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A Mike Atwell Mystery #1
Death by Dickens: A Mike Atwell Mystery: Book 1
Literature? It can cost you your life.
When famed mystery author Imelda Bywater turns up dead during her annual seaside writing retreat, recently retired police detective Mike Atwell can't resist the chance to solve one more case. Teaming up with his quirky ex-wife, Sharon, and genius teen hacker, Dexter, Mike finds himself pulled into the glitzy world of writers, agents, and obsessive fans on the hunt for Imelda's killer.
Everyone's a suspect - from Imelda's cuckolded publisher husband, the kooky married writers next door, and even the arrogant guest upstairs. The list keeps growing as secrets and lies unravel.
Can Mike crack the case before the murderer strikes again? Will his bumbling team help or hinder the investigation? Can Mike face the demons from his past before they catch up to him? And can Sharon keep a grip on her unruly dogs?
Find out in this delightfully quirky thriller!
Fans of Agatha Christie and debutante sleuths will adore the twists and turns as Mike untangles the literary drama threatening to un-pen him forever.
When famed mystery author Imelda Bywater turns up dead during her annual seaside writing retreat, recently retired police detective Mike Atwell can't resist the chance to solve one more case. Teaming up with his quirky ex-wife, Sharon, and genius teen hacker, Dexter, Mike finds himself pulled into the glitzy world of writers, agents, and obsessive fans on the hunt for Imelda's killer.
Everyone's a suspect - from Imelda's cuckolded publisher husband, the kooky married writers next door, and even the arrogant guest upstairs. The list keeps growing as secrets and lies unravel.
Can Mike crack the case before the murderer strikes again? Will his bumbling team help or hinder the investigation? Can Mike face the demons from his past before they catch up to him? And can Sharon keep a grip on her unruly dogs?
Find out in this delightfully quirky thriller!
Fans of Agatha Christie and debutante sleuths will adore the twists and turns as Mike untangles the literary drama threatening to un-pen him forever.
265 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2024
835 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
April 3, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
I enjoyed this, in a made for tv movie type way. It was cozy and good fun, I’d probably read more in the series. I always think it’s odd to describe murder mystery’s as cozy or fun, but all of the characters were endearing in one way or another and I particularly liked Sharon and the dogs.
Retired detective turned private eye, Mike hasn’t even reached his new office when he’s called to a murder scene, the death of an author in a hotel owned by Mike’s ex partner on the force. He recruits Dex for her hacking and coding skills, and ex wife Sharon recruits herself. They make quite a hapless team, but they get the job done. I was actually so caught up in the humour that I missed the glaringly obvious whodunnit.
This isn’t for you if you want a serious and technical murder mystery, but if you’re looking for something a bit more lighthearted you’ll enjoy it.
I enjoyed the audio narration.
Huge thanks to Quest by W F Howes Ltd. Via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
I enjoyed this, in a made for tv movie type way. It was cozy and good fun, I’d probably read more in the series. I always think it’s odd to describe murder mystery’s as cozy or fun, but all of the characters were endearing in one way or another and I particularly liked Sharon and the dogs.
Retired detective turned private eye, Mike hasn’t even reached his new office when he’s called to a murder scene, the death of an author in a hotel owned by Mike’s ex partner on the force. He recruits Dex for her hacking and coding skills, and ex wife Sharon recruits herself. They make quite a hapless team, but they get the job done. I was actually so caught up in the humour that I missed the glaringly obvious whodunnit.
This isn’t for you if you want a serious and technical murder mystery, but if you’re looking for something a bit more lighthearted you’ll enjoy it.
I enjoyed the audio narration.
Huge thanks to Quest by W F Howes Ltd. Via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
September 15, 2025
Death by Dickens by Penelope Cress and Steve Higgs is the first book in A Mike Atwell Mystery series and a spin off the Patricia Fisher mysteries. Retired policeman Mike Atwell is set to take over Patricia Fisher's detective agency when he is called out by his former partner's widow to the brutal murder of a writer at her Dicken's themed guesthouse. A nice start to the series but may appeal more to those familiar with the original series. I have only just started the Patricia Fisher Cruise Ship mysteries so have a little way to catch up. I didn't think much of Mike's ex wife Sharon, but Dexter is a great character. An interesting mystery but I felt a bit let down by the ending as it seemed to come out of the blue and more by luck. A bit disjointed and not as polished as the Steve Higgs books.
July 12, 2024
I'm so disappointed with this book. It is not even near in quality to the Blue Moon series. The actors are flat, unbelieveable and not likeable for me.
I stopped reading about a third in.
I stopped reading about a third in.
November 11, 2025
Mike Atwell is a retired cop carrying more baggage than he’d like. His jealous ex-wife—who seems to have missed the memo that the marriage ended—has moved in to “help” run his office, bringing along two dogs he can’t stand. As if that weren’t enough, there’s a murder to solve: a local author has turned up dead, and Mike finds himself drawn back into the world of investigation whether he likes it or not.
While he’s chasing clues, his ex ropes him into another case involving the theft of a pair of conifers—a small-town caper that somehow manages to be both ridiculous and endearing. There’s humor tucked into the tension, a cast of quirky characters (including Dexter, the hacker with a pet snake), and plenty of moments that keep things lively.
Cozy mysteries aren’t usually the genre I gravitate toward, but this one was surprisingly enjoyable. The story has a warm, offbeat charm, and even with the chaos swirling around Mike, it never takes itself too seriously. It’s a light, clever read that kept me entertained from start to finish.
While he’s chasing clues, his ex ropes him into another case involving the theft of a pair of conifers—a small-town caper that somehow manages to be both ridiculous and endearing. There’s humor tucked into the tension, a cast of quirky characters (including Dexter, the hacker with a pet snake), and plenty of moments that keep things lively.
Cozy mysteries aren’t usually the genre I gravitate toward, but this one was surprisingly enjoyable. The story has a warm, offbeat charm, and even with the chaos swirling around Mike, it never takes itself too seriously. It’s a light, clever read that kept me entertained from start to finish.
June 14, 2024
Absolutely dreadful
Patricia Fisher is fabulous as is Albert and Rex but this is tragic! How the detective could not guess who Jezebel was, despite a certain person telling him their name earlier in the book is ridiculous! Coupled with grammatical errors and spelling errors, it's a no from me! Weak plot, no real motive for killing the author and a daft partnership with his ex wife! Pure luck solved the case! It was a lot of drivel!
Patricia Fisher is fabulous as is Albert and Rex but this is tragic! How the detective could not guess who Jezebel was, despite a certain person telling him their name earlier in the book is ridiculous! Coupled with grammatical errors and spelling errors, it's a no from me! Weak plot, no real motive for killing the author and a daft partnership with his ex wife! Pure luck solved the case! It was a lot of drivel!
June 7, 2024
I enjoyed the Vicar of Wesberrey series so trying this new one. Undecided. A couple of things annoyed me.
1. The PC Patience sounds about 12 years old, which grates.
2. I gather the ex wife Sharon is quirky but I quickly realised why they are divorced. Blabbing the details of a case to a stranger makes her sound a dill.
3. Please ditch the dogs or at least don’t drag them everywhere. One of the reasons I’m considering finishing Steve’s Mrs Fisher series is due to the dogs. Even a cozy you wouldn’t take untrained/yapping dogs on a stakeout/restaurant etc. now a well trained larger dog is a different matter.
1. The PC Patience sounds about 12 years old, which grates.
2. I gather the ex wife Sharon is quirky but I quickly realised why they are divorced. Blabbing the details of a case to a stranger makes her sound a dill.
3. Please ditch the dogs or at least don’t drag them everywhere. One of the reasons I’m considering finishing Steve’s Mrs Fisher series is due to the dogs. Even a cozy you wouldn’t take untrained/yapping dogs on a stakeout/restaurant etc. now a well trained larger dog is a different matter.
September 11, 2025
I liked the story and the different characters and the Jessica Fletcher references and then they discovered who did it and I thought: who? I genuinely couldn't remember so I was really disappointed that the murder mystery wasn't interesting in the end. I did enjoy everything up until that point so I think it still deserves 3.5 stars rounded up
May 31, 2024
This new series is an absolute banger, a gem. Mike Atwell comes into his own thanks to Patricia letting him the office space and trusts that he’ll do the job well. His ex wife Sharon is fast becoming part of the furniture, the fixture , fittings , the whole caboodle. Which is ok to an extent but it leaves poor old Mike feeling a bit of a noodle.Is it not bad enough she’s holed up in his office but then she’s brought Boo Boo boo and Yogi too ? Young Dexter is proving useful with his hacker expertise. So that’s the crew ensconced in his office and onto the case …
Mystery writer Imelda is killed and almost all the writers guild ,whether it be agents, and fans and the married writers next door or even her husband who is her publisher what’s more….secrets and lies take flight and travel and whats in store is a mystery at best to unravel …Mike just needs to know which thread to yank and you can bet your bottom pound to a penny that’s worth money in the bank to him no less. Brilliant storytelling by Penelope Cress and Steve Higgs a bow if you will for giving us a genius of a first in series story, with apt descriptions that are terrific , the writing sublime and not horrific. A great whodunnit and a veritable cast of suspects on a list but Mike Atwell is on the case , you get the gist. The killer is history and that’s the end of this awesome well told mystery. I’m leaving my review voluntarily and in my own musings.
Mystery writer Imelda is killed and almost all the writers guild ,whether it be agents, and fans and the married writers next door or even her husband who is her publisher what’s more….secrets and lies take flight and travel and whats in store is a mystery at best to unravel …Mike just needs to know which thread to yank and you can bet your bottom pound to a penny that’s worth money in the bank to him no less. Brilliant storytelling by Penelope Cress and Steve Higgs a bow if you will for giving us a genius of a first in series story, with apt descriptions that are terrific , the writing sublime and not horrific. A great whodunnit and a veritable cast of suspects on a list but Mike Atwell is on the case , you get the gist. The killer is history and that’s the end of this awesome well told mystery. I’m leaving my review voluntarily and in my own musings.
October 29, 2025
This book genuinely was so confusing— there were parts (the dialogue) that were enjoyable and then there were other parts that were so hard to get through (everything else). Any internal monologue from DS Atwell was incredibly awkward. It felt forced and unnatural. It also felt as though the authors thought that the readers had never seen figurative language before or they had never used it before. It was rudimentary at best.
There also were two separate plots with two crimes. Neither tied into the other. It would have made for a much more interesting read if they did. I kept waiting for the connection that never came.
Lastly, this book feels like someone googled “murder mystery” and then copied a formula. It felt prescriptive and flat. There were no interesting characters. The main character borderlines on creep (especially with the weird comments about him and his dad’s shared interest in his teacher wearing a corset?! Ew???)
We also fail to establish a setting. The feel of the story was that it should be in the 50s but were somehow in modern day? It makes it feel disjointed.
Overall, it was an easy read but unrewarding. Why make the culprit someone who we mentioned barely once and then giving up immediately and in the 21st century not disposing of any digital evidence after they were so careful about physical evidence? It does not work. 1/5 simply because I didn’t DNF.
There also were two separate plots with two crimes. Neither tied into the other. It would have made for a much more interesting read if they did. I kept waiting for the connection that never came.
Lastly, this book feels like someone googled “murder mystery” and then copied a formula. It felt prescriptive and flat. There were no interesting characters. The main character borderlines on creep (especially with the weird comments about him and his dad’s shared interest in his teacher wearing a corset?! Ew???)
We also fail to establish a setting. The feel of the story was that it should be in the 50s but were somehow in modern day? It makes it feel disjointed.
Overall, it was an easy read but unrewarding. Why make the culprit someone who we mentioned barely once and then giving up immediately and in the 21st century not disposing of any digital evidence after they were so careful about physical evidence? It does not work. 1/5 simply because I didn’t DNF.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2025
This is a quirky tale, inhabited by a disparate range of characters. There’s a murder mystery to solve and retired police officer, Mike Twell leads the investigation. He’s helped by his ex wife and her dogs and a teenage hacker, Dex. They’re all a bit off the wall, but engaging and in a way, it’s their story and interactions which take centre stage. The murder of a crime writer in a hotel is almost secondary, but it’s there to be solved and it’s very much in the tradition of a Christie whodunnit.
I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to get into this gentle tale, but I was seduced after some 30 minutes of listening. Narration throughout is superb. Well paced and easy in the ear, overall, this made an interesting and refreshing break from some of the harder edged crime stuff I read, The characters are really well depicted and at the heart of the story is a carefully drafted murder mystery with clues to allow the reader to work along with the investigation. I missed them all! The characters took over and I literally lost the plot because they were engaging in their own right. Clever writing and I’d look for more. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to get into this gentle tale, but I was seduced after some 30 minutes of listening. Narration throughout is superb. Well paced and easy in the ear, overall, this made an interesting and refreshing break from some of the harder edged crime stuff I read, The characters are really well depicted and at the heart of the story is a carefully drafted murder mystery with clues to allow the reader to work along with the investigation. I missed them all! The characters took over and I literally lost the plot because they were engaging in their own right. Clever writing and I’d look for more. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.
September 21, 2025
This book is what cozy mysteries began as. There are no hidden complications, at least not beyond the scope of the narrative and just the hint of danger. That does not mean we get to take the situation lightly, mortality is given the due respect it deserves.
Mike Atwell is a retired cop, one who left due to unforeseen circumstances, before he would have otherwise retired. He recently bought another’s private detective firm and is hoping to make a go of it.
This case begins with a call from the widow of an old colleague. She runs an inn and has just found one of her more famous residents. We have an ex-wife with unfinished business and a hacker with a skill that almost defies reason thrown into the mix. The mystery is not one that can be solved by armchair detectives because the clues just arrive before the solution does.
I think I enjoyed this more because of the format. There was a fun undertone which made Mike’s life a little interesting to watch unfold. I might have rated it differently if I had read it.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own listening experience.
Mike Atwell is a retired cop, one who left due to unforeseen circumstances, before he would have otherwise retired. He recently bought another’s private detective firm and is hoping to make a go of it.
This case begins with a call from the widow of an old colleague. She runs an inn and has just found one of her more famous residents. We have an ex-wife with unfinished business and a hacker with a skill that almost defies reason thrown into the mix. The mystery is not one that can be solved by armchair detectives because the clues just arrive before the solution does.
I think I enjoyed this more because of the format. There was a fun undertone which made Mike’s life a little interesting to watch unfold. I might have rated it differently if I had read it.
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own listening experience.
December 17, 2024
This book was slow in parts and raced by in other parts. it was somewhat disjointed but maybe because the main character was all over the place. Not sure if I'll try the next one. Maybe I just don't care for the bumbling inspector trope.
Amazon synopsis:
When famed mystery author Imelda Bywater turns up dead during her annual seaside writing retreat, recently retired police detective Mike Atwell can't resist the chance to solve one more case. Teaming up with his quirky ex-wife, Sharon, and genius teen hacker, Dexter, Mike finds himself pulled into the glitzy world of writers, agents, and obsessive fans on the hunt for Imelda's killer.
Everyone's a suspect - from Imelda's cuckolded publisher husband, the kooky married writers next door, and even the arrogant guest upstairs. The list keeps growing as secrets and lies unravel.
Can Mike crack the case before the murderer strikes again? Will his bumbling team help or hinder the investigation? Can Mike face the demons from his past before they catch up to him? And can Sharon keep a grip on her unruly dogs?
Amazon synopsis:
When famed mystery author Imelda Bywater turns up dead during her annual seaside writing retreat, recently retired police detective Mike Atwell can't resist the chance to solve one more case. Teaming up with his quirky ex-wife, Sharon, and genius teen hacker, Dexter, Mike finds himself pulled into the glitzy world of writers, agents, and obsessive fans on the hunt for Imelda's killer.
Everyone's a suspect - from Imelda's cuckolded publisher husband, the kooky married writers next door, and even the arrogant guest upstairs. The list keeps growing as secrets and lies unravel.
Can Mike crack the case before the murderer strikes again? Will his bumbling team help or hinder the investigation? Can Mike face the demons from his past before they catch up to him? And can Sharon keep a grip on her unruly dogs?
January 22, 2025
Death By Dickens
A new-to-me Steve Higgs series! I enjoyed Mike Atwell's character from other series', & am glad to see him have his own. This story begins as Mike takes over Patricia Fisher's PI office as she has returned to the Aurelia. There is murder, theft, inefficient police led by an ego driven Superior, Mike & two unintended employees, his computer hacker & his...ex-wife! Of course there's Mr. Higgs' signature humor! Oh, & yes, there are dogs! The only negative I have for this book is that the characters eat a lot of fabulous sounding food!! And now I'm hungry!! 😁 But I AM looking forward go the next book in this series! Give this book a try & I believe you will feel the same!
A new-to-me Steve Higgs series! I enjoyed Mike Atwell's character from other series', & am glad to see him have his own. This story begins as Mike takes over Patricia Fisher's PI office as she has returned to the Aurelia. There is murder, theft, inefficient police led by an ego driven Superior, Mike & two unintended employees, his computer hacker & his...ex-wife! Of course there's Mr. Higgs' signature humor! Oh, & yes, there are dogs! The only negative I have for this book is that the characters eat a lot of fabulous sounding food!! And now I'm hungry!! 😁 But I AM looking forward go the next book in this series! Give this book a try & I believe you will feel the same!
September 3, 2025
I listened to the audio version of this and although the narrator's voice was pleasant and suited the character in this book, his voice lacked tone and nuance and sounded as if he was reading off an auto cue. A little more 'acting' in the reading would have made the listening experience more enjoyable.
I'm not a fan of cosy crime, especially those cringe-worthy TV series, but I don't mind the occasional one as a break from the more serious stuff. This one was fairly average with lots of red herrings though it all came together a bit quickly at the end, as if the author had run out of options. I couldn't even remember the perpetrator's initial appearance in the book and couldn't figure out his motive at all. Still, it was entertaining enough for a long drive.
I'm not a fan of cosy crime, especially those cringe-worthy TV series, but I don't mind the occasional one as a break from the more serious stuff. This one was fairly average with lots of red herrings though it all came together a bit quickly at the end, as if the author had run out of options. I couldn't even remember the perpetrator's initial appearance in the book and couldn't figure out his motive at all. Still, it was entertaining enough for a long drive.
February 24, 2025
Mike Atwell has left the police force and taken over Patricia Fisher's detective agency. His ex wife, Sharon, decides to move into his office to help, along with a very clever young woman hacker named Dexter, whom Atwell once steered onto a better path in life.
Atwell's first job comes when his former partner's widow asks him to look into the death of a writer in her B&B. Some things never change - Mike is still trying to steer clear of the obnoxious Inspector Quinn.
This book is pleasant but not as funny as the Patricia Fisher series. The ending was rather anti-climactic as the murder seemed to have very little reason to kill.
Atwell's first job comes when his former partner's widow asks him to look into the death of a writer in her B&B. Some things never change - Mike is still trying to steer clear of the obnoxious Inspector Quinn.
This book is pleasant but not as funny as the Patricia Fisher series. The ending was rather anti-climactic as the murder seemed to have very little reason to kill.
April 12, 2025
Retired detective inspector Mike Atwell is persuaded to take over a small private investigation business and ends up teaming up with his quirky ex-wife, her dogs and a teenage hacker to solve the mystery of a writer's murder and the theft of local conifers!
The characters are all likeable and in spite of it being centred around a murder it is a light and humorous read. If you are expecting / wanting a serious crime procedural then this is not for you but it is a very cosy and entertaining listen.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced listener copy of this well narrated, fun audiobook.
The characters are all likeable and in spite of it being centred around a murder it is a light and humorous read. If you are expecting / wanting a serious crime procedural then this is not for you but it is a very cosy and entertaining listen.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced listener copy of this well narrated, fun audiobook.
June 10, 2024
Great Who Dunnit
Mike Atwell is a retired cop &now he has baggage he didn't want. A jealous ex wife who thinks they're still married & has two dogs he hates, has decided she's going to run his office. Now there's a murder to solve. While he is out trying to solve the mystery of a murdered author, his ex has him taking a job involving theft of a pair of conifers. Cute with dash or two of humor thrown in. The ex wife with drive you nuts. If that's not enough, we have Dexter, the hacer with her pet snake. You'll find familiar characters here as well.
Mike Atwell is a retired cop &now he has baggage he didn't want. A jealous ex wife who thinks they're still married & has two dogs he hates, has decided she's going to run his office. Now there's a murder to solve. While he is out trying to solve the mystery of a murdered author, his ex has him taking a job involving theft of a pair of conifers. Cute with dash or two of humor thrown in. The ex wife with drive you nuts. If that's not enough, we have Dexter, the hacer with her pet snake. You'll find familiar characters here as well.
June 29, 2024
Whodunit
"When famed mystery author Imelda Bywater turns up dead during her annual seaside writing retreat, recently retired police detective Mike Atwell can't resist the chance to solve one more case. Teaming up with his quirky ex-wife, Sharon, and genius teen hacker, Dexter, Mike finds himself pulled into the glitzy world of writers, agents, and obsessive fans on the hunt for Imelda's killer."
Who killed the author. It was a mystery. She lived her life very recklessly. But who could possibly want her dead?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
"When famed mystery author Imelda Bywater turns up dead during her annual seaside writing retreat, recently retired police detective Mike Atwell can't resist the chance to solve one more case. Teaming up with his quirky ex-wife, Sharon, and genius teen hacker, Dexter, Mike finds himself pulled into the glitzy world of writers, agents, and obsessive fans on the hunt for Imelda's killer."
Who killed the author. It was a mystery. She lived her life very recklessly. But who could possibly want her dead?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
November 23, 2025
This book was so boring I barely have anything to say about it.
The characters were flat. The mystery was bland. I just couldn’t get into it. If I remember correctly, and I’m not entirely sure I do because it was that forgettable, there were no bread crumbs leading to The Who in this whodunnit, so it felt contrived.
I remember smirking at a couple of lines, and there were a couple of decent scenes, but overall this didn’t hit the right notes despite rigidly adhering to the key.
Two stars because it could have been worse.
The characters were flat. The mystery was bland. I just couldn’t get into it. If I remember correctly, and I’m not entirely sure I do because it was that forgettable, there were no bread crumbs leading to The Who in this whodunnit, so it felt contrived.
I remember smirking at a couple of lines, and there were a couple of decent scenes, but overall this didn’t hit the right notes despite rigidly adhering to the key.
Two stars because it could have been worse.
November 27, 2025
DNF. No, absolutely not. This was so dumb it hurt. Not funny, dumb. I could actually feel my brain cells running for the hills, screaming. The female cop was more interested in her hairdo than the murder and her attitude during the first interrogation made me want to strangle her. Mike's ex-wife and her horrible pooches and the way Mike just let them walk all over him, a real dishrag of a man. And the owner of the hotel where the murder happened, she thought... what exactly would happen, following the murder of one of her guests? Stupidity all around. Enough.
May 15, 2024
Being a PI isn't as easy as it sounds
I really loved this first book in the series as we get to see the personal and private side of DS Mike Atwell, Retired. Seeing all the ins and outs of being a PI, dealing with finding and creating resources while working the cases and fitting it all into a private life as well. Oh! And we musn't forget adorable little Yogi and Boo Boo! I'm looking forward to more of this series!
I really loved this first book in the series as we get to see the personal and private side of DS Mike Atwell, Retired. Seeing all the ins and outs of being a PI, dealing with finding and creating resources while working the cases and fitting it all into a private life as well. Oh! And we musn't forget adorable little Yogi and Boo Boo! I'm looking forward to more of this series!
May 31, 2024
I quite enjoyed this book by Penelope Cress and Steve Higgs, about one of Higg's lesser characters, but a good one, Mike Atwell. He has retired from the force and decided to take Patricia up on her offer to take over her investigation business. I like the new office help, his ex Sharon and hacker friend Dexter. Both are a hoot, and if they don't drive him crazy, will be great partners.
It was a good story with great characters. Will be quite happy to read more of this series.
It was a good story with great characters. Will be quite happy to read more of this series.
June 7, 2024
A brilliant start
This new series is going to be fantastic! I love all Steve Higgs’s books, and Death by Dickens is no exception. The characters are wonderful, and the mechanics of character development superb. I love that Higgs flawlessly weaves in a character from other series to make this a continuation of previous stories. Thoroughly enjoyable—I can’t wait for the next book!
This new series is going to be fantastic! I love all Steve Higgs’s books, and Death by Dickens is no exception. The characters are wonderful, and the mechanics of character development superb. I love that Higgs flawlessly weaves in a character from other series to make this a continuation of previous stories. Thoroughly enjoyable—I can’t wait for the next book!
December 5, 2025
Clever New Series
Characters were very likeable & flawed as we all are. Interesting premise--murder of an older, female author of mysteries & a case of numerous thefts of conifers. All the while the detective, a former Detective Sergeant Mike Atwell, is opening a PI shop. His ex-wife & his IT hacker come along to provide comedic relief & assistance.
Enjoyable read and already looking forward to more in this series.
Characters were very likeable & flawed as we all are. Interesting premise--murder of an older, female author of mysteries & a case of numerous thefts of conifers. All the while the detective, a former Detective Sergeant Mike Atwell, is opening a PI shop. His ex-wife & his IT hacker come along to provide comedic relief & assistance.
Enjoyable read and already looking forward to more in this series.
June 12, 2024
OMG Mike’s sleuthing in his private capacity is right on the mark!
In this wonderful beginning of Mike Atwell’s retirement gig is so much fun as he sets up shop with his ex wife and a super computer guru. They even manage to solve two very difficult cases as a team. What a surprise for Mike!
In this wonderful beginning of Mike Atwell’s retirement gig is so much fun as he sets up shop with his ex wife and a super computer guru. They even manage to solve two very difficult cases as a team. What a surprise for Mike!
August 3, 2024
Smashing Adventure
Loved this book. Good work. I have visited Broadstairs and Margate, many times, which made this story a fantastic adventure. I didn't figure out the baddie until the very end.
Book 2, "Death of an ice cream salesman" is on my Kindle already to provide me with more smashing adventure. Thanks Guys.
Loved this book. Good work. I have visited Broadstairs and Margate, many times, which made this story a fantastic adventure. I didn't figure out the baddie until the very end.
Book 2, "Death of an ice cream salesman" is on my Kindle already to provide me with more smashing adventure. Thanks Guys.
June 10, 2025
Death by Dickens a book 1A Mike Atwell Mystery
Another great series from Steve Higgs and co-writer Penelope Cress. A retired detective and his ex-wife are hired to find the killer of their friend. Along on the team is a.hacker and their two Pomeranians. Sweet but definitely offers the reader a fun adventure. I enjoyed it, I think others will too
Another great series from Steve Higgs and co-writer Penelope Cress. A retired detective and his ex-wife are hired to find the killer of their friend. Along on the team is a.hacker and their two Pomeranians. Sweet but definitely offers the reader a fun adventure. I enjoyed it, I think others will too
June 1, 2024
Mike, Sharon, and Dexter are a great team that will intrigue you, entertain you, and put a smile on your face. This is a rousing beginning to a series of mirth, murder, and mischief sure to please even the most humorless of readers. Highly Recommended.
June 2, 2024
Great start to a new series
I have been a reader of Steve Higgs for a long time and enjoyed his prior series with Penelope Cress. DS Mike Atwell was a great character from Steve's Patricia Fisher series and he shines here on his own. Can't wait to read book two!!
I have been a reader of Steve Higgs for a long time and enjoyed his prior series with Penelope Cress. DS Mike Atwell was a great character from Steve's Patricia Fisher series and he shines here on his own. Can't wait to read book two!!
June 7, 2024
not quite as good as Patricia, or Blue Moon, but a good start.
The story line is great, the pace is good and the characters are fun. Happy to see some loved characters making entrances.
I like Mike, the bit with Sharon is a little over the top, but entertaining.
The story line is great, the pace is good and the characters are fun. Happy to see some loved characters making entrances.
I like Mike, the bit with Sharon is a little over the top, but entertaining.
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