Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle

One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries #1

by P.C. James

He was forced to hang up his badge. Now, a kidnapping has raced into his retirement.England, 1950’s. Former inspector Tom Ramsay is taking advantage of having to step down. Invalided after getting shot in the line of duty, the plain-speaking man adopts a border collie and gets down to the serious business of hiking the scenic countryside of his ancestry. But after hearing over the radio about a missing local, the fifty-five-year-old ex-cop is shocked when a pleasant walk brings him face-to-face with the victim fleeing her captors.With the young woman reported as a runaway and no ransom note issued, the experienced detective can’t resist investigating. But with a would-be fiancé, a pushy father, and tight-lipped suspects muddying the waters, Ramsay struggles to uncover the truth in the close-knit hamlet full of secrets.Can he unmask the mastermind before meddling makes him a target?Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle is the page-turning first book in the One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries series. If you like thoughtful and relatable heroes, bucolic backdrops, and puzzling crimes, then you’ll love P.C. James's clever tale.Buy Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle to crack the case today!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Fiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2023

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Inspector Tom Ramsey is planning to hike the Fells and hit some high peaks with his Border Collie, Braken. He’s certainly not planning on doing any investigating. But when he comes across a young lady fleeing from some men, he steps in to help. Sophia has been reported missing and believed to be a runaway after an argument with her father. In reality, she was kidnapped and had escaped. With no ransom issued for her, Ramsey is convinced she’s in danger. Getting the local police interested is a challenge, though. Enlisting the help of Sophia’s friend and potential fiancé, Alistair, the three musketeers set some traps for their foes. Can they determine who wants Sophia out of the way before things turn deadly?

P. C. James kicks off this spinoff from his Miss Riddell series with a puzzling mystery that will keep you guessing. Ramsey and Braken are charming and Sophia is a feisty heroine. Despite her teenage angst and occasional griping, she actively participates in her investigation. She and Alistair make a cute couple with their bickering and banter. Looking forward to more to come in this new series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and engaging mystery with high stakes but also a calm nostalgia that really added a lot to the vibes. Retired police inspector Ramsay is on vacation with his dog when an unexpected mystery bowls into his life.

I quite enjoyed the guessing game and the stakes definitely kept me at the edge of my seat while I was trying to figure out who was behind it all. And I really was surprised at the reveal. The author gives some fantastic red herrings to keep you distracted.

The characters were fun, especially spunky Sophia, although I would have liked to see her change of heart in small ways before the grand announcement that takes place at the end of the book. I also felt that Bracken, Ramsay's border collie, sometimes got forgotten, which made things a little confusing for me on some of the scenes where I wondered what had happened to the dog. Lastly, I'm not entirely sure when this story is set. While there are some indications for late 60s, perhaps early 70s, there really wasn't enough to go on to really place the story in a specific time, which was a little disconcerting for me.

If you want to read an entertaining detective story to escape reality for an hour or two, this novel is a lovely place to disappear into.

[Icywolf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first of a series of low-key cozy mysteries tied up in one bundle, perfect for a stormy fall afternoon or a cold winter's night. All the tales feature a thoughtful retired Inspector from the north of England and this border collie, Bracken.

There are 5 books in the series:
1 - Hey Diddle Diddle, the Runaway Riddle in which an ex-inspector and his dog help a bewildered girl find out why she was kidnapped
2 - Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring in which our ex-inspector is inadvertently tied up with a body
3 - Dark Deeds on a White Christmas in which the inspector and his dog have a snowbound Christmas complete with murder
4 - A Missing Manuscript and Murder in which manuscripts and murder become the feature for the Inspector and his dog
5 - Gold, Greed, and a Hidden Hoard in which a hidden treasure might prove more trouble than it is worth
6 - Murder at a Musical Retreat in which our mild-mannered "retired" inspector gets drawn into musical mayhem

[Adrian Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enjoyable spin-off from the Pauline Ridell mysteries features her friend and helper, the now retired Inspector Ramsay. He and his faithful canine companion, Bracken, are plunged into a mystery when they encounter Sophia, a young woman on the run from a pair of kidnappers.

I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot as Ramsay, Sophia, and her friend Alastair set out to discover who was behind the kidnapping and why. Was it a simple case of a ransom demand, or something far more sinister? Could her life be in danger, along with Ramsay’s for helping her?

I think fans of cozy mystery will instantly warm to Ramsay and Bracken, who make a charming investigative duo. The always alert dog helps his master at several crucial points in the well-written story. And I'm pleased to read that there will be a follow up book to this new series.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me almost from the start & I definitely had to finish it before going to sleep! Sophia after a row with her father takes herself off for a walk, but, doesn’t return home. Eventually she manages to escape from where she’s being held & luckily the person who she meets & who helps hide her is a retired Detective Inspector with a dog. As Sophia doesn’t trust her father & step-mother the only local person is Alistair, her long time friend when visiting the North of England, the person her father was trying to force her to marry, hence the row! Lots of undercover adventures with grudging help from the local police. Eventually after more excitement all is clearly explained & the guilty party arrested & charged.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been forced into retirement, former inspector Tom Ramsey with Bracken, his border collie, decide to hike the countryside and find peace in his quiet retirement. But that will soon be disrupted when he hears there is a runaway girl. But when on of his hikes he runs into the runaway Sophia, who is running from two men, he can't help but getting involved and investigating the situation. This is a wonderful page turning book that keeps you not only entertained, but turning pages to get the the great ending. I can't wait to see what the author has up his sleeve for Tom and Bracken next. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this character and story, and look forward to reading more. A connection is made to another of the author's series, Miss Riddle, which makes me want to read some of those, too, and see how the characters interact.

I read this book in one day--it was such a well written, compelling read! The dog is an interesting addition, but rarely mentioned. Where did he stay while Ramsay and friends were making inquiries? After all, his presence would have identified Ramsay to the thugs looking for "an old guy and his border collie."

I also wondered why the thugs kept the girl alive and well in the first place? What were they waiting for? If this was ever explained, I missed it.

[Dorenda Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Favorite Genre for this Reading Fan!

Although I’ve always enjoyed an occasional cozy mystery, the characters of Ramsey & Bracken have won me over to this genre! Wonderful plot development, hints and facts sparsed out with great timing, and personalities divulged by a master storyteller! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Teresa Kuryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy the continuing saga of the now retired inspector.
If you like mysteries that keep you guessing, then this book is for you!
In addition to the story, I enjoy the author's descriptions of the English villages and fells.
I recommend this book for anyone who likes a good "who done it" or likes the heroics of our 4 legged fur friends!

[Allen Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Lightweight Lighthearted Cozy...
A lighthearted cozy mystery that didn't quite grab me, but I hung on till the end. I didn't quite expect the reveal that I got, so from that standpoint, it was good. I think it took too many meandering turns to get to the resolution, so I can't classify it as a page-turner. Might try another in the series to see how it develops.

[Kari Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Mystery

This kidnapping mystery is so realistic that it gave me nightmares. Excellent storytelling. This mystery will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat to the end. After finishing the Miss Riddell series, I am elated to begin the Ramsey series. Thank you, P. C. James.

[Amary Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Well planned historical cozy around a retired detective and his faithful companion. They pair came across a woman in distress while on vacation. Plenty of possible suspects and action scenes

[Joy Oakley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the concept and really enjoyed this book. The three musketeers had me laughing out loud in places.

Not very happy with the American spellings. When a book is about British people in England I think all spellings should be British. Hence the 4 stars otherwise would have been 5.

[Beverly Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

A great but sad story with a satisfying ending. Characters are believable and either lovable or not so lovable. All the main characters are good and further the storyline. All in all a good time.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapped!

Such an enjoyable read! I love the descriptions of Northern England's dells and surrounding areas. The storyline is tense and fairly fast moving. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1964 Lake district. Retired detective inspector Tom Ramsey becomes involved in an abduction case where he saves Sophia Thornton (unlikeable) from her abductors and hides her. He investigates to find out who and why aided by Sophia and friend Alastair Elliott.
An enjoyable mystery

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first foray into cozy mysteries. I really enjoy the main character and his dog. There were times when I found the story a little slow for my taste, but it was a pleasant read and I will check out other books in the series.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable story with likable characters. The setting was in the 60s and I enjoyed the nostalgia. The plotting was slow, a lot of to-ing and fro-ing with not much forward propulsion. I gave three stars because it was a pleasant time spent but not a convincing plot.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who kidnapped Sophia and why??? A will??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Dianna Britting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey Diddle Diddle

This was a great book. Am looking forward to the next one. Keep them coming. Great author. Be sure to read.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters, the setting and the mystery. And the dog. Very good spin off from another series.

[Linda]

already rated it

[Doris Ware · Rating 4 out of 5]

good mystery.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I loved this book. The characters are loveable. It was a fast-paced read. I can't wait to binge read this whole series.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of the book enticed me to read it. The retired inspector and a smart dog also was a selling point! I felt that it was slow moving and way too long. The ending felt rushed so I had to reread it to make sure I understood what just happened. Not sure if I will continue with the series. L