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West Wales Murder Mysteries #6
A Body Under the Bridge
Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town. Llangwelli might be short on sunshine, but it’s certainly not short on murders . . . Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
A lonely widower. A body in a stream. An impossible puzzle.
It’s an ordinary Tuesday morning when pensioner Alun Edwards turns up at Llangwelli station. He doesn’t want to make a fuss but he’s worried about his friend Gareth. Every Monday, they meet up for a game of chess. But Gareth wasn’t at home yesterday. He’s not answering his phone — and he’s left his dog behind. He’d never do that.
Detective Norman searches Gareth’s cottage — and finds a woman’s photograph, torn to shreds and dumped in the bin.
The next day, the body of an elderly man is discovered in a stream under an old railway bridge. The name on his bus pass is Gareth Jenkins. But that’s impossible. According to the pathologist, the body has been in the water at least three or four days. And Gareth was seen walking his dog, just two days ago.
Norman is facing an impossible puzzle. And what is the secret behind the woman in the photograph . . . ?
A lonely widower. A body in a stream. An impossible puzzle.
It’s an ordinary Tuesday morning when pensioner Alun Edwards turns up at Llangwelli station. He doesn’t want to make a fuss but he’s worried about his friend Gareth. Every Monday, they meet up for a game of chess. But Gareth wasn’t at home yesterday. He’s not answering his phone — and he’s left his dog behind. He’d never do that.
Detective Norman searches Gareth’s cottage — and finds a woman’s photograph, torn to shreds and dumped in the bin.
The next day, the body of an elderly man is discovered in a stream under an old railway bridge. The name on his bus pass is Gareth Jenkins. But that’s impossible. According to the pathologist, the body has been in the water at least three or four days. And Gareth was seen walking his dog, just two days ago.
Norman is facing an impossible puzzle. And what is the secret behind the woman in the photograph . . . ?
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2024
620 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
60 books246 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 70 reviews
May 15, 2024
Wales-based DI Norman has a new case. An elderly gentlemen is wondering what happened to his chess partner. Later, a body is found under the bridge, and is identified as the missing person. Was he murdered? Could the nasty neighbor who lies often be involved? Was he the victim of an online scam of some sort, since several of the suspects have superior computer knowledge? And how about a greedy estranged relative? There are so many possibilities, but the author manages to keep us guessing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 3, 2024
Slow & passive, too many suspects all at once, and a rushed ending.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for this free eARC book.
A slow-plodder, which reads like a historical police procedural instead of a modern-day case.
Though the plot and crime are based in a small town in rural Wales, a murder investigation would trigger a request for assistance from a Major Incident Team or some such, and most likely from Swansea. In this book, we have the tiny team going home for the weekend! And it stays within the bounds of this small station, who bumble along when they are at work.
Unrealistic dialogue, cardboard characters, and a plot pace about as fast as a dried-up snail’s, all make for an arduous read. This novel is more of a cosy—and dull—mystery not thriller mystery as advertised on Goodreads. Amazon lists this book as Action & Adventure Short Stories, Welsh Crime, and Men's Adventure Fiction! This novel has nothing to do with short stories, and most definitely not with action, adventure, or men’s fiction … or do women not read these sorts of novels in 2024?
Over and over, I had to force myself to keep reading this one. Definitely not a police procedural or crime thriller in the modern sense of those terms. Think fifties except for the SOCOs, forensics, and DNA, etc.
The prologue offers a brief glimpse of the victim before he dies, but doesn’t offer enough to make the reader invested in the character. Basically, this main character is dead throughout the whole story, and only a few—at most—references to him are hearsay from a third party.
The clumsy writing feels amateurish and unpolished, and the passive phrasing overflows with filler words and repetition.
I haven’t read the previous books in the series and don’t believe this makes much difference due to the lack of depth to the characters and no arc or development I can see. The plot is basic and the pacing non-existent.
Definitely not an author I’d read again let alone the rest of the series. With my reviews, I like to use pull quotes to showcase the writing, but this book gave me none. This fact emphasises how much I struggled to engage with this book.
If you adore cosy mysteries, and don’t mind slow pacing and a basic plot, you may want to give this a go. One positive is that it did keep me guessing as to the whodunnit. Sadly, though, the whole jumping back and forth got all too messy and all over the place in the middle, and the finale proved anything but grand. More of an abrupt and rushed finish, which made the rest of the difficult read all the more frustrating.
It gets 2 stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for this free eARC book.
A slow-plodder, which reads like a historical police procedural instead of a modern-day case.
Though the plot and crime are based in a small town in rural Wales, a murder investigation would trigger a request for assistance from a Major Incident Team or some such, and most likely from Swansea. In this book, we have the tiny team going home for the weekend! And it stays within the bounds of this small station, who bumble along when they are at work.
Unrealistic dialogue, cardboard characters, and a plot pace about as fast as a dried-up snail’s, all make for an arduous read. This novel is more of a cosy—and dull—mystery not thriller mystery as advertised on Goodreads. Amazon lists this book as Action & Adventure Short Stories, Welsh Crime, and Men's Adventure Fiction! This novel has nothing to do with short stories, and most definitely not with action, adventure, or men’s fiction … or do women not read these sorts of novels in 2024?
Over and over, I had to force myself to keep reading this one. Definitely not a police procedural or crime thriller in the modern sense of those terms. Think fifties except for the SOCOs, forensics, and DNA, etc.
The prologue offers a brief glimpse of the victim before he dies, but doesn’t offer enough to make the reader invested in the character. Basically, this main character is dead throughout the whole story, and only a few—at most—references to him are hearsay from a third party.
The clumsy writing feels amateurish and unpolished, and the passive phrasing overflows with filler words and repetition.
I haven’t read the previous books in the series and don’t believe this makes much difference due to the lack of depth to the characters and no arc or development I can see. The plot is basic and the pacing non-existent.
Definitely not an author I’d read again let alone the rest of the series. With my reviews, I like to use pull quotes to showcase the writing, but this book gave me none. This fact emphasises how much I struggled to engage with this book.
If you adore cosy mysteries, and don’t mind slow pacing and a basic plot, you may want to give this a go. One positive is that it did keep me guessing as to the whodunnit. Sadly, though, the whole jumping back and forth got all too messy and all over the place in the middle, and the finale proved anything but grand. More of an abrupt and rushed finish, which made the rest of the difficult read all the more frustrating.
It gets 2 stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS: I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! — Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER — Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! — An okay read. Didn’t love it. Didn’t hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS —Lacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA —Lots of issues with this book.
May 17, 2024
I love Detective Norman and his fellow coppers, they work so very well together. This is a wonderfully twisty read filled with lies, misconceptions, and some fun as well. Great series.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Joffe Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
March 2, 2026
Entertaining and well-written with a central mystery that is very well constructed (and hard to pull apart right up until the end). I really enjoyed the interactions between the police officers, their conversations felt grounded and realistic and put more focus on good people doing a hard job than any action movie fireworks.
May 5, 2024
This is another fabulous book to add to the series, and I was thrilled to be offered the ARC, as a long time supporter of Peter’s books, I was reading his books when he self published, and I think, I’m not sure, if at the time I recommended him to Joffe.
Once again we’re back with Norman Norman, who with his vast experience is now living in Wales, and working at the local police station, after coming out of retirement.
It’s quite a tragic tale of an elderly man who is found in the river 10 miles up the road from where he lived. No one is quite sure what happened to him, as he had a dog who was left at his house, so he wouldn’t have deliberately left her on her own with no food, although there was some controversy because lights were seen on at his property when he was lying dead in a river.
It does take the team a while to get to the truth and some people said he was a miserable grumpy old man, and some said he was a wonderful chap. Who killed him, and why?
Eventually Norman and the team get to the bottom of it, and the case is solved, and it’s not who you think at all. I think I’m losing my touch, as I didn’t work it out at all.
I do hope Peter continues with Norman and doesn’t “retire” him and the team as they do work well together.
My thanks to Peter, and Joffe for the ARC. I loved it!!
Once again we’re back with Norman Norman, who with his vast experience is now living in Wales, and working at the local police station, after coming out of retirement.
It’s quite a tragic tale of an elderly man who is found in the river 10 miles up the road from where he lived. No one is quite sure what happened to him, as he had a dog who was left at his house, so he wouldn’t have deliberately left her on her own with no food, although there was some controversy because lights were seen on at his property when he was lying dead in a river.
It does take the team a while to get to the truth and some people said he was a miserable grumpy old man, and some said he was a wonderful chap. Who killed him, and why?
Eventually Norman and the team get to the bottom of it, and the case is solved, and it’s not who you think at all. I think I’m losing my touch, as I didn’t work it out at all.
I do hope Peter continues with Norman and doesn’t “retire” him and the team as they do work well together.
My thanks to Peter, and Joffe for the ARC. I loved it!!
October 26, 2024
Llangwelli. Concerned fellow chess player reports that Garath Jenkins has gone missing, then a body is discovered dead longer than presumed sightings. Does his family have secrets to be uncovered. DS Norman and his team investigate.
An entaining modern mystery
An entaining modern mystery
June 27, 2024
This is the 6th in a series of Welsh mysteries written by P. F. Ford, featuring DS Norman Norman as the lead detective. (His parents were trying to be funny)
I have not read a book in this series before and this is my first introduction to Norman Norman and his team.
Gareth finds life difficult after the death of his wife. His only joy is walking his dog. When a friend gets worried when he doesn't turn up for their weekly chess game, his disappearance is reported. A visit to his home reveals little mystery at first, although it does seem odd that the dog is home alone and that the house looks rather shabby, with almost no furniture. Not much later, the body of an old man is found.
I always thought that a good neighbour is better than a distant friend, but after reading this detective story, I don't know if that still holds true.
I really liked the twists, when you thought the solution was in sight, it turned out to be different, which is why the story really manages to hold the reader's attention until the very last page, and I was honestly surprised by the culprit.
I found Norman Norman a pleasant character to get to know, a down-to-earth DS who knows how to limit the verbally strong Rose and Rhiannon well, even with a slightly sarcastic undertone, I like that.
No Wild West tales, no car chases or gun-toting criminals, just a solid detective story with, of course, the oldest reason to kill someone; a truth that comes to light - and not everyone is happy about it, broken family ties, children, inheritances, they can make things quite messy. Not even the neighbours, although they mean well: they help Gareth a little with his computer, sometimes bake a cake, but where one side is positive, the other is clearly not very fond of this old man. But who is lying and who is playing games?
The build-up to the plot is quite long, but I like that. I also like the setting (Wales) and the focus on Welsh for a while. I've been there a lot - I know a few words, I speak a minority language that has the same status as Welsh. I found that part of the story interesting, and I understand why Norman tries to make a point here.
I found the twists and turns very exciting and had no idea until the last moment, I really thought .... had done it. It is sad, though, to have to meet your end like that at an old age. And always that stupid money.
A great series, I will definitely be reading other books in this series!
I have not read a book in this series before and this is my first introduction to Norman Norman and his team.
Gareth finds life difficult after the death of his wife. His only joy is walking his dog. When a friend gets worried when he doesn't turn up for their weekly chess game, his disappearance is reported. A visit to his home reveals little mystery at first, although it does seem odd that the dog is home alone and that the house looks rather shabby, with almost no furniture. Not much later, the body of an old man is found.
I always thought that a good neighbour is better than a distant friend, but after reading this detective story, I don't know if that still holds true.
I really liked the twists, when you thought the solution was in sight, it turned out to be different, which is why the story really manages to hold the reader's attention until the very last page, and I was honestly surprised by the culprit.
I found Norman Norman a pleasant character to get to know, a down-to-earth DS who knows how to limit the verbally strong Rose and Rhiannon well, even with a slightly sarcastic undertone, I like that.
No Wild West tales, no car chases or gun-toting criminals, just a solid detective story with, of course, the oldest reason to kill someone; a truth that comes to light - and not everyone is happy about it, broken family ties, children, inheritances, they can make things quite messy. Not even the neighbours, although they mean well: they help Gareth a little with his computer, sometimes bake a cake, but where one side is positive, the other is clearly not very fond of this old man. But who is lying and who is playing games?
The build-up to the plot is quite long, but I like that. I also like the setting (Wales) and the focus on Welsh for a while. I've been there a lot - I know a few words, I speak a minority language that has the same status as Welsh. I found that part of the story interesting, and I understand why Norman tries to make a point here.
I found the twists and turns very exciting and had no idea until the last moment, I really thought .... had done it. It is sad, though, to have to meet your end like that at an old age. And always that stupid money.
A great series, I will definitely be reading other books in this series!
July 4, 2024
This was a murder mystery that starts off with a friend speaking to a cop and asking if she can look into his friend that he hasn’t heard from for a bit. She follows up and finds no one at his house but his dog was left there for a while so they start to follow the trails but there really aren’t any. Then suddenly a body is found under a bridge and it’s him that’s when everything starts to align and bring out more clues.
I couldn’t stop reading this it was really good and had just the right amount of suspense and thrill that it really did keep you going. I’m excited to read more from this author.
I couldn’t stop reading this it was really good and had just the right amount of suspense and thrill that it really did keep you going. I’m excited to read more from this author.
June 18, 2024
I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the Detective Norman series, and I do hope there are more.
Although this is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone, but to get to know the characters better, it would be best to read the others.
This is a gripping, enjoyable, well written storyline and plot, with many a twist and turn, revelations, and good strong characters.
It has you guessing as you read, and I never did get it right.
A book well worth reading.
My thanks to Joffe books, this is my honest and unbiased review.
Although this is part of a series, it could be read as a standalone, but to get to know the characters better, it would be best to read the others.
This is a gripping, enjoyable, well written storyline and plot, with many a twist and turn, revelations, and good strong characters.
It has you guessing as you read, and I never did get it right.
A book well worth reading.
My thanks to Joffe books, this is my honest and unbiased review.
May 23, 2024
Captivating plot, who is this murdered person, we're getting pieces,
it's still a mystery. Great plot, with good characters, I enjoyed reading.
Highly recommend this latest book that readers will enjoy.
Given arc by Net Galley and Joffe for my voluntary review.
Releases. June 25
it's still a mystery. Great plot, with good characters, I enjoyed reading.
Highly recommend this latest book that readers will enjoy.
Given arc by Net Galley and Joffe for my voluntary review.
Releases. June 25
June 19, 2024
Thank you to Joffe Books and P.F. Ford for this ARC.
There is something that I absolutely love about cozy mysteries. There is no gore, no psychological horror: just good ole' detective work, a classic whodunit, and classic character tropes. I was so excited to read another installment in the West Wales Murder Mystery series, and “A Body Under the Bridge” proved to be a delightful, lazy afternoon read.
Wales-based Detective Inspector Norman is back on the case, this time with a missing elderly gentleman who is eventually discovered under a bridge (hence the book's title). It seems pretty straightforward until Norman starts unearthing some suspicious characters. Is it the nasty, lying neighbor? The estranged brother and sister? An old lover? Or could it be an online scam gone wrong? All of these characters were hilariously evil and manipulative, so my brain really didn’t know which one of them was responsible.
Another thing I loved about this book was that the ending was not ridiculous and preposterous. It made sense in a very interesting turn of events. I thoroughly enjoyed going along for the entire ride as Norman and the reader pieced together the clues to solve this mystery.
This also certainly can be read as a stand-alone, and it is one of my top three favorite books in the series. You may miss some backstory, but Ford does an excellent job of providing a high-level overview to ensure every reader has context for the relationship backstories.
In regards to the pace, this is a cozy mystery, so you will not get heart-pumping action or in-your-face twists. However, the pace held steady, and Ford propelled the characters forward with new case information that didn’t seem like an info dump. Overall, amazing writing for a police procedural that ensured the reader was never bored.
If you like cozy mysteries or want to dive into a new cozy series, this one is certainly for you. In this installment (as well as his other books), P.F. Ford brings to life the region of Wales, and the plot echoes the classic detective stories from Agatha Christie that I tend to love.
There is something that I absolutely love about cozy mysteries. There is no gore, no psychological horror: just good ole' detective work, a classic whodunit, and classic character tropes. I was so excited to read another installment in the West Wales Murder Mystery series, and “A Body Under the Bridge” proved to be a delightful, lazy afternoon read.
Wales-based Detective Inspector Norman is back on the case, this time with a missing elderly gentleman who is eventually discovered under a bridge (hence the book's title). It seems pretty straightforward until Norman starts unearthing some suspicious characters. Is it the nasty, lying neighbor? The estranged brother and sister? An old lover? Or could it be an online scam gone wrong? All of these characters were hilariously evil and manipulative, so my brain really didn’t know which one of them was responsible.
Another thing I loved about this book was that the ending was not ridiculous and preposterous. It made sense in a very interesting turn of events. I thoroughly enjoyed going along for the entire ride as Norman and the reader pieced together the clues to solve this mystery.
This also certainly can be read as a stand-alone, and it is one of my top three favorite books in the series. You may miss some backstory, but Ford does an excellent job of providing a high-level overview to ensure every reader has context for the relationship backstories.
In regards to the pace, this is a cozy mystery, so you will not get heart-pumping action or in-your-face twists. However, the pace held steady, and Ford propelled the characters forward with new case information that didn’t seem like an info dump. Overall, amazing writing for a police procedural that ensured the reader was never bored.
If you like cozy mysteries or want to dive into a new cozy series, this one is certainly for you. In this installment (as well as his other books), P.F. Ford brings to life the region of Wales, and the plot echoes the classic detective stories from Agatha Christie that I tend to love.
May 17, 2024
Book Title: A Body Under the Bridge
Series: West Wales Murder Mystery #6
Author: P.F. (Pete) Ford
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: June 25, 2024
My Rating: 3.6 rounded up
Pages 319
Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town of. Llangwelli. Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
In this story Norman is needed to step in for DI Sarah Southall the leader of their team is she needs to settle her father’s belongings as he recently died. She will be gone for a few days.
His first investigation is trying to find why Gareth Jenkins an elderly gentleman leaves his beloved/faithful dog home alone and then goes missing?
Jenkins is later found in a stream under an old railway bridge. According to the pathologist, the body has been in the water at least three or four days. Why would anyone want to murder a harmless old man?
I read a lot of thrillers and typically suspect everyone- I also usually have someone on the top of my suspect list. Although I was suspicious of several characters I didn’t have a top candidate. These characters were all excellent liars - claiming they know nothing about anything. When they were caught in an outright lie – they were quick with another answer - which I was sure, was another lie.
Turns out, I was clueless as to whodunit!
I am a big psychological thriller and not so much of a police procedure fan and it surprised me that I am enjoyed this series so much. These detectives were good and I love Norman.
Now I am looking forward to #6.
I also enjoyed the info at the back of the book
“The Joffe Books Story”
I did know that Joffe is pronounced like coffee.
Which brings me to the.
‘Glossary of English for US Readers’
This is fun- plus happy to admit nothing was a big surprise!
Did laugh at “Lovely jubbly= someone is pleased.
Thank You NetGalley and Joffe Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 25, 2024.
Series: West Wales Murder Mystery #6
Author: P.F. (Pete) Ford
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: June 25, 2024
My Rating: 3.6 rounded up
Pages 319
Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town of. Llangwelli. Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
In this story Norman is needed to step in for DI Sarah Southall the leader of their team is she needs to settle her father’s belongings as he recently died. She will be gone for a few days.
His first investigation is trying to find why Gareth Jenkins an elderly gentleman leaves his beloved/faithful dog home alone and then goes missing?
Jenkins is later found in a stream under an old railway bridge. According to the pathologist, the body has been in the water at least three or four days. Why would anyone want to murder a harmless old man?
I read a lot of thrillers and typically suspect everyone- I also usually have someone on the top of my suspect list. Although I was suspicious of several characters I didn’t have a top candidate. These characters were all excellent liars - claiming they know nothing about anything. When they were caught in an outright lie – they were quick with another answer - which I was sure, was another lie.
Turns out, I was clueless as to whodunit!
I am a big psychological thriller and not so much of a police procedure fan and it surprised me that I am enjoyed this series so much. These detectives were good and I love Norman.
Now I am looking forward to #6.
I also enjoyed the info at the back of the book
“The Joffe Books Story”
I did know that Joffe is pronounced like coffee.
Which brings me to the.
‘Glossary of English for US Readers’
This is fun- plus happy to admit nothing was a big surprise!
Did laugh at “Lovely jubbly= someone is pleased.
Thank You NetGalley and Joffe Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 25, 2024.
June 25, 2024
DS Norman Norman is in charge of CID at Llangwelli station while DI Sarah Southall is attending her father’s funeral in England when an elderly man is reported missing by his weekly chess partner Alun. Norman and DC Catren Morgan take a look at his house and discover the only occupant is his dog. Alun claims the man, Gareth Jenkins, would never willingly desert his canine companion for long. They initially believe Gareth has been missing for a short time but when his body is pulled from the river under a bridge ten miles away, the post mortem tells a different story. How could Gareth have been seen alive and walking his dog by a neighbour when he was already deceased? Is someone deliberately trying to skew the facts? Sarah returns and together with DCs Judy Lane and “Frosty” Winter, the team of detectives start to delve into Gareth’s life, finding all manner of disturbing clues, including a missing laptop, an absence of furniture in the house and a torn-up photograph, not to mention an estranged family and two wives! Soon there’s no shortage of suspects and motives but the further they dig, the murkier the waters surrounding Gareth’s death become. With so much conflicting evidence, clearly plenty of people are lying, and each new discovery means more stories just don’t add up. Will the team manage to sift the truth from all this and nail the killer of a rather sad and lonely pensioner?
What a great team these detectives make! With DI Southall keeping them all on track, Norman is like a father figure to Judy, Catren and Frosty, and it’s obvious how much they all look up to him. There’s warmth and a little humour in their interactions which makes reading this twisty and thoroughly engrossing story an absolute pleasure. Now I really must go back and read the first five books in this series which I can’t believe I’ve missed!
What a great team these detectives make! With DI Southall keeping them all on track, Norman is like a father figure to Judy, Catren and Frosty, and it’s obvious how much they all look up to him. There’s warmth and a little humour in their interactions which makes reading this twisty and thoroughly engrossing story an absolute pleasure. Now I really must go back and read the first five books in this series which I can’t believe I’ve missed!
May 26, 2025
A Welsh village (Llangwelli), a missing man (Gareth), an obfuscating bunch of current and former neighbours (Rose, Ian, Rachel and Daniel) a dead body (Gareth?) and a cluster of local police (led principally by DS Norman Norman). This is the set up for A Body under the Bridge, the sixth title in P F Ford’s West Wales Murder Mysteries series.
Fo me, there were too many elements of this book that detracted from my reading experience: odd phrasing (e.g. ‘What did actually he say?’), superfluous dialogue, errant punctuation and overblown reactions (e.g. DS Norman ‘momentarily stunned into silence’ when the bus pass found on the dead body bears the name of the missing man). Some of these could have been cleared up by an editor.
There were also plot threads that didn’t make sense or were left unresolved. Ten miles from Llangwelli, for instance, is the village of Pont Daffyd. Rose, one of the book’s cluster of neighbours, informs the police: ‘I’ve never heard of Pont Daffyd, and I certainly haven’t been there.’ That seems remarkable even for an insular Welsh citizen.
It’s Rose, again, who explains to the police that a laptop (central to the plot) had been logged into her home’s broadband. Shortly after, in the same police interview, Rose declares: ‘I told you I didn’t even know there was a laptop.’ Which was it?
I have a place in my reading diet for cosy crime but I want a coherent plot with red herrings resolved. I persevered with A Body under the Bridge to the very end but it was clear I was not the right reader for this book.
* * * * * *
You can find more book reflections on my blog, Thoughts from an Idle Hour.
Fo me, there were too many elements of this book that detracted from my reading experience: odd phrasing (e.g. ‘What did actually he say?’), superfluous dialogue, errant punctuation and overblown reactions (e.g. DS Norman ‘momentarily stunned into silence’ when the bus pass found on the dead body bears the name of the missing man). Some of these could have been cleared up by an editor.
There were also plot threads that didn’t make sense or were left unresolved. Ten miles from Llangwelli, for instance, is the village of Pont Daffyd. Rose, one of the book’s cluster of neighbours, informs the police: ‘I’ve never heard of Pont Daffyd, and I certainly haven’t been there.’ That seems remarkable even for an insular Welsh citizen.
It’s Rose, again, who explains to the police that a laptop (central to the plot) had been logged into her home’s broadband. Shortly after, in the same police interview, Rose declares: ‘I told you I didn’t even know there was a laptop.’ Which was it?
I have a place in my reading diet for cosy crime but I want a coherent plot with red herrings resolved. I persevered with A Body under the Bridge to the very end but it was clear I was not the right reader for this book.
* * * * * *
You can find more book reflections on my blog, Thoughts from an Idle Hour.
May 9, 2024
319 pages
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This is a wonderfully complicated novel. It has many characters, some of whom seem to be allergic to the truth.
An elderly man named Gareth leaves his dog alone in the house and sets off to meet someone. His chess playing friend Alun goes to the police station to report him missing. His body is later found in a stream miles from his home.
Detective Norman and his team begin the investigation by visiting Gareth’s home. It looks abandoned. Hardly any furniture, little food, except for the dog.
When the pathologist states that Gareth had been in the stream for three or four days, the police doubt him. Gareth was seen walking his dog just two days ago.
There are many twists, turns and surprises in this book. A sister shows up at Gareth’s house claiming she is the executor of his estate and that several thousand pounds are missing from his bank account. She has a very hard time with the truth, and leads the detectives down various garden paths. The reader finds out that Gareth also has an estranged brother, and a neighbor woman who seems to have hated him. Other neighbors really liked him.
Mr. Ford’s talent seems to be increasing. I truly enjoy his creative stories and writing style. His characters are interesting and for the most part likable. (A murderer can’t be likable, can they?) The police officers got along well and worked together as a team. There are no divisive sub-plots in Mr. Ford’s stories. Well done!
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This is a wonderfully complicated novel. It has many characters, some of whom seem to be allergic to the truth.
An elderly man named Gareth leaves his dog alone in the house and sets off to meet someone. His chess playing friend Alun goes to the police station to report him missing. His body is later found in a stream miles from his home.
Detective Norman and his team begin the investigation by visiting Gareth’s home. It looks abandoned. Hardly any furniture, little food, except for the dog.
When the pathologist states that Gareth had been in the stream for three or four days, the police doubt him. Gareth was seen walking his dog just two days ago.
There are many twists, turns and surprises in this book. A sister shows up at Gareth’s house claiming she is the executor of his estate and that several thousand pounds are missing from his bank account. She has a very hard time with the truth, and leads the detectives down various garden paths. The reader finds out that Gareth also has an estranged brother, and a neighbor woman who seems to have hated him. Other neighbors really liked him.
Mr. Ford’s talent seems to be increasing. I truly enjoy his creative stories and writing style. His characters are interesting and for the most part likable. (A murderer can’t be likable, can they?) The police officers got along well and worked together as a team. There are no divisive sub-plots in Mr. Ford’s stories. Well done!
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
February 5, 2025
Unexpected
An elderly man has been reported missing and then a body shows up under a bridge in a local village, problem is that it is the same man, but that’s impossible as he was seen walking his dog days after he was murdered…
I enjoyed this book, it was a crime drama based in Wales focusing on DS Norman and his team. I loved the story, and although I will admit to sometimes mixing up the characters due to similar names, it still caught my attention. I think one of the main reasons it did was because there was almost no details about the police team’s personal lives, it was mainly their professional ones and that’s such a refreshing change for me but I do wonder if other books in the series delve deeper into their lives. Their work relationships seemed realistic to me and Norman came across as kind but also smart and seeing things that others may not or in another way
One thing I wasn’t sure about was how rushed the ending seemed, the last chapter felt like it wasn’t really finished, just cutting off but that may just be my way of reading and wanting a different type of ending
This book was one that had me hooked and I will admit to not seeing who the killer was until the big reveal due to the many twists and turns which I really enjoyed
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a murder mystery that focuses on the crime and not the extras but which will draw you in and keep you reading
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for my access to this book
An elderly man has been reported missing and then a body shows up under a bridge in a local village, problem is that it is the same man, but that’s impossible as he was seen walking his dog days after he was murdered…
I enjoyed this book, it was a crime drama based in Wales focusing on DS Norman and his team. I loved the story, and although I will admit to sometimes mixing up the characters due to similar names, it still caught my attention. I think one of the main reasons it did was because there was almost no details about the police team’s personal lives, it was mainly their professional ones and that’s such a refreshing change for me but I do wonder if other books in the series delve deeper into their lives. Their work relationships seemed realistic to me and Norman came across as kind but also smart and seeing things that others may not or in another way
One thing I wasn’t sure about was how rushed the ending seemed, the last chapter felt like it wasn’t really finished, just cutting off but that may just be my way of reading and wanting a different type of ending
This book was one that had me hooked and I will admit to not seeing who the killer was until the big reveal due to the many twists and turns which I really enjoyed
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a murder mystery that focuses on the crime and not the extras but which will draw you in and keep you reading
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for my access to this book
November 10, 2024
This is book #6 in the West Wales Murder series. It has a lot of moving parts and I had to reread back chapters to follow the story. Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town. Llangwelli might be short on sunshine, but it’s certainly not short on murders . . . Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
A lonely widower. A body in a stream. An impossible puzzle.
It’s an ordinary Tuesday morning when pensioner Alun Edwards turns up at Llangwelli station. He doesn’t want to make a fuss but he’s worried about his friend Gareth. Every Monday, they meet up for a game of chess. But Gareth wasn’t at home yesterday. He’s not answering his phone — and he’s left his dog behind. He’d never do that.
Detective Norman searches Gareth’s cottage — and finds a woman’s photograph, torn to shreds and dumped in the bin.
The next day, the body of an elderly man is discovered in a stream under an old railway bridge. The name on his bus pass is Gareth Jenkins. But that’s impossible. According to the pathologist, the body has been in the water at least three or four days. And Gareth was seen walking his dog, just two days ago.
Norman is facing an impossible puzzle. And what is the secret behind the woman in the photograph . . . ?
A lonely widower. A body in a stream. An impossible puzzle.
It’s an ordinary Tuesday morning when pensioner Alun Edwards turns up at Llangwelli station. He doesn’t want to make a fuss but he’s worried about his friend Gareth. Every Monday, they meet up for a game of chess. But Gareth wasn’t at home yesterday. He’s not answering his phone — and he’s left his dog behind. He’d never do that.
Detective Norman searches Gareth’s cottage — and finds a woman’s photograph, torn to shreds and dumped in the bin.
The next day, the body of an elderly man is discovered in a stream under an old railway bridge. The name on his bus pass is Gareth Jenkins. But that’s impossible. According to the pathologist, the body has been in the water at least three or four days. And Gareth was seen walking his dog, just two days ago.
Norman is facing an impossible puzzle. And what is the secret behind the woman in the photograph . . . ?
June 8, 2024
A man is reported missing by a friend who says he would never leave his dog for more than a couple of hours. When a body is found in a stream nearby it looks like it is the missing man however the pathologist is convinced the man has been dead for several days. The missing man was seen only 48 hours before. When his sister turns up and appears to know more than she is letting on, the team led by DS Norman needs to find out more.
This is one of a series, set in Wales, and happily stands alone- I hadn’t read all of the others. I liked Norman and the team- there’s a great camaraderie and lots of twists and turns to keep the reader interested all the way through. An interesting story line where it appears everyone is under suspicion at one time or another until the final clever reveal. There’s a certain charm about this and one I found highly enjoyable and entertaining. Remind me to go back for the rest of the series. A highly recommended read.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter (X) @nickisbookblog
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March 1, 2026
This is the sixth book of the West Wales Murder Mysteries that I've read and I have enjoyed them all. This one has DS Norman Norman and his small team of detectives investigating the suspicious death of an elderly man, whose body is found underneath a bridge.
Once it has been established that a murder has been committed, the team soon find that Gareth Jenkins, the murder victim, was a lonely widower of whom people had differing opinions regarding his character. To some he was a curmudgeonly old man, to others a quiet but pleasant old man who was still grieving the loss of his wife.
With a number of people eventually being identified as possible candidates for his murderer, Norman and his team have a very difficult task in establishing the truth of what really happened and who the murderer was.
I enjoyed the novel, but wish they didn't end quite so abruptly. The murderer and their accomplice had been identified and arrests were being made, but there was no firm conclusion as to whether those arrested were responsible for Gareth's death.
Once it has been established that a murder has been committed, the team soon find that Gareth Jenkins, the murder victim, was a lonely widower of whom people had differing opinions regarding his character. To some he was a curmudgeonly old man, to others a quiet but pleasant old man who was still grieving the loss of his wife.
With a number of people eventually being identified as possible candidates for his murderer, Norman and his team have a very difficult task in establishing the truth of what really happened and who the murderer was.
I enjoyed the novel, but wish they didn't end quite so abruptly. The murderer and their accomplice had been identified and arrests were being made, but there was no firm conclusion as to whether those arrested were responsible for Gareth's death.
June 25, 2024
Plenty of Twists and Turns
When the body of Gareth Jenkins is found under a bridge, a bus ride away from his home, the police immediately start an investigation. He had been reported missing by a friend, who would normally go to his house to play chess every Monday. Detective Norman searches his house and is shocked to find there is very little furniture and hardly any food inside, apart from dog food. The dog is still in the house and no one can believe Gareth would leave the dog on his own, willingly. He seems to be the only friend he has apart from Alun Edwards who reported him missing, and it was really only the chess that brought them together. With very little to go on, the team have to work hard to find out which neighbours are being truthful, and who is holding back information. This book kept me guessing all the way through. There were so many twists and turns that the ending came as a real surprise.
When the body of Gareth Jenkins is found under a bridge, a bus ride away from his home, the police immediately start an investigation. He had been reported missing by a friend, who would normally go to his house to play chess every Monday. Detective Norman searches his house and is shocked to find there is very little furniture and hardly any food inside, apart from dog food. The dog is still in the house and no one can believe Gareth would leave the dog on his own, willingly. He seems to be the only friend he has apart from Alun Edwards who reported him missing, and it was really only the chess that brought them together. With very little to go on, the team have to work hard to find out which neighbours are being truthful, and who is holding back information. This book kept me guessing all the way through. There were so many twists and turns that the ending came as a real surprise.
June 21, 2024
A pensioner reports his friend Gareth Jenkins as missing. The police arrive at his house to find nothing apart from his pet dog and the very basics of furniture, a camp bed, a couple of chairs and the only food in the cupboard is for the dog. There are no papers, no photographs, it is most unusual. The neighbours tell of a miserable old man who hardly went out except to walk his dog at night.
When a body is found a few miles away fitting their vague description of Gareth, the police feel they have found him as the body has his bus pass, but the time of death is earlier than the last sighting of Gareth by his neighbours.
This most unusual case has little evidence for DS Norman and the team to follow and all the people they interview give conflicting stories.
Well written and full of twists and an unexpected ending.
When a body is found a few miles away fitting their vague description of Gareth, the police feel they have found him as the body has his bus pass, but the time of death is earlier than the last sighting of Gareth by his neighbours.
This most unusual case has little evidence for DS Norman and the team to follow and all the people they interview give conflicting stories.
Well written and full of twists and an unexpected ending.
May 6, 2024
5* An excellent mystery
I was delighted to have the chance of reading an ARC of this book, I've read many books by this author and each one deserved 5* rating. This is no exception.
When I read a mystery I try to identify the criminal as the story advances. A skilled writer will provide clues, hints and red herrings throughout the book to keep the reader absorbed. At the very end I want to be surprised when the murderer's identity is revealed. P.F. Ford is a very skilled writer and manages all this, and more.
A Body Under The Bridge contains more twists and turns than a corkscrew, the culprit only being disclosed in the final page. Highly recommended.
eARC generously supplied by Joffe Books and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
I was delighted to have the chance of reading an ARC of this book, I've read many books by this author and each one deserved 5* rating. This is no exception.
When I read a mystery I try to identify the criminal as the story advances. A skilled writer will provide clues, hints and red herrings throughout the book to keep the reader absorbed. At the very end I want to be surprised when the murderer's identity is revealed. P.F. Ford is a very skilled writer and manages all this, and more.
A Body Under The Bridge contains more twists and turns than a corkscrew, the culprit only being disclosed in the final page. Highly recommended.
eARC generously supplied by Joffe Books and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
May 29, 2024
I enjoyed the newest installment of the West Wales Murder Mysteries series. It was fun to get an update on what was happening with some of the characters, and the mystery seemed straightforward at first, but then more details and complications kept arising as the team of detectives investigated. The revelations about the victim (I won't go into details to avoid spoilers!) were also fascinating as facts from his past were revealed. Parts of the story felt as if you were reading a thriller, but in a very realistic/believable way. The painstaking nature of investigating was also very clear without being at all tedious. All in all, a compelling read that was not predictable.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2024
I absolutely loved this. I like the characters although Southall takes a more of a backseat this time and the investigation is mainly run by Norm and Catren with the rest of the team assisting. The discovery of a dead old man baffles the team especially when his house has nearly no furniture and the phone was cut off. There seems to be no shortage of people who didn't like him and everyone seems to be lying.
This was a slow investigation but I enjoyed how the team worked their way through things. It felt like a real investigation rather than just a fast-paced work of fiction. There's lots of twists and I didn't know which end was up for quite a while. I hope there is plenty more to come in this series.
My thanks to Joffe Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
This was a slow investigation but I enjoyed how the team worked their way through things. It felt like a real investigation rather than just a fast-paced work of fiction. There's lots of twists and I didn't know which end was up for quite a while. I hope there is plenty more to come in this series.
My thanks to Joffe Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
June 15, 2024
It’s an ordinary Tuesday morning when pensioner Alun Edwards turns up at Llangwelli station. He doesn’t want to make a fuss but he’s worried about his friend Gareth. Every Monday, they meet up for a game of chess. But Gareth wasn’t at home yesterday. He’s not answering his phone — and he’s left his dog behind. He’d never do that.
Detective Norman searches Gareth’s cottage — and finds a woman’s photograph, torn to shreds and dumped in the bin.
Another great story by Pete Ford. Well paced with twists aplenty. I did struggle with its believability at times. I would have expected a murder to be dealt with by a specific, probably out-of-town, murder squad. However, I enjoyed it and it’s a really easy read.
Detective Norman searches Gareth’s cottage — and finds a woman’s photograph, torn to shreds and dumped in the bin.
Another great story by Pete Ford. Well paced with twists aplenty. I did struggle with its believability at times. I would have expected a murder to be dealt with by a specific, probably out-of-town, murder squad. However, I enjoyed it and it’s a really easy read.
May 17, 2024
A very gentle, quite slow-paced mystery. The Welsh setting is fabulous, and the detective (Norman Norman) is a lovely character.
Why would elderly chess-playing Gareth leave his beloved dog unattended? Why is his house empty? What's happened to the money in his bank account? And then he's found dead - miles away.
As the detective and his team investigate, their search broadens and very different pictures of Gareth emerge. Is he shy and gentle, or grumpy and mean-spirited? And when friends, neighbours and relatives lie and change their stories constantly, it's hard to discover the truth...
Twisty plot and lovely characters.
Why would elderly chess-playing Gareth leave his beloved dog unattended? Why is his house empty? What's happened to the money in his bank account? And then he's found dead - miles away.
As the detective and his team investigate, their search broadens and very different pictures of Gareth emerge. Is he shy and gentle, or grumpy and mean-spirited? And when friends, neighbours and relatives lie and change their stories constantly, it's hard to discover the truth...
Twisty plot and lovely characters.
May 23, 2024
Kept me guessing throughout🤔
A good small town murder mystery set in rural Wales. I liked the way each new clue had DS Norman Norman and the team turning in a new direction and Norman's interaction with DC Morgan shows he tells it like it is and has no compunction about criticizing her questionable behavior.
I could only feel sympathy for the poor victim and his dog! The idea of someone ruining a lonely old man's life bit by bit was truly disturbing. I did also like that there's next to no violence and there were plenty of suspects to mislead me.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
A good small town murder mystery set in rural Wales. I liked the way each new clue had DS Norman Norman and the team turning in a new direction and Norman's interaction with DC Morgan shows he tells it like it is and has no compunction about criticizing her questionable behavior.
I could only feel sympathy for the poor victim and his dog! The idea of someone ruining a lonely old man's life bit by bit was truly disturbing. I did also like that there's next to no violence and there were plenty of suspects to mislead me.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
May 13, 2024
Gareth, an elderly man is reported missing by his chess playing friend, who states that Gareth would never leave his dog unattended. As Detective Norman and his team investigate, little is found in Gareth's home. The investigation looks into Gareth's relationships with family members and neighbors after his body is found miles from home. Depending on whom the team speak to, Gareth was either a grumpy old man or a shy gentle man. The more that is learned about the neighbors' relationships with Gareth, the more questions arise.
Page turner to discover who the killer is.
Page turner to discover who the killer is.
July 21, 2024
Another fine read from PF Ford.
This latest book in the really good Wesr Wales Murder Mystery series finds the now well established team back in action. What really makes this series stand out is the banter between the team members, and it comes to the fore again.
This time, we have a report of a pensioner missing from home, which soon escalates into a murder enquiry - well, the clue is in the name of the series! Each person who is questioned seems to have something to hide, and they aren't telling the truth.
This is well worth a read.
This latest book in the really good Wesr Wales Murder Mystery series finds the now well established team back in action. What really makes this series stand out is the banter between the team members, and it comes to the fore again.
This time, we have a report of a pensioner missing from home, which soon escalates into a murder enquiry - well, the clue is in the name of the series! Each person who is questioned seems to have something to hide, and they aren't telling the truth.
This is well worth a read.
July 7, 2025
A body Under The Bridge - P.F Ford, Narrated by Andy Creswell
lol @ Daniel “Stupidly I thought she’d never find me, I nearly shat myself when I opened the door and saw her standing there.”
Unfortunately this is the last in this series, I’ve been trying to drag it out as much as possible but now it’s finished. ☹️
Loved this series so much!, the characters made me laugh out loud and I’m gonna miss old Norm, Southall, Morgan, Lane & Frosty. Great story writing by P.F Ford and brilliant narration by Andy Creswell for the entire series. 👏 👏
On to the next series, Death By…
lol @ Daniel “Stupidly I thought she’d never find me, I nearly shat myself when I opened the door and saw her standing there.”
Unfortunately this is the last in this series, I’ve been trying to drag it out as much as possible but now it’s finished. ☹️
Loved this series so much!, the characters made me laugh out loud and I’m gonna miss old Norm, Southall, Morgan, Lane & Frosty. Great story writing by P.F Ford and brilliant narration by Andy Creswell for the entire series. 👏 👏
On to the next series, Death By…
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