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One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries #2
Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring
He’s trying to forget all about crime. But now targeted as a suspect, can he keep from going down for murder?
England, 1964. Retired inspector Tom Ramsay wants to leave the past behind. Hoping to get on with his plans to hike the beauty spots of his homeland, a vacation to North Yorkshire strikes him as just the ticket. Yet while exploring the beach with his young border collie, he’s shocked to discover a decomposing body hidden in a cave.
Happy to put the case in the hands of local police, he’s relieved not to be involved in the ugly matter. But as the small-town rumor mill churns and a grudge-bearing investigator threatens Ramsay with jail, the alarmed retiree dives headfirst into an ocean of secrets, lies, and contraband.
Can this forthright ex-copper clear his name and dredge up the true culprit?
Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring is the captivating second book in the One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries series. If you like kind but dogged heroes, animal companions, and quirky supporting casts, then you’ll love P.C. James’s riveting read.
Buy Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring to expose the truth today!
England, 1964. Retired inspector Tom Ramsay wants to leave the past behind. Hoping to get on with his plans to hike the beauty spots of his homeland, a vacation to North Yorkshire strikes him as just the ticket. Yet while exploring the beach with his young border collie, he’s shocked to discover a decomposing body hidden in a cave.
Happy to put the case in the hands of local police, he’s relieved not to be involved in the ugly matter. But as the small-town rumor mill churns and a grudge-bearing investigator threatens Ramsay with jail, the alarmed retiree dives headfirst into an ocean of secrets, lies, and contraband.
Can this forthright ex-copper clear his name and dredge up the true culprit?
Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring is the captivating second book in the One Man and His Dog Cozy Mysteries series. If you like kind but dogged heroes, animal companions, and quirky supporting casts, then you’ll love P.C. James’s riveting read.
Buy Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring to expose the truth today!
Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 26, 2026
4.5★s
Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring is the second book in the One Man And His Dog Cozy Mystery series by British author, P.C.James. Sheltering under a rock overhang from a sudden October squall during their walk in Robin Hood’s Bay, retired DI Tom Ramsay and his dog, Bracken discover a decomposing body in an old alum mine tunnel.
The local Constable, Percy Storm, is very interested, has an idea just who the murder victim might be, and is happy to share information with the man he considers a bit of a celebrity, as they wait for forensics to turn up. But when the Whitby sergeant arrives on the scene, he unambiguously warns Ramsay off getting involved: his hostility pings Ramsay’s radar.
Harry Peacock’s fishing business was exceptionally successful, buying up boats and equipment as his competitors failed, provoking rumours of his involvement in smuggling. But he took on a partner in June, then withdrew from skippering, citing that he was feeling his age, and in mid-August, he went missing.
Whitby DI Baldock is as antagonistic as his sergeant, actually implying that Ramsay might be on the suspect list, making it imperative that he find the guilty parties as proof that he isn’t. Eliza Danesdale, the nineteen-year-old waitress at the local teashop, quickly latches onto him, wanting to be part of the investigation he isn’t conducting. He reluctantly allows her input, but is wary of her flirty behaviour.
After some covert surveillance, pub crawling, teashop chatting, and casual questioning, Ramsay and Eliza have quite a list of suspects: Peacock’s business partner of two months, perhaps employing a non-local rough type skippering one of Peacock’s vessels; the victim’s estranged, profligate son; disgruntled ex-employees; a Whitby cop forced into retirement under suspicion of liaising with smugglers; villagers offended by his general nastiness; and, potentially, corrupt police heavily involved in the smuggling ring. But convincing motives are a bit thinner on the ground.
Meanwhile, Bracken gets walks, and is spoiled by the constable’s wife, the guesthouse landlady and Eliza. His only criticism is the infrequency of his walks, and that Ramsay can’t seem to intuit his opinion on matters from an expressive look.
James easily captures his setting and era, demonstrating how different policing is in 1964 without mobile phones, CCTV and DNA: the most sophisticated tools in their arsenal being fingerprinting and blood type, while deductive reasoning is often essential. It the pace is a bit sedate, the plot is still gripping, there’s a clever twist, and even the most astute reader will have difficulty picking the murderer. Another enjoyable cosy.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Books Go Social.
Ramsay and the Smuggling Ring is the second book in the One Man And His Dog Cozy Mystery series by British author, P.C.James. Sheltering under a rock overhang from a sudden October squall during their walk in Robin Hood’s Bay, retired DI Tom Ramsay and his dog, Bracken discover a decomposing body in an old alum mine tunnel.
The local Constable, Percy Storm, is very interested, has an idea just who the murder victim might be, and is happy to share information with the man he considers a bit of a celebrity, as they wait for forensics to turn up. But when the Whitby sergeant arrives on the scene, he unambiguously warns Ramsay off getting involved: his hostility pings Ramsay’s radar.
Harry Peacock’s fishing business was exceptionally successful, buying up boats and equipment as his competitors failed, provoking rumours of his involvement in smuggling. But he took on a partner in June, then withdrew from skippering, citing that he was feeling his age, and in mid-August, he went missing.
Whitby DI Baldock is as antagonistic as his sergeant, actually implying that Ramsay might be on the suspect list, making it imperative that he find the guilty parties as proof that he isn’t. Eliza Danesdale, the nineteen-year-old waitress at the local teashop, quickly latches onto him, wanting to be part of the investigation he isn’t conducting. He reluctantly allows her input, but is wary of her flirty behaviour.
After some covert surveillance, pub crawling, teashop chatting, and casual questioning, Ramsay and Eliza have quite a list of suspects: Peacock’s business partner of two months, perhaps employing a non-local rough type skippering one of Peacock’s vessels; the victim’s estranged, profligate son; disgruntled ex-employees; a Whitby cop forced into retirement under suspicion of liaising with smugglers; villagers offended by his general nastiness; and, potentially, corrupt police heavily involved in the smuggling ring. But convincing motives are a bit thinner on the ground.
Meanwhile, Bracken gets walks, and is spoiled by the constable’s wife, the guesthouse landlady and Eliza. His only criticism is the infrequency of his walks, and that Ramsay can’t seem to intuit his opinion on matters from an expressive look.
James easily captures his setting and era, demonstrating how different policing is in 1964 without mobile phones, CCTV and DNA: the most sophisticated tools in their arsenal being fingerprinting and blood type, while deductive reasoning is often essential. It the pace is a bit sedate, the plot is still gripping, there’s a clever twist, and even the most astute reader will have difficulty picking the murderer. Another enjoyable cosy.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Books Go Social.
April 30, 2024
I liked the character of Ramsay, but in this second book, I thought he was annoying with all his constant badgering of his chosen characters. But, wow, surprise ending! and great solution to the smuggling.
April 28, 2024
Another well-written novel from the author of the Miss Riddell cozy mysteries. The latest book is the second in a spin-off series featuring retired police inspector Tom Ramsay. This time a vacation by the sea for him and his faithful dog Bracken is interrupted by his discovery of a decomposing body. Ramsay sets out to investigate, not least because he himself becomes a suspect!
My favourite aspect of the book was the platonic and delightfully engaging relationship between the world-weary former detective and local girl Eliza. She takes a shine to him and uses her knowledge of the area and its people to help him solve the case.
I hope we'll see more of Eliza in future novels. I loved the dialogue interplay between the older retired cop and the bright, energetic nineteen-year-old girl. And, of course, there is a mystery for Ramsay to get to the bottom of. Which he does, no surprise, but only after some twists, turns, and false leads. A worthy, entertaining addition to the growing one man and his dog series.
My favourite aspect of the book was the platonic and delightfully engaging relationship between the world-weary former detective and local girl Eliza. She takes a shine to him and uses her knowledge of the area and its people to help him solve the case.
I hope we'll see more of Eliza in future novels. I loved the dialogue interplay between the older retired cop and the bright, energetic nineteen-year-old girl. And, of course, there is a mystery for Ramsay to get to the bottom of. Which he does, no surprise, but only after some twists, turns, and false leads. A worthy, entertaining addition to the growing one man and his dog series.
May 20, 2025
Another entertaining tale to riddle the mind and keep you on your toes. I enjoyed this second instalment in the series, and also liked how it totally stands on its own, so readers can enjoy the series or just a single story without difficulty. I did not see the final twist coming and was definitely blindsided because the red herrings are so, so believable and I was expecting a wholly different outcome. Ex-inspector Ramsay is a fun character and I really loved the moments with his dog Bracken in this volume. The border collie has the most amusing and endearing moments that added a lot to the unfolding story.
In this volume, Ramsay is joined by Eliza, a bored teen who enthusiastically helps with the investigation. I had my doubts about her at one point, but she proved herself, although there were moments her interest in Ramsay was a little unexpected and I'm curious to see if that goes anywhere in upcoming volumes of the series.
In this volume, Ramsay is joined by Eliza, a bored teen who enthusiastically helps with the investigation. I had my doubts about her at one point, but she proved herself, although there were moments her interest in Ramsay was a little unexpected and I'm curious to see if that goes anywhere in upcoming volumes of the series.
February 23, 2025
This is an interesting and compelling story for the most part. The last quarter I skimmed through, tired of their pure guessing who did it and how. Since no solid evidence showed up later in the story, Ramsay's and Eliza's proposed answers were all conjecture. The story did have a surprising end twist.
One part of the story was unrealistic, I thought. Being set in 1964 in a small village, I can hardly believe Eliza's parents' complacency toward her involvement with Ramsay. You'd think from the story that no one in the village noticed, but in reality Eliza would have been the gossip of the town. Everyone would have known about, and thoroughly discussed, the way she was hanging out in the evenings with "that older man." Openly giving him friendly little kisses and all! Her reputation would have been shredded. Her mother would have been getting arch comments from friends.
One part of the story was unrealistic, I thought. Being set in 1964 in a small village, I can hardly believe Eliza's parents' complacency toward her involvement with Ramsay. You'd think from the story that no one in the village noticed, but in reality Eliza would have been the gossip of the town. Everyone would have known about, and thoroughly discussed, the way she was hanging out in the evenings with "that older man." Openly giving him friendly little kisses and all! Her reputation would have been shredded. Her mother would have been getting arch comments from friends.
March 18, 2024
This book really gripped me. One I suggest, if you cannot finish it in one go, leave off about a third of the way through! This time we see retired police Inspector Ramsey & his dog, Bracken at Robin Hood Bay in Yorkshire. They are walking along the beach & get caught in a downpour. Ramsey notices a crack in the cliff that seems like a door. It is & inside the cave there is a dead body! There is lots of talk of a smuggling ring with the deadman being involved. But, there are no signs that he can see of stuff being smuggled. There is another retired Inspector living there, one who was suspected of helping a smuggling ring. Is he to be trusted? Ramsey & he had worked together in the past, so he calls in to see him several times for a chat and a cup of tea.
April 25, 2024
A compelling read
After being stepped down from the force, inspector Tom Ramsay embarks on a leisurely walking holiday with his dog. However, the hiking is cut short. When a body is found, questions are asked, gossip is heard, and evidence presents itself. What follows is a well-paced mystery with many twists and turns. The story unfolds through a range of unlikely possibilities and suspicious characters. I don’t usually buy murder mysteries – but I am converted – reading the book in one day! Treat yourself, put your feet up, and immerse yourself in such a well-written book.
After being stepped down from the force, inspector Tom Ramsay embarks on a leisurely walking holiday with his dog. However, the hiking is cut short. When a body is found, questions are asked, gossip is heard, and evidence presents itself. What follows is a well-paced mystery with many twists and turns. The story unfolds through a range of unlikely possibilities and suspicious characters. I don’t usually buy murder mysteries – but I am converted – reading the book in one day! Treat yourself, put your feet up, and immerse yourself in such a well-written book.
July 10, 2024
I like this man Ramsy and his dog. Ramsy is a rather but driven ex cop who was forced to retire early because he did what he thought what was right. Even when his superiors though it against procedure. He goes on vacation for a walking trip with his dog who he claims needs lots of walking. He meets up with another disgraced cop that he worked a case with. A 19 year old young woman from the tea shop he frequents makes herself his assistant. Together these characters set out to solve a smuggling case. Surprise ending. Ramsay is good at putting stray clues together to solve his crimes. He refuses to become a private detective.
May 26, 2024
An Engaging Whodunit. Well worth the read.
I hadn't read this author’s work before. But I enjoyed the story and the easy flow.
Characters arrive one or two at a time, instead of a riotous menagerie of confusion.
They are three dimensional and spring to life in engaging ways. Positioning Bracken as Ramsey’s wise sounding board adds an interesting flavour. Investigations, twists, turns, roadblocks, facts and follow up take place in plausible fashion.
Hostilities and concerns raise suspicions and tension.
I hadn't read this author’s work before. But I enjoyed the story and the easy flow.
Characters arrive one or two at a time, instead of a riotous menagerie of confusion.
They are three dimensional and spring to life in engaging ways. Positioning Bracken as Ramsey’s wise sounding board adds an interesting flavour. Investigations, twists, turns, roadblocks, facts and follow up take place in plausible fashion.
Hostilities and concerns raise suspicions and tension.
May 19, 2025
I loved this book. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages to find out what's next.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews