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Fiji Islands Mysteries #5
Death Off Camera
A TV reality hit. Players dying to win. Can Inspector Joe Horseman penetrate a fantasy world to stop a killer?
The Champion crew is shooting the hit TV game show near Suva. For the first time, a Fijian is competing for the million-dollar prize and the whole population is ecstatic. Except for Inspector Joe Horseman, whose TV is tuned permanently to the rugby channel.
But when a fit young finalist dies, Horseman must enter the world of the TV reality shoot to investigate. It’s a world he struggles to understand, even with the help of the Champion fans on his team. Horseman must unpick Champion’s tangle of ambition, fantasy and greed before another player is eliminated - for good. This time, he stares failure in the face.
Death Off Camera is the fifth acclaimed novel in the Fiji Islands Mysteries series.
The Champion crew is shooting the hit TV game show near Suva. For the first time, a Fijian is competing for the million-dollar prize and the whole population is ecstatic. Except for Inspector Joe Horseman, whose TV is tuned permanently to the rugby channel.
But when a fit young finalist dies, Horseman must enter the world of the TV reality shoot to investigate. It’s a world he struggles to understand, even with the help of the Champion fans on his team. Horseman must unpick Champion’s tangle of ambition, fantasy and greed before another player is eliminated - for good. This time, he stares failure in the face.
Death Off Camera is the fifth acclaimed novel in the Fiji Islands Mysteries series.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2023
173 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 17, 2023
The twists continue to turn as DI Horseman and his very personable team uncover one incident after another on the set of Champion, a reality television show being filmed on the Fijian islands. Meanwhile, Horseman continues to pursue his dream of opening a hostel for his rugby boys. The characters are well developed and endearing, while the story keeps you turning the pages. Another great addition to the Fiji Island Mystery series.
October 15, 2023
Do you like police procedure, particularly wrapped around a good mystery? Maybe you are into reality competition shows? Maybe you are bored with the usual environment and would like a Fijian twist - Welcome to Joe Horseman's world. The detail is astounding, whether he is tracking the clues to the crime or participating in Fijian rituals. He is a the lead investigator for this area in Fiji. He is also the head coach of a boys rugby team - close to his heart to keep the boys out of crime and get them a better life. His mentorship carries over to work as he leads, trains, and mentors his upcoming investigators.
Really a good story to read.
Really a good story to read.
October 11, 2023
Step into the mind of DI Horseman and read how he strips away the layers to find the killer in this exciting story set on beautiful Fiji and the Bay of Islands. Electrifying. Highly Recommended.
October 18, 2023
A brilliant book. If you like reality television, Survivor-style, then this book is a must-read! And for those who like crime novels, as well as those who like me, just read this series as we love learning about Fiji.
As usual, this book is very well written, and the characters are well developed and great! With each book, we learn a little more about them or their background, as well as about the customs and mores of Fiji itself. So fascinating!
The story itself was great, nice and twisty, and I really enjoyed reading this unusual book.
I did find the ending a bit sad, I have to admit, although it does make it interesting how this series will be developed in future books.
As usual, this book is very well written, and the characters are well developed and great! With each book, we learn a little more about them or their background, as well as about the customs and mores of Fiji itself. So fascinating!
The story itself was great, nice and twisty, and I really enjoyed reading this unusual book.
I did find the ending a bit sad, I have to admit, although it does make it interesting how this series will be developed in future books.
October 30, 2023
An intriguing story with many unexpected twists and turns. Lovely to meet old friends Horseman, Singh and the Shoe-shine Boys to name a few. If you haven't met Joe Horseman yet I suggest you do.
Horseman is like a dog with a bone and never let's up till he's caught his man.
Horseman is like a dog with a bone and never let's up till he's caught his man.
October 21, 2023
This was an exceptional book. I really enjoyed reading it. The book flowed well, good characters and good storyline. I enjoyed learning about the culture of Fiji and the Bay of Islands. Well done Bernadette I hope there will be more books like this.
November 12, 2023
B.M. Allsopp is a very fine writer. She weaves these mysteries well, combined with the fascinating culture of Figi
Josefa Horseman is an experienced detective. He and his team have an intriguing mystery to unravel involving competition in a reality show set in Figi.
Josefa Horseman is an experienced detective. He and his team have an intriguing mystery to unravel involving competition in a reality show set in Figi.
October 14, 2023
This series just keeps getting better and better! I absolutely loved this book, and read straight through from beginning to end (even hiding under the covers at 2 am so the light wouldn't wake my husband, lol). In this story, Detective Inspector Joe Horseman tackles a suspicious death at a location where the Champions TV show is being filmed. This is similar to a Survivors-type show, where different groups living on an island are vying with each other to win various challenges, ultimately ending in a single winner. However, it appears one of the contestants may be taking the competition a little too seriously...
With his aide, Detective Sgt. Susie Singh, Joe must sort through all of the people who had access to the filming camp and set out to determine what happened and who might have had it in for the unlucky victim. As a high-profile case, the stakes are high, and as the investigation stalls, Joe has to face his own frustrations and his concerns that perhaps the killer is not yet done.
I've read every book in this series, and have enjoyed watching the main characters develop, especially Joe. I am impressed by his determination to do his best, to act with honor, even as he deals with his small-minded, nitpicky Superintendent. I love the growth of his relationships with his friends and colleagues, especially Susie, and with the Shiners, the homeless street boys who earn their living by shining shoes. This book is more than just a mystery, it's an insight into the intriguing world of Fijian life and culture! The plot is excellent, the story is entertaining, and there are twists and turns that will keep you guessing throughout the entire book. I definitely think this is one of my favorite (if not THE favorite) stories in the series. Bravo, Ms. Allsopp, for this fascinating and wonderful book!
With his aide, Detective Sgt. Susie Singh, Joe must sort through all of the people who had access to the filming camp and set out to determine what happened and who might have had it in for the unlucky victim. As a high-profile case, the stakes are high, and as the investigation stalls, Joe has to face his own frustrations and his concerns that perhaps the killer is not yet done.
I've read every book in this series, and have enjoyed watching the main characters develop, especially Joe. I am impressed by his determination to do his best, to act with honor, even as he deals with his small-minded, nitpicky Superintendent. I love the growth of his relationships with his friends and colleagues, especially Susie, and with the Shiners, the homeless street boys who earn their living by shining shoes. This book is more than just a mystery, it's an insight into the intriguing world of Fijian life and culture! The plot is excellent, the story is entertaining, and there are twists and turns that will keep you guessing throughout the entire book. I definitely think this is one of my favorite (if not THE favorite) stories in the series. Bravo, Ms. Allsopp, for this fascinating and wonderful book!
October 25, 2023
🏝Laid-back tropical island paradise? Think again!
4.5🌟stars
Great plot with so many threads to untangle and the hero, Fiji rugby legend turned police detective Joe Horseman, shares the confusion with his team as they investigate an odd death of an American contestant on the set of a survivor-type reality show being filmed near Suva, Fiji's capital. As Joe digs deeper, he finds someone is using the set in nefarious ways, taking advantage of the foreign film company right under their noses and putting people in danger. I guessed the culprit a ways before the reveal but the story is written so well that I could easily have picked the wrong person.
I like that the series includes nuggets of knowledge of local fauna and Fijian culture along with the mystery and that the author has paired quintessentially ethnic Fijian Joe with an intelligent and dedicated Indian woman detective who is going places. And, to add a bit of conflict, Joe has to contend with an ambitious boss who takes every opportunity to rub Joe the wrong way.
This was an easy and fairly quick read for its length, with a fascinating plot, lots of local flavor and suspense.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟stars
Great plot with so many threads to untangle and the hero, Fiji rugby legend turned police detective Joe Horseman, shares the confusion with his team as they investigate an odd death of an American contestant on the set of a survivor-type reality show being filmed near Suva, Fiji's capital. As Joe digs deeper, he finds someone is using the set in nefarious ways, taking advantage of the foreign film company right under their noses and putting people in danger. I guessed the culprit a ways before the reveal but the story is written so well that I could easily have picked the wrong person.
I like that the series includes nuggets of knowledge of local fauna and Fijian culture along with the mystery and that the author has paired quintessentially ethnic Fijian Joe with an intelligent and dedicated Indian woman detective who is going places. And, to add a bit of conflict, Joe has to contend with an ambitious boss who takes every opportunity to rub Joe the wrong way.
This was an easy and fairly quick read for its length, with a fascinating plot, lots of local flavor and suspense.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
August 4, 2025
This novel offers a sharp, layered police procedural set in the lush yet fraught world of reality TV on Fiji.
The mystery unfolds when a young contestant dies on the set of Champion, a high-stakes game show.
DI Joe Horseman leads the case, navigating ambition, deceit, and a production crew hiding secrets.
The plot is well-structured, filled with twists and false leads.
Allsopp uses a closed-circle setting to raise tension and deepen the puzzle. Every clue tightens the net.
Characters, in particular Horseman and DS Susie Singh, feel grounded and believable. Their personal growth, banter, and deepening bond add weight to the procedural pace.
Subplots, like Horseman’s commitment to his street-boy rugby team, enrich the story and highlight Fijian social issues.
Allsopp’s style blends brisk prose with cultural insight. She captures Fiji’s rhythms, customs, and contradictions without slowing the narrative.
At times, red herrings distract more than mislead, and the ending feels a touch too neat. But these are minor flaws in a well-written, engaging novel.
Fans of traditional mysteries and immersive settings will enjoy this.
It’s clever, warm, and hard to put down.
The mystery unfolds when a young contestant dies on the set of Champion, a high-stakes game show.
DI Joe Horseman leads the case, navigating ambition, deceit, and a production crew hiding secrets.
The plot is well-structured, filled with twists and false leads.
Allsopp uses a closed-circle setting to raise tension and deepen the puzzle. Every clue tightens the net.
Characters, in particular Horseman and DS Susie Singh, feel grounded and believable. Their personal growth, banter, and deepening bond add weight to the procedural pace.
Subplots, like Horseman’s commitment to his street-boy rugby team, enrich the story and highlight Fijian social issues.
Allsopp’s style blends brisk prose with cultural insight. She captures Fiji’s rhythms, customs, and contradictions without slowing the narrative.
At times, red herrings distract more than mislead, and the ending feels a touch too neat. But these are minor flaws in a well-written, engaging novel.
Fans of traditional mysteries and immersive settings will enjoy this.
It’s clever, warm, and hard to put down.
October 27, 2023
This book is great fun to read, I love it because it has all the elements of a great police procedural but set in the idyllic setting of Fiji and featuring a detective, Joe Horseman, who used to be an international rugby player, with his sergeant and constables they form a formidable team, unfortunately they aren't exactly helped by Horseman's boss who doesn't like Horseman for some reason.
The crime element consists of the death of a young man who is contestant in a reality series where the competitors are 'stranded on a desert island' and have to carry out various tasks and challenges, but was it an accident or murder? that is the first question that needs answering.
The investigation gets complicated by the discovery that expensive camera gear is being stolen from the TV company.
As well as all this, Horseman is trying to set up a hostel for young homeless boys who he has got to know by arranging a rugby team for them aided by the local doctor who also provides food for the lads.
Apart from the mystery I really like that there is plenty of descriptions of Fijian culture which gives the story an exotic feel and enhances the experience of reading the book.
The crime element consists of the death of a young man who is contestant in a reality series where the competitors are 'stranded on a desert island' and have to carry out various tasks and challenges, but was it an accident or murder? that is the first question that needs answering.
The investigation gets complicated by the discovery that expensive camera gear is being stolen from the TV company.
As well as all this, Horseman is trying to set up a hostel for young homeless boys who he has got to know by arranging a rugby team for them aided by the local doctor who also provides food for the lads.
Apart from the mystery I really like that there is plenty of descriptions of Fijian culture which gives the story an exotic feel and enhances the experience of reading the book.
October 25, 2023
Twists and turns galore as Joe Horseman and Susie Singh are drawn into an investigation on the set of a reality survival TV program. Was it murder or suicide? Are contestants vying for a million dollars prize involved? The team from Fiji Police are fed many red herrings as they try to unravel what is happening on the idyllic islands set. At the same time Joe is busy setting up a hostel for his rugby team of homeless shoeshine boys, the Shiners. Bernadette Allsopp takes us on a journey through the islands of Fiji and streets of Suva, to exotic locations and yaqona ceremonies as well as street markets with their aromas of tropical fruits, curry and coffee. A worthy addition to the Fiji Mysteries series.
October 17, 2023
Another splendid chapter in the lives of Josefa Horseman, police officer in Fiji, and his cohorts. Not only solving murders but becoming more comfortable with his own history as a hero athlete and learning to use that fame to take part in activities to benefit the young people in his jurisdiction and others. It is so much fun seeing the characters and story line develop and to learn a little bit more about Fijian language, customs, and other local color as well. Not only that but an insider’s look into the activities involved in filming for TV. I love this series and heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries, cozy or otherwise.
November 11, 2023
Joe Horseman returns in another murder mystery. Fiji is hosting the Champions, a reality show. One of the starts is a local and runner up in a voice competition in the US. The show seems to benefit the island by training the natives as assistants in all the film jobs. However, someone is killing off the contestants. Will Horseman and his team be able to find the killer before they kill again? This is another great book. Joe is a former international rugby 7 star now living with an injured knee. There’s a lot to learn in this series about Fiji while enjoying an excellent murder mystery. I love this series.
July 10, 2024
The murder takes place on Motu, a small island that is used as an isolation site for the competitors in “Champion,” a reality challenge show that encourages vicious behavior. The setting in Fiji is brilliant and the author has created a terrific cast of characters for this series. As well as being a shrewd investigator, Inspector Joe Horseman has formed a rugby team to give hope to the homeless shoeshine boys of Suva. In this story, he is working to establish a hostel to shelter the boys and is finding that there is a lot more red tape involved than he anticipated.
December 24, 2023
Another lovely evocation of Fiji, the flowers, the scenery, and the open-hearted people. The characters are all very real…so we want to know not only who did it and why (we’re kept guessing…) but how the Shiners are faring. The reality tv show setting is also interesting even if ‘reality’ tv isn’t your thing. I was happy that Joe and Susie are once again ‘available’ (no future plot spoilers). Thoroughly recommended.
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February 19, 2024Book number five in the Fiji Island Mystery series featuring local rugby hero, now policeman Inspector Joe Horseman and his team, this time investigating the death of a fit young reality TV star who dies most unexpectedly on a small island off the coast of Fiji, in the middle of filming a wildly popular show which features, for the first time, a Fijian contestant.
Full Review at: https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Full Review at: https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
July 8, 2025
Death on Fiji, a different setting for a mystery which has some good features, but I wasn't enamored of the plot. It was too easy to figure out the guilty party. Since I haven't read any other books in the series, perhaps I am not ready to comment on the regular characters, except that they were okay. Nothing thrilling, just okay. Joe Horseman has his moments, but it felt like the story was padded to add pages. I may try another book in the series, but it's no sure thing.
July 14, 2025
Gentle read. Fijian DI Josefa Horseman investigates a suspicious death of a contestant in reality tv show. It’s a new experience for him. He gets introduced to the highly competitive and dangerously incentivised, far-from-real environment, only to discover the usual human frailties on display. Horseman and his team are nice enough characters, and the setting of Fiji is an interesting point of difference, but the pace is slow and the perpetrator of the crime not much of a surprise.
November 30, 2025
I enjoyed this story. The continuing saga of Horesman and his Shiner Boys' rugby team is a counterpoint to the police drama of investigating suspicious deaths during the filming of a for-television challenge/competition...and a by-the-way discovery of thefts. There's always someone or something else adding a new twist that you don't see coming. Another delightful and intriguing episode in Ms. Allsopp's series!
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October 12, 2023Writing Death Off Camera was agonising and grindingly slow. But now my editor and I have polished my draft, my wonderful Advance Review Copy team are proof-reading to ramp up the quality to the max. The first review is already in and I'm relieved and delighted. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 24, 2023
A reality tv survivor type contest with a million dollars goes to the winner. One of the finalists dies. DI Horseman is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. A number of pranks, thefts and positive blood tests. A second death. Is someone trying to eliminate contestants? A page turning suspenseful novel.
October 6, 2024
Death Off Camera is another enjoyable mystery set in Fiji
The story unfolds at a pace befitting life on a paradise island. Very well written with a good plot, Relatable, well defined characters and a satisfactory conclusion.
If you are looking for something different you may well enjoy these books.
The story unfolds at a pace befitting life on a paradise island. Very well written with a good plot, Relatable, well defined characters and a satisfactory conclusion.
If you are looking for something different you may well enjoy these books.
July 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! The mix of reality TV drama and a murder investigation was so well done. Inspector Horseman felt totally out of his element, which made things even more interesting. The setting in Fiji adds a unique flavor, and the twists kept me guessing till the end. Definitely one of my favorites in the series so far.
July 31, 2025
Murder on Fiji
Deception and death plague the set of Champions, a realty show being filmed in Fiji. Joe Horseman and his team are called in to solve the first crime but as the body count increases, Joe knows he has to pierce the lies and half truths to get to the solution. An excellent series
Deception and death plague the set of Champions, a realty show being filmed in Fiji. Joe Horseman and his team are called in to solve the first crime but as the body count increases, Joe knows he has to pierce the lies and half truths to get to the solution. An excellent series
October 30, 2023
Great book, kept me guessing until the end.
D.I. Horseman must unravel the clues to the deaths on a reality TV show filmed in Fiji on a remote island. Not an easy case and he starts to doubt his ability but, he perseveres until the end.
D.I. Horseman must unravel the clues to the deaths on a reality TV show filmed in Fiji on a remote island. Not an easy case and he starts to doubt his ability but, he perseveres until the end.
November 18, 2023
Excellent book!
I was delighted to see a new title in this superb series. It feels as if one is in the company of old friends, with kindly old-fashioned ways. I highly recommend reading this detective book.
I was delighted to see a new title in this superb series. It feels as if one is in the company of old friends, with kindly old-fashioned ways. I highly recommend reading this detective book.
April 25, 2025
intriguing series
I have very much enjoyed reading this whole series of books about Fiji. Highly recommend recommended. Very entertaining and informative about Fiji customs. Also a well constructed mystery
I have very much enjoyed reading this whole series of books about Fiji. Highly recommend recommended. Very entertaining and informative about Fiji customs. Also a well constructed mystery
July 8, 2025
Excellent read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery. I was truly surprised by who the killer was. The characters were well written and I enjoyed getting to know them. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery. I was truly surprised by who the killer was. The characters were well written and I enjoyed getting to know them. I look forward to reading other books in this series.
July 29, 2025
Another very original story of successful detective work by Horseman and his team, based, of course,
I very much enjoyed this beautifully constructed story of devious crime, using local poisons but by the end, all is revealed and justice is done.
I very much enjoyed this beautifully constructed story of devious crime, using local poisons but by the end, all is revealed and justice is done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews