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The Romney and Marsh Files #3
Joint Enterprise
When a film company comes to town, history rears its ugly head and Detective Inspector Romney makes himself a powerful enemy. But he’s not the only member of CID who needs to watch their back.
There are scores old and new to settle on the Kent coast. As tempers flare and temperatures rise, good reason and common sense give way to dark and deadly deeds.
The third Romney and Marsh File builds to an explosive climax.
There are scores old and new to settle on the Kent coast. As tempers flare and temperatures rise, good reason and common sense give way to dark and deadly deeds.
The third Romney and Marsh File builds to an explosive climax.
- GenresCrimeMysteryProcedural
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2013
64 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Oliver Tidy
21 books79 followersCrime and thriller fiction.
My website is the best place to find me.
http://olivertidy.com
I enjoy communicating with readers of my books, so please, if you have any comments or questions, get in touch.
My website is the best place to find me.
http://olivertidy.com
I enjoy communicating with readers of my books, so please, if you have any comments or questions, get in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 4, 2017
Romney is my kind of grump. In this case he has a right to be grumpy after a recent attack (last book) that has left him with some physical as well as emotional complaints.
This one provided loads of entertainment for me. I think I might dare share a quote that could offend, so sensitive reader beware. A film company invaded the realm where Romney and Marsh do their policing and one of their team, Grimes, invited them to observe the filming of a Napoleonic War re-enactment because he was one of the participants in British uniform in "the carefully choreographed military engagement of the two substantial forces spread out beneath the castle's battlements.".
Marsh made the mistake of sharing with Romney what she had learned on the internet about Hugo Crawford's (the director) intent for this movie.
"'What? Sex between people and animals? Is that what you're saying?' Romney had got louder. 'Apparently, it's always been a bit of a taboo subject for historians and academics.'
'I'm not bloody surprised. Who'd be interested in that apart from the sick-minded?'
'Hugo Crawford, for one, sir.'
'I said, apart from the sick-minded. Anyone who makes films about paedophiles is sick in my book. Well, I'm not and neither should you be. Come on, we're not hanging around here to watch a lot of fantasists start rogering the livestock. We might have to start arresting people, and I've got enough paperwork on my desk as it is.'"
And then, of course, one of the participants was murdered. Romney and Marsh take up the investigation.
This one provided loads of entertainment for me. I think I might dare share a quote that could offend, so sensitive reader beware. A film company invaded the realm where Romney and Marsh do their policing and one of their team, Grimes, invited them to observe the filming of a Napoleonic War re-enactment because he was one of the participants in British uniform in "the carefully choreographed military engagement of the two substantial forces spread out beneath the castle's battlements.".
Marsh made the mistake of sharing with Romney what she had learned on the internet about Hugo Crawford's (the director) intent for this movie.
"'What? Sex between people and animals? Is that what you're saying?' Romney had got louder. 'Apparently, it's always been a bit of a taboo subject for historians and academics.'
'I'm not bloody surprised. Who'd be interested in that apart from the sick-minded?'
'Hugo Crawford, for one, sir.'
'I said, apart from the sick-minded. Anyone who makes films about paedophiles is sick in my book. Well, I'm not and neither should you be. Come on, we're not hanging around here to watch a lot of fantasists start rogering the livestock. We might have to start arresting people, and I've got enough paperwork on my desk as it is.'"
And then, of course, one of the participants was murdered. Romney and Marsh take up the investigation.
March 8, 2016
Another excellent "unputdownable" novel in the Romney & Marsh Files series! I really like the humour in these books, and the characters grow on you too (even if DI Tom Romney is still a selfish, chauvinistic grouch!). I remember the 1987 ferry disaster, and can easily believe its lingering traumatic consequences, even today. The ending was unfortunately a cliff-hanger, a literary device I personally loathe, but, as I already have novel n°4, I don't mind so much. I'm just hoping Mr Tidy won't use it in the future novels in this series.
October 21, 2017
How does a French military reenacter get himself murdered in the middle of a reenactment? What does the writer of the atrocious book Women are all Prostitutes have to do with it? And who's demanding protection money from Romney's favorite Greek restaurant? Yes, it's another Romney and Marsh mystery, going from no clues to too many crimes and with the duo trying to make connections.
I wish I could give this more stars, but Romney comes off as something of a horrible human being in this one. He's miserable and does his best to bring everyone around him to the same level, but being miserable is no excuse for being such a pain and embarrassment to those around him. Yet despite all that, he has a few moments of being a good man with some compassion for others. I can't decide if he's putting on the misogynist, vindictive strong man act or that's really his character. I like Marsh though. She's a good cop and a good balance for Romney's rougher moments.
I wish I could give this more stars, but Romney comes off as something of a horrible human being in this one. He's miserable and does his best to bring everyone around him to the same level, but being miserable is no excuse for being such a pain and embarrassment to those around him. Yet despite all that, he has a few moments of being a good man with some compassion for others. I can't decide if he's putting on the misogynist, vindictive strong man act or that's really his character. I like Marsh though. She's a good cop and a good balance for Romney's rougher moments.
March 24, 2015
I loved this series and I hope the author gives us another. The first two books were free and this one was cheap! Spend a little money so he will keep publishing!
August 21, 2016
Another enjoyable book in this series. Good storyline, characters developing well, looking forward to book 4
February 7, 2018
Recovering from a recent attack and a stay in hospital, DI Romney is particularly grumpy, he's also convinced he's got a terminal illness which is alluded to as he googles his symptoms and the furtive hiding of a rubber ring to sit on. He is so grumpy and rude he doesn't care who he offends which is giving DS Marsh a lot of grief. But she has her own concerns when they are both reunited with ex copper Wilkie who is heading up the security firm involved in the latest case. Another fascinating insight to police procedure and plenty of sub plots leading to a final conclusion. Damn! a cliffhanger ending resulting in an immediate purchase of book number 4 :)
January 30, 2023
To be frank I read this on my kindle several weeks ago whilst minding my mum but am struggling to remember the plot now. I know, I've completely lost the plot some days! I have the first two books in the series and I like Romney and Marsh, also like Oliver's sense of humour there, I don't live that far from where this is set so is a nice comfortable read for me! Now if I could only remember the plot!
October 1, 2017
Enjoyable read
The characters are enjoyable and the storyline flows well. Romney keeps getting hurt, and now his sergeant, a bit excessive, but then Crimes can be in charge.
The characters are enjoyable and the storyline flows well. Romney keeps getting hurt, and now his sergeant, a bit excessive, but then Crimes can be in charge.
September 1, 2019
As expected, an easy read, a mystery and murder in Kent.
November 27, 2019
Not quite as good as first two in series but still very readable.
April 26, 2022
I love Oliver Tidy, his Romney character is the guy you love to see fumble! Marsh is the perfect foil and his stories are fast paced and enjoyable! I plan to read everything he writes!
September 16, 2013
Firstly, I would like to say that I obtained the first book in the Romney and Marsh series, Rope Enough, for free and was so impressed that I bought the other two books in the series. I have enjoyed all three books in their own way and so I hope that none of what follows will put anyone off from enjoying this series.
Joint Enterprise is another gripping story and the characters are well drawn, as always. The scene with Marsh being assaulted (I'm going to really try to avoid spoilers in this review) is quite harrowing but very well told. Likewise, the final scene is excellently illustrated. However, there are some problems with this book in my opinion. Firstly, it has a tendency to devolve into farce at times, which I think detracts from the quality of the story. Secondly, and this is the major problem in my opinion, I think the choice of the name of the ship (which I accept is central to the story)is ill-advised. My first reaction was that it was a factual error. After a while, I realised that it was an attempt to separate fact from fiction, but I just don't think it works. I think it would have been better to have either made it completely fictional or stick with the real name of the ship but don't involve the fictional characters to any degree.
Of the three books, I think my overall preference is for the first, Rope Enough, but I have been entertained and engrossed by all three. I can't help seeing Bradley Walsh as Romney and the bloke who plays Mrs. Tichell's husband in Doc. Martin as Wilkie, but that's just me! I wish Mr. Tidy every success in the future and I would really like to see more Romney and Marsh stories in the future. I feel sure, with some professional editing, that these books could have a very successful future indeed. If you haven't tried them yet, you really should.
Joint Enterprise is another gripping story and the characters are well drawn, as always. The scene with Marsh being assaulted (I'm going to really try to avoid spoilers in this review) is quite harrowing but very well told. Likewise, the final scene is excellently illustrated. However, there are some problems with this book in my opinion. Firstly, it has a tendency to devolve into farce at times, which I think detracts from the quality of the story. Secondly, and this is the major problem in my opinion, I think the choice of the name of the ship (which I accept is central to the story)is ill-advised. My first reaction was that it was a factual error. After a while, I realised that it was an attempt to separate fact from fiction, but I just don't think it works. I think it would have been better to have either made it completely fictional or stick with the real name of the ship but don't involve the fictional characters to any degree.
Of the three books, I think my overall preference is for the first, Rope Enough, but I have been entertained and engrossed by all three. I can't help seeing Bradley Walsh as Romney and the bloke who plays Mrs. Tichell's husband in Doc. Martin as Wilkie, but that's just me! I wish Mr. Tidy every success in the future and I would really like to see more Romney and Marsh stories in the future. I feel sure, with some professional editing, that these books could have a very successful future indeed. If you haven't tried them yet, you really should.
June 6, 2013
Once, every now and again, along comes a character (or characters) that you instantly feel comfortable with. That's how it has been for me with these delightful detectives, Romney & Marsh.
It was actually with some regret that I finished this, the third novel. You see, previously I've known that I had at least one more to fall back on, but this is unfortunately the last in the series at present.
Once again Oliver Tidy has brought together a fairly simple plot line (no, it's not overly complex), and added in some fairly decent Police procedural (no, it's not overly technical), and woven these together with humour, and a straight forward writing style (yes, it's extremely easy reading).
The result? Yet another thoroughly enjoyable book by this author. But one which leaves you hanging (not literally) on the precipice wanting to know what's become of our main character.
Book number four please Mr Tidy...and don't spare the horses!!!
It was actually with some regret that I finished this, the third novel. You see, previously I've known that I had at least one more to fall back on, but this is unfortunately the last in the series at present.
Once again Oliver Tidy has brought together a fairly simple plot line (no, it's not overly complex), and added in some fairly decent Police procedural (no, it's not overly technical), and woven these together with humour, and a straight forward writing style (yes, it's extremely easy reading).
The result? Yet another thoroughly enjoyable book by this author. But one which leaves you hanging (not literally) on the precipice wanting to know what's become of our main character.
Book number four please Mr Tidy...and don't spare the horses!!!
June 3, 2015
This was the third offering in the Romney and Marsh series written by Oliver Tidy. Although I enjoyed this one, I have to admit preferring the first two books in the series. DI Tom Romney seems to be displaying a much grumpier side to himself, to the displeasure/disapproval of DS Joy Marsh. We do get to learn more about the character of DC Grimes, and find that he is not just a non-stop eating machine.
The initial plot is based around a film which is being made at Dover castle, and after the battle re-enactment a body lies dead in the middle of the battlefield. Fortunately Romney and Marsh are both there, as Grimes was participating in the re-enactment. Then all of the film footage from the battle is mysteriously stolen. Finally a local author is killed while lying in hospital.
In places the plot was slightly predictable, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the book. There is also quite a big surprise at the end.
The initial plot is based around a film which is being made at Dover castle, and after the battle re-enactment a body lies dead in the middle of the battlefield. Fortunately Romney and Marsh are both there, as Grimes was participating in the re-enactment. Then all of the film footage from the battle is mysteriously stolen. Finally a local author is killed while lying in hospital.
In places the plot was slightly predictable, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the book. There is also quite a big surprise at the end.
April 10, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and recommend it to anyone that likes police procedural and mysteries. The ending completely took me by surprise.
The description of the book does not do it justice as there is very little bestiality in the story. It touches upon the subject but doesn't really go in depth. This should not stop anyone from reading it especially if they enjoyed the first two books in the series. If, however, you absolutely can't get past a few pages discussing the subject then it's not for you.
The description of the book does not do it justice as there is very little bestiality in the story. It touches upon the subject but doesn't really go in depth. This should not stop anyone from reading it especially if they enjoyed the first two books in the series. If, however, you absolutely can't get past a few pages discussing the subject then it's not for you.
April 13, 2024
Joint Enterprise (The Romney and Marsh Files Book 3)
by Oliver Tidy (Author)
When a film company comes to town, history rears its ugly head and Detective Inspector Romney makes himself a powerful enemy. But he’s not the only member of CID who needs to watch their back.
There are scores old and new to settle on the Kent coast. As tempers flare and temperatures rise, good reason and common sense give way to dark and deadly deeds.
The third Romney and Marsh File builds to an explosive climax.
by Oliver Tidy (Author)
When a film company comes to town, history rears its ugly head and Detective Inspector Romney makes himself a powerful enemy. But he’s not the only member of CID who needs to watch their back.
There are scores old and new to settle on the Kent coast. As tempers flare and temperatures rise, good reason and common sense give way to dark and deadly deeds.
The third Romney and Marsh File builds to an explosive climax.
August 12, 2016
Rather silly
Really liked the first two books in the series but this was full of really bad police work, uninteresting and shallow characters and several tedious false endings. Romney was portrayed as old, grumpy and ill but was constantly being pursued by buxom wenches - all a bit puerile.
Really liked the first two books in the series but this was full of really bad police work, uninteresting and shallow characters and several tedious false endings. Romney was portrayed as old, grumpy and ill but was constantly being pursued by buxom wenches - all a bit puerile.
March 18, 2014
Really good police procedural. Good plotline and the main characters are developing nicely. Some things were a tad predictable but that in no way spoiled the story. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 3, 2016
The series goes from strength to strength.
Another excellent book. Again plenty of procedural accuracy, satisfyingly well plotted and laced with very well written humour. A most enjoyable series.
Another excellent book. Again plenty of procedural accuracy, satisfyingly well plotted and laced with very well written humour. A most enjoyable series.
March 7, 2013
I didn't find this 3rd Romney and Marsh as good as the first two non the less I still got hooked and enjoyed. I will definitely look out for more work from oliver tidy
January 4, 2015
This is the third in the series I have read and I have enjoyed all of them.
August 5, 2015
Enjoyed this book
I agree with Sergeant Marsh about her boss. He is a pip and she exhibits far more patience with hi than I could.
I agree with Sergeant Marsh about her boss. He is a pip and she exhibits far more patience with hi than I could.
October 24, 2015
3.5 stars. I think the writing is improving a bit in this series. However, I did not care for the author's pontificating in the mouth of one of the characters and the abrupt ending.
August 21, 2015
A really good read, plenty of action and twists.
September 11, 2016
Wow, what an ending, thought the attempt on Marsh's life was the climax, how wrong was I
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews