predictable but still enjoyable due to Jack Frosts irrepressible personality, his total lack of professionalism and respect for the hierarchy in the police force and his inability to see how lacking in politically correct speech he is.

[Library Cool · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but despite James Henry's best efforts, he fails to bring the magic of Wingfield's characters to life for me. I particularly didn't like reading about a pregnant police officer smoking and drinking in almost every one of her scenes, and Frost's crudity has just become gross and vulgar. Henry James has made the series too gritty for my tastes.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid outing with Jack Frost. A complex plot full of the charm and wit of the original series. It's one you need to stay awake and concentrate on - there's quite a few characters and it doesn't fully join up together until the last page. The only slight niggle was I did find Jack wasn't quite as warm as in the R. D. Wingfield versions. He came across as a bit uncaring at times.

[Nancy Thormann · Rating 1 out of 5]

To tell the truth, I didn't finish this book. Frost is still a sergeant in this book. He's supposed to have had an affair with a female sergeant while his wife lay dying in the hospital. The female sergeant finds out that she's pregnant and implies that he's the father of her child.

James Henry is trying to imitate Wingfield's humor, but it doesn't work for me.

[Anniereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love RD Wingfield’s characters but in MorningFrost there seemed just too many. It could be the time of the year with Christmas prepping but it also seemed a little darker in tone as it began with the wake of Mary Simpson Frost. Just a little too convoluted in parts.
Quite a few grisly murders, including the slaying of Simms, Sue Clarke’s love interest and possible father of her unborn child.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look into the life of a younger Frost which explains that he has always been someone who has never really toed the safe line as a policeman hence putting him at odds with his superintendent even as he effectively solves cases

[Ray Stuart · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a fan of the Frost books written by Wngfield who died 10+ years ago. Latched on to this reworking of the series Wish I hadn't.Better to live with the memories. I see that there are a few books in the new series but written by different authors

[james Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly good read

Another D I Frost story that makes a good read and difficult to put down.
The character’s are many so concentration is a must.
The story twists and turns to the very end and leaves you with a who did it?

[richard ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic books loved the original but I think James has added something to them.. He got the feel of the times just right the mention of the cars and the old forgotten places like rumblelows takes me back..

[Madge · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book of the suspense/thriller/mystery/crime genre: 4/5

Highly enjoyable and recommended.

[Vitalija Meiženienė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nieko, wau, bet laikui prastumti tinka. Televizija padarė geresnį darbą, nei kad šis rašytojas.

[Janey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read, sometimes with dry humour.

[Mary Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many crimes going on in a muddled way. Hard to keep track and not explained very well. Disappointing!

[John Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm re-reading this as I just love the adventures of Frost! This book was a little slow at times and the ending a bit confusing. A enjoyable read though.

[Juliet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok but not as good as the other 2

[Hils · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't enjoy this book as much as previous, hopefully will enjoy the next more

[Rubina Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit hard going. Too much happening. Hard to keep track

[Richard · Rating 2 out of 5]

The "Inspector Frost" novels always feature a number of cases at the same time, whether written by their creator R.D. Wingfield, or this author, James Henry. I've now read them all (though I saw a new book is in the works). This is only one where I felt the multiple cases hurt the book. The point of view keeps switching, and I had trouble keeping the strands apart. In the Wingfield novels, Frost's curmudgeonly wit helps hold the books together. Henry's Frost is blander, less funny, and he gets buried in the parade of underdeveloped characters here.

[Joanne D'Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going back to 1982, when you could get away with much more than you can some thirty years later, puts this book into almost the historical crime genre. For those unaware, Frost was Detective Inspector created by R.D. Wingfield and then subsequently made famous by national treasure David Jason on screen.

James Henry has picked up Frost, and taken us back to when he was a Detetcive Sergeant and almost gives us a particular background to him.

In this novel, Frost has just buried his wife.

We are at the wake, where everyone from Denton is gathered. Support from the police force.

Although one officer isn’t there, she is working. She has been summoned to a hand in a field. No body, just a hand.

Then a local businessman is shot.

And a painting goes missing.

It seems that Frost is not able to grieve at all. And the imitable Superintendent Mullet who is reluctant to tell Frost that he is to be promoted is very keen to get all of this solved.

This book for me was tightly plotted, and sticks faithful to the character of Frost with his random methods of extracting information and his ability to keep avoiding Mullett. His loyalty to his team is never in doubt and he does understand everyone and everything even if he does not give that impression. The dark witty humour is present and the bleakness of the time is paramount. The Nineteen Eighties are really a different time.

Plenty of twists and turns, before it is all wrapped up towards the end where the pace picks up to the dénouement. Perfect for fans of English police procedurals, especially as some references are specific to the UK.