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Slater & Norman Mystery #11
Death by Takeaway / Christmas Novella
Meet Detectives Slater and Norman, an unlikely crime-solving duo. They might seem like they have nothing in common, except a love of doughnuts and banter. But they never give up on a case, no matter how tough things get . . .
Please note, this book was previously published as A Fatal Deception.
Months after she walked out on him, Detective Dave is still pining for Jenny Radstock. His high-flying, barrister ex-girlfriend.
Dave puts a brave face on it. Says he’s over the split and his work-related trauma. But there’s no fooling his best mate Norman . . .
When Jenny’s name appears in connection with a missing person’s case, Norm is even more alarmed. One more piece of bad news will send Dave over the edge.
Norm starts digging, hoping to find Jenny before Dave gets wind of what he’s up to. But nothing can prepare him for where this twisty trail will lead . . .
To a grimy squat in a seaside village. Where a woman lies dead, a needle in her arm. At her side, there’s a greasy takeaway box, filled with pizza.
Can Norm piece together the slices of this mystery — or has he finally bitten off more than he can chew?
**Includes a bonus novella, starring Norman Norman! A light-fingered prowler is on the loose at the local drama school. Can Norm catch them in time to save Christmas?**
Please note, this book was previously published as A Fatal Deception.
Months after she walked out on him, Detective Dave is still pining for Jenny Radstock. His high-flying, barrister ex-girlfriend.
Dave puts a brave face on it. Says he’s over the split and his work-related trauma. But there’s no fooling his best mate Norman . . .
When Jenny’s name appears in connection with a missing person’s case, Norm is even more alarmed. One more piece of bad news will send Dave over the edge.
Norm starts digging, hoping to find Jenny before Dave gets wind of what he’s up to. But nothing can prepare him for where this twisty trail will lead . . .
To a grimy squat in a seaside village. Where a woman lies dead, a needle in her arm. At her side, there’s a greasy takeaway box, filled with pizza.
Can Norm piece together the slices of this mystery — or has he finally bitten off more than he can chew?
**Includes a bonus novella, starring Norman Norman! A light-fingered prowler is on the loose at the local drama school. Can Norm catch them in time to save Christmas?**
- GenresMystery
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
911 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
54 books236 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 30 reviews
February 13, 2018
Disappointing
I have read all of the series and so was greatly disappointed with the end. There was no logical resolution, just suppositions. I do not recommend the book. The attached novella was " cozy."
I have read all of the series and so was greatly disappointed with the end. There was no logical resolution, just suppositions. I do not recommend the book. The attached novella was " cozy."
July 19, 2018
The ending was disappointing. There was so much more that could have been done to end it on the right footing. Overall, though, it was a good read. I admit I prefer Norman and Slater, but Naomi was a good foil to Norman. The novella was wonderful.
August 18, 2018
Mr. Ford has made it hard for me to read a book by another author. Since I read #8, I started two books. One was too inane and cliched to get past 3 chapters. I made it through 6 chapters in the next one but found the characters so one dimensional and the plot to be the same stories of other mysteries and crime books - just shuffled around.
Mr. Ford continues in the Slater/Norman series to have the characters grow into their experience. Yet they remain congruent with all the others in the series. I don't know how Mr. Ford continues to write unique plots. I haven't read one yet which has a plot that is hackneyed in other books. Thank you, Mr. Ford. Please keep writing - or I may have to stop reading altogether!!
Mr. Ford continues in the Slater/Norman series to have the characters grow into their experience. Yet they remain congruent with all the others in the series. I don't know how Mr. Ford continues to write unique plots. I haven't read one yet which has a plot that is hackneyed in other books. Thank you, Mr. Ford. Please keep writing - or I may have to stop reading altogether!!
April 13, 2022
Everything's thrown for a loop!
Just when it looks like everyone has their life all figured out, and things are going to get back to normal, well sometimes it just all falls apart. How do you ask? Well what would be the fun in me telling you what happens in this excellent book, and you not having reading it to look forward to? I will say, this is an excellent book, and the "bad guy" this time is someone who shouldn't be! It was short, but so much packed in, I couldn't put it down!
Just when it looks like everyone has their life all figured out, and things are going to get back to normal, well sometimes it just all falls apart. How do you ask? Well what would be the fun in me telling you what happens in this excellent book, and you not having reading it to look forward to? I will say, this is an excellent book, and the "bad guy" this time is someone who shouldn't be! It was short, but so much packed in, I couldn't put it down!
August 10, 2024
Another little gem
This is the eleventh book in PF Ford's long-running series of Slater and Norman mysteries. This time, DI Dave Slater is away on another case, and we have ex- DS Norman Norman to the fore, ably assisted by ex-DC Naomi Darling. They are given a missing person job by Slater's new boss, but all is not what it seems, and the pair are repeatedly being given misleading information and sometimes downright lies.
The story comes to a surprising and abrupt ending, with seemingly a lot left to r3ad. These are taken up by the bonus of a Christmas novella, which again features Norman, aided by Naomi.
It's a worthwhile read.
This is the eleventh book in PF Ford's long-running series of Slater and Norman mysteries. This time, DI Dave Slater is away on another case, and we have ex- DS Norman Norman to the fore, ably assisted by ex-DC Naomi Darling. They are given a missing person job by Slater's new boss, but all is not what it seems, and the pair are repeatedly being given misleading information and sometimes downright lies.
The story comes to a surprising and abrupt ending, with seemingly a lot left to r3ad. These are taken up by the bonus of a Christmas novella, which again features Norman, aided by Naomi.
It's a worthwhile read.
January 7, 2025
I debated what to rate this one, there was one plot point that just doesn’t ring true with me somI have to rate it slightly lower than the others so this one is a 3.5. If you ignore that one thing it is just as pacy and intriguing as the rest. Where the last book was all about Slater this one was nearly all Norman as he investigates what has happened to Jenny. The thing that didn’t feel right to me was Bradshaw asking Norman to look into this. Why would he even ask? More bad luck for Slater in this one! I have to wonder what he is going to do in the next book.
December 19, 2017
Norman and Naomi Detective Agency!
This pair make a great detective agency in finding the truth about a death of an acquaintance and how Slater must be protected but trusted with the truth. Will Norman finally get a permanent partner and pull half of the duties in running the agency? Naomi is tough but a heart that gets battered and bruised in this shorter book. A good read for a lazy afternoon.
This pair make a great detective agency in finding the truth about a death of an acquaintance and how Slater must be protected but trusted with the truth. Will Norman finally get a permanent partner and pull half of the duties in running the agency? Naomi is tough but a heart that gets battered and bruised in this shorter book. A good read for a lazy afternoon.
March 9, 2018
Only 4 stars! !!! , P F Ford always manages a good story, without gratuitous sex, viloence drinking or cursing. However the " magic " ingredient has ever been the interaction between Slater and Norman . Now we have had a Slater only story and now a Norman only story they have served to prove that Slater AND Norman is the formula that works.. More power to your pen P F. Looking forward with anticipation to your next.
June 7, 2023
In this heartbreaking story, the amazing Jenny Radcliff is discovered dead. Norman doesn't want his partner Dave to find out without first finding out how and why she died. The story leads to some startling answers and let's us in on who we won't be seeing in following novels!
The Christmas novella was great. I love Norman Norman.
The Christmas novella was great. I love Norman Norman.
January 14, 2018
Another great read
Another great instalment to the Slater/ Norman series...as usual, well written and a good story. I loved the bonus short story at the end also, such a lovely ending!
Another great instalment to the Slater/ Norman series...as usual, well written and a good story. I loved the bonus short story at the end also, such a lovely ending!
January 29, 2018
No review
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February 11, 2018
Loved this series.
I have enjoyed this series so much I have been neglecting my garden. The series has a wonderful mix of suspense and humor. I.Look forward to reading more books by Ford.
I have enjoyed this series so much I have been neglecting my garden. The series has a wonderful mix of suspense and humor. I.Look forward to reading more books by Ford.
December 21, 2022
Deception on the deepest levels. And of course, that’s just an easy statement when the levels of deception are so sharp and cut so deep. This story line revealed some truths and now I’m wondering where we’re gonna go.
August 26, 2023
Best one yet
I enjoyed Norman so much more when he is with Naomi than with Dave. The banter he had with Dave just never stopped. It was annoying. But his style with his other coworkers were spot on.
I enjoyed Norman so much more when he is with Naomi than with Dave. The banter he had with Dave just never stopped. It was annoying. But his style with his other coworkers were spot on.
July 17, 2024
Another Great Book by PF Ford
A quick read and a pleasant twist at the end. Still wondering what’s going to happen next with Bradshaw though. The follow-on novella was a feel good addition and most appreciated by this reader. I’ve very much enjoyed all of Author Ford’s books.
A quick read and a pleasant twist at the end. Still wondering what’s going to happen next with Bradshaw though. The follow-on novella was a feel good addition and most appreciated by this reader. I’ve very much enjoyed all of Author Ford’s books.
October 8, 2025
I love these two characters, Slater and Norman. How they get through an investigation without killing each other is beyond me. But their differences work for them.
The stories are always entertaining if you love a mystery. As is their relationship.
The stories are always entertaining if you love a mystery. As is their relationship.
December 7, 2018
Dissappointed with the ending, I feel it just didn’t finish.
December 23, 2019
A very good one. I don't like the ending though. But presume it can't actually mean what is implied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2020
Wish the endings were not so abrupt.
May 5, 2022
A really quick enjoyable read
This was a really quick story, with only one plot line, which is unusual for this series. I did enjoy it, and am glad Jane is back in the picture!!
This was a really quick story, with only one plot line, which is unusual for this series. I did enjoy it, and am glad Jane is back in the picture!!
October 20, 2022
And deception it was
The further adventures of Dave, Norm, Watson, and Darling just get better with each new book!!
Now on to #12!
The further adventures of Dave, Norm, Watson, and Darling just get better with each new book!!
Now on to #12!
May 10, 2023
Reviewed as Box Set
March 14, 2024
Awesome Story
Another wonderful addition of the Slater and Norman Mysteries. They keep getting better and better.
Cannot wait to read Book 12. I’m addicted.
Another wonderful addition of the Slater and Norman Mysteries. They keep getting better and better.
Cannot wait to read Book 12. I’m addicted.
September 25, 2024
Good story. Believable characters.
Very good story. Twists and turns to keep you u reading. Good to see Norm and Millie getting closer. Hope prevails.
Very good story. Twists and turns to keep you u reading. Good to see Norm and Millie getting closer. Hope prevails.
February 17, 2025
Given a chance.
People can be good. And stories like this in any walk of life shows it.
One person at a time.
People can be good. And stories like this in any walk of life shows it.
One person at a time.
June 15, 2025
another solid story. Good to wrap up a character's story. I am interested to see what happens next.
October 25, 2020
this one did not do it for me
February 8, 2019
This is a Norman Norman book rather than a Slater and Norman one. When I read it again I discovered I couldn't remember a bit about the case. The Norman Norman novella in the same package did seem a bit familiar.
January 28, 2020
An absolute must read
April 25, 2019
Love this series and have binge read every one from 1-12, which I am on now. Since this author's writing is so engaging and main characters are so well developed, I am going to try his other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews