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Slater & Norman Mystery #7
Death in the River
Please note, this book was previously published as A Skeleton in the Closet.
Late one evening, Slater’s trapped in a meeting with his po-faced superiors when a deafening boom rings out, rocking the station to its core.
A bomb. Detonated in Forensics’ basement laboratory.
Minutes later, a body is stretchered out of the building, amid clouds of smoke and dust. It’s Slater’s colleague Ian Becks.
Becks should have clocked off hours ago. What on earth was he doing down in the basement — alone? Slater and Norman are determined to find out. It’s the least they can do for a mate.
But when a suicide note surfaces, hinting at a guilty secret in Becks’ past, Slater and Norman are sent on the trail of another death. A body in the river, thirty years ago.
What deep, dark secrets has their mate been hiding?
It’s sink or swim for Slater and Norm, before the undertow threatens to drag them down too . . .
Late one evening, Slater’s trapped in a meeting with his po-faced superiors when a deafening boom rings out, rocking the station to its core.
A bomb. Detonated in Forensics’ basement laboratory.
Minutes later, a body is stretchered out of the building, amid clouds of smoke and dust. It’s Slater’s colleague Ian Becks.
Becks should have clocked off hours ago. What on earth was he doing down in the basement — alone? Slater and Norman are determined to find out. It’s the least they can do for a mate.
But when a suicide note surfaces, hinting at a guilty secret in Becks’ past, Slater and Norman are sent on the trail of another death. A body in the river, thirty years ago.
What deep, dark secrets has their mate been hiding?
It’s sink or swim for Slater and Norm, before the undertow threatens to drag them down too . . .
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2016
759 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
56 books241 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 9, 2018
Never a disappointment!
Once I start reading these books I just have to keep going!
Not easy to put them down until the end!
Looking forward to reading about Slater & Norman's investigations as free agents now.
Once I start reading these books I just have to keep going!
Not easy to put them down until the end!
Looking forward to reading about Slater & Norman's investigations as free agents now.
April 4, 2017
Another excellent read. Love this series of cozy crime stories.
February 17, 2025
Absolutely brilliant, I couldn’t put it down.
December 6, 2024
Another twisty murder mystery for Slater and Norman. This time it is one of their own who is murdered and as usual the clues appear to indicate one thing before taking a huge left turn and it becoming something else entirely. Slater and Goodnews are arguing even more than usual - something is going to happen there! I can't say what as I don't want to spoil it...
Thoroughly enjoyable as usual. Although, as the series progresses I am noticing a few more typos - they are only minor and don't annoy me too much, but it kind of feels as if they publishing company have hooked the reader by now and they aren't spending so much time on the editing. Maybe I'm just cynical... But I will be continuing to read them.
Thoroughly enjoyable as usual. Although, as the series progresses I am noticing a few more typos - they are only minor and don't annoy me too much, but it kind of feels as if they publishing company have hooked the reader by now and they aren't spending so much time on the editing. Maybe I'm just cynical... But I will be continuing to read them.
July 29, 2018
Always fun to follow Norman and Slater on their crime solving adventures. Great character development (which is ongoing), interesting twists and turns of the plot. I never know what will be discovered as I turn the page! Lighthearted and enjoying reads.
December 18, 2022
This is the third book I've read of the Slater & Norman mysteries and the one I liked the most, so far. Still some silly conversations and a few situations that I couldn't believe I saw before the detective did. Due to bad writing mostly.
May 9, 2024
I was looking for a light read for a trip, but this was maybe too light, with nothing very original in the way of characters, plots and dialogue.
July 3, 2025
The Tinton police are going through a rough patch. DC Naomi Darling has been suspended after beating up a suspect who had assaulted her and her partner, DS Dave Slater. Then an incendiary device destroys the Tinton crime lab, and the fire department discovers the body of Ian Becks, the lab's director, underneath the rubble.
Slater and his boss, Marion Goodnews, feel a special urgency to find out what happened. Becks was a friend to Slater as well as a colleague. But the case is strange and complicated, with surprises at every turn. Slater enlists the help of retired detective Norman Norman, giving the old friends a chance to collaborate one more time.
This is one of my favorite books in the series.
Slater and his boss, Marion Goodnews, feel a special urgency to find out what happened. Becks was a friend to Slater as well as a colleague. But the case is strange and complicated, with surprises at every turn. Slater enlists the help of retired detective Norman Norman, giving the old friends a chance to collaborate one more time.
This is one of my favorite books in the series.
April 10, 2022
When suicide isn't the answer!
This was great. Though I'm sorry someone that was vital to the unit had to die, the whole thing played out amazing! You never know what people will get up to when they drink! You never know what someone will get up to if they're angry enough! You never know know something that happens during your childhood will affect your adult years. And, you never know anyone as well as you think you do! I started this book this morning, and I'm done, so I would say its a compelling read, and fast paced!
This was great. Though I'm sorry someone that was vital to the unit had to die, the whole thing played out amazing! You never know what people will get up to when they drink! You never know what someone will get up to if they're angry enough! You never know know something that happens during your childhood will affect your adult years. And, you never know anyone as well as you think you do! I started this book this morning, and I'm done, so I would say its a compelling read, and fast paced!
December 13, 2022
I don’t know how many times you can say twisted in a sentence, and it finally hit the mark, but I don’t think there are enough times you can say it to match up to this storyline!! I don’t think I ever would’ve figured that out. This is why I keep reading these books because I just love how amazingly good they are! Bullies are a horrible truth in our world. They inflict so much damage. And like any form of abuse it eats away at the soul. It was nice to read that one bully changed.
February 22, 2023
Another great read!
Love the pace of these books, and the changing dynamics of the situation with Slater & Norman. No boring bits, just gets on with the story. Looking forward to the next one. Would recommend to detective obsessed readers who are not fans of the really dark gruesome stuff of some novels.
Love the pace of these books, and the changing dynamics of the situation with Slater & Norman. No boring bits, just gets on with the story. Looking forward to the next one. Would recommend to detective obsessed readers who are not fans of the really dark gruesome stuff of some novels.
June 3, 2023
When an explosion rocks the Tinton police station everyone is naturally displaced and worried. It took place in the forensic lab in the cellar and they thought everyone was okay until they found Becks body. What a shame, he was a great character. Slater is determined to discover the real reason Becks was murdered even though the CC wants it to be a suicide.
July 26, 2024
Great Filler
I’d read the subsequent books for Dave and Norman , so it was great to finally get book seven and get the details of their new business and partnership. A great application of how they again come together as a team and their complimentary styles. Love reading Author Ford. VR, Mags
I’d read the subsequent books for Dave and Norman , so it was great to finally get book seven and get the details of their new business and partnership. A great application of how they again come together as a team and their complimentary styles. Love reading Author Ford. VR, Mags
July 8, 2020
Fran’s review
I just finished the 4th book in this series. That should indicate how good this author is! As soon as I finish this review I’m going to locate #5, and if it’s available, I’ll read that one next!
I just finished the 4th book in this series. That should indicate how good this author is! As soon as I finish this review I’m going to locate #5, and if it’s available, I’ll read that one next!
Read
July 22, 2022Just love these books, they don't come out as you would expect.
Great books I will keep reading them. I will recommend them to anyone. Keep up the good work,and I will keep reading these books. 😃😉
Great books I will keep reading them. I will recommend them to anyone. Keep up the good work,and I will keep reading these books. 😃😉
May 1, 2023
Drew me in
Always enjoy P.F. Ford’s work. Her characters are everyday people who are relatable. They take you to work with them and guide you through the shadows that surround them. Very enjoyable.
Always enjoy P.F. Ford’s work. Her characters are everyday people who are relatable. They take you to work with them and guide you through the shadows that surround them. Very enjoyable.
October 14, 2023
enjoying the series
The characters in this series hooked me with the first book. Number 7 has kept up the pace, the story and the characters. It’s a good series. Highly recommended.
The characters in this series hooked me with the first book. Number 7 has kept up the pace, the story and the characters. It’s a good series. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2024
This book was great
Lots of great story lines. Another one that I couldn’t hardly put down. The detective team is awesome.
Book 8 of the Slater and Norman Mysteries is awaiting.
Thank you Mr. Ford for your brilliant words.
Lots of great story lines. Another one that I couldn’t hardly put down. The detective team is awesome.
Book 8 of the Slater and Norman Mysteries is awaiting.
Thank you Mr. Ford for your brilliant words.
May 9, 2024
Beaurocracy clashes with revenge.
Another fast moving tale of Slater and Norman from PF Ford. An unusual killing of one of their own leads into a big mystery. It's eventually solved, but there's fallout.
Another fast moving tale of Slater and Norman from PF Ford. An unusual killing of one of their own leads into a big mystery. It's eventually solved, but there's fallout.
June 29, 2024
Best of the Series
This book was full of interesting twists and turns and the duo worked hard to catch a killer in the end. And a mysterious Serbian gangster showed up again so questions are still hanging about him and his partners. Great read!
This book was full of interesting twists and turns and the duo worked hard to catch a killer in the end. And a mysterious Serbian gangster showed up again so questions are still hanging about him and his partners. Great read!
July 16, 2024
Another Excellent Story
Another excellent story in the Slater and Norman series by P.F.Ford. Lots of the usual characters and a very good storyline with an unexpected ending. It will be very interesting to see where the series goes from here.Looking forward to reading more.
Another excellent story in the Slater and Norman series by P.F.Ford. Lots of the usual characters and a very good storyline with an unexpected ending. It will be very interesting to see where the series goes from here.Looking forward to reading more.
February 21, 2018
I am running out of ways to beat ,just how much I enjoy.reading P.F. Ford.I have tried to limit buying his books to one per week, however ordered numbers 7 and 8 in two days. Sex it all.
February 24, 2020
Dave Slater retired?
This 1 restored my enjoyment of dave and norman great episode ,long may they continue to work together in some way.
This 1 restored my enjoyment of dave and norman great episode ,long may they continue to work together in some way.
August 28, 2020
Great one
What a skeleton!! This’ll keep you guessing up to the end. Can’t wait to read the next Slater and Norman book.
What a skeleton!! This’ll keep you guessing up to the end. Can’t wait to read the next Slater and Norman book.
May 21, 2021
Lovely now what is next for Slater
September 12, 2022
Well written mystery
Great mystery with police procedure and politics. It even has a little humor. English countryside with pubs is a nice place to be.
Great mystery with police procedure and politics. It even has a little humor. English countryside with pubs is a nice place to be.
September 15, 2022
A real good read
I've sure I have read all but a couple of his books. Everyone a good read. I recommend them all. Thank you Mr Ford...
I've sure I have read all but a couple of his books. Everyone a good read. I recommend them all. Thank you Mr Ford...
October 5, 2022
Good read!
I really liked this book. It was better pulled
together than #6, the character development was good, the plot something different and well executed. No regrets.
I really liked this book. It was better pulled
together than #6, the character development was good, the plot something different and well executed. No regrets.
November 15, 2022
D.S. Slater is on night duty when an explosion is felt at the Tinton police station. Soon a body is discovered but how is that possible when everyone in that department had signed out.
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery
An entertaining and well-written modern mystery
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November 14, 2022Read 11/22
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews