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Louise Mangan #2
One of Our Ministers Is Missing
A government minister in the Foreign Office has vanished into thin air.
On holiday in Crete, Lord Bellingham had been solo trekking in the White Mountains when he mysteriously disappeared. After a vast search and rescue operation, the local police have no leads, save for a mobile phone discarded on a cliff edge.
Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan of the Met Police is sent to assist in the investigation but soon discovers that there are more layers to this case than the local police realise.
Lady Bellingham is less than forthcoming, the family nanny is hiding something, and a scandal is brewing back in London that could destroy the minister's reputation for good.
Under pressure from the powers that be, can Louise find the missing minister, or will she discover something much more sinister at play?
On holiday in Crete, Lord Bellingham had been solo trekking in the White Mountains when he mysteriously disappeared. After a vast search and rescue operation, the local police have no leads, save for a mobile phone discarded on a cliff edge.
Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan of the Met Police is sent to assist in the investigation but soon discovers that there are more layers to this case than the local police realise.
Lady Bellingham is less than forthcoming, the family nanny is hiding something, and a scandal is brewing back in London that could destroy the minister's reputation for good.
Under pressure from the powers that be, can Louise find the missing minister, or will she discover something much more sinister at play?
Audible Audio
First published September 1, 2022
50 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Alan Johnson
15 books56 followersAlan Arthur Johnson (born 17 May 1950) is a British politician who served as Secretary of State for the Home Department from 2009 to 2010 and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2010 to 2011. A member of the Labour Party, Johnson served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Hull West and Hessle from 1997 to 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 12, 2022
I enjoyed ‘The Late Train to Gipsy Hill’ the authors first book ( reviewed last week ) so was keen to read this….
Well I enjoyed the settings, London and Crete, was good to see a returning character Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan and was interesting for me that one of the other main characters was a Peer, so we had a little mention of the House of Lords here and there
That aside I found the story at times to be rambling instead of sprinting and you know that ‘whoosh’ that makes a fair book a great book, for me it wasn’t there
Still it plodded along and held my attention in the main ( and I think anything that can do this the last few days we have all experienced has to be worthy of a mention ) but lets leave it at I look forward to the authors next book as he really has all the ingredients for a fantastic read rather than just an ok one
6/10
3 Stars
Well I enjoyed the settings, London and Crete, was good to see a returning character Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan and was interesting for me that one of the other main characters was a Peer, so we had a little mention of the House of Lords here and there
That aside I found the story at times to be rambling instead of sprinting and you know that ‘whoosh’ that makes a fair book a great book, for me it wasn’t there
Still it plodded along and held my attention in the main ( and I think anything that can do this the last few days we have all experienced has to be worthy of a mention ) but lets leave it at I look forward to the authors next book as he really has all the ingredients for a fantastic read rather than just an ok one
6/10
3 Stars
August 27, 2022
Another intriguing mystery from Alan Johnson who writes with a classic tone in a modern crime novel.
A disappearance in Crete and an assassin waiting in the wings sets the scene, this is a purely pleasurable read with great characters and a descriptive setting.
The story rocks along keeping the reader involved throughout and it is a mix of mystery and political drama that works very well.
Enjoyed it. Easy reading I'll look forward to more.
A disappearance in Crete and an assassin waiting in the wings sets the scene, this is a purely pleasurable read with great characters and a descriptive setting.
The story rocks along keeping the reader involved throughout and it is a mix of mystery and political drama that works very well.
Enjoyed it. Easy reading I'll look forward to more.
August 4, 2023
I've read and enjoyed Johnson's biographical books so thought I'd try this novel when I came across it. Also enjoyable but more a steady read than an exciting one. Felt like it was setting up for a sequel.
October 31, 2022
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️
One of Our Ministers is Missing is a thoroughly enjoyable, highly entertaining read. I’m not usually a fan of reading anything to do with the government/politicians in fiction, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the storyline.
This character-driven mystery is nicely paced and well-plotted, it features a couple of stinky red herrings that threw me way off scent, and some excellent twists that I (happily) didn’t predict.
Alan Johnson’s writing style is fluid and engaging and the characterisation is first-class. The majority of the story is set on the Greek island of Crete, Johnson’s beautifully detailed descriptions of which provide a wonderful backdrop to the story.
One of Our Ministers is Missing is a charming, old-fashioned style mystery thriller, with a stellar cast of characters, set (mostly) in a beautiful location. What’s not to love?
Many thanks to the publishers for my proof copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
One of Our Ministers is Missing is a thoroughly enjoyable, highly entertaining read. I’m not usually a fan of reading anything to do with the government/politicians in fiction, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the storyline.
This character-driven mystery is nicely paced and well-plotted, it features a couple of stinky red herrings that threw me way off scent, and some excellent twists that I (happily) didn’t predict.
Alan Johnson’s writing style is fluid and engaging and the characterisation is first-class. The majority of the story is set on the Greek island of Crete, Johnson’s beautifully detailed descriptions of which provide a wonderful backdrop to the story.
One of Our Ministers is Missing is a charming, old-fashioned style mystery thriller, with a stellar cast of characters, set (mostly) in a beautiful location. What’s not to love?
Many thanks to the publishers for my proof copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
March 19, 2023
One Of Our Ministers Is Missing
by Alan Johnson
It took a couple of chapters for this romp to gather momentum but once it got up steam it was full speed ahead for this pleasing and very twisting cosy thriller.
Our Government minister is Lord Bellingham and yes he goes missing whilst on a walk in rural Crete. The story twists more than his trek and you will be left breathless as if you were along for the walk; a walk made very pleasurable by great descriptive writing.
Lord Bellingham is an easy character to dislike as is his wife so when we meet Louise Mangan, a met officer sent in to assist in the investigation into our missing minister, I was on her side straight away and as she mimics a police officer version of Shirley Valentine the love angle of the story appears.
As you would expect the side plots are a plenty and will distract you like a magicians sleight of hand. Sit back and enjoy the journey.
I was lucky enough to have a free copy of the audio book and the narration by Richard Attlee was so good I nearly had to apply sunscreen!
Thank you Headline Audio and NetGalley for my free copy of the audio book which I can wholeheartedly recommend for fans of a good twisty, cosy thriller.
by Alan Johnson
It took a couple of chapters for this romp to gather momentum but once it got up steam it was full speed ahead for this pleasing and very twisting cosy thriller.
Our Government minister is Lord Bellingham and yes he goes missing whilst on a walk in rural Crete. The story twists more than his trek and you will be left breathless as if you were along for the walk; a walk made very pleasurable by great descriptive writing.
Lord Bellingham is an easy character to dislike as is his wife so when we meet Louise Mangan, a met officer sent in to assist in the investigation into our missing minister, I was on her side straight away and as she mimics a police officer version of Shirley Valentine the love angle of the story appears.
As you would expect the side plots are a plenty and will distract you like a magicians sleight of hand. Sit back and enjoy the journey.
I was lucky enough to have a free copy of the audio book and the narration by Richard Attlee was so good I nearly had to apply sunscreen!
Thank you Headline Audio and NetGalley for my free copy of the audio book which I can wholeheartedly recommend for fans of a good twisty, cosy thriller.
March 9, 2023
Loved this one
November 24, 2022
I enjoy a political thriller and I thought this might be one as it's written by an ex-MP and of course features a missing minister. However, it wasn't really political, but was still enjoyable.
The novel has a number of separate strands - a contract killer, the missing minister and an upcoming London visit by a controversial author - which are all resolved satisfactorily and in a way I didn't see coming.
The novel has a number of separate strands - a contract killer, the missing minister and an upcoming London visit by a controversial author - which are all resolved satisfactorily and in a way I didn't see coming.
May 28, 2023
I remember Alan Johnson as a Labour minister, and I was interested to read his book (his second novel - I haven't read the first). One of Our Ministers is Missing is an escapist crime romp, and the political backdrop is obviously something about which you'd expect Johnson (Alan, not Boris...) to know his stuff, although the political stuff doesn't actually play that big a role in the story.
When Tory peer, businessman, and government minister Edward Bellingham goes missing while holidaying with his wife in Crete, assistant police commissioner Louise Mangan is roped in to investigate alongside Greek police. The story encompasses a hitman planning his last job (and his unsuspecting wife), gangs, people smuggling, a missing journalist, a beleaguered Turkish writer, and even a dash of romance.
It's basically a good old fashioned adventure story. I couldn't say I was ever exactly on the edge of my seat, but I enjoyed it, and I liked the character of Louise, and her relationship with her Greek counterpart. I appreciated that Alan Johnson chose to make this senior officer a woman - and a competent and assertive one at that - and he writes her reasonably well. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy!
August 15, 2023
Enjoyable page turner. I didn't enjoy it as much as The Late Train to Gipsy Hill, but a good read 😂.
July 11, 2023
Cleverly plotted police story by ex-Cabinet Minister
April 19, 2025
Great plot with strong, realistic characters. Superb writing style, evoking good imagery transporting the reader between London and Crete.
December 5, 2024
Another brilliant book from Alan Johnson. I am so pleased I was introduced to his writing by Lavenham Literary Festival in Suffolk.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all 3 of his detective books. Now onto his autobiographies, which I am very much looking forward to reading.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all 3 of his detective books. Now onto his autobiographies, which I am very much looking forward to reading.
January 18, 2024
another who dunnit where one rather hoped the villian would succeed.
I enjoyed it, but the relationship between the 2 detectives was a little too obvious to be of any interest.
I enjoyed it, but the relationship between the 2 detectives was a little too obvious to be of any interest.
Read
December 27, 2022UK Government Minister, Lord Edward Bellingham, is reported missing on Crete by his wife. This unleashes a high profile, high level search to which Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan is sent as a liaison officer. This takes her away from her regular work in London leading the security detail for high profile overseas visitors while a hitman works though his commissions.
This is a complex mystery that is well told. The setting in particular, London and Crete, feel well drawn and convincing. The reader feels the heat of the Greek sunshine and the breeze through the mountains, hears the lap of the waves contrasting with the bustle and diverse languages on the streets of Stoke Newington. As one would expect in a novel written by a former Home Secretary, there is plenty of high level politics and diplomacy, but this never detracts from the more mundane police procedural work at play.
Some of the characters are well developed, but others feel rather stereotyped - the obese and alcoholic journalist Christopher Finch, Brady the Belfast-born hitman, the naive Geordie nanny, Dimitri the restaurateur. And in the audio-book version, the narrator (Richard Attlee) rather ill-advisedly chooses affect each accent for the dialogue sections. It does help to delineate the characters but at times it feels a bit music hall.
As a whodunnit, the dastardly scheme is pretty obvious quite early in the piece. This is not actually a bad thing. Often crime novels spend way too much time creating convoluted red herrings and cryptic references that it confuses the reader. This one does not confuse, instead leaving the reader to enjoy watching it all unfold. There are a couple of twist-ettes, perhaps, as the strands are brought together, but nothing that will tax the brain too much.
Essentially, this is a good summer read that will entertain and, perhaps, give a glimpse into a lifestyle (peerages, chief commissioners, millionaires, Greek islands) that most of us find aspirational. Jolly good fun all round.
This is a complex mystery that is well told. The setting in particular, London and Crete, feel well drawn and convincing. The reader feels the heat of the Greek sunshine and the breeze through the mountains, hears the lap of the waves contrasting with the bustle and diverse languages on the streets of Stoke Newington. As one would expect in a novel written by a former Home Secretary, there is plenty of high level politics and diplomacy, but this never detracts from the more mundane police procedural work at play.
Some of the characters are well developed, but others feel rather stereotyped - the obese and alcoholic journalist Christopher Finch, Brady the Belfast-born hitman, the naive Geordie nanny, Dimitri the restaurateur. And in the audio-book version, the narrator (Richard Attlee) rather ill-advisedly chooses affect each accent for the dialogue sections. It does help to delineate the characters but at times it feels a bit music hall.
As a whodunnit, the dastardly scheme is pretty obvious quite early in the piece. This is not actually a bad thing. Often crime novels spend way too much time creating convoluted red herrings and cryptic references that it confuses the reader. This one does not confuse, instead leaving the reader to enjoy watching it all unfold. There are a couple of twist-ettes, perhaps, as the strands are brought together, but nothing that will tax the brain too much.
Essentially, this is a good summer read that will entertain and, perhaps, give a glimpse into a lifestyle (peerages, chief commissioners, millionaires, Greek islands) that most of us find aspirational. Jolly good fun all round.
December 10, 2022
Crime mystery set mainly in CRETE
This is a very nicely set out mystery, with different strands that dovetail in a satisfying way.
The novel opens with Brady, who isn’t what he seems. He is in fact a professional hitman and his wife doesn’t have a clue about what he does. How will he fit into the main story of Lord Bellingham, redoubtable peer of the realm and – as it transpires – sleaze bag, who seems to have gone missing on the island of Crete? Then there is Bellingham’s glamorous wife on the island, settled in their house in Agia Galini, together with their nanny, who has been entertaining a local young man when the the Lord and Lady are out for the evening.
In London, assistant Met Commissioner, Louise Mangan is tasked with going to Crete – an island she knows very well – to liaise with the local police and help with the search for this important man.
Lord B has been a keen hiker and could perhaps have fallen to his death in the White Mountains. A newspaper reporter is sent out to feed back on the investigations, but gets himself into deep water. And Lady B seems to have been having an extra marital affair. Where do the police officers Louise and Petros Diamontopolis even start with all these threads? Has a crime been committed or is there more to the story because In London an exposé of the lordship’s proclivities are about to be revealed, and thereby strengthen the notion that he might just have chosen to disappear….
The author pens a traditional crime mystery and has a fluid writing style that makes for a very engaging read, all with a good mix of intrigue, death and romance. The setting of Crete is colourfully conveyed and you could almost be sitting in the local taverna, drinking retsina with the locals.
This is a very nicely set out mystery, with different strands that dovetail in a satisfying way.
The novel opens with Brady, who isn’t what he seems. He is in fact a professional hitman and his wife doesn’t have a clue about what he does. How will he fit into the main story of Lord Bellingham, redoubtable peer of the realm and – as it transpires – sleaze bag, who seems to have gone missing on the island of Crete? Then there is Bellingham’s glamorous wife on the island, settled in their house in Agia Galini, together with their nanny, who has been entertaining a local young man when the the Lord and Lady are out for the evening.
In London, assistant Met Commissioner, Louise Mangan is tasked with going to Crete – an island she knows very well – to liaise with the local police and help with the search for this important man.
Lord B has been a keen hiker and could perhaps have fallen to his death in the White Mountains. A newspaper reporter is sent out to feed back on the investigations, but gets himself into deep water. And Lady B seems to have been having an extra marital affair. Where do the police officers Louise and Petros Diamontopolis even start with all these threads? Has a crime been committed or is there more to the story because In London an exposé of the lordship’s proclivities are about to be revealed, and thereby strengthen the notion that he might just have chosen to disappear….
The author pens a traditional crime mystery and has a fluid writing style that makes for a very engaging read, all with a good mix of intrigue, death and romance. The setting of Crete is colourfully conveyed and you could almost be sitting in the local taverna, drinking retsina with the locals.
November 5, 2022
On holiday in Crete, Lord Bellingham, a minister in the Foreign Office, goes missing whilst trekking in the White Mountains. There are few clues, only the minister’s mobile phone.
Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan from the Met is sent to Crete to liaise with the Greek Police team. Has Lord Bellingham simply had an accident, or is there some foul play afoot? Does the minister’s disappearance have any connection to an upcoming visit to London by an outspoken Turkish literary figure, local London turf wars, Bellingham’s own business deals or something closer to home? Will searching for the minster put other lives in danger?
I loved Alan Johnson’s last book, The Late Train to Gipsy Hill, and I loved this one, possibly more. Yes, it’s a political crime thriller, but Alan Johnson writes so well that the story carries you along. Alan also hits that balance just right, of explaining enough detail to set the scene and make it realistic for the reader, without going overboard and losing the reader in an overly complicated plot. This book had it all: it is pacey, has great characters, enthralling backstories and a good combination of mysteries, red herrings and plot twists. What makes this book work so well is that some of the red herrings and plot twists the reader will see them coming, but some the reader won’t. So the reader gets to feel a little bit like they have played detective, but the final outcome is a surprise.
Really enjoyable, 5 stars
Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan from the Met is sent to Crete to liaise with the Greek Police team. Has Lord Bellingham simply had an accident, or is there some foul play afoot? Does the minister’s disappearance have any connection to an upcoming visit to London by an outspoken Turkish literary figure, local London turf wars, Bellingham’s own business deals or something closer to home? Will searching for the minster put other lives in danger?
I loved Alan Johnson’s last book, The Late Train to Gipsy Hill, and I loved this one, possibly more. Yes, it’s a political crime thriller, but Alan Johnson writes so well that the story carries you along. Alan also hits that balance just right, of explaining enough detail to set the scene and make it realistic for the reader, without going overboard and losing the reader in an overly complicated plot. This book had it all: it is pacey, has great characters, enthralling backstories and a good combination of mysteries, red herrings and plot twists. What makes this book work so well is that some of the red herrings and plot twists the reader will see them coming, but some the reader won’t. So the reader gets to feel a little bit like they have played detective, but the final outcome is a surprise.
Really enjoyable, 5 stars
April 1, 2023
A nice, easy and fun mystery, but there's something about this that just didn't work for me. I think I kept getting muddled with the timeline.
Review taken from The Pewter Wolf Reads as part of Audiobook April 2023
***eProof and Audiobook gifted by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***
A government minister has vanished while on holiday in Crete. He is a known walker and he seems to have vanished without a trace except for his mobile which is found on a cliff's edge. The Met sends Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan to assist the Greek Police, but she soon realises that there's more to this disappearance that meets the eye. His wife becoming more and more hostile, a scandal from the minister's past about to come out in the tabloids and something is brewing, but is this linked to the minister or something entirely different...?
I don't know how to write this as I am in two minds over this.
On the one hand, this was something really addictive about it. The chapters were short, the plot had twists and was engaging. But, at the same time, it felt a bit muddled with time jumps (I have no idea if this book took place over the course of a week, month or several), the almost two-dimensional characters and the beats of the story.
It feels like a James Patterson novel: fast and fun, almost a book you buy at the airport but when you finish and come away from it, it didn't leave an impression. Fun while reading/listening, meh when you step away and think about it...
Review taken from The Pewter Wolf Reads as part of Audiobook April 2023
***eProof and Audiobook gifted by UK publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review/reaction***
A government minister has vanished while on holiday in Crete. He is a known walker and he seems to have vanished without a trace except for his mobile which is found on a cliff's edge. The Met sends Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan to assist the Greek Police, but she soon realises that there's more to this disappearance that meets the eye. His wife becoming more and more hostile, a scandal from the minister's past about to come out in the tabloids and something is brewing, but is this linked to the minister or something entirely different...?
I don't know how to write this as I am in two minds over this.
On the one hand, this was something really addictive about it. The chapters were short, the plot had twists and was engaging. But, at the same time, it felt a bit muddled with time jumps (I have no idea if this book took place over the course of a week, month or several), the almost two-dimensional characters and the beats of the story.
It feels like a James Patterson novel: fast and fun, almost a book you buy at the airport but when you finish and come away from it, it didn't leave an impression. Fun while reading/listening, meh when you step away and think about it...
November 23, 2022
Since his retirement from front line politics, Alan Johnson has gone a considerable way towards acquiring ‘national treasure’ status, partially as a consequence of his memoirs, published in three volumes, which show a great triumph over considerable early adversity, and from his pragmatic and open approach, and his self-deprecating sense of humour.
This is his second novel and sees the return of Assistant deputy Commissioner Louise Mangan, who had featured in his previous crime story, The Late Train to Gypsy Hill. She is called upon to liaise with Greek counterparts after Lord Bellingham, wealthy property developer but also junior Foreign Office Minister, goes missing on the island of Crete, where he owns a property. The story unfolds mainly on Crete, although Louise is also engaged in supervising security for the visit of a prominent Turkish writer who has been very vocal in his opposition to, and criticism of, the government of Erdogan.
Johnson’s own ministerial career included a brief stint as home Secretary, and he clearly draws on insights culled from those days in his portrayal of the working relationships (and especially the jealousies and resentments) between officers in the top echelons of the metropolitan Police Service.
This is a light-hearted yet still plausible novel, and highly entertaining.
This is his second novel and sees the return of Assistant deputy Commissioner Louise Mangan, who had featured in his previous crime story, The Late Train to Gypsy Hill. She is called upon to liaise with Greek counterparts after Lord Bellingham, wealthy property developer but also junior Foreign Office Minister, goes missing on the island of Crete, where he owns a property. The story unfolds mainly on Crete, although Louise is also engaged in supervising security for the visit of a prominent Turkish writer who has been very vocal in his opposition to, and criticism of, the government of Erdogan.
Johnson’s own ministerial career included a brief stint as home Secretary, and he clearly draws on insights culled from those days in his portrayal of the working relationships (and especially the jealousies and resentments) between officers in the top echelons of the metropolitan Police Service.
This is a light-hearted yet still plausible novel, and highly entertaining.
September 6, 2022
Having been given a copy by the man himself, I was delighted to dive into this second book, having really enjoyed the first The Late Train to Gipsy Hill. Alan, you did not disappoint with this one, it was brilliant!
Again we meet with Louise Mangan, a member of the British Police Force, now in a higher rank and maintaining great skills. The book flits effortlessly between countries, weaving the threads of a variety of sub-plots, involving international police work and investigation along with the story. I found following the plotline through seamless and really felt that there’d been meticulous attention paid in the finer details.
The pace through the book was superb, unexpected reveals made with the suspense being kept on a high.
I managed to get through this latest novel in two days, with full work shifts in-between, such was the eagerness to get to the crux of the mystery of One Of Our Ministers Is Missing. Sometimes a second book, after a great first one, can be a bit of a let-down. This is not the case here, Alans writing just keeps getting better! Roll on number three, I’ll be keen to see how this is followed up...if I could give more stars I would, hopefully this book will be shining brightly in the book charts!
Again we meet with Louise Mangan, a member of the British Police Force, now in a higher rank and maintaining great skills. The book flits effortlessly between countries, weaving the threads of a variety of sub-plots, involving international police work and investigation along with the story. I found following the plotline through seamless and really felt that there’d been meticulous attention paid in the finer details.
The pace through the book was superb, unexpected reveals made with the suspense being kept on a high.
I managed to get through this latest novel in two days, with full work shifts in-between, such was the eagerness to get to the crux of the mystery of One Of Our Ministers Is Missing. Sometimes a second book, after a great first one, can be a bit of a let-down. This is not the case here, Alans writing just keeps getting better! Roll on number three, I’ll be keen to see how this is followed up...if I could give more stars I would, hopefully this book will be shining brightly in the book charts!
September 11, 2022
I didn’t read the first book in this series but I’ll be rectifying that now. This was an engaging read with a good plotline and an easy writing style. A good mix of police procedure and thriller involving a contract killer, a Lord of the Realm, an Assistant Commissioner of the Met and a Greek police officer. There are two distinct threads to this character driven book both in London and one of them in Crete.
Briefly, in London Lord Bellingham has been trying to convince the last resident of a block of flats to move out. Later, on holiday in Crete Bellingham goes missing whilst out walking. AC Louise Mangan, who has been working a case in London, is despatched to Crete to liaise with the local police in their search for Bellingham. The charming Lady Bellingham appears less than forthcoming but Louise is determined to get to the bottom of the case of the missing minister.
Quite a lighthearted read but sometime that is exactly what I want. Good twists and turns and red herrings abound. Very clever climax to the book with an unexpected outcome. A very enjoyable read, simply written and with an excellent plot. Perfect relaxing read.
Briefly, in London Lord Bellingham has been trying to convince the last resident of a block of flats to move out. Later, on holiday in Crete Bellingham goes missing whilst out walking. AC Louise Mangan, who has been working a case in London, is despatched to Crete to liaise with the local police in their search for Bellingham. The charming Lady Bellingham appears less than forthcoming but Louise is determined to get to the bottom of the case of the missing minister.
Quite a lighthearted read but sometime that is exactly what I want. Good twists and turns and red herrings abound. Very clever climax to the book with an unexpected outcome. A very enjoyable read, simply written and with an excellent plot. Perfect relaxing read.
September 16, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for a review copy of One of our Ministers Is Missing, the second novel to feature AC Louise Mangan of the Met.
Lord Bellingham, a minister in the Foreign Office, has disappeared while hiking in Crete. Given the political sensitivities Louise is sent to Crete to liaise with the Greek Police, but nothing is as it seems. Lady Bellingham has no interest in talking to the police, the nanny is keeping secrets and the press were investigating Lord Bellingham.
I thoroughly enjoyed One of our Ministers Is Missing, which is an engrossing tale with several twists. I admit that I was drawn to the novel by the title, which is so quintessentially British, but it was the writing style that kept me turning the pages. It is warm, inviting and relaxing, although I didn’t know before that writing could be relaxing, but it simply lets the reader go with the flow without asking too much or offering too little.
The plot is told from two points of view mainly, Louise and the mysterious Brady, a hitman of dodgy antecedents. It follows Louise in Crete and London as she investigates Lord Bellingham’s disappearance and deals with security for a high profile event and Brady as he prepares for one last unnamed job before his retirement. Both have interesting tales to tell and credit is due to the author for developing his characters and bringing the reader into their lives.
I found the plot engrossing and entertaining. I liked the Cretan setting and the events that aren’t limited to the disappearance of one Englishman, but throw in several bonus crimes and a good few twists. I think that Brady is fascinating, obviously a psychopath but one who starts to unravel over the course of the novel and naturally there are twists in his story too. The author, however, saves his best twists for the resolution. I was gobsmacked.
One of our Ministers Is Missing is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lord Bellingham, a minister in the Foreign Office, has disappeared while hiking in Crete. Given the political sensitivities Louise is sent to Crete to liaise with the Greek Police, but nothing is as it seems. Lady Bellingham has no interest in talking to the police, the nanny is keeping secrets and the press were investigating Lord Bellingham.
I thoroughly enjoyed One of our Ministers Is Missing, which is an engrossing tale with several twists. I admit that I was drawn to the novel by the title, which is so quintessentially British, but it was the writing style that kept me turning the pages. It is warm, inviting and relaxing, although I didn’t know before that writing could be relaxing, but it simply lets the reader go with the flow without asking too much or offering too little.
The plot is told from two points of view mainly, Louise and the mysterious Brady, a hitman of dodgy antecedents. It follows Louise in Crete and London as she investigates Lord Bellingham’s disappearance and deals with security for a high profile event and Brady as he prepares for one last unnamed job before his retirement. Both have interesting tales to tell and credit is due to the author for developing his characters and bringing the reader into their lives.
I found the plot engrossing and entertaining. I liked the Cretan setting and the events that aren’t limited to the disappearance of one Englishman, but throw in several bonus crimes and a good few twists. I think that Brady is fascinating, obviously a psychopath but one who starts to unravel over the course of the novel and naturally there are twists in his story too. The author, however, saves his best twists for the resolution. I was gobsmacked.
One of our Ministers Is Missing is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
December 3, 2022
One of Our Ministers is Missing is an entertaining mystery by Alan Johnson.
In short, as the title suggests, a minister goes missing on the island of Crete, this instigates the UK to send Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan of the Met Police to assist in the investigation…which soon unravels into a lot more than a missing person!
Having read and enjoyed Alan’s previous book I was looking forward to reading this latest novel and I can report that I enjoyed it equally as much. I love his style of writing, he’s a great storyteller and the plots and characters are both interesting and entertaining. I did guess much of the the ending, however, that didn’t spoil the story. My only bug bear is that Alan tends to flip flop characters name, randomly using either the forename or surname, personally I would prefer consistency when referring to a character. I’m looking forward to reading more from Alan in the future.
Big thanks to Alan Johnson, Headline and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
In short, as the title suggests, a minister goes missing on the island of Crete, this instigates the UK to send Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan of the Met Police to assist in the investigation…which soon unravels into a lot more than a missing person!
Having read and enjoyed Alan’s previous book I was looking forward to reading this latest novel and I can report that I enjoyed it equally as much. I love his style of writing, he’s a great storyteller and the plots and characters are both interesting and entertaining. I did guess much of the the ending, however, that didn’t spoil the story. My only bug bear is that Alan tends to flip flop characters name, randomly using either the forename or surname, personally I would prefer consistency when referring to a character. I’m looking forward to reading more from Alan in the future.
Big thanks to Alan Johnson, Headline and NetGalley for this eARC which I chose to read in return for my honest review.
October 21, 2022
One Of Our Ministers is Missing by is another great political mystery by Alan Johnson, Not quite so much of a thriller as The Last Train to Gypsy Hill, it nonetheless has an engrossing plot which keeps you guessing to the very end, Set in London and Crete, and featuring an array of characters, the most memorable being Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan, who is tasked with supporting the Greek police in investigating the disappearance of the minister, her Greek counterpart Petros Diamantapoulis, and the hitman Ian Brady, who has one last commission before retiring. The various storylines are cleverly woven together and it was an enjoyable read though it lacks the excitement and tension you might expect - there are no ‘edge of your seat’ moments.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2022
Edward Bellingham is a rich man with a dirty secret. He is a member of the House of Lords and a Junior Minister but has gone missing on the isle of Crete where he has a holiday home. Assistant Chief Constable Louise Mangan is asked to liaise with the Greek police but she also has pressing issues on the home front as there is an alert that a dissident Turkish author may be the target of an assassination plot. Are they both potential international incidents, or is the answer a lot simpler?
Johnson writes populist books which make a great lightweight read. Here the plot is fast-moving and flips on several occasions before the denouement. The writing is straightforward, it's not high literature, but it is a really entertaining diversion for a few hours!
Johnson writes populist books which make a great lightweight read. Here the plot is fast-moving and flips on several occasions before the denouement. The writing is straightforward, it's not high literature, but it is a really entertaining diversion for a few hours!
July 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book except for some jarring plot holes.
1) We are supposed to believe that a "professional" hit man, one of the best, carelessly throws away chewed gum at the location from which he is shooting. I mean, that's ridiculous. I saw that right away. Couldn't he have maybe scratched himself and left some blood, or had a loose fingernail fall off? Something he wouldn't have noticed?
2) Someone comes with important information, and the detective, who is otherwise so thorough, arbitrarily decided not to hear what he has to say?
3) Even without dredging up the whole corpse, some DNA could have been taken from the body found in the link in order to identify it.
I'm surprised that no one suggested to change these two plot holes during the editing process.
1) We are supposed to believe that a "professional" hit man, one of the best, carelessly throws away chewed gum at the location from which he is shooting. I mean, that's ridiculous. I saw that right away. Couldn't he have maybe scratched himself and left some blood, or had a loose fingernail fall off? Something he wouldn't have noticed?
2) Someone comes with important information, and the detective, who is otherwise so thorough, arbitrarily decided not to hear what he has to say?
3) Even without dredging up the whole corpse, some DNA could have been taken from the body found in the link in order to identify it.
I'm surprised that no one suggested to change these two plot holes during the editing process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2022
Government minister Lord Bellingham was on a hiking holiday in the White Mountains of Crete when he vanished.
Met Police Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan is sent to liaise with Captain Petros Diamantapoulis.
A huge search reveals nothing but a mobile phone perched on a cliff edge.
The hunt is complicated by rivalries within the Greek police. Lady Bellingham has secrets, so does their nanny. And a career-wrecking tabloid scandal is brewing.
Former Labour MP and cabinet minister Johnson's entertaining crime caper has more layers than a filo pastry.
I just hope he doesn't draw too many people to the hidden gem that is southern Crete.
Met Police Assistant Commissioner Louise Mangan is sent to liaise with Captain Petros Diamantapoulis.
A huge search reveals nothing but a mobile phone perched on a cliff edge.
The hunt is complicated by rivalries within the Greek police. Lady Bellingham has secrets, so does their nanny. And a career-wrecking tabloid scandal is brewing.
Former Labour MP and cabinet minister Johnson's entertaining crime caper has more layers than a filo pastry.
I just hope he doesn't draw too many people to the hidden gem that is southern Crete.
October 4, 2022
This is the first book that I have read by this author and on finishing I immediately looked at his earlier books. This was a book that I enjoyed for its originality and its characters.
The disappearance of a British national in Crete would always be a concern for the British police, especially when they are a government minister. Louise, a higher ranking police officer than what would usually be sent to assist is more than happy to go. An opportunity to investigate rather than lead from behind a desk and on an island she knows well. After a rocky start, when she inadvertently offends her colleague in Greece, they work well together. Determined to get answers despite the obstacles placed in their way from unexpected quarters.
Louise was a character I liked a lot. I appreciated the small glimpse of her personal life where you see her missing her daughters, her marriage break up and her singing along to Joni Mitchell whilst home alone. I also liked seeing her fear of retirement from the job she loved. She seemed honest, in her feelings for the friends she made in Crete and her frustration at working from behind a desk instead of detective work.
But there is another equally as important character in this novel, Brady. Seemingly a happily married man with a decent job who lives under the radar. But his real character is nothing like this. He is a killer preparing for his last job. I won’t reveal much more about his storyline because in some ways his character is the most fascinating in the book. He should have been a character I detested but there were aspects of him I appreciated and had sympathy for.
There are a few twists and a handful of characters to dislike but this is a crime novel that despite its subject matter is very lighthearted.
The disappearance of a British national in Crete would always be a concern for the British police, especially when they are a government minister. Louise, a higher ranking police officer than what would usually be sent to assist is more than happy to go. An opportunity to investigate rather than lead from behind a desk and on an island she knows well. After a rocky start, when she inadvertently offends her colleague in Greece, they work well together. Determined to get answers despite the obstacles placed in their way from unexpected quarters.
Louise was a character I liked a lot. I appreciated the small glimpse of her personal life where you see her missing her daughters, her marriage break up and her singing along to Joni Mitchell whilst home alone. I also liked seeing her fear of retirement from the job she loved. She seemed honest, in her feelings for the friends she made in Crete and her frustration at working from behind a desk instead of detective work.
But there is another equally as important character in this novel, Brady. Seemingly a happily married man with a decent job who lives under the radar. But his real character is nothing like this. He is a killer preparing for his last job. I won’t reveal much more about his storyline because in some ways his character is the most fascinating in the book. He should have been a character I detested but there were aspects of him I appreciated and had sympathy for.
There are a few twists and a handful of characters to dislike but this is a crime novel that despite its subject matter is very lighthearted.
October 10, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this clever political crime thriller.
The plot was quite complex but the characters were interesting and I soon became immersed in the different storylines.
The book has well written, believable characters and an interesting plot that I found hard to predict. I liked the dual setting of Crete and London and found each of the different elements; missing person, police corruption, drugs and people trafficking equally interesting.
This story had a very satisfying conclusion. I really liked how all the separate storylines and characters interlinked by the end to solve the mystery.
The plot was quite complex but the characters were interesting and I soon became immersed in the different storylines.
The book has well written, believable characters and an interesting plot that I found hard to predict. I liked the dual setting of Crete and London and found each of the different elements; missing person, police corruption, drugs and people trafficking equally interesting.
This story had a very satisfying conclusion. I really liked how all the separate storylines and characters interlinked by the end to solve the mystery.
September 13, 2022
Alan Johnson is an engaging writer who knows how to develop characters and keep relationships lively as he builds his mystery storylines. One of Our Ministers is Missing is partly set on the beautiful island of Crete where a Peer of the Realm, property developer and Junior Minister at the FCO, Lord Bellingham has a holiday home. A keen walker, he disappeared on one of his regular hikes into the White Mountains leaving his wife Miranda and his children distraught.
Meanwhile, back in London, Assistant Met Commissioner, Louise Mangan is preparing security arrangements for the forthcoming visit of Turkish literary figure and dissident Burak Bayram to Stoke Newington.
When the Met are looking for someone to act as liaison with the Greek Police in the disappearance of Lord Bellingham, Louise Mangan who knows Crete reasonably well, is happy to lose her far too constricting uniform and had off to do some actual detective work alongside the Greek Police.
Alan Johnson writes with an easy, fluid style and his mixture of politics, assassins, criminal behaviour and personal liaisons leading to thrilling outcomes is a heady and attractive mix. Johnson keeps the reader on their toes as he throws in false clues and diverting story lines in sub-plots designed to throw the reader off track.
Verdict: The dual settings of London and Crete work well and Johnson has a good eye for sympathetic characters. His depiction of the tensions between police officers on Crete is excellent and adds another layer of interest to an already fascinating mystery. With killers, corruption even a sleazy tabloid journalist, Johnson has left nothing to chance and his plotting is good and his characterisation even better. This is prime easy and engaging reading. If you haven’t yet had your holiday, this is one to take with you.
Meanwhile, back in London, Assistant Met Commissioner, Louise Mangan is preparing security arrangements for the forthcoming visit of Turkish literary figure and dissident Burak Bayram to Stoke Newington.
When the Met are looking for someone to act as liaison with the Greek Police in the disappearance of Lord Bellingham, Louise Mangan who knows Crete reasonably well, is happy to lose her far too constricting uniform and had off to do some actual detective work alongside the Greek Police.
Alan Johnson writes with an easy, fluid style and his mixture of politics, assassins, criminal behaviour and personal liaisons leading to thrilling outcomes is a heady and attractive mix. Johnson keeps the reader on their toes as he throws in false clues and diverting story lines in sub-plots designed to throw the reader off track.
Verdict: The dual settings of London and Crete work well and Johnson has a good eye for sympathetic characters. His depiction of the tensions between police officers on Crete is excellent and adds another layer of interest to an already fascinating mystery. With killers, corruption even a sleazy tabloid journalist, Johnson has left nothing to chance and his plotting is good and his characterisation even better. This is prime easy and engaging reading. If you haven’t yet had your holiday, this is one to take with you.
September 27, 2022
I found Alan Johnson's second novel easy to read and entertaining. As I know Crete quite well I particularly enjoyed the parts of the story which were set on that island as his descriptions evoked a powerful sense of place. Although there were moments when I found the pacing rather slow, and saw through all but one of the red-herrings planted in the storyline, I thought that his depictions of the tensions and conflicts of interests between police officers (both on Crete and in the UK!) were excellent and felt entirely credible.
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